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Biblica® IBhayibhili Elingcwele LesiNdebele Elifinyelelekayo™

The Holy Bible in the Ndebele language of Zimbabwe: Biblica® IBhayibhili Elingcwele LesiNdebele Elifinyelelekayo™

copyright © 2022 Biblica, Inc.
Language: isiNdebele (Ndebele)
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Biblica® IBhayibhili Elingcwele LesiNdebele Elifinyelelekayo™

Imininingwane Yokukopa © 2003, 2006, 2022 yenziwe yiBiblica, Inc.

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Copyright © 2003, 2006, 2022 by Biblica, Inc.

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Copyright © 2003, 2006, 2022 by Biblica, Inc.

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2023-04-13

ePub generated by Haiola 21 Feb 2024 from source files dated 14 Apr 2023
eBible.org certified

996f7b89-785a-5269-881d-0464c82010c4

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UGenesisi

1

Umdabuko

1 Ekuqaleni uNkulunkulu wadala amazulu lomhlaba. 2 Umhlaba wawungelasimo njalo ungelalutho, ubumnyama babengame phezulu kolwandle njalo uMoya kaNkulunkulu wayehambahamba phezu kwamanzi.

3 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Akubekhona ukukhanya,” lakanye kwabakhona ukukhanya. 4 UNkulunkulu wabona ukuthi ukukhanya kwakukuhle, wasesehlukanisa ukukhanya lobumnyama. 5 UNkulunkulu wabiza ukukhanya ngokuthi “yimini,” ubumnyama wabubiza ngokuthi “yibusuku.” Ngakho kwabakhona ukuhlwa lokusa, kwaba lusuku lwakuqala.

6 Njalo uNkulunkulu wathi, “Kakube lomkhandlu phakathi kwamanzi ukwehlukanisa amanzi kwamanye amanzi.” 7 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wehlukanisa amanzi angaphansi komkhandlu kulawo amanzi angaphezulu kwawo. Kwabanjalo. 8 UNkulunkulu wabiza umkhandlu lo ngokuthi “ngumkhathi.” Njalo kwabakhona ukuhlwa, kwabakhona njalo ukusa, usuku lwesibili.

9 Njalo uNkulunkulu wathi, “Kakuthi amanzi angaphansi komkhathi abuthane ndawonye njalo kakuvele umhlabathi owomileyo.” Ngakho kwabanjalo. 10 UNkulunkulu wabiza umhlaba owomileyo ngokuthi “ngumhlabathi,” lamanzi abutheneyo wathi “lulwandle.” Njalo uNkulunkulu wabona ukuthi kwakukuhle.

11 UNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Umhlabathi kawuthele izimila: imlimela ethela intanga lezihlahla emhlabathini ezithela izithelo ezilentanga phakathi, kusiya ngemihlobo yazo ehlukeneyo.” Kwabanjalo. 12 Umhlaba wathela izimila: izihlahla ezilentanga kusiya ngemihlobo yazo, lezihlahla ezithela izithelo ezilentanga phakathi kwazo kusiya ngemihlobo yazo. Njalo uNkulunkulu wabona ukuthi kwakukuhle. 13 Kwabakhona njalo ukuhlwa lokusa, usuku lwesithathu.

14 UNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Akube lezibane emkhandlwini womkhathi ukwehlukanisa imini lobusuku, njalo zibe luphawu lokubonisa izigaba zomnyaka, lezinsuku leminyaka, 15 njalo zibe yizibane emkhandlwini womkhathi ukuletha ukukhanya emhlabeni.” Kwabanjalo. 16 UNkulunkulu wenza izibane ezimbili ezinkulu, isibane esikhulu ukubusa emini lesibane esincinyane ukubusa ebusuku. Wenza futhi lezinkanyezi. 17 UNkulunkulu wazibeka emkhandlwini womkhathi ukuletha ukukhanya emhlabeni, 18 ukubusa imini lobusuku, kanye lokwahlukanisa ukukhanya lobumnyama. Njalo uNkulunkulu wabona ukuthi kwakukuhle. 19 Njalo kwabakhona ukuhlwa lokusa, usuku lwesine.

20 Njalo uNkulunkulu wathi, “Akube lezidalwa eziphilayo emanzini, njalo akuthi izinyoni ziphaphe ngaphezulu komhlaba zidabule emkhandlwini womkhathi.” 21 Yikho uNkulunkulu wadala izidalwa ezinkulu zolwandle layo yonke into ephilayo lehambayo lenyakazelayo emanzini, kusiya ngemihlobo yazo, lezinyoni zonke ezilamaphiko, ngemihlobo yazo. Njalo uNkulunkulu wabona ukuthi kwakukuhle. 22 UNkulunkulu wazibusisa wathi, “Zalanani lande ngobunengi ligcwalise amanzi olwandle, njalo akuthi lezinyoni lazo zande emhlabeni.” 23 Kwabakhona ukuhlwa, kwabakhona njalo lokusa, usuku lwesihlanu.

24 UNkulunkulu wabuya wathi, “Akuthi umhlaba uveze izidalwa eziphilayo kusiya ngemihlobo yazo: izinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini, kanye lezinyamazana zeganga, yilezo kusiya ngemihlobo yazo.” Lakanye kwabanjalo. 25 UNkulunkulu wenza izinyamazana zeganga kusiya ngemihlobo yazo, izifuyo kusiya ngemihlobo yazo, njalo zonke izinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini kusiya ngemihlobo yazo. Njalo uNkulunkulu wabona ukuthi kwakukuhle.

26 UNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Asenze umuntu ngesimo sethu langomfanekiso wethu ukuze abuse phezu kwenhlanzi zolwandle lezinyoni zemkhathini, phezu kwezifuyo, phezu kwawo wonke umhlaba laphezu kwazo zonke izinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini.”

27 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wadala umuntu ngomfanekiso wakhe,

ngomfanekiso kaNkulunkulu wabadala,

owesilisa lowesifazane.

28 UNkulunkulu wababusisa wathi kubo, “Zalanani lande ngobunengi; liwugcwalise umhlaba, liwubuse. Busani phezu kwenhlanzi zolwandle lezinyoni zemkhathini laphezu kwezidalwa zonke ezihambayo emhlabathini.”

29 UNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Ngilinika zonke izihlahla ezithela intanga ezisemhlabeni wonke lazozonke izihlahla ezilezithelo ezilentanga phakathi. Zingezenu ukuba lizidle. 30 Njalo nginika zonke izihlahla eziluhlaza kuzozonke izinyamazana zomhlaba lakuzo zonke izinyoni zemkhathini lakuzo zonke izidalwa ezihambayo emhlabathini, yonke into ephefumula impilo phakathi kwayo ukuba zibe yikudla kwazo.” Kwabanjalo.

31 UNkulunkulu wakubona konke lokho ayesekwenzile, njalo kwakukuhle kakhulu. Kwabakhona ukuhlwa lokusa, usuku lwesithupha.

2

1 Kanjalo amazulu lomhlaba kwapheleliswa ngakho konke ukuhlotshiswa okukhulu.

2 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa uNkulunkulu wayesewuqedile umsebenzi ayewenza; ngakho wasephumula kuwo wonke umsebenzi wakhe. 3 Njalo uNkulunkulu walubusisa usuku lwesikhombisa walwenza lwaba ngcwele ngoba waphumula kuwo wonke umsebenzi wokudala lokho ayesekwenzile.

U-Adamu Lo-Eva

4 Lo ngumlando wamazulu lomhlaba ekudalweni kwakho, lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu enza khona umhlaba lamazulu.

5 Kwakungakabi lesihlahlakazana seganga emhlabathini njalo kungakamili loba yini emila emhlabathini, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wayengakanisi izulu emhlabeni, njalo kwakungelamuntu wokusebenza umhlabathi, 6 kodwa inkungu yayisenyuka emhlabathini, ithelele umhlabathi wonke. 7 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wasebumba umuntu ngothuli lomhlabathi, waphefumulela emakhaleni akhe umphefumulo wokuphila, umuntu wasesiba yisidalwa esiphilayo.

8 Ngalesosikhathi uThixo uNkulunkulu wayelungise isivande empumalanga, e-Edeni; wambeka khona umuntu ayembumbile. 9 Njalo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenza yonke imihlobo yezihlahla ukuthi zikhule emhlabathini, izihlahla ezazibukeka emehlweni njalo zizinhle ekudleni. Phakathi laphakathi kwesivande kwakulesihlahla sokuphila lesihlahla sokwazi okuhle lokubi.

10 Umfula owawuthelela isivande wawugeleza usuka e-Edeni; usuka lapho wehlukana waba yimifudlana emine. 11 Ibizo lowokuqala yiPhishoni; ozungeze lonke ilizwe laseHavila, lapho okulegolide khona. 12 (Igolide lalelolizwe lihle; amakha erezini le-onikisi lawo akhona.) 13 Ibizo lomfudlana wesibili yiGihoni; usekele kulolonke ilizwe laseKhushi. 14 Ibizo lomfudlana wesithathu yiThigrisi; ubhoda ngempumalanga kwe-Asiriya. Njalo umfudlana wesine yiYufrathe.

15  Uthixo uNkulunkulu wamthatha umuntu wambeka eSivandeni se-Edeni ukuthi asisebenze njalo asinakekele. 16 Njalo uThixo uNkulunkulu wamlaya umuntu wathi, “Ukhululekile ukudla loba yisiphi isihlahla esivandeni; 17 kodwa ungadli isihlahla sokwazi okuhle lokubi, ngoba ungaze usidle uzakufa ngempela.”

18  UThixo uNkulunkulu wathi, “Kakukuhle ukuba indoda ibe yodwa. Ngizayenzela umsizi oyifaneleyo.”

19  UThixo uNkulunkulu wayesezibumbile ngomhlabathi zonke izinyamazana zeganga lazozonke izinyoni zemoyeni. Waziletha emuntwini ukuthi aziphe amabizo; kwathi loba yiliphi ibizo asibiza ngalo isidalwa esiphilayo, kwaba yilo ibizo laso. 20 Ngakho umuntu wapha amabizo zonke izifuyo, lezinyoni zemkhathini lazozonke izinyamazana zeganga.

Kodwa u-Adamu wayengelaye umsizi omfaneleyo. 21 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenza indoda yalala ubuthongo bokufa; kwathi khonapho isalele wathatha olunye ubhambo lwendoda waseyivala leyondawo ngenyama. 22 Emva kwalokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wasesenza umfazi ngobhambo ayeluthethe endodeni, wasemletha endodeni.

23 Indoda yathi,

“Lo manje uselithambo lamathambo ami

lenyama yenyama yami;

usezabizwa ngokuthi ‘mfazi,’

ngoba wakhitshwa endodeni.”

24 Ngalesisizatho indoda izatshiya uyise lonina imanyane lomkayo, babe nyamanye.

25 Indoda lomkayo babehambaze, bengelazo inhloni.

3

Ukuwa Komuntu

1 Inyoka yayiliqili ukwedlula zonke izinyamazana zeganga uThixo uNkulunkulu ayezenzile. Yathi kowesifazane, “Kambe uNkulunkulu watsho ngeqiniso ukuthi, ‘Lingadli noma yisiphi isihlahla esivandeni’?”

2 Owesifazane wathi enyokeni, “Singadla izithelo zezihlahla esivandeni, 3 kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi, ‘Lingazidli izithelo zesihlahla esiphakathi laphakathi kwesivande, njalo lingasithinti, hlezi life.’ ”

4 Inyoka yathi kowesifazane, “Kalisoze life ngempela. 5 Ngoba uNkulunkulu uyazi ukuthi lingasidla amehlo enu azavuleka, beselisiba njengoNkulunkulu, lazi okuhle lokubi.”

6 Kwathi owesifazane ngokubona ukuthi izithelo zesihlahla leso zaziyikudla okuhle njalo zibukeka emehlweni, njalo kudingeka ukuzuza ukuhlakanipha, wakha ezinye wadla. Wapha njalo ezinye indoda yakhe ayelayo khonapho, layo yadla. 7 Amehlo abo bobabili asevuleka, basebenanzelela ukuthi babenqunu; yikho basebethungela ndawonye amahlamvu omkhiwa bazenzela izembatho ngawo.

8 Indoda lomkayo basebesizwa umsindo kaThixo uNkulunkulu ehamba esivandeni ilanga selithambeme, basebemcatshela uThixo uNkulunkulu phakathi kwezihlahla zesivande. 9 Kodwa uThixo uNkulunkulu wayimemeza indoda wathi, “Ungaphi?”

10 Yaphendula yathi, “Ngikuzwile esivandeni, ngesaba ngoba benginqunu; yikho ngasengicatsha.”

11 Wasesithi, “Ngubani okutshelileyo ukuthi unqunu? Usudlile yini isihlahla engalilaya ukuthi lingasidli?”

12 Indoda yathi, “Umfazi owangipha yena, ungiphile ezinye izithelo zesihlahla ngazidla.”

13 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wathi kowesifazane, “Kuyini lokhu osukwenzile na?”

Owesifazane wathi, “Inyoka ingikhohlisile, ngadla.”

14 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wasesithi enyokeni, “Ngoba usukwenzile lokhu,

Uqalekisiwe ngaphezu kwezifuyo zonke

kanye lezinyamazana zonke zeganga!

Uzahuba phansi ngesisu sakho

njalo uzakudla uthuli

zonke insuku zokuphila kwakho.

15 Njalo ngizafaka ubutha

phakathi kwakho lowesifazane,

laphakathi kwenzalo yakho leyowesifazane;

uzacobodisa ikhanda lakho,

njalo wena uzagamula isithende sakhe.”

16 Kowesifazane wathi,

“Ngizakwandisa ngokuphindiweyo inhlungu zakho nxa ubeletha;

ngobuhlungu uzazala abantwana.

Inkanuko yakho izakuba sendodeni yakho,

njalo yona izabusa phezu kwakho.”

17 Ku-Adamu wathi, “Ngoba ulalele umkakho wadla isihlahla engakulaya ngathi, ‘Ungasidli,’

Uqalekisiwe umhlabathi ngenxa yakho;

ngokusebenza nzima uzakudla okuphuma kuwo

zonke insuku zokuphila kwakho.

18 Uzamila ameva lezihlahlakazana zameva azahlaba wena,

njalo uzakudla izihlahla zeganga.

19 Ngezithukuthuku zebunzi lakho

uzakudla ukudla kwakho

uze ubuyele emhlabathini,

njengoba wathathwa kuwo;

ngoba uluthuli

njalo uzabuyela othulini.”

20 U-Adamu wamutha umkakhe wathi ngu-Eva, ngoba wayezakuba ngunina wabo bonke abaphilayo.

21  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenza imvunulo yesikhumba, wenzela u-Adamu lomkakhe, wabagqokisa. 22 Njalo uThixo uNkulunkulu wathi, “Umuntu manje usenjengomunye wethu, usekwazi okuhle lokubi. Kangavunyelwa ukuthi elule isandla sakhe akhe njalo isihlahla sokuphila adle, aphile laphakade.” 23 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wamxotsha eSivandeni se-Edeni ukuthi asebenze umhlabathi ayethethwe kuwo. 24 Esemxotshile umuntu wamisa ngempumalanga kweSivande se-Edeni amakherubhi lenkemba ebhebhayo, iphazima isiyale lale ukulinda indlela eya esihlahleni sokuphila.

4

UKhayini Lo-Abheli

1 U-Adamu wembatha lomkakhe u-Eva, wasezithwala, wabeletha uKhayini. Wathi, “Ngosizo lukaThixo sengibelethe indoda.” 2 Muva wabeletha umfowabo u-Abheli.

U-Abheli waba ngumfuyi wemihlambi yezimvu, uKhayini yena wasebenza umhlabathi. 3 Ngokuya kwesikhathi uKhayini waletha ezinye izithelo zomhlabathi ukuba ngumnikelo kuThixo. 4 Kodwa u-Abheli waletha izitho ezinonileyo zisuka kwamanye amazibulo omhlambi wakhe. UThixo wathokoza ngo-Abheli kanye lomnikelo wakhe, 5 kodwa kathokozanga ngoKhayini lomnikelo wakhe. Ngakho uKhayini wazonda kakhulu, lobuso bakhe bahloba.

6  UThixo wasesithi kuKhayini, “Uzondeleni na? Kungani ubuso bakho buhlobile? 7 Nxa usenza okulungileyo, kawuyikwamukelwa yini? Kodwa nxa ungenzi okulungileyo, isono sikucathamele emnyango wakho; sinxwanele ukukuthumba, kodwa kumele usehlule.”

8 UKhayini wasesithi kumfowabo u-Abheli, “Ake sihambe siye egangeni.” Kwathi bekhonale egangeni uKhayini wamhlasela umfowabo u-Abheli wambulala.

9  UThixo wasesithi kuKhayini, “Ungaphi umfowenu u-Abheli na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Angazi. Ngingumgcini womfowethu na?”

10  UThixo wathi, “Usuyenzeni? Lalela! Igazi lomfowenu liyakhala kimi lisuka emhlabathini. 11 Manje usuqalekisiwe njalo usuxotshiwe kuwo umhlabathi ovule umlomo wawo ukwamukela igazi lomfowenu lisuka esandleni sakho. 12 Lapho uwusebenza umhlabathi kawusayi kuthela amabele kuwe. Uzakuba luzulane emhlabeni.”

13 UKhayini wathi kuThixo, “Isijeziso sami singaphezu kwamandla ami. 14 Lamuhla usungixotsha elizweni, ngakho sengizasithela ngingabi khona kuwe; ngizakuba luzulane olungela kuphumula emhlabeni, kuthi loba ngubani ongifumanayo angibulale.”

15 Kodwa uThixo wathi kuye, “Akunjalo; lowo ozabulala uKhayini uzaphindiselwa ngokuphindwe kasikhombisa.” Ngakho uThixo wasebeka uphawu kuKhayini ukuze kuthi lowo omfumanayo angambulali. 16 Ngakho uKhayini wasesuka emehlweni kaThixo wayahlala elizweni laseNodi, empumalanga kwase-Edeni.

17 UKhayini wembatha lomkakhe, wathatha isisu wazala u-Enoki. Ngalesosikhathi uKhayini wayesakha idolobho alibiza ngendodana yakhe u-Enoki. 18 Ku-Enoki kwazalwa u-Iradi, yena u-Iradi waba nguyise kaMehujayeli, uMehujayeli waba nguyise kaMethushayeli, uMethushayeli waba nguyise kaLameki.

19 ULameki wathatha abafazi ababili, omunye ethiwa ngu-Ada, omunye ethiwa nguZila. 20 U-Ada wazala uJabhali; owayenguyise walabo abahlala emathenteni befuye izifuyo. 21 Ibizo lomfowabo lalinguJubhali; wayenguyise wabo bonke abatshaya umhubhe lechacho. 22 UZila laye waba lendodana, uThubhali-Khayini, owayekhanda zonke inhlobo zezinto ngethusi langensimbi. Udadewabo kaThubhali-Khayini wayenguNahama.

23 ULameki wathi kubomkakhe,

“Ada loZila, ngilalelani;

bafazi bakaLameki, zwanini amazwi ami.

Sengibulele umuntu ngenxa yokungilimaza,

ijaha ngoba lingihlasele.

24 Nxa uKhayini ephindiselwa kasikhombisa

ngakho uLameki amatshumi ayisikhombisa lesikhombisa.”

25 U-Adamu waphinda wembatha lomkakhe njalo, wazala indodana wayithi nguSethi, esithi, “UNkulunkulu usengiphile omunye umntwana endaweni ka-Abheli, njengoba uKhayini wambulala.” 26 USethi laye waba lendodana, wayibiza ngokuthi ngu-Enoshi.

Ngalesosikhathi abantu baqala ukukhuleka bebiza ibizo likaThixo.

5

Kusukela Ku-Adamu Kusiya KuNowa

1 Lo ngumlando olotshiweyo ngosendo luka-Adamu.

Lapho uNkulunkulu edala umuntu, wamenza ngomfanekiso kaNkulunkulu. 2 Wabadala, owesilisa lowesifazane wasebabusisa. Wababiza ngokuthi “Ngabantu” emva kokubadala.

3 Kwathi u-Adamu esephile iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amathathu (130) wathola indodana eyafana laye xathu; wayibiza ngokuthi nguSethi. 4 USethi esezelwe, u-Adamu waphila iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili (800) njalo wayelamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 5 Isiyonke iminyaka ka-Adamu yayingamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amathathu (930), wasesifa.

6 Kwathi uSethi esephile iminyaka elikhulu lanhlanu (105) waba nguyise ka-Enoshi. 7 Ngemva kokuzala u-Enoshi uSethi waphila iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lesikhombisa (807), njalo wayelamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 8 Isiyonke iminyaka eyaphilwa nguSethi yaba ngamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye letshumi lambili (912), wasesifa.

9 Kwathi u-Enoshi esephile iminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye (90) wazala uKhenani. 10 Ngemva kokuzala uKhenani, u-Enoshi waphila iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili letshumi lanhlanu (815) njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 11 Isiyonke iminyaka, u-Enoshi waphila iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu (905), wasesifa.

12 Kwathi uKhenani esephile iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa (70) wazala uMahalaleli. 13 Ngemva kokuba esezele uMahalaleli, uKhenani waphila iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amane (840) njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 14 Isiyonke iminyaka eyaphilwa nguKhenani yaba ngamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye letshumi (910), wasesifa.

15 Kwathi uMahalaleli esephile iminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu (65), wazala uJaredi. 16 Ngemva kokuzala kwakhe uJaredi, uMahalaleli waphila iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amathathu (830) njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 17 Isiyonke iminyaka eyaphilwa nguMahalaleli yaba ngamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu (895), wasesifa.

18 UJaredi esephile iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisithupha lambili (162), wazala u-Enoki. 19 Ngemva kokuzala kwakhe u-Enoki, uJaredi waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili (800) njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 20 Isiyonke iminyaka eyaphilwa nguJaredi yaba ngamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi ayisithupha lambili (962), wasesifa.

21 Kwathi u-Enoki esephile iminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu (65), wazala uMethuzela. 22 Ngemva kokuzala uMethuzela, u-Enoki wahamba loNkulunkulu okweminyaka engamakhulu amathathu (300) njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 23 Isiyonke iminyaka eyaphilwa ngu-Enoki yaba ngamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu (365). 24 U-Enoki wahamba ngokuthembeka loNkulunkulu; wanyamalala, ngoba uNkulunkulu wamthatha.

25 Kwathi uMethuzela esephile okweminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lesikhombisa (187) wazala uLameki. 26 Ngemva kokuzala uLameki, uMethuzela waphila iminyaka engamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lambili (782) njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 27 Isiyonke iminyaka eyaphilwa nguMethuzela yaba ngamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi ayisithupha layisificamunwemunye (969), wasesifa.

28 ULameki esephile iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lambili (182) wazala indodana. 29 Wayitha ibizo wathi nguNowa, wathi, “Izasiduduza emsebenzini lasekutshikatshikeni kwethu okubuhlungu ngezandla zethu okubangwa ngumhlabathi uThixo awuthukileyo.” 30 Ngemva kokuzalwa kukaNowa, uLameki waphila iminyaka engamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu (595) njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 31 Isiyonke iminyaka eyaphilwa nguLameki yaba ngamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesikhombisa (777), wasesifa.

32 Ngemva kokuphila iminyaka engamakhulu amahlanu (500), uNowa wazala uShemu, loHamu loJafethi.

6

Uzamcolo

1 Kwathi abantu sebesanda ngobunengi emhlabeni, bezala amadodakazi, 2 amadodana kaNkulunkulu abona ukuthi amadodakazi abantu ayemahle, bazikhethela abawafunayo bawathatha. 3  UThixo wasesithi, “UMoya wami kawuyikuphikisana lomuntu ngokungapheliyo, ngoba yena ngowenyama nje; insuku zakhe zizakuba likhulu elilamatshumi amabili kuphela.”

4 AmaNefilimi ayesemhlabeni ngalezonsuku. Njalo langemva kwazo amadodana kaNkulunkulu angenela amadodakazi abantu azala lawo abantwana. Ayengamaqhawe ekadeni, amadoda odumo.

5  UThixo wabona ukuthi ukuxhwala kwabantu kwasekukukhulu kakhulu emhlabeni, njalo lokuthi zonke izinkanuko zeminakano yezinhliziyo zabo zaziyibubi kuphela sonke isikhathi. 6  UThixo wadabuka ngokuthi wayemenzile umuntu emhlabeni, ngakho inhliziyo yakhe yagcwala ubuhlungu. 7 Ngakho uThixo wasesithi, “Umuntu engamdalayo ngizamkhucula emhlabeni, abantu lezinyamazana, lezinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini, lezinyoni zemkhathini ngoba kuyangidabukisa ukuthi ngakwenza.” 8 Kodwa uNowa wathola umusa emehlweni kaThixo.

UNowa Lozamcolo

9 Lo ngumlando kaNowa.

UNowa wayeyindoda elungileyo, engelasici phakathi kwabantu ngesikhathi aphila ngaso, njalo wabambelela kuNkulunkulu. 10 UNowa wayelamadodana amathathu: UShemu, uHamu loJafethi.

11 Umhlaba wawuxhwalile phambi kukaNkulunkulu njalo ugcwele ubudlwangudlwangu. 12 UNkulunkulu wabona ukuthi umhlaba wawusuxhwale njani, ngoba bonke abantu emhlabeni basebehamba ngezindlela zabo ezixhwalileyo. 13 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wasesithi kuNowa, “Ngizabatshabalalisa bonke abantu, ngoba umhlaba ugcwele ubudlwangudlwangu ngenxa yabo. Ngeqiniso ngizababhubhisa bona kanye lomhlaba. 14 Ngakho zakhele umkhumbi ngezigodo zesihlahla sokubaza; wenze amakamelo kuwo, uwuhuqe ngenhlaka ngaphakathi langaphandle. 15 Uzawakha kanje: Umkhumbi kawube ngamalunga ezingalo ezingamakhulu amathathu ubude, ububanzi bube zingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu lezingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu ukuphakama kwawo. 16 Uwenzele uphahla, utshiye ngaphansi kophahla intuba eyingxenye yelunga lengalo ukufika phezulu. Ufake umnyango eceleni komkhumbi njalo wenze isigcawu saphansi, esaphakathi laphakathi kanye lesaphezulu. 17 Ngizathumela uzamcolo emhlabeni ukubhubhisa konke okuphilayo ngaphansi kwezulu, zonke izidalwa eziphefumulayo. Yonke into emhlabeni izabhubha. 18 Kodwa ngizakwenza isivumelwano lawe, njalo wena uzangena emkhunjini, wena lamadodana akho lomkakho kanye labomalukazana bakho. 19 Kuzamele ulethe emkhunjini okubili kwezidalwa zonke eziphilayo, okuduna lokusikazi, uzigcine ziphila zilawe. 20 Okubili kwemihlobo yonke yezinyoni, okwemihlobo yonke yezinyamazana lokwezinanakazana zonke ezihuquzela emhlabathini zizakuza kuwe zizogcinwa ziphila. 21 Kumele uthathe yonke imihlobo yokudla okuzadliwa, ukulondolozele wena kanye lazo.”

22 UNowa wakwenza konke njengokulaywa kwakhe nguNkulunkulu.

7

1  UThixo wathi kuNowa, “Ngena emkhunjini, wena kanye lendlu yakho yonke, ngoba ngikufumane ulungile kulesi isizukulwane. 2 Ngena lezinyamazana eziyisikhombisa ezemihlobo yonke yezinyamazana ezihlanzekileyo, enduna lensikazi, lezimbili ezemihlobo yonke yezinyamazana ezingcolileyo, enduna lensikazi yayo, 3 njalo eziyisikhombisa zezinyoni zemihlobo yonke, ezinduna lezinsikazi, ukuze kugcinakale uhlobo lwazo zonke emhlabeni. 4 Ngemva kwensuku eziyisikhombisa kusukela manje ngizathumela izulu emhlabeni okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane, njalo ngizatshabalalisa sonke isidalwa esiphilayo engasenzayo emhlabeni.”

5 UNowa wakwenza konke lokho akulaywa nguThixo.

6 UNowa wayeleminyaka engamakhulu ayisithupha yobudala ekufikeni kukazamcolo emhlabeni. 7 UNowa lamadodana akhe, lomkakhe kanye labomalukazana bakhe bangena emkhunjini ukuze baphephe emanzini kazamcolo. 8 Ngazimbili izinyamazana ezihlanzekileyo lezingcolileyo, ezezinyoni lezezinanakazana zonke ezihuquzela emhlabathini, 9 ezinduna lezinsikazi zeza kuNowa zangena emkhunjini, njengokulaywa kukaNowa nguNkulunkulu. 10 Kwathi ngemva kwensuku eziyisikhombisa amanzi kazamcolo eza emhlabeni.

11 Ngomnyaka wamakhulu ayisithupha wokuphila kukaNowa, ngosuku lwetshumi lesikhombisa lwenyanga yesibili, ngalolosuku yonke imithombo yolwandle olukhulu yadabuka, lamasango amanzi amazulu avuleka. 12 Izulu lana emhlabeni okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane.

13 Ngalolosuku uNowa lamadodana akhe, uShemu, uHamu loJafethi, kanye lomkakhe labomalukazana bakhe bamadodana akhe womathathu bangena emkhunjini. 14 Babelazo zonke izinyamazana zeganga kusiya ngemihlobo yazo, zonke izifuyo kusiya ngemihlobo yazo, zonke izinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini kusiya ngemihlobo yazo lazozonke izinyoni kusiya ngemihlobo yazo, yonke into elempiko. 15 Zeza kuNowa ngazimbili zonke izidalwa ezilomphefumulo wokuphila zangena emkhunjini. 16 Izinyamazana ezazingena zazingezinduna lezinsikazi ezezinto zonke eziphilayo, njengalokho uNkulunkulu ayekulaye uNowa. Emva kwalokho uThixo wasemvalela phakathi.

17 Okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane impophoma zaphikelela zithululeka emhlabeni, kwathi ngokwanda kwamanzi awuphakamisa umkhumbi waba ngaphezulu komhlaba. 18 Amanzi akhwela anda kakhulu emhlabeni, umkhumbi wandenda phezu kwamanzi. 19 Akhwela kakhulu emhlabeni, kwathi zonke izintaba eziphakemeyo ngaphansi kwawo wonke amazulu zasibekelwa. 20 Amanzi akhwela asibekela izintaba zatshona okudlula izingalo ezingamatshumi amabili. 21 Zonke izinto eziphilayo ezihamba phezu komhlaba zafa, izinyoni, izifuyo, izinyamazana zeganga, zonke izidalwa ezazitshatshama phezu komhlaba, loluntu lonke. 22 Yonke into ephefumula impilo ngamakhala ayo nxa isemhlabathini owomileyo yafa. 23 Yonke into ephilayo phezu komhlaba yakhukhulwa; abantu lezinyamazana lezinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini kanye lezinyoni zemkhathini kwakhuculwa emhlabeni. NguNowa kuphela owasalayo, lalabo ababelaye emkhunjini.

24 Amanzi agcwala emhlabeni okwensuku ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu.

8

1 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wamkhumbula uNowa lazozonke izinyamazana zeganga lezifuyo ezazilaye emkhunjini, wasethumela umoya emhlabeni, amanzi asesentsha. 2 Manje imithombo yolwandle lamasango amanzi asemazulwini kwasekuvaliwe, lezulu laselisile emkhathini. 3 Amanzi entsha kancanekancane emhlabeni. Ekupheleni kwensuku ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu amanzi ayesentshile, 4 kwathi ngosuku lwetshumi lesikhombisa lwenyanga yesikhombisa umkhumbi wayakuma phezu kwezintaba zase-Ararathi. 5 Amanzi aqhubeka esentsha kwaze kwaba yinyanga yetshumi, kwathi ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga yetshumi iziqongo zezintaba zaqala ukubonakala.

6 Ngemva kwensuku ezingamatshumi amane uNowa wavula iwindi ayelenzile emkhunjini 7 wathuma iwabayi, lazulazula emoyeni amanzi aze atsha emhlabeni. 8 Wasethuma ijuba ukuthi abone ingabe amanzi ayesephelile emhlabathini. 9 Kodwa ijuba laswela indawo yokubeka unyawo ngoba kwakulamanzi yonke indawo phezu komhlaba; ngakho labuyela kuNowa emkhunjini. Wakhupha isandla walamukela ijuba walibuyisa kuye emkhunjini. 10 Walinda okwezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa waphinda walithuma ijuba lisuka emkhunjini. 11 Kwathi ijuba selibuya kuye ntambama, laliphethe ngomlomo walo ihlamvu lesihlahla se-oliva elalisanda kukhiwa! UNowa wahle wazi ukuthi amanzi ayesehlile kakhulu emhlabeni. 12 Walinda okwezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa walithuma ijuba njalo, kodwa ngalesi isikhathi kalisabuyanga kuye.

13 Ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga yokuqala yomnyaka wamakhulu ayisithupha lanye wokuphila kukaNowa, amanzi ayesomile emhlabeni. Ngakho uNowa wasesusa uphahla lomkhumbi esebona ukuthi iphansi lomhlabathi laselomile. 14 Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa lwenyanga yesibili umhlabathi wawusuwome qha.

15 UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuNowa, 16 “Phuma emkhunjini, wena lomkakho, lamadodana akho labomkabo. 17 Khupha yonke into ephilayo olayo, izinyoni, izinyamazana lazozonke izinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini ukuze zande emhlabeni, zizale zande ngobunengi bazo.”

18 Ngakho uNowa wasephuma lamadodana akhe, lomkakhe kanye labomalukazana bakhe. 19 Zonke izinyamazana kanye lezinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini lazozonke izinyoni, yonke into enyakazayo emhlabeni, kwaphuma emkhunjini, ngemihlobo kulandelana.

20 UNowa wasesakhela uThixo i-alithari, wathatha ezinye izinyamazana lezinyoni ezihlanzekileyo wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa phezu kwalo. 21  UThixo wahotsha iphunga elimnandi wathi enhliziyweni yakhe: “Kangisayikuphinda ngiwuqalekise njalo umhlaba ngenxa yabantu, ngoba imicabango yenhliziyo yomuntu mibi kusukela ebuntwaneni bakhe. Njalo kangisoze lanini ngiphinde ngibhubhise zonke izidalwa eziphilayo, njengalokhu engikwenzileyo.

22 Nxa umhlaba ulokhu usekhona,

isikhathi sokuhlanyela lesokuvuna,

umqando lokutshisa,

ihlobo lobusika,

imini lobusuku

kakusoze kwacina.”

9

Isivumelwano SikaNkulunkulu LoNowa

1 UNkulunkulu wambusisa uNowa lamadodana akhe wathi kubo, “Zalanani lande ngobunengi ligcwalise umhlaba. 2 Zizalesaba zibe lovalo ngani zonke izinyamazana zomhlaba, lazozonke izinyoni zemoyeni, lezinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini, kanye lenhlanzi zonke zolwandle; ziphiwe ezandleni zakho. 3 Yonke into ephilayo lenyakazayo izakuba yikudla kuwe. Njengalokhu ngalipha izihlahla eziluhlaza, manje sengilipha yonke into.

4 Kodwa lingadli inyama ilegazi lokuphila phakathi kwayo. 5 Njalo igazi lokuphila kwenu ngizafuna impendulo ngalo, ngizafuna impendulo kuyo yonke inyamazana. Njalo emuntwini wonke ngizafuna ukwazi ngempilo yomzalwane wakhe.

6 Loba ngubani ochitha igazi lomuntu,

igazi lakhe lizachithwa ngumuntu;

ngoba ngomfanekiso kaNkulunkulu,

uNkulunkulu umenzile umuntu.

7 Mayelana lani, zalanani lande ngobunengi; yandani emhlabeni libe banengi.”

8 UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuNowa lakumadodana akhe ayelawo: 9 “Manje sengimisa isivumelwano sami lani lezizukulwane zenu ezilandelayo 10 lasosonke isidalwa esiphilayo esasilawe, izinyoni, izifuyo lezinyamazana zeganga, zonke lezo ezaphuma lani emkhunjini, sonke isidalwa esiphilayo emhlabeni. 11 Ngiyasimisa isivumelwano sami lani: Kakusoze njalo impilo yonke iqunywe ngamanzi kazamcolo; kakusoze njalo kube lozamcolo ozabhubhisa umhlaba.”

12 UNkulunkulu wathi, “Lesi yisiboniso sesivumelwano engisenzayo phakathi kwami lani lasosonke isidalwa esiphilayo elilaso, isivumelwano sezizukulwane zonke ezizayo: 13 Sengibeke umchilowamakhosikazi wami emayezini, wona uzakuba yisiboniso sesivumelwano phakathi kwami lomhlaba. 14 Kuzakuthi nxa ngiletha amayezi phezu komhlaba besekuvela umchilowamakhosikazi emayezini, 15 ngizakhumbula isivumelwano sami phakathi kwami lani lazozonke izidalwa eziphilayo ezemihlobo yonke. Kakusoze njalo lanini amanzi abe yisikhukhula esizabhubhisa impilo. 16 Kuzakuthi nxa kungavela umchilowamakhosikazi emayezini ngizawubona besengikhumbula isivumelwano saphakade phakathi kukaNkulunkulu lezidalwa zonke eziphilayo ezemihlobo yonke emhlabeni.”

17 UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuNowa, “Lesi yisiboniso sesivumelwano esengisimisile phakathi kwami lakho konke okuphilayo emhlabeni.”

Amadodana KaNowa

18 Amadodana kaNowa aphuma emkhunjini ayengoShemu, uHamu loJafethi. (UHamu wayenguyise kaKhenani.) 19 La ayeyiwo amadodana amathathu kaNowa, kuwo kwadabuka abantu abasabalala emhlabeni wonke.

20 UNowa, indoda yomhlabathi, wasuka wahlanyela isivini. 21 Wathi esenathe iwayini lakhona, wadakwa walala enqunu phakathi kwethente lakhe. 22 UHamu, uyise kaKhenani, wabona ubunqunu bukayise wasetshela abafowabo phandle. 23 Kodwa uShemu loJafethi bathatha isivunulo basiphosela emahlombe abo; bangena behamba nyovane bamboza ubunqunu bukayise. Ubuso babo babukhangele emuva ukuze bangaboni ubunqunu bukayise.

24 Kwathi uNowa esevukile selehlile iwayini wezwa ngokwakwenziwe kuye yindodana yakhe encane kulamanye, 25 wathi,

“Uqalekisiwe uKhenani!

Isigqili esizakuba phansi

kubafowabo.”

26 Wabuya wathi njalo,

“Udumo kalube kuThixo, uNkulunkulu kaShemu!

Sengathi uKhenani angaba yisigqili sikaShemu.

27 Sengathi uNkulunkulu angaqhelisa indawo kaJafethi;

sengathi uJafethi angahlala emathenteni kaShemu,

njalo sengathi uKhenani angaba yisichaka sakhe.”

28 Ngemva kukazamcolo uNowa waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amahlanu (350). 29 UNowa waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amahlanu (950) isiyonke, wasesifa.

10

Uhlelo Lwezizwe

1 Lo ngumlando kaShemu, loHamu loJafethi, amadodana kaNowa, okwathi bona ngokwabo baba lamadodana ngemva kwesikhukhula.

AmaJafethi

2 Amadodana kaJafethi ayeyila:

uGomeri, uMagogi, uMadayi uJavani, uThubhali, uMesheki loThirasi.

3 Amadodana kaGomeri ayeyila:

u-Ashikhenazi, uRifathi kanye loThogarima.

4 Amadodana kaJavani ayeyila:

u-Elisha, uThashishi, uKhithimi loRodanimu. 5 (Kusukela kulaba abahlala ngasolwandle behlukana ngezigodi zabo, yilabo ngosendo lwabo bephakathi kwezizwe zabo, kuyilabo lalabo bekhuluma ulimi lwabo.)

AmaHamithi

6 Amadodana kaHamu ayeyila:

uKhushi, uMizirayimi, uPhuthi loKhenani.

7 Amadodana kaKhushi ayeyila:

uSebha, uHavila, uSabhitha, uRahama loSabhitheka.

Amadodana kaRahama ayeyila:

uShebha loDedani.

8 UKhushi wayenguyise kaNimrodi, owakhula waba liqhawe elilamandla emhlabeni. 9 Wayengumzingeli omkhulu phambi kukaThixo; kungakho lokho kwathiwa, “NjengoNimrodi, umzingeli omkhulu phambi kukaThixo.” 10 Izindawo ezinkulu zembusweni wakhe kwakuyiBhabhiloni, i-Erekhi, i-Akhadi leKhaline eShinari. 11 Esuka kulelolizwe waya e-Asiriya lapho akha khona iNiniva, iRehobhothi, i-Iri, iKhala 12 leReseni ephakathi kweNiniva leKhala; yilo idolobho elikhulukazi.

13 UMizirayimi wayenguyise

wamaLudi, ama-Anami, amaLehabhi, amaNafithuhi, 14 amaPhathrosi lamaKhasiluhi (okwadabuka khona amaFilistiya) lamaKhafithori.

15 UKhenani wayenguyise

kaSidoni izibulo lakhe, amaHithi, 16 amaJebusi, ama-Amori, amaGigashi, 17 amaHivi, ama-Arikhi, amaSini, 18 ama-Avadi, amaZemari kanye lamaHamathi.

(Muva izizwana zamaKhenani zasabalala 19 kwathi imingcele yeKhenani yasukela eSidoni isiya eGerari kufika eGaza, besekuqonda eSodoma, leGomora, le-Adima leZebhoyimi kuze kuyefika eLasha.)

20 La yiwo amadodana kaHamu ngokosendo lwawo langezindimi zawo, ezigodini zawo kanye langezizwe zawo.

AmaSemi

21 Amadodana azalwa njalo kuShemu, umnewabo owayenguJafethi; uShemu wayengukhokho wawo wonke amadodana ka-Ebha.

22 Amadodana kaShemu ayeyila:

u-Elamu, u-Ashuri, u-Afazadi, uLudi lo-Aramu.

23 Amadodana ka-Aramu ayeyila:

u-Uzi, uHuli, uGetha loMesheki.

24 U-Afazadi wayenguyise kaShela,

uShela wazala u-Ebha.

25 Amadodana amabili ayezalwa ngu-Ebha ayeyila:

Omunye wayenguPhelegi, ngoba ngezinsuku zakhe umhlaba wawudabuke phakathi; umfowabo kwakuthiwa nguJokithani.

26 UJokithani wayenguyise

ka-Alimodadi, uShelefi, uHazarimavethi, uJera, 27 uHadoramu, u-Uzali, uDikila, 28 u-Obhali, u-Abhimayeli, uShebha, 29 u-Ofiri, uHavila kanye loJobhabhi. Bonke laba babengamadodana kaJokithani.

30 Isigodi ababehlala kuso sasisukela eMesha kusiya eSefari elizweni elilamaqaqa elisempumalanga.

31 La ngamadodana kaShemu ngokosendo lwawo langezindimi zawo, emazweni awo lezizweni zawo.

32 Lezi zinsendo zamadodana kaNowa kusiya ngemindeni yazo, phakathi kwezizwe zawo. Kusukela kuzo, izizwe zahlakazeka zagcwala umhlaba wonke emva kukazamcolo.

11

Umphongolo WaseBhabheli

1 Umhlaba wonke wawulolimi lunye lokukhuluma okufananayo. 2 Kwathi abantu belokhu beqhelela empumalanga, bafumana indawo evulekileyo eShinari basebesakha khona.

3 Basebetshelana bathi, “Kasitshayeni izitina sizitshise kakhulu.” Babesebenzisa izitina endaweni yamatshe, lethara endaweni yodaka. 4 Basebesithi, “Zwanini, kasizakheleni idolobho libe lomphongolo ofika emazulwini, ukuze sizenzele ibizo singaze sasabalala umhlaba wonke.”

5 Kodwa uThixo wehla wazalibona idolobho kanye lomphongolo abantu ababewakha. 6  UThixo wathi, “Nxa bengabantu banye bekhuluma limi lunye sebeqalisile ukwenza lokhu, pho kakukho okungabehlula. 7 Zwanini, kasehleni siye phansi sisanganise ulimi lwabo bangabe besazwana.”

8 Kanjalo uThixo wabahlakaza emhlabeni wonke, bayekela ukwakha idolobho. 9 Kungakho labizwa ngokuthi yiBhabheli, ngoba khonapho uThixo wasanganisa ulimi lomhlaba wonke. Kusukela lapho uThixo wabahlakazela emhlabeni wonke.

Kusukela KuShemu Kusiya Ku-Abhrama

10 Lo ngumlando wosendo lukaShemu.

Eminyakeni emibili emva kukazamcolo, uShemu eseleminyaka elikhulu (100) wazala u-Afazadi. 11 Esezele u-Afazadi, uShemu waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amahlanu (500), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

12 Kwathi u-Afazadi esephile iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu (35), wazala uShela. 13 Esezele uShela, u-Afazadi waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amane lantathu (403), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

14 UShela esephile iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu (30) wazala u-Ebha. 15 Esezele u-Ebha, uShela waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amane lantathu (403), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

16 U-Ebha esephile iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lane (34) wazala uPhelegi. 17 Esezele uPhelegi, u-Ebha waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu (430), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

18 UPhelegi esephile iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu (30), wazala uRewu. 19 Esezele uRewu, uPhelegi waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amabili lesificamunwemunye (209), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

20 Kwathi uRewu esephile iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lambili (32), wazala uSerugi. 21 Esezele uSerugi, uRewu waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amabili lesikhombisa (207), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

22 Kwathi uSerugi esephile iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu (30), wazala uNahori. 23 Esezele uNahori, uSerugi waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amabili (200), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

24 UNahori esephile iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye (29) wazala uThera. 25 Esezele uThera, uNahori waphila okweminyaka elikhulu letshumi lesificamunwemunye (119), njalo waba lamanye amadodana lamadodakazi.

26 UThera esephile iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa (70) wazala u-Abhrama, uNahori loHarani.

Imuli Ka-Abhrama

27 Lo ngumlando wosendo lukaThera.

UThera wazala u-Abhrama, uNahori loHarani. Kwathi uHarani wazala uLothi. 28 Kwathi uyise uThera esaphila uHarani wafa bese-Uri idolobho lamaKhaladiya, elizweni lokuzalwa kwakhe. 29 U-Abhrama loNahori bathatha bobabili. Ibizo lomka-Abhrama lalinguSarayi, kwathi ibizo likamkaNahori linguMilikha; wayeyindodakazi kaHarani uyise kaMilikha kanye lo-Isikha. 30 Kodwa uSarayi wayeyinyumba; wayengelabantwana.

31 UThera wathatha indodana yakhe u-Abhrama, lomzukulu wakhe uLothi indodana kaHarani, lomalokazana wakhe uSarayi umfazi wendodana yakhe u-Abhrama, basuka bonke e-Uri lamaKhaladiya baqonda eKhenani. Kodwa bafika eHarani basebesakha khona.

32 UThera waphila okweminyaka engamakhulu amabili lanhlanu (205), wafela eHarani.

12

Ukubizwa Kuka-Abhrama

1  UThixo wathi ku-Abhrama, “Suka elizweni lakini, lebantwini bakini lasendlini kayihlo uye elizweni engizakutshengisa lona.

2 Ngizakwenza ube yisizwe esikhulu

njalo ngizakubusisa;

ngizakwenza ibizo lakho libe likhulu,

njalo uzakuba yisibusiso.

3 Ngizababusisa labo abakubusisayo,

lalowo okuqalekisayo ngizamqalekisa;

njalo bonke abantu emhlabeni bazakubusiswa ngawe.”

4 Ngakho u-Abhrama wasuka, njengokutshelwa kwakhe nguThixo; njalo uLothi wahamba laye. U-Abhrama wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu ekusukeni kwakhe eHarani. 5 Wathatha umkakhe uSarayi, lomntanomfowabo uLothi, lempahla yabo yonke ababeyizuzile kanye labantu ababebatholile eHarani, baqonda elizweni laseKhenani, bayafika khona.

6 U-Abhrama wahamba walidabula ilizwe waze wafika endaweni yesihlahla esikhulu saseMore eShekhemu. Ngalesosikhathi amaKhenani ayephakathi kwelizwe. 7  UThixo wabonakala ku-Abhrama wathi, “Lelilizwe ngizalinika inzalo yakho.” Ngakho wasesakha i-alithari khonapho elakhela uThixo owayebonakele kuye.

8 Esuka lapho waqonda ezintabeni empumalanga kweBhetheli wamisa ithente lakhe, iBhetheli isentshonalanga le-Ayi isempumalanga. Khonapho wakhela uThixo i-alithari walidumisa ibizo likaThixo.

9 U-Abhrama wasuka waqhubeka eqonda eNegebi.

U-Abhrama EseGibhithe

10 Kwasekusiba lendlala elizweni, okwenza u-Abhrama waya eGibhithe ukuyahlala khona okwesikhathi esithile ngoba indlala yayinkulu kakhulu. 11 Kwathi esebanga ukungena eGibhithe wathi kumkakhe uSarayi, “Ngiyazi ukuthi ungumfazi omuhle kakhulu. 12 AmaGibhithe azakuthi ekubona athi, ‘Lo ngumkakhe.’ Lapho-ke bazangibulala wena bakuyekele uphile. 13 Ubokuthi ungudadewethu, ukuze ngiphathwe kuhle ngenxa yakho njalo lempilo yami isinde ngenxa yakho.”

14 Kwathi u-Abhrama efika eGibhithe, amaGibhithe abona umkakhe ukuthi wayengumfazi omuhle kakhulu. 15 Izikhulu zikaFaro sezimbonile zamncoma kakhulu kuFaro, uSarayi wasengeniswa esigodlweni sakhe. 16 Wamphatha kuhle u-Abhrama ngenxa kaSarayi, ngakho u-Abhrama wazuza izimvu lenkomo, obabhemi abaduna labasikazi, izinceku zesilisa lezesifazane lamakamela.

17 Kodwa uThixo wehlisela uFaro lendlu yakhe izifo ezimbi ngenxa kaSarayi umka-Abhrama. 18 Ngakho uFaro wabiza u-Abhrama wathi, “Wenzeni kimi? Kungani ungangitshelanga ukuthi ungumkakho na? 19 Watsholoni ukuthi ungudadewenu, ngacina sengizithathele mina waba ngowami? Manje, nangu umkakho. Mthathe uhambe!” 20 UFaro waselaya ukuthi u-Abhrama lamadoda ayelawo basuswe elizweni, kanye lomkakhe lakho konke ayelakho.

13

U-Abhrama LoLothi Bayehlukana

1 Ngakho u-Abhrama wasuka eGibhithe waya eNegebi, kanye lomkakhe lakho konke ayelakho, loLothi ehamba laye. 2 U-Abhrama wayesenothile kakhulu ngezifuyo langesiliva legolide.

3 Esuka eNegebi wazula lapha lalapha waze wafika eBhetheli, endaweni eyayiphakathi kweBhetheli le-Ayi lapho ayemise khona ithente lakhe kuqala 4 njalo lapho ayeqale khona ukwakha i-alithari. Khonapho u-Abhrama wadumisa ibizo likaThixo.

5 ULothi wayehamba lo-Abhrama, laye wayelemihlambi yezimvu lenkomo lamathente. 6 Kodwa indawo yayingasoze ibenele bonke nxa babengahlala ndawonye, ngoba impahla yabo yayinengi kakhulu, isala ukuthi bahlale ndawonye. 7 Kwaba lokuxabana phakathi kwabelusi baka-Abhrama labelusi bakaLothi. AmaKhenani lamaPherizi lawo ayehlala kulelolizwe ngalesosikhathi.

8 U-Abhrama wasesithi kuLothi, “Kasingalwi mina lawe, kumbe abelusi bakho labami ngoba siyizinini zegazi. 9 Umhlaba wonke kawukho phambi kwakho na? Kasehlukane. Ungaya kwesokhohlo mina ngizakuya kwesokunene; ungaya kwesokunene mina ngizakuya kwesokhohlo.”

10 ULothi wakhangela wabona ukuthi lonke igceke laseJodani lalilamanzi amanengi, njengesivande sikaThixo, njengelizwe laseGibhithe kusiya eZowari. (Ngalesisikhathi uThixo wayengakabhubhisi iSodoma leGomora.) 11 Ngakho uLothi wazikhethela lonke igceke laseJodani, wasesuka waya empumalanga. Amadoda la womabili ehlukana: 12 U-Abhrama wahlala elizweni laseKhenani, kwathi uLothi wahlala phakathi kwamadolobho asemagcekeni wamisa amathente akhe eduze leSodoma. 13 Abantu baseSodoma babexhwalile kakhulu, besenza izono ezinkulu kuThixo.

14  UThixo wathi ku-Abhrama ngemva kokuba uLothi esesukile kuye, “Phakamisa amehlo akho asuke lapho okhona, ukhangele enhla leningizimu, empumalanga lentshonalanga. 15 Lonke ilizwe olibonayo ngizalinika wena kanye lesizukulwane sakho okulaphakade. 16 Ngizakwenza isizukulwane sakho sibe njengothuli lomhlabathi, okokuthi nxa ekhona ongabala uthuli, lesizukulwane sakho sibe lokubalwa. 17 Hamba udabule ubude lobubanzi belizwe, ngoba ngiyakupha lona.”

18 Ngakho u-Abhrama wathutha amathente akhe wahamba wayakwakha eduze kwezihlahla ezinkulu zikaMamure eHebhroni, lapho akhela khona uThixo i-alithari.

14

U-Abhrama Uhlenga ULothi

1 Ngesikhathi u-Amrafeli inkosi yaseShinari, lo-Ariyoki inkosi yase-Elasari, loKhedolawoma inkosi yase-Elamu kanye loThidali inkosi yaseGoyimi 2 baya empini behlasela uBhera inkosi yaseSodoma, loBhirisha inkosi yaseGomora, loShinabhi inkosi yase-Adima, loShemebheri inkosi yaseZebhoyimi lenkosi yaseBhela (kutsho iZowari). 3 Wonke amakhosi la abikwe muva ahlanganyela eSigodini saseSidimu (uLwandle lweTswayi). 4 Okweminyaka elitshumi lambili ayebuswa nguKhedolawoma, kodwa ngomnyaka wetshumi lantathu amvukela.

5 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lane, uKhedolawoma lamakhosi ayemanyene laye baphuma bayanqoba amaRefayi e-Ashitherothi Khanayimi, lamaZuzi eHamu, lama-Emi eShave Khiriyathayimi 6 lamaHori elizweni lamaqaqa laseSeyiri, kwaze kwayafika e-Eli Pharani eduze lenkangala. 7 Yikho basebephenduka baya e-Eni Mishiphathi (kutsho eKhadeshi), banqoba isigodi sonke sama-Amaleki kanye lama-Amori ayehlala eHazazoni Thamari.

8 Ngakho inkosi yaseSodoma, lenkosi yaseGomora, lenkosi yase-Adima, lenkosi yaseZebhoyimi kanye lenkosi yaseBhela (kutsho iZowari) baphuma bayahlela izimpi zabo eSigodini saseSidimi 9 baqondana loKhedolawoma inkosi yase-Elamu, loThidali inkosi yaseGoyimi, lo-Amrafeli inkosi yaseShinari kanye lo-Ariyoki inkosi yase-Elasari, amakhosi amane eqondene lamahlanu. 10 Ngalesosikhathi iSigodi saseSidimi sasigcwele imigodi yengcino, ngakho kwathi amakhosi aseSodoma leGomora, esebaleka, abanye abantu bawo bawela kuyo, abanengi babalekela ezintabeni. 11 Amakhosi la amane athumba zonke impahla zaseSodoma leGomora lokudla kwabo konke; asehamba. 12 Bathumba njalo loLothi umntanomfowabo ka-Abhrama lempahla zakhe, njengoba wayehlala eSodoma.

13 Omunye owayephunyukile wafika wazabikela u-Abhrama umHebheru. U-Abhrama wayehlala phansi kwezihlahla ezinkulu zikaMamure umʼAmori, umfowabo ka-Eshikholi lo-Aneri, bonke labo babebambene lo-Abhrama. 14 Kwathi u-Abhrama esizwa ukuthi isihlobo sakhe sasithunjiwe, wabutha amadoda ayengamakhulu amathathu letshumi layisificaminwembili (318) ababefundiswe ukulwa, bezalwa endlini yakhe, wangena emzileni baze bayafika eDani. 15 Ebusuku u-Abhrama wehlukanisa abantu bakhe ukuthi babahlasele, wabalandela, waxotshana labo waze wafika eHobha, enhla kweDamaseko. 16 Wabemuka zonke impahla wathola lomhlobo wakhe uLothi kanye lemfuyo yakhe, ndawonye labesifazane labanye abantu.

17 U-Abhrama esebuyile ekunqobeni kwakhe uKhedolawoma lamakhosi ayebambene laye, inkosi yaseSodoma yaphuma yazahlangana laye eSigodini saseShave (okutsho iSigodi seNkosi).

18 UMelikhizedekhi inkosi yaseSalema, waseletha isinkwa lewayini. Wayengumphristi kaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke, 19 wabusisa u-Abhrama esithi,

“Ubusisiwe u-Abhrama nguNkulunkulu oPhezukonke,

uMdali wezulu lomhlaba.

20 Njalo kadunyiswe uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke,

owanikela izitha zakho esandleni sakho.”

U-Abhrama wasemupha okwetshumi kwakho konke ayelakho.

21 Inkosi yaseSodoma yathi ku-Abhrama, “Ngipha abantu wena uzigcinele impahla.”

22 Kodwa u-Abhrama wathi enkosini yaseSodoma, “Sengiphakamisele isandla sami kuThixo, uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke, uMdali wezulu lomhlaba, ngenza isifungo 23 ukuthi kangisoze ngamukele lutho olungolwakho, loba kungaze kube ngumuca wohali loba umchilo wamanyathela, ukuze lanini ungaze wathi, ‘U-Abhrama wanothiswa yimi.’ 24 Angisoze ngamukele lutho ngaphandle kwalokho abantu bami asebekudlile lesabelo esingesalabobantu ababehamba lami, u-Aneri, lo-Eshikholi loMamure. Kabazuze isabelo sabo.”

15

Isivumelwano sikaThixo Lo-Abhrama

1 Ngemva kwalokho ilizwi likaThixo leza ku-Abhrama ngombono:

“Ungesabi, Abhrama.

Ngiyisihlangu sakho,

umvuzo wakho omkhulu kakhulu.”

2 Kodwa u-Abhrama wathi, “Oh Thixo Wobukhosi, ungangiphani njengoba ngilokhu ngingelamntwana, ilifa lami lizadliwa ngu-Eliyezari waseDamaseko na?” 3 U-Abhrama wathi njalo, “Awungiphanga bantwana; ngakho inceku endlini yami izakuba yindlalifa yami.”

4 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuye lathi: “Umuntu lo kayikuba yindlalifa yakho, kodwa indodana ephuma kowakho umzimba izakuba yindlalifa yakho.” 5 Wamkhuphela phandle wathi, “Khangela emkhathini ubale izinkanyezi, nxa usenelisa ukuzibala.” Wasesithi kuye, “Sizakuba njalo isizukulwane sakho.”

6 U-Abhrama wamkholwa uThixo, lokho kwabalwa kuye njengokulunga.

7 Waphinda wathi kuye, “NginguThixo owakususa e-Uri lamaKhaladiya ukuzakupha lelilizwe ukuthi libe ngelakho.”

8 Kodwa u-Abhrama wathi, “Oh Thixo Wobukhosi, ngingazi kanjani ukuthi lizakuba ngelami na?”

9  UThixo wathi kuye, “Ngilethela ithokazi, imbuzi, lenqama, konke kuleminyaka emithathu yokuzalwa, kanye lejuba lenkwilimba esesencinyane.”

10 U-Abhrama wakuletha konke lokhu kuye, yilokho wakudabula phakathi ngakunye wakuhlela izingxenye zakho zakhangelana; kodwa izinyoni kazidabulanga phakathi. 11 Izinyoni ezidla inyama zehlela ezidunjini, kodwa u-Abhrama wazixotsha.

12 Kwathi ilanga selitshona, u-Abhrama wathathwa yibuthongo obukhulu, wehlelwa yibumnyama obesabekayo. 13  UThixo wasesithi kuye, “Yazi ngempela ukuthi Izizukulwane zakho zizakuba ngabezizweni elizweni elingayisilo labo okweminyaka engamakhulu amane, njalo bazagqilazwa, bahlukuluzwe khonale. 14 Kodwa ngizasijezisa lesosizwe esibagqilazayo, kuthi emva kwesikhathi baphume belemfuyo enengi kakhulu. 15 Kodwa wena, uzakuya kubokhokho bakho ngokuthula, ungcwatshwe usukhulile kakhulu. 16 Isizukulwane sakho sesine sizabuya lapha, ngoba isono sama-Amori kasikafiki ekucineni.”

17 Kwathi ilanga selitshonile, ubumnyama sebufikile, kwavela imbawula yomlilo, ithunqa intuthu, ilelangabi elibhebhayo, yadabula phakathi kweziqa zenyama. 18 Ngalelolanga uThixo wenza isivumelwano lo-Abhrama wathi, “Ilizwe leli ngilipha izizukulwane zakho, kusukela emfuleni waseGibhithe kusiyafika emfuleni omkhulu, iYufrathe, 19 ilizwe lamaKheni, lamaKhenizi, lamaKhadimoni, 20 lamaHithi, lamaPherizi, lamaRefayi, 21 lama-Amori, lamaKhenani, lamaGigashi kanye lamaJebusi.”

16

UHagari Lo-Ishumayeli

1 USarayi umka-Abhrama wayengamzalelanga bantwana. Kodwa wayelencekukazi yomGibhithe eyayithiwa nguHagari; 2 ngakho uSarayi wathi ku-Abhrama, “UThixo ungincitshile abantwana. Hamba, wembathe lencekukazi yami; mhlawumbe lami ngingaba lendlu ngaye.”

U-Abhrama wavuma kulokho okwakutshiwo nguSarayi. 3 Ngakho kwathi u-Abhrama esehlale eKhenani okweminyaka elitshumi, uSarayi umkakhe wathatha incekukazi yakhe yomGibhithe uHagari wamupha indoda yakhe ukuba ngumkayo. 4 U-Abhrama wambatha loHagari, wazithwala.

Wathi esezibona esezithwele, waseqalisa ukweyisa inkosikazi yakhe. 5 USarayi wasesithi ku-Abhrama, “Ngumlandu wakho ukuze ngihlupheke kangaka. Incekukazi yami ngayethula ezandleni zakho, kodwa ithi ngoba isisazi ukuthi isizithwele isingeyisa. Sengathi uThixo angahlulela phakathi kwami lawe.”

6 U-Abhrama wathi, “Incekukazi yakho isezandleni zakho. Yenza lokho obona kufanele ngayo.” USarayi wasemphatha kubi uHagari; wacina embalekela.

7 Ingilosi kaThixo yamfumana uHagari eduze komthombo enkangala; kwakungumthombo oseceleni kwendlela eya eShuri. 8 Yathi, “Hagari, ncekukazi kaSarayi, uvela ngaphi njalo uya ngaphi?”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngibalekela inkosikazi yami, uSarayi.”

9 Ngakho ingilosi kaThixo yamtshela yathi, “Buyela enkosikazini yakho ufike uyilalele.” 10 Ingilosi kaThixo yengeza yathi, “Ngizakwandisa izizukulwane zakho zibe zinengi okungelakubalwa.”

11 Ingilosi kaThixo yaphinda yathi kuye:

“Khathesi usuzithwele

njalo uzabusiswa ngendodana.

Kumele uyethe uthi ngu-Ishumayeli,

ngoba uThixo usekuzwile ukukhala kwakho.

12 Uzakuba yindoda engubabhemi weganga;

isandla sakhe sizaxabana labantu bonke

lesandla somuntu wonke sixabane laye,

njalo uzaphila ngenzondano

labafowabo bonke.”

13  UThixo owakhuluma laye wamutha lelibizo elithi: “UnguNkulunkulu ongibonayo,” ngoba wathi, “Manje sengimbonile lowo ongibonayo.” 14 Yikho-nje umthombo lowo wabizwa ngokuthi yiBheri-Lahayi-Royi; ulokhu usekhona, phakathi kweKhadeshi leBheredi.

15 Ngakho uHagari wazalela u-Abhrama indodana, u-Abhrama wamutha ibizo lokuthi ngu-Ishumayeli. 16 U-Abhrama wayeleminyaka yokuzalwa engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lesithupha lapho uHagari emzalela u-Ishumayeli.

17

Isivumelwano Sokusoka

1 U-Abhrama eseleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye yobudala, uThixo wabonakala kuye wathi, “NginguNkulunkulu uSomandla; hamba ngokwethembeka phambi kwami, ungasoleki. 2 Ngizasiqinisa isivumelwano phakathi kwami lawe, ngandise njalo ubunengi benu.”

3 U-Abhrama wawa wathi mbo phansi ngobuso, uNkulunkulu wathi kuye, 4 “Mina ngokwami ngithi lesi yisivumelwano sami lawe: uzakuba nguyise wezizwe ezinengi. 5 Kawusayi kubizwa ngokuthi Abhrama; ibizo lakho selizakuba ngu-Abhrahama, ngoba sengikwenze uyise wezizwe ezinengi. 6 Ngizakwenza uzuze inzalo enengi; ngizakwenza izizwe ngawe, njalo amakhosi azaphuma kuwe. 7 Ngizaqinisa isivumelwano sami sibe yisivumelwano sanini lanini phakathi kwami lawe kanye lezizukulwane ezizayo ukuba nguNkulunkulu wakho, loNkulunkulu wezizukulwane zakho ngemva kwakho. 8 Ilizwe lonke laseKhenani, okwamanje ohlala njengowezizwe kulo, ngizakupha libe yilifa laphakade kuwe lezizukulwane zakho ngemva kwakho; njalo ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo.”

9 UNkulunkulu wasesithi ku-Abhrahama, “Wena kumele ugcine isivumelwano sami, wena lezizukulwane zakho ezizayo. 10 Lesi yisivumelwano sami lawe lezizukulwane ezizayo, isivumelwano okumele usigcine: Wonke umuntu wesilisa phakathi kwenu kuzamele asokwe. 11 Wena kumele usokwe, lokho kuzakuba yisiboniso sesivumelwano phakathi kwami lawe. 12 Kuzizukulwane ezizayo umuntu wonke wesilisa ophakathi kwenu oselezinsuku eziyisificaminwembili kumele asokwe, kusitsho lalabo abazalwa emzini wakho loba abathengwa ngemali emuntwini wezizwe, labo abangazalwa nguwe. 13 Loba abazalwa emzini wakho kumbe abathengwa ngemali, kumele basokwe. Isivumelwano sami enyameni yakho sizakuba yisivumelwano esingapheliyo. 14 Lowo owesilisa ongasokwanga, ongazange ake asokwe enyameni uzakhalalwa ngabantu bakibo; usephule isivumelwano sami.”

15 UNkulunkulu waphinda njalo wathi ku-Abhrahama, “Umkakho uSarayi, ungabe usambiza ngokuthi nguSarayi; ibizo lakhe selinguSara. 16 Ngizambusisa, njalo ngizakunika indodana ngaye. Ngizambusisa ukuze abe ngunina wezizwe; amakhosi ezizwe azavela kuye.”

17 U-Abhrahama wawa wathi mbo ngobuso phansi; wahleka wazitshela wathi, “Kambe indodana ingazalwa ngumuntu oseleminyaka elikhulu na? USara angamzala umntwana yena eseleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye na?” 18 Ngakho u-Abhrahama wasesithi kuNkulunkulu, “Nxa u-Ishumayeli engaphila ngaphansi kwesibusiso sakho kuphela!”

19 UNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Yebo, uSara uzakuzalela indodana, wena uyibize ngokuthi ngu-Isaka. Ngizaqinisa isivumelwano sami laye sibe yisivumelwano esingapheliyo lezizukulwane eziza ngemva kwakhe. 20 Mayelana lo-Ishumayeli, ngizwile okutshiloyo: ngeqiniso ngizambusisa; ngizamnika inzalo enkulu, ngandise ubunengi bayo. Uzakuba nguyise wababusi abalitshumi lambili, ngimenze abe yisizwe esikhulu. 21 Kodwa isivumelwano sami ngizasiqinisa lo-Isaka, ozamzalelwa nguSara ngalesisikhathi ngomnyaka ozayo.” 22 Eseqedile ukukhuluma lo-Abhrahama, uNkulunkulu wenyuka wamtshiya.

23 Ngalelolanga u-Abhrahama wathatha indodana yakhe u-Ishumayeli labo bonke abazalelwa emzini wakhe loba abathengwayo ngemali yakhe wabasoka, njengoba uNkulunkulu wayemtshelile. 24 U-Abhrahama wayeleminyaka yokuzalwa engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye mhla esokwa, 25 indodana yakhe u-Ishumayeli yayileminyaka yokuzalwa elitshumi lantathu; 26 u-Abhrahama lendodana yakhe u-Ishumayeli bobabili basokwa mhlalokho ngalanga linye. 27 Njalo bonke abesilisa ababesemzini ka-Abhrahama, kugoqela labo abazalelwa khonapho ekhaya labathengwa kwabezizwe, basokwa kanye laye.

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Izethekeli Ezintathu

1  UThixo wabonakala ku-Abhrahama eduzane lezihlahla ezinkulu zikaMamure, ehlezi emnyango wethente lakhe, ilanga litshisa kakhulu. 2 U-Abhrahama waphosa amehlo wabona amadoda amathathu emi eduze. Wonela ukuwabona wasuka ngokuphangisa emnyango wethente lakhe wawahlangabeza wafika wakhothama phansi.

3 Wathi, “Nxa ngifumene umusa kuwe, nkosi yami, ungedluli eceleni kwenceku yakho. 4 Akulethwe amanzi amalutshwana nje, ukuze lonke ligeze inyawo zenu, keliphumule ngaphansi kwesihlahla lesi. 5 Wothini ngilidingele ukudla ukuze lizuze amandla andubana liqhubeke ngohambo lwenu njengoba nje selizile encekwini yenu.”

Baphendula bathi, “Kulungile, yenza lokho okutshoyo.”

6 Ngakho u-Abhrahama waphanga waya ethenteni kuSara. Wathi, “Phangisa, thatha izilinganiso ezintathu zefulawa ecolekileyo, uvube inhlama wenze isinkwa.”

7 Waphanga waya emhlambini wakhetha iguqana elihle, elibuthakathaka walipha isisebenzi ukuba silihlinze. 8 Waseletha izankefu zamasi, lochago kanye leguqa elaselilungisiwe, konke wakubeka phambi kwabo. Bathi besidla yena wema eduzane labo ngaphansi kwesihlahla.

9 Bambuza bathi, “Ungaphi umkakho uSara na?”

Wathi, “Ulaphayana, ethenteni.”

10  UThixo wasesithi, “Ngizabuya ngempela kuwe ngalesisikhathi ngomnyaka ozayo, njalo umkakho uSara uzakuba lendodana.”

USara wayelokhu elalele esemnyango wethente elalingemuva kwakhe. 11 U-Abhrahama loSara basebevele sebebadala kakhulu, uSara esedlule isikhathi sokuba labantwana. 12 Ngakho uSara wahleka yedwa, wakhumbula wathi, “Kambe sengigugile kanje lenkosi yami isindala, ngingakhona ngizuza intokozo le?”

13  UThixo wasesithi ku-Abhrahama, “Kungani uSara ehlekile njalo wathi, ‘Kambe sibili ngizakuba lomntwana mina sengiluphele?’ 14 Kambe kulolutho olwehlula uThixo na? Ngizabuya kuwe ngesikhathi esimisiweyo ngomnyaka ozayo, njalo uSara uzakuba lendodana.”

15 USara wesaba, yikho waqamba amanga wathi, “Kangizange ngihleke mina.”

Kodwa wathi, “Ye, uhlekile.”

U-Abhrahama Uncengela ISodoma

16 Amadoda asuka ahamba aqonda eSodoma, u-Abhrahama wawaphelekezela ukuwakhupha. 17  UThixo wasesithi, “Ngimfihlele yini u-Abhrahama lokho esengizakwenza na? 18 Ngempela u-Abhrahama uzakuba yisizwe esikhulu esilamandla, njalo zonke izizwe zomhlaba zizabusiswa ngaye. 19 Ngoba sengimkhethile, ukuze aqondise abantwabakhe lomuzi wakhe, yena esedlule, ukugcina indlela kaThixo ngokwenza okulungileyo lokuqondileyo, ukuze uThixo amenzele u-Abhrahama lokho amthembise khona.”

20  UThixo wasesithi kuye, “Insolo ngeSodoma leGomora inkulu kakhulu njalo isono sakhona siyesabeka 21 okokuthi sengizakuya khona ngiyebona ingabe lokho abakwenzileyo kubi okulingana lensolo le esifikile kimi. Nxa kungenjalo, ngizakwazi.”

22 Amadoda akhangela phambili aqonda eSodoma, kodwa u-Abhrahama wasala emi phambi kukaThixo. 23 Ngakho u-Abhrahama waya kuye wathi: “Uzabhubhisa abalungileyo kanye lababi na? 24 Pho nxa kukhona abangamatshumi amahlanu kulelodolobho ke? Ngempela uzalikhucula na ungalixoleli ngenxa yabangamatshumi amahlanu abalungileyo abakulo na? 25 Akube khatshana lawe ukwenza into enjalo, ukubulala abalungileyo lababi. Kakube khatshana lawe lokho! Kambe uMahluleli womhlaba wonke kayikwenza okufaneleyo na?”

26  UThixo wathi, “Nxa ngifumana abangamatshumi amahlanu abalungileyo edolobheni laseSodoma, ngizalixolela lonke idolobho ngenxa yabo.”

27 U-Abhrahama waphinda wakhuluma njalo wathi: “Njengoba sengibe lesibindi esingaka sokukhuluma loThixo, loba ngingasulutho mina, ngiluthuli nje lomlotha, 28 pho nxa inani labalungileyo lingaphansi ngabahlanu ematshumini amahlanu? Uzalibhubhisa idolobho lonke ngenxa yabantu abahlanu na?”

Wathi, “Ngingafumana abangamatshumi amane lanhlanu kangiyikulibhubhisa.”

29 Waphinda njalo wakhuluma laye wathi, “Nxa kufunyanwa amatshumi amane kuphela-ke?”

Yena wathi, “Ngenxa yabangamatshumi amane kangizukukwenza.”

30 Ngakho wasesithi, “UThixo makangathukutheli, kodwa ake ngikhulume. Kungafunyanwa khona amatshumi amathathu ke?”

Waphendula wathi, “Kangizukukwenza ngingafumana khona amatshumi amathathu.”

31 U-Abhrahama wathi, “Kambe njengoba ngibe lesibindi esingaka ngaze ngakhuluma loThixo, pho nxa kufunyanwa abangamatshumi amabili khona kuphela-ke?”

Wathi, “Ngenxa yabangamatshumi amabili kangiyikulibhubhisa.”

32 Waphinda wathi, “UThixo angathukutheli, kodwa ake ngikhulume kanye kuphela njalo. Kambe nxa kungafunyanwa itshumi lodwa-ke?”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngenxa yabalitshumi kangiyikulibhubhisa.”

33 Kwathi uThixo eseqedile ukukhuluma lo-Abhrahama wasuka, lo-Abhrahama wabuyela ngekhaya.

19

Ukubhujiswa KweSodoma LeGomora

1 Izingilosi zombili zafika eSodoma kusihlwa, uLothi ehlezi esangweni ledolobho. Wathi ezibona wasukuma wazihlangabeza wathi mbo phansi ngobuso. 2 Wathi, “Makhosi ami, ake liphambukele endlini yenceku yenu. Lingageza inyawo zenu, lilale khona andubana liqhubeke ngendlela yenu ekuseni.”

Zaphendula zathi, “Hatshi, sizalala egcekeni phandle.”

3 Kodwa waphikelela kakhulukazi zaze zahamba laye zangena endlini yakhe. Wazilungisela ukudla, wazenzela isinkwa esingelamvubelo, zadla. 4 Zingakayilala, amadoda aqhamuka kuzozonke izindawo zedolobho laseSodoma, amajaha lamaxhegu, ayihanqa indlu. 5 Amemeza uLothi athi, “Angaphi amadoda afike emzini wakho lamuhla kusihlwa? Akhuphe eze lapha ngoba sifuna ukulala lawo siwenze abafazi.”

6 ULothi waphuma wayakhuluma lawo wavala umnyango ngemva kwakhe, 7 wathi, “Hatshi, bazalwane. Lingenzi linto embi kangaka. 8 Khangelani, ngilamadodakazi amabili angakaze alale lendoda. Wothini ngiwalethe lapha kini lenze elikuthandayo ngawo. Kodwa lingenzi lutho emadodeni ngoba angaphansi komthunzi wophahla lwami.”

9 Aphendula athi, “Suka endleleni yethu.” Babuye bathi, “Umuntu lo weza lapha njengowezizwe, kodwa khathesi usefuna ukuba ngumahluleli! Wena-ke sizakuthwalisa nzima kulawo.” Babelokhu beminyezela uLothi, bafuqela phambili bezama ukwephula isivalo.

10 Kodwa amadoda lawo ayephakathi avula adonsela uLothi endlini avala isivalo. 11 Asewatshaya ngobuphofu amadoda ayesemnyango wendlu leyo, amajaha lamaxhegu, asesehluleka ukubona umnyango.

12 Amadoda lawo amabili athi kuLothi, “Bakhona yini abanye olabo lapha abakhwenyana, amadodana kumbe amadodakazi, loba nje omunye edolobheni leli ongowakho? Bakhuphe lapha, 13 ngoba sizayibhubhisa indawo le. Insolo efika kuThixo ngalababantu inkulu kabi okokuthi useze wasithuma ukuthi silibhubhise.”

14 Ngakho uLothi waphuma wayakhuluma labakhwenyana bakhe, labo abasebethembise ukulobola amadodakazi akhe. Wathi, “Phangisani, phumani kulindawo, ngoba uThixo usezalibhubhisa idolobho leli!” Kodwa abakhwenyana bakhe bacabanga ukuthi wenza amahlaya.

15 Kwathi emathathakusa izingilosi zakhuthaza uLothi zathi, “Phangisa! Thatha umkakho lamadodakazi akho womabili akhona lapha, ngoba lizaqabuka likhukhulwa nxa idolobho selijeziswa.”

16 Wathi esatomatoma, amadoda ambamba ngesandla kanye lesandla somkakhe lezamadodakazi akhe womabili abaholela ngaphandle kwedolobho bephephile, ngoba uThixo wayelomusa kubo. 17 Bonela ukuthi bakhutshwe, omunye wazo wathi, “Balekani liqinise! Lingakhangeli emuva, njalo lingemi ndawo emagcekeni! Balekelani ezintabeni funa likhukhulwe!”

18 Kodwa uLothi wathi kuzo, “Hatshi, makhosi ami, bakithi! 19 Inceku yenu isizuze umusa emehlweni enu, njalo selitshengise umusa omkhulu kimi ngokuphephisa impilo yami. Kodwa ngingeke ngibalekele ezintabeni; ububi lobu buzangifica ngihle ngife. 20 Khangelani, nanku umuzi oseduze engingabalekela kuwo, njalo mncinyane, wothini ngibalekele kuwo, mncinyane, kawunjalo? Lapho ngizasinda.”

21 Yathi kuye, “Kulungile, ngiyasamukela njalo lalesisicelo; kangizukuwubhidliza umuzi okhuluma ngawo. 22 Kodwa balekela khona masinyane, ngoba kangiyikwenza lutho uze ufike khona.” (Yikho umuzi lowo wabizwa ngokuthi yiZowari.)

23 Ngesikhathi uLothi efika eZowari ilanga laseliphumile elizweni. 24  UThixo wasenisa umlilo wesolufa etshisayo phezu kweSodoma leGomora, uvela kuThixo usehla emazulwini. 25 Kanjalo wawabhidliza amadolobho lamagceke wonke, labo bonke ababehlala kuwo amadolobho kanye lokumila emhlabathini. 26 Kodwa umkaLothi wakhangela emuva, waphenduka isiduli setswayi.

27 Ekuseni kakhulu ngosuku olulandelayo u-Abhrahama wasuka wabuyela endaweni lapho ayeme phambi kukaThixo khona. 28 Wakhangela malungana leSodoma leGomora, malungana lalo lonke ilizwe lamagceke, wabona izikhatha zentuthu ziqonga zisuka phansi, njengomlilo usuka esithandweni somlilo.

29 Ngakho kwathi uNkulunkulu ebhubhisa amadolobho asemagcekeni wakhumbula u-Abhrahama, wamkhupha uLothi enkemenkemeni eyatshabalalisa amadolobho lapho uLothi ayekade ehlala khona.

ULothi Lamadodakazi Akhe

30 ULothi lamadodakazi akhe womabili basuka eZowari bayahlala ezintabeni, ngoba wayesesaba ukuhlala eZowari. Yena lamadodakazi akhe womabili babehlala ebhalwini. 31 Ngolunye usuku indodakazi endala yathi kwencinyane, “Ubaba useluphele, njalo kakulandoda lapha engalala lathi, njengoba kungumkhuba emhlabeni wonke. 32 Kasidakise ubaba ngewayini besesilala laye ukuze silombe usendo lwakwethu ngobaba.”

33 Ngalobobusuku uyise bamnathisa iwayini, indodakazi endala yangena yembatha laye. Yena kayibonanga izolala loba isivuka.

34 Ngosuku olulandelayo indodakazi endala yathi kwencinyane, “Izolo ebusuku ngembathe lobaba. Kasimdakise futhi ngewayini ngobusuku balamuhla lawe uhambe uyokwembatha laye ukuze silondoloze usendo lwakithi ngobaba.” 35 Bamdakisa-ke uyise ngewayini ngalobobusuku njalo, indodakazi encinyane yahamba yayakwembatha laye. Njalo kazange ananzelele ukuthi walala nini lokuthi wavuka nini.

36 Ngakho womabili amadodakazi kaLothi athatha izisu kuyise. 37 Indodakazi endala yazala indodana yamutha ibizo yathi nguMowabi: nguye uyise wamaMowabi alamuhla nje. 38 Indodakazi encinyane layo yazala indodana, yayitha yathi nguBheni-Ami; nguye uyise wama-Amoni alamuhla nje.

20

U-Abhrahama Lo-Abhimelekhi

1 U-Abhrahama wathutha kuleyondawo waya emangweni waseNegebi wayahlala phakathi kweKhadeshi leShuri. Okwesikhatshana wake wahlala eGerari, 2 lapho u-Abhrahama athi khona ngomkakhe uSara, “Ngudadewethu.” Ngakho u-Abhimelekhi inkosi yaseGerari yathi uSara kalethwe, yazithathela.

3 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wafika ku-Abhimelekhi ephutsheni ebusuku wathi kuye, “Usufile wena ngenxa yomfazi omthetheyo; ngumfazi womnikazi.”

4 Kodwa u-Abhimelekhi wayelokhu engakamthinti, ngakho wathi, “Thixo, uzasibhubhisa isizwe esimsulwa na? 5 Katshongo kimi yini wathi, ‘Ngudadewethu,’ laye katshongo na wathi, ‘Ungumnewethu?’ Lokhu ngikwenze ngenhliziyo emsulwa langezandla ezimhlophe.”

6 Ngalokho uNkulunkulu wasesithi kuye ephutsheni, “Yebo, ngiyakwazi ukuthi lokhu ukwenze ngenhliziyo emsulwa, yikho ngikuthintile ukuthi ungenzi isono kimi. Yikho ngingakuyekelanga wamthinta. 7 Manje mbuyisele umfazi womuntu, ngoba umuntu lowo ungumphrofethi, uzakukhulekela ukuthi uphile. Kodwa nxa ungambuyiseli, yazi ukuthi wena lakho konke okungokwakho kuzakufa.”

8 Kusisa ngelanga elilandelayo ekuseni kakhulu, u-Abhimelekhi wabiza zonke izikhulu zakhe, kwathi esezitshelile konke okwenzakeleyo, zesaba kakhulu. 9 U-Abhimelekhi wasebiza u-Abhrahama wathi, “Ukwenzeleni lokhu kithi na? Ngikone ngani uze ulethe ukona okunje phezu kwami lombuso wami na? Wenze kimi izinto okungafanelanga zenziwe.” 10 U-Abhimelekhi wabuza u-Abhrahama wathi, “Besiyini isizatho sakho sokwenza lokhu na?”

11 U-Abhrahama waphendula wathi, “Ngazitshela ngathi, ‘Ngempela kakukho ukumesaba uNkulunkulu kule indawo njalo bazangibulala ngenxa yomkami.’ 12 Ngaphandle kwalokho, uvele ungudadewethu, indodakazi kababa kodwa engasuye kamama; waba ngumkami. 13 Kwathi uNkulunkulu esengisusile emzini kababa ngathi kuSara, ‘Nansi indlela ongatshengisa ngayo uthando lwakho kimi: Noma ngaphi lapho esiya khona, ubokuthi ngami, “Ungumnewethu.” ’ ”

14 U-Abhimelekhi waseletha izimvu lenkomo, lezisebenzi zesilisa lezesifazane wazipha u-Abhrahama, wabuyisela uSara umkakhe kuye. 15 Njalo u-Abhimelekhi wathi, “Nanti ilizwe lami uyalibona; ungahlala lapho othanda khona.”

16 Wathi kuSara, “Umnewenu ngimupha amashekeli esiliva ayinkulungwane. Le iyinhlawulo yehlazo elenziwe kuwe phambi kwabantu bonke bakini; usugeziwe.”

17 U-Abhrahama wasekhuleka kuNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wamsilisa u-Abhimelekhi, lomkakhe lezigqili zakhe zesifazane ukuthi babelabantwana njalo, 18 ngoba uThixo wayevale bonke abesifazane bendlu ka-Abhimelekhi inzalo ngenxa yomka-Abhrahama, uSara.

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Ukuzalwa Kuka-Isaka

1 Ngakho uThixo waba lomusa kuSara njengoba wayetshilo, uThixo wamenzela uSara lokho ayekuthembisile. 2 USara wazithwala wazalela u-Abhrahama ebudaleni bakhe indodana ngesikhathi sonaleso uNkulunkulu ayemthembise sona. 3 U-Abhrahama wayitha ibizo elithi Isaka leyondodana ayizalelwa nguSara. 4 Kwathi indodana yakhe u-Isaka isilensuku eziyisificaminwembili izelwe, u-Abhrahama wayisoka, njengoba walaywa nguNkulunkulu. 5 U-Abhrahama wayeseleminyaka elikhulu ekuzalweni kwendodana yakhe u-Isaka.

6 USara wathi, “UNkulunkulu usengilethele intokozo, njalo bonke abazakuzwa lokhu bazathokoza lami.” 7 Wabuye wengeza wathi, “Kambe ngubani obengatsho ku-Abhrahama ukuthi uSara angondla abantwana? Kodwa sengimzalele indodana ebudaleni bakhe.”

Ukuxotshwa KukaHagari Lo-Ishumayeli

8 Wakhula umntwana, walunyulwa, kwathi mhla u-Isaka elunyulwa u-Abhrahama wenza idili elikhulu. 9 Kodwa uSara wabona ukuthi indodana kaHagari umGibhithe, ayeyizalele u-Abhrahama yayikloloda, 10 wasesithi ku-Abhrahama, “Mxotshe umfazi lo oyisigqili kanye lendodana yakhe, ngoba indodana yesigqilikazi lesi kayisoze yabelana ilifa lendodana yami u-Isaka.”

11 Indaba le yamhlupha kakhulu u-Abhrahama ngoba yayithintana lendodana yakhe. 12 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kuye, “Ungakhathazeki kakhulu ngomfana kanye lesigqilikazi sakho. Lalela konke uSara akutshela khona ngoba isizukulwane sakho sizabalwa ngo-Isaka. 13 Indodana le eyesigqilikazi layo ngizayenza ibe yisizwe ngoba iyinzalo yakho.”

14 Ngosuku olulandelayo ekuseni kakhulu u-Abhrahama wathatha ukudla lesigxingi samanzi wakunika uHagari. Wakwetshata emahlombe kaHagari, wasebakhupha lomfana. Owesifazane wasuka wayantula enkangala yaseBherishebha.

15 Esephelile amanzi esigxingini, wabeka umntwana ngaphansi kwesixuku. 16 Yena wasuka wayahlala bucwadlana, okungaba libanga lokuphosa umtshoko, ngoba wacabanga wathi, “Ngeke ngibukele umfana esifa.” Kwathi ehlezi khonapho bucwala wakhala ebubula.

17 UNkulunkulu wamuzwa umfanyana ekhala, ingilosi kaNkulunkulu yasibiza uHagari isezulwini yathi kuye, “Kwenzenjani, Hagari? Ungesabi; uNkulunkulu usekuzwile ukukhala komfana elele khonaphayana. 18 Mphakamise umfana umbambe ngesandla, ngoba ngizamenza abe yisizwe esikhulu.”

19 UNkulunkulu wasemvula amehlo, wabona umthombo wamanzi. Ngakho wasesiyagcwalisa umgodla ngamanzi wapha umfana wanatha.

20 UNkulunkulu wayelaye umfana ekhula. Wahlala enkangala waba ngumcibi womtshoko. 21 Wathi ehlala eNkangala yasePharani, unina wamdingela umfazi eGibhithe.

Isivumelwano SaseBherishebha

22 Ngalesosikhathi u-Abhimelekhi loFikholi, umlawuli wamabutho akhe bathi ku-Abhrahama, “UNkulunkulu ulawe kukho konke okwenzayo. 23 Khathesi-ke funga kimi khonapha phambi kukaNkulunkulu ukuthi kawusoze wenze izinto zobuqili kimi, loba ebantwaneni bami loba kuzizukulwane zami. Tshengisa kimi lakulo ilizwe ohlezi kulo njengesizwe wona lowomusa engikwenzele wona.”

24 U-Abhrahama wathi, “Ngiyafunga.”

25 U-Abhrahama wasesola ku-Abhimelekhi ngomthombo izinceku zika-Abhimelekhi ezaziwuthumbile. 26 Kodwa u-Abhimelekhi wathi, “Angikwazi ukuthi ngubani okwenzileyo lokho. Kawuzange ungitshele, sekuyikhona ngikuzwa nje lamhla.”

27 Ngakho u-Abhrahama waletha izimvu lenkomo wazipha u-Abhimelekhi, amadoda womabili enza isivumelwano. 28 U-Abhrahama wehlukanisa amazinyane amasikazi ayisikhombisa emhlambini, 29 u-Abhimelekhi wambuza u-Abhrahama wathi, “Atshoni amazinyane la amasikazi ayisikhombisa owehlukanise emhlambini wawabeka wodwa na?”

30 Waphendula wathi, “Yamukela ezandleni zami amazinyane la ayisikhombisa njengobufakazi bokuthi yimi engemba umthombo lo.”

31 Ngakho indawo leyo yathiwa yiBherishebha ngoba amadoda la womabili enza isifungo khonapho.

32 Ngemva kokuba isivumelwano sesibotshiwe eBherishebha, u-Abhimelekhi loFikholi umlawuli wamabutho akhe babuyela elizweni lamaFilistiya. 33 U-Abhrahama wahlanyela isihlahla sethamarisiki eBherishebha, khonapho walibiza ibizo likaThixo, uNkulunkulu Waphakade. 34 U-Abhrahama wahlala elizweni lamaFilistiya okwesikhathi eside.

22

Ukulingwa Kuka-Abhrahama

1 Emva kwesikhathi esithile uNkulunkulu walinga u-Abhrahama. Wathi kuye, “Abhrahama!”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngilapha.”

2 UNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Thatha indodana yakho, indodana yakho eyiyo yodwa, u-Isaka, omthandayo, uye emangweni waseMoriya. Khonapho menze umhlatshelo abe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa phezu kwenye yezintaba engizakutshengisa yona.”

3 Kusisa ekuseni kakhulu u-Abhrahama wavuka wabopha ubabhemi wakhe. Wahamba lezinceku zakhe ezimbili kanye lendodana yakhe u-Isaka. Kwathi esegamule inkuni ezaneleyo zomnikelo wokutshiswa, waqhubeka waya kuleyondawo uNkulunkulu ayemtshele yona. 4 Ngelanga lesithathu u-Abhrahama wakhangela, wayibona leyondawo kude le. 5 Wathi ezincekwini zakhe, “Hlalani lapha lobabhemi, mina lomfana sisake siye laphayana. Sizakuthi singakhonza sibuye kini.”

6 U-Abhrahama wathatha inkuni zomnikelo wokutshiswa wazithwalisa umntanakhe u-Isaka, yena ngokwakhe waphatha umlilo lengqamu. Kwathi belokhu beqhubeka bobabili, 7 u-Isaka wakhuluma wambuza uyise u-Abhrahama wathi, “Baba?”

U-Abhrahama wasabela wathi, “Yebo, ndodana yami!”

U-Isaka wathi, “Umlilo lenkuni nanku kukhona, kodwa iwundlu lomnikelo wokutshiswa lingaphi?”

8 U-Abhrahama waphendula wathi, “Ndodana yami, uNkulunkulu ngokwakhe uzasipha iwundlu lomnikelo wokutshiswa.” Baqhubeka bobabili bahamba.

9 Sebefikile endaweni uNkulunkulu amtshela yona, u-Abhrahama wakha i-Alithari khonapho walungisa inkuni phezu kwalo. Wabopha indodana yakhe u-Isaka wayilalisa e-alithareni phezu kwenkuni. 10 Waseselula isandla sakhe ethatha ingqamu ukuba abulale indodana yakhe. 11 Kodwa ingilosi kaThixo yamemeza isezulwini yathi, “Abhrahama! Abhrahama!”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngilapha.”

12 Yathi, “Ungamthinti ngesandla sakho umfana. Ungenzi lutho kuye. Khathesi sengisazi ukuthi uyamesaba uNkulunkulu, ngoba kawuyigodlanga indodana yakho eyiyo yodwa.”

13 U-Abhrahama wathi uyakhangela wabona inqama esixukwini ibanjwe ngempondo zayo. Waya khona wayithatha inqama wenza umhlatshelo womnikelo wokutshiswa esikhundleni sendodana yakhe. 14 Yikho u-Abhrahama wabiza indawo leyo ngokuthi uThixo Uzakupha. Kuze kube lamuhla kuthiwa, “Entabeni kaThixo kuzaphiwa.”

15 Ingilosi kaThixo yabiza u-Abhrahama isezulwini ngokwesibili 16 yathi, “Ngifunga ngami uqobo, kutsho uThixo, ukuthi ngenxa yokuthi ukwenzile lokhu, kawaze wayigodla indodana yakho eyiyo yodwa, 17 ngempela ngizakubusisa ngenze izizukulwane zakho zibe zinengi njengezinkanyezi emkhathini lanjengetshebetshebe okhunjini lolwandle. Izizukulwane zakho zizawathatha amadolobho ezitha zazo, 18 kuthi ngenzalo yakho zonke izizwe zomhlaba zizabusiswa, ngoba ungilalele.”

19 Emva kwalokho u-Abhrahama wabuyela ezincekwini zakhe, basebehamba bonke eBherishebha. U-Abhrahama wahlala eBherishebha.

Amadodana KaNahori

20 Emva kwesikhathi esithile u-Abhrahama watshelwa ukuthi, “UMilikha laye uselabantwana; sewazalela umfowenu uNahori amadodana:

21 u-Uzi izibulo, uBhuzi umfowabo,

uKhemuweli (uyise ka-Aramu),

22 uKhesedi, uHazo, uPhilidashi, uJidilafu loBhethuweli.”

23 UBhethuweli wazala uRabheka.

UMilikha wazala amadodana la ayisificaminwembili loNahori umfowabo ka-Abhrahama.

24 Umfazi wakhe omncane owayethiwa nguRewuma laye wayelamadodana la:

uThebha, uGahamu, uThahashi kanye loMahakha.

23

Ukufa KukaSara

1 USara waphila waze waba leminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa obudala. 2 Wafela eKhiriyathi Aribha (kutsho eHebhroni) elizweni laseKhenani, u-Abhrahama wahamba ukuyamzilela lokumlilela khona.

3 U-Abhrahama wasukuma eseceleni komkakhe ofileyo wakhuluma lamaHithi. Wathi, 4 “Ngingowezizweni lesihambi phakathi kwenu. Ngithengiselani isiqinti sokuba yindawo yokungcwabela khona abakithi abafileyo.”

5 AmaHithi amphendula u-Abhrahama athi, 6 “Silalele, nkosi yami. Uyinkosana elamandla phakathi kwethu. Ngcwaba abafileyo bakini loba kukuwaphi amangcwaba ethu athandeka kakhulu. Kakho owakithi ozakwalela ingcwaba lakhe ukuthi ungcwabe kulo ofileyo wakini.”

7 Ngakho u-Abhrahama wasukuma wakhothamela phansi phambi kwamaHithi, abanikazi balelolizwe. 8 Wathi kubo, “Nxa lithanda ukuthi ngimbele abafileyo bami, lalelani kimi, lingincengele ku-Efroni indodana kaZohari 9 ukuthi angithengisele ubhalu Lwakhe lwaseMakhaphela olusekucineni kwesiqinti. Mceleni ukuthi angithengisele sona ngentengo egcweleyo sibe yindawo yamangcwaba phakathi kwenu.”

10 U-Efroni umHithi owayehlezi khonapho phakathi kwabantu bakibo wamphendula u-Abhrahama wonke amaHithi ayefikile esangweni ledolobho lakhe ezizwela. 11 Wathi, “Hatshi, nkosi yami. Lalela kimi; ngiyakupha isiqinti, njalo ngiyakupha lobhalu oluphakathi kwaso. Ngikupha sona phambi kwabantu bakithi. Mbela abafileyo bakho.”

12 U-Abhrahama waphinda wakhothamela phansi phambi kwabantu balelolizwe 13 wathi ku-Efroni bona besizwa, “Ake ulalelisise engikutshoyo. Mina ngizayikhupha intengo yesiqinti. Ngicela uyamukele kimi ukuze ngimbele khona abafileyo bami.”

14 U-Efroni waphendula u-Abhrahama wathi, 15 “Lalela kimi, nkosi yami; isiqinti lesi sibiza amashekeli esiliva angamakhulu amane, kodwa kungena njani lokho phakathi kwami lawe? Wena mbela abafileyo bakho.”

16 U-Abhrahama wayivuma intengo ka-Efroni wasemlinganisela ubunzima bentengo ayeyibizile amaHithi esizwa: amashekeli esiliva angamakhulu amane, mayelana lesisindo esasisetshenziswa ngabathengisi.

17 Ngakho isiqinti sika-Efroni eMakhaphela, eduze leMamure, isiqinti kanye lobhalu olwaluphakathi kwaso, lazozonke izihlahla ezaziphakathi kwaso, kwabhaliswa 18 ngo-Abhrahama ukuthi sekuyimpahla yakhe, kusenziwa phambi kwamaHithi wonke ayefikile esangweni ledolobho. 19 Ngemva kwalokho u-Abhrahama wangcwaba umkakhe uSara ebhalwini olwalusesiqintini saseMakhaphela eduze leMamure (eseHebhroni) elizweni laseKhenani. 20 Kanjalo isiqinti lobhalu olwaluphakathi kwaso kwabhaliswa ngo-Abhrahama ngama-Hithi ukuba yindawo yamangcwaba.

24

U-Isaka LoRabheka

1 U-Abhrahama wayeseluphele kakhulu, njalo uThixo wayembusisile kukho konke. 2 Wasesithi encekwini yakhe enkulu, leyo eyayilawula konke ayelakho, “Beka isandla sakho ngaphansi kwethangazi lami. 3 Ngifuna ukuthi ufunge ngoThixo, uNkulunkulu wasezulwini loNkulunkulu wasemhlabeni, ukuthi kawuyikuzuzela indodana yami umfazi emadodakazini amaKhenani engihlala phakathi kwawo, 4 kodwa uzakuya elizweni lakithi lasezihlotsheni zami uzuzele indodana yami u-Isaka umfazi.”

5 Inceku yambuza yathi, “Pho nxa lowo wesifazane engavumi ukuza lami kulelilizwe-ke? Ngizathatha indodana yakho ngiyise kulelolizwe lapho owavela khona na?”

6 U-Abhrahama wathi, “Ungaqali ukuhambisa indodana yami khonale. 7  UThixo, uNkulunkulu wasezulwini, owangikhupha emzini kababa laselizweni lakithi njalo owakhuluma kimi, wangithembisa ngesifungo wathi, ‘Ilizwe leli ngizalinika inzalo yakho,’ uzathuma ingilosi yakhe ihambe phambi kwakho ukuze ukwazi ukutholela indodana yami umfazi khonale. 8 Nxa owesifazane lowo esala ukuza lapha lawe, uzabe usukhululwe kulesi isifungo sami. Kodwa ungaqali ukusa indodana yami khonale.” 9 Ngakho inceku yasifaka isandla sayo ngaphansi kwethangazi lenkosi yayo u-Abhrahama yafunga isifungo kuye ngodaba lolu.

10 Inceku yasithatha amakamela enkosi yayo alitshumi yasuka, yathatha yonke imihlobo yezinto ezinhle zenkosi yayo. Yaqonda e-Aramu Naharayimu, yahamba yaze yayafika emzini waseNahori. 11 Amakamela yawaguqisa phansi eduzane lomthombo ngaphandle komuzi; kwasekuntambama, sekuyisikhathi sabesifazane ukuyakukha amanzi.

12 Yasikhuleka yathi, “Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wenkosi yami u-Abhrahama, yenza ngiphumelele lamuhla, utshengise umusa enkosini yami u-Abhrahama. 13 Khangela-ke, nanku ngimi lapha eceleni komthombo lo, njalo amadodakazi abantu balelidolobho asesiza ukuzakukha amanzi. 14 Kungasake kuthi ngingathi entombini, ‘Ake ungikhele amanzi ngenkezo yakho nginathe,’ yona ithi, ‘Natha, njalo ngizanathisa lamakamela akho,’ kube yiyo kanye oyikhethele inceku yakho u-Isaka. Ngalokho ngizakwazi ukuthi usutshengise umusa enkosini yami.”

15 Ingakaqedi ukukhuleka, uRabheka waphuma ethwele imbiza yakhe yamanzi ehlombe lakhe. Wayeyindodakazi kaBhethuweli indodana kaMilikha, owayengumfazi womfowabo ka-Abhrahama uNahori. 16 Intombi le yayinhle kakhulu, igcwele; ingakaze ilale lendoda. Yehlela emthonjeni, yagcwalisa imbiza yayo yasiqansa.

17 Inceku yaphanga yamhlangabeza yathi, “Ngicela amanzi embizeni yakho.”

18 Wathi, “Natha nkosi yami,” watsho esehlisa imbiza eyibamba ngezandla emnathisa.

19 Esemnathisile wathi, “Ngizakhelela lamakamela akho lawo ngiwanathise.” 20 Wasethululela imbiza yakhe emkolweni, wagijimela emthonjeni njalo ukukha amanye, wawakhelela wonke amakamela akhe. 21 Indoda yabukela ithule ilokhu inanzelela idinga ukubona ukuthi ngeqiniso uThixo wayeluphumelelisile yini uhambo lwayo.

22 Amakamela eseqedile ukunatha, indoda leyo yakhupha isongo lamakhala elenziwe ngegolide elilobunzima obungaba yingxenye yeshekeli, lezigqizo zegolide ezimbili ezilobunzima bamashekeli alitshumi. 23 Yasibuza yathi, “Uyindodakazi kabani na? Ake ungitshele, kambe singazuza indawo yini emzini kayihlo kesicatshise amakhanda ubusuku balamuhla nje?”

24 URabheka wamphendula wathi, “Ngiyindodakazi kaBhethuweli, indodana kaMilikha ayizalela uNahori.” 25 Waphinda wengeza wathi, “Silotshani obunengi lamahlanga, kanye lendawo yokulala ikhona okwalamuhla ebusuku.”

26 Indoda yakhothamela phansi yakhonza uThixo, 27 isithi, “Udumo kalube kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wenkosi yami u-Abhrahama, ongadelanga umusa wakhe lokuthembeka kwakhe enkosini yami. Mina ngokwami uThixo ungikhokhele ohanjweni lwami ngazafika endlini yezinini zenkosi yami.”

28 Intombi yagijima yayabikela abendlu kanina ngalezizinto. 29 URabheka wayelomnewabo owayethiwa nguLabhani, yena waphanga waya kuleyondoda eyayisemthonjeni. 30 Wonela ukubona isongo lamakhala kanye lezigqizo engalweni kadadewabo, njalo esezwile uRabheka elandisa ngokwakhulunywa yindoda leyo kuye, wasuka waya kuyo wayifica imi eceleni kwamakamela eduze komthombo. 31 Wathi, “Woza, wena obusisiweyo nguThixo. Umeleni phandle lapha? Sengilungisile indlu lendawo yamakamela.”

32 Ngakho indoda yaya ngekhaya, lamakamela ethulwa imithwalo. Utshani lamahlanga kwalethwa emakameleni, yena lamadoda ayelawo balethelwa amanzi okugeza inyawo zabo. 33 Kwasekulethwa ukudla kwabekwa phambi kwakhe, kodwa wathi, “Kangizukudla ngize ngiqale ngilitshele lokho okumele ngikutsho.”

ULabhani wathi, “Sitshele phela.”

34 Ngakho wasesithi, “Ngiyinceku ka-Abhrahama. 35  UThixo uyibusisile inkosi yami kakhulu, isinothile kakhulu. Uyiphile izimvu lenkomo, isiliva legolide, lezinceku zesilisa lezesifazane kanye lamakamela labobabhemi. 36 Inkosikazi yenkosi yami, uSara, imzalele indodana ebudaleni bayo, inkosi yami yasiyinika leyondodana konke elakho. 37 Njalo inkosi yami yangifungisa isifungo yathi, ‘Ungazuzeli indodana yami umfazi emadodakazini amaKhenani, engihlala elizweni lawo, 38 kodwa yana ezininini zikababa, kwabosendo lwakithi, uzuzele indodana yami umfazi.’

39 Ngasengiyibuza inkosi yami ngathi, ‘Pho nxa owesifazane lowo esala ukuza lapha-ke?’

40 Yaphendula yathi, ‘UThixo, engihamba phambi kwakhe, uzathumela ingilosi yakhe ihambe lawe, iphumelelise uhambo lwakho ukuze uzuzele indodana yami umfazi kwabosendo lwakithi, lasezininini zikababa. 41 Ngakho uzakuthi ungaya kwabosendo lwakithi, uzakhululwa esifungweni sami loba bangaze bale laye.’

42 Ngithe ukufika kwami emthonjeni lamuhla ngathi, ‘Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wenkosi yami u-Abhrahama, nxa uthanda, ngicela uphumelelise uhambo lolu engingalo lapha. 43 Akubone, ngimi eceleni kwalo umthombo; nxa kufika intombi izokukha amanzi, ngithi kuyo, “Akunginathise amanzi amalutshwana enkonxeni yakho,” 44 ingaze ithi kimi, “Natha, njalo ngizanathisa lamakamela akho lawo,” kabe nguye uThixo asemkhethele indodana yenkosi yami.’

45 Ngingakaqedi ukukhuleka enhliziyweni yami, uRabheka waphuma, ethwele imbiza yakhe ehlombe. Wehlela emthonjeni wakha amanzi, ngathi kuye, ‘Akunginathise.’

46 Waphanga wethula imbiza yakhe ehlombe lakhe wathi, ‘Natha, ngizanathisa lamakamela akho njalo.’ Ngakho nganatha, waphinda wanathisa lamakamela njalo.

47 Ngambuza ngathi, ‘Uyindodakazi kabani wena?’

Wathi, ‘Indodakazi kaBhethuweli indodana kaNahori, amzala kuMilikha.’

Ngasengimgqizisa isongo emakhaleni lezigqizo ezingalweni zakhe, 48 ngasengikhothamela phansi, ngamkhonza uThixo. Ngadumisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu wenkosi yami u-Abhrahama, ongikhokhele endleleni eqondileyo ngazathola intombi engumzukulu womfowabo wenkosi yami ngayizuzela indodana yayo inkosi yami. 49 Manje-ke nxa lizatshengisa umusa lokwethembeka enkosini yami, ngitshelani; loba kungenjalo, ngitshelani ukuze ngazi ukuthi ngithini.”

50 ULabhani loBhethuweli baphendula bathi, “Lokhu kuvela kuThixo; kakukho esingakutsho kuwe, loba yini. 51 Nangu uRabheka; mthathe uhambe laye ayekuba ngumfazi wendodana yenkosi yakho, njengalokhu okuqondiswe nguThixo.”

52 Kwathi inceku ka-Abhrahama ikuzwa lokhu abakutshoyo yakhothama phansi emhlabathini phambi kukaThixo. 53 Ngakho inceku yasikhupha igolide lesiliva kanye lempahla zokugqoka yakupha uRabheka; yapha njalo umnewabo lonina izipho ezidulayo. 54 Yena lamadoda ayehamba lawo basebesidla njalo banatha, balala khona.

Bathi bevuka ekuseni wathi, “Sivumeleni sibuyele enkosini yami.”

55 Kodwa umnewabo lonina baphendula bathi, “Ake ume kesihlale lentombazana okwensukwana ezingaba litshumi; lapho selingahamba-ke.”

56 Kodwa wathi kubo, “Lingangibambeleli, njengoba uThixo eseluphumelelisile uhambo lwami. Wothini ngihambe ukuze ngiyefika enkosini yami.”

57 Basebesithi, “Wothi sibize intombazana kesiyibuze ngakho.” 58 Ngakho bambiza uRabheka bambuza bathi, “Uyafuna ukuhamba layo indoda le na?”

Wathi, “Ngizahamba layo.”

59 Ngakho basebemkhulula udadewabo uRabheka ukuba ahambe kanye lomlizane wakhe, bahamba lenceku ka-Abhrahama lamadoda ayelayo. 60 Njalo bambusisa uRabheka bathi kuye,

“Dadewethu, sengathi ungandisa

izinkulungwane zezinkulungwane;

sengathi inzalo yakho ingathumba

amadolobho ezitha zayo.”

61 URabheka lamantombazana akhe bazilungiselela, basebekhwela amakamela abo bahamba lendoda leyo. Ngakho inceku yamthatha uRabheka yahamba.

62 Ngalesosikhathi u-Isaka wayesefikile evela eBheri-Lahayi-Royi, ngoba wayehlala eNegebi. 63 Ngenye intambama waya ensimini ehambahamba ukuthi ake ahluze ingqondo, wasesithi uyakhangela wabona amakamela esiza. 64 URabheka laye wakhangela wambona u-Isaka. Wehla ekameleni lakhe 65 wabuza inceku wathi, “Indoda leyana esensimini ngubani, leyana esihlangabezayo?”

Inceku yaphendula yathi, “Uyinkosi yami.” Yikho uRabheka wasethatha ilembu elilula wazemboza ngalo.

66 Inceku yasimtshela u-Isaka konke lokho eyayikwenzile. 67 U-Isaka wamngenisa ethenteni likanina uSara, wahle wamthatha uRabheka. Ngakho wasesiba ngumkakhe, wamthanda; u-Isaka waduduzeka ngemva kokufa kukanina.

25

Ukufa Kuka-Abhrahama

1 U-Abhrahama wathatha omunye umfazi okwakuthiwa nguKhethura. 2 Wamzalela uZimirani, uJokishani, uMedani, uMidiyani, u-Ishibhaki loShuwa. 3 UJokishani wazala uShebha loDedani; isizukulwane sikaDedani saba ngama-Ashuri, amaLethushi lamaLehumi. 4 Amadodana kaMidiyani kwakungu-Efa, u-Eferi, uHanokhi, u-Abhida lo-Elida. Bonke laba babeyizizukulwane zikaKhethura.

5 Konke u-Abhrahama ayelakho wakutshiyela u-Isaka. 6 Kodwa esaphila wanika amadodana akhe awazala labafazi bakhe beceleni izipho, wabasusa eduze kwendodana yakhe u-Isaka baya elizweni lasempumalanga.

7 U-Abhrahama waphila okweminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu. 8 Lapho u-Abhrahama waphefumula okokucina njalo wafa eseluphele, eselixhegu elileminyaka eminengi; wembelwa labakibo. 9 Amadodana akhe u-Isaka lo-Ishumayeli bamngcwaba ebhalwini lwaseMakhaphela eduze leMamure, esiqintini sika-Efroni indodana kaZohari umHithi, 10 isiqinti leso u-Abhrahama asithenga kumaHithi. Khonapho u-Abhrahama wangcwatshwa lomkakhe uSara. 11 Ngemva kokuba esefile u-Abhrahama uNkulunkulu wayibusisa indodana yakhe u-Isaka, owayehlala eBheri-Lahayi-Royi.

Amadodana Ka-Ishumayeli

12 Lo ngumlando wendodana ka-Abhrahama u-Ishumayeli, incekukazi kaSara uHagari eyamzalela u-Abhrahama.

13 La ngamabizo abantwana baka-Ishumayeli behlelwe ngokwelamana kwabo:

uNebhayothi izibulo lika-Ishumayeli,

uKhedari, u-Adibheli, loMibhisamu,

14 uMishima, uDuma, uMasa,

15 uHadadi, uThema, uJethuri,

uNafishi kanye loKhedema.

16 La ayengamadodana ka-Ishumayeli, njalo la ngamabizo ababusi bezizwana ezilitshumi lambili kulandela ukuhlaliswa kwazo lemizi yawo.

17 U-Ishumayeli waphila okweminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa. Waphefumula okokucina wafa, wembelwa labakibo. 18 Izizukulwane zakhe zakhela emangweni osuka eHavila kusiya eShuri, eduzane lomngcele waseGibhithe, nxa uqonda e-Asiriya. Njalo baphila belenzondo labafowabo bonke.

UJakhobe Lo-Esawu

19 Lo ngumlando wendodana ka-Abhrahama u-Isaka.

U-Abhrahama wazala u-Isaka, 20 u-Isaka wathi eseleminyaka engamatshumi amane obudala wathatha uRabheka indodakazi kaBhethuweli umʼAramu wasePhadani Aramu njalo engudadewabo kaLabhani umʼAramu.

21 U-Isaka wakhuleka kuThixo ekhulekela umkakhe ngoba wayeyinyumba. UThixo wawuphendula umkhuleko wakhe, umkakhe uRabheka wazithwala. 22 Abantwana bafuqana phakathi kwakhe, wathi, “Kungani lokhu kusenzakala kimi?” Ngakho wasehamba wayabuza kuThixo.

23  UThixo wathi kuye,

“Izizwe ezimbili zisesiswini sakho,

njalo abantu ababili phakathi kwakho bazakwehlukaniswa;

omunye uzakuba lamandla kulomunye,

kuthi omdala uzakhonza omncinyane.”

24 Kwathi isikhathi sakhe sokubeletha sesifikile, kwakulamaphahla angabafana esiswini sakhe. 25 Owabona ilanga kuqala wayebomvu, umzimba wakhe wonke ulihwanqa njengengubo yoboya; yikho bamutha bathi ngu-Esawu. 26 Ngemva kwalokhu, umfowabo walandela, isandla sakhe sibambe isithende sika-Esawu; ngakho wathiwa nguJakhobe. U-Isaka wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha ngesikhathi uRabheka ebazala.

27 Bakhula abafana, u-Esawu waba ngumzingeli omkhulu, indoda yegangeni, kodwa uJakhobe wayeyindoda ethuleyo, engasuki ngekhaya emathenteni. 28 U-Isaka owayethanda inyama yenyamazana wayethanda u-Esawu, kodwa uRabheka wayethanda uJakhobe.

29 Ngesinye isikhathi uJakhobe wayepheka inyama, u-Esawu wafika evela egangeni elambile. 30 Wathi kuJakhobe, “Phangisa, akungiphe ukudla kwakho lokho osukukhanzinge kwaba bomvana! Sengifile ngendlala!” (Yikho wabizwa ngokuthi ngu-Edomi.)

31 UJakhobe waphendula wathi, “Qala ungithengisele ubuzibulo bakho.”

32 U-Esawu wathi, “Khangela, sengisifa. Bungisiza ngani ubuzibulo lobo?”

33 Kodwa uJakhobe wathi, “Qala ufunge kimi.” Yikho wasefunga isifungo kuye, ethengisa ubuzibulo bakhe kuJakhobe.

34 Ngakho uJakhobe wasesipha u-Esawu isinkwa lokudla kwendumba eziphekwa ziluhlaza. Wadla, wanatha, wasukuma wahamba.

Ngaleyondlela u-Esawu wabeyisa ubuzibulo bakhe.

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U-Isaka Lo-Abhimelekhi

1 Kwasekusiba lendlala elizweni, ngaphandle kwendlala yakuqala eyayikhona ngesikhathi sika-Abhrahama, u-Isaka waya ku-Abhimelekhi inkosi yamaFilistiya eGerari. 2  UThixo wabonakala ku-Isaka wathi, “Ungehleli eGibhithe; hlala elizweni engithi hlala khona. 3 Ake uhlale kulelilizwe okwesikhatshana, mina ngizakuba lawe ngikubusise. Ngoba wena lezizukulwane zakho ngizalinika wonke amazwe la njalo ngiqinise isifungo engasifunga kuyihlo u-Abhrahama. 4 Ngizakwenza izizukulwane zakho zibe zinengi njengezinkanyezi emkhathini, ngizinike wonke lamazwe, njalo kuthi ngenzalo yakho zonke izizwe emhlabeni zizabusiswa, 5 ngoba u-Abhrahama wangilalela, wagcina izimiso zami, lemilayo yami, kanye lemithetho yami.” 6 Ngakho u-Isaka wahlala eGerari.

7 Kwathi lapho abantu baleyondawo bembuza ngomkakhe wathi, “Ngudadewethu,” ngoba wayesesaba ukuthi, “Ngumkami.” Wacabanga wathi, “Amadoda alapha angangibulala ngenxa kaRabheka, ngoba muhle kakhulu.”

8 Kwathi u-Isaka esehlale khona okwesikhathi eside, u-Abhimelekhi inkosi yamaFilistiya wakhangela ngefasitela wabona u-Isaka egone umkakhe uRabheka. 9 Ngakho wasebiza u-Isaka wathi, “Kanti ngumkakho ngeqiniso! Kungani uthe ungudadewenu?”

U-Isaka wamphendula wathi, “Ngoba ngakhumbula ukuthi ngingalahlekelwa yimpilo yami ngenxa yakhe.”

10 U-Abhimelekhi wasesithi, “Kuyini lokhu okwenzileyo kithi? Omunye wamadoda ubezaqabuka elala laye umkakho, ubususibangela icala.”

11 Ngakho u-Abhimelekhi wasekhupha umlayo ebantwini bonke wathi, “Lowo ozake ayithinte indoda le loba umkayo ngempela uzabulawa.”

12 U-Isaka walima amabele kulelolizwe, ngalowomnyaka wavuna okuphindwe ngekhulu, ngoba uThixo wambusisa. 13 Umuntu lo wanotha kakhulu, lemfuyo yakhe yanda kakhulukazi. 14 Waba lemihlambi yezimvu lenkomo emikhulu kakhulu, kanye lezisebenzi ezinengi, amaFilistiya aze aba lomona ngaye. 15 Kwasekusithi yonke imithombo eyayigejwe yizisebenzi ngesikhathi sikayise u-Abhrahama, amaFilistiya ayivala ngokuyigqibela ngenhlabathi.

16 U-Abhimelekhi wasesithi ku-Isaka, “Suka kithi; ususuke waba lamandla kakhulu kulathi.”

17 Ngakho u-Isaka wasuka lapho wayakuma eSigodini saseGerari, wahle wakha khona. 18 U-Isaka wayiphanda imithombo eyayigejwe ngesikhathi sikayise u-Abhrahama, eyayigqitshelwe ngamaFilistiya ngemva kokuba u-Abhrahama esefile, wayibiza ngalawo mabizo uyise ayeyibiza ngawo.

19 Izisebenzi zika-Isaka zagebha esigodini zafumana umthombo olamanzi amahle khonapho. 20 Kodwa abelusi baseGerari baxabana labelusi baka-Isaka bathi, “Amanzi la ngawethu!” Ngakho umthombo lowo wawuthi yi-Eseki, ngoba bawubanga laye. 21 Ngakho basebesimba omunye umthombo, kodwa lawo bawubanga njalo; wasewubiza ngokuthi yiSithina. 22 Wasuka lapho wayagebha omunye umthombo, akwabe kusaba khona owubangayo. Wawuthi yiRehobhothi, esithi, “Manje uThixo usesiphile indawo, sesizaphumelela kuleli ilizwe.”

23 Esuka lapho waya eBherishebha. 24 Ngalobobusuku uThixo wabonakala kuye wathi, “NginguNkulunkulu kayihlo u-Abhrahama. Ungesabi, ngoba ngilawe; ngizakubusisa ngandise ubunengi bezizukulwane zakho ngenxa yenceku yami u-Abhrahama.”

25 U-Isaka wakha i-Alithari khonapho wamemeza ibizo likaThixo. Wamisa ithente lakhe khonapho, izisebenzi zakhe zemba umthombo khonapho.

26 Ngalesosikhathi u-Abhimelekhi weza kuye evela eGerari, elo-Ahuzathi umeluleki wakhe loFikholi umlawuli wamabutho akhe. 27 U-Isaka wababuza wathi, “Lilandeni kimi, njengoba lalingizonda laze langixotsha?”

28 Bamphendula bathi, “Sabona kamhlophe ukuthi uThixo wayelawe; yikho sasesicabanga ukuthi kumele kube lesivumelwano esibotshiweyo phakathi kwethu lawe. Kasenze isibopho lawe 29 esokuthi kawusoze usihlukuluze, njengoba lathi singazange sikulimaze ngalutho kodwa sakuvalelisa ngokuthula. Khathesi usubusisiwe nguThixo.”

30 U-Isaka wasebenzela idili, badla banatha. 31 Ekuseni kakhulu ngelanga elilandelayo amadoda wonke enza isifungo omunye komunye. U-Isaka wasebavulela indlela bahamba ngokuthula.

32 Ngalolosuku izisebenzi zika-Isaka zabuya zamtshela ngomthombo ezaziwugebhile. Zathi, “Sesiwatholile amanzi!” 33 Wawuthi yiShibha, osekuze kube namuhla idolobho kuthiwa yiBherishebha.

UJakhobe Uthatha Isibusiso Sika-Esawu

34 Kwathi u-Esawu eseleminyaka yobudala engamatshumi amane, wathatha uJudithi indodakazi kaBheri umHithi njalo loBhasemathi indodakazi ka-Eloni umHithi. 35 Baletha ukukhathazeka kakhulu ku-Isaka loRabheka.

27

1 Kwathi u-Isaka eseluphele, amehlo akhe esethundubele okokuthi wayengasaboni, wabiza u-Esawu indodana yakhe endala wathi kuye, “Ndodana yami.”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngilapha.”

2 U-Isaka wathi, “Manje sengilixhegu, njalo kangilazi ilanga lami lokufa. 3 Thatha izikhali zakho, isikhwama semitshoko yakho ledandili lakho ungene iganga uyengizingelela inyamazana. 4 Ungilungisele ukudla okumnandi engikuthandayo ukulethe kimi lapha ngidle, ukuze ngikuphe isibusiso sami ngingakafi.”

5 URabheka wayelalele u-Isaka ekhuluma lendodana yakhe u-Esawu. Kwathi u-Esawu esephumile waya egangeni ukuyazingela inyamazana ukuze ayilethe, 6 uRabheka wathi endodaneni yakhe uJakhobe, “Khangela, ngizwe uyihlo esithi kumnewenu u-Esawu 7 ‘Ngilethela inyamazana ungilungisele ukudla okumnandi ngidle, ukuze ngikuphe isibusiso sami phambi kukaThixo ngingakafi.’ 8 Manje-ke lalela kuhle, ndodana yami, wenze lokho engikutshela khona: 9 Yana emhlambini ulethe lapha kimi amazinyane embuzi amabili anonileyo, ukuze ngilungisele uyihlo ukudla okumnandi ngendlela akuthanda ngayo. 10 Wena ubusukusa kuyihlo adle, abesekunika isibusiso sakhe engakafi.”

11 UJakhobe wathi kuRabheka unina, “Kodwa umnewethu u-Esawu lihwanqa, mina ngilejwabu elitshelelayo. 12 Pho ubaba angangibamba ke? Kuzabonakala ukuthi ngiyamqila ngibe sengizehlisele isiqalekiso phezu kwami esikhundleni sesibusiso.”

13 Unina wathi kuye, “Ndodana yami, lesosiqalekiso kasehlele kimi. Wena yenza lokho engikutshela khona kuphela; hamba uyengithathela wona.”

14 Ngakho wahamba wayawathatha wawaletha kunina, yena walungisa ukudla okumnandi, ngaleyondlela eyayithandwa nguyise. 15 URabheka wasethatha izigqoko ezithandekayo zika-Esawu indodana yakhe endala, ezazikhona endlini, wazigqokisa indodana yakhe encane, uJakhobe. 16 Wabuya wamgoqela izandla zakhe lentamo lapho okwakubutshelezi khona ngesikhumba sembuzi. 17 Waseqhubela indodana yakhe uJakhobe ukudla lokho okumnandi kanye lesinkwa ayesenzile.

18 Waya kuyise wafika wathi, “Baba.”

Wasabela wathi, “Yebo, ndodana yami. Ngubani?”

19 UJakhobe wathi kuyise, “Ngingu-Esawu izibulo lakho. Sengenzile njengokungilayela kwakho. Vuka uhlale udle inyama yami yenyamazana ukuze ungiphe isibusiso sakho.”

20 U-Isaka wayibuza indodana yakhe wathi, “Uyizuze njani masinyane kangaka, ndodana yami?”

Waphendula wathi, “uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ungiphumelelisile.”

21 U-Isaka wasesithi kuJakhobe, “Sondela eduze ngikuthinte, ndodana yami, ukuze ngazi ngempela ukuthi uyiyo indodana yami u-Esawu noma hatshi.”

22 UJakhobe wasondela kuyise u-Isaka wamthinta wathi, “Ilizwi ngelikaJakhobe, kodwa izandla yizandla zika-Esawu.” 23 Kazange amazi ngoba izandla zakhe zaziloboya njengezikamnewabo u-Esawu; ngakho wambusisa. 24 Wabuza wathi, “Kambe unguye na u-Esawu indodana yami?”

Waphendula wathi, “Nginguye.”

25 Wasesithi, “Ndodana yami, ngipha inyama yakho yenyamazana ngidle, ukuze ngikuphe isibusiso sami.”

UJakhobe wamupha wadla; waletha lewayini wanatha. 26 Uyise u-Isaka wathi kuye, “Woza lapha, ndodana yami, ungange.”

27 Wasesiya kuye wamanga. Kwathi u-Isaka esewuzwile umnuko wezigqoko zakhe, wambusisa wathi,

“Yeka, umnuko wendodana yami

unjengomnuko wensimu

uThixo ayibusisileyo.

28 Sengathi uNkulunkulu angakupha amazolo asezulwini

lokuvunda komhlabathi,

inala yamabele lewayini elitsha.

29 Sengathi izizwe zingakukhonza

labantu bakukhothamele.

Ube yinkosi phezu kwabafowenu,

njalo sengathi amadodana kanyoko angakukhothamela.

Sengathi labo abakuqalekisayo labo baqalekiswe

labakubusisayo babusiswe.”

30 U-Isaka eseqedile ukumbusisa njalo uJakhobe esathi uyasuka kuyise, umnewabo u-Esawu wabengena evela zingela. 31 Laye njalo walungisa ukudla okumnandi wakuletha kuyise. Wasesithi kuye, “Baba, vuka udle inyama yami yenyamazana, ukuze ungiphe isibusiso sakho.”

32 Uyise u-Isaka wambuza wathi, “Ungubani wena?”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngiyindodana yakho, izibulo lakho u-Esawu.”

33 U-Isaka wathuthumela kakhulu wathi, “Kanti ubengubani ozingele inyamazana wayiletha kimi? Ngiyidlile khathesi nje usuzafika, ngambusisa njalo ngempela uzakubusiswa!”

34 Kwathi u-Esawu ewezwa amazwi kayise, wakhala kakhulu okuzwisa ubuhlungu wathi kuyise, “Ngibusisa lami njalo, baba!”

35 Kodwa wathi, “Umfowenu uze ngobuqili wathatha isibusiso sakho.”

36 U-Esawu wathi, “Kakumfanelanga na ukuthiwa nguJakhobe? Lokhu sokungokwesibili engiqila: Wathatha ubuzibulo bami, manje usethethe isibusiso sami?” Wasebuza wathi, “Kawungigcinelanga yini mina esinye isibusiso”?

37 U-Isaka wamphendula u-Esawu wathi, “Sengimenze waba yinkosi phezu kwakho, ngenza zonke izihlobo zakhe zaba yizisebenzi zakhe, njalo ngamsekela ngenala yamabele langewayini elitsha. Kambe ngingabe ngisakwenzelani, ndodana yami?”

38 U-Esawu wathi kuyise, “Kanti ulesibusiso esisodwa kuphela na baba? Ngibusisa lami, baba!” U-Esawu wasekhala kakhulu ephumisela.

39 Uyise u-Isaka wamphendula wathi,

“Umuzi wakho uzakuba

khatshana lokuvunda komhlaba,

khatshana lamazolo asezulwini eliphezulu.

40 Uzaphila ngokusebenzisa inkemba

njalo uzamkhonza umfowenu.

Kodwa kuzakuthi lapho usudlubulunda,

uzalilahla ijogwe lakhe

lisuke entanyeni yakho.”

UJakhobe Ubalekela KuLabhani

41 U-Esawu wabambela uJakhobe isikhwili ngenxa yesibusiso uyise ayemuphe sona. Wazitshela wathi, “Insuku zokulilela ubaba seziseduze; lapho-ke ngizambulala umfowethu uJakhobe.”

42 Kwathi uRabheka esezwile okwakutshiwo yindodana yakhe endala u-Esawu, wabiza indodana yakhe encinyane uJakhobe wathi kuye, “Umnewenu u-Esawu uziduduza ngomcabango wokuthi akubulale. 43 Ngakho-ke wena ndodana yami, yenza lokho engikutshela khona: Baleka masinyane uye kumfowethu uLabhani eHarani. 44 Uhlale khonale ulaka lomfowenu luze ludede. 45 Kuzakuthi nxa umnewenu engasakuzondelanga esekhohliwe ukuthi kuyini owakwenza kuye, ngizathumela ilizwi ukuthi ubuye usuka khonale. Kambe kungaba yini ukuthi ngilahlekelwe yini lobabili ngasuku lunye na?”

46 URabheka wasesithi ku-Isaka, “Ukuphila sokunginenga ngenxa yabafazi bamaHithi laba. Nxa uJakhobe engathatha umfazi ebafazini balelilizwe, abafazi bamaHithi abanje, ukuphila kwami kuyabe kungasasizi.”

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1 Ngakho u-Isaka wabiza uJakhobe wambusisa wamlaya wathi: “Ungathathi umfazi womKhenani. 2 Hamba khathesi uye ePhadani Aramu, emzini kayihlomkhulu uBhethuweli. Thatha khona umfazi, emadodakazini kaLabhani, umnewabo kanyoko. 3 Sengathi uNkulunkulu uSomandla angakubusisa akuphe inzalo, andise ubunengi bayo lize libe yizizwe ezinengi. 4 Sengathi angakupha wena kanye lezizukulwane zakho isibusiso leso esaphiwa u-Abhrahama, ukuze lilithathe ilizwe leli ohlezi kulo manje njengowezizweni, ilizwe uNkulunkulu alipha u-Abhrahama.” 5 Ngakho u-Isaka wasemvalelisa uJakhobe, waya ePhadani Aramu, kuLabhani indodana kaBhethuweli umʼAramu, umnewabo kaRabheka, owayengunina kaJakhobe lo-Esawu.

6 U-Esawu wezwa ukuthi u-Isaka wayembusisile uJakhobe njalo wamthumela ePhadani Aramu ukuthi ayothatha umfazi khona, lokuthi wathi embusisa wamlaya wathi, “Ungathathi umfazi ongumKhenani,” 7 lokuthi uJakhobe wayebalalele uyise lonina wahamba waya ePhadani Aramu. 8 U-Esawu wakunanzelela ukuthi abafazi bamaKhenani babeyisinengiso kuyise u-Isaka; 9 ngakho wasesiya ku-Ishumayeli wathatha uMahalathi, udadewabo kaNebhayothi, indodakazi ka-Ishumayeli indodana ka-Abhrahama, phezu kwabanye abafazi ayevele eselabo.

Iphupho LikaJakhobe EBhetheli

10 UJakhobe wasuka eBherishebha waqonda eHarani. 11 Wafika kwenye indawo, wema lapho ukuthi alale khona ngoba ilanga laselitshonile. Wathatha ilitshe khona walenza umqamelo walala. 12 Wehlelwa liphupho wabona ilele ligxile phansi emhlabeni, isiqongo salo sifinyelela ezulwini, kwathi izingilosi zikaNkulunkulu zabe ziqansa zisehla kulo. 13 Laphaya ngaphezu kwalo kwakumi uThixo esithi: “nginguThixo, uNkulunkulu kayihlo u-Abhrahama loNkulunkulu ka-Isaka. Ngizakupha wena kanye lezizukulwane zakho ilizwe leli olele kulo. 14 Izizukulwane zakho zizakuba njengothuli lomhlabathi, njalo lizaqhela liye entshonalanga lasempumalanga, enyakatho laseningizimu. Bonke abantu bomhlaba bazabusiswa ngenxa yakho lenzalo yakho. 15 Ngilawe njalo ngizakulinda loba ungaze uye ngaphi, njalo ngizakubuyisa kulelilizwe. Kangizukukudela ngize ngikwenze lokho engikuthembise khona.”

16 UJakhobe wathi evuka ebuthongweni bakhe wacabanga wathi, “Ngeqiniso uThixo ukhona kule indawo, kodwa bengingakunanzeleli.” 17 Wesaba wathi, “Yeka ukwesabeka kwale indawo ehloniphekayo! Ngempela iyindlu kaNkulunkulu; leli lisango lasezulwini.”

18 Kusisa ekuseni kakhulu uJakhobe walithatha ilitshe ayelele eliqamele walimisa laba yinsika wathela amafutha phezu kwalo. 19 Indawo leyo wayibiza wathi yiBhetheli, ikanti idolobho lakhona lalithiwa yiLuzi.

20 Ngakho uJakhobe wenza isifungo wathi, “Nxa uNkulunkulu ezakuba lami angilondoloze kuloluhambo engikulo, angiphe ukudla lezigqoko, 21 ngibuyele emzini kababa ngiphilile, lapho uThixo uzakuba nguNkulunkulu wami 22 njalo lelitshe leli engilenze insika lizakuba yindlu kaNkulunkulu, njalo kuzakuthi konke onginika khona ngizakunika wena okwetshumi.”

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UJakhobe Ufika EPhadani Aramu

1 UJakhobe waseqhubeka ngohambo lwakhe wayafika elizweni labantu bempumalanga. 2 Wabona khonale umthombo esiqintini, kulemihlambi yezimvu emithathu ilele eduzane kwawo ngoba imihlambi yayinatha khonapho emthonjeni lowo. Ilitshe elalivale umlomo womthombo lalilikhulu. 3 Kwakusithi yonke imihlambi ingabuthana khona, abelusi baligiqe ilitshe balisuse emlonyeni womthombo banathise izimvu. Besebelibuyisela ilitshe endaweni yalo emlonyeni womthombo.

4 UJakhobe wabuza abelusi wathi, “Bafowethu, livela ngaphi?”

Baphendula bathi, “Sivela eHarani.”

5 Wathi, “Liyamazi yini uLabhani, umzukulu kaNahori?”

Baphendula bathi, “Yebo, siyamazi.”

6 UJakhobe wasebabuza wathi, “Uyaphila yini?”

Bathi, “Yebo, uyaphila; nansi indodakazi yakhe uRasheli esiza lezimvu.”

7 Wathi, “Khangelani, ilanga lilokhu lisemini; akukabi yisikhathi sokuthi imihlambi ibuthwe. Zinathiseni izimvu lezi lizibuyisele emadlelweni.”

8 Baphendula bathi, “Asingeke, ize iqale iqoqane yonke imihlambi, ilitshe beselisuswa emlonyeni womthombo. Besesizinathisa-ke izimvu.”

9 Wathi elokhu esakhuluma labo uRasheli wafika lezimvu zikayise, kalokho wayengumelusi. 10 UJakhobe wathi ebona uRasheli indodakazi kaLabhani, umnewabo kanina esiza lezimvu zikaLabhani, wahamba wayagiqa ilitshe elalisemlonyeni womthombo wanathisa izimvu zikamalumakhe. 11 UJakhobe wasesanga uRasheli njalo wakhala kakhulu. 12 Wayesemtshelile uRasheli ukuthi wayeyisihlobo sikayise lokuthi wayeyindodana kaRabheka. Ngakho intombi yagijima yayabikela uyise.

13 ULabhani wonela ukuwuzwa umbiko ngoJakhobe, indodana kadadewabo, wahle waphuthuma wayamhlangabeza. Wamgona, wamanga, wamletha ngekhaya, lapho uJakhobe amtshela khona izinto lezi. 14 ULabhani wasesithi kuye, “Uyinyama yami legazi lami.”

UJakhobe Uthatha ULeya LoRasheli

UJakhobe esehlale laye okwenyanga yonke, 15 uLabhani wathi kuye, “Kambe sekungathi ngoba uyisihlobo sami ubusungisebenzela ungaholi lutho? Akungitshele ukuthi umholo wakho ungaba yini?”

16 ULabhani wayelamadodakazi amabili; ibizo lendala lalinguLeya, encinyane inguRasheli. 17 ULeya wayelamehlo abuthakathaka, kodwa uRasheli wayelesimo esibukekayo, emuhle. 18 UJakhobe wezwa emthanda uRasheli wasesithi, “Ngizakusebenzela okweminyaka eyisikhombisa ukuze ungiphe indodakazi yakho encane uRasheli.”

19 ULabhani wathi, “Kungcono ngimuphe wena kulokuba ngimuphe enye indoda. Hlala lapha lami.” 20 UJakhobe waseyisebenza iminyaka eyisikhombisa ukuze azuze uRasheli, kodwa yakhanya ingathi yizinsukwana ezimbalwa kuye ngenxa yothando kuye.

21 UJakhobe wasesithi kuLabhani, “Ngipha-ke umkami. Isikhathi sami sesigcwalisekile, sengifuna ukwembatha laye.”

22 Ngakho uLabhani wasenxusa bonke abantu bendawo wenza idili. 23 Kodwa kwathi sekusihlwa, wathatha indodakazi yakhe uLeya wamupha uJakhobe, uJakhobe wembatha laye. 24 ULabhani waphinda wapha uLeya incekukazi yakhe uZilipha ukuba ibe yincekukazi yakhe.

25 Kwathi sokusile, wabona kunguLeya! UJakhobe wathi kuLabhani, “Kuyini lokhu okwenzileyo kimi? Mina ngasebenzela uRasheli, kakunjalo na? Kungani ungikhohlisile?”

26 ULabhani waphendula wathi, “Kakusiwo mkhuba wethu lapha ukwendisa indodakazi encane endala ingakendi. 27 Qeda iviki yokucola lo omdala; besesikupha lalo omncane njalo ngemva kokumsebenzela eminye iminyaka eyisikhombisa.”

28 UJakhobe wenza njalo. Waqeda iviki eloLeya, uLabhani wasemupha indodakazi yakhe uRasheli ukuba ibe ngumkakhe. 29 ULabhani wanika indodakazi yakhe uRasheli incekukazi yakhe uBhiliha ukuba abe yincekukazi yakhe. 30 UJakhobe waselala loRasheli, wamthanda ukwedlula uLeya. Wasesebenzela uLabhani okweminye iminyaka eyisikhombisa njalo.

Abantwana BakaJakhobe

31  UThixo wathi ngokubona ukuthi uLeya wayengathandwa, wavula inzalo yakhe, kodwa uRasheli wayeyinyumba. 32 ULeya wathatha isisu wazala indodana. Wamutha ibizo wathi nguRubheni, ngoba wathi, “Kungenxa yokuthi uThixo usebonile ukuhlupheka kwami. Ngempela umkami usezangithanda manje.”

33 Wathatha isisu njalo, wathi esephinde umfana njalo wathi, “Ngoba uThixo wezwa ukuthi kangithandwa, wanginika lo njalo.” Ngakho wamutha wathi nguSimiyoni.

34 Wasithatha njalo isisu, kwathi esezele omunye umfana wathi, “Khathesi-ke umkami usezabambelela kimi ngoba sengimzalele amadodana amathathu.” Yikho wathiwa nguLevi.

35 Waphinda wasithatha isisu, wazuza umfana wathi, “Ngalesisikhathi ngizadumisa uThixo.” Wamutha wathi nguJuda. Wasesima ukuzuza abantwana.

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1 URasheli wathi ebona ukuthi wayengazaleli uJakhobe abantwana, wasekhwelezela udadewabo. Wasesithi kuJakhobe, “Ngipha abantwana, kumbe ngife!”

2 UJakhobe wamzondela wathi, “Sengisesikhundleni sikaNkulunkulu yini mina, onguye okuvale ukuthi ungazali?”

3 Yena wasesithi, “Nangu uBhiliha incekukazi yami. Lala laye ukuze angizalele abantwana, ukuze kuthi ngaye ngibe lemuli.”

4 Ngakho wasemupha incekukazi yakhe uBhiliha njengomfazi. UJakhobe wembatha laye, 5 wazithwala wamzalela indodana. 6 Ngakho uRasheli wathi, “UNkulunkulu usengigezile; ulalele ukuncenga kwami wasenginika indodana.” Ngenxa yalokhu wayitha wathi nguDani.

7 Incekukazi kaRasheli, uBhiliha, yathatha isisu njalo yazalela uJakhobe indodana yesibili. 8 URasheli wasesithi, “Kade kuyimpi phakathi kwami lodadewethu, mina senginqobile.” Wasemuthi nguNafithali.

9 ULeya wathi ngokubona ukuthi kasazali wathatha incekukazi yakhe uZilipha wayipha uJakhobe njengomfazi. 10 Incekukazi kaLeya uZilipha yazalela uJakhobe indodana. 11 ULeya wasesithi, “Inhlanhla engakanani!” Wamutha ibizo wathi nguGadi.

12 Incekukazi kaLeya uZilipha yazalela uJakhobe indodana yesibili. 13 ULeya wathi, “Uthi ngiyathaba yini! Abafazi bazakuthi ngiyathaba.” Yikho wambiza ngokuthi ngu-Asheri.

14 Ngesikhathi sokuvuna ingqoloyi uRubheni waya emasimini wafumana izihlahlakazana zamamandraki waziletha kunina uLeya. URasheli wathi kuLeya, “Ngicela ezinye zezihlahlakazana zendodana yakho.”

15 Kodwa wathi kuye, “Kakukwanelisanga na ukuthi wangemuka indoda? Usufuna ukuthatha lamamandraki endodana yami njalo?”

URasheli wathi, “Kulungile, angazalala ngakwakho lamuhla ukuze ngizuze amamandraki endodana yakho.”

16 Ngakho kwathi uJakhobe efika evela emasimini ngaleyontambama, uLeya wamhlangabeza wathi, “Kumele ulale ngakwami lamuhla. Ngikuqhatshile ngamamandraki endodana yami.” Ngakho wembatha laye ngalobobusuku.

17 UNkulunkulu wamlalela uLeya, wathatha isisu wazalela uJakhobe indodana yesihlanu. 18 ULeya wathi, “UNkulunkulu usengiphe umvuzo ngenxa yokuthi nganika indoda yami incekukazi yami.” Ngakho wamutha wathi ngu-Isakhari.

19 ULeya waphinda wasithatha njalo isisu wazalela uJakhobe indodana yesithupha. 20 Ngakho uLeya wathi, “UNkulunkulu usengiphe isipho esiligugu. Khathesi umkami usezangiphatha ngenhlonipho, ngoba sengimzalele amadodana ayisithupha.” Wasemutha wathi nguZebhuluni.

21 Emva kwesikhathi esithile wazala intombazana wayithi nguDina.

22 UNkulunkulu wamkhumbula uRasheli; wezwa ukukhala kwakhe wavula isibeletho sakhe. 23 Wathatha isisu wazala indodana, wathi, “UNkulunkulu uselisusile ihlazo lami.” 24 Wamutha wathi nguJosefa, wathi, “Sengathi uThixo angangipha enye indodana.”

Imihlambi KaJakhobe Yezimvu Iyanda

25 URasheli esezele uJosefa uJakhobe wathi kuLabhani, “Ngivumela ukuthi ngibuyele elizweni lakithi. 26 Ngipha omkami labantwana engibasebenzeleyo kuwe, ngihle ngihambe. Uyawazi umsebenzi engiwusebenzileyo kuwe lapha.”

27 Kodwa uLabhani wathi kuye, “Nxa ungithanda, hlala. Sengibonile ngokwambulelwa ukuthi uThixo ungibusisile ngenxa yakho.” 28 Wengeza ngokuthi, “Qamba loba yiphi inhlawulo oyifunayo, ngizakupha.”

29 UJakhobe wathi kuye, “Uyakwazi ukuthi ngikusebenzele njani lokuthi izifuyo zakho zigcinakale njani ziphethwe yimi. 30 Okuncinyane owawulakho ngingakafiki sekusele kwanda kakhulu, njalo uThixo ukubusisile langabe kungaphi lapho engike ngaba khona. Kodwa manje ngizaze ngiwenzele nini mina umuzi wami ulutho?”

31 Wabuza wathi, “Ngikupheni na?”

Waphendula uJakhobe wathi, “Ungangiphi lutho. Kodwa ake ungenzele lokhu kodwa, ukuze ngiqhubeke ngisondla imihlambi yakho: 32 Wothi ngingene emihlambini yakho lamuhla ngikhuphe kuyo zonke izimvu ezilamachatha kumbe amabala, lamazinyane wonke amnyama lembuzi zonke ezilamabala kumbe amachatha. Yizo ezizakuba yinhlawulo yami. 33 Ngesikhathi esizayo ubuqotho bami buzavela nxa uhlola inhlawulo onginike yona. Ingqe yiphi imbuzi engizabe ngilayo engelamachatha kumbe amabala, loba lizinyane lemvu elingamnyama lizakubalwa njengelebiweyo.”

34 ULabhani wathi, “Kulungile, kakube njengokutsho kwakho.” 35 Mhlalokho wazikhupha zonke impongo ezazingamaqamule kumbe ezilamabala, njalo lezinsikazi ezilamachatha kumbe ezilamabala (zonke ezazilokumhlophe kuzo) lamazinyane ezimvu wonke amnyama zonke wathi zikhangelwe ngamadodana akhe. 36 Wasebeka umango wensuku ezintathu phakathi kwakhe loJakhobe, kodwa uJakhobe wayelokhu esondla yonke imihlambi eseleyo kaLabhani.

37 Kwathi uJakhobe wagamula ingatsha zesihlahla sephopla, eze-alimondi lezepulane wahamba ezixoza amaxolo wenza imidwa kwavela kuzo isigodo esimhlophe. 38 Ingatsha lezi ezixoziweyo wazibeka kuyo yonke imikolo yokunathela imihlambi ukuthi zime ziqondane lezifuyo nxa zinatha. Kwakusithi lezozifuyo ezidabuleyo zizonatha 39 zifike zixakane phambi kwezingatsha. Zazizala amazinyane alamabala ayimidwa loba alamachatha kumbe amabala nje. 40 UJakhobe wawakhetha wawabeka wodwa amazinyane, kodwa lezo ezinye waziyekela zadunga lezo ezingamaqamule lezimnyama ezazingezikaLabhani. Ngaleyondlela, wenza imihlambi ehlukeneyo eyakhe kaze ayihlanganisa lekaLabhani. 41 Kwakusithi kungadabula ezinsikazi eziqinileyo, uJakhobe wayefaka imiqwayi emikolweni phambi kwezifuyo ukuze zixakane eduze kwayo, 42 kodwa nxa ezinsikazi zingezibuthakathaka wayengayifaki imiqwayi. Ngakho izifuyo ezibuthakathaka zaba ngezikaLabhani, eziqinileyo zabuya ngoJakhobe. 43 Ngale indlela indoda le yanotha kakhulu yaba lemihlambi emikhulu, lezincekukazi, lezinceku kanye lamakamela labobabhemi.

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UJakhobe Ubalekela ULabhani

1 UJakhobe wezwa ukuthi amadodana kaLabhani ayesithi, “UJakhobe usethethe konke ubaba ayelakho njalo usezuze yonke inotho ebingekababa.” 2 Njalo uJakhobe wananzelela ukuthi uLabhani wayengasamphathi njengakuqala.

3  UThixo wasesithi kuJakhobe, “Buyela elizweni laboyihlo lasezihlotsheni zakho, mina ngizakuba lawe.”

4 Ngakho uJakhobe wasethumela ilizwi kuRasheli loLeya ukuthi beze egangeni lapho imihlambi yakhe eyayikhona. 5 Wathi kubo, “Sengibona ukuthi uyihlo kasangiphathi njengakuqala, kodwa uNkulunkulu kababa ube lami. 6 Liyakwazi ukuthi ngamsebenzela uyihlo ngamandla ami wonke, 7 kodwa uyihlo ungidlelezele ngokuguqula umholo wami okwezikhathi ezilitshumi. Kodwa uNkulunkulu kamvumelanga ukuthi angilimaze. 8 Kwakusithi angathi, ‘Ezilamabalabala ngezakho, ezomholo,’ imihlambi yonke izale ezimabalabala; kuthi angathi, ‘Ezingamaqamule zizakuba ngumholo wakho,’ yonke imihlambi izale amazinyane angamaqamule. 9 Ngaleyondlela uNkulunkulu usethethe imihlambi kayihlo wayipha mina.

10 Ngesikhathi sokuxotshwa lokumitha kwemihlambi, ngaba lephupho lapho okwathi ngikhangela ngabona ukuthi impongo ezazixotsha umhlambi zazingamaqamule, kumbe zingamafahlafahla kumbe zilamabala. 11 Ingilosi kaNkulunkulu yathi kimi kulelophupho, ‘Jakhobe.’ Ngasabela ngathi, ‘Ngilapha.’ 12 Yathi, ‘Khangela ukuthi zonke impongo ezixotsha umhlambi ngezingamaqamule, ngezingamafahlafahla kumbe ngezilamabala, ngoba ngikubonile konke lokho uLabhani abekwenza kuwe. 13 NginguNkulunkulu waseBhetheli, lapho owagcoba khona insika njalo lapho owenza khona isifungo kimi. Suka kulelilizwe khona manje ubuyele elizweni lakini.’ ”

14 URasheli loLeya baphendula bathi, “Sivele siseselesabelo selifa likababa na? 15 Kasinjengabezizweni kuye na? Kakusikho kodwa ukuthi walobolisa ngathi, kodwa sowakusebenzisa konke esalotsholwa ngakho. 16 Ngempela yonke inotho uNkulunkulu ayemuka ubaba ngeyethu labantwabethu. Ngakho yenza loba yini uNkulunkulu akutshele yona.”

17 UJakhobe wasegadisa abantwabakhe labomkakhe emakameleni, 18 waziqhuba zonke izifuyo zakhe zahamba phambili, kanye lempahla zonke ayezizuzile ePhadani Aramu, esebuyela kuyise u-Isaka elizweni laseKhenani.

19 Kwathi uLabhani ehambile eyogunda izimvu zakhe, uRasheli weba izithombe zikayise. 20 Phezu kwalokho uJakhobe wakhohlisa uLabhani umʼAramu ngokungamtsheli ukuthi yena wayesebaleka. 21 Ngakho wabaleka lakho konke okwakungokwakhe, wachapha umfula iYufrathe, waqonda elizweni lamaqaqa eleGiliyadi.

ULabhani Uxotshana LoJakhobe

22 Ngosuku lwesithathu uLabhani watshelwa ukuthi uJakhobe wayesebalekile. 23 Wathatha izihlobo zakhe bangena emzileni kaJakhobe okwensuku eziyisikhombisa baze bayambamba elizweni lamaqaqa eleGiliyadi. 24 UNkulunkulu weza kuLabhani umʼAramu ephutsheni ebusuku wathi kuye, “Unanzelele ukuthi ungaze watsho lutho kuJakhobe, loba lungoluhle kumbe olubi.”

25 UJakhobe wayemise ithente lakhe elizweni lamaqaqa eGiliyadi eficwa khona nguLabhani, uLabhani laye lezihlobo zakhe bakha izihonqo khonapho. 26 Ngakho uLabhani wasesithi kuJakhobe, “Wenzeni manje? Ungikhohlisile, njalo uthumbe amadodakazi ami njengabathunjiweyo empini. 27 Kungani ubalekele ngasese wangikhohlisa na? Kungani ungangazisanga ukuze ngikuvalelise ngentokozo langokutshaya izigubhu lamachacho? 28 Kawuzange ume ukuthi ngange abazukulu bami lamadodakazi ami ngibavalelise. Wenze into eyibuthutha. 29 Ngilamandla okukulimaza; kodwa ngobusuku obudluleyo uNkulunkulu kayihlo uthe kimi, ‘Unanzelele ungaze watsho lutho kuJakhobe, loba ngoluhle kumbe ngolubi.’ 30 Manje ususukile ngoba ubulangazelela ukubuyela emzini kayihlo. Kodwa kungani webe izithombe zami na?”

31 UJakhobe wamphendula uLabhani wathi, “Bengisesaba ukuthi uzangemuka amadodakazi akho ngamandla. 32 Kodwa nxa ufumana loba ngubani olezithombe zakho, kayikuphila. Ake ubone, lezihlobo zakho zikhona, ingabe kulolutho lwakho yini lapha kimi; nxa lukhona, luthathe.” UJakhobe wayengazi ukuthi uRasheli wayezebile izithombe.

33 Ngakho uLabhani wangena ethenteni likaJakhobe lethenteni likaLeya lethenteni lezincekukazi zombili, kodwa kafumananga lutho. Ephuma ethenteni likaLeya, wangena ethenteni likaRasheli. 34 URasheli wayethethe izithombe lezo, wazifihla phakathi kwesihlalo sekamela lakhe, wasehlala phezu kwazo. ULabhani wabhudula kukho konke okwakusethenteni, katholanga lutho.

35 URasheli wathi kuyise, “Ungazondi nkosi yami ukuthi kungani ngingakusukumeli, kungenxa yokuba ngisesikhathini.” Ngakho wabhudula, kodwa akaze azifumana izithombe zangekhaya.

36 UJakhobe wazonda kubi wamthwalisa nzima uLabhani. Wambuza wathi, “Icala lami ngelani? Ngenze sono bani ukuze ungizingele kanje? 37 Njengoba usuziguduzile zonke impahla zami, kuyini osukufumene okungokomuzi wakho na? Kubeke khonapha phambi kwezihlobo zakho lezami batsho okuyikho phakathi kwethu sobabili.

38 Sengibe lawe okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili. Izimvu zakho lembuzi zakho kazizange ziphunze, njalo kangizange ngizihlabele inqama emihlambini yakho. 39 Kangizange ngizokutshengisa izifuyo ezidatshulwe yizilo; yimi engathwala lokho kulahlekelwa ngazihlawula. Njalo wafuna inhlawulo yalezo ezazebiwe emini loba ebusuku. 40 Impilo yami yayinje: ukutshisa kwakungibhaxabula emini, ebusuku umqando ungihaqaze, ubuthongo babaleka emehlweni ami. 41 Kwakunjalo okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili ngisemzini wakho. Ngakusebenzela okweminyaka elitshumi lane ngisebenzela amadodakazi akho womabili njalo okweminyaka eyisithupha ngisebenzela imihlambi yakho, njalo wena waguqula inhlawulo yami okwezikhathi ezilitshumi. 42 Aluba uNkulunkulu kababa, uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama langokwesaba kuka-Isaka, ubengelami, ubuzangixotsha nje ngingaphathanga lutho. Kodwa uNkulunkulu ububonile ubunzima bami lokusebenza nzima kwezandla zami, yikho ekukhuzile izolo ebusuku.”

43 ULabhani wamphendula uJakhobe wathi, “Abesifazane ngamadodakazi ami, abantwana ngabantwabami, lemihlambi yimihlambi yami. Kodwa kuyini engingakwenza lamuhla ngala amadodakazi ami, kumbe ngabantwana ababazeleyo na? 44 Zwana-ke, kasenze isivumelwano, wena lami, sibe ngufakazi phakathi kwethu.”

45 Ngakho uJakhobe wasethatha ilitshe walimisa laba yinsika. 46 Wasesithi ezihlotsheni zakhe, “Buthelelani amatshe.” Bawathatha amatshe aba yinqwaba, basebedlela khonapho eceleni kwenqwaba. 47 ULabhani wayibiza ngokuthi yiJegari Sahadutha, uJakhobe yena wathi yiGaledi.

48 ULabhani wathi, “Inqwaba le ingufakazi phakathi kwami lawe lamuhla.” Yikho yabizwa ngokuthi yiGaledi. 49 Yabizwa njalo ngokuthi yiMizipha, ngoba wathi, “Sengathi uThixo angalinda phakathi kwakho lami nxa sikhatshana omunye komunye. 50 Ungaze uphathe kubi amadodakazi ami, loba ungaze uthathe abanye abafazi ngaphandle kwamadodakazi ami, loba kungekho omunye umuntu olathi, khumbula ukuthi uNkulunkulu ungufakazi phakathi kwakho lami.”

51 ULabhani wathi njalo kuJakhobe, “Nansi inqwaba le, njalo nansi insika engiyimise phakathi kwakho lami. 52 Inqwaba le ingufakazi, kanye lensika le ingufakazi wokuthi kangisoze ngiyidlule inqwaba le ngize kwelakho icele ngizekonela lokuthi lawe kawuyikudlula kule inqwaba lensika uze kwelami icele uzengonela. 53 Sengathi uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, loNkulunkulu kaNahori, uNkulunkulu kayise wabo angahlulela phakathi kwethu.”

Ngakho uJakhobe wenza isifungo ebizweni likaMesatshwa kayise u-Isaka. 54 Wenza umhlatshelo khonapho elizweni lamaqaqa wanxusa izihlobo zakhe ekudleni. Sebedlile, balala khonapho.

55 Ekuseni kakhulu ngosuku olulandelayo uLabhani wanga abazukulu bakhe lamadodakazi akhe wababusisa. Wasefulathela wabuyela ekhaya.

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UJakhobe Ulungiselela Ukuhlangana Lo-Esawu

1 UJakhobe laye wahamba ngeyakhe indlela, wasehlangabezwa yizingilosi zikaNkulunkulu. 2 Wathi ezibona uJakhobe wathi, “Leli libandla likaNkulunkulu!” Indawo leyo waseyibiza ngokuthi yiMahanayimi.

3 UJakhobe wathuma izithunywa ukuba zihambe phambili kwakhe kumnewabo u-Esawu elizweni laseSeyiri, ilizwe lika-Edomi. 4 Wazilaya wathi, “Nanku okumele likutsho enkosini yami u-Esawu, ‘Inceku yakho uJakhobe uthi bengihlezi loLabhani njalo ngihlale khona kwaze kwaba khathesi. 5 Ngilenkomo labobabhemi, ngilezimvu, lembuzi, njalo ngilezinceku lezincekukazi. Khathesi-ke sengithumela lelilizwi enkosini yami, ukuze ngithole umusa emehlweni akho.’ ”

6 Kwathi izithunywa sezibuya kuJakhobe zathi, “Sihambile kumfowenu u-Esawu, okwamanje uyeza ukuzokuhlangabeza, ulamadoda angamakhulu amane eza lawo.”

7 UJakhobe wafikelwa yikwesaba lokukhathazeka okukhulu wasesehlukanisa phakathi abantu ayelabo baba ngamaqembu amabili, wenzenjalo lemihlambini yezimvu leyenkomo lamakamela lawo. 8 Wakhumbula wathi, “Nxa u-Esawu angafika ahlasele elinye iqembu, leloqembu eliseleyo lingahle libaleke.”

9 UJakhobe wasekhuleka wathi, “Oh Nkulunkulu kababa u-Abhrahama, Nkulunkulu kababa u-Isaka, Thixo, wena owathi kimi, ‘Buyela elizweni lakini lasezihlotsheni zakho, ngizakwenza uphumelele,’ 10 mina kangiwufanelanga wonke umusa lokuthembeka okutshengise inceku yakho. Ngangiphethe intonga yami zwi mhla ngichapha iJodani leli, kodwa khathesi sengingamaqembu amabili. 11 Ngiyakhuleka ngithi ngisindise esandleni somfowethu u-Esawu, ngoba ngiyesaba ukuthi uzakuza angihlasele, kanye labesifazane labantwababo. 12 Kodwa wena uthe, ‘Ngempela ngizakwenza uphumelele ngenze lezizukulwane zakho zibe njengetshebetshebe lolwandle elingeke labalwa.’ ”

13 Wahlala khonapho ngalobobusuku, kwathi kulokho ayelakho wakhetha isipho sikamnewabo u-Esawu: 14 imbuzikazi ezingamakhulu amabili lempongo ezingamatshumi amabili; izimvu ezinsikazi ezingamakhulu amabili lenqama ezingamatshumi amabili; 15 amakamela amasikazi angamatshumi amathathu lamathole awo; amankomokazi angamatshumi amane lenkunzi ezilitshumi; kanye labobabhemi abasikazi abangamatshumi amabili lemiduna yawo elitshumi. 16 Wakugcinisa izisebenzi zakhe konke, umhlambi munye wema wodwa, wathi kuzo izisebenzi zakhe, “Hambani phambi kwami, njalo litshiye ibanga phakathi kwemihlambi.”

17 Lowo owayephambili wamlaya wathi, “Nxa umnewethu u-Esawu ekuhlangabeza afike abuze athi, ‘Ungokabani wena, njalo uya ngaphi, njalo ngezikabani zonke lezizifuyo eziphambi kwakho?’ 18 Ubokuthi, ‘Ngezenceku yakho uJakhobe. Ziyisipho esithunyelwe inkosi yami u-Esawu, laye uyeza nje emuva kwethu.’ ”

19 Walaya njalo isisebenzi sesibili, lesesithathu lazozonke ezinye ezaziqhuba imihlambi wathi: “Kumele likhulume into efanayo ku-Esawu nxa lihlangana laye. 20 Njalo lingakhohlwa ukuthi, ‘Inceku yakho uJakhobe iyeza ngemva kwethu.’ ” Ngoba wacabanga wathi: “Ngizamthoba ngezipho lezi engizithumela phambili; nxa sengimbona muva mhlawumbe uzangamukela.” 21 Ngakho izipho zikaJakhobe zahanjiswa, zamandulela, kodwa yena wasala ezihonqweni ubusuku bonke.

UJakhobe Ubindana LoNkulunkulu

22 Ngalobobusuku uJakhobe waphakama wathatha omkakhe bobabili, lezincekukazi zakhe zombili kanye lamadodana akhe alitshumi lamunye wawela izibuko likaJabhoki. 23 Esebachaphisile wabuye wachaphisa yonke imfuyo yakhe. 24 Ngakho uJakhobe wasala yedwa, indoda ethile yabindana laye kwaze kwaba semathathakusa. 25 Leyondoda yathi ngokubona ukuthi kayimehluli uJakhobe, yambamba inyonga, inyonga yakhe yakhumuka elokhu ebindana laleyondoda. 26 Indoda yasisithi, “Ngiyekela ngihambe ngoba sokusile.”

Kodwa uJakhobe wamphendula wathi, “Kangisoze ngikwekele uhambe ngaphandle kokuthi ungibusise.”

27 Indoda yambuza yathi, “Ungubani ibizo lakho na?”

Wathi, “NginguJakhobe.”

28 Indoda yasisithi, “Ibizo lakho kalisayikuba nguJakhobe, kodwa u-Israyeli, ngoba ulwe loNkulunkulu kanye labantu wanqoba.”

29 UJakhobe wathi, “Akungitshele ibizo lakho.”

Kodwa waphendula wathi “Ulibuzelani ibizo lami na?” Wasembusisa khonapho.

30 Ngakho uJakhobe wabiza indawo leyo ngokuthi yiPheniyeli esithi, “Kungoba ngimbonile uNkulunkulu ubuso ngobuso, kodwa impilo yami kayilinyazwanga.”

31 Ilanga lamphumela esedlula ePheniweli, ehamba eqhugezela ngenxa yenyonga yakhe. 32 Ngakho-ke kuze kube lamuhla abako-Israyeli kabayidli inyama elomsipha osuka enyongeni, ngoba inyonga kaJakhobe yenyela eduze lomsipha.

33

UJakhobe Uhlangana Lo-Esawu

1 UJakhobe wathi evusa amehlo wabona u-Esawu, eqhamuka lamadoda akhe angamakhulu amane; wasesehlukanisa abantwana phakathi kukaLeya, uRasheli lezincekukazi zombili. 2 Waqhuba phambili izincekukazi labantwabazo, kwalandela uLeya labantwabakhe, kweza uRasheli loJosefa ngemuva. 3 Yena ngokwakhe wahamba phambili wakhothama phansi emhlabathini kasikhombisa esebanga kumnewabo.

4 Kodwa u-Esawu wagijima wahlangabeza uJakhobe wamanga; wamgona ngezingalo entanyeni wamanga. Bakhala. 5 U-Esawu wasekhangela wabona abesifazane labantwana. Wabuza wathi, “Ngobani laba ohamba labo na?”

UJakhobe waphendula wathi, “Ngabantwana uNkulunkulu abaphe ngesihle inceku yakho.”

6 Kwathi izincekukazi labantwabazo, zasondela zakhothamela phansi. 7 Kwalandela uLeya kanye labantwabakhe beza bakhothamela phansi. Abokucina kwaba nguJosefa loRasheli, labo bakhothamela phansi.

8 U-Esawu wabuza wathi, “Utshoni ngemihlambi yonke le engihlangane layo?”

Wathi, “Ngeyokucela umusa kuwe, nkosi yami.”

9 Kodwa u-Esawu wathi, “Lami sengilakho okunengi, mnawami. Zigcinele lawe lokho olakho.”

10 UJakhobe wathi, “Hatshi bo, bakithi. Nxa ngisamukeleka kuwe yamukela isipho sami lesi. Ngoba ukubona ubuso bakho kufana lokubona ubuso bukaNkulunkulu, ikakhulu njengoba usungamukele ngesihle. 11 Ngicela ukuthi wamukele isipho leso esilethwe kuwe, ngoba uNkulunkulu ube lomusa kimi, ngaba lakho konke engikudingayo.” Kwathi ngoba uJakhobe encenga, u-Esawu wasamukela.

12 U-Esawu wasesithi, “Kasihambeni. Ngizahamba lani.”

13 Kodwa uJakhobe wathi kuye, “Inkosi yami iyazi ukuthi abantwana babuthakathaka lokuthi ngisamele nginakekele izimvukazi lamankomokazi konke okusanda kuzala. Zingahanjiswa ngamandla okwelanga elilodwa nje, izifuyo zizakufa. 14 Ngakho inkosi yami kayizihambele phambili kwenceku yayo, mina ngilandele kancane okwamandla emihlambi eqhutshwayo labantwana, ngize ngifike enkosini yami eSeyiri.”

15 U-Esawu wathi, “Nxa kunjalo ngizatshiya amanye amadoda ami lawe.”

UJakhobe wabuza wathi, “Kambe ube ukwenzelani lokho? Inkosi yami kayingenzele umusa nje kube kuphela.”

16 Ngakho ngalolosuku u-Esawu wasuka esebuyela eSeyiri. 17 Kodwa uJakhobe waya eSukhothi lapho azakhela khona umuzi wakha lezibaya zezifuyo zakhe. Kungakho leyondawo ithiwa yiSukhothi.

18 UJakhobe esebuyile ePhadani Aramu wafika kuhle edolobheni laseShekhemu eKhenani wamisa izihonqo eduzane kwedolobho. 19 Ngenhlamvu zesiliva ezilikhulu wathenga isiqinti somhlabathi emadodaneni kaHamori, uyise kaShekhemu, lapho amisa khona ithente lakhe. 20 Khonapho amisa i-alithari walibiza ngokuthi yi-Eli Elohe Israyeli.

34

UDina LabakoShekhemu

1 UDina, indodakazi kaLeya ayizalela uJakhobe wasuka wayakwethekelela abafazi balelolizwe. 2 Kwathi uShekhemu, indodana kaHamori umHivi, umbusi walowomango, ebona uDina, wamthatha wamdlova. 3 Inhliziyo yakhe yathatheka ngoDina indodakazi kaJakhobe, wayithanda intombi le, wakhuluma layo kamnandi. 4 UShekhemu wathi kuyise uHamori, “Ngithathela intombi le ibe ngumkami.”

5 UJakhobe wathi ekuzwa ukuthi indodakazi yakhe uDina yayingcolisiwe, amadodana akhe ayesegangeni lezifuyo; wathula nje aze abuya ekhaya.

6 Ngakho usekaShekhemu, uHamori wayakhuluma loJakhobe. 7 Ngalesosikhathi amadodana kaJakhobe ayesebuyile evela egangeni evele esezwile okwasekwenzakele. Babelosizi njalo begcwele ulaka ngoba uShekhemu wayenze into elihlazo ko-Israyeli ngokudlova indodakazi kaJakhobe, into okwakungamelanga yenziwe.

8 Kodwa uHamori wathi kubo, “Indodana yami uShekhemu uyayithanda indodakazi yakho. Muphe yona ibe ngumkakhe. 9 Kasendiselane; sipheni amadodakazi enu, lani lizithathele amadodakazi ethu. 10 Lingazihlalela phakathi kwethu; ilizwe livulekile kini. Hlalani kulo, thengisani kulo njalo lifuye kulo.”

11 UShekhemu wasesithi kuyise kaDina lakubanewabo, “Ngicela ukuthi lingamukele, ngizalinika loba yini eliyifunayo. 12 Khulumani amalobolo lokangaziwe, mina ngizakuletha ngobunengi bakho njengokufuna kwenu, njalo ngizakukhupha konke elikubizayo. Lina ngiphani intombi kuphela nje ibe ngumkami.”

13 Kwathi ngoba udadewabo uDina wayesengcolisiwe, amadodana kaJakhobe aphendula ngobuqili ekhuluma loShekhemu loyise uHamori. 14 Athi kubo, “Asingeke senze into enjalo; ngeke siphe udadewethu indoda engasokwanga. Lokho kungaba lihlazo kithi. 15 Sizavuma kuphela nxa lenze lokhu: ukuthi libe njengathi ngokusoka bonke abesilisa benu. 16 Lapho-ke sesingalendisela amadodakazi ethu lathi sithathe amadodakazi enu. Sizakwakha phakathi kwenu sibe ngabantu banye lani. 17 Kodwa nxa lingavumi ukusokwa sizamthatha udadewethu sihambe.”

18 Icebo labo lakhanya lilihle kuHamori loShekhemu. 19 Ijaha leli eliyilo elalihlonitshwa kakhulu emzini kayise, kalisachithanga isikhathi ukukwenza lokho ababekutshilo ngoba lalitshiseka ngendodakazi kaJakhobe. 20 Ngakho uHamori lendodana yakhe uShekhemu baya entubeni yedolobho bayabonisana lamadoda edolobho lakibo. 21 Bathi, “Amadoda la alomusa kithi. Kabahlale elizweni lethu bathengiselane labantu; ilizwe leli lilendawo enkulu abangahlala kuyo. Singathatha amadodakazi abo labo bangathatha awethu. 22 Kodwa bangavuma ukuhlala phakathi kwethu kuphela nxa abesilisa bethu bengasokwa njengabo. 23 Kambe izifuyo zabo, lempahla yabo kanye layo yonke imfuyo yabo kakukuba ngokwethu na? Ngakho kasivumeni, khona bezakwakha phakathi kwethu.”

24 Wonke amadoda ayekhona entubeni yedolobho avumelana loHamori lendodana yakhe uShekhemu, kwathi bonke abesilisa balelodolobho basokwa.

25 Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu, bonke belokhu besebuhlungwini, amadodana kaJakhobe amabili, uSimiyoni loLevi, abanewabo bakaDina, bathatha inkemba zabo balihlasela idolobho belibele, babulala bonke abesilisa. 26 OHamori lendodana yakhe uShekhemu babaquma ngenkemba bamkhupha uDina endlini kaShekhemu bahamba. 27 Amadodana kaJakhobe afikela phezu kwezidumbu aliphanga idolobho lapho udadewabo ayengcoliselwe khona. 28 Athumba imihlambi yabo yezimvu lenkomo, labobabhemi lakho konke okwakungokwabo phakathi edolobheni langaphandle egangeni. 29 Bayiqukula yonke inotho yabo kanye labafazi labantwana, bathumba konke okwakusezindlini kwaba yimpango.

30 UJakhobe wasesithi kuSimiyoni loLevi, “Selingehlisele uhlupho langenza ngasoleka kakhulu kumaKhenani lamaPherizi, abantu abahlala elizweni leli. Thina sibalutshwana, bangahlangana bangihlasele, mina lomuzi wami sizabhujiswa.”

31 Kodwa bona baphendula bathi, “Bekufanele yini ukuthi aphathe udadewethu njengesifebe na?”

35

UJakhobe Ubuyela EBhetheli

1 UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuJakhobe, “Yana eBhetheli wakhe khona, njalo khonapho wakhele uNkulunkulu i-alithari, yena owabonakala kuwe lapho ubalekela umnewenu u-Esawu.”

2 Ngakho uJakhobe wasesithi kwabomuzi wakhe lakubo bonke ababelaye, “Lahlani onkulunkulu bezizweni elilabo, lizihlambulule, lintshintshe lezigqoko zenu. 3 Beselisiza sihambe siye eBhetheli lapho engizakwakha khona i-alithari likaNkulunkulu yena owangisizayo ngosuku lokuhlupheka kwami njalo olokhu elami loba ngingaze ngiye ngaphi.” 4 Basebemupha uJakhobe bonke onkulunkulu bezizweni ababelabo lamacici ayesendlebeni zabo, uJakhobe wakumbela ngaphansi kwesihlahla somʼOkhi eShekhemu. 5 Emva kwalokho basebesuka, ukumesaba uNkulunkulu kwehlela imizi yonke ababakhelane layo, akwaze kwaba loyedwa owaxotshana labo.

6 UJakhobe wafika eLuzi (leyo yiBhetheli) kanye labo bonke ayelabo elizweni laseKhenani. 7 Wakha khona i-alithari, indawo waseyibiza ngokuthi yi-Eli Bhetheli, ngoba kwakulapho uNkulunkulu aziveza khona ngesikhathi ebalekela umfowabo.

8 UDibhora, umlizane kaRabheka wafa, wembelwa ngaphansi komʼOkhi ngezansi kweBhetheli. Yikho yathiwa yi-Aloni Bhakhuthi.

9 UJakhobe esebuyile ePhadani Aramu uNkulunkulu wabonakala kuye njalo, wambusisa. 10 UNkulunkulu wathi kuye, “Ibizo lakho linguJakhobe, kodwa kawusayi kuthiwa unguJakhobe; ibizo lakho selizathiwa ungu-Israyeli.” Ngakho wamutha wathi ngu-Israyeli.

11 UNkulunkulu wathi kuye, “NginguNkulunkulu uSomandla; zalanani lande ngobunengi. Kuzaphuma kuwe isizwe lezinhlanga zezizwe, lamakhosi azavela emzimbeni wakho. 12 Ilizwe engalinika u-Abhrahama lo-Isaka ngilinika wena lawe, njalo ilizwe leli ngizalinika izizukulwane zakho eziza emva kwakho.” 13 UNkulunkulu wasephakama emtshiya endaweni lapho ayeke wakhuluma laye khona.

14 UJakhobe wamisa insika yelitshe endaweni leyo uNkulunkulu ayekhulume laye khona, wasethululela phezu kwayo umnikelo onathwayo; wathela njalo amafutha phezu kwayo. 15 UJakhobe wasebiza indawo leyo lapho uNkulunkulu akhuluma laye khona ngokuthi yiBhetheli.

Ukufa KukaRasheli Lo-Isaka

16 Basebehamba besuka eBhetheli. Kwathi belokhu besesebucwala kwe-Efrathi, uRasheli wahelelwa kwaba nzima ukubeletha. 17 Kwathi ekulobobunzima bokubeletha umbelethisi wathi kuye, “Ungesabi. Ngoba uzazuza enye indodana.” 18 Kwathi esephela ngoba wayesesifa wetha indodana yakhe wathi nguBheni-Oni. Kodwa uyise wayo wayithi nguBhenjamini.

19 Wafa kanjalo uRasheli wembelwa endleleni kuyiwa e-Efrathi (kutshiwo iBhethilehema.) 20 UJakhobe wakha insika phezu kwethuna, kuze kube lamhla insika leyo itshengisa ithuna likaRasheli.

21 U-Israyeli wabuye wathutha wayamisa ithente lakhe ngale kweMigidali-Eda. 22 U-Israyeli esakhile kulowomango, uRubheni wasuka wayalala lomfazi weceleni kayise uBhiliha, njalo u-Israyeli wakuzwa.

UJakhobe wayelamadodana alitshumi lambili:

23 Amadodana kaLeya ayeyila:

uRubheni izibulo likaJakhobe,

uSimiyoni, uLevi, uJuda, u-Isakhari loZebhuluni.

24 Amadodana kaRasheli ayeyila:

uJosefa loBhenjamini.

25 Amadodana encekukazi kaRasheli, uBhiliha ayeyila:

uDani loNafithali.

26 Amadodana encekukazi kaLeya uZilipha ayeyila:

uGadi lo-Asheri.

La ayengamadodana kaJakhobe awazalela ePhadani Aramu.

27 UJakhobe weza ekhaya kuyise u-Isaka eMamure, eduze leKhiriyathi Aribha (kutsho iHebhroni) lapho u-Abhrahama lo-Isaka ababehlala khona. 28 U-Isaka waphila okweminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. 29 Wafika ekucineni wafa, wembelwa labantu bakibo eseluphele leminyaka yakhe isiminengi. Amadodana akhe u-Esawu loJakhobe bamngcwaba.

36

Izizukulwane Zika-Esawu

1 Lo ngumlando ka-Esawu (okungu-Edomi).

2 U-Esawu wathatha ebafazini baseKhenani: u-Ada indodakazi ka-Eloni umHithi, lo-Oholibhama indodakazi ka-Ana, njalo eyindodakazi kaZibhiyoni umHivi, 3 njalo loBhasemathi indodakazi ka-Ishumayeli njalo engudadewabo kaNebhayothi.

4 U-Ada wazala u-Elifazi ku-Esawu, uBhasemathi wazala uRuweli, 5 u-Oholibhama wazala uJewushi, loJalamu loKhora. La ayengamadodana ka-Esawu, awazala eKhenani.

6 U-Esawu wathatha omkakhe lamadodana akhe kanye lamadodakazi akhe labo bonke ababesemzini wakhe kanye lezifuyo zakhe lezinye izinyamazana zakhe lempahla zonke ayezizuzile eKhenani, wasuka waya khatshana lomfowabo uJakhobe. 7 Imfuyo yabo yayinengi kakhulu okokuthi babengeke bahlale ndawonye; lomhlaba ababehlala kuwo wawungasoze ubathwale bobabili ngenxa yezifuyo zabo. 8 Ngakho u-Esawu (kutshiwo u-Edomi) wayakwakha elizweni lamaqaqa elaseSeyiri.

9 Lo ngumlando ka-Esawu uyise wama-Edomi elizweni lamaqaqa elaseSeyiri.

10 La ngamabizo amadodana ka-Esawu:

U-Elifazi, indodana yomka-Esawu u-Ada, lo Ruweli indodana yomka-Esawu uBhasemathi.

11 Amadodana ka-Elifazi ayeyila:

uThemani, u-Omari, uZefo, uGathamu loKhenazi. 12 Indodana ka-Esawu u-Elifazi wayelomfazi weceleni owayethiwa nguThimina, owamzalela u-Amaleki. Laba babengabazukulu baka-Ada umka-Esawu.

13 Amadodana kaRuweli ayeyila:

uNahathi, uZera, uShama loMiza. Laba bebengabazukulu bomka-Esawu uBhasemathi umka-Esawu.

14 Amadodana kamka-Esawu u-Oholibhama, indodakazi ka-Ana, njalo engumzukulu kaZibhiyoni, awazalela u-Esawu ayeyila:

uJewushi, uJalamu loKhora.

15 Laba babezinduna kwabosendo luka-Esawu:

Amadodana ka-Elifazi izibulo lika-Esawu:

Induna uThemani, u-Omari, uZefo, uKhenazi, 16 uKhora, uGathamu, lo-Amaleki. Lezi kwakuzinduna ezidabuka ku-Elifazi, e-Edomi; zazingabazukulu baka-Ada.

17 Amadodana kaRuweli indodana ka-Esawu:

Izinduna uNahathi, uZera, uShama loMiza. Lezizinduna zazidabuka kuRewuli e-Edomi; zazingabazukulu bakaBhasemathi umka-Esawu.

18 Amadodana ka-Oholibhama, umka-Esawu:

Izinduna uJewushi, uJalamu loKhora. Lezi kwakuzinduna ezazidabuka kumka-Esawu, u-Oholibhama, indodakazi ka-Ana.

19 La ayengamadodana ka-Esawu (kutshiwo u-Edomi), njalo bona babezinduna zabo.

20 La ayengamadodana kaSeyiri umHori, ababehlala kulowomango:

ULothani, uShobhali, uZibhiyoni, u-Ana, 21 uDishoni, u-Ezeri loDishani. La amadodana kaSeyiri e-Edomi ayeyizinduna zamaHori.

22 Amadodana kaLothani ayeyila:

uHori loHemani. UThimina wayengudadewabo kaLothani.

23 Amadodana kaShobhali ayeyila:

u-Alivani, uManahathi, u-Ebhali, uShefo lo-Onami.

24 Amadodana kaZibhiyoni ayeyila:

u-Ayiya lo-Ana. (Lo nguye u-Ana owafumana izintombo zamanzi atshisayo enkangala eselusa obabhemi bakayise uZibhiyoni.)

25 Abantwana baka-Ana babeyilaba:

uDishoni lo-Oholibhama indodakazi ka-Ana.

26 Amadodana kaDishoni ayeyila:

uHemidani, u-Eshibhani, u-Ithirani loKherani.

27 Amadodana ka-Ezeri ayeyila:

uBhilihani, uZavani lo-Akhani.

28 Amadodana kaDishani ayeyila:

u-Uzi lo-Arani.

29 Laba babezinduna zamaHori:

ULothani, uShobhali, uZibhiyoni, u-Ana, 30 uDishoni, u-Ezeri loDishani.

Laba babezinduna zamaHori kusiya ngezigaba zabo elizweni laseSeyiri.

Ababusi Base-Edomi

31 La ayengamakhosi abusa e-Edomi kungakabusi inkosi yako-Israyeli:

32 UBhela indodana kaBheyori waba yinkosi e-Edomi. Idolobho lakhe lalibizwa ngokuthi yiDinihabha.

33 UBhela esefile, uJobhabhi indodana kaZera waseBhozira wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

34 UJobhabhi esefile, uHushamu waselizweni lamaThemani wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

35 UHushamu esefile, uHadadi indodana kaBhedadi, owanqoba uMidiyani elizweni laseMowabi, wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi. Idolobho lakhe lalibizwa ngokuthi yi-Avithi.

36 UHadadi esefile, uSamila waseMasirekha wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

37 USamila esefile, uShawuli waseRehobhothi phezu komfula wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

38 UShawuli esefile, uBhali-Hanani indodana ka-Akhibhori wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

39 UBhali-Hanani indodana ka-Akhibhori esefile, uHadari wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi. Idolobho lakhe labizwa ngokuthi yiPawu; njalo ibizo lomkakhe lalinguMehethabheli indodakazi kaMathiredi, indodakazi kaMe-Zahabhi.

40 Lezi kwakuzinduna ezadabuka ku-Esawu, ngamabizo azo, kusiya ngosendo lwazo lezigodi zazo:

UThimina, u-Aliva, uJethethi,

41 u-Oholibhama, u-Ela, uPhinoni,

42 uKhenazi, uThemani, uMibhizari,

43 uMagidiyeli lo-Iramu.

Lezi kwakuzinduna ze-Edomi, kusiya ngokuhlala kwabo elizweni ababakhe kulo.

Lolu yilo-ke usendo luka-Esawu, uyise wama-Edomi.

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Amaphupho KaJosefa

1 UJakhobe wahlala elizweni lapho uyise laye ahlala kulo, ilizwe laseKhenani.

2 Lo ngumlando wosendo lukaJakhobe.

UJosefa ijaha elalileminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa, wayeselusa imihlambi yezimvu labanewabo, amadodana kaBhiliha lamadodana kaZilipha, abafazi bakayise, wasebaceba kuyise.

3 U-Israyeli wasuka wamthanda uJosefa ukwedlula wonke amanye amadodana akhe, ngoba wamzala eseluphele; yikho wamenzela ijazi eliceciswe kakhulu. 4 Kwathi abafowabo bebona ukuthi uyise wayemthanda ukwedlula bonke abanye bamzonda kabazange bamkhulumise ngothando.

5 UJosefa waphupha, wathi esebatshelile ngephupho lakhe bamzonda ngokwedlulisileyo. 6 Wathi kubo, “Zwanini iphupho engibe lalo: 7 besibopha izithungo zamabele sisemasimini lapho okuthe masinyane esami isithungo saphakama sema saqonda, kwathi ezenu izithungo zasigombolozela esami, zasikhothamela phansi.”

8 Abanewabo bathi kuye. “Ufisa ukubusa phezu kwethu na? Ungasibusa ngempela na?” Basebemzonda ngamandla ngenxa yephupho lakhe lalokho ayekutshilo.

9 Waphinda waba lelinye iphupho, walitshela abanewabo. Wathi, “Lalelani, ngibe lalo elinye iphupho, kuleli, ilanga lenyanga kanye lezinkanyezi ezilitshumi lanye bezingikhothamela phansi.”

10 Wathi eselitshele uyise njalo labanewabo uyise wamkhalimela wathi, “Liphupho bani leli oliphuphileyo? Utsho ukuthi unyoko lami labanewenu sizaguqa phansi emhlabathini sibili siguqela wena?” 11 Abanewabo babalomona ngaye, kodwa uyise wayigcina engqondweni yakhe indaba le.

UJosefa Uthengiswa Ngabafowabo

12 Abanewabo basuka bahamba lemihlambi kayise emadlelweni eduze kweShekhemu. 13 U-Israyeli wathi kuJosefa, “Njengoba usazi abanewenu basemadlelweni lemihlambi eduze kweShekhemu. Lalela-ke, ngifuna ukukuthuma kubo.”

Waphendula wathi, “Kulungile.”

14 Ngakho wasesithi kuye, “Hamba uyebona ingabe abafowenu bayaphila yini kanye lemihlambi, ukuze ubuye uzongazisa.” Lakanye wamvalelisa esuka esigodini saseHebhroni.

UJosefa esefikile eShekhemu, 15 wafunyanwa yindoda ezula egangeni yambuza yathi, “Udingani?”

16 Waphendula wathi, “Ngidinga abafowethu. Kambe ungangitshela ukuthi belusela ngaphi imihlambi yabo na?”

17 Indoda yaphendula yathi, “Sebesukile lapha. Ngabezwa besithi, ‘Kasiyeni eDothani.’ ”

Ngakho uJosefa wabalandela abafowabo wayabafumana eduze kweDothani. 18 Kodwa bambona esesekude, wathi engakafiki kubo, bakhanda icebo lokumbulala.

19 Batshelana bathi, “Nanguyana umphuphi lowana esiza. 20 Zwanini, kasimbulaleni simphosele kwelinye lamagodi la besesisithi udliwe yisilo esesabekayo. Besesibona-ke ukuthi azaphelela ngaphi amaphupho akhe.”

21 Kwathi uRubheni esekuzwile lokhu, wazama ukuthi amlamulele ezandleni zabo. Wathi, “Kasingacimi impilo yakhe. 22 Lingachithi gazi. Mphoseleni emgodini lo lapha enkangala, kodwa lingambeki isandla.” URubheni watsho lokhu ukuze amlamulele kubo abesembuyisela kuyise.

23 Ngakho kwathi uJosefa efika kubafowabo, bamhlubula ijazi lakhe, elalibalazwe kakuhle ayeligqokile, 24 bamthatha bayamphosela emgodini. Umgodi lo wawungela lutho, kungelamanzi phakathi kwawo.

25 Bathi sebehlezi phansi ukuthi badle, bathi baphosa amehlo babona udwendwe lwama-Ishumayeli luvelela eGiliyadi. Amakamela abo ayethwaliswe iziyoliso, ibhami lemure, konke lokhu bekusa eGibhithe.

26 UJuda wathi kubafowabo, “Sizazuzani nxa sibulala umfowethu sigqibele igazi lakhe na? 27 Zwanini, kasimthengiseni kuma-Ishumayeli thina singambeki sandla; kambe yena evele engumfowethu, eyinyama yethu legazi lethu.” Abafowabo bavuma.

28 Ngakho kwathi abathengisi bamaMidiyani besedlula abafowabo bamkhupha uJosefa emgodini bamthengisa ngamashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amabili kuma-Ishumayeli, amthatha aya laye eGibhithe.

29 URubheni wathi esebuyela emgodini wafumana uJosefa engasekho, wasedabula izigqoko zakhe ngokudabuka. 30 Wabuyela kubafowabo wathi, “Umfana kasekho! Sengizakwenzanjani manje?”

31 Basebethatha ijazi likaJosefa, babulala imbuzi basebegxamuza ijazi lelo egazini. 32 Balithatha ijazi lokuceciswa babuyela lalo kuyise bathi, “Silidobhile. Ake ulikhangele kuhle kumbe lijazi lendodana yakho.”

33 Lakanye walibona liyilo wathi, “Lijazi lendodana yami. Udliwe yisilo esesabekayo. Ngempela uJosefa usedlithizwe waba yizicucu.”

34 UJakhobe wasedabula izigqoko zakhe, wagqoka ezamasaka walilela indodana yakhe okwensuku ezinengi. 35 Wonke amadodana akhe lamadodakazi beza ukuzamduduza, kodwa kavumanga ukududuzeka. Wathi, “Hatshi, ngizakuya ethuneni ngilila nginje, ngiye endodaneni yami.” Uyise wamkhalela kanjalo.

36 Kusenjalo, amaMidiyani amthengisa uJosefa eGibhithe kuPhothifa, omunye wezikhulu zikaFaro, owayengumlawuli wabalindi.

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UJuda LoThamari

1 Ngalesosikhathi uJuda watshiya abafowabo wahamba wayahlala lendoda yase-Adulami eyayithiwa nguHira. 2 Khonale uJuda wabonana lendodakazi yendoda engumKhenani eyayithiwa nguShuwa. Wayithatha wembatha layo; 3 yathatha isisu yazala indodana yathiwa ngu-Eri. 4 Wazithwala njalo wazala indodana wayithi ngu-Onani. 5 Wazala njalo enye indodana wayithi nguShela. Le wayizalela eKhezibhi.

6 UJuda wazuzela u-Eri izibulo lakhe umfazi, ibizo lakhe linguThamari. 7 Kodwa u-Eri izibulo likaJuda, wayengcolile emehlweni kaThixo; uThixo wasembulala.

8 UJuda wasesithi ku-Onani, “Lala lomkamfowenu ugcwalise umlandu wakho njengomfowabo uzalele umfowenu abantwana.” 9 Kodwa u-Onani wakwazi ukuthi inzalo leyo yayingezukuba ngeyakhe; ngakho kwakusithi sonke isikhathi angalala lomkamfowabo achithele inhlanyelo phansi emhlabathini ukuze angaze azalela umfowabo abantwana. 10 Lokho ayekwenza kwakukubi emehlweni kaThixo; ngakho uThixo wambulala.

11 UJuda wasesithi kumalukazana wakhe uThamari, “Hamba uyehlala njengomfelokazi emzini kayihlo indodana yami uShela ize ikhule.” Ngoba wanakana wathi, “Laye angafa njengabanewabo.” Ngakho uThamari wahamba wayahlala emzini kayise.

12 Ngemva kwesikhathi eside umkaJuda, indodakazi kaShuwa wafa. Kwathi uJuda eseduduzekile waya eThimina, emadodeni ayegunda izimvu zakhe, ehamba lomngane wakhe uHira umʼAdulami.

13 Kwathi uThamari esetsheliwe kwathiwa, “Uyihlozala uyeza eThimina ukuzagunda izimvu zakhe,” 14 wakhulula izigqoko zakhe zokuzila wazimboza ngesimbombozo ukuzifihla, wasehlala phansi eduzane lesango lase-Enayimi, elisendleleni yaseThimina. Ngoba wabona ukuthi loba uShela wayesekhulile, yena wayelokhu engakamphiwa ukuthi abe ngumkakhe.

15 UJuda wathi embona wacabanga ukuthi yisifebe, ngoba wayezivale ubuso. 16 Kwathi ngoba engamboni ukuthi ngumalokazana wakhe waya kuye eceleni komgwaqo wathi, “Woza manje, ngifuna ukulala lawe.”

Yena wabuza wathi, “Uzangiphani ngingalala lawe?”

17 Wathi, “Ngizakuthumezela izinyane lembuzi emhlambini wami.”

UThamari wabuza wathi, “Uzangipha na ulutho lube yisibambiso ungakalithumezi?”

18 Wathi, “Ngikuphe sibambiso bani?”

Waphendula wathi, “Isilengiso sophawu lwakho lentambo yaso, kanye lodondolo lwakho oluphetheyo.” Ngakho wamupha lezozinto waselala laye, wahle wazithwala. 19 Esesuka lapho uThamari wakhupha isimbombozo sakhe wagqoka izigqoko zakhe zokuzila njalo.

20 Kusenjalo uJuda wathumezela izinyane lembuzi ngomngane wakhe umʼAdulami ukuze abuyiselwe isibambiso sakhe esasikowesifazane lowo, kodwa wamswela. 21 Wabuza amadoda ayehlala lapho wathi, “Singaphi isifebe ebesilapha eceleni komgwaqo e-Enayimi na?”

Athi, “Kakuzange kube lesifebe lapha.”

22 Ngakho wasebuyela kuJuda wayakuthi, “Kangimfumananga. Futhi amadoda lawo ahlala khona athi kakuzange kube lesifebe esasihlala lapho.”

23 UJuda wasesithi, “Myekele ahle akugcine khonokho alakho funa sicine sesiyinhlekisa. Phezu kwalokho mina bengimthumezele izinyane lembuzi, kodwa kawusamfumananga.”

24 Ngemva kwezinyanga ezintathu uJuda watshelwa ukuthi umalukazana wakhe uThamari wayesefebile wasethatha isisu.

UJuda wathi, “Mkhupheni, atshiswe aze afe.”

25 Kwathi lapho ekhutshwa wathumela ilizwi kuyisezala wathi, “Ngoniwa yindoda engumnikazi walezizinto.” Wengeza ngokuthi, “Akubone ukuthi singaba ngesikabani isilengiso sophawu lesi lentambo kanye lodondolo lolu.”

26 UJuda wazazi izinto lezo wathi, “Ulungile kulami, ngoba kangisamphanga endodaneni yami uShela.” Kasaphindanga wembatha laye njalo.

27 Kwathi isikhathi sakhe sokubeletha sesifikile, wayelamaphahla angabafana esiswini. 28 Wathi khonapho ebeletha omunye wawo wakhupha isandla; umbelethisi wathatha intambo ebomvu wayibophela esihlakaleni sesandla salo wathi, “Leli yilo eliphume kuqala.” 29 Kodwa labuyisela isandla, umfowabo waphuma kuqala, wasesithi, “Le yiyo indlela ofohle ngayo!” Laseliphiwa ibizo elithi nguPherezi. 30 Ngakho umfowabo, owayelentambo esihlakaleni, waphuma wethiwa ibizo wathiwa nguZera.

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UJosefa LomkaPhothifa

1 UJosefa wathathwa wasiwa eGibhithe. UPhothifa, owayengomunye wezikhulu zikaFaro, eyindunankulu yabalindi, wamthenga kuma-Ishumayeli abayibo abamletha khona.

2  UThixo wayelaye uJosefa, waphumelela, wahlala endlini yenkosi yakhe umGibhithe. 3 Kwathi inkosi yakhe ikubona ukuthi uThixo wayelaye lokuthi uThixo wamphumelelisa kukho konke ayekwenza, 4 uJosefa wasethandeka kuye wasesiba yinceku yakhe. UPhothifa wasembeka ukuba ngumphathi womuzi wakhe, kwathi konke ayelakho wakubeka ezandleni zakhe. 5 Kusukela ngesikhathi embeka ukuba ngumphathi womuzi wakhe lakho konke okwakungokwakhe, uThixo wawubusisa umuzi womGibhithe ngenxa kaJosefa. Isibusiso sikaThixo saba phezu kwakho konke uPhothifa ayelakho, loba kusendlini loba kusensimini. 6 Ngakho watshiya konke okwakhe ezandleni zikaJosefa; kwathi ngoba uJosefa enguye ophetheyo wakhohlwa ngakho konke ngaphandle kokudla ayekudla.

UJosefa lo wayemi kuhle, ebukeka, 7 kwasekusithi ngemva kwesikhathi inkosikazi yenkosi yakhe yambuka, yamfisa uJosefa yathi, “Woza engutsheni lami!”

8 Kodwa wala. Wamtshela wathi, “Njengoba kuyimi engiphetheyo, inkosi yami kayizihluphi ngalutho emzini wayo; yonke into elayo iyibeke ezandleni zami. 9 Kakho omkhulu kulami kulumuzi. Inkosi yami kayingalisi lutho ngaphandle kwakho, ngoba wena ungumkayo. Pho ngingayenza kanjani into embi kanje, ngenze isono kuNkulunkulu na?” 10 Kwathi loba emphikelela uJosefa insuku ngensuku, wala ukulala laye wala lokuthi ahlale laye.

11 Ngolunye usuku wangena endlini ukuqhuba umsebenzi wakhe, izisebenzi zasendlini zingekho phakathi endlini. 12 UmkaPhothifa wambamba ngesigqoko wathi, “Woza engutsheni ulale lami!” Kodwa waphunyuka wabaleka waphuma endlini, isigqoko sakhe sasala esandleni sowesifazane.

13 Kwathi ebona ukuthi utshiye isigqoko sakhe esandleni sakhe njalo wabaleka endlini, 14 owesifazane wamemeza izisebenzi zendlini wathi kuzo, “Khangelani, umHebheru lo walethwa lapha ukuzadlala ngathi! Ungene lapha efuna ukulala lami, kodwa ngahlaba umkhosi. 15 Uthe esizwa ngihlaba umkhosi ngidinga uncedo, wasetshiya isigqoko sakhe eceleni kwami wabaleka waphuma endlini.”

16 Wasigcina isigqoko eceleni kwakhe inkosi kaJosefa yaze yabuya ngekhaya. 17 Waseyitshela indaba le wathi: “Isigqili somHebheru lesiyana owasilethela sona sifikile kimi ukuzadlala ngami. 18 Kodwa ngonele ukuthi ngihlabe umkhosi ngidinga uncedo, satshiya isigqoko saso eceleni kwami sabaleka saphuma endlini.”

19 Kwathi inkosi yakhe isizwile indaba eyayitshelwa ngumfazi esithi, “Singenze njalo isigqili sakho,” yathukuthela kakhulu. 20 Inkosi yakhe uJosefa yamthatha yamphosela entolongweni, indawo lapho okwakuvalelwa khona izibotshwa zenkosi.

Kodwa kwathi uJosefa ekhonapho entolongweni, 21  uThixo waba laye; wamenzela umusa wamenza wathandeka emehlweni omphathijele. 22 Ngakho-ke umphathijele wamkhweza wamenza umphathi wabo bonke ababebotshiwe besentolongweni, njalo kwaba nguye okhangele konke okwakusenziwa khona. 23 Umphathijele kazange azihluphe loba ngani eyayiphethwe nguJosefa ngoba uThixo wayelaye uJosefa, wamupha impumelelo kukho konke ayekwenza.

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UJosefa Uchasisa Amaphupho

1 Emva kwesikhathi esithile umphathinkezo lomphekizinkwa wenkosi yaseGibhithe bayikhuba inkosi yabo, inkosi yaseGibhithe. 2 UFaro wayezizondele izikhulu zakhe zombili, umphathinkezo omkhulu lomphekizinkwa omkhulu, 3 wabaphosela entolongweni eyayisendlini kandunankulu wabalindi, lapho uJosefa ayevalelwe khona. 4 Indunankulu yabalindi yabanikela kuJosefa, wabalawula.

Kwathi sebehlale entolongweni okwesikhathi esithile, 5 ngulowo wamadoda la amabili, umphathinkezo lomphekizinkwa, abenkosi yaseGibhithe, ababevalelwe baphupha amaphupho ngabusuku bunye, kwathi yilelo iphupho laba lengcazelo yalo.

6 Kwathi uJosefa efika kubo kusisa ekuseni, wabona bebunile. 7 Wasezibuza izikhulu zikaFaro ezazisentolongweni kanye laye endlini yenkosi yakhe wathi, “Kungani ubuso benu bubunile kanje lamuhla na?”

8 Baphendula bathi, “Sobabili siphuphile, kodwa kakho ongasichasisela amaphupho ethu.”

Ngakho uJosefa wasesithi kubo, “Izingcazelo kakusizikaNkulunkulu na? Ngitshelani amaphupho enu.”

9 Umphathinkezo omkhulu wamtshela uJosefa ngephupho lakhe. Wathi kuye, “Ephutsheni lami ngibone isihlahla sevini siphambi kwami, 10 lelovini lilengatsha ezintathu. Lonela ukuhluma lahle laqhakaza, amaxha alo ahle avuthwa aba yizithelo ezivuthiweyo. 11 Inkezo kaFaro ibisesandleni sami, ngawathatha amagrebisi ngawakhamela enkezweni kaFaro ngamqhubela esandleni sakhe.”

12 UJosefa wathi kuye, “Nanku elikutshoyo. Amagatsha amathathu yizinsuku ezintathu. 13 Phakathi kwensuku ezintathu uFaro uzaphakamisa ikhanda lakho akubisele esikhundleni sakho, njalo uzayibeka inkezo kaFaro esandleni sakhe njengalokhu owawuvele ukwenza usesengumphathinkezo yakhe. 14 Kodwa nxa konke sekulungile ungikhumbule, ungenzele umusa; ungikhulumele kuFaro ukuze ngiphume kule intolongo. 15 Ngoba ngasuswa ngamandla elizweni lamaHebheru, futhi lapha kangenzanga lutho olufanele ukuthi ngifakwe entolongweni.”

16 Kwathi umphekizinkwa omkhulu ebona ukuthi uJosefa wayenike ingcazelo emnandi, wathi kuJosefa, “Lami njalo ngiphuphile: Phezu kwekhanda lami bekulezitsha zesinkwa ezintathu. 17 Esitsheni esiphezulu bekulemihlobo yonke yalokho okubhekhelwe uFaro, kodwa izinyoni zazilokhu zisidlala esitsheni sisekhanda lami.”

18 UJosefa wathi, “Nanku elikutshoyo. Izitsha ezintathu zinsuku ezintathu. 19 Phakathi kwensuku ezintathu uFaro uzaliphakamisa ikhanda lakho akulengise esihlahleni. Izinyoni zizakudla inyama yakho.”

20 Ilanga lesithathu laliyisikhumbuzo sokuzalwa kukaFaro, ngakho wenzela izikhulu zakhe idili. Waphakamisa amakhanda amabili, elomphathinkezo omkhulu lelomphekizinkwa omkhulu phambi kwezikhulu zakhe: 21 Wabuyisela umphathinkezo esikhundleni sakhe, waphinda njalo ukubeka inkezo esandleni sikaFaro, 22 kodwa walengisa umphekizinkwa omkhulu, kwaba njengoba uJosefa wayetshilo kubo ekubachasiseleni kwakhe.

23 Kodwa umphathinkezo omkhulu kasamkhumbulanga uJosefa; wakhohlwa ngaye.

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Amaphupho KaFaro

1 Kwathi sekwedlule iminyaka emibili egcweleyo uFaro waba lephupho: Wazibona emi okhunjini lukaNayili, 2 kwasekuqhamuka emfuleni lowo amankomokazi ayisikhombisa, egcwele njalo enonile, esidla phakathi kwemihlanga. 3 Ngemva kwawo kwathutsha amanye ayisikhombisa, amabi njalo acakileyo, aphuma kuNayili afika ema eceleni kwalawo ayesokhunjini lomfula. 4 Amankomokazi ayemabi, ecakile aginya lawo ayisikhombisa ayegcwele, enonile. UFaro wasephaphama.

5 Wabuye walala waphupha okwesibili: Izikhwebu zamabele eziyisikhombisa, zigcwele zizinhle, zazikhula ehlangeni linye. 6 Ngemva kwazo kwakhula ezinye izikhwebu eziyisikhombisa, zicakile njalo zihangulwe ludwangu. 7 Izikhwebu lezo ezazicakile zaginya lezo eziyisikhombisa ezaziphilile, zigcwele. UFaro wasephaphama, kwakuliphupho nje.

8 Ekuseni umoya wakhe wawukhathazekile, ngakho wasesithi kakubizwe bonke abemilingo lezazi zaseGibhithe. UFaro wabatshela amaphupho akhe, kodwa akakho loyedwa owakwaziyo ukuwachasisa.

9 Umphathinkezo omkhulu wathi kuFaro, “Lamuhla sengikhumbula amaphutha ami. 10 UFaro wake wazondela izinceku zakhe, wangivalela mina kanye lomphekizinkwa omkhulu endlini yendunankulu yabalindi. 11 Ngamunye wethu waba lephupho ngobusuku bunye, iphupho linye ngalinye lalilengcazelo yalo lodwa. 12 Kwakulejaha lomHebheru khonapho, lathi liyinceku yendunankulu yabalindi. Salitshela amaphupho ethu, lasichasisela wona, lisipha ngulowo ingcazelo yephupho lakhe. 13 Izinto zaba njengokusichazela kwakhe: ngabuyiselwa esikhundleni sami, lomkhula wami walengiswa.”

14 Ngakho uFaro wabiza uJosefa, walethwa masinyane esuka entolongweni. Kwathi esephucile indevu, wantshintsha izigqoko weza phambi kukaFaro.

15 UFaro wathi kuJosefa, “Ngiphuphe iphupho, kodwa kakho ongangichasisela lona. Kodwa ngizwa kuthiwa wena, nxa ungalizwa iphupho uyalichasisa.”

16 UJosefa wamphendula uFaro wathi, “Ngeke ngikwenze, kodwa uNkulunkulu uzamnika uFaro impendulo ayidingayo.”

17 UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa, “Ephutsheni lami bengimi okhunjini lukaNayili, 18 ngasengibona kuqhamuka amankomokazi ayisikhombisa, anonileyo, egcwele, esidla phakathi kwemihlanga. 19 Ngemva kwawo kwaqhamuka amanye amankomokazi ayisikhombisa, etshwabhene, emabi kakhulu futhi ecakile. Ngangingakaze ngibone amankomokazi amabi kangako kulolonke elaseGibhithe. 20 Lawo mankomokazi acakileyo, amabi adla lawana amankomokazi ayisikhombisa ayenonile ayiwo aqhamuka kuqala. 21 Kodwa loba esewadlile lawo kakho owayengatsho ukuthi atheni; ayelokhu emabi njengakuqala. Ngasengiphaphama.

22 Ephutsheni lami ngibone njalo izikhwebu zamabele eziyisikhombisa, zigcwele, njalo zizinhle zikhula ehlangeni linye. 23 Ngemva kwazo, kwahluma ezinye izikhwebu eziyisikhombisa, zibunile njalo zicakile, zihangulwe ludwangu. 24 Lezozikhwebu zamabele ezicakileyo zaginya leziyana eziyisikhombisa ezinhle. Ngibatshelile abamasalamusi ngalokhu, kodwa kakho okwazileyo ukungichasisela.”

25 UJosefa wasesithi kuFaro, “Amaphupho kaFaro ayilutho lunye. UNkulunkulu usevezile kuFaro lokho asezakwenza. 26 Amankomokazi ayisikhombisa amahle ayiminyaka eyisikhombisa, njalo lezikhwebu zamabele ezinhle ziyiminyaka eyisikhombisa; kuliphupho linye. 27 Amankomokazi ayisikhombisa eza muva yiminyaka eyisikhombisa, kanjalo lezikhwebu eziyisikhombisa ezazingelamsebenzi, zitshaywe ludwangu: Yiminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala.

28 Kunjengokuba ngitshilo kuFaro. UNkulunkulu usevezile kuFaro lokho azakwenza. 29 Sekusiza iminyaka eyisikhombisa eyenala enkulu kulolonke elaseGibhithe, 30 kodwa izalandelwa yiminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala. Kuzakuthi yonke inala enkulu eGibhithe ikhohlakale, ngoba indlala izalibhubhisa ilizwe. 31 Inala elizweni izabe ingasakhunjulwa, ngoba indlala eyilandelayo izabe inkulu kakhulu. 32 Isizatho sokuthi iphupho liphiwe uFaro ngezindlela ezimbili yikuthi, indaba isimiswe yaqiniswa nguNkulunkulu, njalo uNkulunkulu uzakukwenza masinyane.

33 Khathesi-ke uFaro kadinge indoda elombono njalo ehlakaniphileyo ayibeke phezu kwelizwe laseGibhithe. 34 UFaro abesekhetha abalisa elizweni abazathatha ingxenye eyodwa kwezinhlanu yesivuno saseGibhithe ngeminyaka yenala eyisikhombisa. 35 Kumele baqoqe konke ukudla ngale iminyaka emihle ezayo bakugcine ukudla ngaphansi kukaFaro, kugcinwe emadolobheni ukuthi kube yikudla. 36 Ukudla lokhu kakugcinelwe ilizwe kulondolozelwe ukusetshenziswa ngeminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala ezafika eGibhithe, ukwenzela ukuthi ilizwe lingabhujiswa yindlala.”

37 Icebo leli lakhanya lilihle kuFaro lakuzo zonke izikhulu zakhe. 38 UFaro wasezibuza wathi, “Kambe singamfumana yini omunye onjengendoda le, umuntu olomoya kaNkulunkulu?”

39 UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa, “Njengoba uNkulunkulu esekwazisile konke lokhu, kakho olombono onje lohlakaniphileyo njengawe. 40 Wena-ke usuzaphatha isigodlo sami, kuthi bonke abantu bami bazalalela iziqondiso zakho. Mina ngizakuba mkhulu kulawe ngesikhundla sesihlalo sobukhosi sami kuphela.”

UJosefa Uphatha Ilizwe LaseGibhithe

41 Ngakho uFaro wasesithi kuJosefa, “Sengikubeka ukuthi wena uliphathe lonke ilizwe laseGibhithe.” 42 UFaro wasethatha indandatho yophawu lwakhe eyayisemunweni wakhe wayifaka emunweni kaJosefa. Wamgqokisa izembatho zelineni elihle wamgqizisa iketane yegolide entanyeni. 43 Kwathiwa usezahamba ngenqola yempi njengoba esenguye umsekeli wakhe oseduze, kwathi edlula abantu bamemeza bathi, “Vulani indlela!” Wambeka-ke ukuthi aphathe ilizwe lonke laseGibhithe.

44 UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa, “Mina nginguFaro, kodwa ngaphandle kwelizwi lakho kakho ozasiphakamisa isandla loba unyawo kulolonke elaseGibhithe.” 45 UFaro wetha uJosefa ibizo elithi Zafenathi-Phaneya, wasemupha u-Asenathi indodakazi kaPhothifera, umphristi wase-Oni ukuba abe ngumkakhe. UJosefa walibhoda lonke ilizwe laseGibhithe.

46 UJosefa wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu yokuzalwa eqalisa ukusebenzela uFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe. UJosefa wasuka phambi kukaFaro walibhoda lonke ilizwe laseGibhithe. 47 Ngeminyaka eyisikhombisa yenala umhlaba wathela ukudla okunengi kakhulu. 48 UJosefa wakuqoqa konke ukudla okwavunwa phakathi kwaleyominyaka eyisikhombisa yenala eGibhithe wakulondoloza emadolobheni. Kulelo lalelodolobho wabeka ukudla okwakulinywa emasimini akuleyondawo. 49 UJosefa waqoqa izinqwaba lezinqwaba zamabele, kwaba njengetshebetshebe lolwandle. Kwaba kunengi waze wayekela ukukubhala phansi ngoba kwasekungaphezu kokulinganiswa.

50 Ingakafiki iminyaka yendlala, u-Asenathi, indodakazi kaPhothifera, umphristi ka-Oni wazalela uJosefa amadodana amabili. 51 UJosefa wetha izibulo lakhe wathi nguManase, esithi, “Kungenxa yokuthi uNkulunkulu wenzile ukuthi ngilukhohlwe lonke uhlupho lwami kanye layo yonke indlu kababa.” 52 Indodana yesibili wayibiza ngokuthi ngu-Efrayimi, wathi, “Kungenxa yokuthi uNkulunkulu ungenze ngaba lezithelo elizweni lokuhlupheka kwami.”

53 Iminyaka yenala eyisikhombisa eGibhithe yaphela, 54 kwaqalisa iminyaka yendlala eyisikhombisa, njengoba uJosefa wayetshilo. Indlala yaba khona kuwo wonke amanye amazwe, kodwa kulolonke ilizwe laseGibhithe ukudla kwakukhona. 55 Kwathi lapho iGibhithe lonke selingenelwa yindlala abantu bazibika kuFaro befuna ukudla. Ngakho uFaro wasebatshela bonke abaseGibhithe wathi, “Yanini kuJosefa lenze lokho alitshela khona.”

56 Kwathi indlala isimemetheke kulolonke ilizwe uJosefa wavula iziphala wawathengisela amaGibhithe ukudla ngoba indlala yayisinkulu kakhulu kulolonke ilizwe laseGibhithe. 57 Kwathi wonke amanye amazwe eza eGibhithe ezothenga amabele kuJosefa, ngoba indlala yayibhahile kuwo wonke umhlaba.

42

Abafowabo BakaJosefa Baya EGibhithe

1 Kwathi uJakhobe esezwile ukuthi amabele ayekhona eGibhithe wathi emadodaneni akhe, “Kungani likhangelana nje?” 2 Waqhubeka wathi, “Sengizwile ukuthi amabele akhona eGibhithe. Yehlani liye khona liyesithengela wona ukuze siphile singafi.”

3 Ngakho abanewabo bakaJosefa behla bayathenga amabele eGibhithe. 4 Kodwa uJakhobe kamthumanga labanye uBhenjamini, umnawakhe kaJosefa ngoba wesaba ukuthi angaqabuka ewelwa yingozi. 5 Kungakho amadodana ka-Israyeli ayeludwendwe lunye lalabo ababesiyathenga amabele njengoba indlala yayikhona laselizweni leKhenani.

6 Ngalesosikhathi uJosefa wayengumbusi welizwe, enguye othengisela abantu bonke amabele. Ngakho abafowabo bakaJosefa bathi befika khona bamkhothamela, bathi mbo ngobuso phansi. 7 UJosefa wonela ukubabona abafowabo, wabazi, kodwa wazitshaya owezizweni, wabakhulumisa ngokubakhahlameza. Wababuza wathi, “Livela ngaphi?”

Baphendula bathi, “Sivela elizweni laseKhenani ukuzathenga ukudla.”

8 Lanxa uJosefa wabazi abafowabo, bona kabamazanga. 9 Ngakho wasekhumbula amaphupho akhe ngabo wasesithi kubo, “Lizinhloli! Lilande ukuzabona lapho ilizwe lethu elingavikelekanga khona.”

10 Baphendula bathi, “Hatshi, nkosi yethu. Izinceku zakho zize ukuzothenga ukudla. 11 Singamadodana endoda yinye sonke. Izinceku zakho zingabantu abaqotho, kazisizo zinhloli.”

12 Wathi kubo, “Hatshi! Lize ukuzabona lapho ilizwe lethu elingavikelekanga khona.”

13 Kodwa baphendula bathi, “Izinceku zakho zaziyizelamani ezilitshumi lambili, engamadodana endoda yinye, ehlala elizweni laseKhenani. Icinathunjana lisele lobaba, ikanti eyodwa kayisekho.”

14 UJosefa wathi kubo, “Kunjengoba ngilitshelile: Lizinhloli! 15 Manje-ke lizahlolwa kanje: Ngifunga uFaro, kaliyikusuka lapha ngaphandle kokuthi umfowenu omncinyane afike lapha. 16 Thumani omunye wenu amlande umfowenu; lonke abanye lizagcinwa entolongweni, ukuze amazwi enu ahlolisiswe ukuthi lingabe likhuluma iqiniso yini. Nxa kungenjalo, ngifunga uFaro, lizinhloli!” 17 Wasebafaka entolongweni bonke okwensuku ezintathu.

18 Ngosuku lwesithathu uJosefa wathi kubo, “Yenzani lokhu ukuze lisile, ngoba mina ngesaba uNkulunkulu: 19 Nxa lingabantu abaqotho, omunye wenu kahlale lapha entolongweni, kuthi lina abanye libuyele lihambisele izimuli zenu amabele esezibulawa yindlala. 20 Kodwa limlethe lapha kimi umnawenu omncane ukuze amazwi enu aqiniseke, njalo ukuze lingafi.” Bakwenza lokho.

21 Basebekhulumisana bathi, “Ngempela sijeziselwa umfowethu. Sambona ukuthi wayekhathazeke kangakanani esincenga, ezincengela impilo yakhe, kodwa kasaze samlalela; kungakho sisehlelwa luhlupho lolu.”

22 URubheni waphendula wathi, “Kodwa kangilitshelanga yini ukuthi lingenzi isono emfaneni lina laqinisa amakhanda? Nanku-ke sesimele sifakaze ngegazi lakhe.” 23 Babengakunanzeleli ukuthi uJosefa wayeluzwa ulimi lwabo njengoba wayelomtolikelayo.

24 Wabafulathela wachiphiza izinyembezi, kodwa waphenduka wakhuluma labo. Wathi kuthathwe uSimiyoni kubo owahle wabotshwa phambi kwabo.

25 UJosefa waselaya ukuthi kugcwaliswe amabele emasakeni abo, kubuyiselwe imali yalowo lalowo ifakwe phakathi kwesaka lakhe njalo baphiwe umphako wendlela. Sebekwenzelwe konke lokho, 26 betshata amasaka abo kubobabhemi bahamba.

27 Endaweni lapho abema khona ngalobubusuku omunye wabo wavula isaka lakhe ukuthathela ubabhemi wakhe ukudla, wasebona imali yakhe yesiliva emlonyeni wesaka. 28 Wathi kubafowabo, “Isiliva sami sibuyiselwe. Nansi lapha phakathi kwesaka lami.”

Zatshona inhliziyo zabo bakhangelana bethuthumela bathi, “Kuyini kambe lokhu uNkulunkulu asekwenzile kithi?”

29 Bathi sebefike kuyise uJakhobe elizweni laseKhenani bamtshela konke lokho okwakwenzakele kubo. Bathi, 30 “Indoda eyinkosi yelizwe isikhulumise ngokusihalada, yasiphatha kwangathi sizinhloli elizweni. 31 Kodwa sathi kuyo, ‘Singamadoda aqotho; kasisizonhloli thina. 32 Sasiyizelamani ezilitshumi lambili, amadodana endoda yinye. Omunye sowedlula, kuthi icinathunjana lisele lobaba eKhenani.’

33 Ngakho umuntu oyinkosi yalelolizwe wasesithi kithi, ‘Nanku okuzangenza ngazi ukuthi lingabantu abaqotho: Tshiyani omunye umfowenu lapha kimi, lithathe ukudla kwezimuli zenu ezilambayo lihambe. 34 Kodwa umnawenu limlethe kimi khona ngizakwazi ukuthi kalisizinhloli, kodwa lingabantu abaqotho. Lapho-ke ngizambuyisela kini umfowenu, lani selingazithengisela phakathi kwelizwe.’ ”

35 Bathi sebethulula amasaka abo, babona umxhaka wesiliva waleyo laleyo ndoda esakeni layo! Kwathi bona ngokwabo kanye loyise bebona imixhaka yemali besaba. 36 Uyise uJakhobe wathi kubo, “Selingephuce abantwabami. UJosefa kasekho, loSimiyoni kasekho; manje selifuna ukuthatha uBhenjamini. Yonke into iyangihlamukela!”

37 URubheni wasesithi kuyise, “Ungawabulala womabili amadodana ami nxa ngingangambuyisi kuwe. Mnikele ezandleni zami, mina ngizambuyisa.”

38 Kodwa uJakhobe wathi, “Indodana yami kayiyikuhamba lani khonale; umnewabo sewafa, usenguye yedwa oseleyo. Nxa evelelwa ngokubi kuloluhambo lwenu lizakwenza ukuthi ikhanda lami eliyimpunga liye engcwabeni lidabukile.”

43

Uhambo Lwesibili Lokuya EGibhithe

1 Indlala yayilokhu inkulu kakhulu elizweni. 2 Ngakho kwathi sebekuqedile konke ukudla ababekuthenge eGibhithe, uyise wathi kubo, “Buyelani liyesithengela njalo okunye ukudla okunenganyana.”

3 Kodwa uJuda wathi kuye, “Indoda leyo yasiqonqosela yathi, ‘Ngeke liphinde libubone ubuso bami ngaphandle kokuba lilomnawenu.’ 4 Nxa uzamvumela umnawethu ukuthi sihambe laye, sizahamba siyekuthengela ukudla. 5 Kodwa nxa ungezukuvuma, ngeke sibuyele, ngoba phela indoda leyo yathi kithi, ‘Ngeke liphinde libubone ubuso bami nxa umnawenu lingelaye.’ ”

6 U-Israyeli wabuza wathi, “Likwenzeleni lina ukungehlisela uhlupho lolu ngokuyitshela indoda leyo ukuthi lilomnawenu na?”

7 Baphendula bathi, “Leyondoda isibuzisisile ngathi langendlu yangakithi yathi, ‘Uyihlo usaphila na? Lilaye na omunye umfowenu?’ Thina besiphendula imibuzo yayo kuphela. Sasingazi kanjani ukuthi yayizakuthi, ‘Mletheni umnawenu lapha’?”

8 UJuda wasesithi ku-Israyeli uyise, “Wothi umfana ahambe lami, sizahle sisuke nje masinyane, ukwenzela ukuthi thina lawe kanye labantwabethu siphile, singafi. 9 Mina ngokwami ngizazinikela ngokuphepha kwakhe; umlandu wonke ngaye awubekwe phezu kwami. Nxa ngingambuyisi kuwe ngimbeke phambi kwakho, ngizakuba lecala kuwe impilo yami yonke. 10 Njengoba kunje nje, aluba asizilingananga ngabe sesihambe saphenduka kwaze kwaba kabili.”

11 Ngakho uyise u-Israyeli wasesithi kubo, “Nxa kumele kube njalo, yenzani lokhu: Fakani emasakeni enu ezinye izinto ezinhle kakhulu eziphuma kulelilizwe lihambe lazo kulowomuntu zibe yisipho, amagcobo okuthambisa loluju, iziyoliso ezithile lemure, izilimo ezicacadwayo zephistakhiyo le-alimondi. 12 Thathani isiliva esiphindwe kabili, ngoba kufanele libuyisele lesosiliva esasibuyiselwe emasakeni enu. Mhlawumbe kwaba yisiphosiso. 13 Mthatheni umnawenu laye libuyele kuleyondoda ngokuphangisa. 14 Sengathi uNkulunkulu uSomandla angalenzela umusa kuleyondoda ukuze ivumele omunye umfowenu kanye loBhenjamini baphenduke lani. Mina ngokwami ngithi, kambe okungayisikufa yikuphi!”

15 Ngakho amadoda athatha izipho lesiliva esiphindwe kabili kanye loBhenjamini. Batshitsha baya eGibhithe bayazibika kuJosefa. 16 Kwathi uJosefa ebona uBhenjamini ekanye labo, wathi encekwini yendlu yakhe, “Hamba lamadoda la endlini yami, uwahlabele isifuyo ulungise ukudla; bazakudla lami emini.”

17 Indoda yenza njengokutshelwa kwayo nguJosefa, yawathatha amadoda yahamba lawo endlini kaJosefa. 18 Amadoda ethuka ebona elethwa endlini kaJosefa. Bacabanga ukuthi, “Silethwe lapha ngenxa yesiliva esabuyiselwa emasakeni ethu ekufikeni kwethu kwakuqala. Ufuna ukusihlasela asehlule, abesesithumba sibe yizigqili athathe obabhemi bethu.”

19 Ngakho baya encekwini kaJosefa bayakhuluma laye entubeni eya endlini. 20 Bathi, “Ake usizwe, nkosi yethu: Safika lapha kuqala sizothenga ukudla. 21 Kodwa lapho esaphumula khona ebusuku savula amasaka ethu, kwaba ngulowo wethu wafumana isiliva sakhe, siphelele ubunzima baso, sisemlonyeni wesaka lakhe. Ngakho size laso. 22 Size lesinye isiliva phezu kwaleso ukuthi sithenge ukudla. Kasikwazi ukuthi ngubani owabuyisela isiliva emasakeni ethu.”

23 Wathi, “Kulungile. Lingesabi. UNkulunkulu wenu, uNkulunkulu kayihlo, uliphile inotho emasakeni enu; mina ngasiphiwa isiliva senu.” Emva kwalokho waseletha uSimiyoni kubo.

24 Inceku yasiwangenisa amadoda endlini kaJosefa, yawapha amanzi okugeza inyawo zawo, yaletha lotshani babobabhemi bawo. 25 Balungisa izipho zabo balindela ukufika kukaJosefa emini ngoba basebezwile ukuthi babezakudla khonapho.

26 UJosefa esefikile bethula izipho ababengene lazo endlini, njalo bakhothama kuye phansi. 27 Wababuza ukuphila, wasesithi, “Linjani ixhegu elinguyihlo elangitshela ngalo? Lilokhu lisaphila na?”

28 Baphendula bathi, “Inceku yakho, ubaba, ulokhu esaphila njalo usaqinile.” Bakhothama njalo betshengisa inhlonipho.

29 Wathi elokhu ebakhangela wabona umnawakhe uBhenjamini, umntakanina sibili, wabuza wathi, “Nguye lo umnawenu olicinathunjana na, lowo elangitshela ngaye?” Wasesithi kuye, “UNkulunkulu kabe lomusa kuwe, ndodana yami.” 30 Wathinteka kakhulu ngokubona umnawakhe, uJosefa waphangisa waphuma wayafuna indawo yokukhala. Waya ekamelweni lakhe wayakhalela khona.

31 Wathi esegezile amehlo waphuma, wazibamba, wasesithi, “Phakululani ukudla.”

32 Yena bamupha yedwa, abafowabo labo bodwa, kwathi lamaGibhithe ayesidla laye lawo aba wodwa, ngoba amaGibhithe ayengeke adla lamaHebheru, ngoba lokho kwakunengeka kumaGibhithe. 33 Amadoda la ayehlezi ngobudala bawo kuqala ngezibulo kusiyacina ngecinathunjana; bakhangelana bemangele. 34 Kwakusithi nxa bephakelwa kusuka etafuleni likaJosefa, isabelo sikaBhenjamini sasisedluliswa kahlanu kwesabanye. Ngakho bazitika banatha laye bekhululekile.

44

Inkomitsho Yesiliva Esakeni

1 UJosefa waselaya inceku yendlu yakhe wathi: “Gcwalisa silikici amasaka amadoda la ngokudla konke abangakuthwala, ubusubuyisela isiliva salowo lalowo emlonyeni wesaka lakhe. 2 Ubusufaka inkomitsho yami, leyana eyesiliva, emlonyeni wesaka lalowo omncinyane wabo ndawonye lesiliva sakhe samabele.” Yenza njengalokho uJosefa ayekutshilo.

3 Kwathi emadabukakusa bawavalelisa amadoda asuka kanye labobabhemi bawo. 4 Ayengakahambi okuya ngaphi ukusuka edolobheni lapho uJosefa athi encekwini yakhe, “Axhume ngokuphangisa amadoda lawana, ungawafica uthi kuwo, ‘Lenzeleni ukuphindisela okuhle ngokubi na? 5 Le kakusinkomitsho enatha ngenkosi yami njalo ehlahlula ngayo na? Le yinto embi kakhulu eseliyenzile!’ ”

6 Wathi esebaficile wawatsho amazwi la kubo. 7 Kodwa bathi kuye, “Kungani inkosi yethu isitsho izinto ezinjalo? Kakube kude lezinceku zakho ukwenza ulutho olunjalo! 8 Phela siyibuyisile kuwe isiliva sisuka laso elizweni laseKhenani, lesiyana esasifumana phakathi emilonyeni yamasaka ethu. Pho besingakwenza njani ukweba isiliva loba igolide endlini yenkosi yakho na? 9 Nxa omunye wezinceku zakho efunyanwa elayo, uzabulawa; kuthi thina abanye sibe yizigqili zenkosi yethu.”

10 Wathi, “Kulungile, kakube njengokutsho kwenu. Lowo ozafunyanwa elayo uzakuba yisigqili sami, lina abanye lonke kalizukuba lecala.”

11 Ngulowo lalowo wabo wethula isaka lakhe walivula. 12 Inceku yasihamba ihlola, yaqala ngomdala yayacina ngomcinyane. Inkomitsho yayafunyanwa esakeni likaBhenjamini. 13 Bekubona lokhu badabula izigqoko zabo. Emva kwalokho bonke betshatisa obabhemi babo amasaka baphindela edolobheni.

14 UJosefa wayelokhu esendlini lapho uJuda labafowabo abafika khona bazilahla phansi phambi kwakhe. 15 UJosefa wathi kubo, “Kuyini lokhu elikwenzileyo? Kalazi na ukuthi umuntu onjengami ubona izinto ngokuhlahlula?”

16 UJuda waphendula wathi, “Kambe singabe sisathini? Singakuveza kanjani ukuba msulwa kwethu? UNkulunkulu usembule icala lezinceku zakho. Manje sesiyizichaka zenkosi yami, thina ngokwethu lalowo ofunyenwe elayo inkomitsho.”

17 Kodwa uJosefa wathi. “Kakube kude lami ukwenza into enjalo! Yileyo indoda kuphela efunyanwe ilayo inkomitsho ezakuba yisichaka sami. Abanye lonke buyelani kuyihlo ngokuthula.”

18 UJuda wasesondela kuye wathi, “Oh, nkosi yami, akuvumele inceku yakho itsho ilizwi enkosini yami. Ungayizondeli inceku yakho, loba wena ulingana loFaro ngokwakhe. 19 Inkosi yami yabuza izinceku zayo yathi, ‘Lilaye na uyihlo kumbe umfowenu?’ 20 Thina saphendula sathi, ‘Silaye ubaba oseluphele, njalo ikhona indodana ayizala eseluphele. Umnewabo wafa, njalo yiyo yodwa eseleyo emadodaneni kanina, ngakho uyise uyayithanda.’

21 Wena wasusithi ezincekwini zakho, ‘Mletheni kimi ukuze ngimbone mina ngokwami.’ 22 Thina sathi enkosini yami, ‘Umfana ngeke asuka kuyise; nxa esuka kuye, uyise uzakufa.’ 23 Kodwa izinceku zakho wazitshela wathi, ‘Ngaphandle kokuba umnawenu omncane lize laye, ngeke liphinde libubone njalo ubuso bami.’ 24 Sathi ukubuyela encekwini yakho ubaba, samtshela lokho okwakutshiwo yinkosi yami.

25 Ubaba wasesithi, ‘Buyelani liyethenga okunye njalo ukudla.’ 26 Kodwa thina sathi, ‘Ngeke siye khona. Kuphela nxa umnawethu omncane elathi, singahamba. Ngeke sibubone ubuso bendoda leyo ngaphandle kokuba umnawethu omncane silaye.’

27 Inceku yakho ubaba yathi kithi, ‘Liyakwazi ukuthi umkami wangizalela amadodana amabili. 28 Omunye wabo wasuka kimi, ngathi, “Ngempela udlithiziwe waba yizicucu.” Ngakho kangisaphindanga ngambona kusukela khonapho. 29 Manje lingangithathela lalo futhi abesesehlelwa ngokubi, lizakwehlisela ikhanda lami eliyimpunga engcwabeni ngidabukile kakhulu.’

30 Ngakho-ke, nxa umfana singelaye lapho sengibuyela encekwini yakho ubaba, yena ompilo yakhe isondelelene kakhulu leyomfana lo, 31 uzakuthi angabona umfana engekho, ahle afe. Thina zinceku zakho sizakusa ikhanda likababa eliyimpunga engcwabeni lihlulukelwe. 32 Inceku yakho yanikela ukuphila kwayo ngokuphepha komfana kubaba. Ngathi, ‘Nxa ngingambuyisi kuwe, ngizawuthwala lowomlandu kuwe, baba, impilo yami yonke!’

33 Ngakho-ke ngiyacela ukuthi uvumele inceku yakho isale lapha njengesichaka senkosi yami esikhundleni somfana, yena umfana akhululwe ahambe labanewabo. 34 Ngingabuyela ngithini kubaba umfana ngingelaye? Hatshi! Ungangenzi ngibone usizi olungamehlela ubaba.”

45

UJosefa Uyaziveza

1 UJosefa wehluleka ukuzibamba phambi kwazo zonke izinceku zakhe, wasememeza wathi, “Sukani lonke lapha kimi!” Ngakho kakho owayekhona loJosefa lapho eziveza kubafowabo. 2 Wakhala kakhulu ephumisela amaGibhithe amuzwa, labendlu kaFaro bezwa ngalokho.

3 UJosefa wathi kubafowabo, “Mina nginguJosefa! Kambe ubaba usaphila na?” Kodwa abafowabo behluleka ukumphendula ngoba besaba kakhulu bephambi kwakhe.

4 UJosefa wasesithi kubafowabo, “Sondelani kimi.” Bathi sebekwenzile lokho wathi, “Ngingumfowenu uJosefa, yena lowo elamthengisela eGibhithe! 5 Kodwa manje lingakhathazeki njalo lingaze lazisola ngenxa yokungithengisa lapha, ngoba kwakuyikusiza imiphefumulo ukuba uNkulunkulu angithume phambi kwenu. 6 Sekube yiminyaka emibili manje indlala ikhona elizweni, njalo okweminyaka emihlanu ezayo kakuyikulinywa loba ukuvuna. 7 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wangithuma phambi kwenu ukuba alilondolozele insalela emhlabeni njalo aphephise impilo zenu ngokukhulula okukhulu.

8 Ngakho-ke, kwakungayisini elangithuma lapha, kodwa nguNkulunkulu. Wangenza ngaba ngubaba kuFaro, lenkosi yomuzi wakhe wonke kanye lombusi weGibhithe lonke. 9 Manje, phangisani liye kubaba lithi kuye, ‘Nanku indodana yakho uJosefa akutshoyo: UNkulunkulu usengenze ngaba yinkosi yalo lonke elaseGibhithe. Yehla uze kimi; ungaphuzi. 10 Uzahlala esigodini saseGosheni ube seduze lami, wena labantwabakho, labazukulu bakho; lemihlambi yakho yezimvu leyenkomo lakho konke olakho. 11 Ngizakunakekela ukhonapho ngoba kuseza eminye iminyaka emihlanu yendlala. Kungenjalo wena lomuzi wakho, labo bonke abangabakho lizahawukelwa.’

12 Liyazibonela ngokwenu, njengoba lomnawami uBhenjamini ebona, ukuthi yimi mina ngeqiniso engikhuluma lani. 13 Limtshele ubaba ngalo lonke udumo engiluphiwayo eGibhithe langakho konke elikubonileyo. Ubaba limlethe ngokuphangisa lapha.”

14 Wasegona umnawakhe uBhenjamini, wakhala, loBhenjamini wamanga ekhala. 15 Njalo wabanga bonke abafowabo ekhala kulowo lalowo. Ngemva kwalokho abafowabo baxoxa laye.

16 Kwathi ukuba izindaba zifike esigodlweni sikaFaro ukuthi abafowabo bakaJosefa babefikile, uFaro lezikhulu zakhe bathokoza. 17 UFaro wathi, kuJosefa, “Tshela abafowenu uthi, ‘Yenzani lokhu: Thwalisani izinyamazana zenu libuyele elizweni laseKhenani, 18 beselibuya loyihlo kanye lemizi yenu kimi. Ngizalipha umhlaba omuhle kakhulu lapha eGibhithe, likholise amanono elizwe.’

19 Uyalaywa njalo ukuthi ubatshele uthi, ‘Yenzani lokhu: Thathani izinqola ezithile lapha eGibhithe lisenzela abantwabenu, labomkenu, lithathe uyihlo lize laye. 20 Lingazihluphi ngempahla zenu ngoba okuhle konke kwaseGibhithe kuzakuba ngokwenu.’ ”

21 Ngakho amadodana ka-Israyeli akwenza lokhu. UJosefa wabapha izinqola, njengokulaya kukaFaro, wabuye wabapha umphako wendlela. 22 Ngulowo lalowo wamupha izigqoko ezintsha, kodwa uBhenjamini wamupha amashekeli esiliva angamakhulu amathathu kanye lezigqoko ezinhlanu. 23 Njalo nanku akuphathisela uyise: obabhemi abalitshumi bethwele konke okuhle kwaseGibhithe, labobabhemi abasikazi abalitshumi bebhensiswa ngamabele lesinkwa lokunye okomphako wakhe wendlela. 24 Wasevalelisa abafowabo, bathi sebesuka wathi kubo, “Lingaxabani endleleni!”

25 Ngakho basuka baphuma eGibhithe bayafika kuyise uJakhobe elizweni laseKhenani. 26 Bamtshela bathi, “UJosefa ulokhu ephila! Isibili ungumbusi walo lonke elaseGibhithe.” UJakhobe waphela amandla; kazange abakholwe. 27 Kodwa kwathi lapho sebemtshelile konke uJosefa ayekutshilo kubo, njalo esebone izinqola uJosefa ayethe zizomthwala zimlethe, umoya kayise, uJakhobe wavuseleleka. 28 U-Israyeli wathi, “Sengisuthisekile! Indodana yami uJosefa isaphila. Ngizahamba ngiyeyibona ngingakafi.”

46

UJakhobe Uya EGibhithe

1 Ngakho u-Israyeli wasesuka kanye lakho konke okwakungokwakhe, wathi ngokufika eBherishebha wenza umhlatshelo kuNkulunkulu kayise u-Isaka.

2 UNkulunkulu wakhuluma ku-Israyeli ngombono ebusuku wathi, “Jakhobe! Jakhobe!”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngilapha.”

3 Wathi, “NginguNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu kayihlo. Ungesabi ukwehlela eGibhithe, ngoba ngizakwenza ube yisizwe esikhulu khonale. 4 Mina ngizahamba lawe khonale eGibhithe, njalo ngiqinisile, ngizaphinde ngikubuyise. Isandla sikaJosefa ngokwaso sizakugoqa.”

5 UJakhobe wasesuka eBherishebha, kwathi amadodana ka-Israyeli amthatha uyise uJakhobe, labantwababo kanye labomkabo babafaka ezinqoleni uFaro ayezithumele ukubathwala ngazo. 6 Bathatha njalo lezifuyo zabo kanye layo yonke impahla yabo ababeyiqoqile eKhenani, uJakhobe losendo lwakhe lonke baya eGibhithe. 7 Wathatha amadodana akhe, labazukulu bakhe, lamadodakazi akhe lamadodakazi awo, sonke isizukulwane sakhe, waya eGibhithe.

8 La ngamabizo amadodana ka-Israyeli (uJakhobe labazukulu bakhe) abahambayo eGibhithe:

uRubheni izibulo likaJakhobe.

9 Amadodana kaRubheni ayeyila:

uHanokhi, uPhalu, uHezironi, kanye loKhami.

10 Amadodana kaSimiyoni ayeyila:

uJemuyeli, uJamini, u-Ohadi, uJakhini, uZohari kanye loShawuli indodana yomfazi ongumKhenani.

11 Amadodana kaLevi ayeyila:

uGeshoni, uKhohathi kanye loMerari.

12 Amadodana kaJuda ayeyila:

u-Eri, u-Onani, uShela, uPherezi kanye loZera (kodwa u-Eri lo-Onani babefele elizweni laseKhenani).

Amadodana kaPherezi ayeyila:

uHezironi loHamuli.

13 Amadodana ka-Isakhari ayeyila:

uThola, uPhuwa, uJashubi kanye loShimroni.

14 Amadodana kaZebhuluni ayeyila:

uSeredi, u-Eloni kanye loJahileli.

15 La ayengamadodana uLeya awazalela uJakhobe ePhadani Aramu, ngaphandle kwendodakazi yakhe uDina. Amadodana la lamadodakazi akhe babengamatshumi amathathu sebebonke.

16 Amadodana kaGadi ayeyila:

uZifiyoni, uHagi, uShuni, u-Ezibhoni, u-Eri, u-Arodi kanye lo-Areli.

17 Amadodana ka-Asheri ayeyila:

u-Imna, u-Ishiva, u-Ishivi loBheriya. Udadewabo wayenguSera.

Amadodana kaBheriya ayeyila:

uHebheri loMalikhiyeli.

18 Laba ngabantwana abazalelwa uJakhobe nguZilipha, uLabhani ayemuphe indodakazi yakhe uLeya, belitshumi lesithupha sebebonke.

19 Amadodana omkaJakhobe uRasheli ayeyila:

uJosefa loBhenjamini.

20 EGibhithe uJosefa wazala uManase lo-Efrayimi ku-Asenathi indodakazi kaPhothifera, umphristi ka-Oni.

21 Amadodana kaBhenjamini ayeyila:

uBhela, uBhekheri, u-Ashibheli, uGera, uNamani, u-Ehi, uRoshi, uMuphimu, uHuphimu kanye lo-Adi.

22 La ayengamadodana kaRasheli awazalela uJakhobe, elitshumi lane esewonke.

23 Indodana kaDani:

yayinguHushimu.

24 Amadodana kaNafithali ayeyila:

uJaziyeli, uGuni, uJezeri kanye loShilemu.

25 La ayengamadodana kaJakhobe awazala loBhiliha, uLabhani ayemuphe indodakazi yakhe uRasheli, beyisikhombisa bebonke.

26 Bonke labo abaya eGibhithe loJakhobe, ababeyinzalo yegazi lakhe, kungabalwa omalukazana bakhe, kwakungabantu abangamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha. 27 Sekubalwa lamadodana amabili azalwa nguJosefa eGibhithe, abendlu kaJakhobe abaya eGibhithe babengamatshumi ayisikhombisa sebebonke.

28 UJakhobe wasethuma uJuda phambi kwakhe kuJosefa ukuba amlayele indlela eya eGosheni. Bathi sebefikile emangweni waseGosheni, 29 uJosefa walungiselwa inqola yakhe waqonda eGosheni ukuyahlangana loyise u-Israyeli. UJosefa wonela ukumbona nje, wamgona uyise, wakhala okwesikhathi eside.

30 U-Israyeli wathi kuJosefa, “Manje sengikulungele ukufa, ngoba sengizibonele mina ngokwami ukuthi usaphila.”

31 UJosefa wasesithi kubafowabo lakubo bonke abomuzi kayise, “Ngizahamba ngiyekhuluma loFaro ngithi kuye, ‘Abafowethu kanye labendlu kababa ababehlala elizweni laseKhenani sebebuyile kimi. 32 Amadoda la angabelusi; belusa izifuyo, ngakho beze lemihlambi yabo yezimvu leyenkomo lakho konke abalakho.’ 33 Nxa uFaro angalibiza alibuze athi, ‘Umsebenzi wenu ngowani?’ 34 libophendula lithi, ‘Izinceku zakho zingabelusi bezifuyo kusukela ebutsheni bethu kuze kube khathesi, njengabokhokho bethu.’ Lapho-ke lizavunyelwa ukwakha emangweni waseGosheni, ngoba bonke abelusi bayeyiseka kumaGibhithe.”

47

1 UJosefa wahamba wayatshela uFaro wathi, “Ubaba labafowethu, kanye lemihlambi yabo yezimvu lenkomo, kanye lakho konke abalakho sebefikile bevela elizweni laseKhenani, okwamanje sebeseGosheni.” 2 Wakhetha abafowabo abahlanu wabethula kuFaro.

3 UFaro wababuza abafowabo laba wathi, “Umsebenzi wenu ngowani na?”

Baphendula uFaro bathi, “Izinceku zakho zingabelusi, njengalokho ababeyikho okhokho bethu.” 4 Babuya bathi kuye, “Size ukuzohlala lapha okwesikhathi esithile, ngoba indlala inkulu kakhulu eKhenani, njalo lemihlambi yezinceku zakho kayilamadlelo. Manje-ke sicela ukuthi uvumele izinceku zakho zakhe eGosheni.”

5 UFaro wathi kuJosefa, “Uyihlo labafowenu beze kuwe, 6 lelizwe laseGibhithe uyalibona; hlalisa uyihlo labafowenu endaweni enhle kakhulu yelizwe. Wothi bahlale eGosheni. Njalo nxa bekhona abanye babo abalolwazi oluqakathekileyo, kabakhangele imihlambi yami.”

7 Ngakho uJosefa waseletha uyise uJakhobe wamethula kuFaro. UJakhobe esembusisile uFaro, 8 uFaro wambuza wathi, “Usumdala kangakanani na?”

9 UJakhobe wathi kuFaro, “Iminyaka yokuhamba kwami ilikhulu lamatshumi amathathu. Iminyaka yami ibimilutshwana njalo ibinzima, njalo kayifiki iminyaka yokuhamba kwabokhokho bami.” 10 UJakhobe wasembusisa uFaro, uFaro wasesuka kuye.

11 Ngakho uJosefa wasehlalisa uyise labafowabo eGibhithe, wabapha indawo enhle kulazo zonke elizweni, esiqintini saseRamesesi, njengokulaya kukaFaro. 12 UJosefa waphinda wapha uyise labafowabo kanye lendlu yonke kayise ukudla, kusiya ngobunengi babantwababo.

UJosefa Ukhangelana Lendlala

13 Kwakungelakudla elizweni lonke ngoba indlala yayibhahile; iGibhithe leKhenani womabili amazwe esevuthuzekile ngenxa yendlala. 14 UJosefa wayiqoqa yonke imali eyayitholakala eGibhithe laseKhenani eyayingeyokuthenga amabele, wayiletha esigodlweni sikaFaro. 15 Kwathi imali yabantu baseGibhithe labaseKhenani isiphelile, abaseGibhithe bonke beza kuJosefa bathi, “Siphe ukudla. Singafelani kambe phambi kwamehlo akho? Imali yethu isiphelile.”

16 UJosefa wathi, “Lethani izifuyo zenu. Ngizalithengisela ukudla libhadale ngezifuyo zenu, njengoba imali yenu isiphelile.” 17 Ngakho basebeletha izifuyo zabo kuJosefa, wabapha ukudla bebhadala ngamabhiza abo, lezimvu kanye lembuzi zabo, lenkomo kanye labobabhemi babo. Wabaphutshisa lowomnyaka ngokudla bekubhadala ngezifuyo zabo.

18 Lowomnyaka usuphelile, beza kuye ngomnyaka olandelayo bathi, “Ngeke sayifihlela inkosi yethu ukuthi njengoba imali yethu isiphelile, ikanti lezifuyo zethu ngezakho, kakusekho okusayisalele inkosi yethu ngaphandle kwemizimba yethu leziqinti zethu kuphela. 19 Kambe sesingaze sife nje usikhangele, thina kanye lelizwe lethu lalo? Sithenge kanye lelizwe lethu usiphe ukudla, kuzakuthi thina kanye lelizwe lethu sibe sebugqilini kuFaro. Siphe inhlanyelo ukuze siphile, singafi, njalo ukuze ilizwe lingabi yinkangala.”

20 Ngakho-ke uJosefa waselithengela uFaro lonke ilizwe laseGibhithe. AmaGibhithe wonke athengisa amasimu awo ngoba indlala yayisiwabhahele okubi. Ilizwe laselisiba ngelikaFaro, 21 uJosefa wasebagqilaza abantu, kusukela ngapha kwelizwe laseGibhithe kusiya ngale kwalo. 22 Kodwa kayithenganga indawo yabaphristi, ngoba babephiwa isabelo nguFaro, yikho babelakho ukudla okwaneleyo kusuka kuFaro. Yikho bengawuthengisanga owabo umhlaba.

23 UJosefa wathi ebantwini, “Njengoba sengilithengile lina lomhlaba wenu lamuhla ukuba libe ngabakaFaro, nansi inhlanyelo ukuze lihlanyele emhlabathini. 24 Kodwa nxa amabele eseqoqwa phanini okobuhlanu bawo kuFaro. Ezinye izingxenye ezine kwezinhlanu lizigcinele inhlanyelo yamasimu njalo kube yikudla kwenu, lemizi yenu kanye labantwabenu.”

25 Bathi, “Uzisindisile impilo zethu. Sengathi singathola umusa enkosini yethu; sizakuba yizigqili kuFaro.”

26 Kunjalo uJosefa wakumisa kwaba ngumthetho eGibhithe mayelana lomhlaba, okulokhu kulandelwa lalamuhla, ukuthi ingxenye eyodwa kokuhlanu ngekaFaro. Kwakungumhlaba wabaphristi kuphela ongazange ube ngokaFaro.

27 Ngalesosikhathi abako-Israyeli bazinza eGibhithe esigodini saseGosheni. Bazuza izifuyo ezinengi khona njalo bazalana kakhulu banda ngobunengi.

28 UJakhobe wahlala eGibhithe okweminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa, iminyaka yokuphila kwakhe yaba likhulu lamatshumi amane lesikhombisa. 29 Kwathi isikhathi sesisondele ukuba u-Israyeli afe, wabiza indodana yakhe uJosefa wathi kuyo, “Uba ngifumene umusa kuwe, beka isandla sakho ngaphansi kwethangazi lami uthembise ukuthi uzangenzela umusa lokuthembeka. Ungangingcwabi eGibhithe, 30 kodwa nxa sengiphumule labokhokho bami, ungithwale ngisuke eGibhithe uyongimbela lapho abalele khona.”

Wathi, “Ngizakwenza njengoba usitsho.”

31 Wathi, “Funga kimi.” Ngakho uJosefa wafunga kuye, u-Israyeli wasekhothamela emakhanda ombheda wakhe.

48

UManase Lo-Efrayimi

1 Emva kwesikhatshana uJosefa wabikelwa ukuthi, “Uyihlo uyagula.” Ngakho wathatha amadodana akhe womabili, uManase lo-Efrayimi wahamba lawo. 2 UJakhobe esetsheliwe kwathiwa, “Indodana yakho uJosefa isifikile kuwe,” u-Israyeli wazibamba ngamandla wavuka embhedeni.

3 UJakhobe wathi kuJosefa, “UNkulunkulu uSomandla wabonakala kimi eLuzi elizweni laseKhenani, khonapho wangibusisa. 4 Wathi kimi, ‘Ngizakwenza ube lenzalo enengi kakhulu. Ngizalenza libe yisizwe sabantu, njalo ngizakupha izizukulwane zakho lelilizwe libe yilifa lazo elingapheliyo ngemva kwakho.’

5 Zwana-ke, amadodana akho amabili owawazalela eGibhithe ngingakabuyi lapha kuwe azathathwa njengawami; u-Efrayimi loManase bazakuba ngabami, kanjengoba uRubheni loSimiyoni bengabami. 6 Labobantwana abazelwe ngemva kwabo bazakuba ngabakho; kulesosigodi esizakuba yilifa labo bazabhaliswa ngaphansi kwamabizo abanewabo. 7 Ngathi ngibuya ngivela ePhadani, ngehlelwa lusizi ngafelwa nguRasheli elizweni laseKhenani silokhu sisendleleni, bucwadlana kwe-Efrathi. Ngamngcwaba khonapho eceleni kwendlela eya e-Efrathi” (kutsho eBhethilehema).

8 U-Israyeli wathi ngokubona amadodana kaJosefa wabuza wathi, “Ngobani laba?”

9 UJosefa wathi kuyise, “Ngamadodana uNkulunkulu anginike wona lapha.”

U-Israyeli wasesithi, “Balethe kimi ukuze ngibabusise.”

10 Ngalesosikhathi amehlo ka-Israyeli ayesefiphala ngenxa yokuluphala, engasabonisisi. Ngakho uJosefa wasondeza amadodana akhe kuye, uyise wawanga wawagona.

11 U-Israyeli wathi kuJosefa, “Ngangingathembi ukuthi ngizaphinda ngibubone ubuso bakho njalo, ikanti manje uNkulunkulu usengivumele ukubona labantwabakho labo.”

12 UJosefa wasebasusa emadolweni ka-Israyeli wakhothamela phansi ngobuso. 13 UJosefa wasebathatha bobabili, u-Efrayimi kwesokunene sakhe eqondane lesokhohlo sika-Israyeli, kwathi uManase waba ngakwesokhohlo waqondana lesokunene sika-Israyeli, wabasondeza kuye. 14 Kodwa u-Israyeli welula isandla sakhe sokunene wasibeka ekhanda lika-Efrayimi, loba nje yena wayengomncinyane, wasenqumisa izingalo zakhe zaphambana, wabeka isandla sakhe sokhohlo ekhanda likaManase, loba nje uManase wayelizibulo.

15 Ngakho wasebusisa uJosefa wathi,

“Sengathi uNkulunkulu wabokhokho bami,

u-Abhrahama lo-Isaka, abahamba phambi kwakhe,

uNkulunkulu obengumelusi wami

ukuphila kwami konke kuze kube namuhla,

16 iNgilosi engihlengileyo kuzozonke izingozi,

sengathi angabusisa abafana laba.

Sengathi bangabizwa ngebizo lami

langamabizo abobabamkhulu u-Abhrahama lo-Isaka,

njalo sengathi banganda kakhulu emhlabeni.”

17 Kwathi uJosefa ebona uyise ebeka isandla sakhe sokunene ekhanda lika-Efrayimi akwaze kwamthokozisa; ngakho wasibamba isandla sikayise wasisusa ekhanda lika-Efrayimi ukuthi asibeke kwelikaManase. 18 UJosefa wathi kuye, “Hatshi, baba, lo nguye izibulo; beka isandla sakho sokunene kwelakhe ikhanda.”

19 Kodwa uyise wala, wathi, “Ngiyazi, ndodana yami, ngiyazi. Laye njalo uzakuba ngabantu abanengi, njalo laye uzakuba mkhulu. Loba kunjalo, umnawakhe uzakuba mkhulu kulaye lezizukulwane zakhe zizakuba ngamaxuku ezizwe.” 20 Wababusisa ngalolusuku wathi,

“Ngebizo lakho u-Israyeli uzakutsho lesisibusiso:

‘Sengathi uNkulunkulu angakwenza

ube njengo-Efrayimi loManase.’ ”

Ngakho wabeka u-Efrayimi phambi kukaManase.

21 U-Israyeli wasesithi kuJosefa, “Sengizakufa, kodwa uNkulunkulu uzakuba lani, alibuyisele elizweni labokhokho benu. 22 Wena, njengomuntu olawula abanewenu, ngikunika umqolo welizwe engawemuka ama-Amori ngenkemba yami lomtshoko wami.”

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UJakhobe Ubusisa Amadodana Akhe

1 UJakhobe wabiza amadodana akhe wathi: “Sondelani eduze ngilitshele lokho okuzakwenzakala kini ensukwini ezizayo.

2 Buthanani lilalele, madodana kaJakhobe,

lalelani kuyihlo u-Israyeli.

3 URubheni, ulizibulo lami,

amandla ami, isibonakaliso sokuqala samandla ami,

ukuphelela ngodumo, ukuphelela ngamandla.

4 Uhlokoma njengamanzi, kawusayikuba liciko,

ngoba wakhwela embhedeni kayihlo,

waya phezu kwesihlalo sami wasingcolisa.

5 USimiyoni loLevi bayizelamani

inkemba zabo yizikhali zodlakela.

6 Mangingangeni enkundleni yabo,

mangingangeni emhlanganweni wabo,

ngoba bababulala abantu ngokuthukuthela kwabo

njalo inkabi baziquma imisipha santando.

7 Luqalekisiwe ulaka lwabo, lwesabeka kubi,

lentukuthelo yabo, ilesihluku esibi!

Ngizakubachithiza kuJakhobe,

njalo ngibahlakaze ko-Israyeli.

8 Juda, abafowenu bazakudumisa;

isandla sakho sizakuba sentanyeni yezitha zakho;

amadodana kayihlo azakukhothamela.

9 Ungumdlwane wesilwane, Oh Juda;

uvela ekuzingeleni, ndodana yami.

Njengesilwane uyacathama alale phansi,

njengesilwanekazi, ngubani olesibindi sokumhlokoza?

10 Intonga yobukhosi kayiyikusuka kuJuda,

loba umqwayi wombusi phakathi kwezinyawo zakhe,

aze ayofika kumnini wayo

lokulalela kwezizwe kukuye.

11 Uzabophela ubabhemi wakhe evinini,

inkonyane kababhemi wakhe ogatsheni oluhle;

uzagezisa izembatho zakhe ngewayini,

izigqoko zakhe egazini lamagrebisi.

12 Amehlo akhe azathuba okudlula iwayini,

amazinyo akhe abe mhlophe kulochago.

13 UZebhuluni uzahlala okhunjini lolwandle

abe litheku lemikhumbi;

umngcele wakhe uzaqhelela eSidoni.

14 U-Isakhari ulithambo likababhemi elilohlonzi

olele ephahlwe ngamasaka amabili emithwalo.

15 Uthi nxa ebona ubuhle bendawo yakhe yokuphumula

lokubukeka kwelizwe lakhe,

uzakwehlisa ihlombe lakhe ukuthwala umthwalo

azimisele emsebenzini wesigqili.

16 UDani uzakwahlulela kahle abantu bakibo

njengesinye sezizwe zako-Israyeli.

17 UDani uzakuba yinyoka esemgwaqweni,

inhlangwana elele endleleni,

eluma izithende zebhiza

ukuze umgadi walo atshelele aye emuva.

18 Ngilindele ukuhlenga kwakho, Oh Thixo.

19 UGadi uzahlaselwa liqula lamanxusa,

kodwa uzabahlasela bamuphe izithende zabo.

20 Ukudla kuka-Asheri kuzakuba ngokunonileyo,

uzakupha okumnandi okufanele inkosi.

21 UNafithali yimpalakazi ekhululiweyo

ezala amazinyane amahle.

22 UJosefa ulivini elithela kakhulu,

ivini elithela kakhulu eduze komthombo,

elimagatsha alo akhwela emdulini.

23 Abahlaseli bemitshoko bamhlasela ngolaka;

bamciba ngenzondo embi.

24 Kodwa kawalazelanga ngedandili lakhe,

ingalo zakhe eziqinileyo zala zilokhu ziqinile

ngenxa yesandla soMninimandla kaJakhobe,

ngenxa kaMalusi, iDwala lika-Israyeli,

25 ngenxa kaNkulunkulu kayihlo, okusizayo,

ngenxa kaSomandla okubusisayo

ngezibusiso zasezulwini ngaphezulu,

izibusiso zolwandle olungaphansi,

izibusiso zebele lenzalo.

26 Izibusiso zikayihlo zinkulu

kulezibusiso zezintaba zekadeni,

kulezithelo zamaqaqa adabuka endulo.

Zonke lezi kazehlele ekhanda likaJosefa,

ebunzini lenkosana phakathi kwabafowabo.

27 UBhenjamini yimpisi ephangayo;

ekuseni uyakudlithiza akujimbileyo,

ntambama akwabe.”

28 Zonke lezi yizizwana ezilitshumi lambili zako-Israyeli, njalo yikho lokho uyise akutsho kubo lapho wayebabusisa, esipha ilowo lalowo isibusiso esimfaneleyo.

Ukufa KukaJakhobe

29 Emva kwalokho wasebanika imilayo le: “Sekusondele ukuba ngimbelwe ebantwini bakithi. Lingimbele labokhokho ebhalwini ensimini ka-Efroni umHithi, 30 ubhalu olusensimini kaMakhaphela, eduze leMamure eKhenani, eyathengwa ngu-Abhrahama kanye lensimu leyo ku-Efroni umHithi, ukuba yindawo yokungcwaba. 31 Khonapho kwangcwatshwa u-Abhrahama lomkakhe uSara, kwembelwa u-Isaka lomkakhe uRabheka, njalo khonapho ngambela uLeya. 32 Insimu kanye lobhalu oluphakathi kwathengwa kumaHithi.”

33 Kwathi uJakhobe eseqedile ukunika imilayezo emadodaneni akhe, wakhweza inyawo zakhe embhedeni, waphefumula okokucina, wasiwa kwabakibo.

50

1 UJosefa waziphosela phezu kukayise wamkhalela, wasemanga. 2 UJosefa waselaya izinyanga ezazingaphansi kwakhe ukuqhola umzimba kayise u-Israyeli. Ngakho izinyanga zamqhola, 3 zathatha insuku ezingamatshumi amane ezigcweleyo, ngoba kwakuthatha isikhathi esingako ukuqhola. AmaGibhithe amlilela insuku ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa.

4 Insuku zokulila sezedlule, uJosefa wathi kuziphathamandla zikaFaro, “Nxa ngifumane umusa kini, ngikhulumelani kuFaro. Mtsheleni lithi, 5 ‘Ubaba wangifungisa isifungo wathi, “Sengizakufa; lingimbele ethuneni engazigebhela lona mina ngokwami elizweni laseKhenani.” Manje-ke ake ungivumele ngihambe ngiyongcwaba ubaba; besengiphenduka.’ ”

6 UFaro wathi, “Hamba uyongcwaba uyihlo, njengoba wakufungisa ukuthi uzakwenza.”

7 Ngakho uJosefa wahamba wayangcwaba uyise. Zonke izikhulu zikaFaro zamphelekezela, izikhulu zakhe zomphakathi kanye lazozonke izikhulu zaseGibhithe, 8 ngaphandle kwabo bonke abendlu kaJosefa labafowabo lalabo ababe ngabendlu kayise. EGosheni kwasala kuphela abantwana lemihlambi yabo yezimvu leyenkomo. 9 Wahamba elezinqola zempi labakhweli bamabhiza. Kwakulixuku elikhulu.

10 Bathi ngokufika esizeni sika-Athadi eduze kweJodani basiqhinqa isililo esikhulu esibuhlungu; kwathi khonapho uJosefa wazilela uyise okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 11 Kwathi amaKhenani ayehlala eduzane ebona ukulila lokho esizeni sika-Athadi athi, “AmaGibhithe alenkonzo yawo yokulila.” Yikho-nje leyondawo eseduze kweJodani ithiwa yi-Abheli-Mizirayimi.

12 Ngalokho amadodana kaJakhobe enza lokho uyise abalaya khona: 13 Bamthwalela elizweni laseKhenani bayamngcwaba ebhalwini olwalusensimini kaMakhaphela, eduze leMamure, u-Abhrahama aluthenga kanye lensimu ku-Efroni umHithi ukuthi kube yindawo yokungcwaba. 14 Esemngcwabile uyise uJosefa wabuyela eGibhithe kanye labafowabo labo bonke ababehambe laye ukuyangcwaba uyise.

UJosefa Ubeka Abafowabo Isibindi

15 Abafowabo bakaJosefa sebebonile ukuthi uyise sefile, bathi, “Kambe uJosefa kasibekelanga isikhwili yini abesefuna ukuphindisela ngakho konke esamona ngakho?” 16 Ngakho bathumela ilizwi kuJosefa besithi, “Uyihlo watshiya imilayo le engakafi: 17 ‘Nanku elimele likutsho kuJosefa: Ngiyakucela ukuthi uxolele abafowenu izono leziphambeko abazenzayo ngokukuphatha kubi kangaka.’ Manje siyacela ukuthi uthethelele izono zezinceku zikaNkulunkulu kayihlo.” Kwathi ilizwi labo selifikile kuye uJosefa wakhala.

18 Abafowabo beza bafika bazilahla phansi phambi kwakhe. Bathi, “Siyizigqili zakho.”

19 Kodwa uJosefa wathi kubo, “Lingesabi. Mina ngisesikhundleni sikaNkulunkulu na? 20 Lalihlose ukungenza okubi, kodwa uNkulunkulu wayehlose ubuhle ngakho ukuze kugcwaliseke lokhu okwenzakalayo khathesi, ukuphephisa impilo ezinengi. 21 Ngakho-ke, lingesabi. Ngizalinakekela lina labantwabenu.” Wababeka isibindi wabakhulumisa ngomusa.

Ukufa KukaJosefa

22 UJosefa wahlala eGibhithe kanye labo bonke abendlu kayise. Waphila okweminyaka elikhulu letshumi, 23 wabona isizukulwane sesithathu sabantwana baka-Efrayimi. Njalo labantwana bakaMakhiri indodana kaManase bathi bezalwa babekwa emadolweni kaJosefa.

24 UJosefa wasesithi kubafowabo, “Sengiseduze lokufa. Kodwa ngempela uNkulunkulu uzalisiza alikhuphe kulelilizwe alise elizweni alithembisa ngesifungo ku-Abhrahama, lo-Isaka loJakhobe.” 25 UJosefa wasefungisa amadodana ka-Israyeli isifungo wathi, “UNkulunkulu uzalisiza, yikho kumele lithwale amathambo ami lisuke lawo kule indawo.”

26 UJosefa wasesifa eseleminyaka yobudala elikhulu letshumi. Bathi sebemqholile, isidumbu sakhe basibeka ebhokisini eGibhithe.

U-Eksodasi

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U-Eksodasi

1

Ukuncindezelwa Kwabako-Israyeli

1 La ngamabizo amadodana ka-Israyeli aya eGibhithe loJakhobe, munye ngamunye lemuli yakhe:

2 uRubheni, uSimiyoni, uLevi loJuda;

3 u-Isakhari, uZebhuluni loBhenjamini,

4 uDani loNafithali;

uGadi lo-Asheri.

5 Inzalo yonke kaJakhobe yayingamatshumi ayisikhombisa. UJosefa wayevele eseseGibhithe.

6 Kwathi uJosefa labo bonke abafowabo kanye lasosonke lesosizukulwane sebefile, 7 abako-Israyeli bazalana banda kakhulu, okokuthi ilizwe lonke lagcwala ngabo.

8 Kwasekusiba lenye inkosi eyayingazi lutho ngoJosefa, yaba ngumbusi eGibhithe. 9 Yathi ebantwini bayo, “Khangelani, abantu bako-Israyeli sebebanengi kakhulu kulathi. 10 Asiboneni amacebo esingawenza ngabo funa bande kakhulu kuthi lapho kuqhamuka impi, babambane lezitha zethu, balwe lathi, besebesuka elizweni.”

11 Ngakho babeka izinduna zezigqili ukuthi zibasebenzise kanzima, bakha iPhithomi leRamesesi aba ngamadolobho eziphala zikaFaro. 12 Kodwa kwathi ngokuhlutshwa kwabo ngamandla, labo banda kakhulu basabalala; okwenza amaGibhithe abesaba abako-Israyeli 13 asebasebenzisa ngochuku. 14 Enza impilo yabo yaba nzima kakhulu betshaya izitina lokuvoxa udaka besenza leminye yonke imisebenzi yemasimini. Kuyo yonke imisebenzi enzima amaGibhithe abasebenzisa ngochuku.

15 Inkosi yaseGibhithe yathi kubabelethisi bamaHebheru okwakuthiwa nguShifira loPhuwa, 16 “Nxa libelethisa abafazi bamaHebheru, lingabona kuzelwe umfana kufanele limbulale; kodwa nxa kuyinkazana, liyiyekele iphile.” 17 Kodwa ababelethisi babemesaba uNkulunkulu, ngakho abakwenzanga lokho ababekutshelwe yinkosi yaseGibhithe. 18 Sekube njalo, inkosi yaseGibhithe yababiza ababelethisi yathi kubo, “Kungani lenze lokhu? Kungani liyekele abafana baphila?”

19 Ababelethisi bamphendula uFaro bathi, “Abafazi bamaHebheru abafani labafazi bamaGibhithe; balamandla baphanga babelethe ababelethisi bengakafiki.”

20 Ngakho uNkulunkulu waba lomusa kubo ababelethisi, abantu banda baba banengi kakhulu. 21 Njalo njengoba ababelethisi bamesaba uNkulunkulu, wabapha ezabo izimuli.

22 UFaro wasesipha abantu bakhe bonke umlayo othi: “Wonke umfana womHebheru ozalwayo kufanele aphoselwe emfuleni uNayili, kodwa wonke amankazana liwayekele aphile.”

2

Ukuzalwa KukaMosi

1 Kwasekusithi eyinye indoda esizweni sakoLevi yathatha owesifazane ongumLevi, 2 wazithwala wabeletha indodana. Wabona ukuthi umntwana wayemuhle kakhulu, wasemfihla okwezinyanga ezintathu. 3 Kodwa kwathi lapho sekusehlula ukuthi amfihle, wenza isitsha semizi, wasibhada ngodaka lengcino. Wafaka umntwana phakathi kwaso wayasibeka okhunjini lomfula uNayili phakathi kwemihlanga. 4 Udadewabo wema bucwala ukuba abone okwenzakala kuye.

5 Indodakazi kaFaro yehlela emfuleni ukuyageza, amantombazana ayikhangelayo ayehamba okhunjini lomfula. Yasisibona isitsha phakathi kwemihlanga yathuma incekukazi yayo ukuyasithatha. 6 Yasivula yambona umntwana. Wayekhala, yasimzwela usizi yathi, “Lo ngomunye wabantwana bamaHebheru.”

7 Udadewabo wasesithi endodakazini kaFaro, “Ngingayakudingela omunye wabesifazane bamaHebheru ukuthi akondlele umntwana na?”

8 Yasisithi, “Yebo, hamba.” Intombazana yasuka yayabiza unina womntwana. 9 Indodakazi kaFaro yathi kuye, “Mthathe lumntwana ungondlele yena, ngizakupha isondlo.” Ngakho owesifazane wamthatha umntwana wamondla. 10 Esekhulile umntwana, wamthatha wamusa endodakazini kaFaro wasesiba ngumntanayo. Yasimutha ibizo yathi nguMosi ngoba yathi, “Ngamkhupha emanzini.”

UMosi Ubalekela EMidiyani

11 Ngelinye ilanga, uMosi esekhulile, waya lapho okwakusebenzela khona abantu bakibo, wabona ukuthi babethwele nzima kanjani. Wabona umGibhithe etshaya umHebheru, omunye wabantu bakibo. 12 Wathi thala ngapha langapha wabona kungelamuntu, wasebulala umGibhithe wamfihla etshebetshebeni. 13 Ngelanga elilandelayo waphuma njalo wabona amaHebheru amabili esilwa. Wasebuza lo owayephambanisile wathi, “Kungani utshaya owakini ongumHebheru na?”

14 Indoda leyo yathi, “Ngubani okwenze waba ngumbusi lomahluleli wethu? Usucabanga ukungibulala na njengoba ubulele umGibhithe?” Ngalokho uMosi wesaba wacabanga ukuthi, “Engxenye engikwenzileyo sekusazakala.”

15 Kwathi uFaro ekuzwa lokho, wazama ukubulala uMosi, kodwa uMosi wabalekela eMidiyani, lapho afika khona wahlala phansi eduze komthombo. 16 Umphristi waseMidiyani wayelamadodakazi ayisikhombisa, afika ezokukha amanzi lokukhelela imikolo ukuze anathise izimvu zikayise. 17 Kwafika abelusi abathile bawaxotsha, kodwa uMosi wasukuma wawalamulela wanathisa izimvu zawo.

18 Kwathi izintombi sezibuyele kuyise eRuweli wazibuza esithi, “Kungani lamhla liphangisile ukuphenduka?”

19 Zaphendula zathi, “KulomGibhithe osilamulele kubelusi. Uze wasikhelela amanzi wanathisa lezimvu zethu.”

20 Wawabuza amadodakazi akhe wathi, “Ungaphi? Limtshiyeleni? Mbizeni ukuze azothola okokudla.”

21 UMosi wavuma ukuzehlala lale indoda, eyamnika indodakazi yayo uZiphora ukuthi abe ngumkakhe. 22 UZiphora wazala indodana, uMosi wayitha ibizo wathi nguGeshomu ngoba esithi, “Sengibe ngumuntu wezizweni endaweni yabezizweni.”

23 Emva kwesikhathi eside, inkosi yaseGibhithe yafa. Abako-Israyeli bakhala babubula ebugqilini babo, kwasekusithi ukukhala kwabo becela usizo ngenxa yobugqili ababekubo kwafinyelela kuNkulunkulu. 24 UNkulunkulu wakuzwa ukububula kwabo wasekhumbula isivumelwano asenza lo-Abhrahama, lo-Isaka loJakhobe. 25 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wakhangela abako-Israyeli, wakhathazeka ngabo.

3

UMosi Lesixuku Esivutha Umlilo

1 Kwathi uMosi eselusa izimvu zikayisezala uJethro, umphristi waseMidiyani, waseqhuba izimvu zaya kude ohlangothini lwenkangala wasefika eHorebhi, intaba kaNkulunkulu. 2 Lapho-ke ingilosi kaThixo yabonakala kuye iphakathi kwamalangabi omlilo esixukwini. UMosi wabona ukuthi loba isixuku sasibhebha kasizange sitshe. 3 Ngakho uMosi wacabanga esithi, “Ngizasondela ngiyebona isimanga lesi ukuba kungani isixuku singatshi silothe.”

4 Kwathi uThixo ebona ukuthi usesondele ukuba ayekhangela, uNkulunkulu wasememeza ngelizwi elaliphuma kulesosixuku wathi, “Mosi! Mosi!”

UMosi wathi, “Ngilapha.”

5 UNkulunkulu wathi, “Ungasondeli. Khupha amanyathela akho, ngoba indawo omi kuyo ingumhlabathi ongcwele.” 6 Wasesithi njalo, “NginguNkulunkulu kayihlo, uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, uNkulunkulu ka-Isaka loNkulunkulu kaJakhobe.” Ngalokhu, uMosi wafihla ubuso bakhe ngoba wayesesaba ukukhangela uNkulunkulu.

7  UThixo wasesithi, “Impela ngilubonile usizi lwabantu bami eGibhithe. Ngibazwile bekhala ngenxa yezinduna zezigqili ezibancindezelayo, njalo ngiyakhathazeka ngokuhlupheka kwabo. 8 Ngakho ngehlile ukuzabakhulula ezandleni zamaGibhithe ngibakhuphe kulelolizwe ngibase elizweni elilendawo enengi, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju, endaweni yamaKhenani, amaHithi, ama-Amori, amaPherizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi. 9 Ukukhala kwabako-Israyeli sekufikile kimi, njalo sengibonile lendlela amaGibhithe ababahlukuluza ngayo. 10 Ngakho suka uhambe. Ngikuthuma kuFaro ukuthi uyekhupha abantu bami abako-Israyeli elizweni laseGibhithe.”

11 Kodwa uMosi wathi kuNkulunkulu, “Kambe ngingubani ukuba ngiye kuFaro ukuyakhupha abako-Israyeli elizweni laseGibhithe na?”

12 UNkulunkulu wasesithi, “Ngizakuba lawe. Lesi sizakuba yisibonakaliso sokuthi yimi engikuthumileyo: Nxa usubakhuphile abantu eGibhithe, lizakhonza uNkulunkulu kuyonale intaba.”

13 UMosi wathi kuNkulunkulu, “Aluba ngifika kwabako-Israyeli ngithi kubo, ‘UNkulunkulu waboyihlo ungithumile kini,’ besebengibuza bathi, ‘Ungubani ibizo lakhe?’ Ngizakuthini kubo?”

14 UNkulunkulu wathi kuMosi, “Nginguye Onguye. Lokhu yikho ozakutsho kwabako-Israyeli ukuthi, ‘Unguye ungithumile kini.’ ”

15 UNkulunkulu wabuye wathi kuMosi, “Tshono kwabako-Israyeli uthi, ‘uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyihlo, uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, uNkulunkulu ka-Isaka, loNkulunkulu kaJakhobe ungithumile kini.’

Leli libizo lami laphakade,

ibizo engizakhunjulwa ngalo kusukela

kusizukulwane kusiya kwesinye isizukulwane.

16 Hamba uyebuthanisa abadala bako-Israyeli uthi kubo, ‘uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyihlo, uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, ka-Isaka loJakhobe, ubonakele kimi wathi: Bengilikhangele njalo ngikubonile okwenziwe kini eGibhithe. 17 Futhi ngithembisile ukulikhupha osizini lwenu elikulo eGibhithe ngilise elizweni lamaKhenani, amaHithi, ama-Amori, amaPherizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju.’

18 Abadala bako-Israyeli bazakulalela. Kuzakuthi wena kanye labadala liye enkosini yaseGibhithe lithi kuyo, ‘uThixo, uNkulunkulu wamaHebheru uhlangane lathi. Sivumele sithathe uhambo lwezinsuku ezintathu siye enkangala ukuyanikela imihlatshelo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.’ 19 Kodwa ngiyakwazi ukuthi inkosi yaseGibhithe ayiyikulivumela ukuthi lihambe ngaphandle kokuba incindezelwe yisandla esilamandla. 20 Ngakho ngizakwelula isandla sami ngiwatshaye amaGibhithe ngazozonke izimanga engizazenza phakathi kwawo. Ngemva kwalokho, izalivumela lihambe.

21 Njalo ngizakwenza amaGibhithe abe lomusa kulababantu, ukuze kuthi mhla lisuka lingahambi lingaphethe lutho. 22 Wonke owesifazane kacele kumakhelwane wakhe lakuye wonke owesifazane ohlala endlini yakhe izinto eziligugu ezenziwe ngesiliva legolide kanye lezigqoko ezizagqokwa ngamadodana lamadodakazi enu. Ngaleyondlela lizawemuka impahla amaGibhithe.”

4

Izibonakaliso ZikaMosi

1 UMosi waphendula wathi, “Pho bangayekela ukungikholwa loba ukulalela engikutshoyo bathi, ‘uThixo kazange abonakale kuwe’?”

2  UThixo wathi kuye, “Kuyini lokho okusesandleni sakho?”

Waphendula wathi, “Yintonga.”

3  UThixo wathi, “Iphosele phansi emhlabathini.”

UMosi wayiphosa phansi yasiphenduka yaba yinyoka, wayibalekela. 4  UThixo wasesithi kuye, “Yelula isandla sakho uyibambe ngomsila.” UMosi welula isandla wayibamba inyoka yasiphenduka yaba yintonga esandleni sakhe. 5  UThixo wathi, “Lokhu yikwenzela ukuthi bakholwe ukuthi uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyise, uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, uNkulunkulu ka-Isaka loNkulunkulu kaJakhobe ubonakele kuwe.”

6  UThixo wabuye wathi, “Faka isandla sakho phakathi kwejazi lakho.” UMosi wasefaka isandla sakhe ejazini lakhe, kwathi lapho esesikhupha, sasesimhlophe njengongqwaqwane sesilobulephero.

7 Wathi njalo, “Sibuyisele isandla sakho ejazini lakho.” UMosi wasifaka isandla sakhe ejazini lakhe, wathi esesikhupha sasesibuyele esimeni saso, sesifanana lejwabu lakhe.

8  UThixo wasesithi, “Nxa bengayikukholwa loba bengananzi izibonakaliso zokuqala, mhlawumbe bazakholwa ezesibili. 9 Kodwa nxa bengakholwa izibonakaliso lezi ezimbili loba bengakulaleli, uzathatha amanzi emfuleni uNayili uwathele emhlabathini owomileyo. Amanzi ozawathatha emfuleni azaphenduka abe ligazi emhlabathini owomileyo.”

10 UMosi wasesithi kuThixo, “Oh Thixo, ngixolele, angizange ngibe yisikhulumi kusukela emuva kuze kube lakhathesi ukhuluma lenceku yakho. Ngiyagagasa njalo ngilamalimi.”

11  UThixo wathi kuye, “Ngubani owapha umuntu umlomo? Ngubani omenza abe yisacuthe loba abe yisimungulu? Ngubani omenza abone loba abe yisiphofu? Akusimi uThixo na? 12 Ngakho hamba, ngizakusiza ukuthi ukhulume njalo ngikufundise lokuthi uthini.”

13 Kodwa uMosi wathi, “Oh Thixo, ngicela uthume omunye ukuthi ayekwenza lokhu.”

14  UThixo wathukuthela, ulaka lwakhe lwavutha kuMosi, wathi, “Umfowenu u-Aroni, ongumLevi ke? Ngiyazi ukuthi uyenelisa ukukhuluma kuhle. Uvele usendleleni ukuzahlangana lawe, njalo inhliziyo yakhe izathokoza ukukubona. 15 Uzakhuluma laye ufake amazwi emlonyeni wakhe. Ngizaliphathisa lobabili ukuthi likhulume njalo ngizalifundisa ukuthi lenzeni. 16 Yena uzakukhulumela ebantwini, njalo kuzakuba sengani nguye ongumlomo wakho njalo kube angani wena unguNkulunkulu kuye. 17 Kodwa phatha intonga le esandleni sakho ukuze wenze izimangaliso ngayo.”

UMosi Ubuyela EGibhithe

18 UMosi wasebuyela kuyisezala uJethro wathi kuye, “Bengicela ukubuyela ebantwini bakithi eGibhithe ukuthi ngiyebona kumbe balokhu besaphilile.”

UJethro wathi kuye, “Hamba kuhle.”

19  UThixo wayethe kuMosi eMidiyani, “Buyela eGibhithe, ngoba bonke abantu ababefuna ukukubulala sebafa.” 20 Ngakho uMosi wathatha umkakhe kanye lamadodana akhe, wabakhweza kubabhemi waqala uhambo lokubuyela eGibhithe. Wathatha intonga kaNkulunkulu wayiphatha ngesandla.

21  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Ekubuyeleni kwakho eGibhithe, bona ukuthi uyazenza zonke izimangaliso engikuphe amandla okuba uzenze phambi kukaFaro. Kodwa ngizakwenza inhliziyo yakhe ibe lukhuni ukuba angabavumeli abantu ukuthi basuke. 22 Uzakuthi kuFaro, ‘uThixo uthi u-Israyeli yindodana yami elizibulo, 23 njalo ngakutshela ngathi, “Vumela indodana yami ihambe, ukuze iyengikhonza.” Kodwa wena wala ukuyivumela ukuba ihambe; ngakho ngizabulala indodana yakho elizibulo.’ ”

24 Kwathi besesendleleni, endlini yezihambi, uThixo wahlangana loMosi wafuna ukumbulala. 25 Kodwa uZiphora wayisoka indodana yakhe, wathatha isikhumba sakhona wasethinta inyawo zikaMosi ngaso. Wathi, “Impela wena ungumyeni wegazi.” 26 Ngakho uThixo wamyekela. (Ngalesosikhathi uZiphora wathi “umyeni wegazi,” esitsho ukusoka.)

27  UThixo wathi ku-Aroni, “Hamba uye enkangala uhlangabezane loMosi.” Ngakho wasuka wayahlangana loMosi entabeni kaThixo wamanga. 28 UMosi wamtshela u-Aroni konke uThixo ayemthume ukuthi akutsho, njalo langazo zonke izibonakaliso ezimangalisayo ayemlaye ukuba azenze.

29 UMosi lo-Aroni bahamba bafika baqoqa bonke abadala bako-Israyeli, 30 u-Aroni wasebatshela konke uThixo ayekutshele uMosi. Wenza lezibonakaliso phambi kwabantu, 31 bakholwa. Kwathi besizwa ukuthi uThixo uyabakhathalela, njalo wayelubonile usizi lwabo, bakhothama phansi bamkhonza.

5

Izitina Kungelatshani

1 Emva kwalokho uMosi lo-Aroni baya kuFaro. Bathi kuye, “Sikulethele ilizwi elivela kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabantu bako-Israyeli. Uthi, ‘Vumela abantu bami bahambe, ukuze bangenzele umkhosi enkangala.’ ”

2 UFaro wathi, “Ungubani uThixo okufanele ngimlalele ngivumele abako-Israyeli ukuba bahambe na? Mina kangimazi uThixo, njalo kangiyikubavumela abako-Israyeli ukuba bahambe.”

3 Ngakho-ke bona bathi, “UNkulunkulu wamaHebheru ubonakele kithi. Kumele sithathe uhambo lwamalanga amathathu siye enkangala ukuze siyenikela iminikelo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, funa asibulale ngemikhuhlane loba ngenkemba.”

4 Kodwa inkosi yaseGibhithe yathi, “Mosi lo-Aroni, kungani lisusa abantu emsebenzini wabo? Buyelani emisebenzini yenu.” 5 UFaro wasesithi, “Khangelani abantu sebebanengi elizweni, kodwa lina liyabamisa ukusebenza.”

6 Ngalelolanga uFaro wathumela lelilizwi ezinduneni zezigqili ezazisebenzisa abantu wathi: 7 “Lingabe lisabapha abantu utshani bokwenza izitina. Yekelani bayezidingela utshani babo kodwa lingehlisi inani lezitina okumele bazenze. 8 Kumele ukuthi batshaye inani abebelitshaya. Bangamavila, yikho besuka bakhale besithi, ‘Kasihambeni siyenikela kuNkulunkulu wethu.’ 9 Yenzani umsebenzi ubenzima kwabesilisa ukuze baqhubekele phambili ngomsebenzi batshiyane lokulalela amanga.”

10 Izinduna zezigqili kanye labaphathi baphuma bayatshela abantu bathi, “Nanku esikulaywe nguFaro, uthi, ‘Kangisoze ngilinike utshani futhi. 11 Hambani liyesika utshani lapho elingabuthola khona. Kodwa umsebenzi wenu kawusoze uphungulwe lakancinyane.’ ” 12 Ngakho abantu bahlakazeka kulolonke elaseGibhithe, besika imihlanga ukuze bayisebenzise esikhundleni sotshani. 13 Izinduna zezigqili zaqhubeka zibakhahlameza zisithi, “Qedani imisebenzi yansuku zonke njengalokho elalikwenza lisazuza utshani.” 14 Abaphathi bezisebenzi bako-Israyeli ababekhethwe yizinduna zezigqili zikaFaro batshaywa bebuzwa ukuthi, “Kungani inani lezolo lelanamuhla lingenelanga njengakuqala?”

15 Ngakho abaphathi bezisebenzi bako-Israyeli baya kuFaro bamncenga besithi, “Kungani uphatha izisebenzi zakho ngale indlela? 16 Izisebenzi zakho kazinikwa utshani, kodwa sitshelwa ukuthi, ‘Tshayani izitina!’ Izisebenzi zakho ziyatshaywa, kodwa umlandu ngowabantu bakho.”

17 UFaro wathi, “Mavila, yikho eliyikho, mavila! Yikho lihlala lisithi, ‘Siyekele siyenikela kuThixo.’ 18 Buyelani emsebenzini. Akulatshani elizabuphiwa. Kodwa kumele lenze izitina ezifika inani ebelivele lilenza.”

19 Abaphathi bezisebenzi bako-Israyeli bananzelela ukuthi babesebunzimeni obukhulu baze batshelwe ukuthi, “Kakumelanga lehlise inani lezitina okumele lilenze nsuku zonke.” 20 Sebesukile kuFaro, bafica uMosi lo-Aroni bebalindele. 21 Basebesithi, “uThixo kalikhangele alahlulele. Selenze ukuthi senyanyeke kuFaro lakuziphathamandla zakhe, lafaka inkemba ezandleni zabo ukuba basibulale.”

UNkulunkulu Uthembisa Ukukhululwa Kwabako-Israyeli

22 UMosi wabuyela kuThixo wathi kuye, “Thixo, kungani ulethe uhlupho ebantwini laba? Yiso yini isizatho sokungithuma. 23 Selokhu ngaya kuFaro ukuyakhuluma ngebizo lakho, uselethe uhlupho ebantwini laba, njalo kawubahlenganga abantu bakho lakancane.”

6

1  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Uzabona esengizakwenza kuFaro khathesi. Ngenxa yamandla esandla sami uzabavumela bahambe, ngenxa yamandla esandla sami uzabaxotsha elizweni lakhe.”

2 UNkulunkulu waphinda wathi kuMosi, “NginguThixo. 3 Ngazibonakalisa ku-Abhrahama, ku-Isaka lakuJakhobe njengoNkulunkulu uSomandla, kodwa ngegama lami elithi Thixo kangizange ngizibonakalise kubo. 4 Ngaphinda ngenza isivumelwano labo ukuze ngibanike ilizwe leKhenani lapho ababehlala khona njengabezizweni. 5 Phezu kwalokho, sengikuzwile ukububula kwabantu bako-Israyeli besebugqilini ngaphansi kwamaGibhithe, njalo sengikhumbule isivumelwano sami.

6 Ngakho tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi nginguThixo, njalo ngizalikhulula embusweni wamaGibhithe onzima, ngizalikhulula ukuze lingabi yizigqili zabo, njalo ngizalikhulula ngesandla eseluliweyo langezimangaliso. 7 Ngizalemukela njengabantu bami njalo ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wenu. Ngalokho lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu owalikhupha embusweni olukhuni wamaGibhithe. Ngizalikhulula ukuze lingabi yizigqili zabo. 8 Njalo ngizaliletha elizweni engafunga ngesandla sami esiphakemeyo ukulinika u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe. Ngizalinika lona ukuze libe ngelenu. Mina nginguThixo.”

9 UMosi wabika lokhu kwabako-Israyeli, kodwa kabazange bamlalele ngenxa yokudangala kwabo ebugqilini obulochuku.

10  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, 11 “Hamba uyetshela uFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe ukuthi avumele abako-Israyeli baphume elizweni lakhe.”

12 Kodwa uMosi wathi kuThixo, “Nxa abako-Israyeli bengangilaleli, kuyini okungenza ukuthi uFaro angilalele, njengoba ngikhuluma ngigagasa?”

Umbhalo Wendlu Yakwabo KaMosi Lo-Aroni

13  UThixo wakhuluma loMosi lo-Aroni mayelana labako-Israyeli loFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe wabalaya ukuthi bavumele abantu bako-Israyeli ukuthi baphume eGibhithe.

14 Laba babezinhloko zezindlu zaboyise:

Amadodana kaRubheni, izibulo lika-Israyeli ayeyila:

uHanokhi, uPhalu, uHezironi, loKhami.

Laba babengabosendo lukaRubheni.

15 Amadodana kaSimiyoni ayeyila:

uJemuyeli, uJamini, u-Ohadi, uJakhini, uZohari, loShawuli olonina oweyengumKhenani.

Laba babengabosendo lukaSimiyoni.

16 La ngamabizo amadodana kaLevi ngokwemibhalo yabo:

uGeshoni, uKhohathi loMerari.

ULevi waphila iminyaka elikhulu elilamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa (137).

17 Amadodana kaGeshoni ngezizukulwana zawo ayeyila:

uLibhini, uShimeyi, lemuli zabo.

18 Amadodana kaKhohathi ayeyila:

u-Amramu, u-Izihari, uHebhroni lo-Uziyeli.

UKhohathi waphila iminyaka elikhulu elilamatshumi amathathu lantathu (133).

19 Amadodana kaMerari ayeyila:

uMahili loMushi.

Laba babengabosendo lukaLevi, ngokwemibhalo yabo.

20 U-Amramu wathatha uJokhebhedi owayengudadewabo kayise. Wamzalela u-Aroni loMosi.

U-Amramu waphila iminyaka elikhulu elilamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa (137).

21 Amadodana ka-Izihari ayeyila;

uKhora, uNefegi loZikhiri.

22 Amadodana ka-Uziyeli ayeyila:

uMishayeli, u-Elizafani loSithiri.

23 U-Aroni wathatha u-Elishebha indodakazi ka-Aminadabi. U-Elishebha wayengudadewabo kaNahashoni. Wamzalela uNadabi, u-Abhihu, u-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari.

24 Amadodana kaKhora ayeyila;

u-Asiri, u-Elikhana lo-Abhiyasafi.

Laba babengabosendo lukaKhora.

25 U-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni wathatha omunye wamadodakazi kaPhuthiyeli. Wamzalela uFinehasi.

Laba-ke yibo ababengabakhokheli bezimuli zakoLevi, ngendlu yinye ngayinye.

26 Yibo labo o-Aroni loMosi uThixo athi kubo, “Khokhelani abantu bami bako-Israyeli libakhuphe elizweni laseGibhithe ngamakhulu abo.” 27 Yibo laba abaya kuFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe mayelana lokukhupha abantu bako-Israyeli eGibhithe. Kwakuyibo oMosi lo-Aroni.

U-Aroni Ukhulumela UMosi

28 Ngesikhathi uThixo ekhuluma loMosi eGibhithe, 29 wathi kuye, “NginguThixo. Tshela uFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe yonke into engikutshela yona.”

30 Kodwa uMosi wathi kuThixo, “Njengoba ngikhuluma ngigagasa, kambe kuyini okungenza ukuthi uFaro azihluphe ngokungilalela?”

7

1  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Khangela, sengikwenze wafana loNkulunkulu kuFaro, njalo umfowenu u-Aroni uzakuba ngumphrofethi wakho. 2 Uzakhuluma konke engizakulaya khona njalo umfowenu u-Aroni uzatshela uFaro ukuthi avumele abako-Israyeli ukuba basuke elizweni lakhe. 3 Kodwa ngizakwenza inhliziyo kaFaro ibe lukhuni, njalo lanxa ngizakwandisa izimangaliso zami elizweni laseGibhithe, 4 kasoze alilalele. Sekunjalo ngizakwelula isandla sami phezu kweGibhithe, njalo ngezenzo zami zokwahlulela ezilamandla, ngizakwahlukanisa abantu. 5 Njalo abantu baseGibhithe bazakwazi ukuthi ngempela mina nginguThixo lapho sengiselula isandla sami phezu kweGibhithe, besengikhupha abako-Israyeli kulelolizwe.”

6 UMosi lo-Aroni benza njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo. 7 UMosi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili ubudala, u-Aroni wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lantathu ngesikhathi bekhuluma loFaro.

Intonga Ka-Aroni Iba Yinyoka

8  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, 9 “Nxa uFaro angathi kini limenzele isimangaliso, wena uzakuthi ku-Aroni, ‘Thatha intonga yakho uyiphose phambi kukaFaro,’ izaphenduka ibe yinyoka.”

10 Ngakho uMosi lo-Aroni baya kuFaro. Bafika benza njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo. U-Aroni waphosa intonga yakhe phansi phambi kukaFaro lezikhulu zakhe, yaphenduka yaba yinyoka. 11 UFaro wasebiza izanuse lezinyanga zaseGibhithe. Lazo zenza izimanga ngendlela efanayo. 12 Bonke baphosela intonga zabo phansi zaphenduka zaba zinyoka. Kodwa inyoka ka-Aroni yaziginya zonke izinyoka. 13 Kodwa-ke, lanxa kwabanjalo, inhliziyo kaFaro yala ilokhu ilukhuni; njengoba uThixo wayetshilo.

Uhlupho Lwegazi

14  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Inhliziyo kaFaro ilukhuni; uyala ukuthi abantu bahambe. 15 Yana kuFaro ekuseni, ngesikhathi esehlela emfuleni. Ubokuma okhunjini lomfula uNayili, umhlangabeze uphethe intonga eyaphenduka yaba yinyoka. 16 Ubokuthi kuye, ‘uThixo, uNkulunkulu wamaHebheru ungithumile njalo kuwe ukuba ngizekutshela ukuthi: Vumela abantu bami ukuthi bahambe, ukuze bayengikhonza enkangala. Kodwa kuze kube khathesi kawukalaleli. 17  UThixo uthi, Ngalokhu uzakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo: Ngentonga esesandleni sami ngizatshaya amanzi kaNayili njalo azaphenduka abe ligazi. 18 Inhlanzi kuNayili zizakufa, amanzi omfula azanuka athi phu, ngakho abantu baseGibhithe abangeke babe besawanatha.’ ”

19  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Tshela u-Aroni uthi ‘thatha intonga yakho welulele isandla sakho phezu kwamanzi eGibhithe, lakuyo yonke imifula yakhona lemisele yamanzi, amaxhaphozi, lamachibi, wonke amanzi alapho azaphenduka abe ligazi.’ Igazi lizagcwala eGibhithe lasezinkonxeni zezigodo lasezitsheni zamatshe.”

20 UMosi lo-Aroni benza njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo. Waphakamisa intonga yakhe phambi kukaFaro lezikhulu zakhe watshaya amanzi kaNayili aphenduka aba ligazi. 21 Inhlanzi zikaNayili zafa. Umfula wanuka kubi okokuthi abaseGibhithe babengeke bawanathe amanzi akhona. Igazi laseligcwele indawo yonke.

22 Kodwa izanuse zaseGibhithe lazo ngemilingo yazo zenza izimanga ezifananayo. Ngalokho inhliziyo kaFaro yala ilokhu ilukhuni. Kabalalelanga oMosi lo-Aroni njengoba uThixo wayevele etshilo. 23 UFaro wabuyela esigodlweni sakhe engakunaki lokho. 24 Sekunjalo abaseGibhithe bemba imithombo okhunjini lomfula uNayili ukuba bathole amanzi okunatha, ngoba babengeke babe besawanatha awomfula.

Uhlupho Lwamaxoxo

25 Kwedlula insuku eziyisikhombisa ngemva kokuba uThixo enze amanzi kaNayili aba ligazi.

8

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Buyela njalo kuFaro uthi kuye, ‘UThixo uthi, Vumela abantu bami bahambe bayengikhonza. 2 Ungala ngizathumela uhlupho lwamaxoxo elizweni lakho. 3 Umfula uNayili uzagcwala amaxoxo. Azangena esigodlweni sakho lasendlini yakho yokulala, lasembhedeni wakho; angene lezindlini zezikhulu zakho lezabantu bakho. Azagcwala ezindaweni zenu zokuphekela, lasemiganwini yenu yokuvubela izinkwa. 4 Amaxoxo la azakuba phezu kwakho laphezu kwabantu bakho kanye lezikhulu zakho.’ ”

5  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Tshela u-Aroni akhombele intonga emifuleni, lasezifudlaneni lasezizibeni zonke zaseGibhithe ukuze kube lamaxoxo ezindaweni zonke zelizwe.”

6 U-Aroni welulela isandla sakhe emanzini eGibhithe, amaxoxo agcwala ilizwe lonke. 7 Kodwa-ke izanuse lazo zenzanjalo ngemilingo yazo yensitha, zenza kwaba lamaxoxo elizweni lonke leGibhithe.

8 UFaro wabiza uMosi lo-Aroni wathi kubo, “Ncengani uThixo asuse amaxoxo kimi lebantwini bami, lami ngizavumela abantu bakhe ukuba bahambe bayenikela imihlatshelo kuThixo.”

9 UMosi wathi, kuFaro “Ngikutshiya kuwe ukuba ubeke isikhathi sokuthi ngikukhulekele wena lezikhulu zakho labantu bakho ukuze lina lezindlu zenu lilanyulelwe emaxoxweni, ngaphandle kwalawo azasala kuNayili.”

10 UFaro wathi, “Kwenze kusasa.”

UMosi wasesithi, “Kuzakuba njengokutsho kwakho ukuze ukwazi ukuthi kakho omunye onjengoThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. 11 Amaxoxo azasuka kini lezindlini zenu lezezikhulu labantu benu abesesala emfuleni uNayili kuphela.”

12 UMosi lo-Aroni basuka kuFaro. UMosi wakhala kuThixo ukuba asuse amaxoxo ayewathumele kuFaro. 13  UThixo wenza lokho uMosi ayekucelile. Amaxoxo afa ezindlini lemagumeni lemasimini. 14 Bawabuthelela aba zinqwabanqwaba; ilizwe lonke lanuka phu ngamaxoxo. 15 Kodwa uFaro ebona ukuthi udubo soluphungukile womisa inhliziyo yakhe wala ukulalela uMosi lo-Aroni njengokwakuvele kukhulunywe nguThixo.

Uhlupho Lwentwala

16  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Tshela u-Aroni uthi, ‘Phakamisa intonga yakho utshaye uthuli lomhlabathi,’ uthuli luzaphenduka lube zintwala elizweni lonke laseGibhithe.” 17 Benza njengokulaywa kwabo, kwathi u-Aroni eselule isandla sakhe ephethe intonga watshaya uthuli, intwala zahlasela abantu lezifuyo zabo. Uthuli lonke eGibhithe lwaphenduka lwaba zintwala. 18 Izanuse lazo zazama ukwenza intwala ngemilingo yazo, kodwa zehluleka.

Njengoba intwala zazisebantwini lezinyamazaneni, 19 izanuse zathi kuFaro, “Lokhu kungumunwe kaNkulunkulu.” Kodwa inhliziyo kaFaro yayilukhuni, kabalalelanga njengoba uThixo wayevele etshilo.

Uhlupho Lwempukane

20  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Kusasa ubovuka ekuseni kakhulu uhlangabeze uFaro lapho esiya emanzini. Ubokuthi kuye, ‘Vumela abantu bami bahambe bayengikhonza. 21 Ungala, ngizathumela umtshitshi wempukane kuwe, ebantwini bakho lezindlini zenu. Izindlu zabantu baseGibhithe zizagcwala impukane lomhlabathi ugcwale zona.

22 Kodwa ngalolosuku akuyikuba njalo eGosheni lapho okuhlala khona abantu bami. Akuyikuba lemitshitshi yempukane khona. Ngakho uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo womhlaba wonke. 23 Ngizakwenza kube lomahluko phakathi kwabantu bami labantu bakho. Lesisimangaliso sizakwenzakala kusasa.’ ”

24  UThixo wenza njengoba wayetshilo. Umtshitshi wempukane ezinengi okwesabeka kakhulukazi zagcwala esigodlweni sikaFaro lasezindlini zezikhulu zakhe, lakulo lonke ilizwe laseGibhithe; zalitshabalalisa.

25 UFaro wabiza uMosi lo-Aroni. Wathi kubo, “Hambani liyehlabela uNkulunkulu wenu likhonapha kulelilizwe.”

26 UMosi waphendula wathi, “Lokho akulunganga. Imihlatshelo yethu esinikela ngayo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu iyanengeka ebantwini beGibhithe. Singanikela ngeminikelo abayizondayo kambe kabayikusitshaya ngamatshe na? 27 Kumele sithathe uhambo lwezizinsuku ezintathu siye enkangala siyemhlabela khonale uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu njengokusilaya kwakhe.”

28 UFaro wathi, “Ngizalivumela lihambe liyenikela imihlatshelo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu enkangala, kodwa lingayi khatshana. Khathesi ngikhulekelani.”

29 UMosi waphendula wathi, “Ngizakuthi ngisanda kusuka ngikhuleke kuThixo, njalo kusasa umtshitshi wempukane uzasuka kuFaro, ezikhulwini zakhe lebantwini bakhe. Kodwa uFaro kangasikhohlisi futhi asuke angasavumeli abantu ukuba bahambe bayenikela imihlatshelo kuThixo.”

30 Emva kwalokho uMosi wasuka kuFaro wasekhuleka kuThixo. 31  UThixo wenza lokho okwakucelwe nguMosi, umtshitshi wempukane wanyamalala kuFaro lezikhulu zakhe labantu bakhe, akwaze kwasala leyodwa. 32 Kodwa langalesosikhathi uFaro wenza inhliziyo yakhe yaba lukhuni kazabavumela abako-Israyeli ukuba bahambe.

9

Uhlupho Ezifuyweni

1  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Yana kuFaro uthi kuye, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu wamaHebheru, ukuthi, “Yekela abantu bami bahambe, ukuze bayengikhonza.” 2 Ungabalela ukuthi bahambe ube ulokhu ubabambile 3  uThixo uzakwehlisela isifo esibi ezifuyweni zakho emadlelweni, amabhiza enu, obabhemi, amakamela, inkomo, izimvu lembuzi. 4 Kodwa uThixo uzakwenza umahluko phakathi kwezifuyo zabako-Israyeli lezamaGibhithe ukuze kungafi lasinye isifuyo sabako-Israyeli.’ ”

5  UThixo wamisa isikhathi esithile wathi, “uThixo uzakwenza lokhu kusasa elizweni leli.” 6 Lakanye ngelanga elilandelayo uThixo wakwenza, zonke izifuyo zamaGibhithe zafa, kodwa akufanga ngitsho lasinye isifuyo sabako-Israyeli. 7 UFaro wathuma amadoda ukuyahlola umonakalo afumana ukuthi kwakungafanga sifuyo lasinye sabako-Israyeli. Kodwa inhliziyo yakhe yala ilokhu ilukhuni, wabalela abantu ukuthi bahambe.

Uhlupho Lwamathumba

8  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi lo-Aroni, “Thathani umlotha omlutshwana eziko lifike kuFaro uMosi awuhazele emoyeni phambi kwakhe. 9 Uzakuba luthuli phezu kwelizwe lonke laseGibhithe, lapho-ke kuzaphihlika amathumba amabi ebantwini lasezinyamazaneni kulolonke ilizwe.”

10 Ngakho bathatha umlotha eziko baya kuFaro. UMosi wawuhazela emoyeni, abantu bonke lezinyamazana zonke kwamilwa ngamathumba aphihlikayo. 11 Izangoma zehluleka ukumisana loMosi ngenxa yamathumba ayezibulala kanye lamaGibhithe wonke. 12 Kodwa uThixo wenza yaba lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro wala ukulalela uMosi lo-Aroni njengoba uThixo wayevele etshilo kuMosi.

Uhlupho Lwesiqhotho

13  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Vuka ekuseni kakhulu uye kuFaro, uthi kuye, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu wamaHebheru, uthi, yekela abantu bami bahambe ukuze bayengikhonza. 14 Kungenjalo kulesisikhathi ngizakwehlisa ubunzima bezinhlupho zami obulesihluku phezu kwakho, phezu kwezinceku zakho labantu bakho ukuze lazi ukuthi kakho omunye onjengami emhlabeni wonke. 15 Kunje nje ngabe sengiselulile isandla sami ngakutshaya kanye labantu bakho ngesifo ebesizakucitsha emhlabeni. 16 Kodwa ngikuphephisile ngayonale injongo yokuthi ngikubonise amandla ami, lokuthi ibizo lami lifakazwe kuwo wonke umhlaba. 17 Ulokhu utshingela abantu bami ubalela ukuthi bahambe. 18 Ngalokho-ke ngalesisikhathi kusasa ngizakwehlisa isiqhotho esingakaze sehlele eGibhithe lilokhu lababala laba khona ilizwe leli. 19 Wohle nje uthumezele ilizwi lokuthi izifuyo zakho lakho konke olakho emadlelweni kubuyiswe kuvalelwe esibayeni esivikelweyo ngoba isiqhotho leso sizatshaya umuntu wonke lesifuyo sonke esingabuthwanga nxa silokhu sisegangeni, konke kuzakufa.’ ”

20 Lezozikhulu zikaFaro ezalesabayo ilizwi likaThixo zaphanga zangenisa izigqili zazo lezifuyo ngaphakathi. 21 Labo abangalinanzanga ilizwi likaThixo izigqili zabo lezifuyo zabo bakuyekela kusegangeni.

22  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Yelula isandla sakho siye phezulu ukuze kune isiqhotho kulolonke iGibhithe, phezu kwabantu lezinyamazana laphezu kwakho konke okukhulayo emasimini aseGibhithe.” 23 UMosi wonela ukukhomba ngentonga yakhe phezulu, uThixo wehlisa umdumo lesiqhotho, umbane wabaneka phansi emhlabathini. Ngakho uThixo wanisa isiqhotho elizweni laseGibhithe. 24 Isiqhotho satshaya umbane wabaneka yonke indawo. Sasingakaze sibe khona isiphepho esinjalo sekulokhu isizwe saseGibhithe saba khona. 25 Isiqhotho satshaya saqothula yonke into egangeni, abantu lezinyamazana; sabhuqa konke okukhulayo emasimini, saphundla izihlahla zonke eGibhithe. 26 Indawo eyasilayo yiGosheni lapho okwakulabako-Israyeli khona.

27 UFaro wasebiza uMosi lo-Aroni. Wathi kubo, “Okwamanje ngenze isono. UThixo ulungile, kukanti mina labantu bami siyizoni. 28 Khulekani kuThixo, ngoba ukukhwaza kwezulu lesiqhotho sekwanele. Ngizaliyekela lihambe; akusadingeki ukuthi lihlale.”

29 UMosi waphendula wathi. “Nxa sengiphumile edolobheni ngizavula izandla zami ngikhuleke kuThixo. Ukuduma kuzakhawula kungabe kusaba lesiqhotho, ukuze wazi ukuthi umhlaba ngokaThixo. 30 Kodwa ngiyazi ukuthi wena lezikhulu zakho lilokhu lingamesabi uThixo uNkulunkulu.”

31 (Amabele lebhali kwabhuqwa nya ngoba amabele ayeselezikhwebu lophoko selumumethe. 32 Ingqoloyi lenyawuthi khona kakuthintwanga ngoba kuvuthwa muva.)

33 UMosi wasesuka kuFaro waphuma edolobheni. Welulela izandla zakhe kuThixo; ukuduma kwezulu lesiqhotho kwakhawula, izulu alabe lisana emhlabeni. 34 Kwathi uFaro ebona ukuthi izulu lesiqhotho lokukhwaza kwezulu kwasekukhawule waphinda wenza isono: Yena lezikhulu zakhe benza inhliziyo zabo zaba lukhuni. 35 Ngakho inhliziyo kaFaro yaba lukhuni akaze avumela abako-Israyeli ukuthi bahambe njengoba uThixo wayetshilo ngoMosi.

10

Uhlupho Lwentethe

1 Ngakho uThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Hamba kuFaro, ngoba sengiyenze yaba lukhuni inhliziyo yakhe lezinhliziyo zezikhulu zakhe ukuze ngenze izimanga zami kubo 2 ukuze lilandisele abantwabenu labazukulu benu ukuthi ngabahlukuluza njani abeGibhithe lokuthi ngabenzela izimanga, khona lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.”

3 Ngakho oMosi lo-Aroni baya kuFaro bathi kuye, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu wamaHebheru: ‘Uzakwala kuze kube nini ukuzithoba phambi kwami? Yekela abantu bami bahambe ukuze bayengikhonza. 4 Nxa usala ukuthi bahambe ngizaletha intethe elizweni lakho kusasa. 5 Zizakwembesa wonke umhlabathi usale ungasabonakali. Zizakudla ziphundle du lalokho okuncinyane okwatshiywa yisiqhotho kanye lezihlahla zonke ezikhula egangeni. 6 Zizagcwala ezindlini zakho lezezikhulu zakho zonke lezamaGibhithe, into oyihlo labokhokho bakho abangazange bayibone selokhu bahlala kulelilizwe kuze kube manje.’ ” Khonapho uMosi wabe efulathela esuka kuFaro.

7 Izikhulu zikaFaro zathi kuye, “Koze kube nini na indoda le ilokhu iyisifu kithi? Yekela abantu bahambe bayekhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo. Ulokhu ungaboni yini ukuthi ilizwe leGibhithe selichithekile?”

8 UMosi lo-Aroni basebebuyiswa kuFaro. Wathi, “Hambani liyokhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Kanti konje ngobani abahambayo?”

9 UMosi waphendula wathi, “Sizahamba labatsha labadala bethu; lamadodana lamadodakazi ethu, lemihlambi yethu ngoba kumele senzele uThixo umkhosi.”

10 UFaro wathi, “uThixo kabe lani, kumbe likhumbula ukuthi ngizaliyekela lihambe labesifazane labantwana! Kusobala ukuthi liqonde ukwenza okubi. 11 Hatshi! Akuhambe amadoda kuphela; amkhonze uThixo ngoba phela yikho ebelivele likukhalela.” Ngakho uMosi lo-Aroni basebexotshwa phambi kukaFaro.

12  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Yelula isandla sakho phezu kweGibhithe ukuze kwehle isikhongwane, izintethe, kulolonke ilizwe zidle zigugude konke okukhulayo emangweni, konke lokho okwatshiywa yisiqhotho.”

13 UMosi wayiphakamisa intonga yakhe phezu kweGibhithe, uThixo wasequbula umoya wempumalanga wavunguza elizweni lonke ngalelolanga lobusuku bakhona. Ekuseni umoya waletha izintethe. 14 Zalihlasela lonke elaseGibhithe zagcwala silikici kuzozonke izindawo zelizwe ngobunengi bazo. Kwakungakaze kube lesikhongwane esingako njalo singeyikufa saba khona njalo lanini. 15 Intethe lezo zavala umhlabathi waba mnyama bhuqe. Zatshaya zabhuqa konke okwakusele ngesikhathi sesiqhotho, konke okwakukhula emangweni kanye lezithelo zezihlahla. Akusalanga lutho oluluhlaza ezihlahleni loba isilimo bani kulolonke ilizwe laseGibhithe.

16 UFaro waphanga wabiza uMosi lo-Aroni wathi, “Ngonile kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lakini. 17 Manje-ke ngixolelani njalo libuye likhuleke kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ukuthi asuse loluhlupho olubhubhisayo.”

18 UMosi wasesuka kuFaro wayakhuleka kuThixo. 19  UThixo wasewuguqula umoya waphephetha uvelela entshonalanga ulamandla. Wazidudula izintethe wazitshovela oLwandle Olubomvu. Akusalanga ntethe layinye loba ngaphi eGibhithe. 20 Kodwa uThixo wayenza yaba lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro, kaze abavumela abako-Israyeli ukuthi bahambe.

Uhlupho Lomnyama

21  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Yelulela isandla sakho emkhathini ukwenzela ukuthi umnyama wembese iGibhithe lonke, umnyama obambekayo.” 22 Ngakho uMosi waseselulela isandla sakhe phezulu, kwathi gubu umnyama okhasa phansi, walembesa lonke elaseGibhithe okwensuku ezintathu. 23 Kakho owayesabona omunye njalo kakho owayengasuka endaweni yakhe okwalezonsuku ezintathu. Kodwa ama-Israyeli ayelakho ukukhanya ezindaweni ayehlala kuzo.

24 UFaro wasebiza uMosi wathi, “Hambani liyekhonza uThixo. Ngitsho labesifazane benu labantwana hambani labo; litshiye kuphela imihlambi yezifuyo zenu.”

25 Kodwa uMosi wathi, “Kumele usivumele ukuthi siyokwenza imihlatshelo leminikelo yokutshiswa kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. 26 Izifuyo zethu lazo zimele zihambe lathi kungasali lasinye. Kumele siyosebenzisa ezinye zazo ekukhonzeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. Phela kasisoze sazi ukuthi sizasebenzisa siphi isifuyo ukukhonza uThixo size sifike khonale.”

27 Kodwa uThixo wayenza yaba lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro, kaze afuna ukubayekela bahambe. 28 UFaro wathi kuMosi, “Suka phambi kwami! Phinde ngikubone futhi. Mhla wangibona futhi ufile wena.”

29 UMosi waphendula wathi, “Akube njengokuba usitsho. Phinde ungibone njalo lapha.”

11

Uhlupho Lokubulawa Kwamazibulo

1 Ngalesosikhathi uThixo wathi kuMosi, “Sekusele ukuthi ngehlise uhlupho olulodwa kuFaro laphezu kweGibhithe. Ngemva kwalokho uzaliyekela lisuke lapha, njalo liphume eselixotsha lonke. 2 Tshela abantu ukuthi amadoda labafazi ngokufananayo bacele kubomakhelwane babo izinto zesiliva legolide.” 3 (UThixo wenza amaGibhithe aba lomusa ebantwini, loMosi uqobo wahlonitshwa kakhulu yizikhulu zikaFaro langabantu.)

4 Ngakho uMosi wasesithi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Phakathi kobusuku ngizahambahamba kulolonke elaseGibhithe. 5 Wonke owesilisa olizibulo eGibhithe uzakufa, kusukela ezibulweni likaFaro ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi kuthathe kanye lezibulo lesigqili sentombazana esisebenza ukuchola, kanye lamazibulo enkomo uqobo. 6 Kuzakuba lesililo esikhulu eGibhithe lonke, isililo esingakaze sibe khona njalo esingayikuba khona lanini. 7 Kodwa kwabako-Israyeli akuyikuba lanja ezakhonkotha umuntu loba inyamazana.’ Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi uThixo uyawehlukanisa amaGibhithe kwabako-Israyeli. 8 Zonke izikhulu zakho lezi zizakuza kimi zikhothamisele ubuso phansi phambi kwami zisithi, ‘Hambani, wena labo bonke abakulandelayo!’ Ngemva kwalokho ngizasuka.” UMosi wasesuka kuFaro elokhu ezonde evutha umlilo.

9  UThixo wayesetshilo kuMosi wathi, “UFaro uzaqinisa intamo, ukuze zande izimangaliso zami eGibhithe.” 10 UMosi lo-Aroni bazenza zonke izimangaliso lezi emehlweni kaFaro, kodwa uThixo wayenza yaba lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro kaze abavumela abako-Israyeli ukuthi baphume elizweni lakhe.

12

Umdabuko WePhasika LoMkhosi WeSinkwa EsingelaMvubelo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni beseGibhithe, 2 “Inyanga le kayibe yinyanga yakuqala kini, inyanga yokuqala emnyakeni wenu. 3 Tshelani bonke abomndeni ka-Israyeli ukuthi ngelanga letshumi lale inyanga indoda ngayinye kayithathele abomuzi wayo izinyane libe linye indlu ngendlu. 4 Nxa abendlu bebalutshwana kakhulu ukuthi abangeke baliqede lelozinyane kababelane labomakhelwane abaseduze kwabo kusiya ngenani labo ukuthi bangaki. Kumele uphawule ukuthi kungadingeka izinyane elingakanani kusiya ngokuthi umuntu emunye angadla inyama engakanani. 5 Kumele ukhethe amazinyane amaduna alomnyaka owodwa angelasici, njalo ungakhetha ezimvini loba embuzini. 6 Agcine amazinyane lawo kuze kube lusuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga, lapho isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli esizawahlaba khona nxa kuhwalala. 7 Lapho-ke kuzamele bathathe igazi baligcobe emaceleni laphezulu kwemigubazi yalezozindlu abazadlela khona amazinyane. 8 Ngalobobusuku kumele badle inyama eyoswe emlilweni, lesinkwa esingelamvubelo lemibhida ebabayo. 9 Lingayidli inyama iluhlaza loba iphekwe ngamanzi, kodwa yoseni emlilweni konke lenhloko yakhona lamangqina kanye lezangaphakathi. 10 Lingatshiyi lutho lwayo kuze kube sekuseni; kuthi nxa kukhona okuseleyo kwayo ekuseni kumele likutshise. 11 Liboyidla inkalo zenu zibotshiwe, amanyathela egqokiwe lentonga zenu zisezandleni. Lidle ngokuphangisa; kuliPhasika likaThixo.

12 Ngalobobusuku ngizadabula phakathi kweGibhithe ngibulala wonke amazibulo abantu lawezinyamazana njalo ngizakwahlulela bonke onkulunkulu bamaGibhithe. Mina nginguThixo. 13 Igazi lizakuba yisibonakaliso sezindlu lapho elikhona lina; kuzakuthi ngingabona igazi ngedlule kini. Akulasijeziso esibhidlizayo esizalithinta lina nxa sengichitha iGibhithe.

14 Leli akube lilanga lesikhumbuzo, kuthi zonke izizukulwane ezizayo ziligcine ngomkhosi omkhulu kuThixo, kube yisimiso sanini lanini. 15 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa kumele lidle isinkwa esingelamvubelo. Ngelanga lakuqala khuphani imvubelo ezindlini zenu, kuthi lowo odla loba yini elemvubelo ngelanga lakuqala kusiya kwelesikhombisa kumele akhutshwe ko-Israyeli. 16 Ngosuku lwakuqala lenze umbuthano ongcwele, liphinde omunye ngosuku lwesikhombisa. Lingenzi msebenzi ngamalanga lawa ngaphandle kokulungisa ukudla kwabantu, yikho kodwa elingakwenza.

17 Gcinani uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo ngoba kwakulilanga engehlukanisa ngalo amaviyo enu eGibhithe. Gcinani lelilanga njengesimiso sanini lanini kuzizukulwane ezizayo. 18 Ngenyanga yakuqala kumele lidle isinkwa esingelamvubelo, kusukela kusihlwa ngelanga letshumi lane kuze kube kusihlwa ngelanga lamatshumi amabili lanye. 19 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa akumelanga kutholakale imvubelo ezindlini zenu. Akuthi lowo odla loba yini elemvubelo asuswe phakathi kwabantu bako-Israyeli, loba engowezizweni kumbe owosendo lwenu. 20 Lingadli lutho olufakwe imvubelo. Loba kungaphi elihlala khona libokudla isinkwa esingelamvubelo.”

21 Ngakho uMosi wasebiza bonke abadala bako-Israyeli wathi kubo, “Hambani khona manje liyokhetha amazinyane ezindlu zenu lihlabe izinyane lePhasika. 22 Lithathe ilixha lehisophi liyigxamuze emganwini olegazi beselithatha elinye igazi liligcobe phezulu lakunxa zonke zomgubazi. Akungabikhona lamunye wenu ozaphuma emnyango wendlu yakhe kuze kuse. 23 Lapho uThixo edabula phakathi kwelizwe ebulala amaGibhithe uzalibona igazi phezulu lemaceleni omgubazi, aceze awedlule lowomnyango angamvumeli umbhubhisi ukungena endlini alibulale.

24 Lalelani imilayo le njengezimiso zaphakade kini lasezizukulwaneni zenu. 25 Nxa lingangena elizweni uThixo azalinika lona njengokuthembisa kwakhe, liwugcine umkhosi lo. 26 Nxa abantwabenu belibuza besithi, ‘Umkhosi lo ngowani?’ 27 libatshele lithi, ‘UliPhasika lomhlatshelo kaThixo owadlula eceza izindlu zabako-Israyeli eGibhithe, waphephisa imizi yethu mhla egadla amaGibhithe.’ ” Khonapho abantu bakhothama bakhonza. 28 Abako-Israyeli bakwenza lokho uThixo akuyala uMosi lo-Aroni.

29 Phakathi kobusuku uThixo wawagongoda wonke amazibulo eGibhithe, kusukela ezibulweni likaFaro owayesesihlalweni sobukhosi kusiya ezibulweni lesibotshwa esasisentolongweni, kanye lamazibulo ezifuyo. 30 UFaro lezikhulu zakhe zonke lawo wonke amaGibhithe bavuka ebusuku basiqhinqa isililo esikhulu eGibhithe ngoba kungekho ndlu layinye lapho okwakungafiwanga khona.

Ukuphuma EGibhithe

31 Ebusuku uFaro wabiza uMosi lo-Aroni wathi, “Hambani! Sukani ebantwini bami, lina labako-Israyeli. Hambani liyekhonza uThixo njengokucela kwenu. 32 Thathani imihlambi yenu, njengokutsho kwenu lihambe. Njalo lingibusise.”

33 AmaGibhithe akhuthaza ukuthi baphangise baphume elizweni. Bathi, “Engxenye singafa sonke!” 34 Ngakho abantu bathatha inhlama yabo yesinkwa ingakafakwa mvubelo bayithwala emahlombe ngemiganu yokuvubela igoqelwe ngamalembu. 35 Abako-Israyeli benza lokho uMosi abayala khona, bacela kumaGibhithe izinto ezenziwe ngesiliva langegolide kanye lezigqoko. 36  UThixo wenza amaGibhithe aba lomusa abapha konke abakucelayo. Ngakho bawemuka impahla ezinengi amaGibhithe.

37 Uhambo lwabako-Israyeli lwasukela eRamesesi baqonda eSukhothi. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha ehamba ngenyawo ngaphandle kwabesifazane labantwana. 38 Abanye abantu abanengi bahamba labo kanye lemihlambi eminengi yezifuyo, izimvu lenkomo. 39 Inhlama abaphuma layo eGibhithe bapheka ngayo isinkwa esingelamvubelo. Inhlama leyo yayingelamvubelo ngoba basuka eGibhithe sebexotshwa abazabe besaba lesikhathi sokuzilungisela umphako.

40 Abako-Israyeli babehlale eGibhithe okweminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu (430). 41 Ekupheleni kwaleyominyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu (430) kungeqanga suku wonke amaviyo kaThixo asuka eGibhithe. 42 Kwathi ngoba uThixo walinda ngalobobusuku esakhupha abako-Israyeli eGibhithe, yikho-ke labo abako-Israyeli bonke kumele bawugcine umlindo lo behlonipha uThixo kuzozonke izizukulwane ezizayo.

Izibopho ZePhasika

43  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, “Nansi imilayo yePhasika:

Akungabi lamuntu wezizweni olidlayo. 44 Isigqili esithengwe ngemali singalidla nxa sesisokile, 45 kodwa isihambi sezizweni lesisebenzi esiqhatshiweyo kabavunyelwa ukulidla.

46 Kalidlelwe endlini eyodwa, kungabi lanyama ephumela phandle kwendlu. Akungabi lathambo elephulwayo. 47 Isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli kumele siwugcine lumkhosi.

48 Owezizweni ohlala phakathi kwenu nxa efuna ukulidla iPhasika likaThixo kasoke bonke abesilisa abahlala endlini yakhe. Lapho-ke usengahlanganyela adle njengomunye wenzalo yalelolizwe. Owesilisa ongasokwanga kangalidli. 49 Umthetho lo ugoqela bonke abantu, abayinzalo yakini labezizweni abahlala phakathi kwenu.”

50 Bonke abako-Israyeli benza khona lokhu uThixo ayekulaye uMosi lo-Aroni. 51 Njalo ngalelolanga uThixo wakhupha abako-Israyeli eGibhithe ngamaviyo abo.

13

Amazibulo Ahlukaniselwa uThixo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Ngahlukanisela wonke amazibulo esilisa. Konke okuzalwa kuqala phakathi kwabako-Israyeli kungokwami, kungaba ngumuntu loba isifuyo.”

3 Ngakho uMosi wasesithi ebantwini, “Lugcineni lube lusuku lwesikhumbuzo lolu, ilanga elaphuma ngalo eGibhithe, liphuma elizweni lobugqili, ngoba uThixo walikhupha khona ngamandla amakhulu. Lingadli lutho olulemvubelo. 4 Lamuhla ngenyanga ka-Abhibhi, liyasuka. 5 Kuzakuthi uThixo angalifikisa elizweni lamaKhenani, amaHithi, ama-Amori, amaHivi lamaJebusi, ilizwe afunga kubokhokho benu ukuthi uzalinika lona, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju, kufanele liwugcine lumkhosi ngayonale inyanga. 6 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa lidle isinkwa esingelamvubelo kuthi ngosuku lwesikhombisa lithakazelele umkhosi kaThixo; 7 kungabonwa lutho olulemvubelo phakathi kwenu, kuvele kungabonwa mvubelo elizweni lenu lonke. 8 Ngalelolanga ngulowo lalowo atshele indodana yakhe athi, ‘Lokhu ngikwenza ngenxa yalokho uThixo angenzela khona ekuphumeni kwami eGibhithe.’ 9 Lesisikhumbuzo kuwe sizakuba luphawu esandleni sakho lesikhumbuzo ebunzini lakho ukuthi umlayo kaThixo ube sezindebeni zakho. Ngoba uThixo wakukhupha eGibhithe ngesandla sakhe esilamandla amakhulu. 10 Kalibosigcina lesisimiso ngesikhathi esimisiweyo minyaka yonke.

11 Nxa uThixo eselingenisile elizweni lamaKhenani walinika lona njengokuthembisa kwakhe kini lakubokhokho benu, 12 kumele lahlukanisele uThixo konke okuzalwa kuqala yizo zonke izibeletho. Wonke amazibulo esilisa ezifuyo zenu ngakaThixo. 13 Lizahlenga izibulo likababhemi ngezinyane, kodwa nxa lingalihlenganga lephuleni intamo. Lihlenge njalo wonke amadodana enu angamazibulo.

14 Nxa indodana yakho ikubuza ngesikhathi esizayo isithi, ‘Kutshoni lokhu?’ ubokuthi kuyo, ‘uThixo wasikhupha eGibhithe ngesandla sakhe esilamandla amakhulu, wasikhupha elizweni lobugqili. 15 Kwathi uFaro eqholoza esala ukuthi sihambe, uThixo wabulala wonke amazibulo eGibhithe, awabantu lawezinyamazana. Yikho-nje nginikela kuThixo izibulo lesilisa lenzalo yonke ngiphinde ngihlenge wonke amadodana ami angamazibulo.’ 16 Lokhu kuzakuba njengophawu esandleni sakho lesibonelo ebunzini lakho ukuthi uThixo wakukhupha eGibhithe ngesandla sakhe esilamandla amakhulu.”

Ukuchatshwa KoLwandle Olubomvu

17 UFaro esebavumele abantu ukuthi bahambe, uNkulunkulu kabakhokhelanga ngendlela edabula elizweni lamaFilistiya loba yona yayiquma. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wathi, “Nxa behlangana lempi mhlawumbe bangethuka babuyele eGibhithe.” 18 Yikho uNkulunkulu wabahola ngendlela yenkangala eya oLwandle Olubomvu. Abako-Israyeli baphuma eGibhithe behlomele impi.

19  *UMosi wawathwala amathambo kaJosefa ngoba uJosefa wayenze isifungo lamadodana ka-Israyeli wathi, “Ngempela uNkulunkulu uzalikhulula. Lapho-ke libowathwala amathambo ami lisuke lawo kule indawo.”

20 Sebesukile eSukhothi bayamisa e-Ethamu indawo egudlene lenkangala. 21 Emini uThixo wahamba phambi kwabo ngensika yeyezi ebahola endleleni yabo, kwathi ebusuku wabahola ngensika yomlilo ukubakhanyisela ukuze bahambe emini lebusuku. 22 Insika yeyezi emini loba insika yomlilo ebusuku kakuzange kusuke endaweni yakho phambi kwabantu.

14

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi babuyele emuva bayomisa ePhi-Hahirothi phakathi laphakathi kweMigidoli lolwandle. Kabamise eceleni kolwandle malungana leBhali-Zefoni. 3 UFaro uzacabanga ukuthi abako-Israyeli bayantula nje elizweni besangene ngoba sebesithwe yinkangala. 4 Njalo ngizayenza ibe lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro abeselandela exotshana labo. Kodwa ngizazizuzela udumo ngoFaro kanye lempi yakhe yonke, lamaGibhithe azakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.” Ngakho abako-Israyeli bakwenza lokhu.

5 Kwathi inkosi yaseGibhithe isitsheliwe ukuthi abantu sebebalekile, uFaro lezikhulu zakhe baguqula ingqondo zabo ngabako-Israyeli bathi, “Sesenzeni manje? Sesiyekele abako-Israyeli bahamba salahlekelwa yikusetshenzelwa yibo!” 6 UFaro waselungisa inqola yakhe yamabhiza waphuma lempi yakhe. 7 Wathatha izinqola ezikhethekileyo ezingamakhulu ayisithupha zahamba kanye lezinye izinqola zaseGibhithe, yinye ngayinye ilenduna yayo. 8  UThixo wayenza yaba lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe, ngakho waxotshana labako-Israyeli ababehamba ngesibindi. 9 AmaGibhithe kugoqela wonke amabhiza kaFaro lezinqola, abagadi bamabhiza lamabutho, abaxhuma abako-Israyeli abedlula bemise ngasolwandle eduzane lePhi-Hahirothi malungana leBhali-Zefoni.

10 Kwathi uFaro esondela abako-Israyeli bathi bevusa amehlo babona nanko amaGibhithe asebanxwanele. Besaba bathuthumela bakhala kuThixo. 11 Bathi kuMosi, “Kambe yikuthi kwakungelamangcwaba yini eGibhithe uze usilethe lapha enkangala ukuba sizofela khona? Manje wenzeni ngokusikhupha eGibhithe? 12 Asitshongo kuwe yini siseGibhithe ukuthi siyekele? Satsho sathi siyekele sikhonze amaGibhithe. Kwakuzaba ngcono kithi ukukhonza amaGibhithe kulokufela enkangala!”

13 UMosi wabaphendula abantu wathi, “Lingesabi. Manini isibindi, lizabona ukuthi uThixo uzalihlenga njani lamuhla. AmaGibhithe eliwabonayo lamuhla kalisoze liphinde liwabone futhi. 14  UThixo uzalilwela; lina manini lithule.”

15 Ngakho uThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Kanti ukhalelani kimi na? Tshela abako-Israyeli baphume bahambe. 16 Phakamisa intonga yakho welulele isandla sakho phezu kolwandle amanzi adabuke phakathi ukuze abako-Israyeli bahambe phakathi kolwandle emhlabathini owomileyo. 17 Ngizazenza zibe lukhuni inhliziyo zamaGibhithe ukuze angene abaxhume. Njalo ngizazuza udumo ngoFaro lempi yakhe yonke, langezinqola zakhe labagadi bakhe bamabhiza. 18 AmaGibhithe azakwazi ukuthi mina yimi uThixo nxa sengizuza udumo ngoFaro, langezinqola zakhe labagadi bakhe bamabhiza.”

19 Kwathi khonapho ingilosi kaNkulunkulu eyayikade ihamba phambili kwempi yabako-Israyeli yasuka yabhoda ngemva kwabo. Insika yeyezi layo yasuka phambili yayakuma ngemva kwabo, 20 yehlukanisa impi yamaGibhithe leyabako-Israyeli. Ubusuku bonke iyezi laletha ubumnyama kwelinye icele labuye laletha ukukhanya ngakwelinye icele; ngakho kabakho abasondela kwabanye ubusuku bonke.

21 Ngakho uMosi waseselulela isandla sakhe phezu kolwandle, ngalobobusuku uThixo wafuqela ulwandle emuva ngomoya wempumalanga olamandla kwasala umhlabathi owomileyo. Amanzi adabukana phakathi, 22 abako-Israyeli bazihambela phakathi kolwandle emhlabathini owomileyo amanzi ezindonga ngapha langapha kwabo.

23 AmaGibhithe abalandela, amabhiza wonke kaFaro, izinqola labagadi bamabhiza bonke babalandela phakathi kolwandle. 24 Kwathi ngomlindo wokucina wobusuku uThixo wakhangela phansi esensikeni yomlilo leyezi, wakhangela phansi empini yamaGibhithe wayidunga yasanganiseka. 25 Wenza ukuthi amavili ezinqola zawo akhumuke okwenza kwaba nzima ukuthi aqhubeke lula. AmaGibhithe asesithi, “Kasehlukaneni labako-Israyeli! UThixo uyabalwela ukuba behlule amaGibhithe.”

26  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Phakamisa isandla sakho phezu kolwandle ukuze amanzi abuyele ambokothe amaGibhithe lezinqola zawo labagadi bamabhiza.” 27 UMosi waseselula isandla sakhe phezu kolwandle, kwathi emadabukakusa amanzi abuyela endaweni yawo. AmaGibhithe ayebaleka eqonda emanzini, uThixo wawagubuzela ngamanzi olwandle. 28 Amanzi aqubuka abuyela emuva ambokotha izinqola labagadi bamabhiza, layo yonke impi kaFaro eyalandela abako-Israyeli olwandle. Akusilanga loyedwa kubo.

29 Kodwa abako-Israyeli badabula olwandle emhlabathini owomileyo kulezindonga zamanzi esandleni sokudla lakwesokhohlo. 30 Ngalolosuku uThixo wasindisa u-Israyeli ezandleni zamaGibhithe, njalo abako-Israyeli bawabona amaGibhithe ethe dandalazi okhunjini lolwandle esefile. 31 Kwathi abako-Israyeli bebona amandla amakhulu uThixo awatshengisa kumaGibhithe, abantu bamesaba uThixo babeka ithemba labo kuye lakuMosi inceku yakhe.

15

Ingoma KaMosi LoMiriyemu

1 Ngakho uMosi labako-Israyeli basebehlabelela lelihubo kuThixo:

“Ngizamhlabelela uThixo

ngoba uphakeme kakhulu.

Ibhiza lomgadi walo

ukuphosele ngamandla olwandle.

2  UThixo ungamandla ami lehubo lami;

useyikusindiswa kwami.

UnguNkulunkulu wami, ngizamdumisa;

uNkulunkulu kababa ngizamphakamisa.

3  UThixo ulibutho;

nguThixo ibizo lakhe.

4 Izinqola zikaFaro lempi yakhe

ukuphosele ngamandla olwandle.

Izikhulu zikaFaro ezithenjiweyo,

zigalule oLwandle oluBomvu.

5 Inziki zamanzi zibagubuzele;

batshona ekujuleni njengelitshe.

6 Isandla sakho sokunene, Oh Thixo,

saba lamandla obukhosi.

Isandla sakho sokunene, Oh Thixo,

sasihlikiza isitha.

7 Ebukhulwini bobukhosi bakho

wabasakazela phansi abakuphikisayo.

Wavulela ulaka lwakho oluvuthayo,

lwabatshisa njengencwathi.

8 Ngokuphefumula kwamakhala akho

amanzi aqoqana aba yinqwaba.

Amanzi ageleza ngenhlokomo ema enza udonga;

amanzi azikileyo ajiya enzikini yolwandle.

9 Isitha sakloloda sathi,

‘Ngizabaxhuma, ngibedlule.

Ngizakwaba impango;

ngizazitika ngokungokwabo.

Ngizakhokha inkemba yami,

isandla sami sibabhubhise.’

10 Kodwa wena wavuthela ngomoya wokuphefumula kwakho,

ulwandle lwabasibekela.

Batshona njengomnuso

emanzini esabekayo.

11 Ngubani kubonkulunkulu bonke

onjengawe, Thixo?

Ngubani onjengawe,

olobukhosi ebungcweleni bakhe,

owesabekayo ngenkazimulo,

owenza izimangaliso?

12 Welula isandla sakho sokunene

umhlabathi uziginye izitha zakho.

13 Ngothando lwakho olungapheliyo uzabahola

abantu obahlengileyo.

Ngamandla akho uzabaholela

endaweni yakho engcwele.

14 Izizwe zizakuzwa zithuthumele;

umhedehede ubahlukuluze abantu baseFilistiya.

15 Izinduna zase-Edomi zizatshaywa luvalo,

abakhokheli baseMowabi bafikelwe yikwesaba,

abantu baseKhenani banyamalale nya!

16 Ukwesaba lokuthuthumela kuzabehlela.

Ngamandla engalo yakho,

bazathula njengelitshe,

abantu bakho baze bedlule, Oh Thixo,

abantu owabadalayo baze bedlule.

17 Uzabangenisa ubahlanyele

entabeni yelifa lakho,

indawo, Oh Thixo,

owayenzela ukuthi uhlale kuyo,

indawo engcwele, Oh Thixo,

eyamiswa ngezandla zakho.

18  UThixo uzabusa

kuze kube nini lanini.”

19 Kwathi lapho amabhiza kaFaro, izinqola kanye labagadi bamabhiza sebengenile olwandle, uThixo wawabuyisa amanzi alo phezu kwabo, kodwa abako-Israyeli bona bazihambela badabula ulwandle phezu komhlabathi owomileyo. 20 Khonapho uMiriyemu umphrofethikazi, udadewabo ka-Aroni, wathatha isigubhu sakhe ngesandla, bamlandela bonke abesifazane bephethe izigubhu begida. 21 UMiriyemu wabahlabelela wathi:

“Mhlabeleleni uThixo

ngoba uphakeme kakhulu.

Ibhiza lomgadi walo

ukuphosele ngamandla olwandle.”

Amanzi EMara Le-Elimi

22 UMosi wasebahola abako-Israyeli basuka oLwandle Olubomvu baya enkangala yeShuri bengatholi manzi. 23 Kwathi befika eMara behluleka ukunatha amanzi akhona ngoba ayebaba. (Yikho indawo leyo kuthiwa yiMara.) 24 Abantu basebekhonona kuMosi besithi, “Sinatheni-ke manje?”

25 UMosi wasekhala kuThixo, uThixo wasemtshengisa isigojwana. Wasiphosela emanzini, amanzi aphenduka aba mnandi.

Khonapho uThixo wabenzela isimiso lomthetho, njalo khonapho wabalinga. 26 Wathi, “Nxa lilalela kakuhle ilizwi likaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lenze okulungileyo kuye, lilandele imilayo yakhe njalo ligcine lezimiso zakhe, kangisoze ngilehlisele iziga lezo engazehlisela amaGibhithe; ngoba nginguThixo olisilisayo.”

27 Basebefika e-Elimi lapho okwakulemithombo yamanzi elitshumi lambili khona, lezihlahla zelala ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Basebemisa khona lapho eduze kwamanzi.

16

Imana Lezagwaca

1 Uzulu wonke wako-Israyeli wasuka e-Elimi, wafika enkangala yeSini ephakathi laphakathi kwe-Elimi leSinayi ngelanga letshumi lanhlanu enyangeni yesibili besuke eGibhithe. 2 Enkangala uzulu wakhonona kuMosi lo-Aroni. 3 Abako-Israyeli bathi kubo, “Ngabe sazifela ngesandla sikaThixo eGibhithe, lapho esasihlala sigombolozele imbiza zenyama lakho konke ukudla esasikufumana, kodwa lina selisilethe lapha enkangala ukuze ixuku lonke leli liyathe ngendlala.”

4  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Ngizalehlisela isinkwa sivela ezulwini. Abantu kumele baphume nsuku zonke bayebutha okwanela lelolanga. Ngale indlela ngizabalinga ukuze ngibone ukuthi bayayilandela yini imilayo yami. 5 Ngelanga lesithupha kumele balungise lokho abayabe bekulethile, okumele kube ngokuphindwe kabili kulokho abakubutha kwezinye insuku.”

6 Yikho-ke uMosi lo-Aroni bathi kubo bonke abako-Israyeli, “Kusihlwa lizakwazi ukuthi nguThixo olikhuphe kweleGibhithe, 7 njalo ekuseni lizabona inkazimulo kaThixo ngoba ukuzwile ukukhonona kwenu. Singobani thina ukuba lisisole?” 8 UMosi wathi, “Lizakwazi ukuthi bekunguThixo nxa eselipha inyama yokudla kusihlwa lesinkwa sonke elisifunayo ekuseni ngenxa yokuthi usekuzwile ukukhonona kwenu kuye. Singobani? Kalikhononi kithi kodwa kuThixo.”

9 Ngakho uMosi watshela u-Aroni wathi, “Khuluma lozulu wonke wako-Israyeli uthi, ‘Wozani kuThixo ngoba usekuzwile ukukhonona kwenu.’ ”

10 Ngesikhathi u-Aroni ekhuluma lozulu wonke wako-Israyeli, bakhangela enkangala basebebona inkazimulo kaThixo ibonakala eyezini.

11  UThixo wathi kuMosi: 12 “Sengizwile ukukhonona kwabako-Israyeli. Batshele ukuthi, ‘Kusihlwa lizakudla inyama njalo ekuseni lizasuthiswa ngesinkwa. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

13 Ngalokhokuhlwa kweza izagwaca zagcwala indawo yonke ababehlala kuyo, njalo ekuseni kwaba lamazolo ngaphandle kwezihonqo. 14 Kwathi amazolo esenyamalele kwabonakala izicecedwana ezifana longqwaqwane phezu kwenkangala. 15 Kwathi abako-Israyeli bekubona lokhu bakhulumisana besithi, “Kuyini lokhu?” Ngoba babengakwazi ukuthi kwakuyini.

UMosi wathi kubo, “Yisinkwa elisiphiwe nguThixo ukuthi lidle. 16 Lokhu yikho okulaywe nguThixo ukuthi: ‘Umuntu emunye uzathatha okwaneleyo akuswelayo. Thathela umuntu ngamunye osethenteni lakho isilinganiso se-omeri.’ ”

17 Abako-Israyeli benza njengokulaywa kwabo. Abanye babutha okunengi abanye okulutshwana. 18 Bathi sebekulinganisa nge-omeri babona ukuthi lowo owabutha okunengi kabanga lokunengi kakhulu, lalowo owabutha okulutshwana kabanga lokulutshwana kakhulu. Umuntu wonke wabutha okwakumenela.

19 Ngakho-ke uMosi wathi kubo, “Akumelanga kubekhona ozagcina okunye kwalokho kuze kube sekuseni.”

20 Lanxa kunjalo abanye kabazange bamlalele uMosi: bagcina eyinye ingxenye kwaze kwaba sekuseni. Kodwa kwakugcwele impethu njalo kwasekulephunga elibi. UMosi wabathukuthelela.

21 Nsuku zonke ekuseni umuntu emunye wabutha isilinganiso ayesifuna, njalo ilanga lathi selitshisa kwancibilika. 22 Ngelanga lesithupha babutha isilinganiso esiphindwe kabili ama-omeri amabili umuntu emunye, njalo abakhokheli babantu beza ukuzobika kuMosi. 23 Wathi kubo, “Lokhu yikho okwalaywa nguThixo: ‘Kusasa lilanga lokuphumula iSabatha elingcwele kuThixo. Ngakho bhekhani konke elifuna ukukubhekha, libilise konke elifuna ukukubilisa. Gcinani konke okuseleyo kuze kube sekuseni.’ ”

24 Ngakho bakugcina kwaze kwaba sekuseni njengokulaya kukaMosi njalo kakuzange kube lephunga kumbe impethu. 25 UMosi wathi, “Kudleni namuhla, ngoba namuhla liSabatha likaThixo, kalisoze lithole lutho phandle namuhla. 26 Okwensuku eziyisithupha lizakubutha, kodwa ngelanga lesikhombisa eleSabatha akusoze kube lalutho.”

27 Lanxa kunjalo abanye abantu ngelanga lesikhombisa bahamba ukuba bayobutha kodwa bafica kungelalutho. 28  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Kuzaze kube nini lisala ukulandela imithetho lemilayo yami na? 29 Kufakeni ezingqondweni zenu ukuthi uThixo ulinikile iSabatha, yikho ngelanga lesithupha elinika isinkwa esenela insuku ezimbili. Wonke umuntu kumele ahlale lapho ayabe ekhona ngelanga lesikhombisa. Akulamuntu okumele aphume phandle.” 30 Yikho-ke abantu baphumula ngelanga lesikhombisa.

31 Abantu bako-Israyeli babiza isinkwa leso bathi yimana. Sasimhlophe njengentanga zekhoriyanda, sihlabusa njengamakhekhe enziwe ngoluju. 32 UMosi wathi, “Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo ukuthi: ‘Thathani imana eyisilinganiso se-omeri ligcinele izizukulwane ezizayo ukuze zibone isinkwa engalinika sona ukuba lisidle enkangala ekulikhupheni kwami eGibhithe.’ ”

33 UMosi wasesithi ku-Aroni, “Thatha inkonxa ufake phakathi imana eyisilinganiso se-omeri. Ibeke phambi kukaThixo ukuze igcinelwe izizukulwane ezizayo.”

34 Njengoba uThixo walaya uMosi, u-Aroni wabeka imana lezibhebhedu zobufakazi ukuze igcinakale. 35 Abako-Israyeli badla imana okweminyaka engamatshumi amane baze bafika endaweni eyayihlala abantu, badla imana baze bafika emngceleni weKhenani.

36 (I-omere iyisilinganiso sokulitshumi sehefa.)

17

Amanzi Ampompoza Edwaleni

1 Uzulu wonke wako-Israyeli wasuka enkangala yeSini, wahamba njengokulaya kukaThixo. Bake bahlala okwesikhathi esifitshane eRefidimu kodwa kwakungelamanzi okuthi abantu banathe. 2 Ngakho baxabana loMosi basebesithi, “Sinike amanzi okunatha.”

UMosi waphendula wathi “Kungani lixabana lami? Kungani lilinga uThixo?”

3 Kodwa abantu basebomele amanzi kuleyondawo, ngakho bakhonona kuMosi. Bathi kuye, “Wasikhupha eGibhithe ukwenzela ukuthi thina labantwabethu kanye lezifuyo sibulawe yikoma na?”

4 Ngakho uMosi wakhala kuThixo, wathi, “Kambe ngithini ngalababantu? Sebezimisele ukuthi bangikhande ngamatshe.”

5  UThixo waphendula uMosi wathi “Khokhela abantu. Thatha abanye abadala bako-Israyeli ubusuthatha njalo intonga leyana owake watshaya ngayo amanzi emfuleni uNayili lihambe. 6 Ngizakuma lapho phambi kwenu eduzane ledwala eHorebhi. Utshaye idwala; kuzaphuma amanzi kulo ukuba abantu banathe.” Ngakho uMosi wenza lokho abadala bako-Israyeli bekhangele. 7 Wabiza indawo leyo ngegama elithi Masa leMeribha ngenxa yokuthi abantu bako-Israyeli baxabana njalo balinga uThixo besithi “Kambe uThixo ulathi yini kumbe hatshi?”

Ukunqotshwa Kwama-Amaleki

8 Ama-Amaleki eza ukuzohlasela abako-Israyeli eRefidimu. 9 UMosi wathi kuJoshuwa, “Khetha amanye amadoda phakathi kwethu uphume liyekulwa lama-Amaleki. Kusasa ngizakuma phezu koqaqa ngiphethe intonga kaNkulunkulu ezandleni zami.”

10 Ngakho uJoshuwa walwa lama-Amaleki njengokulaya kukaMosi, njalo uMosi, u-Aroni loHuri bakhwela phezu koqaqa. 11 Kwakusithi nxa uMosi ephakamise izandla zakhe abako-Israyeli babenqoba, kodwa wayesithi angehlisa izandla zakhe ama-Amaleki yiwo ayenqoba. 12 Kwathi izandla zikaMosi sezidiniwe bathatha ilitshe balifaka ngaphansi kwakhe wasehlala phezu kwalo. U-Aroni loHuri baphakamisa izandla zakhe, omunye ekuleli icele omunye kwelinye ukuze izandla zakhe zale ziphakeme laze latshona ilanga. 13 Ngakho uJoshuwa wehlula ibutho lama-Amaleki ngenkemba.

14  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Bhala lokhu ogwalweni njengento okumele ikhunjulwe njalo ubone ukuthi uJoshuwa uyakuzwa lokhu ngenxa yokuthi ngizatshabalalisa umkhumbulo wonke omayelana lama-Amaleki ngaphansi kwezulu.”

15 UMosi wakha i-alithari walibiza ngokuthi uThixo uLuphawu Lwami. 16 Wathi, “Ngoba izandla zaphakanyiselwa esihlalweni sikaThixo. UThixo uzakulwa impi lezizukulwane zama-Amaleki.”

18

UJethro Wethekelela UMosi

1 UJethro, umphristi waseMidiyani owayenguyisezala kaMosi, wezwa konke uNkulunkulu ayekwenzele uMosi labantu bakhe bako-Israyeli, lokuthi uThixo wayebakhuphe njani eGibhithe abako-Israyeli.

2 Ngemva kokuba uMosi esethumele umkakhe uZiphora kibo, uyisezala uJethro wamemukela, 3 lamadodana akhe amabili. Eyinye indodana kwakuthiwa nguGeshomu, ngoba uMosi wathi, “Sengibe ngumuntu wezizweni elizweni elingayisilo lami.” 4 Eyinye kwakuthiwa ngu-Eliyezari ngoba wathi, “UNkulunkulu kababa wayengumsizi wami: wangisindisa enkembeni kaFaro.”

5 UJethro, uyisezala kaMosi kanye lamadodana lenkosikazi kaMosi beza kuye enkangala lapho ayehlala khona eduzane lentaba kaNkulunkulu. 6 UJethro wayethumele ilizwi kuye wathi, “Mina uyihlozala uJethro ngiyeza kuwe lenkosikazi yakho lamadodana ayo amabili.”

7 Ngakho uMosi waphuma wayahlangabeza uyisezala wasemkhothamela, wamanga. Babingelelana basebengena ethenteni. 8 UMosi watshela uyisezala ngakho konke uThixo ayekwenze kuFaro labantu baseGibhithe ngenxa yabantu bako-Israyeli langezinhlupho zonke ezabehlela endleleni lokuthi uThixo wayebasindise njani.

9 UJethro wathokoza ukuzwa ngezinto zonke ezinhle uThixo ayezenzele u-Israyeli ekubasindiseni esandleni samaGibhithe. 10 Wathi, “Kadunyiswe uThixo owalisindisa esandleni samaGibhithe loFaro, njalo owasindisa abantu esandleni samaGibhithe. 11 Khathesi sengikwazi ukuthi uThixo ulamandla ukwedlula abanye onkulunkulu ngenxa yokuthi wenza lokhu kubo bonke abaphatha u-Israyeli ngobuqholo.” 12 Lapho-ke uJethro, uyisezala kaMosi, waletha umnikelo wokutshiswa leminye imihlatshelo kuNkulunkulu, njalo u-Aroni weza labadala bako-Israyeli ukuze bazokudla isinkwa loyisezala kaMosi phambi kukaNkulunkulu.

13 Ngelanga elilandelayo uMosi wathatha isihlalo sakhe sokuba ngumthonisi wabantu, njalo bema bemgombolozele kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwaba ntambama. 14 Kwathi uyisezala esebone konke uMosi ayekwenzela abantu wathi, “Kuyini lokhu okwenzela abantu? Kungani uhlala unguwe wedwa ukuba ngumahluli, abantu bonke bemi bekuhanqile kusukela ekuseni kuze kube kusihlwa?”

15 UMosi wamphendula wathi, “Ngenxa yokuthi abantu beza kimi ukuzodinga intando kaNkulunkulu. 16 Lapho kusiba lengxabano, ilethwa kimi, njalo ngiyahlulela emaceleni womabili besengibatshela ngemithetho lemilayo kaNkulunkulu.”

17 Uyisezala kaMosi waphendula wathi, “Konke okwenzayo kakulunganga. 18 Wena labantu laba abeza kuwe lizazidinisa. Umsebenzi lo unzima kuwe: ungeke wawenza wedwa. 19 Ngilalela ngikucebise, njalo uNkulunkulu makabe lawe. Kumele ube ngummeli wabantu kuNkulunkulu, ulethe ingxabano zabo kuye. 20 Bafundise izimiso lemithetho yakhe, ubatshengise indlela yokuphila lokuthi baziphathe njani. 21 Kodwa khetha amadoda alamandla phakathi kwabantu bonke, amadoda amesabayo uNkulunkulu, azonda inzuzo eza ngobuqili, ubusubabeka babe zinduna zezinkulungwane, zamakhulu, zamatshumi amahlanu, lezamatshumi. 22 Benze babe ngabahluleli babantu ngezikhathi zonke, kodwa kabalethe wonke amacala anzima kuwe bona baqume amacala alula. Lokho kuzakwenza ukuthi umthwalo wakho ube lula ngoba bazabe besabelana lawe. 23 Nxa ungakwenza lokhu njengokulaya kukaNkulunkulu, uzakwenelisa ukuphumuza ingqondo njalo abantu bonke laba bazabuyela emakhaya besuthisekile.”

24 UMosi wamlalela uyisezala wenza konke ayekutshilo. 25 Wakhetha amadoda alamandla phakathi kwabako-Israyeli wonke wawenza abakhokheli babantu, izinduna zezinkulungwane, ezamakhulu, ezamatshumi amahlanu lezamatshumi. 26 Baba ngabahluleli babantu ngazozonke izikhathi. Amacala anzima bawaletha kuMosi, kodwa alula bawathonisa bona ngokwabo.

27 UMosi wavalelisana loyisezala, uJethro wasebuyela elizweni lakhe.

19

Entabeni YeSinayi

1 Ngosuku olufanayo, emva kwezinyanga ezintathu abantu bako-Israyeli besuke eGibhithe bafika enkangala yeSinayi. 2 Sebesukile eRefidimu bangena enkangala yeSinayi bamisa amathente abo phansi kwentaba.

3 Lapho-ke uMosi wakhuphukela kuNkulunkulu entabeni, uThixo esentabeni wabiza uMosi wathi kuye, “Tshela abantu bendlu kaJakhobe labantu bako-Israyeli, uthi 4 ‘Lina ngokwenu lizibonele engikwenze eGibhithe lokuthi ngilithwele ngamaphiko okhozi ngaliletha lapha kimi. 5 Ngakho-ke lingangilalela ligcine isivumelwano sami lani lizakuba ligugu kimi phakathi kwezizwe zonke. Lanxa umhlaba wonke ungowami, 6 lina kimi lizakuba ngumbuso wabaphristi lesizwe esingcwele.’ Yiwo amazwi okumele uwakhulume kwabako-Israyeli.”

7 UMosi wabuyela ebantwini, wafika wabuthanisa abakhokheli babantu wabatshela okwakutshiwo nguThixo. 8 Bonke bavuma ngalizwi linye bathi, “Sizakwenza konke uThixo athe sikwenze.” UMosi wambikela uThixo okwakukhulunywe ngabantu.

9  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Ngizakuza kini nginjengeyezi elimnyama ukuze abantu bangizwe ngikhuluma lawe. Ngakho ngezikhathi zonke bazakholwa kuwe.” UMosi watshela uThixo okwakutshiwo ngabantu.

10 Ngakho uThixo wathi kuMosi, “Buyela ebantwini ubangcwelise lamhla lakusasa. Batshele bagezise izigqoko zabo 11 kuthi ngelanga lesithathu libe selilungiselele ngoba ngalelolanga uThixo uzakwehlela entabeni yeSinayi abantu bonke bekhangele. 12 Yenzela abantu imingcele malungana lentaba, ubatshele uthi, ‘Limukani! Lingakhweli entabeni, kumbe ukufika phansi kwayo. Lowo ozasondela entabeni uzabulawa.’ 13 Ngempela uzatshaywa ngamatshe kumbe acitshwe ngemitshoko kodwa angathintwa ngesandla. Akukhathalekile ukuthi ngumuntu loba yinyamazana akusoze kuvunyelwe ukuphila. Bazakhwela entabeni kuphela nxa uphondo lwenqama selukhale isikhathi eside.”

14 Ngemva kokuba uMosi esehlile entabeni waya ebantwini wabangcwelisa basebegezisa lezigqoko zabo. 15 Wathi ebantwini, “Lungiselelani ilanga lesithathu. Zilani omkenu.”

16 Ekuseni ngelanga lesithathu kwaba lomdumo lombane othuthumelisayo, leyezi elikhulukazi lehlela phezu kwentaba, kwezwakala lomsindo omkhulu wecilongo. Abantu bonke ezihonqweni besaba, baqhaqhazela. 17 UMosi wasebakhokhela ebasusa emathenteni ebasa kuNkulunkulu. Bafika bema ngaphansi kwentaba. 18 Intaba yonke iSinayi yembeswa yintuthu ngoba uThixo wehlela phezu kwayo ngesimo somlilo. Intuthu yathunqa ngamandla isiya phezulu kungathi iphuma emphongolweni. 19 Njalo umsindo wecilongo waya ulokhu ukhula. UMosi wakhuluma, kwathi ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lamphendula.

20  UThixo wehlela phezu kwentaba iSinayi, wabizela uMosi khona. Ngakho uMosi wakhwela, 21  UThixo wasesithi kuye, “Buyela phansi uyexwayisa abantu ukuba bangaqali ukweqa imingcele ukuba babone uThixo ngoba bangafa ngobunengi. 22 Labaphristi abaya kuThixo kumele bazenze babengcwele, funa uThixo ababhubhise.”

23 UMosi wathi kuThixo, “Akulamuntu ongakhwela entabeni yeSinayi ngoba wena ngokwakho wathi bangakwenzi lokho. Uthe ngenze imingcele egombolozela intaba ngitshele abantu bangasondeli kuyo ngoba ingcwele.”

24 Kodwa uThixo wathi, “Yehla uyebuya lo-Aroni. Kodwa abaphristi labantu akumelanga ukuba beqe imingcele besiza lapho ngoba ngingabaphendukela.”

25 Ngakho uMosi wehla waya ebantwini wabatshela.

20

ImiThetho EliTshumi

1 UNkulunkulu wakhuluma amazwi wonke la wathi:

2 “NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho owakukhupha eGibhithe, elizweni lobugqili.

3 Ungabi labanye onkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami.

4 Ungazenzeli isithombe ngesimo saloba yini esezulwini phezulu loba phansi emhlabeni kumbe ngaphansi kwamanzi. 5 Ungazikhothameli loba ukuzikhonza; ngoba mina Thixo uNkulunkulu wakho nginguNkulunkulu olobukhwele, ojezisa abantwana ngenxa yezono zabazali babo kuze kube yisizukulwane sesithathu lesesine salabo abangizondayo, 6 kodwa ngitshengisela uthando kuzizukulwane eziyinkulungwane zalabo abangithandayo njalo begcina imilayo yami.

7 Ungadlali ngebizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ngoba uThixo kayikumyekela olecala lokudlala ngebizo lakhe.

8 Khumbula usuku lweSabatha ngokulwenza lubengcwele. 9 Okwensuku eziyisithupha uzasebenza wenze yonke imisebenzi yakho, 10 kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa luyiSabatha kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngalo awuyikwenza loba yiwuphi umsebenzi, wena, loba indodana yakho, loba indodakazi yakho, loba inceku kumbe incekukazi yakho, loba izifuyo zakho loba isihambi esikwethekeleleyo emzini wakho. 11 Ngoba ngensuku eziyisithupha uThixo wenza amazulu lomhlaba, ulwandle lakho konke okukukho, kodwa waphumula ngosuku lwesikhombisa. Ngakho-ke walubusisa usuku lweSabatha walwenza lwaba ngcwele.

12 Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko ukuze impilo yakho ibende elizweni akunika lona uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho.

13 Ungabulali.

14 Ungafebi.

15 Ungantshontshi.

16 Ungafakazi amanga ngomakhelwane wakho.

17 Ungahawukeli indlu kamakhelwane wakho. Ungahawukeli umfazi kamakhelwane wakho, loba inceku kumbe incekukazi yakhe, inkabi yakhe loba ubabhemi wakhe loba yini ekamakhelwane wakho.”

18 Kwathi abantu besizwa umdumo bebona lombane, besizwa icilongo njalo bebona intaba ithunqa intuthu, bathuthumela ngokwesaba. Bema khatshana, 19 bathi kuMosi, “Khuluma kithi wena sizakulalela. Kodwa uNkulunkulu kangakhulumi kithi yena ngokwakhe ngoba singafa.”

20 UMosi wathi, “Lingesabi, uNkulunkulu uzelihlola ukuze limesabe lokuze lingoni.”

21 Abantu basala belokhu bemi bucwadlanyana, uMosi wangena phakathi komnyama waya lapho okwakuloNkulunkulu khona.

Izithombe Lama-alithare

22  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Tshela abantu bako-Israyeli uthi, ‘Lizibonele lina ngokwenu ukuthi ngikhulume lani ngisezulwini. 23 Lingenzi onkulunkulu ukuba babekhona kanye lami; lingazenzeli onkulunkulu besiliva kumbe onkulunkulu begolide.

24 Ngakhelani i-alithari ngomhlabathi lenzele kulo umhlatshelo womnikelo wokutshiswa, leminikelo yobudlelwano, izimvu lembuzi kanye lenkomo zenu. Loba kungaphi lapho engizakwenza ibizo lami lihlonitshwe khona, ngizakuza kini ngilibusise. 25 Nxa lingakhela i-alithari ngamatshe, lingaze lawabaza lawomatshe ngoba lizalingcolisa nxa lingasebenzisa okokubaza kulo. 26 Lingaze laya e-alithareni lami ngezikhwelo funa ubunqunu benu bembulwe khona lapho.’ ”

21

Imithetho Etshiyeneyo

1 “Nansi imithetho ozayethula phambi kwabo.”

Izinceku EzingamaHebheru

2 “Nxa ungathenga isisebenzi esingumHebheru kumele sikusebenzele okweminyaka eyisithupha. Kodwa emnyakeni wesikhombisa kuzamele usikhulule kungelanhlawulo. 3 Nxa sifike sodwa, kumele sikhululwe sihambe sodwa kodwa nxa silomfazi ekufikeni kwasokumele sihambe laye. 4 Nxa umqhatshi waso angasipha umfazi asizalele amadodana lamadodakazi, owesifazane labantwabakhe bazakuba ngabomqhatshi, njalo indoda izazihambela yodwa ikhululekile.

5 Kodwa nxa isisebenzi singathi, ‘Ngiyayithanda inkosi yami lomkami labantwabami, njalo kangifuni kukhululwa,’ 6 ngakho inkosi yaso kumele isihambise kubahluleli. Izasisa emnyango kumbe emgubazini abesesibhoboza indlebe yaso ngosungulo. Ngakho-ke sizakuba yisisebenzi sayo okwempilo yaso yonke.

7 Nxa indoda ingathengisa indodakazi yayo njengesigqili, indodakazi kayingakhululeki njengalokho okwenza ezinye inceku. 8 Nxa singathokozisi umnini waso oyabe esikhethile ukuze sibe ngesakhe kumele asiyekele sihlengwe. Akalamvumo yokusithengisa kwabezizwe, ngoba esikhohlisile. 9 Angasikhethela indodana yakhe kumele asinike amalungelo alingana lawendodakazi yakhe. 10 Angathatha omunye umfazi akumelanga asincitshe ukudla, izigqoko lamalungelo okwenda. 11 Angayekela ukusipha izinto lezi ezintathu sikhululekile ukuthi sizihambele kungahlawulwanga mali.”

Imithetho Ngabalimazanayo

12 “Wonke umuntu otshaya omunye ambulale laye kumele abulawe. 13 Kodwa nxa engakwenzanga ngabomo, uNkulunkulu evumele ukuba kwenzakale, kumele abalekele endaweni engizayiphawula. 14 Kodwa umuntu angaceba ukubulala omunye ngabomo, msuseni e-alithareni lami liyembulala.

15 Wonke umuntu ohlasela uyise kumbe unina kumele abulawe.

16 Wonke umuntu othumba omunye abesemthengisa kumbe aficwe elaye kumele abulawe.

17 Wonke umuntu othuka uyise kumbe unina kumele abulawe.

18 Nxa amadoda angaxabana omunye abesetshaya omunye ngelitshe kumbe ngenqindi, angafi kodwa agule alale phansi, 19 lowo ophose inqindi kasoze anikwe umlandu nxa omunye angavuka abesehambahamba ephethe intonga yakhe; lanxa kunjalo kumele ahlawule indoda elimeleyo ngokulahlekelwa yisikhathi njalo ayelaphise.

20 Nxa umuntu angatshaya isigqili sakhe sesilisa kumbe esesifazane ngomqwayi, isigqili besesisifa ngenxa yalesisenzo, kumele ajeziswe, 21 kodwa kasoze ajeziswe nxa isigqili singasila ngemva kwelanga elilodwa kumbe insuku ezimbili, ngoba isigqili siyimpahla yakhe.

22 Nxa amadoda alwayo angatshaya umfazi ozithweleyo abesebeletha isikhathi sakhe singakafiki, kodwa engalimalanga kakubi, owonileyo kumele ahlawuliswe lokho okuyabe kubizelwe yindoda yomfazi kwasekuvunywa ngumthethwandaba. 23 Kodwa kungangabi lokulimala okubi, kumele impilo ibhadalwe ngempilo, 24 ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo, isandla ngesandla, unyawo ngonyawo. 25 Ukutshiswa ngokutshiswa, isilonda ngesilonda, ukulimala ngokulimala.

26 Nxa umuntu angatshaya isigqili sakhe sesilisa kumbe esesifazane elihlweni alipatshaze, kumele asiyekele isisebenzi sizihambele kube yinhlawulo yelihlo. 27 Angatshaya akhumule izinyo lesigqili sesilisa kumbe esesifazane, kumele asiyekele isisebenzi sizihambele kube yinhlawulo yezinyo.

28 Nxa inkunzi ingahlaba indoda kumbe umfazi afe, leyonkunzi kumele itshaywe ngamatshe ize ife njalo inyama yayo kayingadliwa. Kodwa umnikazi wenkunzi akumelanga etheswe umlandu. 29 Kodwa nxa inkunzi ivele ilomkhuba wokuhlaba abantu, njalo umnikazi eseke wakhuzwa kodwa wekela ukuyivalela ibisibulala indoda kumbe umfazi, inkunzi kumele ibulawe ngamatshe lomnikazi abulawe. 30 Kodwa kungathiwa kahlawule, angahlenga impilo yakhe ngokuhlawula lokho okuyabe kubiziwe. 31 Umthetho lo uyasebenza njalo nxa inkunzi ingahlaba indodana kumbe indodakazi. 32 Nxa inkunzi ingahlaba isigqili sesilisa kumbe esesifazane, umnikazi kumele ahlawule amashekeli angamatshumi amathathu esiliva kumnini wesigqili, njalo inkunzi kumele ibulawe ngamatshe.

33 Nxa umuntu etshiya umgodi ukhamisile, loba esimba umgodi angawusibekeli kuwele kuwo inkabi ingabe ubabhemi, 34 umninimgodi kahlawule; kahlawule umnikazi, isifuyo esifileyo besesisiba ngesakhe.

35 Nxa inkunzi yomuntu ingalimaza eyomunye kuzamele ukuthi bathengise leyo ephilayo, babelane imali lesidumbu saleyo efileyo ngokulinganayo. 36 Kodwa nxa kusaziwa ukuthi inkunzi ivele ilomkhuba wokuhlaba ezinye, kodwa umnikazi engayivaleli esibayeni, umnikazi kumele ahlawule isifuyo ngesinye isifuyo, njalo isifuyo esifileyo sizakuba ngesakhe.”

22

Ukuvikelwa Kwempahla

1 “Nxa umuntu angantshontsha inkabi kumbe imvu abeseyibulala kumbe ayithengise, kumele ahlawule ngenkomo ezinhlanu zokuhlawula inkabi, lezimvu ezine zokuhlawula imvu.

2 Nxa isela lingafunyanwa ligqekeza ebusuku beselitshaywa life, lowo ozivikelayo kalacala lokuchitha igazi, 3 kodwa kungenzeka ilanga selikhwelile uyabe elomlandu wokuchitha igazi.

Isela kumele lihlawule sibili, kodwa nxa lingelalutho, kumele lithengiswe ukwenzela ukuthi lokhu kube yinhlawulo yokuntshontsha kwalo. 4 Nxa isifuyo esintshontshiweyo singatholakala siphila ezandleni zesela, kungaba yinkabi kumbe ubabhemi loba imvu, kumele lihlawule okuphindwe kabili.

5 Nxa umuntu angayadlisa izifuyo zakhe ensimini kumbe esivinini abeseziyekela zizihambela besezisiya kudla ensimini yeyinye indoda, kumele ahlawule ngezithelo ezinhle zensimu yakhe loba isivini sakhe.

6 Nxa kuthungelwa umlilo ulumatha emeveni kuze kutshe lamahlanga amabele loba amabele angakavunwa loba insimu, othungele umlilo kumele ahlawule konke.

7 Nxa umuntu anganika umakhelwane wakhe isiliva kumbe impahla ukuba amgcinele izinto lezi besezintshontshwa endlini kamakhelwane, isela lingabanjwa kumele lihlawule okuphindwe kabili. 8 Kodwa nxa isela lingabanjwanga, umnikazi wendlu kumele ame phambi kwabahluleli ukuze kubonakale ingabe uke wabeka izandla empahleni zalowo omgcinisileyo na. 9 Kuzozonke izehlakalo eziqondene lokugcina ngaphandle komthetho inkabi, ubabhemi, imvu, isigqoko kumbe yonke impahla elahlekileyo omunye umuntu angathi ngayo, ‘Lokhu ngokwami,’ wonke amacele womabili kumele alethe izindaba zawo phambi kwabahluleli. Lowo abahluleli abazakuthi ulecala kumele ahlawule okuphindwe kabili kumakhelwane wakhe.

10 Nxa umuntu angasisela umakhelwane wakhe ubabhemi, inkabi, imvu kumbe esinye isifuyo ukuze kugcinakale besekusifa kumbe kulimale kumbe kuthathwe kungelamuntu okhangeleyo, 11 udaba lwabantu laba luzaqedwa ngokufunga phambi kukaThixo ukuthi umakhelwane konanga impahla yomunye umuntu. Umnikazi kumele akwemukele lokhu njalo akulanhlawulo edingakalayo. 12 Kodwa nxa isifuyo santshontshwa sikumasiselwa kumele ahlawule umnikazi. 13 Nxa isifuyo sidatshudatshulwe yinyamazana yeganga saba yiziqa, uzaletha izicucu eziseleyo njengobufakazi njalo akusoze kudingakale ukuthi ahlawulele isifuyo esidatshudatshuliweyo.

14 Nxa umuntu angaboleka isifuyo kumakhelwane wakhe, besesilimala kumbe sife ngesikhathi umniniso engekho, kumele ahlawule. 15 Kodwa nxa umnikazi ekhona, lowo owasebolekayo akumelanga ahlawule. Nxa isifuyo siqhatshiwe, imali ehlawulwe ukusiqhatsha igoqela inhlawulo yokulahlekelwa.”

Imithetho Yokuhlalisana

16 “Nxa indoda ingaqila intombi egcweleyo engakathenjiswa ilale layo, kumele ikhuphe amalobolo, leyontombi ibe ngumkayo. 17 Nxa uyise esala kokuphela ukuthi ayendisele, kumele akhuphe inhlawulo ekhutshelwa amantombazana agcweleyo.

18 Lingavumeli umthakathi ukuthi aphile.

19 Wonke umuntu olala lenyamazana kumele abulawe.

20 Loba ngubani onikela kwabanye onkulunkulu ngaphandle kukaThixo kumele abhujiswe.

21 Lingahlukuluzi owezizweni ngoba lani lalingabezizweni eGibhithe.

22 Lingaqilibezeli umfelokazi kumbe intandane, 23 ngoba lingakwenza, besebekhala kimi ngizakuzwa ukukhala kwabo; 24 ulaka lwami luzavutha, ngibulale ngenkemba; abafazi benu babe ngabafelokazi labantwabenu babe zintandane.

25 Nxa lingebolekisa imali omunye wabantu bami ohluphekayo phakathi kwenu, akumelanga lenze njengebhizimisi yokweboleka abanye imali, lingamhlawulisi inzuzo. 26 Nxa ungathatha ijazi likamakhelwane wakho ulenze isibambiso, kumele ulibuyisele ilanga lingakatshoni, 27 ngoba ijazi lelo yilo lodwa embesa ngalo ubunqunu bakhe. Kambe kuyini okunye abangalala kukho? Nxa bengakhala kimi, ngizabezwa ngoba ngilozwelo.

28 Lingahlambazi uNkulunkulu kumbe lithuke umbusi wabantu bakini.

29 Lingagodli iminikelo eziphaleni zenu loba ezimbizeni zewayini lenu.

Kumele lilethe kimi amadodana enu angamazibulo. 30 Yenzani njalo ngenkomo lezimvu zenu. Yekelani zihlale labonina okwensuku eziyisikhombisa kodwa linginike zona ngosuku lwesificaminwembili.

31 Lizakuba ngabantu bami abangcwele. Ngakho lingaze ladla inyama yenyamazana eyabe idatshudatshulwe yizilo zeganga; iphoseleni izinja.”

23

Imithetho Yokulunga Lomusa

1 “Ungahambi ukhuluma izindaba zamanga. Ungahlanganyeli lomuntu omubi ngoba ngufakazi olomona.

2 Ungenzi okubi ulandela inengi labantu. Nxa ufakaza emthethwandaba, ungaphenduleli iqiniso ngokuvumelana labanengi, 3 njalo ungazweli umuntu ecaleni ngoba engumyanga.

4 Ungahlangana lenkomo kumbe ubabhemi wesitha sakho elahlekile, mnqande umbuyisele kumnikazi. 5 Nxa ufica ubabhemi womuntu okuzondayo ewiswe ngumthwalo, ungamtshiyi, umncedise umvuse.

6 Ahlulela kuhle abayanga bakini emacaleni. 7 Ungabungeni ubufakazi bamanga, njalo ungabulali muntu ongelacala loba oqotho ngoba kangiyi kumyekela olecala.

8 Lingavumi ukufunjathiswa ngoba ukufunjathiswa kufiphaza ababonayo besebeguqula amazwi omuntu omsulwa.

9 Ungancindezeli owezizweni, lina ngokwenu liyakwazi ukuthi kunjani ukuba ngabezizweni, njengoba lalingabezizweni eGibhithe.”

Imithetho YeSabatha

10 “Okweminyaka eyisithupha lizalima amasimu enu livune amabele, 11 kodwa kuzakuthi ngomnyaka wesikhombisa liyekele amasimu enu alaluke engalinywanga. Ngakho abangabayanga phakathi kwenu bazazuza ukudla kuwo, kuthi lezinyamazana zeganga zidle okuseleyo. Lizakwenza njalo okufananayo ngezivini zenu kanye lezihlahla zenu zama-oliva.

12 Uzakwenza imisebenzi yakho okwensuku eziyisithupha, kodwa ngosuku lwesikhombisa ungasebenzi, ukuze inkabi yakho lobabhemi wakho kuphumule, kuthi isigqili esazalelwa endlini yakho kanye lowezizweni baphumule.

13 Qaphelisisani lenze konke engilitshela khona. Lingamemezi amabizo abanye onkulunkulu; kawangezwakali ephuma ezindebeni zenu.”

Imikhosi Emithathu Yomnyaka

14 “Kathathu ngomnyaka kufanele lingithakazelele umkhosi.

15 Lizathakazelela uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo; okwensuku eziyisikhombisa dlanini isinkwa esingelamvubelo, njengokulilaya kwami. Kwenzeni lokhu ngesikhathi esimisiweyo senyanga ka-Avivi, ngoba ngaleyonyanga yikho elaphuma khona eGibhithe.

Kakungabi lamuntu ozakuma phambi kwami engaphathanga lutho.

16 Lithakazelele uMkhosi wokuVuna lokolibo kwenu ezilimweni zenu zemasimini.

Lithakazelele uMkhosi wokuButhelela nxa selibutha izilimo zenu emasimini.

17 Kathathu ngomnyaka amadoda wonke kufanele ayebonakala phambi kukaThixo Wobukhosi.

18 Linganikeli igazi lomhlatshelo kimi ndawonye laloba yini elemvubelo.

Amahwahwa eminikelo yemikhosi yami akumelanga agcinwe kuze kuse.

19 Lethani okolibo kwenu okuhle kakhulu endlini kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

Lingapheki izinyane lembuzi ngochago lukanina.”

Ingilosi KaNkulunkulu Izalungisa Indlela

20 “Khangelani, sengithumela ingilosi phambi kwenu ukuze ilivikele endleleni yenu njalo ize ilifikise endaweni engililungisele yona. 21 Liyinanzelele ingilosi yami njalo lilalele ekutshoyo. Lingayihlamukeli ngoba kayizukulithethelela nxa lingayihlamukela, njengoba iBizo lami likuyo. 22 Nxa lingalalelisisa ekutshoyo njalo lenze konke engikutshoyo, ngizakuba yisitha sezitha zenu njalo ngizamelana lalabo abamisana lani. 23 Ingilosi yami izahamba phambi kwenu ize ilingenise elizweni lama-Amori, lamaHithi, lamaPherizi, lamaKhenani lamaHivi kanye lamaJebusi njalo ngizababhubhisa. 24 Lingabakhothameli onkulunkulu babo, lingabakhonzi njalo lingalandeli imikhuba yabo. Kufanele libhidlize onkulunkulu babo njalo lidilize amatshe abo abawakhonzayo. 25 Mkhonzeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, kuzakuthi isibusiso sakhe sibe phezu kokudla laphezu kwamanzi enu. Ngizasusa imikhuhlane phakathi kwenu, 26 njalo kakho ozaswela loba abe yinyumba ezweni lenu. Ngizaphelelisa insuku zenu.

27 Ngizathumela uchuku lwami phambi kwenu njalo ngisanganise zonke izizwe elizahlangana lazo. Ngizakwenza zonke izitha zenu zifulathele zilibalekele. 28 Ngizathumela olonyovu phambi kwenu ukuze basuse amaHivi, amaKhenani kanye lamaHithi endleleni yenu. 29 Kodwa angiyikubasusa ngomnyaka munye, ngoba ilizwe lingasala lingasela muntu besekusithi izinyamazana zeganga zande zilikhulele. 30 Ngizabasusa kancanekancane phambi kwenu, lani lize lande lenelise ukuthatha ilizwe.

31 Ngizabeka imingcele kusukela oLwandle oluBomvu kusiya oLwandle lwamaFilistiya, njalo kusuka enkangala kusiya emfuleni uYufrathe. Ngakho abantu abahlala kulelolizwe ngizabanikela ezandleni zenu ukuze libadudule. 32 Lingenzi isivumelwano labo loba labonkulunkulu babo. 33 Kabangahlali lani ezweni lenu, funa balenze lingonele, ngoba ukukhonza kwabo onkulunkulu babo kuzakuba yisifu kini.”

24

Ukumiswa Kwesivumelwano

1 Ngakho uThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Woza kuThixo, wena lo-Aroni, uNadabi lo-Abhihu, kanye labadala bako-Israyeli abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Lizakhonza libucwala, 2 kodwa uMosi yedwa zwi uzasondela kuThixo; abanye kabafanelanga ukusondela eduze. Kanti-ke abantu kabafanelanga ukuza laye.”

3 Kwathi uMosi esebuyele ebantwini wabatshela wonke amazwi kanye lemilayo kaThixo, abantu bakwamukela, bavungama ngalizwi linye bathi, “Konke okutshiwo nguThixo sizakwenza.” 4 UMosi waseloba konke uThixo ayekutshilo.

Ngosuku olulandelayo uMosi wavuka kusesele wakha i-alithari ewatheni lwentaba wamisa khona izinsika zamatshe alitshumi lambili emele izizwe ezilitshumi lambili zako-Israyeli. 5 Wasethuma amajaha ako-Israyeli ahamba ayanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa njalo benza imihlatshelo ngenkunzi ezincane njengomnikelo wobudlelwano kuThixo. 6 UMosi wasethatha ingxenye yegazi walithela emiganwini eyayizingubhe, elinye wachela ngalo phezu kwe-alithari. 7 Ngakho wathatha iNcwadi yeSivumelwano wayifundela abantu. Bona bavuma besithi, “Sizakwenza konke okutshiwo nguThixo; sizamlalela.”

8 Ngemva kwalokho uMosi wathatha igazi wachela ngalo abantu esithi kubo, “Leli ligazi lesivumelwano sikaThixo asenze lani ngokuqondene lawo wonke lamazwi.”

9 UMosi lo-Aroni, uNadabi lo-Abhihu kanye labadala bako-Israyeli abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa bakhwela 10 bayabona uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. Ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe kwakungani ngumgwaqo owenziwe ngesafaya, kukhanya njengokukhanya komkhathi uqobo. 11 Kodwa uNkulunkulu kazange abanine ngesandla sakhe laba bakhokheli bako-Israyeli; sebembonile uNkulunkulu badla banatha.

12  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Khwela uze kimi entabeni njalo uhlale lapha, ngizakunika izibhebhedu zamatshe, engilobe kuzo imithetho lemilayo eyiziqondiso zabo.”

13 Ngakho uMosi wasuka loJoshuwa umsizi wakhe, uMosi wasekhwela entabeni kaNkulunkulu. 14 Wathi ebadaleni, “Silindelani khonapha size siphenduke. U-Aroni loHuri bazasala lani, kuzakuthi abaxabanayo babonane labo.”

15 Kwathi uMosi esekhwele intaba, yasibekelwa liyezi, 16 inkazimulo kaThixo yagcwala entabeni yaseSinayi. Iyezi lembesa intaba okwensuku eziyisithupha kwathi ngosuku lwesikhombisa uThixo wabiza uMosi eseyezini. 17 Ebantwini bako-Israyeli inkazimulo kaThixo yabonakala injengomlilo otshisa uqothule phezu kwentaba. 18 Ngakho uMosi wangena eyezini ekhwela intaba. Wahlala khonale entabeni okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane.

25

Iminikelo YeThabanikeli

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli bangilethele umnikelo. Uzakwamukela umnikelo emuntwini munye ngamunye ofuqwa yinhliziyo yakhe ukuthi anikele.

3 Le yiyo iminikelo ozayamukela nxa sebenikela:

igolide, isiliva kanye lethusi,

4 okwelukiweyo lamalembu aluhlaza, ayibubende kanye labomvu, lelembu elicolekileyo,

loboya bembuzi,

5 izikhumba zenqama eziphendulwe ngomphendulo obomvu, kanye lezikhumba zezinyamazana eziqinileyo,

lezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya,

6 amafutha e-oliva awokukhanyisa isibane,

amakha azasetshenziswa lamafutha okugcoba abakhethiweyo lephunga lempepha elimnandi,

7 amatshe e-onikisi, lamanye amatshe aligugu azathungelwa esembathweni semahlombe lesesifubeni.

8 Bangakhele indlu engcwele, ngalokho ngizahlala phakathi kwabo. 9 Yenza ithabanikeli leli kanye leziceciso zalo ngendlela engizakutshengisa yona.”

Umtshokotsho Wesivumelwano

10 “Kabenze umtshokotsho ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya, ubude bawo kube zingalo ezimbili ezilengxenye, ububanzi kube yingalo elengxenye njalo ukuyaphezulu kwawo kube yingalo elengxenye. 11 Lilihuqe ngegolide elicolekileyo, ngaphakathi langaphandle, ubuye ulizingelezele ngomqolo wegolide. 12 Libumbele amasongo amane egolide liwanamathisele ezinyaweni zalo zozine, amabili kwelinye icele kuthi amabili kwelinye njalo. 13 Beselisenza imijabo ngesihlahla somʼakhakhiya liyihuqe ngegolide. 14 Hlomani imijabo kulawo masongo asemaceleni omtshokotsho kube yizibambo. 15 Izigodo lezi zizahlala emasongweni alumtshokotsho, zingakhitshwa. 16 Beselifaka ubufakazi emtshokotshweni engizakunika bona.

17 Yenzani isihlalo somusa ngegolide elicolekileyo, ubude baso bube zingalo ezimbili ezilengxenye lengxenye eyodwa ububanzi. 18 Lizakwenza amakherubhi amabili ngegolide elikhandiweyo, liwenze ekucineni kwesisibekelo esiyisihlalo somusa emaceleni womabili. 19 Yenzani ikherubhi elilodwa nganxanye kuthi ngakwelinye icele lenze elinye, uzawenza amakherubhi abe yinto yinye lesisibekelo emaceleni womabili. 20 Amakherubhi kumele elulele amaphiko awo phezulu embese isisibekelo ngawo. Kuzamele amakherubhi akhangelane, ubuso bawo bukhangele isisibekelo. 21 Bekani isisibekelo phezu komtshokotsho, ubusufaka ubufakazi engizakunika bona ebhokisini lesivumelwano. 22 Kulapho engizahlangana lawe khona ngikunika imithetho ka-Israyeli ngisesihlalweni somusa, phakathi laphakathi kwamakherubhi aphezu komtshokotsho wobufakazi.”

Itafula Yezinkwa

23 “Bazani itafula ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya, ubude bayo bube zingalo ezimbili, ububanzi bayo bube yingalo eyodwa, kuthi ukudepha kwayo kube yingalo elengxenye. 24 Liyihuqe ngegolide elicolekileyo, beseliyizingelezela ngomthando wegolide. 25 Lenze kuyo ibhanti eliyizingelezileyo, elilingana lobubanzi besandla, beselibumbela kuyo umthando wegolide phezu kwebhanti. 26 Lenze amasongo amane egolide liwafake emagumbini womane enyaweni zetafula. 27 Amasongo kumele asondelelane lebhanti ukuze abambe imijabo ezasetshenziswa ukuthwala itafula. 28 Lungisani imijabo ngesihlahla somʼakhakhiya, liyihuqe ngegolide ukuze lithwale itafula ngayo. 29 Njalo yenzani imiganu lezinditshi zayo ngegolide elicolekileyo kanye lenkezo, imiganu eyingubhe lezitsha zokuthululela iminikelo. 30 Libeke etafuleni isinkwa esiNgcwele ukuze sibe phambi kwami ngezikhathi zonke.”

Uluthi Lwesibane

31 “Lizakwenza uluthi lwesibane ngegolide elicolekileyo. Likhande isidindi salo lomqwayi walo, imbizana zalo lamahlumela alo lamaluba alo likwenze kube yinto yinye. 32 Ingatsha eziyisithupha zixhunywe emaceleni oluthi, ezintathu nganxanye kuthi ezintathu kwelinye icele. 33 Inkezo ezintathu ezibunjwe okwamaluba e-alimondi, amahlumela lamaluba kumele abe sogatsheni lunye, ezintathu egatsheni olulandelayo, kube njalo kuzozonke ingatsha ezixhunywe emqwayini woluthi lwesibane. 34 Kuzakuthi oluthini lwesibane kube lezimbizana ezine ezibunjwe okwamaluba e-alimondi, zilamahlumela lamaluba. 35 Kumele kube lehlumela ngaphansi kwengatsha ezimbili ezixhunywe oluthini lwesibane, ihlumela lesibili ngaphansi kwezinye ezimbili, kuthi ihlumela lesithathu lalo libe ngaphansi kwezinye njalo ezimbili, zonke ingatsha zibe yisithupha. 36 Amahlumela lezingatsha kuzakuba yinto yinye loluthi lwesibane, kukhandwe ngegolide elicolekileyo.

37 Ngakho lizalwenzela izibane eziyisikhombisa lizimise phezu kwalo ukuze zikhanyise phambi kwalo. 38 Incijana zentambo lembizana zalo zibe ngezegolide elicolekileyo. 39 Uluthi lwesibane kanye lakho konke okuphathelene laso kuzenziwa ngegolide elicolekileyo eliyisisindo sethalenta elilodwa. 40 Qaphela ukuba wenze konke njengalokhu owakutshengiswa entabeni.”

26

IThabanikeli

1 “Lenze ithabanikeli ngamakhetheni alitshumi elembu eliphothwe kuhle ngentambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende kanye lezibomvu, aceciswe ngamakherubhi elukelwe kuhle ngumuntu oleminwe. 2 Amakhetheni wonke kumele ukuthi alingane, abezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili ubude njalo ububanzi abezingalo ezine. 3 Lizahlanganisa amakhetheni amahlanu ndawonye, liphinde lenzenjalo lakwamanye amahlanu. 4 Lenze izihitshela ngelembu eliluhlaza emphethweni wekhetheni elisekucineni kwamakhetheni amahlanu elixheni lakuqala, lenze okufanayo elixheni lesibili. 5 Lizakwenza izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu ekhethenini elilodwa liphinde lenze ezinye izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu ekhethenini lokucina elixheni lesibili, izihitshela zikhangelene. 6 Emva kwalokho lizakwenza ingwegwe zegolide ezingamatshumi amahlanu, lizisebenzise ukuhlanganisa amakhetheni ukuze ithabanikeli libe yintonye.

7 Yenzani amakhetheni ngoboya bembuzi abe ngawethente lokubekwa phezu kwethabanikeli, abelitshumi lanye esewonke. 8 Amakhetheni wonke alitshumi lanye alingane, abezingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu ubude, ububanzi abezingalo ezine. 9 Hlanganisani amakhetheni amahlanu abelilixha elilodwa kuthi ayisithupha abe kwelinye ilixha. Ligoqe ikhetheni lesithupha liphindwe kabili phambi kwethente. 10 Yenzani izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu zilandele umphetho wekhetheni elisekucineni kwelixha lakuqala, lenzenjalo lakwelinye ilixha. 11 Beselilungisa ingwegwe zethusi ezingamatshumi amahlanu lizifake ezihitsheleni ukuze zibophe ithente kube yinto yinye. 12 Kuzakuthi-ke isiqa esiseleyo sekhetheni lethente, ingxenye yekhetheni eseleyo, ilenge emuva kwethabanikeli. 13 Amakhetheni ethente azakwedlula ngengalo eyodwa inxa zonke, kuthi okuseleyo kulenge emaceleni ethabanikeli ukuze alembese. 14 Lenze isembeso sethente ngezikhumba zenqama eziphendulwe ngomphendulo obomvu, kuthi phezu kwalokho kube lesembeso sezikhumba eziqinileyo.

15 Yenzani amathala ethabanikeli amiswayo ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya. 16 Ithala linye kumele libe lide okuzingalo ezilitshumi, kuthi ububanzi bube yingalo elengxenye, 17 kube lemisuka emibili ephutshayo ilinganisene. Wonke amathala ethabanikeli enziwe ngale indlela. 18 Yenzani amathala ecele elisezansi kwethabanikeli angamatshumi amabili, 19 beselizenza izisekelo zesiliva ezingamatshumi amane ezizahamba ngaphansi kwawo, izisekelo ezimbili ethaleni linye, sibe sinye ngaphansi kwensika inye ngayinye. 20 Kulelicele elisenyakatho kwethabanikeli, misani amathala angamatshumi amabili 21 kanye lezisekelo zesiliva ezingamatshumi amane, ezimbili ngaphansi kwepulanka linye. 22 Yenzani amathala ayisithupha ecele elisekucineni ngentshonalanga kwethabanikeli, 23 lenze amathala amabili amagumbi asekucineni. 24 Emagumbini womabili la kumele abe lohlonzi oluphindwe kabili kusukela phansi kusiya phezulu, abesehlanganiswa ngesongo elilodwa, wonke abe njalo. 25 Ngakho kuzakuba lamathala ayisificaminwembili lezisekelo zesiliva ezilitshumi lesithupha, ezimbili ngaphansi kwethala linye.

26 Yenzani njalo imithando enqumayo ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya: emihlanu ibe ngeyamathala kwelinye icele lethabanikeli, 27 emihlanu ibe njalo kwelinye icele, kuthi eminye njalo emihlanu ibe ngeyamathala asentshonalanga, ekucineni kwethabanikeli. 28 Umthando waphakathi onqumayo uzakwedlula usuka kulelicele lokucina usiyacina kwelinye phakathi laphakathi kwamathala. 29 Huqani amathala ngegolide lenze amasongo egolide abambe imithando enqumayo. Njalo lihuqe imithando enqumayo ngegolide.

30 Limise ithabanikeli njengokutshengiswa kwakho entabeni.

31 Yenzani ikhetheni ngelembu elicolekileyo, eliphethwe kuhle ngentambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende kanye lezibomvu, abe lamakherubhi elukelwe kuwo ngumuntu oleminwe. 32 Liwalengise ngezingwegwana zegolide ensikeni ezine zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya ezihuqwe ngegolide njalo zimiswe phezu kwezisekelo zesiliva. 33 Lengisani-ke ikhetheni ngezingwegwana beselibeka umtshokotsho wobufakazi ngemva kwekhetheni. Ikhetheni lizakwehlukanisa Indawo Engcwele kweNgcwelengcwele. 34 Bekani isisibekelo esiyisihlalo somusa phezu komtshokotsho wobufakazi osendaweni eNgcwelengcwele. 35 Bekani itafula ngaphandle kwekhetheni elisenyakatho kwethabanikeli, beselifaka uluthi lwesibane lukhangelane layo eceleni eliseningizimu.

36 Yenzani ikhetheni lesango lethente ngelembu eliphethwe kuhle ngentambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende kanye lezibomvu kube ngumsebenzi wombalazi ngokuthunga. 37 Yenzelani ikhetheni ingwegwana zegolide kanye lezinsika ezinhlanu ezenziwe ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya ezihuqwe ngegolide. Njalo beseliwafakela izisekelo ezinhlanu ezibunjwe ngethusi.”

27

I-alithari Leminikelo Yokutshiswa

1 “Lakhe i-alithari ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya libe zingalo ezintathu ukudepha, kumele lilingane inxa zonke, ubude balo bube zingalo ezinhlanu lobubanzi balo bube zingalo ezinhlanu. 2 Egumbini linye ngalinye le-alithari uzakwenza uphondo, kuthi impondo le-alithari kube yinto yinye, ubusulihuqa ngethusi. 3 Izinto zonke ezizasetshenziswa kulo uzazenza ngethusi, imbiza zalo zokubutha umlotha, amafotsholo alo, imiganu yokuchela, amafologwe enyama kanye lezindengezi zokubasela umlilo. 4 Lenzele iminxibo yokosa ngethusi njalo wenze isongo lethusi emagumbini wonke womane. 5 Libeke ngaphansi komphetho we-alithare okuyingxenye yokuya phezulu. 6 Libaze imijabo ye-alithare ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya liyihuqe ngethusi. 7 Lihlome imijabo le emasongweni asemaceleni womabili e-alithare ukuze ibe yizibambo nxa selithwalwa. 8 Beselithatha amapulanka lenze ngawo i-alithari libe ngumhome. Lenze njengalokhu owakutshengiswayo entabeni.”

Iguma Lethabanikeli

9 “Lilungise iguma lethabanikeli. Ubude becele lezansi bube zingalo ezilikhulu njalo libe lamakhetheni elembu eliphethwe kuhle, 10 lensika ezingamatshumi amabili lezisekelo ezingamatshumi amabili konke kwenziwe ngethusi kanye lengwegwe zesiliva lamabhanti ensikeni. 11 Icele lenyakatho lalo lizakuba yizingalo ezilikhulu ubude njalo libe lamakhetheni, libe lensika ezingamatshumi amabili lezisekelo ezingamatshumi amabili ethusi futhi kube lengwegwana lezibopho zesiliva ensikeni.

12 Icele lentshonalanga yeguma lizakuba zingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ububanzi, lilamakhetheni, lensika ezilitshumi kanye lezisekelo ezilitshumi. 13 Eceleni elisempumalanga, kusiya okuphuma khona ilanga, iguma lizakuba banzi okuzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu. 14 Amakhetheni azingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu ubude azakuba nganxanye kwesango, elezinsika ezintathu kanye lezisekelo ezintathu. 15 Ngakwelinye icele lakho kuzakuba lamakhetheni azingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu ubude kanye lezinsika ezintathu lezisekelo ezintathu.

16 Esangweni leguma, lifake ikhetheni elizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ubude, elelukwe laphethwa kuhle ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende kanye lebomvu, kube ngumsebenzi wombalazi ngokuthunga, kube lezinsika ezine lezisekelo ezine. 17 Zonke izinsika ezihonqolozele iguma zibe lamabhanti lengwegwe zesiliva kanye lezisekelo zethusi. 18 Ubude beguma buzakuba zingalo ezilikhulu lobubanzi obuzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu lamakhetheni elembu elelukwe kuhle libe lide okuzingalo ezinhlanu, lezisekelo zethusi. 19 Zonke izinto ezizasetshenziswa emsebenzini wethabanikeli loba kuyini okwenziwayo kuhlanganisa lazozonke izikhonkwane zalo kanye lezeguma, kumele kube ngokwethusi.”

Amafutha Oluthi Lwesibane

20 “Laya abantu bako-Israyeli bakulethele amafutha acengekileyo, ahluzwe ema-oliveni, abe ngawokukhanyisa ukuze izibane zihlale zikhanyisa kokuphela. 21 Ethenteni lokuhlangana, ngaphandle kwekhetheni eligudle umtshokotsho wobufakazi, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe bazagcina izibane phambi kukaThixo zibhebha kusukela ntambama kuze kuse. Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso saphakade phakathi kwabako-Israyeli lakuzizukulwane ezizayo.”

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Izembatho ZobuPhristi

1 “Akulethwe kuwe phakathi kwabako-Israyeli umfowenu u-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe uNadabi, u-Abhihu, u-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari, ubehlukanisele ukuba babe ngabaphristi bami. 2 Wenzele u-Aroni umfowenu izembatho ezingcwele, ezizamenza abe lesithunzi njalo ahlonipheke. 3 Atshele wonke amadoda azingcitshi lalenhlakanipho ngokuphathelane lalumsebenzi wokuthi benzele u-Aroni izembatho zokwahlukanisela umsebenzi wami wokuba ngumphristi. 4 Yilezi izembatho abazazenza: isembatho sesifubeni, isembatho semahlombe, isigqoko, ibhatshi elelukiweyo, iqhiye kanye lebhanti. Kumele benzele umfowenu u-Aroni lamadodana akhe izembatho lezi ezingcwele ukuze babe ngabaphristi bami. 5 Kabasebenzise intambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende, ezibomvu kanye lelembu elicolekileyo.”

Isembatho Semahlombe

6 “Uzakwenza isembatho semahlombe ngelembu eliphethwe kuhle ngentambo eziligolide, eziluhlaza, eziyibubende kanye lezibomvu, kube ngumsebenzi womuntu oleminwe. 7 Kumele sibe leziqa zemahlombe ezimbili zithungelwe emaceleni aso womabili ukuze sibotshwe. 8 Kuzakuthi ibhanti laso lasekhalweni lelukwe ngobungcitshi lenziwe lifane laso, libe yinto yinye lesembatho semahlombe, lenziwe ngelembu eliphethwe kuhle ngentambo eligolide, eluhlaza, eyibubende kanye lebomvu.

9 Thatha amatshe amabili ohlobo lwe-onikisi udwebele kuwo amabizo amadodana ka-Israyeli 10 ngokulandelana kwawo, ayisithupha kwelinye ilitshe kuthi aseleyo uwadwebele kwelinye njalo. 11 Dwebela amabizo amadodana ka-Israyeli ematsheni womabili njengombazi wamatshe aligugu edwebela uphawu. Ubusuwazingelezela ngeziceciso zegolide 12 ubusuwathungela eziqeni zemahlombe kube ngamatshe esikhumbuzo samadodana ka-Israyeli. U-Aroni kumele athwale amabizo emahlombe akhe kube yisikhumbuzo phambi kukaThixo. 13 Yenza iziceciso zegolide 14 kanye lamaketane enziwe ngegolide elicolekileyo alukelwe ndawonye njengegoda uwabophele ezicecisweni zegolide.”

Isembatho Sesifubeni

15 “Uzakwenza isembatho sesifuba sokwahlulela, senziwe ngumuntu oleminwe. Usenze njengesembatho semahlombe: ngelembu eliphothwe kuhle ngentambo eligolide, eluhlaza, eyibubende kanye lebomvu. 16 Kufanele silingane inxa zonke, isandla ubude lesandla ububanzi, sigoqwe saphindwa kabili. 17 Ubusuthungela kuso imizila emine yamatshe aligugu. Emzileni wakuqala kuzakuba lerubhi, ithophazi kanye lebheriyeli, 18 emzileni wesibili kube yi-emeralidi, isafaya, ledayimana, 19 emzileni wesithathu ijasinti, i-agathi kanye le-amethisi, 20 emzileni wesine ikhrisolathi, i-onikisi kanye lejaspa. Athungele ezicecisweni zegolide. 21 Kumele kube lamatshe alitshumi lambili, lilinye limele ibizo lamadodana ka-Israyeli, linye ngalinye lilotshwe njengokudweba kombazi wamatshe, kungani luphawu, kulotshwe kulelo lalelo ibizo lezizwana zako-Israyeli ezilitshumi lambili.

22 Isembatho sesifubeni selukelwe amaketane ngegolide elicolekileyo kube njengegoda. 23 Yenza amasongo amabili ngegolide ubusuwabophela emagumbini amabili esembatho sesifubeni. 24 Bophela amaketane amabili egolide emasongweni asemagumbini esembatho sesifubeni, 25 kuthi ngapha acina khona abotshelwe ezicecisweni ezimbili, liwahlanganise eziqeni zemahlombe phambili kwesembatho semahlombe. 26 Yenza amasongo amabili egolide uwabophele kwamanye amagumbi amabili esembatho sesifubeni ngaphakathi komphetho phansi kwesembatho semahlombe. 27 Yenza amanye amasongo egolide amabili ubusuwabophela ngaphansi kweziqa zemahlombe phambi kwesembatho semahlombe, eduze komphetho ngaphezudlwana kwebhanti lasekhalweni lwesembatho semahlombe. 28 Amasongo esembatho sesifubeni kumele abotshaniswe lamasongo esembatho semahlombe ngentambo eluhlaza, kusihlanganisa lebhanti lasokhalweni, ukwenzela ukuthi isembatho sesifubeni singatsheleli sehlukane lesembatho semahlombe.

29 Kuzakuthi lapho u-Aroni engena Endaweni Engcwele, agqize phezu kwenhliziyo yakhe isembatho sesifubeni sokwahlulela esilamabizo amadodana ka-Israyeli kube yisikhumbuzo esiqhubekayo phambi kukaThixo. 30 Faka njalo i-Urimi kanye leThumimi esambathweni sesifubeni, ukuze ziqondane laphezu kwenhliziyo ka-Aroni loba kunini engena endaweni kaThixo. Ngalokho u-Aroni uzabe ethwele amandla okunquma izinqumo kwabako-Israyeli phezu kwenhliziyo yakhe phambi kukaThixo.”

Ezinye Izembatho ZabaPhristi

31 “Yenza isigqoko sesembatho semahlombe ngelembu eliluhlaza kuphela, 32 kube lesikhala sokungenisa ikhanda phakathi laphakathi. Kuzakuba lomphetho onjengebheqe othungwe walandelisela isikhala lesi ukuze isembatho singadabuki. 33 Wenze emphethweni wesembatho amaphomegranathi ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende kanye lebomvu, uwugabanise lamabhera egolide. 34 Amabhera egolide kumele agabane lamaphomegranathi emphethweni wesembatho. 35 U-Aroni kufanele asembathe nxa esenza umsebenzi wokukhonza. Umsindo wamabhera uyabe uzwakala lapho engena eNdaweni eNgcwele phambi kukaThixo lalapho ephuma, ukuze angafi.

36 Yenza icence legolide elicolekileyo udwebe, uloba kulo njengombazi wamatshe udwebela uphawu oluthi:

Ubungcwele kabube kuThixo.

37 Ulibophele eqhiyeni ngentambo eluhlaza libe phambi kweqhiye. 38 Lizakuba sebunzini lika-Aroni ukuze athwale amacala aqondene lezipho ezingcwele ezinikelwa ngabako-Israyeli, kungakhathalekile ukuthi yisipho bani. Lizakuba sebunzini lika-Aroni kokuphela ukuze abako-Israyeli bemukeleke kuThixo.

39 Thunga ibhatshi ngelembu elicolekileyo kanye leqhiye yelembu elicolekileyo, elihle. Ibhanti lokhalo kumele lenziwe ngumbalazi ngokuthunga. 40 Wenzele amadodana ka-Aroni amabhatshi, lamabhanti kanye lamaqhiye ukuze abe lesithunzi, ahlonipheke. 41 Emva kokugqokisa u-Aroni umfowenu kanye lamadodana akhe lezizembatho, bagcobe ubahlukanisele ukuba ngabaphristi bami.

42 Thunga izembatho zangaphansi ngelembu, zisukele ekhalweni kusiya emathangazini, zibe yizembatho zomzimba. 43 U-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe bazazigqoka izikhathi zonke nxa bengena ethenteni lokuhlangana lanxa besondela e-alithareni ukwenza umsebenzi wokukhonza eNdaweni eNgcwele, ukuze bangabi lecala bafe.

Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso esingapheliyo ku-Aroni lakuzizukulwane zakhe.”

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Ukugcotshwa KwabaPhristi

1 “Lokhu yikho ozakwenza nxa ubagcoba ukuze bangisebenzele njengabaphristi: Thatha inkunzi esesencane lenqama ezimbili ezingelasici. 2 Yenza izinkwa ezingelamvubelo ngefulawa ecolekileyo, izinkwa ezinkulu ezingelamvubelo, ezivutshwe ngamafutha e-oliva lezinkwa ezincane ezingelamvubelo, zigcotshwe ngamafutha e-oliva. 3 Uzifake esitsheni ubusuziletha ndawonye lenkunzi kanye lenqama ezimbili. 4 Emva kwalokho ulethe u-Aroni lamadodana akhe esangweni lethente lokuhlangana ubagezise ngamanzi. 5 Thatha izembatho ugqokise u-Aroni ibhatshi, lesembatho samahlombe, isembatho samahlombe sona ngokwaso kanye lesigqoko sesifuba, umbophele isembatho samahlombe ngebhanti lokhalo elelukwe ngobungcwethi obukhulu. 6 Mthwalise iqhiye yokuthandela ekhanda lakhe, unamathisele umqhele wamakhosi ongcwele eqhiyeni. 7 Thatha amafutha okugcobela isikhundla umgcobe ngokuwathela phezu kwekhanda lakhe. 8 Letha amadodana akhe uwagqokise amabhatshi 9 ubabophe ngamabhanti emakhanda, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe, ube usubathwalisa izingowane. Ubuphristi ngobabo ngesimiso esingapheliyo.

Ngale indlela uzagcoba u-Aroni lamadodana akhe.

10 Letha inkunzi phambi kwethente lokuhlangana, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe babeke izandla zabo phezu kwekhanda layo, 11 uyihlabe phambi kukaThixo esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 12 Uthathe igazi lenkunzi ulininde empondweni ze-alithare ngomunwe wakho, uthele igazi eliseleyo phansi e-alithareni. 13 Emva kwalokho uthathe lonke idanga eligoqela ezangaphakathi, amahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, izinso zonke lamahwahwa akuzo, ukutshise konke lokhu e-alithareni. 14 Kodwa-ke inyama yenkunzi, isikhumba sayo lamathumbu ayo, ukutshisele ngaphandle kwesihonqo; kungumnikelo wesono.

15 Thatha enye yenqama, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe babeke izandla zabo phezu kwekhanda layo, 16 uyihlabe, uthathe igazi layo ulichele emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 17 Emva kwalokho uhlahlele inqama ibe yiziqa ugezise ezangaphakathi lemilenze ukufake ndawonye lenhloko kanye lezinye iziqa, 18 ubusutshisa inqama yonke e-alithareni. Lokhu kungumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo, iphunga elimnandi, umnikelo onikelwa kuThixo ngomlilo.

19 Thatha enye inqama, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe babeke izandla zabo phezu kwekhanda layo. 20 Uyihlabe, uthathe igazi layo ulininde esiqwini sendlebe yakwesokunene sika-Aroni lakwezamadodana akhe, lasezithupheni zabo zezandla zabo zokunene, lasemazwaneni amakhulu ezinyawo zabo zesandla sokunene. Emva kwalokho uchele igazi emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 21 Thatha igazi elise-alithareni lamafutha okugcoba uchele u-Aroni lezembatho zakhe kanye lamadodana akhe lezembatho zawo. Lapho-ke yena lamadodana akhe lezivunulo zabo kuzabe sekungcwelisiwe.

22 Thatha amahwahwa kule inqama, lomsila ononileyo, ledanga eligoqela ezangaphakathi, lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa akuzo kanye lomlenze wesandla sokunene. (Le yinqama yokugcotshwa komphristi.) 23 Esitsheni esilesinkwa esingelamvubelo esiphambi kukaThixo, thatha isinkwa esisodwa, isinkwa esisodwa esikhulu esixutshaniswe lamafutha e-oliva kanye lesinkwanyana. 24 Konke lokhu kufake ezandleni zika-Aroni lezamadodana akhe, bakuzunguze phambi kukaThixo kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa. 25 Emva kwalokho kuthathe ezandleni zabo ukutshise e-alithareni ndawonye lomnikelo wokutshiswa ukuze kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo, umhlatshelo wokudla onikelwa kuThixo. 26 Emva kwalokho thatha isifuba senqama yokugcotshwa kuka-Aroni uzunguze phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa njalo sizakuba yisabelo sakho.

27 Zenze zibengcwele lezozitho zenqama yokugcotshwa komphristi ezingezika-Aroni lamadodana akhe, isifuba esizunguziweyo lomlenze onikelweyo. 28 Lokhu kuzaqhubeka kokuphela kuyisabelo sika-Aroni lamadodana akhe esivela kwabako-Israyeli. Kungumnikelo abako-Israyeli abawenzayo kuThixo uvela eminikelweni yabo yokuhlanganyela.

29 Izembatho zika-Aroni ezingcwele zizakuba ngezezizukulwana zakhe ukuze bagcotshwe babekwe ubuphristi begqoke zona. 30 Indodana yakhe ezakuba ngumphristi esikhundleni sakhe izazigqoka insuku eziyisikhombisa lapho isiza ethenteni lokuhlangana ukuzakhonza eNdaweni eNgcwele.

31 Thatha inqama yokugcotshwa komphristi uyiphekele endaweni engcwele. 32 Ethenteni lokuhlangana, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe bazakudla inyama yenqama lesinkwa esisesitsheni. 33 Kumele badle leyomnikelo okwenziwa ngayo inhlawulo yokubekwa lokugcotshwa kwabo. Kodwa omunye umuntu nje akayikukudla lokhu ngoba kungcwele. 34 Njalo nxa eyinye yenyama yenqama yokugcotshwa komphristi kumbe isinkwa kusele kuze kube sekuseni, kutshise ngomlilo. Akumelanga kudliwe ngoba kungcwele.

35 Menzele-ke u-Aroni lamadodana akhe konke engikulaye khona, ukugcotshwa kwabo kuthathe insuku eziyisikhombisa. 36 Nikela inkunzi eyodwa usuku ngosuku njengomnikelo wesono wokwenza inhlawulo. Yenza i-alithari libengcwele ngokulenzela inhlawulo, uligcobe ukuba ulingcwelise. 37 Yenza inhlawulelo ye-alithare okwensuku eziyisikhombisa ulingcwelise. Lapho-ke i-alithari lizakuba ngcwele kakhulu kuthi konke okulithintayo kube ngcwele.

38 Lokhu yikho ozakunikela e-alithareni usuku lunye ngalunye: amazinyane ezimvu amabili alomnyaka owodwa ezelwe. 39 Nikela elilodwa ekuseni, elinye unikele ngalo njalo kusihlwa. 40 Kanye lezinyane lakuqala nikela okwetshumi kwehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo ehlanganiswe lokwesine kwehini yamafutha e-oliva ahluziweyo, lokwesine kwehini yewayini ukuba kube ngumnikelo onathwayo. 41 Elinye izinyane linikele kusihlwa ngomnikelo ofanayo wamabele kanye lomnikelo wokunathwayo njengowekuseni ukuba kube liphunga elimnandi, umnikelo wokutshiswa onikelwa kuThixo.

42 Kuzizukulwane ezizayo umnikelo wokutshiswa lo uzakwenziwa njalonjalo esangweni lethente lokuhlangana phambi kukaThixo, lapho engizahlangana lawe khona ngikhulume lawe. 43 Lapho futhi yikho engizahlangana khona labako-Israyeli, indawo leyo ingcweliswe yinkazimulo yami.

44 Ngokunjalo ngizakwenza ithente lokuhlangana kanye le-alithari kube ngcwele ukuba bangisebenzele bengabaphristi. 45 Lapho-ke ngizahlala phakathi kwabantu bako-Israyeli ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. 46 Bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo, owabakhupha eGibhithe ukuze ngihlale phakathi kwabo. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo.”

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I-Alithari Lokutshisela Impepha

1 “Yenza i-alithari lokutshisela impepha ngesihlahla somʼakhakhiya. 2 Amacele womane kumele alingane, kube yingalo ubude lengalo ububanzi, kuthi ukudepha kube zingalo ezimbili, impondo zalo zibe yinto yinye lalo. 3 Huqa phezulu lamacele wonke, lempondo zalo ngegolide elicolekileyo ubumbele umqolo wegolide inxa zonke. 4 Yenza amasongo egolide amabili e-alithare abe ngaphansi komqolo emaceleni amabili ehlukeneyo ukuba abambe imijabo yokulithwala. 5 Imijabo yenze ngesihlahla somʼakhakhiya uyihuqe ngegolide. 6 Beka i-alithari phambi kwekhetheni elisithe umtshokotsho wobufakazi, nganeno kwesihlalo somusa esiphezu kwezibhebhedu zesivumelwano somthetho lapho engizahlangana lawe khona.

7 U-Aroni kumele atshise impepha enuka mnandi e-alithareni nsuku zonke ekuseni elungisa izibane. 8 Kumele impepha ayitshise futhi kusihlwa lapho eselumathisa izibane ukuze impepha itshe kokuphela phambi kukaThixo kuze kube kuzizukulwane ezizayo. 9 Linganikeli kuleli-alithare olunye uhlobo lwempepha kumbe umnikelo wokutshiswa loba umnikelo wamabele, njalo lingatheli umnikelo wokunathwa phezu kwalo. 10 Kanye ngomnyaka u-Aroni uzakwenza inhlawulelo empondweni zalo. Inhlawulo yeminyaka yonke le kumele yenziwe ngegazi lomnikelo wokuhlawulela izono zezizukulwane ezizayo. Ingcwele kakhulu kuThixo.”

Imali Yenhlawulo

11  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, 12 “Lapho usubala abantu bako-Israyeli omunye lomunye kumele anike uThixo inhlawulo yokuphila kwakhe. Ngalokho akuyikuba lesifo esizabehlela lapho ubabala. 13 Akuthi lowo lalowo odlulela ngakulabo asebebaliwe anike ingxenye yeshekeli, ngokweshekeli lendawo engcwele, okuyisisindo esingamagera angamatshumi amabili. Ingxenye yeshekeli le ingumnikelo kuThixo. 14 Wonke umuntu obaliweyo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu, uzanikela umnikelo kuThixo. 15 Abanothileyo akumelanga banikele ngokwedlula ingxenye yeshekeli, labayanga kabanganikeli ngokungaphansi lapho selinikela kuThixo ukuba lenze inhlawulelo yokuphila kwenu. 16 Wamukele imali yenhlawulo kwabako-Israyeli uyisebenzise enkonzweni yethente lokuhlangana. Izakuba yisikhumbuzo kwabako-Israyeli phambi kukaThixo ukwenzela inhlawulelo yokuphila kwenu.”

Inkonxa Yokugezela

17  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, 18 “Yenza inkonxa yethusi ibe lensika yethusi, izakuba ngeyokugezela. Uyibeke phakathi laphakathi kwethente lokuhlangana le-alithari, uthele amanzi phakathi kwayo. 19 U-Aroni lamadodana akhe bazageza izandla lezinyawo zabo ngamanzi akuyo. 20 Nxa bengena ethenteni lokuhlangana bazageza ngamanzi ukuze bangafi. Phezu kwalokho, lapho besondela e-alithareni ukuba bakhonze ngokwethula umnikelo wokutshiswa onikelwa kuThixo, 21 bazageza izandla zabo lezinyawo ukuze bangafi. Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso esingapheliyo ku-Aroni lenzalo yakhe lakuzizukulwane ezizayo.”

Amafutha Okugcoba Abakhethiweyo

22  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, 23 “Thatha lezinhlobo zamakha amahle: Amashekeli angamakhulu amahlanu (500) emure elingamanzi, isinamoni enuka mnandi eyingxenye yalokho (okuyikuthi amakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu (250) amashekeli), amashekeli angamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu (250) ekhalamu elilephunga elimnandi, 24 amashekeli angamakhulu amahlanu (500) ekhasiya, konke kumayelana lamashekeli endawo engcwele, kanye lehini lamafutha ama-oliva. 25 Lokhu kwenze kube ngamafutha angcwele okugcoba abakhethiweyo alungiswe ngumenzi wamakha, azakuba ngamafutha angcwele okugcoba abakhethiweyo. 26 Ngawo-ke uzagcoba ithente lokuhlangana, umtshokotsho wobufakazi, 27 itafula kanye lezitsha zawo zonke, uluthi lwesibane lezitsha zawo, i-alithari lempepha, 28 i-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa lezitsha zawo lomganu wokugezela kanye lezinyawo zawo. 29 Uzakungcwelisa konke ukuba kube ngcwele kakhulu, njalo loba yini ekuthintayo izakuba ngcwele.

30 Mgcobe u-Aroni lamadodana akhe ubehlukanisele ukuba bangisebenzele bengabaphristi. 31 Batshele abako-Israyeli uthi, ‘Lokhu kuzakuba ngamafutha ami angcwele okugcoba abakhethiweyo lakuzizukulwane zenu ezizayo. 32 Lingawatheli emizimbeni yabantu, njalo lingenzi amanye amafutha ngale indlela yokuwenza. Ingcwele, izakuba ngcwele lakini. 33 Lowo ozakwenza amakha afana lawo kumbe agcobe ngawo umuntu ongasuye mphristi, uzasuswa ebantwini bakibo.’ ”

Impepha

34  UThixo wabuye wathi kuMosi, “Thatha amakha anuka mnandi, isitakete, i-onika legalibhanumi kanye lenhlaka enhle, konke kungesilinganiso esifanayo, 35 wenze ingxube yempepha elephunga elimnandi njengomxubi wamakha, ifakwe itswayi ibenhle njalo ibe ngcwele. 36 Chola enye yayo ibe yimpuphu uyifake phambi komtshokotsho wobufakazi phakathi kwethente lokuhlangana lapho engizahlangana lawe khona. Izakuba ngcwele kakhulu kini. 37 Lingazenzeli eyenu impepha ngale indlela, iboneni njengento engcwele kuThixo. 38 Lowo ozakwenza enye efana layo ukuba akholise ukunukelela kwayo kamnandi, kumele asuswe ebantwini bakibo.”

31

Ukukhethwa KukaBhezaleli Lo-Oholiyabhi

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Khangela, sengikhethe uBhezaleli indodana ka-Uri oyindodana kaHuri owesizwe sikaJuda 3 ngamgcwalisa ngomoya kaNkulunkulu, ukuhlakanipha, ukuqedisisa lolwazi ekwenzeni yonke imisebenzi yobungcitshi 4 ukuze adwebe imisebenzi yobungcitshi ngesimo sezinto ezenziwa ngegolide, isiliva kanye lethusi, 5 abaze amatshe awabeke kuhle, abaze izigodo kanye lokwenza yonke imisebenzi yomuntu oleminwe lobungcwethi. 6 Phezu kwalokho, ngikhethe lo-Oholiyabhi indodana ka-Ahisamakhi, owesizwe sikaDani ukuba amncedise.

Nginike ulwazi kuzozonke izingcitshi ukuba zenze konke engikulaye ukuba kwenziwe:

7 ithente lokuhlangana,

umtshokotsho wobufakazi, isihlalo somusa esikuwo,

lakho konke okunye okokuhlobisa ithente:

8 itafula lezitsha zalo,

uluthi lwesibane lwegolide elicolekileyo lezitsha zalo zonke,

i-alithari lempepha,

9 i-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa kanye lezitsha zalo zonke,

lomkolo kanye lezinyawo zawo

10 lezembatho ezelukiweyo,

lezembatho ezingcwele zika-Aroni umphristi

kanye lezembatho zamadodana akhe ezomsebenzi wabo wobuphristi,

11 lamafutha okugcobela isikhundla, lempepha enuka mnandi eyeNdawo eNgcwele.

Kumele bakwenze njengoba ngikulayile.”

ISabatha

12  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, 13 “Batshele abako-Israyeli uthi, ‘Kumele ligcine amaSabatha ami. Lokhu kuzakuba luphawu phakathi kwami lani kuzizukulwane zenu ezizayo, ukuze lazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo olenza libengcwele.

14 Gcinani iSabatha ngoba lingcwele kini. Lowo olonayo kumele abulawe, lalowo osebenzayo ngalolosuku uzasuswa ebantwini bakibo. 15 Umsebenzi kawenziwe okwensuku eziyisithupha, kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa luliSabatha lokuphumula, lungcwele kuThixo. Lowo osebenzayo ngosuku lweSabatha kumele abulawe. 16 Abako-Israyeli kumele bagcine iSabatha, baligcine kuzizukulwane zabo ezizayo njengesivumelwano esingapheliyo. 17 Lizakuba luphawu phakathi kwami labako-Israyeli nini lanini. Ngoba ngezinsuku eziyisithupha uThixo wenza amazulu lomhlaba, kwathi ngosuku lwesikhombisa waphumula.’ ”

18 Kwathi lapho uThixo eseqedile ukukhuluma loMosi entabeni yaseSinayi wamnika izibhebhedu ezimbili zamatshe obufakazi, izibhebhedu zamatshe alotshwe ngomunwe kaNkulunkulu.

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Ithole Legolide

1 Kwathi lapho abantu bebona uMosi esephuzile ukwehla entabeni, babuthana ku-Aroni bathi kuye, “Lalela, senzele onkulunkulu abazahamba phambi kwethu, ngoba umuntu lo, uMosi owasikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe, asikwazi osekwenzakale kuye.”

2 U-Aroni wabaphendula wathi, “Khuphani amacici egolide asendlebeni zamakhosikazi enu, amadodana enu lamadodakazi enu, liwalethe kimi.” 3 Ngakho abantu bonke bawakhupha amacici abo bawasa ku-Aroni. 4 Wathatha lokho abamnikeza khona wakwenza kwaba yisithombe esibunjwe ngesimo sethole esebenzisa insimbi yokukhanda. Basebesithi, “Laba yibo onkulunkulu benu, Oh Israyeli, abalikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe.”

5 Kwathi u-Aroni ebona lokhu wakha i-alithari phambi kwethole wamemezela wathi, “Kusasa kuzakuba lomkhosi kaThixo.” 6 Ngakho ngosuku olwalandelayo abantu bavuka ekuseni kakhulu banikela umnikelo wokutshiswa, baletha lomnikelo wobudlelwano. Emva kwalokho bahlala phansi badla, banatha; basukuma bagida.

7 Lapho-ke uThixo wathi kuMosi, “Yehla uye phansi ngoba abantu bakho owabakhupha elizweni laseGibhithe sebegcwele ububi. 8 Baphangisile badela konke engabalaya khona bazenzela isithombe esibunjwe safana lethole. Basikhothamele banikela iminikelo kiso bathi, ‘Laba yibo onkulunkulu benu, bako-Israyeli, abalikhupha eGibhithe.’ ”

9  UThixo wasebuya wathi kuMosi, “Sengibabonile abantu laba; ngabantu abantamo zilukhuni. 10 Khathesi-ke ngiyekela ngingedwa ukuze ulaka lwami luvuthe phezu kwabo, ngibatshabalalise. Besengizakwenza isizwe esikhulu.”

11 Kodwa uMosi wacela umusa kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe, wathi, “Awu Thixo, kungani ulaka lwakho kumele luvuthele abantu bakho owabakhupha eGibhithe ngamandla amakhulu langesandla esiqinileyo na? 12 Kungani amaGibhithe kumele athi, ‘Wabakhupha elizweni ngenxa yenhloso embi ukuba ababulalele ezintabeni, ababhubhise baphele ebusweni bomhlaba’? Phenduka olakeni lwakho olwesabekayo, uthambise umoya wakho, ungaletheli abantu bakho ukubhujiswa. 13 Khumbula izinceku zakho u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka lo-Israyeli owafunga kubo wena ngokwakho wathi, ‘Ngizakwandisa inzalo yenu ibe ngangezinkanyezi zasemkhathini, ngiyinike lonke ilizwe engalithembisa lona ukuba libe yilifa layo kuze kube nini lanini.’ ” 14 Lapho-ke uThixo waguquka ebubini ayesemise ukubehlisela ebantwini bakhe.

15 UMosi waphenduka wehla entabeni ephethe izibhebhedu ezimbili zamatshe obufakazi ezandleni zakhe. Zazilotshwe inxa zombili, phambili langemuva. 16 Izibhebhedu zamatshe zazingumsebenzi kaNkulunkulu; umbhalo ungumbhalo kaNkulunkulu owawulotshwe ezibhebhedwini zamatshe.

17 Kwathi lapho uJoshuwa esizwa umsindo wabantu beklabalala, wathi kuMosi, “Kulokuhlokoma kwempi ezihonqweni.”

18 UMosi waphendula wathi:

“Akusiyo nhlokomo yokunqoba,

akusiyo nhlokomo yokunqotshwa;

yinhlokomo yokuhlabela mina engiyizwayo.”

19 Kwathi uMosi esebanga ezihonqweni ebona ithole kanye lokugida okwakusenziwa, ulaka lwakhe lwavutha, walahla izibhebhedu ezazisezandleni zakhe, zahlephuka zaba yizicucu ewatheni lwentaba. 20 Wathatha ithole abebelenzile walitshisa emlilweni; walichola laba yimpuphu, wayiphosela emanzini, wathi bawanathe abako-Israyeli.

21 Wasesithi ku-Aroni, “Abantu laba benzeni kuwe uze ubakhokhelele esonweni esikhulu kangaka na?”

22 U-Aroni waphendula wathi, “Ungathukutheli nkosi yami. Uyakwazi ukuthi abantu laba bathanda ububi. 23 Bathe kimi, ‘Senzele onkulunkulu abazahamba phambi kwethu. Umuntu lo, uMosi owasikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe, asikwazi osokwenzakale kuye.’ 24 Ngakho mina ngathi kubo, ‘Loba ngubani olomceciso wegolide kawukhuphe.’ Basebengipha-ke igolide ngaliphosa emlilweni, kwasekuphuma ithole leli.”

25 UMosi wabona ukuthi abantu babengasabambeki kanye lokuthi u-Aroni wayesebaxhwalisile baze baba yinhlekisa ezitheni zabo. 26 Ngakho wema esangweni lezihonqo wathi, “Wonke ongokaThixo, keze kimi.” Wonke amadodana kaLevi ayabuthana kuye.

27 Wasesithi kuwo, “Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ukuthi, ‘Indoda ngayinye kayibophele inkemba yayo ngebhanti eceleni kwayo, lihambahambe phakathi kwezihonqo lisuka kwelinye icele lazo lisiya kwelinye, indoda ngayinye ibulale umfowabo, umzalwane lomakhelwane wayo.’ ” 28 Amadodana kaLevi enza njengokulaywa kwawo nguMosi. Ngakho ngalolosuku kwafa abantu ababengaba zinkulungwane ezintathu. 29 UMosi wasesithi kubo, “Lamuhla lina selahlukaniselwe uThixo ngoba limelane lamadodana enu labafowenu, ngalokho uselibusisile lamhla.”

30 Ngelanga elalandelayo uMosi wathi ebantwini, “Lenze isono esikhulu kakhulu. Kodwa khathesi ngizaqansa ngiye phezulu kuThixo, mhlawumbe ngingenza inhlawulelo yesono senu.”

31 Ngakho uMosi wabuyela kuThixo wathi kuye, “Awu, abantu laba sebenze isono esikhulu kakhulu. Bazenzele onkulunkulu ngegolide. 32 Ake ubathethelele izono zabo kodwa nxa kungenjalo, ngesula ogwalweni olulobileyo.”

33  UThixo wamphendula uMosi wathi, “Lowo owenze isono kimi ngizamesula ogwalweni lwami. 34 Khathesi hamba, ukhokhelele abantu endaweni engakhuluma ngayo kuwe. Ingilosi yami izahamba phambi kwakho. Kodwa-ke nxa isikhathi sami sokujezisa sesifikile, ngizabajezisa ngenxa yesono sabo.”

35  UThixo wabajezisa abantu ngesifo ngenxa yalokho abakwenza ngethole elalenziwe ngu-Aroni.

33

1  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Suka kule indawo wena labantu owabakhupha elizweni laseGibhithe, uye elizweni engalithembisa u-Abhrahama lo-Isaka loJakhobe ngifunga ngisithi, ‘Ngizalinika inzalo yakho.’ 2 Ngizathuma ingilosi ihambe phambi kwakho ixotshe amaKhenani, ama-Amori, amaHithi, amaPherizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi. 3 Yana elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju. Kodwa mina angiyikuhamba lani ngoba lingabantu abantamo zilukhuni, hlezi ngilibhubhise endleleni.”

4 Kwathi lapho abantu sebezwe amazwi la adabukisayo baqalisa ukukhala, akwaze kwaba loyedwa owagqiza izigqizo zakhe. 5 Phela uThixo wayethe kuMosi, “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi, ‘Lina lingabantu abantamo zilukhuni. Nxa ngingahamba lani loba okomzuzwana nje, ngingalibhubhisa. Khathesi khululani izigqizo zenu; ngizakwenza isinqumo ukuthi ngenzeni ngani.’ ” 6 Ngakho-ke abako-Israyeli bazikhipha izigqizo zabo entabeni yeHorebhi.

Ithente Lokuhlangana

7 UMosi wayejwayele ukuthatha ithente ayelimisa ngaphandle bucwadlana lezihonqo. Walibiza ngokuthi “lithente lokuhlangana.” Ubani lobani owayedinga uThixo wayesiya ethenteni lokuhlangana ngaphandle kwezihonqo. 8 Kwakusithi-ke lapho uMosi ephuma esiya kulelothente abantu bonke babesukuma bame eminyango yamathente abo bakhangele uMosi aze angene ethenteni. 9 Kwakusithi uMosi esengena ethenteni insika yeyezi yehlele phansi ime emnyango wethente lapho uThixo ekhuluma loMosi. 10 Kwakusithi abantu bangabona insika yeyezi isimi emnyango wethente basukume bonke bakhonze; lowo lalowo emnyango wethente lakhe. 11  UThixo wayekhuluma loMosi ubuso ngobuso njengomuntu ekhuluma lomngane wakhe. Ngemva kwalokho uMosi wayebuyela ezihonqweni, kodwa umncedisi wakhe owayesesemncane, uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, wayengasuki ethenteni.

UMosi Lenkazimulo KaThixo

12 UMosi wathi kuThixo, “Ubulokhu ungitshela usithi, ‘Khokhela abantu laba,’ kodwa kawungazisanga ukuthi ngubani ozamthuma ukuba ahambe lami. Utshilo wathi, ‘Ngiyakwazi ngebizo, njalo ufumene umusa kimi.’ 13 Nxa uthokoza ngami, ngifundisa izindlela zakho ukuze ngikwazi, ngiqhubeke ngithola umusa kuwe. Khumbula futhi lokuthi isizwe lesi singabantu bakho.”

14  UThixo waphendula wathi, “NgoBukhona bami ngizahamba lawe ngikuphumuze.”

15 UMosi wathi kuye, “Nxa uBukhona bakho bungahambi lathi, ungasisusi lapha. 16 Umuntu angakwazi njani ukuthi mina labantu bakho sifumene umusa kuwe ngaphandle kokuba uhamba lathi na? Kuyini okunye okungasiphawula, mina labantu bakho, kwabanye abantu bonke emhlabeni na?”

17  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Ngizakwenza khona kanye lokhu okucelileyo ngoba ngiyathokoza ngawe, njalo ngikwazi ngebizo.”

18 UMosi wasesithi, “Ngicela ukuba ungitshengise inkazimulo yakho.”

19  UThixo wasesithi, “Ngizakwenza ukulunga kwami kudlule phambi kwakho, njalo ngizamemezela ibizo lami, uThixo, phambi kwakho. Ngizakuba lesihawu kulowo engizakuba lesihawu kuye njalo ngibe lesisa kulowo engizakuba lesisa kuye.” 20  UThixo waqhubeka wathi, “Kodwa, ubuso bami awungeke ububone, ngoba kakho ongangibona aphile.”

21  UThixo wabuya wathi, “Kulendawo phansi kwami lapho ongema khona phezu kwedwala. 22 Kuzakuthi lapho inkazimulo yami isedlula eduze, ngizakufaka emnkenkeni wedwala ngikusithe ngesandla sami ngize ngidlule. 23 Emva kwalokho ngizasusa isandla sami ubone umhlane wami; kodwa ubuso bami akumelanga ububone.”

34

Izibhebhedu Zamatshe Ezintsha

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Baza ezinye izibhebhedu zamatshe ezimbili zifanane lezakuqala. Ngizabhala kuzo amazwi ayesezibhebhedwini zakuqala owaziphahlazayo. 2 Ube usulungile ekuseni, ubuye phezulu entabeni iSinayi, uziveze kimi engqongweni yentaba. 3 Akungabi lamuntu oza lawe kumbe oke abonakale loba kungaphi entabeni; ngitsho lezimvu lenkomo kazingadli phambi kwaleyontaba.”

4 Ngakho uMosi wabaza izibhebhedu zamatshe ezimbili zaba njengezakuqala, wakhwela entabeni iSinayi ekuseni kakhulu njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo ephethe izibhebhedu ezimbili zamatshe ezandleni zakhe. 5  UThixo wehla ngeyezi wema khonapho laye wamemezela ibizo lakhe esithi, “UThixo.” 6 Wedlula phambi kukaMosi ememezela esithi, “UThixo, uThixo; uNkulunkulu olesihawu lomusa, ophuzayo ukuthukuthela, ogcwele uthando lobuqotho, 7 olothando olungapheliyo kuzinkulungwane ethethelela ububi, iziphosiso lezono. Ikanti abalamacala kabayekeli bengajeziswanga; wehlisela ububi baboyise phezu kwabantwana, laphezu kwabantwana babantwana kusiya kusizukulwane sesithathu lesesine.”

8 UMosi waphanga wakhothamisela ikhanda lakhe phansi, wakhonza. 9 Wathi, “Awu Thixo, nxa ngithole umusa kuwe, ngiyacela, uThixo kahambe lathi. Lanxa abantu laba bentamo zilukhuni, sithethelele ububi bethu lezono zethu, usithathe njengelifa lakho.”

10  UThixo wasesithi, “Sengisenza isivumelwano lawe. Phambi kwabantu bakho bonke ngizakwenza izimangaliso ezingakaze zenziwe lanini lakusiphi isizwe emhlabeni wonke. Abantu ohlala phakathi kwabo bazabona ukuthi umangalisa njani umsebenzi, mina Thixo, engizakwenzela wona. 11 Lalela lokhu engikulaya khona lamhla. Ngizawaxotsha phambi kwakho ama-Amori, amaKhenani, amaHithi, amaPherizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi. 12 Qaphela ukuba kungabi lesivumelwano osenza lalabo abahlala elizweni oya kulo ngoba bangaba yisifu kini. 13 Adilizeni ama-alithare abo, libhidlize lezithombe zabo, liqume lezinsika zika-Ashera wabo abamkhonzayo. 14 Lingakhonzi omunye unkulunkulu, ngoba uThixo, obizo lakhe linguBukhwele, nguNkulunkulu olobukhwele.

15 Qaphelani lingenzi isivumelwano lalabo abahlala elizweni lelo ngoba nxa bephinga labonkulunkulu babo benikela iminikelo kubo, bazalinxusa beselisidla imihlatshelo yabo. 16 Njalo lapho likhetha amanye amadodakazi abo ukuba abe ngabafazi bamadodana enu kuzakuthi lapho amadodakazi lawo esezibhixa kubonkulunkulu bawo, ahugele amadodana enu ekwenzeni okunjalo.

17 Lingazenzeli onkulunkulu ababunjiweyo.

18 Gcinani uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo. Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa dlanini isinkwa esenziwe kungekho mvubelo, njengokulaya kwami. Lokho kwenzeni ngesikhathi esimisiweyo enyangeni ka-Abhibhi, ngoba ngaleyonyanga laphuma eGibhithe.

19 Inzalo yakuqala yonke ezelweyo ngeyami, kanye lamazibulo wonke amaduna ezifuyo zenu, loba engawenkomo kumbe awezimvu. 20 Izibulo likababhemi lihlengeni ngezinyane. Kodwa nxa lingangalihlengi lephuleni intamo yalo. Ahlengeni wonke amadodana enu angamazibulo.

Kakho ozakuza phambi kwami engaphethe lutho.

21 Lizasebenza insuku eziyisithupha, kodwa ngosuku lwesikhombisa lizaphumula; langesikhathi sokulima lesokuvuna kuzamele liphumule.

22 Thakazelelani uMkhosi wamaViki lokolibo kokuvuna kwenu ingqoloyi loMkhosi wokuButhelela ekupheleni komnyaka. 23 Kathathu ngomnyaka bonke abesilisa bakho kumele babonakale phambi kukaThixo Wobukhosi, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 24 Ngizaxotsha izizwe eziphambi kwenu njalo ngiqhelise ilizwe lenu, kakho ozahawukela ilizwe lenu ngesikhathi lisiyabonakala kathathu ngomnyaka phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

25 Linganikeli igazi lomhlatshelo kimi ndawonye laloba yini elemvubelo, njalo akungabi lomhlatshelo woMkhosi wePhasika ogcinwa kuze kuse.

26 Lethani okolibo kwenu okuhle kakhulu endlini kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

Lingapheki izinyane lembuzi ngochago lukanina.”

27  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Loba amazwi la, ngoba ngamazwi la sengenze isivumelwano lawe kanye lo-Israyeli.” 28 UMosi wayekhonale loThixo insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane engadli sinkwa kumbe ukunatha amanzi. Amazwi esivumelwano ayimiThetho eliTshumi, wawaloba ezibhebhedwini zamatshe.

Ubuso Obukhazimulayo BukaMosi

29 Kwathi lapho uMosi esehla entabeni yeSinayi ephethe izibhebhedu ezimbili zamatshe obufakazi, wayengazi ukuthi ubuso bakhe babukhazimula ngenxa yokuthi wayekhulume loThixo. 30 Kwathi u-Aroni labo bonke abako-Israyeli bebona uMosi, ubuso bakhe bukhazimula, besaba ukusondela kuye. 31 Kodwa uMosi wababiza; ngakho u-Aroni lezinduna zonke zabantu beza kuye, wakhuluma labo. 32 Emva kwalokho bonke abako-Israyeli basondela kuye wabanika yonke imilayo kaThixo ayemuphe yona entabeni yeSinayi.

33 UMosi eseqedile ukukhuluma labo, wamboza ubuso bakhe ngeveli. 34 Kodwa kwakusithi lapho esengena ukuba abe phambi kukaThixo ukuze akhulume laye, wayelisusa iveli aze aphume. Wayesithi angaphuma, njalo esebatshelile abako-Israyeli lokho ayekulayiwe, 35 babebona ukuthi ubuso bakhe babukhazimula. Lapho-ke uMosi wayebumboza njalo ubuso bakhe ngeveli aze angene esiyakhuluma loThixo.

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Imithetho YeSabatha

1 UMosi wabuthanisa isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli wathi kuso, “Lokhu yikho uThixo alilaye ukuba likwenze: 2 Okwensuku eziyisithupha lizaqhuba imisebenzi, kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa luzakuba lusuku lwenu olungcwele, iSabatha lokuphumula kuThixo. Loba ngubani ozakwenza umsebenzi ngalolosuku kuzamele abulawe. 3 Lingabasi umlilo loba kungaphi elihlala khona ngosuku lweSabatha.”

Impahla ZeThabanikeli

4 Ekhuluma lesizwe sonke sako-Israyeli uMosi wathi, “Lokhu yikho uThixo athe kwenziwe: 5 Kulokho elilakho khiphani umnikelo kaThixo. Wonke ozimiseleyo ukuletha kuThixo umnikelo:

wegolide, isiliva kanye lethusi,

6 intambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende kanye lezibomvu; lelembu elicolekileyo,

uboya bembuzi,

7 izikhumba zenqama eziphendulwe ngomphendulo obomvu kanye lezikhumba zezinyamazana eziqinileyo;

lezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya;

8 amafutha e-oliva awokukhanyisa isibane,

amakha azasetshenziswa lamafutha okugcoba abakhethiweyo lephunga lempepha elimnandi,

9 amatshe e-onikisi lamanye amatshe aligugu azathungelwa esembathweni semahlombe lesesifubeni.

10 Bonke abazingcitshi phakathi kwenu kumele beze bazokwenza konke lokho uThixo alaye ukuthi kwenziwe:

11 ithabanikeli lethente lalo kanye lesisibekelo, ingwegwe, amathala, imithando enqumayo, izinsika lezisekelo;

12 umtshokotsho wobufakazi lemijabo yawo kanye lesisibekelo esiyisihlalo somusa lekhetheni lokulisitha;

13 itafula lemijabo yalo lezitsha zonke kanye lesinkwa esiNgcwele,

14 uluthi lwesibane sokukhanyisa kanye lezitsha zalo, izibane lamafutha okukhanyisa,

15 i-alithari lempepha lemijabo yalo, amafutha okugcoba abakhethiweyo kanye lempepha elephunga elimnandi,

ikhetheni lomnyango esangweni lokuya ethabanikeleni,

16 i-alithari leminikelo yokutshiswa leminxibo yokosa eyenziwe ngethusi, imijabo kanye lezitsha zalo zonke,

inditshi yethusi kanye lesisekelo sayo,

17 amakhetheni eguma kanye lezinsika zalo lezisekelo, njalo lekhetheni lesango leguma,

18 izikhonkwane zethente, ezethabanikeli kanye lezeguma, lamagoda azo,

19 izembatho ezelukiweyo ezisetshenziswa ekuphatheni umsebenzi endaweni engcwele, zonke izembatho ezingcwele zika-Aroni umphristi kanye lezembatho zamadodana akhe abazisebenzisayo emsebenzini wobuphristi.”

20 Ngemva kwalokho isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli sasuka phambi kukaMosi, 21 kwathi wonke umuntu owayezimisele lowayefuqwa yinhliziyo waletha umnikelo kuThixo ukuze usetshenziswe ethenteni lokuhlangana lakuzo zonke inkonzo zalo, kanye lakuzembatho ezingcwele. 22 Bonke ababezimisele, abesilisa labesifazane ngokufanayo, baletha izinto zokucecisa ezemihlobo ngemihlobo ezenziwe ngegolide: izipenede, amacici, indandatho kanye lazozonke izinto zokucecisa. Bonke baletha igolide labo kwaba ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kukaThixo. 23 Wonke umuntu owayelentambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende, ezibomvu kumbe ilembu elicolekileyo, kumbe uboya bembuzi, izikhumba zenqama eziphendulwe ngomphendulo obomvu loba izikhumba zenyamazana zolwandle wakuletha. 24 Labo ababeleminikelo yesiliva kumbe eyethusi bayiletha njengomnikelo kuThixo, kanti laye wonke umuntu owayelezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya ezazingasetshenziswa kuloba yiwuphi umsebenzi, waziletha. 25 Wonke owesifazane olobuciko bokweluka waletha ayekweluke ngezandla zakhe, intambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende lezibomvu kumbe ilembu elicolekileyo. 26 Kanjalo bonke abesifazane ababezimisele futhi belobuciko beluka ngoboya bembuzi. 27 Abakhokheli baletha amatshe aligugu e-onikisi kanye lamanye njalo amatshe aligugu ukuthi athungelwe emahlombe lasesifubeni sesembatho. 28 Baletha njalo leziyoliso kanye lamafutha e-oliva awokukhanyisa lawokugcoba abakhethiweyo kanye lempepha elephunga elimnandi. 29 Bonke abako-Israyeli abesilisa labesifazane ababezimisele baletha iminikelo ngokukhululeka kuThixo ukuze kwenziwe yonke imisebenzi uThixo ayelaye uMosi ukuthi bayenze.

Ukukhethwa KukaBhezaleli Lo-Oholiyabhi

30 Ngalokho uMosi wathi kwabako-Israyeli, “Khangelani, uThixo usekhethe uBhezaleli indodana ka-Uri, indodana kaHuri, owesizwe sikaJuda, 31 njalo usemgcwalise ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu, ukuhlakanipha, ukuqedisisa kanye lolwazi ekwenzeni yonke imisebenzi yobungcitshi 32 ukuba adwebe ngobungcitshi isimo sezinto ezizabazwa ngegolide, isiliva kanye lethusi, 33 ukubaza amatshe lokuwamisa, ukubaza izigodo njalo enze yonke imisebenzi yomuntu oleminwe lobungcitshi. 34 Njalo usenike uBhezaleli kanye lo-Oholiyabhi indodana ka-Ahisamakhi, owesizwe sikaDani ulwazi ekufundiseni abanye. 35  UThixo usebagcwalise ngobuciko bokwenza yonke imihlobo yemisebenzi njengezingcitshi, abadwebi kumbe ababumbi bezinto ezingathungwa kumbe ezingabazwa, abathungi beziceciso zentambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende lezibomvu kanye lamalembu acolekileyo, labeluki, bonke bezingcitshi ezilolwazi olukhulu lababumbi bezinto ezingathungwa kumbe ezingabazwa.

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1 Ngakho uBhezaleli, u-Oholiyabhi lomuntu wonke uThixo amuphe ubungcwethi lamandla okwazi ukwenza wonke lumsebenzi wokwakha indlu engcwele, kumele benze umsebenzi njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo.”

2 UMosi wasebiza uBhezaleli, u-Oholiyabhi labo bonke abalobungcwethi, uThixo ayebaphe amandla lowayezimisele ukuzokwenza lowomsebenzi. 3 Bemukela abakuphiwa nguMosi okwakuyiminikelo yabako-Israyeli benikelela ukwakhiwa kwendlu engcwele. Abantu baqhubeka beletha iminikelo ngokukhululeka kwabo ukusa kwamalanga wonke. 4 Ngakho zonke izingcitshi ezazisenza umsebenzi wonke wokwakha indlu engcwele zatshiya yonke imisebenzi yazo 5 zathi kuMosi, “Abantu baletha okunengi kakhulu kulalokho uThixo alaya ukuba kwenziwe.”

6 Ngakho uMosi wakhupha isiqondiso basebethumela ilizwi ezihonqweni elithi, “Kakho owesilisa loba owesifazane okusamele enze olunye ulutho ukuthi lube ngumnikelo wendlu engcwele.” Ngalokho abantu bavinjelwa ukuletha okunye futhi, 7 ngoba abasebelakho kwasekukunengi okwedlula lokho okwakuzaphetha umsebenzi.

IThabanikeli

8 Wonke amadoda alobungcwethi phakathi kwabasebenzayo akha ithabanikeli ngamakhetheni alitshumi enziwe ngelembu eliphothwe kuhle ngentambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende kanye lezibomvu, laceciswe ngamakherubhi elukelwa kuhle yingcitshi. 9 Wonke amakhetheni ayelingana ubude bawo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili njalo ububanzi ezingalo ezine. 10 Babambanisa amakhetheni amahlanu ndawonye, benza njalo lakwamanye amahlanu. 11 Basebesenza izihitshela ngelembu eliluhlaza belandela umphetho wekhetheni elisekucineni kwelixha lakuqala, kwenziwa okufananayo elixheni lesibili. 12 Benza njalo ezinye izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu ekhethenini elilodwa, benza futhi ezinye izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu ekhethenini lokucina lelixha lesibili, izihitshela zazikhangelene. 13 Basebesenza ingwegwe zegolide ezingamatshumi amahlanu, bazisebenzisa ukuhlanganisa izixha zombili zamakhetheni ukuze ithabanikeli libe yintonye.

14 Benza amakhetheni ngoboya bembuzi aba ngawethente lokubekwa phezu kwethabanikeli, wonke abalitshumi lanye. 15 Wonke amakhetheni alitshumi lanye ayelingana, ezingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu ubude, ububanzi ezingalo ezine. 16 Bahlanganisa amakhetheni amahlanu aba lilixha layisithupha kwelinye ilixha. 17 Benza izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu zilandela umphetho wekhetheni elisekucineni kwelixha lakuqala, benza okufananayo ekhethenini lelixha lesibili. 18 Balungisa ingwegwe zethusi ezingamatshumi amahlanu ukuze babophe ngazo ithente libe yinto yinye. 19 Benza isembeso sethente ngezikhumba zenqama eziphendulwe ngomphendulo obomvu, kwathi ngaphezu kwalokho benza isembeso ngezikhumba eziqinileyo.

20 Benza amathala ethabanikeli okumiswa ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya. 21 Ithala linye lalilide okuzingalo ezilitshumi, kwathi ububanzi laba yingalo elengxenye, 22 kulemisuka emibili ephutsha ilinganisene. Wonke amathala ethabanikeli enziwa ngale indlela. 23 Benza amathala ecele elisezansi kwethabanikeli angamatshumi amabili, 24 benza izisekelo zesiliva ezingamatshumi amane ezazihamba ngaphansi kwawo, izisekelo ezimbili ethaleni linye, isisekelo sinye ngaphansi kwensika inye ngayinye. 25 Kuleli elinye icele, icele elisenyakatho kwethabanikeli, bamisa amathala angamatshumi amabili 26 kanye lezisekelo zesiliva ezingamatshumi amane, ezimbili ngaphansi kwethala lilinye. 27 Benza amathala ayisithupha ecele elisekucineni ngentshonalanga kwethabanikeli, 28 benza amathala amabili emagumbini asekucineni. 29 Emagumbini womabili amathala ayelohlonzi oluphindwe kabili kusuka phansi kusiya phezulu, ehlanganiswe ngesongo elilodwa njalo womabili enziwa ngokufananayo. 30 Ngakho kwenziwa amathala ayisificaminwembili lezisekelo zesiliva ezilitshumi lesithupha, zimbili ngaphansi kwethala linye.

31 Benza njalo imithando enqumayo ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya: emihlanu ingeyamathala akwelinye icele lethabanikeli, 32 emihlanu yayingeyakwelinye icele, kwathi njalo eminye emihlanu yaba ngeyamathala asentshonalanga ekucineni kwethabanikeli. 33 Umthando onquma phakathi bawenza wedlula usuka kwelinye icele usiya kwelinye phakathi laphakathi kwamathala. 34 Bahuqa amathala ngegolide benza amasongo ngegolide abamba imithando. Njalo bahuqa imithando ngegolide.

35 Benza ikhetheni ngelembu elicolekileyo, eliphethwe kuhle ngentambo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende lezibomvu, aba lamakherubhi elukelwe kuwo ngumuntu oleminwe. 36 Bawenzela izinsika ezine ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya bazihuqa ngegolide. Izinsika bazenzela ingwegwe zegolide njalo bawamisela lezisekelo ezine zesiliva. 37 Benza ikhetheni lesango lethente ngelembu elicolekileyo elilentambo eziphothiweyo eziluhlaza, eziyibubende lezibomvu, kwaba ngumsebenzi wombalazi ngokuthunga; 38 njalo benza izinsika ezinhlanu zilengwegwe zazo. Bahuqa izihloko zensika kanye lamabhanti azo ngegolide njalo benza lezisekelo ezinhlanu ngethusi.

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Umtshokotsho Wesivumelwano

1 UBhezaleli wabaza umtshokotsho ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya ubude bawo kuzingalo ezimbili ezilengxenye, ububanzi kuyingalo elengxenye njalo ukuyaphezulu kwawo kuyingalo elengxenye. 2 Walihuqa ngegolide elicolekileyo, ngaphakathi langaphandle, wabuye walizingelezela ngomqolo wegolide. 3 Wawubumbela amasongo amane egolide wawanamathisela ezinyaweni zalo zozine, kwathi amasongo amabili kwelinye icele lamabili kwelinye njalo. 4 Wasebaza imijabo ngesihlahla somʼakhakhiya wayihuqa ngegolide. 5 Wasehloma imijabo leyo emasongweni ayesemaceleni komtshokotsho wesivumelwano ukuze uthwalwe ngayo.

6 Wenza isihlalo somusa ngegolide elicolekileyo, ubude baso buzingalo ezimbili ezilengxenye lengxenye, ububanzi saba yingalo elengxenye. 7 Njalo wenza amakherubhi amabili ngegolide elikhandiweyo ekucineni kwesihlalo somusa emaceleni womabili. 8 Wenza ikherubhi elilodwa nganxanye kwathi kwelinye icele wenza elinye aba yinto yinye lesisibekelo. 9 Amakherubhi ayelulele amaphiko awo phezulu, embese isisibekelo ngawo. Amakherubhi ayekhangelene, ubuso bawo bukhangele isisibekelo.

Itafula

10 Babaza itafula ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya, ubude bayo babuzingalo ezimbili, ububanzi buyingalo eyodwa, ukuphakama kwayo kuyingalo elengxenye. 11 Basebelihuqa ngegolide elicolekileyo njalo balizingelezela ngomthando wegolide. 12 Babuya benza ibhanti eliyizingelezileyo, elalingangesandla somuntu ububanzi, basebefaka umthando wegolide phezu kwebhanti. 13 Benza amasongo amane egolide bawafaka emagumbini womane enyaweni zetafula. 14 Amasongo afakwa eduze lebhanti ukuze abambe imijabo eyayisetshenziswa ukuthwala itafula. 15 Imijabo yokuthwalisa itafula yayenziwe ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya njalo ihuqwe ngegolide. 16 Njalo benza ngegolide elicolekileyo izitsha zetafula ezibalisa imiganu, izinditshi, imiganu eyingubhe kanye lezitsha zokuthululela iminikelo enathwayo.

Uluthi Lwesibane

17 Benza uluthi lwesibane ngegolide elicolekileyo, bakhanda isidindi salo lomqwayi walo kwaba ngumsebenzi okhandiweyo, imbizana zalo, amahlumela alo kanye lamaluba alo kwenziwa kwaba yinto yinye. 18 Ingatsha eziyisithupha zaxhunywa emaceleni oluthi lwesibane, ingatsha ezintathu nganxanye kwathi ezintathu kwelinye icele. 19 Inkezo ezintathu ezibunjwe okwamaluba e-alimondi, amahlumela lamaluba kwakusogatsheni lunye, ezinye ezintathu ogatsheni olulandelayo, kwabanjalo kuwo wonke ayisithupha exhunywe oluthini lwesibane. 20 Njalo oluthini lwesibane kwakulembizana ezine ezibunjwe okwamaluba e-alimondi elamahlumela kanye lamaluba. 21 Ihlumela elilodwa lalingaphansi kwengatsha ezimbili, ihlumela lesibili lingaphansi kwezinye ezimbili lehlumela lesithathu lalingaphansi kwengatsha ezimbili, ingatsha zonke zaziyisithupha. 22 Amahlumela lezingatsha kwakuyinto yinye loluthi lwesibane, kukhandwe ngegolide elicolekileyo.

23 Balwenzela izibane eziyisikhombisa, incijana lembizana zalo ezenziwe ngegolide elicolekileyo. 24 Uluthi lwesibane kanye lakho konke okuphathelene lalo kwenziwa ngegolide elicolekileyo eliyisisindo sethalenta elilodwa.

I-Alithari Lempepha

25 Benza i-alithari lempepha ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya. Lenziwa lalingana inxa zonke, ubude balo buyingalo eyodwa, lobubanzi buyingalo eyodwa, kanti ukudepha kuzingalo ezimbili, impondo zalo zenziwa zaba yinto yinye kanye lalo. 26 Balihuqa ngegolide elicolekileyo phezulu, lemaceleni kanye lempondo zalo ngegolide elicolekileyo njalo balibumbela umqolo wegolide inxa zonke. 27 Benza amasongo amabili kuleli icele lamanye amabili kwelinye njalo ukubambanisa imijabo yokuthwalisa i-alithari lempepha. 28 Benza imijabo ngesihlahla somʼakhakhiya bayihuqa ngegolide.

29 Benza njalo lamafutha angcwele okugcoba abakhethiweyo, lempepha elephunga elimnandi, kungumsebenzi womenzi wamakha.

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I-Alithari Lomnikelo Wokutshiswa

1 Bakha i-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya laba zingalo ezintathu ukudepha, ubude balo laba zingalo ezinhlanu, ububanzi laba zingalo ezinhlanu, lilingana inxa zonke. 2 Benza uphondo kumagumbi womane e-alithare, kwathi impondo le-alithari kwaba yinto yinye, basebelihuqa ngethusi. 3 Benza zonke izinto ezisetshenziswa kulo ngethusi, imbiza zalo, amafotsholo, imiganu yokuchela, amafologwe enyama kanye lezindengezi zokubasela umlilo. 4 Benza iminxibo ye-alithare, bayenza ngethusi yaba ngaphansi kwesengamo se-alithare okuyingxenye yokuya phezulu. 5 Benza amasongo ethusi okubambisa imijabo yemagumbini womane yeminxibo yethusi. 6 Imijabo bayenza ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya bazihuqa ngethusi. 7 Basebehloma imijabo leyo emasongweni yaba semaceleni kwe-alithari ukuze lithwalwe ngayo. Balenza ngamapulanka lafana lomkolo.

Umkolo Wokugezela

8 Benza umkolo wethusi lensika yawo yethusi yenziwa ngezibuko zethusi ezazingezabesifazane ababesebenza esangweni lethente lokuhlangana.

Iguma Lethabanikeli

9 Ngemva kwalokho balungisa iguma lethabanikeli. Ubude becele lezansi babuzingalo ezilikhulu njalo lilamakhetheni elembu elelukwe kuhle, 10 lilensika ezingamatshumi amabili lezisekelo zethusi ezingamatshumi amabili, njalo lilezingwegwe zesiliva kanye lamabhanti ensikeni. 11 Icele lenyakatho lalo lalizingalo ezilikhulu ubude njalo lilensika ezingamatshumi amabili, lezisekelo zethusi ezingamatshumi amabili, kanye lengwegwe zesiliva lamabhanti ensikeni.

12 Icele lentshonalanga yeguma lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ububanzi, lilamakhetheni, lilensika ezilitshumi, ingwegwe zesiliva kanye lamabhanti ensikeni. 13 Eceleni lempumalanga kusiya okuphuma khona ilanga, lakhona iguma lalibanzi okwezingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu. 14 Amakhetheni azingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu ubude ayenganxanye kwesango, kulezinsika ezintathu kanye lezisekelo ezintathu, 15 ngakwelinye icele lakho kwakulamakhetheni azingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu ubude, kulezinsika ezintathu kanye lezisekelo ezintathu. 16 Wonke amakhetheni ayehonqolozele iguma lethabanikeli ayenziwe ngelembu eliphethwe kuhle. 17 Izisekelo zensika zazingezethusi. Ingwegwe kanye lamabhanti ensikeni kwakuyisiliva, njalo izihloko zazo zihuqwe ngesiliva, ngokunjalo zonke izinsika zeguma zazilamabhanti esiliva, njalo izihloko zazo zihuqwe ngesiliva, ngakho zonke izinsika zeguma zazilamabhanti esiliva.

18 Ikhetheni lesango leguma lalenziwe ngelembu eliphethwe kuhle ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende kanye lebomvu, kwaba ngumsebenzi wombalazi ngokuthunga. Ikhetheni lakhona lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ubude, kanti njengekhetheni leguma ukudepha kwalo kwakuzingalo ezinhlanu, 19 lilensika ezine lezisekelo zethusi ezine. Ingwegwe zalo kanye lamabhanti kuyisiliva, njalo izihloko zalo zihuqwe ngesiliva. 20 Izikhonkwane zonke zethente lethabanikeli kanye lezizingelezele iguma zazenziwe ngethusi.

Okwasetshenziswa Ekwakheni

21 Lokhu yikho ngobunengi bakho, okwasetshenziswa ukwakha ithabanikeli, ithabanikeli lobufakazi, yikho okwalotshwa ngabaLevi ngokulawula kukaMosi ngaphansi kwesiqondiso sika-Ithamari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi. 22 (UBhezaleli indodana ka-Uri, indodana kaHuri, owesizwe sakoJuda, wenza konke uMosi ayekulaywe nguThixo, 23 wayelo-Oholiyabhi indodana ka-Ahisamakhi owesizwe sikaDani owayeyingcitshi yomsebenzi njalo engumdwebi, njalo engumbalazi ngokuthunga ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu, kanye lelembu elicolekileyo.) 24 Isilinganiso segolide lonke lomnikelo wokuzunguzwa elasetshenziswa emsebenzini wonke wendawo engcwele lalingamathalenta ayisisindo esingamatshumi amabili lasificamunwemunye (29) kanye lamashekeli angamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amathathu (730) kusiya ngamashekeli endawo engcwele.

25 Isiliva esavela kulabo abahlala khona ababebaliwe ngesikhathi sokubalwa kwabantu sasilesisindo esingamathalenta alikhulu (100) lamashekeli ayinkulungwane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa alamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu (1,775), kusiya ngamashekeli endawo engcwele, 26 ibhekha linye ngomuntu, okuyikuthi, ingxenye yeshekeli ngesilinganiso seshekeli endaweni engcwele, kubo bonke labo ababechaphele kwabasebebaliwe, abaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili okuzalwa loba ukwedlula lapho, kwaba ngamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lantathu lamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi amahlanu (603,550) esehlangene wonke. 27 Isiliva esiyisisindo samathalenta alikhulu (100) sasetshenziswa ekwenzeni izisekelo zendawo engcwele kanye lekhetheni, izisekelo ezilikhulu (100) zenziwa ngesiliva esingamathalenta alikhulu (100), isilinganiso sethalenta linye ukwenza isisekelo esisodwa. 28 Basebenzisa isiliva esilesisindo esingamashekeli ayinkulungwane elamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu (1,775) ukwenza ingwegwe zensika, ukuhuqa izihloko zensika, kanye lokwenza amabhanti ensika.

29 Isilinganiso sethusi lonke lomnikelo wokuzunguzwa sasingamathalenta angamatshumi ayisikhombisa (70) lamashekeli azinkulungwane ezimbili ezilamakhulu amane (2,400). 30 Balisebenzisa ukwenza izisekelo zesango lethente lokuhlangana, i-alithari lethusi, iminxibo yalo yethusi kanye lazozonke izitsha zalo, 31 izisekelo ezihonqolozele iguma lalezo ezisesangweni kanye lezikhonkwane zethabanikeli lazozonke ezihonqolozele iguma.

39

Izembatho ZobuPhristi

1 Benza izembatho zokwenza umsebenzi endaweni engcwele ngokuzeluka ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu. Basebesenza isembatho sika-Aroni esingcwele, njengalokhu uThixo wayelaye uMosi.

Isembatho Semahlombe

2 Benza isembatho semahlombe ngegolide, kanye lentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu langelembu elicolekileyo. 3 Bakhanda izicecedu zegolide bazisika zaba zincingo bazeluka ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu, kanye lelembu elicolekileyo, kwaba ngumsebenzi womuntu oleminwe. 4 Benza iziqa zemahlombe esambathweni leso, ezathungelwa emaceleni womabili ukuze sibotshwe. 5 Ukhalo lwaso olwelukwa ngobuciko lwalufanana laso, luyinto yinye lesembatho semahlombe, lwenziwe ngentambo eligolide, eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu, kanye lelembu eliphothwe kuhle, njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi.

6 Bathungela amatshe aligugu ohlobo lwe-onikisi ezicecisweni zegolide bawadwebela njengophawu elamabizo amadodana ka-Israyeli. 7 Basebewathungela eziqeni zemahlombe esembatho semahlombe njengamatshe esikhumbuzo samadodana ka-Israyeli, njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi.

Isembatho Sesifubeni

8 Benza isembatho sesifubeni, kwaba ngumsebenzi wezingcwethi. Basenza njengesembatho semahlombe: ngegolide, ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu, kanye lelembu eliphothwe kuhle. 9 Sasilingana inxa zonke, singumunwe ubude lomunwe ububanzi, sigoqwe saphindwa kabili. 10 Basebethungela imizila emine yamatshe aligugu. Emzileni wakuqala kwakulerubhi, ithophazi kanye lebheriyeli; 11 emzileni wesibili kwakule-emeralidi, isafaya kanye ledayimana; 12 emzileni wesithathu kwakulejasinti, i-agathi kanye le-amethisi; 13 emzileni wesine kwakulekhrisolathi, i-onikisi kanye lejaspa. Athungelwa esezicecisweni zegolide. 14 Kwakulamatshe alitshumi lambili, lilinye limele ibizo ngalinye lamadodana ka-Israyeli, linye ngalinye lilotshwe njengokudweba kombazi wamatshe, kungani luphawu, ngalinye lilotshwe ibizo lezizwana zako-Israyeli ezilitshumi lambili.

15 Isembatho sesifubeni selukelwa amaketane ngegolide elicolekileyo kungani ligoda. 16 Benza iziceciso zegolide ezimbili, kanye lamasongo amabili egolide, basebebophela amasongo amabili emagumbini esembatho sesifubeni. 17 Babophela amaketane amabili egolide emasongweni amabili asemagumbini esembatho sesifubeni, 18 kwathi ngapha acina khona bawabophela ezicecisweni ezimbili, bawahlanganisa eziqeni zemahlombe phambi kwesembatho semahlombe. 19 Benza amasongo amabili egolide bawabophela kwamanye amagumbi amabili esembatho sesifubeni ngaphakathi komphetho phansi kwesembatho semahlombe. 20 Baphinda benza njalo amanye amasongo egolide amabili bawabophela ngaphansi kweziqa zemahlombe, eduze komphetho ngaphezudlwana kwebhanti lasokhalweni lwesembatho semahlombe 21 Babophela amasongo esembatho sesifubeni emasongweni esembatho semahlombe ngentambo eziluhlaza, kuhlanganiselwa okhalweni ukuze isembatho sesifubeni singazunguzeki sehlukane lesembatho semahlombe njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi.

Ezinye Izembatho ZobuPhristi

22 Benza isigqoko sesembatho semahlombe ngelembu eliluhlaza kuphela kungumsebenzi womeluki, 23 kulesikhala phakathi laphakathi kwesigqoko njengokuvuleka kwamabheqe; kulomphetho olandeliselwe isikhala lesi ukuze isembatho singadabuki. 24 Benza emphethweni wesigqoko amaphomegranathi ngentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu, kanye lelembu eliphothwe kuhle. 25 Benza amabhera ngegolide elicolekileyo bawathungela emphethweni wesigqoko phakathi laphakathi kwamaphomegranathi. 26 Amabhera kanye lamaphomegranathi athungelwa agatshaniswa emphethweni wesembatho esasizagqokwa ekwenzeni umsebenzi wenkonzo, njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi.

27 U-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe bathungelwa amabhatshi ngelembu elicolekileyo, kungumsebenzi womeluki uqobo lwakhe, 28 kanye lamaqhiye elembu elicolekileyo, kanye lezembatho zangaphakathi zelembu elicolekileyo. 29 Ibhanti lekhalweni lathungwa ngelembu elicolekileyo kanye lentambo eluhlaza, eyibubende lebomvu, kwaba ngumsebenzi wombalazi ngokuthunga, njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi.

30 Benza icence lomqhele ongcwele ngegolide elicolekileyo bawudwebela khona njengombhalo wophawu othi:

Ubungcwele kabube kuThixo.

31 Basebebophela intambo eluhlaza ukuze bakuhlanganise leqhiye, njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi.

UMosi Uhlola IThabanikeli

32 Ngakho-ke wonke umsebenzi wethabanikeli lethente lokuhlangana wapheleliswa. Abako-Israyeli benza konke njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi. 33 Basebeletha ithabanikeli kuMosi:

ithente kanye lazozonke impahla zalo, ingwegwe, amathala, imithando, izinsika lezisekelo;

34 isembeso esenziwe ngezikhumba zenqama eziphendulwe ngomphendulo obomvu, isembeso sezikhumba eziqinileyo kanye lekhetheni eliphothiweyo;

35 umtshokotsho wobufakazi lemijabo yawo eyizibambo zawo kanye lesihlalo somusa;

36 itafula lezitsha zalo zonke kanye lesinkwa esiNgcwele;

37 uluthi lwesibane lwegolide elicolekileyo lodwendwe lwezibane lazozonke izinto ezisetshenziswa kulo, kanye lamafutha e-oliva okukhanyisa;

38 i-alithari legolide, amafutha okugcoba abakhethiweyo, impepha elephunga elimnandi, kanye lekhetheni lesango lethente;

39 i-alithari lethusi leminxibo yalo yethusi, izigodo zalo eziyizibambo lezitsha zalo zonke;

umkolo lezinyawo zawo; amakhetheni eguma lezinsika zawo kanye lezisekelo,

40 lekhetheni lesango leguma;

amagoda lezikhonkwane zethente leguma;

zonke impahla zethabanikeli, ithente lokuhlangana;

41 izembatho ezelukiweyo zokusetshenziswa emsebenzini wokukhonza endaweni engcwele, kuhlanganisa izembatho ezingcwele zika-Aroni lezamadodana akhe ababezazigqoka nxa besenza umsebenzi wobuphristi.

42 Abako-Israyeli basebenza wonke umsebenzi njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo. 43 UMosi wawuhlola umsebenzi wabona ukuthi wawenziwe njengokulaya kukaThixo. Ngakho uMosi wababusisa.

40

Ukumiswa Kwethabanikeli

1  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi: 2 “Misa ithabanikeli, ithente lokuhlangana, ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga yakuqala. 3 Beka umtshokotsho wesivumelwano kulo ube ususitha umtshokotsho wobufakazi ngekhetheni. 4 Ngenisa itafula ube usufaka izinto ezibekwa phezu kwayo. Letha-ke uluthi lwesibane ube usuxhuma izibane zalo. 5 Beka i-alithari lempepha elenziwe ngegolide phambi komtshokotsho wobufakazi njalo ufake ikhetheni esangweni lethabanikeli.

6 Beka i-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa phambi kwesango lethabanikeli, ithente lokuhlangana; 7 beka umkolo phakathi laphakathi kwethente lokuhlangana le-alithari ube usuthela amanzi kuwo. 8 Lungisa iguma eliwugombolozeleyo ubusufaka ikhetheni esangweni leguma.

9 Thatha amafutha okugcoba abantu abakhethiweyo ezikhundleni, ugcobe ngawo ithabanikeli lakho konke okukulo, ulibusise kanye lempahla zalo, ngalokho lizakuba ngcwele. 10 Gcoba-ke i-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa lazozonke izitsha zalo; ubusise i-alithari ukuze libe ngcwelengcwele. 11 Gcoba umkolo lenyawo zawo ubusuwubusisa.

12 Letha u-Aroni lamadodana akhe ethenteni lokuhlangana ubusubagezisa ngamanzi. 13 Ubusugqokisa u-Aroni izembatho ezingcwele umgcobe ngamafutha umbusise ukuze angenzele umsebenzi wobuphristi. 14 Letha amadodana akhe uwagqokise amabhatshi. 15 Bagcobe labo njengokugcotshwa kukayise ukuze bangenzele umsebenzi wobuphristi. Ukugcotshwa kwabo kubapha umsebenzi wobuphristi kuzozonke izizukulwane ezizayo.” 16 UMosi wenza konke njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo.

17 Lamiswa-ke ithabanikeli ngosuku lwakuqala ngenyanga yakuqala emnyakeni wesibili. 18 Kwathi uMosi emisa ithabanikeli, wafaka izisekelo endaweni yazo, wamisa amathala, wafaka imithando wasemisa izinsika. 19 Wasesendlala ithente phezu kwethabanikeli wafaka isembeso phezu kwethente njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo.

20 Wathatha izibhebhedu zobufakazi wazibeka emtshokotshweni wesivumelwano, wahloma imijabo kuwo wasefaka isihlalo somusa phezu kwawo. 21 Wasengenisa umtshokotsho wobufakazi ethabanikeleni, waphanyeka ikhetheni lokusitha wawugubuzela, njengalokho okwakulaywe nguThixo.

22 UMosi wasebeka itafula ethenteni lokuhlangana eceleni langenyakatho lethabanikeli ngaphandle kwekhetheni, 23 wasebeka isinkwa phezu kwalo phambi kukaThixo njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo.

24 Wabeka uluthi lwesibane ethenteni lokuhlangana lukhangele itafula eningizimu kwethabanikeli, 25 wasemisa izibane phambi kukaThixo, njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo.

26 UMosi wabeka i-alithari legolide ethenteni lokuhlangana phambi kwekhetheni, 27 wasetshisela impepha phezu kwalo njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo.

28 Waselengisa ikhetheni esangweni lethabanikeli. 29 Wamisa i-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa phansi kwesango lethabanikeli lethente lokuhlangana, wanikela phezu kwalo iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yezilimo njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo.

30 Wasebeka umkolo phakathi laphakathi kwethente lokuhlangana le-alithari wasethela amanzi okugeza phakathi kwawo, 31 ngakho uMosi lo-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe bawusebenzisa ukugeza izandla zabo kanye lezinyawo. 32 Babegeza ngasosonke isikhathi nxa bengena ethenteni lokuhlangana loba nxa besiya e-alithareni njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

33 Ngakho uMosi walungisa iguma elihonqolozele ithabanikeli le-alithari waselengisa ikhetheni esangweni leguma kwaba yikho ukuqeda kukaMosi umsebenzi.

Inkazimulo KaThixo

34 Emva kwalokho iyezi lasibekela ithente lokuhlangana, kwathi inkazimulo kaThixo yagcwala ithabanikeli. 35 UMosi kenelisanga ukungena ethenteni lokuhlangana ngenxa yeyezi elalimi phezu kwalo, inkazimulo kaThixo yagcwala ethabanikeleni.

36 Kulolonke uhambo lwabako-Israyeli, kwakusithi iyezi lingaphakama lisuka phezu kwethabanikeli, labo baqhubeke; 37 kodwa kuthi nxa iyezi lingaphakamanga, labo babengaqhubekeli phambili, kuze kube mhla liphakama. 38 Ngokunjalo iyezi likaThixo lalisiba phezu kwethabanikeli emini, kuthi ebusuku kube lomlilo eyezini, bekubona bonke abako-Israyeli ekuhambeni kwabo konke.

* 13:19 13.19 UGenesisi 50.25

ULevi

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ULevi

1

Iminikelo Yokutshiswa

1  UThixo wabiza uMosi, wakhuluma laye esethenteni lokuhlangana. Wathi kuye, 2 “Khuluma labantu bako-Israyeli uthi kubo, ‘Nxa omunye wenu eletha umnikelo kuThixo, kalethe umnikelo wesifuyo esivela emhlambini wenkomo kumbe owezimvu.

3 Nxa umnikelo ungowokutshiswa uvela emhlambini wenkomo, kumele anikele ngesifuyo esiduna esingelasici. Kumele asilethe esangweni lethente lokuhlangana ukwenzela ukuthi samukeleke kuThixo. 4 Kuzamele abeke isandla sakhe ekhanda lomnikelo wokutshiswa, ngalokho uzakwamukelwa esikhundleni sakhe, uphendle indlela yokubuyisana. 5 Kuzamele ahlabe inkunzi encinyane phambi kukaThixo, ngemva kwalokho, amadodana ka-Aroni, abangabaphristi, bazaletha igazi alichele emaceleni wonke e-alithare esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 6 Kuzamele ahlinze umnikelo wokutshiswa, abesewuhlahlela ube ngamaqatha. 7 Kumele amadodana ka-Aroni umphristi abase umlilo e-alithareni, abesebeka inkuni emlilweni. 8 Amadodana ka-Aroni abesehlanganisa inhloko lamahwahwa enkunini ezibhebha e-alithareni. 9 Kuzamele agezise ezangaphakathi lemilenze ngamanzi, njalo umphristi kumele akutshise konke e-alithareni. Lowo ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo owenziwa ngomlilo, olephunga elimnandi kuThixo.

10 Nxa umnikelo ungowokutshiswa, uvela emhlambini wezimvu kumbe imbuzi, kuzamele anikele ngesifuyo esiduna esingelasici. 11 Kuzamele asihlabele enyakatho ye-alithare phambi kukaThixo, njalo amadodana ka-Aroni angabaphristi azachela igazi laso emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 12 Kuzamele isifuyo asihlahlele sibe ngamaqatha, kugoqela inhloko lamahwahwa, njalo umphristi uzawabeka kahle phezu kwenkuni eziyabe zibhebha e-alithareni. 13 Kuzamele agezise ezangaphakathi lemilenze ngamanzi, njalo umphristi uzaletha inyama yonke, abeseyitshisela e-alithareni. Lowo ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo owenziwa ngomlilo, olephunga elimnandi kuThixo.

14 Nxa umnikelo kaThixo ungumnikelo wokutshiswa, ungowenyoni, kumele anikele ngejuba kumbe iphuphu lenkwilimba. 15 Umphristi uzakuletha e-alithareni, akutshile intamo, abesekutshisela e-alithareni, igazi lakho livuzele eceleni. 16 Kuzamele akhuphe isidlelo lalokho okuphakathi kwaso, asilahlele empumalanga ye-alithare, lapho okulomlotha khona. 17 Kayidabule ivuleke ngempiko zayo kodwa angayehlukanisi, emva kwalokho, umphristi uzayitshisela enkunini ezisemlilweni ose-alithareni. Ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo owenziwa ngomlilo, olephunga elimnandi kuThixo.’ ”

2

Umnikelo Wamabele

1 “ ‘Nxa umuntu angaletha umnikelo wamabele kuThixo; umnikelo wakhe uzakuba ngowefulawa ecolekileyo. Uzayithela amafutha ayihlanganise lempepha 2 abeseyisa emadodaneni ka-Aroni, abaphristi. Umphristi uzacupha ifulawa ecolekileyo egcwala isandla, ayihlanganise lamafutha lempepha ndawonye, abesekutshisa njengesikhumbuzo e-alithareni, umnikelo owenziwa ngomlilo, olephunga elimnandi kuThixo. 3 Okuseleyo emnikelweni wamabele ngokuka-Aroni lamadodana akhe, yingxenye engcwele kakhulu yomhlatshelo wokudla onikelwa kuThixo.

4 Nxa ungaletha umnikelo wamabele obhekhwe eziko, kumele wenziwe ngefulawa ecolekileyo: amakhekhe abhekhwe kungela mvubelo, ahlanganiswa lamafutha, kumbe amakhekhe ayizicecedu enziwe kungela mvubelo, asegcotshwa ngamafutha. 5 Nxa umnikelo wakho wamabele uhlanganiselwe emganwini wensimbi, kumele ulungiswe ngefulawa ecolekileyo, ehlanganiswe lamafutha njalo ingela mvubelo. 6 Uvuthuze ubusuthela amafutha kuwo; ngumnikelo wamabele. 7 Nxa umnikelo wakho wamabele ubhekhelwe epaneni, kuzamele wenziwe ngefulawa ecolekileyo lamafutha. 8 Letha umnikelo wamabele olungiswe ngezinto lezi kuThixo: uziqhubele umphristi ozazisa e-alithareni. 9 Uzakhupha ingxenye eyisikhumbuzo emnikelweni wamabele, abeseyitshisela e-alithareni njengomhlatshelo wokudla, olephunga elimnandi kuThixo. 10 Okuseleyo emnikelweni wamabele ngokuka-Aroni lamadodana akhe, yingxenye engcwele kakhulu yomhlatshelo wokudla onikelwa kuThixo.

11 Wonke umnikelo wamabele owuletha kuThixo kumele ulungiswe ungelamvubelo, ngoba kakumelanga utshise imvubelo kumbe uluju emhlatshelweni wokudla onikelwa kuThixo. 12 Ungakuletha kuThixo njengomnikelo wokuchinsa izithelo zakuqala, kodwa kakumelanga ukuthi zinikelwe e-alithareni njengephunga elimnandi. 13 Tswayani yonke iminikelo yenu yamabele. Lingakhohlwa itswayi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu wenu eminikelweni yenu yamabele: fakani itswayi eminikelweni yenu yonke.

14 Nxa lingaletha umnikelo wamabele ezithelo zakuqala kuThixo, nikelani ngezikhwebu zamabele amatsha agigwe ekhanzingwe emlilweni. 15 Thelani amafutha lihlanganise lempepha: ngumnikelo wamabele. 16 Umphristi uzatshisa ingxenye eyisikhumbuzo emabeleni agigiweyo, kanye lamafutha ndawonye lempepha yonke njengomhlatshelo wokudla owenzelwa onikelwa kuThixo.’ ”

3

Umnikelo Wobudlelwano

1 “ ‘Nxa umnikelo womuntu ungumnikelo wobudlelwano, enikela ngesifuyo esiduna kumbe esisikazi, esisuka emhlambini, kumele alethe kuThixo isifuyo esingalasici. 2 Kumele abeke isandla sakhe ekhanda lesifuyo somnikelo, abesesihlabela esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. Ngemva kwalokho, amadodana ka-Aroni angabaphristi, azachela igazi emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 3 Emnikelweni wobudlelwano uzaletha umhlatshelo onikelwa kuThixo ngomlilo: idanga lonke elembese ezangaphakathi, 4 izinso zombili lamahwahwa azo aseduzane lesinqe, lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, okufanele kukhutshwe lezinso. 5 Ngakho amadodana ka-Aroni azakutshisela e-alithareni, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa ophezu kwenkuni ezibhebhayo njengomnikelo owenziwa ngomlilo, uqhatshi olumnandi kuThixo.

6 Nxa anganikela ngesifuyo esisuka emhlambini wezimvu njengomnikelo wobudlelwano kuThixo, kuzamele anikele ngesiduna kumbe esisikazi esingelasici. 7 Nxa anganikela ngezinyane, kumele alilethe phambi kukaThixo. 8 Kumele abeke isandla sakhe phezu kwekhanda lomnikelo wakhe, asihlabe lesosifuyo phambi kwesango lethente lokuhlangana. Amadodana ka-Aroni azachela igazi laso emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 9 Emnikelweni wobudlelwano kuzamele alethe umhlatshelo owenziwa kuThixo ngomlilo; amahwahwa awo, lomsila ononileyo aqunywe eduzane lomgogodla, idanga lonke, lawo wonke amahwahwa embese ezangaphakathi, 10 izinso zombili lamahwahwa aseduzane lesinqe lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, okuzakhutshwa ndawonye lezinso. 11 Umphristi uzakutshisela e-alithareni njengomhlatshelo wokudla, onikelwa kuThixo.

12 Nxa umnikelo wakhe kuyimbuzi, uzayethula phambi kukaThixo. 13 Uzabeka isandla sakhe ekhanda layo, abeseyihlabela phambi kwesango lethente lokuhlangana. Amadodana ka-Aroni azachela igazi layo emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 14 Kulokho akunikelayo, kuzamele anikele umhlatshelo wokudla kuThixo, idanga lonke lawo wonke amahwahwa embese ezangaphakathi, 15 izinso zombili, lamahwahwa aseduzane lesinqe, lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi okuzakhutshwa ndawonye lezinso. 16 Umphristi uzakutshisela e-alithareni njengomhlatshelo wokudla, iphunga elimnandi. Wonke amahwahwa ngakaThixo.

17 Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso esingapheliyo ezizukulwaneni zenu zonke, kuzozonke izindawo elihlala kuzo. Akumelanga lidle yiloba ngumhlobo bani wamahwahwa kumbe igazi.’ ”

4

Umnikelo Wesono

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abantu bako-Israyeli ukuthi: ‘Nxa umuntu esona kodwa engoni ngabomo, njalo esenza konke okwalelwa yimilayo kaThixo,

3 Nxa umphristi ogcotshiweyo angona, besekuletha icala ebantwini, kumele alethe kuThixo ijongosi elingelasici njengomnikelo wesono ngenxa yesono ayabe esenzile. 4 Kalethe inkunzi esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, phambi kukaThixo. Uzabeka isandla sakhe ekhanda layo, abeseyihlaba phambi kukaThixo. 5 Umphristi ogcotshiweyo uzathatha elinye igazi lenkunzi alise ethenteni lokuhlangana. 6 Kagxamuze umunwe wakhe egazini, abesechela elinye lakhona kasikhombisa phambi kukaThixo, phambi kwekhetheni lendlu engcwele. 7 Umphristi uzafaka elinye igazi empondweni ze-alithare lempepha elephunga elimnandi eliphambi kukaThixo ethenteni lokuhlangana. Igazi lenkunzi eliseleyo uzalithela phansi kwe-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa, esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 8 Kumele akhuphe wonke amahwahwa enkunzi yomnikelo wesono, idanga lonke lawo wonke amahwahwa embese ezangaphakathi. 9 Izinso zombili, lamahwahwa azo aseduzane lesinqe, lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi kuzakhutshwa ndawonye lezinso, 10 njengalokho okwenziwa nxa ihwahwa likhutshwa enkabini eyabe ingumnikelo wobudlelwano. Umphristi uzakutshisela e-alithareni lomnikelo wokutshiswa. 11 Kodwa isikhumba senkunzi kanye lenyama yayo yonke, inhloko, amangqina, ezangaphakathi lamathumbu, 12 okutsho ingxenye yonke yenkunzi, kumele akukhuphele phandle kwezihonqo endaweni ehlanzekileyo ngokomkhuba, lapho okuchithelwa khona umlotha, abesekutshisela emlilweni wenkuni oyabe usenqumbini yomlotha.

13 Nxa uzulu wonke wako-Israyeli angona, engoni ngabomo, abesesenza konke okwalelwa yimilayo kaThixo, lanxa uzulu lowo engazilutho ngodaba lolu, ulecala. 14 Nxa bangavele bazi ngesono abasenzileyo, ibandla kumele lilethe inkunzi eliguqa njengomnikelo wesono, liyethule phambi kwethente lokuhlangana. 15 Abadala bakuleyondawo bazabeka izandla zabo ekhanda lenkunzi phambi kukaThixo, njalo inkunzi izahlatshelwa phambi kukaThixo. 16 Umphristi ogcotshiweyo uzathatha elinye igazi lenkunzi angene lalo ethenteni lokuhlangana. 17 Uzacwilisa umunwe wakhe egazini, abeselichela phambi kukaThixo kasikhombisa phambi kwekhetheni. 18 Kaninde elinye igazi empondweni ze-alithare eliphambi kukaThixo ethenteni lokuhlangana. Igazi eliseleyo uzalithela phansi kwe-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa, esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 19 Kakhuphe wonke amahwahwa abesewatshisela e-alithareni, 20 abesesenza enkunzini le lokho akwenza enkunzini yomnikelo wesono. Ngalokho umphristi uzabenzela indlela yokubuyisana phakathi kwabo, njalo bazathethelelwa. 21 Kakhuphele inkunzi phandle kwezihonqo, abeseyitshisa njengalokho akwenza inkunzi yakuqala. Lo ngumnikelo wesono okazulu wonke.

22 Nxa umkhokheli angona engakunxwanelanga enze okwaliwa yimilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu, ulecala. 23 Nxa angatshelwa ngesono asenzileyo kumele alethe umnikelo wempongo engelasici. 24 Kabeke isandla sakhe ekhanda lembuzi abeseyihlabela lapho okuhlatshelwa khona umnikelo wokutshiswa phambi kukaThixo. Kungumnikelo wesono. 25 Umphristi uzathatha elinye igazi lomnikelo wesono abeselininda empondweni ze-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa abesethela elinye lonke igazi phansi kwe-alithari. 26 Uzatshisela wonke amahwahwa e-alithareni njengalokhu akwenza amahwahwa omnikelo wobudlelwano. Ngale indlela umphristi uzakwenza indlela yokubuyisana ngesono somuntu abesethethelelwa.

27 Nxa omunye umuntu phakathi kwendawo angona engakunxwanelanga ukona, enze okwaliwa yimilayo kaThixo, uyabe elecala. 28 Nxa angatshelwa ngesono ayabe esenzile, kumele alethe umnikelo wesono sakhe, umnikelo wembuzi ensikazi engelasici. 29 Kabeke isandla sakhe ekhanda lomnikelo wesono, abesewuhlabela endaweni yomnikelo wokutshiswa. 30 Umphristi kumele athathe elinye igazi ngomunwe wakhe, abeselininda empondweni ze-alithare lomnikelo wokutshiswa, abesethela elinye eliseleyo phansi kwe-alithari. 31 Uzakhupha amahwahwa wonke njengalokhu okwenziwa emnikelweni wobudlelwano, njalo umphristi uzawutshisela e-alithareni njengoqhatshi olulephunga elimnandi kuThixo. Ngaleyondlela, umphristi uzamenzela indlela yokubuyisana, abesethethelelwa.

32 Nxa angaletha imvu njengomnikelo wesono, kumele alethe ensikazi engelasici. 33 Kumele abeke isandla sakhe ekhanda layo, abeseyihlaba njengomnikelo wesono endaweni lapho okuhlatshelwa khona umnikelo wokutshiswa. 34 Emva kwalokho, umphristi uzathatha elinye igazi lomnikelo wesono ngomunwe, alininde empondweni ze-alithare lomnikelo wokutshiswa, abesethela elinye igazi eliseleyo ngaphansi kwe-alithari. 35 Bazakhupha wonke amahwahwa, njengalokhu okwenziwa emvini yomnikelo wobudlelwano, njalo umphristi uzayitshisela e-alithareni phezu kwemihlatshelo yokudla enikelwa kuThixo. Ngalokho umphristi uzamenzela indlela yokubuyisana ngesono asenzileyo abesethethelelwa.’ ”

5

Eminye Iminikelo Yokuzisola

1 “ ‘Nxa umuntu angona ngenxa yokuthi kakhulumanga ebika udaba oluthile emphakathini ngayabe ekubonile kumbe ekuzwile, uyabe elomlandu.

2 Loba nxa umuntu angathinta ulutho olungabe lungcolile ngokomkhuba (kungaba yizidumbu zezinyamazana zeganga ezingcolileyo kumbe ezezifuyo ezingcolileyo kumbe ezezidalwa ezingcolileyo ezihamba emhlabathini) lanxa engananzelele ngalokho, uyabe esengcolile njalo eselecala. 3 Loba engathinta ukungcola komuntu (konke okungenza ukuthi abe ngongcolileyo) lanxa engananzelele ngalokho nxa angavele akwazi uyabe eselecala, 4 kumbe umuntu angafunga enganakananga kuhle ukuthi ufuna ukwenza olunye ulutho, ingabe ngoluhle kumbe ngolubi (entweni yonke umuntu angafunga ngayo butshapha) lanxa engananzelele ngalokho, angavele akwazi uzakuba lecala, 5 nxa umuntu angazi ukuthi ulecala ngezinto lezi, kumele aveze ukuthi wone ngandlela bani. 6 Njengenhlawulo yesono ayabe esenzile, kumele alethe kuThixo imvana ensikazi kumbe imbuzi evela emhlambini njengomnikelo wesono, njalo umphristi uzamenzela indlela yokubuyisana ngenxa yesono sakhe.

7 Nxa engenelisi ukuthola imvana uzaletha amajuba amabili kumbe amaphuphu enkwilimba amabili kuThixo njengenhlawulo yesono sakhe, okunye kungumnikelo wesono, okunye kungumnikelo wokutshiswa. 8 Uzakuletha kumphristi, ozaqala ngokunikela okomnikelo wesono. Kumele akutshile intamo yakho kodwa angatshuphuni ikhanda, 9 njalo uzachela elinye igazi lomnikelo wesono eceleni kwe-alithari; igazi eliseleyo kumele likhanyelwe phansi kwe-alithari. Ngumnikelo wesono. 10 Umphristi usezanikela okunye njengomnikelo wokutshiswa ngendlela eyamiswayo, umphristi aphinde amenzele indlela yokubuyisana ngesono sakhe, abesethethelelwa.

11 Kodwa nxa esehluleka ukuthola amajuba amabili kumbe amaphuphu enkwilimba amabili, kalethe umnikelo wesono sakhe, alethe ingxenye yetshumi yehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo ukwenzela umnikelo wesono. Akumelanga athele amafutha kumbe afake impepha ngoba kungumnikelo wesono. 12 Kakulethe phambi komphristi ozacupha isilinganiso esigcwala isandla njengengxenye yesikhumbuzo, abeseyitshisela e-alithareni phezu kwemihlatshelo yokudla enikelwa kuThixo. Kungumnikelo wesono. 13 Ngalokhu umphristi uzamenzela indlela yokubuyisana ngesono ingabe yisiphi ayabe esenzile, uzathethelelwa, okuseleyo kuzakuba ngokomphristi, njengalokho okwenziwa emnikelweni wamabele.’ ”

Umnikelo Wecala

14  UThixo wathi kuMosi: 15 “Nxa umuntu angephula umthetho abesesona, engoni ngabomo ezintweni zonke zikaThixo ezingcwele, kalethe kuThixo njengenhlawulo inqama esuka emhlambini, engelasici njalo ebiza isiliva esamukelekayo ngesilinganiso seshekeli lasendlini engcwele. Ngumnikelo wecala. 16 Kumele ahlawule ngesiphambeko sakhe kulokho ayabe ehluleke ukukwenza, okuphathelane lezinto ezingcwele, abesesengezelela ingxenye yokuhlanu yentengo yakho akunike umphristi konke, ozamenzela indlela yokubuyisana ngenqama njengomnikelo wecala, abesethethelelwa.

17 Nxa umuntu angona ngokwenza lokho okungavunyelwayo emlayweni kaThixo, lanxa engakwazi, uyabe elecala njalo uzakwetheswa umlandu. 18 Uzaletha kumphristi njengomnikelo wecala inqama engelasici ezavela emhlambini, njalo elesilinganiso esamukelekayo. Ngalokhu umphristi uzamenzela indlela yokubuyisana ngesiphambeko sakhe angasenzanga ngabomo, njalo uzathethelelwa. 19 Kungumnikelo wecala: ulecala lokona phambi kukaThixo.”

6

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi: 2 “Nxa umuntu esona njalo engathembeki kuThixo ngokukhohlisa umakhelwane wakhe ngalokho ayabe ekuphathisiwe loba ayabe ekugcinisiwe loba okuyabe kuntshontshiwe, loba nxa edlelezela omunye, 3 loba nxa ethola obekulahlekile kodwa aqambe amanga ngakho, loba nxa efunga ngokungamanga, loba nxa esenza loba yisiphi isono esingenziwa ngabantu, 4 nxa esona kanjalo abe ngolecala, kumele abuyisele lokho ayabe ekuntshontshile loba ayabe ekuthethe ngodlakela, loba ayabe abe ekuphathisiwe, loba obekulahlekile wasekuthola, 5 loba yingabe yini ayabe efunge ngayo ngokwamanga kumele ahlawule ngokugcweleyo, engeze ngokukodwa kokuhlanu kukho njalo akuphe umnikazi konke mhla evuma icala lakhe. 6 Ukuhlawula icala kumele alethe kumphristi ozakusa kuThixo, umnikelo wakhe wecala, inqama esuka emhlambini, ingelasici njalo elingeneyo ngemfanelo. 7 Ngalokho umphristi uzamenzela indlela yokubuyisana phambi kukaThixo, njalo uzathethelelwa ngalezi izinto azenzileyo ezimenze waba lecala.”

Iminikelo Yokutshiswa

8  UThixo wathi kuMosi: 9 “Phana u-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe umlayo lo: ‘Le yimithetho yomnikelo wokutshiswa: Umnikelo wokutshiswa kufanele usale eziko le-alithari ubusuku bonke kuze kuse, lomlilo kufanele uhlale ubhebha e-alithareni. 10 Umphristi uzagqoka-ke izigqoko zakhe zelembu, lezangaphansi kube ngezelembu, abesekhupha umlotha womnikelo wokutshiswa oyabe usutshiswe ngumlilo e-alithareni, awufake eceleni kwe-alithari. 11 Abesekhulula izigqoko lezi agqoke ezinye, athwale umlotha awukhuphele phandle kwezihonqo endaweni ehlanzekileyo ngokomkhuba. 12 Umlilo ose-alithareni kufanele uhlale ubhebha; akumelanga ucitshe. Insuku zonke ekuseni umphristi kumele engeze inkuni akhwezele, alungise kuhle umnikelo wokutshiswa emlilweni e-alithareni, atshise amahwahwa omnikelo wobudlelwano kulo i-alithari. 13 Umlilo kumele uhlale ubhebha e-alithareni; akumelanga ucitshe.’ ”

Umnikelo Wamabele

14 “ ‘Le yimithetho ephathelene lomnikelo wamabele okufanele amadodana ka-Aroni awulethe kuThixo, phambi kwe-alithari. 15 Umphristi kufanele acuphe ifulawa elicolekileyo kanye lamafutha, lempepha yonke yomnikelo wamabele, besekutshiswa ingxenye yesikhumbuzo e-alithareni, ibe liphunga elimnandi kuThixo. 16 U-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe bazakudla okuseleyo, kodwa kumele kudliwe kungela mvubelo endaweni engcwele; bakudlele egumeni lethente lokuhlangana. 17 Akumelanga kubhekhwe kulemvubelo. Ngibanika khona njengesabelo sabo seminikelo eyenziwa kimi ngomlilo. Kungcwele njengomnikelo wesono lomnikelo wecala. 18 Bonke abesilisa enzalweni ka-Aroni bangakudla. Kuzoba yisabelo sabo kokuphela esivela eminikelweni eyenziwe ngomlilo kuThixo ezizukulwaneni ezizayo. Okubathintayo kuphela kuzakuba ngcwele.’ ”

19  UThixo wakhuluma njalo kuMosi wathi, 20 “Lo ngumnikelo ozanikelwa kuThixo ngu-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe ngelanga azagcotshwa ngalo. Kuzakuba ngokwetshumi kwehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo, kube ngumnikelo wamabele owansuku zonke, ingxenye yawo ibe sekuseni kuthi enye ingxenye ibe kusihlwa. 21 Kulungise ngamafutha emganwini wensimbi oyingubhe; kulethe kuhlanganiswe kuhle, ubususethula umnikelo wamabele wenziwe incezwana ube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo. 22 Indodana egcotshelwe ukuthatha isikhundla sika-Aroni njengomphristi yiyo ezalungisa lokho. Kuyisabelo sikaThixo sansukuzonke, njalo kufanele kutshiswe ngokupheleleyo. 23 Yonke iminikelo yamabele yomphristi izatshiswa iphele; akumelanga idliwe.”

Umnikelo Wesono

24  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 25 “Tshono lokhu ku-Aroni lamadodana akhe: ‘Le yimithetho yomnikelo wesono: Umnikelo wesono kufanele uhlatshwe phambi kukaThixo endaweni lapho umnikelo wokutshiswa ohlatshelwa khona. Ungcwele kakhulu. 26 Umphristi owunikelayo uzawudla; kumele udlelwe endaweni engcwele egumeni lethente lokuhlangana. 27 Konke okuthinta inyama leyo kuyakuba ngcwele. 28 Imbiza yebumba okuphekwe ngayo inyama kumele ibulawe; kodwa nxa iphekwe ngembiza yethusi, imbiza kufanele iphalwe ihlanjululwe ngamanzi. 29 Wonke owesilisa emulini yomphristi uzawudla, ungcwele kakhulu. 30 Kodwa loba yiwuphi umnikelo wesono okulethwa igazi lawo ethenteni lokuhlangana ukwenza ukubuyisana eNdaweni eNgcwele kawungadliwa kumele utshiswe.’ ”

7

Umnikelo Wecala

1 “ ‘Le yimithetho ephathelene lomnikelo wecala, oyiwo ongcwele kakhulu. 2 Umnikelo wecala kufanele uhlatshelwe endaweni lapho umnikelo wokutshiswa ohlatshelwa khona, njalo igazi lawo kufanele lichelwe emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 3 Wonke amahwahwa awo azanikelwa: umsila ononileyo kanye ledanga elembesa ezangaphakathi, 4 izinso zombili lamahwahwa azo aseduzane lesinqe, lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, okufanele kukhutshwe lezinso. 5 Umphristi uzakukutshisela e-alithareni njengomhlatshelo wokudla onikelwa kuThixo. Kungumnikelo wecala. 6 Wonke owesilisa emulini yomphristi angakudla, kodwa kufanele kudlelwe endaweni engcwele; ngoba kungcwele kakhulu.

7 Umthetho munye uyasetshenziswa emnikelweni wesono kanye lemnikelweni wecala. Ungowomphristi owenza kube lendlela yokubuyisana labo. 8 Umphristi onikela umnikelo wokutshiswa kabani lobani angazigcinela isigogo. 9 Wonke umnikelo wamabele ophekelwa eziko, loba ophekelwa embizeni, loba embizeni yensimbi ungowomphristi owunikelayo, 10 njalo wonke umnikelo wamabele oyabe uhlanganiswe lamafutha loba womile, wonke ungowamadodana ka-Aroni ngokulinganayo.’ ”

Umnikelo Wobudlelwano

11 “ ‘Le yimithetho ephathelene lomnikelo wobudlelwano umuntu angawunikela kuThixo:

12 Nxa unganikelwa njengendlela yokubonga, kumele lumnikelo wokubonga unikelwe ndawonye lesinkwa esenziwe singelamvubelo sahlanganise lamafutha, amakhekhe ayizicecedu enziwe engelamvubelo njalo egcotshwe ngamafutha, kanye lamakhekhe efulawa ecolekileyo avutshwe kuhle ahlanganiswa lamafutha. 13 Umnikelo wakhe wobudlelwano ongowokubonga kumele unikelwe ndawonye lomnikelo wezinkwa ezenziwe ngemvubelo. 14 Kufanele alethe okukodwa komhlobo munye ngamunye njengomnikelo onikelwa kuThixo. Ungowomphristi ochela igazi lomnikelo wobudlelwano. 15 Inyama yomnikelo wakhe wobudlelwano ingeyokubonga, kumele idliwe ngalelolanga inikelwa. Akumelanga eyinye isalele elakusasa.

16 Kodwa nxa umnikelo wakhe ungenxa yokugcwalisa isifungo loba ungumnikelo wesihle, umhlatshelo lowo uzadliwa ngalelolanga lokuwunikela, kodwa okuyabe kusele kungadliwa ngelanga elilandelayo. 17 Yonke inyama yomhlatshelo esalayo kuze kwedlule insuku ezintathu kufanele itshiswe. 18 Nxa kulenyama yomnikelo wobudlelwano engadliwa ngelanga lesithathu, lowo oyinikeleyo kasoze amukeleke. Ayisoze ibalelwe kulowo oyinikeleyo, ngoba ingahlambulukanga. Umuntu odla enye yayo uzakuba lomlandu ngayo.

19 Inyama ethinta loba yini engcolileyo ngokomkhuba akumelanga idliwe; kumele itshiswe. Kodwa eyinye inyama ingadliwa yiloba ngubani ohlambulukileyo ngokomkhuba. 20 Kodwa nxa kulomuntu ongcolileyo angadla inyama yomnikelo wobudlelwano engekaThixo, lowomuntu kumele axotshwe ebantwini bakibo. 21 Nxa kulomuntu othinta okuthile okungcolileyo, akukhathalekile kumbe kuyikungcola komuntu loba okwenyamazana loba okunye nje okungcolileyo, okwenyanyekayo, abesesidla inyama yomnikelo wobudlelwano engekaThixo, lowomuntu kumele axotshwe ebantwini bakibo.’ ”

Ukudla Amahwahwa Legazi Akuvunyelwa

22  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 23 “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Lingaze ladla amahwahwa enkomo, awezimvu loba awembuzi. 24 Amahwahwa enyamazana ezifeleyo loba edatshulwe yizilo zeganga angasetshenziswa kokunye, kodwa akumelanga liwadle. 25 Umuntu odla amahwahwa enyamazana okungenziwa ngayo umnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo kumele axotshwe ebantwini bakibo. 26 Njalo lingadli igazi lenyoni loba inyamazana yiphi kuzozonke izindawo elihlala kuzo. 27 Nxa umuntu esidla igazi, lowomuntu kumele axotshwe ebantwini bakibo.’ ”

Isabelo SabaPhristi

28  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 29 “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Umuntu oletha umnikelo wobudlelwano kuThixo kumele alethe ingxenye yawo njengomhlatshelo wakhe kuThixo. 30 Kumele anikele ngezandla zakhe umhlatshelo wokudla kuThixo. Kumele alethe amahwahwa, ndawonye lesifuba, abesezunguza isifuba phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguza. 31 Umphristi uzatshisa amahwahwa e-alithareni, kodwa isifuba ngesika-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe. 32 Kumele uphe umphristi umlenze wesokunene eminikelweni yakho yobudlelwano ube ngumnikelo wakho. 33 Indodana ka-Aroni enikela igazi lamahwahwa omnikelo wobudlelwano izathola umlenze wesokunene njengesabelo sayo. 34 Ngithethe isifuba esizunguzwayo kanye lomlenze onikelwayo emnikelweni wobudlelwano wabako-Israyeli ngapha u-Aroni umphristi kanye lamadodana akhe njengesabelo sabo sezikhathi zonke esivela kwabako-Israyeli.’ ”

35 Le yingxenye yemihlatshelo yokudla enikelwa kuThixo eyabelwa u-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe ngelanga abethulwa ngalo ukuba basebenzele uThixo njengabaphristi. 36 Ngelanga abagcotshwa ngalo, uThixo walaya abako-Israyeli ukuthi banikele lokho njengasabelo sabo sezikhathi zonke kuzizukulwane ezizayo.

37 Le-ke yiyo imithetho emayelana lomnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo wamabele, umnikelo wesono, umnikelo wecala, umnikelo wokugcotshwa lomnikelo wobudlelwano, 38  uThixo awupha uMosi entabeni yeSinayi ngelanga alaya ngalo abako-Israyeli ukuthi balethe iminikelo yabo kuThixo, enkangala yaseSinayi.

8

Ukugcotshwa Kuka-Aroni Lamadodana Akhe

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Letha u-Aroni lamadodana akhe, izembatho zabo, amafutha okugcoba ogcotshelwa isikhundla, inkunzi yomnikelo wesono, inqama ezimbili lesitsha sokuthwalela isinkwa esibhekhwe singelamvubelo, 3 ubusubuthanisa ibandla lonke esangweni lethente lokuhlangana.” 4 UMosi wenza njengokulaya kukaThixo, ibandla lonke laselibuthana esangweni lethente lokuhlangana.

5 UMosi wakhuluma ebandleni wathi, “Lokhu yikho uThixo alaye ukuthi kwenziwe.” 6 UMosi waseletha u-Aroni lamadodana akhe phambili, wabagezisa ngamanzi. 7 Wagqokisa u-Aroni ibhatshi, wasemgaxa ibhanti, wamgqokisa isembatho semahlombe, waphinda wabopha isembatho semahlombe ngozwezwe lwaso olwelukwe ngobungcitshi; walibophela kuye. 8 Wamgqokisa isembatho sesifuba wasebeka i-Urimi leThumimi esambathweni leso. 9 Wamthwalisa iqhiye ekhanda lakhe, phambi kwayo wabeka icence legolide, umqhele ongcwele, njengalokhu uThixo ayelaye uMosi ukuthi akwenze.

10 UMosi wathatha amafutha okugcoba ogcotshelwa isikhundla wagcoba ithabanikeli lakho konke okwakukulo, wakwahlukanisela uThixo. 11 Wachela amanye amafutha e-alithareni kasikhombisa, wagcoba i-alithari lezitsha zalo zonke, lomkolo walo, lalapho obekwa khona ukuze akwahlukanisele uThixo. 12 Wathela amanye amafutha ekhanda lika-Aroni wamgcoba ukuba amahlukanisele uThixo. 13 Wasesondeza amadodana ka-Aroni phambili, wawagqokisa amabhatshi, wawabopha ngamabhanti njalo wawabophela izingwane emakhanda awo njengalokho uThixo akulaya uMosi.

14 Waseletha inkunzi yomnikelo wesono, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe babeka izandla zabo phezu kwekhanda layo. 15 UMosi wahlaba inkunzi, wasethatha elinye igazi, waselininda empondweni ze-alithare ngomunwe ukuze lihlambuluke. Wathululela igazi elalisele phansi kwe-alithari walahlukanisela uThixo, ukwenza ukubuyisana ngalo. 16 UMosi wasethatha idanga eligoqela ezangaphakathi, amahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa azo, wasekutshisela e-alithareni. 17 Kodwa inkunzi lesikhumba sayo, lenyama yayo, lamathumbu ayo wakutshisela phandle kwezihonqo njengalokho uThixo amlaya khona.

18 Waseletha inqama ukuze ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe babeka izandla zabo phezu kwekhanda layo. 19 UMosi wayihlaba inqama, wasechela igazi layo emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 20 Wahlahlela inqama yaba ngamaqatha, wasetshisa inhloko, amaqatha lamahwahwa. 21 Wagezisa ezangaphakathi lemilenze ngamanzi, wasetshisa isidumbu sonke senqama e-alithareni njengomnikelo wokutshiswa, iphunga elimnandi, umnikelo owenziwa kuThixo ngomlilo njengoba uThixo walaya uMosi.

22 Waseletha eyinye inqama, eyayizasetshenziswa begcotshelwa izikhundla, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe babeka izandla zabo phezu kwekhanda layo. 23 UMosi wahlaba inqama, wathatha elinye igazi layo walininda esiqwini sendlebe yokunene ka-Aroni, esithupheni sesandla sakhe sokunene lasozwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwakhe lwesokunene. 24 UMosi waletha amadodana ka-Aroni phambili, waseninda elinye igazi eziqwini zendlebe zawo zakwesokudla lasezithupheni zezandla zabo zakwesokudla. Emva kwalokho wasechela igazi emaceleni wonke e-alithare. 25 Wathatha amahwahwa, umsila ononileyo ledanga eligoqela ezangaphakathi, amahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, izinso zombili lamahwahwa azo kanye lomlenze wakwesokudla. 26 Esitsheni sesinkwa esibhekhwa singelamvubelo, esasiphambi kukaThixo, wathatha isinkwa esikhulu, esasixutshaniswe lamafutha e-oliva kanye lesinkwa esincinyane, wasekufaka emahwahweni lasemlenzeni wesokunene. 27 Wabeka konke lokhu ezandleni zika-Aroni lezamadodana akhe, bakuzunguza phambi kukaThixo, kwaba ngumnikelo wokuzunguza. 28 UMosi wakuthatha ezandleni zabo wasekutshisela e-alithareni phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa, kwaba ngumnikelo wokugcotshwa olephunga elimnandi, umhlatshelo wokudla onikelwa kuThixo. 29 UMosi wasethatha isifuba, esesiyisabelo sakhe enqameni yokugcotshwa, wasizunguza phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

30 UMosi wasethatha amanye amafutha okugcobela isikhundla lelinye igazi elisuka e-alithareni, wasechela u-Aroni lezembatho zakhe kanye lamadodana akhe lezembatho zawo. Ngalokho wangcwelisa u-Aroni lezembatho zakhe, lamadodana akhe lezembatho zawo.

31 UMosi wasesithi ku-Aroni lamadodana akhe, “Phekelani inyama esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, liyidlele khona lesinkwa esivela esitsheni seminikelo yokugcotshwa njengokulaywa kwami ukuthi ‘u-Aroni lamadodana akhe yibo abazakudla.’ 32 Beselitshisa yonke inyama lesinkwa okuzasala. 33 Lingasuki esangweni lethente lokuhlangana okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, kuze kuphele amalanga okugcotshwa kwenu, ngoba ukugcotshwa kwenu kuzathatha insuku eziyisikhombisa. 34 Lokho okwenziwa namuhla kwalaywa nguThixo ukwenzela ukuthi lilungiselwe indlela yokubuyisana. 35 Kumele lihlale esangweni lethente lokuhlangana ubusuku lemini, okwensuku eziyisikhombisa lisenza lokho okuyabe kufunwa nguThixo ukuze lingafi, ngoba yikho engakulaywayo.”

36 Ngakho u-Aroni lamadodana akhe benza konke uThixo ayebalaye khona ngoMosi.

9

AbaPhristi Baqala Umsebenzi Wabo

1 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili uMosi wabiza u-Aroni lamadodana akhe kanye labadala bako-Israyeli. 2 Wathi ku-Aroni, “Thatha iguqa lenkunzi engelasici ibe ngumnikelo wesono, lenqama engelasici ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, ukwethule phambi kukaThixo. 3 Ubusutshela abako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Thathani impongo ibe ngumnikelo wesono, ithole lezinyane, konke kungokulomnyaka owodwa njalo kungelasici, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, 4 uthathe inkabi kanye lenqama kube ngumnikelo wobudlelwano oba ngumhlatshelo phambi kukaThixo, ndawonye lomnikelo wamabele ohlanganiswe lamafutha, ngoba uThixo uzabonakala kuwe lamhlanje.’ ”

5 Bathatha izinto lezo uMosi ayebalaye ngazo bazisa phambi kwethente lokuhlangana, ibandla lonke lasondela eduze lema phambi kukaThixo. 6 UMosi wasesithi, “Lokhu yikho uThixo alaye ukuthi likwenze, ukuze inkazimulo kaThixo ibonakale kini.”

7 UMosi wathi ku-Aroni, “Woza e-alithareni uzonikela umhlatshelo wesono sakho kanye lomnikelo wakho wokutshiswa, wenzele wena kanye labantu indlela yokubuyisana. Unikele umhlatshelo wabantu ubenzele uxolo njengalokhu okulaywe nguThixo.”

8 Ngakho u-Aroni weza e-alithareni, wahlaba ithole laba ngumnikelo wakhe wesono. 9 Amadodana akhe aletha igazi kuye, wasegxumuza umunwe wakhe egazini waninda ngalo impondo ze-alithare. 10 E-alithareni watshisa amahwahwa, izinso kanye lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi kungokomnikelo wesono, njengalokhu uThixo ayekulaye uMosi. 11 Inyama kanye lesikhumba wakutshisela ngaphandle kwezihonqo.

12 Wasehlaba umnikelo wokutshiswa. Amadodana akhe amnika igazi, walichela inxa zonke ze-alithare. 13 Bamupha umnikelo wokutshiswa, isitho ngesitho kugoqela inhloko, wakutshisela e-alithareni. 14 Wagezisa ezangaphakathi kanye lemilenze wakutshisela phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa e-alithareni.

15 U-Aroni waseletha umnikelo owawungowabantu, wathatha imbuzi eyayingeyomnikelo wesono wayihlaba, waseyinikela yaba ngumnikelo wesono njengalokhu ayekwenze ngeyakuqala.

16 Waletha umnikelo wokutshiswa wawunikela ngendlela emisiweyo. 17 Waletha njalo umnikelo wamabele, wacupha ngesandla, wasewutshisela e-alithareni phezu kwalowo owokutshiswa ayewunikele ekuseni.

18 Wahlaba inkabi kanye lenqama kwaba ngumnikelo wobudlelwano ebantwini. Amadodana akhe amnika igazi, walichela inxa zonke ze-alithare. 19 Kodwa amahwahwa enkabi lawenqama, lomsila ononileyo, idanga, izinso, lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi 20 bakwendlala phezu kwesifuba, u-Aroni wasetshisela amahwahwa e-alithareni. 21 U-Aroni wazunguza izifuba kanye lomlenze wokwesokunene phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguza, njengokulaya kukaMosi.

22 U-Aroni wasephakamisela izandla zakhe ebantwini wababusisa. Kwathi esenikele umnikelo wesono, umnikelo wokutshiswa kanye lowobudlelwano, wahlala phansi.

23 UMosi lo-Aroni basebesiyangena ethenteni lokuhlangana. Bathi bephuma, babusisa abantu; inkazimulo kaThixo yabonakala kubo bonke abantu. 24 Kwavela umlilo lapho ngoba uThixo wayekhona, kwatsha umnikelo wokutshiswa kanye lamahwahwa e-alithareni. Abantu bonke bathi bebona lokho, bamemeza ngentokozo bathi mbo ngobuso phansi.

10

Ukufa KukaNadabi Lo-Abhihu

1 Amadodana ka-Aroni uNadabi lo-Abhihu bathatha izitsha zempepha, bafaka umlilo kuzo, bafaka impepha; basebenikela ngomlilo phambi kukaThixo ngokungekho emandleni abo, njalo kuphambene lomlayo wakhe. 2 Kwavela umlilo lapho uThixo ayekhona, wabatshisa bafa phambi kukaThixo. 3 UMosi wasesithi ku-Aroni, “Lokhu yikho okwakhulunywa nguThixo aze athi:

‘Kulabo abasondela kimi

Ubungcwele bami buzabonakala,

phambi kwabo bonke abantu

Ngizadunyiswa.’ ”

U-Aroni wala ethule.

4 UMosi wabiza uMishayeli lo-Elizafani amadodana kamalumakhe ka-Aroni u-Uziyeli, wathi kubo, “Wozani lapha lizothwala abafowenu libakhuphele phandle kwezihonqo, khatshana laphambi kwendlu engcwele.” 5 Ngakho beza babathwala belokhu begqoke amabhatshi abo, babakhuphela ngaphandle kwezihonqo njengokulaya kukaMosi.

6 UMosi wasesithi ku-Aroni lamadodana akhe u-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari, “Lingayekeli inwele zenu zingembozwanga njalo lingadabuli izigqoko zenu ngokuhlulukelwa, funa life, loThixo athukuthelele abantu bonke. Kodwa zonke izihlobo zenu lendlu yonke ka-Israyeli bangabakhalela labo ababhujiswe nguThixo ngomlilo. 7 Lingaze lasuka esangweni lethente lokuhlangana funa life, ngoba amafutha kaThixo okugcoba ogcotshelwa isikhundla aphezu kwenu.” Ngakho benza njengokulaya kukaMosi.

8  UThixo wasesithi ku-Aroni, 9 “Wena lamadodana akho akumelanga linathe iwayini loba okunye okunathwayo okubilileyo nxa lisiyangena ethenteni lokuhlangana, funa life. Lo ngumlayo omi kuze kube nininini kuzizukulwane ezizayo. 10 Kumele lahlukanise okungcwele kokungangcwele, okuhlanzekileyo kokungahlanzekanga, 11 njalo kumele lifundise abako-Israyeli zonke izimiso uThixo abaphe zona ngoMosi.”

12 UMosi wathi ku-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe aseleyo, u-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari, “Thathani umnikelo wamabele oseleyo emihlatshelweni yokudla enikelwe kuThixo, liwudle ungelamvubelo eceleni kwe-alithari ngoba ungcwele kakhulu. 13 Udleleni endaweni engcwele, ngoba uyisabelo senu kanye lamadodana enu, njengoba ngilaywe ngokunjalo. 14 Kodwa wena lamadodana akho kanye lamadodakazi akho lingadla isifuba esazunguzwayo kanye lomlenze onikelweyo. Kudleleni endaweni ehlanzekileyo ngokomkhuba; kuphiwe wena kanye labantwabakho njengesabelo somnikelo wobudlelwano kwabako-Israyeli. 15 Umlenze owanikelwayo kanye lesifuba esazunguzwayo kumele kulethwe kanye lamahwahwa anikelwa ngomlilo, azozunguzwa phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa. Lokho kuzakuba yisabelo sansukuzonke esakho kanye labantwabakho, njengokulaya kukaThixo.”

16 UMosi wathi ebuza ngembuzi yomnikelo wesono wathola ukuthi yayisitshisiwe, wathukuthelela u-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari, amadodana ka-Aroni ayesesele, wawabuza wathi, 17 “Kungani lingadlelanga umnikelo wesono endlini engcwele na? Ungcwele kakhulu; lawuphiwa ukuze ususe icala labantu ngokwenza ukuthi babuyiswe phambi kukaThixo. 18 Njengoba igazi lawo lingangeniswanga eNdaweni eNgcwele, bekumele imbuzi liyidlele endlini engcwele njengokulaya kwami.”

19 U-Aroni waphendula uMosi wathi, “Lamuhla benze umhlatshelo womnikelo wesono kanye lomnikelo wokutshiswa phambi kukaThixo, kodwa izinto ezinjengalezi sezenzakele kimi. Nxa bengidle umnikelo wesono lamuhla, kambe uThixo ubengachelesa ngalokho na?” 20 UMosi wasuthiseka ekuzwa lokho.

11

Ukudla Okuhlanzekileyo Lokungahlanzekanga

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, 2 “Alibokuthi kwabako-Israyeli: ‘Kuzozonke izinyamazana ezisemhlabeni, yilezi elingazidla; 3 lingadla zonke izinyamazana ezilenklagu ezivulekileyo lezentshisayo.

4 Zikhona ezinye ezentshisayo kuphela, zibe khona ezinye ezilenklagu ezivulekileyo kuphela kodwa lingabozidla. Ikamela loba lisentshisa kalilanklagu ezivulekileyo; ngomkhuba kalihlanzekanga kini. 5 Imbila loba isentshisa kayilanklagu ezivulekileyo; ingcolile kini. 6 Umvundla, loba usentshisa, kawulanklagu ezivulekileyo; ungcolile kini. 7 Lengulube, loba ilenklagu ezivulekileyo ngokupheleleyo, ayentshisi; ingcolile kini. 8 Akufanelanga lidle inyama yazo njalo akufanelanga lithinte loba izidumbu zazo; ngoba zingcolile kini.

9 Kuzozonke izidalwa ezihlala emanzini asolwandle lasezifuleni, lingadla zonke ezilempiko lamaxolo. 10 Kodwa zonke izidalwa ezisolwandle lasezifuleni ezingelampiko lamaxolo, kungelani lokuthi ngezihamba ngamaxuku kumbe phakathi kwazo zonke eziphila emanzini kumele lizenyanye. 11 Njalo njengoba lizazenyanya, lingabokudla inyama yazo, njalo kumele lizenyanye lezidumbu zazo. 12 Yonke inyamazana ehlala emanzini engalampiko lamaxolo kumele yenyanyeke kini.

13 Lezi yizinyoni okumele lizenyanye njalo lingazidli ngoba zingcolile: ukhozi, ilinqe, 14 uhelwane olubomvu, loba wuphi umhlobo wohelwane, 15 imihlobo yonke yamawabayi, 16 isikhova esilesicholo, isikhova esitshaya udweba, ingabuzane, loba wuphi umhlobo wokhozi, 17 umandukulo, itshayamanzi, isikhova esikhulu, 18 isikhova esimhlophe, isikhova senkangala, ukhozi oludla inhlanzi, 19 ingabuzane, lawuphi umhlobo welanda, imvenduna lomalulwane.

20 Zonke izibungu ezilamaphiko ezihamba ngenyawo zazo ezine kumele zibe ngezingcolileyo kini. 21 Kodwa kulezinye izibungu ezilamaphiko, ezihamba ngezinyawo zazo ezine, lingadla lezo ezilamangqondo, ezeqa ngawo emhlabathini. 22 Kuzo lingadla intethe ngemihlobo yazo, lamadiye ngemihlobo yawo. 23 Kodwa zonke ezinye izibungu ezilamaphiko lenyawo ezine lizenyanye.

24 Liyabe liyazingcolisa ngalezi; ngakho loba ngubani othinta izidumbu zazo uzatshona engongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. 25 Ozaphakamisa izidumbu zezinyamazana lezi kumele ahlambulule izigqoko zakhe, kanti-ke yena uzaba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe.

26 Yonke inyamazana elengqina elingehlukananga ngokupheleleyo loba engentshisiyo ingcolile kini, wonke othinta isidumbu sezinyamazana lezi uzabe esengongcolile. 27 Kuzozonke izinyamazana ezihamba ngenyawo ezine, lezo ezihamba ngezidladla zingcolile kini; kuzakuthi wonke othinta izidumbu zazo abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. 28 Loba ngubani ozaphakamisa izidumbu zezinyamazana lezi kumele ahlambulule izigqoko zakhe, njalo uzatshona engongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Zingcolile kini.

29 Ezinyamazaneni zonke ezihambahambayo emhlabathini, lezi zingcolile kini: indlegu, igundwane, lemihlobo yonke yemibankwa emikhulu, 30 untulo, imbulumakhasane, umbankwa, isiqhuza lonwabu. 31 Kuzozonke ezihuquzelayo emhlabathini, lezi zingcolile kini. Loba ngubani ozithinta sezifile uzatshona engongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. 32 Nxa kungafa eyinye yazo iwele phezu kolutho, lololutho, loba lusetshenziswani luzabe selungolungcolileyo, loba lwenziwe ngesigodo, ngelembu, ngesikhumba loba ngesaka. Lufakeni emanzini; luzabe lungcolile kuze kuhlwe, lapho-ke luzabe seluhlambulukile. 33 Nxa esinye sazo singawela embizeni yomdaka, konke okusembizeni kuyabe sekungcolile, sekumele ubulale imbiza. 34 Konke ukudla obekungadliwa okuchaphakelwe ngamanzi aleyo mbiza kungcolile, njalo lobekunganathwa kuvela kuleyo mbiza kungcolile. 35 Loba yini ewelwe yizidumbu zezinanakazana lezi iba ngengcolileyo; iziko loba imbiza yokupheka sekumele kubhidlizwe. Kuyabe sekungcolile, njalo kumele likuthathe njengokungcolileyo. 36 Kanti-ke, umthombo loba umgqomo wokukha amanzi uhlala uhlambulukile, kodwa loba ngubani othinta izidumbu lezi ungcolile. 37 Nxa isidumbu sezinyamazana lezi singawela loba kuyiphi inhlanyelo esilungele ukuhlanyelwa, izahlala ihlambulukile. 38 Kodwa nxa amanzi esethelwe enhlanyelweni, isidumbu sakhona besesiwela phezu kwayo, isingcolile kini.

39 Nxa inyamazana elivunyelwe ukuyidla ingazifela, lowo othinta isidumbu sayo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. 40 Loba ngubani ozakudla inyama yalesisidumbu kumele ahlambulule izigqoko zakhe, uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Loba ngubani ozaphakamisa lesisidumbu, kumele ahlambulule izigqoko zakhe, uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe.

41 Loba yisiphi isinanakazana esihuquzelayo emhlabathini siyenyanyeka, kasingadliwa. 42 Akufanelanga lidle izinanakazana zonke ezihambahambayo emhlabathini, loba ngezihuquzela ngezisu loba ngezihamba ngazozonke zone loba ngezilenyawo ezinengi; ziyenyanyeka. 43 Lingazingcolisi ngezinanakazana lezi, lingazingcolisi ngenxa yazo njalo lingayekeli zilingcolisa. 44  NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, zihlambululeni libengcwele, ngoba mina ngingcwele. Lingazingcolisi ngezinanakazana ezihuquzelayo emhlabathini. 45  NginguThixo owalikhupha eGibhithe ukuze ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu; kungakho wobani ngcwele, ngoba mina ngingcwele.

46 Le yiyo imithetho emayelana lezinyamazana, izinyoni, yonke into ephilayo entsheza emanzini lezinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini. 47 Kumele lehlukanise phakathi kwezingcolileyo lezihlambulukileyo, lehlukanise phakathi kwezidalwa eziphilayo ezingadliwa kanye lokungamelanga zidliwe.’ ”

12

Ukuhlanjululwa Emva Kokubeletha Umntwana

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi: 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi: ‘Umfazi ozithweleyo obelethe indodana uzakuba ngongcolileyo ngokomkhuba okwensuku eziyisikhombisa njengoba engcolile ngesikhathi esemfuleni. 3 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili indodana le kuzamele isokwe. 4 Owesifazane kufanele ame okwensuku ezingamatshumi amathathu lantathu ukuze ahlanjululwe ukopha kwakhe. Ngalesisikhathi, akumelanga abambe ulutho olungcwele njalo akumelanga aye endlini engcwele kuze kwedlule insuku zakhe zokuhlanjululwa. 5 Nxa angabeletha indodakazi, owesifazane uzaba ngongcolileyo okwamaviki amabili, njenganxa esemfuleni. Kufanele ahlale okwensuku ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lezinsuku eziyisithupha ukuze ahlanjululwe ukopha kwakhe.

6 Nxa insuku zokuhlanjululwa ngokwendodana loba indodakazi seziphelile, kumele owesifazane alethe izinyane lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa kumphristi esangweni lethente lokuhlangana ukuze libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kanye lephuphu lenkwilimba loba ijuba kube ngumnikelo wesono. 7 Umphristi nguye ozanikela umnikelo phambi kukaThixo ukumenzela ukubuyisana, ngalokho uzabe esehlambulukile ngokomkhuba ekopheni kwakhe.

Le yiyo imithetho elandelwa ngowesifazane ekubeletheni umfana loba inkazana. 8 Nxa engenelisi ukunikela ngezinyane lemvu, kumele alethe amajuba amabili loba inkwilimba ezisesencane ezimbili, okunye kungumnikelo wokutshiswa okunye kungumnikelo wesono. Ngalindlela umphristi uzamenzela ukubuyisana, owesifazane uzahlambuluka.’ ”

13

Imithetho Emayelana Lesikhwekhwe

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, 2 “Loba ngubani ozabe evuvukile, loba equbukile, loba elechatha elicazimulayo ejwabini lakhe okungasuka kube ngumkhuhlane wobulephero, kumele alethwe ku-Aroni umphristi loba komunye wamadodana akhe ongumphristi. 3 Umphristi kahlole lesisilonda esisejwabini lakhe, kuthi kungabonakala ukuthi uboya obusesilondeni sebumhlophe, lokuthi lesilonda laso sizikile enyameni, kuyabe kungumkhuhlane wobulephero. Nxa umphristi emhlola, uzamtshela ukuthi ungcolile ngokomlayo. 4 Kanti-ke lanxa ibala elisejwabini limhlophe kodwa libonakala ukuthi alijulanga enyameni njalo loboya obukhonapho bungakabimhlophe, umphristi kamsuse ebantwini, ahlale yedwa okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 5 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa umphristi kumele amhlole, kuthi-ke nxa ebona ukuthi isilonda lokhu sinjalo njalo kasiqhelanga ejwabini, kumele amehlukanise kwabanye okwezinye njalo insuku eziyisikhombisa. 6 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa umphristi uzamhlola njalo, kuthi-ke nxa isilonda sesifiphele singaqhelanga ejwabini, umphristi uzamtshela lowomuntu ukuthi usehlambulukile, bekukade kuyikuqubuka kodwa nje. Leyondoda izagezisa izigqoko zayo njalo iyabe isihlambulukile. 7 Kodwa ukuqubuka kungaqhela ejwabini lakhe ngemva kokuba eseke waziveza kumphristi ukuba kuthiwe usehlambulukile, kumele aziveze njalo kumphristi. 8 Umphristi uzamhlola, kuthi-ke nxa ukuqubuka kuqhelile ejwabini, umphristi kumele amtshele ukuthi kakahlambuluki; yibulephero.

9 Nxa kulomuntu olobulephero, kumele alethwe kumphristi. 10 Umphristi kamhlole, kuthi nxa kuleqhubu elimhlophe eseliphendule uboya babamhlophe njalo lilomlomo, 11 yibulephero, ngakho umphristi uzakuthi ungcolile. Kangamehlukanisi labanye, ngoba uvele esengongcolileyo.

12 Nxa ubulephero sobumemetheka umzimba wonke okubonwa ngumphristi ukuthi sobugcwele kusukela ekhanda kuze kube sezinyaweni, 13 umphristi uzamhlola, kuthi nxa bugcwele umzimba wonke, atsho athi lowomuntu uhlambulukile. Njengoba ijwabu seliphenduke labamhlophe lonke, uyabe ehlambulukile. 14 Kodwa nxa kubonakala sekupetuka inyama esilondeni uzabe engongcolileyo. 15 Umphristi nxa ebona inyama isipetuka uzakuthi ungcolile. Inyama epetukileyo ingcolile; ulobulephero. 16 Kodwa leyonyama epetukileyo ingaguquka ibemhlophe kufanele onjalo aye kumphristi. 17 Umphristi amhlole, kuthi nxa izilonda sezisuke zaba mhlophe, umphristi uzakuthi lowo olazo uhlambulukile; ngakho uzabe esehlambulukile.

18 Nxa kulomuntu olethumba ejwabini lakhe libe seliphola, 19 kuthi lapho obekulethumba khona kubonakale kumhlotshana kuvuvukile loba iqhubu elibomvana, kumele azilethe kumphristi. 20 Umphristi alihlole, kuthi nxa kubonakala lijulile loboya obuphezu kwalo sebumhlophe, umphristi uzakuthi ungcolile. Yibulephero obuvela lapho obekulethumba khona. 21 Kodwa nxa khona laphayana ekuhlolweni kwalo ngumphristi kungelaboya obumhlophe phezu kwalo, njalo lingajulanga selifiphele, kulapho umphristi azamehlukanisa khona labanye okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 22 Nxa liqhela ejwabini, umphristi uzakuthi ungcolile, lona liyisifo esithelelwanayo. 23 Kodwa nxa umbala walo ulokhu unjalo, njalo lingaqhelanga, kuyabe kulitshisa elatshiywa lithumba, ngakho umphristi uzakuthi uhlambulukile.

24 Nxa umuntu elethuthuva ejwabini lakhe besekuvela itshatha elibomvana loba elimhlophe enyameni epetukileyo yetshisa, 25 umphristi kalihlole, kuzakuthi nxa uboya obuphezu kwalo sebumhlophe, kubonakale kungani kujulile, yibulephero obuvela ngethuthuva. Umphristi uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile, yibulephero. 26 Kodwa umphristi angalihlola kubonakale kungelaboya obumhlophe, kungajulanga njalo sekufiphele, yikho lapho umphristi azamehlukanisa labanye okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 27 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa umphristi uzamhlola, kuthi nxa liqhela ejwabini, umphristi athi ungcolile, yibulephero. 28 Kodwa nxa itshatha lilokhu linjalo futhi lingaqhelanga ejwabini kodwa selifiphele, kuyabe kulithuthuva elivuvukileyo, umphristi uzakuthi uhlambulukile, bekulitshisa nje kuphela.

29 Nxa owesilisa loba owesifazane elesilonda ekhanda loba esilevini, 30 umphristi kasihlole, kuthi nxa kubonakala sijulile enyameni, inwele phezu kwaso sezimpofana njalo zingakhuli, umphristi uzakuthi lowomuntu ungcolile, yibulephero bekhanda loba obesilevu. 31 Kodwa nxa umphristi angasihlola isilonda leso abone singajulanga, kungelanwele ezimnyama kuso, umphristi uzamsusa lowomuntu ebantwini okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 32 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa, umphristi kumele asihlole leso silonda, kuthi nxa singaqhelanga ejwabini, njalo kungelaboya obulithanga phezu kwaso, khona kubonakala ukuthi asijulanga enyameni, 33 kufanele aphucwe kutshiywe indawo elesifo, umphristi aphinde amehlukanise kwabanye okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 34 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa umphristi kumele asihlole, kuthi nxa singaqhelanga njalo kukhanya singajulanga enyameni, umphristi kathi uhlambulukile. Kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe, abesesiba ngohlambulukileyo. 35 Kodwa nxa isilonda siqhela ejwabini emva kokuba sekuthiwe usehlambulukile, 36 umphristi uzamhlola, kanti-ke nxa isilonda sisuke saqhela ejwabini, akudingakali ukuthi umphristi adinge ukubona uboya obulithanga; lowomuntu ungcolile. 37 Kodwa nxa ngokubona kwakhe isilonda leso silokhu singaguqukanga sekulenwele ezimnyama kuso, siyabe sesipholile. Uyabe esehlambulukile, umphristi uzakuthi uhlambulukile.

38 Nxa indoda loba owesifazane elamabala amhlotshana ejwabini, 39 umphristi kumele awahlole, kuthi nxa amabala lawo emhlotshana okungani kufiphele, kuyabe kuyikuqubuka okumveleleyo ejwabini; ngakho lowomuntu uhlambulukile.

40 Nxa indoda ingaselanwele isilempabanga, ihlambulukile. 41 Nxa ingaselanwele phezu kwebunzi, isilempabanga ihlambulukile. 42 Kodwa nxa ilesilonda esibomvana-okumhlotshana ekhanda elilempabanga loba ebunzini, yibulephero obuyabe buqalisa ekhanda loba ebunzini. 43 Umphristi kayihlole leyondoda, kuthi nxa isilonda esivuvukayo ekhanda layo loba ebunzini sibomvana-okumhlotshana njengobulephero, 44 leyondoda isilabo njalo isingcolile. Umphristi uzakuthi leyondoda ingcolile ngenxa yaleso silonda esisekhanda layo.

45 Umuntu olobulephero kumele agqoke izigqoko ezidabukileyo, ayekele inwele zakhe zingakanywanga, embese ingxenye yangaphansi kobuso bakhe amemeze athi: ‘Ngingcolile! Ngingcolile!’ 46 Kuzakuthi nxa elokhu elaleso sifo, ahlale engongcolileyo. Kumele ahlale yedwa, ahlale ngaphandle kwesihonqo.”

Imithetho Emayelana Lobulephero

47 “Nxa isigqoko sagqokwa ngumuntu olobulephero, isembatho sewulu loba eselembu, 48 eselukiweyo loba esiphothiweyo kuyiwulu loba ilembu, isikhumba loba yini eyenziwe ngesikhumba, 49 nxa lokhu kungcola kusesembathweni selembu, isikhumba, loba yini eyelukiweyo, loba ephothiweyo loba kuyini okwesikhumba, kubonakala kuluhlazana loba kubomvana, yibulephero; kufanele kutshengiswe umphristi. 50 Umphristi kahlole ukungcola lokhu abesesehlukanisa leyonto esingcolile, ibekwe yodwa okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 51 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa kuzamele akuhlole, kuthi nxa ukungcola sekuqhelile esembathweni, eselukiweyo loba esithungiweyo, loba isikhumba, loba sisetshenziswani, lokho kuyibulephero, isembatho leso singcolile. 52 Kumele asitshise isembatho leso, loba eselukiweyo lesithungiweyo, kuyiwulu loba ilembu, loba kuyinto yesikhumba elesifo sokungcola, njengoba kuyibulephero; leyonto kumele itshiswe.

53 Kodwa, nxa kuyikuthi ekuhlolweni kwaso ngumphristi, kubonakale ukuthi isifo asiqhelanga ezigqokweni, loba eselukiweyo loba esithungiweyo, loba esesikhumba, 54 uzalaya ukuthi lololutho olungcolileyo lugeziswe. Kulapho-ke azakwehlukanisa khona kwezinye okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 55 Ngemva kokuba lesosembatho esingcolileyo sesigezisiwe, umphristi uzasihlola, kuthi nxa isifo sokungcola esisesigqokweni singaguqukanga umbala waso lanxa siyabe singaqhelanga, singcolile. Kasitshiswe ngomlilo, loba isifo sokungcola sihlasele nganxanye. 56 Nxa, lapho umphristi esihlola, kubonakale isilonda sesifiphele ngemva kokugeziswa kwesigqoko, umphristi kadabule ingxenye ebilesifo esigqokweni loba yisikhumba loba ngeselukiweyo loba esiphothiweyo. 57 Kodwa nxa isifo sibonakala futhi esigqokweni, ingabe eselukiweyo loba esiphothiweyo, loba kungesesikhumba, siyabe siyaqhela, akuthi konke okulesifo kutshiswe ngomlilo. 58 Isigqoko siphi lasiphi, kungaba ngesokwelukwa, esokuphothwa loba esesikhumba esesike sageziswa sahlanzwa lesosifo kumele sigeziswe futhi, kube yikho ukuhlanzeka kwaso.”

59 Le yiyo imilayo emayelana lokungcoliswa yibulephero ezigqokweni loba ngezewulu kumbe ezelembu, kungaba ngezelukiweyo loba eziphothiweyo, loba isikhumba; ukuze kuthiwe zihlambulukile loba zingcolile.

14

Ukuhlanjululwa Emikhuhlaneni Ethelelwanayo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Le yimithetho eqondana lalowo olobulephero ngesikhathi sokuhlanjululwa kwakhe ngokomkhuba, nxa elethwa phambi komphristi. 3 Umphristi kaphume ezihonqweni ayemhlola. Nxa umuntu lowo esesilile ebulepherweni, 4 umphristi uzalaya ukuthi kulethelwe inyoni ezimbili eziphilayo, ezihlambulukileyo, kanye lenkuni zesihlahla somsedari, intambo ebomvu lehisophi ukuze lowo muntu ahlanjululwe. 5 Lapho-ke umphristi uzalaya ukuthi eyinye yalezo nyoni ibulawelwe phezu kwamanzi acengekileyo, asembizeni yomdaka. 6 Usezathatha inyoni ephilayo ayigxamuze ndawonye lokhuni lomsedari, lentambo ebomvu lehisophi egazini laleyo nyoni ebulawelwe phezu kwamanzi ahlambulukileyo. 7 Uzachela lowo ohlanjululwa ubulephero ngalelogazi kasikhombisa, abesesithi usehlambulukile. Abesekhulula inyoni esaphila izihambele egangeni.

8 Umuntu okufanele ukuthi ahlanjululwe kumele agezise izigqoko zakhe, aphuce zonke inwele zakhe, abesegeza umzimba ngamanzi, ngalokho uzabe esehlambulukile ngokomkhuba. Ngemva kwalokho usengangena ezihonqweni, kodwa kumele ahlale ngaphandle kwethente lakhe okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 9 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa kumele aphuce zonke inwele zakhe, intshiya zakhe kanye lazozonke inwele zakhe. Kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe, ageze umzimba ngamanzi; ngalokho uzakuba ngohlambulukileyo.

10 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili kumele alethe amazinyane amabili amaduna lelilodwa elisikazi, wonke elomnyaka owodwa, wonke engelasici, ndawonye lezilinganiso zehefa ezintathu etshumini zefulawa ecolekileyo, evutshwe ngamafutha, kungumnikelo wamabele, kanye lehetshezana lwamafutha. 11 Umphristi obikayo ukuthi usehlambulukile lowomuntu nguye omethulayo kanye leminikelo yakhe kuThixo esangweni lethente lokuhlangana.

12 Ngemva kwalokho, umphristi kathathe elinye izinyane eliduna anikele ngalo kube ngumnikelo wecala, kanye lehetshezana lwamafutha; uzakuzunguza phambi kukaThixo, kungumnikelo wokuzunguzwa. 13 Uzahlaba lelozinyane endaweni engcwele lapho okuhlatshelwa khona iminikelo yesono kanye leminikelo yokutshiswa. Umnikelo wecala ungowomphristi, njengomnikelo wesono; ungcwele kakhulu. 14 Umphristi uzathatha elinye igazi lomnikelo wecala alininde oqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene yalowo ozahlanjululwa, esithupheni sesandla sokunene sakhe. 15 Umphristi uzathatha amanye amafutha, awathele esandleni sakhe sokhohlo, 16 agxamuze umunwe wakhe wenkomba emafutheni lawo, abesewafafaza phambi kukaThixo kasikhombisa. 17 Umphristi kaninde amafutha aseleyo esandleni oqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene yalowo ozahlanjululwa, esithupheni sesandla sokunene lasozwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lolwesokunene, phezu kwegazi lomnikelo wecala. 18 Amafutha lawo aseleyo esandleni somphristi kawagcobe ekhanda lalowo ohlanjululwayo, abesemenzela indlela yokubuyisana phambi kukaThixo.

19 Ngemva kwalokho, kalethe umnikelo wesono ecelela ozahlanjululwa indlela yokubuyisana kulokhu kungcola kwakhe. Ngemva kwalokho, umphristi uzenza umnikelo wokutshiswa, 20 anikele ngawo e-alithareni, kanye lowamabele, amenzele indlela yokubuyisana, ngalokho uzahlanjululwa.

21 Kodwa-ke, nxa engumyanga, engazenelisi lezizinto, kumele athathe izinyane lemvu eliduna libe ngumnikelo wecala ozazunguzwa ukumenzela indlela yokubuyisana, lengxenye eyodwa etshumini yefulawa ecolekileyo ehlanganiswe lamafutha, kungumnikelo wamabele, lehetshezana lwamafutha, 22 lamajuba amabili kumbe amaphuphu enkwilimba amabili, lokho angakwanelisa, okunye kungumnikelo wesono kuthi okunye kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa.

23 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili kumele akulethe kumphristi ukuba ahlanjululwe esangweni lethente lokuhlangana phambi kukaThixo. 24 Umphristi kathathe izinyane lemvu libe ngumnikelo wecala, ndawonye lehetshezana lwamafutha, akuzunguze phambi kukaThixo, kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa. 25 Uzahlaba izinyane lemvu kube ngumnikelo wecala abesethatha elinye alininde oqwangeni lwendlebe yokwesokudla yalowo ozahlanjululwa, esithupheni sesandla sokunene kanye lasozwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwesandla sokunene. 26 Umphristi uzachathekela amanye amafutha esandleni sakhe senxele, 27 besekusithi ngomunwe wakhe wenkomba, owesandla sokunene achele amanye amafutha kasikhombisa phambi kukaThixo. 28 Kuthi amanye amafutha asesandleni sakhe awaninde endaweni lezo aninde khona igazi lomnikelo wecala, oqwangeni lwendlebe yokwesokudla yalowo ozahlanjululwa, esithupheni sesandla sokunene kanye lasozwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwesandla sokunene. 29 Umphristi uzagcoba ikhanda lalowo ohlanjululwayo ngamafutha aseleyo esandleni sakhe, emenzela indlela yokubuyisana phambi kukaThixo. 30 Ngakho uzanikela ngamajuba lawayana loba amaphuphu enkwilimba lezo, lokho ayabe ekwenelisile, 31 okunye kungumnikelo wesono, kuthi okunye kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, ndawonye lomnikelo wamabele. Ngale indlela, umphristi uzakwenzela ozahlanjululwa indlela yokubuyisana phambi kukaThixo.”

32 Le yiyo imithetho yokuphathwa kwalabo abalomkhuhlane wobulephero abangenelisi iminikelo yokuhlanjululwa ejayelekileyo.

Ukuhlanjululwa Kwabalesikhwekhwe

33  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, 34 “Nxa lingena ezweni laseKhenani, lelo engilinika lona ukuba libe yisabelo senu, besengifaka isikhwekhwe esithelelwanayo endlini kulelolizwe, 35 umnini waleyondlu kufanele ayetshela umphristi athi ‘ngibona okufanana lesikhwekhwe endlini yami?’ 36 Umphristi engakayi kuleyondlu ukuyahlola isikhwekhwe kumele akhiphe isiqondiso sokuthi kutshiswe konke okukuleyondlu ukuze kungabi lalutho kuleyondlu oluzathiwa lungcolile. Ngemva kwalokho, umphristi uzangena ahlole leyondlu. 37 Uzahlola isikhwekhwe emidulini, kuthi nxa ebona ukuthi kulamabala aluhlaza loba abomvana emdulini njalo ebonakala ejulile emdulini, 38 umphristi uzaphuma ngomnyango wendlu, awuvale okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 39 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa, umphristi uzabuyela ayehlola leyondlu. Nxa isikhwekhwe sesigcwele emidulini, 40 uzakhupha isiqondiso sokuthi amatshe alaleso sikhwekhwe adilizwe, ayephoselwa endaweni engcolileyo ngaphandle kwedolobho. 41 Kalaye ukuthi imiduli yonke eyangaphakathi iphalwe, kuthi lokho okuphaliweyo kuyelahlelwa endaweni engcolileyo ngaphandle kwedolobho. 42 Besebefaka amatshe amatsha esikhundleni salawo, bagudule indlu ngodaka olutsha.

43 Nxa isikhwekhwe sibonakala kutsha kuleyondlu ngemva kokudilizwa kwamatshe lokuphalwa kwemiduli njalo isigudulwe, 44 umphristi kahambe ayeyihlola, nxa efumana isikhwekhwe sesiqhelile kuleyondlu, kuyabe kuyisikhwekhwe esibulalayo; leyondlu ingcolile. 45 Kufanele idilizwe, amatshe ayo, izigodo, lodaka lwayo kumele kuyephoselwa endaweni engcolileyo ngaphandle kwedolobho.

46 Loba ngubani ongena kuleyondlu ngesikhathi isavaliwe uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 47 Loba ngubani ozalala loba adlele kuleyondlu kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe.

48 Kodwa umphristi angabuya ezoyihlola afumane ukuthi isikhwekhwe asiqhelanga ngemva kokugudulwa, uzakuthi indlu ihlambulukile, ngoba isikhwekhwe singasekho. 49 Ukuze indlu ibe ngehlanzekileyo, uzathatha inyoni ezimbili kanye lenkuni zesihlahla somsedari, lentambo ezelukiweyo ezibomvu lehisophi. 50 Uzahlaba enye yalezi zinyoni emanzini acengekileyo embizeni yomdaka. 51 Abesethatha inkuni zesihlahla somsedari, ihisophi, intambo ebomvu elukiweyo lenyoni ephilayo, akugxamuze egazini lenye ebuleweyo lamanzi acengekileyo, abesechela leyondlu kasikhombisa. 52 Uzayihlanza leyondlu ngegazi lenyoni, amanzi acengekileyo, inyoni ephilayo, inkuni zesihlahla somsedari, ihisophi lentambo ephothiweyo ebomvu. 53 Ngemva kwalokho kakhulule inyoni ephilayo emangweni ngaphandle kwedolobho. Ngalindlela uzabe esenze indlela yokubuyisana kuleyondlu, izabe singehlambulukileyo.”

54 Le yiyo imithetho eqondane lobulephero, ukuluma komzimba, 55 isikhwekhwe ezigqokweni kumbe endlini, 56 ukuvuvuka, ukuqubuka kumbe itshatha elikhanyayo, 57 ukuze kubonakale ukuthi ulutho luhlambulukile loba lungcolile.

Le yiyo imithetho yobulephero kanye lesikhwekhwe.

15

Ubovu Obudala Ukungcola

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, 2 “Khulumani labako-Israyeli lithi kubo: ‘Nxa indoda iphuma ubovu, ubovu obuphumayo bungcolile. 3 Lanxa buthonta emzimbeni wakhe loba buvalekile, bumenza abe ngongcolileyo. Lokhu yikho okwenza ubovu obuphuma emzimbeni wakhe bumenze abe ngongcolileyo:

4 Loba yiwuphi umbheda indoda le ephuma ubovu ezalala kuwo, uzakuba ngongcolileyo, njalo loba kuyini okuzahlala phezu kwawo, kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo. 5 Loba ngubani othinta umbheda wakhe kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe, abesegeza ngamanzi, uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 6 Loba ngubani ozahlala loba kuphezu kwani lapho okuke kwahlala khona indoda ethonta ubovu, kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza ngamanzi, uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

7 Loba ngubani ozathinta lindoda kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza ngamanzi, ngalokho uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

8 Nxa indoda ephuma ubovu ingakhafulela omunye ongelabo, lowomuntu kagezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza ngamanzi, yena uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

9 Konke indoda le ehlala kukho igadile kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo, 10 njalo loba ngubani ozathinta loba yini yezinto ebezingaphansi kwakhe uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa, loba ngubani ozadobha lezozinto, kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe, abesegeza ngamanzi, njalo uzabe engongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

11 Loba ngubani ozathintwa yindoda le ephuma ubovu engagezanga izandla zakhe ngamanzi kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza ngamanzi, kodwa uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

12 Imbiza yomdaka ezathintwa yile indoda kufanele ibulawe, kuthi konke okwenziwe ngesigodo kumele kuhlanjululwe ngamanzi.

13 Nxa indoda isihlanjululwe ekuphumeni kwayo ubovu, kayibale insuku eziyisikhombisa kube yikuhlanjululwa kwayo ngokomkhuba; kufanele igezise izigqoko zayo, ibisigeza ngamanzi amahle andubana ihlambuluke. 14 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili kufanele ithathe amajuba amabili, loba amaphuphu enkwilimba amabili ize phambi kukaThixo esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, iwaqhubele umphristi. 15 Umphristi uzanikela ngakho; okunye ngokomnikelo wesono, okunye ngokomnikelo wokutshiswa. Ngalokho, uzakwenza ukubuyisana phambi kukaThixo kwaleyondoda ngenxa yomkhuhlane wayo.

16 Nxa indoda ivuza ubudoda, kumele igeze umzimba wayo wonke ngamanzi, njalo izakuba ngengcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 17 Loba yisiphi isigqoko kumbe isikhumba esilobudoda, kufanele sigeziswe ngamanzi, njalo kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 18 Nxa indoda ingalala lowesifazane ichithe, kufanele ukuthi bobabili bageze ngamanzi, ngakho bazakuba ngabangcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

19 Nxa owesifazane esemfuleni njengenjayelo, ukungcola kwakhe okubangelwa yikuba semfuleni kwakhe, kuzathatha insuku eziyisikhombisa, ngakho wonke omthintayo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

20 Yonke into owesifazane lo azalala phezu kwayo ngesikhathi esemfuleni izakuba ngengcolileyo, njalo loba kuyini azahlala phezu kwakho, sekungcolile. 21 Ozathinta umbheda wakhe kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza umzimba ngamanzi, njalo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 22 Loba ngubani ozathinta loba kuyini owesifazane lo abehlezi phezu kwakho kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe, ageze umzimba ngamanzi, njalo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 23 Akukhathalekile ukuba kungaba ngumbheda loba enye into nje owesifazane lo abehlezi kukho, umuntu loba engubani angakuthinta, uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

24 Nxa indoda ingalala lowesifazane osemfuleni ibe isithinta igazi lomopho wakhe, indoda izakuba ngengcolileyo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, loba yiwuphi umbheda ezalala kuwo, uzakuba ngongcolileyo.

25 Nxa owesifazane angopha okwensuku ezithile zilandelana kodwa engekho emfuleni, loba esopha okwensuku ezedlula insuku zokopha nxa esemfuleni, uzakuba ngongcolileyo nxa ukopha kungakemi, njengasezinsukwini zakhe esemfuleni. 26 Loba yiwuphi umbheda azalala kuwo nxa umopho uqhubeka, uzakuba ngongcolileyo, njengokungcola kombheda wakhe ngesikhathi esemfuleni, njalo konke ahlala phezu kwakho kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo, njengokungcola kwakhe nxa esemfuleni. 27 Loba ngubani ozathinta lezizinto uzakuba ngongcolileyo; kufanele agezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza ngamanzi, ngalokho uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

28 Nxa esehlanzekile ekopheni kwakhe, kufanele ahlale insuku eziyisikhombisa andubana ahlambuluke ngokomkhuba. 29 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili uzathatha amajuba amabili loba amaphuphu enkwilimba amabili akulethe kumphristi esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 30 Umphristi uzanikela okunye kube ngumnikelo wesono, kuthi okunye kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa. Ngale indlela uzakwenza ukubuyisana kwakhe phambi kukaThixo ngenxa yokungcola kwakhe esopha.

31 Kufanele wahlukanise abako-Israyeli ezintweni ezibangcolisayo, ukuze bangafeli ekungcoleni kwabo, bangcolise indawo engihlala kuyo, ephakathi kwabo.’ ”

32 Le yiyo imithetho eqondene lendoda ephuma ubovu, loba ngubani ongcoliswe yikuphuma ubudoda, 33 lowesifazane nxa esemfuleni, lendoda loba owesifazane okuphuma kuye okungcolileyo, njalo lendoda elala lowesifazane ongcolileyo ngokomkhuba.

16

Usuku Lokubuyisana

1  UThixo wakhuluma loMosi ngemva kokufa kwamadodana ka-Aroni azama ukuqondana loThixo. 2  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Tshela umfowenu u-Aroni ukuthi angamani abuye nje ngokuthanda kwakhe endaweni eNgcwelengcwele, ngemva kwekhetheni, phambi kwesihlalo somusa phezu komtshokotsho funa afe, ngoba ngiyabonakala ngiseyezini phezu kwesihlalo somusa.

3 U-Aroni kuzamele angene endaweni engcwele ngale indlela: Keze lejongosi, kube ngumnikelo wesono, kuthi okomnikelo wokutshiswa, kube yinqama. 4 Uzagqoka ibhatshi elingcwele elenziwe ngelembu elicolekileyo, lezigqoko zelineni ezangaphansi; kazibophe ngebhanti elenziwe ngelineni njalo athwale iqhiye yelineni. Lezi yizembatho ezingcwele; ngakho kufanele ageze umzimba ngamanzi andubana agqoke izembatho lezi. 5 Kathathe imbuzi ezinduna ezimbili esizweni sako-Israyeli zibe ngumnikelo wesono, lenqama ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa.

6 U-Aroni uzanikela ngenkunzi, ibe ngumnikelo wesono sakhe, ukwenzela ukubuyisana kwakhe lokwabendlu yakhe. 7 Abesethatha imbuzi zombili azilethe phambi kukaThixo, esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 8 Uzaphosa inkatho yokubona ngembuzi zombili, eyinye izakuba ngekaThixo, enye ibe ngeyesesulelo. 9 U-Aroni uzaletha imbuzi yenkatho kaThixo ibe ngumnikelo wesono. 10 Kodwa imbuzi edliwe yinkatho yesesulelo izalethwa kuThixo iphila ukuze isetshenziswe ukwenza ukubuyisana ngokuyixotshela enkangala, njengembuzi yesesulelo.

11 U-Aroni uzaletha inkunzi ibe ngumnikelo wesono sakhe ukwenzela ukubuyisana kwakhe lokwendlu yakhe, njalo uzayihlaba leyonkunzi ibe ngumnikelo wesono sakhe. 12 Uzathatha isiphathelo sokutshisela impepha sigcwele amalahle avuthayo ase-alithareni phambi kukaThixo kanye lempepha ecolekileyo enuka kamnandi egcwala izandla ezimbili, ayelakho ngemva kwekhetheni. 13 Uzathela impepha emlilweni phambi kukaThixo, kuthi intuthu yempepha isibekele isihlalo somusa esiphezu kwezibhebhedu zobufakazi ukuze angafi. 14 Uzathatha elinye igazi lenkunzi, achele ngalo phambi kwebhokisi lesihlalo somusa esebenzisa umunwe wakhe; ngomunwe wakhe njalo achele kasikhombisa phambi kwesihlalo somusa.

15 Ngemva kwalokho, uzabulala imbuzi ibe ngumnikelo wesono sabantu, abesethatha igazi layo aye ngemva kwekhetheni, ayekwenza njengalokhu akwenze ngegazi lenkunzi: Uzachela phezu kwesihlalo somusa laphambili kwaso. 16 Ngalokho uzakwenza indlela yokubuyisana, endaweni eNgcwelengcwele ngenxa yokungcola lokuhlamuka kwabako-Israyeli, kungakhathalekile ukuthi benze sono bani. Uzakwenza njalo into efanayo ethenteni lokuhlangana eliphakathi kwabo ngokungcola okuphakathi kwabo. 17 Kakho ozangena ethenteni lokuhlangana, kusukela ekungeneni kuka-Aroni esiyakwenza indlela yokubuyisana endaweni eNgcwelengcwele aze aphume, esezenzele indlela yokubuyisana, leyabendlu yakhe kanye lesizwe sonke sako-Israyeli.

18 Ngakho uzakuza e-alithareni eliphambi kukaThixo, alenzele indlela yokubuyisana. Uzathatha elinye igazi lenkunzi lelinye elembuzi, aninde ngalo impondo zonke ze-alithare. 19 Uzachela elinye igazi ngomunwe wakhe kasikhombisa ukulihlanza lokulingcwelisa kulokhu kungcola kwabako-Israyeli.

20 Nxa u-Aroni eseqedile ukwenzela indlela yokubuyisana indawo eNgcwelengcwele, ithente lokuhlangana kanye le-alithari, uzaletha imbuzi ephilayo. 21 Uzabeka izandla zakhe zombili ekhanda lembuzi ephilayo, avumele phezu kwayo ukona lokuhlamuka kwabako-Israyeli, izono zabo zonke azifake ekhanda lembuzi. Imbuzi le izaxotshelwa enkangala iqhutshwa yindoda ekhethelwe lowomsebenzi. 22 Imbuzi izathwala zonke izono zabo, ithubele lazo; indoda izayixotshela enkangala.

23 Ngakho u-Aroni uzangena ethenteni lokuhlangana, akhulule izigqoko zelineni abezigqoke engakangeni endaweni eNgcwelengcwele, azitshiye khonapho. 24 Uzageza umzimba ngamanzi endaweni engcwele, abesegqoka izigqoko zakhe. Ngemva kwalokho uzaphuma lapho ayezinikelela umnikelo wokutshiswa kanye lokunikelela abantu umnikelo wokutshiswa, esenzela ukubuyisana kwakhe lokwabantu. 25 Njalo uzatshisa amahwahwa omnikelo wesono e-alithareni.

26 Indoda ezaxotshela imbuzi eyisesulelo kumele ihlambe izigqoko zayo lomzimba ngamanzi; ngemva kwalokho isingangena ezihonqweni. 27 Inkunzi kanye lembuzi yomnikelo wesono, okulegazi elilethwe endaweni eNgcwelengcwele ukwenzela ukubuyisana, kakukhitshelwe ngaphandle kwezihonqo; kutshiswe izikhumba zakho, inyama kanye lezangaphakathi. 28 Indoda ezatshisa lokhu kayigezise izigqoko zayo njalo igeze lomzimba wayo ngamanzi; ngemva kwalokho isingangena ezihonqweni.

29 Lokhu kakube yisimiso kini esingapheliyo: Ngosuku lwetshumi ngenyanga yesikhombisa, lizidele, lingabambi umsebenzi, loba lingabanikazi bendawo loba kungabezizwe phakathi kwenu, 30 ngenxa yokuthi ngalolusuku lizakwenzelwa ukubuyisana, ukulihlambulula. Ngakho, phambi kukaThixo, lizabe selihlanzekile ezonweni zenu zonke. 31 KuliSabatha lokuphumula, ngakho kumele lizidele, kuyisimiso esingapheliyo. 32 Umphristi ogcotshiweyo, wabekwa ukuthatha isikhundla sikayise ukuba ngumphristi omkhulu uzakwenza indlela yokubuyisana. Uzagqoka izigqoko ezingcwele zelineni, 33 enze ukubuyisana kwendawo eNgcwelengcwele, lokwethente lokuhlangana lokwe-alithari, lokwabaphristi kanye labantu bonke bakuleyondawo.

34 Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso esingapheliyo kini: Ukubuyisana kakwenziwe kanye ngomnyaka, kusenzelwa zonke izono zabako-Israyeli.”

Lokhu kwenziwa, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

17

Ukudla Igazi Akuvunyelwa

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela u-Aroni lamadodana akhe, labo bonke abako-Israyeli ukuthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: 3 Loba ngubani owako-Israyeli ozakwenza umhlatshelo ngenkabi, izinyane lemvu loba imbuzi ezihonqweni loba ngaphandle kwazo, 4 esikhundleni sokuyiletha esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, ukuyinikela ukuthi ibe ngumnikelo kuThixo phambi kwethabanikeli likaThixo, lowomuntu uzakuba lecala lokuchitha igazi; usechithe igazi ngakho kumele axotshwe ebantwini bakibo. 5 Lokhu kuzakwenza abako-Israyeli balethe kuThixo imihlatshelo le abayenzela egangeni. Kabayilethe kumphristi, lokhu kuyikuthi, kuThixo, esangweni lethente lokuhlangana njalo banikele njengeminikelo yobudlelwano. 6 Umphristi kachele i-alithari likaThixo ngegazi esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, atshise amahwahwa njengephunga elimnandi kuThixo. 7 Bangabe besanikela loba yiwuphi umnikelo kubonkulunkulu babo bembuzi labo ababaxhwalisayo. Lesi kumele kube yisimiso sabo esingapheliyo lakuzizukulwane ezizayo.’

8 Wothi kubo: ‘Loba nguphi owako-Israyeli loba owezizwe ohlezi labo onikela umnikelo wokutshiswa loba umhlatshelo, 9 kodwa engawulethi esangweni lethente lokuhlangana ukuba akuhlabele uThixo, lowomuntu kaxotshwe ebantwini bakibo.

10 Loba ngubani owako-Israyeli loba owezizwe ohlala phakathi kwabo ozakudla loba yiliphi igazi, ngizamelana laye odla igazi, ngimxotshe phakathi kwabantu bakibo. 11 Ngoba impilo yesidalwa isegazini, njalo ngiliphile ukuthi lenze ukubuyisana kwenu e-alithareni ngalo; kuligazi elenze ukubuyisana empilweni yomuntu. 12 Ngakho ngithi kwabako-Israyeli, “Kakho phakathi kwenu ozakudla igazi, loba owezizwe ohlala phakathi kwenu ozakudla igazi.”

13 Loba ngubani owako-Israyeli loba owezizwe ohlala phakathi kwenu ozingela loba yiphi inyamazana loba inyoni edliwayo, kavuzise igazi aligqibele ngenhlabathi, 14 ngoba impilo yesidalwa isegazini laso. Yikho ngithe kwabako-Israyeli, “Lingabokudla igazi laloba yisiphi isidalwa, ngoba impilo yesidalwa sonke ligazi laso; loba ngubani olidlayo kaxotshwe.”

15 Loba ngubani, kungaba ngumnikazi wendawo loba owezizwe, ozakudla loba kuyini okufunyanwe kufile, loba okubulewe yizinyamazana zeganga, kahlambe izigqoko zakhe kanye lomzimba wakhe ngamanzi, uzakuba ngongcolileyo ngokomkhuba kuze kuhlwe; uzakuba esehlambulukile. 16 Kodwa nxa engahlambi izigqoko zakhe lokugeza umzimba wakhe, uzakuba lecala.’ ”

18

Ukuhlangana Kowesilisa Lowesifazane Okungekho Emthethweni

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi: ‘NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 3 Lingabokwenza lokhu okwenziwa eGibhithe, lapho elalikhona, njalo lingabokwenza abakwenzayo ezweni laseKhenani, lapho engilisa khona. Lingalandeli abakwenzayo. 4 Lalelani imithetho yami njalo linanzelele, lilandele izimiso zami. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 5 Gcinani izimiso zami lemithetho yami, ngoba umuntu oyilalelayo uzaphila ngayo. Mina nginguThixo.

6 Akungabi lamuntu osondela esihlotsheni sakhe esiseduze ukuthi alale laso. Mina nginguThixo.

7 Ungatheleli uyihlo ihlazo ngokulala lonyoko. Ngunyoko; ungalali laye.

8 Ungalali lomfazi kayihlo; lokho kuthelela uyihlo ihlazo.

9 Ungalali lodadewenu, loba indodakazi kayihlo loba indodakazi kanyoko, kungakhathalekile ukuthi wazalelwa ekhaya loba kwenye indawo.

10 Ungalali lendodakazi yendodana yakho loba indodakazi yendodakazi yakho; lokhu kuzakuthelela ihlazo.

11 Ungalali lendodakazi yomfazi kayihlo, eyazalwa nguyihlo, ingudadewenu.

12 Ungalali lodadewabo kayihlo; uyisihlobo sikayihlo esiseduze kakhulu.

13 Ungalali lodadewabo kanyoko, uyisihlobo sikanyoko esiseduzane kakhulu.

14 Ungatheleli umfowabo kayihlo ihlazo ngokusondela kumkakhe ukuthi ulale laye, ngoba ungunyoko.

15 Ungalali lomalokazana wakho, ngumfazi wendodana yakho; ungalali laye.

16 Ungalali lomfazi womfowenu; kuzathelela umfowenu ihlazo.

17 Ungalali lowesifazane kanye lendodakazi yakhe. Ungalali lendodakazi yendodana yakhe loba indodakazi yendodakazi yakhe; bayizihlobo zakho eziseduzane. Lokhu kuyikuxhwala.

18 Ungathathi udadewabo womkakho ukuthi ulale laye nxa umkakho esaphila.

19 Ungasondeli kowesifazane ukuthi ulale laye ngesikhathi esemfuleni ngoba ungcolile.

20 Ungalali lomfazi kamakhelwane wakho ngoba uyazingcolisa ngaye.

21 Unganikeli loba nguphi wabantwabakho ukuthi abe ngumhlatshelo kunkulunkulu uMoleki, ngoba akufanelanga ukuthi ungcolise ibizo likaNkulunkulu wakho. Mina nginguThixo.

22 Ungalali lendoda njengendoda ilala lomfazi; lokhu kuyisinengiso.

23 Ungafebi lenyamazana, ngoba uyazingcolisa ngalokho. Owesifazane angafebi lenyamazana, lokhu kuyisinengiso.

24 Lingazingcolisi noma kungayiphi yalezizindlela, ngoba yizo izindlela izizwe engizazidudula phambi kwenu ezazingcolisa ngazo. 25 Kwaze kwangcola lelizwe; kungakho ngalijezisa ngesono salo, ilizwe ababehlala kulo labakhafula. 26 Kodwa kumele ligcine izimiso zami lemilayo yami. Lina banikazi belizwe labezizwe abaphakathi kwenu, akufanelanga benze lezizinto ezenyanyekayo, 27 ngoba zonke lezizinto zenziwa ngabantu ababehlala kulelilizwe lina lingakafiki, ngakho ilizwe langcola. 28 Nxa lingenza amanyala kulelilizwe, lizalikhafula njengendlela elakhafula ngayo izizwe ezalandulelayo.

29 Loba ngubani owenza lezizinto ezenyanyekayo, kumele axotshwe ebantwini bakibo. 30 Gcinani iziqondiso zami, lingalandeli izindlela zamanyala lemikhuba eyayilandelwa ngabantu abalandulelayo, njalo lingazingcolisi ngayo. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

19

Imithetho Yempilo Engcwele

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela lonke ibandla lako-Israyeli uthi kulo: ‘Wobani ngcwele ngoba mina Thixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngingcwele.

3 Ngulowo lalowo kini kahloniphe unina loyise, njalo kumele ligcine amaSabatha ami. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

4 Lingaphendukeli ezithombeni loba lizibumbele onkulunkulu benu. NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

5 Nxa lisenza umhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano kuThixo, wenzeni ngendlela ezakwenza wamukeleke ukusiza lina. 6 Kumele udliwe ngalo ilanga lomhlatshelo loba ngelanga lakusasa; lokho okuseleyo kuze kube lilanga lesithathu kumele kutshiswe. 7 Lokho okudliwa ngelanga lesithathu kuzabe sekungcolile, kungabe kusemukeleka. 8 Lowo okudlayo uzakuba lomlandu, ngoba uzabe esengcolise lokho okungcwele kuThixo.

9 Lapho libutha isivuno samasimu enu, lingabuthi konke kuze kube semaphethelweni ensimu kumbe lize liqede konke. 10 Lingakhi izithelo ezivinini zenu kabili kumbe lidobhe ezikhithikileyo. Zitshiyeleni abayanga lezihambi. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

11 Lingebi.

Lingaqambi amanga.

Lingakhohlisani.

12 Lingafungi amanga ngebizo lami, beselingcolisa ibizo likaNkulunkulu wenu. NginguThixo.

13 Lingaqilibezeli umakhelwane wenu, lingamkhuthuzi.

Umuntu oqhatshiweyo lingambambeli iholo lakhe kuze kube kusasa.

14 Lingathuki isacuthe loba liphosele isikhubekiso phambi kwesiphofu, kodwa yesabani uNkulunkulu wenu. NginguThixo.

15 Lingawutshili umthetho; lingabandlululi umyanga kumbe litshengise ukukhetha abakhulu, kodwa mahluleleni ngokulunga umakhelwane wenu.

16 Lingahambi linyeya kwabakini.

Ungenzi lutho olulimaza umakhelwane wakho. NginguThixo.

17 Lingamzondi umfowenu ngezinhliziyo zenu. Khuzani umakhelwane likhululekile ukuze lingabi lomlandu njengaye.

18 Lingaphindiseli loba libambe isikhwili komunye wabantu bakini, kodwa thandani omakhelwane benu njengalokhu lizithanda lina. NginguThixo.

19 Gcinani izimemezelo zami.

Lingenzi izifuyo zenu zikhwele ezolunye uhlobo.

Lingahlanyeli insimu yinye ngemihlobo emibili yenhlanyelo etshiyeneyo.

Lingavunuli izigqoko ezenziwe ngemihlobo yamalembu amabili atshiyeneyo.

20 Nxa indoda ingalala lowesifazane oyisigqili osethembise enye indoda kodwa ongakahlengwa loba waphiwa inkululeko, kayijeziswe leyondoda. Kodwa akumelanga babulawe ngoba owesifazane lowo kakakhululwa. 21 Kodwa indoda kumele ilethe inqama esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, ibe ngumnikelo wecala kuThixo. 22 Ngaleyonqama yomnikelo wecala, umphristi kamenzele indlela yokubuyisana kuThixo ngenxa yesono esenzileyo. Isono sayo sizathethelelwa.

23 Nxa selingenile elizweni, lahlanyela zonke izihlahla ezidliwayo, lingadli izithelo zazo ngoba kuyazila. Ziyazila okweminyaka emithathu; kazingadliwa. 24 Ngomnyaka wesine, zonke izithelo zazo zizabangcwele, zibe ngumnikelo wokudumisa uThixo. 25 Kodwa ngomnyaka wesihlanu lidle izithelo zazo. Ngaleyondlela, isivuno senu sizakwandiswa. Mina yimi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

26 Lingadli inyama elegazi.

Lingenzi izinto zokuvumisa loba ubungoma.

27 Lingagundi inwele emaceleni amakhanda enu njalo lingageli indevu zenu.

28 Lingazisiki imizimba yenu ngenxa yabafileyo kumbe lizicabe. Mina yimi uThixo.

29 Lingalulazisi amadodakazi enu ngokuwafebisa funa ilizwe lehlelwe yibubi bokuphinga.

30 Gcinani amaSabatha ami, lihloniphe indlu yami engcwele. Mina nginguThixo.

31 Lingayi kwabayizangoma loba lidinge izanuse ngoba zizalingcolisa. Mina yimi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

32 Sukumelani asebeluphele, lihloniphe abantu abadala, limesabe uNkulunkulu wenu. Mina yimi uThixo.

33 Nxa owezizweni ehlala lani elizweni lenu, lingamhlukuluzi. 34 Owezizweni ohlala phakathi kwenu kumele laye aphathwe njengowakini. Limthande njengoba lizithanda lina, ngoba lalingabezizweni eGibhithe. Mina yimi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

35 Lingasebenzisi izilinganiso zokuqilibezela nxa lilinganisa ubude, isisindo loba umthamo. 36 Sebenzisani izilinganiso eziqotho, ihefa eliqondileyo lehini eliqotho. Mina yimi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu owalikhupha eGibhithe.

37 Gcinani zonke izimemezelo zami, layo yonke imithetho yami, liyilandele. Mina yimi uThixo.’ ”

20

Izijeziso Zokona

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Loba ngubani kwabako-Israyeli kumbe owezizweni ohlala kini onikela abantwana bakhe kunkulunkulu uMoleki, kumele abulawe. Izakhamizi kazimkhande ngamatshe. 3 Mina ngizamdela lowomuntu, ngimkhuphe ebantwini bakibo; ngoba nxa enikele ngabantwabakhe kuMoleki, usengcolise indlu yami engcwele, wahlambaza lebizo lami elingcwele. 4 Nxa izakhamizi zendawo zingangamnanzi lowomuntu enikela umntanakhe kuMoleki zingambulali, 5 mina ngizamhlamukela lowomuntu labomuzi wakhe, ngibakhuphe ebantwini bakibo, yena kanye labo bonke abahlanganyela laye njengeziphingi kuMoleki.

6 Ngizamhlamukela lowo oya ezangomeni lezanuseni njengesiphingi sazo, ngokulandelana lazo. Ngizamkhupha kwabakibo.

7 Zingcweliseni libengcwele ngoba mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 8 Gcinani izimiso zami lizilandele. Mina nginguThixo olenza libengcwele.

9 Lowo othuka uyise loba unina kabulawe. Usethuke uyise loba unina ngakho usefanele ukufa.

10 Nxa indoda ifeba lomfazi womunye, umfazi kamakhelwane, kababulawe bobabili isiphingi lesiphingikazi leso.

11 Nxa indoda ilala lomfazi kayise, isiyembule ubunqunu bukayise. Leyondoda lonina lowo kababulawe. Bafanele ukufa.

12 Nxa indoda ilala lomalokazana wayo, kababulawe bobabili. Lokho asebekwenzile kulihlazo. Bafanele ukufa.

13 Nxa indoda ilala lenye indoda ingathi ilala lomfazi, bobabili benze amanyala. Kababulawe. Bafanele ukufa.

14 Nxa indoda ithatha umfazi, ithathe lonina, kubi lokho. Yona indoda labesifazane labo kabatshiswe ngomlilo ukuze kungabi lokuxhwala phakathi kwenu.

15 Nxa indoda iphinga lesifuyo, kayibulawe, lesifuyo leso sibulawe.

16 Nxa owesifazane ehahabela isifuyo aphinge laso, mbulaleni owesifazane lowo kanye lesifuyo leso sibulawe. Kumele kubulawe kokubili ngoba konke kulomlandu.

17 Nxa indoda ithatha udadewabo, indodakazi kayise loba ekanina balale bonke, kulihlazo. Kabaxotshwe kwabakibo. Isinqunule udadewabo ngakho isibelomlandu.

18 Nxa indoda ilala lowesifazane esemfuleni, isinqunule umthombo walowomfula, lowesifazane lowo usewembulile. Bobabili kabaxotshwe ebantwini bakibo.

19 Ungalali lodadewabo kanyoko loba okayihlo, ngoba kuyikunqunula isihlobo segazi. Lobabili lizakuba lomlandu.

20 Nxa umuntu elala lomkamfowabo kayise, usenqunule umfowabo kayise. Balomlandu. Bazakufa bengelamntwana.

21 Nxa indoda ithatha umfazi womfowabo, lokho kuyisenzo sokungcola; usembule ubunqunu bomfowabo. Bazakufa bengelamntwana.

22 Gcinani zonke izimiso zami lemithetho yami, liyilandele ukuze lelolizwe engililethe ukuba lihlale khona lingalikhafuli. 23 Lingabolandela amasiko ezizwe engizazixotsha phambi kwenu. Ngoba bazenza zonke lezizinto ngabenyanya. 24 Kodwa ngathi kini, “Lizalithumba ilizwe labo; ngizalipha lona libe yilifa lenu, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju.” Mina yimi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu olenze lehluka kwabezizwe.

25 Ngakho-ke kumele lazi umahluko phakathi kwezinyamazana ezihlanzekileyo lezingahlanzekanga; kanjalo lezinyoni. Lingazingcolisi ngezinyamazana loba ngezinyoni loba ngani ehuquzela phansi, lezo engiziphawule ngathi zingcolile kini. 26 Kumele libengcwele kimi ngoba mina Thixo ngingcwele njalo ngilahlukanisile kwabezizwe ukuthi libe ngabami.

27 Indoda loba umfazi ovumisayo loba oyisanuse phakathi kwenu, kabulawe. Bakhandeni ngamatshe. Yindaba yabo.’ ”

21

Imilayo YabaPhristi

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Khuluma labaphristi, amadodana ka-Aroni, ubatshele ukuthi: ‘Umphristi kakumelanga azingcolise ngokomlayo, ngokungcwaba loba ngubani wakibo ofileyo, 2 ngaphandle kwesihlobo esiseduze njengonina, uyise, indodana loba indodakazi yakhe, umfowabo 3 loba udadewabo osegumeni ngoba engelandoda, labo angabangcwaba. 4 Kangazingcolisi ngenxa yezihlobo zomkakhe, azibhixe ngokungcwabana lazo.

5 Abaphristi kabangaphuci amakhanda abo, loba bagunde amacele endevu zabo, loba bazicabe emzimbeni. 6 Kumele babengcwele kuNkulunkulu wabo, njalo kakumelanga bangcolise ibizo likaNkulunkulu wabo. Kababe ngcwele ngoba yibo abanikela imihlatshelo yokudla kuThixo, ukudla kukaNkulunkulu wabo, kumele babengcwele.

7 Kabangathathi abafazi abangcolileyo ngenxa yobufebe, loba abehlukana lamadoda abo ngoba abaphristi bangcwele kuNkulunkulu. 8 Bathatheni njengabantu abangcwele ngoba banikela ngokudla kukaNkulunkulu wenu. Bathatheni njengabantu abangcwele ngoba mina Thixo olingcwelisayo ngingcwele.

9 Nxa indodakazi yomphristi izingcolisa ngokuba yisifebe, iyangisa uyise; kayitshiswe ngomlilo.

10 Umphristi omkhulu kubafowabo, onguye othelwe amafutha okugcoba umphristi ekhanda, abekiweyo ukuthi agqoke izivunulo zobuphristi, kakumelanga ekele inwele zakhe zingakanywanga loba adabule izigqoko zakhe ngenxa yosizi. 11 Kakumelanga angene lapho okulesidumbu khona. Kangazingcolisi ngaleyondlela loba kufe uyise kumbe unina, 12 njalo kangasuki endlini kaNkulunkulu kumbe ayingcolise, ngoba usekhethiwe ngokugcotshwa ngamafutha kaNkulunkulu wakhe. Mina nginguThixo.

13 Umfazi amthathayo kabe yintombi egcweleyo. 14 Kangathathi umfelokazi, owehlukene lomkakhe loba umfazi ongcoliswe yibufebe, kodwa athathe kuphela intombi egcweleyo ebantwini bakibo, 15 angangcolisi inzalo yakhe phakathi kwabantu bakibo. Mina nginguThixo engimenza abengcwele.’ ”

16  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 17 “Tshela u-Aroni uthi: ‘kakho owenzalo yakhe kuzozonke izizukulwane ezizayo nxa elesici esithile ongasondela anikele ukudla kukaNkulunkulu wakhe. 18 Akulamuntu olobulima obuthile ongasondela: umuntu oyisiphofu, longumqhuge, logogekileyo loba olezitho ezingaphelelanga; 19 akulamuntu olobulima enyaweni loba esandleni, 20 kumbe odundubele emahlombe, loba ongumuthwa, kumbe elobulima bamehlo, loba olentembuzane, kumbe izilonda eziphihlikayo, loba olimele emaphambilini. 21 Akungabikhona owenzalo ka-Aroni umphristi othi nxa elobulima asondele ukuzanikela umnikelo wokudla kuThixo. 22 Angadla ukudla okungcwelengcwele kukaNkulunkulu wakhe loba yikudla bani okungcwele; 23 kodwa ngenxa yobulima bakhe kakumelanga asondele eduze kwekhetheni, kumbe aye e-alithareni, ngoba ngaleyondlela angangcolisa indlu yami engcwele. Mina nginguThixo obenza babengcwele.’ ”

24 Konke lokhu uMosi wakutshela u-Aroni lamadodana akhe, labo bonke abako-Israyeli.

22

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela u-Aroni lamadodana akhe bahloniphe iminikelo abako-Israyeli abayinikela kimi ukuze bangadumazi ibizo lami elingcwele. Mina nginguThixo.

3 Batshele ukuthi, ‘Kuzozonke izizukulwane ezizayo, nxa ekhona ozabe engahlanzekanga ngokomkhuba kodwa ajinge asondele eminikelweni engcwele, abako-Israyeli abayihlukanisela uThixo, lowomuntu kasuswe ebusweni bami. Mina nginguThixo.

4 Nxa owenzalo ka-Aroni elobulephero kumbe ephihlika ubovu emzimbeni, kangadli iminikelo engcwele aze aqale ahlambuluke. Uzabe esengcolile njalo angabamba okungcoliswe yisidumbu loba athintane lomuntu ovuza ubudoda, 5 loba athinte iloba yini enwabuzelayo emenza angcole, loba kungumuntu omenza angcole, kungakhathalekile ukuthi yikungcola bani. 6 Lowo othinta loba yikuphi kwalezi izinto uzabe esengcolile kuze kube kusihlwa. Kangadli loba yini eyeminikelo engcwele, ngaphandle kokuba eseqale wageza ngamanzi. 7 Ilanga lingatshona uzabe esehlanzekile, lapho-ke usengadla iminikelo engcwele ngoba iyikudla kwakhe. 8 Kangadli lutho oluzifeleyo, loba olubulewe ngezinye izinyamazana zeganga, ngoba lokho kungamngcolisa. Mina nginguThixo.

9 Abaphristi kabagcine izimiso zami ukuze bangabi lecala bafe ngenxa yokuzeyisa. Mina nginguThixo obenza babengcwele.

10 Akulamuntu ongasuwendlu yomphristi ovunyelwa ukudla umnikelo ongcwele, loba isethekeli somphristi kumbe isisebenzi esiqhatshiweyo; bonke bangawudli. 11 Kodwa nxa umphristi ethenga isigqili ngemali, loba isigqili singesizelwe emzini wakhe, lesosigqili singakudla ukudla kwakhe. 12 Nxa indodakazi yomphristi ithathwa yindoda engasumphristi, kayingadli loba yisiphi isipho esingcwele. 13 Kodwa nxa indodakazi yomphristi isiba ngumfelokazi loba ixotshwe ekwendeni ingelamntwana, ibisibuya izohlala ngakibo njengasebutsheni bayo, ingakudla ukudla kukayise; kodwa ongafanelanga kangakudli.

14 Nxa umuntu engadla umnikelo ongcwele ngokungazi kumele ahlawule kumphristi, abuye engeze ingxenye yesihlanu yalokho kudla. 15 Umphristi kangangcolisi iminikelo engcwele elethwa ngabako-Israyeli kuThixo 16 ngokubavumela ukuthi bayidle iminikelo leyo, besebesiba lecala okumele balihlawule. Mina nginguThixo obenza babengcwele.’ ”

Imihlatshelo Engemukelekiyo

17  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 18 “Tshela u-Aroni lamadodana akhe labo bonke abako-Israyeli uthi loba ngubani kubo, owako-Israyeli loba owezizweni ohlala ko-Israyeli, oletha isipho somhlatshelo kuThixo egcwalisa isifungo loba umnikelo wokuzithandela, 19 kalethe isifuyo esiduna esingelasici, esingaba yinkomo, imvu kumbe imbuzi ukuze yamukeleke ukumela. 20 Lingalethi lutho olulesici ngoba kaluyikwamukelwa ukulimela. 21 Nxa omunye ekhetha emhlambini wakhe umnikelo wobudlelwano ewuletha kuThixo ukugcwalisa isifungo esithile kumbe umnikelo wokuzithandela, lesosifuyo asingabi lasici, loba indawo esolekayo kuso ukwenzela ukuthi samukeleke. 22 Linganikeli ngezifuyo eziyiziphofu, ezilimeleyo, leziyizilima, loba ezilensumpa kumbe izilonda eziphihlikayo. Lezi lingazibeki phezu kwe-alithari ukuba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo. 23 Kodwa umnikelo wokuzithandela ungaba yinkomo kumbe imvu eyisilima loba engakhulanga yaphelela, kodwa ingeke yamukeleke ukugcwalisa isifungo. 24 Linganikeli kuThixo isifuyo esathenwa ngokuxhokolwa, ngokugxotshwa loba ngokudatshulwa amaphambili. Lingakwenzi lokho elizweni lakini, 25 njalo lingazemukeli izifuyo ezinjalo kwabezizweni, beselinikela ngazo zibe yikudla kukaNkulunkulu wenu. Aziyi kwamukeleka ukulimela ngoba zigogekile, zilezici.”

26  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 27 “Ithole elizelweyo loba izinyane lemvu, kumbe elembuzi kalihlale kunina insuku eziyisikhombisa. Kusukela osukwini lwesificaminwembili selisamukeleka ukuba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo. 28 Inkomokazi loba imvukazi ayingahlatshwa langa linye lomntanayo.

29 Nxa linikela umhlatshelo wokubonga kuThixo, wunikeleni ngendlela eyamukelekayo ukulimela. 30 Kayidliwe mhlalokho, lingatshiyi lutho lwayo kuze kuse kusasa. Mina nginguThixo.

31 Gcinani imilayo yami liyilandele. Mina nginguThixo. 32 Lingangcolisi ibizo lami elingcwele. Abako-Israyeli kabangazi ngokuthi ngingcwele. Mina nginguThixo olenza libengcwele, 33 yena owalikhupha eGibhithe ukuba abe nguNkulunkulu wenu. Mina nginguThixo.”

23

IMikhosi Emisiweyo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Khuluma labako-Israyeli uthi kubo: ‘Le yimikhosi yami emisiweyo, imikhosi emisiweyo kaThixo okumele liyimemezele ukuba yimihlangano engcwele.’ ”

ISabatha

3 “ ‘Kulensuku eziyisithupha elingasebenza ngazo, kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa liSabatha lokuphumula, usuku lomhlangano ongcwele. Lingenzi loba yiwuphi umsebenzi; kuzozonke izindawo elihlala kuzo, luliSabatha likaThixo.’ ”

IPhasika Kanye LoMkhosi WeSinkwa EsingelaMvubelo

4 “ ‘Le yiyo imikhosi kaThixo emisiweyo, imihlangano engcwele elizayimemezela ngezikhathi zayo ezimisiweyo: 5 IPhasika likaThixo liqalisa kusihlwa ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga yakuqala. 6 Ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwaleyonyanga kuqaliswa uMkhosi kaThixo weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo; okwensuku eziyisikhombisa kumele lidle isinkwa esingelamvubelo. 7 Ngosuku lwakuqala lenze umbuthano ongcwele njalo lingenzi imisebenzi yenu yansuku zonke. 8 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa nikelani umnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo. Kuthi ngosuku lwesikhombisa libe lenkonzo engcwele, lingenzi imisebenzi yenu yansuku zonke.’ ”

Izithelo Zokuqala

9  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 10 “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi, ‘Nxa selingene elizweni engizalinika lona kalibokuthi lingavuna lilethe kumphristi ilixha lesivuno samabele akuqala. 11 Kumele azunguze ilixha lelo kuThixo ukuze lamukeleke. Umphristi kufanele alizunguze ngelanga elilandela iSabatha. 12 Ngelanga lokuzunguza ilixha kumele enze umhlatshelo ube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo, kube lizinyane lemvu eliduna eselilomnyaka, libe ngelingelasici, 13 awunikele ndawonye lomnikelo wamabele oyingxenye yehefa ngokubili etshumini, kube yifulawa ecolekileyo evutshwe ngamafutha. Lo ngumhlatshelo wokudla onikelwa kuThixo olephunga elimnandi. Kawenziwe njalo lomnikelo wokunatha oba yingxenye yehini eyodwa kokune kuliwayini. 14 Lingadli sinkwa loba inhlamvu zamabele ezikhanzingiweyo kumbe ezintsha kuze kube yilelolanga eliletha ngalo umnikelo lo kuNkulunkulu wenu. Lokhu kakube yisimiso esingapheliyo kuzozonke izizukulwane ezizayo kungelani lokuthi lihlala ngaphi.’ ”

UMkhosi WamaViki

15 “ ‘Kusukela ngelanga elilandela iSabatha, ilanga elaletha ngalo ilixha lomnikelo wokuzunguza, balani amaviki ayisikhombisa agcweleyo. 16 Balani insuku ezingamatshumi amahlanu kusiyafika ilanga elingemva kweSabatha lesikhombisa, beseliletha umnikelo wamabele amatsha kuThixo. 17 Kungelani lokuthi lihlala ngaphi, lethani izinkwa ezimbili ezenziwe ngefulawa ecolekileyo, eyingxenye yehefa ngokubili etshumini, siphekwe ngemvubelo, kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa, owezithelo zakuqala kuThixo. 18 Lethani isinkwa lesi ndawonye lamawundlu amaduna ayisikhombisa, linye ngalinye lilomnyaka owodwa ubudala njalo lingelasici, ijongosi lenqama ezimbili. Kuzakuba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo kanye lomnikelo wamabele lowokunathwayo, umnikelo otshisiweyo ngomlilo oletha iphunga elimnandi kuThixo. 19 Beselinikela ngempongo umnikelo wesono, langamawundlu amabili alomnyaka owodwa abe ngumnikelo wobudlelwano. 20 Umphristi kumele azunguze amawundlu lawo womabili kuThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa kanye lesinkwa sezithelo zakuqala. Zingumnikelo womphristi ongcwele kuThixo. 21 Ngosuku olufanayo kumele limemezele inkonzo engcwele, lingenzi msebenzi yansuku zonke. Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso esingapheliyo ezizukulwaneni zenu ezizayo, lalapho elizabe lihlala khona.

22 Lapho livuna isivuno selizwe lakini, lingavuni lasemaphethelweni amasimu enu, futhi lingabuthi okukhithikayo lapho livuna. Lokhu kutshiyeleni abayanga lezihambi. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

UMkhosi WamaCilongo

23  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 24 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi, ‘Ilanga lakuqala lenyanga yesikhombisa lusuku lwesabatha lokuphumula, umbuthano ongcwele wokukhonza ngokutshaya icilongo. 25 Lingenzi msebenzi, kodwa nikelani umnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo.’ ”

Usuku Lokubuyisana

26  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 27 “Usuku lwetshumi lwenyanga yesikhombisa lilanga lokubuyisana. Wobani lenkonzo engcwele lizile ukudla, lilethe umnikelo wokutshiswa ngomlilo kuThixo. 28 Lingasebenzi ngalelolanga, ngoba lilanga lokuBuyisana, lapho lihlawulelwa kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 29 Lowo ongaziliyo ngalelolanga makasuswe ebantwini bakibo. 30 Lowo osebenzayo ngalelolanga ngizambhubhisa phakathi kwabakibo. 31 Lulisabatha lenu lokuphumula njalo kumele lizile. 32 Kusukela kusihlwa ngelanga lesificamunwemunye lwenyanga kuze kube kusihlwa ngelanga elilandelayo ligcine isabatha lenu.”

UMkhosi WeziHonqo

33  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 34 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi ngelanga letshumi lanhlanu ngenyanga yesikhombisa uMkhosi kaThixo weziHonqo kawuqalise njalo uqhubeke okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 35 Ilanga lokuqala ngelenkonzo engcwele; lingenzi msebenzi wansuku zonke. 36 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa lethani iminikelo yokutshiswa kuThixo, kuthi ngosuku lwesificaminwembili libe lenkonzo engcwele lilethe umnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo. Yinkonzo yokuvala; lingenzi msebenzi wansuku zonke.

37 (Le yimikhosi kaThixo emisiweyo elizayimemezela njengezinkonzo ezingcwele, ezokuletha iminikelo yokutshiswa kuThixo, iminikelo yokutshiswa, leminikelo yamabele, imihlatshelo leminikelo enathwayo efunekayo insuku ngensuku. 38 Iminikelo le ngengaphezu kwaleyo eyamaSabatha kaThixo njalo ngaphezu kwezipho zenu lalokho eliyabe lifungele ukukupha langaphezulu kweminikelo yonke yokuzithandela eliyinika uThixo.)

39 Ngakho-ke, kusukela ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu enyangeni yesikhombisa, ngemva kokuba selivunile amabele akulelolizwe, wobani lomkhosi wokuthokoza kuThixo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. Elokuqala lilanga lokuphumula, kanye lelesificaminwembili lalo lilanga lokuphumula. 40 Ngelanga lokuqala libokukha izithelo ezinhle zezihlahla, ingatsha zamalala, ingatsha zezihlahla ezilamahlamvu amanengi, lemidubu, lijabule phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lonke okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 41 Thakazelelani umkhosi kaThixo lo minyaka yonke okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. Lesi kasibe yisimiso esingapheliyo ezizukulwaneni ezizayo; umkhosi liwenze ngenyanga yesikhombisa. 42 Libohlala ezihonqweni okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 43 Bonke abako-Israyeli ngokuzalwa kumele bahlale ezihonqweni, ukuze izizukulwane zenu zazi ukuthi ngahlalisa abako-Israyeli emadumbeni mhla ngibakhipha eGibhithe. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

44 Ngakho uMosi wasebabikela abako-Israyeli ngemikhosi emisiweyo kaThixo.

24

Amafutha Lesinkwa Kubekwa Phambi KukaThixo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Laya abantu bako-Israyeli bakulethele amafutha acengekileyo, ahluzwe ema-oliveni, abe ngawokukhanyisa ukuze izibane zihlale zikhanyisa kokuphela. 3 Ngaphandle kwekhetheni eligudle umtshokotsho wobufakazi, phakathi kwethente lokuhlangana u-Aroni kumele alinde izibane phambi kukaThixo izikhathi zonke nxa kusihlwa kuze kube sekuseni. Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso saphakade lakuzizukulwane ezizayo. 4 Izibane ezisoluthini lwegolide elicolekileyo phambi kukaThixo kumele zilindwe izikhathi zonke.

5 Thatha ifulawa ecolekileyo wenze izinkwa ezilitshumi lambili usebenzisa okubili kwetshumi kwehefa isinkwa ngasinye. 6 Zibeke emizileni emibili, ziyisithupha emzileni munye, phezu kwetafula yegolide elicolekileyo phambi kukaThixo. 7 Emzileni ngamunye faka impepha enhle njengengxenye yesikhumbuzo esimela isinkwa njalo kube ngumhlatshelo wokudla onikelwa kuThixo. 8 Isinkwa lesi kumele sibekwe phambi kukaThixo izikhathi zonke, amaSabatha wonke, kusenzelwa abako-Israyeli, kube yisivumelwano esingayikuphela. 9 Sizakuba ngesika-Aroni lamadodana akhe, abazasidlela endaweni engcwele ngoba siyingxenye engcwele kakhulu yesabelo sabo esifaneleyo somhlatshelo onikelwa kuThixo.”

Owathuka UNkulunkulu Utshaywa Ngamatshe

10 Kwasekusiba lendodana yomfazi wako-Israyeli, uyise wayengumGibhithe, yasuka yaya ebantwini bako-Israyeli, yasixabana lomuntu wako-Israyeli ezihonqweni. 11 Indodana yomfazi wako-Israyeli leyo yahlambaza ibizo likaThixo ngesithuko. Ngakho bayiletha kuMosi. (Ibizo likanina lalinguShelomithi, indodakazi kaDibhiri, owesizwe sikaDani.) 12 Bayifaka entolongweni ukuba intando kaThixo ize yazakale kuhle kubo.

13  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, 14 “Umuntu lowo owathukayo mkhupheleni ngaphandle kwezihonqo. Bonke labo abamuzwayo babeke izandla zabo phezu kwekhanda lakhe, ibandla lonke limgongode ngamatshe. 15 Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi, ‘Loba ngubani othuka uNkulunkulu wakhe, uzakuba lecala. 16 Loba ngubani othuka ibizo likaThixo uzabulawa. Ibandla lonke kumele limgongode ngamatshe. Loba kungowezizweni kumbe oyinzalo yelizwe lakini angahlambaza ibizo likaThixo kumele abulawe.

17 Obulala umuntu kumele abulawe. 18 Obulala isifuyo somunye kumele ahlawule, kube okuphilayo ngokuphilayo. 19 Olimaza umakhelwane wakhe, loba ngayiphi indlela, kumele kwenziwe lakuye, 20 kube yikwephuka ngokwephuka, ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo. Njengoba elimaze omunye, ngokunjalo laye kumele alinyazwe. 21 Obulala inyamazana kumele ayihlawule, kodwa obulala umuntu kumele abulawe. 22 Lizakuba lomlayo munye kowezizweni lowakini. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

23 Emva kwalokho uMosi wakhuluma kwabako-Israyeli, basebethatha umuntu lowo owayehlambaze uThixo, bamusa ngaphandle kwezihonqo, bamgongoda ngamatshe. Abako-Israyeli benza njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo.

25

Umnyaka WeSabatha

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi entabeni iSinayi, 2 “Khuluma ebantwini bako-Israyeli uthi kubo: ‘Lapho lingena elizweni engizalinika lona, ilizwe lona ngokwalo kumele ligcinele uThixo iSabatha. 3 Hlanyelani amasimu enu okweminyaka eyisithupha, kuthi kweminye iminyaka eyisithupha lithene amavini enu. 4 Kodwa ngomnyaka wesikhombisa ilizwe kalibe leSabatha lokuphumula, iSabatha likaThixo. Lingahlanyeli amasimu enu loba lithene izihlahla ezivinini zenu. 5 Lingavuni imkhukhuzela kumbe likhe izithelo zamavini angalungiselwanga, ilizwe libe lomnyaka wokuphumula. 6 Lokho okuzathelwa yilizwe ngomnyaka wesabatha kuzakuba yikudla kwenu, lokwezinceku lezincekukazi zenu, lokwezisebenzi eziqhatshiweyo kanye labemzini abahlala lani, 7 kanye lokwezifuyo zenu lezinyamazana zeganga elizweni lenu. Konke okuthelwa yilizwe kakudliwe.’ ”

Umnyaka WeJubhili

8 “ ‘Balani amasabatha ayisikhombisa eminyaka, iminyaka eyisikhombisa iphindwe kasikhombisa ukuze amasabatha eminyaka eyisikhombisa abe yisibanga seminyaka engamatshumi amane lesificamunwemunye. 9 Lapho-ke akutshaywe uphondo ezindaweni zonke ngosuku lwetshumi lwenyanga yesikhombisa; kuthi ngosuku lokuBuyisana kutshaywe uphondo kulolonke ilizwe lenu. 10 Umnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu wenzeni ube ngcwele, limemezele inkululeko elizweni lonke kubo bonke abahlezi kulo. Uzakuba lijubhili kini. Lowo lalowo wenu kuzamele abuyele emzini wakwabo, esizweni sakibo. 11 Umnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu uzakuba lijubhili kini. Lingahlanyeli lutho, njalo lingavuni imikhukhuzela kumbe likhe izithelo zamavini angalungiselwanga. 12 Ngoba uliJubhili, uzakuba ngcwele kini; dlanini kuphela lokho elikuthethe emasimini.

13 Ngalo umnyaka weJubhili, umuntu wonke kuzamele abuyele emzini wakwabo.

14 Nxa uthengisela umuntu welizwe lakini isiqinti, kumbe usithenga kuye, lingaqilibezelani. 15 Nxa uthenga emuntwini welizwe lakini kuzakuya ngokuthi mingaki iminyaka eseyadlulayo emva kweJubhili. Yena uzakuthengisela ngokuthi mingaki iminyaka eseleyo ukuthi kuvunwe amabele. 16 Nxa iminyaka iminengi uzakhweza intengo, kuthi nxa iminyaka imilutshwana wehlise intengo, ngoba okuyikho akuthengisela khona linani lezivuno zamabele. 17 Lingaqilibezelani; kodwa mesabeni uNkulunkulu wenu. NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

18 Gcinani izimiso zami, lilalele imithetho yami ngokunanzelela ukuze lihlale livikelekile elizweni. 19 Ilizwe lizathela izithelo zalo, lina lidle lisuthe, lihlale kulo livikelekile. 20 Lingabuza lithi, “Pho sizakudlani ngomnyaka wesikhombisa nxa singahlanyeli kumbe sivune amabele ethu na?” 21 Mina ngizalilethela isibusiso ngomnyaka wesithupha, ilizwe lithele izithelo zeminyaka emithathu. 22 Lapho selilima ngomnyaka wesificaminwembili lizakube lisidla amabele amadala, liqhubeke lisidla wona kuze kufike isivuno somnyaka wesificamunwemunye.

23 Ilizwe akumelanga lithengiswe kuze kube nininini, ngoba ilizwe ngelami njalo lihlala elizweni lami njengabezizweni. 24 Kulolonke ilizwe elingelenu, lungiselani ukuthi wonke umhlaba owathengwayo uhlengwe.

25 Nxa omunye wakini esebe ngumyanga eseze ethengisa okunye kwempahla yakhe, isihlobo sakhe kasisize sihlenge lokho osekuthengiswe ngumuntu wakibo. 26 Kodwa-ke nxa umuntu engelaye ongamhlengela khona, abesebuya enotha yena ngokwakhe azuze okwanele ukuthi azihlengele, 27 kabale imali elingana leminyaka leyo kusukela impahla leyo ithengisiwe, abuyisele imali esalayo kulowomuntu ayemthengisele, abesethatha impahla yakhe. 28 Kodwa-ke nxa engelamali eyaneleyo yokuyibuyisa leyompahla ayithengisayo, kayihlale kulowo owayithengayo kuze kufike umnyaka weJubhili. Izabuyiselwa kuye ngeJubhili, kulapho-ke azayithatha khona impahla yakhe.

29 Nxa umuntu ethengisa indlu edolobheni elihonqolozelwe ngomthangala ulelungelo lokuyihlenga emva komnyaka ithengisiwe. Phakathi kwalesosikhathi angayihlenga. 30 Nxa ingahlengwanga kuze kuphele umnyaka ogcweleyo, indlu esedolobheni elihonqolozelwe ngomthangala izakuba ngeyalowo owayithengayo, ibe ngeyakhe kokuphela lowo owayithengayo kanye lezizukulwane zakhe. Kayiyikubuyiselwa kowayengumniniyo ngeJubhili. 31 Kodwa izindlu ezisemizini engahonqolozelwanga zizabalwa njengeganga elingelalutho. Kazihlengwe, njalo kumele zibuyiselwe kubanikazi ngeJubhili.

32 AmaLevi ahlezi elelungelo lokuhlenga izindlu zawo emadolobheni angawamaLevi. 33 Ngakho-ke, impahla yamaLevi iyahlengeka, lokhu kutsho indlu ethengiswe loba kukuliphi idolobho elingelabo, kumele ibuyiselwe ngeJubhili, ngoba izindlu ezisemadolobheni amaLevi zililifa lawo ebantwini labako-Israyeli. 34 Kodwa amadlelo angaphandle kwamadolobho awo akumelanga athengiswe ngoba ayilifa lawo kuze kube nininini.

35 Nxa omunye wabantu bakini esiba ngumyanga owehluleka ukuziphilisa phakathi kwenu, msizeni njengelingakwenza kowezizweni kumbe ohlezi lani okwesikhatshana, ukuze aqhubeke ehlala lani. 36 Akungabi lanzuzo eliyithatha kuye, kodwa mesabeni uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuze umuntu wakini aqhubeke ehlala lani. 37 Lingameboleki imali ezalayo kumbe limthengisele ukudla kulenzuzo. 38 Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu owalikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe, ukuba ngilinike ilizwe laseKhenani, ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu.

39 Nxa omunye wakini ko-Israyeli esiba ngumyanga phakathi kwenu aze azithengise kuwe, ungamsebenzisi njengesigqili. 40 Kumele umphathe njengesisebenzi esiqhatshiweyo kumbe umuntu ohlezi okwesikhatshana phakathi kwenu. Kakusebenzele kuze kufike umnyaka weJubhili. 41 Lapho-ke yena labantwabakhe bazakhululwa, babuyele kwabosendo lwakibo lemfuyweni yabokhokho babo. 42 Ngenxa yokuthi abako-Israyeli bazinceku zami engazikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe, akumelanga bathengiswe njengezigqili. 43 Ungababusi ngochuku, kodwa mesabe uNkulunkulu wakho.

44 Iziqgili zenu zesilisa lezesifazane zizavela ezizweni ezilihonqolezeleyo; kuzo yikho lapho elingathenga khona izigqili. 45 Lingathenga lezakhamizi ezihlezi phakathi kwenu okwesikhatshana, labomndeni wazo abazalelwa elizweni lenu. 46 Lingabenza babe yilifa labantwabenu, libenze babe yizigqili zabo okwanininini, kodwa akumelanga libuse abako-Israyeli benu ngochuku.

47 Nxa owezizweni, kumbe umuntu ohlezi phakathi kwenu okwesikhatshana enotha, kuthi owakini abe ngumyanga azithengise kowezizweni ohlala phakathi kwenu loba kolilunga lomndeni wezizweni, 48 ulokhu elalo ilungelo lokuhlengwa emva kokuzithengisa kwakhe. Omunye wezihlobo zakhe angamhlenga. 49 Umalumakhe kumbe umzawakhe, loba esinye isihlobo somdeni wakhe singamhlenga. Loba nxa enotha, angazihlenga yena ngokwakhe. 50 Yena lomthengi wakhe kababale isikhathi kusukela ngomnyaka azithengisa ngawo kusiyafika emnyakeni weJubhili. Intengo yokukhululwa kwakhe izakuhambelana lenani elinikwa umuntu oqhatshiweyo okwalesosikhathi seminyaka. 51 Nxa kusele iminyaka eminengi, kumele ahlawulele ukuhlengwa kwakhe ngentengo eyingxenye enengi yentengo ayethengwe ngawo. 52 Nxa sekusele iminyaka emilutshwana ukuba kufike umnyaka weJubhili, uzabala lokho, akhuphe intengo yokuhlengwa kwakhe okulingana leyominyaka. 53 Uzabalwa njengomuntu oqhatshiweyo kusukela komunye umnyaka kusiya komunye. Kumele libone ukuthi lowo owamthengayo kambusi ngochuku.

54 Nxa engahlengwanga ngenye yalezizindlela, yena labantwabakhe bazakhululwa ngomnyaka weJubhili, 55 ngoba abako-Israyeli ngabami, bazinceku zami. Bazinceku zami engazikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

26

Umvuzo Wokulalela

1 “ ‘Lingazenzeli izithombe loba imifanekiso kumbe amatshe akhonzwayo, njalo lingafaki matshe elizweni lenu ukuba liwakhothamele. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

2 Gcinani amaSabatha ami, lihloniphe indlu yami engcwele. Mina nginguThixo.

3 Lingalalela izimiso zami, ligcine imilayo yami, 4 ngizalehlisela izulu ngesikhathi salo, umhlabathi uthele amabele, lezihlahla zeganga zithele izithelo zazo. 5 Ukubhula kwenu kuzaqhubeka kuze kufike isikhathi sokuvunwa kwamavini, kuthi ukuvunwa kwamavini kuqhubeke kuze kufike isikhathi sokuhlanyela, njalo lizakudla konke ukudla elikufunayo lihlale ngokuvikeleka elizweni lenu.

6 Ngizaletha ukuthula elizweni lenu, kungekho muntu ozalethusa. Ngizasusa izinyamazana eziyingozi elizweni; inkemba ayiyikwedlula phakathi kwelizwe lenu. 7 Lizazixotsha izitha zenu, ziwe ngenkemba phambi kwenu. 8 Abahlanu benu bazaxotsha abalikhulu, kuthi abalikhulu benu baxotshe abayinkulungwane, njalo izitha zenu zizakuwa ngenkemba phambi kwenu.

9 Ngizakuba lomusa kini ngilinike inzalo lande; njalo ngizagcina isivumelwano sami lani. 10 Lizakudla okwesivuno sanyakenye lapho okuzamele lisisuse ukuze kube lendawo yesivuno esitsha. 11 Ngizabeka indawo yami yokuhlala phakathi kwenu, njalo kaliyikunginenga. 12 Ngizahamba phakathi kwenu, ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu lina libe ngabantu bami. 13 Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu owalikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe ukuze lingabi yizigqili zamaGibhithe futhi. Ngizaphule izikeyi zejogwe lenu njalo ngenza ukuba lenelise ukuhamba amakhanda enu ephakeme.’ ”

Isijeziso Ngenxa Yokungalaleli

14 “ ‘Kodwa nxa lingayikungilalela, lingayigcini lemilayo yonke le, 15 njalo nxa lizakwala izimiso zami, linengwe yimithetho yami, lingenzi okwemilayo yami yonke, ngalokho lephule isivumelwano sami, 16 ngizakwenza lokhu kini: Ngizalilethela ukwesaba okukhulu, izifo ezicikizayo, loqhuqho oluzafiphaza amehlo enu, lunciphise impilo yenu. Lizahlanyela inhlanyelo ingasizi ngalutho, ngoba izitha zenu zizayidla. 17 Ngizaliphendukela lehlulwe yizitha zenu, abalizondayo bazalibusa; lizabaleka lanxa kungekho olixotshayo.

18 Nxa emva kwakho konke lokhu lingayikungilalela, ngizalijezisa ngokuphindwe kasikhombisa ngenxa yezono zenu. 19 Ngizabudiliza ubuqholo bokuzazisa kwenu, ngenze umkhathi phezu kwenu ube njengensimbi, kuthi umhlabathi ngaphansi kwenu ube njengethusi. 20 Amandla enu azachithelwa ize, ngoba umhlabathi wenu awuyikulinika amabele, lezihlahla zelizwe aziyikuthela izithelo zazo.

21 Lingaqhubeka liyizitha kimi, lale ukungilalela, ngizalithumela inhlupheko zenu kasikhombisa njengokufanele izono zenu. 22 Ngizalithumela izilo zeganga, ezizalemuka abantwabenu, zibulale inkomo zenu, zilenze libe balutshwana, imigwaqo yenu ize isale ingaselamuntu.

23 Nxa phezu kwalezizinto lingemukeli iziqondiso zami, liqhubeke liyizitha kimi, 24 mina ngokwami ngizakuba yisitha kini, ngilitshaye okuphindwe kasikhombisa ngenxa yezono zenu. 25 Njalo ngizaletha lenkemba phezu kwenu ukuba kuphindiselwe ukwephulwa kwesivumelwano. Lingahlehlela emadolobheni enu, ngizathumela isifo phakathi kwenu, linikelwe lezandleni zezitha. 26 Lapho sengimise ukulethwa kwezinkwa zenu, abesifazane abalitshumi bazapheka izinkwa zenu eziko elilodwa, babele izinkwa zenu ngobunzima bazo; lizakudla kodwa lingasuthi.

27 Nxa lingaqhubeka lingangilaleli, liqhubeka liyizitha kimi, 28 lami ngolaka lwami ngizakuba yisitha kini, njalo mina ngokwami ngizalijezisa okuphindwe kasikhombisa ngenxa yezono zenu. 29 Lizakudla inyama yemizimba yamadodana enu, lidle lenyama yemizimba yamadodakazi enu. 30 Ngizabhidliza izindawo zenu eziphakemeyo, ngidilize lama-alithare enu empepha, besengibuthelela izidumbu zenu phezu kwezithombe zenu ezingaphiliyo, nginengeke ngani. 31 Ngizakwenza amadolobho enu abe ngamanxiwa, ngidilize izindlu zenu ezingcwele, njalo angiyikuthokoziswa yikunuka mnandi kwephunga leminikelo yenu. 32 Ilizwe ngizalitshabalalisa kuze kumangale izitha zenu ezihlala kulo. 33 Ngizalihlakazela phakathi kwezizwe, ngikhokhe inkemba yami, ngilixotshe. Ilizwe lenu lizatshabalaliswa, amadolobho enu abe ngamanxiwa. 34 Lapho-ke ilizwe lizathokoziswa ngamasabatha alo ngesikhathi sonke lichithekile, lina liselizweni lezitha zenu. Emva kwalokho, ilizwe lizaphumula lithokoze ngamasabatha alo. 35 Ngasosonke lesosikhathi ilizwe lichithekile lizakuba lokuphumula elingazange libe lakho ngamasabatha esikhathi lina lisahlala kulo.

36 Mayelana lalabo abasele bephila, ngizakwenza inhliziyo zabo zibe lokwesaba okukhulu bekhonale emazweni ezitha zabo baze babalekele lomsindo wehlamvu liphetshulwa ngumoya. Bazagijima angathi babalekela inkemba; bazakuwa lanxa kungekho muntu obaxotshayo. 37 Bazagwenxana angathi babalekela inkemba, lanxa kungekho muntu obaxotshayo. Ngakho aliyikuba lamandla okumelana lezitha zenu. 38 Lizabhubha phakathi kwezizwe, lidliwe yilizwe lezitha zenu. 39 Abenu labo abasalayo bazahlala behlulukelwe emazweni ezitha zabo ngenxa yezono zabo, njalo bazahlulukelwa ngenxa yezono zaboyise.

40 Kodwa bangavuma izono zabo lezono zaboyise, inkohliso abayenza kimi, lokumelana kwabo lami, 41 okwenza lami ngaba yisitha kubo ngaze ngabasa elizweni lezitha zabo, kuthi lapho inhliziyo zabo ezingasokwanga sezithobekile, behlawulela lezono zabo futhi, 42 ngizasikhumbula isivumelwano sami loJakhobe, lesivumelwano sami lo-Isaka, lesivumelwano sami lo-Abhrahama, besengilikhumbula ilizwe. 43 Ngoba ilizwe bazalitshiya lithokoze ngamasabatha alo lapho lichithekile, bengekho kulo. Bazahlawulela izono zabo ngoba imithetho yami bayala, benengeka ngezimiso zami. 44 Ikanti lanxa kunjalo, nxa sebeselizweni lezitha zabo angiyikubalahla loba nginengeke ngabo, besengibatshabalalisa ngephule lesivumelwano sami labo. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo. 45 Kodwa ngenxa yabo ngizasikhumbula isivumelwano sami labokhokho babo engabakhupha elizweni laseGibhithe, izizwe zikhangele ukuba ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. Mina nginguThixo.’ ”

46 Lezi yizimiso, imithetho lemilayo eyabekwa nguThixo ngoMosi entabeni iSinayi phakathi kwakhe labako-Israyeli.

27

Ukuhlenga OkungokukaThixo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Khuluma kwabako-Israyeli uthi kubo: ‘Nxa umuntu esenza isithembiso esingavamanga, ukuba anikele umuntu kuThixo ngokuqamba intengo engalingana lomuntu, 3 owesilisa oleminyaka ephakathi kwamatshumi amabili lamatshumi ayisithupha kabe ngamashekeli angamatshumi amahlanu esiliva kulinganiswa ngeshekeli lendlu engcwele. 4 Nxa engowesifazane, kakube ngamashekeli angamatshumi amathathu. 5 Nxa kungumuntu wesilisa oleminyaka ephakathi kwemihlanu lengamatshumi amabili, isilinganiso akube ngamashekeli angamatshumi amabili, kuthi owesifazane kube ngamashekeli alitshumi. 6 Nxa kungumuntu wesilisa ophakathi kwenyanga eyodwa leminyaka emihlanu, isilinganiso akube ngamashekeli amahlanu esiliva kuthi owesifazane kube ngamashekeli esiliva amathathu. 7 Nxa kungumuntu wesilisa oleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha kumbe edlula lapho, isilinganiso akube ngamashekeli alitshumi lanhlanu, kuthi owesifazane kube ngamashekeli alitshumi. 8 Nxa umuntu owenza isifungo engumyanga, esehluleka ukukhupha isilinganiso esitshiwoyo, uzakusa umuntu lowo kumphristi onguye ozamisa isilinganiso esinganeliswa ngulowomuntu owenza isifungo.

9 Nxa lokho akufungelayo kuyisifuyo esamukelekayo njengomnikelo kuThixo, isifuyo esinikelwe kanjalo kuThixo siba ngcwele. 10 Akumelanga asintshintshe kumbe enanisele esihle ngesibi, loba esibi ngesihle. 11 Nxa lokho akufungelayo kuyinyamazana engcolileyo, njalo ingamukeleki njengomnikelo kuThixo, kumele sinikwe umphristi, 12 abone ukuthi sihle kumbe sibi. Lokho okuzatshiwo ngumphristi yikho okuzakwamukelwa. 13 Nxa umnikazi waso efuna ukuzihlenga, kuzamele engezelele okwesihlanu phezu kwesilinganiso saso.

14 Nxa umuntu enikela indlu yakhe kuThixo njengolutho olungcwele, umphristi uzakwahlulela ukuthi inhle loba imbi. Loba yisiphi isilinganiso esizaqanjwa ngumphristi, yiso esizakwamukeleka. 15 Nxa umuntu onikele indlu yakhe eseyihlenga, kuzamele engezelele okwesihlanu phezu kwesilinganiso sayo, indlu ibe ngeyakhe futhi.

16 Nxa umuntu esahlukanisela uThixo ingxenye yensimu eyilifa lakhe, isilinganiso sayo sizalingana lenhlanyelo engahlanyelwa kuyo, amashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amahlanu kuhomeri lenhlanyelo yebhali. 17 Nxa enikela insimu yakhe ngomnyaka weJubhili, isilinganiso esimisiweyo sizahlala sinjalo. 18 Kodwa nxa enikela insimu yakhe emva kweJubhili, umphristi uzamisa isilinganiso sayo kusiya ngeminyaka eseleyo kusiyafika umnyaka weJubhili olandelayo, njalo isilinganiso sayo esimisiweyo sizakwehliswa. 19 Nxa umuntu onikela insimu yakhe efuna ukuhlenga, kumele engezelele okwesihlanu phezu kwesilinganiso sayo, insimu izakuba ngeyakhe futhi. 20 Kodwa-ke nxa insimu leyo engayihlengi, loba nxa eseyithengise komunye, ayingeke ihlengwe futhi. 21 Lapho insimu iyekelwa ngeJubhili, iba ngcwele njengensimu enikelwe kuThixo, izakuba yilifa lomphristi.

22 Nxa umuntu enikela kuThixo insimu ayithengayo, engasingxenye yensimu yelifa lakwabo, 23 umphristi uzaqamba isilinganiso sayo kusiyafika emnyakeni weJubhili, kuthi umuntu lowo akhuphe isilinganiso sayo mhlalokho njengolutho olungcwele kuThixo. 24 Ngomnyaka weJubhili, insimu leyo izabuyela kulowomuntu eyathengwa kuye, onguye owayengumniniyo. 25 Izilinganiso zonke kumele zenziwe ngokumayelana leshekeli lendlu engcwele, amagera angamatshumi amabili kushekeli elilodwa.

26 Akekho umuntu ongehlukanisela iNkosi izibulo lenyamazana, ngoba izibulo livele ngelikaThixo; loba lingelenkomo, loba imvu, ngelikaThixo. 27 Nxa ingenye yezinyamazana ezingcolileyo, umuntu angaphinda ayithenge ngesilinganiso esimisiweyo, esengezelela okwesihlanu phezu kwesilinganiso. Nxa engayihlengi, kuzamele ithengiswe ngesilinganiso esimisiweyo.

28 Kodwa akulalutho umuntu alalo aselunikele kuThixo loba kungumuntu kumbe isifuyo, loba insimu eyilifa lakwabo, olungathengiswa kumbe luhlengwe; konke okunikelwe kanjalo kungcwele kakhulu kuThixo.

29 Akulamuntu onikelwe ekubhujisweni ongahlengwa; kumele abulawe.

30 Okwetshumi kwakho konke okwelizwe, ingabe ngamabele avela emhlabathini kumbe izithelo ezivela ezihlahleni, ngokukaThixo; kungcwele kuThixo. 31 Nxa umuntu ehlenga okunye kokwetshumi kwakhe, kumele engezelele kukho okwesihlanu kwesilinganiso sakho. 32 Konke okwetshumi kwenkomo lezimvu, zonke izifuyo zetshumi ezidlla ngaphansi kwentonga yomelusi zizakuba ngcwele kuThixo. 33 Akumelanga akhethe enhle kwembi kumbe ananisele ngenye. Nxa esenanisela zombili, izifuyo ziba ngcwele; azingeke zihlengwe.’ ”

34 Le yimilayo uThixo ayinika uMosi entabeni yaseSinayi ukuba ayinike abako-Israyeli.

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Ukubalwa Kwabantu

1  UThixo wakhuluma kuMosi ethenteni lokuhlangana enkangala yaseSinayi ngosuku lwakuqala lwenyanga yesibili emnyakeni wesibili ngemva kokuphuma kwabako-Israyeli eGibhithe. UThixo wathi, 2 “Balani abantu bonke bako-Israyeli ngensendo langezindlu zabo, lenze uluhlu lwamabizo amadoda, inye ngayinye. 3 Wena lo-Aroni lizaqoqa ngezigaba wonke amadoda ako-Israyeli kusukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu abangaba libutho. 4 Kuzozonke izizwe lithathe indoda eyodwa, eyinhloko yendlu yakibo, ukuze balincedise.

5 La yiwo amabizo amadoda azaliphathisa:

esizweni sikaRubheni, u-Elizuri indodana kaShedewuri:

6 esizweni sikaSimiyoni, uShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi;

7 esizweni sikaJuda, uNahashoni indodana ka-Aminadabi;

8 esizweni sika-Isakhari, uNethaneli indodana kaZuwari;

9 esizweni sikaZebhuluni, u-Eliyabi indodana kaHeloni;

10 emadodaneni kaJosefa kwakuyila:

esizweni sika-Efrayimi, u-Elishama indodana ka-Amihudi;

esizweni sikaManase, uGamaliyeli indodana kaPhedazuri;

11 esizweni sikaBhenjamini, u-Abhidani indodana kaGidiyoni;

12 esizweni sikaDani, u-Ahiyezeri indodana ka-Amishadayi;

13 esizweni sika-Asheri, uPhagiyeli indodana ka-Okhirani;

14 esizweni sikaGadi, u-Eliyasafi indodana kaDuweli;

15 esizweni sikaNafithali; u-Ahira indodana ka-Enani.”

16 La yiwo amadoda akhethwa ebantwini bakuleyondawo, bengabakhokheli bezizwe zabokhokho babo. Babezinhloko zezizwana zako-Israyeli.

17 UMosi lo-Aroni bathatha amadoda la alamabizo ayeqanjiwe 18 basebebizela ndawonye bonke abantu ngosuku lwakuqala lwenyanga yesibili. Baziveza umdabuko wabo ngensendo langezindlu zabo, ngakho kusukela emadodeni aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu kwabhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, 19 njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo. Ngakho wababala enkangala yaseSinayi:

20 Ezizukulwaneni zikaRubheni indodana ka-Israyeli elizibulo:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka efika kumatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 21 Inani labesizwana sikaRubheni lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lesithupha, lamakhulu amahlanu (46,500).

22 Ezizukulwaneni zikaSimiyoni:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka efika kwengamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abalwa kwabhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 23 Inani labesizwana sikaSimiyoni lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lasificamunwemunye, lamakhulu amathathu (59,300).

24 Ezizukulwaneni zikaGadi:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka efika kwengamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho kwabhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 25 Inani labesizwana sikaGadi lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu, lamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu (45,650).

26 Ezizukulwaneni zikaJuda:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 27 Inani labesizwana sikaJuda lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lane lamakhulu ayisithupha (74,600).

28 Ezizukulwaneni zika-Isakhari:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 29 Inani labesizwana sika-Isakhari lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lane, lamakhulu amane (54,400).

30 Ezizukulwaneni zikaZebhuluni:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 31 Inani lesizwe sikaZebhuluni lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lasikhombisa, lamakhulu amane (57,400).

32 Emadodaneni kaJosefa:

Ezizukulwaneni zika-Efrayimi:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 33 Inani labesizwe sika-Efrayimi lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lamakhulu amahlanu (40,500).

34 Ezizukulwaneni zikaManase:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 35 Inani labesizwe sikaManase lalizinkulungwane ezintathu lambili, lamakhulu amabili (32,200).

36 Ezizukulwaneni zikaBhenjamini:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 37 Inani labesizwe sikaBhenjamini lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu, lamakhulu amane (35,400).

38 Ezizukulwaneni zikaDani:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 39 Inani labesizwe sikaDani lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lambili, lamakhulu ayisikhombisa (62,700).

40 Ezizukulwaneni zika-Asheri:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka angamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 41 Inani labesizwe sika-Asheri lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanye, lamakhulu amahlanu (41,500).

42 Ezizukulwaneni zikaNafithali:

Wonke amadoda aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abhalwa amabizo awo, inye ngayinye, kulandelwa imbali yosendo langezindlu zokuzalwa kwawo. 43 Inani labesizwe sikaNafithali lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lantathu, lamakhulu amane (53,400).

44 La yiwo amadoda abalwa nguMosi lo-Aroni kanye labakhokheli bako-Israyeli abalitshumi lambili, munye ngamunye emele abendlu yakhe. 45 Wonke ama-Israyeli aleminyaka esukela kwengamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ayengaba libutho abalwa ngezindlu zawo. 46 Inani lawo esehlangene wonke lalizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lantathu, lamakhulu amahlanu, lamatshumi amahlanu (603,550).

47 Abendlu yesizwe sikaLevi, bona-ke, ababalwanga kanyekanye labanye. 48  UThixo wayethe kuMosi: 49 “Ungabali abesizwe sikaLevi njalo ungabahlanganisi kulokhu kubalwa kwabanye laba abako-Israyeli. 50 Kodwa, beka abaLevi ukuthi baphathe ithabanikeli lobufakazi, impahla zalo zonke kanye lazozonke izinto ezisetshenziswa kulo. Yibo abazathwala ithabanikeli lempahla zalo; bazalinakekela njalo bazalihonqolozela. 51 Ngezikhathi zonke nxa ithabanikeli lisuswa abaLevi yibo abazalethula, kuthi-ke nxa selimiswa njalo, abaLevi yibo abazalimisa. Loba ngubani osondela phansi kwalo uzabulawa. 52 Abako-Israyeli bazakwakha amathente abo ngezigaba zabo, indoda ngayinye esihonqweni sayo ngaphansi kophawu lwayo. 53 Kodwa abaLevi bazamisa amathente abo ehonqolozele ithabanikeli loBufakazi ukuze isizwe sabako-Israyeli singayikwehlelwa lulaka. AbaLevi bazasebenza ukulinda iThabanikeli loBufakazi.”

54 Abako-Israyeli benza konke njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

2

Ukuhlelwa Kwezihonqo Ngezizwana

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni: 2 “Abako-Israyeli bazahlala ezihonqweni begombolozele ithente lokuhlangana bucwadlana lalo, indoda ngayinye ngaphansi kophawu lwayo kanye lezibonakaliso zendlu yayo.”

3 Empumalanga,

isigaba sezihonqo zakoJuda sizakuba ngaphansi kophawu lwazo. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoJuda nguNahashoni indodana ka-Aminadabi. 4 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lane, lamakhulu ayisithupha (74,600).

5 Izihonqo zesizwana sika-Isakhari zibe seduze khonapho. Umkhokheli wabantu besizwana sika-Isakhari nguNethaneli indodana kaZuwari. 6 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lane, lamakhulu amane (54,400).

7 Kulandele isizwana sikaZebhuluni. Umkhokheli wabantu besizwana sikaZebhuluni ngu-Eliyabi indodana kaHeloni. 8 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lasikhombisa, lamakhulu amane (57,400).

9 Wonke amadoda akhethelwe izihonqo zakoJuda, ngamaviyo awo, azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lesithupha, lamakhulu amane (186,400). Yibo abazaqala ukusuka.

10 Eningizimu kuzakuba

ngamaviyo ezihonqo zikaRubheni ngaphansi kophawu lwazo. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoRubheni ngu-Elizuri indodana kaShedewuri. 11 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lesithupha, lamakhulu amahlanu (46,500).

12 Izihonqo zesizwana sikaSimiyoni zibe seduzane khonapho. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoSimiyoni nguShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi. 13 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lasificamunwemunye, lamakhulu amathathu (59,300).

14 Kulandele isizwana sikaGadi. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoGadi ngu-Eliyasafi indodana kaRuweli. 15 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu, lamakhulu ayisithupha alamatshumi amahlanu (45,650).

16 Wonke amadoda akhethelwe izihonqo zakoRubheni ngamaviyo awo azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lanye, lamakhulu amane alamatshumi amahlanu (151,450). Bazakuba ngabesibili ukusuka.

17 Emva kwalokho kuzasuka ithente lokuhlangana labezihonqo zabaLevi konke kube phakathi kwamaviyo ezihonqo. Bonke abantu bazalandelana ekuhambeni kwabo njengokuma kwezihonqo zabo kube yilowo lalowo endaweni yakhe ngaphansi kophawu lwakhe.

18 Entshonalanga kuzakuba:

ngamaviyo ezihonqo zika-Efrayimi ngaphansi kophawu lwawo. Umkhokheli wabantu bako-Efrayimi ngu-Elishama indodana ka-Amihudi. 19 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lamakhulu amahlanu (40,500).

20 Isizwana sikaManase sibe seduzane khonapho. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoManase nguGamaliyeli indodana kaPhedazuri. 21 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili, lamakhulu amabili (32,200).

22 Kulandele isizwana sikaBhenjamini. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoBhenjamini ngu-Abhidani indodana kaGidiyoni. 23 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu, lamakhulu amane (35,400).

24 Wonke amadoda ayekhethelwe izihonqo zako-Efrayimi, ngokwamaviyo awo, ayezinkulungwane ezilikhulu lasificaminwembili lekhulu (108,100). Bazakuba ngabesithathu ekusukeni.

25 Enyakatho kuzakuba

ngamaviyo ezihonqo zikaDani, ngaphansi kophawu lwawo. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoDani ngu-Ahiyezeri indodana ka-Amishadayi. 26 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lambili, lamakhulu ayisikhombisa (62,700).

27 Izihonqo zesizwana sika-Asheri zibe seduzane khonapho. Umkhokheli wabantu bako-Asheri nguPhagiyeli indodana ka-Okhirani. 28 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanye, lamakhulu amahlanu (41,500).

29 Kulandele isizwana sikaNafithali. Umkhokheli wabantu bakoNafithali ngu-Ahira indodana ka-Enani. 30 Iviyo lakhe lizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lantathu, lamakhulu amane (53,400).

31 Wonke amadoda ezihonqo zakoDani azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lesikhombisa, lamakhulu ayisithupha (157,600). Bazasuka ekucineni, ngaphansi kophawu lwabo.

32 Laba yibo abako-Israyeli, ababalwa ngezindlu zabo. Bonke labo ababesezihonqweni, ngamaviyo abo, inani labo kuzinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lantathu, lamakhulu amahlanu alamatshumi amahlanu (603,550). 33 AbaLevi bona kababalwanga ndawonye labanye bonke abako-Israyeli njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

34 Ngakho abako-Israyeli benza konke uThixo ayelaye ngakho uMosi; kwaba yiyo indlela abahlala ngayo ezihonqweni ngaphansi kwempawu zabo, njalo yiyo indlela ababesuka ngayo nxa sekuhanjwa, munye ngamunye ngesizwana sakibo langendlu yakhe.

3

AbaLevi

1 Lezi yizizukulwane zika-Aroni lezikaMosi ngesikhathi sokukhuluma kukaThixo kuMosi entabeni yaseSinayi.

2 Amabizo amadodana ka-Aroni kwakunguNadabi izibulo lo-Abhihu, u-Eliyazari kanye lo-Ithamari. 3 La ngamabizo amadodana ka-Aroni, agcotshwayo abekwa ukuba ngabaphristi. 4 Kodwa, uNadabi lo-Abhihu bafa phambi kukaThixo ngenxa yokunikela ngomlilo ongemukelekiyo kuThixo enkangala yaseSinayi. Babengelamadodana; kungakho u-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari babangabaphristi ngesikhathi uyise u-Aroni esaphila.

5  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 6 “Letha abesizwe sikaLevi ubethule ku-Aroni umphristi ukuze bamncedise. 7 Bazamsebenzela yena kanye lesizwana sonke ethenteni lokuhlangana beqhuba umsebenzi wethabanikeli. 8 Bazalondoloza yonke impahla yethente lokuhlangana, benzele abako-Israyeli imisebenzi nxa besenza inkonzo ethabanikeleni. 9 Yethula abaLevi ku-Aroni lakumadodana akhe; bangabako-Israyeli okumele bethulwe ngokugcweleyo kuye. 10 Khetha u-Aroni lamadodana akhe ukuthi babe ngabaphristi; loba ngubani omunye ozasondela endaweni engcwele kumele abulawe.”

11  UThixo waphinda wathi kuMosi, 12 “AbaLevi sengibakhetha phakathi kwabako-Israyeli esikhundleni samazibulo angabafana esizweni sonke sako-Israyeli. AbaLevi ngabami, 13 njengoba wonke amazibulo engawami. Ekubulaleni kwami wonke amazibulo aseGibhithe, ngazehlukanisela wonke amazibulo ako-Israyeli, awabantu loba awezinyamazana. Kumele abe ngawami. Mina nginguThixo.”

14  UThixo wathi kuMosi eNkangala yaseSinayi, 15 “Bala abaLevi ngezindlu zabo langosendo lwabo. Bala bonke abesilisa kusukela kwabalenyanga eyodwa bezelwe kusiya phezulu.” 16 Ngakho uMosi wababala, njengokulaywa kwakhe yilizwi likaThixo.

17 La ngamabizo amadodana kaLevi:

uGeshoni, uKhohathi kanye loMerari.

18 La ngamabizo abosendo lukaGeshoni:

uLibhini loShimeyi.

19 Abosendo lukaKhohathi babeyilaba:

u-Amramu, u-Izihari, uHebhroni kanye lo-Uziyeli.

20 Abosendo lukaMerari babeyilaba:

uMahili loMushi.

Laba kwakungabosendo lwabaLevi, kusiya ngezindlu zabo.

21 KuGeshoni kwavela usendo lwamaLibhini lolwamaShimeyi; laba yibo abosendo lwamaGeshoni.

22 Inani lamadoda wonke kusukela kwabalenyanga eyodwa bezelwe kusiya phezulu ababalwayo babezinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu amahlanu (7,500).

23 Abosendo lwamaGeshoni babezahlala ezihonqweni zabo entshonalanga, ngemuva kwethabanikeli.

24 Umkhokheli wabezindlu zabakoGeshoni kwakungu-Eliyasafi indodana kaLayeli.

25 Umsebenzi wamadodana kaGeshoni ethenteni lokuhlangana wawungowokulondoloza ithabanikeli, ithente, isembeso salo, ikhetheni lesango lethente lokuhlangana, 26 amakhetheni eguma, ikhetheni lesango leguma elihonqolozele ithabanikeli kanye le-alithari, lamagoda, lakho konke okuphathelane lalowo msebenzi.

27 Abosendo lukaKhohathi kwakungama-Amramu, ama-Izihari, amaHebhroni kanye lama-Uziyeli. Laba yibo abosendo lwamaKhohathi.

28 Inani lamadoda wonke kusukela kwabalenyanga eyodwa bezelwe kusiya phezulu babezinkulungwane eziyisificaminwembili lamakhulu ayisithupha (8,600).

AmaKhohathi yiwo ayelomlandu wokugcina indawo engcwele.

29 Abosendo lwamaKhohathi bahlala ezihonqweni zabo eningizimu yethabanikeli.

30 Umkhokheli wabezindlu zabosendo lwamaKhohathi kwakungu-Elizafani indodana ka-Uziyeli.

31 Babelomlandu wokugcina umtshokotsho wesivumelwano, itafula, uluthi lwezibane, ama-alithare, impahla zendawo engcwele ezazisetshenziswa emsebenzini wokukhonza.

32 U-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi, wayengumkhokheli omkhulu wabaLevi. Wabekwa phezu kwalabo ababelomlandu wokugcina indawo engcwele.

33 Abosendo lukaMerari kwakungamaMahili lamaMushi; laba babengabosendo lwamaMerari.

34 Inani lamadoda asukela kwabalenyanga eyodwa bezelwe kusiya phezulu ababalwayo babezinkulungwane eziyisithupha lamakhulu amabili (6,200).

35 Umkhokheli wezindlu zosendo lwamaMerari kwakunguZuriyeli indodana ka-Abhihayili;

babezahlala ezihonqweni zabo enyakatho yethabanikeli.

36 Abosendo lwamaMerari babelomlandu wokugcina amathala ethabanikeli, imithando, izinsika, izisekelo, izitsha zalo zonke lakho konke okuphathelane lemisebenzi yakho, 37 kanye lezinsika lezisekelo zazo ezihonqolozele iguma, izikhonkwane zethente kanye lamagoda.

38 UMosi kanye lo-Aroni lamadodana akhe babezahlala ezihonqweni zabo empumalanga yethabanikeli, phambi kwethente lokuhlangana.

Babelomlandu wokugcinela abako-Israyeli indawo engcwele.

Loba ngubani omunye owayezasondela endaweni engcwele kwakumele abulawe.

39 Inani labaLevi bonke ababalwayo njengokulaywa kukaMosi lo-Aroni nguThixo kulandelwa insendo zawo, kusukela kwabesilisa ababelenyanga eyodwa yokuzalwa kusiya phezulu, babezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili (22,000).

40  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Bala wonke amazibulo esilisa ako-Israyeli kusukela kwabalenyanga eyodwa bezelwe kusiya phezulu wenze uluhlu lwamabizo abo. 41 Esikhundleni samabizo ako-Israyeli nginika abaLevi, njalo lezifuyo zabaLevi esikhundleni samazibulo ezifuyo zabako-Israyeli. Mina nginguThixo.”

42 Ngalokho-ke uMosi wabala wonke amazibulo abako-Israyeli, njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo. 43 Inani lawo wonke amazibulo esilisa kusukela kwalenyanga eyodwa yokuzalwa kusiya phezulu, ebhalwe ngoluhlu lwamabizo, ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili, lamakhulu amabili alamatshumi ayisikhombisa lantathu (22,273).

44  UThixo wabuya wathi kuMosi, 45 “Esikhundleni samazibulo ako-Israyeli thatha abaLevi, lezifuyo zabaLevi esikhundleni sezifuyo zabo. AbaLevi kumele babengabami. Mina nginguThixo. 46 Ukuhlenga amazibulo ako-Israyeli angamakhulu amabili alamatshumi ayisikhombisa lantathu (273) abangaphezu kwenani labaLevi, 47 thatha amashekeli amahlanu omunye ngamunye wabo, kusiya ngeshekeli lendawo engcwele, elilesisindo samagera angamatshumi amabili. 48 Imali yokuhlenga abako-Israyeli abangaphezu kwenani uyiphe u-Aroni lamadodana akhe.”

49 Lakanye uMosi wayibutha imali yokuhlenga labo ababelinani eledlula kwabahlengwa ngabaLevi. 50 Wamukela kuvela emazibulweni abako-Israyeli isiliva esingamashekeli ayinkulungwane elamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu (1,365) ngesilinganiso seshekeli lendawo engcwele. 51 UMosi waqhubela u-Aroni lamadodana akhe imali yokuhlenga, njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo.

4

AmaKhohathi

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni: 2 “Balani ingxenye yabaLevi abangamaKhohathi libabale ngosendo langezindlu zabo. 3 Balani wonke amadoda kusukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu kusiya kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu yokuzalwa abeza bezosebenza emsebenzini wethente lokuhlangana.

4 Lo yiwo umsebenzi ozakwenziwa ngamaKhohathi ethenteni lokuhlangana, ukulondoloza yonke into engcwelengcwele. 5 Nxa kuthuthwa kusukwa ezihonqweni, u-Aroni lamadodana akhe kabangene bayekwethula ikhetheni elisithileyo basibekele ibhokisi lobufakazi ngalo. 6 Lokhu bazakugubuzela ngezikhumba zezinyamazana, bendlale ilembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka phezu kwalokho besebefaka izibambo endaweni yazo.

7 Phezu kwetafula yoBukhona bukaThixo kumele bendlale ilembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka bafake phezu kwalo imiganu, izinditshi lengubhe, lenkezo zeminikelo enathwayo; kuthi lesosinkwa esihlala sikhonapho sisale phezu kwayo. 8 Phezu kwalokhu bazakwendlala ilembu elibomvu, bembese lokho ngezikhumba zezinyamazana besebefaka izibambo ezindaweni zazo.

9 Kumele bathathe ilembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka bembese ngalo uluthi lwesibane sokukhanyisa, kanye lezibane zalo, izintambo zesibane kanye lezibambiso zakhona, lemiganu, lezitsha zamafutha zokuthelisa kuso. 10 Besebelugoqela kanye lezinto zalo zonke ngezikhumba zezinyamazana balufakele izibambo zokuthwala.

11 Phezu kwe-alithari legolide kabendlale ilembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka bakugoqele ngezikhumba zezinyamazana besebefaka izibambo zokuthwalisa endaweni yazo.

12 Bazathatha zonke izinto zokusebenzisa endaweni engcwelengcwele, bazigoqele ngelembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, bembese lokho ngezikhumba zezinyamazana bafake phezu kwethala lokuthwalisa.

13 Kumele babuthe umlotha bawususe phezu kwe-alithari elilithusi besebesendlala ilembu eliyibubende phezu kwalo. 14 Besebefaka phezu kwalo zonke izitsha ezisetshenziswa emsebenzini we-alithari, kuhlanganisa lezindengezi zeziko, izitsha zokosa inyama, amafotsholo lemiganu yokuchelisa. Phezu kwalo kumele bendlale isembeso sezikhumba zezinyamazana babe sebefaka izibambo zokuthwalisa endaweni yazo.

15 Ngemva kokuba u-Aroni lamadodana akhe sebeqedile ukwembesa impahla zonke ezendawo engcwele lazozonke izinto ezingcwele, kanye lokuthi sebelungele ukusuka, amaKhohathi yiwo okumele eze azothwala. Kodwa akumelanga bathinte izinto ezingcwele ngoba bazakufa. AmaKhohathi azathwala lezozinto ezisethenteni lokuhlangana.

16 U-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi, uzakhangela amafutha esibane, impepha, umnikelo ojayelekileyo wamabele lamafutha okugcoba abakhethiweyo. Uzagcina ithabanikeli ngonanzelelo layo yonke into ephakathi kwalo, kanye lempahla ezingcwele lezitsha zalo.”

17  UThixo watshela uMosi lo-Aroni wathi, 18 “Nanzelelani ukuthi izizwe zosendo lwamaKhohathi azehlukaniswa labaLevi. 19 Lokhu kuyikuthi baphile bengafi nxa bethe basondela phansi kwezinto ezingcwelengcwele, balungiseleni lokhu: U-Aroni lamadodana akhe bazakuya endaweni engcwele bayekwabela indoda yinye ngayinye umsebenzi wayo kanye lalokho okumele bakuthwale. 20 Kodwa amaKhohathi akumelanga angene ukuthi ayebona izinto ezingcwele, loba okomzuzwana nje kuphela, ngoba bazakufa.”

AmaGeshoni

21  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 22 “Bala njalo amaGeshoni ngezindlu langosendo lwawo. 23 Bala wonke amadoda kusukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu kusiya kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu yokuzalwa labo abezayo ukuzosebenza ethenteni lokuHlangana.

24 Lo ngumsebenzi okumele wenziwe ngabosendo lwamaGeshoni ekusebenzeni kwabo lekuthwaleni kwabo imithwalo: 25 Bazathwala amakhetheni ethabanikeli, ithente lokuhlangana, isembeso salo kanye lesangaphandle esezikhumba zezinyamazana, amakhetheni entuba yethente lokuhlangana, 26 amakhetheni eguma elihonqolozele ithabanikeli le-alithari, ikhetheni lesango, izintambo lakho konke okusetshenziswa kulo umsebenzi. AmaGeshoni azakwenza konke okumele kwenziwe ngalezizinto. 27 Imisebenzi yabo yonke abayenzayo, kumbe yikuthwala kumbe ngumsebenzi othile, bazayenza ngokuqondisa kuka-Aroni lamadodana akhe. Uzabapha kube ngumlandu wabo ukuthwala lokho ozabe uthe bakuthwale. 28 Lokhu kuzakuba ngumsebenzi wabosendo lwamaGeshoni ethenteni lokuhlangana. Umsebenzi wabo bazawenza ngokuqondisa kuka-Ithamari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi.”

AmaMerari

29 “Bala amaMerari ngosendo langezindlu zawo. 30 Bala wonke amadoda kusukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu kusiya kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu yokuzalwa abezayo ukusebenza ethenteni lokuhlangana. 31 Lo yiwo ozakuba ngumsebenzi wabo ethenteni lokuhlangana: ukuthwala amathala ethabanikeli, imithando yalo, izinsika lezisekelo, 32 kanye lezinsika ezihonqolozele iguma kanye lezisekelo zazo, izikhonkwane zethente, amagoda, izitsha zakhona lakho konke okuhambelana lokusetshenziswa kwazo. Batshengise bonke munye ngamunye lezozinto abafanele bazithwale. 33 Lo yiwo umsebenzi ozakwenziwa ngabosendo lwamaMerari ekusebenzeni kwabo ethenteni lokuhlangana beqondiswa ngu-Ithamari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi.”

Ukubalwa Kwabosendo LwamaLevi

34 UMosi, u-Aroni labakhokheli babantu babala amaKhohathi ngosendo langezindlu zawo.

35 Wonke amadoda aleminyaka esukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu kusiya kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu abezayo ukusebenza ethenteni lokuhlangana, 36 bebalwa ngensendo, babazinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisikhombisa alamatshumi amahlanu (2,750). 37 Leli linani eligcweleyo lalabo abosendo lwamaKhohathi abasebenza ethenteni lokuhlangana. UMosi lo-Aroni babala njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo etshela uMosi.

38 AmaGeshoni abalwa ngensendo langezindlu zawo.

39 Wonke amadoda aleminyaka yokuzalwa engamatshumi amathathu kusiya kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu ababesebenza ethenteni lokuhlangana, 40 bebalwa ngensendo langezindlu zabo, babazinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisithupha alamatshumi amathathu (2,630). 41 Leli linani eligcweleyo lwensendo zamaGeshoni abasebenza ethenteni lokuhlangana. UMosi lo-Aroni babala njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo.

42 AmaMerari abalwa ngensendo langezindlu zawo.

43 Wonke amadoda ayeleminyaka yokuzalwa esukela kwabalamatshumi amathathu kusiya kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu ababezosebenza ethenteni lokuhlangana, 44 sebebaliwe ngensendo zabo, babazinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu amabili (3,200). 45 Leli kwaba linani eligcweleyo kwabosendo lwamaMerari. UMosi lo-Aroni babala njengokulaya kukaThixo elaya uMosi.

46 Ngalokho uMosi, u-Aroni labakhokheli bako-Israyeli babala bonke abaLevi ngensendo langezindlu zabo. 47 Wonke amadoda asukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu kusiya kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu yokuzalwa abeza ukulungisa kanye lokuthwala ithente lokuhlangana 48 babezinkulungwane eziyisificaminwembili lamakhulu amahlanu alamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (8,580). 49 Ngokulaya kukaThixo elaya uMosi, ngulowo lalowo wabelwa umsebenzi wakhe ayezawenza lokwakumele akuthwale.

Yiyo le indlela ababalwa ngayo, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

5

Ubungcwele Bezihonqo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi basuse ezihonqweni wonke olobulephero loba ophuma ubovu loba bungobunjani, loba engongcolileyo ngokomkhuba ngenxa yesidumbu sofileyo. 3 Susani ngokufananayo loba ngowesilisa loba ngowesifazane; kumele limsuse ukuze angangcolisi isihonqo sakwabo; ngoba ngihlala khona phakathi kwabo.” 4 Abako-Israyeli bakwenza lokho; babakhuphela ngaphandle kwezihonqo. Bakwenza njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

Umlayo Omayelana Lokuhlawula Komuntu Olecala

5  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 6 “Tshono kwabako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Nxa indoda loba umfazi onele omunye loba ngayiphi indlela etshengisele ukungathembeki kuThixo, lowomuntu ulomlandu 7 njalo kumele avume isono sakhe. Kahlawule ngokugcweleyo icala lakhe, engezelele ingxenye yesihlanu ekuhlawuleni lowo amoneleyo. 8 Kodwa uba lowo engelasihlobo okungahlawulwa kuso icala, inhlawulo ngekaThixo, kodwa lizaphiwa umphristi, kanye lenqama azamenzela ngayo indlela yokubuyisana. 9 Izipho zonke ezingcwele ezilethwa ngabako-Israyeli kumphristi zizakuba ngezakhe. 10 Izipho zendoda inye ngayinye ezingcwele ngezayo, kodwa lokho indoda ezakupha umphristi ngokomphristi.’ ”

Ukuhlolwa Koyendileyo Ongathembekanga

11  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 12 “Khuluma labako-Israyeli ubatshele ukuthi: ‘Nxa umfazi wendoda ephambuka engathembeki endodeni 13 ngokulala lamanye amadoda kodwa lokhu kungesobala endodeni yakhe lehlazo lelo lingabonakali (njengoba kungelamfakazi njalo engabanjwanga ekwenza), 14 kodwa indoda ikhulelwe yibukhwele ibisimnakanela umfazi wayo ukuthi ungcolile, loba ilobukhwele imnakanela kodwa yena engangcolanga, 15 kumele ithathe umfazi wayo iye laye kumphristi. Phezu kwalokho kumele imphathele ifulawa yebhali eyingxenye yetshumi yehefa. Akumelanga ithele amafutha e-oliva phezu kwayo loba afake impepha phezu kwayo ngoba kungumnikelo wobukhwele wamabele, umnikelo wokubonisa ukuthi kulecala.

16 Umphristi uzamletha owesifazane amise phambi kukaThixo. 17 Abesethatha amanzi angcwele ngembiza yomdaka athele emanzini uthuli olubuthwe phansi ethabanikeleni. 18 Ngemva kokuba umphristi eseke wamisa owesifazane phambi kukaThixo kumele atshombulule inwele zakhe abesefaka ezandleni zakhe umnikelo wokukhumbuza, umnikelo wobukhwele wamabele, umphristi yena uzabe ephethe amanzi ababayo aletha isithuko. 19 Ngalokho-ke umphristi uzafungisa owesifazane athi kuye, “Nxa kungelandoda eke yalala lawe loba ungazange uphambuke ungcole wena wendile, akuthi lamanzi ababayo aletha isithuko angakulimazi. 20 Kodwa nxa uphambukile wena wendile wazingcolisa ngokulala lenye indoda engasumkakho,” 21 lapho umphristi kufanele afungise owesifazane ngesithuko lesi athi, “sengathi uThixo angenza abakini bakuthuke, bakuhlamukele lapho ekwenza ukuba uswele kuthi isisu sakho sikhukhumale. 22 Akuthi amanzi la aletha isithuko angene emzimbeni wakho ukuze isisu sakho sikhukhumale kumbe uswele.”

Ngakho owesifazane uzakuthi, “Ameni. Akube njalo.”

23 Umphristi uzaloba lezi zithuko ogwalweni azigezisele emanzini ababayo. 24 Uzanathisa owesifazane amanzi ababayo aletha isithuko, wona amanzi azamzwisa ubuhlungu nxa esewanathile. 25 Umphristi uzasusa ezandleni zowesifazane umnikelo wamabele obukhwele, awuzunguze phambi kukaThixo abesewuletha e-alithareni. 26 Umphristi abesechupha-ke ngesandla umnikelo wamabele njengomnikelo wesikhumbuzo awutshisele e-alithareni; ngemva kwalokho kumele anathise owesifazane amanzi la. 27 Nxa ezingcolisile ngokungathembeki kumkakhe, kuzakuthi lapho enatha amanzi aletha isithuko, angene emzimbeni abangele ubuhlungu; isisu sakhe sizakhukhumala njalo aswele, abe ngoqalekisiweyo ebantwini bakibo. 28 Kodwa-ke nxa lo owesifazane engazingcolisanga, emsulwa, uzakhululwa kulelo cala abelakho ukuthola inzalo.

29 Ngakho-ke, lo yiwo umlayo wobukhwele nxa owesifazane ephambukile wazingcolisa yena endile, 30 loba nxa indoda ifikelwa yibukhwele ngoba ilesazela ngomkayo. Umphristi uzamisa owesifazane phambi kukaThixo asebenzise lumlayo ngokugcweleyo kowesifazane. 31 Indoda izabe imsulwa ekoneni konke, kodwa owesifazane uzathwala izehlakalo zonke zesono sakhe.’ ”

6

UmNaziri

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Khuluma labako-Israyeli ubatshele lokhu: ‘Nxa owesilisa loba owesifazane efuna ukwenza isifungo esibalulekileyo, isifungo sokuzahlukanisela kuThixo ukuba abe ngumNaziri, 3 kumele angabe esanatha iwayini loba yikuphi okunathwayo okulemvubelo njalo akumelanga ukuthi anathe iviniga eyenziwe ngewayini loba okunathwayo okulemvubelo. Kanganathi umhluzi wezithelo zevini, njalo angadli izithelo zevini ezimanzi loba ezomileyo. 4 Nxa elokhu engumNaziri kangadli lutho oluvela esivinini kungakhathalekile ukuthi zintanga loba ngamakhasi esithelo.

5 Ngasosonke isikhathi esemi esifungweni sokuzahlukanisela akumelanga kube lempuco ekhanda lakhe. Kumele abengcwele size sedlule isikhathi sakhe sokuzahlukanisela uThixo; kayekele inwele zakhe zikhule zibende.

6 Kusosonke isikhathi sakhe sokuzahlukanisela uThixo kangasondeli esidunjini. 7 Loba kungaze kube kufe uyise loba unina loba umfowabo loba udadewabo, akumelanga azingcolise ngokomkhuba ngenxa yabo, ngoba uphawu lokuzahlukanisela uNkulunkulu lusekhanda lakhe. 8 Ngasosonke isikhathi sokuzahlukanisela kwakhe ungokhethiweyo kuThixo.

9 Nxa kungafa umuntu emehlweni akhe, ngakho besekungcolisa inwele zakhe asezinikele, kumele aphuce ikhanda ngosuku lokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, usuku lwesikhombisa. 10 Ngakho ngosuku lwesificaminwembili kalethe kumphristi esangweni lethente lokuhlangana amajuba amabili loba inkwilimba ezincane ezimbili. 11 Umphristi uzanikela umnikelo wesono ngenye inyoni kuthi enye ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa ukumenzela indlela yokubuyisana ngoba enze isono ngoba lapho okulesidumbu khona. Ngalo lolosuku kumele angcwelise ikhanda lakhe. 12 Kazinikele kuThixo okwesikhathi leso azahlukanisele sona njalo alethe izinyane lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa eliduna libe njengomnikelo wecala. Insuku ezadlulayo kazibalwa, ngoba ube ngongcolileyo ngesikhathi sokuzahlukanisela kwakhe.

13 Lo ngumlayo womNaziri nxa isikhathi sakhe sokuzahlukanisela sesiphelile. Kumele alethwe esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 14 Kethule lapho umnikelo wakhe kuThixo: izinyane lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa eliduna elingelasici libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, izinyane lemvu elisikazi elilomnyaka owodwa elingelasici libe ngumnikelo wesono, inqama engelasici ibe ngumnikelo wobudlelwano, 15 ndawonye leminikelo yamabele leyokunathwayo, kanye lesitsha sesinkwa esingelamvubelo, amakhekhe enziwe ngefulawa ecolekileyo ixutshwe ngamafutha, njalo lamaqebelengwane agcotshwe ngamafutha.

16 Umphristi uzakwethula lokhu phambi kukaThixo enze umnikelo wesono lowokutshiswa. 17 Umphristi uzakwethula isitsha esilesinkwa esingelamvubelo njalo enze umhlatshelo ngenqama kube ngumnikelo wobudlelwano kuThixo, ndawonye lomnikelo wakho wamabele lowokunathwayo.

18 Ngakho umNaziri uzaphucela inwele zakhe zokwahlukanisela esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. Uzaphosela inwele lezo emlilweni ongaphansi komnikelo wobudlelwano.

19 Nxa umNaziri esephuce inwele zokuzahlukanisela kwakhe, umphristi uzabeka ezandleni zakhe umkhono wenqama ephekiweyo, kanye lekhekhe leqebelengwane esitsheni, kokubili kungela mvubelo. 20 Umphristi uzakuzunguza phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa; kungcwele njalo kungokomphristi, kuhlanganisela lesifuba esizunguziweyo kanye lomlenze owethuliweyo. Ngemva kwalokho, umNaziri usenganatha iwayini.

21 Lo ngumlayo womNaziri ofunga ngokunikela kuThixo kusiya ngokuzahlukanisela, kuyikwengeza kulokho ayabe ekwenelisile. Kagcwalise isifungo asenzileyo, ngokomlayo womNaziri.’ ”

Ukubusiswa Kwabantu NgabaPhristi

22  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 23 “Tshela u-Aroni lamadodana akhe uthi, ‘Le yiyo indlela elizabusisa ngayo abako-Israyeli. Khulumani lithi kubo:

24 “UThixo alibusise

njalo aligcine;

25  UThixo kakhazimulise ubuso bakhe phezu kwenu

njalo abe lomusa kini;

26  UThixo kakhangelise ubuso bakhe kini

njalo aliphe ukuthula.” ’

27 Ngokunjalo bazabiza ibizo lami phezu kwabako-Israyeli, mina ngizababusisa.”

7

Iminikelo Ekubusisweni KweThabanikeli

1 Kwathi uMosi eseqedile ukumisa ithabanikeli, waligcoba njalo walibusisa kanye lempahla yalo yonke. Wabuye wagcoba njalo wabusisa i-alithari kanye lezitsha zalo zonke. 2 Kwasekusithi abakhokheli bako-Israyeli, inhloko zezimuli ezazingabakhokheli zensendo ziphethe labo ababebalwa, zanikela. 3 Zaletha izipho zazo kuThixo, izinqola eziyisithupha ezembesiweyo lenkabi ezilitshumi lambili, kuyikuthi umkhokheli munye anikele ngenkabi eyodwa kuthi ababili bahlanganyele inqola eyodwa. Lokhu bakuletha ethabanikeleni.

4  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 5 “Yamukela izipho ezivela kubo ukuze zisetshenziswe ethenteni lokuhlangana. Yabela abaLevi kusiya ngomsebenzi wendoda yinye ngayinye.”

6 Ngakho uMosi wathatha izinqola kanye lenkabi wazinika abaLevi. 7 Wanika abakoGeshoni izinqola ezimbili kanye lenkabi ezine, kusiya ngomsebenzi wabo, 8 abakoMerari bona wabapha izinqola ezine kanye lenkabi eziyisificaminwembili, kusiya ngomsebenzi wabo. Bonke babelawulwa ngu-Ithamari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi. 9 Kodwa uMosi kazange aphe lokukodwa kumaKhohathi, ngenxa yokuthi kwakungumlandu wabo wokuthwala ngamahlombe abo zonke izinto ezingcwele.

10 Ekugcotshweni kwe-alithari, abakhokheli baletha phambi kwalo iminikelo yabo yokulahlukanisela. 11 Ngoba uThixo wayethe kuMosi, “Umkhokheli oyedwa ngelanga uzaletha umnikelo wakhe wokwahlukaniselwa kwe-alithari.”

12 Owaletha umnikelo wakhe ngosuku lwakuqala nguNahashoni indodana ka-Aminadabi owesizwana sakoJuda.

13 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva isisindo sawo singamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu oyingubhe wokuchela wesiliva, isisindo sawo ungamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili kulinganiswa ngeshekeli lendlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo ixutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

14 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

15 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa lezinyane lemvu eliduna elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

16 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

17 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane amaduna ezimvu alomnyaka owodwa, ukuze kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwaba ngumnikelo kaNahashoni indodana ka-Aminadabi.

18 Ngosuku lwesibili uNethaneli indodana kaZuwari umkhokheli wabendlu ka-Isakhari, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

19 Umnikelo awulethayo:

kwakungumganu wesiliva isisindo sawo ungamashekeli alikhulu elilamatshumi amathathu, lomganu owodwa wesiliva oyingubhe owokuchela olesisindo samashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili kulinganiswa ngeshekeli lendlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo ixutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

20 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

21 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane lemvu eliduna elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

22 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

23 lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwaba ngumnikelo kaNethaneli indodana kaZuwari.

24 Ngosuku lwesithathu, u-Eliyabi indodana kaHeloni, umkhokheli wabantu bakaZebhuluni, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

25 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo, exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

26 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

27 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

28 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

29 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna alomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo ka-Eliyabi indodana kaHeloni.

30 Ngosuku lwesine u-Elizuri indodana kaShedewuri, umkhokheli wabantu bakaRubheni, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

31 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

32 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

33 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

34 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

35 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo ka-Elizuri indodana kaShedewuri.

36 Ngosuku lwesihlanu uShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi, umkhokheli wabantu bakaSimiyoni waletha umnikelo wakhe.

37 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

38 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

39 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

40 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

41 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, lenqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo kaShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi.

42 Ngosuku lwesithupha u-Eliyasafi indodana kaDuweli, umkhokheli wabantu bakaGadi, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

43 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

44 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

45 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

46 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

47 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo ka-Eliyasafi indodana kaDuweli.

48 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa u-Elishama indodana ka-Amihudi, umkhokheli wabantu baka-Efrayimi, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

49 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

50 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi igcwele impepha;

51 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

52 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

53 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa ukuba kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo ka-Elishama indodana ka-Amihudi.

54 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili uGamaliyeli indodana kaPhedazuri, umkhokheli wabantu bakaManase, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

55 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

56 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

57 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

58 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

59 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo kaGamaliyeli indodana kaPhedazuri.

60 Ngosuku lwesificamunwemunye u-Abhidani indodana kaGidiyoni, umkhokheli wabantu bakaBhenjamini, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

61 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

62 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

63 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

64 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

65 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo ka-Abhidani indodana kaGidiyoni.

66 Ngosuku lwetshumi u-Ahiyezeri indodana ka-Amishadayi, umkhokheli wabantu bakaDani, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

67 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

68 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

69 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

70 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

71 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo ka-Ahiyezeri indodana ka-Amishadayi.

72 Ngosuku lwetshumi lanye uPhagiyeli indodana ka-Okhirani, umkhokheli wabantu baka-Asheri, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

73 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

74 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

75 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

76 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

77 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo kaPhagiyeli indodana ka-Okhirani.

78 Ngosuku lwetshumi lambili u-Ahira indodana ka-Enani, umkhokheli wabantu bakaNafithali, waletha umnikelo wakhe.

79 Umnikelo wakhe:

wawungumganu wesiliva olesisindo esingamashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, lomganu wesiliva oyingubhe wokuchela olesisindo esingamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, yomibili ibe lesilinganiso samashekeli endlu engcwele, ngamunye ugcwele ifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha njengomnikelo wamabele;

80 inditshi yegolide eyodwa elesisindo esingamashekeli alitshumi, igcwele impepha;

81 inkunzi eliguqa, inqama eyodwa kanye lezinyane eliduna lemvu elilomnyaka owodwa, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa;

82 impongo eyodwa kungumnikelo wesono;

83 kanye lenkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano.

Lo kwakungumnikelo ka-Ahira indodana ka-Enani.

84 Le yayiyiminikelo yabakhokheli bako-Israyeli yokwahlukaniselwa kwe-alithari mhla ligcotshwa:

imiganu elitshumi lambili yesiliva, imiganu yokuchela yesiliva eyingubhe elitshumi lambili kanye lenkezo zegolide ezilitshumi lambili. 85 Umganu munye wesiliva ulesisindo samashekeli alikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, njalo umganu oyingubhe wokuchela ngamunye ulesisindo samashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Sezihlangene, izitsha zesiliva zazilesisindo esingamashekeli azinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amane, kulinganiswa ngesisindo seshekeli lendlu engcwele. 86 Izinditshi ezilitshumi lambili zegolide zigcwele impepha zilesisindo samashekeli alitshumi inye, kulinganiswa ngesisindo seshekeli lendlu engcwele. Sezindawonye, inkezo zegolide zilesisindo samashekeli alikhulu elilamatshumi amabili.

87 Inani lezinyamazana zonke ezomnikelo wokutshiswa zazibalisa itshumi lambili lenkunzi ezingamaguqa, itshumi lambili lenqama kanye letshumi lambili lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna alomnyaka owodwa, kanye lomnikelo wazo wamabele. Impongo ezilitshumi lambili zaba ngezomnikelo wesono.

88 Sezihlangene zonke izinyamazana zomhlatshelo womnikelo wobudlelwano kwaba zinkabi ezingamatshumi amabili lane, inqama ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, impongo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha kanye lamazinyane amaduna ezimvu alomnyaka owodwa angamatshumi ayisithupha.

Le kwakuyiminikelo yokwahlukaniselwa kwe-alithari emva kokugcotshwa kwalo.

89 Kwathi uMosi engena ethenteni lokuhlangana ukuba ayekhuluma loThixo, wezwa ilizwi likhuluma laye liphuma sengathi liphahlwe ngamakherubhi amabili ngaphezu kwesisibekelo sesihlalo somusa, phezu kwebhokisi lobuFakazi. Wasekhuluma laye.

8

Ukumiswa Kwezibane

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshono ku-Aroni uthi, ‘Nxa usumisa izibane eziyisikhombisa, kufanele zikhanyise indawo ephambi koluthi lwezibane.’ ”

3 U-Aroni wenza njalo; wamisa izibane oluthini zikhangele phambili, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo. 4 Uluthi lwesibane lwalwenziwe ngale indlela: Lwalwenziwe ngegolide elikhandiweyo kusukela esidindini salo kusiya embaxeni zamaluba alo. Uluthi lwesibane lwenziwa lwafana xathu lalokho uThixo ayekutshengise uMosi.

Ukwahlukaniswa KwabaLevi

5  UThixo wathi kuMosi: 6 “Yahlukanisa abaLevi kwabanye bonke abako-Israyeli ubahlambulule ngokomkhuba. 7 Nanku ozakwenza nxa usubahlambulula: Bachele ngamanzi okuhlambulula, uthi baphuce imizimba yabo yonke njalo bagezise izigqoko zabo, bazihlambulule. 8 Kabathathe inkunzi eliguqa ndawonye lomnikelo wayo wamabele ayifulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha; ubusuthatha inkunzi yesibili ibe ngumnikelo wesono. 9 Letha abaLevi phambi kwethente lokuhlangana ubusubuthanisa isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli. 10 Letha abaLevi phambi kukaThixo, abako-Israyeli babeke izandla zabo phezu kwabaLevi. 11 U-Aroni kethule abaLevi phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wabako-Israyeli wokuzunguzwa, ukuze balungele ukwenza umsebenzi kaThixo.

12 Nxa abaLevi sebebeke izandla zabo phezu kwamakhanda enkunzi, uzakwenza umnikelo wesono kuThixo ngenye yazo kanye lomnikelo wokutshiswa, ukwenzela abaLevi indlela yokubuyisana. 13 Misa abaLevi phambi kuka-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe ubethule njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kukaThixo. 14 Ngalokhu uzabe usubahlukanisile abaLevi kwabanye bonke abako-Israyeli, ngakho abaLevi bazakuba ngabami.

15 Ngemva kokuba usuhlambulule wethula abaLevi njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa, kabeze benze umsebenzi wabo ethenteni lokuhlangana. 16 Bangabako-Israyeli abaphiwe mina ngokugcweleyo. Sengibathethe baba ngabami esikhundleni samazibulo, wonke umntwana ongumfana wokuqala ozelwe ngowesifazane wako-Israyeli. 17 Wonke amazibulo ako-Israyeli, awabantu kumbe awezinyamazana, angawami. Ngazehlukanisela wona mhla ngibulala amazibulo wonke eGibhithe. 18 Ngakho-ke sengithethe abaLevi esikhundleni samazibulo wonke angabafana bako-Israyeli. 19 Kubo bonke abako-Israyeli, senginike abaLevi ku-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe ukuba babe yizipho ukuze benzele abako-Israyeli umsebenzi kanye lendlela yokubuyisana ethenteni lokuhlangana ukuze abako-Israyeli bangahlaselwa yisifo nxa besondela endlini engcwele.”

20 UMosi lo-Aroni kanye labo bonke abako-Israyeli benza njalo kubaLevi njengalokhu uThixo walaya uMosi. 21 AbaLevi bazihlambulula njalo bagezisa izigqoko zabo. Ngakho u-Aroni wabethula phambi kukaThixo njengomnikelo wokuzunguzwa njalo wabenzela indlela yokubuyisana ebahlambulula. 22 Ngemva kwalokho, abaLevi beza ethenteni lokuhlangana ukuzokwenza umsebenzi wabo ngaphansi kuka-Aroni kanye lamadodana akhe. Benza njalo kubaLevi njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

23  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 24 “Lokhu kuqondane labaLevi: Abesilisa abaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu kusiya phezulu bazakwenza umsebenzi ethenteni lokuhlangana, 25 kodwa asebeleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu okuzalwa bazamiswa ukuphatha imisebenzi yabo yensuku ngensuku bangabe besasebenza futhi. 26 Bangasiza nje abafowabo nxa besenza imisebenzi yabo ethenteni lokuhlangana, kodwa bona ngokwabo bangasebenzi. Le yiyo-ke indlela ozakupha ngayo abaLevi imisebenzi.”

9

IPhasika

1 Ngenyanga yakuqala ngomnyaka wesibili ngemva kokuphuma kwabo eGibhithe uThixo wakhuluma loMosi enkangala yaseSinayi, wathi, 2 “Yenza abako-Israyeli bagcine iPhasika ngesikhathi esimisiweyo. 3 Gcinani umkhosi walo ngesikhathi esimisiweyo, kusihlwa ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwayonale inyanga, ngokwezimiso kanye lemithetho yawo.”

4 Ngakho uMosi watshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi bagcine iPhasika, 5 benza njalo kusihlwa ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga yakuqala enkangala yaseSinayi. Abako-Israyeli benza konke njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

6 Kodwa abanye babo abazange bagcine iPhasika ngalolosuku ngoba babengcolile ngokomkhuba ngenxa yesidumbu. Ngakho beza kuMosi lo-Aroni ngalolosuku 7 bathi kuMosi, “Sesingcolile ngenxa yesidumbu, kambe kungani sinqatshelwa ukwethula umnikelo kaThixo kanye labanye bako-Israyeli ngesikhathi esimisiweyo na?”

8 UMosi wabaphendula wathi, “Manini, ukuze ngizwe ukuthi uThixo uzakuthini ngani.”

9 Ngakho uThixo wathi kuMosi, 10 “Tshono kwabako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Nxa omunye wenu loba ubani wakini kumbe izizukulwane zenu ezingcoliswe yisidumbu kumbe ethethe uhambo, angagcina iPhasika likaThixo. 11 Bangagcina lumkhosi kusihlwa ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga yesibili. Kabadle iwundlu, kanye lesinkwa esingelamvubelo lemibhida ebabayo. 12 Bangatshiyi lutho lwakho kuze kuse kumbe ukwephula loba yiliphi lamathambo alo. Nxa begcina iPhasika, kabalandele yonke imithetho yalo. 13 Kodwa nxa umuntu ehlambulukile ngokomkhuba njalo engekho ohanjweni ehluleke ukugcina iPhasika, lowomuntu kasuswe ebantwini bakibo ngoba engethulanga umnikelo kaThixo ngesikhathi esimisiweyo. Lowomuntu uzathwala umlandu wesono sakhe.

14 Owezizweni ohlala phakathi kwenu ofuna ukugcina iPhasika likaThixo kakwenze ngokwezimiso kanye lemithetho yalo. Wobani lezimiso zinye kowezizweni kanye lowakini.’ ”

Iyezi Phezu KweThabanikeli

15 Ngosuku okwamiswa ngalo ithabanikeli, ithente lobuFakazi lamiswa, iyezi lalisibekela. Kusukela kusihlwa kwaze kwasa iyezi elaliphezu kwethabanikeli lalinjengomlilo. 16 Laqhubeka linjalo; lembeswe liyezi, ebusuku lalinjengomlilo. 17 Kwakusithi iyezi lingaphakama lisuka phezu kwethente, abako-Israyeli labo babesuka bahambe kuthi lapho elima khona, abako-Israyeli bamise izihonqo zabo khona. 18 Abako-Israyeli babesuka bahambe ngokulaya kukaThixo, kuthi njalo ngokulaya kwakhe bamise izihonqo zabo. Ngesikhathi sonke iyezi limi phezu kwethabanikeli, abako-Israyeli bahlala ezihonqweni zabo. 19 Lapho iyezi lihlala isikhathi eside phezu kwethabanikeli, abako-Israyeli bamlalela uThixo abaze bahamba. 20 Kwesinye isikhathi iyezi lalisima phezu kwethabanikeli okwezinsukwana nje kuphela; ngokulaya kukaThixo babehlala ezihonqweni khonapho, kuthi njalo ngokulaya kwakhe basuke bahambe. 21 Kwesinye isikhathi iyezi lalisima kusukela kusihlwa kuze kuse, kuthi nxa lisuka ekuseni, labo bahambe. Kungakhathalekile ukuthi kusemini loba kusebusuku, sonke isikhathi lapho iyezi lisuka babesuka bahambe. 22 Loba iyezi lalisima phezu kwethabanikeli okwensuku ezimbili, kumbe okwenyanga eyodwa loba okomnyaka, abako-Israyeli babehlala khonapho ezihonqweni bangasuki; kodwa nxa lingasuka, labo babesuka. 23 Ngokulaya kukaThixo babehlala ezihonqweni, langokulaya kwakhe njalo babesuka bahambe. Balalela okwakutshiwo nguThixo ngokulaya kwakhe ngoMosi.

10

Amacilongo Esiliva

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi: 2 “Yenza amacilongo amabili ngesiliva esikhandiweyo, ukuze uwasebenzise nxa ubizela abako-Israyeli ndawonye lanxa izihonqo sezifanele ukususwa ukuba kuhanjwe. 3 Kuzakuthi nxa amacilongo womabili angakhala sikhathi sinye, isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli sibuthane phambi kwakho esangweni lethente lokuHlangana. 4 Kungakhala elilodwa nje, abakhokheli, inhloko zezizwana zako-Israyeli, kumele babuthane phambi kwakho. 5 Nxa icilongo lingakhala kakhulu, izizwana ezihlala ezihonqweni ezisempumalanga zizasuka. 6 Lingakhala kakhulu okwesibili izihonqo ezingeningizimu zizasuka. Ukukhala kakhulu kwecilongo kutsho ukuthi kakusukwe. 7 Ekubuthanisweni kwabantu ndawonye, lizakhalisa amacilongo, kodwa kube lomahluko ukukhala kwawo.

8 Amadodana ka-Aroni, abaphristi, yibo abazatshaya amacilongo. Lesi siyisimiso esizakuma njalo kini lakuzizukulwane ezizayo. 9 Nxa lisilwa impi lesitha esilincindezelayo elizweni lakini, lizakhalisa kakhulu amacilongo. Ngalokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalikhumbula njalo lisindiswe ezitheni zenu. 10 Njalo lasezikhathini zenu zentokozo, emikhosini emisiweyo kanye lemadilini okuThwasa kwenyanga, lizakhalisa amacilongo phezu kweminikelo yokutshiswa kanye leminikelo yobudlelwano, ngakho izakuba yisikhumbuzo senu phambi kukaNkulunkulu wenu. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

Abako-Israyeli Basuka ESinayi

11 Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili ngenyanga yesibili ngomnyaka wesibili, iyezi lasuka phezu kweThabanikeli lobuFakazi. 12 Ngalokho abako-Israyeli basuka enkangala yaseSinayi bazula indawo ngendawo iyezi laze layakuma enkangala yasePharani. 13 Basuka, okwehlandla lakuqala ngokulaya kukaThixo ngoMosi.

14 Izigaba zezihonqo zakoJuda zasuka kuqala, ngophawu lwazo. Zazilawulwa nguNahashoni indodana ka-Aminadabi. 15 UNethaneli indodana kaZuwari ekhokhele izigaba zesizwana sika-Isakhari, 16 kuthi u-Eliyabi indodana kaHeloni ekhokhele izigaba zesizwana sikaZebhuluni. 17 Ngakho basebechitha ithabanikeli, kwathi amaGeshoni lamaMerari ayelithwala, lawo asuka.

18 Kwalandela izigaba zezihonqo zikaRubheni, lazo zingaphansi kophawu lwazo. U-Elizuri indodana kaShedewuri wayekhokhele. 19 UShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi ekhokhele isigaba sesizwana sikaSimiyoni, 20 kanti u-Eliyasafi indodana kaDuweli wayekhokhele isigaba sesizwana sikaGadi. 21 Kwasekusuka amaKhohathi, wona asuka ethwele izinto ezingcwele. Ithabanikeli kwakumele limiswe abako-Israyeli bengakafiki.

22 Izigaba zezihonqo zika-Efrayimi zalandela, ngaphansi kophawu lwazo. Owayekhokhele ngu-Elishama indodana ka-Amihudi. 23 UGamaliyeli indodana kaPhedazuri wayekhokhele isigaba sesizwana sikaManase, 24 kanti u-Abhidani indodana kaGidiyoni wakhokhela isigaba sezihonqo zesizwana sikaBhenjamini.

25 Ekucineni, beliviyo elalivimbe emuva kwazo zonke izigaba, kwaba ngabezihonqo zesizwana sikaDani, abasuka ekucineni labo bengaphansi kophawu lwabo. Owayekhokhele kwakungu-Ahiyezeri indodana ka-Amishadayi. 26 UPhagiyeli indodana ka-Okhirani wayekhokhele isigaba sesizwana sika-Asheri, 27 kanti u-Ahira indodana ka-Enani wayekhokhele isigaba sesizwana sikaNafithali. 28 Lokhu kwakuyindlela yokulandelana kokuhamba kwezigaba zabako-Israyeli ekusukeni kwabo.

29 UMosi wathi kuHobhabhi indodana kaRuweli onguMidiyani uyisezala kaMosi, “Sesisuka sisiya elizweni lelo elatshiwo nguThixo ukuthi ‘Ngizalipha lona.’ Woza sihambe lawe thina sizakuphatha kuhle, uThixo uthembise abako-Israyeli izinto ezinhle.”

30 Waphendula wathi, “Hatshi, angiyikuhamba, ngizabuyela kwelakithi ebantwini bakithi.”

31 Kodwa uMosi wathi, “Ngiyakuncenga ungasuki phakathi kwethu. Nguwe owazi lapha okufanele sihlale khona enkangala, njalo ongaba ngamehlo ethu. 32 Nxa ungahamba lathi, sizakwabelana lawe izinto ezinhle esiyabe siziphiwe nguThixo.”

33 Ngakho basuka entabeni kaThixo bahamba okwensuku ezintathu. Umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo wahamba phambi kwabo okwalezonsuku ezintathu ukubafunela indawo yokuphumula. 34 Iyezi likaThixo lalisiba phezu kwabo emini lapho sebesuka ezihonqweni.

35 Kwakusithi lapho umtshokotsho wesivumelwano usuka, uMosi athi,

“Phakama, Thixo!

Sengathi izitha zingahlakazeka;

sengathi izitha zakho zingabaleka phambi kwakho.”

36 Kwakusithi lingema, athi,

“Buya, Thixo,

kuzinkulungwane zako-Israyeli ezingebalwe.”

11

Umlilo Ovela kuThixo

1 Abantu basola ngobunzima ababelabo uThixo esizwa, kwathi ekuzwa lokho wathukuthela kakhulu. Kwasekusithi umlilo ovela kuThixo wavutha phakathi kwabo waze waqothula lezinye izindawo ezisemaphethelweni ezihonqo. 2 Kwathi lapho abantu sebekhale kuMosi, yena wakhuleka kuThixo ngakho umlilo wadeda. 3 Indawo leyo yasibizwa ngokuthi yiThabhera, ngoba umlilo kaThixo wavutha phakathi kwabo.

Izagwaca Ezivela kuThixo

4 Uquqaba lwabantu olwaluphakathi kwabo lwaqala ukufisa okunye ukudla, ngakho labako-Israyeli baqala ukulila bathi, “Aluba besingazuza inyama yokudla nje kodwa lokhu! 5 Sesikhumbula inhlanzi esasizidla eGibhithe kungelambadalo lamakhomane, amakhabe, amalikhi lemihlobo yonke yehanyanisi kanye legalikhi. 6 Pho khathesi lapha sesize singasakhwabithi lokudla; kasiboni lutho ngaphandle kwemana yonale zwi!”

7 Imana yayiphose ilingane lentanga yekhoriyanda ilombala ofana lowenhlaka. 8 Abantu babephuma bayeyibutha, bayichole kumbe bayigige. Babeyipheka embizeni kumbe benze amaqebelengwana ngayo. Yayinambitheka njengento ephekwe ngamafutha e-oliva. 9 Kwakusithi nxa kusiba lamazolo ezihonqweni ebusuku, imana layo ikhithika.

10 UMosi wezwa abantu bendlu inye ngayinye bekhala, ngulowo esemnyango wethente lakhe. UThixo wathukuthela kakhulu, njalo uMosi wakhathazeka. 11 UMosi wathi kuThixo, “Kungani wehlisele ubunzima encekwini yakho na? Kuyini engikwenzileyo okungakuthokozisanga ukuze ungeleke ngobunzima babantu bonke laba na? 12 Ngingunina wabo na? Yimi engabazalayo yini? Kungani usithi ngibaphathe ngezandla zami njengomongikazi ephethe usane, ngibase elizweni lesithembiso owafunga ngalo kubokhokho babo na? 13 Ngingayithatha ngaphi inyama yokupha abantu bonke laba? Lokhu bengikhalela besithi, ‘Sinike inyama sidle!’ 14 Ngeke ngibathwale abantu bonke laba ngingedwa; umthwalo lo unzima kakhulu kimi. 15 Nxa kuyiyo indlela ozangiphatha ngayo, ngibulala khathesi, nxa ngifumane umusa kuwe, ukuze ngingaboni ukuhlupheka kwami.”

16  UThixo wathi kuMosi: “Ngilethela ebadaleni bako-Israyeli abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa obaziyo ukuthi bangabakhokheli futhi yizikhulu zabantu. Balethe ethenteni lokuhlangana ukuze bame lawe khonapho. 17 Ngizakwehla ngizekhuluma lawe khonapho, ngizathatha ingxenye yoMoya okuwe ngiwufake phezu kwabo. Bazakuncedisa ukuthwala umthwalo wabantu bako-Israyeli ukuze ungawuthwali wedwa.

18 Tshela abantu uthi: Zingcweliseni lilungiselela usuku lwakusasa, lapho elizakudla khona inyama. UThixo ulizwile likhala kuye lisithi, ‘Ngubani ozasipha inyama ukuba sidle? Kwakungcono kithi siseGibhithe!’ Khathesi uThixo uzalinika inyama, njalo lizayidla. 19 Aliyikuyidla okosuku olulodwa loba ezimbili, loba ezinhlanu, ezilitshumi loba ezingamatshumi amabili, 20 kodwa lizayidla okwenyanga yonke, ize iphume ngamakhala enu, ilitshiphele, ngoba limhlamukele uThixo ephakathi kwenu, njalo likhalile phambi kwakhe, lisithi, ‘Kanti sivele sasukelani eGibhithe.’ ”

21 Kodwa uMosi wathi, “Mina ngilapha phakathi kwamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha (600,000) ahamba ngezinyawo, kodwa wena uthi, ‘Ngizabanika inyama abazayidla okwenyanga yonke!’ 22 Bebengeneliswa na aluba bebehlatshelwe imihlambi yezimvu leyezifuyo? Babezakweneliswa na aluba begolelwe inhlanzi zonke zasolwandle?”

23  UThixo wamphendula uMosi wathi, “Kambe ingalo kaThixo imfitshane na? Uzabona-ke khathesi longabe yebo loba hayi ukuthi engikutshoyo kuzagcwaliseka kuwe.”

24 Ngakho uMosi waphuma wayatshela abantu lokho okwakutshiwo nguThixo. Wahlanganisa abadala abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa wabamisa bahonqolozela ithente. 25 Ngalokho uThixo wehla ngeyezi wakhuluma laye, yena wasethatha uMoya owawuphezu kwakhe wawethulela phezu kwabadala bebandla abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Kwathi uMoya usuphezu kwabo, baphrofitha, kodwa kabazange baphinde bakwenze emva kwalokho.

26 Kodwa-ke, kwakukhona amadoda amabili, kungu-Elidadi loMedadi ababesele esihonqweni. Lanxa babebalelwa ebadaleni, kodwa kabazange baphume ukuya eThenteni. Kanti-ke uMoya wawehlele phezu kwabo labo, njalo babephrofitha besesihonqweni. 27 Ijahana elincinyane lagijima layabikela uMosi lathi, “U-Elidadi loMedadi bayaphrofitha besesihonqweni.”

28 UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, owayekade engumsekeli kaMosi kusukela ebutsheni bakhe, waphakamisa ilizwi wathi, “Mosi, nkosi yami, bathulise!”

29 Kodwa uMosi waphendula wathi, “Uyangikhwelezela na? Ngiyafisa ukuthi ngabe bonke abantu bakaThixo bangabaphrofethi njalo lokuthi UThixo wehlisele uMoya wakhe phezu kwabo!” 30 Ngakho uMosi labadala bako-Israyeli babuyela ezihonqweni.

31 Kwasekuphephetha umoya uvela kuThixo wathinta izagwaca zivela olwandle. Zakhithika zelekana ukusuka phansi okwezingalo ezimbili ezihonqweni, zendlaleka okomango ongahanjwa okosuku lonke inxa zonke. 32 Mhlalokho emini lebusuku njalo langosuku olulandelayo abantu baphuma bayabutha izagwaca. Akekho owabutha izagwaca ezinganeno kwamahomeri alitshumi. Ngakho basebezichaya indawana zonke ezihonqweni. 33 Kodwa kwathi belokhu besayihlafuna inyama bengakayiginyi, ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha phezu kwabantu, njalo wabatshaya ngokubehlisela umkhuhlane. 34 Ngakho indawo leyo yabizwa ngokuthi yiKhibhrothi Hathava, ngoba kulapho okwangcwatshwa khona abantu ababebukhali kokunye ukudla.

35 Ekusukeni kwabo eKhibhrothi Hathava abantu bahamba baze bayafika eHazerothi bahlala khona.

12

UMiriyemu Lo-Aroni Baphikisa UMosi

1 UMiriyemu lo-Aroni basuka basebeqalisa ukusola uMosi ngenxa yomkakhe ongumKhushi, njengoba wayethethe umKhushi. 2 Babuzana bathi: “Kambe uMosi nguye yedwa ongumlomo kaThixo na? Kanti lathi kazange asenze izikhulumeli zakhe na?” UThixo wakuzwa lokhu.

3 (UMosi wayeyindoda ethobeke kakhulu, ethobeke ukwedlula wonke amadoda asemhlabeni.)

4 Khonokho nje uThixo wathi kuMosi, u-Aroni loMiriyemu, “Phumani lize ethenteni lokuhlangana, lonke lobathathu.” Lakanye beza bobathathu. 5  UThixo wehla ngensika yeyezi; wema esangweni lethente wasebiza u-Aroni loMiriyemu. Kwathi lapho sebesondele bobabili, 6  uThixo wasesithi, “Lalelani amazwi ami:

Nxa kulomphrofethi kaThixo phakathi kwenu,

ngiziveza kuye ngemibono,

ngikhuluma laye emaphutsheni.

7 Kodwa akunjalo ngenceku yami uMosi;

uthembekile endlini yami yonke.

8 Nxa ngikhuluma laye siqondana ubuso ngobuso,

ngokucacileyo kungesikuphicana;

uyasibona isimo sikaThixo.

Kungani pho belingesabi

ukusola inceku yami uMosi na?”

9 Ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha phezu kwabo, uThixo wasesuka kubo.

10 Ekusukeni kweyezi phezu kwethente, kwabonakala uMiriyemu esemi lapho eselobulephero obunjengongqwaqwane. U-Aroni uthe emkhangela wambona eselobulephero; 11 wasesithi kuMosi, “Awu, nkosi yami, ungasibeki icala ngenxa yesono esisenze ngobuwula. 12 Ungamyekeli enjengomntwana ozelwe efile, inyama yakhe idliwe nganxanye.”

13 Ngakho uMosi wakhala kuThixo wathi, “Nkulunkulu, ngiyakucela, msilise.”

14  UThixo waphendula uMosi wathi, “Kambe ngabe uyise ubemkhafulele ebusweni, ubengayikuthwala ihlazo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa na? Mkhupheni ahlale ngaphandle kwezihonqo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa; ngemva kwalokho selingambuyisa.” 15 Ngakho uMiriyemu wahlaliswa ngaphandle kwezihonqo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, ngakho abantu kabaqhubekanga ngohambo waze waphenduka.

16 Ngemva kwalokho, abantu basuka eHazerothi bayamisa izihonqo enkangala yasePharani.

13

Ukuhlolwa Kwelizwe LaseKhenani

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Thuma amadoda athile ukuba ayehlola ilizwe laseKhenani, engilinika abako-Israyeli. Kusendo ngalunye lwesizwe thuma umkhokheli oyedwa.”

3 Ngakho ngokulaya kukaThixo uMosi wabakhupha labo enkangala yePharani. Bonke babengabakhokheli bako-Israyeli.

4 Nanka amabizo abo:

esizweni sikaRubheni, kwakunguShamuwa indodana kaZakhuri;

5 esizweni sikaSimiyoni, kwakunguShafathi indodana kaHori;

6 esizweni sikaJuda, kwakunguKhalebi indodana kaJefune;

7 esizweni sika-Isakhari, kwakungu-Igali indodana kaJosefa;

8 esizweni sika-Efrayimi, kwakunguHosheya indodana kaNuni;

9 esizweni sikaBhenjamini, kwakunguPhalithi indodana kaRafu;

10 esizweni sikaZebhuluni, kwakunguGadiyeli indodana kaSodi;

11 esizweni sikaManase (owesizwe sikaJosefa), kwakunguGadi indodana kaSusi;

12 esizweni sikaDani, kwakungu-Amiyeli indodana kaGemali;

13 esizweni sika-Asheri, kwakunguSethuri indodana kaMikhayeli;

14 esizweni sikaNafithali, kwakunguNabhi indodana kaVofisi;

15 esizweni sikaGadi, kwakunguGewuweli indodana kaMakhi.

16 La ngamabizo alawomadoda athunywa nguMosi ukuyahlola ilizwe. (UMosi wetha uHosheya indodana kaNuni ibizo elithi Joshuwa.)

17 Ekubathumeni kwakhe ukuyahlola ilizwe laseKhenani, uMosi wathi kubo, “Hambani liye eNegebi likhuphukele elizweni lezintaba. 18 Likhangele ukuthi ilizwe lakhona linjani njalo lokuthi abantu bakhona balamandla kumbe babuthakathaka, balutshwana kumbe banengi. 19 Ilizwe abahlala kulo linjani? Lihle na loba libi? Amadolobho abahlala kuwo anjani? Agonjolozelwe ngemiduli loba asegcekeni nje? 20 Umhlabathi wakhona unjani? Uvundile na loba ulugwadule? Langabe lilezihlahla loba hayi? Yenzani ubungcono benu libuye lezinye zezithelo zakulelolizwe.” (Kwakuyisikhathi sokuvuthwa kwezithelo zakuqala zevini.)

21 Ngakho bahamba ukuyahlola ilizwe besukela eNkangala yaseZini kuze kuyefika eRehobhi, ngokuya eLebho Hamathi. 22 Bahamba-ke badabula eNegebi baze bayafika eHebhroni, lapho okwakuhlala khona u-Ahimani, loSheshayi kanye loThalimayi, izizukulwane zika-Anakhi. (IHebhroni yakhiwa iminyaka eyisikhombisa kungakakhiwa idolobho laseZowani eGibhithe.) 23 Bathi befika esihotsheni sase-Eshikholi baquma ugatsha olwalulesixha sezithelo zevini. Ababili babo basithwala besigaxe egodweni ndawonye lamaphomegranathi kanye lomkhiwa. 24 Lindawo yabizwa ngokuthi yisihotsha sase-Eshikholi ngenxa yesixha sezithelo zevini esaqunywa khona ngabako-Israyeli. 25 Ngemva kwensuku ezingamatshumi amane zokuhlola ilizwe inhloli zabuyela emuva.

Umbiko Mayelana Lokuhlolwa Kwelizwe

26 Babuyela kuMosi lo-Aroni lakuso sonke isizwe sako-Israyeli eKhadeshi, enkangala yasePharani. Babikela uMosi lo-Aroni kanye labo bonke abako-Israyeli njalo batshengisa lezithelo zakulelolizwe. 27 Balandisela uMosi bathi: “Sihambile elizweni lelo obukade usithume kulo, ngempela ligeleza uchago loluju! Nanzi izithelo zalo. 28 Kodwa abantu abahlala khona balamandla kanti lamadolobho akhona makhulu njalo avikelwe. Size sabona lezizukulwane zika-Anakhi khonale. 29 Ama-Amaleki ahlala eNegebi; amaHithi, lamaJebusi lama-Amori bahlala elizweni lezintaba, amaKhenani wona ahlala eduzane lolwandle esekele umfula uJodani.”

30 Emva kwalokho uKhalebi wathulisa abantu phambi kukaMosi wasesithi, “Kufanele ukuthi sihambe siyethatha ilizwe leli libe ngelethu, ngoba singakwenza sibili.”

31 Kodwa amadoda lawo ayehambe laye athi, “Asingeke sibahlasele abantu labo; balamandla kulathi.” 32 Basebetshela abantu bako-Israyeli umbiko omubi ngelizwe ababelihlolile. Bathi, “Ilizwe esilihlolileyo liyabagabhela labantu abahlala kulo. Bonke abantu esibabone khonale yiziqhwaga. 33 Sibone khona amaNefilimi (isizukulwane sika-Anakhi sivela kumaNefilimi.) Emehlweni ethu besingangentethe phambi kwabo, lasemehlweni abo besinjalo.”

14

Ukuhlamuka Kwabantu

1 Ngalobobusuku abantu bonke emphakathini baphakamisa amazwi abo bakhala kakhulu. 2 Bonke abako-Israyeli bakhonona besola uMosi lo-Aroni, lonke ibandla lathi kubo, “Ngabe sahle sazifela eGibhithe, kumbe khonapha enkangala! 3 Kungani uThixo esilethe kulelilizwe ukuthi sife sibulawa ngenkemba na? Amakhosikazi ethu kanye labantwabethu bazakuba yimpango. Kambe kakungcono yini ukuthi sibuyele eGibhithe na?” 4 Bakhulumisana besithi, “Asikhetheni omunye umkhokheli asibuyisele eGibhithe.”

5 Ngakho uMosi lo-Aroni bathi mbo ngobuso phansi phambi kwabantu bako-Israyeli bonke ababebuthene lapho. 6 Kwathi uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni kanye loKhalebi indodana kaJefune, ababengabanye balabo ababeyehlola ilizwe, badabula izigqoko zabo 7 bathi kubo bonke abako-Israyeli ababebuthene, “Ilizwe esadabula kulo salihlola lihle kakhulu. 8 Nxa uThixo ethokoza ngathi, uzasikhokhelela kulo, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju, njalo uzakusinika lona. 9 Kuphela nje lingamhlamukeli uThixo. Futhi lingabesabi abantu bakulelolizwe, ngoba sizabadla sibaqede. Kabaselaso isivikelo, kodwa uThixo ulathi. Lingabesabi.”

10 Kodwa ibandla wonke wathi kabakhandwe ngamatshe. Inkazimulo kaThixo yasibonakala kubo bonke abako-Israyeli ethenteni lokuhlangana. 11  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Koze kube nini abantu laba bengeyisa na? Kuzaze kube nini bengangikholwa, loba sengenze izinto ezimangalisayo phakathi kwabo na? 12 Ngizabatshaya ngomkhuhlane ngibabhubhise, kodwa wena ngizakwenza ube yisizwe esikhulu njalo esilamandla kulabo.”

13 UMosi wasesithi kuThixo, “AmaGibhithe azakuzwa lokhu! Abantu laba bakhutshwa nguwe phakathi kwabo ngamandla akho. 14 Ngakho bazatshela abakhileyo kulelilizwe ngalesisehlakalo. Bavele sebezwile ukuthi wena, Oh Thixo, ulabo lababantu njalo lokuthi wena, Thixo, ubonakale uqondene labo ubuso ngobuso, lokuthi iyezi lakho lihlala liphezu kwabo, njalo lokuthi uhamba phambi kwabo ngensika yeyezi lakho emini kuthi ebusuku ngensika yomlilo. 15 Pho ungababhubhisa abantu bonke laba ngasikhathi sinye, izizwe esezizwile ngalezizindaba ngawe zizakuthi, 16 ‘UThixo wehlulekile ukungenisa abantu laba elizweni abathembisa lona ngesifungo; ngakho usebabhubhisele enkangala.’

17 Amandla kaThixo kabonakaliswe khathesi, njengokutsho kwakho ukuthi: 18 ‘UThixo uyaphuza ukuthukuthela, ugcwele ngothando njalo uyathethelela isono lokuhlamuka. Kodwa kayikubayekela abalecala bengajeziswanga; ujezisa abantwana ngenxa yezono zaboyise kuze kube kusizukulwane sesithathu lesesine.’ 19 Thethelela isono salababantu, ngenxa yothando lwakho olukhulu, ubaxolele njengokubaxolela kwakho kusukela ngesikhathi abasuka ngaso eGibhithe kuze kube khathesi.”

20  UThixo waphendula wathi, “Sengibathethelele njengesicelo sakho. 21 Impela njengoba ngiphila, lanjengoba inkazimulo kaThixo igcwalise umhlaba wonke, 22 akulamuntu loyedwa owabona inkazimulo yami kanye lezibonakaliso zezimanga engazenza eGibhithe lasenkangala kodwa kaze angilalela njalo wangilinga okungaba ngamahlandla alitshumi, 23 akukho loyedwa wabo ozalibona ilizwe engalithembisa okhokho babo ngesifungo. Futhi kakho loyedwa ongidelelayo ozalibona. 24 Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi inceku yami uKhalebi ulomoya owehlukileyo njalo ungilandela ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke, ngizamngenisa elizweni afika kulo, lizakuba yilifa lezizukulwane zakhe. 25 Njengoba ama-Amaleki lamaKhenani ehlala ezigodini, lina phendukani kusasa liqonde enkangala ngendlela yasoLwandle oLubomvu.”

26  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni: 27 “Koze kube nini lababantu abangalunganga bekhonona bengisola na? Sengizwile ukusola lokukhonona kwabako-Israyeli. 28 Ngakho batshele uthi, ‘Njengoba ngiphila impela, kutsho uThixo, ngizakwenza kini zona lezozinto engilizwe lizikhuluma. 29 Izidumbu zenu zizagcwala enkangala yonale, lina lonke elabalwayo ngesikhathi sokubalwa kwabantu elileminyaka yokuzalwa engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu labo bonke abakade bekhonona bengisola. 30 Kakho loyedwa wenu ozangena elizweni engafunga ngokuphakamisa isandla ukuthi libe likhaya lenu, ngaphandle kukaKhalebi indodana kaJefune loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. 31 Mayelana labantwana benu labo elathi bazakuba yimpango, ngizabangenisa elizweni lelo elilalileyo ukuze bathokoze kulo. 32 Kodwa lina, izidumbu zenu zizawohlokela kule inkangala. 33 Abantwabenu bazakuba ngabelusi lapha okweminyaka engamatshumi amane, behlupheka ngenxa yokungathembeki kwenu, kuze kungcwatshwe isidumbu sokucina enkangala. 34 Okweminyaka engamatshumi amane, umnyaka munye umele usuku lunye elahlola ngalo ilizwe, lizahlupheka ngenxa yezono zenu lize lazi ukuthi kuyinto enjani nxa mina ngimelana lani.’ 35 Mina Thixo, sengikhulumile, njalo ngempela ngizazenza lezizinto ebantwini laba bonke, abamanyeneyo bemelana lami. Bazabhubha kuyonale inkangala; bazafela khonapha.”

36 Ngakho amadoda ayethunywe nguMosi ukuthi ayehlola ilizwe, lawo athi ekuphendukeni kwawo amemethekisa umbiko omubi owabangela ukuthi abantu bakhonone besola uMosi, 37 lawomadoda amemethekisa umbiko ongalunganga mayelana lelizwe atshaywa ngomkhuhlane afa phambi kukaThixo. 38 Emadodeni ayeyehlola ilizwe, kwasila kuphela uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni kanye loKhalebi indodana kaJefune.

39 Kwathi lapho uMosi esebikele bonke abako-Israyeli, bakhala kabuhlungu. 40 Ngosuku olulandelayo ekuseni kakhulu baqonda elizweni lamaqaqa. Bathi, “Sonile, sizakuya kuleyondawo esayithenjiswa nguThixo.”

41 Kodwa uMosi wathi kubo, “Kungani lingalaleli umlayo kaThixo na? Lokhu elikwenzayo akusoze kuphumelele! 42 Lingakhuphuki, ngoba uThixo kalisekeli. Lizakwehlulwa yizitha zenu, 43 ngoba lizaqondana lama-Amaleki kanye lamaKhenani khonale. Ngenxa yokuthi limhlamukele uThixo, yena kayikuba lani ngakho lizabhujiswa ngenkemba.”

44 Loba kunjalo, baqhubeka beqonde elizweni lamaqaqa benganakile, loba uMosi kumbe umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo kungasukanga ezihonqweni. 45 Ngakho ama-Amaleki lamaKhenani ayehlala kulelolizwe lamaqaqa ehla abahlasela, ababhuqa ebaxotsha baze bayafika eHoma.

15

Eminye Iminikelo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi kubo: ‘Ngemva kokungena kwenu elizweni engilinika lona ukuba libe likhaya lenu, 3 kumele lethule iminikelo yenu eyenziwa ngomlilo kuThixo, kusukela emihlambini yenkomo leyezimvu, kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo, kungakhathalekile ukuthi ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kumbe ngumhlatshelo, kungokwezifungo eziqakathekileyo loba iminikelo yokuzithandela loba eyemikhosi emisiweyo, 4 ngakho lowo oletha umnikelo wakhe uzakwethula kuThixo umnikelo wamabele oyingxenye eyodwa etshumini lehefa lefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha ayingxenye eyodwa kokune kwehini. 5 Lungisa lewundlu ngalinye elomnikelo wokutshiswa loba umhlatshelo ingxenye eyodwa kokune yehini yewayini njengomnikelo wokunathwayo.

6 Kuthi ngenqama ulungise umnikelo wamabele ube yisilinganiso sokubili kokulitshumi kwehefa lefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha ayisilinganiso esisodwa kokuthathu kwehini, 7 lewayini eliyisilinganiso sehini esisodwa kokuthathu kube ngumnikelo wokunathwayo. Kunikele kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo.

8 Nxa ulungisa inkunzi eliguqa njengomnikelo wokutshiswa loba umhlatshelo, kusenzelwa isifungo esiqakathekileyo loba umnikelo wobudlelwano kuThixo, 9 letha ndawonye lenkunzi umnikelo wamabele acholiweyo aba yifulawa ecolekileyo eyisilinganiso sehefa sokuthathu etshumini exutshaniswe lamafutha ayingxenye yehini. 10 Letha njalo lewayini eliyizilinganiso zengxenye yehini kube ngumnikelo wokunathwayo. Lokhu kuzakuba ngumhlatshelo wokudla, iphunga elimnandi kuThixo. 11 Ngakho inkunzi inye ngayinye loba inqama, iwundlu linye ngalinye loba izinyane lembuzi, akulungiswe ngale indlela. 12 Lokhu kwenze emnikelweni ngamunye loba ulungise emingaki.

13 Wonke ozalwa lapha kumele enze lezizinto ngale indlela lapho eletha umnikelo wakhe owenziwe ngomlilo njengephunga elimnandi kuThixo. 14 Ezizukulwaneni ezilandelayo, owezizweni loba ngubani ohlezi lani nxa esethula umnikelo owenziwa ngomlilo njengoqhatshi olumnandi kuThixo, kumele enze khona lokho elikwenzayo. 15 Imithetho le kumele uyilandele wena labantu bonke kanye labezizweni abahlala phakathi kwenu; lesi yisimiso esimi njalo lakuzizukulwane ezilandelayo. Lina kanye labezizweni lizafanana phambi kukaThixo: 16 Lizabuswa ngemithetho lemilayo efananayo lina kanye labezizwe abahlala phakathi kwenu.’ ”

17  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 18 “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Ekungeneni kwenu elizweni engilisa kulo 19 lingadla ukudla kwalelolizwe, yethulani ingxenye yakho ibe ngumnikelo kuThixo. 20 Lethani isinkwa esenziwe ngempuphu yakuqala lisethule njengomnikelo ovela esizeni. 21 Kuzozonke izizukulwane ezilandelayo lizakwethula umnikelo kuThixo uthethwe emputshini yenu yakuqala.’ ”

Umnikelo Wezono Ezingenziwanga Ngabomo

22 “ ‘Kungakho nxa wehlulekile ukugcina loba yiphi imilayo uThixo ayinika uMosi ungananzelelanga, 23 loba yiphi imilayo kaThixo alitshele yona ngoMosi, kusukela ngosuku uThixo amupha yona kuqhubekela ezizukulwaneni ezilandelayo, 24 kanti njalo lokhu kwenzakele ngephutha abantu bengakunanzelele, kutsho ukuthi abantu bonke bakuleyondawo bazanikela ngenkunzi eliguqa kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa olephunga elimnandi kuThixo, ndawonye lomnikelo wamabele lowokunathwayo, kanye lempongo yomnikelo wesono njengokumisiweyo. 25 Umphristi uzakwenzela isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli indlela yokubuyisana, ngakho bazathethelelwa, ngoba bekungayisingabomo njalo banikele kuThixo ngokona kwabo umhlatshelo wokudla kanye lomnikelo wesono. 26 Abantu bonke bako-Israyeli kanye labezizwe abahlala labo bazathethelelwa, ngoba bonke lababantu babengonanga ngabomo.

27 Kodwa nxa kungumuntu oyedwa owonayo kungesikho ngabomo, kumele alethe imbuzi ensikazi elomnyaka owodwa ibe ngumnikelo wesono. 28 Umphristi uzamenzela lowo owone ngokwenza isono kungesikho ngabomo indlela yokubuyisana phambi kukaThixo, kuthi ngemva kokuba indlela yokubuyisana isiyenziwe, uzathethelelwa. 29 Wonalo umthetho ngowomuntu wonke owonayo kungesikho ngabomo, kungakhathalekile ukuthi ungowako-Israyeli ozalelwe khonapha kumbe ngowezizweni.

30 Kodwa loba ngubani owenza isono ngabomo, kungaba ngowakini loba owezizweni, athuke uThixo, lowomuntu uzaxotshwa ebantwini bakibo. 31 Ngenxa yokweyisa ilizwi likaThixo lokwephula imilayo yakhe, lowomuntu ngempela kaxotshwe kwabakibo; uhlala elokhu elalo icala.’ ”

Ukubulawa Komuntu Owephula Umthetho WeSabatha

32 Ngesikhathi abako-Israyeli besenkangala, indoda ethile yatholakala itheza inkuni ngosuku lweSabatha. 33 Kwathi labo abamficayo etheza bamusa kuMosi lo-Aroni kanye lakubo bonke abantu, 34 ngoba kungakazakali ukuthi kumele enziweni; wavalelwa entolongweni. 35  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Indoda leyo kumele ife. Abantu bonke kumele bamkhande ngamatshe ngaphandle kwezihonqo.” 36 Ngakho abantu bamusa ngaphandle kwezihonqo bamkhanda ngamatshe waze wafa, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

Intshaka Ezambathweni

37  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 38 “Tshela abako-Israyeli uthi kubo: ‘Kuzozonke izizukulwane ezizayo, kumele lithungele izixha zentshaka emiphethweni yezembatho zenu, isixha ngasinye sibe lentambo eluhlaza. 39 Lizakhumbula imilayo yonke kaThixo njalo liyilalele izikhathi zonke nxa likhangela intshaka lezi ukuze lingazibhixi ngokulandela izinkanuko zezinhliziyo zenu kanye lamehlo enu liduhe. 40 Ngakho lizakhumbula ukuyilandela yonke imilayo yami ukuze lehlukaniselwe uNkulunkulu wenu. 41 Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, owalikhupha eGibhithe ukuze ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

16

UKhora, LoDathani Lo-Abhiramu

1 UKhora indodana ka-Izihari, indodana kaKhohathi, indodana kaLevi, labathile abakoRubheni, uDathani kanye lo-Abhiramu, amadodana ka-Eliyabi, kanye lo-Oni indodana kaPhelethi baqala ukuba yiziqholo 2 bavukela uMosi. Bakwenza lokhu bendawonye lamanye amadoda angamakhulu amabili alamatshumi amahlanu (250) ako-Israyeli, abakhokheli abadumileyo babantu bakuleyondawo ababekhethelwe ukuthi babe ngamalunga enkundla. 3 Beza beliqembu ukuzomelana loMosi lo-Aroni bathi kubo, “Seledlulise amalawulo! Abantu bonke bako-Israyeli bangcwele, bonke ngamunye wabo, njalo uThixo uyabasekela. Pho kungani liziphakamisa ngaphezu kwabantu bakaThixo na?”

4 UMosi wathi ekuzwa lokhu, wawela phansi ngobuso. 5 Wasesithi kuKhora lakubalandeli bakhe: “Kusasa ekuseni uThixo uzaveza obala ukuthi ngubani ongowakhe lokuthi ngubani ongcwele, njalo uzamvumela lowomuntu ukuthi asondele kuye. Indoda azayikhetha uzayivumela ukuthi isondele phansi kwakhe. 6 Wena, Khora, kanye labalandeli bakho yenzani lokhu: Thathani indengezi 7 kuthi kusasa libasele umlilo njalo litshisele impepha kuzo phambi kukaThixo. Indoda ezakhethwa nguThixo yiyo engcwele. Lina baLevi seledlulise amalawulo!”

8 UMosi wabuye wathi kuKhora, “Khathesi lalelani-ke, lina baLevi! 9 Kanti akulanelisanga yini ukuthi uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ulikhethile phakathi kwabo bonke abako-Israyeli njalo walisondeza phansi kwakhe ukuze lenze umsebenzi ethabanikeleni likaThixo lokuthi lizakuma phambi kwesizwe lisenzele inkonzo na? 10 Ukusondezile wena kanye labanye bakho abangabaLevi phansi kwakhe, kodwa-ke khathesi selifuna lobuphristi. 11 Ukubambana kwakho kanye labalandeli bakho kuyikumelana loThixo limphikisa. Kambe ungubani u-Aroni elingakhonona ngaye?”

12 Ngakho uMosi wabiza uDathani lo-Abhiramu amadodana ka-Eliyabi. Kodwa bona bathi, “Vele kasibuyi! 13 Kambe bekungenelanga yini ukuthi wasikhipha elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju ukuzasibulalela enkangala na? Khathesi usufuna lokuba yinkosi phezu kwethu? 14 Kunjalo-nje, awukasingenisi elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju kumbe ukusipha ilifa lamasimu kanye lezivini. Ufuna ukukopola amehlo amadoda la na? Hatshi, kasibuyi!”

15 Ngalokho uMosi wathukuthela kakhulu wasesithi kuThixo, “Ungawemukeli umnikelo wabo. Angithathanga lutho kubo ngitsho lobabhemi kodwa lokhu, njalo kakho loyedwa engimoneleyo.”

16 UMosi wathi kuKhora, “Wena kanye labo bonke abalandeli bakho kumele lime phambi kukaThixo kusasa, wena, bona kanye lo-Aroni. 17 Indoda inye nganye kumele ithathe udengezi ifake impepha kulo, indengezi ezingamakhulu amabili alamatshumi amahlanu, (250) njalo iwethule phambi kukaThixo. Wena kanye lo-Aroni lani kufanele liveze ezenu indengezi.” 18 Ngakho indoda inye ngayinye yathatha udengezi lwayo, yafaka umlilo kanye lempepha kulo, njalo yema loMosi lo-Aroni esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 19 Kwathi uKhora esebaqoqile abalandeli bakhe bephikisana labo esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, inkazimulo kaThixo yabonakala kubo bonke abantu ababebuthene kuleyondawo. 20  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, 21 “Sukani phakathi kwalaba ababutheneyo ukuze ngibabhubhise khathesi.”

22 Kodwa uMosi lo-Aroni bawa phansi ngobuso bakhala bathi, “Oh Nkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu wemiphefumulo yabantu bonke, uzathukuthelela abantu bonke jikelele ngenxa yomuntu oyedwa owonileyo na?”

23 Ngakho uThixo wathi kuMosi, 24 “Tshela ibandla uthi, ‘Sukani eduze kwamathente aboKhora, loDathani lo-Abhiramu.’ ”

25 UMosi wasukuma waya kuDathani lo-Abhiramu, kwathi labadala bako-Israyeli bamlandela. 26 Waqonqosela ibandla wathi, “Buyelani emuva lisuke emathenteni abantu laba ababi! Lingathinti lutho olungolwabo ngoba lingenzenjalo lizakhuculwa ngenxa yezono zabo.” 27 Ngakho basuka emathenteni kaKhora, uDathani lo-Abhiramu. UDathani lo-Abhiramu basebephume phandle bemi labomkabo, labantwababo kanye labancane emasangweni amathente abo.

28 UMosi wasesithi, “Nansi indlela elizabona ngayo ukuthi uThixo ungithumile ukuzokwenza konke lokhu engikwenzayo kanye lokuthi akusingqondo yami. 29 Nxa amadoda la ezazifela ngendlela abantu abazifela ngayo, kumbe nxa bengethekelelwa emva kokwethekelela kwabantu bonke kuzabe kusitsho ukuthi uThixo kangithumanga. 30 Kodwa nxa uThixo ezakwenza esingakaze sikubone okunye okutsha kwenzakale ukuthi umhlaba uvuleke ubaginye kanye lakho konke okungokwabo, bangene bephila engcwabeni, kulapho elizakwazi khona ukuthi amadoda la ameyisile uThixo.”

31 Kwathi eqeda ukutsho lokhu, umhlaba wavuleka ngaphansi kwabo, 32 wavuleka wabaginya bona, kanye labantwababo lamadoda wonke ayekhokhelwa nguKhora kanye lempahla zawo. 33 Batshona engcwabeni bephila, lakho konke okwakungokwabo; umhlabathi wabambokotha, kwaba yikutshabalala kwabo, basuswa kwabakibo. 34 Besizwa ukukhala kwabo, bonke abako-Israyeli ababelapho babaleka, beklabalala besithi, “Umhlaba uzasiginya lathi!”

35 Kwavela umlilo kuThixo watshaya waqothula amadoda angamakhulu amabili alamatshumi amahlanu (250) ayenikela ngempepha.

36  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 37 “Tshela u-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi, ukuthi athathe indengezi azikhiphe emlotheni achithele amalahle endaweni ekhatshana, ngoba indengezi lezi zingcwele, 38 indengezi zamadoda onileyo aze alahlekelwa yimpilo yawo. Khanda lezondengezi ukuze zendlaleke e-alithareni, ngoba zethulwa phambi kukaThixo zaba ngezingcwele. Azibe yisibonakaliso kwabako-Israyeli.”

39 Ngakho u-Eliyazari umphristi wabutha indengezi zethusi ezazilethwe yilabo abatshayo, walungisa ukuba zikhandwe zendlalwe e-alithareni, 40 njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo. Lokhu kwakuzakhumbuza abako-Israyeli ukuthi kakho ovunyelwayo ukutshisa impepha phambi kukaThixo ngaphandle kuka-Aroni lesizukulwane sakhe, funa abe njengoKhora labalandeli bakhe.

41 Ngosuku olulandelayo abako-Israyeli bonke bakhonona basola uMosi lo-Aroni. Bathi, “Selibulele abantu bakaThixo.”

42 Kodwa kwathi ibandla selibuthene bephikisa uMosi lo-Aroni njalo sebekhangele ethenteni lokuhlangana, masinyane iyezi lalisibekela kwavela inkazimulo kaThixo. 43 Ngakho uMosi lo-Aroni baya phambi kwethente lokuhlangana, 44  uThixo wasesithi kuMosi, 45 “Suka kulelibandla ukuze ngibatshabalalise.” Ngakho bawa phansi ngobuso.

46 Kusenjalo uMosi wathi ku-Aroni, “Thatha udengezi lwakho uthele impepha kulo, ndawonye lomlilo ovela e-alithareni, uphange uye ebandleni ukuze ubenzele indlela yokubuyisana. Ulaka lukaThixo lubonakele; isifo sesiqalisile.” 47 U-Aroni wenza okwakutshiwo nguMosi, waphanga wangena phakathi kwebandla. Isifo sesivele sesiqalisile ebantwini, kodwa u-Aroni wanikela impepha wabenzela indlela yokubuyisana. 48 Wema phakathi kwabaphilayo lasebefile, isifo saphela. 49 Kodwa kwasekufe abantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa (14,700) bebulawa yisifo, phezu kwalabo ababefe ngenxa kaKhora. 50 Ngemva kwalokho u-Aroni wabuyela kuMosi esangweni lethente lokuhlangana, njengoba isifo sasesiphelile.

17

Ukuhluma Kwentonga Ka-Aroni

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi bakuphe intonga ezilitshumi lambili, kuphume ibenye kumkhokheli munye ngamunye wesizwana sabokhokho bakhe. Bhala ibizo lendoda ngayinye entongeni yayo. 3 Entongeni kaLevi uzabhala ibizo lika-Aroni, ngoba kumele kube lentonga eyodwa emele inhloko inye ngayinye yesizwana sabokhokho bayo. 4 Zifake ethenteni lokuhlangana phambi komtshokotsho wobufakazi, lapho engihlangana lawe khona. 5 Intonga yendoda engizayikhetha izahluma, njalo mina ngizahle ngikuqede lokhu kukhonona okulokhu kuqhubeka kusolwa wena ngabako-Israyeli.”

6 Ngakho uMosi wakhuluma kwabako-Israyeli, abakhokheli babo bamnika intonga ezilitshumi lambili, ngayinye ingeyomkhokheli wesizwana sabokhokho bakhe, kwathi leka-Aroni yayibalelwa kuzo. 7 UMosi wabeka intonga lezo phambi kukaThixo ethenteni lobufakazi.

8 Ngosuku olulandelayo uMosi wangena ethenteni lobufakazi wabona ukuthi intonga ka-Aroni eyayimele indlu kaLevi, yayisihlumile yaqhakaza, isilamaluba njalo isithele izithelo ze-alimondi. 9 Ngakho uMosi wazisusa zonke intonga phambi kukaThixo waziletha phambi kwabo bonke abako-Israyeli. Bazikhangela, ngulowo wathatha eyakhe intonga.

10  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Buyisela intonga ka-Aroni phambi komtshokotsho wobufakazi, igcinwe khonapho ibe yisibonakaliso kulabo abahlamukayo. Lokhu kuzaqeda ukukhonona kwabo ngami, ukuze bangafi.” 11 UMosi wenza khona lokho kanye uThixo ayemlaye ngakho.

12 Abako-Israyeli bathi kuMosi, “Sizakufa! Sifile, sonke sesifile! 13 Loba ngubani ozasondela phansi kwethabanikeli likaThixo uzakufa. Sizakufa sonke na?”

18

Imisebenzi YabaPhristi LeyabaLevi

1  UThixo wathi ku-Aroni, “Wena, lamadodana akho labemuli kayihlo lizakuba lomlandu wokukhangela ukwephulwa kwemithetho yendawo yokukhonzela, njalo wena kanye lamadodana akho yini lodwa elizakuba lomlandu walabo abonela abaphristi. 2 Letha abaLevi bakini bevela ezizwaneni zabokhokho benu bazohlanganyela kunye lani bakuphathise wena lamadodana akho lapho lisenza inkonzo phambi kwethente lobufakazi. 3 Bazakuba ngaphansi kwakho njalo benze yonke imisebenzi yasethenteni, kodwa akumelanga basondele phansi kwezimpahla zendlu engcwele kumbe e-alithareni, funa lonke, wena kanye labo life. 4 Kumele bahlanganele lawe babelomlandu wokunakekela ithente lokuhlangana, wonke umsebenzi wethenteni, njalo akungabibikho loyedwa ozasondela lapho wena okhona.

5 Wena uzakuba lomlandu wokugcina indlu engcwele le-alithari, ukuze abako-Israyeli bangehlelwa lulaka njalo. 6 Mina ngokwami ngibakhethile abafowenu abaLevi phakathi kwabako-Israyeli ukuba babe yisipho kuwe, behlukanisele uThixo ukuba benze umsebenzi ethenteni lokuhlangana. 7 Kodwa wena kanye lamadodana akho yini lodwa elivunyelwayo ukwenza umsebenzi wobuphristi kukho konke okuse-alithareni langaphakathi kwekhetheni. Ngikunika umsebenzi wobuphristi kukho konke okuse-alithareni langaphakathi kwekhetheni. Ngikunika umsebenzi wobuphristi njengesipho. Loba ngubani omunye ozasondela endaweni engcwele kumele abulawe.”

Iminikelo YabaPhristi LabaLevi

8  UThixo wasesithi ku-Aroni, “Mina ngokwami yimi engikunike umlandu wokukhangela iminikelo eyethulelwa mina, yonke iminikelo engcwele engiyiphiwa ngabako-Israyeli ngiyinika wena lamadodana akho ukuba kube yingxenye yesabelo sakho esimi njalo. 9 Kumele uzuze leyongxenye yomnikelo ongcwelengcwele ongatshiswanga. Kuzozonke izipho abaziletha kimi zingumnikelo ongcwelengcwele, loba ngowamabele loba ngowesono kumbe owecala, leyongxenye yomnikelo ngeyakho lamadodana akho. 10 Idle njengento engcwelengcwele; wonke owesilisa kumele ayidle. Kumele akuphathe njengento engcwele.

11 Lokhu lakho ngokwakho: konke okubekwa eceleni kwalezizipho zonke zomnikelo wokuzunguzwa zako-Israyeli. Lokhu ngikunika wena lamadodana akho lamadodakazi akho ukuba kube yisabelo esimi njalo. Kuzakuthi wonke owendlu yakho ohlambulukileyo ngokomkhuba avunyelwe ukudla.

12 Ngikunika wonke amafutha acengekileyo e-oliva lewayini lonke elitsha elicengekileyo kanye lamabele abawanika uThixo kuyizithelo zakuqala zesivuno sabo. 13 Zonke izithelo zakuqala zomlimela abaziletha kuThixo ngezakho. Kuzakuthi wonke owendlu yakho ohlambulukileyo ngokomkhuba avunyelwe ukudla.

14 Yonke into yako-Israyeli emiselwe uThixo ngeyakho. 15 Amazibulo wonke azelweyo, kuhlanganisela awabantu kanye lawezinyamazana, anikelwe kuThixo ngawakho. Kodwa uzahlenga wonke amadodana angamazibulo kanye lawo wonke amazibulo amaduna ezinyamazana ezingcolileyo. 16 Kuzakuthi zingafikisa inyanga eyodwa zizelwe uzihlenge ngentengo yokuhlenga ayisilinganiso samashekeli amahlanu esiliva, kusiya ngesilinganiso seshekeli lendlu engcwele, eyisisindo esingamagera angamatshumi amabili.

17 Kodwa ungahlengi amazibulo enkomo, loba awemvu loba awembuzi; ngoba angcwele. Chela igazi lawo e-alithareni ubusutshisa amahwahwa awo kube ngumhlatshelo wokudla, iphunga elimnandi elithokozisa uThixo. 18 Inyama yawo izakuba ngeyakho njengoba isifuba somnikelo wokuzunguzwa kanye lomlenze kungokwakho. 19 Loba kuyini okubekwe eceleni eminikelweni engcwele eyethulwe ngabako-Israyeli kuThixo ngikunika wena kanye lamadodana njalo lamadodakazi akho ukuba kube yisabelo senu senjayelo. Lesi yisivumelwano setswayi esingapheliyo phambi kukaThixo, esakho kanye lenzalo yakho.”

20  UThixo wathi ku-Aroni, “Wena kawuyikuba lelifa elizweni labo, njalo awuyikuba lesabelo phakathi kwabo; mina ngiyisabelo sakho kanye lelifa lakho phakathi kwabako-Israyeli.

21 AbaLevi ngibanika konke okwetshumi kwelako-Israyeli kube yilifa labo ngenxa yomsebenzi abawenza ethenteni lokuhlangana. 22 Kusukela khathesi abako-Israyeli akumelanga basondele ethenteni lokuhlangana, funa babelomlandu wesono sabo bafe. 23 NgabaLevi okufanele benze umsebenzi ethenteni lokuhlangana njalo baphathe umsebenzi wokukhangela abonayo ethenteni. Lesi yisimiso esingapheliyo lakuzizukulwane ezizayo. Kabayikuzuza ilifa phakathi kwabako-Israyeli. 24 Kodwa-ke abaLevi ngibanika okwetshumi okwethulwa ngabako-Israyeli njengomnikelo kuThixo kube yilifa labo. Kokuqondene labo yikho ngathi: ‘Kabayikuba lelifa phakathi kwabako-Israyeli.’ ”

25  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 26 “Tshela abaLevi utsho lokhu kubo: ‘Lapho lisamukela okwetshumi engilinika khona kuvela kwabako-Israyeli njengelifa lenu, kumele likhuphe ingxenye yetshumi kokwetshumi kube ngumnikelo kuThixo. 27 Umnikelo wenu uzabalelwa kini njengamabele avela esizeni loba umhluzi ovela esihluzweni sewayini. 28 Ngale indlela lani lizakwethula eyenu iminikelo kuThixo kukho konke okwetshumi elizakwamukela kuvela kwabako-Israyeli. Kulokho okwetshumi kumele liphe okuyisabelo sikaThixo ku-Aroni umphristi. 29 Kumele lethule njengesabelo sikaThixo okuhle ukwedlula konke njalo kungokungcwelengcwele kwakho konke elikuphiweyo.’

30 Tshela abaLevi uthi: ‘Nxa lisethula okuhle kakhulu, kuzaphathwa kini njengesithelo esivela esizeni loba esihluzweni sewayini. 31 Lina kanye labezindlu zenu lingadla konke okunye ngaphi langaphi, ngoba kuyinkokhelo yenu yomsebenzi ethenteni lokuhlangana. 32 Ngokwethula okuhle kulakho konke aliyikuba lecala kulokho; ngakho kaliyikungcolisa iminikelo engcwele yako-Israyeli, njalo kaliyikufa.’ ”

19

Ukuhlanjululwa Kwabangcolileyo

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni: 2 “Lokhu yikho okukhangelelwe ngomthetho njengokulaya kukaThixo: Tshela abako-Israyeli bakuphe ithokazi elibomvu elipheleleyo njalo lingelasici kanti njalo kumele kube ngelingakaze lifakwe ejogeni. 3 Liqhubeleni u-Eliyazari umphristi; kumele likhitshelwe ngaphandle kwesihonqo njalo lihlatshelwe khona. 4 Ngakho u-Eliyazari umphristi uzathatha elinye igazi lalo ngomunwe alichele kasikhombisa eqondise phambi kwethente lokuhlangana. 5 Ithokazi lizatshiswa ekhangele, isikhumba salo, inyama, igazi lomswane. 6 Umphristi uzathatha ezinye inkuni zesihlahla somsedari, ihisophi kanye lewulu ebomvu akuphosele phezu kwethokazi elitshayo. 7 Ngemva kwalokho umphristi kumele agezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza yena ngamanzi. Ngemva kwalokhu usengangena-ke ezihonqweni, kodwa uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 8 Indoda ezatshisa ithokazi kumele layo igezise izigqoko zayo njalo layo igeze ngamanzi, izakuba ngengcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa.

9 Indoda ehlambulukileyo izabutha umlotha wethokazi iwufake endaweni ehlambulukileyo ngokomlayo ngaphandle kwesihonqo. Umlotha lo uzagcinwa ngabantu bako-Israyeli ukuze bawusebenzise emanzini okuhlambulula; ungowokuhlanza izono. 10 Indoda ebutha umlotha wethokazi kumele layo igezise izigqoko zayo, kanti njalo layo izabe ingengcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. Lo ngumlayo omi njalo kwabako-Israyeli labezizwe abahlala phakathi kwabo.

11 Lowo ozathintwa yisidumbu sofileyo uzabe engongcolileyo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 12 Kumele azihlambulule ngamanzi ngosuku lwesithathu langosuku lwesikhombisa; kodwa nxa engazihlambululi ngosuku lwesithathu langolwesikhombisa uzabe engahlambulukanga. 13 Lowo othinta isidumbu sofileyo abesesehluleka ukuzihlambulula ungcolisa ithabanikeli likaThixo. Lowomuntu kumele axotshwe kwabako-Israyeli. Ngenxa yokuthi kachelwanga ngamanzi okuhlambulula, ungongcolileyo; uzahlala engcolile.

14 Lo ngumthetho osebenza nxa umuntu efele ethenteni: Loba ngubani ongena ethenteni njalo loba ngubani ophakathi kwalo uzakuba ngongcolileyo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, 15 njalo siphi lasiphi isitsha esingasibekelwanga sizabe singcolile.

16 Loba ngubani ofice isidumbu somuntu obulewe ngenkemba egangeni loba esomuntu ozifeleyo asithinte, kumbe loba ngubani othinta ithambo lomuntu ofileyo loba ingcwaba, uzakuba ngongcolileyo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa.

17 Umuntu ongcolileyo, mfakele embizeni umlotha womnikelo otshisiweyo wokuhlambulula ube usuthela amanzi ahlambulukileyo phezu kwawo. 18 Kuzakuthi-ke indoda ehlambulukileyo ngokomlayo ithathe ihisophi, iligxamuze emanzini ibe isichela ithente kanye lezitsha zonke labantu abakade belapho. Kumele ichele wonke umuntu oke wathinta ithambo lofileyo loba ingcwaba loba umuntu obuleweyo loba umuntu ozifeleyo. 19 Indoda ehlambulukileyo izachela lowo ongcolileyo ngosuku lwesithathu langosuku lwesikhombisa, kuthi-ke ngosuku lwesikhombisa ibisimhlambulula. Umuntu ohlanjululwayo kumele agezise izigqoko zakhe abesegeza umzimba wakhe ngamanzi, Ngalokhokuhlwa uzabe esehlambululukile. 20 Kodwa umuntu ongcolileyo nxa engazihlambululanga, kumele axotshwe ebantwini, ngoba uzabe eletha ihlazo endlini engcwele kaThixo. Njengoba engachelwanga ngamanzi angcwele, kutsho ukuthi ungcolile. 21 Lesi yisimiso esimi njalo kubo.

Indoda echela ngamanzi okuhlambulula layo kumele igezise izigqoko zayo, kanti njalo laye wonke ozathinta amanzi okuhlambulula uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kube kusihlwa. 22 Konke okuthintwe ngumuntu ongcolileyo kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo, kuthi loba ngubani okuthintayo abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe.”

20

Amanzi Aphuma Edwaleni

1 Ngenyanga yakuqala abantu bonke bako-Israyeli bafika enkangala yaseZini, basebehlala eKhadeshi. UMiriyemu wafela lapho njalo wangcwatshelwa khona.

2 Abantu baswela amanzi, ngakho babambana ekuphikiseni uMosi lo-Aroni. 3 Baxabana loMosi kanye lo-Aroni bathi, “Ngabe lathi sahle sazifela mhla abafowethu besifa phambi kukaThixo! 4 Labalethelani abantu bakaThixo kule inkangala na? Ukuze thina kanye lezifuyo zethu sizefela lapha na? 5 Lasikhuphelani eGibhithe lisiletha endaweni le embi kangaka na? Ayilamabele kumbe imikhiwa, amavini loba amaphomegranathi. Njalo akulamanzi okunatha!”

6 UMosi lo-Aroni basuka embuthanweni wabantu baya esangweni lethente lokuhlangana bawa phansi ngobuso, inkazimulo kaThixo yasibonakala kubo. 7  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 8 “Thatha intonga kuthi wena lomfowenu u-Aroni libizele abantu ndawonye. Khulumani elitsheni phambi kwabo ngakho lona lizakhupha amanzi alo. Lizathatha amanzi aphuma edwaleni liphe abantu ukuze banathe bona kanye lezifuyo zabo.”

9 Ngakho uMosi wathatha intonga phambi kukaThixo, njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo. 10 UMosi lo-Aroni basebebizela abantu ndawonye phambi kwedwala, uMosi wasesithi kubo, “Lalelani, lina bahlamuki. Silikhuphele amanzi kulelidwala na?” 11 Ngakho uMosi waphakamisa ingalo yakhe watshaya idwala kabili ngentonga yakhe. Amanzi antshantshaza ephuma edwaleni, Kwathi abantu kanye lezifuyo zabo banatha.

12 Kodwa uThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, “Ngenxa yokuthi kalingethembanga okokungipha udumo njengongcwele phambi kwabako-Israyeli, kaliyikukhokhelela lababantu ekungeneni elizweni engibapha lona.”

13 La ngamanzi aseMeribha, lapho abako-Israyeli abaphikisana khona loThixo njalo kulapho uThixo abonakalisa ubungcwele bakhe phakathi kwabo.

U-Edomi Uvimbela Abako-Israyeli Ukuthi Bedlule

14 UMosi wathumela izithunywa enkosini yase-Edomi zisuka eKhadeshi, esithi:

“Nanku okutshiwo ngumfowenu u-Israyeli: Uyabazi bonke ubunzima obusehleleyo. 15 Okhokho bethu basuka baya eGibhithe, sahlala khona okweminyaka eminengi. AmaGibhithe asiphatha ngochuku kanye labobaba, 16 kodwa sakhala kuThixo wezwa ukukhala kwethu wasithumela ingilosi yasikhipha eGibhithe.

Khathesi silapha eKhadeshi idolobho elisemngceleni welizwe lakho. 17 Ake usivumele sidlule elizweni lakho. Kasiyikudabula phakathi lakuwaphi amasimu loba isivini sakho, kumbe ukunatha amanzi loba kuwuphi umthombo. Sizahamba silandela umgwaqo wenkosi njalo kasiyikuphambukela kwesokudla kumbe kwesokunxele size sedlule elizweni lakho.”

18 Kodwa u-Edomi waphendula wathi:

“Ngeke lidlule lapha, lingake lilinge, sizaphuma silihlasele ngenkemba.”

19 Abako-Israyeli baphendula bathi:

“Sizahamba ngomgwaqo omkhulu, njalo thina loba izifuyo zethu singanatha amanzi enu, sizawabhadala. Sifuna ukuzedlulela ngenyawo kuphela nje.”

20 Abase-Edomi baphendula njalo bathi:

“Lingadluli lapha.”

Ngakho u-Edomi waphuma kanye lebutho elikhulu elilamandla ukuyahlasela abako-Israyeli. 21 Njengoba u-Edomi wala ukuthi badabule elizweni labo, abako-Israyeli baphenduka bahamba ngenye indlela.

Ukufa Kuka-Aroni

22 Isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli sasuka eKhadeshi sahamba saze sayafika entabeni yaseHori. 23 Sebesentabeni yaseHori, eduze lomngcele wase-Edomi, uThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Aroni, 24 “U-Aroni usezakufa angcwatshwe. Akayikungena elizweni engilinika abako-Israyeli, ngoba lina lobabili langihlamukela emanzini aseMeribha. 25 Biza u-Aroni kanye lendodana yakhe u-Eliyazari ukhwele labo entabeni yaseHori. 26 Uhlubule u-Aroni izembatho zakhe uzigqokise indodana yakhe u-Eliyazari, ngoba u-Aroni uzalandela abakibo; uzafela khona.”

27 UMosi wenza njengokulaywa kwakhe kuThixo: Bakhwela entabeni yaseHori isizwe sonke sibakhangele. 28 UMosi wamhlubula u-Aroni izembatho zakhe wazigqokisa indodana yakhe u-Eliyazari. Ngakho u-Aroni wafela khonapho phezu kwentaba. Ngemva kwalokhu uMosi lo-Eliyazari behla entabeni, 29 Kwathi abantu bonke sebezwile ukuthi u-Aroni wayesefile, yonke indlu ka-Israyeli yamlilela okwensuku ezingamatshumi amathathu.

21

Ukuchithwa Kwe-Aradi

1 Kwathi inkosi yase-Aradi engumKhenani eyayihlala eNegebi isizwa ukuthi abako-Israyeli babesiza behamba ngomgwaqo beqonde e-Atharimi, yabahlasela abako-Israyeli yaze yathumba abanye babo. 2 Ngakho u-Israyeli wenza lesisifungo kuThixo wathi: “Nxa unganikela lababantu ezandleni zethu, sizachithiza amadolobho abo nya.” 3  UThixo walalela ukuncenga kwabako-Israyeli wasenikela amaKhenani kubo. Abako-Israyeli bawaqothula amaKhenani bachithiza kanye lamadolobho awo; ngakho indawo leyo yabizwa ngokuthi yiHoma.

Inyoka Yethusi

4 Bahamba besuka entabeni yaseHori ngendlela eqonda oLwandle oluBomvu, ukuze baceze ilizwe lase-Edomi. Kodwa besendleleni abantu basebenengekile sebephelelwe yikubekezela; 5 bakhuluma kubi besola uNkulunkulu kanye loMosi, bathi, “Lasikhuphelani na eGibhithe ukuze sizefela enkangala? Akulasinkwa! Akulamanzi! Futhi lalokhu ukudla kwenu okubi siyakuzonda.”

6 Ngakho uThixo wasebathumela izinyoka ezazilobuhlungu obesabekayo kakhulu, zabaluma abantu bako-Israyeli abanengi bafa. 7 Abantu baya kuMosi bathi, “Sonile ngokukhuluma kwethu kubi ngoThixo langokukhuluma kwethu ngawe. Akukhuleke ukuthi uThixo asuse izinyoka lezi phakathi kwethu.” Ngakho wabakhulekela abantu.

8  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Yenza inyoka yethusi uyiphanyeke esigodweni; loba ngubani olunyiweyo angakhangela kuyo uzaphila.” 9 Ngakho uMosi wenza inyoka yethusi wayiphanyeka esigodweni. Kwakusithi lowo olunywe yinyoka angakhangela inyoka yethusi aphile.

Uhambo Lokuya EMowabi

10 Abako-Israyeli basuka baqhubeka baze bayamisa izihonqo zabo e-Obhothi. 11 Basuka njalo e-Obhothi bayamisa izihonqo zabo e-Iye-Abharimi, enkangala eyayimalungana leMowabi ngokuya ngempumalanga. 12 Besuka lapho baqhubeka ngohambo baze bayamisa izihonqo zabo esigodini saseZeredi. 13 Basuka lapho bayamisa izihonqo zabo eduze le-Arinoni esenkangala eqhelela elizweni lama-Amori. I-Arinoni isemngceleni welaseMowabi, phakathi laphakathi kweMowabi kanye lama-Amori. 14 Kungakho uGwalo lweziMpi zikaThixo lusithi:

“Lokho akwenza oLwandle oLubomvu

lakwenza emifuleni yeWahebhi eseSufa

lemifuleni yase-Arinoni 15 lamawa ezindonga

ehlela endaweni yase-Ari

lasekela umngcele weMowabi.”

16 Besuka lapho baqhubeka baze bayafika eBheri, emthonjeni lapho uThixo athi kuMosi, “Buthanisa abantu ngibanike amanzi.”

17 Ngakho abako-Israyeli bahlabela ingoma le ethi:

“Mpompoza, wemthombo!

Hlabelelani ngawo,

18 ngomthombo owenjiwa ngamakhosana,

owenjiwa yizikhulu zabantu,

izikhulu ezilentonga zobukhosi kanye lezinduku.”

Basuka-ke enkangala bayafika eMathana, 19 besuka eMathana baya eNahaliyeli, besuka eNahaliyeli, baya eBhamothi, 20 kwathi besuka eBhamothi baqonda esigodini eMowabi, lapho isiqongo sentaba yasePhisiga esikhangele elizweni elilugwadule.

Ukwehlulwa KukaSihoni Lo-Ogi

21 U-Israyeli wathumela izithunywa kuSihoni inkosi yama-Amori wathi:

22 “Sivumele sidabule elizweni lakho. Kasiyikuphambukela loba lakuliphi icele ukuze singene loba kuwaphi amasimu akho kumbe isivini, loba ukunatha amanzi emthonjeni loba yiwuphi. Sizazihambela nje ngomgwaqo omkhulu weNkosi size sedlule elizweni lakho.”

23 Kodwa uSihoni kavumanga ukuthi u-Israyeli adabule elizweni lakhe. USihoni waqoqa ibutho lakhe waphuma waqonda enkangala ukuyahlasela u-Israyeli. Wathi esefikile eJahazi walwa lo-Israyeli. 24 Kodwa u-Israyeli wamnqoba ngenkemba, wambhubhisa njalo wamthathela ilizwe lakhe kusukela e-Arinoni kusiya eJabhoki, kusiyafika elizweni lama-Amoni kuphela, ngoba umngcele walo wawuvikelwe ngemithangala. 25 U-Israyeli wathatha wonke amadolobho ama-Amori wahlala kuwo, kwakugoqela iHeshibhoni kanye leziqinti ezaziyigombolozele. 26 IHeshibhoni kwakulidolobho likaSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, owayelwe lenkosi yamaMowabi eyayikade ibusa khona wayinqoba wayithathela ilizwe layo lonke kuze kuyefika e-Arinoni.

27 Yingakho izimbongi zisithi:

“Wozani eHeshibhoni; kayivuselelwe yakhiwe njalo;

akuthi idolobho likaSihoni livuselelwe.

28 Umlilo wavutha eHeshibhoni

ilangabi lavela edolobheni likaSihoni.

Laqothula i-Ari laseMowabi,

abantu basemiqolweni yase-Arinoni.

29 Maye kuwe, Mowabi!

Selibhujisiwe lina, Oh bantu baseKhemoshi!

Usedele amadodana akhe njengeziphepheli

lamadodakazi njengabathunjiweyo

bethunjwa nguSihoni inkosi yama-Amori.

30 Kodwa thina sibehlule;

iHeshibhoni siyitshabalalisile kuze kuyefika eDibhoni.

Sibachithile kwaze kwaba seNofa,

eqhelela eMedebha.”

31 Ngakho u-Israyeli wahlala elizweni lama-Amori.

32 Ngemva kokuba uMosi esethumele inhloli eJazeri, abako-Israyeli bathumba iziqinti eziseduze njalo baxotsha ama-Amori ayehlala khona. 33 Basebephenduka bahamba ngomgwaqo oya eBhashani. U-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani kanye lebutho lakhe lonke baphuma ukuyahlangana labako-Israyeli ukubahlasela e-Edreyi.

34  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Ungamesabi, ngoba sengimnikele kuwe lamabutho akhe wonke kanye lelizwe lakhe. Menze konke owakwenza kuSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, owayebusa eHeshibhoni.”

35 Ngakho bambulala ndawonye lamadodana akhe kanye lebutho lakhe lonke, kakho loyedwa owaphephayo. Basebethatha ilizwe lakhe.

22

UBhalaki Unxusa UBhalamu

1 Abako-Israyeli basuka lapho baya emagcekeni aseMowabi bamisa izihonqo zabo zisekele umfula iJodani ngaphetsheya kweJerikho.

2 UBhalaki indodana kaZiphori wabona konke okwenziwa ngu-Israyeli kuma-Amori, 3 ngakho uMowabi wesaba ngoba abantu bako-Israyeli babebanengi kakhulu. Ngempela uMowabi watshaywa luvalo ngenxa yokwesaba abako-Israyeli.

4 AmaMowabi athi ebadaleni bamaMidiyani, “Ixuku leli lizahuquluza konke esilakho, njengenkabi isidla utshani emadlelweni.

” Ngakho uBhalaki indodana kaZiphori, owayeyinkosi yamaMowabi ngalesosikhathi, 5 wathumela izithunywa ukuyabiza uBhalamu indodana kaBheyori, owayehlala ePhethori eduzane lomfula iYufrathe elizweni lakibo lomdabuko. UBhalaki wathi,

“Kulabantu abanengi kakhulu abavela eGibhithe; bagcwele ilizwe lonke njalo bahlezi eduze kwami. 6 Woza khathesi uzeletha isithuko phezu kwabo, ngoba balamandla kulami. Mhlawumbe ngalokho ngingabehlula ngibaxotshe elizweni. Ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi labo obabusisayo bayabusiseka, njalo labo obaqalekisayo bayaqalekiswa.”

7 Abadala bamaMowabi labamaMidiyani basuka, bathatha imbadalo yokuhlahlula. Bathe befika kuBhalamu, bamtshela lokho okwatshiwo nguBhalaki.

8 “Lalani lapha okwalamuhla,” watsho uBhalamu kubo, “Ngizalilethela impendulo engizayiphiwa nguThixo.” Ngakho amakhosana amaMowabi ahlala laye.

9 UNkulunkulu weza kuBhalamu wambuza wathi, “Amadoda la olawo ngobani?”

10 UBhalamu wathi kuNkulunkulu, “UBhalaki indodana kaZiphori inkosi yamaMowabi ungithumele lelizwi elithi: 11 ‘Kulabantu abavele eGibhithe abagcwele elizweni lonke. Woza masinyane uzongiqalekisela lababantu. Mhlawumbe ngingaba lakho ukubalwisa ngibaxotshe lapha.’ ”

12 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kuBhalamu, “Ungahambi labo. Ungabaqalekisi lababantu, ngoba babusisiwe.”

13 Ekuseni ngosuku olulandelayo uBhalamu wavuka esithi kumakhosana kaBhalaki, “Buyelani ezweni lenu, ngoba uThixo walile ukuthi ngihambe lani.”

14 Ngakho amakhosana amaMowabi abuyela kuBhalaki athi, “UBhalamu walile ukubuya lathi.”

15 Ngakho uBhalaki wathumela amanye amakhosana amanengi njalo adumileyo kulawakuqala. 16 Eza kuBhalamu afika athi:

“Nanku okutshiwo nguBhalaki indodana kaZiphori: Akungabi lalutho olungakuvimbela ukuza kimi, 17 ngoba ngizakunika umvuzo omuhle njalo ngenze konke okutshoyo. Woza uzongiqalekisela lababantu.”

18 Kodwa uBhalamu wabaphendula wathi, “Loba uBhalaki enganginika isigodlo sakhe sigcwele isiliva legolide, angingeke ngenze ulutho olukhulu loba oluncane oluphambene lelizwi likaThixo uNkulunkulu wami. 19 Khathesi hlalani lapha okwalobubusuku njengalokhu okwenziwe ngabanye, mina ngizadingisisa ukuthi kuyini okunye uThixo azangitshela khona.”

20 Ngalobobusuku uNkulunkulu weza kuBhalamu wathi, “Njengoba ethunywe ukuzakubiza, hamba lawo, kodwa wenze lokho kuphela engizakutshela khona.”

Ubabhemi KaBhalamu

21 UBhalamu wavuka ekuseni, wagada ubabhemi wakhe wahle wahamba lamakhosana amaMowabi. 22 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathukuthela kakhulu ngokuhamba kwakhe, ngakho ingilosi kaThixo yajama phambi kwakhe yamvimbela. UBhalamu wayegade ubabhemi wakhe elezinceku zakhe ezimbili. 23 Kwathi ubabhemi ebona ingilosi kaThixo imi endleleni iphethe inkemba esandleni sayo, waphambuka endleleni waqonda iganga. UBhalamu wamtshaya ubabhemi embuyisela endleleni.

24 Ngakho ingilosi kaThixo yayakuma emkhandlwini phakathi kwezivini ezimbili, kulemiduli inxa zonke. 25 Kwathi ubabhemi ebona ingilosi kaThixo, ubabhemi wasondela emdulini, ehluzulela unyawo lukaBhalamu emdulini. Ngalokho wamtshaya njalo ubabhemi.

26 Ngakho ingilosi kaThixo yaya phambili yema emkhandlwini onciphileyo lapho okwakungelandlela yokuphendukela kwesokudla loba esenxele. 27 Kwathi ubabhemi ebona ingilosi kaThixo, ubabhemi walala phansi, uBhalamu wathukuthela kakhulu wamtshaya ubabhemi ngentonga yakhe. 28 Ngalokho uThixo wavula umlomo kababhemi, wathi kuBhalamu, “Kanti ngenzeni na kuwe uze ungitshaye okwamahlandla amathathu?”

29 UBhalamu waphendula ubabhemi wathi, “Ungenze isiwula! Ngabe bengilenkemba esandleni sami bengizakubulala khathesi.”

30 Ubabhemi wathi kuBhalamu, “Kanti kangisubabhemi wakho na ovele uhlezi umgada insuku zonke kuze kube namhlanje? Kambe ngiyake ngikwenze lokhu kuwe na?”

UBhalamu waphendula wathi, “Hatshi.”

31 Ngakho uThixo wavula amehlo kaBhalamu, wabona ingilosi kaThixo imi endleleni iqaphise inkemba. Ngakho wakhothama wawa phansi ngobuso.

32 Ingilosi kaThixo yambuza yathi, “Kungani utshaye ubabhemi wakho okwamahlandla amathathu na? Ngize lapha ukukuvimbela ngoba indlela yakho iyibutshapha phambi kwami. 33 Ubabhemi ungibonile waphambuka okwamahlandla amathathu. Alubana kaphambukanga, ngabe khathesi sengikubulele wena, ngayekela ubabhemi.”

34 UBhalamu wathi engilosini kaThixo, “Ngonile. Angizange nginanzelele ukuthi umi endleleni ukungivimbela. Nxa kungakuthokozisi khathesi, ngizabuyela emuva.”

35 Ingilosi kaThixo yathi kuBhalamu, “Hamba lawo lamadoda, kodwa ukhulume lokho engikutshela khona kuphela.” Ngakho uBhalamu wahamba lamakhosana kaBhalaki.

36 Kwathi uBhalaki esizwa ukuthi uBhalamu uyeza, waphuma ukumhlangabeza edolobheni lamaMowabi emngceleni wase-Arinoni emaphethelweni elizwe lakhe. 37 UBhalaki wathi kuBhalamu, “Angikuthumelanga ilizwi lokuphangisa na? Kungani ungezanga kimi? Kambe kangenelisi ukukupha umvuzo na?”

38 UBhalamu waphendula wathi, “Yebo, sengifikile kuwe khathesi. Kodwa angiyikukhuluma loba yini engiyifunayo. Ngizakhuluma lokho uNkulunkulu azakubeka emlonyeni wami kuphela.”

39 Ngakho uBhalamu wahamba loBhalaki eKhiriyathi-Huzothi. 40 UBhalaki wenza umhlatshelo wenkomo lezimvu, njalo ezinye wazipha uBhalamu ezinye wazipha amakhosana ayehamba lawo. 41 Ekuseni ngosuku olulandelayo uBhalaki wathatha uBhalamu waya eBhamothi-Bhali, kulapho abona khona izihonqo zabako-Israyeli.

23

Ukwambulelwa Kwakuqala KukaBhalamu

1 UBhalamu wathi, “Ngakhela ama-alithare ayisikhombisa lapha, ube usungilungisela inkunzi eziyisikhombisa kanye lenqama eziyisikhombisa.” 2 UBhalaki wenza njengokutshiwo nguBhalamu, kwathi bobabili babo banikela ngenkunzi langenqama eyodwa e-alithareni linye ngalinye.

3 Ngakho uBhalamu wasesithi kuBhalaki, “Hlala lapha eceleni lomnikelo wakho mina ngisaya eceleni. Mhlawumbe uThixo uzabuya azohlangana lami. Lokho azakuveza kimi ngizakutshela.” Wasesuka waya endaweni ephakemeyo eligceke.

4 UNkulunkulu wahlangana laye, njalo uBhalamu wathi, “Sengakhe ama-alithare ayisikhombisa njalo e-alithareni linye ngalinye nginikele ngenkunzi langenqama eyodwa.”

5 Ngakho uThixo watshela uBhalamu wathi, “Buyela kuBhalaki uyemupha umbiko lo.”

6 Ngakho wabuyela kuBhalaki wamfica emi eceleni komnikelo wakhe, kanye lawo wonke amakhosana amaMowabi. 7 Ngakho uBhalamu wasesitsho umbiko wakhe:

“UBhalaki ungilethe ngivela e-Aramu,

inkosi yamaMowabi evela ezintabeni zasempumalanga.

‘Woza,’ watsho njalo, ‘ngiqalekisela uJakhobe;

woza, mchothoze u-Israyeli.’

8 Ngingabaqalekisa njani

labo abangaqalekiswanga nguNkulunkulu?

Ngingachothoza njani

labo abangazange bachothozwe nguThixo?

9 Eziqongweni zamatshe ngiyababona,

khonale phezulu bayangikhanyela.

Ngibona abantu abahlezi ngokwehluka,

njalo kabaziboni bengabalezizizwe.

10 Ngubani ongabala uthuli lukaJakhobe

loba ingxenye yesine yabako-Israyeli na?

Yekela ngife ukufa kwabalungileyo,

njalo sengathi isiphetho sami singafana lesabo!”

11 UBhalaki wathi kuBhalamu, “Kuyini osungenzele khona na? Ngize lawe ukuze uqalekise izitha zami, kodwa akulalutho olwenzileyo ngaphandle kokuzibusisa!”

12 UBhalamu, waphendula wathi, “Ngingakukhulumi na engikutshelwe nguThixo?”

Ukwambulelwa Kwesibili KukaBhalamu

13 Ngakho uBhalaki wathi kuBhalamu, “Woza asiye kwenye indawo lapha ozababona khona; uzabona ingxenye kuphela kungeyisibo bonke. Khonapho-ke ungiqalekisele bona.” 14 Wasesuka laye waya emangweni waseZofimu phezu kwentaba iPhisiga, kulapho akha khona ama-alithare ayisikhombisa wanikela ngenkunzi langenqama e-alithareni linye ngalinye.

15 UBhalamu wathi kuBhalaki, “Hlala lapha eceleni komnikelo wakho mina ngisayahlangana laye ngale.”

16  UThixo wahlangana loBhalamu wamtshela wathi, “Buyela kuBhalaki uyemnika umbiko lo.”

17 Wasebuyela kuBhalaki wamfica emi eceleni komnikelo wakhe, kanye lamakhosana amaMowabi. UBhalaki wambuza wathi, “Utheni uThixo?”

18 Wasesitsho umbiko wakhe:

“Vuka, Bhalaki, njalo ulalele; zwana mina,

ndodana kaZiphori.

19 UNkulunkulu kasumuntu, ukuthi angaqamba amanga,

loba indodana yomuntu, yona eguquguqula ingqondo yayo.

Kambe ukhuluma angenzi na?

Uyathembisa angagcwalisi isithembiso na?

20 Ngamukele umlayo wokubusisa;

usebusisile, njalo ngingeke ngikuguqule lokho.

21 Akulamabhadi ehlela kuJakhobe,

akulasizi olubonakala ku-Israyeli.

UThixo uNkulunkulu wabo ukanye labo;

umkhosi weNkosi uphakathi kwabo.

22 UNkulunkulu wabakhipha eGibhithe;

balamandla enyathi.

23 Akulamilingo engalinga uJakhobe,

akulamasalamusi angamelana lo-Israyeli.

Khathesi sekuzathiwa ngoJakhobe

kanye lo-lsrayeli, ‘Khangela okwenziwe nguNkulunkulu!’

24 Abantu bayavuka njengesilwanekazi;

badlwanguluka njengesilwane

sona esingaphumuliyo size sitshwabadele inyamazana yaso

njalo sinathe igazi layo.”

25 Ngakho uBhalaki wasesithi kuBhalamu, “Ungabaqalekisi, njalo ungababusisi!”

26 UBhalamu waphendula wathi, “Angikutshelanga na ukuthi ngenza engikutshelwe nguThixo?”

Isambulelo Sesithathu SikaBhalamu

27 Ngakho uBhalaki wathi kuBhalamu, “Woza, kahle ngikuse kwenye indawo. Mhlawumbe kuzamthokozisa uNkulunkulu akuvumele ukuthi ungiqalekisele bona ukhonale.” 28 Ngakho uBhalaki wahamba loBhalamu baya phezu kwePheyori ekhangele enkangala.

29 UBhalamu wathi, “Ngakhela ama-alithare ayisikhombisa khonapha, ungilungisele inkunzi eziyisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa.” 30 UBhalaki wenza lokho ayekutshelwe nguBhalamu, wanikela inkunzi eyodwa lenqama e-alithareni linye ngalinye.

24

1 Kwathi uBhalamu esebonile ukuthi kuyamthokozisa uThixo ukubusisa u-Israyeli, kasadinganga njalo imilingo njengakuqala, kodwa waphenduka wakhangela enkangala. 2 Kwathi uBhalamu ekhangela wabona u-Israyeli emise izihonqo zakhe ngokwezizwe zakhe, uMoya kaNkulunkulu wehlela phezu kwakhe 3 wasesitsho isambulelo sakhe:

“Isambulelo sikaBhalamu indodana kaBheyori,

isambulelo salowo omehlo akhe abonisisa kuhle,

4 isambulelo salowo ozwa amazwi kaNkulunkulu,

lowo obona umbono ovela kuSomandla,

lowo owela phansi ngokuzehlisa,

njalo omehlo akhe avulekile:

5 Aze aba mahle amathente akho, Oh Jakhobe,

izindawo zakho zokuhlala, Oh Israyeli!

6 Njengezigodi zisabalele,

njengezivande zisekele umfula,

sanhlaba ehlanyelwe nguThixo,

njengezihlahla zomsedari ezingasemanzini.

7 Amanzi azageleza emigqonyeni yabo;

inhlanyelo yabo ibe semanzini amanengi.

Inkosi yabo izakuba nkulu kulo-Agagi;

umbuso wabo uzakuba ngophakemeyo.

8 UNkulunkulu wabakhupha eGibhithe;

balamandla anjengawenyathi.

Bayazitshwabadela izizwe eziyizitha

njalo bephule amathambo azo abe yizicucu;

ngemitshoko yabo babacibe.

9 Njengesilwane bayaqutha bacathame phansi,

njengesilwanekazi, ngubani olesibindi sokubavusa na?

Akuthi labo abakubusisayo babusiswe

njalo lalabo abakuqalekisayo baqalekiswe!”

10 Ngakho uBhalaki wamthukuthelela kakhulu uBhalamu. Watshaya izandla zakhe wathi, “Ngikubizele ukuthi uzengiqalekisela izitha zami, kodwa wena usubabusise okwamahlandla la amathathu. 11 Wohle usuke nje khathesi ubuyele kini! Ngithe ngizakupha umvuzo omuhle kakhulu, pho-ke uThixo usekuvimbele ukwamukeliswa umvuzo.”

12 UBhalamu wamphendula uBhalaki wathi, “Kanti kangizitshelanga yini izithunywa zakho owazithuma kimi ukuthi, 13 ‘Loba uBhalaki enganginika isigodlo sakhe sigcwele isiliva legolide, akulalutho lolulodwa ebengizalwenza ngokwentando yami, okuhle kumbe okubi, okuphambene lomlayo kaThixo, kufanele ngitsho lokho kuphela uThixo akutshoyo na’? 14 Khathesi sengibuyela ebantwini bakithi, kodwa woza, ngikuxwayise ukuthi kuyini okuzakwenziwa ngabantu laba ebantwini bakho ensukwini ezilandelayo.”

Isambulo Sesine SikaBhalamu

15 Ngakho uBhalamu wasesitsho isambulelo sakhe:

“Isambulelo sikaBhalamu indodana kaBheyori,

isambulelo salowo omehlo akhe abonisisa kuhle,

16 isambulelo salowo olalela ezwe amazwi kaNkulunkulu,

ololwazi oluvela koPhezukonke,

obona umbono ovela kuSomandla, owela phansi ngokuzehlisa,

njalo omehlo akhe avulekile:

17 Ngiyambona, kodwa hatshi khathesi;

ngiyambona, kodwa kungesikho eduze.

Inkanyezi izaphuma ivela kuJakhobe;

intonga yobukhosi izaphakama ivela ku-Israyeli.

Uzacobodisa amabunzi kaMowabi,

inkakhayi zamadodana wonke kaSethi.

18 I-Edomi izanqotshwa;

uSeyiri, oyisitha sakhe, uzanqotshwa,

kodwa u-Israyeli uzakhula abe lamandla.

19 Umbusi uzavela kuJakhobe

njalo uzabhubhisa abaseleyo balelodolobho.”

Isambulelo Sesihlanu SikaBhalamu

20 Ngakho uBhalamu wabona u-Amaleki wasesitsho isambulelo sakhe:

“U-Amaleki wayengowokuqala ezizweni,

kodwa ekucineni uzakuba lunxiwa.”

Isambulelo Sesithupha SikaBhalamu

21 Ngakho wasebona amaKheni wasesitsho isambulelo sakhe njalo:

“Indawo yakho yokuhlala ivikelekile,

isidleke sakho sakhelwe edwaleni;

22 kanti-ke lina maKheni lizabhujiswa

ekuthunjweni kwenu yi-Asiriya.”

Isambulelo Sesikhombisa SikaBhalamu

23 Ngakho wasitsho isambulelo sakhe:

“Kambe ngubani ongaphila nxa uNkulunkulu esenza lokhu na?

24 Imikhumbi izakuza ivela okhunjini lwaseKhithimi;

bazayehlula u-Asiriya kanye le-Ebha,

kodwa laba bazachithwa babe ngamanxiwa.”

25 Ngakho uBhalamu wasukuma wasebuyela kibo loBhalaki wahamba ngeyakhe indlela.

25

AmaMowabi Adukisa U-Israyeli

1 Ngesikhathi u-Israyeli esehlala eShithima, amadoda aqala ukuhlobonga labafazi bamaMowabi, 2 bona abamema amadoda ako-Israyeli ukuba eze emihlatshelweni yabonkulunkulu babo. Abantu laba babesidla ukudla kwabonkulunkulu labo njalo bebakhothamele. 3 Ngakho u-Israyeli wahlanganyela ekukhonzeni uBhali wasePheyori. Yikho uThixo wabathukuthelela kakhulu.

4  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Thatha bonke abakhokheli balababantu, ubabulale njalo ubeke izidumbu zabo egcekeni emini libalele phambi kukaThixo, ukuze intukuthelo eyesabekayo kaThixo isuke ku-Israyeli.”

5 Ngakho uMosi wathi kubahluleli bako-Israyeli, “Kumele ukuthi munye ngamunye wenu abulale amadoda akini lawo asehlanganyela ekukhonzeni uBhali wasePheyori.”

6 Kwathi indoda ethile yako-Israyeli yaletha umfazi woMidiyani emulini yayo khonapho phambi kukaMosi laphambi kwabako-Israyeli bonke ababebuthene bekhala esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 7 Kwathi uFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi, ekubona lokho, watshiya ababebuthene, 8 wathatha umkhonto wayilandela indoda leyo ethenteni. Wagadla ngomkhonto wabagwaza bobabili wayathutsha ngale komʼIsrayeli wangena wayathutshela esiswini sowesifazane. Ngakho sasesiphela isifo esasesihlasele abako-Israyeli; 9 kodwa labo abasebefile ngenxa yesifo babezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000).

10  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 11 “UFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni umphristi, uqedile ukuthukuthelela kwami abantu bako-Israyeli, ngoba wayetshisekela udumo lwami phakathi kwabo njengami, ukuze ngesihawu sami ngingabaqedi. 12 Ngalokho umtshele ukuthi sengisenza isivumelwano sokuthula laye. 13 Yena kanye lezizukulwane zakhe bazakuba lesivumelwano sobuphristi esimi kokuphela, ngoba utshisekelele udumo lukaNkulunkulu wakhe njalo wenzele abako-Israyeli indlela yokubuyisana.”

14 Ibizo lendoda yako-Israyeli eyabulawa kanye lowesifazane weMidiyani kwakunguZimri indodana kaSalu, umkhokheli wabemuli yamaSimiyoni. 15 Njalo ibizo lowesifazane woMidiyani owabulawayo lalinguKhozibhi indodakazi kaZuri, induna yesizwana semuli yamaMidiyani.

16  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 17 “Kumele liphathe amaMidiyani njengezitha njalo liwabulale, 18 ngoba aliphathe njengezitha alikhohlisa ngendaba kaPheyori kanye lodadewabo uKhozibhi indodakazi yomkhokheli wamaMidiyani, owesifazane owabulawa ngesikhathi sokuhlasela kwesifo esabakhona ngenxa kaPheyori.”

26

Ukubalwa Kwabantu Kwesibili

1 Ngemva kwesifo uThixo wathi kuMosi lo-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni, umphristi, 2 “Balani abantu bonke abako-Israyeli ngezimuli zabo bonke abaleminyaka esukela kwengamatshumi amabili yokuzalwa kusiya phezulu abangaba libutho lako-Israyeli.” 3 Ngakho uMosi lo-Eliyazari umphristi batshela abantu basemagcekeni aseMowabi eduze lomfula uJodani ngaphetsheya kweJerikho bathi kubo, 4 “Balani amadoda aleminyaka yokuzalwa esukela kwengamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.”

Laba ngabako-Israyeli abaphuma eGibhithe:

5 Izizukulwane zikaRubheni izibulo lika-Israyeli, kwakuyilezi:

uHanokhi, wadabula abosendo lwamaHanokhi;

uPhalu, wadabula abosendo lwamaPhalu;

6 uHezironi wadabula abosendo lwamaHezironi;

uKhami wadabula abosendo lwamaKhami.

7 Laba babengabezinsendo zikaRubheni; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lantathu, lamakhulu ayisikhombisa alamatshumi amathathu (43,730).

8 Indodana kaPhalu kwakungu-Eliyabi, 9 njalo amadodana ka-Eliyabi kwakunguNemuweli, uDathani kanye lo-Abhiramu. Bona laba uDathani lo-Abhiramu yibo ababeyizikhulu zabantu abahlamukela uMosi lo-Aroni njalo babengabanye babalandeli bakaKhora ngesikhathi behlamukela uThixo. 10 Umhlaba wavuleka wabaginya kanye loKhora, kanye labalandeli babo abafa beqothulwa ngumlilo bengamadoda angamakhulu amabili alamatshumi amahlanu (250). Njalo baba yisixwayiso. 11 Loba kunjalo, inzalo kaKhora kayibhubhanga yonke, yaphela.

12 Izizukulwane zikaSimiyoni ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uNemuweli wadabula abosendo lwamaNemuweli;

uJamini wadabula abosendo lwamaJamini;

uJakhini wadabula abosendo lwamaJakhini;

13 uZera wadabula abosendo lwamaZera;

uShawuli wadabula abosendo lwamaShawuli.

14 Laba babengabezinsendo zikaSimiyoni; inani labo lalingamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili, lamakhulu amabili (22,200).

15 Izizukulwane zikaGadi ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uZifoni wadabula abosendo lwamaZifoni;

uHagi wadabula abosendo lwamaHagi;

uShuni wadabula abosendo lwamaShuni;

16 u-Ozini wadabula abosendo lwama-Ozini;

u-Eri wadabula abosendo lwama-Eri;

17 u-Arodi wadabula abosendo lwama-Arodi;

u-Areli wadabula abosendo lwama-Areli.

18 Laba bengabensendo zikaGadi; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lamakhulu amahlanu (40,500).

19 U-Eri lo-Onani babengamadodana kaJuda, kodwa bafela eKhenani.

20 Izizukulwane zikaJuda ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uShela wadabula abosendo lwakoShela;

uPherezi wadabula abosendo lwamaPherezi;

uZera wadabula abosendo lwamaZera.

21 Izizukulwane zikaPherezi kwakuyilezi:

uHezironi wadabula abosendo lwamaHezironi;

uHamuli wadabula abosendo lwamaHamuli.

22 Laba babezinsendo zikaJuda; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesithupha, lamakhulu amahlanu (76,500).

23 Izizukulwane zika-Isakhari ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uThola wadabula abosendo lwamaThola;

uPhuwa wadabula abosendo lwamaPhuwa;

24 uJashubi wadabula abosendo lwamaJashubi;

uShimroni wadabula abosendo lwamaShimroni.

25 Laba ngabensendo zika-Isakhari; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lane, lamakhulu amathathu (64,300).

26 Izizukulwane zikaZebhuluni ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uSeredi wadabula abosendo lwamaSeredi;

u-Eloni wadabula abosendo lwama-Eloni;

uJaliyeli wadabula abosendo lwamaJahileli.

27 Laba ngabensendo zikaZebhuluni, inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lamakhulu amahlanu (60,500).

28 Izizukulwane zikaJosefa ngokwensendo zabo bezalwa nguManase lo-Efrayimi kwakuyilezi:

29 Izizukulwane zikaManase ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uMakhiri wadabula abosendo lwamaMakhiri (uMakhiri wayenguyise kaGiliyadi);

uGiliyadi wadabula abosendo lwamaGiliyadi.

30 Laba yizizukulwane zikaGiliyadi:

u-Iyezeri wadabula abosendo lwama-Iyezeri;

uHelekhi wadabula abosendo lwamaHeleki;

31 u-Asiriyeli wadabula abosendo lwama-Asiriyeli;

uShekhemu wadabula abosendo lwamaShekhemu;

32 uShemida wadabula abosendo lwamaShemida;

uHeferi wadabula abosendo lwamaHeferi.

33 (UZelofehadi indodana kaHeferi wayengelamadodana; wayelamadodakazi wodwa, amabizo awo ayenguMahila, uNowa, uHogila, uMilikha kanye loThiza.)

34 Laba kwakungabensendo zikaManase; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lambili, lamakhulu ayisikhombisa (52,700).

35 Laba kwakuyizizukulwane zika-Efrayimi ngokwensendo zazo:

uShuthela wadabula abosendo lwamaShuthela;

uBhekheri wadabula abosendo lwamaBhekheri;

uThahani wadabula abosendo lwamaThahani.

36 Laba kwakuyizizukulwane zikaShuthela:

u-Erani wadabula abosendo lwama-Erani.

37 Laba kwakungabensendo zika-Efrayimi; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili, lamakhulu amahlanu (32,500).

Laba kwakuyizizukulwane zikaJosefa ngokwensendo zazo.

38 Izizukulwane zikaBhenjamini ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uBhela wadabula abosendo lwamaBhela;

u-Ashibheli wadabula abosendo lwama-Ashibheli;

u-Ahirami wadabula abosendo lwama-Ahirami;

39 uShufamu wadabula abosendo lwamaShufamu;

uHufamu wadabula usendo lwamaHufamu

40 Izizukulwane zikaBhela ezazalwa ngu-Adi kanye loNamani yilezi:

u-Adi wadabula abosendo lwama-Adithe;

uNamani wadabula abosendo lwamaNamani.

41 Laba kwakungabensendo zikaBhenjamini; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu, lamakhulu ayisithupha (45,600).

42 Laba babeyizizukulwane zikaDani ngokwensendo zazo:

uShuhamu wadabula abosendo lwamaShuhamu.

Laba babengabezinsendo zikaDani: 43 Bonke babengabosendo lwamaShuhamu; njalo inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lane, lamakhulu amane (64,400).

44 Izizukulwane zika-Asheri ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

u-Imna wadabula abosendo lwama-Imna;

u-Ishivi wadabula abosendo lwama-Ishivi;

uBheriya wadabula abosendo lwamaBheriya;

45 njalo izizukulwane ezadatshulwa nguBheriya yilezi:

uHebheri wadabula abosendo lwamaHebheri;

uMalikhiyeli wadabula abosendo lwamaMalikhiyeli.

46 (U-Asheri wayelendodakazi okwakuthiwa nguSera.)

47 Laba babengabezinsendo zika-Asheri; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lantathu, lamakhulu amane (53,400).

48 Izizukulwane zikaNafithali ngokwensendo zazo kwakuyilezi:

uJaziyeli wadabula abosendo lwamaJaziyeli;

uGuni wadabula abosendo lwamaGuni;

49 uJezeri wadabula abosendo lwamaJezeri;

uShilemu wadabula abosendo lwamaShilemu.

50 Laba babengabezinsendo zikaNafithali; inani labo lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu, lamakhulu amane (45,400).

51 Inani lamadoda wonke ako-Israyeli lalizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lanye, lamakhulu ayisikhombisa alamatshumi amathathu (601,730).

52  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 53 “Ilizwe lizakwahlukaniselwa abantu njengelifa labo kusiya ngenani lamabizo abo. 54 Isizwe esikhulu uzasinika isabelo esikhulu, kuthi isizwana esincinyane usiphe isabelo esincane; isizwana ngasinye sizakwabelwa ilifa laso ngokuya ngenani lamabizo alabo ababhaliweyo. 55 Iba leqiniso lokuthi ilizwe labiwa ngenkatho. Isabelo seqembu ngalinye sizakuya ngamabizo esizwana sabokhokho baso. 56 Isabelo ngasinye selizwe sizakwehlukaniswa ngokwenza inkatho phakathi kwezizwana ezinkulu lezincinyane.”

57 Laba ngabaLevi ababalwa kulandelwa insendo zabo:

uGeshoni wadabula abosendo lwamaGeshoni;

uKhohathi wadabula abosendo lwamaKhohathi;

uMerari wadabula abosendo lwamaMerari.

58 Laba labo babengabezinsendo zabaLevi:

usendo lwamaLibhini,

usendo lwamaHebhroni,

usendo lwamaMahili,

usendo lwamaMushi,

usendo lwamaKhora.

(UKhohathi wayengukhokho ka-Amramu; 59 inkosikazi ka-Amramu kwakunguJokhebhedi, oyisizukulwane sikaLevi, owayezalelwe eGibhithe ngabaLevi. Wazala lo-Amramu u-Aroni, loMosi kanye lodadewabo uMiriyemu. 60 U-Aroni wayenguyise kaNadabi, u-Abhihu, u-Eliyazari kanye lo-Ithamari. 61 Kodwa uNadabi lo-Abhihu bafa baze banikele kuThixo ngomlilo ongavunyelwayo.)

62 Bonke abaLevi abesilisa ababalwayo kusukela kwabalenyanga eyodwa yokuzalwa kusiya phezulu babezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lantathu (23,000). Kababalwanga ndawonye labanye abako-Israyeli ngoba kabanikwanga isabelo esiyilifa phakathi kwabo.

63 Laba yibo ababalwa nguMosi lo-Eliyazari umphristi mhla bebala abako-Israyeli emagcekeni aseMowabi nganeno komfula iJodani malungana leJerikho. 64 Kwakungekho loyedwa phakathi kwabo owayekhona mhla uMosi lo-Aroni bebala abako-Israyeli enkangala yaseSinayi. 65 Ngoba uThixo wayetshilo kwabako-Israyeli labo ukuthi ngempela babezakufa enkangala, njalo kakho loyedwa wabo owasalayo ngaphandle kukaKhalebi indodana kaJefune loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni.

27

Amadodakazi KaZelofehadi

1 Amadodakazi kaZelofehadi indodana kaHeferi, indodana kaGiliyadi, indodana kaMakhiri, indodana kaManase babengabezinsendo zikaManase indodana kaJosefa. Amabizo alawomadodakazi ayenguMahila, uNowa, uHogila, uMilikha, loThiza. Aya 2 esangweni leThente lokuHlangana ema phambi kukaMosi lo-Eliyazari umphristi, abakhokheli kanye lebandla lonke, athi, 3 “Ubaba wafela enkangala. Wayengekho phakathi kwabalandeli bakaKhora, bona ababambana ekuphikiseni kwabo uThixo, kodwa wafela isono sakhe njalo katshiyanga madodana. 4 Kungani ibizo likababa licitsha kwabosendo lwakhe ngokungabi lendodana na? Sipheni ilifa lethu lathi ezihlotsheni zikababa.”

5 Ngakho uMosi wethula indaba yawo phambi kukaThixo, 6  uThixo wathi kuye, 7 “Lokho okutshiwo ngamadodakazi kaZelofehadi kuqondile. Kufanele ubaphe isabelo sabo selifa ezihlotsheni zikayise njalo ubaphe ilifa likayise.

8 Tshono uthi kwabako-Israyeli, ‘Nxa indoda ife ingelandodana, ilifa layo kaliphiwe indodakazi yayo. 9 Nxa ingelandodakazi, ilifa layo kaliphiwe abafowabo. 10 Nxa ingelabafowabo ilifa layo kaliphiwe abafowabo bakayise. 11 Nxa uyise engelabafowabo, ilifa layo kaliphiwe oyisihlobo esiseduze kwabosendo lwayo, ukuze libe ngelakhe. Lokho kumele kube ngumthetho oyisimiso kwabako-Israyeli, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.’ ”

UJoshuwa Uzathatha Isikhundla SikaMosi

12  UThixo wasesithi kuMosi, “Khwela entabeni le yase-Abharimi ukuze ubone ilizwe engilinike abako-Israyeli. 13 Ngemva kokuba usulibonile, lawe uzalandela abakini, ufe njengomfowenu u-Aroni, 14 ngoba ekuhlamukeni kwabantu emanzini asenkangala yaseZini, lina lobabili kalilandelanga ukulaya kwami, ukungidumisa ngobungcwele bami emehlweni abo.” (La ayengamanzi aseMeribha Khadeshi, enkangala yaseZini.)

15 UMosi wathi kuThixo, 16 “Akuthi uThixo, uNkulunkulu wemimoya yabantu bonke akhethe indoda ezakhokhela abantu laba 17 ekuphumeni lasekungeneni, lowo ozabakhokhela ekuphumeni lekungeneni kwabo, ukuze abantu bakaThixo bangafanani lezimvu ezingelamelusi.”

18 Ngakho uThixo wathi kuMosi, “Thatha uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, indoda elomoya wobukhokheli, ubeke isandla sakho phezu kwayo. 19 Umise phambi kuka-Eliyazari umphristi laphambi kwebandla lonke ubusumbeka esikhundleni phambi kwabo. 20 Umnike ingxenye yamandla akho ukuze isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli simlalele. 21 Kumele ame phambi kuka-Eliyazari umphristi, yena ozamtholela izinqumo ngokubuza i-Urimi phambi kukaThixo. Ngokulawula kwakhe yena kanye labantu bonke bako-Israyeli bazaphuma, kuthi njalo ngokulawula kwakhe bangene.”

22 UMosi wenza njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo. Wathatha uJoshuwa wamisa phambi kuka-Eliyazari umphristi kanye laphambi kwebandla lonke. 23 Wasebeka izandla zakhe phezu kwakhe embeka esikhundleni, njengokulaya kukaThixo ngoMosi.

28

Iminikelo Yezinsuku Zonke

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Phana abako-Israyeli umlayo lo uthi kubo, ‘Nanzelelani ukuthi lingilethele ngesikhathi esimisiweyo imihlatshelo yokudla, njengephunga elimnandi kimi.’ 3 Tshono uthi kubo: ‘Lo ngumnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo okumele liwuse kuThixo: amazinyane emvu amabili angelasici njalo alomnyaka owodwa ezelwe, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke. 4 Linikele izinyane lemvu elilodwa ekuseni beselinikela elinye kusihlwa, 5 ndawonye lomnikelo wamabele ayisilinganiso sokwetshumi kwehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lengxenye yesine yehini yamafutha ahluzwe ema-oliveni. 6 Lo ngumnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke owamiswa entabeni yaseSinayi njengephunga elimnandi, umnikelo owenzelwa uThixo ngomlilo. 7 Umnikelo wokunathwayo ozakwenziwa ndawonye lengxenye yesine yehini yokunathwayo okulemvubelo ndawonye lezinyane lemvu. Thela umnikelo wokunathwayo phambi kukaThixo endlini engcwele. 8 Unikele izinyane lesibili kusihlwa ndawonye lomnikelo wamabele ofanayo lomnikelo wokunathwayo ofana lalowo owunikele ekuseni. Lo ngumhlatshelo wokudla, iphunga elimnandi kuThixo.’ ”

Iminikelo YeSabatha

9 “ ‘Ngosuku lweSabatha, ulungise umnikelo wamazinyane emvu amabili alomnyaka owodwa ezelwe engelasici, ndawonye lomnikelo wokunathwayo kanye lomnikelo wamabele ozingxenye ezimbili zehefa etshumini zefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha. 10 Lo ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kuwo wonke amasabatha, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa lowokunathwayo ojayelekileyo.’ ”

Iminikelo Yenyanga Zonke

11 “ ‘Ngosuku lwakuqala inyanga zonke, letha kuThixo umnikelo wokutshiswa wenkunzi ezingamaguqa ezimbili, inqama eyodwa lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna alomnyaka ezelwe, angelasici. 12 Inkunzi eyodwa izahamba lomnikelo wamabele ozingxenye ezintathu etshumini zehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha; inqama izahamba lomnikelo wamabele ayingxenye ezimbili etshumini zehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha; 13 izinyane lemvu ngalinye lizahamba lomnikelo wamabele oyingxenye eyodwa etshumini lehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha. Lokhu ngokomnikelo wokutshiswa, iphunga elimnandi, umnikelo owenzelwa uThixo ngomlilo. 14 Inkunzi nganye izahamba lomnikelo wokunathwayo okuyingxenye yehini yewayini; lenqama, ingxenye yesithathu yehini; kuthi izinyane lemvu ngalinye lihambe lengxenye yesine yehini. Lo ngumnikelo wokutshiswa owenyanga zonke okumele wenziwe ekuthwaseni kwezinyanga zonke ngomnyaka. 15 Ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa ojayelekileyo kanye lomnikelo wakhona wokunathwayo, impongo eyodwa kumele iphiwe uThixo njengomnikelo wesono.’ ”

IPhasika

16 “ ‘Ngosuku lwetshumi lane ngenyanga yakuqala kuzakuba lePhasika likaThixo. 17 Ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwaleyonyanga kuzakuba lomkhosi; okwensuku eziyisikhombisa lizakudla isinkwa esingelamvubelo. 18 Ngosuku lwakuqala lenze umbuthano ongcwele njalo lingenzi imisebenzi yenu yansuku zonke. 19 Kodwa linikele kuThixo umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, umnikelo wokutshiswa owenkunzi ezingamaguqa ezimbili, inqama eyodwa kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa ezelwe, konke kungelasici. 20 Kuzakuthi inkunzi nganye liyinikele kanye lomnikelo wamabele ayingxenye yokuthathu etshumini lehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha; kuthi inqama ihambe lokubili etshumini; 21 kuthi-ke linye ngalinye izinyane lemvu kwayisikhombisa, lihambe lokukodwa etshumini. 22 Akubekhona lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono ukuzenzela indlela yokubuyisana. 23 Phezu kwalokho lungisani umnikelo wokutshiswa wekuseni ojayelekileyo. 24 Ngaleyondlela nikelani umhlatshelo wokudla okwensuku eziyisikhombisa kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo; lokhu kumele kulungiswe kusengezelela umnikelo ojayelekileyo wokutshiswa kanye lomnikelo wakho wokunathwayo. 25 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa lizakuba lombuthano ongcwele njalo lingenzi imisebenzi yenu yansuku zonke.’ ”

UMkhosi WamaViki

26 “ ‘Ngosuku lwezithelo zakuqala, nxa lisethula kuThixo umnikelo wamabele amatsha ngesikhathi soMkhosi wamaViki, wobani lombuthano ongcwele njalo lingenzi imisebenzi yensukwini. 27 Nikelani umnikelo wokutshiswa ngenkunzi ezingamaguqa ezimbili, inqama eyodwa kanye lamazinyane amaduna ayisikhombisa awezimvu alomnyaka owodwa ezelwe kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo. 28 Kuzakuthi inkunzi nganye liyilungise kanye lomnikelo wamabele ayingxenye yokuthathu etshumini lehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha; kuthi inqama ihambe lokubili etshumini; 29 kuthi-ke linye ngalinye izinyane lemvu ngalinye kwayisikhombisa, lihambe lokukodwa etshumini. 30 Akubekhona lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono ukuzenzela indlela yokubuyisana. 31 Lungisani lokho ndawonye leminikelo yokunathwayo, ukwengezelela eminikelweni ejayelekileyo yokutshiswa kanye lomnikelo wawo wamabele. Nanzelelani ukuthi lezozifuyo azilasici.’ ”

29

UMkhosi WamaCilongo

1 “ ‘Ngosuku lwakuqala ngenyanga yesikhombisa yenzani umbuthano ongcwele njalo lingenzi imisebenzi yansuku zonke. Lusuku lwenu lokutshaya amacilongo. 2 Lungisani umnikelo wokutshiswa, kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo, inkunzi eliguqa eyodwa, inqama eyodwa lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 3 Kuzakuthi inkunzi leyo liyilungise kanye lomnikelo wamabele azingxenye ezintathu kokulitshumi kwehefa yefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha; kuthi inqama ibe lokubili etshumini; 4 kuthi-ke linye ngalinye izinyane lemvu kwayisikhombisa, lihambe lokukodwa etshumini. 5 Akubekhona lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono ukuzenzela indlela yokubuyisana. 6 Lokhu kuzabe kusengezelela iminikelo yokutshiswa yenyanga zonke kanye leyezinsuku zonke ndawonye leminikelo yamabele leyokunathwayo njengokumisiweyo. Le yimihlatshelo yokudla eyenzelwa uThixo, iphunga elimnandi.’ ”

Usuku Lokubuyisana

7 “ ‘Ngosuku lwetshumi lwaleyonyanga yesikhombisa yenzani umbuthano ongcwele. Kumele lizidele njalo lingasebenzi. 8 Nikelani umnikelo wokutshiswa, kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo, inkunzi eliguqa eyodwa, inqama eyodwa lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 9 Kuzakuthi inkunzi leyo uyilungise kanye lomnikelo wamabele azingxenye ezintathu kokulitshumi zehefa zingezefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe ngamafutha; kuthi inqama ihambe lokubili etshumini; 10 kuthi-ke linye ngalinye izinyane lemvu kwayisikhombisa, lihambe lokukodwa etshumini. 11 Akubekhona lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wesono, owokubuyisana kanye lomnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke lomnikelo wawo wamabele, kanye leminikelo yayo yokunathwayo.’ ”

UMkhosi WeziHonqo

12 “ ‘Ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu ngenyanga yesikhombisa, yenzani umbuthano ongcwele njalo lingenzi imisebenzi yensukwini. Thakazelelani lumkhosi kuThixo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 13 Nikelani umnikelo wokutshiswa, kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo, umnikelo wokutshiswa wenkunzi ezingamaguqa ezilitshumi lantathu, inqama ezimbili lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna alitshumi lane alomnyaka ezelwe, konke kungelasici. 14 Kuthi inkunzi inye ngayinye kwezilitshumi lantathu liyilungise kanye lomnikelo wamabele azingxenye ezintathu kokulitshumi kwehefa lefulawa ecolekileyo exutshaniswe lamafutha; kuthi inqama nganye kwezimbili, ihambe lokubili etshumini; 15 kuthi-ke linye ngalinye izinyane lemvu kwalitshumi lane, lihambe lokukodwa etshumini. 16 Akube lempongo eyodwa ezakuba ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wawo wamabele kanye lowokunathwayo.

17 Ngosuku lwesibili lungisani inkunzi ezingamaguqa ezilitshumi lambili, inqama ezimbili lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 18 Ndawonye lenkunzi, inqama kanye lamawundlu, linikele iminikelo yakho yamabele kanye leyokunathwayo kusiya ngenani elimisiweyo. 19 Akube lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wawo wamabele, kanye leminikelo yayo yokunathwayo.

20 Ngosuku lwesithathu nikelani inkunzi ezilitshumi lanye, inqama ezimbili kanye lamazinyane ezimvu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 21 Ndawonye lenkunzi, inqama, kanye lamawundlu, linikele iminikelo yakho yamabele kanye leyokunathwayo kusiya ngenani elimisiweyo. 22 Akube lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wakho wamabele kanye lomnikelo wokunathwayo.

23 Ngosuku lwesine nikelani inkunzi ezilitshumi, inqama ezimbili kanye lamazinyane ezimvu alitshumi lane amaduna alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 24 Ndawonye lenkunzi, inqama kanye lamawundlu, linikele iminikelo yakho yamabele kanye leyokunathwayo kusiya ngenani elimisiweyo. 25 Akube lempongo eyodwa ezakuba ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wawo wamabele kanye lowokunathwayo.

26 Ngosuku lwesihlanu nikelani inkunzi eziyisificamunwemunye, inqama ezimbili kanye lamazinyane ezimvu alitshumi lane amaduna alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 27 Ndawonye lenkunzi, inqama kanye lamawundlu, linikele iminikelo yakho yamabele kanye leyokunathwayo kusiya ngenani elimisiweyo. 28 Akube lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wakho wamabele kanye lomnikelo wakho wokunathwayo.

29 Ngosuku lwesithupha nikelani inkunzi eziyisificaminwembili, inqama ezimbili lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 30 Ndawonye lenkunzi, inqama kanye lamawundlu, linikele iminikelo yakho yamabele kanye leyokunathwayo kusiya ngenani elimisiweyo. 31 Akube lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wakho wamabele kanye lomnikelo wakho wokunathwayo.

32 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa nikelani inkunzi eziyikhombisa, inqama ezimbili lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 33 Ndawonye lenkunzi, inqama lamawundlu, linikele iminikelo yakho yamabele kanye leyokunathwayo kusiya ngenani elimisiweyo. 34 Akube lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wakho wokunathwayo.

35 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili buthanani njalo lingenzi imisebenzi yensukwini. 36 Nikelani umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo kube liphunga elimnandi kuThixo, umnikelo wokutshiswa owenkunzi eyodwa, inqama eyodwa kanye lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa wokuzalwa, konke kungelasici. 37 Ndawonye lenkunzi, inqama kanye lamazinyane ezimvu, linikele iminikelo yakho yamabele kanye leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo kusiya ngenani elimisiweyo. 38 Akube lempongo eyodwa ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono, phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke ndawonye lomnikelo wakho wamabele kanye lomnikelo wakho wokunathwayo.

39 Ukwengezelela kulokho elinikela ngakho ngesifungo loba iminikelo yenu yokuzithandela, nikelani lokhu kuThixo emikhosini yenu emisiweyo: iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa, iminikelo yamabele, iminikelo yokunathwayo kanye leminikelo yobudlelwano.’ ”

40 UMosi watshela abako-Israyeli konke lokho uThixo ayemlaye ngakho.

30

Izifungo Zabesifazane

1 UMosi wathi kwabazinhloko zezizwana zabako-Israyeli: “Nanku ukulaya kukaThixo: 2 Nxa indoda isenza isifungo kuThixo loba isenza isifungo iziphe icala ngokuthembisa, akumelanga yephule isithembiso sayo kodwa kumele igcwalise ngokwenza konke ekutshiloyo.

3 Nxa intombazana elokhu isezandleni zabazali bayo isenza isifungo kuThixo loba iziphe icala ngokuthembisa 4 kuthi uyise abesesizwa ngesifungo loba isithembiso sayo kodwa uyise angaze atsho lutho ngalokho kuyo, kutsho ukuthi izinqumo kanye lezithembiso zayo njengokuzethesa kwayo lowomlandu kuzakuma kunjalo. 5 Kodwa uyise angakuzwa lokho ayalise asikho isifungo lesithembiso sayo esizasebenza; uThixo uzayikhulula leyontombazana ngoba yalelwe nguyise.

6 Nxa ingenda ngemva kokwenza isifungo loba kube ngemva kokuba indebe zayo zike zatsho isithembiso ngokucunuka izethesa icala 7 kuthi indoda yayo ikuzwe lokho kodwa ingatsho lutho kuyo, lokho-ke kutsho ukuthi izifungo zayo loba izithembiso eyazethesa icala ngazo zizakuma zinjalo. 8 Kodwa nxa umkayo eyalela ekukuzweni kwakhe, kutsho ukuthi umkayo usesuse icala lesifungo loba isithembiso ngokujaha kwayo, ngakho uThixo uzayikhulula.

9 Loba yisiphi isifungo loba isithembiso esenziwe ngumfelokazi loba umfazi owehlukana lendoda yakhe kuyisibopho kuye.

10 Nxa owesifazane ohlala lomkakhe esenza isinqumo loba ezethesa icala lesithembiso ngesifungo 11 kuthi indoda yakhe ikuzwe kodwa ingaze yatsho lutho kuye ingamaleli, kutsho ukuthi izifungo zakhe zonke lezithembiso zokuzethesa icala zizakuma zinjalo. 12 Kodwa indoda yakhe ingakuzwa lokho imalise, kutsho ukuthi akukho isifungo loba isithembiso esivela endebeni zakhe esizakuma njalo. Indoda yakhe isikwalile lokho, ngakho uThixo uzamkhulula. 13 Indoda yakhe ilakho ukuqinisa loba ukwala loba yisiphi isifungo azasenza loba yisiphi isifungo sesithembiso sokuzidela kwakhe. 14 Kodwa nxa indoda yakhe ingatshongo lutho kuye ngakho okwensuku, kuzakutsho ukuthi iyaziqinisa zonke izifungo loba izithembiso eziyisibopho kowesifazane. Indoda yakhe iyakuqinisa lokho ngokungatsho lutho kuye ekukuzweni kwakhe lokho. 15 Kodwa-ke, nxa angakwenqabela ngemva kwesikhathi ezwile ngakho, kutsho ukuthi usethwele icala lakhe.”

16 Le yiyo imithetho eyaphiwa uMosi nguThixo emayelana lokuhlalisana kwendoda lomkayo, njalo phakathi kukayise lendodakazi yakhe esakhulayo elokhu isesezandleni zakhe.

31

Ukuphindisela KumaMidiyani

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Phindisela kumaMidiyani usenzela abako-Israyeli. Ngemva kwalokho, uzalandela okhokho bakho.”

3 Ngakho uMosi wathi ebantwini, “Hlomisani amanye amadoda aye empini ayekulwa lamaMidiyani kanye lokuphindisela kukaThixo kuwo. 4 Thumelani amadoda ayinkulungwane avela esizwaneni ngasinye sako-Israyeli ukuyahlasela.” 5 Ngakho amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili ahlomela ukuyahlasela, kuyinkulungwane yamadoda avela esizwaneni ngasinye, ebuthwe ngosendo lunye ngalunye kwabako-Israyeli. 6 UMosi wabathumela ukuyahlasela, kuyinkulungwane evela esizwaneni ngasinye, kanye loFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari, umphristi, owathatha izitsha endlini engcwele kanye lamacilongo okubikelana.

7 Balwa lamaMidiyani, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo, babulala amadoda wonke. 8 Phakathi kwababulawayo kwakulamakhosi amahlanu amaMidiyani abalisa u-Evi, uRekhemu, uZuri, uHuri kanye loRebha. Babulala loBhalamu indodana kaBheyori ngenkemba. 9 Abako-Israyeli bathumba abesifazane bamaMidiyani labantwana, basebethumba lemihlambi yenkomo zamaMidiyani, leyezimvu kanye lokubutha impahla njengempango. 10 Batshisa wonke amadolobho lapha okwakuhlala khona amaMidiyani, kanye lezihonqo zawo zonke. 11 Bathatha konke ababekubuthile lababekuthumbile, kuhlanganisa abantu lezifuyo, 12 njalo basebeletha abathunjwa, okuthunjiweyo lokubuthiweyo kuMosi lo-Eliyazari umphristi kanye lebandleni lonke lako-Israyeli ezihonqweni zabo zasemagcekeni aseMowabi, ngaseJodani ngaphetsheya ukuvelela eJerikho.

13 UMosi, u-Eliyazari umphristi kanye labo bonke abakhokheli babantu baphuma ukuyabahlangabeza ngaphandle kwezihonqo. 14 UMosi wathukuthelela abalawuli bamabutho, ababelawula amaxuku ezinkulungwane lababelawula amaxuku angamakhulu, ababevela ekuhlaseleni.

15 UMosi wababuza wathi, “Selivumele abesifazane ukuthi baphile na? 16 Yibo ababelandela ukucebisa kukaBhalamu njalo bahugela abako-Israyeli ekungathembekini kuThixo kulokhu okwenzakala ePheyori, kwaze kwathi abantu bakaThixo behlelwa yisifo. 17 Khona khathesi bulalani abafana bonke. Njalo libulale wonke owesifazane oseke walala lendoda, 18 kodwa lizigcinele loba yiphi intombazana engakaze ilale lendoda.

19 Lina lonke elibulele loba ngubani loba lina elike lathinta loba ngubani obuleweyo lizahlala ngaphandle kwezihonqo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngosuku lwesithathu langosuku lwesikhombisa lizihlambulule lina kanye labathunjwa benu. 20 Lihlambulule zonke izembatho kanye lakho konke okwenziwe ngesikhumba, uboya bembuzi loba okwezigodo.”

21 Ngakho u-Eliyazari umphristi wathi kwabebutho ababeye empini, “Nanku okufaneleyo ngokomthetho owaphiwa uMosi nguThixo: 22 Igolide, isiliva, ithusi, insimbi, izenge lomnuso, 23 kanye lakho konke okunye okungatshi kutshabalale emlilweni kumele kudlule emlilweni, ngalokho kuzabe sekuhlambulukile. Kodwa kumele njalo kube sekuhlanjululiwe ngamanzi okuhlambulula. Kanti njalo kuthi lakuphi okungeke kwamelana lomlilo kumele kudluliswe kulawomanzi. 24 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa gezisani izigqoko zenu ukuze lihlambuluke. Ngemva kwalokho selingangena ezihonqweni.”

Ukwabiwa Kwempango

25  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 26 “Wena kanye lo-Eliyazari umphristi kanye labazinhloko zezimuli zabantu lizabala abantu bonke lezinyamazana, konke okwathunjwayo. 27 Yabelani amabutho ayesempini kanye labantu bonke impango ngokulinganayo. 28 Emabuthweni alwayo empini, thathani okukodwa emakhulwini amahlanu kube yisabelo sikaThixo, kumbe ngabantu, inkomo, obabhemi, izimvu loba imbuzi. 29 Thathani lesisabelo engxenyeni yesabo liyiphe u-Eliyazari umphristi ibe yingxenye kaThixo. 30 Kungxenye yabako-Israyeli, khethani okukodwa ematshumini amahlanu, phakathi kwabantu, inkomo, obabhemi, izimvu, imbuzi loba ezinye izifuyo. Zipheni abaLevi, bona abalomlandu wokunakekela ithabanikeli likaThixo.” 31 Ngakho uMosi lo-Eliyazari umphristi benza njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

32 Impango eyayisele kulokho okwathathwa ngamabutho kwakuyizimvu eziyizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu (675,000), 33 inkomo eziyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili (72,000), 34 obabhemi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lanye (61,000) 35 kanye labesifazane abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili (32,000) ababengakaze balale lamadoda.

36 Ingxenye yesabelo salabo abalwayo empini:

sasingesezimvu eziyizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu alesikhombisa, lamakhulu amahlanu (337,500), 37 lapho abakhipha khona umnikelo kaThixo oyizimvu ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu (675);

38 lenkomo eziyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lesithupha (36,000), okwakhitshwa kizo ezomnikelo kaThixo ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili;

39 obabhemi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lamakhulu amahlanu (30,500), kwathi umnikelo kaThixo waba ngamatshumi ayisithupha lanye;

40 abantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasithupha (16,000), kwanikelwa kuThixo ngabangamatshumi amathathu lambili.

41 UMosi wanika u-Eliyazari umphristi isabelo sikaThixo, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

42 Ingxenye yesabelo sabako-Israyeli uMosi wayeseyehlukanise leyamabutho, 43 ingxenye eyayingeyabantu yaba yizimvu eziyizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa, lamakhulu amahlanu (337,500), 44 inkomo eziyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lasithupha (36,000), 45 obabhemi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lamakhulu amahlanu (30, 500) 46 kanye labantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasithupha (16,000). 47 Engxenyeni yesabelo sabako-Israyeli, uMosi waqambula okukodwa ematshumini amahlanu abantu lasezifuyweni, njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo, njalo wakuqhubela abaLevi, bona ababelomlandu wokunakekela ithabanikeli likaThixo.

48 Ngakho izikhulu ezaziphethe izigaba zebutho, abalawuli bamaxuku azinkulungwane kanye labalawuli bamaxuku angamakhulu baya kuMosi 49 bafika bathi kuye, “Izinceku zakho seziwabalile amabutho eziwalawulayo, akukho lelilodwa ibutho elingekho. 50 Ngakho sesilethe njengomnikelo kuThixo izinto zegolide esizitholileyo munye ngamunye, izigqizo, amasongo, izindandatho, amacici kanye lezigqizo zentanyeni, ukuzenzela indlela yokubuyisana phambi kukaThixo.”

51 UMosi lo-Eliyazari umphristi bemukela igolide elalivela kubo, konke lokho kungokubaziweyo. 52 Lonke igolide elalethwa ngabalawuli emunye elawula amaxuku azinkulungwane labalawuli emunye elawula ikhulu lelo uMosi lo-Eliyazari abalethula njengesipho kuThixo lalilesisindo samashekeli azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesithupha, lamakhulu ayisikhombisa alamatshumi amahlanu (16,750). 53 Ibutho ngalinye lazithumbela okwalo lalo. 54 UMosi lo-Eliyazari umphristi bemukela igolide elalivela kubalawuli emunye elawula amaxuku azinkulungwane lakubalawuli emunye elawula amaxuku angamakhulu, balisa ethenteni lokuhlangana ukuze kube yisikhumbuzo kwabako-Israyeli phambi kukaThixo.

32

Izizwana Zangaphetsheya KweJodani

1 AbakoRubheni labakoGadi ababelemihlambi emikhulu yenkomo leyezimvu babona ukuthi amadlelo emangweni weJazeri leGiliyadi ayemahle ezifuyweni. 2 Ngakho baya kuMosi laku-Eliyazari umphristi lakubakhokheli babantu, bathi, 3 “Umhlaba we-Atharothi, leDibhoni, leJazeri, leNimra, leHeshibhoni, le-Eliyale, leSebhami, leNebho kanye leBheyoni, 4  uThixo awunqoba phambi kwabako-Israyeli, ngumhlaba olungele izifuyo, njalo thina nceku zenu silezifuyo.” 5 Basebesithi, “Nxa sifumene umusa emehlweni enu, lelilizwe aliphiwe izinceku zenu libe yisabelo sethu. Lingenzi ukuba sichaphe uJodani.”

6 UMosi wabuza abakoGadi labakoRubheni wathi, “Kambe lingahlala lapha amanye amadoda akini esiya empini na? 7 Kungani lithelela abako-Israyeli ukwesaba ukuchaphela elizweni abaliphiwa nguThixo na? 8 Yikho lokhu okwenziwa ngoyihlo ekubathumeni kwami besuka eKhadeshi Bhaneya ukuyahlola ilizwe. 9 Bathi sebehambe baze bayafika eSigodini sase-Eshikholi balibona ilizwe, bathelela abako-Israyeli ukwesaba ukungena elizweni abaliphiwa nguThixo. 10 Ulaka lukaThixo lwaqubuka ngalolosuku waze wenza lesisifungo. 11 ‘Ngenxa yokuthi abangilandelanga ngezinhliziyo zabo ezipheleleyo, kakho loyedwa emadodeni wonke aleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu okuzalwa kwabavela eGibhithe ozabona ilizwe engalithembisa u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe ngesifungo, 12 kakho loyedwa ngaphandle kukaKhalebi indodana kaJefune umKhenizi kanye loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, ngoba laba balandela uThixo ngezinhliziyo ezipheleleyo.’ 13 Ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha wabazondela abako-Israyeli njalo wabenza bantula enkangala okweminyaka engamatshumi amane, kwaze kwaphela bonke abentanga yalabo ababonile phambi kukaThixo.

14 Khathesi nanku-ke lina, nzalo yezoni, selimi endaweni yaboyihlo libangela ukuthi uThixo athukuthelele abako-Israyeli ngamandla. 15 Nxa lingala ukumlandela, uThixo uzaphinde atshiye bonke lababantu bakhe enkangala, njalo kuzabe kuyini elibangele incithakalo yabo.”

16 Ngakho beza kuye bathi, “Sifuna ukwakha izibaya zezifuyo zethu njalo sakhele omkethu labantwabethu amadolobho. 17 Kodwa thina sesilungele ukuzihlomisa ukuze sikhokhele abako-Israyeli size siyebafikisa endaweni yabo. Kunjalo-nje omkethu labantwabethu bazasala emadolobheni avikelekileyo, ukuze bangahlaselwa ngabanikazi balelolizwe. 18 Kasiyikubuyela kweyethu imizi wonke owako-Israyeli aze azuze isabelo sakhe. 19 Thina kasiyikuzuza isabelo kanye labo ngale kweJodani, ngoba esethu isabelo sisithole ngapha ngempumalanga kweJodani.”

20 Ngakho uMosi wathi kubo, “Nxa lizakwenza lokhu, lizihlomisele ukuhlasela phambi kukaThixo, 21 njalo nxa lonke lizahamba lihlomile ngale kweJodani phambi kukaThixo aze adudule izitha phambi kwakhe, 22 kuthi nxa ilizwe selinqotshiwe phambi kukaThixo selingaphenduka njalo liyabe selikhululekile emlandwini wenu kuThixo laku-Israyeli. Ngalokho-ke lelilizwe lizakuba yisabelo senu phambi kukaThixo.

23 Kodwa lingehluleka ukwenza lokhu, lizabe lonile phambi kukaThixo; njalo yazini ukuthi isono senu sizalifumana. 24 Yakhelani abesifazane benu labantwabenu amadolobho, njalo lakhele izifuyo zenu izibaya, kodwa yenzani lokho elikuthembisileyo.”

25 AbakoGadi labakoRubheni bathi kuMosi, “Thina izinceku zakho sizakwenza njengokulaya kwenkosi yethu. 26 Abantwabethu labomkethu, imihlambi yezimvu zethu leyenkomo zethu kuzasala lapha emadolobheni aseGiliyadi. 27 Kodwa thina zinceku zakho, yonke indoda ehlomele ukuhlasela, izachapha iyekulwa phambi kukaThixo, njengokutsho kwenkosi yethu.”

28 UMosi wasekhupha ilizwi lesiqondiso ngabo ku-Eliyazari umphristi lakuJoshuwa indodana kaNuni kanye lakulabo abazinhloko zezimuli zezizwana zako-Israyeli. 29 Wathi kubo, “Nxa abakoGadi labakoRubheni, wonke amadoda ayabe ehlomele ukuhlasela, angachaphela ngale kweJodani kunye lani phambi kukaThixo, kube sekusithi nxa ilizwe selinqotshiwe phambi kwenu banikeni ilizwe laseGiliyadi libe yisabelo sabo. 30 Kodwa nxa bengachaphanga lani behlomile, kumele bemukele isabelo sabo kunye lani eKhenani.”

31 AbakoGadi labakoRubheni baphendula bathi, “Izinceku zakho zizakwenza okutshiwo nguThixo. 32 Sizachaphela ngale phambi kukaThixo singene eKhenani sihlomile, kodwa ilifa eliyisabelo sethu lizakuba nganeno kweJodani.”

33 Ngakho uMosi wasenika abakoGadi, labakoRubheni kanye lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase indodana kaJosefa umbuso kaSihoni inkosi yama-Amori kanye lombuso ka-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani, ilizwe lonke kanye lamadolobho alo kanye lamazwe ayebagqagqele.

34 AbakoGadi bakha iDibhoni, i-Atharothi, i-Aroweri, 35 i-Athirothi-Shofani, iJazeri, iJogibheha, 36 iBhethi-Nimra kanye leBhethi-Harani aba ngamadolobho ahonqolozelwe ngemithangala, njalo bakha lezibaya zemihlambi yezifuyo zabo. 37 Kanti-ke abakoRubheni bakha kakutsha iHeshibhoni, i-Eliyale kanye leKhiriyathayimi, 38 kanye lokwakha iNebho kanye leBhali-Meyoni (la amabizo aguqulwa) leSibhima. Betha amadolobho abawakha kutsha amabizo.

39 Izizukulwane zikaMakhiri indodana kaManase zaya eGiliyadi, zalithumba njalo zaxotsha ama-Amori ayekulelolizwe. 40 Ngakho uMosi wapha elaseGiliyadi kumaMakhiri, izizukulwane zikaManase, basebehlala khona. 41 UJayiri, umzukulu kaManase, wathumba imizi yabo wayibiza ngokuthi yiHarothi Jayiri. 42 Kanti uNobha wathumba iKhenathi kanye lemizi eyigqagqeleyo njalo wayetha ibizo lakhe wathi yiNobha.

33

Amalombolombo Ohambo Lwabako-Israyeli

1 Nanka amalombolombo ohambo lwabako-Israyeli ekuphumeni kwabo eGibhithe ngamaviyo abo bekhokhelwa nguMosi lo-Aroni. 2 Ngokulaya kukaThixo waloba walonda izigaba zamalombolombo ohambo lwabo. Nantu uhambo lwabo ngezigaba zakhona:

3 Abako-Israyeli basuka eRamesesi ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga yakuqala, ngosuku kwedlule iPhasika. Baphuma ngesibindi bekhangelwe ngamaGibhithe wonke, 4 wona eyephathekile engcwaba wonke amazibulo awo, lawo ayebulewe nguThixo phakathi kwawo; ngoba uThixo wayehlulele ngokujezisa onkulunkulu bawo.

5 Abako-Israyeli basuka eRamesesi bayamisa izihonqo zabo eSukhothi.

6 Basuka eSukhothi bayamisa izihonqo zabo e-Ethamu, emaphethelweni enkangala.

7 Basuka e-Ethamu, baphenduka baya ePhi-Hahirothi; beqonda empumalanga yaseBhali-Zefoni, babuye njalo bamisa izihonqo zabo eMigidoli.

8 Basuka ePhi-Hahirothi badabula olwandle bangena enkangala, bathi sebehambe okwensuku ezintathu enkangala ye-Ethamu, bamisa izihonqo zabo eMara.

9 Basuka eMara baya e-Elimi, lapho okwakulezintombo zamanzi ezilitshumi lambili kanye lezihlahla zohlobo lwelala ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa, bafika bamisa izihonqo khonapho.

10 Basuka e-Elimi bayamisa izihonqo zabo besekele uLwandle oluBomvu.

11 Basuka oLwandle oluBomvu bayamisa enkangala yaseSini.

12 Basuka enkangala yeSini bayamisa eDofuka.

13 Basuka eDofuka bayamisa e-Alusha.

14 Basuka e-Alusha bayamisa eRefidimu, lapho okwakungelamanzi okunathwa ngabantu.

15 Basuka eRefidimu bayamisa enkangala yeSinayi.

16 Basuka enkangala yeSinayi bayamisa eKhibhrothi Hathava.

17 Basuka eKhibhrothi Hathava bayamisa eHazerothi.

18 Basuka eHazerothi bayamisa eRithima.

19 Basuka eRithima bayamisa eRimoni-Pherezi.

20 Basuka eRimoni-Pherezi bayamisa eLibhina.

21 Basuka eLibhina bayamisa eRisa.

22 Basuka eRisa bayamisa eKhehelatha.

23 Basuka eKhehelatha bayamisa eNtabeni yaseShefa.

24 Basuka eNtabeni yaseShefa bayamisa eHarada.

25 Basuka eHarada bayamisa eMakhelothi.

26 Basuka eMakhelothi bayamisa eThahathi.

27 Basuka eThahathi bayamisa eThera.

28 Basuka eThera bayamisa eMithika.

29 Basuka eMithika bayamisa eHashimona.

30 Basuka eHashimona bayamisa eMosera.

31 Basuka eMosera bayamisa eBhene Jayakhani.

32 Basuka eBhene Jayakhani bayamisa eHori-Hagidigadi.

33 Basuka eHori-Hagidigadi bayamisa eJothibhatha.

34 Basuka eJothibhatha bayamisa e-Abhurona.

35 Basuka e-Abhurona bayamisa e-Eziyoni-Gebheri.

36 Basuka e-Eziyoni-Gebheri bayamisa eKhadeshi, eNkangala yaseZini.

37 Basuka eKhadeshi bayamisa eNtabeni yaseHori, emngceleni wase-Edomi. 38 Ngokulaya kukaThixo, u-Aroni umphristi wakhwela eNtabeni yaseHori, lapho afela khona ngosuku lwakuqala lwenyanga yesihlanu yomnyaka wamatshumi amane emva kokuphuma kwabako-Israyeli eGibhithe. 39 U-Aroni wayeseleminyaka elikhulu elileminyaka engamatshumi amabili lemithathu yokuphila ekufeni kwakhe eNtabeni yaseHori.

40 Inkosi yase-Aradi engumKhenani eyayihlala eNegebi yaseKhenani, yezwa ukuthi abako-Israyeli babesiza.

41 Basuka eNtabeni yaseHori bayamisa eZalimona.

42 Basuka eZalimona bayamisa ePhunoni.

43 Basuka ePhunoni bayamisa e-Obhothi.

44 Basuka e-Obhothi bayamisa e-Iye-Abharimi, emngceleni waseMowabi.

45 Basuka e-Iye-Abharimu bayamisa eDibhoni Gadi.

46 Basuka eDibhoni Gadi bayamisa e-Alimoni-Dibhilathayimi.

47 Basuka e-Alimoni-Dibhilathayimi bayamisa ezintabeni zase-Abharimi, phansi kweNebho.

48 Basuka ezintabeni zase-Abharimi bayamisa emagcekeni aseMowabi besekele uJodani ngaphetsheya malungana leJerikho. 49 Khonapho emagcekeni aseMowabi bamisa izihonqo zabo belandela umfula uJodani kusukela eBhethi-Jeshimothi kusiya e-Abheli-Shithima.

50 Emagcekeni aseMowabi ngasemfuleni uJodani ngaphetsheya uvelela ngaseJerikho uThixo wathi kuMosi, 51 “Khuluma kwabako-Israyeli ubatshele lokhu uthi: ‘Nxa lichapha uJodani lingena eKhenani, 52 xotshani phambi kwenu bonke abahlala kulelolizwe. Dilizani zonke izithombe zabo ezibaziweyo kanye lezibunjiweyo, njalo libhidlize zonke izindawo eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela. 53 Thumbani ilizwe lelo lihlale kulo, ngoba ngilinike ukuthi libe ngelenu. 54 Yabelanani ilizwe ngenkatho, kusiya ngokwensendo zenu. Ixuku elikhulu kaliphiwe isabelo esikhulu, kuthi ixuku elincinyane liphiwe isabelo esincinyane. Okuzakuya kubo ngenkatho akube ngokwabo. Kwabelananeni kusiya ngezizwana zabokhokho benu.

55 Kodwa nxa lingaxotshanga abahlala kulelolizwe, abaseleyo babo bazakuba lukhophe emehlweni enu njalo babe ngameva enyameni yenu. Bazakuba luhlupho ezweni elizahlala kulo. 56 Ngakho-ke ngizakwenza kini lokho engizimisele ukukwenza kubo.’ ”

34

Imingcele YaseKhenani

1  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Laya abako-Israyeli uthi kubo: ‘Nxa lingena eKhenani, ilizwe elizaliphiwa ukuba libe yisabelo senu lizakuba lale imingcele:

3 Icele leningizimu yenu lizahlanganisa isigaba esithile seNkangala yaseZini kulandela umngcele we-Edomi. Empumalanga, umngcele wenu weningizimu uzasukela ekucineni koLwandle lweTswayi, 4 udabula eningizimu yoMkhandlu weNkume, kusiya ngaseZini njalo kuye eningizimu yeKhadeshi Bhaneya. Usuka lapho uzaqonda eHazari Adari njalo wedlulele e-Azimoni, 5 lapho ozajika khona, kuhlangane lesiHotsha saseGibhithe njalo uyephelela oLwandle lwaseMedithereniyeni.

6 Umngcele wenu wentshonalanga uzakuba ligumbi loLwandle oLukhulu. Lo uzakuba ngumngcele wenu entshonalanga.

7 Okomngcele wenu wenyakatho, usekela uLwandle oLukhulu usiya eNtabeni yaseHori 8 njalo usuka eNtabeni yaseHori uye eLebho Hamathi. Umngcele uzasuka lapho uqonde eZedadi, 9 ubusuqhubeka usiya eZifironi uze uyekuma eHazari-Enani. Lo yiwo umngcele wenu enyakatho.

10 Okomngcele wenu wempumalanga, sukelani eHazari-Enani kusiya eShefamu. 11 Umngcele uzakwehla usuka eShefamu usiya eRibhila engempumalanga kwe-Ayini njalo uqhubeke ulandela umthezuko empumalanga koLwandle lwaseKhinerethi. 12 Kusuka lapho umngcele uzakwehla ulandela umfula uJodani uze uyecina oLwandle lweTswayi.

Leli lizakuba yilizwe lenu, ngemingcele yalo inxa zonke.’ ”

13 UMosi walaya abako-Israyeli wathi: “Yabelanani lelilizwe ngenkatho njengelifa lenu. UThixo usekhuphe isiqondiso sokuthi aliphiwe izizwana eziyisificamunwemunye kanye lesizwana esiyingxenye, 14 ngenxa yokuthi abezimuli zesizwana sikaRubheni, abesizwana sikaGadi kanye lengxenye yesizwana sikaManase sebethole isabelo sabo. 15 Izizwana lezi ezimbili kanye lalesi esiyingxenye sezithole isabelo sazo empumalanga komfula uJodani malungana leJerikho, ngokuya ngempumalanga.”

16  UThixo wathi kuMosi, 17 “La ngamabizo amadoda azalabela ilizwe njengelifa lenu: u-Eliyazari umphristi kanye loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. 18 Beselikhetha umkhokheli oyedwa esizwaneni ngasinye ukuncedisa ukwaba ilizwe:

19 La yiwo amabizo abo:

uKhalebi indodana kaJefune, owesizwana sakoJuda;

20 uShemuyeli indodana ka-Amihudi, owesizwana sakoSimiyoni;

21 u-Elidadi indodana kaKhisiloni, owesizwana sakoBhenjamini;

22 uBhukhi indodana kaJogili, umkhokheli ovela esizwaneni sakoDani;

23 uHaniyeli indodana ka-Efodi, ongumkhokheli ovela esizwaneni sikaManase indodana kaJosefa;

24 uKhemuweli indodana kaShifuthani, engumkhokheli ovela esizwaneni sako-Efrayimi indodana kaJosefa;

25 u-Elizafani indodana kaPhanaki, umkhokheli ovela esizwaneni sikaZebhuluni;

26 uPhalithiyeli indodana ka-Azani, umkhokheli ovela esizwaneni sika-Isakhari,

27 u-Ahihudi indodana kaShelomi, umkhokheli ovela esizwaneni sika-Asheri;

28 uPhedaheli indodana ka-Amihudi, umkhokheli ovela esizwaneni sikaNafithali.”

29 La yiwo amadoda uThixo alaya ukuthi ahlukanisele abako-Israyeli isabelo sabo selizwe laseKhenani.

35

Amadolobho AbaLevi

1 Ngasemagcekeni aseMowabi kusekele umfula uJodani nganeno malungana leJerikho, uThixo wathi kuMosi, 2 “Laya abako-Israyeli ukuthi bakhethe elifeni labo amadolobho bawanike abaLevi ukuze bahlale kuwo. Njalo babanike lamadlelo eduze lamadolobho lawo. 3 Ngalokho bazakuba lamadolobho okuhlala kanye lamadlelo enkomo zabo, imihlambi yezimvu kanye leyezinye izifuyo zabo zonke.

4 Amadlelo azingelezele amadolobho elizawanika abaLevi, azakuba zingalo eziyinkulungwane ukuqhela kwawo kusukela emidulini yamadolobho. 5 Ngempumalanga, ngaphandle kwedolobho, kuzakuba zingalo eziyizinkulungwane ezimbili kube njalo laseningizimu izingalo eziyizinkulungwane ezimbili, entshonalanga izingalo eziyizinkulungwane ezimbili, kufane laseceleni lenyakatho izingalo eziyizinkulungwane ezimbili, idolobho liphakathi laphakathi. Le kuzakuba yindawo yabo yamadlelo emadolobheni.”

Amadolobho Okuphephela

6 “Phakathi kwamadolobho elizawanika abaLevi, ayisithupha azakuba ngawokuphephela, yikho lapho okuzakuthi umuntu angabulala omunye abalekele khona. Phezu kwalawo, bapheni amanye amadolobho angamatshumi amane lamabili. 7 Wonke esehlangene abaLevi bapheni amadolobho angamatshumi amane lasificaminwembili, kuhlanganisa lamadlelo abo. 8 Amadolobho eliwanika abaLevi elizweni labako-Israyeli kawabiwe ngokuya ngelifa lesizwana ngasinye: Thathani amadolobho amanengi esizwaneni esilamadolobho amanengi, kodwa lithathe amalutshwana kwesilamalutshwana.”

9 Ngakho uThixo wasesithi kuMosi: 10 “Khuluma labako-Israyeli njalo ubatshele uthi: ‘Ekuchapheni kwenu uJodani lingena eKhenani, 11 khethani amanye amadolobho abe ngawokuphephela, lapho okuzakuthi nxa umuntu ebulele omunye ngengozi abalekele khona. 12 Azakuba zindawo zokuphephela ukuzivikela kwabaphindiselayo, ukuze kuthi lowo owetheswa icala lokubulala angafi engakathonisiswa phambi kwebandla. 13 Amadolobho ayisithupha la elibapha wona azakuba ngamadolobho enu okuphephela. 14 Bapheni amathathu ngakulelicele lomfula uJodani kuthi amathathu abe ngamadolobho okuphephela eKhenani. 15 Amadolobho la ayisithupha azakuba yindawo yokuphephela kwabako-Israyeli, labezizweni kanye labo bonke abantu abahlezi phakathi kwabo, ukuze kuthi loba ngubani obulele omunye ngengozi abalekele khona.

16 Nxa indoda itshaya umuntu ngento eyinsimbi afe, ingumbulali; umbulali kumele abulawe. 17 Kumbe nxa omunye ephethe ilitshe abesetshaya omunye afe, ungumbulali; umbulali kumele abulawe. 18 Njalo nxa omunye ephethe ulutho oluyisigodo abesetshaya omunye afe, ungumbulali; umbulali kumele abulawe. 19 Umphindiseli wegazi kumele ambulale umbulali; nxa ehlangana laye, kumele ambulale. 20 Loba ngubani olomona ohlezi eqophile engafuqa omunye loba amjikijele ngolutho oluthile ngabomo kubangele ukufa kwakhe 21 loba kuthi ngolaka amtshaye ngenqindi afe, lowomuntu kumele abulawe; ungumbulali. Umphindiseli wegazi kumele abulale umbulali nxa ehlangana laye.

22 Kodwa nxa kungayisikho ngolaka, umuntu aqabuke esefuqe omunye loba amjikijele ngolutho engaqondile 23 loba engamboni, amgxobe ngelitshe elingambulala, afe, ngakho njengoba engasisositha sakhe njalo engaqondanga ukumlimaza, 24 ibandla kumele lahlulele phakathi kwakhe lomphindiseli wegazi kulandelwa lezi zimiso. 25 Ibandla kumele livikele owetheswa icala lokubulala kumphindiseli wegazi njalo abuyiselwe edolobheni lokuphephela azabe ebalekele kulo. Kumele ahlale khonale kuze kufe umphristi omkhulu, owagcotshwa ngamafutha angcwele.

26 Kodwa lowo owetheswa icala angaba ngaphandle kwedolobho lokuphephela lelo ayabe ebalekele kulo 27 kuthi umphindiseli wegazi amfumane ngaphandle kwalelodolobho, umphindiseli wegazi angambulala lowo owetheswe icala kodwa angabi lacala lokubulala. 28 Owetheswe icala kumele ahlale edolobheni lakhe lokuphephela kuze kufe umphristi omkhulu; uzaze abuyele emzini wakhe kuphela nxa umphristi omkhulu esefile.

29 Le kumele kube yimithetho yesimiso kini lakuzizukulwane ezizayo, loba kungaphi lapho elizahlala khona.

30 Loba ngubani obulala umuntu kumele abulawe njengombulali ngobufakazi balabo abayabe bebonile kuphela. Kodwa akungabikho loyedwa ozabulawa ngobufakazi bofakazi oyedwa.

31 Lingemukeli inhlawulo yokuhlenga impilo yombulali, yena kumele afe, loba kutheni kabulawe.

32 Lingemukeli inhlawulo yokuhlenga loba ngubani obalekele edolobheni lokuphephela libe selimvumela ukuba abuyele ukuyahlala emzini wakhe umphristi omkhulu engakafi.

33 Lingalingcolisi ilizwe lelo elihlala kulo. Ukuchitha igazi kungcolisa ilizwe, njalo indlela yokubuyisana ingeke yenzelwe lapho okuchithwe khona igazi, ngaphandle kwegazi lalowo olichithileyo. 34 Lingalingcolisi ilizwe elihlezi kilo kanye lalapho engihlala khona, ngoba Mina, Thixo, ngihlala phakathi kwabako-Israyeli.’ ”

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Ilifa Lamadodakazi KaZelofehadi

1 Inhloko zezindlu zosendo lukaGiliyadi indodana kaMakhiri, indodana kaManase, ababengabensendo zezizukulwane zikaJosefa, beza bakhuluma loMosi kanye labakhokheli, abazinhloko zezimuli zako-Israyeli. 2 Bathi kubo, “Lapho uThixo walaya inkosi yami ukuba iphe ilizwe njengelifa ngenkatho kwabako-Israyeli, yakhupha isiqondiso sokuthi uphe ilifa lomfowethu uZelofehadi kumadodakazi akhe. 3 Khathesi akesithi thina nxa bendele emadodeni ezinye izizwana zako-Israyeli; kuzakutsho ukuthi ilifa lizasuswa kwelabokhokho bethu liyekwengezelela elalesosizwana abazakwendela kuso. Ngakho kutsho ukuthi ingxenye yelifa esaliphiwayo sizayithathelwa. 4 Kuzakuthi ngomnyaka weJubhili kwabako-Israyeli, ilifa labo lizakwengezelela elalesosizwana abendele kuso, njalo impahla yabo izasuswa elifeni lesizwana sabokhokho bethu.”

5 Ngakho ngokulaya kukaThixo uMosi wakhipha lesisiqondiso kwabako-Israyeli: “Lokho okutshiwo yisizukulwane sesizwana sikaJosefa kuqondile. 6 Lokhu yikho ukulaya kukaThixo ngamadodakazi kaZelofehadi: Bakhululekile ukwendela loba kukubani obathathayo kodwa akube ngabosendo lwesizwana sikayise. 7 Kalikho ilifa ko-Israyeli elizasuka esizwaneni lisiya kwesinye isizwana, ngoba wonke owako-Israyeli kumele agcine ilizwe lesizwana eliyilifa labokhokho bakhe. 8 Yonke indodakazi ezakuba yindlalifa yelizwe esizwaneni sako-Israyeli kumele yendele emuntwini wesizwana sosendo lukayise, ukuze wonke owako-Israyeli abe lelifa laboyise. 9 Kalikho ilifa elizasuka esizwaneni lisiya kwesinye isizwana, ngoba loba yisiphi isizwana sako-Israyeli kumele sigcine ilizwe eliyilifa laso.”

10 Ngakho amadodakazi kaZelofehadi enza njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo. 11 Amadodakazi kaZelofehadi uMahila, loThiza, loHogila, loMilikha kanye loNowa, bendela emadodaneni abafowabo bakayise. 12 Bendela kwabezinsendo zezizukulwane zikaManase indodana kaJosefa, njalo ilifa labo lasala kwabosendo lukayise lesizwaneni sakhe.

13 Le yiyo imilayo lemithetho eyaphiwa abako-Israyeli nguThixo ngoMosi emagcekeni aseMowabi ngasemfuleni waseJodani ngakuleli iphetsheya malungana leJerikho.

UDutheronomi

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UDutheronomi

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Umlayo Wokusuka EHorebhi

1 La ngamazwi akhulunywa nguMosi kubo bonke abako-Israyeli enkangala, empumalanga yeJodani, lokhu kuyikuthi, e-Arabha, maqondana leSufi, phakathi kwePharani leThofeli, eLabhani, eHazerothi kanye laseDizahabi. 2 (Loluhambo luthatha insuku ezilitshumi lanye ukusuka eHorebhi kusiya eKhadeshi Bhaneya ngomgwaqo odlula eNtabeni yaseSeyiri.)

3 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amane, ngosuku lwakuqala lwenyanga yetshumi lanye, uMosi wamemezela kwabako-Israyeli konke lokho uThixo ayemlaye ngakho ngabo. 4 Lokhu kwakungemva kokuba esenqobe uSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, owayebusa eHeshibhoni, njalo wayesenqobe e-Edreyi u-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani, owayebusa e-Ashitharothi.

5 Empumalanga kweJodani elizweni laseMowabi, uMosi waqalisa ukufundisa ngalo umthetho, esithi:

6 “UThixo uNkulunkulu wethu wakhuluma lathi siseHorebhi wathi, ‘Selihlale isikhathi eseneleyo kule intaba. 7 Dilizani izihonqo zenu ledlulele elizweni lamaqaqa lama-Amori; yanini kubo bonke abangomakhelwane e-Arabha, ezintabeni, emawatheni angentshonalanga, eNegebi lilandelele ukhumbi, liye ezweni lamaKhenani kanye laseLebhanoni, lidabule lize liyefika emfuleni omkhulu, iYufrathe. 8 Khangelani, sengiliphile lelilizwe. Ngenani lilithumbe lelilizwe uThixo afunga wathi uzalipha okhokho benu, u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka, uJakhobe kanye lezizukulwane zabo emva kwabo.’ ”

Ukukhethwa Kwabakhokheli

9 “Ngalesosikhathi ngathi kini, ‘Lina lingumthwalo omkhulu kakhulu onzima ukuthi ngiwuthwale ngingedwa. 10  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu usengezelele amanani enu okokuthi lamuhla selilingana lezinkanyezi zemkhathini. 11 Sengathi uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu, angalibusisa njalo alandise ngokuphindwe kankulungwane njengokuthembisa kwakhe! 12 Kodwa ngingazithwala njani inhlupho zenu lemithwalo yenu kanye lezingxabano zenu ngingedwa na? 13 Khethani amadoda akhaliphileyo, azwisisayo lahloniphekayo phakathi kwezizwana zakini zonke, mina ngizawabeka alikhokhele.’

14 Langiphendula lathi, ‘Lokho ofisa ukukwenza kulungile.’

15 Ngakho ngathatha abakhokheli bezizwana zenu, amadoda akhaliphileyo njalo ahloniphekayo, ngabanika amandla phezu kwenu ukuze babe ngabalawuli bezinkulungwane, bamakhulu, bamatshumi amahlanu, betshumi kanye lokuba yizikhulu zezizwana zenu. 16 Njalo ngapha isiqondiso kubahluleli ngalesosikhathi ngathi: ‘Hluzani ingxabano phakathi kwabafowenu njalo lahlulele ngokufaneleyo, kungakhathalekile ukuthi yingxabano phakathi kwabako-Israyeli bodwa loba kungowako-Israyeli oxabana lowezizweni. 17 Lingathathi hlangothi ekwahluleleni; hluzani amacala abancinyane labakhulu ngokufananayo. Lingesabi loba ngubani, ngoba ukwahlulela ngokukaNkulunkulu. Kuthi icala elinzima lililethe kimi, ngizalihluza ngilahlulele.’ 18 Njalo ngalesosikhathi ngalitshela konke okwakumele likwenze.”

Kuthunywa Inhloli

19 “Kwathi-ke, njengoba uThixo wethu wayesilayile, sasuka eHorebhi saqonda ezweni lama-Amori elilamaqaqa sadabula inkangala enkulu eyesabekayo eseliyibonile, saze sayafika eKhadeshi Bhaneya. 20 Ngakho ngathi kini, ‘Selifikile elizweni lama-Amori elamaqaqa, ilizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu asinika lona. 21 Khangelani, uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uselinike lelilizwe. Hambani lilithumbe njengoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu alitshela. Lingesabi; lingadangali.’

22 Kusenjalo lina lonke leza kimi lathi, ‘Asithumeni amadoda ahambe phambili ayehlola lelolizwe abuye azositshengisa indlela esizangena ngayo kanye leyokuthumba amadolobho esizafikela kuwo.’

23 Lokho kwakhanya kungumbono omuhle kimi; lakanye ngakhetha abalitshumi lababili phakathi kwenu, indoda eyodwa esizwaneni ngasinye. 24 Basuka baya ezweni lamaqaqa njalo bafika bahlola isihotsha sase-Eshikholi. 25 Bathatha ezinye izithelo zelizwe babuya lazo kithi, njalo bethula umbiko othi, ‘Yilizwe elihle uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu asipha lona.’ ”

Ukuhlamukela uThixo

26 “Kodwa lina lalingazimiselanga ukuhamba; lahlamukela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngokungalaleli umlayo wakhe. 27 Lina lakhonona lisemathenteni enu lathi, ‘UThixo uyasizonda; kutsho ukuthi wasikhipha eGibhithe ukuze asinikele ezandleni zama-Amori ukuthi asibhubhise. 28 Singaya ngaphi na? Abafowethu sebesithelele ubuthakathaka. Bathi bona, “Abantu bakhona balamandla njalo bade kulathi; amadolobho akhona makhulu, alemiduli etshaya emkhathini. Size sabona lama-Anakhi khonale.” ’

29 Mina ngasengisithi kini, ‘Lingethuki; lingabesabi. 30  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ohamba phambi kwenu uzalilwela, njengalokho alenzela khona eGibhithe lizibonela ngamehlo enu, 31 njalo lasenkangala. Khonale lazibonela ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu walithwala, njengobaba ethwala indodana yakhe, uhambo lwenu lonke laze lafika lapha.’

32 Lanxa kunjalo, kalizange limethembe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, 33 yena owahamba phambi kwenu kuloluhambo, elikhokhela ngomlilo ebusuku kanti kusiba leyezi emini, elidingela izindawo zokumisa izihonqo zenu lokulitshengisa lapho okumele liye khona.

34 Kwathi uThixo esezwile elalikutsho, wathukuthela, wafunga wathi: 35 ‘Kakho loyedwa kulesisizukulwane esingalunganga ozalibona lelolizwe engafungela ukulipha okhokho benu, 36 ngaphandle kukaKhalebi indodana kaJefune. Yena uzalibona, njalo ngizamupha yena lesizukulwane sakhe lelolizwe azafikela kilo, ngoba walalela uThixo ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke.’

37 Ngenxa yenu uThixo wangithukuthelela lami njalo wathi, ‘Wena lawe awuyikungena khona. 38 Kodwa umsekeli wakho, uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, uzangena kulelolizwe. Umkhuthaze yena, ngoba uzakhokhela abako-Israyeli kulo ukuba libe yilifa labo. 39 Kanti njalo lalabo abancane elalisithi bazathunjwa, abantwabenu abangakehlukanisi phakathi kokubi lokuhle, bazangena kulelolizwe. Ngizabapha lona njalo bazalithatha libe ngelabo. 40 Kodwa lina, phendukani njalo lisuke liqonde enkangala lilandele indlela eya oLwandle oluBomvu.’

41 Lina laphendula lathi, ‘Sonile kuThixo. Sizahamba siyekulwa, njengokulaywa kwethu nguThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.’ Ngalokho lonke lahloma ngezikhali linakana ukuthi kulula ukungena elizweni lamaqaqa.

42 Kodwa uThixo wathi kimi, ‘Wothi kubo, “Lingayi ukuyakulwa, ngoba kangiyikuba lani. Lizakwehlulwa yizitha zenu.” ’

43 Ngakho ngalitshela, kodwa kalizange lilalele. Lahlamukela umlayo kaThixo kwathi ngobuqholo benu layangena elizweni lamaqaqa. 44 Kwathi ama-Amori ayehlala kulawomaqaqa alihlangabeza alihlasela; alixotsha njengomtshitshi wenyosi, alibhuqa kusukela eSeyiri indlela yonke kusiya eHoma. 45 Laphenduka lafika lakhala phambi kukaThixo kodwa kazange alalele ukukhala kwenu walifulathela. 46 Ngakho lahlala eKhadeshi okwensuku ezinengi, okwesikhathi sonke elasichitha likhonale.”

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Ukuntula Enkangala

1 “Sasesiphenduka siqonda enkangala ngendlela yoLwandle oluBomvu njengokulaywa kwami nguThixo. Okwesikhathi eside sasilokhu sibhoda ezweni lamaqaqa aseSeyiri.

2  UThixo wasesithi kimi, 3 ‘Selibhode labhoda ezweni lamaqaqa sekwanele; khathesi phendukani likhangele enyakatho. 4 Nika abantu leziziqondiso: “Khathesi selizakwedlula elizweni labafowenu isizukulwane sika-Esawu, abahlala eSeyiri. Bazalesaba, kodwa libolimuka linanzelele. 5 Lingaboqala livuse impi ngoba angiyikulipha ilizwe labo, sengisitsho lesiqinti esilingana unyawo olulodwa. Nganika u-Esawu ilizwe laseSeyiri elamaqaqa ukuthi libe ngelakhe. 6 Lizababhadala ngesiliva libhadalela ukudla elizakudla lamanzi elizawanatha.” ’

7  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyibusisile imisebenzi yezandla zenu. Ulikhokhele kulolonke uhambo lwenu phakathi kwenkangala enkulu kangaka. Iminyaka engamatshumi amane uThixo wenu ube lani, kalizange liswele lutho.

8 Ngakho sahamba sedlula ezihlotsheni zethu isizukulwane sika-Esawu abahlala eSeyiri. Saphenduka sisuka emgwaqweni wase-Arabha okhwela usuka e-Elathi le-Eziyoni-Gebheri, sahamba ngomgwaqo wenkangala yaseMowabi.

9  UThixo wasesithi kimi, ‘Lingahlukuluzi amaMowabi loba ukubavusela impi, ngoba angiyikulinika ngitsho lesiqintshana selizwe labo. Senginike ele-Ari isizukulwane sikaLothi ukuba kube yisabelo sabo.’ ”

10 (Ama-Emi ake ahlala khonapho, abantu abalamandla njalo abanengi kakhulu, futhi bebade njengama-Anakhi. 11 Labo njengama-Anakhi babebalwa njengamaRefayi, kodwa amaMowabi ayebabiza ngokuthi ngama-Emi. 12 AmaHori ayekade ehlala eSeyiri, kodwa adudulwa yisizukulwane sika-Esawu. Babhubhisa amaHori ayelapho basebesakha endaweni yawo, njengalokho okwenziwa ngabako-Israyeli ezweni abaliphiwa nguThixo ukuba libe yisabelo sabo.)

13 “UThixo wasesithi, ‘Khathesi sukani lichaphe isiHotsha saseZeredi.’ Ngakho sachapha isihotsha.

14 Kwedlula iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu leyisificaminwembili sisuke eKhadeshi Bhaneya sisiyachapha isiHotsha saseZeredi. Ngalesosikhathi, amadoda ebutho alesosizukulwane ayesebhubhile, njengokufungelwa kwabo nguThixo. 15  UThixo wamelana labo waze wabatshabalalisa bonke ezihonqweni.

16 Kwathi-ke sekufe abokucina emadodeni ebutho, 17  uThixo wathi kimi, 18 ‘Lamuhla uzakwedlula emangweni waseMowabi ngase-Ari. 19 Ekufikeni kwakho kuma-Amoni, ungawahlukuluzi loba ukuwavusela impi, ngoba angiyikukunika loba yiliphi ilizwe lama-Amoni. Ngilinike lesisizukulwane sikaLothi ukuba kube yisabelo sabo.’ ”

20 (Leli lalo laliphathwa njengelizwe lamaRefayi ayehlala khonapho; kodwa ama-Amoni ayebabiza ngokuthi ngamaZamzumu. 21 Babengabantu abalamandla bebanengi kakhulu, njalo bebade njengama-Anakhi. UThixo wababhubhisa phambi kwama-Amoni, wona abadudulayo njalo ahlala endaweni yabo. 22  UThixo wayenze njalo esizukulwaneni sika-Esawu, esasiseSeyiri, ekubhubhiseni kwakhe amaHori phambi kwabo. Babadudula basebehlala endaweni yabo kuze kube lamuhla. 23 Kanti-ke okunjengama-Avi ayehlala emizini ekhatshana njengeGaza, amaKhafithori ayevela eKhafithori ababhubhisa asehlala endaweni yabo.)

Ukwehlulwa KukaSihoni Inkosi YaseHeshibhoni

24 “ ‘Suka khathesi uchaphe uDonga lwase-Arinoni. Uyabona, senginikele esandleni sakho uSihoni umʼAmori inkosi yaseHeshibhoni kanye lelizwe lakhe. Qalisa ukuthatha lelilizwe ulwe impi laye. 25 Kusukela lamuhla ngizaqalisa ukuthelela izizwe zonke ngaphansi kwezulu ukukwesaba. Zizakuzwa indumela yakho zethuke zesabe zihlukuluzeke ngenxa yakho.’

26 Kusukela enkangala yaseKhedemothi ngathumela izithunywa kuSihoni inkosi yaseHeshibhoni ngisithi akubekhona ukuthula njalo ngisithi, 27 ‘Sivumele sidabule elizweni lakho. Sizahamba ngomgwaqo omkhulu kuphela, asiyikuphambukela ngakwesokudla loba ngakwesokunxele. 28 Sithengisele ukudla lamanzi okunatha ngentengo yesiliva. Sivumele nje sedlule ngezinyawo, 29 njengezizukulwane zika-Esawu ezihlala eSeyiri, kanye lamaMowabi ahlala e-Ari, asenzela khona, size sichaphe uJodani singene elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu asinika lona.’ 30 Kodwa uSihoni inkosi yaseHeshibhoni yala ukuthi sedlule. Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu wayeyenze umoya wakhe waba lobuqholo lenhliziyo yakhe yaba lukhuni ukuze amnikele ezandleni zenu, njengoba esekwenzile khathesi.

31  UThixo wathi kimi, ‘Khangela, sengiqalisile ukunikela uSihoni lelizwe lakhe kuwe. Qalisa khathesi ukunqoba uthathe ilizwe lakhe.’

32 Kwathi uSihoni ephuma lebutho lakhe ukusihlangabeza ekuhlaseleni eJahazi, 33  uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu wamnikela kithi sambulala, yena kanye lamadodana akhe lebutho lakhe lonke. 34 Ngalesosikhathi sathatha amadolobho akhe sawabhidliza, amadoda, abesifazane kanye labantwana. Kakho owasilayo. 35 Kodwa izifuyo lakho konke esakuthumbayo emadolobheni esawanqobayo sazithathela khona. 36 Kusukela e-Aroweri emngceleni wodonga lwase-Arinoni, kanye lokusuka edolobheni elisedongeni, kusiya khonale eGiliyadi, akuladolobho elalingamelana lathi. UThixo uNkulunkulu wethu wawanikela wonke kithi. 37 Kodwa kusiya ngokulaya kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, alizange lingene elizweni lama-Amoni, kumbe elizweni elisemingceleni yomfula uJabhoki loba lelo elilamadolobho asemaqaqeni.”

3

Ukunqotshwa Kuka-Ogi Inkosi YeBhashani

1 “Sasuka sasesiphenduka sakhwela njalo sisekele umgwaqo oya eBhashani, kanti u-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani kanye lamabutho akhe wonke wayesihlangabeza ukuze alwe lathi e-Edreyi. 2  UThixo wathi kimi, ‘Ungamesabi ngoba sengimnikele kuwe lamabutho akhe wonke kanye lelizwe lakhe. Menze konke owakwenza kuSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, owayebusa eHeshibhoni.’

3 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu wanikela u-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani lamabutho akhe wonke ezandleni zethu. Sababulala bonke, kakho loyedwa owaphephayo. 4 Ngalesosikhathi sathumba wonke amadolobho akhe. Akusalanga dolobho lalinye esingalithumbanga phakathi kwawo wonke angamatshumi ayisithupha, umhlubulo wonke welizwe le-Agobhi, ilizwe lika-Ogi eBhashani. 5 Wonke amadolobho la ayevikelwa ngemiduli ephakemeyo langemigoqo yokuvala amasango lemijabo yokunxiba, kanti njalo yayiminengi eminye imizi eyayingahonqolozelwanga ngemiduli yokuvikela. 6 Satshaya sabhuqa konke, kwaba njengalokhu esakwenza kuSihoni inkosi yaseHeshibhoni, sabhidliza wonke amadolobho, amadoda, abesifazane kanye labantwana. 7 Kanti-ke izifuyo zonke kanye lesakuthumba emadolobheni abo sazithathela kwaba ngokwethu.

8 Ngakho ngalesosikhathi kulawo makhosi womabili ama-Amori sathumba ilizwe elisempumalanga yeJodani, kusukela ezindongeni zase-Arinoni kuze kuyefika ezintabeni zaseHemoni.” 9 (IHemoni ibizwa ngokuthi yiSiriyoni ngamaSidoni, kanti-ke ama-Amori ayibiza ngokuthi yiSeniri.) 10 “Sathumba wonke amadolobho emagcekeni, kanye lawo wonke eGiliyadi, laseBhashani yonke kusiya eSalekha lase-Edreyi, engamadolobho ombuso ka-Ogi eBhashani.” 11 (U-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani nguye yedwa owayesesele emthonselaneni wamaRefayi. Umbheda wakhe wawungowensimbi njalo umude ukwedlula izingalo ezilitshumi lantathu kanti ububanzi bawo buzingalo eziyisithupha. Wona ulokhu useRabha yase-Amoni.)

Ukwahlukaniswa Kwelizwe

12 “Phakathi kwelizwe esalithumbayo ngalesosikhathi, nganika abakoRubheni labakoGadi ilizwe elisenyakatho yase-Aroweri endongeni zase-Arinoni, kuhlanganisa lengxenye yelizwe lamaqaqa aseGiliyadi, kanye lamadolobho akhona. 13 EleGiliyadi lonke kanye lalo lonke eleBhashani, lombuso ka-Ogi, ngalinika abayingxenye yesizukulwane sikaManase.” (Umhlubulo wonke welizwe le-Agobhi ngaseBhashani lalisaziwa ngokuthi yilizwe lamaRefayi. 14 UJayiri, owosendo lukaManase, wathatha sonke isiqinti esisukela emangweni we-Agobhi kusiya emngceleni weGeshuri lamaMahakhathi; saba yisiqinti esabizwa ngaye, okokuthi lalamuhla iBhashani ibizwa ngokuthi yiHavothi-Jayiri.) 15 “IGiliyadi ngayinika uMakhiri. 16 Kodwa abakoRubheni labakoGadi ngabanika isiqinti selizwe elisuka eGiliyadi lisiya ezindongeni zase-Arinoni (phakathi laphakathi kwendonga kungumngcele) kusehla kusiya eMfuleni uJabhoki, ongumngcele wama-Amoni. 17 Umngcele wentshonalanga kuyiJodani ngase-Arabha, kusukela eKhinerethi kusiya oLwandle lwase-Arabha (uLwandle lweTswayi) ngaphansi ekwehleni okungapha ngePhisiga.

18 Ngalilaya ngalesosikhathi ngathi: ‘UThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ukuphile lelilizwe, lithathe libe ngelakho. Kodwa wonke amadoda asaqinile, ahlomele ukulwa, kumele achaphe kuqala phambi kwabafowenu abako-Israyeli. 19 Kanti-ke abafazi benu, abantwana lezifuyo zenu (ngiyazi lifuyile kakhulu) bangazihlalela emadolobheni engilinike wona, 20 kuze kuthi uThixo aphumuze abafowenu njengalokhu akwenzileyo kini, kanti labo njalo bazabe sebelithethe ilizwe abaliphiwe nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ngaphetsheya kweJodani. Ngemva kwalokho, lonke ngamunye kuzamele libuyele eziqintini engilinike zona.’ ”

UMosi Walelwa Ukuchapha IJodani

21 “Ngalesosikhathi ngalaya uJoshuwa ngathi: ‘Usuzibonele ngamehlo akho konke uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akwenze emakhosini amabili la. UThixo uzakwenza khonokho kuzozonke izizwe oya kuzo. 22 Ungazesabi lezozizwe, uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho uzakulwela yena uqobo lwakhe.’

23 Ngalesosikhathi ngacela kuThixo ngathi: 24 ‘Oh Thixo wobukhosi, usuqalisile ukutshengisa inceku yakho ubukhulu bakho lesandla sakho esilamandla amakhulu. Kambe nguphi unkulunkulu ezulwini loba emhlabeni ongenza lokhu okwenzileyo lemisebenzi emikhulu oyenzayo? 25 Ngivumela ngiye khona ngiyebona ilizwe elingaphetsheya kweJodani, ilizwe elihle lamaqaqa kanye leLebhanoni.’

26 Kodwa ngenxa yenu uThixo wangithukuthelela akazange athande ukungizwa. UThixo wathi kimi, ‘Kwanele, ungabe usakhuluma kimi futhi ngalindaba. 27 Khwela phezu kwePhisiga ukhangele entshonalanga, enyakatho, eningizimu lasempumalanga. Ukhangele ulibone ngawakho amehlo ilizwe njengoba ungasoze uchaphe uJodani. 28 Kodwa beka uJoshuwa esikhundleni, umkhuthaze njalo umqinise, ngoba uzakhokhela lababantu abachaphise njalo uzakwenza balithathe lelolizwe ozalibona libe yilifa labo.’ 29 Ngakho sahlala esihotsheni phansi kweBhethi-Pheyori.”

4

Abako-Israyeli Balaywa Ukugcina Imithetho

1 “Zwana-ke khathesi, Oh Israyeli, izimiso lemithetho engizalifundisa yona. Ilandeleni ukuze liphile njalo libe lakho ukuyalithatha lelolizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu alinika lona. 2 Lingangezeleli kulokho engililaya khona njalo lingaphunguli loba yikuphi kwakhona, kodwa gcinani imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu engilinika yona.

3 Lazibonela ngawenu amehlo okwenziwa nguThixo eBhali-Pheyori. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu wabatshabalalisa bonke ababekhonza uBhali wasePheyori, 4 kodwa lina lonke elabambelela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lilokhu lisaphila lalamuhla lokhu.

5 Liyabona sengalifundisa izimiso lemithetho uThixo wami angilaya ngazo, ukuze liyigcine elizweni elingena kulo ukuba lilithathe. 6 Lizigcine ngonanzelelo ngoba lokhu kuzaveza obala ukuhlakanipha lokuzwisisa kwenu ezizweni ezizakuzwa ngalezizimiso njalo zitsho zithi, ‘Ngeqiniso lesisizwe esilodumo yisizwe sabantu abahlakaniphileyo njalo abazwisisayo.’ 7 Yisiphi esinye isizwe esilodumo esilabonkulunkulu baso ababaseduze laso njengoThixo uNkulunkulu wethu oba lathi nxa sikhuleka kuye? 8 Yisiphi esinye isizwe esilezimiso eziqondileyo lemithetho enjengale imithetho engiyethula phambi kwenu lamuhla na?

9 Kodwa linanzelele, liqaphelisise ukuze lingakhohlwa izinto elizibonileyo loba zilibaleke ezinhliziyweni zenu ekuphileni kwenu konke. Fundisani abantwabenu ngalezizinto njalo labo babofundisa abantwababo labantwana babantwana abalandela emva kwabo. 10 Khumbulani usuku elema ngalo phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu eHorebhi, lapho athi khona kimi, ‘Buthanisa abantu ukuze bezwe amazwi ami ukuze bakwazi ukungidumisa nxa belokhu besahlala elizweni njalo bafundise abantwababo.’ 11 Lasondela lema ngaphansi kwentaba ilavuka amalangabi eqonga phezulu, kulamayezi amnyama lomnyama owesabekayo. 12 Ngakho uThixo wakhuluma lani ephakathi komlilo. Lezwa umdumo welizwi kodwa alizange libone lutho; kwaba yilizwi lodwa nje. 13 Wakhupha ilizwi lokubuyisana lesivumelwano sakhe, imiThetho eliTshumi, waselilaya ukuba liyilandele njalo wayiloba ezibhebhedwini zamatshe ezimbili. 14 Kungalesosikhathi lapho uThixo angiqondisa ukuba ngilifundise izimiso lemilayo okuzamele liyilandele ekuchapheni kwenu uJodani lisiya elizweni elizalithumba libe ngelenu.”

Izithombe Azivunyelwa

15 “Akulalutho loba yisimo bani elasibonayo mhla uThixo ekhuluma lani eHorebhi ephakathi kwelangabi lomlilo. Kunjalo-nje kumele lizinanzelele okuqinileyo, 16 ukuze lingaxhwali libe selizenzela isithombe, loba umfanekiso olesimo bani, loba ngesilesimo sesilisa loba esesifazane, 17 loba yiphi inyamazana emhlabeni loba inyoni endizayo emkhathini, 18 loba yisiphi isinanakazana esihuquzelayo emhlabathini loba yinhlanzi ngaphansi kwamanzi. 19 Njalo nxa likhangela phezulu esibhakabhakeni libona ilanga, inyanga kanye lezinkanyezi, zonke ezihlobise zacecisa isibhakabhaka, lingalingeki lizikhothamele beselikhonza izinto uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azibekela izizwe zonke ngaphansi kwezulu. 20 Kodwa-ke lina, uThixo walithatha walenyula eziko lokuncibilikisa insimbi, walikhipha eGibhithe, ukuze libe ngabantu belifa lakhe, njengoba linje lamuhla.

21  UThixo wangithukuthelela ngenxa yenu, wafunga waphelela wathi angiyikuchapha uJodani ngingene elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuba libe yilifa lenu. 22 Mina ngizafela kulelilizwe; angiyikuchapha uJodani, kodwa lina seliseduze ukuba lichaphe liyelithumba lelolizwe elihle. 23 Nanzelelani ukuthi lingalibali isivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu wenu asenza lani; lingazenzeli isithombe loba singesesimo bani salokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu akwalileyo. 24 Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ungumlilo oqothulayo, uNkulunkulu olobukhwele.

25 Ngemva kokuba selike laba labantwana, lesizukulwane njalo selihlale ezweni okwesikhathi eside, lingasuka libe selixhwala beselizenzela loba yisiphi isithombe, lisenza okubi emehlweni kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu limthukuthelisa, 26 ngibiza izulu lomhlaba ukuthi libe ngufakazi wami ukuze libhujiswe masinyazana lingangeni elizweni elizachapha uJodani ukuze lilithumbe. Aliyikuhlala kulo isikhathi eside kodwa iqiniso yikuthi lizatshabalaliswa. 27  UThixo uzalihlakaza ezizweni, njalo abalutshwana benu yibo abazasinda ezizweni uThixo azalifuqela khona. 28 Khonale lizakhonza onkulunkulu ababunjwe ngabantu ngezigodo langamatshe, abangeke babone loba bezwe loba badle loba bezwe ukunuka. 29 Kodwa nxa likhonale lingadinga uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lizamfumana nxa limdinga ngezinhliziyo zenu ezipheleleyo langemiphefumulo yenu yonke. 30 Nxa selisosizini zonke lezizinto sezilehlela, lapho-ke ngezinsuku ezizayo lizabuyela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu limlalele. 31 Phela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu nguNkulunkulu olomusa; kayikulidela loba alibhubhise loba alibale isivumelwano sakhe asenza labokhokho benu, leso asiqinisa kubo ngesifungo.”

UThixo UnguNkulunkulu

32 “Buzani khathesi ngezinsuku ezedlulayo, kudala lingakabi khona, kusukela ngosuku uNkulunkulu adala ngalo umuntu emhlabeni; buzani kusukela ngapha kwamazulu kusiya ngale kwamazulu. Kambe kukhona yini okukhulu kangaka okwedlula lokhu osekuke kwenzakala loba kwezwakala na? 33 Sikhona na esinye isizwe esake sezwa uNkulunkulu ekhuluma ephakathi kwelangabi lomlilo, njengalokhu eselikuzwile, saphila na? 34 Kukhona na unkulunkulu oseke wazama ukuzithathela esinye isizwe phakathi kwesinye, ngokuhlola, ngemilingo yezibonakaliso, lezimangaliso, lezimpi, ngesandla esilamandla langokwelula ingalo, loba izenzo ezinkulu ezesabekayo, njengakho konke uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alenzela khona eGibhithe lizibonela ngamehlo enu?

35 Lakutshengiswa konke lokhu ukuze lazi ukuthi uThixo unguNkulunkulu; ngaphandle kwakhe kakho omunye futhi. 36 Esemazulwini wakwenza ukuthi lilizwe ilizwi lakhe ukuze libe lobuntu. Emhlabeni walitshengisa amalangabi omlilo akhe omkhulu, njalo lawezwa amazwi akhe ephuma emlilweni. 37 Ngenxa yokuthi wabathanda okhokho benu wakhetha izizukulwane zabo ezalandela ngemva kwabo, walikhipha eGibhithe ngoBukhona bakhe kanye langamandla akhe amakhulu, 38 ukuxotsha zonke izizwe phambi kwenu, izizwe ezilamandla kulezenu lokulingenisa elizweni lazo ukuze aliphe lona libe yilifa lenu, njengoba kunjalo lamuhla.

39 Yamukelani njalo likugcine ezinhliziyweni zenu lamuhla ukuthi uThixo unguNkulunkulu ezulwini phezulu lasemhlabeni phansi. Kakho omunye. 40 Gcinani izimiso zakhe lemilayo yakhe, engilinika yona lamuhla, ukuze kulihambele kahle lina kanye labantwabenu lokuthi liphile isikhathi eside elizweni eliliphiwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ukuze libe ngelenu kokuphela.”

Amadolobho Okuphephela

41 Ngakho uMosi wasekhetha amadolobho amathathu empumalanga yeJodani, 42 ukuze kuthi wonke oyabe ebulele omunye abalekele khona nxa eyabe ebulele umakhelwane kungekho mona kodwa kube yingozi. Bangabalekela kwelinye lala amadolobho ukuze baphephise impilo zabo. 43 Amadolobho lawo kwakuyila: iBhezeri emagcekeni asenkangala, lingelabakoRubheni; iRamothi eGiliyadi, lingelabakoGadi; kanye lelaseGolani eBhashani lona lingelabakoManase.

Ukwethulwa KoMthetho

44 Lo ngumthetho owethulwa nguMosi kwabako-Israyeli. 45 Lezi kwakuyizilinganiso, izimiso lemithetho eyethulwa nguMosi kubo ekuphumeni kwabo eGibhithe 46 njalo babesesigodini esiseduzane leBhethi-Pheyori empumalanga yeJodani elizweni likaSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, yena owabusa eHeshibhoni njalo wehlulwa nguMosi labako-Israyeli bephuma eGibhithe. 47 Bathatha ilizwe lakhe kanye lelizwe lika-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani, amakhosi ama-Amori womabili empumalanga yeJodani. 48 Ilizwe leli lalisuka e-Aroweri emaphethelweni ezindonga zase-Arinoni kusiya entabeni yaseSiyoni (khona kuyiHemoni), 49 kuhlanganisa layo yonke i-Arabha empumalanga yeJodani kuze kuyefika oLwandle lwe-Arabha, ngaphansi komthezuko wasePhisiga.

5

ImiThetho EliTshumi

1 UMosi wabizela ndawonye wonke u-Israyeli wathi kuye:

“Zwana, wena Israyeli, izimiso lemithetho engizayethula ngesibopho phambi kwakho lamuhla. Ifunde njalo ube leqiniso ukuthi uyayilandela. 2  UThixo uNkulunkulu wethu wenza isivumelwano lathi eHorebhi. 3  UThixo kenzanga isivumelwano lesi labazali bethu, kodwa wasenza lathi, thina sonke esilokhe siphila kuze kube lamuhla. 4  UThixo wakhuluma lawe likhangelene ubuso ngobuso ephakathi komlilo phezu kwentaba. 5 (Ngalesosikhathi ngema phakathi kukaThixo lawe ukuze ngikwethulele ilizwi likaThixo, ngoba wawusesaba umlilo njalo awuzange ukhwele entabeni.)

Wasesithi:

6 ‘NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho owakukhupha eGibhithe, elizweni lobugqili.

7 Ungabi labanye onkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami.

8 Ungazenzeli isithombe ngesimo saloba yini esezulwini phezulu loba phansi emhlabeni kumbe ngaphansi kwamanzi. 9 Ungazikhothameli loba ukuzikhonza; ngoba Mina, Thixo uNkulunkulu wakho, nginguNkulunkulu olobukhwele, ojezisa abantwana ngenxa yezono zabazali babo kuze kube yisizukulwane sesithathu lesesine salabo abangizondayo, 10 kodwa ngitshengisela uthando kuzizukulwane eziyinkulungwane zalabo abangithandayo njalo begcina imilayo yami.

11 Ungalisebenzisi ngeze ibizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, ngoba uThixo kayikumyekela olecala lokudlala ngebizo lakhe.

12 Gcina usuku lweSabatha ngokulwenza lubengcwele njengokulaywa kwakho nguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. 13 Okwensuku eziyisithupha uzasebenza wenze yonke imisebenzi yakho, 14 kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa luyiSabatha kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngalo awuyikwenza loba yiwuphi umsebenzi, wena, indodana yakho loba indodakazi yakho, inceku loba incekukazi yakho, inkabi yakho, ubabhemi wakho loba yisiphi isifuyo sakho, loba isihambi esikwethekeleleyo, ukuze izisebenzi zakho zesilisa kanye lezesifazane ziphumule njengawe. 15 Khumbula ukuthi wawuyisigqili eGibhithe lokuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho wakukhipha khona ngesandla esilamandla lengalo eyelulekileyo. Ngalokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ukulaye ukuthi ugcine usuku lweSabatha.

16 Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko, njengokulaywa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, ukuze impilo yakho ibende lokuthi kukulungele elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akunika lona.

17 Ungabulali.

18 Ungafebi.

19 Ungantshontshi.

20 Ungafakazi amanga ngomakhelwane wakho.

21 Ungahawukeli umfazi kamakhelwane wakho. Ungahawukeli indlu kamakhelwane wakho loba isiqinti sakhe, inceku loba incekukazi yakhe, inkabi yakhe loba ubabhemi wakhe loba yini ekamakhelwane wakho.’

22 Le yiyo imilayo eyatshiwo nguThixo ngelizwi eliphakemeyo liphuma elangabini lomlilo leyezi kanye lomnyama owesabekayo; lina libuthene lonke entabeni, njalo kazange engezelele lutho. Ngakho wasekubhala konke lokhu ezibhebhedwini ezimbili zamatshe anginika zona.

23 Lathi lisizwa ilizwi livela emnyameni, intaba ivutha amalangabi omlilo, wonke amadoda angabakhokheli labadala bezizwana zenu beza kimi. 24 Lathi, ‘UThixo wethu usitshengisile inkazimulo yakhe kanye lobukhosi bakhe, njalo silizwile ilizwi lakhe livela elangabini lomlilo. Lamuhla sesibonile ukuthi umuntu angaphila noma eke wakhuluma loNkulunkulu. 25 Kodwa khathesi, kanti sizafelani pho? Umlilo omkhulu kangaka uzasiqeda du, njalo sizakufa nxa singaphinda sizwe ilizwi likaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. 26 Ngoba ngubani umuntu wenyama onjengathi owake wezwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu ophilayo ekhuluma ephakathi komlilo, waphila na? 27 Sondela eduzane ulalele lokho okutshiwo nguThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. Ubususitshela lokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu azakutshela khona. Sizakulalela njalo sikulandele.’

28  UThixo walizwa ekukhulumeni kwenu lami wasesithi kimi, ‘Ngizwile okutshiwo ngabantu kuwe. Konke abakutshiloyo kulungile. 29 Sengathi ngabe inhliziyo zabo zingagxila ekungesabeni njalo bayigcine imilayo yami, ukuze kubalungele bona kanye labantwababo kuze kube laphakade!

30 Hamba uyebatshela ukuthi babuyele emathenteni abo. 31 Kodwa wena hlala khonapha lami ukuze ngikuphe yonke imilayo, izimiso lemithetho ozabafundisa ukuthi bayigcine bayilandele elizweni lelo engizabanika lona ukuba libe ngelabo.’

32 Ngakho nanzelelani lenze lokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alilaya ngakho; lingaphambukeli yiloba kwesokudla loba kwesenxele. 33 Hambani ngaleyondlela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alilaye ngayo, ukuze liphile liphumelele njalo lengezelele insuku zenu elizweni elizakuba ngelenu.”

6

Thandani UThixo Wenu

1 “Le yiyo imilayo, izimiso lemithetho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu angithuma ukuthi ngilifundise ukuyigcina elizweni elizachapha uJodani lilithathe libe ngelenu, 2 ukuze lina, labantwabenu kanye labantwababo abezayo bamesabe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ekuphileni kwenu ngokugcina izimiso lemilayo engizalinika yona, ukuze libe lempilo ende. 3 Zwana, wena Israyeli, njalo unanzelele ukuthi uyalalela ukuze kukulungele njalo wande kakhulu elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju, njengokuthembisa kukaThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu.

4 Zwana, wena Israyeli: UThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, nguThixo munye. 5 Thanda uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke kanye langamandla akho wonke. 6 Imilayo le engikupha yona lamuhla kumele ibe sezinhliziyweni zenu. 7 Igcizeleleni ebantwaneni benu. Likhulume ngayo nxa lihlezi emakhaya enu lalapho lihamba endleleni, lapho lilala lanxa livuka. 8 Ibopheleni ezandleni zenu ibe luphawu, liyibophele lasemabunzini enu. 9 Ibhaleni emigubazini yezindlu zenu kanye lasemasangweni enu.

10 Kuzakuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu eselingenisa elizweni afunga ngalo kuboyihlo, u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe, ukulinika lona, ilizwe elilamadolobho amakhulu, aphumelelayo kodwa elingazakhelanga wona, 11 izindlu ezigcwele konke okuhle elingazange likuhluphekele, imithombo yamanzi elingazange liyigebhe, kanye lezivini lezihlahla zama-oliva elingazihlanyelanga, ukuze kuthi lingadla lisuthe, 12 linanzelele ukuthi alimkhohlwa uThixo, yena owalikhupha eGibhithe, elizweni lobugqili.

13 Mesabeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, mkhonzeni yena yedwa njalo lifunge ngebizo lakhe. 14 Lingabalandeli abanye onkulunkulu babantu elakhelene labo; 15 ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ophakathi kwenu, nguThixo olobukhwele njalo ongalithukuthelela, alitshabalalise ebusweni bomhlaba. 16 Lingamlingi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njengalokhu elakwenza eMasa. 17 Nanzelelani ukuthi liyayigcina imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lezimiso kanye lemilayo aliphe yona. 18 Yenzani okuqondileyo lokuhle emehlweni kaThixo, ukuze konke kulihambele kuhle njalo lingene liyethatha ilizwe uThixo alithembisa okhokho benu ngesifungo, 19 lidudule zonke izitha eziphambi kwenu, njengokutsho kukaThixo.

20 Kuzakuthi ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi nxa indodana yakho ikubuza isithi, ‘Zitshoni izimiso, imilayo lemithetho leyo uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu alipha yona?’ 21 Wena uzakuthi: ‘Sasiyizigqili zikaFaro eGibhithe, kodwa uThixo wasikhupha eGibhithe ngesandla sakhe esilamandla. 22 Thina sazibonela ngawethu amehlo uThixo ethumela izibonakaliso lezimangaliso ezinkulu lezesabekayo phezu kweleGibhithe laphezu kukaFaro labo bonke abendlu yakhe. 23 Kodwa wasikhupha khonale wasiletha lapha ukuze asinike ilizwe alithembisa okhokho bethu ngesifungo. 24  UThixo wasilaya ukuba silalele zonke lezi zimiso lokwesaba uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, ukuze sithole ukuphumelela lokuphila, njengoba kunje lamhlanje. 25 Kanti-ke nxa sinanzelela silalela wonke umthetho lo phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, njengokusilaya kwakhe, lokhu kuzakuba yikulunga kwethu.’ ”

7

Ukuxotshwa Kwezizwe

1 “Lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu elingenisa elizweni alinika lona ukuba libe ngelenu uxotsha izizwe ezinengi phambi kwenu, amaHithi, amaGigashi, ama-Amori, amaKhenani, amaPherizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi, izizwe eziyisikhombisa ezinkulu njalo ezilamandla kulani, 2 kuthi lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu esezinikele ezandleni zenu lani selizinqobile kufanele lizitshabalalise ngokupheleleyo. Lingabi lesivumelwano lazo, njalo lingabi lesihawu kuzo. 3 Lingendiselani lazo. Lingendiseli amadodakazi enu emadodaneni azo, kumbe lithathele amadodana enu amadodakazi azo, 4 ngoba azaphambula amadodana enu ekungikhonzeni abesekhonza abanye onkulunkulu, kuthi ulaka lukaThixo luvuthe lulitshabalalise. 5 Nanku okumele likwenze kulezi zizwe: Dilizani ama-alithare azo, libhidlize amatshe eziwakhonzayo, ligamule izinsika zika-Ashera njalo litshise izithombe zazo ngomlilo. 6 Phela lina lingabantu abangcwele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ulikhethile phakathi kwabantu bonke emhlabeni ukuthi libe ngabantu bakhe, isipho sakhe esiligugu.

7  UThixo kazange ehlisele uthando lwakhe phezu kwenu ngoba libanengi kulezinye izizwe, phela lina livele liyisizwe sabantu abalutshwana. 8 Kodwa kungenxa yokuthi uThixo walithanda wagcina isifungo asifunga kubokhokho benu walikhupha ngesandla esilamandla walihlenga ezweni lobugqili, emandleni kaFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe. 9 Yazini-ke ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu unguNkulunkulu; unguNkulunkulu othembekileyo, ogcina isivumelwano sothando kuze kufike esizukulwaneni senkulungwane salabo abamthandayo njalo begcina imilayo yakhe. 10 Kodwa

labo abamzondayo uzaphindisela kubo ngokubabhubhisa;

kayikuphuza ukuphindisela kulabo abamzondayo.

11 Kungakho, nanzelelani lilandele imilayo, izimiso kanye lemithetho engilinika yona lamuhla.

12 Nxa linanzelela limithetho njalo liyilandela, uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzagcina isivumelwano sakhe sothando kini, njengoba wafunga kubokhokho benu. 13 Uzalithanda alibusise andise ubunengi benu. Uzabusisa izithelo zenzalo yezisu zenu, izilimo zamasimu enu, amabele enu, iwayini elitsha kanye lamafutha, amathole emihlambi yenkomo zenu kanye lamazinyane emihlambi yezimvu zenu elizweni afunga ukuthi uzalinika okhokho benu ukuba balinike lona. 14 Lina lizabusiswa okungaphezu kwabanye abantu; kakho phakathi kwamadoda labafazi kini ozaswela umntwana, njalo lezifuyo zenu ngeke ziswele amankonyane. 15  UThixo uzaliphephisa emikhuhlaneni yonke. Kayikulehlisela imikhuhlane yonke eyesabekayo elaliyibona eGibhithe, kodwa uzayehlisela kulabo abalizondayo. 16 Libobhubhisa bonke abantu uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu abanikela ezandleni zenu. Lingabazweli usizi, lingakhonzi onkulunkulu babo, ngoba lokho kuzakuba yisifu kini.

17 Mhlawumbe lizakuthi: ‘Lezizizwe zilamandla kulathi. Sizazixotsha njani lapha?’ 18 Kodwa lingazesabi; khumbulani ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu wenzani kuFaro kanye lakulo lonke elaseGibhithe. 19 Lazibonela ngawenu amehlo imilingo emikhulu, izibonakaliso zemilingo lezimanga, isandla esilamandla lokwelulwa kwengalo, khona okwasetshenziswa nguThixo wenu ukulikhupha. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzakuphinda khonokho kubo laba abantu elibesabayo. 20 Phezu kwalokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzathumela olonyovu phakathi kwabo kuze kuthi labasilileyo balicatshela babhujiswe. 21 Lingabesabi, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ophakathi kwenu, nguThixo omkhulu njalo owesabekayo. 22  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzazidudula lezozizwe phambi kwenu kancanekancane. Aliyikuvunyelwa ukuzibhubhisa ngasikhathi sinye ngoba izinyamazana zeganga zinganda zilihanqe. 23 Kodwa uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzabanikela kini, abaphazamise baze babhujiswe. 24 Amakhosi azo uzawanikela ezandleni zenu, njalo lizakwesula amabizo awo ngaphansi komkhathi. Kakho ozakwenelisa ukumelana lani, lizababhubhisa. 25 Izithombe zabonkulunkulu bazo lizazitshisa ngomlilo. Lingahawukeli isiliva legolide eliphezu kwezithombe, lingazigcineli lona, ngoba lizabe selizibambisile emjibileni ngalo, ngoba liyisinengiso kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 26 Lingalethi okunengisayo ezindlini zenu, ngoba lani njengakho lokho lizakhethelwa ukubhujiswa. Kwenyanyeni linengeke ngakho, ngoba kumiselwe ukutshabalaliswa.”

8

Lingamlibali UThixo

1 “Nanzelelani njalo lilandele yonke imilayo engilinika yona lamuhla, ukuze liphile njalo lande khona lizangena lithumbe ilizwe uThixo alinika okhokho benu ethembisa ngesifungo. 2 Likhumbule ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu walikhokhela njani lidabula inkangala okweminyaka engamatshumi amane, elichumisa lokulilinga ukuthi abone okwakusezinhliziyweni zenu, ukuthi kambe lizayigcina imiyalo yakhe na loba hayi. 3  UThixo walichumisa, walenza lalamba kanti njalo walipha ukudla okuyimana, ukudla lokho laboyihlo abangazange bakwazi, kuyikulifundisa ukuthi umuntu kaphili ngesinkwa kuphela zwi kodwa ngalo lonke ilizwi eliphuma emlonyeni kaThixo. 4 Izigqoko zenu aziguganga njalo lezinyawo zenu azivuvukanga kuleyo minyaka engamatshumi amane. 5 Gcinani lokhu ezinhliziyweni zenu lazi ukuthi njengendoda ikhuza indodana yayo, ngokufananayo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyalikhuza.

6 Gcinani imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lihambe endleleni yakhe njalo limkhonze. 7 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ulisa elizweni elihle, ilizwe elilezifula leziziba zamanzi, intombo zamanzi ezimpompoza ezigodini lasemaqaqeni; 8 elizweni lengqoloyi lebhali, amavini lemikhiwa, amaphomegranathi, amafutha ama-oliva lenyosi; 9 elizweni lapha okungasayi kusweleka khona isinkwa njalo aliyikuswela lutho; elizweni lapho amatshe akhona ayinsimbi kanti njalo lingemba ikhopha emaqaqeni.

10 Lizakuthi selidlile lasutha, lidumise uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngelizwe elihle alinike lona. 11 Linanzelele ukuthi alilibali uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lingehluleki ukugcina imilayo yakhe, imithetho kanye lezimiso engilinika zona lamuhla. 12 Kungenzeka ukuthi lithi selidlile lasutha, selakhe izindlu ezinhle lahlala lazinza, 13 njalo imihlambi yezifuyo zenu leyezimvu zenu isiqhelile yanda kuze kuthi lesiliva legolide lenu selilinengi kanye lakho konke okwenu sekukunengi kuphindwe kanenginengi, 14 liziqhenye ezinhliziyweni zenu, libe selikhohlwa uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, yena owalikhupha eGibhithe, walikhupha elizweni lobugqili. 15  UThixo walikhokhela enkangala enkulu eyesabekayo, eyomileyo engelamanzi, elobuthi benyoka lenkume. Walinika amanzi aphuma edwaleni. 16 Walinika imana ukuba lidle enkangala, into abangazange bayazi oyihlo, ukulichumisa njalo lokulilinga ukuze kuthi ekucineni kulihambele kuhle. 17 Mhlawumbe lingathi, ‘Ngokuzimisela kwami langamandla ezandla zami sengizidalele inotho.’ 18 Kodwa khumbulani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngoba kunguye olipha amandla okunotha, lokho kuyikho ukugcwaliseka kwesivumelwano sakhe, sona afunga kubokhokho benu, okulokhu kunjalo lalamuhla.

19 Nxa lizake likhohlwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu beselilandela abanye onkulunkulu libakhonze libakhothamele, ngiyalifungela lamuhla ukuthi lizabhujiswa ngempela. 20 Njengezizwe uThixo azibhubhisa phambi kwenu lani lizabhujiswa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

9

Akungenxa Yokulunga Kuka-Israyeli

1 “Zwana, We Israyeli. Khathesi ususiyachapha iJodani ukuze ungene uyethathela izizwe ezinkulu ezilamandla kulawe, ezilamadolobho amakhulu alemiduli etshaya emkhathini. 2 Abantu bakhona balamandla njalo bade, ngama-Anakhi. Liyakwazi konke ngabo njalo selike layizwa indumela yabo yokuthi: ‘Ngubani ongamelana lama-Anakhi?’ 3 Kodwa qinisekani lamuhla ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu nguye ozachapha phambi kwenu njengomlilo otshisa ubhuqe. UThixo uzababhubhisa; uzabanyathela phambi kwenu. Lizabaxotsha libabhubhise masinyane, njengokuthembisa kukaThixo.

4 Ngemva kokuba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu esebanqobile phambi kwenu, lingabozikhohlisa lisithi, ‘UThixo ungilethe lapha ukuba ngilithathe libe ngelami lelilizwe ngenxa yokulunga kwami.’ Akunjalo, kungenxa yezono zalezizizwe okuzakwenza ukuthi uThixo azisuse phambi kwakho. 5 Akusikho ukuthi kungenxa yokulunga kwakho loba ukuziphatha ngobuntu bakho okuzakwenza ungene kulelolizwe ulithathe; kodwa kungenxa yezono zalezozizwe, uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho uzazixotsha phambi kwakho lezizizwe ukuze kugcwaliseke isifungo uThixo wakho asenza kuboyihlo, u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka kanye loJakhobe. 6 Zwisisa manje, ukuthi akungenxa yokulunga kwakho ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ukunika lelilizwe ukuba libe ngelakho, ngoba lina simo senu lingontamozilukhuni.”

Ithole Legolide

7 “Khumbulani lokhu njalo lingakhohlwa ukuthi lamthukuthelisa njani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu enkangala waze wazonda. Kusukela ngosuku elasuka ngalo eGibhithe lize lizofika lapha, belilokhu lihlamukela uThixo. 8 EHorebhi lavusa ulaka lukaThixo ngalokho wazonda okokuthi wayezalibhubhisa. 9 Kwathi ekukhweleni kwami intaba ngisiyakwamukela izibhebhedu zamatshe, izibhebhedu zesivumelwano uThixo asenza lani, ngahlala entabeni okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane; angidlanga sinkwa njalo angizange nginathe amanzi. 10  UThixo wanginika izibhebhedu zamatshe ezimbili okwakulotshwe kuzo ngomunwe kaNkulunkulu. Kulezizibhebhedu kwakulotshwe yonke imilayo eyayethulwe nguThixo kini phezu kwentaba ephakathi komlilo, ngosuku lombuthano.

11 Ekupheleni kwensuku ezingamatshumi amane njalo lobusuku obungamatshumi amane, uThixo wangipha izibhebhedu zamatshe ezimbili, izibhebhedu zesivumelwano. 12  UThixo wangitshela wathi, ‘Suka lapha wehle ngokuphangisa, ngoba abantu bakho owabakhupha eGibhithe sebexhwalile. Sebephambukile masinyane kulokho engangibalaye ngakho njalo sebezibumbele isithombe.’

13  UThixo wathi kimi, ‘Sengibabonile lababantu, njalo bangontamozilukhuni ngeqiniso! 14 Ngiyekela ukuze ngibabhubhise njalo ngesule amabizo abo ngaphansi kwamazulu. Njalo ngizakwenza ube yisizwe esilamandla futhi esikhulu kulesabo.’

15 Ngasengiphenduka ngehla entabeni yona ivutha ilangabi lomlilo. Kanti njalo izibhebhedu zombili zesivumelwano zazisezandleni zami. 16 Ngathi ngiyakhangela ngabona ukuthi lonile phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu; laselizibumbele isithombe esibunjwe ngesimo sethole. Laseliphambukile masinyane lasuka endleleni uThixo ayelilaye ngayo. 17 Ngalokho ngathatha izibhebhedu zombili ezazisezandleni zami ngazisakazela phansi, zaphahlazeka zaba yizicucu phambi kwenu.

18 Kanti-ke njalo ngazilahla ngawa phambi kukaThixo okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane njalo lobusuku obungamatshumi amane; angidlanga sinkwa njalo angizange nginathe amanzi, ngenxa yezono zonke elaselizidalile, lisenza okubi emehlweni kaThixo njalo lamthukuthelisa waze wazonda. 19 Ngesaba intukuthelo lolaka lukaThixo, ngoba wayezonde kangangokuba wayengalibhubhisa. Kodwa-ke futhi uThixo wangilalela. 20  UThixo wamthukuthelela u-Aroni kangangokuba wayengamtshabalalisa, kodwa-ke ngalesosikhathi laye u-Aroni ngamkhulekela. 21 Ngabuye ngathatha into yokona kwenu, ithole leli elalilibumbile, ngalitshisa emlilweni. Ngasengilichoboza njalo ngalichola laba yimpuphu ecoleke njengothuli ngaluhaza esifuleni esigeleza entabeni.

22 Laphinda njalo lamthukuthelisa uThixo eThabhera, laseMasa kanye laseKhibhrothi Hathava.

23 Kanti uThixo wathi elisusa eKhadeshi Bhaneya, wathi, ‘Qhubekani njalo liyethatha ilizwe engilinike lona.’ Kodwa lahlamukela umlayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Alizange limethembe loba ukumlalela. 24 Belivele limhlamukela uThixo kusukela ngiqalisa ukulazi.

25 Ngazilahla ngawa phambi kukaThixo okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane kanye lobusuku obungamatshumi amane ngoba uThixo wayethe uzalibhubhisa. 26 Ngakhuleka njalo kuThixo ngathi, ‘Oh! Thixo Wobukhosi, ungabhubhisi abantu bakho, ilifa lakho owalihlenga ngamandla akho amakhulu wabakhipha eGibhithe ngesandla sakho esilamandla. 27 Khumbula izinceku zakho u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka kanye loJakhobe. Xola ebuqholweni balababantu, ebubini lasezonweni zabo. 28 Nxa kungenjalo ilizwe owasisusa kilo lizakuthi, “Ngoba uThixo wehluleka ukubangenisa elizweni ayebathembise lona, njalo langenxa yokuthi wayebazonda, wabakhupha ukuze bayefela enkangala.” 29 Kodwa ngabantu bakho, abayilifa lakho owalikhupha ngamandla akho amakhulu langengalo yakho eyeluliweyo.’ ”

10

Izibhebhedu Ezifana Lezakuqala

1 “Ngalesosikhathi uThixo wathi kimi, ‘Baza ezinye izibhebhedu zamatshe ezimbili zifanane lezakuqala uze lazo kimi entabeni. Uphinde njalo wenze ibhokisi ngezigodo. 2 Ngizabhala kulezozibhebhedu amazwi ayesezibhebhedwini zakuqala owaziphahlazayo. Ube usuzifaka kulelobhokisi.’

3 Ngakho ngenza ibhokisi lesivumelwano ngezigodo zesihlahla somʼakhakhiya ngasengibaza izibhebhedu ezimbili zamatshe ezifanana lezakuqala, ngasengikhwela entabeni ngiphethe lezo zibhebhedu ezimbili. 4  UThixo wabhala kulezozibhebhedu lokho ayekubhale kwezakuqala, imiThetho eliTshumi ayeyimemezele kini ephakathi komlilo, entabeni, ngosuku lokuhlangana. UThixo wasenginika zona izibhebhedu. 5 Ngakho ngasengibuya ngisehla entabeni ngafika ngafaka izibhebhedu ebhokisini engangilenzile njengokulaywa kwami nguThixo, yikho zilokhu zikhona lakhathesi.”

6 (Abako-Israyeli bahamba besuka emithonjeni yaseBherothi-Bheni-Jakhani kusiya eMosera. Kulapho u-Aroni afela khona njalo wangcwatshwa khona, kwathi indodana yakhe u-Eliyazari yathatha isikhundla sakhe sobuphristi. 7 Besuka lapho bahamba baya eGudigoda bedlulela eJothibhatha, ezweni elilezifula ezilamanzi. 8 Ngalesosikhathi uThixo wehlukanisa abaLevi ukuze bathwale umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo, ukuma phambi kukaThixo besenza umsebenzi wokukhonza kanye lokwethula izibusiso ngebizo lakhe, njengoba bekwenza lanamuhla. 9 Yikho abaLevi bengelasabelo loba ilifa phakathi kwabafowabo; elabo ilifa nguThixo, njengoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu wabatshela.)

10 “Ngasengihlale phezu kwentaba insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane, njengalokhu engangikwenze kuqala, lakanye uThixo wangilalela futhi okwalesosikhathi. Kwakungasikufisa kwakhe ukulibhubhisa. 11  UThixo wathi kimi, ‘Hamba uyekhokhela abantu endleleni yabo, ukwenzela ukuthi bangene bathathe ilizwe engafunga kuboyise ukuthi ngizabapha lona.’ ”

Mesabeni UThixo

12 “Khathesi-ke, Oh Israyeli, kuyini uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho angakucela kuwe ngaphandle kokuba umesabe uThixo wakho, ukuhamba ezindleleni zakhe, ukumthanda, ukumsebenzela uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomoya wakho wonke, 13 lokugcina imilayo kaThixo kanye lezimiso lezi engilinika zona lamhlanje ukuze kulilungele?

14 Amazulu ngakaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lamazulu aphakameyo, umhlaba kanye lakho konke okukiwo. 15 Kanti-ke uThixo watshengisela isihawu sakhe kubokhokho benu njalo wabathanda, ngalokho wakhetha lina, eliyizizukulwane zabo, phezu kwazo zonke ezinye izizwe, njengoba kunjalo lalamuhla. 16 Ngakho-ke, sokani inhliziyo zenu, njalo lingabe lisaba ngontamozilukhuni futhi. 17 Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu nguNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu njalo unguMbusi wababusi, uNkulunkulu omkhulu, olamandla njalo owesabekayo, ongelabandlululo futhi ongemukeli isivalamlomo. 18 Uyawavikela amalungelo ezintandane kanye labafelokazi, njalo uyabathanda abangabezizweni phakathi kwenu, ubanika ukudla lezembatho. 19 Ngakho kuzamele lithande abezizweni, njengoba lina lalingabezizweni eGibhithe. 20 Mesabeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njalo limkhonze. Bambelelani kuye njalo lenze izifungo zenu ngebizo lakhe. 21 Uyindumiso yenu, unguNkulunkulu wenu, owalenzela lezozimanga ezinkulu lezesabekayo elazibona ngamehlo enu. 22 Okhokho benu abaya eGibhithe babengamatshumi ayisikhombisa kuphela, kanti khathesi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uselenze laba banengi njengezinkanyezi esibhakabhakeni.”

11

Thanda Njalo Ulalele UThixo

1 “Thandani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lilondoloze okwakhe, izimiso, imithetho lemilayo yakhe ngazozonke izikhathi. 2 Khumbulani lamuhla ukuthi abantwabenu akusibo ababubonayo njalo babazi ubukhulu bukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu; ubukhosi bakhe, isandla sakhe esilamandla, lengalo yakhe eyelulekileyo; 3 izibonakaliso azenzayo kanye lakho konke akwenzayo phakathi kwelizwe leGibhithe, ezenza kuFaro iNkosi yeGibhithe laselizweni lakhe lonke; 4 lalokho akwenza kubutho leGibhithe, lasemabhizeni lezinqola zawo, ukuthi wakunqoba njani konke lokhu ngamanzi oLwandle oluBomvu mhla bexotshana lani, kanye lokuthi uThixo wabachitha baphela du. 5 Akusibantwabenu ababona alenzela khona enkangala laze lazafika lapha, 6 kanye lalokho akwenza kuDathani lo-Abhiramu, amadodana ka-Eliyabi wako-Rubheni. Lapho umhlaba owavuleka khona phambi kwabako-Israyeli wabaginya bonke kanye lezimuli zabo, lamathente abo lakho konke okuphilayo okwakungokwabo. 7 Kodwa-ke kwakungawenu amehlo abona zonke lezizinto ezazenziwe nguThixo.

8 Yikho-ke gcinani lilalele yonke imilayo engilinika yona lamuhla, ukuze lizuze amandla okuchapha iJodani liyelithumba lelolizwe, 9 njalo lihlale kulo isikhathi eside ilizwe uThixo alinika okhokho benu lezizukulwane zenu, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju. 10 Lelolizwe elizangena kulo lilithumbe alifanani lelizwe laseGibhithe, lapho elivela khona, lapho elalihlanyela inhlanyelo yenu lithwala amanzi nzima lithelela njengesivandeni semibhida. 11 Kodwa ilizwe elilichaphela uJodani ukuze lilithumbe libe ngelenu yilizwe lezintaba lezihotsha ezinatha zigcwale ngamanzi ezulu. 12 Yilizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alikhathalelayo, amehlo kaThixo wenu aphezu kwalo kusukela ekuqaleni komnyaka kuze kube sekupheleni kwawo.

13 Ngakho lingalalela ngokwethembeka imilayo yami engilinika yona lamuhla, ukuthanda uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njalo limkhonze ngenhliziyo zenu zonke, langemiphefumulo yenu yonke, 14 ngalokho ngizanisa izulu emhlabeni wenu ngesikhathi salo, ekwindla kanye lasentwasa, ukuze libe lenala yamabele njalo livune, iwayini elitsha kanye lamafutha. 15 Ngizamilisa utshani egangeni obuzadliwa zinkomo zenu, lina lizakudla lisuthe.

16 Qaphelani linanzelele ukuthi aliyikuhugeka lihlamuke likhonze abanye onkulunkulu libakhothamele. 17 Kungaba njalo ulaka lukaThixo luzavutha kini, njalo uzavala amazulu akhe ukuze kungabi lezulu elizakuna kuthi umhlaba wenu ungatheli izithelo, kuthi lina libhubhe masinyane elizweni elihle uThixo alinika lona. 18 Gcinani amazwi ami la ezinhliziyweni lasengqondweni zenu, abopheleni njengezimpawu ezandleni zenu, liwabophele lemabunzini enu. 19 Afundiseni abantwabenu, lixoxe ngawo nxa lihlezi emakhaya enu kanye lalapho lihamba endleleni, lapho lilala lanxa livuka. 20 Abhaleni emigubazini yezindlu zenu kanye lasemasangweni enu, 21 ukuze kuthi insuku zenu kanye lezabantwabenu zande elizweni uThixo afunga ukulinika okhokho benu, kuze kube laphakade.

22 Nxa lingamhlonipha lilandele imilayo yami le engilinika yona ukuba liyilandele, ukuthanda uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuhamba ngezindlela zakhe libambelele kuye ngokuqinileyo, 23 ngalokho uThixo uzazixotsha zonke izizwe phambi kwenu njalo lani lizazemuka izizwe ezinkulu kulani, njalo ezilamandla kulani. 24 Yonke indawo elizanyathela kuyo izakuba ngeyenu: umhlaba wenu uzaqhela ukusuka enkangala usiya eLebhanoni, kusuka emfuleni iYufrathe kusiya olwandle olusentshonalanga. 25 Kakho ozamelana lani. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, njengokulithembisa kwakhe, uzaletha ukuthuthumela ngani lokulesaba elizweni lonke, ngaphi langaphi elihamba khona.

26 Khangelani, lamuhla ngifaka phambi kwenu isibusiso lesithuko, 27 isibusiso nxa lilalela imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu engilinika yona lamuhla; 28 isithuko nxa lingalaleli imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njalo libe selitshiya indlela engilikhomba yona ngokulandela abanye onkulunkulu elingabaziyo. 29 Nxa uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu eselifikisile elizweni eselingena kulo ukuba lilithumbe, kalibomemezela liseNtabeni iGerizimu lezozibusiso, kuthi liseNtabeni ye-Ebhali limemezele izithuko. 30 Njengoba lisazi, izintaba zingaphetsheya kweJodani, entshonalanga yomgwaqo okhangele entshonalanga, eduzane lezihlahla ezinkulu zaseMore, elizweni lalawo maKhenani ahlala e-Arabha eduzane kweGiligali. 31 Seliseduze ukuchapha iJodani ukuba lingene lithumbe lelolizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona. Kuzakuthi nxa selilithethe selihlala khona, 32 libe leqiniso lokuthi liyalalela zonke izimiso lemithetho engilibekela yona lamuhla.”

12

Yinye Indawo Yokukhonzela

1 “Lezi yizo izimiso lemilayo okumele likugcine ngonanzelelo elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu alinika lona ukuba libe ngelenu nxa lilokhu lisahlala kulelolizwe. 2 Dilizani ngokupheleleyo zonke izindawo izizwe elizinqobayo ezazikhonzela onkulunkulu bazo khona, ezintabeni eziphakemeyo lasemaqaqeni kanye langaphansi kwezihlahla ezinabileyo. 3 Dilizani ama-alithare ezizwe, libhidlize amatshe abawakhonzayo litshise izinsika zika-Ashera emlilweni, dilizelani phansi izithombe zabo lihle lichithe licitshe amabizo abo kulezondawo.

4 Lingalandeli izindlela zabo zokukhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 5 Kodwa lizadinga indawo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azayikhetha phakathi kwazo zonke izizwana zenu, ukuze abeke iBizo lakhe lapho, ahlale khona. Kumele liye kuleyondawo; 6 khonapho lilethe iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo, lokwetshumi kwenu lezipho zenu eziqakathekileyo, lokho elifunge ukukunikela kanye leminikelo yenu yokuzithandela, amazibulo emihlambi yenu yenkomo leyezimvu. 7 Khonapho, phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lina kanye labantwabenu lizakudla njalo lijabule ngakho konke elike labeka izandla zenu kukho, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ulibusisile.

8 Lingabokwenza njengalokhu esikwenza lamuhla, ngamunye esenza njengokuthanda kwakhe, 9 ngoba alikangeni endaweni yokuphumula kanye lelifeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona. 10 Kodwa lizachapha uJodani liyekwakha lihlale elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuba libe yilifa lenu, njalo uzaliphumuza ezitheni zenu elakhelene lazo ukuze lihlale livikelekile. 11 Okumayelana lendawo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azayikhetha ibe likhaya leBizo lakhe, kulapho elizaletha konke engililaya ngakho: iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo, okwetshumi kwenu lezipho zenu eziqakathekileyo, kanye lazozonke impahla elikhethe ukufunga ngazo kuThixo. 12 Khona lapho lijabule phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lina, amadodana lamadodakazi enu, izinceku lezincekukazi zenu, kanye labaLevi abavela emadolobheni enu, abangelasabelo loba ilifa abaliphiwayo libe ngelabo. 13 Limukani linganikeleli iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa ingqe kungaphi elithanda khona. 14 Nikelelani kuphela endaweni uThixo azayikhetha phakathi kwezizwana zenu kuthi selilapho linanzelele konke engililaya ngakho.

15 Ngalokho-ke, selilakho ukuhlaba izifuyo zenu lizibulale njengalokhu okwenziwayo emadolobheni enu njalo lidle yonke leyonyama elifisa ukuyidla, kungani lithaka loba imbabala, kusiya ngesibusiso leso lowo lalowo ayabe ebusiswe ngaso nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Bonke labangahlanzekanga labahlanzekileyo ngokomkhuba bavunyelwe ukuyidla. 16 Kodwa lingadli igazi lazo; lilahleni kungathi lichitha amanzi phansi. 17 Lingakudli emadolobheni enu okwetshumi kwamabele enu kanye lokwewayini elitsha lamafutha, loba amazibulo emihlambi yezifuyo zenu, lakho konke eselifunge lathembisa ukuba lizanikela ngakho, leminikelo yenu yokuzithandela loba izipho eziqakathekileyo. 18 Kodwa kumele likudle phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu endaweni ezakhethwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lina, amadodana lamadodakazi enu, izinceku lezincekukazi zenu, kanye labaLevi abavela emadolobheni enu, lina labo lizajabula phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngakho konke elikuphatha ngezandla zenu. 19 Linanzelele lingalibali beselikhohlwa abaLevi nxa lilokhu lisahlala elizweni lenu.

20 Nxa uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu eseqhelisile ilizwe lenu njengokulethembisa kwakhe, libe seliloyisa ukudla inyama lithi, ‘Ngifisa ukudla inyama,’ kulapho elizakudla khona lize lifike lapho elithanda khona. 21 Nxa indawo leyo lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu akhetha ukubeka iBizo lakhe ikhatshana kakhulu lani, lingahlaba emihlambini yezifuyo leyezimvu njengokuyiphiwa kwenu nguThixo, njengoba ngililayile, kuthi emadolobheni enu lizidle lezozifuyo njengokuthanda kwenu. 22 Lidle kungathi lidla ithaka lembabala. Bonke abangahlanzekanga ngokomkhuba labahlanzekileyo bangadla. 23 Kodwa linanzelele lingadli igazi, ngoba igazi yiyo impilo ngakho akufanelanga ukuthi lidle impilo lenyama. 24 Lingabokudla igazi; lichitheleni emhlabathini kungathi lilahla amanzi. 25 Lingadli, ukuze kulihambele kuhle lina kanye labantwabenu abezayo, ngoba lizabe lenze okuhle emehlweni kaThixo.

26 Kodwa thathani lokho okugcotshiweyo lalokho elifunge ukukunikela lisuke liye endaweni ezakhethwa nguThixo. 27 Lethani iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa e-alithareni likaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, konke inyama kanye legazi. Igazi leminikelo yenu lilichithele phansi kwe-alithari likaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, kodwa lingadla inyama yakhona. 28 Linanzelele lilandele iziqondiso zonke engilinika zona, ukuze kulihambele kuhle lina kanye labantwabenu abezayo ngemva kwenu, ngoba lizabe lenze okuhle njalo kulungile emehlweni kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

29  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzazichitha phambi kwenu zonke izizwe okufanele lizihlasele libe selizemuka okungokwazo. Kodwa nxa selizinqobile lazichitha selihlezi elizweni lazo, 30 njalo nxa sezichithiwe phambi kwenu, liqaphele lingahugeki ngokubuza ngabonkulunkulu bazo lisithi, ‘Kanti zona lezizizwe zibakhonza njani onkulunkulu bazo? Lathi sizakwenza okufananayo.’ 31 Lingabokhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngendlela abakhonza ngayo, ngoba ekukhonzeni kwabo onkulunkulu babo, benza konke okunengisayo okungasoze kwamukeleke kuThixo. Baya baze batshise amadodana lamadodakazi abo emlilweni bethi bayanikela kubonkulunkulu babo.

32 Nanzelelani ukuthi lenza lokho engililaya ngakho, lingengezeleli loba liphungule kulokho.”

13

Ukukhonza Abanye Onkulunkulu

1 “Nxa umphrofethi, loba umuntu oboniswa ngamaphupho, angavela phakathi kwenu abesebika imilingo loba isimanga, 2 kuthi leyomilingo loba lesosimanga ayabe ekhulume ngaso, kubonakale kusenzakala, abesesithi, ‘Asilandeleni abanye onkulunkulu’ (onkulunkulu elingabaziyo) ‘njalo asibakhonzeni,’ 3 lingalaleli amazwi alowo mphrofethi loba umuntu wamaphupho. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzabe elilinga efuna ukubona kumbe liyamthanda yini ngezinhliziyo zenu kanye langemiphefumulo yenu yonke. 4  NguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu okumele limlandele, kanti nguye uqobo okumele limesabe. Gcinani imilayo yakhe njalo limlalele; mkhonzeni libambelele liqine kuye. 5 Lowo mphrofethi loba lowomuntu wamaphupho akhe kumele abulawe, ngoba utshumayele wakhuthaza ukuhlamukela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, owalikhupha eGibhithe njalo walihlenga elizweni lobugqili; njalo ngumuntu obezama ukuliphambula endleleni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alilaya ngayo ukuba liyilandele. Kumele lihlambulule ububi phakathi kwenu.

6 Nxa umfowenu uqobo, loba indodana loba indodakazi yakho, loba umfazi wakho omthandayo, loba umngane wakho osekhwapheni, angavele akuhuge ensitha, esithi, ‘Asihambe siyekhonza abanye onkulunkulu’ (onkulunkulu lina laboyihlo elingazange libazi, 7 onkulunkulu babantu elakhelene labo, eduzane loba khatshana, kusukela emaphethelweni esigaba kusiyaphutsha ngale kwaso), 8 lingamvumeli futhi lingamlaleli. Lingamtshengiseli uzwelo. Lingamphephisi njalo lingamvikeli. 9 Kumele ngeqiniso abulawe. Isandla senu kumele sibe yiso esikhokhela ukubulawa kwakhe, kulandele zonke ezabanye abantu. 10 Mkhandeni ngamatshe limbulale, ngoba uzame ukuliphambula elisusa kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, owalikhupha eGibhithe, walikhupha elizweni lobugqili. 11 Ngalokho wonke u-Israyeli uzakuzwa esabe, kakho loyedwa phakathi kwenu ozake aphinde enze into enjalo futhi.

12 Lingezwa kuthiwa kuledolobho elikwenzayo lokhu phakathi kwamadolobho eliwaphiwe nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ukuba lihlale kuwo 13 kulamadoda aphakathi kwenu asedukise abantu balawo madolobho, esithi, ‘Asihambeni siyokhonza abanye onkulunkulu’ (onkulunkulu elingakaze libazi), 14 kufanele libuzisise, lichwayisise lihlole ngokupheleleyo. Kuthi nxa kuliqiniso njalo kugcwaliseke ukuthi lesisinengiso sikhona phakathi kwenu, 15 kumele lifake inkemba ngeqiniso kulabo bonke abahlala kulelodolobho. Lilichithe litshabalale ngeqiniso, abantu bakhona kanye lezifuyo zakhona. 16 Buthelelani konke okuthunjiweyo kulelodolobho phakathi enzikini yalo enkundleni yokuhlanganela kwabantu lilithungele litshe lilobe lelodolobho kanye lempahla zalo zonke njengomnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Kumele lisale lilunxiwa lelodolobho kokuphela, lingakhiwa kutsha futhi. 17 Akungabi lokukodwa kwalokho okusoliweyo okuzafunyanwa ezandleni zenu, ukuze uThixo adedise ulaka lwakhe oluvuthayo; alitshengisele umusa wakhe, abe lozwelo kini, andise amanani enu, njengoba wathembisa ngesifungo kubokhokho benu, 18 ngoba lilalela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ligcina imilayo yakhe le engilinika yona lamuhla njalo lisenza okulungileyo emehlweni akhe.”

14

Ukudla Okuhlanzekileyo Lokungahlanzekanga

1 “Lingabantwana bakaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Lingabozisika loba liphuce amakhanda enu lizilela abafileyo, 2 ngoba lingabantu abangcwele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Ebantwini bonke abasemhlabeni, uThixo ulikhethile lina ukuthi libe ngabantu bakhe abaligugu.

3 Lingadli loba kuyini okunengisayo. 4 Nanzi izinyamazana elingazidla: inkomo, imvu, imbuzi, 5 umziki, impala, umziki obomvu, imbuzi yeganga, imbuzi mawa, umtshwayeli lemvu yentaba. 6 Lingadla zonke izinyamazana ezilenklagu ezivulekileyo lezentshisayo. 7 Kodwa-ke kulezo ezilenklagu ezivulekileyo loba lezo ezentshisayo zilani lingadli ikamela, umvundla loba imbila. Zingcolile kini ngokomkhuba. 8 Ingulube layo ayihlanzekanga; lanxa ilenklagu ezivulekileyo kayentshisi. Lingabokudla inyama yazo, lingathinti lezidumbu zazo.

9 Kuzozonke izidalwa ezihlala emanzini, lingadla zonke lezo ezilempiko lamaxolo. 10 Kodwa konke lokho okungelampiko lamaxolo akumelanga likudle; kungcolile kini.

11 Lingadla loba yiphi inyoni ehlanzekileyo. 12 Kodwa lezi lingazidli: ukhozi, ilinqe elimnyama, 13 uhelwane olubomvu, uhelwane olumnyama, loba yiwuphi umhlobo womzwazwa 14 loba yiphi imihlobo yamawabayi, 15 isikhova esilesicholo, ingabuzane, idada lolwandle, loba wuphi umhlobo wokhozi, 16 umandukulo, isikhova esikhulu, isikhova esimhlophe, 17 isikhova senkangala, ukhozi lwenhlanzi, itshayamanzi, 18 ingabuzane, lawuphi umhlobo welanda, imvenduna lomalulwane.

19 Zonke izibungu eziphaphayo zingcolile kini; lingabozidla. 20 Kodwa konke okulempiko okuhlanzekileyo kudleni.

21 Lingabokudla ingcuba. Lingakunika loba ngubani owezizweni ohlezi loba kukuliphi phakathi kwamadolobho enu, yena angakudla, ulakho njalo ukuthi angathengisela omunye laye owezizweni. Kodwa lina lingabantu abangcwele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

Lingapheki izinyane lembuzi ngochago lukanina.”

Okwetshumi

22 “Wobani leqiniso ukuthi libeka eceleni lokhu okuyingxenye eyodwa yetshumi yesivuno somnyaka. 23 Dlanini okwetshumi kwamabele enu, iwayini elitsha lamafutha, kanye lamazibulo emihlambi yenkomo zenu lawezimvu emehlweni kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu endaweni azalikhethela yona ukuba ibe leBizo lakhe, ukuze lifunde ukumphakamisa uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngezikhathi zonke. 24 Kodwa nxa leyondawo ikhatshana kakhulu lina libusisiwe nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njalo lingenelisi ukuthwala okwetshumi kwenu (ngenxa yokuthi lapho uThixo akhethe ukubeka khona iBizo lakhe kukhatshana kakhulu), 25 thengisani okwetshumi kwenu ngesiliva, libe selithatha lihambe lesiliva liye endaweni leyo ezabe ikhethwe nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 26 Sebenzisani isiliva lithenge ngaso loba yini elifuna ukuyithenga: inkomo, izimvu, iwayini loba kuyini elikufunayo. Ngakho lina kanye labendlu yenu lizakudla khonapho phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njalo libe lokujabula. 27 Njalo lingakhohlwa abaLevi abahlala emadolobheni enu, ngoba abalaso isabelo esingesabo njalo abaphiwanga ilifa.

28 Ekupheleni kweminyaka emithathu, lethani okwetshumi kwesivuno salowomnyaka likugcine emadolobheni enu, 29 yikho kuzakuthi abaLevi (bona abangelasabelo loba ilifa elingelabo) kanye labezizweni, izintandane ezingelaboyise labafelokazi abahlala emadolobheni enu beze labo bazokudla basuthe, njalo kuze kuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alibusise kuyo yonke imisebenzi yezandla zenu.”

15

Umnyaka Wokwesulwa Kwezikwelede

1 “Ekupheleni kweminyaka eyisikhombisa kumele lesule izikwelede. 2 Nanso indlela elizakuphatha ngayo: Wonke umuntu owake waboleka omunye wakibo wako-Israyeli impahla yakhe kumele esule lesosikwelede. Akusafanelanga ukuthi adinge ukuhlawulwa ngomunye wakhe wako-Israyeli loba umfowabo, ngoba isikhathi sikaThixo sokwesula izikwelede sesimenyezelwe. 3 Lilakho ukuthi lihlawulwe ngabezizweni, kodwa kumele lesule isikwelede umfowenu ayabe elaso kini. 4 Kodwa akungabi lomuntu oswelayo phakathi kwenu, ngoba elizweni lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuze libe yilifa lenu, uzalibusisa kakhulu, 5 nxa lizalalela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu linanzelele njalo ukuthi liyayilandela yonke imilayo yakhe engilethulela yona lamuhla. 6 Kungenxa yalokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azalibusisa njengokulithembisa kwakhe, njalo lizakweboleka izizwe ezinengi kodwa lina aliyikweboleka lutho kuzo. Lizabusa phezu kwezizwe ezinengi kodwa lina akulasizwe esizalibusa.

7 Nxa ekhona ongumyanga phakathi kwabafowenu emadolobheni la uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika wona lasemazweni eliwaphiweyo, lingabi lezinhliziyo ezilukhuni loba ukuba ngabancitshanayo kumfowenu ongumyanga. 8 Kuhle ukuthi libe ngabaphanayo limeboleke ngokukhululeka loba yini ayiswelayo. 9 Limukani lingagcini umnakano omubi othi: ‘Umnyaka wesikhombisa, umnyaka wokwesulwa kwezikwelede, ususondele,’ ukuze lingabi lomoya omubi ngomfowenu oswelayo lingabe lisamnika lutho. Kungenzeka acele kuThixo ukuba alihlanekele, libe selifunyanwa lilesono. 10 Mupheni okunengi njalo lokhu likwenze ngezinhliziyo ezingelamona; kanti-ke ngenxa yalokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalibusisa kuyo yonke imisebenzi yenu lakukho konke elibeka izandla zenu kukho. 11 Kuzahlala kulokhu kulabantu abangabayanga elizweni. Ngakho ngiyalilaya ukuba phanini ngezandla ezivulekileyo kubafowenu kanye lakubo bonke abangabayanga labaswelayo elizweni lenu.”

Ukukhulula Izisebenzi

12 “Nxa omunye wenu ongumHebheru, owesilisa loba owesifazane, ezithengisile kini, angasebenza iminyaka eyisithupha, ngomnyaka wesikhombisa kumele limkhulule azihambele. 13 Mhla limkhulula lingamyekeli ehamba eze engaphethe lutho. 14 Mnikeni emihlambini yenu ngomoya wokuphana, lasemabeleni asebhuliwe kanye lewayini eselihluziwe. Mnikeni njengokubusiswa kwenu nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 15 Khumbulani ukuthi laliyizigqili eGibhithe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu walikhulula. Yikho ngilinika umlayo lo lamuhla.

16 Kodwa nxa isisebenzi senu singathi kini, ‘Angifuni ukusuka lapha,’ ngenxa yokuthi siyalithanda lina labendlu yenu njalo sihlezi kuhle lani, 17 thathani usungulo libhobozele indlebe yaso emnyango, sihle sibe yisisebenzi senu kokuphela. Lokhu likwenze lasesigqilini sesifazane.

18 Lingakuthathi njengomthwalo onzima ukukhulula izisebenzi zenu, ngoba umsebenzi esiyabe sikwenzele wona eminyakeni eyisithupha uyalingana lomsebenzi ophindwe kabili owenziwa ngoqhatshiweyo. Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalibusisa kukho konke elikwenzayo.”

Amazibulo Ezifuyo

19 “Yehlukaniselani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu amazibulo wonke amaduna emihlambini yenu kanye leyezimvu. Lingasebenzisi loba yiliphi izibulo emhlambini loba owezimvu njalo lingagundi uboya bamazibulo ezimvu zenu. 20 Ngayo yonke iminyaka lina kanye labendlu yenu lizawadla phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu endaweni azayikhetha yena. 21 Nxa inyamazana ilesici, iqhula loba iyisiphofu, loba ilokunye okusolekayo, linganikeli ngayo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 22 Leyo lizayidlela emadolobheni enu. Bonke abahlanzekileyo labangahlanzekanga ngokomkhuba balakho ukuyidla, kungani badla ithaka lembabala. 23 Kodwa lingadli igazi lazo, lichitheleni emhlabathini kungathi lichitha amanzi.”

16

IPhasika

1 “Gcinani inyanga ka-Abhibhi njalo lihloniphe iPhasika likaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ngoba ngenyanga ka-Abhibhi walikhupha eGibhithe ngobusuku. 2 Nikelani okwePhasika kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngesifuyo esivela emhlambini wenu loba emhlambini wezimvu endaweni ezakhethwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ukuba ibe yindawo yebizo lakhe. 3 Lingasidli ndawonye lesinkwa esilemvubelo, kodwa okwensuku eziyisikhombisa kumele lidle isinkwa esingelamvubelo, isinkwa sokuhlupheka, ngoba lasuka eGibhithe ngokujaha ukuze insuku zonke zokuphila kwenu likhumbule isikhathi elasuka ngaso eGibhithe. 4 Akungafunyanwa mvubelo kini lakulo lonke ilizwe lenu okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. Njalo lingatshiyi inyama yomhlatshelo wantambama ivuke ilokhu ikhona ngosuku olulandelayo.

5 Linganikeli okwePhasika loba kukuliphi idolobho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azalinika lona 6 ngaphandle kwalapho azakhetha khona ukuba kube yindawo yeBizo lakhe. Kulapho elizakwenzela khona umhlatshelo wePhasika ntambama, ekutshoneni kwelanga, kuyisikhumbuzo selanga elasuka ngalo eGibhithe. 7 Yoseni libe seliyidlela endaweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azalikhethela yona. Kuzakuthi ekuseni libuyele emathenteni enu. 8 Okwensuku eziyisithupha lizakudla isinkwa esingelamvubelo kuthi ngosuku lwesikhombisa libuthane kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lingenzi msebenzi.”

UMkhosi WamaViki

9 “Balani amaviki ayisikhombisa kusukela mhla liqalisa ukuvuna amabele. 10 Beselithakazelela uMkhosi wamaViki kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngokupha umnikelo wokuzithandela kusiya ngezibusiso uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu aliphe zona. 11 Ngakho thokozani phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu endaweni azayikhethela ukuba ngeyeBizo lakhe, lina lamadodana lamadodakazi enu, izinceku lezincekukazi zenu zesifazane, abaLevi abasemadolobheni enu, kanye labezizweni, izintandane labafelokazi abahlezi phakathi kwenu. 12 Khumbulani ukuthi laliyizigqili eGibhithe, ngakho landelani leziziqondiso ngonanzelelo.”

UMkhosi WeziHonqo

13 “Gcinani uMkhosi weziHonqo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa ngemva kokubutha amabele enu ezindaweni zokubhulela lezokuhluzela iwayini. 14 Thokozani emkhosini wenu, lina, amadodana enu kanye lamadodakazi enu, izinceku lezincekukazi zenu, kanye labaLevi, abezizweni, izintandane kanye labafelokazi abahlezi emadolobheni enu. 15 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa thakazelelani umkhosi kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ezindaweni ezakhethwa nguThixo. Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalibusisa esivunweni senu sonke kanye lemisebenzini yezandla zenu, ukuze kupheleliswe intokozo yenu.

16 Kathathu ngomnyaka, wonke amadoda kumele aziveze phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu endaweni azayikhetha, eMkhosini weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo, eMkhosini wamaViki kanye leMkhosini weziHonqo. Akungabi lamuntu ozabuya phambi kukaThixo engaphathanga lutho: 17 Ngamunye phakathi kwenu kumele lize liphethe isipho kusiya ngokuthi liphiwe labusiswa ngokunganani nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

Abahluleli

18 “Khethani abehluleli lezikhulu ezizwaneni zenu zonke kuwo wonke amadolobho enu elizawaphiwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, njalo bahlulele abantu ngemfanelo. 19 Lingonakalisi ukulunga loba libandlulule. Lingavumi ukufunjathiswa ngoba ukufunjathiswa kufiphaza amehlo abahlakaniphileyo kulahlekise amazwi omuntu ongelacala. 20 Landelani ukulunga lilandele khona kuphela, khona lizaphila lilithumbe ilizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona.”

Ukukhonza Abanye Onkulunkulu

21 “Lingazimiseli o-Ashera bezigodo phansi kwe-alithari elizalakhela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, 22 njalo lingamisi ilitshe elizakuthi lina lingcwele, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyakuzonda lokho.”

17

1 “Lingenzi umhlatshelo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngenkabi loba imvu elesici lesolekayo, ngoba lokho kuyisinengiso kuye.

2 Nxa kulendoda loba owesifazane ohlala phakathi kwenu kwelinye lamadolobho eliwaphiwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu limfumana esona emehlweni kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu esephula isivumelwano, 3 njalo ngokwephula imilayo yami esezikhonzela abanye onkulunkulu, ebakhothamela loba ekhonza ilanga loba inyanga loba izinkanyezi zezulu, 4 kube kanti lokhu sekubikiwe kini, kutsho ukuthi kuzamele likuchwayisise ngokupheleleyo. Nxa kuliqiniso njalo sekubonakele ukuthi kuliqiniso lokhu okuyisinengiso okwenzakele ko-Israyeli, 5 thathani leyondoda loba owesifazane lowo owenze lesi senzo esibi limuse esangweni ledolobho lenu limkhande ngamatshe aze afe. 6 Ngobufakazi bababili loba abathathu indoda izabulawa, kodwa kakho ozabulawa ngobufakazi bomuntu oyedwa kuphela. 7 Akuthi ofakazi labo kube yibo abaqalisayo ukumkhanda, besekulandela bonke abanye abantu. Kumele lisuse ububi phakathi kwenu.”

Imithethwandaba

8 “Nxa amacala eza phambi kwemithethwandaba yenu enzima ukuwahlulela, loba awokuchitha igazi, ukwephula imithetho loba awokuhlaselwa, athatheni liye lawo endaweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azayikhetha. 9 Hambani kubaphristi, abangabaLevi, kanye lakumahluleli osesikhundleni okwalesosikhathi. Buzani kibo bona bazalinika isigwebo esifaneleyo. 10 Lina-ke kumele lenze njengokucebisa kwabo endaweni uThixo azayikhetha. Linanzelele ukuthi lenza lokho kanye abaliqondisa ukuba likwenze. 11 Yenzani ngokomthetho njengalokho abalifundisa ngakho lezinqumo abalipha zona. Lingaphambuki kulokho abalitshela khona, liye kwesokudla loba kwesenxele. 12 Indoda etshengisela ukudelela iseyisa umahluleli loba umphristi owenza umsebenzi wokukhonza khonapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu kumele ibulawe. Kumele lisuse bonke ububi phakathi kuka-Israyeli. 13 Bonke abantu bazakuzwa besabe, bangabe besadelela futhi.”

Inkosi

14 “Ekungeneni kwenu elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona selilithethe laba ngelenu njalo selihlezi kulo, njalo selisithi, ‘Asibekeni inkosi isibuse ukuze sifanane lezinye izizwe esakhelene lazo,’ 15 wobani leqiniso lokuthi libeka inkosi ekhethwe nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Kumele abe ngomunye wabafowenu. Lingafaki umuntu wezizweni ukuba alibuse, ongasiye wakini ko-Israyeli. 16 Inkosi njalo akumelanga izifuyele amabhiza amanengi loba ithume abantu babuyele eGibhithe ukuyazuza amanye khona ngoba uThixo ulitshelile wathi, ‘Lingaphindi liyihambe njalo leyondlela.’ 17 Kayingathathi abafazi abanengi funa inhliziyo yayo idukiswe. Kayingazinothisi ngesiliva langegolide elinengi kakhulu.

18 Nxa isithatha isihlalo sobukhosi bombuso wayo kayithathe umqulu izilobele kulo umthetho lo iwuthatha encwadini yabaphristi abangabaLevi. 19 Umqulu lowo kawuhlale ukuyo, ihlale iwubala zonke insuku zokuphila kwayo ukuze ifunde ukwesaba uThixo uNkulunkulu wayo, ilandele ngokunanzelela wonke amazwi omthetho lo lalezi izimiso, 20 njalo ukuze ingazenzi ongcono kulabanye abakibo, ingaphambuki emthethweni iye ngakwesokunene loba ngakwesokhohlo. Ngakho yona kanye lezizukulwane zayo bazabusa isikhathi eside embusweni wayo ko-Israyeli.”

18

Iminikelo YabaPhristi LabaLevi

1 “Abaphristi abangabaLevi ngempela, isizwana sonke sabaLevi kabangabi lesabelo loba ilifa ndawonye labako-Israyeli. Bazaphila ngemihlatshelo yokudla enikelwa kuThixo, ngoba leli yilo ilifa labo. 2 Abayikuba lelifa phakathi kwabafowabo; uThixo uyilifa labo, njengokuthembisa kwakhe.

3 Le yiyo ingxenye yabaphristi ezavela emihlatshelweni yabantu eyenkunzi loba eyemvu: umkhono, inhloko kanye lezangaphakathi. 4 Kufanele libaphe izithelo zakuqala zamabele enu, iwayini elitsha lamafutha, uboya bakuqala ekugundweni kwezimvu zenu, 5 ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ubakhethile bona kanye lezizukulwane zabo phakathi kwazo zonke izizwana zenu ukuze kube yibo abazakwenza umsebenzi wokukhonza ebizweni likaThixo ngezikhathi zonke.

6 Nxa umLevi angasuka kwelinye lamadolobho enu loba kungaphi kwelabako-Israyeli lapho abehlala khona, abeseziletha ngokuzimisela endaweni ezakhethwa nguThixo, 7 angenza umsebenzi wokukhonza ebizweni likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe njengabo bonke abafowabo abangabaLevi abasebenzela khonapho phambi kukaThixo. 8 Uzakwabelana labanye bakhe ngokulinganayo kulokho abakuzuzayo, lanxa yena esezuze imali ekuthengisweni kwempahla yakwabo.”

Izenzo Ezinengekayo

9 “Lapho selingena elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona, lingabozifundisa ukulingisa izenzo ezinengekayo zezinye izizwe khonale. 10 Akungabi lamuntu phakathi kwenu ozakwenza umhlatshelo ngendodana yakhe loba indodakazi yakhe ngomlilo, kangabi ovumisayo loba ochasisa ngemibono, ochasisa imilingo njalo oyenza okuphathelane lobuthakathi, 11 ophosayo, loba isanuse loba isangoma loba obuza kwabafileyo. 12 Loba ngubani owenza lezizinto uyisinengiso kuThixo, kanti njalo ngenxa yezenzo lezi ezinengekayo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azazixotsha phambi kwenu lezizizwe. 13 Kumele libemsulwa phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

Umphrofethi

14 “Izizwe elizazithathela ilizwe zilalela okwalabo abathakathayo labavumisayo. Kodwa lina, uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu kalivumeli ukukwenza lokho. 15  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalivusela umphrofethi phakathi kwabafowenu njengami. Libomlalela. 16 Lokhu yikho elakucela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu eHorebhi mhla wosuku lokuhlangana lapho elathi, ‘Asingalizwa ilizwi likaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu njalo singaboni umlilo omkhulu futhi, ngoba singafa.’

17  UThixo wathi kimi: ‘Lokho abakutshoyo kuhle. 18 Ngizabavezela umphrofethi onjengawe phakathi kwabafowabo; ngizamfunza amazwi ami, yena nguye ozabatshela konke engizamlaya ngakho. 19 Nxa loba ngubani ongayikulalela amazwi ami azakhulunywa ngumphrofethi ngebizo lami, mina ngokwami yimi engizamelana laye. 20 Kodwa-ke umphrofethi ozenza okhuluma amazwi ami wona kungesiwo engimlaye ngawo ukuba awatsho, loba umphrofethi okhuluma ngebizo labanye onkulunkulu, kumele abulawe.’

21 Lingazitshela lokhu lithi, ‘Singakwazi njani ukuthi lelilizwi kaliveli kuThixo na?’ 22 Nxa lokho okumenyezelwa ngumphrofethi ngebizo likaThixo kungenzakali loba kungagcwaliseki, lokho kuyilizwi eliyabe lingaveli kuThixo. Lowo mphrofethi uyabe ekhuluma ize. Lingamesabi.”

19

Amadolobho Okuphephela

1 “Kuzakuthi lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu esebhubhise izizwe zelizwe lelo alinika lona, futhi lani selizixotshile njalo lahlala emadolobheni kanye lasezindlini zazo, 2 kulapho-ke eselingazikhethela amadolobho amathathu enkabazwe yelizwe lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuba libe ngelenu. 3 Yakhani imigwaqo eqonda kuwo njalo lehlukanise ilizwe lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinike lona njengelifa lenu libe yizigaba ezintathu, ukuze kuthi loba ngubani obulala umuntu abalekele khona.

4 Lesi yisimiso maqondana lomuntu obulala omunye abesebalekela khona ukuze asindise impilo yakhe, lowo obulala umakhelwane wakhe engakunxwanelanga ngomona njalo engamqophanga. 5 Njengokuthi, umuntu angaya egangeni ukuyagamula inkuni lomakhelwane wakhe, kuthi lapho egamula isihlahla ngehloka lakhe, ihloka likhumuke emphinini litshaye umakhelwane wakhe afe. Lowomuntu angabalekela kwelinye lamadolobho lawo ukuze asindise impilo yakhe. 6 Phela kungenzeka ukuthi umphindiseli wegazi axotshane lombulali ngentukuthelo, amfice nxa umango umude kakhulu, ambulale lanxa lowombulali ubengafanelanga ukufa, ngoba engambulalanga ngabomo langenxa yenzondo umakhelwane wakhe. 7 Yikho-nje ngilaye ukuthi lizehlukanisele amadolobho amathathu.

8 Nxa uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu angaqhelisa isabelo senu njengokuthembisa kwakhe okhokho benu ngesifungo, aliphe lonke ilizwe abathembisa lona, 9 ngoba lilandela ngokunanzelela yonke imithetho engililaya yona lamuhla, ukuthanda uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lokuhamba kokuphela ngezindlela zakhe, kufanele ukuthi likhethe amanye njalo amadolobho amathathu. 10 Kwenzeni lokhu ukuze kungachitheki igazi elingelacala elizweni lenu, lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona njengelifa lenu, njalo lokuthi lingabi lecala lokuchitha igazi.

11 Kodwa nxa umuntu emzonda umakhelwane wakhe, amcathamele, amtshaye ambulale, abesebalekela kwelinye lamadolobho la, 12 abakhokheli bedolobho lakibo bazamthumela abantu, bamlande kulelodolobho babuye laye, bamnikele kumphindiseli wegazi ukuba afe. 13 Lingamzweli isihawu. Kufanele liqede ububi bokuchitha igazi elingelacala ko-Israyeli ukuze kulilungele.

14 Lingabosusa izikhonkwane zomngcele wendawo kamakhelwane wenu ezabethelwa ngabalandulelayo kulo ilifa eliliphiwa elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuba libe ngelenu.”

Ofakazi

15 “Ufakazi oyedwa angeke afakaze kwanele ukuthi umuntu olomlandu wokwenza loba licala bani etheswe icala. Indaba ingaqiniswa ngofakazi ababili loba abathathu.

16 Nxa ufakazi wamanga emelana lendoda eyetheswa icala, 17 amadoda la womabili axabeneyo afanele ukuthi ame phambi kukaThixo phambi kwabaphristi kanye labehluleli abayabe besesikhundleni ngalesosikhathi. 18 Abahluleli kumele bachwayisise ngokupheleleyo kuthi lapho bangafumana ukuthi ufakazi uqamba amanga, esipha ubufakazi bamanga ngomzalwane wakhe, 19 lizakwenza kuye khonokho abehlose ukukwenza kumzalwane wakhe. Kumele liqede ububi phakathi kwenu. 20 Abanye bonke abantu bazakuzwa ngalokhu besabe, ngakho akusayikwenziwa futhi phakathi kwenu ububi obunjalo. 21 Lingabi lozwelo: ukuphila akwenanwe yikuphila, ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo, isandla ngesandla, unyawo ngonyawo.”

20

Imithetho Yempi

1 “Lapho liphuma ukuyakulwa lesitha senu empini libe selibona amabhiza lezinqola kanye lebutho elikhulu ukwedlula elenu, lingabesabi, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, owalikhupha eGibhithe, uzakuba lani. 2 Nxa selilungele ukuhlasela, umphristi uzakuza akhulume lebutho. 3 Uzakuthi: ‘Zwana, wena Israyeli, namuhla liya ekuhlaseleni izitha zenu. Lingapheli amandla kumbe lesabe; lingatshaywa luvalo njalo lethuke phambi kwabo. 4 Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu nguye ohamba lani ukuyalilwela ezitheni zenu ukuba linqobe.’

5 Izikhulu zizakuthi ebuthweni: ‘Ukhona owakhe indlu entsha ongakayihlali na? Kabuyele emzini wakhe, funa afe empini kuthi omunye asale esezihlalela endlini yakhe. 6 Ukhona ohlanyele isivini kodwa engakadli izithelo zaso na? Kabuyele emzini wakhe, funa afe empini kuthi omunye azidlele izithelo zaso. 7 Ukhona osethembise owesifazane kodwa engakamthathi ukuthi abe ngumkakhe na? Kabuyele emzini wakhe, funa afe empini kuthi omunye umuntu amthathe’ 8 Izikhulu zizaqhubeka zithi, ‘Ikhona indoda eyesabayo kumbe ephelelwa ngamandla na? Kayibuyele emzini wayo ukuze abafowabo labo bangaphelelwa ngamandla.’ 9 Kuzakuthi lapho izikhulu seziqedile ukukhuluma lebutho, zizakhetha abalawuli bebutho.

10 Nxa lisiya edolobheni ukuthi lihlasele, khulumani labantu bakulelodolobho lidinga ukuthula. 11 Bangavuma njalo balivulele amasango abo, bonke abantu bakulelodolobho bazakuba yizichaka zenu balisebenzele. 12 Kodwa bangala ukwamukela amazwi enu okuthula balihlasele, livimbezeleni lelodolobho. 13 Kuzakuthi lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu esenikele idolobho lelo kini, libulale amadoda wonke ngenkemba. 14 Kodwa abesifazane, abantwana, izifuyo kanye lakho konke okukulelodolobho kuzakuba yimpango yenu. Yonke impango yezitha zenu uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika yona izakuba ngeyenu. 15 Lokhu yikho okumele likwenze emadolobheni wonke akude lani njalo angasiwo ezizwe ezihlala eduzane lani.

16 Kanti-ke, emadolobheni ezizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika wona njengelifa, lingatshiyi lutho oluphefumulayo luphila. 17 Lizawabhubhisa liwaqede wonke amaHithi, ama-Amori, amaKhenani, amaPherizi, amaHivi kanye lamaJebusi njengokulaywa kwenu nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 18 Funa balifundise ukwenza imikhuba yabo enengekayo yokukhonza onkulunkulu babo, lone kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

19 Nxa idolobho selilivimbezele okwesikhathi eside, lilihlasela ukuze lilithumbe, lingatshabalalisi izihlahla zalo ngokuzigamula, ngoba lingadla izithelo zazo. Lingazigamuli. Kambe izihlahla zeganga zingabantu ukuthi lingazivimbezela na? 20 Kodwa-ke lingagamula izihlahla elizaziyo ukuthi azitheli izithelo ezidliwayo ukuze lizisebenzise ekwakheni amadumba lize linqobe ledolobho lelo empini.”

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Ukuhlawulelwa Kokubulala

1 “Nxa kungafunyanwa umuntu obuleweyo egangeni, elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuba libe ngelenu, kungaziwa ukuthi ubulewe ngubani, 2 abakhokheli kanye labehluleli benu bazakuya balinganise umango phakathi kwalowo obuleweyo lamadolobho aseduze. 3 Kuzakuthi abakhokheli bamadolobho aseduzane lesidumbu leso bathathe ithokazi elingakaze lisetshenziswe futhi okungakaze kugaxwe ijogwe phezu kwalo 4 balithintele esigodini esingakaze silinywe kumbe kuhlanyelwe ulutho kiso njalo lapho okulesifula esigelezayo khona. Kabephule intamo yalo khonapho esigodini leso. 5 Abaphristi, amadodana kaLevi, bazasondela, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ubakhethile ukuba benze inkonzo njalo bamemezele izibusiso ebizweni likaThixo bahlulele amacala okuxabana lawokulwa. 6 Abakhokheli balawo madolobho aseduzane lesidumbu leso bazagezela izandla zabo phezu kwethokazi elephulelwe intamo esigodini, 7 bafakaze bathi: ‘Izandla zethu kazilichithanga leligazi, futhi asibonanga kusenzeka. 8 Yamukela lindlela yokubuyisana yabantu bakho abako-Israyeli, obahlengileyo, Oh Thixo, ungabeki icala phezu kwabantu bakho ngenxa yegazi lomuntu omsulwa.’ Ngakho ukuchithwa kwegazi kuzahlawulelwa. 9 Ngalokho lizazigeza emlandwini wokuchitha igazi elingelacala, njengoba selenzile okuhle emehlweni kaThixo.”

Ukuthatha Umfazi Othunjiweyo

10 “Nxa usiya empini ukuyahlasela izitha zakho kuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu anikele izitha zenu ezandleni zenu, lizithumbe, 11 ungabona owesifazane omuhle njalo akukhange, ungamthatha abe ngumkakho. 12 Uzamusa emzini wakho, aphuce ikhanda lakhe, aqume inzipho zakhe njalo 13 akhulule izigqoko athunjwe ezigqokile. Kuzakuthi lapho eseqede inyanga eyodwa esemzini wakho elilela uyise lonina, usungamthatha abe ngumkakho, 14 kodwa nxa engakuthokozisi, umkhulule ayelapho athanda khona. Ungamthengisi kumbe umphathe njengesigqili, ngoba usumngcolisile.”

Ilungelo Lezibulo

15 “Nxa indoda ilabafazi ababili, ithande omunye kodwa omunye ingamthandi, kuthi bobabili bayizalele amadodana kodwa izibulo libe yindodana yomfazi engamthandiyo, 16 nxa ehlela ukwabela amadodana akhe impahla yakhe, akumelanga emuke izibulo lakhe ilungelo lalo aliphe indodana yomfazi amthandayo esikhundleni sezibulo langempela, indodana yomfazi engamthandiyo. 17 Kufanele itshengisele ukuthi indodana yomfazi ongathandwayo yilo izibulo ngokuyinika isabelo esiphindwe kabili sempahla yayo yonke. Indodana leyo iyisibonakaliso sakuqala samandla kayise. Ilungelo lobuzibulo ngelayo.”

Indodana Engumhlamuki

18 “Nxa indoda ilendodana eyisiqholo njalo engumhlamuki engalaleli uyise lonina nxa beyikhuza, 19 uyise lonina bazayibamba bayise ebadaleni esangweni ledolobho lakibo. 20 Kumele bafike ebadaleni balelodolobho bathi, ‘Indodana yethu le iyisiqholo njalo ingumhlamuki. Ayisilaleli. Iyisixhwali njalo iyisidakwa.’ 21 Ngakho wonke amadoda akulelodolobho azayitshaya ngamatshe ize ife. Kufanele liqede bonke ububi phakathi kwenu. U-Israyeli wonke uzakuzwa lokhu esabe.”

Eminye Imithetho

22 “Nxa umuntu olecala elikhulu ebulawa kuthi isidumbu silengiswe esihlahleni, 23 lingaboyekela isidumbu sakhe silenga esihlahleni ubusuku bonke. Kangcwatshwe mhlalokho, ngoba umuntu olengiswa esihlahleni uqalekisiwe nguNkulunkulu. Lingangcolisi ilizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona njengelifa.”

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1 “Ungabona inkabi loba imvu yomfowenu iduha, ungayiyekeli kodwa ibuyisele kuye. 2 Nxa umzalwane wakho engahlali eduze lawe loba ungakwazi ukuthi isifuyo lesi ngesikabani, sithathe uhambe laso emzini wakho usigcine aze afike esidinga. Usungasibuyisela kuye. 3 Wenzenjalo ungafumana ubabhemi loba ibhatshi lomzalwane wakho loba kuyini okumlahlekeleyo. Ungakuyekeli.

4 Ungabona ubabhemi loba inkabi yomfowenu iwele endleleni, ungayiyekeli. Msize umfowenu ngokuyivusa.

5 Owesifazane angagqoki izigqoko zesilisa, lowesilisa angagqoki izigqoko zowesifazane, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyanengeka ngalowo owenza lokho.

6 Nxa ungafumana isidleke senyoni eceleni kwendlela, sisesihlahleni loba phansi, unina efukamele amatsiyane kumbe amaqanda akhe, ungathathi unina labantwabakhe. 7 Ungathatha abantwana, uyekele unina ahambe ukuze kube kuhle kuwe njalo ube lempilo ende.

8 Nxa usakha indlu entsha, uzakwakha umduli oluthango ophahleni lwayo ukuze kungabi lomuntu owayo ophahleni lwendlu yakho ube lecala lokuchitha igazi.

9 Ungahlanyeli inhlanyelo eziyimihlobo emibili esivinini sakho; ungakwenza, akuyikuba yizilimo ozihlanyelayo kuphela eziqalekiswayo, kodwa lezithelo zevini.

10 Ungabophi ndawonye ejogeni inkabi lobabhemi nxa ulima.

11 Ungagqoki isigqoko eselukwe ngewulu lelineni ndawonye.

12 Yenza intshaka uzithungele emiphethweni yomine yebhatshi lakho oligqokileyo.”

Ukwephulwa Kwemithetho Yokuthathana

13 “Nxa indoda ithatha umfazi, kuthi ngemva isike yalala laye, ingamthakazeleli 14 imgcone imbize ngamagama amabi, isithi, ‘Ngathatha umfazi lo, kodwa ngathi ngilala laye ngafumana ukuthi kaseyiyontombi egcweleyo,’ 15 ngakho uyise lonina wentombi bazaletha ubufakazi ebadaleni bakulelodolobho esangweni bokutshengisa ukuthi ibikade iyintombi. 16 Uyise wentombi uzakuthi ebadaleni, ‘Ngendisela indodakazi yami endodeni le, kodwa ayisamfuni. 17 Khathesi isiyigcona isithi, “Indodakazi yakho kangiyifumananga iyintombi egcweleyo.” Kodwa nampu ubufakazi bokuthi indodakazi yami iyintombi egcweleyo.’ Ngakho abazali bentombi bazakwendlala ilembu phambi kwabadala bakulelodolobho, 18 kuthi abadala bayijezise leyondoda. 19 Bazayihlawulisa amashekeli esiliva alikhulu, bawanike uyise wentombi, ngoba indoda le isigcone intombi yako-Israyeli. Intombi izaqhubeka ingumfazi wayo indoda; okwempilo yayo yonke akumelanga iyale lintombi.

20 Nxa kungenzeka ukuthi umlandu ewetheswayo uliqiniso njalo kungaze kwafunyanwa ubufakazi bobuntombi bayo, 21 izalethwa emnyango wendlu kayise kuthi amadoda akulelodolobho ayikhandele khona ngamatshe ize ife. Yenze into eyangisayo ko-Israyeli ngokungaziphathi ngesikhathi isahlala emzini kayise. Kumele liqede ububi phakathi kwenu.

22 Nxa indoda ingafunyanwa ilele lomfazi wenye indoda bobabili kumele babulawe. Kufanele liqede ububi ko-Israyeli.

23 Nxa kungenzeka ukuthi indoda ihlangane lentombi esikhombile edolobheni ilale layo, 24 lizabathatha bobabili libase esangweni lakulelodolobho libakhande ngamatshe khona baze bafe ngoba intombi kayihlabanga mkhosi ukuthi ilanyulelwe yona isedolobheni, njalo indoda isixhwalise umfazi wenye indoda. Kumele liqede ububi phakathi kwenu.

25 Kodwa nxa kungenzeka ukuthi indoda ihlangane lentombi esikhombile egangeni ibe isiyibamba, indoda ekwenzileyo lokhu yiyo kuphela ezakufa. 26 Lingenzi lutho entombini; kayenzanga sono esingabangela ukuthi ife. Lindaba iyafanana leyomuntu ohlasela abulale umakhelwane wakhe, 27 ngoba indoda ifumene inkazana egangeni, loba intombi le ekhombileyo ibihlabe umkhosi, bekungelamuntu wokuyilamulela.

28 Nxa kungenzeka ukuthi indoda ihlangane lentombi engakakhombi ibe isiyidlwengula njalo kwazakale. 29 Indoda leyo izahlawula uyise wentombi amashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amahlanu. Kumele iyithathe ibe ngumfazi wayo ngoba isiyingcolisile. Akumelanga iyale ukuphila kwayo konke.

30 Akumelanga ukuthi umuntu athathe umkayise; angahlazisi umbheda kayise.”

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Abangavunyelwayo

1 “Loba ngubani olimele amaphambili, kungaba ngokuthenwa kumbe ukugxotshwa kavunyelwa ukungena ebandleni likaThixo.

2 Loba ngubani ozelwe ngobufebe loba izizukulwane zakhe kuze kube ngesetshumi, kavunyelwa ukungena ebandleni likaThixo.

3 Kakho umʼAmoni loba owaseMowabi loba isizukulwane sakhe kuze kufike esizukulwaneni setshumi ozavunyelwa ukungena embuthanweni kaThixo. 4 Kungenxa yokuthi abalihlangabezanga beliphathele isinkwa kanye lamanzi endleleni yenu ekuphumeni kwenu eGibhithe, bona basuka baqhatsha uBhalamu indodana kaBheyori owePhethori e-Aramu Naharayimu ukuba ehlisele isiqalekiso phezu kwenu. 5 Kodwa-ke, uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu kazangalalele uBhalamu kodwa waphendula isiqalekiso saba yisibusiso kini, ngenxa yokuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyalithanda. 6 Lingadingi ukwakha ubungane labo ekuphileni kwenu konke.

7 Lingamenyanyi owase-Edomi, ngoba ungumfowenu. Lingamenyanyi umGibhithe, ngoba laphila njengabezizweni elizweni lakhe. 8 Isizukulwane sesithathu sabantwana abazalwa lapho bangangena ebandleni likaThixo.”

Ukungahlanzeki Ezihonqweni

9 “Nxa lithobelene lezitha zenu ekuhlaseleni, xekani lakho konke okungahlanzekanga. 10 Nxa kukhona indoda phakathi kwenu ezichithele ngobudoda ebusuku, kumele iphumele ngaphandle kwezihonqo ihle iyehlala khonale. 11 Kodwa-ke akuthi ilanga selithambeka igeze, kuthi-ke ngokutshona kwelanga ibuyele ezihonqweni.

12 Khethani indawo ngaphandle kwezihonqo lapho elizayela ngaphandle khona. 13 Wobani lesikhali sokugebha kuthi lingaya ngaphandle, ligebhe igodi ligqibele leyongcekeza. 14 Ngenxa yokuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyahambahamba phakathi kwezihonqo zenu ukuze alivikele ezitheni zenu. Izihonqo zenu kumele zibengcwele, ukuze angaboni lutho olungalunganga phakathi kwenu okuzakwenza alifulathele.”

Eminye Imithetho

15 “Nxa isigqili sidinga ukuphephela kini lingasibuyiseli kumnikazi waso. 16 Siyekeleni sizihlalele lapho esifuna ukuhlala khona njalo sizihlalele kulelodolobho esifuna ukuhlala kulo. Lingasincindezeli.

17 Akungabi lowesilisa wako-Israyeli loba owesifazane ozakuba yisifebe sethempelini. 18 Lingaboletha inzuzo yowesifazane ofebayo loba owesilisa ofebayo endlini kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ezobhadala loba yisiphi isithembiso, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyanengeka ngabo bonke.

19 Umfowenu ungamhlawulisi inzuzo, loba ngeyemali loba ngeyokudla loba yini engamlethela inzuzo. 20 Owezizweni lingamhlawulisa inzuzo, kodwa hatshi umfowenu wako-Israyeli, ukuze uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alibusise kukho konke elikwenza ngezandla zenu elizweni elizangena kulo ukuba libe ngelenu.

21 Nxa lingenza isifungo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lingaphuzi ukusibhadala, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzakufuna kini loba sekutheni njalo lizakuba lomlandu wesono. 22 Kodwa nxa lingayekela ukwenza isifungo kaliyikuba lomlandu. 23 Konke lokho okuphuma endebeni zenu kumele libe leqiniso ukukwenza, ngoba lenze lesosifungo ngokukhululeka lithembisa kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngemilomo yenu.

24 Nxa lingangena esivinini sikamakhelwane wenu, lingadla wonke amagrebisi elifisa ukuwadla, kodwa lingafaki lelilodwa esitsheni senu. 25 Nxa lingena ensimini kamakhelwane eyamabele, lilakho ukudobha okuwileyo ngezandla, kodwa limukani lingasebenzisi isikela emabeleni alokhu emi ngamahlanga.”

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Imithetho Mayelana Lokuqunywa Kwemitshado

1 “Nxa indoda ingathatha umfazi kodwa angayithokozisi ngoba indoda ifumene ihlazo ngaye ibe isimlobela incwadi yokuquma umtshado, imnike, ibisimxotsha endlini yayo, 2 kuthi esesukile endlini yaleyondoda athathwe ngeyinye indoda, 3 layo leyondoda yesibili imsole imnike incwadi yokwehlukana, imqhubele ibe isimxotsha emzini wayo, kumbe leyondoda ife, 4 kutsho ukuthi indoda yakhe yakuqala, eyamalayo, ayivunyelwa ukumthatha futhi ngemva kokuba eselalelihlazo. Lokho kungaba yisinengiso emehlweni kaThixo. Lingalethi isono elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuba libe yilifa lenu.

5 Nxa indoda isanda kuthatha, akufanelanga ukuba ithunyelwe empini loba ukuthi iphiwe umsebenzi oqakathekileyo.”

Eminye Imithetho

6 “Lingathathi ilitshe lokuchola lembokodo loba imbokodo yodwa nje ukuba kube yisibambiso senhlawulo, ngoba ngokwenza njalo uthatha ukuphila kube yisibambiso.

7 Nxa owesilisa angafunyanwa ethumba umfowabo wako-Israyeli abesesiyamgcina njengesigqili loba amthengise, kumele afe. Kumele liqede ububi phakathi kwenu.

8 Nxa kuyisifo sobulephero kumele linanzelele kakhulu lenze lokho abaphristi abangabaLevi abalilaya khona. Kumele lilandele khona kanye engabalaya ngakho. 9 Khumbulani lokho okwenziwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu kuMiriyemu endleleni emva kokusuka kwenu eGibhithe.

10 Nxa umakhelwane wakho umeboleka loba yini ungangeni endlini yakhe ukuba uthathe lokho abambisa ngakho. 11 Mana phandle uyekele lowo omebolekayo alethe isibambiso kuwe. 12 Nxa kuyindoda engumyanga, ungayilala isibambiso sakhe silokhu sikuwe. 13 Buyisela isembatho sakhe lingakatshoni ukuze alale esembethe. Yena uzakubonga, kuzaphathwa njengesenzo sokulunga phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho.

14 Ungabodlelezela umuntu oqhatshiweyo ongumyanga loba oswelayo, loba engumfowenu wako-Israyeli loba owezizweni ohlala kwelinye lamadolobho enu. 15 Muphe iholo lakhe insuku zonke ilanga lingakatshoni, ngoba ungumyanga uthembe leloholo. Funa asuke akhale kuThixo ekusola, ube lomlandu wesono.

16 Abazali abayikufela abantwababo, loba abantwana bafele abazali babo; ngulowo lalowo uzafela isono sakhe.

17 Ungavaleli owezizweni loba intandane ilungelo layo loba uthathe isembatho somfelokazi ukuze sibe yisibambiso. 18 Khumbula ukuthi wawuyisigqili eGibhithe uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho wakuhlenga khona. Yikho ngikulaya ukuba wenze lokhu.

19 Nxa uvuna ensimini yakho ube usutshiya isikhwebu, ungabuyeli emuva ukuyasithatha, sitshiyele owezizweni, intandane, lomfelokazi, ukuze uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akubusise kuwo wonke umsebenzi wezandla zakho. 20 Nxa ubhula ama-oliva ezihlahleni zakho ungabuyeli ukuhlola amagatsha njalo. Okuseleyo tshiyela owezizweni, intandane lomfelokazi. 21 Nxa uvuna izithelo zesivini sakho, ungabuyeleli futhi ukuvuna lapho osuvune khona. Okuseleyo tshiyela owezizweni, intandane lomfelokazi. 22 Khumbulani ukuthi laliyizigqili eGibhithe. Yikho ngililaya ukuba lenze lokhu.”

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1 “Nxa amadoda exabana, ingxabano yawo kumele isiwe emthethwandaba ukuze kuthi abehluleli bakhuphe isinqumo ngaleyondaba, bakhulule omsulwa njalo bamlahle olecala. 2 Nxa olecala kufanele atshaywe, umahluleli uzakuthi kalale acambalale athi katshaywe laye ekhona ngalezonswazi ezilingene lelocala, 3 kodwa akufanelanga zedlule ezingamatshumi amane. Nxa etshaywe inswazi ezedlula lapho, umfowenu usezabe esuswe isithunzi emehlweni akho.

4 Ungafaki inkabi yakho isayeke nxa ibhula amabele.

5 Nxa amadodana endoda ehlala kwenye indawo omunye abe esesifa engelandodana, umfelokazi akumelanga ayekwendela kwenye indawo. Umfowabo wendoda kumele amthathe ukuze agcwalise umlandu womfowabo kulowomfelokazi. 6 Indodana yakuqala ezazalwa lapho kumele ibizwe ngomfowabo owafayo ukuze ibizo lakhe lingatshabalali ko-Israyeli.

7 Kodwa-ke, indoda nxa ingafuni ukuthatha umfazi womfowabo, kuzamele umfazi lowo aye ebadaleni esangweni ledolobho afike athi, ‘Umfowabo wendoda yami uyala ukuqhuba ibizo lomfowabo ko-Israyeli. Kafuni ukuthi agcwalise umlandu womfowabo.’ 8 Ngakho abadala balelodolobho lakhe bazambiza bakhulume laye. Nxa angala kokuphela esithi, ‘Angifuni ukumthatha,’ 9 umfelokazi lowo uzamqonda phambi kwabadala, bamkhuphe inyathelo elilodwa, amkhafulele emehlweni athi, ‘Lokhu yikho okwenziwa endodeni engafuniyo ukuvusela umfowabo indlu yakhe.’ 10 Usendo lwaleyondoda ko-Israyeli luzakwaziwa njengeNdlu engelaNyathelo.

11 Nxa amadoda amabili esilwa kube sekusithi umfazi wenye athelele, ancedise indoda yakhe, abesexhakalaza leyondoda ngamaphambili, 12 kumele liqume isandla sowesifazane lowo. Lingabi lesihawu kuye lakancane.

13 Ungabokuba lezilinganiso zesisindo ezimbili emgodleni wakho ezehlukeneyo, esinye esinzima lesinye esilula. 14 Ungabi lezilinganiso ezimbili ezehlukeneyo endlini yakho, esinye esikhulu lesinye esincinyane. 15 Kumele libe lezilinganiso eziqondileyo leziqotho loba ngezesisindo loba ngezobukhulu, ukuze libe lempilo ende elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona. 16 Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyanengeka ngomuntu owenza lezizinto, yiloba ngubani owenza izinto zobuqili.

17 Khumbula okwenziwa ngama-Amaleki kuwe endleleni uphuma eGibhithe. 18 Kwathi lapho usudinwe kakhulu ungaselamandla, akuhlangabeza ohanjweni lwakho, abachitha bonke ababesalela emuva; ayengamesabi uNkulunkulu. 19 Mhla uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika ukuphumula kuzozonke izitha zakho ezikuhanqileyo elizweni akunika lona ukuba libe yilifa lakho, uzatshabalalisa nya ibizo lama-Amaleki ngaphansi kwezulu. Ungakhohlwa!”

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Izithelo Zakuqala Lokwetshumi

1 “Nxa usungenile elizweni uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akunika lona njengelifa njalo usulithethe wahlala kulo 2 thatha ezinye zezithelo zakuqala zazo, zonke izilimo zomhlabathi welizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akunika lona uzifake esitsheni. Uhambe uye endaweni leyo uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho azayikhetha njengendawo yokuhlala yeBizo lakhe 3 uthi kumphristi osesikhundleni ngalesosikhathi, ‘Ngiyamemezela lamuhla kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ukuthi sengifikile elizweni uThixo afunga kubokhokho bethu ukuthi uzasinika lona.’ 4 Umphristi uzakwamukela isitsha esisezandleni zakho asibeke phansi phambi kwe-alithari likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. 5 Ngakho uzakutsho phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho uthi: ‘Ubaba wayeluzulani lomʼAramu, wehla waya eGibhithe elabantu abalutshwana bafika bahlala khona baze baba yisizwe esikhulu kakhulu, esilamandla njalo esilabantu abanengi kakhulu. 6 Kodwa amaGibhithe asiphatha ngochuku, asihlupha, asisebenzisa nzima. 7 Ngakho sakhala kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho bethu, uThixo walizwa ilizwi lethu njalo wabona lokuhlupheka kwethu, ukutshikatshika kwethu kanye lokuncindezelwa kwethu. 8 Ngenxa yalokho uThixo wasikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe ngesandla esilamandla langengalo eyeluliweyo, ngezenzo ezesabekayo langezibonakaliso kanye lezimangaliso. 9 Wasiletha kulindawo njalo wasinika lelilizwe, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju; 10 khathesi sengiletha izithelo zakuqala zomhlabathi lowo, Oh Thixo, onginike wona.’ Uzabeka isitsha phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho umkhothamele. 11 Ngakho wena labaLevi kanye labezizweni abahlala phakathi kwenu lizathokoza ezintweni zonke ezinhle uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akunike zona wena kanye labendlu yakho.

12 Kuzakuthi lapho usuqedile ukwahlukanisa okwetshumi kwaso sonke isivuno sakho ngomnyaka wesithathu, okungumnyaka wokwetshumi, wena uzakunika umLevi, owezizweni, intandane kanye lomfelokazi, ukuze badle basuthe emadolobheni akho. 13 Tshono futhi kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho uthi: ‘Sengikhuphile isabelo esingcwele endlini yami ngasinika umLevi, owezizweni, intandane lomfelokazi, njengokulaya kwakho. Kangeqanga imilayo yakho kumbe ukukhohlwa eminye yayo. 14 Angizange ngidle lutho lwesabelo esingcwele ngesikhathi sokulila, kumbe ukususa okunye kwakho ngesikhathi ngingongcolileyo, loba ukunikela ingxenye yakho kwabafileyo. Ngikulalele Thixo Nkulunkulu wami; ngenzile konke ongilaye khona. 15 Khangela phansi usezulwini, indawo yakho yokuhlala engcwele, ubusise abantu bakho bako-Israyeli kanye lelizwe osinike lona njengesithembiso owasenza ngesifungo kubokhokho bethu, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju.’ ”

Landelani Imilayo KaThixo

16 “UThixo uNkulunkulu wakho uyakulaya lamuhla ukuba ulandele izimiso kanye lemithetho le; uyigcine ngonanzelelo olukhulu ngenhliziyo yakho yonke kanye langomphefumulo wakho wonke. 17 Lamuhla usuvume obala ukuthi uThixo unguNkulunkulu wakho lokuthi uzahamba ezindleleni zakhe, ukuthi uzagcina izimiso zakhe, imilayo, lemithetho yakhe, lokuthi uzamlalela. 18 Futhi uThixo ukuvumile lamuhla ukuthi lina lingabantu bakhe, liyisabelo sakhe esiligugu njengokuthembisa kwakhe njalo kumele ligcine yonke imilayo yakhe. 19 Umemezele ukuthi uzaliphakamisa ngodumo, ngokwaziwa langenhlonipho phezu kwezizwe zonke azidalayo lokuthi lizakuba ngabantu abangcwele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njengokuthembisa kwakhe.”

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I-alithari Phezu KweNtaba Yase-Ebhali

1 UMosi kanye labadala bako-Israyeli balaya abantu bathi: “Gcinani imilayo yonke esilipha yona lamuhla. 2 Kuzakuthi lapho selichaphile umfula uJodani langena elizweni lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona, lizamisa amatshe amakhulu liwahuqe ngekalaga. 3 Lizabhala kuwo wonke amazwi alumthetho nxa selichaphile umfula langena elizweni lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju, njengalokhu uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu walithembisa. 4 Kuzakuthi lapho selichaphile umfula uJodani, lizamisa amatshe la phezu kweNtaba yase-Ebhali, njengalokhu ngililayile lamuhla, liwahuqe ngekalaga. 5 Khonapho yakhelani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu i-alithari, i-alithari lamatshe. Lingasebenzisi lutho olwenziwe ngensimbi phezu kwawo. 6 Yakhani i-alithari likaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngamatshe angabazwanga linikele phezu kwalo iminikelo yokutshiswa kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 7 Lizanikela iminikelo yokuthula khonapho, liyidle lithokoze phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 8 Ngakho lizabhala kancane wonke amazwi alumthetho phezu kwamatshe la eliwamisileyo.”

Iziqalekiso Ezivela eNtabeni Yase-Ebhali

9 Ngemva kwalokho uMosi kanye labaphristi abangabaLevi, bathi kubo bonke abako-Israyeli, “Thula uthi zwi wena Israyeli, njalo ulalele! Khathesi selingabantu bakaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 10 Lalelani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu futhi lilandele imilayo kanye lezimiso engilitshela zona namuhla.”

11 Ngalolosuku uMosi walaya abantu wathi:

12 “Nxa selichaphile umfula uJodani, kuzakuthi izizwana ezibalisa esakoSimiyoni, esakoLevi, esakoJuda, esako-Isakhari, esakoJosefa kanye lesakoBhenjamini zizakuma eNtabeni yaseGerizimu ukuze zibusise abantu. 13 Kodwa izizwana ezibalisa esakoRubheni, esakoGadi, esako-Asheri, esakoZebhuluni, esakoDani kanye lesakoNafithali, zizakuma eNtabeni yase-Ebhali zimemezele iziqalekiso.

14 AbaLevi bazamemezela kubo bonke abantu bako-Israyeli ngelizwi elikhulu bathi:

15 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu obaza isithombe loba isithombe esibunjiweyo, into eyisinengiso kuThixo, umsebenzi wezandla zomuntu olobungcwethi, asimise ensitha.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

16 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu othelela uyise loba unina ihlazo.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

17 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu osusa isikhonkwane somngcele wendawo kamakhelwane wakhe.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

18 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu oduhisa isiphofu endleleni.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

19 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu ovimbela ukuthonisiswa ngokulunga kowezizweni, lentandane kanye lomfelokazi.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

20 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu olala lomfazi kayise, ngoba ethelela umbheda kayise ihlazo.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

21 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu olala lenyamazana.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

22 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu olala lodadewabo, indodakazi kayise loba indodakazi kanina.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

23 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu olala loninazala.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

24 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu obulala umakhelwane wakhe ensitha.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

25 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu owamukela isivalamlomo ukuze ayebulala umuntu ongelacala.’

Ngakho abantu bonke bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’

26 ‘Kaqalekiswe umuntu ongalaleli amazwi okumlaya ngokuwenza.’

Ngakho bonke abantu bazakuthi, ‘Ameni!’ ”

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Izibusiso Zokulalela

1 “Nxa limlalela ngokupheleleyo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njalo lilandele yonke imilayo yakhe engilitshela yona lamuhla ngonanzelelo, uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzaliphakamisa libe phezu kwezizwe zonke emhlabeni. 2 Lezizibusiso zonke zizakwehlela phezu kwenu zibe ngezenu nxa limlalela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

3 Lizabusiswa edolobheni libusiswe futhi lemaphandleni.

4 Inzalo yenu izabusiswa, lezithelo zomhlabathi wenu kanye lenzalo yezifuyo zenu, amathole emihlambi yenu kanye lamazinyane emihlambi yenu.

5 Kuzabusiswa isitsha senu kanye lomganu wenu wokuxovela izinkwa.

6 Uzabusiswa nxa ungena ubusiswe lanxa uphuma.

7  UThixo uzakwenza ukuthi izitha zakho ezikuvukelayo zinqotshwe phambi kwakho. Zizakulihlasela zivelela endleleni eyodwa, kodwa zizabaleka ngezindlela eziyisikhombisa.

8  UThixo uzakwehlisela isibusiso phezu kweziphala zenu, lakukho konke elizakwenza. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalibusisa elizweni lelo alinika lona.

9  UThixo uzalimisa njengabantu bakhe abangcwele, njengokulithembisa kwakhe ngesifungo, nxa lingagcina imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lihambe ngezindlela zakhe. 10 Ngalokho bonke abantu emhlabeni bazabona ukuthi lina libizwa ngebizo likaThixo, balesabe. 11  UThixo uzalenza liphumelele kakhulu, enzalweni yenu, lenzalo yezifuyo zenu kanye lezithelo zomhlabathi wenu elizweni afunga ngalo kubokhokho benu ukuthi uzalinika lona.

12  UThixo uzavula amazulu, isiphala sakhe esiphuphumayo, ukuze anise izulu phezu kwelizwe lenu ngesikhathi salo njalo abusise yonke imisebenzi eliyenzayo. Lizakweboleka izizwe ezinengi kodwa lina lingeboleki lutho kuzo. 13  UThixo uzalenza libe yinhloko, hatshi umsila. Nxa lizalalelisisa imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu engilinika yona lamuhla njalo liyilandele ngonanzelelo, lizahlala njalo liphezulu, lingabi ngaphansi lanini. 14 Lingaphambuki loba lakuwuphi wemilayo engilinika yona lamuhla, lingaphambukeli kwesokunene loba kwesenxele, lilandela abanye onkulunkulu lokubakhonza.”

Iziqalekiso Zokungalaleli

15 “Kodwa-ke, nxa lingayikumlalela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu futhi lingalandeli yonke imilayo yakhe ngonanzelelo kanye lezimiso zakhe engilinika zona lamuhla, zonke leziziqalekiso zizakuba phezu kwenu zilehlele:

16 Lizaqalekiswa edolobheni, liqalekiswe futhi emaphandleni.

17 Isitsha senu kanye lomganu wenu wokuxovela izinkwa kuzaqalekiswa.

18 Inzalo yenu izaqalekiswa, lezithelo zomhlabathi wenu, lamathole emihlambi yenu kanye lamazinyane emihlambi yenu.

19 Lizaqalekiswa ekungeneni kwenu libuye liqalekiswe lasekuphumeni kwenu.

20  UThixo uzakwehlisela phezu kwenu iziqalekiso, ukuphambana kanye lezithuko emisebenzini yenu yonke eliyenzayo, lize libhujiswe njalo lichithwe ngenxa yobubi elibenzileyo ngokumdela. 21  UThixo uzalehlisela isifo lemikhuhlane ize ilibhubhise iliqede elizweni elingena kulo ukuba libe ngelenu. 22  UThixo uzalitshaya ngomkhuhlane olidla kancanekancane, langokutshisa kwelanga lendlala, ngofuba langesikhwekhwe, konke lokhu kuzalehlela kuze kuliqede. 23 Isibhakabhaka ngaphezu kwenu sizakuba lithusi, kuthi umhlabathi ngaphansi kwenu ube yinsimbi. 24  UThixo uzaguqula izulu elina elizweni lenu kube zintuli lothuli, kuzakwehla kuvela esibhakabhakeni lize libhujiswe.

25  UThixo uzavumela ukuthi izitha zenu zilehlule. Lizakuya kuzo lihamba ngendlela eyodwa kodwa lizabaleka ngezindlela eziyisikhombisa, futhi lizakuba yinto eyenyanyekayo kuyo yonke imibuso yasemhlabeni. 26 Izidumbu zenu zizakuba yikudla kwezinyoni zonke zasemoyeni, kanye lezinyamazana zasemhlabeni, njalo aziyikwethuswa muntu. 27  UThixo uzalitshaya ngamathumba aseGibhithe langesifo sokuvuvuka, izilonda ezibhibhidlayo lamaqhubu alumayo, okungelaphekiyo. 28  UThixo uzalehlisela umkhuhlane wokuphambana kwengqondo, ubuphofu lowokudungeka kwengqondo. 29 Lizaphumputha loba kusemini njengesiphofu emnyameni. Aliyikuphumelela kukho konke elikwenzayo; lizaphangwa njalo lincindezelwe insuku ngensuku, kungekho muntu ongalihlenga.

30 Uzathembisana lowesifazane ukuba lithathane, kodwa kuthi enye indoda imthathe ilale laye. Uzakwakha indlu, kodwa kawusoze uhlale kuyo. Uzahlanyela isivini, kodwa kawusoze ukholise izithelo zaso. 31 Inkabi yakho izahlatshwa phambi kwakho, kodwa kawusoze uyidle. Uzathathelwa ubabhemi wakho ngenkani kodwa angabuyiselwa kuwe. Izimvu zakho zizanikwa izitha zakho, kodwa kakho ozakuzihlenga. 32 Amadodana akho kanye lamadodakazi akho azanikwa esinye isizwe, njalo amehlo akho azafiphala ngokuwalindela insuku zonke, ungelamandla okuphakamisa isandla. 33 Abantu ongabaziyo bazakudla izithelo zomhlabathi kanye lomsebenzi wezandla zakho, akulalutho ozaluzuza ngaphandle kokuncindezelwa ngesihluku insuku zakho zonke. 34 Izinto ozibonayo zizakwenza uphambane ingqondo. 35  UThixo uzakutshaya amadolo akho lemilenze yakho ngamathumba abuhlungu njalo angelaphekiyo, amemetheke esuka ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakho kuze kuyefika ekhanda.

36  UThixo uzalinikela esizweni elingasaziyo lina kumbe okhokho benu, lina kanye lenkosi yenu elayibekayo ukuthi ilibuse. Khonale lizakhonza abanye onkulunkulu, onkulunkulu abenziwe ngezigodo langamatshe. 37 Lizakuba yinto eyenyanyekayo lento yokuchothozwa lokweyiswa kuzozonke izizwe lapho uThixo azalixotshela khona.

38 Lizahlanyela inhlanyelo enengi emasimini enu kodwa lizavuna okuyingcosana, ngoba izikhongwane zizabhuqa amabele enu. 39 Lizahlanyela izivini njalo lizihlakulele kodwa kaliyikunatha iwayini loba ukukha izithelo zazo, ngoba zizadliwa yimihogoyi. 40 Lizakuba lezihlahla zama-oliva zigcwele ilizwe lenu lonke kodwa kaliyikuwasebenzisa amafutha azo, ngoba izithelo zama-oliva zizakhithikela phansi. 41 Lizakuba lamadodana kanye lamadodakazi kodwa kaliyikubondla, ngoba bazathunjwa. 42 Isikhongwane sizabhuqa zonke izihlahla zenu kanye lamabele elizwe lenu.

43 Owezizwe ohlala phakathi kwenu uzaphakama phezu kwenu njalonjalo, kodwa lina lehlele phansi njalonjalo. 44 Yena uzaleboleka, kodwa lina kaliyikumeboleka lutho. Yena uzakuba yinhloko, lina libe ngumsila.

45 Iziqalekiso zonke lezi zizalehlela. Zizalilandelela zilihlasele lize libhubhe, ngoba lingamlalelanga uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu langagcini imilayo yakhe kanye lezimiso zakhe alinika zona. 46 Lizakuba yisibonakaliso lesimangaliso phezu kwenu laphezu kwezizukulwane zenu kuze kube nininini. 47 Ngoba alizange limkhonze uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngentokozo langenjabulo ngesikhathi senu sempumelelo, 48 ngakho lizasebenzela izitha uThixo azalithumela zona lina lilambile njalo lomile, lihambaze ebuyangeni obukhulu. UThixo uzafaka ijogwe lensimbi entanyeni zenu aze alibhubhise.

49  UThixo uzaletha isizwe esizamelana lani esivela kude emikhawulweni yomhlaba, njengokhozi oluhwithayo, isizwe esikhuluma ulimi elingaluzwayo, 50 isizwe sabantu abesabekayo abangahloniphi abantu abadala loba ukuba lozwelo kwabancinyane. 51 Bazakudla inzalo yezifuyo zenu kanye lamabele elizwe lenu lize libhujiswe. Kabayikulitshiyela amabele, iwayini loba amafutha, kumbe amathole enkomo zenu kumbe amazinyane emihlambini yenu lize lichithwe. 52 Bazalivimbezela emadolobheni enu wonke aselizweni lenu kuze kuwe imiduli yawo eqinileyo emide njalo eliyithembileyo. Bazavimbezela amadolobho enu wonke aselizweni lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona.

53 Ngenxa yokuhlupheka kwenu okuzabangelwa yikuvinjezelwa kwenu yizitha zenu, lizakudla inzalo yenu, inyama yamadodana kanye lamadodakazi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinike wona. 54 Loba indoda ethobekileyo kakhulu lelozwelo phakathi kwenu ayiyikuba lesihawu kumfowabo kumbe umfazi wayo emthandayo loba abantwabayo abasaphila, 55 kayiyikupha loba ngubani wabo inyama yabantwabayo eyabe iyidla. Kuzabe kuyikho kodwa okuseleyo ngenxa yokuhlupheka okwehliselwe phezu kwenu yizitha zenu ngesikhathi zilivimbezele emadolobheni enu wonke. 56 Owesifazane obuthakathaka njalo olozwelo phakathi kwenu, olozwelo njalo obuthakathaka okokuthi angeke athinte umhlabathi ngenyawo zakhe uzakuba lolaka endodeni yakhe ayithandayo lasendodaneni lendodakazini yakhe, 57 inzalo yethumbu lakhe abantwana abazeleyo. Ngoba esehlose ukubadla ensitha ngesikhathi sokuvinjezelwa lokuhlupheka isitha senu esizalehlisela khona phezu kwenu emadolobheni enu.

58 Lingayekela ukulandela ngonanzelelo wonke amazwi alo umthetho, alotshwe kule incwadi, njalo lingalesabi lelibizo lenkazimulo eyesabekayo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, 59 uzakwehlisela phezu kwenu kanye lezizukulwane zenu izifo ezesabekayo, inhlupheko ezimangalisayo ezizathatha isikhathi eside, lemikhuhlane enzima engapheliyo. 60 Uzakwehlisela phezu kwenu imikhuhlane yonke yaseGibhithe elaliyesaba, inamathele phezu kwenu. 61  UThixo uzakwehlisela futhi phezu kwenu inhlobo zonke zemikhuhlane kanye lezinhlupheko ezimangalisayo ezingalotshwanga kule iNcwadi yoMthetho, lize libhujiswe. 62 Lina elalibanengi njengezinkanyezi zasemkhathini lizasala selibalutshwana, ngoba lingalalelanga uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 63 Njengalokho kwamthokozisa uThixo ukuba aliphumelelise njalo alengezelele inani lenu, ngokufanayo kuzamthokozisa ukulichitha njalo alibhubhise. Lizasuswa elizweni lelo eselilungele ukungena kulo ukuthi lilithathe.

64  UThixo uzalihlakazela ezizweni zonke, kusukela komunye umkhawulo womhlaba kuze kuyefika komunye njalo. Khonale lizakhonza abanye onkulunkulu, onkulunkulu abenziwe ngezigodo labenziwe ngamatshe, elingazange libazi lina kumbe okhokho benu. 65 Phakathi kwalezozizwe kaliyikufumana ukuphumula, kumbe indawo yokuphumuza inyawo zenu. Khonapho uThixo uzalipha ingqondo ekhathazekileyo lamehlo akhatheleyo ngokufisa, kanye lenhliziyo ethuthumelayo. 66 Lizahlalela ovalweni izikhathi zonke, ligcwele ukwesaba emini lebusuku, lingelaqiniso ngempilo yenu. 67 Ekuseni lizakuthi, ‘Aluba sekuntambama!’ ntambama lithi, ‘Ngabe kusekuseni!’ ngenxa yokwesaba okuzakwehlela inhliziyo zenu lengxenye yezinto elizazibona ngamehlo enu. 68  UThixo uzalithumela futhi eGibhithe ngemikhumbi uhambo engathi aliyikuluhamba futhi. Lapho lizazithengisa ezitheni njengezigqili zesilisa lezesifazane, kodwa kakho ozalithenga.”

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Ukuvuselelwa Kwesivumelwano

1 Lezi yizimiso zesivumelwano uThixo alaya uMosi ukuthi azenze labako-Israyeli eMowabi, phezu kwesivumelwano leso asenza labo eHorebhi.

2 UMosi wabiza bonke abako-Israyeli wathi kubo:

“Amehlo enu akubonile konke uThixo akwenza kuFaro eGibhithe, ezikhulwini zakhe zonke lakulo lonke ilizwe lakhe. 3 Ngamehlo enu lazibonela imilingo emikhulu, lezibonakaliso ezimangalisayo kanye lezimanga ezesabekayo. 4 Kodwa kuze kube lamuhla uThixo kaliphanga ingqondo ezwisisayo, kumbe amehlo abonayo, loba indlebe ezizwayo. 5 Okweminyaka engamatshumi amane ngilihola enkangala, izigqoko zenu kazizange ziguge, loba izicathulo ezinyaweni zenu. 6 Alidlanga sinkwa loba ukunatha iwayini kumbe ukunatha okudakayo. Ngakwenza lokhu ukuze lazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

7 Kwathi ekufikeni kwenu kulindawo, uSihoni inkosi yaseHeshibhoni kanye lo-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani balihlangabeza ukuze balwe lani, kodwa sabehlula. 8 Salithatha ilizwe labo salipha abakoRubheni, abakoGadi kanye lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase njengelifa.

9 Ngakho gcinani izimiso zalesisivumelwano ukuze liphumelele kukho konke elikwenzayo. 10 Lonke limi lapha lamuhla phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, abakhokheli benu kanye lezinduna zenu, abadala benu kanye lezikhulu zenu, kanye lawo wonke amanye amadoda ako-Israyeli, 11 ndawonye labantwabenu kanye labafazi benu, labezizweni abahlala ezihonqweni zenu beligamulela inkuni njalo belikhela amanzi. 12 Selimi lapha ukuze lingene esivumelwaneni loThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, isivumelwano uThixo asenzayo lani lamuhla esiqinisa ngesifungo, 13 eveza ngokugcweleyo ukuthi lina lamuhla selingabantu bakhe, lokuthi abe nguNkulunkulu wenu njengokulithembisa kwakhe njalo wafunga kubokhokho benu, u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe. 14 Ngenza lesisivumelwano, langesifungo saso, hatshi lani kuphela 15 elimiyo kanye lathi lamuhla phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu kodwa lalabo abangekhoyo lamuhla.

16 Lina ngokwenu liyakwazi ukuthi sasiphila njani eGibhithe lokuthi sadabula njani phakathi kwezizwe sisiza kulindawo. 17 Labona phakathi kwabo izithombe zabo ezinengisayo ezenziwe ngezigodo lezamatshe, ezesiliva kanye lezegolide. 18 Wobani leqiniso lokuthi akulandoda loba owesifazane, abosendo kumbe isizwana phakathi kwenu lamuhla olenhliziyo ezafulathela uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ukuze akhonze onkulunkulu bezizwe lezo; qaphelani funa kubelempande phakathi kwenu ethela izithelo ezilempethu.

19 Lapho umuntu onjalo esizwa amazwi alesisifungo, athokozele ukuthi isibusiso sehlele phezu kwakhe abesezitshela ukuthi, ‘Ngizavikeleka, lanxa ngiqhubeka ngizihambela ngezindlela zami.’ Lokhu kuzaletha uhlupho olukhulu emhlabathini omanzi lowomileyo. 20  UThixo kazimiselanga ukumthethelela; ulaka lwakhe kanye lokutshiseka kwakhe kuzavutha phezu kwalowomuntu. Zonke iziqalekiso ezilotshwe kule incwadi zizakwehlela phezu kwakhe, njalo uThixo uzacitsha ibizo lakhe ngaphansi kwezulu. 21  UThixo uzamehlukanisa amsuse phakathi kwezizwana zonke zako-Israyeli amehlisele uhlupho, kusiya ngazozonke iziqalekiso zesivumelwano ezilotshwe kule iNcwadi yoMthetho.

22 Abantwabenu abazakuza ngemva kwenu ezizukulwaneni ezilandelayo kanye labezizwe abavela emazweni akude bazabona inhlupheko ezehlele lelilizwe lezifo uThixo azehlisele kulo. 23 Ilizwe lonke lizakuba ngelichithiweyo latshiswa laba litswayi lesolufa kungekho lutho oluhlanyelweyo, kungelalutho oluhlumayo, kungekho zimila kulo. Kuzafana lokutshabalaliswa kweSodoma leGomora, i-Adima kanye leZebhoyimi, uThixo awachitha ngolaka lwakhe oluvuthayo. 24 Izizwe zonke zizabuza zithi: ‘UThixo ukwenzeleni lokhu elizweni leli na? Kungani ehlise ulaka oluvuthayo lolwesabekayo kangaka na?’

25 Impendulo izakuba yikuthi: ‘Kungenxa yokuthi abantu badela isivumelwano sikaThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, isivumelwano asenza labo ekubakhupheni kwakhe eGibhithe. 26 Badukile bakhonza abanye onkulunkulu babakhothamela, onkulunkulu abangazange babazi, onkulunkulu angazange abaphe bona. 27 Ngalokho ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha phezu kwalelilizwe, waze wehlisela phezu kwalo zonke iziqalekiso ezilotshwe kule incwadi. 28  UThixo wabasiphula elizweni labo ngentukuthelo enkulu langolaka olukhulu wabalahlela kwelinye ilizwe, njengoba kunjalo lakhathesi.’

29 Okufihlakeleyo ngokukaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, kodwa izinto ezambuliweyo zingezethu kanye labantwabethu kuze kube nininini, ukuze silandele wonke amazwi alo umlayo.”

30

Ukuphumelela Ngemva Kokuphendukela kuThixo

1 “Kuzakuthi zonke lezizibusiso lalezi ziqalekiso engilimisele zona sezehlele phezu kwenu beselizigcina ezinhliziyweni zenu kuyo yonke indawo lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu azalihlakazela khona phakathi kwezizwe, 2 lalapho lina labantwabenu selibuyela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu limlalela ngenhliziyo yenu yonke langomphefumulo wenu wonke kusiya njengokulilaya kwami lamuhla, 3 kulapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ezabuyisela ukuphumelela kwenu abe lozwelo kini njalo alibuthe yena lapho alihlakazela khona ezizweni. 4 Kungaze kube khatshana okunganani ngaphansi kwelanga lapho elizabe lixotshelwe khona, kusukela khonapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalithatha libuye ekhaya. 5 Uzalikhokhelela elizweni alinika okhokho benu, lina-ke lizalithatha libe ngelenu. Uzalenza liphumelele njalo lande ukwedlula okhokho benu. 6  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzasoka inhliziyo zenu kanye lezinhliziyo zezizukulwane zenu, ukuze limthande ngezinhliziyo zenu zonke langomoya wenu wonke, liphile. 7  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzakwehlisela zonke leziziqalekiso phezu kwezitha zenu ezilizondayo lezilihlukuluzayo. 8 Lizaphinda njalo limlalele uThixo wenu njalo liyilandele imilayo yakhe engilinika yona lamuhla. 9 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzaliphumelelisa kakhulu kuyo yonke imisebenzi yezandla zenu njalo alibusise ngenzalo langamazinyane ezifuyo zenu lamabele amasimu enu. UThixo uzathokoza ngani njalo aliphumelelise, njengoba wathokoza ngokhokho benu, 10 nxa lizalalela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ligcine imilayo lezimiso lezo ezabhalwa kule iNcwadi yoMthetho liphendukele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngenhliziyo yenu yonke langomphefumulo wenu wonke.”

Isamukeliso Sokuphila Loba Ukufa

11 “Engililaya ngakho lamuhla akunzima kakhulu njalo akukhatshana lani ukuba likufinyelele. 12 Akukho phezulu ezulwini, okungabangela ukuthi libuze lithi: ‘Ngubani ozakwenyukela ezulwini ayesithathela ukuze akwethule kithi sibe lakho ukukulandela sikwenze na?’ 13 Kanti njalo akukho ngaphetsheya kolwandle, okungabangela ukuthi libuze lithi, ‘Ngubani ozachapha ulwandle ayesithathela ukuze akwethule kithi sibe lakho ukukulandela sikwenze na?’ 14 Akunjalo, ilizwi liseduzane lawe kakhulu, lisemlonyeni wakho lasenhliziyweni yakho ukuze ulilalele.

15 Khangelani, ngiletha phambi kwenu lamuhla ukuphila lokuphumelela, ukufa lokubhidlika. 16 Ngakho ngiyalilaya lamuhla ukuthi lithande uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lihambe ezindleleni zakhe, kanye lokugcina imilayo yakhe, izimiso lemithetho; ngalokho lizaphila lande, njalo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalibusisa elizweni eselingena kulo ukuba lilithathe libe ngelenu.

17 Kodwa nxa inhliziyo zenu zifulathela lingabe lisalalela ngokuzithoba, njalo lingaholelwa ekuthini likhonze abanye onkulunkulu libe selibakhonza, 18 ngiyalitshela lamuhla ukuthi ngeqiniso lizabhujiswa. Aliyi kuphila isikhathi eside ezweni elizalithatha ekuchapheni kwenu iJodani.

19 Lamuhla nginxusa izulu lomhlaba ukuba ngofakazi bami ukumelana lani ngisithi sengimise phambi kwenu ukuphila lokufa, izibusiso leziqalekiso. Khathesi zikhetheleni ukuphila, ukuze kuthi lina kanye labantwabenu libe lokuphila 20 kanye lokuthi limthande uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lilalele ilizwi lakhe, libambelele liqine kuye, ngoba uThixo uyikuphila kwenu, njalo nguye ozalinika iminyaka eminengi lihlezi elizweni afunga ukuba uzalinika okhokho benu, u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe.”

31

UJoshuwa Uzathatha Isikhundla SikaMosi

1 UMosi waphuma wayakwethula lamazwi kubo bonke abako-Israyeli wathi: 2 “Sengileminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili yokuzalwa angisenelisi ukulikhokhela. UThixo usethe kimi, ‘Awusayi kuchapha iJodani.’ 3  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu nguye ozachapha phambi kwenu. Uzabhubhisa lezizizwe phambi kwenu, lina lizathatha ilizwe lazo libe ngelenu. UJoshuwa laye uzachapha ahambe phambi kwenu, njengokutsho kukaThixo. 4  UThixo uzakwenza lokho akwenza kuSihoni lo-Ogi, amakhosi ama-Amori, ababhubhisa wabatshabalalisa lamazwe abo. 5  UThixo uzabanikela kini, lina-ke kufanele lenze lokho engililaye khona. 6 Qinani libe lesibindi. Lingesabi lithithibale ngenxa yabo, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uhamba lani, kayikulitshiya njalo kayikulifulathela.”

7 Ngakho uMosi wasebiza uJoshuwa wasesithi kuye phambi kwakhe wonke u-Israyeli, “Qina njalo iba lesibindi, ngoba kumele uhambe lalababantu kulelolizwe uThixo afunga kubokhokho babo ukubanika, njalo uzamele ubabele lona ubahlukanisele libe yilifa labo. 8  UThixo ngokwakhe uhamba phambi kwakho njalo uzakuba lawe; kasoze akutshiye loba akufulathele. Ungesabi; ungapheli amandla.”

Ukufundwa Komthetho

9 UMosi wawuloba phansi umthetho wawuqhubela abaphristi, amadodana abaLevi, ababethwala umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo, kanye labadala bonke bako-Israyeli. 10 UMosi wasebalaya wathi, “Ekupheleni kweminyaka eyisikhombisa, ngomnyaka wokwesulelana izikwelede, ngoMkhosi weziHonqo, 11 ngesikhathi abako-Israyeli bonke bezokuma phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu endaweni azabe eyikhethile, lizawubala lumthetho phambi kwabo bezizwela. 12 Lizabuthanisa abantu, amadoda, abafazi labantwana, kanye labezizweni abahlala emadolobheni enu ukuze bazizwele bafunde ukwesaba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu balandele ngonanzelelo wonke amazwi alumthetho. 13 Abantwababo, abangawaziyo lumthetho, kumele bawuzwe njalo bafunde ukwesaba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngasosonke isikhathi lisahlezi kulelilizwe elizachapha uJodani ukuba liyelithatha.”

Kuyeza Ukuhlamuka Kuka-Israyeli

14  UThixo wathi kuMosi, “Usuku lokubhubha kwakho selusondele. Biza uJoshuwa lize lobabili ethenteni lokuhlangana, lapho engizamgcobela khona.” Ngakho uMosi loJoshuwa bahamba bayazethula ethenteni lokuhlangana.

15  UThixo wasebonakala ethenteni ngensika yeyezi, njalo iyezi lelo lema phezu komnyango wethente. 16  UThixo waphinda wathi kuMosi: “Ususiyaphumula laboyihlo, kanti-ke lababantu bazahugeka masinyazana bakhonze onkulunkulu balelilizwe abazangena kulo. Bazangifulathela bephule isivumelwano engasenza labo. 17 Ngalolosuku ngizabathukuthelela ngibafulathele; ngizabafihlela ubuso bami, njalo bazabhujiswa. Bazakwehlelwa zingozi ezinengi lobunzima phezu kwabo, njalo ngalolosuku bazabuza bathi: ‘Kambe akusikuthi ingozi lezi zisehlela kubi kangaka ngoba uNkulunkulu wethu kakho phakathi kwethu na?’ 18 Ngiqinisile ubuso bami ngizabufihla ngalolosuku ngenxa yobubi babo ngokuphendukela kwabanye onkulunkulu.

19 Lobani lingoma liyifundise abako-Israyeli ukuze bayihlabele ibe ngufakazi wami wokumelana labo. 20 Ngizakuthi sengibangenise elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju, ilizwe engalithembisa okhokho babo ngesifungo, bathi nxa sebedle basutha baphumelela, bazaphendukela kwabanye onkulunkulu babakhonze, bangiphike njalo bephule isivumelwano sami. 21 Kuzakuthi nxa sebehlaselwa zingozi lobunzima, ingoma le izakuba yibufakazi bokumelana labo ngoba ayiyikukhohlakala lakuzizukulwane zabo. Ngiyakwazi okulula kubo ukuba bakwenze, lanxa ngingakabangenisi elizweni engibathembise lona ngesifungo.” 22 Ngakho uMosi wabhala leyongoma mhlalokho wahle wayifundisa abako-Israyeli.

23  UThixo wanika uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni umlayo othi “Qina ube lesibindi, ngoba uzangenisa abako-Israyeli elizweni engabathembisa lona ngesifungo, njalo mina ngokwami ngizakuba lawe.”

24 Ngemva kokuba uMosi eseqedile ukuloba ogwalweni amazwi alowomthetho kusukela ekuqaleni kusiya ekucineni, 25 walaya abaLevi ababethwala umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo wathi: 26 “Thathani iNcwadi yoMthetho le liyifake eceleni komtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, izahlala lapha njengofakazi walokho elikwenzayo. 27 Mina ngiyakwazi ukuhlamuka kwenu lokuba ngontamozilukhuni kwenu. Nxa kade lihlamukela uThixo ngisaphila njalo ngiselani, kuzakuba nganani ukuhlamuka kwenu nxa sengifile! 28 Buthanisani phambi kwami bonke abadala bezizwana zenu kanye lezikhulu zenu zonke ukuze ngethule lamazwi bezizwela nginxuse izulu lomhlaba ukuba kufakaze ububi babo. 29 Ngoba ngiyakwazi ukuthi nxa ngingasekho sengifile lizaxhwala liphambuke endleleni engililaye yona. Ensukwini ezizayo, lizawelwa yingozi ngoba lizakwenza ububi phambi kukaThixo limvuse ulaka ngemisebenzi emibi yezandla zenu.”

Ingoma KaMosi

30 Ngakho uMosi wawaphinda amazwi engoma leyo kusukela ekuqaleni kusiya ekuphetheni ibandla lonke lako-Israyeli lilalele:

32

1 “Lalelani, we mazulu, ngizakhuluma,

zwana, we mhlaba, amazwi omlomo wami.

2 Akuthi imfundiso yami inethe njengezulu

kuthi amazwi ami ehle njengamazolo,

njengemifefezo etshanini obutsha,

njengezulu elinengi phezu kwamahlumela.

3 Ngizaliphakamisa ibizo likaThixo.

Yebo dumisani ubukhulu bukaNkulunkulu wethu!

4 UliDwala, imisebenzi yakhe iphelele,

njalo zonke izindlela zakhe zilungile.

UNkulunkulu othembekileyo ongenzi okubi,

uqotho njalo ulungile yena.

5 Sebenze okubi phambi kwakhe;

balihlazo kabase bantwabakhe,

kodwa isizukulwane esixhwalileyo lesingaqondanga.

6 Yiyonale na indlela yokubonga kwenu uThixo,

lina ziwula zabantu abangelakuhlakanipha?

KasuYihlo, uMdali wenu,

owalenzayo njalo owalibumbayo na?

7 Khumbulani insuku zakudala;

likhumbule izizukulwane zasendulo.

Buza uyihlo yena uzakutshela,

abadala benu, njalo bazakuchasisela.

8 Kwathi oPhezukonke esephe izizwe ilifa lazo,

eselwahlukanisile uluntu,

walufakela imingcele,

kusiya ngenani lamadodana ka-Israyeli.

9 Ngoba isabelo sikaThixo ngabantu bakhe,

uJakhobe yisabelo sakhe esikhethiweyo.

10 Wamfica elizweni eliyinkangala,

indawo engatheli lutho njalo elodlame.

Wamvikela, wamonga;

wamsingatha njengegugu lakhe,

11 njengokhozi lunyakazisa isidleke salo,

beselundiza phezu kwamachwane alo,

lwelule amaphiko alo ukuwagola,

luwathwale ngamaphiko alo.

12 Nguye yedwa uThixo owamkhokhelayo;

kungekho unkulunkulu wezizweni owayelaye.

13 Wamkhweza engqongeni yelizwe

wamondla ngezithelo zeganga.

Wamondla ngoluju olwaluvela edwaleni,

langamafutha aphuma ezingoxweni zeliwa,

14 lezankefu langochago oluvela emihlambini yenkomo leyezimvu;

lamazinyane anonisiweyo ezimvu lembuzi,

lenqama zekhethelo zaseBhashani,

kanye lengqoloyi elezinhlamvu ezinhle.

Wanatha igazi eliphuphumayo lesithelo samavini.

15 UJeshuruni wazimuka watshakala;

esesuthi ukudla, wakhuluphala waba butshelezi.

Wamlahla uNkulunkulu owamdalayo

waliphika iDwala uMsindisi wakhe.

16 Bambangela ubukhwele ngabonkulunkulu babo bezizweni

bamthukuthelisa ngezithombe zabo ezinengekayo.

17 Benza imihlatshelo kuwo amadimoni, wona angasiNkulunkulu,

onkulunkulu ababengazange babazi,

onkulunkulu ababesanda kuvela,

onkulunkulu ababengakhonzwa ngoyihlo.

18 Walihlamukela iDwala, elinguyihlo;

wakhohlwa uNkulunkulu owakuzalayo.

19  UThixo wakubona lokhu wabafulathela

ngoba wathukutheliswa ngamadodana lamadodakazi akhe.

20 ‘Ngizabufihla ubuso bami kubo,’ watsho uThixo,

‘ngize ngibone ukuthi bazaphetha ngani;

ngoba bayisizukulwana esixhwalileyo

abantwana abangathembekanga.

21 Bangenza ngaba lobukhwele ngalokho okwakungasinkulunkulu

njalo bangithukuthelisa ngezithombe zabo ezingasizi lutho.

Ngizabavusela umhawu ngesizwe esingesibantu balutho;

ngibazondise ngesizwe esingazwisisiyo.

22 Ngoba umlilo usulunyathiswe yikuthukuthela kwami,

wona otshisa ujule uze uyethinta ukufa ngaphansi.

Uzahangula udle umhlaba kanye lesivuno sawo

uthungele lezinsika zezintaba.

23 Ngizabehlisela izigigaba,

imitshoko yami iphelele phezu kwabo.

24 Ngizabathumela inkengane eqeda amandla,

izifo ezibhubhisayo lomkhuhlane otshabalalisayo;

ngizabathumela amazinyo abukhali ezinyamazana zeganga,

ubuthi bezinhlangwana ezihuquzelayo emhlabathini.

25 Ezindleleni inkemba izabaswelisa abantwana,

emizini kuzabusa uchuku.

Amadodana lamadodakazi azabhujiswa aphele,

abantwana abancinyane kanye lamadoda alenwele ezimhlophe.

26 Ngithe ngizabachitha

ngisuse imbali yabo bakhohlakale emhlabeni,

27 kodwa ngesaba ukweyisa kwesitha,

funa isitha singezwisisi

besesisithi, “Isandla sethu sinqobile,

njalo uThixo kakwenzanga konke lokhu.” ’

28 Bayisizwe esingelangqondo,

akukho ukuqedisisa kubo.

29 Ngabe kodwa bahlakaniphile njalo bezwisise lokhu,

babe lokuqedisisa ukuthi sizakuba yini isiphetho sabo!

30 Kungenzeka njani ukuthi umuntu oyedwa axotshane lenkulungwane,

loba ababili basukele izinkulungwane ezilitshumi zibaleke na,

ngaphandle kokuthi iDwala labo nxa labathengisa;

langaphandle kokuthi uThixo wabo esebahlanekele?

31 Ngoba elabo idwala alinjengelethu iDwala,

njengoba lezitha zethu zivuma.

32 Iwayini labo livela esivinini saseSodoma

lasemasimini aseGomora.

Amagrebisi abo agcwele itshefu,

lamaxha awo amunyu.

33 Iwayini labo liyibuthi bezinyoka,

ubuhlungu obubulalayo bezinhlangwana.

34 ‘Kambe lokhu angikugodlanga na

ngakugcikela eziphaleni zami na?

35 Ukuphindisela ngokwami; ngizabuyisela.

Ngesikhathi esifaneleyo unyawo lwabo luzatshelela;

usuku lwabo lokubhujiswa luseduze,

ukuchitheka kwabo kubalanda ngesiqubu.’

36  UThixo uzakwahlulela abantu bakhe,

abe lozwelo ezincekwini zakhe

lapho esebona amandla abo ephela

njalo kakho ozasala, isigqili loba okhululekileyo.

37 Uzakuthi: ‘Kanti bangaphi onkulunkulu babo,

lelodwala ababephephela kulo,

38 onkulunkulu abadla amafutha emihlatshelo yabo

njalo banatha iwayini elingumnikelo wokunathwayo kwabo?

Kabaphakame balincedise!

Kabaliphe umthunzi wokuphephela!

39 Angithi liyazibonela ukuthi Mina ngiNguye!

Kakho omunye unkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami.

Ngiyabhubhisa njalo ngiyaphilisa.

Ngilimazile njalo ngizelapha,

kakho ongaphunyuka esandleni sami.

40 Ngiphakamisela isandla sami ezulwini ngithi:

Njengoba ngeqiniso ngiphila nini lanini,

41 nxa ngilola inkemba yami ephazimayo

lesandla sami siyibamba ekwehluleleni,

ngizaphindisela kuzozonke izitha zami,

ngiphindisele kulabo abangizondayo.

42 Imitshoko yami izagava igazi,

kanti inkemba izakudla enyameni:

igazi lalabo ababulawayo labathunjwayo,

amakhanda alabo abangabakhokheli bezitha.’

43 Jabulani, lina zizwe, kanye labantu bakhe,

ngoba uzaphindisela igazi lezinceku zakhe,

uzaphindisela ezitheni zakhe,

njalo enzele ilizwe lakhe labantu bakhe indlela yokubuyisana.”

44 UMosi weza loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni wethula wonke amazwi engoma le abantu bonke besizwa. 45 UMosi wathi eqeda ukuwethula lamazwi phambi kwabo bonke abako-Israyeli, 46 wathi kubo, “Alondolozeni ezinhliziyweni zenu wonke lamazwi engiwethule phambi kwenu ngesifungo lamuhla, ukuze libe lakho ukubalaya abantwabenu ukuba bawalalele ngonanzelelo amazwi alo umthetho. 47 Akusimazwi alula nje kini, ayikuphila kwenu. Ngala amazwi lizaphila isikhathi eside elizweni eselingena kulo lichapha uJodani ukuba lilithathe libe ngelenu.”

UMosi Uzafela Entabeni YaseNebho

48 Ngalolosuku uThixo watshela uMosi wathi, 49 “Khwela uye okhahlamba lwezintaba zase-Abharimi eNtabeni yaseNebho kwelamaMowabi, ngaphetsheya kweJerikho, ukuze ubone iKhenani, ilizwe engilinika abako-Israyeli ukuba balithathe libe ngelabo. 50 Phezu kwaleyontaba okhwele phezu kwayo uzakufa umbelwe uye kubokhokho bakho njengoba u-Aroni laye wafela entabeni yaseHori wembelwa kwabakibo. 51 Lokhu kungenxa yokuthi lina lobabili lalahla ithemba lenu kimi phambi kwabako-Israyeli emachibini aseMeribha Khadeshi, eNkangala yaseZini langenxa yokuthi alizange lime ngobungcwele bami phambi kwabako-Israyeli. 52 Ngenxa yalokho, ilizwe uzalibonela kude, awusoze ungene elizweni esengilinika abako-Israyeli ukuba bangene kulo.”

33

UMosi Ubusisa Izizwana Zako-Israyeli

1 Lesi yiso isibusiso esethulwa nguMosi umuntu kaNkulunkulu kwabako-Israyeli engakafi. 2 Wathi:

“UThixo wehla evela eSinayi

njalo wakhazimula kubo ngaseSeyiri;

wakhanyisa njalo kusiya eNtabeni yasePharani.

Wabuya labazinkulungwane ezilitshumi zabangcwele

bevelela eningizimu, emehlweni ezintaba zakhe.

3 Ngempela nguwe othanda abantu,

bonke abangcwele basezandleni zakho.

Ezinyaweni zakho bayakhothama

bonke bamukele iziqondiso ezivela kuwe,

4 umthetho esawuphiwa nguMosi,

inotho yebandla likaJakhobe.

5 Wayeyinkosi phezu kukaJeshuruni

lapho abakhokheli babantu bebuthene,

ndawonye lezizwana zako-Israyeli.

6 Kaphile uRubheni njalo angafi,

abesilisa bakhe bangaphunguki babebalutshwana.”

7 Lokhu wakutsho ngoJuda:

“Zwana, wena Thixo wami, ukukhala kukaJuda;

mlethe ebantwini bakhe.

Ngezandla zakhe uvikela lokho akumeleyo.

Yebo, msize amelane lezitha zakhe!”

8 NgoLevi wathi:

“IThumimi kanye le-Urimi yakho ngokwayo

inceku yakho ethembekileyo.

Wamhlola eMasa;

waba laye emachibini aseMeribha.

9 Wathi ngoyise lonina,

‘Angilandaba labo mina.’

Kazange akwamukele ukuthi ulabafowabo

njalo kazange ananze abantwabakhe,

kodwa walilondoloza ilizwi lakho

wasigcina isivumelwano sakho.

10 Ufundisa amanyathelo akho kuJakhobe

lomthetho wakho ku-Israyeli.

Unikela ngempepha phambi kwakho

langeminikelo egcweleyo yokutshiswa e-alithareni.

11 Busisa bonke ubuciko bakhe, Thixo,

ujabule ngomsebenzi wezandla zakhe.

Babhubhise labo abamvukelayo;

zitshaye izitha zakhe zingaphindi zimvukele.”

12 NgoBhenjamini wathi:

“Yekelani othandekayo kaThixo

aphumule kuye evikelekile,

ngoba umvikela ilanga lonke,

kanti njalo lowo uThixo amthandayo

uphumula emahlombe akhe.”

13 NgoJosefa wathi:

“Sengathi uThixo angabusisa umhlaba wakhe

ngamazolo aligugu avela phezulu ezulwini

langamanzi ajulileyo ageleza ngaphansi;

14 langobuhle obuyingqala obulethwa lilanga

kanye lokucoleka okungalethwa yinyanga;

15 lezipho zekhethelo zasezintabeni zendulo

lokuthela kwezithelo zamaqaqa emi nini lanini;

16 langezipho eziyingqala zomhlaba lokugcwala kwawo

lozwelo lwakhe yena owayesesixukwini esivuthayo.

Konke lokhu akube sekhanda likaJosefa,

ebunzini lobuso benkosana phakathi kwabafowabo.

17 Ebukhosini unjengenkunzi encane elizibulo;

impondo zakhe zinjengezenyathi.

Ngazo uzagweba abhuqe izizwe,

aze agwebe lalezo ezisemaphethelweni omhlaba.

Banjalo abezinkulungwane zamatshumi baka-Efrayimi;

banjalo abezinkulungwane zikaManase.”

18 NgoZebhuluni wathi:

“Jabula, Zebhuluni, ekuphumeni kwakho,

lawe wena, Isakhari, emathenteni akho.

19 Bazabizela abantu ezintabeni khonale

banikele imihlatshelo yabo yokulunga;

bazakudla baminze ngobunengi bokusolwandle

ngawo amagugu afihlakele etshebetshebeni.”

20 NgoGadi wathi:

“Ubusisiwe lowo oqhelisa umbuso kaGadi!

UGadi uhlala khona njengesilwane,

edlithiza engalweni loba ekhanda.

21 Wazikhethela umhlaba omuhle okwamagama waba ngowakhe;

isabelo somkhokheli sagcinelwa yena.

Kwathi ekuhlanganeni kwabakhokheli babantu,

wakwenza lokho okufunwa nguThixo olungileyo,

kanye lokwahlulela kwakhe kwabako-Israyeli.”

22 NgoDani wathi:

“UDani ngumdlwane wesilwane,

otshakala uphuma eBhashani.”

23 NgoNafithali wathi:

“UNafithali uyaphuphuma ngozwelo lukaThixo

njalo ugcwele izibusiso zakhe;

elakhe ilifa uzazuza kusiya eningizimu ngechibini.”

24 Ngo-Asheri wathi:

“Obusisiweyo kakhulu kulawo wonke amadodana ngu-Asheri;

ababelozwelo kuye abafowabo,

myekeleni ageze inyawo zakhe emafutheni.

25 Amabhawudo emasangweni akho azakuba ngawensimbi lethusi

njalo amandla akho azalingana insuku zakho.

26 Kakho ofana loNkulunkulu kaJeshuruni,

ophezulu emazulwini ukuze akuncede

kanti njalo lasemayezini ngobukhosi bakhe.

27 UNkulunkulu ongusimakade uyisiphephelo sakho,

njalo ngaphansi kuzingalo ezingelakuphela.

Uzazixotsha izitha phambi kwakho

esithi, ‘Mbulale!’

28 Ngakho u-Israyeli uzaphila yedwa evikelekile,

umthombo kaJakhobe uvikelekile,

elizweni lamabele kanye lewayini elitsha,

lapho amazulu phezulu akhithizela khona amazolo.

29 Ubusisiwe wena, Oh Israyeli!

Ngubani onjengawe,

abantu abahlengwa nguThixo?

Ulihawu lakho lomsizi wakho

njalo uyinkemba yakho ekhazimulayo.

Izitha zakho zizatshotshobala phambi kwakho

njalo uzazinyathela phansi

zonke izindawo zabo zokukhonza eziphakemeyo.”

34

Ukufa KukaMosi

1 UMosi wasekhwela eNtabeni yaseNebho evelela emagcekeni eMowabi esiya phezu kwePhisiga, ngaphetsheya malungana leJerikho. Kukhonale uThixo amtshengisa khona ilizwe lonke, kusukela eGiliyadi kusiya kwelikaDani, 2 lonke elikaNafithali, ilizwe lika-Efrayimi lelikaManase, lonke ilizwe likaJuda kusiyafika olwandle olungentshonalanga, 3 iNegebi kanye lomhlaba wonke osuka eSigodini seJerikho, iDolobho laMalala, kusiya kude khonale eZowari. 4 Ngakho uThixo wathi kuye, “Leli yilo ilizwe engathembisa ngesifungo u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe, lapho engathi khona, ‘Ngizalinika izizukulwane zenu.’ Ngikuvumele ukuthi ulibone ngawakho amehlo, kodwa awusoze uchaphele kulo.”

5 Ngakho uMosi inceku kaThixo wafela khonapho kwelamaMowabi, njengokwakutshiwo nguThixo. 6 Wamngcwaba eMowabi, esigodini esikhangelene leBhethi-Pheyori, kodwa kuze kube lamuhla lokhu kakho loyedwa olaziyo ingcwaba lakhe. 7 UMosi wayeseleminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili ekufeni kwakhe, ikanti amehlo akhe ayesabona kuhle njalo engakaphelelwa ngamandla. 8 Abako-Israyeli bamlilela uMosi emagcekeni aseMowabi okwensuku ezingamatshumi amathathu, kwaze kwedlula insuku zokukhala lokulila.

9 UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni wayegcwele umoya wokuhlakanipha ngoba uMosi wayembeke izandla. Ngakho abako-Israyeli bamlalela njalo benza lokho uThixo ayekulaye uMosi.

10 Kusukela lapho, kakukabi lomunye njalo umphrofethi ko-Israyeli onjengoMosi, owayesaziwa nguThixo ubuso ngobuso, 11 owenza zonke lezozimanga lezibonakaliso ayethunywe nguThixo ukuba ayezenza eGibhithe, kuFaro lakuzo zonke izikhulu zakhe lakulo lonke ilizwe lakhe. 12 Ngoba kakho oyake atshengisele amandla amakhulu kangako loba ukwenza izenzo ezesabekayo uMosi azenzayo emehlweni abo bonke abako-Israyeli.

UJoshuwa

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UJoshuwa

1

UThixo Ulaya UJoshuwa

1 Ngemva kokufa kukaMosi inceku kaThixo, uThixo wathi kuJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, umsekeli kaMosi: 2 “UMosi inceku yami usefile. Ngakho-ke, wena labantu bonke laba, lungiselelani ukuchapha umfula uJodani liye elizweni esengizalinika lona, abako-Israyeli. 3 Ngizalinika zonke izindawo lapho elizanyathela khona ngezinyawo zenu njengokuthembisa engakwenza kuMosi. 4 Ilizwe lenu lizasukela enkangala yeLebhanoni lasemfuleni omkhulu uYufrathe, ilizwe lonke lamaHithi, lize liyekhawula olwandle olukhulu entshonalanga. 5 Kakulamuntu ozenelisa ukumelana lani zonke insuku zokuphila kwenu. Njengoba ngangiloMosi, ngizakuba lawe; kangisoze ngikutshiye, kangisoze ngikudele. 6 Qina ube lesibindi ngenxa yokuthi uzakhokhela abantu laba ukuze bayethatha ilizwe elilifa labo engafunga kubokhokho babo ukuthi ngizabanika lona.

7 Qina ube lesibindi. Ugcine yonke imithetho owayiphiwa nguMosi inceku yami, ungaze waphambuka kuyo uye kwesokunene kumbe kwesokhohlo ukuze uphumelele kuzozonke izindawo ozakuya kuzo. 8 INcwadi yoMthetho le kayingasuki emlonyeni wakho, cabanga ngayo emini lebusuku ukuze unanzelele ukugcina konke okulotshwe kuyo. Ngokwena njalo uzaphumelela. 9 Angikulayanga na? Qina ube lesibindi, ungethuki njalo ungalahli ithemba, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho uzakuba lawe loba kungaphi lapho oya khona.”

10 Ngakho-ke uJoshuwa walaya iziphathamandla zabantu wathi: 11 “Dabulani phakathi kwezihonqo litshele abantu ukuthi, ‘Lungisani imiphako yenu. Ensukwini ezintathu kusukela lamhla lizachapha uJodani lapha ukuze lingene liyethatha ilizwe uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona ukuba libe ngelenu!’ ”

12 UJoshuwa wathi kwabakoRubheni, labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwana sikaManase, 13 “Khumbulani umlayo uMosi inceku kaThixo alinika wona owokuthi: ‘UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzaliphumuza ngokulinika ilizwe leli.’ 14 Amakhosikazi enu, abantwabenu lezifuyo zenu zingahlala elizweni elalinikwa nguMosi empumalanga yeJodani, kodwa ibutho lenu lonke, lihlome liphelele, kumele lichaphe ngaphambi kwabafowenu. Kuzamele lincedise abafowenu, 15  uThixo aze abaphumuze, njengalokho alenzele khona lina, labo baze bathathe ilizwe lelo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu abanika lona. Ngemva kwalokho selingabuyela liyehlala elizweni lenu, uMosi inceku kaThixo alinika lona ngempumalanga yeJodani.”

16 Baphendula uJoshuwa bathi, “Konke osilaya khona sizakwenza, lalapho osithuma khona sizahamba. 17 Njengalokhu salalela uMosi ngokupheleleyo, lawe sizakulalela. Sifisa ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho abe lawe njengoba wayeloMosi. 18 Yiloba ngubani ohlamukela ilizwi lakho njalo engalaleli lokho okutshoyo, lalokho oyabe ukulaya, kumele abulawe. Kumele uqine ube lesibindi!”

2

URahabi Lezinhloli

1 UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni wasethumela inhloli ezimbili ngasese zisuka eShithima. Wathi kuzo, “Hambani liyehlola ilizwe lakhona, ikakhulu iJerikho.” Ngakho zahamba zayangena endlini yesifebe esithiwa nguRahabi, zahlala khona.

2 Inkosi yaseJerikho yatshelwa ukuthi “Khangela! Abanye abantu bako-Israyeli bafike lapha ebusuku ukuzohlola ilizwe lethu.” 3 Ngakho inkosi yaseJerikho yathumela ilizwi kuRahabi yathi, “Khupha amadoda angene endlini yakho, ngoba alande ukuzohlola ilizwe lonke.”

4 Kodwa owesifazane wayethethe amadoda womabili wawafihla. Wasesithi, “Liqiniso amadoda afikile kimi, kodwa bengingazi ukuthi abevela ngaphi. 5 Kusihlwa, sesifikile isikhathi sokuvala isango ledolobho, amadoda asuke azihambela. Kangikwazi ukuthi aqonde ngaphi. Axhumeni masinyane. Engxenye lingawafica.” 6 (Kodwa wayebakhweze phezu kophahla wabafihla ngaphansi kwezinqwaba zesikusha ayesichaye ophahleni). 7 Ngakho amadoda aphuma ijumo elandela inhloli emgwaqweni oya ezibukweni leJodani, njalo athi esanda kuphuma isango lavalwa.

8 Inhloli zathi zingakalali ngalobobusuku, wakhwela phezu kophahla 9 wasesithi kuzo, “Ngiyazi ukuthi uThixo uselinike lelilizwe lokuthi sonke sesehlelwe yikwesaba okukhulu ngenxa yenu, okwenza ukuthi bonke abahlala kulelilizwe babelomhedehede wokulesaba. 10 Sesizwile ukuthi uThixo walenzela amanzi oLwandle Olubomvu atsha ngesikhathi liphuma eGibhithe, lalokho elakwenza kuSihoni lo-Ogi amakhosi amabili ama-Amori empumalanga yeJodani elawatshaya lawaqothula. 11 Sathi sikuzwa lokho inhliziyo zethu zahle zaphela amandla njalo wonke umuntu kazabe esaba lesibindi ngenxa yenu ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu unguNkulunkulu ophezulu ezulwini laphansi emhlabeni.

12 Ngakho-ke ngicela ukuthi lifunge kimi ngoThixo ukuthi lizakuba lomusa emulini yami ngoba lami ngitshengise umusa kini. 13 Nginikani isiqiniseko sokuthi lizaphephisa impilo kababa lomama, abanewethu labodadewethu labo bonke abangababo, njalo lizasisindisa ekufeni.”

14 Amadoda amthembisa athi, “Ukuphila kwethu yikuphila kwenu! Ungayekela ukuveza lokho esikwenzayo sizakwenzela umusa lokwethembeka lapho uThixo esesipha ilizwe.”

15 Ngakho-ke wabehlisela phansi ngentambo baphuma ngefasitela kalokho indlu ayehlala kuyo yayingumduli munye lalowo owawugombolozele idolobho. 16 Wayethe kubo, “Qondani emaqaqeni ukwenzela ukuthi abaxhuma umzila wenu bangaze balifica. Licatshe khonale okwensuku ezintathu baze baphenduke beseliqhubeka ngendlela yenu.”

17 Amadoda athi kuye, “Isifungo osifungise sona sizakuba yize 18 ngaphandle kokuthi nxa sesingena kulelilizwe sifice ubophele leliqhele elibomvu ewindini osikhuphe ngalo, njalo usulethe uyihlo lonyoko, abafowenu lemuli yakho yonke endlini yakho. 19 Nxa umuntu angaphuma phandle kwendlu yakho abesesiya esitaladeni, igazi lakhe lizakuba sekhanda lakhe: kawusoze ube ngumlandu wethu. Kuye wonke oyabe ephakathi kwendlu kanye lawe, igazi lakhe lizakuba sekhanda lethu nxa angavele athintwe. 20 Kodwa ungavele uveze lokhu esikwenzayo, sizabe sesikhululiwe esifungweni osifungise sona.”

21 Waphendula wathi, “Ngiyavuma, kakube njengokutsho kwenu.”

Ngakho wavalelisana labo basebezihambela. Wasebophela iqhele elibomvu ewindini.

22 Bathi besuka lapho baqonda emaqaqeni lapho abahlala khona okwensuku ezintathu ababebaxhuma baze badela ukubadinga emgwaqweni wonke, basebebuyela bengababonanga. 23 Ngakho-ke amadoda womabili aphindela emuva. Ehla emaqaqeni, achapha umfula, afika kuJoshuwa indodana kaNuni amtshela konke okwakwenzakele kuwo. 24 Athi kuJoshuwa, “UThixo ngeqiniso uphe ilizwe lonke ezandleni zethu; bonke abantu bayathuthumela ngokwesaba, ngenxa yethu.”

3

Ukuchapha UJodani

1 Ekuseni kakhulu uJoshuwa labo bonke abako-Israyeli basuka eShithima baqonda eJodani lapho abamisa khona izihonqo zabo bengakachaphi. 2 Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu iziphathamandla zangena phakathi kwezihonqo, 3 zinika imilayo ebantwini zisithi, “Lapho libona umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu labaphristi abangabaLevi belithwele kuzamele litshiye izindawo zenu lililandele. 4 Ngakho lizakwazi ukuthi lilandele yiphi indlela, njengoba lingakaze libe kuwonalo umango. Kodwa kumele ligcine ibanga elingaba yizingalo eziyinkulungwane ezimbili phakathi kwenu lomtshokotsho; lingasondeli phansi kwalo.”

5 UJoshuwa wathi ebantwini, “Zihlambululeni ngoba kusasa uThixo uzakwenza izimanga phakathi kwenu.”

6 UJoshuwa wathi kubaphristi, “Thathani umtshokotsho wesivumelwano beselikhokhela phambi kwabantu.” Ngakho bawuthatha basebehamba phambi kwabo.

7  UThixo wasesithi kuJoshuwa, “Lamhla ngizaqalisa ukukuphakamisa emehlweni abako-Israyeli bonke ukuze babone ukuthi ngilawe njengoba ngangiloMosi. 8 Tshela abaphristi abathwala umtshokotsho wesivumelwano uthi, ‘Lingafika okhunjini lwamanzi kaJodani, lingene liyekuma phakathi komfula.’ ”

9 UJoshuwa wathi kwabako-Israyeli, “Wozani lapha lizolalela amazwi kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. 10 Lokhu yikho okuzakwenza ukuthi lazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu ophilayo uphakathi kwenu njalo ngempela uzaxotsha phambi kwenu amaKhenani, amaHithi, amaHivi, amaPherizi, amaGigashi, ama-Amori lamaJebusi. 11 Khangelani, umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seNkosi womhlaba wonke lizangena phakathi kweJodani phambi kwenu. 12 Ngakho-ke, khethani amadoda alitshumi lambili esuka ezizwaneni zako-Israyeli, oyedwa esizwaneni esisodwa. 13 Kuzakuthi masinyazana abaphristi abathwele umtshokotsho kaThixo, iNkosi yomhlaba wonke, sebengene eJodani, amanzi omfula ogelezayo azakwehlukaniswa abesesima abe yinqwaba.”

14 Ngakho kwathi abantu sebesuke ezihonqweni ukuze bayechapha uJodani, abaphristi ababethwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano bahamba phambili. 15 UJodani wayehlala egcwele ngezikhathi zonke zokuvuna. Kukanti kwathi abaphristi ababethwele umtshokotsho befika eJodani inyawo zabo zazithinta amanzi, 16 amanzi ayevelela ngaphezulu ema ukugeleza. Abuthana aba yinqwaba ema khatshana laphaya, malungana ledolobho elithiwa yi-Adamu duzane leZarethani kukanti amanzi ayegelezela phansi ngekuyeni olwandle lwe-Arabha (okutsho uLwandle Lwetswayi) ahle ehlukaniswa ngokupheleleyo. Ngakho-ke abantu bachaphela ngaphetsheya malungana leJerikho. 17 Abaphristi ababethwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo bema bathi mpo emhlabathini owomileyo phakathi kweJodani, ngesikhathi abantu bonke bako-Israyeli bechapha isizwe sonke saze saqeda ukuchapha emhlabathini owomileyo.

4

1 Kwathi isizwe sonke sesimchaphile uJodani, uThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, 2 “Khetha amadoda alitshumi lambili phakathi kwabantu, yileyo imele isizwana sako-Israyeli, 3 ubusubatshela ukuthi bathathe amatshe alitshumi lambili phakathi laphakathi kweJodani kusukela lapho okwakumi khona abaphristi, beseliwathwala liwabeke endaweni elizalala kuyo lamuhla ebusuku.”

4 Ngakho-ke uJoshuwa wabiza amadoda alitshumi lambili ayewakhethe phakathi kwabako-Israyeli, eyodwa ivela esizwaneni. 5 Wasesithi kuwo, “Hambani phambi komtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu liye phakathi laphakathi kweJodani. Omunye lomunye wenu kumele athwale ilitshe ehlombe lakhe, kusiya ngenani lezizwana zako-Israyeli, 6 ukuze kube luphawu phakathi kwenu. Kwelizayo nxa abantwana benu belibuza besithi, ‘Kanti amatshe la atshoni?’ 7 Libatshele ukuthi ukugeleza kweJodani kwamiswa phambi komtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo. Kwathi lapho umtshokotsho uchapha iJodani, amanzi omfula uJodani ehlukaniswa. Amatshe la azakuba yisukhumbuzo ebantwini bako-Israyeli nini lanini.”

8 Ngakho-ke abako-Israyeli benza njengokulaya kukaJoshuwa. Bathatha amatshe alitshumi lambili phakathi laphakathi kweJodani, kusiya ngenani lezizwana zako-Israyeli, njengokulaywa kukaJoshuwa nguThixo; basebewathwalela ezihonqweni zabo lapho abafika bawabeka khona phansi. 9 UJoshuwa wamisa amatshe alitshumi lambili ayekade ephakathi laphakathi kweJodani, endaweni lapho abaphristi ababethwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano abafika bema khona njalo lokhu ekhonapho kuze kube lamhlanje.

10 Abaphristi ababethwele umtshokotsho baqhubeka bemi phakathi kweJodani abantu baze baqeda konke uThixo ayekulaye uJoshuwa, njengokuqondiswa kukaJoshuwa nguMosi. Abantu bedlula ngokuphangisa 11 njalo bathi bonke sebechaphile, umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo labaphristi beza kwelinye icele abantu bekhangele. 12 Amadoda akoRubheni, akoGadi lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase achapha ehlomile phambi kwabako-Israyeli njengokuqondisa kukaMosi. 13 Abantu abaphose bafike kunkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane ababehlomele impi bachapha phambi kukaThixo besiya emagcekeni eJerikho ukuyakulwa impi.

14 Ngalelolanga uThixo waphakamisa uJoshuwa emehlweni abo bonke abako-Israyeli; njalo bamhlonipha okwempilo yakhe yonke, njengoba babehloniphe uMosi.

15  UThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, 16 “Laya abaphristi abathwele umtshokotsho woBufakazi bakhuphuke baphume eJodani.”

17 Ngakho uJoshuwa walaya abaphristi wathi, “Phumani phakathi kweJodani.”

18 Abaphristi baphuma emfuleni bethwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo. Bonela ukunyathela umhlabathi owomileyo amanzi eJodani ahle abuyela endaweni yawo, ageleza okomfula ogcweleyo njengakuqala.

19 Ngelanga letshumi enyangeni yakuqala abantu basuka eJodani bayamisa izihonqo eGiligali emngceleni ongempumalanga yeJerikho. 20 UJoshuwa wamisa amatshe alitshumi ayethethwe phakathi kweJodani eGiligali. 21 Wakhuluma kwabako-Israyeli wathi, “Kwelizayo nxa izizukulwane zenu zingabuza abazali bazo zisithi, ‘Amatshe la atshoni?’ 22 Kumele libatshele ukuthi ‘Abako-Israyeli bachapha uJodani emhlabathini owomileyo!’ 23 Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu womisa umfula uJodani phambi kwenu laze lachapha. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu wenza kuJodani lokho akwenza oLwandle Olubomvu aze alomise phambi kwethu saze sachapha sonke. 24 Wenza lokhu ukuze abantu bonke bomhlaba bakwazi ukuthi isandla sikaThixo silamandla lokuthi lihlale limesaba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

5

1 Kwathi amakhosi ama-Amori ayebusa entshonalanga kweJodani lamakhosi wonke amaKhenani ayebusa ezigcawini ezisekela ulwandle esizwa ukuthi uThixo wayomise njani uJodani phambi kwabako-Israyeli baze bachapha, inhliziyo zawo zathuthumela aswela izibindi zokumelana labako-Israyeli.

Ukusokwa LePhasika EGiligali

2 Ngalesosikhathi uThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, “Khanda izingqamu ezibukhali ubususoka abako-Israyeli njalo.” 3 Ngakho-ke uJoshuwa wakhanda izingqamu ezibukhali wasesoka abako-Israyeli eGibhiya Haralothi.

4 Lokhu wakwenzela ukuthi: Bonke labo abaphuma eGibhithe, wonke amadoda ayengabuthelwa empini afela enkangala esemangweni wokusuka eGibhithe. 5 Bonke abantu abaphumayo babesokiwe, kodwa bonke abantu ababezalelwe enkangala phakathi kohambo lokusuka eGibhithe babengasokwanga. 6 Abako-Israyeli babezulazule enkangala okweminyaka engamatshumi amane, amadoda wonke ayefanele ukubuthelwa empini ngesikhathi esuka eGibhithe aze afa, njengoba engazange amlalele uThixo. Ngoba uThixo wayefunge waqinisa kubo wathi ayengasoze alibone ilizwe ayelithembise okhokho babo ukuthi bazalinikwa, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju. 7 Ngakho wondla amadodana ezikhundleni zawo, njalo yiwo la asokwa nguJoshuwa. Ayelokhu engakasokwa ngoba kungazange kube lethuba lokubasoka endleleni. 8 Kwathi isizwe sonke sesisokiwe, sahlala ezihonqweni baze baphola.

9  UThixo wasesithi kuJoshuwa, “Lamuhla ngisuse ihlazo laseGibhithe kini.” Yikho indawo leyo lokhu ibizwa ngokuthi yiGiligali kuze kube lamhlanje.

10 Kusihlwa ngelanga letshumi lane kuleyo nyanga, bathi belokhu besamise izihonqo zabo eGiligali emagcekeni eJerikho, abako-Israyeli bagcina iPhasika. 11 Ngokusa olwalandela usuku lwePhasika badla okunye kwesivuno sabo ababekuvunile: isinkwa esingelamvubelo lamabele akhanzingiweyo. 12 Imana yema ukukhithika ngelanga elalandela lelo abadla ngalo ukudla okwakuvela emhlabathini; ngakho kwakungasela mana yabako-Israyeli, kodwa ngalowomnyaka badla okwelizwe leKhenani.

Ukuwa KweJerikho

13 Kwathi uJoshuwa esesondele eJerikho, wakhangela wabona indoda eyayimi phambi kwakhe ilomhedla esandleni sayo, uJoshuwa wasondela kuyo wayibuza wathi “Ungowakithi kumbe ungowezitha zethu?”

14 Yaphendula yathi “Angikho ndawo, kodwa njengomlawuli webutho likaThixo sengifikile.” UJoshuwa wathi mbo phansi ngobuso edumisa waseyibuza esithi, “Kambe iNkosi yami ilombiko bani wenceku yayo?”

15 Umlawuli wamabutho kaThixo waphendula wathi, “Khulula izicathulo zakho ngoba indawo omi kuyo ingcwele.” UJoshuwa wenza njalo.

6

1 IJerikho yayivalwe ngci ngenxa yabako-Israyeli. Akulamuntu owayephuma loba owayengena.

2 Ngakho uThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, “Khangela, senginikele iJerikho, inkosi yayo kanye lamabutho ayo ezandleni zakho. 3 Hambani libhode idolobho kanye lamadoda wonke ahlomileyo. Kwenzeni lokhu okwensuku eziyisithupha. 4 Abaphristi abayisikhombisa kabathwale amacilongo enziwe ngempondo zenqama phambi komtshokotsho wesivumelwano. Ngosuku lwesikhombisa libhode idolobho kasikhombisa, abaphristi bevuthela amacilongo. 5 Nxa lingabezwa sebetshaya amacilongo bedonsa, abantu bonke kabahlabe umkhosi; umduli wedolobho uzadilika abantu bahle bangene, yilowo lalowo aqonde phambili.”

6 Ngakho uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni wabiza abaphristi wathi kubo, “Thathani umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo kuthi abaphristi abayisikhombisa bahambe phambi kwawo bethwele amacilongo.” 7 Waselaya abantu esithi, “Akuhanjwe! Hambani libhode idolobho, amabutho ahlomileyo ehamba phambi komtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo.”

8 Kwathi uJoshuwa esekhulume labantu, abaphristi abayisikhombisa ababethwele amacilongo ayisikhombisa phambi kukaThixo bahamba phambili bevuthela amacilongo, njalo umtshokotsho wesivumelwano ubalandela. 9 Amabutho ayehlomile ahamba phambi kwabaphristi ababevuthela amacilongo, njalo amabutho angemuva ayelandela umtshokotsho. Ngasosonke lesisikhathi amacilongo ayekhala. 10 Kodwa uJoshuwa wayelaye abantu wathi, “Lingaze lahlaba umkhosi wempini, lingakhwezi amazwi enu, lingakhulumi lutho kuze kufike isikhathi engizalitshela ngaso ukuthi limemeze. Beselihlaba-ke umkhosi.” 11 Ngakho umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo bawuthwala babhoda lawo idolobho kanye. Abantu babuyela ezihonqweni bayalala.

12 UJoshuwa wavuka kusesele ngelanga elilandelayo njalo abaphristi bathwala umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo. 13 Abaphristi abayisikhombisa ababethwele amacilongo ayisikhombisa bahamba phambili bekhokhele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo, bevuthela amacilongo. Amadoda ayehlomile ayehamba phambi kwabo njalo amabutho angemuva ayelandela umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo, kukanti-ke amacilongo aqhubeka ekhala. 14 Ngosuku lwesibili babhoda idolobho kanye basebebuyela ezihonqweni. Bakwenza lokhu okwensuku eziyisithupha.

15 Ngelanga lesikhombisa bavuka emadabukakusa babhoda idolobho kasikhombisa ngendlela efanayo, ngaphandle kokuthi ngalelolanga babhoda kasikhombisa. 16 Ngokwesikhombisa, kwathi abaphristi bekhalisa amacilongo, uJoshuwa walaya abantu wathi, “Memezani! Ngoba uThixo useliphile idolobho. 17 Idolobho lakho konke okukulo kuzakwahlukaniselwa uThixo. URahabi isifebe lalabo ahlala labo endlini yakhe yibo abazasindiswa ngenxa yokuthi wafihla inhloli esazithumayo. 18 Kodwa xwayani izinto ezahlukaniselwe ukubhujiswa, ukwenzela ukuthi lingazehliseli ukubhujiswa ngokuthatha okunye kwalezozinto. Lokho kungenza ukuthi izihonqo zako-Israyeli zehlelwe luhlupho njalo zitshabalaliswe. 19 Sonke isiliva, igolide lezinto zonke ezenziwe ngethusi langensimbi ezingcwele ziletheni kuThixo njalo kumele zifakwe esiphaleni sakhe sengcebo.”

20 Kwathi amacilongo ekhala abantu bahlaba umkhosi; ekukhaleni kwecilongo, abantu sebehlaba umkhosi omkhulu, umduli wabhidlika, ngakho wonke umuntu wangena phakathi balithatha idolobho. 21 Idolobho balehlukanisela uThixo basebecakaza ngenkemba yonke into ephilayo eyayihlala kulo, amadoda labesifazane, abatsha labadala, inkomo, izimvu labobabhemi.

22 UJoshuwa wakhuluma emadodeni amabili ayeke athunywa njengezinhloli zelizwe wathi, “Yanini endlini yesifebe liyesikhupha lezihlobo zaso zonke ligcwalise isifungo elasenza kuso.” 23 Ngakho amadoda ayahambe ukuyahlola angena akhupha uRahabi, uyise lonina labanewabo lazozonke izihlobo zakhe. Bakhupha imuli yonke bayifaka endaweni eyayingaphandle kwezihonqo zako-Israyeli.

24 Basebetshisa idolobho lonke lakho konke okwakuphakathi kwalo, kodwa befake isiliva legolide lezinto ezilungiswe ngethusi lensimbi esiphaleni sengcebo yendlu kaThixo. 25 Kodwa uJoshuwa waphephisa uRahabi isifebe lemuli yakhe labo bonke abangabakhe ngenxa yokuthi wafihla amadoda ayethunywe nguJoshuwa ukuba zinhloli eJerikho, futhi ulokhu ehlala phakathi kwabako-Israyeli kuze kube lamhlanje.

26 Ngalesosikhathi uJoshuwa wenza isifungo esiqinileyo esithi, “Iqalekisiwe phambi kukaThixo indoda ezimisela ukwakha kutsha lelidolobho laseJerikho:

Ngempilo yezibulo lakhe lendodana

uzakwenza izisekelo;

ngempilo yecinathunjana

uzalungisa amasango alo.”

27  UThixo wayeloJoshuwa, udumo lwakhe lwanda elizweni lonke.

7

Isono Sika-Akhani

1 Kodwa abako-Israyeli bephula umthetho ngokuphathelane lengcebo eyayehlukaniselwe uThixo; u-Akhani indodana kaKhami, indodana kaZabhidi, indodana kaZera, owesizwana sakoJuda, wathatha ezinye zakhona. Ngakho ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha kwabako-Israyeli.

2 UJoshuwa wasethumela amadoda esuka eJerikho esiya e-Ayi eseduzane leBhethi-Aveni ngempumalanga yeBhetheli wathi kubo: “Hambani liyehlola lelolizwe.” Ngakho amadoda aphuma ayalihlola ilizwe.

3 Bathi bephindela kuJoshuwa bafika bathi, “Akudingeki ukuthi lonke ibutho liyelwisana le-Ayi. Thumela amadoda azinkulungwane ezimbili kumbe ezintathu nje ukuze ayoyithumba njalo ungaze wadinisa ibutho lonke, ngenxa yokuthi lelodolobho lilabantu abalutshwana.” 4 Amadoda angaba zinkulungwane ezintathu asuka ahamba kodwa ehlulwa ngamadoda e-Ayi, wona 5 abulala amadoda angamatshumi amathathu lesithupha. Baxotsha abako-Israyeli besuka esangweni ledolobho baze bayabatshiya enkwalini bababulalela ekwehleni. Bathi besizwa lokhu abantu baba lokwesaba okukhulu, baphelelwa ngamandla.

6 UJoshuwa wadabula izigqoko zakhe wathi mbo phansi ngobuso phambi komtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo, wala elokhu enjalo kwaze kwahlwa. Abadala bako-Israyeli labo benza njalo, basebezithela ngothuli emakhanda abo. 7 UJoshuwa wasesithi, “Maye, Thixo Wobukhosi, wabachaphiselani iJodani lababantu ukuzabanikela ezandleni zama-Amori ukuze asibhubhise? Ngabe sasuthiseka ngokuzihlalela kwelinye iphetsheya leJodani! 8 Maye, Thixo kuyini engingakutsho, njengoba u-Israyeli esebhuqwe yizitha zakhe? 9 AmaKhenani labanye abantu belizwe bazakuzwa ngalokhu besebesihanqa besule ibizo lethu emhlabeni. Pho kuyini ozakwenzela ibizo lakho elikhulu kangaka na?”

10  UThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, “Sukuma. Kuyini okwenzayo uthe mbo ngobuso bakho? 11 Abako-Israyeli bonile; bephule isivumelwano sami engabalaya ukuthi basigcine. Sebethethe ezinye izinto ezahlukaniselwe mina; bebile, baqamba amanga, sebezifake empangweni yabo. 12 Yikho abako-Israyeli bengeke bamelana lezitha zabo; bayabafulathela bebaleka ngoba sebeyinto efanele ukubhujiswa. Kangisoze ngibe lani ngaphandle kokuthi lichithe lokho okwakwehlukaniselwe ukubhujiswa.

13 Hamba ungcwelise abantu. Ubatshele uthi, ‘Zingcweliseni ukulungiselela kusasa; ngoba lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli ukuthi: Lokho okwahlukaniselwe uThixo kuphakathi kwenu, lina bako-Israyeli. Kalingeke limelane lezitha zenu ngaphandle kokuba selikukhuphile.

14 Ekuseni kumele lisondeze isizwana ngesizwana. Isizwana esikhethwa nguThixo kuzamele sisondele phambili usendo ngosendo; usendo oluzakhethwa nguThixo luzasondela imuli ngemuli; imuli ezakhethwa nguThixo izasondela umuntu ngamunye. 15 Lowo ozafunyanwa elezinto ezahlukaniselwe uThixo uzatshiswa ngomlilo, lakho konke alakho. Wephule isivumelwano sikaThixo njalo wenze into elihlazo phakathi kuka-Israyeli.’ ”

16 Kusesele ngelanga elilandelayo uJoshuwa wenza u-Israyeli wasondela ngezizwana, inkatho yadla koJuda. 17 Insendo zakoJuda zasondela, inkatho yadla abakoZera. Wasondeza insendo zakoZera ngezimuli. Inkatho yadla uZabhidi. 18 UJoshuwa wasondeza imuli kaZabhidi indoda yinye ngayinye, inkatho yadla u-Akhani indodana kaKhami, indodana kaZabhidi, indodana kaZera owesizwana sakoJuda.

19 UJoshuwa wathi ku-Akhani, “Ndodana yami, dumisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, umuphe udumo. Ngitshela lokho okwenzileyo, ungaze wangifihlela.”

20 U-Akhani waphendula wathi, “Liqiniso! Ngonile phambi kukaThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli. Nanku engikwenzileyo: 21 Ngathi ngibona phakathi kwempango ingubo enhle yaseBhabhiloni, lamashekeli esiliva angamakhulu amabili lomgqala wegolide olesisindo samashekeli angamatshumi amahlanu ngakuhawukela, ngakuthatha. Ngakumbela phansi ethenteni lami, isiliva singaphansi.”

22 UJoshuwa wathuma izithunywa, zagijima zaya ethenteni lakhe, zakufumana kufihlilwe ethenteni lakhe, isiliva singaphansi. 23 Bathatha izinto ezazisethenteni, baziletha kuJoshuwa lebantwini bonke bako-Israyeli, bazichaya phambi kukaThixo.

24 UJoshuwa labo bonke abako-Israyeli bathatha u-Akhani indodana kaZera lesiliva, ingubo, lomgqala wegolide, lamadodana lamadodakazi akhe, lenkomo zakhe, obabhemi kanye lezimvu, ithente lakhe lakho konke ayelakho bakusa esiHotsheni se-Akhori. 25 UJoshuwa wathi, “Kungani usilethele uhlupho olungaka? UThixo uzakwehlisela uhlupho lamhlanje.”

Bonke abako-Israyeli bamkhanda ngamatshe, njalo bathi sebeqedile ukukhanda labanye ngamatshe babatshisa. 26 Babuthelela inqwaba yamatshe amakhulu phezu kuka-Akhani alokhu ekhona lalamhlanje. Ukuvutha kolaka lukaThixo kwahle kwaphela. Ngakho leyondawo lalamhlanje ilokhu isabizwa ngokuthi yisiGodi sika-Akhori.

8

Ukutshabalaliswa Kwe-Ayi

1  UThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, “Ungesabi, ungalahli ithemba. Thatha ibutho lonke uhambe uyehlasela i-Ayi, ngoba senginikele inkosi yase-Ayi, abantu bayo, idolobho layo lelizwe layo ezandleni zakho. 2 Khonale uzakwenza owakwenza eJerikho lenkosini yakhona, kodwa lingazithathela impahla zonke eliyabe lizithumbile lezifuyo kube ngokwenu. Cathamani ngemva kwedolobho.”

3 Ngakho uJoshuwa lebutho lonke baphuma bayahlasela i-Ayi. Wakhetha amabutho azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu ayezingcitshi ukwedlula amanye ekulweni, wasewathuma ebusuku. 4 Wawalaya wathi, “Lalelisisani, kumele licathame ngemva kwedolobho. Lingaze laya khatshana lalo. Lonke kumele lihlale liqaphele. 5 Mina lalabo engizabe ngilabo sizaqhubeka siqonde edolobheni, kuthi nxa amadoda ephuma ukusihlasela njengalokho akwenza kuqala, sizawabalekela. 6 Bazaxotshana lathi size sibahugele khatshana ledolobho, ngoba bazakuthi, ‘Bayasibalekela njengalokhu abakwenza kuqala.’ Ngakho nxa sesibabalekela, 7 lina lizavuka lapho eliyabe licathame khona beselithumba idolobho. UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzalinikela ezandleni zenu. 8 Nxa selilithumbile idolobho, lithungeleni ngomlilo. Yenzani lokho okulaywe nguThixo. Wobani leqiniso lokuthi lilandela iziqondiso zami.”

9 UJoshuwa wasebalaya ukuthi bahambe, basebesiya endaweni okwakumele bacathame kuyo phakathi kweBhetheli le-Ayi, entshonalanga ye-Ayi kodwa uJoshuwa waqeda ubusuku lobo elabantu.

10 Ekuseni ngelanga elilandelayo uJoshuwa waqoqa amabutho akhe, kwathi yena labadala bako-Israyeli bahamba phambi kwabo besiya e-Ayi. 11 Iviyo lonke lalabo ayelabo lahamba laya edolobheni lafika lema phambi kwabo. Bamisa izihonqo enyakatho ye-Ayi, isigodi siphakathi kwabo ledolobho. 12 UJoshuwa wayethethe amadoda aphosa afike kunkulungwane ezinhlanu wawacathamisa phakathi kweBhetheli le-Ayi entshonalanga yedolobho. 13 Benza ukuthi amabutho aye ezikhundleni zawo zonke ezaziphakathi kwezihonqo enyakatho yedolobho lendaweni yokucathamela eyayisentshonalanga yalo. Ngalobobusuku uJoshuwa waya esigodini.

14 Inkosi yase-Ayi yathi ibona lokhu yona lawo wonke amadoda akulelodolobho aphanga aphuma kusesele ekuseni ukuze ayehlangana lo-Israyeli empini kweyinye indawo ekhangelane le-Arabha. Kodwa yayingazi ukuthi kwakulamabutho ayeyicathamele ngemva kwedolobho. 15 UJoshuwa labantu bonke bako-Israyeli bathambela ukubuyiselwa emuva, babalekela enkangala. 16 Wonke amadoda e-Ayi atshelwa ukuthi abaxotshe, basebexotshana loJoshuwa badonselwa khatshana ledolobho. 17 Kakukho lendoda eyodwa eyasala e-Ayi kumbe eBhetheli engazanga ixotshane labako-Israyeli.

18  UThixo wasesithi kuJoshuwa, “Phakamisa umkhonto osesandleni ukhombe e-Ayi, ngenxa yokuthi idolobho leli ngizalinikela ezandleni zakho.” Ngakho uJoshuwa wakhombela e-Ayi ngomkhonto wakhe. 19 Wathi esanda kwenza lokhu, amadoda ayecathamele ukuhlasela aphakama masinyane ezindaweni ayekuzo agijimela phambili. Angena edolobheni alithumba, aphanga alithungela ngomlilo.

20 Amadoda e-Ayi anyemukula abona intuthu eyayisuka edolobheni iqonga emayezini kodwa aswela ukuthi azabalekela ngaphi ngoba abako-Israyeli ababebalekele enkangala basebephendukele labo ababebaxotsha. 21 Kwathi uJoshuwa labako-Israyeli bonke bebona ukuthi labo ababecatheme basebethumbe idolobho lokuthi intuthu yayiqonga emayezini ivela edolobheni, batshibilika baqalisa ukuhlasela amadoda ase-Ayi. 22 Amadoda ayecatheme lawo aphuma edolobheni abahlasela, okwenza ukuthi babe phakathi laphakathi, inxa zombili zilabako-Israyeli. Abako-Israyeli babatshaya bababhuqa akwaze kwasala muntu owaphunyukayo. 23 Kodwa bathatha inkosi yase-Ayi iphila basebeyiletha kuJoshuwa.

24 Kwathi abako-Israyeli sebeqedile ukubulala wonke amadoda ase-Ayi emagcekeni enkangala lapho ababewaxotshele khona, njalo wonke esegwazwe ngenkemba, bonke abako-Israyeli babuyela e-Ayi babulala abantu bonke abakulelo dolobho. 25 Amadoda labesifazane abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili bafa ngalelolanga, bonke kungabantu be-Ayi, 26 ngoba uJoshuwa kazange ehlise isandla sakhe esiphethe umkhonto ngawo baze babhujiswa bonke abantu ababehlala e-Ayi. 27 Kodwa abako-Israyeli bathatha zonke izifuyo lempango yonke eyayithunjwe kulelodolobho njengokulaywa kukaJoshuwa nguThixo.

28 UJoshuwa watshisa i-Ayi wayenza yaba lunxiwa oluyinqwaba, indawo engelakuhlalwa muntu kuze kube lamhlanje. 29 Walengisa inkosi yase-Ayi esigodweni wayitshiya kwaze kwaba ntambama. Ekutshoneni kwelanga uJoshuwa walaya ukuthi bethule isidumbu sayo basiphosele esangweni ledolobho. Babuthelela inqumbi yamatshe phezu kwaso, njalo lokhu kunjalo kuze kube lamhlanje.

Ukuvuselelwa Kwesivumelwano ENtabeni Yase-Ebhali

30 UJoshuwa wasesakhela uThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli i-alithari e-Ebhali. 31 Njengokulaya okwenziwa nguMosi inceku kaThixo kwabako-Israyeli, walakha njengokulaywa okulotshwe eNcwadini yoMthetho kaMosi i-alithari lamatshe angabazwanga, okungazanga kusetshenziswe nsimbi phezu kwawo. Kulo banikela kuThixo iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula. 32 Lapho, phambi kwabako-Israyeli uJoshuwa waloba ematsheni umthetho kaMosi ayewubhalile. 33 Bonke abako-Israyeli, abezizweni labayinzalo yalelolizwe, labadala babo, iziphathamandla labahluleli babemi emaceleni womabili omtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaThixo bekhangelane lalabo ababelithwele, abaphristi, ababengabaLevi. Ingxenye yabantu yema phambi kwentaba yeGerizimu kwathi eyinye ingxenye yema phambi kwentaba ye-Ebhali, njengokulaya kukaMosi inceku kaThixo owayelaye ukuthi kubusiswe abantu bako-Israyeli.

34 Emva kwalokho uJoshuwa wafunda wonke amazwi omthetho, izibusiso leziqalekiso, njengokulotshwa okwenziwe eNcwadini yeMithetho. 35 Kakulalizwi elalaywa nguMosi elingazanga lifundwe nguJoshuwa phambi kombuthano wonke wako-Israyeli kugoqela abesifazane labantwana labezizweni ababehlala phakathi kwabo.

9

Ubuqili BamaGibhiyoni

1 Kwathi amakhosi wonke ayebusa ngentshonalanga yeJodani, layeselizweni lamaqaqa, layesewatheni lwamaqaqa angentshonalanga, layesekele uLwandle oLukhulu kusiyafika eLebhanoni, amakhosi amaHithi, ama-Amori, amaKhenani, amaPherizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi esizwa ngalezizinto 2 ahlangana ukuze alwisane uJoshuwa labako-Israyeli.

3 Kodwa kwathi ngesikhathi abantu beGibhiyoni sebezwe konke uJoshuwa ayekwenze eJerikho le-Ayi, 4 benza ubuqili: Bahamba njengamanxusa ayelabobabhemi ababethwele amasaka adabukileyo lezigxingi zewayini ezindala ezazidabuke zangcinwa. 5 Amadoda ayegqoke amanyathela ayedabukile njalo exaxelwe, begqoke lezigqoko ezigugileyo. Zonke izinkwa ababezithwele njengomphako zazomile njalo zikhuntile. 6 Baya kuJoshuwa esihonqweni seGiligali bathi kuye lakwabako-Israyeli, “Sivela elizweni elikude; ngakho yenzani isivumelwano lathi.”

7 Abako-Israyeli baphendula amaHivi bathi, “Kodwa mhlawumbe lihlala eduzane lathi, pho singasenza kanjani isivumelwano lani?”

8 Bathi kuJoshuwa “Siyizinceku zenu.”

Kodwa uJoshuwa wababuza wathi, “Lingobani njalo livela ngaphi?”

9 Baphendula bathi, “Izinceku zakho zivela elizweni elikude njalo zikhangwe yindumela kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Ngoba sesezwa imibiko eminengi ngaye: konke akwenza eGibhithe, 10 lakho konke akwenza emakhosini amabili ama-Amori empumalanga yeJodani, uSihoni inkosi yeHeshibhoni lo-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani owayebusa e-Ashitharothi. 11 Abadala bethu labo bonke abakhileyo elizweni lakithi bathi kithi, ‘Thwalani umphako wohambo lwenu; lihambe liyehlangana labo lithi kubo, “Sizinceku zenu: yenzani isivumelwano lathi.” ’ 12 Isinkwa sethu lesi sasifudumala ngesikhathi sisifaka emigodleni yethu sisesemakhaya ngelanga esasuka ngalo sisiza kini. Kodwa-ke khangelani ukuthi sesome njalo sakhunta njani. 13 Izigxingi lezi zewayini esazigcwalisisayo zazizintsha, kodwa-ke khangelani ukuthi sezidabuke njani. Izigqoko lamanyathela ethu sekudatshulwe yibude bomango.”

14 Abako-Israyeli bahlola imiphako yabo kodwa-ke kabasabuzanga kuThixo. 15 Ngakho uJoshuwa wenza isivumelwano sokuthula labo wabavumela ukuthi bahlale, njalo abathungameli bebandla bavumelana lalokhu ngesifungo.

16 Sekwedlule insuku ezintathu benze isivumelwano lamaGibhiyoni, abako-Israyeli bezwa ukuthi lababantu babengomakhelwana, ababehlala eduzane labo. 17 Abako-Israyeli baya emadolobheni abo ayebalisa iGibhiyoni, iKhefira, iBherothi leKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi. 18 Kodwa abako-Israyeli kabazange babahlasele ngenxa yokuthi abathungameli bebandla babefunge ngoThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli.

Ibandla lonke lakhonona ngabadala bebandla; 19 kodwa bona bonke baphendula bathi, “Sibanike isifungo sethu ngoThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli njalo asingeke sabathinta khathesi. 20 Lokhu yikho esizakwenza kubo: Sizabayekela bahlale, ukuze ulaka lungezi kithi ngenxa yokwephula isifungo esasenza phambi kwabo.” 21 Baqhubeka bathi, “Bayekeleni bahlale, kodwa bazakuba ngababandi benkuni labakhi bamanzi abazasebenzela uzulu wonke.” Ngakho-ke isivumelwano sabakhokheli sagcinwa.

22 UJoshuwa wabiza wonke amaGibhiyoni wathi kuwo, “Kungani lisikhohlisile ngokuthi, ‘Sihlala khatshana lani, lina lihlala eduzane lathi kangaka?’ 23 Seliqalekisiwe: kalisoze liyekele ukuba ngababandi benkuni labakhi bamanzi lisebenzela indlu kaNkulunkulu wami.”

24 Baphendula uJoshuwa bathi, “Izinceku zakho zatshelwa mgceke ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu walaya njani inceku yakhe uMosi ukuthi alinike ilizwe lonke lokuthi litshabalalise bonke ababakhele kulo lina lingakafiki. Ngakho-ke sesabela impilo zethu ngenxa yenu, yikho okwenze senza lokhu. 25 Sesizinikele ezandleni zenu. Yenzani kithi konke elikubona kufanele njalo kuqondile kini.”

26 Ngakho-ke uJoshuwa wabasindisa esandleni sika-Israyeli, njalo kabasababulalanga. 27 Ngalelolanga wenza ukuthi amaGibhiyoni abe ngababandi benkuni labakhi bamanzi besebenzela uzulu njalo besebenza e-alithareni likaThixo endaweni eyayikhethwe nguThixo. Yikho abayikhona kuze kube lamhlanje.

10

Ilanga Lima Mpo

1 U-Adoni-Zedekhi inkosi yaseJerusalema wezwa ukuthi uJoshuwa wayesethumbe i-Ayi wayitshabalalisa, njengalokho akwenza eJerikho lenkosini yayo, lokuthi abantu baseGibhiyoni babenze isivumelwano sokuthula labako-Israyeli njalo sebehlala labo. 2 Yena labantu bakhe besaba kakhulu ngalokhu, ngenxa yokuthi iGibhiyoni kwakulidolobho eliqakatheke kakhulu, njengelinye lamadolobho esikhosini; lalilikhulu kule-Ayi, njalo amadoda alo wonke ayezingwazi ezilamandla. 3 Ngakho u-Adoni-Zedekhi inkosi yaseJerusalema wakhalaza kuHohamu inkosi yaseHebhroni, kuPhiramu inkosi yaseJamuthi, kuJafiya inkosi yaseLakhishi lakuDebhiri inkosi yase-Egiloni. 4 Wathi kubo, “Wozani lizongincedisa ukuhlasela iGibhiyoni ngenxa yokuthi yenze isivumelwano sokuthula loJoshuwa labako-Israyeli.”

5 Ngakho amakhosi womahlanu ama-Amori, aseJerusalema, eHebhroni, eJamuthi, eLakhishi lase-Egiloni abambana. Aphuma lamabutho awo wonke ayihonqolozela iGibhiyoni ayihlasela.

6 AmaGibhiyoni athumela ilizwi kuJoshuwa ezihonqweni zaseGiligali athi: “Ungalahli izinceku zakho. Woza ngapha kithi ngokuphangisa uzosisiza! Sincede, ngoba wonke amakhosi ama-Amori abusa emazweni asemaqaqeni asebambene ukuze alwisane lathi.”

7 Ngakho uJoshuwa wasuka eGiligali, wenyuka kanye lebutho lakhe lonke, elaligoqela wonke amadoda ayekwazi ukulwa. 8  UThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, “Ungabesabi; sengibanikele esandleni sakho. Kakho loyedwa ozakwenelisa ukumelana lawe.”

9 Ngemva kokuhamba okobusuku bonke besuka eGiligali, uJoshuwa wabajuma. 10  UThixo wenza ukuthi basanganiseke phambi kuka-Israyeli, wabehlula ngokunqoba okukhulu eGibhiyoni. Abako-Israyeli baxotshana labo emgwaqweni oya eBhethi-Horoni, baxhumana labo baze bayafika e-Azekha leMakheda. 11 Lapho bebalekela abako-Israyeli emgwaqweni osuka eBhethi-Horoni usiya e-Azekha, uThixo wehlisa isiqhotho esikhulu sivela emkhathini, njalo inengi labo lafa libulawa yisiqhotho ukwedlula ababulawa zinkemba zabako-Israyeli.

12 Ngalelolanga uThixo wanikela ngalo ama-Amori kwabako-Israyeli, uJoshuwa wathi kuThixo phambi kwabako-Israyeli:

“We langa, mana uthi mpo ngaphezu kweGibhiyoni,

lawe nyanga, mana ngaphezu kweSigodi se-Ayijaloni.”

13 Ngakho ilanga lema lathi mpo,

lenyanga yema,

isizwe saze saphindisela ngokupheleleyo ezitheni zaso,

njengoba kulotshiwe oGwalweni lukaJasha.

Ilanga lema phakathi laphakathi kwesibhakabhaka laphuza ukutshona okosuku lonke. 14 Kakuzange kube losuku olwafana lalo ngaphambili kumbe kuze kube lamhlanje, usuku lapho uThixo alalela khona umuntu. Ngeqiniso uThixo wayelwela u-Israyeli!

15 Ngakho uJoshuwa waphindela labo bonke abako-Israyeli ezihonqweni zaseGiligali.

Ukubulawa Kwamakhosi Amahlanu Ama-Amori

16 Amakhosi lawo womahlanu abaleka ayacatsha ebhalwini lwaseMakheda. 17 Kwathi uJoshuwa esetshelwe ukuthi amakhosi womahlanu ayetholakale ecatshile ebhalwini lweMakheda, 18 wathi, “Giqani amatshe amakhulu liwafake emlonyeni wobhalu, beselisithi amanye amadoda alinde. 19 Kodwa lingemi! Xotshani izitha zenu, lingazivumeli ukuthi zifike emadolobheni azo, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu esezinikele ezandleni zenu.”

20 Ngakho uJoshuwa labako-Israyeli bababhubhisa baphosa baphela bonke kodwa abalutshwana abasalayo banelisa ukufika emadolobheni abo ayezinqaba. 21 Ibutho lonke lenelisa ukuphenduka ngokuthula kuJoshuwa esihonqweni seMakheda, njalo kakho owake wakhuluma okubi ngabako-Israyeli.

22 UJoshuwa wathi, “Vulani umlomo wobhalu beseliletha amakhosi womahlanu eze kimi.” 23 Ngakho bakhupha amakhosi womahlanu ebhalwini, inkosi yaseJerusalema, eyeHebhroni, yeJamuthi, eyeLakhishi kanye leyase-Egiloni. 24 Bathi sebelethe amakhosi la kuJoshuwa, wabiza wonke amadoda ako-Israyeli wasesithi kubo bonke abalawuli bamabutho ababeze laye, “Wozani lapha lizofaka inyawo zenu entanyeni zala amakhosi.” Ngakho beza phambili basebefaka inyawo zabo entanyeni zawo.

25 UJoshuwa wathi kubo, “Lingesabi; lingadangali qinani libe lezibindi. Lokhu yikho okuzakwenziwa nguThixo kuzozonke izitha elizalwisana lazo.” 26 Ngakho uJoshuwa wawabulala amakhosi la wawalengisa ensikeni ezinhlanu, alenga lapho kwaze kwahlwa.

27 Ekutshoneni kwelanga uJoshuwa walaya ukuthi bawethule bawaphose ebhalwini lapho ayekade ecatshe khona. Emlonyeni wobhalu bafaka amatshe amakhulu alokhu ekhona lanamhlanje.

Ukunqotshwa Kwamadolobho Aseningizimu

28 Ngalelolanga uJoshuwa wathumba iMakheda. Wahlasela idolobho kanye lenkosi yalo ngenkemba, wabhubhisa wonke umuntu owayephakathi kwalo. Kakho owatshiywa ephila. Wenza enkosini yeMakheda lokho ayekwenze enkosini yaseJerikho.

29 Ngakho uJoshuwa labo bonke abako-Israyeli ababelaye basuka eMakheda baya eLibhina balihlasela. 30  UThixo waphinda wanikela lelodolobho lenkosi yalo esandleni sika-Israyeli. UJoshuwa wahlasela ngenkemba idolobho laye wonke umuntu owayephakathi kwalo. Kakho owatshiywa ephila lapho. Wenza enkosini yalo lokho ayekwenze enkosini yeJerikho.

31 Ngakho uJoshuwa labo bonke abako-Israyeli ayelabo bahamba besuka eLibhina besiya eLakhishi; balihanqa basebelihlasela. 32  UThixo wanikela iLakhishi ku-Israyeli, uJoshuwa wayithatha ngelanga lesibili. Idolobho laye wonke umuntu owayephakathi kwalo wakuhlasela ngenkemba, njengalokho ayekwenze eLibhina. 33 Kunjalo-nje uHoramu inkosi yaseGezeri yayize ukuzoncedisa iLakhishi kodwa uJoshuwa wayehlula ndawonye lebutho layo, kakho owatshiywa ephila.

34 Ngakho uJoshuwa labo bonke abako-Israyeli ababelaye basuka eLakhishi baya edolobheni le-Egiloni; basebelihanqa balihlasela. 35 Balithumba ngalelolanga, balihlakaza ngenkemba basebebhubhisa wonke umuntu owayephakathi kwalo, njengalokho ababekwenze eLakhishi.

36 Ngakho uJoshuwa labo bonke abako-Israyeli ababelaye bahamba besuka e-Egiloni baya eHebhroni bayihlasela. 37 Balithumba lelodolobho ngenkemba ndawonye lamakhosi alo, imizana yalo laye wonke umuntu owayephakathi kwalo, kakho owatshiywa ephila. Njengalokho abakwenza e-Egiloni, balitshabalalisa laye wonke umuntu owayephakathi kwalo.

38 Ngakho uJoshuwa labo bonke abako-Israyeli ayelabo baphenduka bahlasela iDebhiri. 39 Bathumba lelidolobho, inkosi lemizi yalo, bayihlasela ngenkemba. Bonke abantu ababephakathi kwalo babhujiswa baphela. Kakho owatshiywa ephila. Benza eDebhiri lenkosini yakhona lokho abakwenza eLibhina lenkosini yakhona kanye leHebhroni.

40 Ngakho uJoshuwa wasinqoba sonke isabelo, okugoqela ilizwe lamaqaqa, iNegebi, emawatheni ezintaba entshonalanga lemithezukweni yezintaba ndawonye lamakhosi alapho wonke. Kakho owatshiywa ephila. Wabhubhisa bonke abebephefumula, njengoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli wayebalayile. 41 UJoshuwa wabanqoba kusukela eKhadeshi Bhaneya kusiya eGaza lakuso sonke isabelo seGosheni kusiya eGibhiyoni. 42 Wonke amakhosi la lamazwe awo athunjwa nguJoshuwa ekuhlaseleni kunye, ngenxa yokuthi uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, walwela u-Israyeli.

43 Ngakho uJoshuwa waphindela laye wonke u-Israyeli ezihonqweni zaseGiligali.

11

Ukunqotshwa Kwamakhosi Asenyakatho

1 Kwathi uJabhini inkosi yeHazori isizwa lokhu yathumela ilizwi kuJobhabhi inkosi yeMadoni lasemakhosini eShimroni le-Akhishafi, 2 lasemakhosini enyakatho ayesezintabeni ze-Arabha eningizimu yeKhinerethi emawatheni amaqaqa entshonalanga kanye laseNafothi Dori entshonalanga; 3 lakumaKhenani empumalanga lentshonalanga; lakuma-Amori, amaHithi, amaPherizi lamaJebusi elizweni elilamaqaqa; kanye lakumaHivi ngaphansi kweHemoni esabelweni seMizipha. 4 Baphuma lamabutho abo wonke lenani elikhulu lamabhiza lezinqola, ibutho elikhulu, ubunengi lingangetshebetshebe okhunjini lolwandle. 5 Wonke amakhosi la abambana asesakha izihonqo ndawonye eManzini aseMeromi, ukulwa labako-Israyeli.

6  UThixo wathi kuJoshuwa, “Ungabesabi, ngoba ngalesisikhathi kusasa ngizabanikela bonke kwabako-Israyeli sebefile. Uzaquma imisipha yamabhiza abo njalo utshise izihonqo zabo.”

7 Ngakho uJoshuwa lebutho lakhe lonke bahlangana labo mathupha eManzini eMeromi wasebahlasela, 8  uThixo wabanikela esandleni sika-Israyeli. Babanqoba, baxotshana labo baze babafikisa eSidoni Enkulu kusiya eMisirefothi-Mayimi, leSigodini seMizipha empumalanga kwaze kwasala kungelamuntu ophilayo. 9 UJoshuwa wenza kibo lokho ayekulaywe nguThixo: Waquma imisipha yamabhiza abo njalo watshisa izinqola zabo.

10 Ngalesosikhathi uJoshuwa waphenduka wabuyela emuva wathumba iHazori wasehlasela inkosi yakuleyo ndawo ngenkemba. (IHazori yayiyisigodlo sayo yonke imibuso leyo.) 11 Wonke umuntu owayephakathi kwayo wabhujiswa ngenkemba. Bababhubhisa baphela, abaze batshiya lutho oluphefumulayo, watshisa iHazori ngokwayo.

12 UJoshuwa wathumba wonke amadolobho esikhosini lamakhosi awo wawahlasela ngenkemba. Wawabhubhisa wonke, njengokulaya kukaMosi inceku kaThixo. 13 Kukanti-ke u-Israyeli kazange atshise loba yiwaphi amadolobho ayakhelwe emadundulwini ngaphandle kweHazori, eyatshiswa nguJoshuwa. 14 Abako-Israyeli bathatha zaba ngezabo zonke impahla ababezithumbile okwakugoqela izifuyo zamadolobho la bahamba lakho kodwa bonke abantu bababhubhisa ngenkemba baphela du, bengatshiyi lutho oluphefumulayo. 15 Njengoba uThixo walaya inceku yakhe uMosi, uMosi laye walaya uJoshuwa, uJoshuwa wakwenza lokho: katshiyanga lutho lungenziwanga ezintweni zonke uThixo owazilaya uMosi.

16 Ngakho uJoshuwa wathatha ilizwe lonke: ilizwe lamaqaqa, yonke iNegebi, isabelo sonke seGosheni, amawatha asentshonalanga, i-Arabha, lezintaba zako-Israyeli lamawatha azo, 17 kusukela entabeni yeHalakhi, ephakama ngokuya eSeyiri, kusiya eBhali-Gadi esiGodini seLebhanoni ngaphansi kwentaba iHemoni. Wathumba wonke amakhosi awo, wawehlula, wawabulala. 18 UJoshuwa walwa impi lawo wonke amakhosi okwesikhathi eside. 19 Ngaphandle kwamaHivi ayehlala eGibhiyoni, kalikho idolobho loba elilodwa elenza isivumelwano sokuthula labako-Israyeli, kwabawathumba empini. 20 Ngoba kwakunguThixo owenza inhliziyo zawo zaba lukhuni zafuna ukulwa impi lo-Israyeli, ukwenzela ukuthi enelise ukubachitha baphele, ebabhubhisa okungelazwelo, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

21 Ngalesosikhathi uJoshuwa waphuma wawabhubhisa ama-Anakhi elizweni lamaqaqa: kusukela eHebhroni, eDebhiri le-Anabhi, kusukela elizweni lonke lamaqaqa akoJuda. UJoshuwa wabhubhisa wababhuqa bona kanye lamadolobho abo. 22 Akula ma-Anakhi asala esabelweni sabako-Israyeli; ngaphandle kweGaza iGathi le-Ashidodi lapho okwasila abanye bakhona.

23 Ngakho uJoshuwa wathumba ilizwe lonke njengoba uThixo walaya uMosi, waselinika abako-Israyeli njengelifa kusiya ngokwahlukaniswa kwezizwana zabo. Ngakho-ke ilizwe laphumula ekulweni izimpi.

12

Uluhlu Lwamakhosi Ehlulwayo

1 La ngamakhosi amazwe anqotshwa ngabako-Israyeli njalo alezabelo ezathunjwa empumalanga yeJodani, kusukela eDongeni lwase-Arinoni kusiya entabeni yaseHemoni, okugoqela lonke icele langempumalanga ye-Arabha:

2 USihoni inkosi yama-Amori, wayebusa eHeshibhoni.

Wayebusa kusukela e-Aroweri emaphethelweni oDonga lwase-Arinoni, kusukela phakathi laphakathi kodonga kusiyafika emfuleni uJabhoki, oyiwo umngcele wama-Amoni. Lokhu kwakugoqela ingxenye yeGiliyadi.

3 Wayebusa njalo empumalanga ye-Arabha kusukela olwandle lweKhinerethi kusiyafika olwandle lwe-Arabha (uLwandle lweTswayi) kusiya eBhethi-Jeshimothi, eningizimu phansanyana kwemithezuko yasePhisiga:

4 Lelizwe lika-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani, omunye wamaRefayi okucina owayebusa e-Ashitharothi le-Edreyi.

5 Wabusa eNtabeni yaseHemoni, eSalekha, iBhashani yonke kusiya emngceleni wabantu beGeshuri leMahakhathi, lengxenye yeGiliyadi kusiya emngceleni kaSihoni inkosi yeHeshibhoni.

6 UMosi inceku kaThixo, labako-Israyeli babanqoba. UMosi inceku kaThixo wanika ilizwe labo abakoRubheni labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase ukuthi libe ngelabo.

7 La yiwo amakhosi elizwe lelo uJoshuwa labako-Israyeli abalithumbayo eceleni elisentshonalanga yeJodani, kusukela eBhali-Gadi esiGodini seLebhanoni kusiya eNtabeni yeHalakhi ekhangele eSeyiri (amazwe abo uJoshuwa wawanika njengelifa ezizwaneni zako-Israyeli kusiya ngezigaba zezizwana zabo, 8 indawo elamaqaqa, amawatha asentshonalanga, i-Arabha, lemithezukweni yezintaba, inkangala leNegebi, amazwe amaHithi, ama-Amori, amaKhenani, amaPherizi, amaHivi, lamaJebusi):

La ayengamakhosi:

9 inkosi yeJerikho, eyodwa

inkosi ye-Ayi (eduze leBhetheli), eyodwa

10 inkosi yeJerusalema, eyodwa

inkosi yeHebhroni, eyodwa

11 inkosi yeJamuthi, eyodwa

inkosi yeLakhishi, eyodwa

12 inkosi ye-Egiloni, eyodwa

inkosi yeGezeri, eyodwa

13 inkosi yeDebhiri, eyodwa

inkosi yeBhethi-Gaderi, eyodwa

14 inkosi yeHoma, eyodwa

inkosi ye-Aradi, eyodwa

15 inkosi yeLibhina, eyodwa

inkosi ye-Adulami, eyodwa

16 inkosi yeMakheda, eyodwa

inkosi yeBhetheli, eyodwa

17 inkosi yeThaphuwa, eyodwa

inkosi yeHeferi, eyodwa

18 inkosi ye-Afekhi, eyodwa

inkosi yeLasharoni, eyodwa

19 inkosi yeMadoni, eyodwa

inkosi yeHazori, eyodwa

20 inkosi yeShimron Meroni, eyodwa

inkosi ye-Akhishafi, eyodwa

21 inkosi yeThanakhi, eyodwa

inkosi yeMegido, eyodwa

22 inkosi yeKhedeshi, eyodwa

inkosi yeJokhiniyamu eseKhameli, eyodwa

23 inkosi yeDori (eNafothi Dori), eyodwa

inkosi yeGoyimi eseGiligali, eyodwa

24 inkosi yeThiza, eyodwa.

Amakhosi angamatshumi amathathu lanye esewonke.

13

Ilizwe Elisazathunjwa

1 UJoshuwa esemdala njalo eseluphele kakhulu, uThixo wathi kuye, “Usuluphele kakhulu, njalo lokhu usasalelwe yilizwe elikhulu kakhulu okumele ulithumbe.

2 Nanti ilizwe elisaseleyo:

zonke izabelo zamaFilistiya lamaGeshuri: 3 kusukela emfuleni uShihori empumalanga yeGibhithe kusiya esabelweni se-Ekroni enyakatho, lonke libaliswa njengelamaKhenani lanxa libanjwe ngababusi beFilistiya abahlanu eGaza, e-Ashidodi, e-Ashikheloni, eGathi le-Ekroni

ilizwe lama-Avi; 4 kusukela eningizimu,

lonke ilizwe lamaKhenani, kusukela eMeyara yamaSidoni kusiyafika e-Afekhi, isabelo sama-Amori,

5 indawo yamaGebhali;

layo yonke iLebhanoni ngempumalanga, kusukela eBhali-Gadi ngaphansi kweNtaba yeHemoni kusiya eLebho Hamathi.

6 Bonke abakhele ezabelweni ezisezintabeni kusukela eLebhanoni kusiya eMisirefothi-Mayimi, okutsho wonke amaSidoni, mina ngokwami ngizabaxotsha phambi kwabako-Israyeli. Wobani leqiniso lokuthi lelilizwe labelwe abako-Israyeli ukuze libe yilifa labo njengokulilaya kwami, 7 njalo lilabe njengelifa phakathi kwezizwana eziyisificamunwemunye lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase.”

Ukwabiwa Kwelizwe Elisempumalanga YeJodani

8 Eyinye ingxenye yakoManase, eyakoRubheni leyakoGadi yayizuze ilifa eyalinikwa nguMosi empumalanga yeJodani njengalokho inceku kaThixo eyayibaphe lona.

9 Lasuka e-Aroweri emaphethelweni oDonga lwe-Arinoni lasedolobheni eliphakathi kodonga, njalo ligoqela amagceke eMedebha kusiyafika eDibhoni, 10 lamadolobho wonke kaSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, owabusa eHeshibhoni, kusiyafika emngceleni wama-Amoni.

11 Laligoqela iGiliyadi, isabelo sabantu baseGeshuri leMahakhathi, leNtaba yonke yeHemoni leBhashani yonke kusiyafika eSalekha, 12 okutsho ukuthi, umbuso wonke ka-Ogi eBhashani, yena owabusa e-Ashitharothi le-Edreyi njalo wayengomunye wamaRefayi ayelokhu esaphila. UMosi wayebanqobile wathatha ilizwe labo. 13 Kodwa abako-Israyeli kabazange babaxotshe abantu beGeshuri leMahakhathi, yikho lokhu behlala phakathi kwabako-Israyeli kuze kube lamhlanje.

14 Kodwa abesizwana sabaLevi kazange abanike ilifa, njengoba iminikelo eyayisenziwa ngomlilo kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli iyilifa labo njengokubathembisa kwakhe.

15 Lokhu yikho uMosi akunika isizwana sakoRubheni, usendo lunye ngalunye:

16 Isigaba esisuka e-Aroweri emaphethelweni oDonga lwe-Arinoni, lokusuka edolobheni eliphakathi koDonga lawo wonke amagceke adabula eMedebha 17 kusiya eHeshibhoni lawo wonke amadolobho asemagcekeni agoqela iDibhoni, iBhamothi-Bhali, iBhethi-Bhali-Meyoni, 18 iJahazi, iKhedemothi, iMefahathi, 19 iKhiriyathayimi, iSibhima, iZerethi-Shahari eqaqeni olusesigodini, 20 iBhethi-Pheyori, lemithezuko yasePhisiga, leBhethi-Jeshimothi, 21 wonke amadolobho asemagcekeni lombuso wonke kaSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, owayebusa eHeshibhoni. UMosi wayemehlule yena lezinduna zamaMidiyani, u-Evi, uRekhemu, uZuri, uHuri, loRebha, wonke engamakhosana amanyane loSihoni owayehlala kulelolizwe. 22 Phezu kwalabo ababulawa empini abako-Israyeli babebulele ngenkemba uBhalamu indodana kaBheyori, owayeyisanuse.

23 Umngcele wamaRubheni wawusokhunjini lweJodani. Amadolobho la lemizana yawo ayeyilifa labakoRubheni, usendo lunye ngalunye:

24 Lokhu yikho uMosi akupha isizwana sakoGadi usendo lunye ngalunye:

25 Isabelo seJazeri, amadolobho wonke eGiliyadi lengxenye yelizwe lama-Amoni kusiyafika e-Aroweri, eduzane leRabha; 26 lokusuka eHeshibhoni kusiya eRamathi Mizipha leBhethonimi, lokusuka eMahanayimi kusiya esigabeni seDebhiri; 27 esigodini iBhethi-Haramu, iBhethi-Nimra, iSukhothi leZafoni lawo wonke umbuso kaSihoni inkosi yeHeshibhoni (icele elisempumalanga yeJodani, isabelo esisekucineni kolwandle lweKhinerethi).

28 Amadolobho la ndawonye lemizana yawo ayeyilifa labakoGadi; usendo lunye ngalunye.

29 Lokhu yikho uMosi ayekunike ingxenye yesizwana sakoManase, okutsho ingxenye yemuli eyayiyinzalo kaManase, usendo lunye ngalunye:

30 Umango owawusuka eMahanayimi ugoqela iBhashani, wonke umbuso ka-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani, yonke imizana yeJayiri eBhashani, amadolobho angamatshumi ayisithupha, 31 ingxenye yeGiliyadi, le-Ashitharothi le-Edreyi (amadolobho obukhosi ka-Ogi eBhashani).

Lokhu kwakungokwezizukulwane zikaMakhiri indodana kaManase, kungokwengxenye yamadodana kaMakhiri usendo lunye ngalunye.

32 Leli yilo ilifa uMosi ayelabile lapho esasemagcekeni eMowabi ngaphetsheya kweJodani empumalanga yeJerikho. 33 Kodwa esizwaneni sabaLevi, uMosi kazange asabele ilifa; uThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli, nguye ilifa labo njengokubathembisa kwakhe.

14

Ukwabiwa Komhlaba ENtshonalanga YeJodani

1 Lezi yizo izindawo abako-Israyeli abazamukela njengelifa elizweni laseKhenani, u-Eliyazari umphristi, uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni lezinhloko zezizwana zako-Israyeli abazabela zona. 2 Ilifa labo labiwa ngokwenza inkatho ezizwaneni eziyisificamunwemunye lengxenye, njengokulaya kukaThixo ngoMosi. 3 UMosi wayenike izizwe ezimbili lengxenye ilifa lazo empumalanga yeJodani, kodwa wayengabelanga abaLevi ilifa phakathi kwazo, 4 ngoba amadodana kaJosefa ayeyizizwana ezimbili, esikaManase lesika-Efrayimi. AbaLevi kabazuzanga sabelo ngaphandle kwamadolobho okuhlala lamadlelo emihlambi yezimvu leyenkomo. 5 Ngakho abako-Israyeli behlukanisa umhlaba, njengokulaywa kukaMosi nguThixo.

IHebhroni Inikwa UKhalebi

6 Amadoda akoJuda aya kuJoshuwa eGiligali, uKhalebi indodana kaJefune umKhenizi wathi kuye, “Uyakwazi ukuthi uThixo wathini kuMosi umuntu kaNkulunkulu eKhadeshi Bhaneya ngawe lami. 7 Ngangileminyaka engamatshumi amane lapho uMosi inceku kaThixo yangithuma ngisuka eKhadeshi Bhaneya ukuyahlola ilizwe. Ngaletha kuye umbiko owawuphathelane lemibono yami, 8 kodwa abazalwane engahamba labo benza ukuthi inhliziyo zabantu zithuthumele ngokwesaba. Mina, lanxa kunjalo, ngalandela uThixo uNkulunkulu wami ngenhliziyo yami yonke. 9  *Ngakho ngalelolanga uMosi wafunga kimi wathi, ‘Umhlabathi lowo onyathelwe yizinyawo zakho uzakuba yilifa lakho labantwabakho kuze kube nini lanini, ngenxa yokuthi ulandele uThixo uNkulunkulu wami ngenhliziyo yakho yonke.’

10 Ngakho-ke, njengoba uThixo wayethembisile, usengigcine ngiphila okweminyaka engamatshumi amane lanhlanu kusukela ngezikhathi lapho akhuluma lokhu kuMosi, u-Israyeli esazulazula enkangala. Ngakho nanku sengilapha lamuhla, sengileminyaka yokuzalwa engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lanhlanu! 11 Lokhu ngisaqinile lanamuhla njengelanga uMosi angithuma ngalo; lokhu ngiselamandla okuyakulwa impi khathesi okufanana lalokho engangiyikho khona ngalesosikhathi. 12 Ngakho nginika lelilizwe lamaqaqa engalithenjiswa nguThixo ngalelolanga. Wena ngokwakho wezwa ngalesosikhathi ukuthi ama-Anakhi ayekhona lapho njalo amadolobho awo ayemakhulu ehonqolozelwe, kodwa ngokuncediswa nguThixo, ngizawaxotsha njengokutsho kwakhe.”

13 Ngakho UJoshuwa wabusisa uKhalebi indodana kaJefune, wamnika iHebhroni yaba yilifa lakhe. 14 Ngakho iHebhroni yaba lilifa likaKhalebi indodana kaJefune umKhenizi kusukela ngalesosikhathi ngenxa yokuthi walandela uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke. 15 (IHebhroni yayithiwa yiKhiriyathi Aribha ibizwa ngo-Abhe owayeyindoda eyayiyisikhulu esesabekayo phakathi kwama-Anakhi).

Ngakho ilizwe laba lokuphumula ekulweni izimpi.

15

Isabelo SikaJuda

1 Isabelo sesizwe sikaJuda, usendo lunye ngalunye sasiqhele sehla sayafika elizweni le-Edomi, sisiyakhawula eNkangala yeZini eningizimu kude le.

2 Umngcele wabo weningizimu wawuqalisela ethekwini oluseningizimu emaphethelweni oLwandle lweTswayi, 3 uchaphela eningizimu yoMkhandlu weNkume, uqhubeka usiya eZini, usiyaphutsha eningizimu yeKhadeshi Bhaneya. Wasusedlula eHezironi usiyafika e-Adari wabhoda unquma wayaphutsha ususeKhakha. 4 Wasusedlula usiya e-Azimoni usiyaxhumana lesiHotsha saseGibhithe, uphelela olwandle. Lo yiwo umngcele wabo waseningizimu.

5 Umngcele wempumalanga luLwandle lweTswayi kuze kufike lapho okuthela khona iJodani.

Umngcele weningizimu waqalela okhunjini lolwandle ekuqaleni kweJodani, 6 wakhwela usiya eBhethi-Hogla, wabuye waqhubeka usiya Bhethi-Arabha uqonda eLitsheni likaBhohani indodana kaRubheni. 7 Umngcele wasuqansa usiya eDebhiri usuka esigodini sika-Akhori, wasujika usiya enyakatho ukhangela eGiligali ekhangelane loMkhandlu ka-Adumimu eningizimu yodonga. Waqhubeka usiya emanzini ase-Eni Shemeshi wasufika e-Eni Rogeli. 8 Wasuqonda esigodini seBheni-Hinomu emthezukweni wangeningizimu yedolobho lamaJebusi (okutsho iJerusalema). Usuka lapho waqansa phezu koqaqa entshonalanga yesigodi seHinomu ekucineni kwangenyakatho yesigodi seRefayi. 9 Usuka engqongeni yoqaqa, umngcele waqonda emthonjeni wamanzi aseNefuthowa, wasuphutsha emadolobheni eNtabeni ye-Efroni wasusehla usiya eBhala (okutsho iKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi). 10 Wasujika usiya entshonalanga usuka eBhala usiya entabeni yeSeyiri, wedlula emthezukweni wangenyakatho yentaba iJeyarimi (okutsho iKhesaloni) waqhubeka usiya eBhethi-Shemeshi uchaphela eThimina. 11 Waqonda emthezukweni wenyakatho owe-Ekroni, wajika ukhangele eShikheroni, wedlule usiya eNtabeni yeBhala wafika eJabhiniyeli. Umngcele waphelela olwandle.

12 Umngcele wangentshonalanga likhumbi loLwandle oLukhulu.

Le yiyo imingcele eyayigombolozele abantu bakoJuda usendo lunye ngalunye.

13 Njengokulaya kukaThixo kuye, uJoshuwa wanika uKhalebi indodana kaJefune ingxenye eseJuda, iKhiriyathi Aribha, okutsho iHebhroni (u-Abha wayengukhokho ka-Anakhi). 14 Esuka eHebhroni uKhalebi waxotsha ama-Anakhi amathathu abalisa uSheshayi, u-Ahimani loThalimayi abantwana baka-Anakhi. 15 Esuka lapho wahamba ehlasela abantu ababehlala eDebhiri (okwakuthiwa yiKhiriyathi-Sefa). 16 UKhalebi wathi, “Ngizakwendisela indodakazi yami u-Akhisa endodeni ezahlasela ithumbe iKhiriyathi-Sefa.” 17 U-Othiniyeli indodana kaKhenazi, umfowabo kaKhalebi, wayithumba; ngakho uKhalebi wendisela indodakazi yakhe u-Akhisa kuye.

18 Ngelinye ilanga u-Akhisa wafika ku-Othiniyeli wamkhuthaza ukuthi acele insimu kuyise. Lapho esehlile kubabhemi wakhe, uKhalebi wambuza wathi, “Kuyini engingakwenzela khona?”

19 Waphendula wathi, “Ngicela ungenzele umusa obalulekileyo. Njengoba unginike umhlaba eNegebi, ngicela unginike lemithombo yamanzi.” Ngakho uKhalebi wamnika imithombo eyayingaphezulu leyayingaphansi.

20 Leli lilifa lesizwe sikaJuda ngezinsendo zaso:

21 Amadolobho aseningizimu kwesizwe sikaJuda eNegebi ekuyeni emngceleni we-Edomi ayeyila:

IKhabhizeli, i-Ederi, iJaguri, 22 iKhina, iDimona, i-Adada, 23 iKhedeshi, iHazori, i-Ithinani, 24 iZifi, iThelemu, iBheyalothi, 25 iHazori-Hadatha, iKheriyothi Hezironi (okutsho iHazori), 26 i-Amamu, iShema, iMolada, 27 iHazari-Gada, iHeshimoni, iBhethi Phelethi, 28 iHazari-Shuwali, iBherishebha, iBhiziyothiya, 29 iBhala, i-Iyimu, i-Ezema, 30 i-Elitholadi, iKhesili, iHoma 31 iZikhilagi, iMadimana, iSansana, 32 iLebhayothi, iShilihimu, i-Ayini leRimoni, esewonke kwakungamadolobho angamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye lemizana yawo.

33 Emawatheni asentshonalanga kwakulamadolobho la:

I-Eshithawoli, iZora, i-Ashina, 34 iZanowa, i-Eni-Ganimu, iThaphuwa, i-Enamu, 35 iJamuthi, i-Adulami, iSokho, i-Azekha, 36 iShaharayimu, i-Adithayimu leGedera (kumbe iGederothayimu) amadolobho alitshumi lane lemizi yawo.

37 IZenani, iHadasha, iMigidali-Gadi, 38 iDiliyeni, iMizipha, iJokhitheyeli, 39 iLakhishi, iBhozikhathi, i-Egiloni, 40 iKhabhoni, iLahimasi, iKhithilishi 41 iGederothi, iBhethi-Dagoni, iNahama leMakheda, amadolobho alitshumi lesithupha lemizi yawo.

42 ILibhina, i-Etheri, i-Ashani, 43 i-Ifitha, i-Ashina, iNezibhi, 44 iKheyila, i-Akhizibhi leMaresha, amadolobho ayisificamunwemunye lemizi yawo.

45 I-Ekroni, lemizana eyigqagqeleyo; 46 entshonalanga ye-Ekroni, wonke ayeseduzane le-Ashidodi, ndawonye lemizana yawo; 47 i-Ashidodi lemizana eyigqagqeleyo leGaza, imizana eyigqagqeleyo kusiyafika esiHotsheni saseGibhithe lekhunjini loLwandle oLukhulu.

48 Elizweni lamaqaqa kwakule:

IShamiri, iJathiri, iSokho, 49 iDana, iKhiriyathi-Sana (okutsho iDebhiri), 50 i-Anabhi, i-Eshithemo, i-Animi, 51 iGosheni, iHoloni leGilo, amadolobho alitshumi lanye lemizana yawo.

52 I-Arabhu, iDuma, i-Eshani, 53 iJanimu, iBhethi-Thaphuwa, i-Afeka, 54 iHumtha, iKhiriyathi Aribha (okutsho iHebhroni) leZiwori, amadolobho ayisificamunwemunye lemizana yawo.

55 IMawoni, iKhameli, iZifi, iJutha, 56 iJezerili, iJokideyamu, iZanowa, 57 iKhayini, iGibhiya leThimina, amadolobho alitshumi lemizana yawo.

58 IHalihuli, iBhethi Zuri, iGedori, 59 iMaharathi, iBhethi-Anothi le-Elithekhoni, amadolobho ayisithupha lemizana yawo.

60 IKhiriyathi-Bhali (okutsho ukuthi iKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi) leRabha, amadolobho amabili lemizana yawo.

61 Enkangala:

IBhethi-Arabha, iMidini, iSekhakha, 62 iNibhishani, iDolobho letswayi le-Eni-Gedi, amadolobho ayisithupha lemizana yawo.

63 UJuda wehluleka ukususa amaJebusi ayehlala eJerusalema; lanamuhla amaJebusi lokhu ehlala lapho labantu bakoJuda.

16

Isabelo Sika-Efrayimi LoManase

1 Isabelo sikaJosefa saqala eJodani, empumalanga yamanzi eJerikho, sakhwela sisuka lapho sisiya enkangala singena elizweni lamaqaqa eBhetheli. 2 Sadabula sisuka eBhetheli (okutsho iLuzi) sachaphela esabelweni sama-Arikhithi e-Atharothi, 3 sehlela entshonalanga esabelweni samaJafilethi sisiyabamba ekhunjini lweBhethi-Horoni, sibuye siqonde eGezeri, sisiyaphelela olwandle.

4 Ngakho uManase lo-Efrayimi, izizukulwane zikaJosefa, bemukela ilifa labo.

5 Leli kwakulilizwe lika-Efrayimi ngokosendo lwakhe:

Umngcele welifa labo wawusuka e-Atharothi-Ada empumalanga usiya eBhethi-Horoni Ephezulu 6 waqhubeka usiya olwandle. Usuka eMikhimethathi enyakatho wajika empumalanga usiya eThahanathi-Shilo, usedlula eJanowa empumalanga. 7 Wasusehlela phansi usuka eJanowa usiya e-Atharothi leNara, wagudla iJerikho wayaphutshela kuJodani. 8 Usuka eThaphuwa umngcele waya entshonalanga eDongeni lweKhana wayaphelela olwandle. Leli kwakuyilifa lesizwana sako-Efrayimi, usendo lunye ngalunye.

9 Wawugoqela njalo wonke amadolobho lemizana yawo eyayehlukaniselwe abako-Efrayimi phakathi kwelifa labakoManase.

10 Kabazange bawadudule amaKhenani ayehlala eGezeri; kuze kube lamhla amaKhenani ahlala phakathi kwabantu bako-Efrayimi kodwa besenziswa umsebenzi wesibhalo.

17

1 Lesi kwakuyisabelo sesizwana sikaManase njengezibulo likaJosefa. UMakhiri izibulo likaManase, ukhokho wamaGiliyadi, wathatha iGiliyadi leBhashani ngenxa yokuthi amaMakhire ayengamaqhawe amakhulu. 2 Ngakho isabelo lesi sasingesabantu bonke bakoManase, insendo zika-Abhiyezeri, uHelekhi, u-Asiriyeli, uShekhemu, uHeferi loShemida. Lezi ngezinye izizukulwane zesilisa zikaManase indodana kaJosefa ngokwensendo zazo.

3 UZelofehadi indodana kaHeferi, indodana kaGiliyadi, indodana kaMakhiri indodana kaManase, wayengelamadodana kodwa wayelamadodakazi wodwa, amabizo awo kwakunguMahila, uNowa, uHogila, uMilikha loThiza. 4 Aya ku-Eliyazari umphristi, loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni kanye labakhokheli athi, “UThixo walaya uMosi ukuthi asabele ilifa kanye labanewethu.” Ngakho uJoshuwa wabanika ilifa ndawonye labanewabo bakayise, kulandelwa umlayo kaThixo. 5 Isabelo sikaManase sasigoqela iziqinti ezilitshumi zomhlabathi emhlubulweni weGiliyadi leBhashani empumalanga yeJodani, 6 ngenxa yokuthi amadodakazi esizwana sikaManase athola ilifa kanye labafowabo. IGiliyadi yayingeyezizukulwana zikaManase.

7 Ilizwe likaManase lalisukela e-Asheri lisiya eMikhimethathi empumalanga kweShekhemu. Umngcele wawudabula usiya usiyagoqela abantu ababehlala e-Eni-Thaphuwa. 8 (UManase wayelomhlaba elizweni leThaphuwa, kodwa iThaphuwa ngokwayo, emngceleni kaManase, yayingeyama-Efrayimi.) 9 Umngcele waqhubeka eningizimu usiya oDongeni lweKhana. Kwakulamadolobho ka-Efrayimi ayakhelwe phakathi kwamadolobho kaManase, kodwa umngcele kaManase wawulicele langenyakatho lodonga njalo uphelela olwandle. 10 Eningizimu ilizwe lalingelika-Efrayimi, enyakatho lingelikaManase. Ilizwe likaManase lalifika olwandle njalo lingcelezelane lo-Asheri enyakatho kanye lo-Isakhari empumalanga.

11 Phakathi kuka-Isakhari lo-Asheri uManase wayeloBhethi-Shani, u-Ibhiliyami labantu beDori, abe-Endo, abeThanakhi leMegido, ndawonye lemizana ababakhelane layo (owesithathu eluhlwini kwakunguNafothi).

12 Kodwa-ke abakoManase kabenelisanga ukuthatha amadolobho la ngoba amaKhenani ayezimisele ukuhlala kuleyondawo. 13 Lanxa kunjalo, kwathi abako-Israyeli sebelamandla amakhulu, benza amaKhenani izigqili zabo kodwa kababaxotshanga kokuphela.

14 Abantu bakoJosefa bathi kuJoshuwa, “Kungani lisinike isabelo esisodwa kuphela lengxenye eyodwa yelifa na? Singabantu abanengi kakhulu njalo uThixo usibusise kakhulu.”

15 UJoshuwa wabaphendula wathi; “Nxa libanengi kakhulu, njalo nxa ilizwe lamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi lilincinyane kini, ngenani eguswini liyecenta umhlaba ube ngowenu elizweni lamaPherizi lelamaRefayi.”

16 Abantu bakoJosefa baphendula bathi, “Ilizwe lamaqaqa kaliseneli njalo amaKhenani wonke ahlala emagcekeni alezinqola zensimbi, bonke abaseBhethi-Shani lemizana yakhona lalabo ababehlala esigodini seJezerili.”

17 Kodwa uJoshuwa wakhuluma labendlu kaJosefa, ku-Efrayimi loManase wathi, “Libanengi njalo lilamandla amakhulu kakhulu. Kalisoze libe lesabelo esisodwa kuphela, 18 kodwa lelizwe lamaqaqa aliligusu. Licenteni lize liyefika lapho eliphelela khona kube ngelenu; lanxa amaKhenani elezinqola zensimbi njalo lanxa elamandla, lingawaxotsha.”

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Ukwabiwa Kwelizwe Elalisele

1 Ibandla lonke lako-Israyeli labuthana eShilo laselimisa ithente lokuhlangana khonapho. Ilizwe lalethwa ngaphansi kombuso wabo, 2 kodwa kwakulokhu kulezizwana zako-Israyeli eziyisikhombisa ezazingakemukeli ilifa lazo.

3 Ngakho uJoshuwa wathi kwabako-Israyeli, “Lizakuma okwesikhathi esingakanani lingakathathi ilizwe uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu alinike lona na? 4 Khethani amadoda amathathu esizweni sinye ngasinye. Ngizawathuma ukuthi ayehlola ilizwe abeseloba ngesimo salo, kusiya ngelifa lesizwana ngasinye. Azaphenduka kimi. 5 Lizakwaba umhlaba ube yizigaba eziyisikhombisa. UJuda uzaqhubeka eselizweni lakhe eningizimu njalo indlu kaJosefa iselizweni layo enyakatho. 6 Ngemva kokuba selibhale izimo zezigaba eziyisikhombisa zelizwe, lizilethe kimi lapha njalo ngizalenzela inkatho phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. 7 Kodwa abaLevi kabayikuzuza lutho phakathi kwenu, ngoba umsebenzi wobuphristi kuThixo yilifa labo. Njalo uGadi, uRubheni lengxenye yesizwe sikaManase sebathola ilifa labo eceleni elingasempumalanga yeJodani. UMosi inceku kaThixo wabanika lona.”

8 Kwathi amadoda engena indlela esiyahlola umhlaba, uJoshuwa wawalaya wathi, “Hambani liyehlola umhlaba beselibhala isimo sawo. Emva kwalokho beseliphenduka kimi, khona ngizalenzela inkatho lapha eShilo phambi kukaThixo.” 9 Ngakho amadoda asuka adabula phakathi kwelizwe. Abhala isimo salo emqulwini, idolobho ngedolobho, ezigabeni eziyisikhombisa, asephindela kuJoshuwa esihonqweni seShilo.

10 UJoshuwa wawenzela inkatho eShilo phambi kukaThixo, njalo lapho wabela ilizwe kwabako-Israyeli kusiya ngokwehlukaniswa kwezizwana zabo.

Isabelo SikaBhenjamini

11 Inkatho yakuqala yawela esizwaneni sakoBhenjamini ngensendo zaso. Ilizwe labo elabiwayo laliphakathi kwezizwana zakoJuda loJosefa:

12 Eceleni elisenyakatho umngcele wabo wawuqalisela kuJodani, usedlula emthezukweni wangenyakatho yeJerikho usiya entshonalanga elizweni elilamaqaqa, uthutshela enkangala yeBhethi-Aveni. 13 Usuka lapho wawuchaphela emthezukweni weningizimu weLuzi (okutsho iBhetheli) usehlela e-Atharothi-Ada eqaqeni eliseningizimu ngaphansi kweBhethi-Horoni.

14 Usuka eqaqeni elikhangelane leBhethi-Horoni eningizimu ulandela icele elisentshonalanga wasuthutshela eKhiriyathi-Bhali (okutsho iKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi) idolobho labantu bakoJuda. Leli kwakulicele elisentshonalanga.

15 Icele leningizimu laliqalisela emaphethelweni asentshonalanga kweKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi, njalo umngcele waba semthonjeni wamanzi eNefuthowa. 16 Umngcele wehla waya ewatheni lentaba ekhangelane leSigodi seBheni-Hinomu, enyakatho yeSigodi seRefayi. Waqhubeka usehla eSigodini seHinomu ulandela umthezuko wedolobho lamaJebusi usiya e-Eni Rogeli. 17 Wasubhoda usiya enyakatho, waya e-Eni Shemeshi, waqhubeka usiya eGelilothi ekhangele uMkhandlu we-Adumimu, wehla phansi usiya elitsheni likaBhohani indodana kaRubheni. 18 Waqhubeka ukhangele enyakatho, emthezukweni weBhethi Arabha usehla ungena e-Arabha. 19 Wasusiya emthezukweni ongasenyakatho eBhethi-Hogla wasuphumela ewatheni elingenyakatho koLwandle lweTswayi lapho okuthela khona iJodani eningizimu. Lo kwakungumngcele oseningizimu.

20 IJodani yenza umngcele eceleni langempumalanga.

Le kwakuyimingcele eyayiphawula ilifa lensendo zikaBhenjamini emaceleni wonke.

21 Isizwana sikaBhenjamini, usendo ngosendo sasilamadolobho alandelayo:

IJerikho, iBhethi-Hogla, i-Emeki Khezizi, 22 iBhethi-Arabha, iZemarayimu, iBhetheli, 23 i-Avimu, iPhara, i-Ofira, 24 iKhefa-Amoni, i-Ofini leGebha, amadolobho alitshumi lambili kanye lemizana yawo.

25 IGibhiyoni, iRama, iBherothi, 26 iMizipha, iKhefira, iMoza, 27 iRekhemu, i-Iphiyeli, iTharala, 28 iZela, iHayelefi, idolobho lamaJebusi (okuyikuthi iJerusalema), iGibhiya leKhiriyathi, amadolobho alitshumi lane kanye lemizana yawo.

Leli kwakuyilifa likaBhenjamini lensendo zakhe.

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Isabelo SikaSimiyoni

1 Inkatho yesibili yawela esizwaneni sikaSimiyoni ngensendo zaso. Ilifa labo laliphakathi kwelizwe likaJuda. 2 Laligoqela:

iBherishebha (noma Shebha), iMolada, 3 iHazari-Shuwali, iBhala, i-Ezema, 4 i-Elitholadi, iBhethuli, iHoma, 5 iZikhilagi, iBhethi-Makhabhothi, iHazari-Susa, 6 iBhethi-Lebhawothi leSharuheni, amadolobho alitshumi lantathu lemizana yawo;

7 i-Ayini, iRimoni, i-Etheri le-Ashani, amadolobho amane lemizana yawo, 8 layo yonke imizana eyakhelene lalawo madolobho kusiyafika eBhalathi-Bheri (iRama eseNegebi).

Leli kwakuyilifa lesizwana sikaSimiyoni ngensendo zaso. 9 Ilifa labakoSimiyoni lathathwa kungxenye kaJuda ngenxa yokuthi isigaba sakoJuda sasisikhulu kakhulu. Ngakho abakoSimiyoni bathola ilifa labo phakathi kwelizwe lakoJuda.

Isabelo SikaZebhuluni

10 Inkatho yesithathu yawela uZebhuluni lensendo zakhe:

Umngcele welifa labo wawufika eSaridi. 11 Waqonda entshonalanga wadabula usiya eMarala, wathinta iDabheshethi, waqhela usiya odongeni eduze leJokhiniyamu. 12 Wajikela empumalanga usuka eSaridi ukhangele empumalanga elizweni likaKhisilothi-Thabhori njalo waqhela usiya eDabherathi ukhwela usiya eJafiya. 13 Waqhubeka ukhangele empumalanga usiya eGathi-Heferi le-Ethi Khazini; wathutshela eRimoni wasujikela eNeya. 14 Lapho umngcele wabhoda enyakatho usiya eHanathoni wakhawula eSigodini se-Ifitha Eli.

15 Kwakukhona njalo iKhathathi, iNahalali, iShimroni, i-Idala leBhethilehema. Kwakulamadolobho alitshumi lambili lemizana yawo.

16 Amadolobho la lemizana yawo ayeyilifa likaZebhuluni lensendo.

Isabelo Sika-Isakhari

17 Inkatho yesine yawela u-Isakhari ngensendo zakhe. 18 Ilizwe labo laligoqela:

iJezerili, iKhesulothi, iShunemi, 19 iHafarayimi, iShiyoni, i-Anaharathi, 20 iRabhithi, iKhishiyoni, i-Ebhezi 21 iRemethi, i-Eni-Ganimu, i-Eni-Hada leBhethi-Phazezi.

22 Umngcele wawugudla iThabhori, iShahazuma leBhethi-Shemeshi wasukhawula eJodani.

Kwakulamadolobho alitshumi lesithupha lemizana yawo.

23 Amadolobho la lemizi yawo kwakuyilifa lesizwana sika-Isakhari lensendo zakhe.

Isabelo Sika-Asheri

24 Inkatho yesihlanu yawela esizwaneni sika-Asheri ngensendo zakhe. 25 Ilizwe labo laligoqela:

iHelikhathi, iHali, iBhetheni, i-Akhishafi, 26 i-Alameleki, i-Amadi leMishali. Entshonalanga umngcele wagudla iKhameli leShihori-Libhinathi. 27 Wajikela empumalanga ukhangele eBhethi-Dagoni, ugudla iZebhuluni leSigodi se-Ifitha Eli, waqonda enyakatho usiya eBhethi-Emekhi leNeyiyeli, usedlula eKhabhuli kwesenxele. 28 Waya e-Abhidoni, eRehobhi, eHamoni leKhana usiyafika eSidoni enkulu. 29 Umngcele waphinda wajika ukhangele eRama wasusiya edolobheni eliyinqaba eleThire, wajika ukhangele iHosa wathutshela olwandle olusesabelweni se-Akhizibhi, 30 i-Uma, i-Afekhi leRehobhi.

Kwakulamadolobho angamatshumi amabili lambili lemizana yawo.

31 Amadolobho la lemizana yawo ayeyilifa lesizwana sika-Asheri lensendo zakhe.

Isabelo SikaNafithali

32 Inkatho yesithupha yawela uNafithali ngensendo zakhe:

33 Umgcele wasuka eHelefi kanye lesihlahla somʼOkhi eZananimi usedlula e-Adami Nekhebi leJabhiniyeli usiya eLakhumi njalo uphelela eJodani. 34 Umngcele wadabula entshonalanga phakathi kwe-Azinothi-Thabhori wayaphuma ususeHukhokhi. Wagudla iZebhuluni eningizimu, i-Asheri entshonalanga kweJuda usiya empumalanga yeJodani.

35 Amadolobho ayelezinqaba yiZidimu, iZeri, iHamathi, iRakhathi, iKhinerethi, 36 i-Adama, iRama, iHazori, 37 iKhedeshi, i-Edreyi, i-Eni-Hazo, 38 iYironi, iMigidali-Eli, iHoremu, iBhethi-Anathi leBhethi-Shemeshi.

Kwakulamadolobho alitshumi lesificamunwemunye lemizana yawo.

39 Amadolobho la lemizana yawo kwakuyilifa lesizwana sikaNafithali ngensendo zakhe.

Isabelo SikaDani

40 Inkatho yesikhombisa yawela isizwana sikaDani ngensendo zakhe. 41 Ilizwe lelifa labo laligoqela:

iZora, i-Eshithawoli, i-Iri Shemeshi, 42 iShayalabhini, i-Ayijaloni, i-Ithila, 43 i-Eloni, iThimina, i-Ekroni, 44 i-Elithekhe, iGibhethoni, iBhalathi, 45 iJehudi, iBhene-Bherakhi, iGathi-Rimoni, 46 iMe-Jarikhoni leRakhoni lendawo ekhangele iJopha.

47 (Kwathi abakoDani sebenqotshiwe bathathelwa ilizwe labo, basuka bayahlasela iLeshemu ngenkemba, bayithumba. Bahlala eLeshemu bayibiza ngokuthi yiDani, ibizo likakhokho wabo.)

48 Amadolobho la lemizana yawo ayeyilifa lesizwe sikaDani ngensendo zakhe.

Isabelo SikaJoshuwa

49 Bathi sebeqede ukwabelana umhlaba ngendlela eyayiphawulwe yinkatho, abako-Israyeli banika uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni ilifa phakathi kwabo, 50 njengokulaya kukaThixo. Bamnika idolobho ayelicelile, iThimnathi-Sera elizweni lamaqaqa ko-Efrayimi. Wakha idolobho wahlala khona.

51 La yiwo amazwe u-Eliyazari umphristi, uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni labakhokheli bonke lensendo zezizwana zako-Israyeli abazehlukanisela wona ngenkatho eShilo phambi kukaThixo entubeni yethente lokuhlangana. Ngakho-ke baqeda ukwaba umhlaba.

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Amadolobho Okuphephela

1  UThixo wasesithi kuJoshuwa: 2 “Tshela abako-Israyeli ukuthi baphawule amadolobho okuphephela njengokulilaya engakwenza ngoMosi, 3 ukuze wonke umuntu obulala omunye ngengozi hatshi ngabomo abalekele kulo ukuze aphephe esandleni somphindiseli wegazi. 4 Lapho ebalekela kwelinye lala amadolobho, kumele eme esangweni ledolobho abesesitsho ukuthi ukhala ngani ebadaleni balelodolobho. Abadala sebezamamukela-ke edolobheni labo besebemnika indawo yokuhlala phakathi kwabo. 5 Nxa umphindiseli wegazi emlandela, akumelanga bamnikele lowo owetheswa umlandu ngoba kambulalanga ngabomo kumbe ngenhliziyo embi. 6 Usezahlala kulelodolobho kuze kufike isikhathi sokuthonisiswa phambi kwebandla njalo kuze kufe umphristi omkhulu oyabe ephethe umsebenzi ngalesosikhathi. Lapho usengabuyela ngakibo, edolobheni abaleka kulo.”

7 Ngakho behlukanisa iKhedeshi eseGalile elizweni lamaqaqa koNafithali, iShekhemu elizweni lamaqaqa ko-Efrayimi leKhiriyathi Aribha (okutsho iHebhroni) elizweni lamaqaqa koJuda. 8 Empumalanga yeJodani leJerikho baphawula iBhezeri enkangala esemagcekeni esizwaneni sikaRubheni, iRamothi eseGiliyadi esizwaneni sikaGadi, leGolani eseBhashani esizwaneni sikaManase. 9 Iloba ngubani owako-Israyeli kumbe omunye owezizweni ohlala phakathi kwabo owabulala omunye umuntu ngengozi wayengabalekela emadolobheni aqanjiweyo, aphephe ekubulaweni ngumphindiseli wegazi engakamiswa phambi kwebandla ukuba athonisiswe.

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Amadolobho AbaLevi

1 Abakhokheli bezimuli zabaLevi balanda u-Eliyazari umphristi, uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, labakhokheli bezinye izimuli ezizwaneni zako-Israyeli 2 eShilo eseKhenani bathi kubo, “UThixo walaya ngoMosi wathi lisinike amadolobho okuhlala, alamadlelo ezifuyo zethu.”

3 Ngakho njengoba uThixo wayelayile, abako-Israyeli banika abaLevi amadolobho alandelayo lamadlelo kuvela elifeni labo:

4 Inkatho yakuqala yawela amaKhohathi ngensendo zawo. AbaLevi ababeyizizukulwane zika-Aroni umphristi babelwa amadolobho alitshumi lantathu ezizwaneni zakoJuda, ezakoSimiyoni lezakoBhenjamini.

5 Izizukulwane zonke zikaKhohathi zabelwa amadolobho alitshumi kuzinsendo zezizwana zako-Efrayimi, ezakoDani lengxenye yakoManase.

6 Izizukulwane zikaGeshoni zabelwa amadolobho alitshumi lantathu kuzinsendo zezizwana zako-Isakhari, ezako-Asheri, ezakoNafithali lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase eBhashani.

7 Izizukulwane zikaMerari ngensendo zazo zathola amadolobho alitshumi lambili ezizwaneni zakoRubheni, ezakoGadi lezakoZebhuluni.

8 Ngakho abako-Israyeli babela abaLevi amadolobho la lamadlelo awo, njengokulaya kukaThixo ngoMosi.

9 Ezizwaneni zakoJuda lezakoSimiyoni amadolobho abiwayo nanka ngamabizo awo 10 Amadolobho la anikwa izizukulwane zika-Aroni ezazivela kuzinsendo zamaKhohathi phakathi kwabaLevi ngoba inkatho yakuqala yawela kuzo:

11 Bazinika iKhiriyathi Aribha (okutsho iHebhroni) emadlelweni akulowomango elizweni lamaqaqa koJuda (u-Abha wayengukhokho ka-Anakhi). 12 Kodwa amasimu lemizana okwakuseduzane ledolobho babekunike uKhalebi indodana kaJefune ukuba kube ngokwakhe. 13 Ngakho izizukulwane zika-Aroni umphristi bazinika iHebhroni (idolobho lokuphephela kwalabo abalamacala okubulala), iLibhina, 14 iJathiri, i-Eshithemowa 15 iHoloni, iDebhiri, 16 i-Ayini, iJutha leBhethi-Shemeshi, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho ayisificamunwemunye esuka ezizwaneni lezi zombili.

17 Esizweni sakoBhenjamini bazinika

iGibhiyoni, iGebha, 18 i-Anathothi le-Alimoni, ndawonye lamadlelo awo kwaba ngamadolobho amane.

19 Wonke amadolobho abaphristi, izizukulwane zika-Aroni, ayelitshumi lantathu ndawonye lamadlelo awo.

20 Ezinye zonke insendo zikaKhohathi phakathi kwabaLevi zabelwa amadolobho esizwaneni sako-Efrayimi.

21 Elizweni elilamaqaqa ko-Efrayimi zanikwa

iShekhemu (idolobho lokuphephela kwalabo abalamacala okubulala) leGezeri, 22 iKhibhizayimi leBhethi-Horoni, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, kwaba ngamadolobho amane.

23 Esizwaneni sakoDani zathola,

i-Elithekhe, iGibhethoni, 24 i-Ayijaloni leGathi-Rimoni, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, kwaba ngamadolobho amane.

25 Kungxenye yesizwe sakoManase zathola

iThanakhi leGathi-Rimoni, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, kwakungamadolobho amabili.

26 Wonke la amadolobho alitshumi lamadlelo awo anikwa kuzozonke insendo zamaKhohathi.

27 Insendo zamaLevi ezeGeshoni zanikwa:

kungxenye yesizwana sakoManase,

iGolani eseBhashani (idolobho lokuphephela kwalabo abalamacala okubulala) leBheshithera, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho amabili;

28 esizwaneni sika-Isakhari,

iKhishiyoni, iDabherathi, 29 iJamuthi le-Eni-Ganimu, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho amane;

30 esizwaneni sika-Asheri,

iMishali, i-Abhidoni, 31 iHelikhathi leRehobhi, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho amane;

32 kusukela esizwaneni sakoNafithali,

iKhedeshi eseGalile (idolobho lokuphephela kwalabo abalamacala okubulala), iHamothi-Dori leKhathani, ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho amathathu.

33 Wonke amadolobho ensendo zamaGeshoni ayelitshumi lantathu, ndawonye lamadlelo awo.

34 Insendo zamaMerari (okutsho bonke abaLevi) zanikwa kanje

esizwaneni sikaZebhuluni,

iJokhiniyamu, iKhatha, 35 iDimina leNahalali ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho amane.

36 Esizwaneni sakoRubheni,

iBhezeri, iJahazi, 37 iKhedemothi leMefahathi ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho amane.

38 Esizwaneni sakoGadi,

iRamothi eseGiliyadi (idolobho lokuphephela kwalabo abalamacala okubulala), iMahanayimi, 39 iHeshibhoni leJazeri ndawonye lamadlelo awo, amadolobho amane esewonke.

40 Wonke amadolobho abelwa insendo zamaMerari, eyingxenye yonke eseleyo yabaLevi, ayelitshumi lambili.

41 Amadolobho abaLevi elizweni eliphansi kwabako-Israyeli ayengamatshumi amane lasificaminwembili mibili esewonke ndawonye lamadlelo awo. 42 Linye ngalinye lamadolobho la lalilamadlelo aligombolozeleyo. Konke kwakunjalo ngawo wonke la amadolobho.

43 Ngakho uThixo wanika abako-Israyeli wonke umhlaba ayefunge ukuwunika okhokho babo, bawuthatha bakha khonapho. 44  UThixo wabapha ukuphumula enhlangothini zonke, njengokufunga ayekwenze kubokhokho babo. Akulasitha lesisodwa esenelisa ukumelana labo; uThixo wanikela zonke izitha zabo kubo. 45 Asikho lesisodwa sazo zonke izithembiso ezinhle zikaThixo endlini ka-Israyeli esingagcwalisekanga; zonke zagcwaliseka.

22

Izizwana ZeMpumalanga Ziphindela Ekhaya

1 UJoshuwa wamema abakoRubheni, abakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sikaManase 2 wathi kubo, “Selenze konke uMosi inceku kaThixo eyakulayayo, njalo lingilalele kukho konke engililaye ngakho. 3 Okwesikhathi eside khathesi, kuze kube lamuhla, kalizange lihlamukele abafowenu kodwa lenze umsebenzi lowo uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinike wona. 4 Njengoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu wanika abafowenu ukuphumula njengokuthembisa kwakhe, buyelani emakhaya enu elizweni uMosi inceku kaThixo alinika lona ngaphetsheya kweJodani. 5 Kodwa linanzelele kakhulu ukuthi lilondoloza umlayo lomthetho uMosi inceku kaThixo alinika wona: Ukuthanda uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuhamba ezindleleni zakhe zonke, ukulalela imilayo yakhe, ukubambelela kuye lokumsebenzela ngenhliziyo yenu yonke lomphefumulo wenu wonke.”

6 UJoshuwa wasebabusisa wathi kabahambe; yikho basebesiya emizini yabo. 7 Ingxenye yesizwana sakoManase uMosi wayeyinike ilizwe eBhashani, kwathi eyinye ingxenye yesizwana uJoshuwa wayeyinike indawo lapho okwakwakhele abafowabo eJodani. Kwathi uJoshuwa esethe kabahambe emakhaya, wababusisa 8 wathi, “Buyelani emakhaya enu lenotho yenu enengi, lilemihlambi emikhulu yezifuyo, lilesiliva, igolide ithusi lensimbi, lamalembu amanengi, beselisabelana labafowenu lokho elakuthumba ezitheni zenu.”

9 Ngakho abakoRubheni, abakoGadi lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase batshiya abako-Israyeli eShilo eseKhenani babuyela eGiliyadi, ilizwe labo, ababelizuze kulandela umlayo kaThixo awethula ngoMosi.

10 Bathi sebefike eGelithothi eduzane leJodani elizweni leKhenani, abakoRubheni, abakoGadi lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase bakha i-alithari elikhulu eduzane leJodani. 11 Kwathi abako-Israyeli sebezwe ukuthi sebakhe i-alithari emngceleni weKhenani eGelithothi duzane leJodani eceleni lako-Israyeli, 12 umphakathi wonke wako-Israyeli wabuthana eShilo ukulungiselela ukulwa labo empini.

13 Ngakho abako-Israyeli bathuma uFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari, umphristi elizweni leGiliyadi kuRubheni, uGadi lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase. 14 Waphelekezelwa zinduna ezilitshumi, inye ngayinye ivela phakathi kwezizwe zonke zako-Israyeli njalo iyinhloko yesigaba semuli yensendo zako-Israyeli.

15 Ekuyeni kwabo eGiliyadi, kuRubheni loGadi lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase bathi kubo: 16 “Umphakathi wonke kaThixo uthi: ‘Kungani lisuke langathembeki kuNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli ngale indlela? Kungani lilahle uNkulunkulu lizakhela i-alithari njengokumhlamukela khathesi. 17 Kambe ukona kukaPheyori kakwanelanga kithi na? Kuze kube lamhla kasikazihlambululi esonweni leso, lanxa umkhuhlane wake wahlasela isizwe sikaThixo! 18 Selibalekela uThixo na?

Nxa lingahlamukela uThixo lamhla, kusasa uzazondela isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli: 19 Nxa umhlaba elilawo ungcolisiwe wozani emhlabeni kaThixo lapho ithabanikeli likaThixo elimi khona beselisabelana umhlaba lathi. Kodwa lingahlamukeli uThixo kumbe thina ngokuzakhela i-alithari lenu, ngaphandle kwe-alithari likaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. 20 Lapho u-Akhani indodana kaZera aze angathembeki ezintweni ezingcwelisiweyo, isijeziso kasehlelanga isizwe sonke sako-Israyeli yini? Kayisuye yedwa owafela isono sakhe.’ ”

21 Ngakho uRubheni, uGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase baphendula abakhokheli bezinsendo zako-Israyeli bathi: 22 “USomandla, uNkulunkulu uThixo! USomandla uNkulunkulu uThixo! Uyazi! Njalo u-Israyeli kabe lolwazi! Nxa lokhu bekuyikuhlamukela kumbe ukuqholozela uThixo, lingasisindisi lamhlanje. 23 Nxa sazakhela i-alithari lethu ukwenzela ukubalekela uThixo lokunikela ngeminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yamabele, kumbe ukunikela ngeminikelo yokuthula kulo, uThixo ngokwakhe kasijezise.

24 Hatshi! Sakwenza sisesaba ukuthi kwelinye ilanga izizukulwane zenu zingathi kwezethu, ‘Lilani loThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli? 25  UThixo sewenza iJodani ibe ngumngcele phakathi kwethu lani lina maRubheni lamaGadi! Kalilasabelo kuThixo.’ Ngakho izizukulwane zenu zingenza ukuthi ezethu ziyekele ukwesaba uThixo.

26 Yikho sathi, ‘Kasilungiseni sakhe i-alithari, kodwa hatshi eleminikelo yokutshiswa kumbe imihlatshelo.’ 27 Ngeyinye indlela, kuzakuba yibufakazi phakathi kwethu lani lezizukulwane ezizalandela, ukuthi sizekhonza uThixo endlini yakhe engcwele ngeminikelo yokutshiswa, iminikelo yethu kanye leyokuthula. Ngakho kwelakusasa izizukulwane zenu kazisoze zithi kwezethu, ‘Kalilasabelo kuThixo.’

28 Njalo sathi, ‘Bangavele batsho lokhu kithi kumbe kuzizukulwane zethu, sizaphendula sithi: Khangelani emfanekisweni we-alithari likaThixo, elakhiwa ngobaba, hatshi eleminikelo yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo, kodwa njengobufakazi phakathi kwethu lani.’

29 Kukhatshana kithi ukuthi sihlamukele uThixo simfulathele lamhla ngokwakha i-alithari leminikelo yokutshiswa, iminikelo yamabele lemihlatshelo, ngaphandle kwe-alithari likaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu elimi phambi kwethabanikeli lakhe.”

30 Kwathi uFinehasi umphristi labakhokheli besizwe, abakhokheli bezinsendo zako-Israyeli, sebezwe okwakutshiwo nguRubheni, uGadi loManase bathokoza. 31 UFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari, umphristi, wathi kuRubheni, uGadi loManase, “Lamhla siyazi ukuthi uThixo ulathi, ngenxa yokuthi kalizange liyekele ukwethembeka phambi kukaThixo kuloludaba. Khathesi selihlenge abako-Israyeli esandleni sikaThixo.”

32 UFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari, umphristi, labakhokheli babuyela eKhenani bevela emhlanganweni wabo labakoRubheni labakoGadi eGiliyadi basebebika kwabako-Israyeli. 33 Bathokoza ukuzwa umbiko basebedumisa uNkulunkulu. Kabasakhulumanga njalo ngokuya empini yokubalwisa ukwenzela ukutshabalalisa ilizwe lapho abakoRubheni labakoGadi ababehlala khona.

34 Njalo abakoRubheni labakoGadi banika i-alithari lelibizo: UBufakazi Phakathi Kwethu ukuthi uThixo unguNkulunkulu.

23

UJoshuwa Uvalelisa Abakhokheli

1 Ngemva kwesikhathi eside njalo uThixo esephumuze abako-Israyeli kuzozonke izitha zabo ezazibagombolozele, uJoshuwa ngalesosikhathi esekhulile eseleminyaka eminengi, 2 wabiza bonke abako-Israyeli, abadala babo, abakhokheli babo, abahluleli babo leziphathamandla zabo wathi kubo: “Sengimdala njalo sengiluphele kakhulu. 3 Lina ngokwenu selikubonile konke lokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu akwenzileyo kuzozonke lezi izizwe esenzela lina; nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu owalilwelayo. 4 Khumbulani ukuthi ngalabela njani ukuba kube yilifa lenu lezizwana zenu wonke umhlaba wezizwe ezasalayo, izizwe engazinqobayo, phakathi kweJodani loLwandle Olukhulu entshonalanga. 5  UThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ngokwakhe uzabaxotsha endleleni yenu. Uzabasusa lina lingakafiki, njalo lina lizathatha umhlaba wabo, njengokuthembisa kukaThixo uNkulunkulu.

6 Qinani kakhulu; linanzelele ukuthi lilalela konke okulotshwe eGwalweni lwemiThetho kaMosi, lingaphambukelanga kwesokudla kumbe esenxele. 7 Lingaze lazisondeza ezizweni lezi eziphakathi kwenu; lingaze labiza amagama abonkulunkulu bazo kumbe lifunge ngabo. Akumelanga ukuthi libasebenzele lokubakhothamela. 8 Kodwa kumele libambelele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njengalokhu eselikwenze kwaze kwaba khathesi.

9  UThixo usezixotshile phambi kwenu izizwe ezilamandla; kuze kube lamhla kakho owenelisa ukumelana lani. 10 Oyedwa wenu uyenelisa ukwehlula abantu abayinkulungwane eyodwa ngenxa yokuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uyalilwela njengokuthembisa kwakhe. 11 Ngakho-ke nanzelelani ukuthi liyamthanda uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

12 Kodwa lingabaleka beselisiba lobungane lalabo abasindileyo phakathi kwezizwe lezi ezizasala phakathi kwenu njalo lingavumelana lokuthathana lokudlelana lazo, 13 lapho lingaba leqiniso lokuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu kasoze azixotshe izizwe phambi kwenu. Kodwa-ke zizakuba yimijibila lezithiyo kini, zizakuba yiziswebhu emihlane yenu lameva emehlweni enu, lize libhujiswe elizweni leli elihle uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu alinika lona.

14 Khathesi sengizahamba ngendlela yomhlaba wonke. Liyazi ngezinhliziyo zenu lemiphefumulo ukuthi kasikho isithembiso lasinye esihle phakathi kwalezo elazinikwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu esehlulekayo. Zonke izithembiso sezagcwaliswa; kasikho lesisodwa esehlulekayo. 15 Kodwa njengoba zonke izithembiso ezinhle zikaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu seziphumelele, kunjalo uThixo uzalilethela bonke ububi alethusela ngabo, aze alibhubhise elizweni leli elihle alinike lona. 16 Lingephula isivumelwano sikaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, owalilayayo ngaso liyokhonza abanye onkulunkulu libakhothamele, ulaka lukaThixo luzavutha kini, njalo lizabhubha ngokuphangisa elizweni elihle alinike lona.”

24

Ukuvuselelwa Kwesivumelwano EShekhemu

1 Ngakho uJoshuwa wabuthanisa zonke izizwana zako-Israyeli eShekhemu. Wamema bonke abadala, abakhokheli, abahluleli leziphathamandla zako-Israyeli, njalo bazethula phambi kukaNkulunkulu.

2 UJoshuwa wathi ebantwini bonke, “UThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Kudala okhokho benu, okugoqela uThera uyise ka-Abhrahama loNahori, babehlala ngaphetsheya koMfula njalo bekhonza abanye onkulunkulu. 3 Kodwa ngathatha uyihlo u-Abhrahama elizweni elingaphetsheya koMfula ngamkhokhelela eKhenani ngamnika izizukulwane ezinengi. Ngamnika u-Isaka, 4 njalo u-Isaka ngamnika uJakhobe lo-Esawu. Nganika ilizwe lonke elilamaqaqa eleSeyiri ku-Esawu, kodwa uJakhobe lamadodana akhe baya eGibhithe.

5 Ngasengithuma uMosi lo-Aroni, njalo ngajezisa amaGibhithe ngalokho engakwenza khonale ngasengilikhupha khona. 6 Ekukhupheni kwami okhokho benu eGibhithe, beza olwandle njalo amaGibhithe axotshana labo ngezinqola lamabhiza baze bayafika eLwandle Olubomvu. 7 Kodwa bakhala kuThixo befuna uncedo yena waseletha umnyama phakathi kwenu lamaGibhithe; waletha ulwandle phezu kwabo wabembesa ngalo. Lazibonela ngamehlo enu lokho engakwenza kumaGibhithe. Laselihlala enkangala okwesikhathi eside.

8 Ngaliletha elizweni lama-Amori ayehlala empumalanga yeJodani. Balwisana lani, kodwa mina ngabanikela ezandleni zenu. Ngababhubhisa phambi kwenu njalo laselithatha ilizwe labo. 9 Lapho uBhalaki indodana kaZiphori inkosi yaseMowabi, alungiselela ukulwisana lo-Israyeli, wathumela uBhalamu indodana kaBheyori ukuthi aliqalekise. 10 Kodwa ngala ukulalela uBhalamu, ngakho walibusisa njalonjalo mina ngasengilihlenga esandleni sakhe.

11 Laselichapha uJodani leza eJerikho. Izakhamizi zeJerikho zalwisana lani njengalokho okwenziwa ngama-Amori, amaPherizi, amaKhenani, amaHithi, amaGigashi, amaHivi lamaJebusi, kodwa ngabanikela ezandleni zenu. 12 Ngathumela olonyovu phambi kwenu, olwabaxotsha phambi kwenu kanye lamakhosi amabili ama-Amori. Kalizange likwenze ngenkemba yenu langedandili lenu. 13 Ngakho ngalinika ilizwe elingazanga liliginqele lamadolobho elingazange liwakhe; njalo lihlala phakathi kwawo njalo lisidla ezivinini zama-oliva elingazihlanyelanga.’

14 Ngakho mesabeni uThixo limkhonze ngokuthembeka konke. Lahlani onkulunkulu ababekhonzwa ngokhokho benu ngaphetsheya koMfula laseGibhithe, likhonze uThixo. 15 Kodwa nxa ukukhonza uThixo kukhanya kungathandeki kini, khethani phakathi kwenu namhlanje lowo elizamkhonza, kumbe ngonkulunkulu okhokho benu ababebakhonza ngaphetsheya koMfula kumbe onkulunkulu bama-Amori, lawo elihlala elizweni lawo. Kodwa mina lendlu yami sizakhonza uThixo.”

16 Abantu basebephendula besithi, “Akube khatshana lathi ukuthi silahle uThixo ukuze sikhonze abanye onkulunkulu! 17  KwakunguThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ngokwakhe owasikhuphayo thina kanye labobaba eGibhithe sisuka elizweni lobugqili, wasesenza izimanga ezinkulu emehlweni ethu. Wasivikela kulolonke uhambo lwethu lakuzo zonke izizwe. 18 Njalo uThixo wazixotsha phambi kwethu zonke izizwe, okugoqela ama-Amori ayehlala elizweni. Lathi sizamkhonza uThixo ngoba unguNkulunkulu wethu.”

19 UJoshuwa wathi ebantwini, “Kalenelisi ukumkhonza uThixo. UnguNkulunkulu ongcwele; unguNkulunkulu olobukhwele. Kasoze alixolele ekuhlamukeni kwenu lezonweni zenu. 20 Nxa lingatshiya uThixo beselikhonza abanye onkulunkulu bezizweni uzaliphendukela alehlisele umonakalo aliqede du, yena ubelungile.”

21 Kodwa abantu bathi kuJoshuwa, “Hatshi! Sizamkhonza uThixo.”

22 UJoshuwa wathi, “Yini elizifakazelayo ukuthi selikhethe ukukhonza uThixo.

” Baphendula bathi, “Yebo singofakazi.”

23 UJoshuwa wathi kubo, “Ngakho-ke lahlani bonke onkulunkulu bezizweni abaphakathi kwenu beselinikela inhliziyo zenu kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli.”

24 Abantu bathi kuJoshuwa, “Sizamkhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu simlalele.”

25 Ngalelolanga uJoshuwa wenzela abantu isivumelwano, njalo wabenzela imithetho lemilayo khonapho eShekhemu. 26 UJoshuwa waloba konke lokhu oGwalweni lwemiThetho kaNkulunkulu. Wasethatha ilitshe elikhulu walimisa phansi kwesihlahla somʼOkhi eduzane lendawo engcwele kaThixo.

27 Wathi ebantwini bonke, “Khangelani! Ilitshe leli lizakuba yibufakazi kithi sonke. Selizwile wonke amazwi akhulunywe nguThixo kithi. Lizakuba ngofakazi wokulilahla nxa lingakhulumi iqiniso kuNkulunkulu.”

28 UJoshuwa wasetshela abantu ukuba bahambe, yilowo esiya elifeni lakhe.

Ungcwatshelwa Elizweni Lesithembiso

29 Ngemva kwezinto lezi, uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, inceku kaThixo wafa eseleminyaka elikhulu letshumi. 30 Njalo bamngcwaba elizweni alizuza njengelifa, eThimnathi-Sera elizweni elilamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi enyakatho yentaba yeGashi.

31 Abako-Israyeli bamkhonza uThixo ngezinsuku zokuphila kukaJoshuwa labadala kulaye ababesele bephila njalo bebone zonke izinto uThixo ayezenzele abako-Israyeli.

32 Njalo amathambo kaJosefa, abako-Israyeli ababesuke lawo eGibhithe, angcwatshelwa eShekhemu esiqintini somhlaba leso uJakhobe asithenga ngenhlamvu ezilikhulu zesiliva emadodaneni kaHamori, uyise kaShekhemu. Leli laba yilifa lezizukulwane zikaJosefa.

33 U-Eliyazari indodana ka-Aroni wafa wasengcwatshelwa eGibhiya, eyayabelwe indodana yakhe uFinehasi elizweni lamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi.

* 14:9 14.9 UDutheronomi 1.36

Abahluleli

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Abahluleli

1

U-Israyeli Ulwa Lensalela YamaKhenani

1 Emva kokufa kukaJoshuwa, abako-Israyeli babuza uThixo bathi, “Pho ngubani ozahamba kuqala ukuba ayesilwela lamaKhenani na?”

2  UThixo waphendula wathi, “NguJuda ozahamba; ilizwe sengilinikele ezandleni zabo.”

3 Lapho-ke abantu bakoJuda bathi kwabakoSimiyoni abafowabo, “Hambani lathi elizweni esalabelwayo, ukuyakulwa lamaKhenani. Lathi sizakwenanisa ngokuhamba lani kwelenu.” Ngakho abakoSimiyoni ahamba labo.

4 Kwathi uJuda esehlasele, uThixo wanikela amaKhenani lamaPherizi ezandleni zabo, wabulala abantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi eBhezekhi. 5 Kukhonapho abafica khona u-Adoni-Bhezekhi balwa laye, baqothula amaKhenani kanye lamaPherizi. 6 U-Adoni-Bhezekhi wabaleka, kodwa baxotshana laye baze bambamba, bamquma izithupha zakhe lamazwane amakhulu.

7 U-Adoni-Bhezekhi wasesithi, “Amakhosi angamatshumi ayisikhombisa ayequnywe izithupha zawo lamazwane amakhulu ayedobha imvuthuluka ngaphansi kwetafula yami. Khathesi uNkulunkulu usephindisele kimi ngalokho engakwenza kuwo.” Bamusa eJerusalema lapho afela khona.

8 Abantu bakoJuda bahlasela leJerusalema bayithumba. Bahlasela idolobho ngezinkemba balithungela ngomlilo.

9 Emva kwalokho, abantu bakoJuda bahamba bayakulwa lamaKhenani ayehlala elizweni lezintaba, iNegebi kanye lamawatha ezintaba angasentshonalanga. 10 Baqhubeka bayahlasela amaKhenani ayehlala eHebhroni (kuqala eyayithiwa yiKhiriyathi Aribha) banqoba uSheshayi, u-Ahimani kanye loThalimayi. 11 Besuka lapho baqhubeka bayahlasela abantu ababehlala eDebhiri (kuqala eyayithiwa yiKhiriyathi-Sefa).

12 UKhalebi wathi, “Ngizakwendisela indodakazi yami u-Akhisa endodeni ezahlasela ithumbe iKhiriyathi-Sefa.” 13 U-Othiniyeli, indodana kaKhenazi, umnawakhe kaKhalebi, wayithumba; ngakho uKhalebi wendisela indodakazi yakhe u-Akhisa kuye.

14 Ngelinye ilanga u-Akhisa wafika ku-Othiniyeli wamkhuthaza ukuthi acele insimu kuyise. Lapho esehlile kubabhemi wakhe uKhalebi wambuza wathi, “Kuyini engingakwenzela khona?”

15 Waphendula wathi, “Ngicela ungenzele umusa obalulekileyo. Njengoba unginike umhlaba eNegebi, ngicela unginike lemithombo yamanzi.” Ngakho uKhalebi wamnika imithombo eyayingaphezulu leyayingaphansi.

16 Abayinzalo kayisezala kaMosi, amaKheni, bahamba labantu bakoJuda besuka edolobheni laMalala besiyahlala phakathi kwabantu basenkangala yakoJuda eNegebi eduze le-Aradi.

17 Emva kwalokho abantu bakoJuda bahamba labakoSimiyoni abafowabo bahlasela amaKhenani ayehlala eZefathi, idolobho basebelichitha ngokupheleleyo. Ngakho lathiwa yiHoma. 18 Abantu bakoJuda bathumba njalo iGaza, i-Ashikheloni kanye le-Ekroni, idolobho linye ngalinye kanye lelizwe lalo.

19  UThixo wayelabantu bakoJuda. Bathumba ilizwe lezintaba, kodwa behluleka ukuxotsha abantu ababesemagcekeni ngoba babelezinqola zempi ezenzwe ngensimbi. 20 Njengokuthembisa kukaMosi, iHebhroni yaphiwa uKhalebi, owaxotsha kuyo amadodana amathathu ka-Anakhi. 21 Kodwa abakoBhenjamini behluleka ukususa amaJebusi ayehlala eJerusalema; lalamhlanje amaJebusi ahlala khona labakoBhenjamini.

22 Ngalesosikhathi abendlu kaJosefa bahlasela iBhetheli, njalo uThixo wayelabo. 23 Ekuthumeni kwabo abantu ukuba bayehlola iBhetheli (kuqala idolobho lelo lalithiwa yiLuzi), 24 inhloli zabona umuntu ephuma edolobheni zasezisithi kuye, “Sitshengise ukuthi singangena njani edolobheni, thina-ke sizabona ukuthi uphatheka kuhle.” 25 Ngakho wazitshengisa, zasezihlasela idolobho ngenkemba kodwa umuntu lowo zamyekela kanye labendlu yakhe bonke. 26 Ngakho-ke waya elizweni lamaHithi, lapho akha khona idolobho alibiza ngokuthi yiLuzi, okulokhe kuyilo ibizo lalo lalamhlanje.

27 Kodwa uManase kabaxotshanga abantu baseBhethi-Shani loba eThanakhi kumbe eDori loba e-Ibhiliyami kumbe eMegido kanye lasemizaneni yabo eseduzane, ngoba amaKhenani ayezimisele ukuhlala kulelolizwe. 28 Kwathi abako-Israyeli sebelamandla bawabamba ngamandla amaKhenani ukuba abasebenzele kodwa kabazange bawaxotshe wonke. 29 Labako-Efrayimi kabawaxotshanga amaKhenani ayehlala eGezeri, kodwa amaKhenani aqhubeka ehlala khona labo. 30 LabakoZebhuluni kabawaxotshanga amaKhenani ayehlala eKhithironi kanye laseNahaloli, asala ephakathi kwabo; kodwa bawabamba ngamandla ukuba abasebenzele. 31 Labako-Asheri kababaxotshanga labo ababehlala e-Akho, kumbe eSidoni, kumbe e-Ahilabi loba e-Akhizibhi kumbe eHelibha loba e-Afekhi kumbe eRehobhi, 32 njalo ngenxa yalokhu abantu bako-Asheri bahlala lamaKhenani ayeyakhe elizweni. 33 LabakoNafithali kababaxotshanga labo ababehlala eBhethi-Shemeshi kumbe eBhethi-Anathi; kodwa abakoNafithali labo bahlala lamaKhenani ayeyakhe elizweni, kwathi lawo ayehlala eBhethi-Shemeshi kanye leBhethi-Anathi abanjwa ngamandla ukuba abe yizisebenzi zabo. 34 Ama-Amori ancindezela abakoDani ukuba bahlale elizweni lezintaba, angabavumeli ukuba behlele phansi emagcekeni. 35 Njalo ama-Amori ayezimisele ukuhlala kokuphela eNtabeni iHeresi, le-Ayijaloni kanye leShalibhimi, kodwa kwathi amandla abendlu kaJosefa esemakhulu, lawo abanjwa ngamandla ukuba abe yizisebenzi. 36 Umngcele wama-Amori wawusekela uMkhandlu weNkume usiya eSela kanye langaphetsheya.

2

Ingilosi KaThixo EBhokhimi

1 Ingilosi kaThixo yahamba isuka eGiligali isiya eBhokhimi yathi, “Ngalikhupha eGibhithe ngaliholela elizweni engafunga ukulinika okhokho benu. Ngathi, ‘Angiyikusephula isivumelwano sami lani, 2 njalo kaliyikwenza isivumelwano labantu balelilizwe, kodwa lizabhidliza ama-alithare abo.’ Kodwa lina kalingilalelanga. Likwenzeleni lokhu na? 3 Ngakho khathesi-ke ngiyalitshela ukuthi angiyikubaxotsha phambi kwenu, bazakuba yizifu kini njalo onkulunkulu babo bazakuba yimijibila kini.”

4 Kwathi ingilosi kaThixo isizikhulumile zonke lezizinto kubo bonke abako-Israyeli, abantu bakhala kakhulu, 5 indawo leyo bayibiza ngokuthi yiBhokhimi. Banikela imihlatshelo kuThixo khonapho.

Ukungalaleli Lokwehlulwa

6 Emva kokuba uJoshuwa esebadedele abako-Israyeli, bahamba bayalithatha ilizwe, lowo lalowo endaweni eyilifa lakhe. 7 Abantu bamkhonza uThixo ngezinsuku zokuphila kukaJoshuwa labadala kulaye ababesele bephila njalo beyibonile imisebenzi emikhulu uThixo ayeyenzele abako-Israyeli.

8 UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, inceku kaThixo, wafa eseleminyaka elikhulu letshumi. 9 Bamngcwaba emhlabeni oyilifa lakhe, eThimnathi-Heresi, elizweni lezintaba lako-Efrayimi, enyakatho kwentaba iGashi.

10 Kwathi emva kokuba sonke isizukulwane leso sesiphelile, kwavela esinye isizukulwane esasingamazi uThixo kanye lalokho ayekwenzele abako-Israyeli. 11 Lapho-ke abako-Israyeli benza okubi emehlweni kaThixo, bakhonza uBhali. 12 Bamdela uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyise, owayebakhuphe eGibhithe. Balandela njalo bakhonza onkulunkulu abehlukeneyo babantu ababehlala phakathi kwabo. Bamthukuthelisa uThixo 13 ngoba bamdela bakhonza uBhali labo-Ashithorethi. 14 Ekubathukutheleleni kwakhe uThixo wabanikela ezandleni zababahlaselayo lababaphangayo. Wabanikela ezitheni zabo ezazibahanqile, ababengasenelisi ukumelana lazo. 15 Zonke izikhathi lapho abako-Israyeli bephuma ukuyakulwa, isandla sikaThixo samelana labo ukuba behlulwe, njengokufunga kwakhe kubo. Basebephakathi kohlupho olukhulu.

16 Kulapho-ke uThixo abeka khona abahluleli ababahlengayo ezandleni zabaphangi laba. 17 Belo kababalalelanga abahluleli babo kodwa baqhubeka bekhonza abanye onkulunkulu. Kabenzanga njengabokhokho babo, kodwa bona baphanga baphuma endleleni oyise ababehambe ngayo, indlela yokulalela imilayo kaThixo. 18 Ngasosonke isikhathi lapho uThixo ebabekela khona umahluleli, wayemthungamela umahluleli abahlenge ezandleni zezitha zabo lapho esaphila; ngoba uThixo waba lesihawu kubo lapho bebubula ngaphansi kwalabo ababebancindezele lababebahlukuluza. 19 Kodwa lapho umahluleli esefile, abantu babuyela ezindleleni zokuxhwala okwedlula ezaboyise, belandela abanye onkulunkulu, bebasebenzele njalo bebakhonza, besala ukudela izenzo zabo ezimbi lezindlela zobuqholo.

20 Ngakho uThixo wamthukuthelela kakhulu u-Israyeli wathi, “Njengoba isizwe lesi sesephule isivumelwano engasimisela okhokho baso njalo kasingilalelanga, 21 kangisayikuxotsha phambi kwaso iloba yisiphi isizwe phakathi kwezatshiywa nguJoshuwa ekufeni kwakhe. 22 Ngizasebenzisa zona ukuhlola abako-Israyeli ngibone ukuthi bazayigcina yini indlela kaThixo, bahambe kuyo njengokwenziwa ngokhokho babo.” 23  UThixo wayevumele ukuthi lezozizwe zisale; kazixotshanga masinyane ngokuzinikela ezandleni zikaJoshuwa.

3

1 Nanzi izizwe ezatshiywa nguThixo ukuze abahlole bonke abako-Israyeli ababengazibonanga izimpi eKhenani 2 (wenza lokhu ukuba azifundise izizukulwane zako-Israyeli ukulwiwa kwezimpi lezo ezazingazange zikubone ukulwa ngaphambilini): 3 ababusi abahlanu bamaFilistiya, amaKhenani wonke, amaSidoni, lamaHivi ahlala ezintabeni zaseLebhanoni kusukela eNtabeni iBhali-Hemoni kusiya eLebho Hamathi. 4 Babetshiyelwe ukuhlola abako-Israyeli ukuba kubonakale ukuthi bayayilalela na imilayo kaThixo, ayeyinike okhokho babo ngoMosi.

5 Abako-Israyeli babehlala phakathi kwamaKhenani, lamaHithi, lama-Amori, lamaPherizi, lamaHivi kanye lamaJebusi. 6 Bathatha amadodakazi awo aba ngomkabo njalo bendisela amadodakazi abo emadodaneni awo, bakhonza labonkulunkulu bawo.

U-Othiniyeli

7 Abako-Israyeli benza okubi emehlweni kaThixo; bamkhohlwa uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo bakhonza oBhali labo-Ashera. 8 Ulaka lukaThixo lwavuthela abako-Israyeli waze wabanikela ezandleni zikaKhushani-Rishathayimi inkosi yase-Aramu Naharayimu, lapho abantu bako-Israyeli ababangaphansi kombuso wayo iminyaka eyisificaminwembili. 9 Kodwa ekukhaleni kwabo kuThixo, wabalethela umhlengi, u-Othiniyeli indodana kaKhenazi, umnawakhe kaKhalebi, owabakhululayo. 10 Umoya kaThixo wehlela kuye, wasesiba ngumahluleli wako-Israyeli waya empini. UThixo wanikela uKhushani-Rishathayimi inkosi ye-Aramu ezandleni zika-Othiniyeli, wamnqoba. 11 Ngakho ilizwe laba lokuthula iminyaka engamatshumi amane, u-Othiniyeli indodana kaKhenazi waze wafa.

U-Ehudi

12 Abako-Israyeli baphinda benza okubi emehlweni kaThixo, kwathi ngenxa yokuthi babenze lobububi uThixo wanika u-Egiloni inkosi yaseMowabi amandla phezu kuka-Israyeli. 13 Esenze ama-Amoni lama-Amaleki amanyana laye, u-Egiloni wayahlasela u-Israyeli, basebethumba idolobho laMalala. 14 Abako-Israyeli babangaphansi kombuso ka-Egiloni inkosi yaseMowabi iminyaka elitshumi layisificaminwembili.

15 Abako-Israyeli bakhala futhi kuThixo, wasebapha umhlengi u-Ehudi, indoda eyayilinxele indodana kaGera owakoBhenjamini. Abako-Israyeli bamthuma lesipho ku-Egiloni inkosi yaseMowabi. 16 U-Ehudi wayenze inkemba esika inxa zombili eyayingaba yingalo lengxenye ubude bayo, ayibophela ethangazini lakhe lwesokudla ngaphansi kwezigqoko zakhe. 17 Wasethula isipho ku-Egiloni inkosi yaseMowabi, owayengumuntu oqatha kakhulu. 18 Emva kokuba u-Ehudi esesethule isipho, walaya abantu ababesithwele ukuba bazihambele. 19 Ezithombeni eduze leGiligali yena uqobo wabuyela emuva, wathi, “Oh nkosi, ngilelizwi lakho eliyimfihlo.

” Inkosi yathi, “Thula!” Zonke izikhonzi zayo zasuka kuyo.

20 U-Ehudi wayilanda isihlezi yodwa ekamelweni langaphezulu elipholileyo endlini yayo yobukhosi wathi, “Ngilelizwi lakho elivela kuNkulunkulu.” Kwathi inkosi isukuma esihlalweni sayo, 21 u-Ehudi wafinyelela ngesandla sakhe senxele, wahwatsha inkemba ethangazini lakhe kwesokudla wayithela esiswini senkosi. 22 Inkemba yatshona yasala ngesilanda, amathumbu akhe agcwala phansi. U-Ehudi kayingcothulanga inkemba, idanga layemboza. 23 U-Ehudi waphuma phandle, wavala iminyango yekamelo langaphezulu wayihluthulela.

24 Esehambile kweza izinceku zathola iminyango yekamelo langaphezulu ihluthulelwe. Zathi, “Kutsho ukuthi iye ngaphandle ekamelweni elingaphakathi kwendlu.” 25 Zalinda zaze zakhathazeka, kodwa ngoba ingasavulanga iminyango yekamelo lelo, zathatha ikhiye zayivula. Lapho-ke zabona inkosi yazo iwele phansi, isifile.

26 Zisalindile, u-Ehudi wasuka wahamba. Wedlula eduzane lezithombe wabalekela eSeyira. 27 Esefike lapho wakhalisa icilongo elizweni lezintaba lako-Efrayimi, abako-Israyeli basebesehla laye ezintabeni, yena ebakhokhele.

28 Wabalaya wathi, “Ngilandelani, ngoba uThixo usenikele uMowabi, isitha senu, ezandleni zenu.” Ngakho behlela laye phansi bemlandela, kwathi sebethumbe amazibuko eJodani ayewelela eMowabi, kabaze bavumela muntu ukuba achaphele ngaphetsheya. 29 Ngalesosikhathi babulala amaMowabi ayengaba zinkulungwane ezilitshumi, wonke ayeqinile elamandla; akukho muntu owaphunyukayo. 30 Ngalolosuku iMowabi yanqotshwa yi-Israyeli, ilizwe laselisiba lokuthula iminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili.

UShamigari

31 Emva kuka-Ehudi kwaba loShamigari indodana ka-Anathi owabulala amaFilistiya angamakhulu ayisithupha ngesijujo senkabi. Laye wamkhulula u-Israyeli.

4

UDibhora

1 Abako-Israyeli baphinda benza okubi phambi kukaThixo, emva kokuba u-Ehudi esefile. 2 Ngakho uThixo wabanikela ezandleni zikaJabhini, inkosi yaseKhenani, owayebusa eHazori. Umlawuli webutho lakhe wayenguSisera, owayehlala eHaroshethi-Hagoyimi. 3 Ngoba wayelezinqola zempi ezensimbi ezingamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye munye njalo encindezele abako-Israyeli kabuhlungu okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili, bacela usizo kuThixo.

4 Ngalesosikhathi u-Israyeli wayekhokhelwa nguDibhora umphrofethikazi, umkaLaphidothi. 5 Wayethonisela amacala ngaphansi kwesihlahla seLala likaDibhora phakathi kweRama leBhetheli elizweni lezintaba lako-Efrayimi, njalo abantu bako-Israyeli baya kuye ukuba kwenziwe izinqumo ngemibono yabo. 6 Wabiza uBharakhi indodana ka-Abhinowami waseKhedeshi koNafithali wathi kuye, “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uyakulaya uthi: ‘Suka, uhambe labantu bakoNafithali labakoZebhuluni abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi ubakhokhelele eNtabeni iThabhori. 7 Ngizahugela uSisera, umlawuli webutho likaJabhini, lezinqola zakhe zempi kanye lamabutho emfuleni uKhishoni ngimnikele ezandleni zakho.’ ”

8 UBharakhi wathi kuye, “Nxa uhamba lami, ngizahamba; kodwa nxa ungahambi lami, kangiyikuhamba.”

9 UDibhora wathi, “Kulungile, ngizahamba lawe. Kodwa ngenxa yendlela oqhuba ngayo lokhu udumo kaluyikuba ngolwakho, ngoba uThixo uzanikela uSisera kowesifazane.” Ngakho uDibhora wahamba loBharakhi eKhedeshi 10 lapho abizela khona uZebhuluni loNafithali. Abantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi bamlandela. UDibhora laye wahamba labo.

11 Ngalesosikhathi uHebheri umKheni wayetshiye amanye amaKheni, izizukulwane zikaHobhabhi, uyisezala kaMosi, wamisa ithente lakhe phansi kwesihlahla somʼOkhi eZananimi eduze leKhedeshi.

12 Kwathi uSisera sebemtshelile ukuthi uBharakhi indodana ka-Abhinowami wayeseye eNtabeni iThabhori, 13 uSisera waqoqela ndawonye izinqola zakhe zempi ezensimbi ezingamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye munye lawo wonke amadoda ayelaye, kusukela eHaroshethi-Hagoyimi kusiya emfuleni uKhishoni.

14 UDibhora wasesithi kuBharakhi, “Hamba! Lolu yilo usuku uThixo anikele ngalo uSisera ezandleni zakho. Kanti uThixo kahambanga phambi kwakho na?” Ngakho uBharakhi wehlela eNtabeni iThabhori elandelwa ngabantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi. 15 UBharakhi wathi esesondela uThixo wamhlasela uSisera lezinqola zakhe zonke zempi kanye lebutho ngenkemba, njalo uSisera watshiya izinqola zakhe zempi wabaleka ngezinyawo.

16 Kodwa uBharakhi waxotshana lezinqola zempi lebutho waze wafika eHaroshethi-Hagoyimi. Wonke amabutho kaSisera abulawa ngenkemba, akukho muntu owasilayo. 17 Kodwa uSisera wabaleka ngezinyawo waze wayafika ethenteni likaJayeli, umkaHebheri umKheni, ngoba kwakulobudlelwano obuhle phakathi kukaJabhini inkosi yaseHazori lomndeni kaHebheri umKheni.

18 UJayeli waphuma wahlangabeza uSisera wasesithi kuye, “Woza nkosi yami, ngena phakathi sibili. Ungesabi.” Ngakho uSisera wangena ethenteni likaJayeli, wasemembesa ngengubo.

19 Wasesithi, “Ngomile. Ake unginathise.” Wavula umxhaka wesikhumba sochago, wamnathisa, wasemembesa.

20 USisera wasesithi, “Mana emnyango wethente. Kungaba lomuntu ofika akubuze athi, ‘Kulomuntu lapha na?’ wena kumele uthi ‘Hatshi.’ ”

21 Kodwa uJayeli, umkaHebheri, wathatha isikhonkwane sethente lesando, wamnyenyela ephakathi kobuthongo obukhulu, ngoba wayediniwe. Wabethela isikhonkwane enhlafunweni sangena saze sayafika emhlabathini, wafa.

22 UBharakhi wafika exotshana loSisera, uJayeli waphuma wayamhlangabeza. Wathi, “Woza, ngizakutshengisa umuntu omdingayo.” Ngakho wangena laye khonapho, uSisera wayelele isikhonkwane sethente singene satshona enhlafunweni yakhe esefile.

23 Ngalolosuku uNkulunkulu wamnqoba uJabhini, inkosi yamaKhenani, phambi kwabako-Israyeli. 24 Amandla abako-Israyeli okumelana loJabhini inkosi yamaKhenani akhula, aze amchitha.

5

Ingoma KaDibhora

1 Ngalolosuku uDibhora loBharakhi indodana ka-Abhinowami bahlabela ingoma le:

2 “Lapho amakhosana ko-Israyeli esekhokhela,

lapho abantu bezinikela ngokuzithandela,

dumisani uThixo!

3 Zwanini lokhu lina makhosi! Lalelani lina babusi!

Ngizahlabelela kuThixo,

ngizahlabelela;

ngizahubela ihubo,

kuThixouNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

4 Awu Thixo, ekuqhamukeni kwakho eSeyiri,

lapho usuka elizweni lase-Edomi,

umhlaba wanyikinyeka, amazulu athululeka,

amayezi athululela amanzi phansi.

5 Izintaba zazamazama phambi kukaThixo, yena owaseSinayi,

phambi kukaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

6 Ensukwini zikaShamigari indodana ka-Anathi,

ensukwini zikaJayeli, imigwaqo yayideliwe;

izihambi zithatha izindledlana ezimazombe.

7 Izakhamizi zako-Israyeli kazizange zilwe,

zahlehlela emuva kwaze kwavela mina Dibhora,

kwavela umama ko-Israyeli.

8 UNkulunkulu wakhetha abakhokheli abatsha

lapho impi isifike emasangweni edolobho,

kodwa akulahawu kumbe umkhonto owabonakalayo

phakathi kwezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane ko-Israyeli.

9 Inhliziyo yami ikanye lamakhosana ako-Israyeli,

kanye labazinikela ngokuzithandela phakathi kwabantu.

Dumisani uThixo!

10 Lina eligada obabhemi abamhlophe,

lihlezi ezihlalweni zenu zengubo,

lani elihamba emgwaqweni

cabangani 11 ilizwi labahlabeleli ezindaweni zamanzi okunathisa.

Bahuba ngokulunga kukaThixo,

ukunqoba kwezakhamizi zako-Israyeli.

Lapho-ke abantu bakaThixo

behlela emasangweni edolobho.

12 ‘Vuka, vuka, Dibhora!

Vuka, vuka, uhlabele ingoma!

Vuka weBharakhi!

Uthumbe abathunjiweyo bakho, wena ndodana ka-Abhinowami.’

13 Ngakho abantu ababesele bafika ezikhulwini;

abantu bakaThixo beza kimi labalamandla.

14 Abanye bavela ko-Efrayimi, abamdabuko wabo use-Amaleki;

uBhenjamini wayelabantu abakulandelayo.

Izinduna zamabutho zavela eMakhiri,

koZebhuluni labo abaphatha intonga yomlawuli webutho.

15 Amakhosana ako-Isakhari ayeloDibhora;

yebo, u-Isakhari wayeloBharakhi

emxhuma ngesiqubu ezigodini.

Eziqintini zakoRubheni

kwaba lokuhlolwa okukhulu kwezinhliziyo.

16 Lahlalelani ezibayeni

ukuzwa amakhwelo enqanda izimvu na?

Eziqintini zakoRubheni,

kwaba lokuhlolwa okukhulu kwezinhliziyo.

17 UGiliyadi wahlala ngaphetsheya kweJodani.

LoDani wasalelani ngasemikhunjini na?

U-Asheri wasala ngasokhunjini

wahlala emathekwini akhe olwandle.

18 Abantu bakoZebhuluni bafaka impilo yabo uqobo engozini;

wenza njalo loNafithali emiqolweni yeganga.

19 Amakhosi afika, alwa;

amakhosi aseKhenani alwa,

eThanakhi ngasemachibini aseMegido,

kodwa kawazathwala isiliva, lempango.

20 Izinkanyezi zalwa zisemazulwini,

zalwa loSisera zisezindleleni zazo.

21 Umfula uKhishoni wabakhukhula,

umfula wendulo, umfula uKhishoni.

Phambili, mphefumulo wami; Qina!

22 Kwaduma amasondo amabhiza ematha,

ematha ehamba amabhiza akhe alamandla.

23 ‘Iqalekiseni iMerozi,’ kwatsho ingilosi kaThixo,

‘Baqalekiseni kabuhlungu abantu bayo,

ngoba kabezanga ukuzencedisa uThixo,

ukuzasiza uThixo emelane labalamandla.’

24 Kabe ngobusiswe kakhulu kwabesifazane uJayeli,

umkaHebheri umKheni,

obusiswe kakhulu kwabesifazane abahlala emathenteni.

25 Wacela amanzi, yena wamnika uchago,

wamlethela amasi ngomganu ofanele izikhulu.

26 Wathatha isikhonkwane sethente ngesandla sakhe,

isandla sakhe sokudla sathatha isando somkhandi.

Watshaya uSisera, wachoboza ikhanda lakhe,

waphahaza wabhoboza inhlafuno yakhe.

27 Wawohlokela ezinyaweni zakhe,

wawa; wabhazalala khonapho.

Wawohlokela ezinyaweni zakhe wawa;

lapho awohlokela khona, wawela khonapho esefile.

28 UnakaSisera walunguza ngefasitela;

ngemva kwewindi wanqolonga wathi,

‘Kungani inqola yakhe yempi iphuze kangaka ukufika?

Kungani ukugodlozela kwezinqola zakhe zempi kuphuzile?’

29 Ohlakaniphe kakhulu kumakhosazana akhe wamphendula;

impela yena uhlezi ezitshela esithi,

30 ‘Kanti kabafumani mpango bayabelane na;

intombazana loba amabili indoda nganye,

izigqoko ezimibalabala eziyimpango kaSisera,

izigqoko ezimibalabala ezicecisiweyo,

izigqoko eziceciswe kakhulu zentamo yami,

konke lokhu kuyimpango?’

31 Ngakho sengathi zingabhubha zonke izitha zakho, Oh Thixo!

Kodwa sengathi labo abakuthandayo bangaba njengelanga

lapho liphuma ngamandla alo.”

Kwasekusiba lokuthula elizweni iminyaka engamatshumi amane.

6

UGidiyoni

1 Abako-Israyeli benza okubi futhi emehlweni kaThixo, wabanikela ezandleni zamaMidiyani iminyaka eyisikhombisa. 2 Ngenxa yokuthi umbuso wamaMidiyani wawuncindezela kakhulu, abako-Israyeli bazakhela amadumba ezingoxweni zezintaba, lasezimbalwini kanye lasezinqabeni. 3 Kwakusithi abako-Israyeli bangalima izilimo zabo, amaMidiyani lama-Amaleki kanye labanye abantu basempumalanga bahlasele ilizwe labo. 4 Bahlala elizweni bachitha izilimo umango wonke kusiya eGaza kabaze bamtshiyela lutho oluphilayo u-Israyeli, loba izimvu kumbe inkomo loba obabhemi. 5 Beza lezifuyo zabo lamathente abo benjengemitshitshi yezintethe ngobunengi. Ubunengi babantu lamakamela abo kwakungabaleki; bahlasela ilizwe balichithiza. 6 AmaMidiyani abaphundla abako-Israyeli baze bakhala kuThixo ukuba abasize.

7 Kwathi abako-Israyeli sebekhalile kuThixo ngenxa yamaMidiyani, 8 wabathumela umphrofethi, owathi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli: Ngalikhupha eGibhithe, ngalikhupha elizweni lobugqili. 9 Ngalihluthuna emandleni eGibhithe lasezandleni zabancindezeli benu bonke. Ngabaxotsha phambi kwenu ngalipha ilizwe labo. 10 Ngathi kini, ‘Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, lingabakhonzi onkulunkulu bama-Amori, elihlala elizweni lawo.’ Kodwa kalingilalelanga.”

11 Ingilosi kaThixo yafika yahlala ngaphansi kwesihlahla somʼOkhi e-Ofira esasingesikaJowashi umʼAbhiyezeri lapho indodana yakhe uGidiyoni eyayibhula khona amabele esikhamelweni sewayini ukuze iwafihlele amaMidiyani. 12 Ingilosi kaThixo isibonakele kuGidiyoni yathi kuye, “UThixo ulawe, butho elilamandla.”

13 UGidiyoni waphendula wathi, “Kodwa nkosi, nxa uThixo elathi, pho kungani konke lokhu kwenzakele kithi? Zingaphi izimanga zakhe zonke obaba abasitshela ngazo besithi, ‘UThixo kasikhuphanga eGibhithe na?’ Kodwa khathesi uThixo usesidelile wasinikela ezandleni zamaMidiyani.”

14  UThixo waphendukela kuye wathi, “Hamba ngamandla olawo uhlenge u-Israyeli ezandleni zamaMidiyani. Kanti kangikuthumi na?”

15 UGidiyoni wabuza wathi, “Kodwa nkosi yami, u-Israyeli ngingamhlenga kanjani na? Usendo lwakwethu koManase kalulamandla, njalo mina ngingomncinyane emulini yakwethu.”

16  UThixo waphendula wathi, “Ngizakuba lawe, njalo uzawacakazela phansi wonke amaMidiyani, ungatshiyi lamunye wabo.”

17 UGidiyoni waphendula wathi, “Nxa khathesi sengithole umusa emehlweni akho, nginika isibonakaliso sokuthi impela nguwe sibili okhuluma lami. 18 Ngiyakucela ukuba ungahambi ngize ngiphenduke ngilethe umnikelo wami ngiwubeke phambi kwakho.”

UThixo wathi, “Ngizahlala uze uphenduke.”

19 UGidiyoni wangena phakathi wahlaba izinyane lembuzi, wasesenza isinkwa esingelamvubelo ngehefa yefulawa. Esebeke inyama esitsheni lomhluzi wayo embizeni, waphuma lakho wayakunikela kuye ngaphansi komʼOkhi.

20 Ingilosi kaNkulunkulu yathi kuye, “Thatha inyama lesinkwa esingelamvubelo ukubeke phezu kwedwala leli, uthele umhluzi.” UGidiyoni wenza njalo. 21 Ngesihloko somqwayi eyayiwuphethe ingilosi kaThixo yathinta inyama lesinkwa esingelamvubelo. Umlilo walavuka edwaleni watshisa inyama lesinkwa. Ingilosi kaThixo yasinyamalala. 22 Kwathi uGidiyoni esenanzelele ukuthi kwakuyingilosi kaThixo, wamemeza wathi, “Awu, Thixo Wobukhosi! Ngibone ingilosi kaThixo ubuso ngobuso!”

23 Kodwa uThixo wathi kuye, “Ukuthula! Ungesabi. Kawuyikufa.”

24 Ngakho uGidiyoni wakhela uThixo i-alithari khonapho walibiza ngokuthi uThixo uyiKuthula. Kuze kube lamhla likhona e-Ofira lama-Abhiyezeri.

25 Ngalobobusuku uThixo wathi kuye, “Thatha inkunzi yesibili emhlambini kayihlo, eleminyaka eyisikhombisa ubudala. Udilize i-alithari likayihlo alakhela uBhali, ugamule lezinsika zika-Ashera eziphansi kwalo. 26 Emva kwalokho wakhele uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho umhlobo we-alithari oluyilo engqongeni yalinqaba. Unikele inkunzi yesibili njengomnikelo wokutshiswa usebenzisa inkuni zensika zika-Ashera ozigamuleyo.”

27 Ngakho uGidiyoni wathatha izinceku zakhe ezilitshumi wenza njengokutshelwa kwakhe nguThixo. Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi wayesesaba abemuli yakwabo labantu basedolobheni, wakwenza ebusuku kulokuba kube semini.

28 Ekuseni kwathi abantu bedolobho lelo bevuka babona i-alithari likaBhali lidiliziwe, lezinsika zika-Ashera emaceleni alo ziganyulwe lenkunzi yesibili inikelwe phezu kwe-alithari elalisanda kwakhiwa!

29 Babuzana besithi, “Ngubani owenze lokhu?”

Kwathi sebebuzisise kakuhle babatshela ukuthi, “Kwenziwe nguGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi.”

30 Abantu bakulelodolobho bathonisa uJowashi bathi, “Ikhuphe indodana yakho. Kumele ife, ngoba idilize i-alithari likaBhali yagamula lezinsika zika-Ashera emaceleni alo.”

31 Kodwa uJowashi waphendula ixuku lelo elalifuthelene limhanqile wathi, “Lizakhulumela uBhali na? Lizama ukumhlenga na? Loba ngubani omlwelayo uzabulawa ekuseni! Nxa uBhali engunkulunkulu sibili, angazivikela nxa umuntu ediliza i-alithari lakhe.” 32 Ngakho ngalelolanga uGidiyoni bambiza ngokuthi “Jerubhi-Bhali,” besithi, “UBhali kalwe laye,” ngoba wadiliza i-alithari likaBhali.

33 Ngalesosikhathi wonke amaMidiyani, lama-Amaleki kanye labanye abantu basempumalanga bamanyana bachapha iJodani, bamisa eSigodini saseJezerili. 34 Umoya kaThixo wafika kuGidiyoni, wasetshaya icilongo emema ama-Abhiyezeri ukuba amlandele. 35 Wathuma izithunywa kulolonke elakoManase, ebatshela ukuba bahlome, lako-Asheri, koZebhuluni kanye lakoNafithali, ukuze labo bayebahlangabeza.

36 UGidiyoni wathi kuNkulunkulu, “Nxa uzasindisa u-Israyeli ngesandla sami njengoba uthembisile, 37 khangela ngizabeka uboya bewulu esizeni. Kungaba lamazolo eboyeni bewulu kuphela iphansi lomile, ngizakwazi ukuthi uzamsindisa u-Israyeli ngesandla sami njengoba utshilo.” 38 Lokho yikho okwenzakalayo. Kusisa uGidiyoni wavuka ekuseni wakhama uboya wahluza amazolo, umganu wagcwala amanzi.

39 UGidiyoni wasesithi kuNkulunkulu, “Ungangithukutheleli. Ngivumela ngenze esinye isicelo esisodwa. Ngivumela ukuhlola kanye futhi ngoboya. Khathesi yomisa uboya kuthi iphansi ligcwale amazolo.” 40 Ngalobobusuku uNkulunkulu wenza njalo. Uboya kuphela yibo obabomile; iphansi lonke ligcwele amazolo.

7

UGidiyoni Wehlula AmaMidiyani

1 Ekuseni kakhulu uJerubhi-Bhali (lowo nguGidiyoni) labantu bakhe bonke bamisa emthonjeni waseHarodi. Izihonqo zamaMidiyani zazingasenyakatho kwabo esigodini eduzane lentaba yaseMore. 2  UThixo wathi kuGidiyoni, “Abantu olabo banengi kakhulu ukuba nginikele amaMidiyani ezandleni zabo. Ukuze u-Israyeli angazincomi kimi esithi amandla akhe amsindisile, 3 memezela ebantwini khathesi nje uthi, ‘Lowo othuthumelayo ngenxa yokwesaba angabuyela emuva asuke eNtabeni iGiliyadi.’ ” Ngakho abantu abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili babuyela, kwathi abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi basala.

4 Kodwa uThixo wathi kuGidiyoni, “Abantu balokhu bebanengi kakhulu. Behlisele emanzini, ngizakuhlolela bona khonale. Ngingathi, ‘Lo uzahamba lawe,’ uzahamba; kodwa ngingathi, ‘Lo kazukuhamba lawe,’ akayikuhamba.”

5 Ngakho uGidiyoni wabathatha abantu wabasa ngasemanzini. Khonapho uThixo wathi kuGidiyoni, “Yehlukanisa labo abaxhapha amanzi ngolimi lwabo njengenja kulabo abaguqa phansi ukuba banathe.” 6 Abantu abangamakhulu amathathu bakhaphazela amanzi emilonyeni yabo ngezandla zabo. Abanye bonke baguqa phansi ngamadolo abo ukuba banathe.

7  UThixo wasesithi kuGidiyoni, “Ngamadoda angamakhulu amathathu anathe equthile ngizakusindisa nginikele amaMidiyani ezandleni zakho. Amanye wonke adedele aye emizini yabo.” 8 Ngakho uGidiyoni wabuyisela inengi labako-Israyeli emathenteni abo wasala labangamakhulu amathathu, abayibo abathatha ukudla lamacilongo abanye.

Izihonqo zamaMidiyani zazingaphansi kwakhe esigodini. 9 Ngalobobusuku uThixo wathi kuGidiyoni, “Vuka, yehla uyehlasela izihonqo ngoba ngizazinikela ezandleni zakho. 10 Nxa usesaba ukuhlasela, yehlela ezihonqweni lenceku yakho uPhura 11 ulalele abakutshoyo. Emva kwalokho uzakuba lesibindi sokuhlasela izihonqo.” Ngakho yena loPhura inceku yakhe behlela emaphethelweni ezihonqo. 12 AmaMidiyani lama-Amaleki kanye labanye bonke abasempumalanga babemise esigodini, bebanengi njengentethe. Amakamela abo ayengeke abalwe njengetshebetshebe okhunjini lolwandle.

13 UGidiyoni wafika omunye umuntu esatshela umngane wakhe iphupho lakhe. Wathi, “Ngiphuphe iphupho. Isinkwa sebhali esiyindilinga size sigiqikela ezihonqweni zamaMidiyani. Sitshaye ithente ngamandla amakhulu ithente lagenquka lawohlokela phansi.”

14 Umngane wakhe waphendula wathi, “Lokhu akungeke kube ngolunye ulutho ngaphandle kwenkemba kaGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi, umʼIsrayeli. UNkulunkulu usenikele amaMidiyani lezihonqo zonke ezandleni zakhe.”

15 Kwathi uGidiyoni esezwe iphupho lelo lengcazelo yalo, wakhonza. Wabuyela ezihonqweni zako-Israyeli wamemeza esithi, “Vukani! UThixo usenikele izihonqo zamaMidiyani ezandleni zenu!” 16 Esehlukanise abantu abangamakhulu amathathu baba ngamaviyo amathathu, bonke wabanika amacilongo lezimbizanyana ezingelalutho, zilezibane phakathi.

17 Wathi kubo, “Ngikhangelani. Lingilandele. Lapho sengifike emaphethelweni ezihonqo, lenze engizabe ngikwenza. 18 Nxa mina labo bonke abalami sesitshaya amacilongo ethu, lina ezindaweni zonke zezihonqo likhalise awenu limemeza lisithi, ‘NgekaThixo lekaGidiyoni.’ ”

19 UGidiyoni lamadoda alikhulu ayelaye bafika emaphethelweni ezihonqo ekuqaliseni komlindo waphakathi, besanda kuntshintsha abalindi. Bakhalisa amacilongo abo babulala lenkonxa ababeziphethe. 20 Amaviyo amathathu akhalisa amacilongo abulala inkonxa. Bephethe izibane ngezandla zabo zenxele, ezandleni zokudla bephethe amacilongo ababezawakhalisa, bamemeza bathi, “Inkemba kaThixo lekaGidiyoni!” 21 Umuntu munye ngamunye wayemi endaweni yakhe behanqe izihonqo, amaMidiyani wonke agijima, ehlaba umkhosi ebaleka.

22 Kwathi amacilongo angamakhulu amathathu esekhala, uThixo wenza ukuthi abantu ababesezindaweni zonke ezihonqweni bahlaselane ngezinkemba zabo. Ibutho labalekela eBhethi-Shitha ngokuya eZerera kusiyafika emngceleni we-Abheli-Mehola eduzane leThabathi. 23 Abako-Israyeli labakoNafithali, labako-Asheri labo bonke abakoManase babizwa, baxotshana lamaMidiyani. 24 UGidiyoni wathuma izithunywa kulolonke ilizwe lamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi, esithi, “Yehlani lihlasele amaMidiyani lithumbe iziziba zaseJodani phambi kwawo kusiyafika eBhethi-Bhara.”

Ngakho bonke abantu bako-Efrayimi babizwa bazithumba iziziba zaseJodani kusiyafika eBhethi-Bhara. 25 Bathumba labakhokheli bamaMidiyani ababili, u-Orebhi loZebhi. U-Orebhi bambulalela edwaleni lika-Orebhi, uZebhi esikhamelweni sewayini sikaZebhi. Baxotshana lamaMidiyani, amakhanda ka-Orebhi loZebhi bawasa kuGidiyoni owayeseJodani.

8

UZebha LoZalimuna

1 Abako-Efrayimi babuza uGidiyoni bathi, “Kungani usiphathe kanje na? Kungani ungasibizanga lapho ususiyakulwa lamaMidiyani?” Bamsola kakhulu.

2 Kodwa yena wabaphendula wathi, “Kuyini mina engikufezileyo okulingana lokwenu na? Amagrebisi ako-Efrayimi aseleyo ekuvuneni kawangcono kulamagrebisi esivuno esipheleleyo sako-Abhiyezeri na? 3 UNkulunkulu unikele u-Orebhi loZebhi, abakhokheli bamaMidiyani, ezandleni zenu. Kuyini lokho engikwenzileyo lapho ngiqathaniswa lani?” Ngalokhu ukuthukuthela kwabo kwadeda.

4 UGidiyoni labantu bakhe abangamakhulu amathathu sebediniwe kodwa belokhu bexotshana lawo, bafika eJodani bayichapha. 5 Wasesithi ebantwini baseSukhothi, “Phanini amabutho ami izinkwa; akhathele, njalo ngisaxotshana loZebha kanye loZalimuna, amakhosi aseMidiyani.”

6 Kodwa izikhulu zaseSukhothi zathi, “Usulazo mathupha yini izandla zikaZebha loZalimuna? Kungani amabutho akho kumele siwanike izinkwa?”

7 UGidiyoni waphendula wathi, “Ngenxa yalokho, lapho uThixo esenikele uZebha loZalimuna esandleni sami, ngizaklaya imizimba yenu ngameva asenkangala.”

8 Esuka lapho waya ePheniweli, wenza isicelo esifanayo kubo, kodwa baphendula njengabantu beSukhothi. 9 Ngakho wathi ebantwini basePheniweli, “Ekuphendukeni kwami senginqobile, ngizawudiliza umphotshongo lo.”

10 Ngalesosikhathi uZebha loZalimuna babeseKhakhori lebutho labantu ababephosa babe zinkulungwane ezilitshumi lanhlanu, ababesele emabuthweni asempumalanga; izinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili zababesilwa ngenkemba zasezifile. 11 UGidiyoni wahamba ngendlela yamasili empumalanga kweNobha leJogibheha wahlasela ibutho elalilibele. 12 UZebha loZalimuna, amakhosi womabili aseMidiyani, babaleka, kodwa waxotshana labo wababamba, wawachitha wonke amabutho abo.

13 Emva kwalokho uGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi wabuyela evela empini ngoKhalo lwaseHeresi. 14 Wabamba ijaha laseSukhothi walibuzabuza, ijaha lelo lamlobela amabizo eziphathamandla zaseSukhothi ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa, abadala bomuzi. 15 UGidiyoni wafika wathi ebantwini baseSukhothi, “Nangu uZebha loZalimuna elalingichothoza ngabo lisithi, ‘Usulazo yini izandla zikaZebha loZalimuna? Kungani amabutho akho akhatheleyo kumele siwanike izinkwa na?’ ” 16 Wathatha abadala bomuzi wasefundisa amadoda aseSukhothi isifundo ngokubajezisa ngameva asenkangala. 17 Wadiliza lomphotshongo wasePheniweli wabulala amadoda akulowomuzi.

18 Wabuza uZebha loZalimuna wathi, “Ngabantu abanjani labo elababulalayo eThabhori?”

Baphendula bathi, “Ngabantu abanjengawe, lowo lalowo efana lenkosana.”

19 UGidiyoni waphendula wathi, “Labobantu babengabafowethu, amadodana kamama. Ngeqiniso njengoba uThixo ephila, aluba labayekela bephila, kade bengingeyikulibulala.” 20 Wasephendukela kuJetha, indodana yakhe endala, wathi, “Babulale!” Kodwa uJetha kayihwatshanga inkemba yakhe, ngoba wayengumfanyana esesaba.

21 UZebha loZalimuna bathi, “Woza, usibulale wena ngokwakho. ‘Njengoba indoda injalo, anjalo lamandla ayo.’ ” Ngakho uGidiyoni wasondela phambili wababulala, wasethatha imiceciso entanyeni zamakamela abo.

Isithombe SikaGidiyoni

22 Abako-Israyeli bathi kuGidiyoni, “Sibuse wena, lendodana yakho kanye lendodana yendodana yakho ngoba usisindisile ezandleni zamaMidiyani.”

23 Kodwa uGidiyoni wathi kubo, “Mina kangiyikulibusa, lendodana yami kayiyikulibusa. UThixo uzalibusa.” 24 Wabuya wathi, “Ngilesicelo esisodwa, ukuthi omunye lomunye wenu angiphe icici esabelweni sempango yenu.” (Ukufaka amacici egolide kwakungumkhuba wama-Ishumayeli.)

25 Baphendula bathi, “Sizathaba ukukunika wona.” Ngakho bendlala ingubo, kwathi umuntu ngamunye waphosela kuyo icici lempango yakhe. 26 Isisindo samacici egolide ayewacelile saba ngamashekeli angamakhulu alitshumi lesikhombisa, kungabalwa izigqizo lemigaxo lezembatho eziyibubende ezigqokwa ngamakhosi aseMidiyani loba amaketane ayesezintanjeni zamakamela awo. 27 UGidiyoni wenza isithombe ngegolide lelo, wasibeka e-Ofira, umuzi wakibo. Bonke abako-Israyeli bazingcolisa ngokusikhonza khonapho, njalo saba ngumjibila kuGidiyoni labendlu yakhe.

Ukufa KukaGidiyoni

28 IMidiyani yanqotshwa kanjalo ngabako-Israyeli njalo kayizange ivuse ikhanda futhi. Ngezinsuku zokuphila kukaGidiyoni ilizwe laba lokuthula iminyaka engamatshumi amane.

29 UJerubhi-Bhali indodana kaJowashi wabuyela ekhaya ukuyahlala khona. 30 Wayelamadodana angamatshumi ayisikhombisa angawakhe ngoba wayelabafazi abanengi. 31 Umkakhe weceleni, owayehlala eShekhemu, laye wamzalela indodana ayithi ngu-Abhimelekhi. 32 UGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi wafa eseluphele kakhulu wangcwatshwa ethuneni likayise uJowashi e-Ofira yama-Abhiyezeri.

33 Masinyane nje uGidiyoni esanda kufa abako-Israyeli bazingcolisa njalo ngokukhonza oBhali. Bamisa uBhali-Bherithi njengonkulunkulu wabo 34 kabaze bamkhumbula uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo owayebahlenge ezandleni zezitha zabo ezinhlangothini zonke. 35 Njalo kababanga lomusa kwabendlu kaJerubhi-Bhali (uGidiyoni) ngezinto zonke ezinhle ayebenzele zona.

9

U-Abhimelekhi

1 U-Abhimelekhi indodana kaJerubhi-Bhali waya kubomalumakhe eShekhemu lakubo bonke abosendo lukanina wathi kubo, 2 “Buzani bonke abantu baseShekhemu ukuthi, ‘Yikuphi okungcono kini: ukubuswa yiwo wonke amadodana kaJerubhi-Bhali angamatshumi ayisikhombisa kumbe indoda eyodwa?’ Likhumbule ukuthi mina ngingumzimba legazi lenu.”

3 Kwathi abanewabo bakanina sebekutshilo konke lokhu ebantwini baseShekhemu, bafuna ukumlandela u-Abhimelekhi, ngoba bathi, “Ungumfowethu.” 4 Bamnika amashekeli esiliva angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, athathwa ethempelini likaBhali-Bherithi, u-Abhimelekhi aqhatsha ngawo izigebenga ezingakhathaliyo, ezaba ngabalandeli bakhe. 5 Waya emzini kayise e-Ofira kwathi abafowabo abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa, amadodana kaJerubhi-Bhali, wababulalela phezu kwedwala linye. Kodwa uJothamu, indodana encane kaJerubhi-Bhali waphepha ngokucatsha. 6 Emva kwalokho bonke abantu baseShekhemu labeBhethi Milo babuthana ngaphansi kwesihlahla somʼOkhi ensikeni eShekhemu ukuba u-Abhimelekhi bamfake abe yinkosi.

7 Kwathi uJothamu esetshelwe lokhu wakhwela waya esiqongweni seNtaba iGerizimu wanqolonga esithi kubo, “Ngilalelani, bantu baseShekhemu, ukuze uNkulunkulu alilalele. 8 Ngelinye ilanga izihlahla zasuka zayazigcobela inkosi yazo. Zathi esihlahleni se-oliva, ‘Woba yinkosi yethu.’

9 Kodwa isihlahla se-oliva saphendula sathi, ‘Kambe ngingadela amafutha ami, okudunyiswa ngawo onkulunkulu labantu, ukuba ngibuse izihlahla na?’

10 Izihlahla zasezisithi esihlahleni somkhiwa, ‘Woza ube yinkosi yethu.’

11 Kodwa isihlahla somkhiwa saphendula sathi, ‘Kambe ngingadela izithelo zami ezinhle kangaka njalo zimnandi, ukuba ngibuse izihlahla na?’

12 Lapho-ke izihlahla zathi esihlahleni sevini, ‘Woza ube yinkosi yethu.’

13 Kodwa isihlahla sevini saphendula sathi, ‘Kambe ngingadela iwayini lami elithokozisa onkulunkulu labantu, ukuba ngibuse izihlahla na?’

14 Ekucineni zonke izihlahla zathi esihlahleni sameva, ‘Woza ube yinkosi yethu.’

15 Isihlahla sameva sathi ezihlahleni, ‘Nxa lifuna ngempela ukuthi lingigcobe ukuba ngibe yinkosi yenu, wozani lizecatsha emthunzini wami, kodwa nxa kungenjalo, akuphume umlilo esihlahleni sameva uqothule imsedari yaseLebhanoni!’

16 Nxa lenze okubongekayo njalo ngobuqotho ekubekeni kwenu u-Abhimelekhi ukuba abe yinkosi, njalo nxa lenze okulungileyo kuJerubhi-Bhali labendlu yakhe, njalo nxa limphathe ngendlela emfaneleyo, 17 ngoba ubaba walilwela, wabeka impilo yakhe engozini ukuba alihlenge ezandleni zamaMidiyani 18 kodwa lamuhla selivukele abendlu kababa, kwathi amadodana akhe angamatshumi ayisikhombisa lawabulalela phezu kwedwala linye, kwathi u-Abhimelekhi, indodana yesigqilikazi sakhe, lamenza waba yinkosi yabantu baseShekhemu ngoba engumfowenu, 19 ngakho nxa lenzenjalo ngobuqotho kuJerubhi-Bhali labendlu yakhe lamuhla, thokozani ngo-Abhimelekhi, kube njalo laye ngani futhi! 20 Kodwa nxa lingenzanga njalo, akuphume umlilo ku-Abhimelekhi uliqothule, bantu baseShekhemu labaseBhethi Milo, njalo kuphume umlilo kini bantu baseShekhemu labaseBhethi Milo, uqothule u-Abhimelekhi!”

21 Emva kwalokhu uJothamu wabaleka, waya eBheri, wahlala khona ngoba wayesesaba umfowabo u-Abhimelekhi.

22 Kwathi u-Abhimelekhi esebuse abako-Israyeli iminyaka emithathu 23 uNkulunkulu wathumela umoya omubi phakathi kuka-Abhimelekhi labantu baseShekhemu bamhlamukela u-Abhimelekhi. 24 UNkulunkulu wenza lokhu ukuze ububi obenziwa emadodaneni kaJerubhi-Bhali angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ukuchithwa kwegazi lawo, buphindiselwe kumfowabo u-Abhimelekhi lasebantwini baseShekhemu, ababemsizile ekubulaleni kwakhe abafowabo. 25 Ekumelaneni kwabo laye abantu baseShekhemu laba babeka abantu ezingqongeni zezintaba ukuba bacathamele bonke abadlula lapho babaphange, njalo lokhu kwabikwa ku-Abhimelekhi.

26 UGali indodana ka-Ebhedi wathuthela eShekhemu labafowabo, njalo abantu bakhona bamethemba. 27 Kwathi sebeye emasimini babutha amagrebisi bawagxoba, baba ledili ethempelini likankulunkulu wabo. Kwathi besidla njalo benatha, bamthuka u-Abhimelekhi. 28 Lapho-ke uGali indodana ka-Ebhedi, wathi, “Ungubani u-Abhimelekhi, loShekhemu ungubani, ukuba asibuse na? Akasindodana kaJerubhi-Bhali yini, njalo uZebhuli kasimsekeli wakhe na? Khonzani abantu baseHamori, yise kaShekhemu! Kungani kumele sikhonze u-Abhimelekhi na? 29 Sengathi ngabe abantu laba balawulwa yimi! Kade ngizamsusa. Kade ngizakuthi ku-Abhimelekhi, ‘Libize lonke ibutho lakho.’ ”

30 Kwathi uZebhuli umbusi wedolobho esizwa okwatshiwo nguGali indodana ka-Ebhedi, wathukuthela kakhulu. 31 Wathuma izithunywa ngasese ku-Abhimelekhi, esithi, “UGali indodana ka-Ebhedi kanye labafowabo sebeze eShekhemu njalo badunga idolobho ukuba likuvukele. 32 Ngakho wena labantu bakho kumele lize phakathi kobusuku limcathamele egangeni. 33 Ekuseni ekuphumeni kwelanga, lisondele ukuba lilihlasele idolobho. Lapho uGali labantu bakhe bephuma ukuba balihlasele, lenze loba yini isandla senu esanelisa ukukwenza.”

34 Ngakho-ke u-Abhimelekhi lamabutho akhe wonke basuka ebusuku bacathama ezindaweni ezifihlakeleyo eduze leShekhemu bengamaviyo amane. 35 UGali indodana ka-Ebhedi wayephumile emi ekungeneni kwesango ledolobho kwathi u-Abhimelekhi lamabutho akhe baphuma lapho ababecatshe khona.

36 Kwathi uGali ebabona wathi kuZebhuli, “Khangela nampayana abantu bayehla besuka ezingqongeni zezintaba!”

UZebhuli waphendula wathi, “Ubona amathunzi ezintaba kube angathi ngabantu.”

37 Kodwa uGali wakhuluma futhi wathi, “Khangela, nampayana abantu bayehla besuka phakathi kwelizwe, njalo leviyo lamabutho liyeza livelela ngokuya esihlahleni sezangoma.”

38 UZebhuli wasesithi kuye, “Kungaphi ukukloloda kwakho manje, wena owathi, ‘Ungubani u-Abhimelekhi ukuba asibuse na?’ Laba kabasibo yini abantu owawubahleka? Phuma uyekulwa labo!”

39 Ngakho uGali waphuma labantu baseShekhemu walwa lo-Abhimelekhi. 40 U-Abhimelekhi wamxotsha, kwathi abanengi bafa belimele ekubalekeni, ibanga lonke kusiya ekungeneni kwesango. 41 U-Abhimelekhi wahlala e-Aruma, kwathi uZebhuli wamdudula uGali labafowabo eShekhemu.

42 Ngelanga elalandelayo abantu baseShekhemu basuka baya egangeni, njalo lokhu kwabikwa ku-Abhimelekhi. 43 Ngakho wathatha abantu bakhe, wabehlukanisa baba ngamaviyo amathathu wathi kabacathanyelwe egangeni. Kwathi ebona abantu bephuma edolobheni wavuka ukuba abahlasele. 44 U-Abhimelekhi lamaviyo ayelaye bagijimela phambili endaweni esekungeneni kwesango ledolobho. Amaviyo amabili agijimela kulabo ababesegangeni ababulala. 45 Ngalo lonke lolosuku u-Abhimelekhi waqinisa ukulihlasela kwakhe idolobho lelo waze walithumba wabulala labantu balo. Idolobho walidiliza wasehaza itswayi phezu kwalo.

46 Besizwa lokhu, abantu abasemphotshongweni weShekhemu bayangena enqabeni yethempeli lase-Eli-Bherithi. 47 Kwathi u-Abhimelekhi esizwa ukuthi basebebuthene lapho, 48 yena labantu bakhe bakhwela intaba iZalimoni. Wathatha ihloka wagamula amahlahla, wawetshata emahlombe akhe. Walaya abantu ababelaye wathi, “Phangisani! Yenzani lokhu elibone ngikwenza!” 49 Ngakho abantu bagamula amahlahla bamlandela u-Abhimelekhi. Bawabuthelela enqabeni leyo bayithungela ngomlilo abantu bephakathi. Ngakho bonke abantu ababephakathi komphotshongo waseShekhemu, amadoda labesifazane ababengaba yinkulungwane bafa.

50 Emva kwalokho u-Abhimelekhi waya eThebhezi wayivimbezela wayithumba. 51 Kodwa phakathi kwedolobho lelo kwakulomphotshongo oqinileyo lapho wonke amadoda labesifazane, abantu bakulelodolobho ababebalekele khona. Bazikhiyela phakathi bakhwela phezu kophahla lomphotshongo. 52 U-Abhimelekhi waya emphotshongweni lowo wawuhlasela. Kodwa wathi esebanga emnyango womphotshongo ukuba awuthungele ngomlilo, 53 owesifazane othile wawisela imbokodo phezu kwekhanda lakhe yadabula ukhakhayi lwakhe.

54 Waphanga wabiza umthwali wezikhali zakhe wathi, “Hwatsha inkemba yakho ungibulale, ukuze bangathi, ‘Wabulawa ngowesifazane.’ ” Ngakho inceku yakhe yamgwaza, wafa. 55 Kwathi abako-Israyeli bebona ukuthi u-Abhimelekhi wayesefile, babuyela ekhaya.

56 UNkulunkulu wabuphindisela kanje ububi u-Abhimelekhi ayebenze kuyise ngokubulala abafowabo abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. 57 UNkulunkulu wenza ukuthi labantu baseShekhemu babuhlawulele ububi babo. Isiqalekiso sikaJothamu indodana kaJerubhi-Bhali sehlela phezu kwabo.

10

UThola

1 Ngemva kwensuku zika-Abhimelekhi kwavela umuntu wako-Isakhari, uThola indodana kaPhuwa, indodana kaDodo ukuba ahlenge u-Israyeli. Wayehlala eShamiri, elizweni lezintaba elako-Efrayimi. 2 Wakhokhela u-Israyeli iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lantathu; wasesifa, wangcwatshwa eShamiri.

UJayiri

3 Walandelwa nguJayiri owaseGiliyadi, owakhokhela u-Israyeli iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili. 4 Wayelamadodana angamatshumi amathathu, ayegada obabhemi abangamatshumi amathathu. Ayephethe amadolobho angamatshumi amathathu eGiliyadi, lalamhlanje abizwa ngokuthi Havothi Jayiri. 5 Ekufeni kwakhe uJayiri wangcwatshwa eKhamoni.

UJeftha

6 Abako-Israyeli benza okubi futhi emehlweni kaThixo. Bakhonza oBhali labo-Ashithorethi, labonkulunkulu base-Aramu, labonkulunkulu baseSidoni, labonkulunkulu baseMowabi, labonkulunkulu bama-Amoni, kanye labonkulunkulu bamaFilistiya. Ngenxa yokuthi abako-Israyeli bamdela uThixo kabaze babe besamkhonza, 7 wabathukuthelela kakhulu. Wabanikela ezandleni zamaFilistiya lama-Amoni, 8 okwathi ngalowomnyaka abachitha abanqoba. Ancindizela abako-Israyeli bonke okweminyaka elitshumi lasificaminwembili ngasempumalanga kweJodani eGiliyadi, ilizwe lama-Amori. 9 Ama-Amoni futhi achapha iJodani ukuba alwe loJuda, loBhenjamini kanye lendlu ka-Efrayimi; u-Israyeli wayephakathi kohlupho olukhulu. 10 Lapho-ke abako-Israyeli bakhala kuThixo bathi, “Senze isono kuwe, sadela uNkulunkulu wethu sakhonza oBhali.”

11  UThixo waphendula wathi, “Lapho amaGibhithe, lama-Amori, lama-Amoni, lamaFilistiya, 12 lamaSidoni, lama-Amaleki kanye lamaMawoni alincindezela lakhulekela usizo kimi, kangilihlenganga ezandleni zawo na? 13 Kodwa selingidelile lakhonza abanye onkulunkulu, ngakho angisayikulisindisa. 14 Hambani liyekhala kubonkulunkulu elibathembileyo. Kabalisindise nxa seliphakathi kokuhlupheka!”

15 Kodwa abako-Israyeli bathi kuThixo, “Senze isono. Yenza kithi lokho okubona kulungile kuwe, kodwa ake usihlenge khathesi nje.” 16 Ngakho basusa onkulunkulu bezizweni phakathi kwabo bakhonza uThixo. Wayengeke alumele futhi usizi luka-Israyeli.

17 Kwathi ama-Amoni esebizelwe empini njalo emise eGiliyadi, abako-Israyeli abuthana amisa eMizipha. 18 Abakhokheli babantu baseGiliyadi bathi omunye komunye, “Lowo ozaqalisa ukuhlasela ama-Amoni uzakuba yinduna yabo bonke abahlala eGiliyadi.”

11

1 UJeftha umGiliyadi wayelibutho elilamandla. Uyise wayenguGiliyadi; unina wayeyisifebe. 2 UmkaGiliyadi wamzalela amadodana, okwathi esekhulile asexotsha uJeftha. Athi kuye, “Wena akulalifa ozalithola emulini yakwethu ngoba uyindodana yomunye umfazi.” 3 Ngakho uJeftha wabaleka kubafowabo wayahlala elizweni laseThobhi, lapho abuthanelwa khona lixuku lezigebenga zamlandela.

4 Emva kwalokho, kwathi ama-Amoni esesilwa labako-Israyeli, 5 abadala baseGiliyadi bahamba bayathatha uJeftha elizweni laseThobhi. 6 Bathi kuye, “Woza ube ngumlawuli wamabutho ethu ukuze silwe lama-Amoni.”

7 UJeftha wathi kubo, “Kalingizondanga yini langixotsha endlini kababa na? Kungani lisiza kimi khathesi seliphakathi kohlupho?”

8 Abadala baseGiliyadi bathi kuye, “Lanxa kunjalo, khathesi sesiphendukela kuwe; hamba lathi ekulweni lama-Amoni, njalo uzakuba yinduna yabo bonke abahlala eGiliyadi.”

9 UJeftha waphendula wathi, “Nxa lingabuyela lami ukuyakulwa lama-Amoni uThixo awanikele kimi, ngizakuba yinduna yenu sibili na?”

10 Abadala baseGiliyadi baphendula bathi, “UThixo ungufakazi wethu; sizakwenza njengoba usitsho impela.” 11 Ngakho uJeftha wahamba labadala baseGiliyadi, abantu bamenza waba yinduna lomlawuli wabo. Wawaphinda wonke amazwi akhe phambi kukaThixo eMizipha.

12 Emva kwalokho uJeftha wathuma izithunywa enkosini yama-Amoni lombuzo othi: “Kuyini osibangisa khona uze uhlasele ilizwe lethu na?”

13 Inkosi yama-Amoni yaphendula izithunywa zikaJeftha yathi, “Abako-Israyeli sebesukile eGibhithe bathatha ilizwe lami kusukela e-Arinoni kusiya eJabhoki, umango wonke kusiya eJodani. Khathesi libuyiseleni ngokuthula.”

14 UJeftha wazibuyisela izithunywa enkosini yama-Amoni 15 esithi,

“Nanku okutshiwo nguJeftha: U-Israyeli kazange athathe ilizwe laseMowabi loba ilizwe lama-Amoni. 16 Kodwa ekusukeni kwakhe eGibhithe, u-Israyeli wadabula enkangala esiya oLwandle oluBomvu eqonda eKhadeshi. 17 U-Israyeli wathuma izithunywa enkosini yase-Edomi esithi, ‘Ake usinike imvumo yokudabula phakathi kwelizwe lakho,’ kodwa inkosi yase-Edomi kayilalelanga. Bathumela lasenkosini yaseMowabi, layo yala. Ngakho u-Israyeli wahlala eKhadeshi.

18 Emva kwalokho bahamba bedabula phakathi kwenkangala, beceza ilizwe lase-Edomi lelaseMowabi, badlula beseceleni elingasempumalanga kwelizwe laseMowabi, bamisa ngakwelinye icele le-Arinoni. Kabangenanga elizweni laseMowabi, ngoba i-Arinoni yayingumngcele walo.

19 U-Israyeli wasethuma izithunywa kuSihoni inkosi yama-Amori, owayebusa eHeshibhoni, wathi kuye, ‘Akusivumele sidlule phakathi kwelizwe lakho sisiya endaweni yethu.’ 20 Kodwa uSihoni kamthembanga u-Israyeli ukuba adlule phakathi kwelizwe lakhe. Wabutha abantu bakhe bonke wamisa eJahazi walwa lo-Israyeli.

21 Ngakho uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, wanikela uSihoni labantu bakhe bonke ezandleni zika-Israyeli, wabehlula. U-Israyeli walithatha lonke ilizwe lama-Amori ayehlala kulelolizwe, 22 walithumba lonke elama-Amori kusukela e-Arinoni kusiya eJabhoki lokusuka enkangala kusiya eJodani.

23 Njengoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ewaxotshile ama-Amori phambi kwabantu bakhe u-Israyeli, wena ulelungelo bani lokulithatha na? 24 Kawuyikuthatha lokho okuphiwa ngunkulunkulu wakho uKhemoshi na? Ngokunjalo, yiloba yikuphi uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu asiphe khona, sizakuthatha. 25 Wena ungcono yini kuloBhalaki indodana kaZiphori, inkosi yaseMowabi? Wake waxabana lo-Israyeli loba walwa laye na? 26 U-Israyeli wahlala eHeshibhoni iminyaka engamakhulu amathathu, e-Aroweri, lasemizaneni eseduzane kanye lakuyo yonke imizi elinganisane le-Arinoni. Kungani ungazihlangulanga lezondawo ngalesosikhathi? 27 Kangikonelanga, kodwa wena wenza okubi kimi ngokungihlasela ngempi. Akuthi uThixo, uMahluleli, ahlulele umbango ngalolosuku phakathi kwabako-Israyeli lama-Amoni.”

28 Kodwa inkosi yama-Amoni kayilinakanga ilizwi eyayilithunyelwe nguJeftha.

29 Lapho-ke uMoya kaThixo wehlela kuJeftha. Wadabula eGiliyadi kanye lakoManase, wedlula eMizipha yaseGiliyadi, kuthe esuka lapho waqhubekela kuma-Amoni. 30 Njalo uJeftha wafunga isifungo kuThixo wathi, “Unganikela ama-Amoni ezandleni zami, 31 loba kuyini okuphuma emnyango wendlu yami ukuba kungihlangabeze lapho ngibuya nginqobile ngivela kuma-Amoni kuzakuba ngokukaThixo, njalo ngizakunikela njengomnikelo wokutshiswa.”

32 UJeftha waya ngaphetsheya ukuyakulwa lama-Amoni, njalo uThixo wawanikela ezandleni zakhe. 33 Watshabalalisa imizi engamatshumi amabili kusukela e-Aroweri kusiya eduze leMinithi, kusiyafika e-Abheli-Kheramimi. U-Israyeli wayinqoba kanjalo i-Amoni.

34 UJeftha esebuyele emzini wakhe eMizipha, ngubani owaphuma wamhlangabeza ngaphandle kwendodakazi yakhe, igida kukhala amagedla! Yayiyiyo yodwa umntanakhe. Ngaphandle kwakhe wayengelandodana loba indodakazi. 35 Kwathi eyibona wadabula izigqoko zakhe wakhala esithi, “Oh! Ndodakazi yami! Usungidabule wangenza ngaba lusizi, ngoba ngifunge isifungo kuThixo engingeke ngisephule.”

36 Yona yaphendula yathi, “Baba, wethule ilizwi lakho kuThixo. Kimi yenza njengoba uthembisile, njengoba uThixo esephindisele ezitheni zakho, ama-Amoni.” 37 Wasesithi, “Kodwa ngicela ungivumele kulokhu okukodwa nje. Nginika izinyanga ezimbili ukuba ngizulazule ezintabeni ngilile labangane bami, ngoba angiyikwenda.”

38 Yena wathi, “Ungahamba.” Wayivumela ukuba ihambe okwezinyanga ezimbili. Yona lamantombazana lawo baya ezintabeni balila ngoba yayingasoze yende. 39 Emva kwezinyanga ezimbili yabuyela kuyise wasesenza lokho ayekufungile ngayo. Yayiyintombi egcweleyo.

Kulokhu yikho okuvela khona umkhuba wama-Israyeli 40 wokuthi minyaka yonke izintombi zako-Israyeli ziyaphuma okwensuku ezine ukuba zikhumbule indodakazi kaJeftha umGiliyadi.

12

UJeftha Lo-Efrayimi

1 Abantu bako-Efrayimi babiza amabutho abo, bachaphela eZafoni basebesithi kuJeftha, “Kungani wena wayakulwa lama-Amoni ungasibizanga ukuba sihambe lawe na? Sizakutshisela endlini yakho.”

2 UJeftha waphendula wathi, “Mina labantu bami sasilengxabano enkulu lama-Amoni njalo, lanxa nje ngalibiza, kalingihlenganga ezandleni zawo. 3 Kwathi sengibona ukuthi lalingeke lingisize, ngabeka impilo yami engozini ngachaphela ngaphetsheya ukuyakulwa lama-Amoni, uThixo wawanikela esandleni sami. Pho kungani lina lamhla selizekulwa lami?”

4 UJeftha wabuthanisa amadoda aseGiliyadi balwa lo-Efrayimi. AbaseGiliyadi babacakazela phansi ngoba abako-Efrayimi babethe, “Lina maGiliyadi labhazuka ko-Efrayimi lakoManase.” 5 AbaseGiliyadi bathumba amazibuko aseJodani awokuya ko-Efrayimi, njalo kwakusithi owako-Efrayimi osindileyo angathi, “Ngivumelani ngichaphele ngaphetsheya,” abantu baseGiliyadi babembuza bathi, “Ungowako-Efrayimi na?” Angaphendula athi, “Hayi,” 6 bathi, “Kulungile, wothi, ‘Shibholethi.’ ” Nxa angathi, “Sibholethi,” ngoba engeke alitsho kuhle, babemphuthuma bambulalele emazibukweni aseJodani. Abako-Efrayimi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lambili babulawa ngalesosikhathi.

7 UJeftha wakhokhela u-Israyeli iminyaka eyisithupha. UJeftha wafa, wangcwatshwa emzini waseGiliyadi.

U-Ibhizani, U-Eloni Lo-Abhidoni

8 Ngemva kwakhe, u-Ibhizani waseBhethilehema wakhokhela abako-Israyeli. 9 Wayelamadodana angamatshumi amathathu lamadodakazi angamatshumi amathathu. Amadodakazi akhe wawendisela kwabangaphandle komhlobo wakibo kwathi amadodana akhe wawalethela izintombi ezingamatshumi amathathu ezingasizo zomhlobo wakibo ukuba zibe ngomkawo. U-Ibhizani wakhokhela abako-Israyeli iminyaka eyisikhombisa. 10 U-Ibhizani wafa, wangcwatshwa eBhethilehema.

11 Ngemva kwakhe, u-Eloni umZebhuluni wakhokhela abako-Israyeli iminyaka elitshumi. 12 U-Eloni wafa, wangcwatshwa e-Ayijaloni elizweni lakoZebhuluni.

13 Ngemva kwakhe, u-Abhidoni indodana kaHileli, owasePhirathoni, wakhokhela abako-Israyeli. 14 Wayelamadodana angamatshumi amane labazukulu besilisa abangamatshumi amathathu, ayegada obabhemi abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Wakhokhela abako-Israyeli iminyaka eyisitshiyagalombili. 15 U-Abhidoni indodana kaHileli wafa, wangcwatshwa ePhirathoni ko-Efrayimi, elizweni lezintaba elama-Amaleki.

13

Ukuzalwa KukaSamsoni

1 Abako-Israyeli benza okubi njalo emehlweni kaThixo, ngakho uThixo wabanikela ezandleni zamaFilistiya okweminyaka engamatshumi amane.

2 Umuntu othile waseZora, owayethiwa nguManowa, owosendo lwakoDani, wayelomfazi owayeyinyumba engelamntwana. 3 Ingilosi kaThixo yabonakala kuye yathi, “Uyinyumba kawulamntwana, kodwa uzathatha isisu ube lendodana. 4 Ngakho nanzelela ukuthi kawunathi wayini loba okunye okunathwayo okulemvubelo kanye lokuthi ungadli ukudla okungcolileyo, 5 ngoba uzathatha isisu uzale indodana. Akungabi lempuco ezasetshenziswa ekhanda layo, ngoba umfana uzakuba ngumNaziri, owahlukaniselwe uNkulunkulu kusukela ekuzalweni, njalo uzakukhulula abako-Israyeli ezandleni zamaFilistiya.”

6 Emva kwalokho owesifazane lowo waya kumkakhe wamtshela wathi, “Kufike umuntu kaNkulunkulu kimi. Ubefana lengilosi kaNkulunkulu, esesabeka kakhulu. Angimbuzanga ukuthi ubevela ngaphi, njalo laye kangitshelanga ibizo lakhe. 7 Kodwa uthe kimi, ‘Uzathatha isisu uzale indodana. Ngakho-ke unganathi iwayini loba okunye okunathwayo okulemvubelo, njalo ungadli lutho olungcolileyo, ngoba umfana uzakuba ngumNaziri kaNkulunkulu kusukela ekuzalweni kuze kube lusuku lokufa kwakhe.’ ”

8 UManowa wasekhuleka kuThixo esithi, “Awu Nkosi, ngiyakucela, umuntu kaNkulunkulu omthumileyo kabuye futhi azesifundisa ukuthi umfana ozazalwa wondliwa njani.”

9 UNkulunkulu wamuzwa uManowa, ingilosi kaNkulunkulu yafika njalo kowesifazane lowo esegangeni; kodwa umkakhe uManowa wayengekho. 10 Owesifazane lowo wagijima wayatshela umkakhe wathi, “Ukhona lapha! Umuntu engimbone mhlalokhuyana!”

11 UManowa wasuka walandela umkakhe. Esefikile kulowomuntu, wathi, “Unguwe yini lowo owakhuluma lomkami?”

Yena wathi, “Nginguye.”

12 Ngakho uManowa wambuza wathi, “Lapho amazwi akho esegcwalisekile, umfana kuzamele aphile njani njalo lomsebenzi wakhe uzakuba ngowani?”

13 Ingilosi kaThixo yaphendula yathi, “Umkakho kumele enze konke engimtshele khona. 14 Kangadli lutho oluvela evinini, loba anathe iwayini loba okunye okunathwayo okulemvubelo loba adle ukudla okungcolileyo. Kumele enze konke engimlaye khona.”

15 UManowa wathi engilosini kaThixo, “Sifuna ukuba uhlale size sikuhlabele izinyane lembuzi.”

16 Ingilosi kaThixo yaphendula yathi, “Loba lingangibamba ngamandla ukuba ngihlale, angiyikukudla ukudla kwenu. Kodwa nxa lilungisa umnikelo wokutshiswa, unikeleni kuThixo.” (UManowa kananzelelanga ukuthi kwakuyingilosi kaThixo.)

17 UManowa waseyibuza ingilosi kaThixo esithi, “Ungubani ibizo lakho, ukuze sikubonge lapho ilizwi lakho seligcwalisekile?”

18 Yaphendula yathi, “Kungani ungibuza ibizo lami? Kaliqedisiseki.” 19 Lapho-ke uManowa wathatha izinyane lembuzi, ndawonye lomnikelo wamabele wakunikela kuThixo phezu kwedwala. Njalo uThixo wenza into emangalisayo uManowa lomkakhe bekhangele: 20 Kwathi ilangabi libhebha lisuka e-alithareni lisiya ezulwini, ingilosi kaThixo yenyukela phezulu iphakathi kwelangabi. Bebona lokhu uManowa lomkakhe bathi mbo phansi ngobuso. 21 Kwathi ingilosi kaThixo ingasazibonakalisanga futhi kuManowa lomkakhe, uManowa wananzelela ukuthi kwakuyingilosi kaThixo.

22 Wasesithi kumkakhe, “Silahliwe, sizakufa. Sibone uNkulunkulu!”

23 Kodwa umkakhe waphendula wathi, “Aluba uThixo ubeqonde ukusibulala, ubengasoze amukele umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wamabele ezandleni zethu, loba asitshengise zonke lezizinto kumbe asitshele lokhu asitshele khona.”

24 Owesifazane wazala umfana wamuthi nguSamsoni. Wakhula loThixo wambusisa, 25 loMoya kaThixo waqala ukuqubuka phakathi kwakhe eseseMahane Dani, phakathi kweZora le-Eshithawoli.

14

Ukuthatha KukaSamsoni

1 USamsoni waya eThimina wabona intombi engumFilistiya. 2 Esebuyele, wathi kuyise lonina, “Ngibone intombi engumFilistiya eThimina; ake liyengithathela yona ukuba ibe ngumkami.”

3 Uyise lonina baphendula bathi, “Kanti akulantombi eyamukelekayo yini phakathi kwezihlobo zakho loba phakathi kwabantu bonke bakithi? Usungaze uye kumaFilistiya angasokanga ukuba uthathe umfazi na?”

Kodwa uSamsoni wathi kuyise, “Ngithathela yena. Nguye ongifaneleyo.” 4 (Uyise lonina babengazi ukuthi lokhu kwakuvela kuThixo, owayefuna ithuba lokumelana lamaFilistiya; ngoba ngalesosikhathi ayebusa abako-Israyeli.)

5 USamsoni waya eThimina eloyise lonina. Bathe sebebanga ezivinini zeThimina kwathutsha ibhuklwana lesilwane libhonga liqonde yena. 6 Umoya kaThixo wafika kuye ngamandla wasidabula ngezandla zakhe njengayengakwenza edabula izinyane lembuzi. Kodwa uyise lonina kabatshelanga ayekwenzile. 7 Emva kwalokho wahamba wayakhuluma lowesifazane lowo, wezwa emthanda.

8 Emva kwesikhathi esithile, esebuyele ukuba ayemthatha, waphambuka ukuba abone isidumbu sesilwane. Phakathi kwaso kwasekulomtshitshi wezinyosi ziloluju, 9 waluthapha ngezandla zakhe, wahamba eludla. Esefike ebazalini bakhe, wabapha olunye kodwa kabatshelanga ukuthi wayeluthaphe esidunjini sesilwane.

10 Uyise wahamba ukuyabona owesifazane lowo. USamsoni wenza idili khona, njengokwakungumkhuba wezinsizwa ezithathayo. 11 Ekufikeni kwakhe waphiwa abakhaphi abangamatshumi amathathu.

12 USamsoni wasesithi kubo, “Lalelani ngilitshele ilibho. Lingangitshela ukuthi litshoni phakathi kwensuku eziyisikhombisa zedili, ngizalinika izembatho zelineni ezingamatshumi amathathu lezigqoko ezingamatshumi amathathu. 13 Nxa lingehluleka ukungitshela ukuthi litshoni, kumele linginike izembatho zelineni ezingamatshumi amathathu lezigqoko ezingamatshumi amathathu.”

Bona bathi, “Sitshele ilibho lakho. Litsho silizwe.”

14 Waphendula wathi,

“Kokudlayo, kwaphuma okudliwayo;

kokulamandla kwaphuma okumnandi.”

Behluleka ukuyitsho impendulo okwensuku ezintathu.

15 Ngosuku lwesine bathi kumkaSamsoni, “Ncenga umkakho asichazele ilibho, hlezi sikutshise wena labendlu yakwenu life. Kanti usinxusele ukuzasiphanga lapha na?”

16 Lapho-ke umkaSamsoni waziphosela phezu kwakhe, ebubula esithi, “Uyangizonda. Kawungithandi ngeqiniso. Unike abantu bakithi ilibho; kodwa mina kawungitshelanga ukuthi litshoni.”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Angilichazanga lakubaba lomama, pho ngingalichazelani kuwe na?” 17 Owesifazane lowo wakhala zonke lezinsuku eziyisikhombisa zedili. Ngakho ngosuku lwesikhombisa wamtshela, ngoba wayelokhu emphikelela. Laye-ke walichaza ilibho ebantwini bakibo.

18 Kwathi ilanga lingakatshoni ngosuku lwesikhombisa abantu bakulowomuzi bathi kuye,

“Kuyini okumnandi kuloluju na?

Kuyini okulamandla kulesilwane na?”

USamsoni wathi kubo,

“Aluba kalilimanga ngethokazi lami,

belingeke lilichaze ilibho lami.”

19 UMoya kaThixo wasusehlela phezu kwakhe ngamandla. Waya e-Ashikheloni, wabulala abantu bakhona abangamatshumi amathathu, wabemuka konke ababelakho kwathi izigqoko zabo wazinika labo ababechaze ilibho lakhe. Waya endlini kayise evutha ulaka. 20 UmkaSamsoni wasesendiselwa komunye wabakhaphi bakhe owayekhona edilini.

15

Ukuphindisela KukaSamsoni KumaFilistiya

1 Emva kwalokho, ngesikhathi sokuvuna ingqoloyi, uSamsoni wathatha izinyane lembuzi wethekelela umkakhe. Wathi, “Ngiya endlini yomkami.” Kodwa uyisezala wamalela ukuba angene.

2 Wathi, “Ngangileqiniso lokuthi wawusumzonda kakhulu, ngasengimendisela kumkhaphi wakho. Umnawakhe kamuhle kulaye na? Thatha yena.”

3 USamsoni wathi kubo, “Khathesi sengilelungelo lokuphindisela okubi kumaFilistiya. Ngizawalimaza impela.” 4 Ngakho wasuka wabamba amakhanka angamakhulu amathathu wawabophanisa imisila ngambilimbili. Wasebophela uluthi lomlilo emisileni yonke ayeyibophanisile, 5 walumathisa izinti zomlilo wawayekela amakhanka angena emabeleni amiyo amaFilistiya. Watshisa ayesezizeni lamabele amiyo, lezivini kanye lezivande zama-oliva.

6 Kwathi amaFilistiya ebuza ukuthi, “Ngubani owenze lokhu na?” atshelwa ukuthi, “NguSamsoni, umkhwenyana womThimina ngoba umkakhe wendiselwa kumkhaphi wakhe.”

Ngakho amaFilistiya ahamba ayatshisa umkaSamsoni kanye loyise, bafa. 7 USamsoni wathi kubo, “Njengoba selenze lokhu, angiyikukhawula engikwenzayo ngize ngiphindisele kini.” 8 Wabahlasela kakubi wabulala abanengi babo. Emva kwalokho wahamba wayahlala ebhalwini edwaleni lase-Ethamu.

9 AmaFilistiya ahamba ayamisa koJuda, asabalala eduze leLehi. 10 Abantu bakoJuda babuza bathi, “Lizesihlaselelani na?”

Bona baphendula bathi, “Silande ukuzabopha uSamsoni, senze kuye lokhu akwenzayo kithi.”

11 Abantu bakoJuda abazinkulungwane ezintathu baya ebhalwini edwaleni lase-Ethamu bathi kuSamsoni, “Kawazi yini ukuthi amaFilistiya ayasibusa? Kuyini osusenzele khona ngempela?”

Waphendula wathi, “Ngimane ngenza kuwo lokho akwenza kimi.”

12 Bathi kuye, “Thina silande ukuzakubopha sikunikele kuwo.”

USamsoni wathi, “Fungani kimi ukuthi kaliyikungibulala lina ngokwenu.”

13 Baphendula bathi, “Siyavuma. Thina sizakubopha nje kuphela besesikunikela kuwo. Kasiyikukubulala.” Ngakho bambopha ngemichilo emibili emitsha, basebesuka laye edwaleni. 14 Esebanga eLehi, amaFilistiya amhlangabeza eklabalala. UMoya kaThixo wehlela phezu kwakhe ngamandla. Imichilo ezingalweni zakhe yaba njengesikusha esitshileyo, izibopho zawa ezandleni zakhe. 15 Esethole ithambo lomhlathi kababhemi elitsha, walithatha wabulala ngalo abantu abayinkulungwane.

16 USamsoni wasesithi,

“Ngethambo lomhlathi kababhemi,

ngibenze baba ngobabhemi.

Ngethambo lomhlathi kababhemi

ngibulele amadoda ayinkulungwane.”

17 Eseqedile ukukhuluma walilahla ithambo lomhlathi; indawo leyo yasithiwa yiRamathi-Lehi.

18 Ngenxa yokuthi wayesome kakhulu, wakhala kuThixo wathi, “Uyiphile inceku yakho ukunqoba okukhulu. Pho sekumele ngibulawe yikoma yini njalo ngiwele ezandleni zabangasokanga na?” 19 UNkulunkulu wasevula umthonjana eLehi, kwaphuma amanzi kuwo. USamsoni esenathile, amandla akhe aphenduka, wavuseleleka. Ngakho umthombo lowo wathiwa yi-Eni Hakhore, njalo ulokhu ukhona eLehi.

20 USamsoni wakhokhela abako-Israyeli iminyaka engamatshumi amabili ngesikhathi samaFilistiya.

16

USamsoni LoDelila

1 Ngelinye ilanga uSamsoni waya eGaza, lapho abona khona isifebe. Walala lalo ngalobobusuku. 2 Abantu beGaza batshelwa ukuthi, “USamsoni ulapha!” Ngakho indawo leyo bayihonqolozela bamcathamela ubusuku bonke esangweni ledolobho. Kabenzanga lutho ebusuku, besithi, “Sizambulala emadabukakusa.”

3 Kodwa uSamsoni walala lapho kwaze kwaba phakathi kwamabili kuphela. Lapho-ke wavuka wabamba izivalo zesango ledolobho, ndawonye lezinsika ezimbili, wakusiphula, umgoqo lakho konke. Wakwetshata emahlombe akhe, wakuthwalela phezu kwentaba ekhangele iHebhroni.

4 Ngemva kwesikhathi, wathandana lowesifazane esiGodini saseSoreki owayethiwa nguDelila. 5 Ababusi bamaFilistiya baya kuye bathi, “Mncenge ukuthi akutshengise imfihlo yamandla akhe amakhulu kanye lokuthi singamehlula njani ukuze simbophe simnqobe. Omunye lomunye wethu uzakupha amashekeli esiliva angamakhulu alitshumi lanye.”

6 Ngakho uDelila wathi kuSamsoni, “Ngitshela imfihlo yamandla akho amakhulu kanye lokuthi ungabotshwa unqotshwe njani.”

7 USamsoni waphendula wathi, “Nxa umuntu angangibopha ngemichilo eyisikhombisa engonyiswanga, ngizakuba buthakathaka njengomuntu wonke.”

8 Ababusi bamaFilistiya basebemlethela imichilo eyisikhombisa emitsha eyayingonyiswanga, wambopha ngayo. 9 Kwakulabantu ababecatshile endlini, wasembiza wathi kuye, “Samsoni, amaFilistiya asephezu kwakho!” Kodwa yena waqamula imichilo kalula njengesiqa sentambo lapho sisondele eduzane lelangabi. Ngakho imfihlo yamandla akhe ayazakalanga.

10 UDelila wasesithi kuSamsoni, “Udlale ngami; ungiqambele amanga. Khathesi-ke ngitshela ukuthi ungabotshwa njani.”

11 Yena wathi, “Umuntu angangibopha aqinise ngamagoda amatsha angakaze asetshenziswe, ngizakuba buthakathaka njengomuntu wonke.”

12 Ngakho uDelila wathatha amagoda amatsha wambopha ngawo. Eselabantu ababecatshe endlini, wambiza wathi kuye, “Samsoni, amaFilistiya asephezu kwakho!” Kodwa yena waqamula amagoda ezingalweni zakhe kungathi ayeluhali nje.

13 UDelila wasesithi kuSamsoni, “Kuze kube khathesi ulokhu udlala ngami njalo ungiqambela amanga. Ngitshela ukuthi ungabotshwa njani.

” Yena waphendula wathi, “Ungelukela izixha zenwele zami eziyisikhombisa elenjini ngosungulo zibe yisibhebhedu, ngizakuba buthakathaka njengomuntu wonke.” Ngakho kwathi eselele, uDelila wathatha izixha eziyisikhombisa ekhanda lakhe, 14 wazelukela elenjini ngosungulo.

Wambiza njalo wathi kuye, “Samsoni, amaFilistiya asephezu kwakho!” Wavuka ebuthongweni wadonsa isibhebhedu losungulo kanye lelembu.

15 UDelila wasesithi, kuye, “Ungatsho njani uthi, ‘Ngiyakuthanda,’ wena ungangithembi na? Lokhu ngokwesithathu udlala ngami njalo kawungitshelanga imfihlo yamandla akho amakhulu.” 16 Ngokubelesela okunje wamncenga insuku zonke waze wacina esenengeka kakhulu.

17 Ngakho wamtshela konke wathi, “Akulampuco eseyake yasetshenziswa ekhanda lami ngoba ngingumNaziri owahlukaniselwa uNkulunkulu kusukela ekuzalweni. Nxa ikhanda lami lingaphucwa, amandla ami angasuka kimi, njalo ngingaba buthakathaka njengomuntu wonke.”

18 Kwathi uDelila ebona ukuthi wayesemtshele konke, wathumela ilizwi kubabusi bamaFilistiya elithi, “Wozani futhi; usengitshele konke.” Ngakho ababusi bamaFilistiya babuyela bephethe isiliva ngezandla zabo. 19 Kwathi esemlalisile ethangazini lakhe, wabiza umuntu ukuba aphuce izixha eziyisikhombisa zezinwele zakhe, ngakho waqalisa ukumnqoba. Amandla akhe aphela kuye.

20 Wasememeza wathi, “Samsoni, amaFilistiya asephezu kwakho!

” Wavuka ebuthongweni bakhe wacabanga wathi, “Ngizaphuma njengakuqala ngizikhulule.” Kodwa wayengazi ukuthi uThixo wayesemtshiyile.

21 AmaFilistiya ambamba, amkopola amehlo asehamba laye eGaza. Esembophe ngamaketane ethusi, amupha umsebenzi wokuchola entolongweni. 22 Kodwa inwele ekhanda lakhe zaqalisa ukukhula futhi emva kokuphucwa.

Ukufa KukaSamsoni

23 Ababusi bamaFilistiya babuthana ukuba banikele umhlatshelo omkhulu kuDagoni uNkulunkulu wabo njalo bathokoze besithi, “Unkulunkulu wethu unikele uSamsoni, isitha sethu, ezandleni zethu.”

24 Kwathi abantu bembona, badumisa unkulunkulu wabo besithi,

“Unkulunkulu wethu unikele isitha sethu

ezandleni zethu,

sona esachitha ilizwe lethu

sabulala abanengi bethu.”

25 Bephakathi kokuthokoza, baklabalala bathi, “Lethani uSamsoni azesilibazisa.” Ngakho uSamsoni bayambiza entolongweni, wazabadlalela.

Kwathi sebemise phakathi kwezinsika, 26 uSamsoni wathi encekwini eyayimbambe isandla, “Ngibeka lapho engizathinta khona izinsika ezisekele ithempeli, ukuze ngeyame kuzo.” 27 Ithempeli laligcwele abesilisa labesifazane; bonke ababusi bamaFilistiya babekhonapho, njalo phezu kophahla kwakulabesilisa labesifazane ababephose babe zinkulungwane ezintathu bebukele uSamsoni egida. 28 USamsoni wasekhuleka kuThixo esithi, “Oh Thixo Wobukhosi, ake ungikhumbule. Oh Nkulunkulu, ake ungiqinise kanye nje futhi, kuthi ngokugalela okukodwa ngiphindisele kumaFilistiya amehlo ami amabili.” 29 USamsoni wasebamba izinsika ezimbili eziphakathi, ithempeli elaligxile kuzo. Waziqinisa ngokweyama kuzo, isandla sakhe sokudla sikwenye lesenxele sikwenye, 30 uSamsoni wathi, “Kangife lamaFilistiya!” Wafuqa ngamandla akhe wonke, ithempeli lawela phezu kwababusi labantu bonke ababephakathi kwalo. Ngalokho wabulala abantu abanengi ekufeni kwakhe kulalapho esaphila.

31 Emva kwalokho abafowabo labo bonke abendlu kayise bamlanda. Babuya laye bamngcwaba phakathi kweZora le-Eshithawoli ethuneni likaManowa uyise. Wayekhokhele abako-Israyeli iminyaka engamatshumi amabili.

17

Izithombe ZikaMikha

1 Indoda eyayithiwa nguMikha eyayivela elizweni lamaqaqa ako-Efrayimi 2 yathi kunina, “Amashekeli esiliva angamakhulu alitshumi lanye athathwa kuwe njalo engakuzwa uwaqalekisa, sikimi lesosiliva; yimi engasithathayo.

” Unina wathi, “UThixo kakubusise, ndodana yami!”

3 Esewabuyisele kunina amashekeli esiliva angamakhulu alitshumi lanye, unina wathi, “Isiliva sami ngisahlukanisela uThixo ngokuqinisekileyo ukuba indodana yami yenze isithombe esibaziweyo, sahuqwa ngesiliva. Ngizasibisela kuwe.”

4 Ngakho esesibisele kunina isiliva, unina wasethatha amashekeli angamakhulu amabili esiliva wawanika umkhandi wesiliva, wenza isithombe ngaso. Sabekwa endlini kaMikha.

5 UMikha lo wayelendawo yokukhonzela, njalo wenza isembatho semahlombe kanye lezithombe, wasebeka enye yamadodana akhe ukuba ngumphristi wakhe. 6 Ngalezonsuku u-Israyeli wayengelankosi; umuntu wonke ezenzela ayekubona kulungile kuye.

7 Ijaha laseBhethilehema koJuda elalingumLevi, elalihlala phakathi kwabosendo lukaJuda, 8 lasuka kulowomuzi lidinga enye indawo yokuhlala. Ekuhambeni kwalo lafika endlini kaMikha elizweni lezintaba elako-Efrayimi.

9 UMikha walibuza wathi, “Uvela ngaphi na?”

Lona lathi, “NgingumLevi ovela eBhethilehema koJuda, ngidinga indawo yokuhlala.”

10 UMikha wasesithi kulo, “Hlala lami ube ngubaba lomphristi wami, njalo ngizakupha amashekeli esiliva alitshumi ngomnyaka, izigqoko zakho kanye lokudla kwakho.” 11 Ngakho umLevi wavuma ukuhlala laye, njalo ijaha lelo lalinjengenye yamadodana akhe. 12 UMikha wabeka umLevi ukuba ngumphristi wakhe, njalo ijaha lelo lahlala endlini yakhe. 13 UMikha wasesithi, “Khathesi sengisazi ukuthi uThixo uzakwenza okulungileyo kimi, njengoba umLevi lo esebe ngumphristi wami.”

18

AbakoDani Bakhela ELayishi

1 Ngalezonsuku u-Israyeli wayengelankosi.

Njalo ngalezonsuku abosendo lukaDani babedinga indawo engeyabo, lapho ababengahlala khona, ngoba babengakabi sendaweni eyilifa labo phakathi kwezizwana zako-Israyeli. 2 Ngakho abakoDani bathuma amabutho amahlanu avela eZora lase-Eshithawoli ukuyahlola ilizwe lokulibona. Amadoda la ayemele zonke insendo zakibo. Zathi kubo, “Hambani liyehlola ilizwe.

” Amadoda lawo angena elizweni lezintaba elako-Efrayimi ayafika endlini kaMikha, lapho alala khona. 3 Kwathi eseseduze lendlu kaMikha alazi ilizwi lejaha elingumLevi; ngakho aphendukela khona alibuza athi, “Ngubani owakuletha lapha? Wenzani kule indawo? Ufunani lapha?”

4 Lawatshela elalikwenziwe nguMikha, laselisithi, “Ungiqatshile njalo ngingumphristi wakhe.”

5 Asesithi kulo, “Ake usibuzele kuNkulunkulu ukuthi uhambo lwethu luzaphumelela na.”

6 Umphristi wawaphendula wathi, “Hambani ngokuthula. Uhambo lwenu luvunyelwe nguThixo.”

7 Ngakho amadoda amahlanu lawo asuka aya eLayishi, lapho abona ukuthi abantu bakhona babezihlalele bevikelekile njengamaSidoni, belokuthula njalo bevikelekile. Njalo babehlezi khatshana lamaSidoni njalo bengelabuhlobo lomunye umuntu.

8 Esebuyele eZora lase-Eshithawoli, abafowabo bawabuza bathi, “Libone kunjani?”

9 Aphendula athi, “Phangisani, kasibahlaseleni! Sibonile ukuthi ilizwe lelo lihle kakhulu. Kaliyikwenza lutho na? Lingazilazili ukuya khonale lilithathe. 10 Ekufikeni khonale lizathola abantu abanganqinekeli lutho lelizwe elibanzi uNkulunkulu aselifake ezandleni zenu, ilizwe elingasweli lutho.”

11 Lapho-ke amadoda osendo lwakoDani angamakhulu ayisithupha ahlomela ukulwa, asesuka eZora kanye le-Eshithawoli. 12 Ekuhambeni kwawo amisa izihonqo eduze leKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi koJuda. Yikho-nje indawo esentshonalanga kweKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi ithiwa yiMahane Dani kuze kube lamhla. 13 Esuka lapho aya elizweni lezintaba elako-Efrayimi afika endlini kaMikha.

14 Amadoda amahlanu ayehambe ukuyahlola ilizwe leLayishi athi kubafowabo bakoDani, “Liyakwazi yini ukuthi enye yalezizindlu ilesembatho semahlombe, labanye onkulunkulu basendlini, lesithombe esihuqwe ngesiliva? Khathesi selikwazi okumele likwenze.” 15 Ngakho-ke aphambukela khona aya endlini yejaha elingumLevi koMikha, alibingelela. 16 AbakoDani abangamakhulu ayisithupha, ababehlomele ukulwa, bema entubeni yesango. 17 Abahlanu ababeyehlola ilizwe bangena phakathi bathatha isithombe esibaziweyo, lesembatho semahlombe, labanye onkulunkulu basendlini, umphristi lamadoda ahlomileyo angamakhulu ayisithupha bemi entubeni yesango.

18 Kwathi amadoda la esengene endlini kaMikha athatha isithombe esibaziweyo, lesembatho semahlombe, labanye onkulunkulu basendlini kanye lesithombe esibunjiweyo, umphristi wathi kubo, “Lenzani na?”

19 Amphendula athi, “Thula! Ungatsho lutho. Woza uhambe lathi, ube ngubaba lomphristi wethu. Akungcono yini ukuthi usebenzele isizwana losendo lwako-Israyeli njengomphristi kulabendlu yomuntu oyedwa?” 20 Umphristi wathokoza. Wathatha isembatho semahlombe, labanye onkulunkulu basendlini kanye lesithombe esibaziweyo wahamba labantu. 21 Sebefake abantwababo abancane, lezifuyo zabo kanye lempahla zabo phambi kwabo, baphenduka bahamba.

22 Sebehambe isibanga esithize besuka endlini kaMikha, abantu ababehlala eduzane lendlu kaMikha babizelwa ndawonye baxhuma abakoDani. 23 Kwathi bebamemeza, abakoDani baphendula bathi kuMikha, “Kungani ubize abantu bakho ukuba balwe?”

24 Yena waphendula wathi, “Lithethe onkulunkulu engabenzayo lomphristi wami, lahamba. Kuyini okunye engilakho? Lingangibuza kanjani lisithi, ‘Uhlutshwa yini na?’ ”

25 AbakoDani baphendula bathi, “Ungaphikisani lathi, hlezi abanye abantu abalolaka bakuhlasele, kuthi wena labendlu yakho lilahlekelwe yikuphila kwenu.” 26 Ngakho abakoDani bazihambela, kwathi uMikha ebona ukuthi babelamandla kakhulu kulaye, waphenduka wabuyela emzini wakhe.

27 Bathatha okwakwenziwe nguMikha, lomphristi wakhe, baya eLayishi, ebantwini ababelokuthula njalo bengethuki lutho. Babahlasela ngenkemba batshisa ledolobho labo. 28 Kakho owayengabahlenga ngoba babehlezi khatshana kakhulu leSidoni bengelabuhlobo lamuntu. Idolobho lalisesigodini eduze leBhethi-Rehobhi.

AbakoDani balakha kutsha idolobho lelo bahlala kulo. 29 Balibiza ngokuthi yiDani ibizo likakhokho wabo uDani, owayezalwa ngu-Israyeli, lanxa idolobho lalikade lithiwa yiLayishi. 30 AbakoDani bazimisela izithombe khona, njalo uJonathani indodana kaGeshomu, indodana kaMosi, lamadodana akhe babengabaphristi besizwana sikaDani kwaze kwaba yisikhathi sokuthunjwa kwelizwe. 31 Baqhubeka basebenzisa izithombe ezazenziwe nguMikha, ngasosonke isikhathi indlu kaNkulunkulu iseShilo.

19

UmLevi Lomkakhe Weceleni

1 Ngalezonsuku abako-Israyeli babengelankosi.

UmLevi othile owayehlala esiqintini esikhatshana, elizweni lamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi wathatha umfazi weceleni eBhethilehema koJuda. 2 Kodwa wayengathembekanga kuye. Wamtshiya wabuyela endlini kayise eBhethilehema, koJuda. Esehlale khona okwezinyanga ezine, 3 indoda yamlandela ukuyamncenga ukuba abuye. Indoda yayilenceku yayo labobabhemi ababili. Umfazi wamngenisa endlini kayise, njalo kwathi uyise embona wamamukela ngokuthokoza. 4 Uyisezala, uyise wentombi, wamncenga ukuba ahlale; ngakho wahlala laye insuku ezintathu, esidla enatha, njalo elala khona.

5 Ngelanga lesine bavuka ekuseni, walungiselela ukusuka, kodwa uyise wentombi wathi kumkhwenyana wakhe, “Qinisa umzimba wakho ngongakudla; ubusuhamba.” 6 Ngakho bobabili bahlala phansi badla banatha. Emva kwalokho uyise wentombi wathi, “Ake ulale ubusuku balamuhla uzithokozise.” 7 Kwathi umuntu lowo evuka ukuba ahambe, uyisezala wamncenga, ngakho walala khona ngalobobusuku. 8 Ekuseni ngosuku lwesihlanu, wathi evuka ukuba ahambe, uyise wentombi wathi, “Phumula. Hlala kuze kube ngemva kwemini.” Ngakho bobabili badla ndawonye.

9 Kwathi lapho umuntu lowo, lomkakhe weceleni kanye lenceku yakhe belungiselela ukusuka, uyisezala, uyise wentombi wathi, “Khangela, sekuzakuhlwa. Lala lapha; ilanga selizatshona. Hlala uzithokozise. Kusasa ekuseni kakhulu uzavuka uthathe indlela yakho yokuya ekhaya.” 10 Kodwa umuntu lowo engasafuni ukulala obunye ubusuku lapho, wasuka waqonda eJebusi (leyo yiJerusalema), labobabhemi bakhe ababili ababebotshelwe izihlalo kanye lomkakhe weceleni.

11 Kwathi sebebanga eJebusi ilanga laselitshona, inceku yathi enkosini yayo, “Uyabona, kasime kulelidolobho lamaJebusi silale.”

12 Inkosi yayo yathi, “Hayi. Kasiyikungena edolobheni elilabantu abangasibako-Israyeli. Sizaqhubeka siye eGibhiya.” 13 Wengeza wathi, “Kasambeni, sizame ukuyafika eGibhiya loba eRama, silale kwenye yalezizindawo.” 14 Ngakho baqhubeka, ilanga latshona sebebanga eGibhiya koBhenjamini. 15 Bema lapho ukuba balale khona. Bahamba bayahlala egcekeni ledolobho, kodwa kakho owabangenisa endlini yakhe ukuba balale khona.

16 Ngalokhokuhlwa ixhegu laselizweni lamaqaqa ko-Efrayimi, elalihlala eGibhiya (abantu bakuleyondawo babengabakoBhenjamini), lafika livela emsebenzini walo emasimini. 17 Selikhangele labona isihambi egcekeni ledolobho, ixhegu labuza lathi, “Liya ngaphi? Livela ngaphi?”

18 Yena waphendula wathi, “Siphakathi kohambo lwethu sivela eBhethilehema koJuda siya esiqintini esikhatshana elizweni lamaqaqa ko-Efrayimi lapho engihlala khona. Kade ngiseBhethilehema koJuda kodwa khathesi sengisiya endlini kaThixo. Akulamuntu ongingenise endlini yakhe. 19 Silotshani lokudla kwabobabhemi bethu lesinkwa kanye lewayini lethu thina zinceku zakho, mina lencekukazi yakho kanye lejaha esilalo. Kasisweli lutho.”

20 Ixhegu lathi, “Lamukelekile endlini yami. Ngizalinika konke elikuswelayo. Kodwa lingalali egcekeni.” 21 Ngakho lamngenisa endlini yalo, lanika labobabhemi bakhe ukudla. Sebegeze inyawo zabo, badla banatha.

22 Besazitika, abanye babantu abaxhwalileyo bakulelodolobho bahanqa indlu leyo. Batshaya isivalo, bamemeza ixhegu elalingumnikazi wendlu besithi, “Mkhuphele phandle umuntu ongene endlini ukuze siye emacansini laye.”

23 Umnikazi wendlu waya phandle wathi kubo, “Hayi, bangane bami, lingenzi okubi kangaka. Njengoba umuntu eyisethekeli sami, lingenzi into elihlazo kanje. 24 Khangelani, nansi indodakazi yami eyintombi egcweleyo, kanye lomfazi weceleni walindoda. Ngizabaletha phandle kini, lingabasebenzisa lenze kubo konke elikufisayo. Kodwa lingenzi ihlazo elinjalo kule indoda.”

25 Kodwa abantu labo kabamlalelanga. Ngakho indoda leyo yathatha umkayo weceleni yamusa phandle kubo, bamdlova njalo bamphatha kubi ubusuku bonke, kwathi emadabukakusa bamyekela wahamba. 26 Ekuseni owesifazane lowo waya endlini lapho umkakhe ayehlezi khona, wawela emnyango, walala khonapho kwaze kwakhanya.

27 Esevukile umkakhe ekuseni, wavula umnyango wendlu waphuma ukuba aqhubeke ngohambo lwakhe, wabona umkakhe weceleni ewele emnyango wendlu, izandla zakhe zisentubeni yomnyango. 28 Wathi kuye, “Vuka; kasihambe.” Kodwa kamphendulanga. Ngakho umuntu lowo wambeka phezu kukababhemi wakhe wasuka waya emzini wakhe.

29 Esefikile ekhaya wathatha ingqamu waquma umkakhe weceleni iziqayiqa ezilitshumi lambili wazithumela kuzozonke izigaba zako-Israyeli. 30 Umuntu wonke owakubonayo lokho wathi, “Into enje kayikaze ibonakale loba yenziwe, selokhu u-Israyeli waphuma eGibhithe. Cabangani ngakho! Likuhlole! Litsho okungenziwa!”

20

Abako-Israyeli Balwa LabakoBhenjamini

1 Ngalesosikhathi bonke abako-Israyeli baphuma njengomuntu munye kusukela eDani kusiya eBherishebha kanye laselizweni leGiliyadi, babuthana phambi kukaThixo eMizipha. 2 Abakhokheli babantu bonke bezizwana zako-Israyeli bathatha izindawo zabo ebandleni labantu bakaNkulunkulu, amabutho azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amane ehlome ngezinkemba. 3 (AbakoBhenjamini bezwa ukuthi abako-Israyeli babeye eMizipha.) Abako-Israyeli basebesithi, “Sitsheleni ukuthi into le embi yenzakale njani.”

4 Ngakho umLevi, indoda yowesifazane lowo owayebulewe, wathi, “Mina lomkami weceleni safika eGibhiya koBhenjamini ukuba silale khona. 5 Ebusuku abantu beGibhiya bangivukela bahanqa indlu, behlose ukungibulala. Badlova umkami weceleni waze wafa. 6 Ngathatha umkami weceleni, ngamquma waba yiziqayiqa, ngathumela isiqa esisodwa esigabeni ngasinye selifa lako-Israyeli, ngoba amanyala lalesisenzo sokuxhwala basenzela ko-Israyeli. 7 Khathesi lonke lina abako-Israyeli, khulumani litsho isinqumo senu.”

8 Abantu bonke basukuma njengomuntu munye, besithi, “Akakho kithi ozakuya ekhaya. Hathi, akakho kithi ozabuyela endlini yakhe. 9 Kodwa khathesi esizakwenza eGibhiya yilokhu: Sizakuyayihlasela ngokwenza inkatho. 10 Sizathatha abantu abalitshumi phakathi kwabalikhulu kuzozonke izizwana zako-Israyeli, labalikhulu kwabayinkulungwane, labayinkulungwane kwaba zinkulungwane ezilutshumi ukuba badingele ibutho ukudla. Ekufikeni kwalo ibutho eGibhiya koBhenjamini, lizabanika okubafaneleyo ngamanyala lokuxhwala abakwenze ko-Israyeli.” 11 Ngakho bonke abantu bako-Israyeli bahlangana, bamanyana njengomuntu munye bamelana ledolobho.

12 Izizwana zako-Israyeli zathumela abantu kusosonke isizwana sakoBhenjamini, zisithi, “Yibudlova bani lobu obenziwayo phakathi kwenu na? 13 Khathesi-ke, banikeleni labobantu baseGibhiya abagangileyo ukuze sibabulale siqede ububi ko-Israyeli.

” Kodwa abakoBhenjamini kababalalelanga abafowabo bako-Israyeli. 14 Baqoqana eGibhiya bevela emadolobheni akibo ukuba balwe labako-Israyeli. 15 Ngasikhathi sinye abakoBhenjamini babutha izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesithupha zabahlome ngezinkemba emadolobheni akibo, phezu kwabantu abangamakhulu ayisikhombisa abakhethwa kulabo abahlala eGibhiya. 16 Phakathi kwamabutho la kwakulabantu abakhethiweyo abangamakhulu ayisikhombisa ababengamanxele, bonke bengakhuthi abakunxwaneleyo ngesavutha.

17 Abako-Israyeli, ngaphandle kwabakoBhenjamini, babutha abantu abalwa ngezinkemba abazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amane, bonke bengabantu bempi.

18 Abako-Israyeli baya eBhetheli babuza uNkulunkulu. Bathi, “Ngubani wethu ozahamba kuqala ukuyakulwa labakoBhenjamini?

” UThixo wathi, “NguJuda ozahamba kuqala.”

19 Kusisa ekuseni, abako-Israyeli bavuka bamisa izihonqo eduzane leGibhiya. 20 Abantu bako-Israyeli baphuma ukuyakulwa labakoBhenjamini bema ezindaweni ezilungele ukubahlasela eGibhiya. 21 AbakoBhenjamini baphuma eGibhiya babulala abako-Israyeli abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili endaweni yokulwela mhlalokho. 22 Kodwa abantu bako-Israyeli banikana isibindi babuyela njalo ezindaweni zabo lapho ababekhona ngelanga lakuqala. 23 Abako-Israyeli bahamba bayakhala phambi kukaThixo kwaze kwaba kusihlwa, njalo babuza uThixo bathi, “Singahamba njalo yini siyekulwa labakoBhenjamini, abafowethu na?

” UThixo waphendula yathi, “Hambani liyebahlasela.”

24 Abako-Israyeli basondela koBhenjamini ngosuku lwesibili. 25 Ngalesisikhathi, kwathi abakoBhenjamini sebephumile eGibhiya ukuba bamelane labo, babulala abanye njalo abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasificaminwembili, bonke behlome ngezinkemba.

26 Lapho-ke, abako-Israyeli bonke lebutho lonke baya eBhetheli, bahlala khona bekhala phambi kukaThixo. Ngalelolanga bazila kwaze kwaba kusihlwa, banikela leminikelo yokutshiswa kanye leminikelo yobudlelwano kuThixo. 27 Abako-Israyeli basebebuza uThixo. (Ngalezonsuku umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu wawukhonapho, 28 uloFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari, indodana ka-Aroni, ekhonza phambi kwawo.) Babuza bathi, “Singahamba njalo yini siyekulwa loBhenjamini umfowethu loba hatshi na?”

UThixo waphendula wathi, “Hambani, ngoba kusasa ngizabanikela ezandleni zenu.”

29 Ngakho abako-Israyeli bacathama bezungeze iGibhiya. 30 Bahamba bayahlasela abakoBhenjamini ngosuku lwesithathu, balungela ukuhlasela iGibhiya njengebabekwenze kuqala. 31 AbakoBhenjamini baphuma babahlangabeza baholelwa kude ledolobho. Baqalisa ukubabulala abako-Israyeli njengakuqala, kwathi ababephosa babengamatshumi amathathu bafela egcekeni emgwaqweni oya eBhetheli lomunye oya eGibhiya. 32 Kwathi abakoBhenjamini besithi, “Siyabehlula njengakuqala,” abako-Israyeli bona besithi, “Kasihlehleleni emuva sibaholele kude ledolobho emigwaqweni.”

33 Bonke abantu bako-Israyeli basuka ezindaweni zabo baya eBhali-Thamari, kwathi abako-Israyeli ababecatheme bahlasela bephuma endaweni yabo ngasentshonalanga kweGibhiya. 34 Izinkulungwane ezilitshumi zabantu bako-Israyeli abakhethiweyo bahlasela iGibhiya mathupha. Ukulwa kwakunzima kakhulu ngakho kwenza abakoBhenjamini bangananzeleli ukuthi ingozi yayisisondele. 35  UThixo wamnqoba uBhenjamini phambi kuka-Israyeli, njalo ngalelolanga abako-Israyeli babulala abakoBhenjamini abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lekhulu (25,100), bonke behlome ngezinkemba. 36 Lapho-ke abakoBhenjamini babona ukuthi babenqotshiwe.

Khonapho abako-Israyeli basebevulele abakoBhenjamini isikhala, ngoba babethembe ababecatheme eduze leGibhiya. 37 Abantu ababecatheme bagijimela eGibhiya ngokuphangisa, basabalala idolobho lonke balihlasela ngenkemba. 38 Abantu bako-Israyeli babehlele labacathamayo ukuthi benze iyezi elikhulu lentuthu phakathi kwedolobho, 39 lapho-ke abantu bako-Israyeli babezaphendukela ekulweni empini.

AbakoBhenjamini basebeqalisile ukubulala abako-Israyeli (babephosa babengamatshumi amathathu), njalo bathi, “Siyabehlula njengempini yakuqala.” 40 Kodwa kwathi izikhatha zentuthu seziqalise ukuphakama edolobheni, abakoBhenjamini baphenduka babona intuthu yedolobho lonke iqonga isiya phezulu emkhathini. 41 Lapho-ke abako-Israyeli babaphendukela, abantu bakoBhenjamini batshaywa luvalo, ngoba babona ukuthi ingozi yayisibehlele. 42 Ngakho babaleka phambi kwabako-Israyeli beqonda enkangala kodwa behluleka ukuyibalekela impi. Abako-Israyeli abaphuma emizini bababulalela khonapho. 43 Babahanqa abakoBhenjamini, baxotshana labo, bababhuqela eduze leGibhiya kalula ngasempumalanga. 44 Kwafa abakoBhenjamini abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasificaminwembili, bonke bengamaqhawe. 45 Sebephenduke babaleka beqonda enkangala edwaleni laseRimoni, abako-Israyeli babulala abantu abazinkulungwane ezinhlanu kulandela imigwaqo. Baqhubeka bexotshana labakoBhenjamini baze bayafika eGidomu babulala abanye njalo abazinkulungwane ezimbili.

46 Ngalelolanga kwafa abakoBhenjamini abalwa ngenkemba abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, bonke bengamaqhawe. 47 Kodwa abantu abangamakhulu ayisithupha baphenduka babalekela enkangala edwaleni laseRimoni, lapho abahlala khona izinyanga ezine. 48 Abantu bako-Israyeli babuyela koBhenjamini bahlasela imizi yonke ngenkemba, kubalwa izifuyo lakho konke okunye abakutholayo. Yonke imizi abafika kuyo bayithungela ngomlilo.

21

Abafazi Babantu BakoBhenjamini

1 Abantu bako-Israyeli babefunge isifungo eMizipha bathi, “Akukho lamunye wethu ozakwendisela indodakazi yakhe emuntwini wakoBhenjamini.”

2 Abantu baya eBhetheli, lapho abahlala khona phambi kukaNkulunkulu kwaze kwaba kusihlwa, bephakamise amazwi abo bekhala kabuhlungu besithi, 3 “Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kungani lokhu kwenzakale ku-Israyeli na? Kungani esinye isizwana singekho ko-Israyeli lamhla na?”

4 Ngakusasa ekuseni abantu bakha i-alithari banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yobudlelwano.

5 Basebebuza abako-Israyeli besithi, “Yisiphi kuzozonke izizwana zako-Israyeli esingabuthananga phambi kukaThixo na?” Ngoba babefunge isifungo esiqinileyo bathi lowo owayengayikuba khona ekubuthaneni phambi kukaThixo eMizipha kwakuzamele abulawe.

6 Abako-Israyeli bezwa ubuhlungu ngabafowabo bakoBhenjamini. Bathi, “Lamuhla esinye isizwana kasisekho ko-Israyeli. 7 Labo abaseleyo singabanika njani abafazi, njengoba thina sifunge isifungo ngoThixo ukuba kasiyi kubendisela amadodakazi ethu?” 8 Babuye babuza bathi, “Yisiphi sezizwana zako-Israyeli esingabuthananga phambi kukaThixo eMizipha na?” Bafumana ukuthi akulamuntu waseJabheshi Giliyadi owayefikile ezihonqweni elande umbuthano lowo. 9 Ngoba bathi bebala abantu, bathola ukuthi kwakungelamuntu waseJabheshi Giliyadi owayekhona.

10 Ngakho ibandla lathuma abantu bempi abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili belaywa ukuthi baye eJabheshi Giliyadi babahlasele ngenkemba labo abahlala khona, kubalwa abesifazane labantwana. 11 Bathi, “Kumele libulale wonke owesilisa lowesifazane ongasintombi egcweleyo.” 12 Phakathi kwabantu ababehlala eJabheshi Giliyadi bathola izintombi ezigcweleyo ezingamakhulu amane, bazisa ezihonqweni eShilo kweleKhenani.

13 Ibandla lonke lathumela ilizwi lokuthula kwabakoBhenjamini edwaleni laseRimoni. 14 Ngakho abakoBhenjamini babuyela ngalesosikhathi sebephiwe abesifazane baseJabheshi Giliyadi ababephephisiwe. Kodwa kabawanelanga amadoda wonke.

15 Abantu bezwa ubuhlungu ngabakoBhenjamini, ngoba uThixo wayesenze isikhexe phakathi kwezizwana zako-Israyeli. 16 Abadala bebandla bathi, “Njengoba abesifazane bakoBhenjamini beqothuliwe, amadoda aseleyo siwazuzela njani abafazi na? 17 AbakoBhenjamini abasindayo kumele babe lezindlalifa, ukuze isizwana sako-Israyeli singatshabalali. 18 Asingeke sibendisele amadodakazi ethu ngoba thina abako-Israyeli safunga isifungo lesi sathi: ‘Kaqalekiswe lowo owendisela umBhenjamini umfazi.’ 19 Kodwa khangelani, kulomkhosi weminyaka yonke kaThixo eShilo, enyakatho kweBhetheli, ngasempumalanga komgwaqo osuka eBhetheli usiya eShekhemu, ngeningizimu kweLebhona.”

20 Ngakho balaya abakoBhenjamini bathi, “Hambani liyecatsha ezivinini 21 lilinde. Lapho izintombi zaseShilo ziphuma ukuba zingene ekugideni, sukani ezivinini ligijima kuthi lowo lalowo wenu azibambele umfazi ezintombini zaseShilo libe selisiya elizweni lakoBhenjamini. 22 Oyise labanewabo bangakhonona kithi, thina sizakuthi kubo, ‘Ake lisenzele umusa ngokubasiza, ngoba kasibatholelanga abafazi ngesikhathi sempi. Kaliyikuba lacala ngokwephula isifungo, ngoba amadodakazi enu kaliwendiselanga kubo.’ ”

23 Ngakho lokho yikho okwenziwa ngabakoBhenjamini. Kwathi izintombi zigida, indoda yabamba intombi yahamba layo ukuba ibe ngumkayo. Babuyela-ke elifeni labo bayakha kutsha imizi, bahlala kuyo.

24 Ngalesisikhathi abako-Israyeli basuka kuleyondawo babuyela emakhaya ezizwaneni lasezinsendweni zabo, ngulowo lalowo elifeni lakhe.

25 Ngalezonsuku abako-Israyeli babengelankosi; umuntu wonke ezenzela ayekubona kulungile kuye.

URuthe

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URuthe

1

UNawomi Ulahlekelwa Ngumkakhe Lamadodana Akhe

1 Ngezinsuku kubusa abahluleli, kwaba lendlala elizweni. Ngakho indoda ethile yaseBhethilehema koJuda kanye lomkayo lamadodana abo amabili, basuka bayahlala elizweni lamaMowabi okwesikhatshana. 2 Ibizo lalindoda lalingu-Elimeleki, elomkakhe linguNawomi, amadodana akhe amabili ayengoMaheloni loKhiliyoni. Babengama-Efrathi aseBhethilehema koJuda. Baya eMowabi bayahlala khona.

3 U-Elimeleki, umkaNawomi wafa, wasesala lamadodana akhe womabili. 4 Athatha abafazi baseMowabi, omunye wayethiwa ngu-Opha omunye ethiwa nguRuthe. Sebehlale lapho okweminyaka elitshumi, 5 bobabili uMaheloni loKhiliyoni labo bafa, uNawomi wasesala engaselamadodana kanye lomkakhe.

Ukubuyela KukaNawomi LoRuthe EBhethilehema

6 Wathi esizwa eseMowabi ukuthi uThixo wayesesize abantu bakhe ngokubapha ukudla, uNawomi kanye labomalukazana bakhe balungisela ukubuyela kibo. 7 Wasuka endaweni ayekade ehlala kuyo, labomalukazana bakhe bobabili, wangena indlela eyayizabasa emuva elizweni lamaJuda.

8 UNawomi wasesithi kubomalukazana bakhe bobabili, “Buyelani emuva, ngulowo lalowo aye emzini kanina. Engani uThixo angalenzela umusa onjengalowo elingitshengise wona kanye labomkenu asebedlule. 9 Sengathi uThixo angenza ukuba ngulowo lalowo athole inhlalo enhle nxa esendele kwenye indoda.”

Wasebanga, basebekhala kakhulu 10 bathi kuye, “Sizahamba lawe ebantwini bakini.”

11 Kodwa uNawomi wathi, “Buyelani ngekhaya madodakazi ami. Kambe lingabe lihambelani lami? Ngingazala amanye amadodana na angaba ngomkenu? 12 Buyelani ngekhaya madodakazi ami. Sengigugile, angingeke ngibe ngisazuza enye indoda. Loba bekungabe kulethemba lokuthi ngende loba bengingaba lendoda ngabona lobubusuku ngizale amadodana, 13 lingawamelela aze akhule na? Lingahlala lingendanga lilindele wona na? Hatshi, madodakazi ami. Kubuhlungu kakhulu lokho kimi okwedlula kini ngoba ingalo kaThixo isingihlanekele!”

14 Bekuzwa lokho bakhala njalo. U-Opha wasesanga uninazala wamvalelisa, kodwa uRuthe wabambelela kuye.

15 UNawomi wathi, “Khangela, unyanewenu usebuyela kwabakibo kanye labonkulunkulu bakhe. Buyela laye.”

16 URuthe waphendula wathi, “Ungangincengi ukuba ngikutshiye loba ukuba ngikufulathele. Lapho oya khona ngizakuya khona, lalapho ozahlala khona ngizahlala khona. Abantu bakini bazakuba ngabakithi loNkulunkulu wakho uzakuba nguNkulunkulu wami. 17 Lapho ozafela khona lami ngizafela khona njalo ngizangcwatshelwa khona. Sengathi uThixo angangihlanekela nxa ngingehlukana lawe ngenxa yolunye ulutho olungesikufa.” 18 Kwathi uNawomi esebonile ukuthi uRuthe uzimisele ukuhamba laye, waseyekela ukumcindezela.

19 Basebehamba bobabili baze bayafika eBhethilehema. Bathi befika eBhethilehema, umuzi wonke waba lokuxokozela ngabo, kwathi abesifazane bababaza besithi, “Angabe enguNawomi lo na?”

20 Yena wathi kubo, “Lingangibizi ngokuthi nginguNawomi. Wothani nginguMara, ngoba uSomandla wenze impilo yami yaba munyu. 21 Ngasuka lapha ngigcwele, kodwa uThixo usengibuyise ngingelalutho. Lingangibizelani ngokuthi nginguNawomi? UThixo ungehlisele uhlupho; uSomandla ungehlisele okubi.”

22 Ngakho uNawomi wabuyela ngokunjalo eBhethilehema evela eMowabi. Wafika ephelekezelwa nguRuthe umalukazana wakhe waseMowabi. Bafika ngesikhathi sokuqalisa ukuvuna ibhali.

2

URuthe Uhlangana LoBhowazi Emasimini

1 UNawomi wayelesihlobo sakwabozala, indoda eyayinothile osendweni luka-Elimeleki, ibizo layo linguBhowazi.

2 URuthe umʼMowabi wathi kuNawomi, “Yekela ngiye emasimini ngiyedobha inhlamvu zamabele asala emuva kulowo ozakuba lomusa kimi.”

UNawomi wathi, “Kulungile, hamba ndodakazi yami.” 3 Wasehamba, wafika wadobha amabele asala ngemuva kwabavunayo. Kwenzakala ukuthi wafika wasebenza ensimini kaBhowazi, owayengowosendo luka-Elimeleki.

4 Kwasekufika uBhowazi evela eBhethilehema, wabingelela abavuni wathi, “UThixo kabe lani!”

Baphendula bathi, “UThixo akubusise!”

5 UBhowazi wabuza inceku yakhe eyayikhangele abavunayo wathi, “Intombi le ngekabani?”

6 Yena wathi, “NgeyaseMowabi eyabuya loNawomi. 7 Uthe, ‘Ngicela ukudobha okusalayo phakathi kwezithungo ngemva kwabavunayo.’ Ulokhu efike emasimini ekuseni lokhu esebenza kuze kube khathesi, ngaphandle kokuphumula kancinyane nje emthunzini.”

8 UBhowazi wasesithi kuRuthe, “Lalela lapha-ke ndodakazi yami. Ungaze wayadobha kwenye insimu, ungasuki lapha. Hlala lapha lamantombazana azincekukazi zami. 9 Nanzelela leyonsimu lapho amadoda avuna khona, wena ulandele amantombazana. Ngiwalayile amadoda ukuba angakuhluphi. Ungezwa usuwomile, uhambe uyenatha ezimbizeni ezikhelelwe zagcwaliswa ngamadoda.”

10 Ekuzwa lokhu uRuthe wathi mbo phansi ngobuso, wambuza wathi, “Kungani ngifumane umusa ongaka kuwe uze ungizwele mina ngingowezizweni?”

11 UBhowazi wathi, “Sengitsheliwe ngakho konke owakwenzela unyokozala kusukela ekufeni komkakho lokuthi watshiya uyihlo lonyoko lelizwe lakini weza ukuzahlala labantu owawungabazi ngaphambilini. 12 Sengathi uThixo angakupha umvuzo ngalokhu okwenzileyo. Sengathi uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, oze ukuphephela ngaphansi kwamaphiko akhe angakupha umvuzo omkhulu.”

13 URuthe wathi, “Sengathi ngingaqhubeka ngithola umusa kuwe, nkosi yami. Usungiphe ukududuzeka njalo ukhulume ngomusa encekukazini yakho loba ngingafanele ukuba ngomunye wamantombazana azincekukazi zakho.”

14 Ngesikhathi sokudla, uBhowazi wathi kuye, “Woza lapha. Nansi isinkwa, dlana utshebe ngewayini elileviniga.”

Wahlala phansi labavunayo, uBhowazi wasemupha amabele akhanzingiweyo. Wadla wasutha waze watshiya. 15 Esesukuma ukuthi ayebutha, uBhowazi walaya amadoda wathi, “Loba angaze adobhe phakathi kwezithungo, lingaze lamhlupha. 16 Kodwa, hwatshani amanye amahlanga ezithungweni limtshiyele ukuze adobhe kuwo, lingaze lamkhuza.”

17 Ngakho uRuthe wadobha ensimini kwaze kwahwalala. Wasebhula ibhali ayeyidobhile, yagcwala phamu amagokoko amabili. 18 Wayithwala waya layo ngekhaya, uninazala wabona lokho ayekuvunile. URuthe wakhupha ayekutshiyile esedle wasutha, weza lakho wamupha.

19 Uninazala wabuza wathi, “Udobhe ngaphi lamhlanje? Usebenze ngaphi? Ubusisiwe lowomuntu okunanzeleleyo!”

URuthe wasemtshela uninazala ngalowo lapho ayekade esebenza khona wathi, “Ibizo lendoda engisebenze kuyo lamhla nguBhowazi.”

20 UNawomi wathi kumalukazana wakhe, “UThixo kambusise! Kayekelanga ukutshengisa umusa wakhe kwabaphilayo lakwasebafayo.” Wengeza njalo wathi, “Indoda leyo iyisihlobo sethu esiseduze; ingomunye wezihlobo zethu ezingabahlengi.”

21 URuthe umʼMowabi wasesithi, “Uze wathi kimi, ‘Ubohlala ulandela izisebenzi zami zize ziqede ukuvuna amabele ami.’ ”

22 UNawomi wathi kuRuthe umalukazana wakhe, “Kuzakuba kuhle, ndodakazi yami, ukuthi uhambe lamantombazana akhe, ngoba ungahlutshwa ensimini yomunye.”

23 Ngakho uRuthe waba seduze lamantombazana azincekukazi zikaBhowazi ekudobheni kwaze kwaphela ukuvuna ibhali lengqoloyi. Njalo wahlala loninazala.

3

URuthe LoBhowazi ESizeni

1 Ngelinye ilanga uNawomi, uninazala wathi kuye, “Ndodakazi yami, akungcono ngikudingele umuzi lapho ozagcineka khona kuhle na? 2 UBhowazi lo obusebenza lamantombazana akhe, yisihlobo sethu. Ngobusuku balamhlanje uzabe esela ibhali esizeni. 3 Geza, uziqhole ngamakha, ugqoke izigqoko zakho zokuceca. Ubususiya esizeni, kodwa ungaze waziveza kuye aze aqede ukudla lokunatha. 4 Nxa eselala, uqaphelise indawo alala kuyo, ubusufika wambule ezinyaweni zakhe ulale lapho. Uzakutshela ukuthi wenzeni.”

5 URuthe wathi, “Ngizakwenza lokho ongitshela khona.” 6 Wasesuka waya esizeni, wenza konke ayekutshelwe nguninazala.

7 Kwathi uBhowazi esethabe kakhulu ngemva kokudla lokunatha, wasuka wayalala ekucineni kwenqumbi yamabele. URuthe wasondela ngokuthula, wembula inyawo zakhe, waselala lapho. 8 Kwathi phakathi kobusuku indoda yethuswa ngokuthile, yasiphenduka yathola owesifazane elele ezinyaweni zayo.

9 Yabuza yathi, “Ungubani wena?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “NginguRuthe, incekukazi yakho. Ngembathisa ngesembatho sakho, njengoba uyisihlobo sethu esingumhlengi.”

10 Yena wathi, “UThixo akubusise, ndodakazi yami. Umusa wakho lo mkhulu ukwedlula lokho okwenze kuqala. Awuzange ukhethe ukulandelana lamajaha, ingabe nganothileyo loba angabayanga. 11 Ngakho-ke, ungesabi ndodakazi yami. Ngizakwenzela konke okucelayo. Bonke abantu bakulo umuzi bayakwazi ukuthi wena ungowesifazane oqotho. 12 Lanxa kuliqiniso ukuthi mina ngiyisihlobo esihlengayo, kodwa ukhona oyisihlobo esiseduze okwedlula mina. 13 Hlala lapha lobubusuku, kuthi ekuseni nxa efuna ukukuhlenga; uzakwenza njalo. Kodwa nxa engakavumi lokho, mina ngizakwenza lokho njengoba uThixo ephila. Lala lapha kuze kuse.”

14 Ngakho walala kwaze kwasa, wasevuka engakananzelelwa muntu; uBhowazi wathi kuye, “Ungaze watshela muntu ukuthi ukhona owesifazane oke weza esizeni.”

15 Wengeza wathi, “Letha kimi isembatho leso osembetheyo usivule.” Kwathi esenzenjalo, wathela kuso ibhali eyizilinganiso eziyisithupha wamethesa. Wasesuka wabuyela ngekhaya.

16 URuthe wathi efika kuninazala, uNawomi wabuza wathi, “Kuhambe njani ndodakazi yami?”

Yena wamtshela konke ayekwenzelwe nguBhowazi, 17 wengeza esithi, “Ungiphe izilinganiso eziyisithupha zebhali wathi, ‘Ungaze wabuyela kunyokozala ungelalutho.’ ”

18 UNawomi wasesithi, “Mana ndodakazi yami, uze ubone okuzakwenzakala. Umuntu lo kasoke aphumule indaba le ize ilungiswe lamhlanje.”

4

UBhowazi Uthatha URuthe

1 Kusenjalo uBhowazi waya esangweni ledolobho wahlala lapho. Kwathi isihlobo esihlengayo ayekhulume ngaso sisedlula lapho, uBhowazi wathi, “Woza lapha mngane wami, uhlale phansi.” Waya kuye wahlala phansi.

2 UBhowazi wabiza abadala bakulelodolobho abalitshumi wathi, “Hlalani lapha,” benza njalo. 3 Wasesithi esihlotsheni esihlengayo, “UNawomi osebuyile evela eMowabi uthengisa isiqinti esasingesomnewethu u-Elimeleki. 4 Ngibone kufanele ukuthi ngilethe loludaba kuwe njalo ngicebise ukuthi usithenge phambi kwabo laba abahlezi lapha laphambi kwabadala bakithi. Nxa usihlenga, yenza njalo. Kodwa nxa ungasihlengi ungazise. Phela kakho olelungelo lokwenza lokho ngaphandle kwakho, besekulandela mina.”

Yena wathi, “Ngizasihlenga.”

5 UBhowazi wasesithi, “Mhla uthenga umhlabathi kuNawomi loRuthe umʼMowabi, uzazuza lomfelokazi womufi, ukuze umise ibizo lomufi kanye lempahla yakhe.”

6 Sikuzwa lokho, isihlobo esingumhlengi sathi, “Angingeke-ke ngisihlenge ngoba sekungonakala okwelifa lami. Sihlenge wena ngokwakho. Mina anganelisi.”

7 (Ngalezonsuku zakuqala ko-Israyeli, ukuze umkhuba wokuhlenga impahla zisuka komunye zisiya komunye uphelele, oyedwa wayekhupha inyathela lakhe aliphe omunye. Le yayiyindlela yokuqinisa isivumelwano ko-Israyeli.)

8 Ngakho isihlobo esihlengayo sakhupha inyathela laso sathi kuBhowazi, “Sithenge wena.”

9 UBhowazi wasebika ebadaleni lakubo bonke abantu wathi, “Lamhlanje lingofakazi bokuthi sengithengile kuNawomi yonke impahla ka-Elimeleki, loKhiliyoni loMaheloni. 10 LoRuthe umʼMowabi, umfelokazi kaMaheloni sengimzuzile ukuba abe ngumkami, ukuze kugcinakale ibizo lomufi kanye lempahla yakhe, lokuze ibizo lakhe linganyamalali emulini loba embalini yomuzi. Lingofakazi lamhlanje!”

11 Abadala kanye labo bonke ababesesangweni bathi, “Singofakazi. Sengathi uThixo angenza owesifazane ozayo emzini wakho abe njengoRasheli loLeya, abayakhayo indlu ka-Israyeli bendawonye. Sengathi ungahlonitshwa e-Efrathi ube lodumo eBhethilehema. 12 Ngenzalo uThixo azakunika yona ngalo owesifazane, sengathi imuli yakho ingaba njengekaPherezi, uThamari ayizalela uJuda.”

UNaomi Uthola Indodana

13 UBhowazi wamthatha uRuthe waba ngumkakhe. Wembatha laye, uThixo wenza wakhulelwa, wasezala indodana. 14 Abesifazane bathi kuNawomi, “Kadunyiswe uThixo, yena ongakutshiyanga wasala ungelasihlobo esihlengayo. Sengathi angaba lodumo kulolonke elako-Israyeli! 15 Uzakwenza impilo yakho ibentsha, akulondoloze ebudaleni bakho. Ngoba umalukazana wakho, yena okuthandayo njalo ongcono kulamadodana ayisikhombisa, usemuphe inzalo.”

16 UNawomi wasethatha umntwana, wamanga, wamondla. 17 Abesifazane ababehlala lapho bathi, “UNawomi uselendodana.” Bamutha ibizo bathi ngu-Obhedi. Nguye owaba nguyise kaJese, uyise kaDavida.

Usendo LukaDavida

18 Lesi yiso isizukulwane sikaPherezi:

uPherezi wayenguyise kaHezironi,

19 uHezironi enguyise kaRamu,

uRamu enguyise ka-Aminadabi,

20 u-Aminadabi enguyise kaNahashoni,

uNahashoni enguyise kaSalimoni,

21 uSalimoni enguyise kaBhowazi,

uBhowazi enguyise ka-Obhedi,

22 u-Obhedi enguyise kaJese,

uJese enguyise kaDavida.

1 USamuyeli

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Ugwalo Lwakuqala

LukaSamuyeli

1

Ukuzalwa KukaSamuyeli

1 Kwakulendoda ethile yaseRamathayimi, umZufi owayevela elizweni lamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi, ibizo layo lalingu-Elikhana indodana kaJerohamu, indodana ka-Elihu, indodana kaThohu, indodana kaZufi, umʼEfrayimi. 2 Wayelabafazi ababili; omunye wayethiwa nguHana omunye enguPhenina. UPhenina wayelabantwana kodwa uHana engelabo.

3 Ngeminyaka yonke indoda le yayisuka emzini wakibo isiyakhonza, inikela lomhlatshelo kuThixo uSomandla eShilo, lapho uHofini loFinehasi, amadodana amabili ka-Eli, ababengabaphristi bakaThixo khona. 4 Kwakusithi kungafika isikhathi sokuthi u-Elikhana anikele umhlatshelo, wayenika umkakhe uPhenina lawo wonke amadodana lamadodakazi akhe izabelo zenyama. 5 Kodwa uHana wayemnika isabelo esiphindwe kabili ngoba wayemthanda, kodwa uThixo wayesivalile isibeletho sakhe. 6 Njalo ngenxa yokuthi uThixo wayesivalile isibeletho sakhe, unyanewabo wayehlala emgolomba ukuze amcaphule. 7 Lokhu kwaqhubeka iminyaka yonke. Ngezikhathi zonke lapho uHana eye endlini kaThixo, unyanewabo wayemgolomba aze akhale njalo ehluleke lokudla. 8 U-Elikhana umkakhe, wayesithi kuye, “Hana, ukhalelani na? Kungani ungadli na? Kungani udanile? Kuwe angiqakathekanga ukwedlula amadodana alitshumi na?”

9 Kwake kwathi sebeqede ukudla lokunatha eShilo, uHana wasukuma. Ngalesosikhathi u-Eli umphristi wayehlezi esihlalweni phansi kwensika yomnyango wethempeli likaThixo. 10 Ngobuhlungu bomoya uHana wakhala kakhulu njalo wakhuleka kuThixo. 11 Wafunga esithi, “Awu, Thixo Somandla, nxa ungakhangela nje usizi lwencekukazi yakho ungikhumbule, njalo ungayikhohlwa incekukazi yakho kodwa uyiphe indodana, lapho-ke ngizayinika uThixo okwensuku zonke zokuphila kwayo, njalo akulampuco ezasetshenziswe ekhanda layo.”

12 Ekuqhubekeni kwakhe uHana ekhuleka kuThixo, u-Eli wananzelela umlomo wakhe. 13 UHana wayekhulekela enhliziyweni yakhe, izindebe zakhe zinyikinyeka kodwa ilizwi lakhe lingezwakali. U-Eli wacabanga ukuthi wayedakiwe, 14 ngakho wathi kuye, “Koze kube nini ulokhu udakwa na? Yekela iwayini lakho.”

15 “Akunjalo nkosi yami,” uHana waphendula. “Ngingowesifazane ohlupheke kakhulu. Kangizange nginathe iwayini kumbe utshwala. Kade ngisethula umphefumulo wami kuThixo. 16 Ungathathi incekukazi yakho njengowesifazane ogangileyo; kade ngikhuleka lapha ngenxa yosizi lwami olukhulu kanye lobuhlungu.”

17 U-Eli waphendula wathi, “Hamba ngokuthula, sengathi uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli angakupha lokho okucele kuye.”

18 UHana wathi, “Sengathi incekukazi yakho ingathola umusa emehlweni akho.” Lapho-ke wasuka wahamba, wadla, njalo ubuso bakhe babungasadananga.

19 Ekuseni okwalandelayo bavuka bayakhonza phambi kukaThixo basebebuyela emzini wabo eRama. U-Elikhana walala loHana umkakhe, uThixo wamkhumbula. 20 Ngakho ngokuhamba kwesikhathi uHana wathatha isisu wazala indodana. Wayetha ibizo wathi nguSamuyeli, esithi, “Ngoba ngamcela kuThixo.”

UHana Unikela USamuyeli

21 Kwathi lapho u-Elikhana ehamba labendlu yakhe bonke ukuyanikela umhlatshelo weminyaka yonke kuThixo lokugcwalisa isifungo sakhe, 22 uHana kahambanga. Wathi kumkakhe, “Emva kokuba umfana eselunyulwe, ngizamthatha ngiyemethula phambi kukaThixo, njalo uzahlala khona kokuphela.”

23 U-Elikhana umkakhe wathi kuye, “Yenza lokho okukhanya kukuhle kuwe. Hlala khonapho uze umkhuphe ebeleni; kuphela nje sengathi uThixo angagcwalisa ilizwi lakhe.” Ngakho owesifazane wahlala ekhaya wondla indodana yakhe waze wayilumula.

24 Emva kokuba esekhutshiwe ebeleni, wahamba lomfana, emncane enjalo kanye lenkunzi eyayileminyaka emithathu ubudala, lehefa lempuphu yengqoloyi kanye lembodlela yewayini, wamusa endlini kaThixo eShilo. 25 Kwathi inkunzi sebeyihlabile, bamhambisa umfana ku-Eli, 26 uHana wasesithi kuye, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ukhona, nkosi yami, mina ngingulowana umfazi owema phansi kwakho ekhuleka kuThixo. 27 Ngakhulekela umntwana lo, njalo uThixo usengiphile engakucelayo. 28 Ngakho khathesi sengimnika uThixo. Uzanikwa uThixo impilo yakhe yonke.” Wakhonza uThixo khonapho.

2

Umkhuleko KaHana

1 UHana wasekhuleka esithi:

“Inhliziyo yami iyathokoza kuThixo;

kuThixo uphondo lwami luphakeme.

Umlomo wami uyaziklolodela izitha zami,

ngoba ngiyathokoza ekusindiseni kwakho.

2 Kakho ongcwele njengoThixo;

kakho omunye ngaphandle kwakho;

akulaDwala elinjengo-Nkulunkulu wethu.

3 Lingabe lisakhuluma ngokuzigqaja kanje

loba uyekele umlomo wakho ukhuluma ukuzikhukhumeza okunje,

ngoba uThixo unguNkulunkulu owaziyo,

njalo izenzo zilinganiswa nguye.

4 Amadandili amabutho ephukile,

kodwa labo abakhubekayo bahlonyiswe ngamandla.

5 Labo ababesuthi baziqhatshisa ngokudla,

kodwa labo ababelambile kabalambi futhi.

Lowo owayeyinyumbakazi usezele abantwana abayisikhombisa,

kodwa lowo owayelamadodana amanengi uyacikizeka.

6  Uthixo uletha ukufa njalo enze ukuphila,

wehlisela phansi engcwabeni njalo avuse.

7  Uthixo uthumela ubuyanga kanye lenotho;

uyathobekisa njalo uyaphakamisa.

8 Uvusa abayanga ethulini

aphakamise abaswelayo esilotheni;

abahlalise lamakhosana.

Enze bathole isihlalo sodumo sibe yilifa labo.

Ngoba izisekelo zomhlaba ngezikaThixo;

umise umhlaba phezu kwazo.

9 Uzalondoloza inyawo zabathembekileyo bakhe,

kodwa ababi bazathuliselwa emnyameni.

Akusikho ngamandla ukuthi umuntu ehlule;

10 labo abaphikisa uThixo bazaphahlazwa.

OPhezukonke uzaduma amelane labo esezulwini;

uThixo uzakwahlulela imikhawulo yomhlaba.

Uzayinika amandla inkosi yakhe

aphakamise lophondo logcotshiweyo wakhe.”

11 Emva kwalokho u-Elikhana wabuyela ekhaya eRama, kodwa umfana wakhonza phambi kukaThixo ngaphansi kuka-Eli umphristi.

Amadodana Ka-Eli Axhwalileyo

12 Amadodana ka-Eli ayengabantu abaxhwalileyo, ayengamnanzi uThixo. 13 Kwakungumkhuba wabaphristi labantu ukuthi kokuphela nxa loba ngubani enikele umhlatshelo, njalo lapho inyama isaphekwa, inceku yomphristi yayisiza iphethe ifologwe elencijo ezintathu. 14 Yayihlaba ngayo epaneni loba egedleleni loba ebhodweni kumbe embizeni, umphristi abe esezithathela loba kuyini okuphume lefologwe. Le yiyo indlela abaphatha ngayo bonke abako-Israyeli abafika eShilo. 15 Kodwa lalapho amahwahwa engakatshi, inceku yomphristi yayisiya emuntwini onikelayo ithi, “Nika umphristi inyama yokosa; kasoze ayamukele kuwe inyama ephekiweyo, kodwa eluhlaza kuphela.”

16 Lapho umuntu ethe kuyo, “Yekela amahwahwa aqale atshe, ube usuthathake lokho okufunayo,” inceku yayiphendula ithi, “Hatshi, ngiqhubela yona khathesi; nxa ungenzi njalo, ngizayihluthuna ngamandla.”

17 Lesisono samajaha sasisikhulu kakhulu emehlweni kaThixo, ngoba babephatha umnikelo kaThixo ngokwedelela.

18 Kodwa uSamuyeli wayekhonza phambi kukaThixo engumfana egqoka isembatho samahlombe selineni. 19 Minyaka yonke unina wayemenzela ingubo encane ayise kuye lapho esiya khonale lomkakhe ukuyanikela umhlatshelo weminyaka yonke. 20 U-Eli wayebusisa u-Elikhana lomkakhe, esithi, “Sengathi uThixo angalipha abantwana ngalo owesifazane ukuba bathathe isikhundla salowo amkhulekelayo wasemnika uThixo.” Emva kwalokho babebuyela ekhaya. 21  Uthixo waba lomusa kuHana; wakhulelwa wazala amadodana amathathu lamadodakazi amabili. Kusenjalo, umfana uSamuyeli wakhula phambi kukaThixo.

22 Ngalesosikhathi u-Eli, owayesemdala kakhulu, wezwa ngakho konke okwakusenziwa ngamadodana akhe ku-Israyeli wonke kanye lokuthi ayelala njani labesifazane ababesebenza esangweni lethente lokuhlangana. 23 Ngakho wathi kuwo, “Kungani lisenza izinto ezinje na? Ngizizwa ngabantu bonke lezizenzo zenu ezimbi. 24 Hatshi, madodana ami; akusimbiko omuhle engiwuzwa usanda phakathi kwabantu bakaThixo. 25 Nxa umuntu esona komunye umuntu, uNkulunkulu angaba ngumeli wakhe kodwa nxa umuntu esona kuThixo, ngubani ongamkhulumela na?” Kodwa amadodana akhe kawakulalelanga ukukhuza kukayise, ngoba kwakuyisifiso sikaThixo ukuba awabulale.

26 Umfana uSamuyeli waqhubeka ekhula ngomzimba langokuthandeka kuThixo lasebantwini.

Isiphrofethi Esibi Ngendlu Ka-Eli

27 Ngalesosikhathi umuntu kaNkulunkulu wafika ku-Eli wathi kuye, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo ukuthi: ‘Kangizibonakalisanga ngokubalulekileyo endlini kayihlo lapho babeseGibhithe ngaphansi kukaFaro na? 28 Ngakhetha uyihlo phakathi kwezizwana zonke zako-Israyeli ukuba abe ngumphristi wami, ukuba aye e-alithareni lami, ukuba atshise impepha, lokuba agqoke isembatho samahlombe phambi kwami. Njalo nganika indlu kayihlo yonke iminikelo eyenziwa ngomlilo ngabako-Israyeli. 29 Pho kungani useyisa imihlatshelo yami kanye leminikelo engayiphawulela indlu yami yokuhlala na? Kungani uhlonipha amadodana akho okudlula mina ngokuzikhuluphalisa lina ngokwenu ngezingxenye zekhethelo zeminikelo yonke eyenziwa ngabantu bako-Israyeli na?’

30 Ngakho-ke uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi, ‘Ngathembisa ukuthi indlu yakho lendlu kayihlo zizakhonza phambi kwami nini lanini.’ Kodwa khathesi uThixo uthi, ‘Akusenjalo kimi!’ Labo abangihloniphayo ngizabahlonipha, kodwa labo abangeyisayo bazakweyiswa. 31 Isikhathi siyeza lapho engizaphungula khona amandla akho lamandla endlu kayihlo, ukuze kungabi lomuntu omdala kusendo lwakwenu 32 njalo uzabona usizi lapho engihlala khona. Lanxa okuhle kuzakwenziwa ku-Israyeli, kwabosendo lwakho akuyikuba lomuntu omdala. 33 Lowo lalowo wakini engingayikumsusa e-alithareni lami uzayekelwa nje ukuba amehlo akhe afiphale lokuba azwise inhliziyo yakho ubuhlungu, njalo yonke inzalo yakho izakufa kuyikhona isephakathi kwempilo.

34 ‘Njalo okwenzakala emadodaneni akho amabili, uHofini loFinehasi, kuzakuba yisiboniso kuwe, bobabili bazakufa langa linye. 35 Ngizakuzimisela umphristi othembekileyo ozakwenza mayelana lokusenhliziyweni yami lengqondweni yami. Ngizamisa indlu yakhe iqine, njalo uzakhonza phambi kogcotshiweyo wami kokuphela. 36 Lapho-ke bonke abosendo lwakho abaseleyo bazakuza bakhothame kuye becela uhlamvu lwesiliva loqweqwe lwesinkwa njalo bakhalaze besithi, “Ake ungibeke kwesinye isikhundla sobuphristi ukuze ngithole ukudla ngidle.” ’ ”

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Uthixo Ubiza USamuyeli

1 Umfana uSamuyeli wakhonza phambi kukaThixo engaphansi kuka-Eli. Ngalezonsuku ilizwi likaThixo lalingandanga; kwakungelamibono eminengi.

2 Ngobunye ubusuku u-Eli, amehlo akhe ayesefiphala esebona kalufifi, wayelele endaweni yakhe yansuku zonke. 3 Isibane sikaNkulunkulu sasingakacitshi, njalo uSamuyeli wayelele phansi ethempelini likaThixo, lapho okwakulebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu khona. 4  Uthixo wasembiza uSamuyeli.

USamuyeli wasabela wathi, “Ngilapha.” 5 Wagijimela ku-Eli wathi, “Ngilapha; ungibizile.”

Kodwa u-Eli wathi, “Angikubizanga; buyela uyelala.” Ngakho wabuyela wayalala.

6  Uthixo wambiza futhi wathi, “Samuyeli!” USamuyeli wavuka waya ku-Eli wathi, “Ngilapha; ungibizile.”

U-Eli wathi, “Ndodana yami, Angikubizanga; buyela uyelala.”

7 Ngalesosikhathi uSamuyeli wayengakamazi uThixo: Ilizwi likaThixo lalingakavezwa kuye.

8  Uthixo wambiza uSamuyeli okwesithathu, njalo uSamuyeli wavuka waya ku-Eli wathi, “Ngilapha; ungibizile.”

Lapho-ke u-Eli wabona ukuthi nguThixo owayebiza umfana. 9 Ngakho u-Eli watshela uSamuyeli wathi, “Hamba uyelala, njalo nxa ekubiza wena uthi, ‘Khuluma Thixo, ngoba inceku yakho ilalele.’ ” Ngakho uSamuyeli wahamba wayalala endaweni yakhe.

10  Uthixo weza wema khonapho, ebiza njengakuqala esithi, “Samuyeli! Samuyeli!”

USamuyeli wathi, “Khuluma, ngoba inceku yakho ilalele.”

11  Uthixo wasesithi kuSamuyeli, “Khangela, sekuseduze ukuba ko-Israyeli ngenze into ezakwenza indlebe zomuntu wonke okuzwayo lokho zincencethe. 12 Ngalesosikhathi ngizamelana lo-Eli, ngenze konke engakukhuluma mayelana lendlu yakhe kusukela ekuqaleni kusiya ekucineni. 13 Ngoba ngamtshela ukuthi ngizakwahlulela indlu yakhe okulaphakade ngenxa yesono ayesazi; amadodana akhe ayehlambaza uNkulunkulu, yena wehluleka ukuwakhuza. 14 Ngakho, ngayifungela indlu ka-Eli ngathi, ‘Icala lendlu ka-Eli kaliyikuhlawulwa ngomhlatshelo loba ngomnikelo.’ ”

15 USamuyeli walala phansi kwaze kwaba sekuseni wasevula iminyango yendlu kaThixo. Wayesesaba ukutshela u-Eli umbono, 16 kodwa u-Eli wambiza wathi, “Samuyeli, ndodana yami.”

USamuyeli wasabela wathi, “Ngilapha.”

17 U-Eli wabuza wathi, “Kuyini akutshiloyo kuwe na? Ungangifihleli. Sengathi uNkulunkulu angakujezisa, kube buhlungu kakhulu, nxa uzangifihlela loba kuyini akutshele khona.” 18 Ngakho uSamuyeli wamtshela konke, engamfihlelanga lutho. U-Eli wasesithi, “UnguThixo; kenze lokho akubona kukuhle emehlweni akhe.”

19  Uthixo wayeloSamuyeli ekukhuleni kwakhe, njalo kayekelanga lalinye lamazwi akhe liwela phansi. 20 Njalo u-Israyeli wonke kusukela eDani kusiya eBherishebha wakwazi ukuthi uSamuyeli wayebekwe ukuba ngumphrofethi kaThixo. 21  Uthixo waqhubeka ebonakala eShilo, njalo khonapho waziveza kuSamuyeli ngelizwi lakhe.

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1 Ilizwi likaSamuyeli lafika ku-Israyeli wonke.

AmaFilistiya Athumba Ibhokisi Lesivumelwano

Ngalesosikhathi abako-Israyeli baphuma ukuyakulwa lamaFilistiya. Abako-Israyeli bamisa e-Ebhenezeri, amaFilistiya e-Afekhi. 2 AmaFilistiya ahlela amabutho awo ukuba ayohlangana labako-Israyeli, kwathi ekumemethekeni kwempi, u-Israyeli wehlulwa ngamaFilistiya, abulala abaphosa babe zinkulungwane ezine enkundleni yokulwela. 3 Kwathi esebuyele ezihonqweni, abadala bako-Israyeli bathi, “Kungani uThixo esilethele ukwehlulwa lamhla phambi kwamaFilistiya na? Kasiyenithatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sika Thixo eShilo, ukuze lihambe lathi lisisindise esandleni sezitha zethu.”

4 Ngakho abantu bathuma amadoda eShilo, abuya lebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo uSomandla, ehlezi ebukhosini phakathi kwamakherubhi. Lamadodana ka-Eli amabili, uHofini loFinehasi, ayekhona lebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu.

5 Kwathi lapho ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lifika ezihonqweni, wonke u-Israyeli wenza umsindo omkhulu iphansi laze lanyikinyeka. 6 Esizwa ukuxokozela amaFilistiya abuza athi, “Utshoni umsindo wonke lo ezihonqweni zamaHebheru na?”

Kwathi esezwile ukuthi ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo laselikhona ezihonqweni, 7 amaFilistiya esaba. Athi, “Unkulunkulu usefikile ezihonqweni. Siphakathi kohlupho. Akulanto enje eseyake yenzakala ngaphambili. 8 Maye kithi! Ngubani ozasikhulula esandleni sabonkulunkulu laba abalamandla abatshaya amaGibhithe ngenhlobo zonke zezifo enkangala? 9 Qinani, maFilistiya! Wobani ngamadoda hlezi libe yizichaka zamaHebheru, njengalokhu ababeyikho kini. Wobani ngamadoda, lilwe!”

10 Ngakho amaFilistiya alwa, abako-Israyeli behlulwa njalo amadoda wonke abalekela emathenteni awo. Ababulawayo babebanengi kakhulu; u-Israyeli walahlekelwa ngamabutho ezinyawo azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu. 11 Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lathunjwa, lamadodana amabili ka-Eli, Hofini loFinehasi, afa.

Ukufa Kuka-Eli

12 Ngalelolanga umuntu wakoBhenjamini wagijima esuka empini waya eShilo, izigqoko zakhe zazidabukile elothuli ekhanda. 13 Ekufikeni kwakhe, kwakulo-Eli ehlezi esihlalweni eceleni komgwaqo, elindile, ngoba inhliziyo yakhe yayisesabela ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu. Kwathi umuntu lowo esengenile emzini wabika okwasekwenzakele, umuzi wonke waqhinqa isililo.

14 U-Eli wezwa umsindo wokukhala wabuza wathi, “Ukuxokozela lokhu kutshoni na?”

Umuntu lowo watshitshela ku-Eli, 15 owayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye munye lasificaminwembili mibili ubudala, njalo amehlo akhe ayesefiphele, engasaboni. 16 Watshela u-Eli wathi, “Ngisanda kufika ngivela empini; ngibalekile kuyo ngalonaleli ilanga.”

U-Eli wabuza wathi, “Kutheni ndodana yami?”

17 Umuntu owaletha umbiko waphendula wathi, “U-Israyeli ubalekile phambi kwamaFilistiya njalo ibutho lilahlekelwe kakhulu. Njalo lamadodana akho amabili, uHofini loFinehasi, afile njalo lebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lithunjiwe.”

18 Kwathi esethinte ngebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, u-Eli wawa ngesiphundu esihlalweni sakhe eceleni kwesango. Intamo yakhe yephuka, wafa, ngoba wayesengumuntu omdala njalo emkhulu. Wayekhokhele u-Israyeli iminyaka engamatshumi amane.

19 Umalukazana wakhe, umkaFinehasi, wayekhulelwe njalo esezabeletha. Kwathi esizwa izindaba zokuthi ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lalithunjiwe lokuthi uyisezala lomkakhe basebefile, wahelelwa wabeletha, kodwa wakhulelwa yibuhlungu bomhelo wakhe. 20 Esesifa, abesifazane ababembelethisa bathi kuye, “Ungalahli ithemba; uzele indodana.” Kodwa yena kaphendulanga loba anake.

21 Wametha ibizo umfana wathi ngu-Ikhabhodi, esithi, “Udumo lusukile ko-Israyeli” ngenxa yokuthunjwa kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lokufa kukayisezala kanye lomkakhe. 22 Wathi, “Udumo lusukile ko-Israyeli, ngoba ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lithunjiwe.”

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Ibhokisi Lesivumelwano E-Ashidodi Kanye Le-Ekroni

1 Emva kokuba amaFilistiya esethumbe ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, alithatha e-Ebhenezeri alisa e-Ashidodi. 2 Aphinda alithwala alisa ethempelini likaDagoni. 3 Kwathi abantu base-Ashidodi bevuka ekuseni kakhulu okwalandelayo, nango uDagoni, ewele phansi ngobuso phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo! Bamthatha uDagoni bambeka endaweni yakhe. 4 Kodwa ngakusasa ekuseni bathi bevuka, nango uDagoni, ewele phansi ngobuso phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo! Ikhanda lakhe lezandla kwakugumukile kuthe qekele eduze lomnyango; kwakusele umzimba wakhe kuphela. 5 Ngalokho-ke kuze kube lamhla abaphristi bakaDagoni labanye nje abangena ethempelini likaDagoni kabanyatheli ekuqaliseni komnyango.

6 Isandla sikaThixo sasinzima phezu kwabantu base-Ashidodi laseduze kwayo; wehlisela incithakalo phezu kwabo yabahlupha langamathumba. 7 Kwathi abantu base-Ashidodi bebona okwakusenzakala, bathi, “Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikankulunkulu ka-Israyeli akumelanga lihlale lathi lapha, ngoba isandla sakhe sinzima phezu kwethu laphezu kukaDagoni unkulunkulu wethu.” 8 Ngakho babiza bonke ababusi bamaFilistiya bababuza bathi, “Sizakwenzani ngebhokisi lesivumelwano sikankulunkulu ka-Israyeli na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikankulunkulu ka-Israyeli liseni eGathi.” Ngakho ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu balisa eGathi.

9 Kodwa kwathi sebelihambisile, isandla sikaThixo samelana lalelodolobho, okwenza kwaba lokuthuthumela okukhulu kulo. Wahlupha abantu bedolobho lelo, abatsha labadala, ngokuphihlika kwamathumba. 10 Ngakho ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lasiwa e-Ekroni.

Kwathi ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lifika e-Ekroni, abantu base-Ekroni bakhala besithi, “Sebelethe ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikankulunkulu ka-Israyeli kithi lapha ukuzasibulala kanye labantu bakithi.” 11 Ngakho babiza bonke ababusi bamaFilistiya, bathi, “Susani ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikankulunkulu ka-Israyeli; kalibuyele emuva endaweni yalo, hlezi lisibulale thina kanye labantu bakithi.” Ngoba ukufa kwakwenze kwaba lokuthuthumela edolobheni; isandla sikaNkulunkulu sasinzima kakhulu phezu kwalo. 12 Labo abangafanga baphunywa ngamathumba, njalo umkhosi wedolobho waya phezulu ezulwini.

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Ibhokisi Lesivumelwano Libuyiselwa Ko-Israyeli

1 Kwathi ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo selihlale elizweni lamaFilistiya izinyanga eziyisikhombisa, 2 amaFilistiya abiza abaphristi labahlahluli athi, “Sizakwenzani ngebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo na? Sitsheleni ukuthi singalibuyisela njani emuva endaweni yalo.”

3 Baphendula bathi, “Nxa libuyisela ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikankulunkulu ka-Israyeli, lingalibuyiseli lingelalutho, kodwa impela thumelani umnikelo wecala kuye. Ngalokho lizasila, njalo lizakwazi ukuthi kungani isandla sakhe singasuswanga kini.”

4 AmaFilistiya abuza athi, “Ngumnikelo bani wecala okumele siwuthumele kuye na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Amathumba egolide amahlanu lamagundwane egolide amahlanu, kusiya ngenani lababusi bamaFilistiya, ngoba isifo sinye sihlasele lina kanye lababusi benu.” 5 Yenzani izifanekiso zamathumba lamagundwane achitha ilizwe, lidumise unkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. Mhlawumbe uzasusa isandla sakhe kini lakubonkulunkulu benu kanye laselizweni lenu. 6 Kungani lisenza inhliziyo zenu zibe lukhuni njengalokhu okwenziwa ngamaGibhithe loFaro na? Lapho unkulunkulu wama-Israyeli esebaphethe kalukhuni kabawavumelanga ama-Israyeli ukuba ahambe na?

7 “Ngakho-ke khathesi, lungisani inqola entsha lamankomokazi amabili azeleyo njalo angakaze afakwe ijogwe. Bophelani amankomokazi enqoleni, kodwa lisuse amankonyane awo liwavalele esibayeni. 8 Thathani ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lilibeke enqoleni, kuthi emxhakeni oseceleni kwalo lifake izinto zegolide elizithumela kuye njengomnikelo wecala. Ikhupheni izihambele ngendlela yayo, 9 kodwa liyiqaphelisise. Ingaya elizweni lakibo, iqonde eBhethi-Shemeshi, kuyabe kunguThixo olethe incithakalo le enkulu phezu kwethu. Kodwa nxa ingenzi njalo, sizakwazi ukuthi kade kungasisosandla sakhe esisitshayileyo kanye lokuthi kuzenzakalele kodwa nje kithi.”

10 Ngakho-ke bakwenza lokhu. Bathatha amankomokazi amabili anjalo bawabophela enqoleni kwathi amankonyane awo bawavalela esibayeni. 11 Babeka ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo enqoleni ndawonye lomxhaka owawulamagundwane egolide lezifanekiso zamathumba. 12 Emva kwalokho amankomokazi ahamba eqonde eBhethi-Shemeshi, elokhu esemgwaqweni njalo ebhonsa indlela yonke; kawazange aphambukele kwesokudla kumbe kwesenxele. Ababusi bamaFilistiya bawalandela baze bayafika emngceleni weBhethi Shemeshi.

13 Ngalesosikhathi abantu beBhethi-Shemeshi babevuna ingqoloyi yabo esigodini, njalo bathi lapho bekhangela babona ibhokisi lesivumelwano, bathokoza ukulibona. 14 Inqola yafika ensimini kaJoshuwa waseBhethi-Shemeshi, yasisima khonapho phansi kwedwala elikhulu. Abantu babanda inqola yaba zinkuni basebehlaba amankomokazi ukuba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo. 15 AbaLevi bethula ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, kanye lomxhaka owawulezinto zegolide, bakubeka phezu kwedwala elikhulu. Ngalelolanga abantu baseBhethi-Shemeshi banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa benza lemihlatshelo kuThixo. 16 Ababusi abahlanu bamaFilistiya bakubona konke lokhu basebebuyela e-Ekroni ngalelolanga.

17 Amathumba egolide amaFilistiya awathumela kuThixo njengomnikelo wecala yila, elilodwa ele-Ashidodi, leleGaza, lele-Ashikheloni, leleGathi kanye lele-Ekroni. 18 Lenani lamagundwane egolide lalisiya ngenani lamadolobho amaFilistiya ayengawababusi abahlanu, amadolobho ayevikelwe alemizi yawo yasemaphandleni. Idwala elikhulu ababebeke ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo phezu kwalo, liyibufakazi lalamhlanje ensimini kaJoshuwa waseBhethi-Shemeshi.

19 Kodwa uNkulunkulu watshaya abanye babantu baseBhethi-Shemeshi, wabulala abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa babo ngoba babelunguze phakathi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu. Abantu balila ngenxa yokugadla okunzima uThixo ayekwenze kubo, 20 njalo abantu baseBhethi-Shemeshi babuza bathi, “Pho ngubani ongema phambi kukaThixo, uNkulunkulu lo ongcwele na?”

21 Emva kwalokho bathumela izithunywa ebantwini baseKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi, besithi, “AmaFilistiya aselibuyisile ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo. Wozani lizolithatha lilise endaweni yenu.”

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1 Ngakho abantu baseKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi beza balithatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo. Balisa endlini ka-Abhinadabi eqaqeni bangcwelisa u-Eliyazari indodana yakhe ukuba agcine ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo.

2 Kwakuyisikhathi eside, iminyaka engamatshumi amabili isiyonke, ibhokisi lesivumelwano liseKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi.

USamuyeli Unqoba AmaFilistiya EMizipha

Njalo bonke abantu bako-Israyeli bakhala befuna uThixo. 3 USamuyeli wasesithi kuyo yonke indlu ka-Israyeli, “Nxa libuyela kuThixo ngezinhliziyo zenu zonke zehlukaniseni labonkulunkulu bezizweni labo-Ashithorethi lizinikele kuThixo njalo likhonze yena kuphela, uzalikhulula esandleni samaFilistiya.” 4 Ngakho abako-Israyeli babalahla oBhali babo labo-Ashithorethi, bakhonza uThixo kuphela.

5 USamuyeli wasesithi, “Buthanisani u-Israyeli wonke eMizipha mina ngizalikhulekela kuThixo.” 6 Kwathi sebebuthene eMizipha, bakha amanzi bawathela phambi kukaThixo. Ngalolosuku bazila njalo bavuma izono zabo khonapho besithi, “Sonile.” Njalo uSamuyeli wahlulela abantu bako-Israyeli eMizipha.

7 Kwathi amaFilistiya esizwa ukuthi u-Israyeli wayebuthene eMizipha, ababusi bamaFilistiya baya khona ukuyabahlasela. Kwathi abako-Israyeli bekuzwa, besaba ngenxa yamaFilistiya. 8 Bathi kuSamuyeli, “Ungayekeli ukusikhalela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ukuba asihlenge esandleni samaFilistiya.” 9 USamuyeli wathatha iwundlu elimunyayo walinikela kuThixo njengomnikelo opheleleyo wokutshiswa. Wamkhulekela kuThixo u-Israyeli, uThixo wamphendula.

10 Kwathi uSamuyeli enikela umnikelo wokutshiswa, amaFilistiya asondela eduze ukuba alwe lo-Israyeli. Kodwa mhlalokho uThixo waduma ngomdumo omkhulu emelane lamaFilistiya wawenza athuthumela kangangoba aze achithwachithwa phambi kwabako-Israyeli. 11 Abantu bako-Israyeli bagijima bephuma eMizipha baxotshana lamaFilistiya bewabulala endleleni baze bayafika endaweni engaphansi kweBhethi-Khari.

12 USamuyeli wasethatha ilitshe walimisa phakathi kweMizipha leSheni. Walibiza ngokuthi yi-Ebhenezeri, esithi, “Kuze kube khathesi uThixo usisizile.”

13 Ngakho amaFilistiya anqotshwa njalo kawazange ahlasele ilizwe lako-Israyeli futhi. Kuyo yonke impilo kaSamuyeli, isandla sikaThixo sasimelane lamaFilistiya. 14 Amadolobho kusukela e-Ekroni kusiya eGathi ayethunjwe ngamaFilistiya ku-Israyeli abuyiselwa kuye, njalo u-Israyeli wakhulula ilizwe eliseduze emandleni amaFilistiya. Njalo kwaba lokuthula phakathi kuka-Israyeli lama-Amori.

15 USamuyeli waqhubeka engumahluleli ka-Israyeli kuzozonke insuku zokuphila kwakhe. 16 Iminyaka ngeminyaka wayenquma esuka eBhetheli aye eGiligali leMizipha, esahlulela u-Israyeli kuzozonke lezindawo. 17 Kodwa wayehlezi ebuyela eRama lapho okwakulomuzi wakhe khona, lakhona wahlulela u-Israyeli. Njalo wakhela uThixo i-alithari.

8

U-Israyeli Ucela Inkosi

1 USamuyeli eseluphele wabeka amadodana akhe ukuba ngabahluleli baka-Israyeli. 2 Ibizo lezibulo lakhe lalinguJoweli, ibizo leyesibili lingu-Abhija, njalo ayesebenza eBherishebha. 3 Kodwa amadodana akhe kawahambanga ezindleleni zakhe. Aphambukela eceleni emva kokuthola inzuzo yenkohliso amukela lemfumbathiso, onakalisa lokwahlulela ngemfanelo.

4 Ngakho bonke abadala bako-Israyeli babuthana ndawonye basebesiya kuSamuyeli eRama. 5 Bathi kuye, “Usuluphele, njalo amadodana akho kawahambi ezindleleni zakho, ngakho sibekele inkosi ezasikhokhela, njengezinye izizwe zonke ezilayo.”

6 Kodwa kwathi besithi, “Sinike inkosi ezasikhokhela,” lokhu kwamcunula uSamuyeli; ngakho wakhuleka kuThixo. 7 Njalo uThixo wathi kuye: “Lalela konke lokho abantu abakutshoyo kuwe; akusuwe abamalayo, kodwa bale mina njengeNkosi yabo. 8 Njengalokhu abakwenzayo kusukela ngosuku engabakhupha ngalo eGibhithe kuze kube lamhlanje, bangala bakhonza abanye onkulunkulu, lokhu yikho abakwenzayo kuwe. 9 Ngakho balalele; kodwa ubaxwayise kakhulu njalo ubazise okuzakwenziwa kubo yinkosi ezababusa.”

10 USamuyeli wabatshela wonke amazwi kaThixo abantu ababecela inkosi kuye. 11 Wathi, “Nanku okuzakwenziwa yinkosi ezalibusa: Izathatha amadodana enu iwasebenzise lezinqola zayo zempi lamabhiza, njalo azagijima phambi kwezinqola zayo zempi. 12 Amanye uzawenza abe ngabalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamatshumi amahlanu; njalo amanye azalima amasimu ayo avune kanye lamabele ayo, amanye njalo azakwenza izikhali zayo zempi kanye lempahla zezinqola zayo zempi. 13 Izathatha amadodakazi enu ukuba abe ngabenzi bamakha labapheki kanye labapheki bezinkwa. 14 Izathatha amasimu enu avundileyo lezivini kanye lezivande zama-oliva ikunike izinceku zayo. 15 Izathatha okwetshumi emabeleni enu lokwesivuno samavini ikunike izikhulu zayo. 16 Izisebenzi zenu ezesilisa lezesifazane lenkomo zenu ezinhle kanye labobabhemi izakuthatha ikusebenzise. 17 Izathatha okwetshumi emihlambini yenu njalo lina ngokwenu lizakuba yizigqili zayo. 18 Nxa lolosuku selufikile lizakhalela ukukhululwa enkosini eliyikhethileyo, kodwa uThixo kayikuliphendula ngalolosuku.”

19 Kodwa abantu bala ukumlalela uSamuyeli. Bathi, “Hatshi! Sifuna inkosi ezasibusa. 20 Lapho-ke sizakuba njengezinye izizwe zonke, silenkosi esikhokhelayo njalo ihambe phambi kwethu ilwe izimpi zethu.”

21 Kwathi uSamuyeli esekuzwile konke okwakutshiwo ngabantu, wakubika kuThixo. 22  Uthixo waphendula wathi, “Lalela ilizwi labo ubaphe inkosi.”

USamuyeli wasesithi ebantwini bako-Israyeli, “Umuntu wonke kabuyele emzini wakibo.”

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USamuyeli Ugcoba USawuli

1 Kwakulomuntu wakoBhenjamini, indoda elesithunzi, ibizo layo lalinguKhishi indodana ka-Abhiyeli, indodana kaZerori, indodana kaBhekhorathi, indodana ka-Afiya owakoBhenjamini. 2 Wayelendodana ethiwa nguSawuli, ijaha elilesithunzi kungekho ongalinganiswa lalo phakathi kwama-Israyeli, edlula abantu bonke ngobude kusukela emahlombe kusiya ekhanda.

3 Ngalesisikhathi obabhemi bakaKhishi uyise kaSawuli balahleka, uKhishi wasesithi kuSawuli indodana yakhe, “Thatha enye yezinceku uhambe layo ukuyadinga obabhemi.” 4 Ngakho wadabula elizweni lamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi lasemangweni ozungeze iShalisha, kodwa kababatholanga. Baqhubeka baya esifundeni saseShalimi, kodwa obabhemi babengekho. Wadabula phakathi kwelizwe lakoBhenjamini, kodwa kabawatholanga.

5 Kwathi sebefikile esifundeni saseZufi, uSawuli wathi encekwini eyayilaye, “Woza, kasibuyele, hlezi ubaba ekele ukucabanga ngabobabhemi aqalise ukukhathazeka ngathi.”

6 Kodwa inceku yaphendula yathi, “Khangela, kulumuzi kulomuntu kaNkulunkulu; uyahlonitshwa kakhulu, njalo konke akutshoyo kuyenzakala. Kasiye khona khathesi nje. Mhlawumbe angasitshela ukuthi siqonde ngaphi.”

7 USawuli wasesithi encekwini, “Singaya kuye, sizamnikani umuntu lowo na? Ukudla kakusekho emigodleni yethu. Kasilasipho esingahamba laso emuntwini kaNkulunkulu. Kuyini esilakho na?”

8 Inceku yaphendula njalo yathi, “Khangela, ngilokwesine kweshekeli elesiliva. Ngizakunika umuntu kaNkulunkulu ukuze asitshele ukuthi siqonde ngaphi.” 9 (Ngaphambilini ko-Israyeli, lapho umuntu esiyabuza uNkulunkulu, wayesithi, “Woza, kasiye kumboni,” ngoba umphrofethi wakhathesi wayethiwa ngumboni.)

10 USawuli wasesithi encekwini yakhe, “Kuhle. Woza kasihambe.” Ngakho basuka baya emzini okwakuhlala khona umuntu kaNkulunkulu.

11 Besaqansa uqaqa besiya kulowomuzi bahlangana lamantombazana ayephume ukuyakukha amanzi basebewabuza besithi, “Kulomboni lapha na?”

12 Aphendula athi, “Ukhona. Uphambidlana kwenu. Phangisani khathesi; usanda kufika emzini wethu lamhla, ngoba abantu balomhlatshelo endaweni ephakemeyo. 13 Khonokho nje lingena umuzi, lizamfica engakaqanseli phezulu endaweni ephakemeyo ukuyakudla. Abantu kabayikuqalisa ukudla aze afike, ngoba kumele abusise umhlatshelo; emva kwalokho bazakudla-ke labo abanxusiweyo. Hambani-ke, lizamthola khathesi nje.”

14 Baya kulowomuzi, kwathi lapho bengena kuwo, babona uSamuyeli esiza kubo eqansela endaweni ephakemeyo.

15 Ngosuku uSawuli engakafiki, uThixo wayeveze lokhu kuSamuyeli wathi, 16 “Ngesikhathi esingaba yisonalesi kusasa ngizaletha kuwe umuntu ovela elizweni lakoBhenjamini. Mgcobe ukuba ngumkhokheli wabantu bami u-Israyeli; uzakhulula abantu bami esandleni samaFilistiya. Ngibakhangele abantu bami, ngoba ukukhala kwabo sekufikile kimi.”

17 Kwathi uSamuyeli ebona uSawuli, uThixo wathi kuye, “Lo nguye umuntu engikhulume kuwe ngaye; uzabusa abantu bami.”

18 USawuli wasondela kuSamuyeli wabuza wathi, “Ake ungitshele ukuthi indlu yomboni ingaphi.”

19 USamuyeli waphendula wathi, “Umboni yimi. Hamba phambi kwami uye endaweni ephakemeyo, ngoba lamhla uzakudla lami, ekuseni ngizakuyekela uhambe njalo ngizakutshela konke okusenhliziyweni yakho. 20 Obabhemi abalahlekileyo ensukwini ezintathu ezedluleyo, ungakhathazeki ngabo; sebebonakele. Njalo kungubani izifiso zonke zika-Israyeli ezikhangele kuye nxa kungasuwe lendlu yonke kayihlo na?”

21 USawuli waphendula wathi, “Kodwa mina kangisuye yini wakoBhenjamini, isizwana esincinyane kulazo zonke ko-Israyeli, njalo lendlu yakwethu kayincinyane kulazo zonke izindlu zesizwe sakoBhenjamini na?”

22 USamuyeli wasengenisa uSawuli lenceku yakhe endlini enkulu wabahlalisa phambi kwalabo ababenxusiwe babengaba ngamatshumi amathathu ubunengi babo. 23 USamuyeli wasesithi kumpheki wakhe, “Letha iqatha lenyama engikuphe lona, leliyana engithe uligcine.”

24 Ngakho umpheki wathatha umlenze lalokho okwakuphezu kwawo, wakubeka phambi kukaSawuli. USamuyeli wasesithi, “Nanku okube kugcinelwe wena. Dlana, ngoba kade kubekelwe wena kulelithuba, kusukela ngesikhathi ngisithi, ‘Ngilabemzini abanxusiweyo.’ ” USawuli wadla loSamuyeli ngalolosuku.

25 Sebehlile endaweni ephakemeyo ukuya emzini, uSamuyeli wakhuluma loSawuli bephezu kophahla lwendlu yakhe. 26 Bavuka ngezikhathi zemadabukakusa, uSamuyeli wabiza uSawuli phezu kophahla wathi, “Lunga ngikuqhube ohanjweni lwakho.” USawuli eselungile, yena loSamuyeli baphuma bonke. 27 Ekuhambeni kwabo besehlela emaphethelweni omuzi, uSamuyeli wathi kuSawuli, “Tshela inceku yakho iqhubeke phambi kwethu” lakanye inceku yenza njalo “kodwa wena sala lapha okwesikhatshana ukuze ngikutshele ilizwi elivela kuNkulunkulu.”

10

1 USamuyeli wasethatha umfuma wamafutha wawathela ekhanda likaSawuli wasemanga, esithi, “Uthixo kakugcobanga ukuba ngumbusi welifa lakhe na? 2 Ekusukeni kwakho kimi lamhla, uzahlangana lamadoda amabili eduze kwengcwaba likaRasheli, eliseZeliza esemngceleni wakoBhenjamini. Azakuthi kuwe, ‘Obabhemi obuyebadinga sebetholakele. Khathesi uyihlo kasacabangi ngabo kodwa usekhathazeka ngawe. Uyabuza esithi, “Ngizakwenzanjani ngendodana yami na?” ’

3 Uzahamba-ke usuka lapho uze ufike esihlahleni esikhulu saseThabhori. Amadoda amathathu aya kuNkulunkulu eBhetheli azahlangana lawe khonapho. Enye izathwala amazinyane embuzi amathathu, enye izinkwa ezintathu lenye umgodla wewayini. 4 Azakubingelela akuphe izinkwa ezimbili, ozazamukela kuwo.

5 Emva kwalokho, uzakuya eGibhiya kaNkulunkulu lapho okulesilindo sebutho lamaFilistiya khona. Lapho usubanga emzini, uzahlangana lodwendwe lwabaphrofethi besehla bevela endaweni ephakemeyo, phambi kwabo kutshaywa imiqangala lamagedla lemifece kanye lemihubhe, njalo bazakuba bephrofetha. 6 UMoya kaThixo uzakwehlela phezu kwakho ngamandla, lawe uzaphrofetha labo, njalo uzaguqulwa ube ngomunye umuntu. 7 Izibonakaliso lezi zingagcwaliseka, yenza loba yini okubona kufanele ukuba ukwenze, ngoba uNkulunkulu ulawe.

8 Hamba ungandulele eGiligali. Ngizakuza kuwe impela ngizenikela umhlatshelo weminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yobuzalwane. Kodwa kuzamele ulinde insuku eziyisikhombisa ngize ngifike kuwe ngikutshele okumele ukwenze.”

USawuli Wenziwa Inkosi

9 Kwathi uSawuli ephenduka esesuka kuSamuyeli, uNkulunkulu waguqula inhliziyo kaSawuli, njalo zonke izibonakaliso lezi zagcwaliseka mhlalokho. 10 Bathi befika eGibhiya, udwendwe lwabaphrofethi lwabahlangabeza; uMoya kaNkulunkulu wehlela phezu kwakhe ngamandla, laye wahlanganyela ekuphrofitheni kwabo. 11 Kwathi labo ababevele bemazi bembona esephrofitha labaphrofethi, babuzana besithi, “Kuyini kanti lokhu osekwenzakale endodaneni kaKhishi? USawuli laye ungomunye wabaphrofethi na?”

12 Umuntu owayehlala lapho waphendula wathi, “Uyise wabo ngubani na?” Ngakho kwaba yisitsho ukuthi: “USawuli laye ungomunye wabaphrofethi na?” 13 Kwathi uSawuli eseyekele ukuphrofetha, wasesiya endaweni ephakemeyo.

14 Ngalesosikhathi uyise omncane kaSawuli wambuza kanye lenceku yakhe wathi, “Kanti kade lingaphi?”

USawuli waphendula wathi, “Kade sidinga obabhemi. Kodwa kuthe sibona ukuthi kabatholakali, sasesisiya kuSamuyeli.”

15 Uyise omncane kaSawuli wasesithi, “Ngitshela ukuthi uSamuyeli utheni kuwe.”

16 USawuli waphendula wathi, “Uqinise kithi ukuthi obabhemi sebebonakele.” Kodwa kamtshelanga uyise omncane okwakutshiwo nguSamuyeli ngobukhosi.

17 USamuyeli wabizela abantu bako-Israyeli kuThixo eMizipha 18 wathi kubo, “Nanku okutshiwo yiThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli: ‘Ngakhupha u-Israyeli eGibhithe, njalo ngalikhulula esandleni seGibhithe lakuyo yonke imibuso eyayilincindezela.’ 19 Kodwa khathesi selimalile uNkulunkulu wenu, olihlengayo ezingozini zenu zonke lasezinsizini. Njalo selithe, ‘Hatshi, sibekele inkosi ezasibusa.’ Ngakho-ke khathesi zibonakaliseni phambi kukaThixo ngezizwana zenu langezinsendo zenu.”

20 Kwathi uSamuyeli esezilethe eduze zonke izizwana zako-Israyeli, isizwana sikaBhenjamini sakhethwa. 21 Emva kwalokho waletha isizwana sikaBhenjamini phambili, usendo ngosendo, kwakhethwa usendo lukaMathiri. Ekucineni kwakhethwa uSawuli, indodana kaKhishi. Kodwa kwathi sebemdinga akaze abonakala. 22 Ngakho babuza njalo kuThixo bathi, “Umuntu lo uke wafika lapha na?”

UThixo wathi, “Ye, usezifihle phakathi kwezimpahla.”

23 Bagijima bayamkhipha, njalo kwathi esemi phakathi kwabantu, wayemude kulabo bonke. 24 USamuyeli wasesithi ebantwini bonke, “Liyambona yini umuntu osekhethwe nguThixo? Kakho lamunye onjengaye phakathi kwabantu bonke bako-Israyeli.”

Abantu baklabalala besithi, “Impilo ende enkosini!”

25 USamuyeli wachaza ebantwini imithetho yobukhosi. Wayiloba emqulwini wayibeka phambi kukaThixo. Emva kwalokho wabachitha abantu, ngulowo lalowo waya emzini wakhe.

26 USawuli laye waya kibo eGibhiya ephelekezelwa ngabantu abangamaqhawe uNkulunkulu ayethinte inhliziyo zabo. 27 Kodwa ezinye izidlwangudlwangu zathi, “Umuntu lo angasikhulula kanjani na?” Zameyisa kazaze zamlethela zipho. Kodwa uSawuli wazithulela.

11

USawuli Uhlenga Idolobho LaseJabheshi

1 UNahashi umʼAmoni wasuka wayivimbezela iJabheshi Giliyadi. Bonke abantu baseJabheshi bathi kuye, “Yenza isivumelwano lathi, thina sizakuba ngaphansi kwakho.”

2 Kodwa uNahashi umʼAmoni waphendula wathi, “Ngizakwenza isivumelwano lani kuphela nxa kuyikuthi ngizakhupha ilihlo lesandla sokunene emuntwini wonke wakini ukuze u-Israyeli wonke ngimlethele ihlazo.”

3 Abadala baseJabheshi bathi kuye, “Sinike insuku eziyisikhombisa ukuze sithume izithunywa kulolonke elako-Israyeli; nxa engekho ozasihlenga sizazinikela kuwe.”

4 Kwathi izithunywa sezifike eGibhiya kaSawuli njalo zabika izimiso lezi ebantwini bonke bakhala kakhulu. 5 Ngalesosikhathi uSawuli wayevela emasimini, engemuva kwenkabi zakhe, wasebuza esithi, “Kuyini okonakeleyo ebantwini? Kungani bekhala?” Bamlandisela okwakutshiwo ngabantu baseJabheshi.

6 Kwathi uSawuli esezwe amazwi abo, uMoya kaNkulunkulu wehlela phezu kwakhe ngamandla, wathukuthela kakhulu. 7 Wathatha inkabi ezimbili, waziquma zaba yiziqayiqa, wathumela iziqa lezithunywa kulolonke elako-Israyeli, zimemezela zisithi, “Lokhu yikho okuzakwenziwa enkabini zikabani lobani ongalandeli uSawuli loSamuyeli.” Ukwesabeka kukaThixo kwehlela ebantwini, baphuma sebenjengomuntu munye. 8 Kwathi uSawuli esebaqoqile eBhezekhi, abantu bako-Israyeli babezinkulungwane ezintathu, abakoJuda bezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu.

9 Batshela izithunywa ezazifikile bathi, “Tshelani abantu baseJabheshi Giliyadi ukuthi, ‘Kuzakuthi ilanga selitshisa kusasa, lina lizakuba selihlengiwe.’ ” Kwathi izithunywa sezihambe zayabika lokhu ebantwini baseJabheshi, bathokoza. 10 Basebesithi kuma-Amoni, “Kusasa sizazinikela kini, njalo lingenza kithi loba kuyini okukhanya kukuhle kini.”

11 Ngelanga elalandelayo uSawuli wehlukanisa abantu bakhe baba ngamaviyo amathathu; kwathi ngomlindo wokucina ebusuku bafohlela ezihonqweni zama-Amoni bawabulala ilanga laze latshisa. Lawo aphephayo ahlakazeka, akwaze kwaba lamabili awo asala endawonye.

USawuli Wemukelwa Njengenkosi

12 Abantu basebesithi kuSamuyeli, “Ngubani owabuza wathi, ‘USawuli uzasibusa na?’ Balethe kithi labobantu sibabulale.”

13 Kodwa uSawuli wathi, “Kakho ozabulawa lamhla, ngoba ngalolusuku uThixo umhlengile u-Israyeli.”

14 USamuyeli wasesithi ebantwini, “Wozani, kasiyeni eGiligali siyeqinisa ubukhosi khona.” 15 Ngakho abantu bonke baya eGiligali bambeka uSawuli ukuba yinkosi phambi kukaThixo. Bahlaba khona imihlatshelo yeminikelo yokuthula, njalo uSawuli labantu bonke bako-Israyeli baba lomkhosi omkhulu wokuthokoza.

12

Inkulumo KaSamuyeli Yokuvalelisa

1 USamuyeli wathi kubo bonke abako-Israyeli, “Ngikuzwile konke elikukhulumileyo kimi njalo sengilibekele inkosi. 2 Khathesi selilenkosi engumkhokheli wenu. Mina sengiluphele lenwele sezimpunga, lamadodana ami lilawo khonapha. Kade ngingumkhokheli wenu kusukela ebutsheni bami kuze kube lamhla. 3 Ngikhonapha. Fakazani okubi ngami phambi kukaThixo logcotshiweyo wakhe. Ngubani engake ngathatha inkabi yakhe na? Ngubani engake ngathatha ubabhemi wakhe na? Ngubani engake ngamqilibezela? Ngubani engake ngamncindezela na? Kukwezikabani izandla engake ngamukela isivalamlomo ukuba ngivale amehlo ami na? Nxa ngake ngenza okunye kwalokhu, ngizakubuyisela.”

4 Baphendula bathi, “Kawuzange usiqilibezele loba usincindezele. Kawuthathanga lutho esandleni somuntu.”

5 USamuyeli wasesithi kubo, “Uthixo ungufakazi umelane lani, logcotshiweyo wakhe ungufakazi ngalelilanga, ukuthi kalitholanga lutho esandleni sami.”

Bona bathi, “Yena ungufakazi.”

6 USamuyeli wasesithi ebantwini, “NguThixo owakhetha uMosi lo-Aroni wakhupha oyihlomkhulu eGibhithe. 7 Khathesi-ke, manini khonapha, ngoba ngizamelana lani ngobufakazi phambi kukaThixo ngazozonke izenzo ezilungileyo uThixo owazenzela lina laboyihlo.

8 Emva kokuba uJakhobe esefikile eGibhithe, bakhalela usizo kuThixo, uThixo wasethuma uMosi lo-Aroni, abakhupha okhokho benu eGibhithe bazabahlalisa kule indawo.

9 Kodwa bamkhohlwa uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo; ngakho wabanikela esandleni sikaSisera, umlawuli webutho laseHazori, lasezandleni zamaFilistiya kanye lasenkosini yamaMowabi, balwa labo. 10 Bakhala kuThixo bathi, ‘Sonile, simdelile uThixo sakhonza oBhali labo-Ashithorethi. Kodwa khathesi ake usikhulule ezandleni zezitha zethu, sizakukhonza.’ 11 Lapho-ke uThixo wathuma uJerubhi-Bhali, loBhedani, loJeftha kanye loSamuyeli, walikhulula ezandleni zezitha zenu inxa zonke, yikho lahlala livikelekile.

12 Kodwa kwathi lapho libona ukuthi uNahashi inkosi yama-Amoni wayesizalihlasela, lathi kimi, ‘Hatshi, sifuna inkosi yokusibusa,’ lanxa uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu wayeyinkosi yenu. 13 Khathesi nansi inkosi eliyikhethileyo, yona elayicelayo; khangelani, uThixo uselibekele inkosi phezu kwenu. 14 Nxa limesaba uThixo limkhonze njalo limlalele lingahlamukeli imilayo yakhe, njalo nxa lina kanye lenkosi elibusayo lilandela uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, kuhle! 15 Kodwa nxa uThixo lingamlaleli, njalo nxa lihlamukela imilayo yakhe, isandla sakhe sizamelana lani, njengoba sasimelane laboyihlo.

16 Khathesi-ke manini lithule libone into enkulu uThixo asezayenza phambi kwamehlo enu! 17 Kanti khathesi akusisikhathi sokuvuna ingqoloyi na? Ngizakhuleka kuThixo ukuba athumele umdumo lezulu. Njalo lizabona ukuthi yinto embi njani elayenzayo emehlweni kaThixo lapho licela inkosi.”

18 Emva kwalokho uSamuyeli wakhuleka kuThixo, njalo khona mhlalokho uThixo wathumela umdumo lezulu. Ngakho abantu bonke bamesaba uThixo loSamuyeli.

19 Bonke abantu bathi kuSamuyeli, “Khulekela izinceku zakho kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ukuze singafi, ngoba sesengeze kwezinye zonke izono zethu ngobubi bokucela inkosi.”

20 USamuyeli waphendula wathi, “Lingesabi. Selibenzile bonke lobububi; kodwa lingamfulatheli uThixo; kodwa khonzani uThixo ngezinhliziyo zenu zonke. 21 Lingaphendukeli ezithombeni ezingasizi lutho. Zingeke zilenzele lutho, kumbe zilihlenge, ngoba kazilasizo. 22 Ngenxa yebizo lakhe elikhulu uThixo kayikubalahla abantu bakhe, ngoba uThixo wathokoziswa yikulenza libe ngabakhe. 23 Mina-ke kangiyikukwenza ukuthi ngenze isono kuThixo ngokungalikhulekeli. Njalo ngizalifundisa indlela enhle lelungileyo. 24 Kodwa mesabeni ngeqiniso uThixo, limkhonze ngobuqotho ngezinhliziyo zenu zonke. Khumbulani izinto ezinkulu alenzela zona. 25 Kodwa lingaphikelela ukwenza okubi, lina lenkosi yenu lizakhukhulwa.”

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USamuyeli Ukhuza USawuli

1 USawuli waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu ubudala bakhe, njalo wabusa u-Israyeli iminyaka engamatshumi amane lambili.

2 USawuli wakhetha abantu abazinkulungwane ezintathu ko-Israyeli; abazinkulungwane ezimbili babelaye eMikhimashi laselizweni lezintaba eleBhetheli, njalo abayinkulungwane babeloJonathani eGibhiya koBhenjamini. Bonke abasalayo wababuyisela emakhaya abo.

3 UJonathani wahlasela inkamba yamabutho amaFilistiya eGebha, njalo amaFilistiya akuzwa lokho. Lapho-ke uSawuli wathi kakukhaliswe icilongo kulolonke ilizwe wathi, “AmaHebheru kawezwe!” 4 Ngakho u-Israyeli wonke wayizwa indaba yokuthi: “USawuli usehlasele inkamba yamabutho amaFilistiya, njalo u-Israyeli khathesi useyisinengiso kumaFilistiya.” Njalo abantu babizwa ukuba bayehlanganyela loSawuli eGiligali.

5 AmaFilistiya abuthana ukuthi alwe lo-Israyeli ngezinqola zempi eziyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu, labatshayeli bazo abazinkulungwane eziyisithupha kanye lamabutho ayemanengi njengetshebetshebe ekhunjini lolwandle. Ahamba ayamisa eMikhimashi, empumalanga kweBhethi-Aveni. 6 Kwathi abantu bako-Israyeli bebona ukuthi umumo wabo wawusumubi lokuthi ibutho labo lalincindezelwe kanzima, bacatsha ezimbalwini lasemajukujukwini, laphakathi kwamadwala, emilindini lasemigodini. 7 Amanye amaHebheru aze achaphela elizweni lakoGadi kanye leGiliyadi.

USawuli wasala eGiligali, njalo wonke amabutho ayelaye ayeqhuqha ngenxa yokwesaba. 8 Walinda insuku eziyisikhombisa, isikhathi esasimiswe nguSamuyeli; kodwa uSamuyeli kezanga eGiligali; yikho abantu bakaSawuli baqalisa ukuchitheka. 9 Ngakho wathi, “Ngilethelani umnikelo wokutshiswa leminikelo yobuzalwane.” USawuli wanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa. 10 Kwathi khonokho nje eqeda ukunikela umnikelo wokutshiswa, uSamuyeli wafika, uSawuli waphuma wayambingelela.

11 USamuyeli wabuza wathi, “Kuyini osukwenzile na?”

USawuli waphendula wathi, “Kuthe ngibona abantu sebechitheka, lokuthi kawufikanga ngesikhathi esimisiweyo, kanye lokuthi amaFilistiya abebuthana eMikhimashi, 12 ngacabanga ngathi, ‘Khathesi amaFilistiya azakuzangihlasela eGiligali, njalo kangicelanga umusa kuThixo.’ Ngakho ngizwe ngincindezeleka ukuba nginikele umnikelo wokutshiswa.”

13 USamuyeli wathi, “Wenze ubuthutha. Kawuwugcinanga umlayo uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akupha wona; aluba ubukwenzile lokho, ubezamisa umbuso wakho phezu kuka-Israyeli kokuphela. 14 Kodwa umbuso wakho kawuyikuqhubeka; uThixo usedinge indoda emthandayo ngenhliziyo yakhe wambeka ukuba ngumbusi wabantu bakhe, ngoba wena kawuwugcinanga umlayo kaThixo.”

15 Emva kwalokho uSamuyeli wasuka eGiligali waya eGibhiya koBhenjamini, uSawuli wasebala abantu ababelaye. Babengaba ngamakhulu ayisithupha.

U-Israyeli Ongelazikhali

16 USawuli lendodana yakhe uJonathani kanye labantu ayelabo babehlala eGibhiya koBhenjamini, amaFilistiya emise izihonqo eMikhimashi. 17 Amaqembu abahlaseli aphuma ezihonqweni zamaFilistiya ngezigaba ezintathu. Elinye laqonda e-Ofira eduze leShuwali, 18 elinye laqonda eBhethi-Horoni, kwathi elesithathu laqonda endaweni esemngceleni ngaphezu kweSigodi saseZebhoyimi malungana lenkangala.

19 Akulamkhandi wensimbi owayengatholakala kulolonke elako-Israyeli, ngoba amaFilistiya ayethe, “Mhlawumbe amaHebheru azakwenza izinkemba kumbe imikhonto.” 20 Ngakho u-Israyeli wonke waya kumaFilistiya ukuyalola amakhuba akhe, lamamatoki, lamahloka kanye amasikela. 21 Imbadalo yokulolisa amakhuba lamamatoki yayingokubili kokuthathu kweshekeli, njalo ingokukodwa kokuthathu kweshekeli ukulola amafologwe lamahloka kanye lokucijisa izijujo.

22 Ngakho ngosuku lwempi akulabutho elaliloSawuli loJonathani elalilenkemba kumbe umkhonto esandleni salo; uSawuli loJonathani kuphela yibo ababelakho.

UJonathani Uhlasela AmaFilistiya

23 Ngalesisikhathi amaFilistiya ayesephume aya emkhandlwini waseMikhimashi.

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1 Ngelinye ilanga uJonathani indodana kaSawuli wathi ejaheni elalithwala izikhali zakhe, “Woza, kasiye enkambeni yebutho lamaFilistiya ngakwelinye icele.” Kodwa kamtshelanga uyise.

2 USawuli wayehlala emaphethelweni eGibhiya ngaphansi kwesihlahla sephomegranathi eMigironi. Amadoda ayelaye ayengaba ngamakhulu ayisithupha, 3 phakathi kwawo kulo-Ahija, owayegqoke isigqoko samahlombe. Wayeyindodana yomfowabo ka-Ikhabhodi u-Ahithubi indodana kaFinehasi, indodana ka-Eli umphristi kaThixo eShilo. Kakho owayesazi ukuthi uJonathani wayehambile.

4 Eceleni ngalinye lomkhandlu ayehlose ukuwuchapha ukuze ayefika enkambeni yebutho lamaFilistiya kwakuleliwa; elinye lalithiwa yiBhozezi elinye liyiSene. 5 Elinye iliwa lalingasenyakatho ngokuya eMikhimashi, elinye lingasezansi ngokuya eGebha.

6 UJonathani wathi ejaheni elalithwala izikhali zakhe, “Woza, siwelele enkambeni yalabayana abantu abangasokanga. Engxenye uThixo uzasimela, ngoba akulalutho olungavimbela uThixo ekukhululeni, loba kungabanengi kumbe abalutshwana.”

7 Umthwali wezikhali zakhe wathi, “Yenza konke olakho engqondweni yakho. Qhubeka, mina ngilawe ngenhliziyo langomphefumulo.”

8 UJonathani wasesithi, “Ngakho-ke, woza sikhuphuke siqonde kulabaya abantu senze ukuba basibone. 9 Bangathi kithi, ‘Manini khonapho size sifike kini,’ sizahlala lapho esikhona singayi kubo. 10 Kodwa bangathi, ‘Wozani kithi,’ sizakhwela siye phezulu ngoba lokho kuzakuba yisibonakaliso sethu sokuthi uThixo usebanikele ezandleni zethu.”

11 Ngakho bobabili bazibonakalisa enkambeni yamabutho amaFilistiya. AmaFilistiya athi, “Khangelani, amaHebheru asehohoba ephuma emilindini abecatshe kuyo.”

12 Amadoda ayesenkambeni yamabutho amemeza uJonathani lomthwali wezikhali zakhe athi, “Wozani kithi sizalifundisa isifundo.”

Ngakho uJonathani wathi kumthwali wezikhali zakhe, “Khwela ungilandele; uThixo usebanikele esandleni sika-Israyeli.”

13 UJonathani wakhwela, esebenzisa izandla lezinyawo zakhe, lomthwali wezikhali zakhe ekhonapho ngemva kwakhe. AmaFilistiya awa phambi kukaJonathani, njalo umthwali wezikhali zakhe walandela ebulala abantu ngemva kwakhe. 14 Ngalokho kuhlasela kokuqala uJonathani lomthwali wezikhali zakhe babulala abantu abangamatshumi amabili endaweni eyayingaba yingxenye yendima.

U-Israyeli Ubhuqa AmaFilistiya

15 Emva kwalokho ibutho lonke lathuthumela, ababesezihonqweni lababesegangeni, lalabo ababesezinkambeni zamabutho lamaqembu abahlaseli, iphansi lanyikinyeka. Kwakuyikuthuthumela okwakulethwe nguNkulunkulu.

16 Abalindi bakaSawuli eGibhiya koBhenjamini babona ibutho lisabalele ezinhlangothini zonke. 17 USawuli wasesithi ebantwini ababelaye, “Qoqani amabutho libone ukuthi ngubani ongekho.” Sebekwenzile, ababengekho kwakunguJonathani lomthwali wezikhali zakhe.

18 USawuli wasesithi ku-Ahija, “Letha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu.” (Ngalesisikhathi lalikwabako-Israyeli.) 19 Kwathi uSawuli esakhuluma lomphristi, ukuxokozela ezihonqweni zamaFilistiya kwakhula kakhulu kakhulukazi. Ngakho uSawuli wathi kumphristi, “Susa isandla sakho.”

20 Emva kwalokho uSawuli labantu bakhe bonke babuthana basebesiya empini. Bafica amaFilistiya ephakathi kwesiyaluyalu esipheleleyo, egalelana ngezinkemba zawo. 21 AmaHebheru ayelamaFilistiya kuqala ehambe lawo ezihonqweni zawo abuyela kwabako-Israyeli ababeloSawuli loJonathani. 22 Kwathi lapho bonke abako-Israyeli ababecatshe elizweni lezintaba elako-Efrayimi sebezwile ukuthi amaFilistiya ayesebaleka empini bangena, baxotshana lawo. 23  Uthixo wamhlenga kanjalo u-Israyeli ngalolosuku, njalo ukulwa kwaya ngale kweBhethi-Aveni.

UJonathani Udla Uluju

24 Ngalolosuku abantu bako-Israyeli babedanile ngoba uSawuli wayebophe abantu ngesifungo esithi, “Uqalekisiwe lowomuntu odla ukudla kungakahlwi, ngingakaphindiseli ezitheni zami!” Ngakho akukho butho elanambitha ukudla.

25 Ibutho lonke langena ehlathini, lapho okwakuloluju phansi khona. 26 Ekungeneni kwabo ehlathini, babona uluju lujuluka, kodwa kakho owaludlayo, ngoba babesesaba isifungo. 27 Kodwa uJonathani wayengezwanga ukuthi uyise wayebophe abantu ngesifungo, welula isiduku somqwayi ayewuphethe wawuhloma ohlangeni loluju. Waphakamisela isandla sakhe emlonyeni wakhe, amehlo akhazimula. 28 Lapho-ke omunye wamabutho wamtshela wathi, “Uyihlo ubophe ibutho ngesifungo esinzima, esithi, ‘Uqalekisiwe lowomuntu odla ukudla lamhla!’ Yikho-nje abantu bemdambiyana.”

29 UJonathani wathi, “Ubaba usedalele ilizwe uhlupho. Khangela ukuthi amehlo ami athe dlwe ekunambitheni kwami okuncane koluju lolu. 30 Kade kuzakuba ngcono kakhulu aluba lamhla abantu bebedlile enye yempango abayithethe ezitheni zabo. Ukubulawa kwamaFilistiya kade kungayikuba kukhulu kulalokhu na?”

31 Ngalolosuku, emva kokuba ama-Israyeli esebulele amaFilistiya kusukela eMikhimashi kusiyafika e-Ayijaloni, ayesediniwe. 32 Baphuthuma impango, kwathi sebethethe izimvu lenkomo kanye lamathole, bazibulala khonapho bazidla kanye legazi. 33 Omunye wasesithi kuSawuli, “Khangela abantu benza isono kuThixo ngokudla inyama elegazi.”

Yena wathi, “Selephule ukuthenjwa. Giqelani ilitshe elikhulu ngapha khathesi nje.” 34 Wasesithi, “Yanini phakathi kwabantu libatshele lithi, ‘Lowo lalowo wenu kangilethele inkomo lezimvu zakhe azibulalele lapha azidle. Lingenzi isono kuThixo ngokudla inyama eseselegazi.’ ”

Ngakho ngalobobusuku umuntu wonke waletha inkabi yakhe wayihlabela khonapho. 35 USawuli wasesakhela uThixo i-alithari; wayeqala ukwenza lokhu.

36 USawuli wathi, “Kasehleni silandele amaFilistiya ebusuku siwahlasele kuze kuse, singatshiyi lalinye lawo liphila.”

Bathi, “Yenza lokho okubona kulungile kuwe.”

Kodwa umphristi wathi, “Kasibuzeni uNkulunkulu lapha.”

37 USawuli wabuza uNkulunkulu wathi, “Ngehle ngilandele amaFilistiya na? Uzawanikela esandleni sika-Israyeli na?” Kodwa uNkulunkulu kamphendulanga ngalolosuku.

38 Ngakho uSawuli wathi, “Wozani lapha, lonke lina bakhokheli bebutho, sidinge ukuthi yisono bani esenziwe lamhla. 39 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ohlenga u-Israyeli ephila, lanxa sisendodaneni yami uJonathani, kumele ife.” Kodwa akukho lamunye wabantu owatsho ilizwi.

40 USawuli wasesithi kubo bonke abako-Israyeli, “Manini laphayana; mina lendodana yami uJonathani sizakuma ngapha.”

Abantu baphendula bathi, “Yenza lokho okukhanya kulungile kuwe.”

41 Emva kwalokho uSawuli wakhuleka kuThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli wathi, “Kungani ungayiphendulanga inceku lamuhla? Nxa isono sikimi kumbe kuJonathani indodana yami, inkatho kayibe yi-Urimi; kodwa nxa isono sisebantwini bako-Israyeli, inkatho kayibe yiThumimi.” UJonathani loSawuli badliwa yinkatho, abantu bagezeka. 42 USawuli wasesithi, “Phosani inkatho phakathi kwami loJonathani indodana yami.” UJonathani wabanjwa.

43 USawuli wasesithi kuJonathani, “Ngitshela lokho okwenzileyo.”

Ngakho uJonathani wamtshela wathi, “Nginambithe uluju nje kuphela ngesihloko somqwayi wami. Khathesi-ke sokumele ngife!”

44 USawuli wathi, “UNkulunkulu kangijezise, kube nzima kakhulu, nxa ungafi, Jonathani.”

45 Kodwa abantu bathi kuSawuli, “UJonathani kumele afe yini, yena olethe lokhukuhlengwa okukhulu ko-Israyeli na? Hatshi bo! Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, akulanwele lwekhanda lakhe oluzawela phansi, ngoba lokhu ukwenze lamhla ngosizo lukaNkulunkulu.” Ngakho abantu bamhlenga uJonathani, kasabulawanga.

46 USawuli wayekela ukuxotshana lamaFilistiya, njalo amaFilistiya abuyela elizweni lakibo.

47 Kwathi uSawuli esebusa ko-Israyeli, walwa lezitha zabo inxa zonke: iMowabi, ama-Amoni, i-Edomi, amakhosi aseZobha kanye lamaFilistiya. Loba kungaphi lapho aya khona, wababhuqa. 48 Walwa ngesibindi wehlula ama-Amaleki, wakhulula u-Israyeli ezandleni zalabo ababebaphangile.

Abendlu KaSawuli

49 Amadodana kaSawuli ayenguJonathani, lo-Ishivi kanye loMalikhi-Shuwa. Ibizo lendodakazi yakhe endala lalinguMerabi, elomcinyane linguMikhali. 50 Ibizo lomkakhe lalingu-Ahinowama indodakazi ka-Ahimazi. Umlawuli webutho likaSawuli wayengu-Abhineri indodana kaNeri, uNeri wayengumfowabo kayise kaSawuli. 51 UKhishi uyise kaSawuli, loNeri uyise ka-Abhineri babengamadodana ka-Abhiyeli.

52 Kuzozonke insuku zikaSawuli kwakulempi enzima lamaFilistiya, njalo loba kungaphi uSawuli abona khona indoda elamandla kumbe elesibindi, wayingenisa ebuthweni lakhe.

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UThixo Wala USawuli Njengenkosi

1 USamuyeli wathi kuSawuli, “Mina yimi engathunywa nguThixo ukuthi ngikugcobe ukuba yinkosi yabantu bakhe u-Israyeli; ngakho-ke khathesi lalela ilizwi elivela kuThixo. 2 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: ‘Ama-Amaleki ngizawajezisa ngenxa yalokhu akwenzayo ku-Israyeli lapho abacathamela ekuphumeni kwabo eGibhithe. 3 Khathesi hamba uyehlasela ama-Amaleki uqede du konke okungokwawo. Ungawayekeli; bulala amadoda labafazi, abantwana lensane, inkomo lezimvu, amakamela kanye labobabhemi.’ ”

4 Ngakho uSawuli wabiza abantu wababuthanisa eThelayimi, izinkulungwane ezimbili zebutho lezinyawo kanye lamadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi avela koJuda. 5 USawuli waya edolobheni lase-Amaleki bacathama edongeni. 6 Wasesithi kumaKheni, “Sukani, tshiyani ama-Amaleki ukuze ngingaliqothuli kanye lawo; ngoba lina latshengisa umusa kuwo wonke ama-Israyeli ekuphumeni kwawo eGibhithe.” Ngakho amaKheni asuka kuma-Amaleki.

7 Lapho-ke uSawuli wahlasela ama-Amaleki umango wonke kusukela eHavila kusiya eShuri, empumalanga kweGibhithe. 8 Wathumba u-Agagi inkosi yama-Amaleki ephila, kodwa bonke abantu bakhe wabaqothula ngokupheleleyo, ngenkemba. 9 Kodwa uSawuli lebutho kabambulalanga u-Agagi lezimvu ezinhle lenkomo, amathole anonileyo lamawundlu lakho konke okwakukuhle. Lokhu babengafisi ukukuqeda ngokupheleleyo, konke okwakuseyiseka lokungelasizo bakuqeda du.

10 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kuSamuyeli lisithi, 11 “Ngilusizi ngokuthi ngibeke uSawuli waba yinkosi, ngoba usengifulathele njalo kalandelanga imilayo yami.” USamuyeli wakhathazeka, wakhuleka kuThixo bonke lobobusuku.

12 USamuyeli wavuka ekuseni kakhulu ukuba ayebonana loSawuli, kodwa watshelwa ukuthi, “USawuli uye eKhameli. Uzibekele ilitshe lesikhumbuzo sakhe khonale wasephenduka esehlela eGiligali.”

13 Kwathi uSamuyeli esemficile, uSawuli wathi, “Uthixo kakubusise! Sengikwenzile engikulaywe nguThixo.”

14 Kodwa uSamuyeli wathi, “Pho ukukhala kwezimvu ezindlebeni zami lokhu kuyini na? Kuyini ukubhonsa kwezinkomo lokhu engikuzwayo na?”

15 USawuli waphendula wathi, “Amabutho azilethe zivela kuma-Amaleki; agcine izimvu ezinhle lenkomo ukuba azenze umhlatshelo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, kodwa ezinye sizikhucule.”

16 USamuyeli wathi kuSawuli, “Mana! Wothi ngikutshele okutshiwo nguThixo kimi ebusuku obedluleyo.”

USawuli waphendula wathi, “Ngitshela.”

17 USamuyeli wasesithi, “Lanxa wazibona umncane, kawuzange ube yinhloko yezizwana zako-Israyeli na? Uthixo wakugcoba ukuba ube yinkosi ko-Israyeli. 18 Njalo wakuthuma emsebenzini, esithi, ‘Hamba uyeqothula abantu labayana ababi, ama-Amaleki, uvuse impi labo uze ubaqede du.’ 19 Pho kungani ungalalelanga uThixo? Kungani uzithathele impango wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo na?”

20 USawuli wathi, “Kodwa mina ngimlalele uThixo. Ngihambile emsebenzini uThixo anginike wona. Ama-Amaleki ngiwaqede du, ngabuya lo-Agagi inkosi yawo. 21 Amabutho athatha izimvu lenkomo empangweni, ezinhle zalezo ezazahlukaniselwe uNkulunkulu, ukuze zenziwe umhlatshelo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho eGiligali.”

22 Kodwa uSamuyeli waphendula wathi:

“Kambe uThixo uthokozela

iminikelo yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo

ngokunjengokulalela ilizwi likaThixo na?

Ukulalela kungcono kulomhlatshelo,

lokukhathalela kungcono kulamahwahwa enqama.

23 Ngoba ukuhlamuka kufana lesono sokuhlahlula,

lobuqholo bufana lobubi bokukhonza izithombe.

Ngoba ilizwi likaThixo ulalile,

usekwalile njengenkosi.”

24 USawuli wasesithi kuSamuyeli, “Ngenzile isono. Ngephule umlayo kaThixo leziqondiso zakho. Ngesabe abantu ngavumela okwabo. 25 Khathesi-ke ngiyakucela, thethelela isono sami ubuyele emuva lami, ukuze ngikhonze uThixo.”

26 Kodwa uSamuyeli wathi kuye, “Angiyikubuyela emuva lawe. Ilizwi likaThixo ulalile, njalo uThixo usekwalile njengombusi wako-Israyeli!”

27 Kwathi uSamuyeli ephenduka ukuba asuke, uSawuli wabamba umphetho wesembatho sakhe, sasesidabuka. 28 USamuyeli wathi kuye, “Uthixo usewudabule kuwe lamhla umbuso wako-Israyeli, njalo usewunike omunye wabomakhelwane bakho, lowo ongcono kulawe. 29 Yena oyiNkazimulo ka-Israyeli kaqambi manga kumbe aguqule ingqondo yakhe, ngoba kasumuntu ukuba aguqule ingqondo yakhe.”

30 USawuli waphendula wathi, “Ngenzile isono. Kodwa ake ungihloniphe phambi kwabadala babantu bami laphambi kuka-Israyeli; buyela lami, ukuze ngiyekhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho.” 31 Ngakho uSamuyeli wabuyela loSawuli wasekhonza uThixo.

32 USamuyeli wasesithi, “Ngilethelani u-Agagi inkosi yama-Amaleki.”

U-Agagi waya kuye ngokwethemba ecabanga esithi, “Impela intukuthelo yokufa isiphelile.”

33 Kodwa uSamuyeli wathi,

“Njengoba inkemba yakho yenze abesifazane baswela abantwana,

ngokunjalo unyoko kazukuba lomntwana phakathi kwabesifazane.”

USamuyeli wambulala u-Agagi phambi kukaThixo eGiligali.

34 Emva kwalokho uSamuyeli wasuka waya eRama, kodwa uSawuli waya emzini wakhe eGibhiya yakoSawuli. 35 USamuyeli kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwakhe engazange ayembona uSawuli futhi, lanxa uSamuyeli wamlilela uSawuli. Uthixo wakhathazeka ngokuthi wayenze uSawuli waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli.

16

USamuyeli Ugcoba UDavida

1  Uthixo wathi kuSamuyeli, “Koze kube nini ulilela uSawuli, lokhu mina ngimalile ekubeni yinkosi yako-Israyeli? Gcwalisa uphondo lwakho ngamafutha uhambe; ngiyakuthuma kuJese eBhethilehema. Sengikhethe enye yamadodana akhe ukuba yinkosi.”

2 Kodwa uSamuyeli wathi, “Ngingahamba kanjani na? USawuli uzakuzwa ngakho angibulale.”

Uthixo wathi, “Thatha ithokazi uhambe lalo uthi, ‘Ngilande ukuzahlabela uThixo.’ 3 Biza uJese eze emhlatshelweni, mina ngizakutshengisa ozakwenza. Uzangigcobela lowo engizamphawula.”

4 USamuyeli wenza lokho okwakutshiwo nguThixo. Kwathi efika eBhethilehema abadala bomuzi bamhlangabeza beqhaqhazela. Bambuza bathi, “Uza ngokuthula na?”

5 USamuyeli waphendula wathi, “Ye, ngokuthula; ngilande ukuzanikela umhlatshelo kuThixo. Zingcweliseni lihambe lami emhlatshelweni.” Emva kwalokho wangcwelisa uJese lamadodana akhe wasebabizela emhlatshelweni.

6 Ekufikeni kwabo uSamuyeli wabona u-Eliyabi wacabanga wathi, “Impela ogcotshiweyo kaThixo umi lapha phambi kukaThixo.”

7 Kodwa uThixo wathi kuSamuyeli, “Ungakhangeli isimo sakhe loba ubude bakhe, ngoba ngimalile. Uthixo kakhangeli izinto ezikhangelwa ngabantu. Abantu bakhangela isimo somuntu, kodwa uThixo ukhangela inhliziyo.”

8 UJese wabiza u-Abhinadabi wamdlulisa phambi kukaSamuyeli. Kodwa uSamuyeli wathi, “Lalo uThixo kamkhethanga.” 9 UJese wedlulisa uShama eduzane, kodwa uSamuyeli wathi, “Layenalo uThixo kamkhethanga.” 10 UJese wadlulisa amadodana akhe ayisikhombisa phambi kukaSamuyeli, kodwa uSamuyeli wathi kuye, “Laba uThixo kabakhethanga.” 11 Ngakho wabuza uJese wathi, “La yiwo wonke amadodana olawo na?”

UJese waphendula wathi, “Kusekhona encinyane, kodwa yelusa izimvu.”

USamuyeli wathi, “Thuma omunye ayembiza; kasiyikuhlala phansi aze afike.”

12 Ngakho wathuma omunye wayalethwa. Wayebomvana, ebukeka njalo elesimo esihle.

Uthixo wasesithi, “Sukuma umgcobe; nguye.”

13 Ngakho uSamuyeli wathatha uphondo lwamafutha wamgcoba labanewabo bekhona; njalo kusukela ngalelolanga kusiya phambili, uMoya kaThixo wafika kuDavida ulamandla. Emva kwalokho uSamuyeli waya eRama.

UDavida Emsebenzini KaSawuli

14 Ngalesosikhathi uMoya kaThixo wawususukile kuSawuli, umoya omubi owavela kuThixo usumhlukuluza.

15 Izinceku zikaSawuli zathi kuye, “Khangela, umoya omubi ovela kuNkulunkulu uyakuhlukuluza. 16 Akuthi inkosi yethu ilaye izinceku zayo ezilapha ukuba ziyidingele umuntu okwaziyo ukutshaya ichacho. Uzalitshaya lapho umoya omubi ovela kuNkulunkulu ufika kuwe; uzakuzwa ngcono.”

17 Ngakho uSawuli wathi ezincekwini zakhe, “Dingani umuntu otshaya kuhle limlethe kimi.”

18 Enye yezinceku zakhe yaphendula yathi, “Ngibone indodana kaJese waseBhethilehema ekwaziyo ukutshaya ichacho. Iyindoda elesibindi elibutho futhi. Ikhuluma kuhle njalo ilijaha elibukekayo. LoThixo uyivikele.”

19 USawuli wathuma izithunywa kuJese wathi, “Thumela kimi indodana yakho uDavida, owelusa izimvu.” 20 Ngakho uJese wathatha ubabhemi ethwele izinkwa, umgodla wewayini lezinyane lembuzi wakuthumela lendodana yakhe uDavida kuSawuli.

21 UDavida wafika kuSawuli wangena emsebenzini wakhe uSawuli wamthanda kakhulu, njalo uDavida waba ngomunye wabathwali bezikhali zakhe. 22 USawuli wathumela ilizwi kuJese, elithi, “Vumela uDavida ukuba ahlale emsebenzini wami, ngoba ngiyathokoza ngaye.”

23 Kwakusithi umoya omubi ovela kuNkulunkulu ungafika kuSawuli, uDavida athathe ichacho lakhe alitshaye. Lapho-ke uSawuli wayephumula; ezwe ngcono, lomoya omubi usuke kuye.

17

UDavida LoGoliyathi

1 Ngalesosikhathi amaFilistiya aqoqa amabutho awo ukuba alwe impi, asebuthana eSokho koJuda. Enza izihonqo e-Efesi Damimi, phakathi kweSokho le-Azekha. 2 USawuli labako-Israyeli bamisa izihonqo eSigodini sase-Ela, bahlela ukuba balwe impi lamaFilistiya. 3 AmaFilistiya ayemi kolunye uqaqa abako-Israyeli labo bekolunye, kulesigodi phakathi kwabo.

4 Iqhawe elalithiwa nguGoliyathi, owayevela eGathi, waphuma ezihonqweni zamaFilistiya. Ubude bakhe babuzingalo eziyisithupha lesandla. 5 Wayelengowane yethusi ekhanda lakhe, egqoke ibhatshi lokuvikela elethusi elaliyizinkulungwane ezinhlanu zamashekeli ubunzima balo, 6 emibaleni yakhe wayegqoke imigwamazi yethusi, emhlane egaxe umkhonto wethusi. 7 Uluthi lomkhonto wakhe lwalunjengogodo lomaluki, ubunzima besihloko sawo sensimbi bungamashekeli angamakhulu ayisithupha. Umthwali wehawu lakhe wayehamba phambidlana kwakhe.

8 UGoliyathi wema wamemezela emaviyweni ako-Israyeli esithi, “Kungani liphumele ukuzakulwa impi na? KangisumFilistiya yini, njalo lina kalisizo zinceku zikaSawuli na? Khethani umuntu azeqondana lami. 9 Nxa ezakulwa angibulale, sizakuba yizigqili zenu; kodwa ngingamehlula ngimbulale, lizakuba yizigqili zethu lisikhonze.” 10 UmFilistiya wabuya wathi, “Lamhlanje ngiyaweyisa amaviyo ako-Israyeli! Ngiphani umuntu siqondane silwe.” 11 Ekuzweni amazwi omFilistiya, uSawuli labo bonke abako-Israyeli besaba bathuthumela.

12 UDavida wayeyindoda yomʼEfrathi owayethiwa nguJese, owayengowase Bhethilehema koJuda. UJese wayelamadodana ayisificaminwembili, njalo ngezinsuku zikaSawuli wayesemdala eseluphele kakhulu. 13 Amadodana amathathu amadala kaJese ayelandele uSawuli empini: Izibulo kwakungu-Eliyabi; owesibili kungu-Abhinadabi; owesithathu kunguShama. 14 UDavida wayengomncane wabo. Abathathu abadala balandela uSawuli, 15 kodwa uDavida wasuka kuSawuli wabuyela ukuba ayekwelusa izimvu zikayise eBhethilehema.

16 Okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane umFilistiya wayesiya phambili nsuku zonke ekuseni lakusihlwa ajame.

17 UJese wasesithi kuDavida indodana yakhe, “Thathela abanewenu ihefa lomumbu okhanzingiweyo kanye lezinkwa lezi ezilitshumi uzise masinyane ezihonqweni zabo. 18 Hamba lalezizinkwa zetshizi ezilitshumi kumlawuli weviyo labo. Bona ukuthi abanewenu banjani, ubuye lesiqiniselo esivela kubo. 19 BaloSawuli kanye labantu bonke bako-Israyeli eSigodini sase-Ela, besilwa lamaFilistiya.”

20 Ekuseni kakhulu uDavida watshiya umhlambi wezimvu ulomelusi, wathwala umthwalo wasuka wahamba, njengokulaya kukaJese. Wafika ezihonqweni ibutho liphuma ukuba liye ezindaweni zalo zempi, limemeza isaga sempi. 21 U-Israyeli lamaFilistiya babedweba imikhandlu yabo bekhangelene. 22 UDavida watshiya izinto zakhe kumgcini wezimpahla, wagijimela emaviyweni empi wayabingelela abanewabo. 23 Esabakhulumisa, uGoliyathi, iqhawe lamaFilistiya elaseGathi, waphuma kuviyo lakhe, wamemezela ukweyisa kwakhe kwenjayelo, loDavida wakuzwa. 24 Kwathi abako-Israyeli bebona umuntu lowo, bonke bambalekela ngokwesaba okukhulu.

25 Abako-Israyeli babekade besithi, “Liyambona yini umuntu lo ukuthi uqhubeka njani elokhu ephuma? Uyaphuma ukuba eyise u-Israyeli. Inkosi izamnika inotho enengi umuntu ozambulala. Izamnika lendodakazi yayo ukuba ayithathe, ikhulule labendlu kayise emithelweni ko-Israyeli.”

26 UDavida wabuza indoda eyayimi phansi kwakhe wathi, “Kuyini okuzakwenzelwa umuntu obulala umFilistiya lo asuse lehlazo leli ku-Israyeli na? Ungubani umFilistiya lo ongasokanga oweyisa amabutho kaNkulunkulu ophilayo na?”

27 Bakutsho futhi kuye ababekade bemtshela khona bathi, “Nanku okuzakwenzelwa umuntu ombulalayo.”

28 Kwathi lapho u-Eliyabi, umnewabo omdala kaDavida, emuzwa ekhuluma lalawomadoda, wamthukuthelela kakhulu wambuza wathi, “Uzefunani lapha na? Njalo izimvu leziyana ezilutshwane uzitshiye lobani enkangala na? Ngiyakwazi ukuthi uzikhukhumeza njani kanye lokuthi inhliziyo yakho imbi kanjani, ulande ukuzabona impi nje kuphela.”

29 UDavida wathi, “Manje sengenzeni kanti? Angivunyelwa yini ukukhuluma?” 30 Emva kwalokho waphendukela komunye, watsho lutho lunye, umuntu lowo wamphendula njengakuqala. 31 Okwakutshiwo nguDavida kwazwakala njalo kwabikwa kuSawuli, uSawuli wathi kabizwe.

32 UDavida wathi kuSawuli, “Akungabi lomuntu ophelelwa lithemba ngenxa yomFilistiya lo; inceku yakho izakuyakulwa laye.”

33 USawuli waphendula wathi, “Kawanelisi ukuyamelana lomFilistiya lo ulwe laye; wena ungumfana nje, yena kade waba ngumuntu wokulwa kusukela ebutsheni bakhe.”

34 Kodwa uDavida wathi kuSawuli, “Inceku yakho yayiselusa izimvu zikayise. Kwathi kufike isilwane kumbe ibhele lajwamula imvu emhlambini, 35 ngalilandela, ngalitshaya ngahlenga imvu emlonyeni walo. Lathi liyangihlasela ngalidumela ngoboya balo, ngalitshaya ngalibulala. 36 Inceku yakho seyabulala kokubili isilwane lebhele; umFilistiya lo ongasokanga uzakuba njengokunye kwakho, ngoba weyise amabutho kaNkulunkulu ophilayo. 37  Uthixo owangikhululayo enzitsheni zesilwane lasenzitsheni zebhele uzangikhulula esandleni somFilistiya lo.”

USawuli wathi kuDavida, “Hamba, uThixo kabe lawe.”

38 Emva kwalokho uSawuli wagqokisa uDavida ibhatshi lakhe. Wamgqokisa lesivikelo sensimbi kanye lengowane yethusi ekhanda lakhe. 39 UDavida wabophela inkemba yakhe phezu kwesembatho setshunika wazama ukuhambahamba, ngoba wayengazejwayelanga.

Wathi kuSawuli, “Angingeke ngihambe ngigqoke lokhu, ngoba angikwejwayelanga.” Ngakho wakukhupha. 40 Emva kwalokho wathatha umqwayi wakhe, wakhetha amatshe abutshelezi amahlanu esifuleni. Wawabeka esikhwameni somxhaka wakhe wokwelusa, njalo ephethe isavutha wamlanda umFilistiya.

41 Ngasikhathi sinye, umFilistiya, umthwali wehawu lakhe ephambi kwakhe, wayelokhu esondela eduze kukaDavida. 42 Wamkhangela uDavida wabona ukuthi wayengumfana nje, ebomvana emuhle, wameyisa. 43 Wasesithi kuDavida, “Kanti ngiyinja yini, usiza kimi uphethe izinti?” UmFilistiya waqalekisa uDavida ngabonkulunkulu bakibo. 44 Wathi, “Woza lapha, ngizanika izinyoni zasemoyeni lezinyamazana zeganga inyama yakho!”

45 UDavida wathi kumFilistiya, “Wena uzemelana lami ngenkemba lomkhonto kanye lomdikadika, kodwa mina ngizemelana lawe ngebizo likaThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu wamabutho ka-Israyeli wena omeyisayo. 46 Lamhla uThixo uzakunikela kimi, ngizakulahla phansi ngiqume ikhanda lakho. Lamhlanje izinyoni zasemoyeni lezinyamazana zasemhlabeni ngizazinika izidumbu zebutho lamaFilistiya, njalo umhlaba wonke uzakwazi ukuthi kuloNkulunkulu ko-Israyeli. 47 Bonke labo ababuthene lapha bazakwazi ukuthi uThixo kahlengi ngenkemba loba ngomkhonto, ngoba impi ngekaThixo, njalo lonke uzalinikela ezandleni zethu.”

48 Kwathi umFilistiya esondela eduze ukuba amhlasele, uDavida ngokuphangisa wagijimela phambili endaweni yokulwela ukuba amhlangabeze. 49 UDavida wangenisa isandla sakhe emxhakeni wakhe wathatha ilitshe, waliphosa ngesavutha latshaya umFilistiya ebunzini. Ilitshe latshona ebunzini lakhe, wawela phansi ngobuso.

50 UDavida wamnqoba kanjalo umFilistiya ngesavutha langelitshe; engelankemba esandleni sakhe wamlahla phansi umFilistiya wambulala.

51 UDavida wagijima wema phezu kwakhe. Wabamba inkemba yomFilistiya wayihwatsha esikhwameni sayo. Esembulele, waquma ikhanda lakhe ngenkemba.

Kwathi amaFilistiya ebona ukuthi iqhawe lawo laselifile, aphenduka abaleka. 52 Lapho-ke abantu bako-Israyeli labakoJuda balangathela besiya phambili bememeza, baxotshana lamaFilistiya baze bayafika entubeni lasemasangweni ase-Ekroni. Abafileyo bakibo babegcwele emgwaqweni waseShaharayimu kusiya eGathi lase-Ekroni. 53 Kwathi abako-Israyeli sebephendukile ekuxotsheni amaFilistiya, baphanga izihonqo zawo.

54 UDavida wathatha ikhanda lomFilistiya, walisa eJerusalema, wabeka izikhali zomFilistiya ethenteni lakhe.

55 Kwathi uSawuli ekhangele uDavida esiyahlangana lomFilistiya, wathi ku-Abhineri, umlawuli webutho, “Abhineri, ijaha leliyana liyindodana kabani na?”

U-Abhineri waphendula wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uphila, nkosi, angazi.”

56 Inkosi yasisithi, “Buza ukuthi ijaha leli liyindodana kabani.”

57 Kwathi khonokho nje uDavida esevela ekubulaleni umFilistiya, u-Abhineri wamthatha wamusa kuSawuli, uDavida elokhu ephethe ikhanda lomFilistiya.

58 USawuli wambuza wathi, “Uyindodana kabani, jaha?”

UDavida wathi, “Ngiyindodana yenceku yakho uJese waseBhethilehema.”

18

Umhawu KaSawuli NgoDavida

1 Emva kokuba uDavida eseqedile ukukhuluma loSawuli, uJonathani waba moya munye loDavida, wamthanda njengoba ezithanda yena ngokwakhe. 2 Kusukela ngalolosuku uSawuli wahlala loDavida akaze amvumela ukubuyela endlini kayise. 3 Njalo uJonathani wenza isivumelwano loDavida ngoba wayemthanda njengoba ezithanda yena ngokwakhe. 4 UJonathani wakhupha isembatho ayesigqokile wasinika uDavida, lebhatshi lakhe, lenkemba yakhe, idandili lakhe kanye lebhanti lakhe.

5 Loba kuyini uSawuli amthuma ukuba akwenze, uDavida wakwenza ngokuphumelela uSawuli waze wamnika isikhundla esikhulu ebuthweni. Lokhu kwathokozisa abantu bonke, kanye lezikhulu zikaSawuli.

6 Kwathi abantu sebebuyela ekhaya emva kokuba uDavida esebulele umFilistiya, abesifazane baphuma kuyo yonke imizi yako-Israyeli bahlangabeza inkosi uSawuli ngokuhlabela lokugida, ngezingoma zokuthokoza lamagedla kanye lemitshingo. 7 Ekugideni kwabo bahlabela besithi:

“USawuli ubulele izinkulungwane zakhe,

kodwa uDavida ubulele amatshumi ezinkulungwane zakhe.”

8 USawuli wazonda kakhulu, amazwi la amthukuthelisa. Wacabanga wathi, “Badumisa uDavida ngamatshumi ezinkulungwane, kodwa mina ngezinkulungwane kuphela nje. Kuyini okunye angakuzuza ngaphandle kombuso na?” 9 Kusukela ngalelolanga kusiya phambili uSawuli wakhangela uDavida ngelihlo elilomhawu.

10 Ngelanga elalandelayo umoya omubi wavela kuNkulunkulu wehlela phezu kukaSawuli ngamandla. Wayephrofetha endlini yakhe, lapho uDavida wayetshaya ichacho njengenjwayelo yakhe. USawuli wayephethe umkhonto ngesandla sakhe, 11 wawuphosa esithi, “UDavida ngizambambanisa lomduli.” Kodwa uDavida wavika kwaze kwaba kabili.

12 USawuli wayemesaba uDavida ngoba uThixo wayeloDavida kodwa esemdelile uSawuli. 13 Ngakho wamsusa uDavida kuye wamenza umlawuli wabantu abayinkulungwane; njalo uDavida wakhokhela amabutho ekuhlaseleni kwawo. 14 Kukho konke akwenzayo waphumelela kakhulu, ngoba uThixo wayelaye. 15 Kwathi uSawuli ebona ukuphumelela kwakhe, wamesaba. 16 Kodwa wonke u-Israyeli loJuda wamthanda uDavida, ngoba wabakhokhela ekuhlaseleni kwabo.

17 USawuli wasesithi kuDavida, “Nansi indodakazi yami endala uMerabi; ngizakwendisela yona ukuba ibe ngumkakho; wena ungisebenzele ngesibindi kuphela njalo ulwe izimpi zikaThixo.” Ngoba uSawuli wakhuluma yedwa wathi, “Kangiyikumphakamisela isandla. AmaFilistiya kawenze lokho!”

18 Kodwa uDavida wathi kuSawuli, “Ngingubani mina labendlu yakwethu bayini, loba isizwana sikababa ko-Israyeli, ukuba ngibe ngumkhwenyana wenkosi na?” 19 Kodwa kwathi isikhathi sesifikile esokuba uMerabi, indodakazi kaSawuli, aphiwe uDavida, waphiwa u-Adiriyeli waseMehola ukuba abe ngumkakhe.

20 Ngalesosikhathi uMikhali, indodakazi kaSawuli, wayemthanda uDavida, njalo kwathi uSawuli bemtshela ngakho, wathaba. 21 Wacabanga wathi, “Ngizamnika yena ukuba abe ngumjibila kuye lokuze isandla samaFilistiya simelane laye.” Ngakho uSawuli wathi kuDavida, “Khathesi usulethuba lesibili lokuba ngumkhwenyana wami.”

22 USawuli walaya inceku zakhe wathi, “Khulumani loDavida ngasese lithi, ‘Khangela, inkosi iyathokoza ngawe, lenceku zayo zonke ziyakuthanda; ngakho woba ngumkhwenyana wayo.’ ”

23 Zawatsho amazwi la kuDavida kodwa uDavida wathi, “Licabanga ukuthi kuyinto encane ukuba ngumkhwenyana wenkosi na? Mina ngingumuntukazana njalo ongeladumo.”

24 Kwathi izinceku zikaSawuli sezimtshelile okwakutshiwo nguDavida, 25 uSawuli waphendula wathi, “Alibokuthi kuDavida, ‘Inkosi kayifuni enye inhlawulo yamalobolo ngaphandle kwamajwabu ezitho zangaphambili zamaFilistiya alikhulu, ukuba iphindisele ezitheni zayo.’ ” Icebo likaSawuli lalingelokuthi uDavida afe ebulawa ngamaFilistiya.

26 Kwathi inceku sezimtshelile uDavida izinto lezi, wathokoza ukuba ngumkhwenyana wenkosi. Ngakho kwathi isikhathi esasibekiwe singakedluli, 27 uDavida labantu bakhe basuka bayabulala amaFilistiya angamakhulu amabili. Weza lamajwabu emiphambili yawo waqhubela inkosi inani elipheleleyo ukuze abe ngumkhwenyana wenkosi. USawuli wamendisela-ke indodakazi yakhe uMikhali ukuba ngumkakhe.

28 Kwathi uSawuli ebona ukuthi uThixo wayeloDavida kanye lokuthi indodakazi yakhe, uMikhali, yayimthanda uDavida, 29 uSawuli wabuye wamesaba kakhulu, njalo waba yisitha sakhe impilo yakhe yonke.

30 Abalawuli bamaFilistiya baqhubeka besiyakulwa izimpi, njalo izikhathi zonke bephuma, uDavida waba lokuphumelela okwedlula ezinye izikhulu zikaSawuli, lebizo lakhe laba lodumo.

19

USawuli Ufuna Ukubulala UDavida

1 USawuli watshela indodana yakhe uJonathani kanye lezinceku zonke ukuba babulale uDavida. Kodwa uJonathani wayemthanda uDavida 2 ngakho wamxwayisa wathi, “Ubaba uSawuli udinga ithuba lokukubulala. Qaphela kusasa ekuseni; hamba uyecatsha uhlale khona. 3 Mina ngizaphuma ngiyekuma lobaba egangeni lapho okhona. Ngizakhuluma laye ngawe njalo ngizakutshela lokho engizakuthola.”

4 UJonathani wakhuluma kuhle ngoDavida kuSawuli uyise wathi kuye, “Inkosi kayingenzi okubi encekwini yayo uDavida, konanga lutho kuwe, njalo akwenzileyo kukusize kakhulu. 5 Wadela impilo yakhe ekubulaleni kwakhe umFilistiya. Uthixo wazuzela u-Israyeli ukunqoba okukhulu, lawe wakubona njalo wathaba. Pho kungani ungenza okubi emuntwini omsulwa njengoDavida ngokumbulala kungelasizatho na?”

6 USawuli wamlalela uJonathani wasefunga isifungo lesi esithi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, uDavida kayikubulawa.”

7 Ngakho uJonathani wabiza uDavida wamtshela inkulumo yonke. Wamusa kuSawuli, uDavida wahlala loSawuli njengakuqala.

8 Kwabuya kwaba lempi futhi, uDavida waphuma ukuyakulwa lamaFilistiya. Wawatshaya ngamandla amakhulu aze abaleka.

9 Kodwa umoya omubi owavela kuThixo wafika kuSawuli ehlezi endlini yakhe ephethe umkhonto wakhe ngesandla. Kwathi uDavida etshaya ichacho, 10 uSawuli wazama ukumnamathisela emdulini ngomkhonto wakhe, kodwa uDavida wavika uSawuli wagwaza umduli ngomkhonto. Ngalobobusuku uDavida waphunyuka wabaleka.

11 USawuli wathuma izithunywa endlini kaDavida ukuba bayilinde njalo bambulale ekuseni. Kodwa uMikhali, umkaDavida, wamxwayisa wathi, “Nxa ungabaleki ngalobubusuku ukuba uvikele impilo yakho kusasa uzabulawa.” 12 Ngakho uMikhali wehlisela uDavida phansi emkhuphe ngefasitela, wabaleka-ke waphepha. 13 Emva kwalokho uMikhali wathatha isithombe wasilalisa embhedeni, wasembesa ngengubo ebeke uboya bembuzi ekhanda.

14 USawuli esethume abantu ukuba bayethumba uDavida, uMikhali wathi, “Uyagula.”

15 USawuli wababuyisela abantu labo ukuba bayebona uDavida esithi kubo, “Mletheni kimi ngombheda wakhe ukuze ngimbulale.” 16 Kodwa kwathi amadoda lawo engena, embhedeni kwakulesithombe, ekhanda kuloboya bembuzi.

17 USawuli wathi kuMikhali, “Kungani ungikhohlise kanje wabalekisa isitha sami ukuze siphephe?”

UMikhali wathi kuye, “Uthe kimi, ‘Yekela ngibaleke. Ngingakubulalelani na?’ ”

18 UDavida esebaleke waphepha, waya kuSamuyeli eRama wamtshela konke okwakwenziwe nguSawuli kuye. Ngakho yena loSamuyeli baya eNayothi bahlala khona. 19 Ilizwi lafika kuSawuli lisithi: “UDavida useNayothi eRama.” 20 Ngakho wathuma abantu ukuba bayemthumba. Kodwa bathi bebona ixuku labaphrofethi liphrofitha, loSamuyeli emi khonapho njengomkhokheli wabo, uMoya kaNkulunkulu wehlela ebantwini bakaSawuli labo baphrofetha. 21 USawuli wakutshelwa lokho wasethuma abanye abantu, labo baphrofetha. USawuli wathuma abantu okwesithathu, labo futhi baphrofetha. 22 Ekucineni, yena ngokwakhe wasuka waya eRama, wasesiya emgodini omkhulu eSekhu. Wabuza wathi, “USamuyeli loDavida bangaphi?”

Bathi, “Le eNayothi eRama.”

23 Ngakho uSawuli waya eNayothi eRama. Kodwa uMoya kaNkulunkulu wehlela lakuye, wahamba ephrofitha waze wayafika eNayothi. 24 Wakhulula izigqoko zakhe laye waphrofitha uSamuyeli ekhona. Walala enjalo ilanga lonke lobusuku bonke. Yikho-nje abantu besithi, “Kanti uSawuli laye uphakathi kwabaphrofethi na?”

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UDavida LoJonathani

1 UDavida wabaleka eNayothi eRama waya kuJonathani wabuza wathi, “Kanti ngenzeni na? Icala lami ngelani na? Uyihlo ngimone kanjani, okwenza afune ukungibulala?”

2 UJonathani waphendula wathi, “Hatshi bo! Kawuyikufa! Khangela, ubaba kenzi lutho, olukhulu loba oluncane, engangitshelanga. Kungani engangifihlela lokhu na? Akunjalo!”

3 Kodwa uDavida wenza isifungo wathi, “Uyihlo ukwazi kakuhle ukuthi mina sengithole umusa kuwe njalo usezitshele wathi, ‘UJonathani akumelanga akwazi lokhu hlezi ezwe ubuhlungu.’ Ikanti ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona lanjengoba lawe ukhona, kulenyathelo elilodwa nje phakathi kwami lokufa.”

4 UJonathani wathi kuDavida, “Loba kuyini ofuna ukuthi ngikwenze, ngizakwenzela khona.”

5 Ngakho uDavida wathi, “Khangela, kusasa kuledili lokuThwasa kweNyanga, njalo kumele ngidle lenkosi; kodwa yekela ngiyecatsha egangeni kuze kube kusihlwa phambi kwakusasa. 6 Nxa uyihlo ezangiswela, mtshele uthi, ‘UDavida ucele imvumo kimi ngokutshiseka ukuba ake agijimele eBhethilehema, idolobho lakibo, ngoba umhlatshelo wesizwana sonke sakibo uyenziwa khona.’ 7 Angathi, ‘Kulungile,’ inceku yakho kayiyikuba sengozini. Kodwa angavuka ulaka woba leqiniso ukuthi uzimisele ukwenza okubi kimi. 8 Kodwa wena, bonakalisa isisa encekwini yakho ngoba uyenzise isivumelwano lawe phambi kukaThixo. Nxa ngilecala, ngibulala wena ngokwakho! Kungani ungiqhubela kuyihlo na?”

9 UJonathani wathi, “Hatshi bo! Kambe aluba bengilolwazi oluncane ukuthi ubaba uzimisele ukwenza okubi kuwe, kade ngingasoze ngikutshele na?”

10 UDavida wabuza wathi, “Ngubani ozangitshela nxa uyihlo ekuphendula kubi na?”

11 UJonathani wathi, “Woza, kasiye egangeni.” Ngakho baya khonale bobabili.

12 UJonathani wasesithi kuDavida, “Ngifunga ngoThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ngempela ubaba ngizakuba sengimzwile ngalesisikhathi ngomhlomunye! Nxa elomusa kuwe, kambe kangiyikuthumela ilizwi ngikwazise na? 13 Kodwa nxa ubaba ehlose ukwenza okubi kuwe, uThixo kangijezise, kube nzima kakhulu, nxa ngingakwazisi njalo ngikususe kungekho ngozi. Sengathi uThixo angaba lawe njengoba kade elobaba. 14 Kodwa ngibonise umusa ongapheliyo onjengokaThixo isikhathi sonke ngisaphila, ukuze ngingabulawa, 15 njalo ungasusi umusa wakho kwabendlu yakwethu lanxa uThixo eseziqede du zonke izitha zikaDavida ebusweni bomhlaba.”

16 Ngakho uJonathani wenza isivumelwano labendlu kaDavida, esithi, “Sengathi uThixo angazethesa amacala izitha zikaDavida.” 17 UJonathani wabuya wamfungisa futhi uDavida isifungo sakhe ngenxa yothando lwakhe kuye, ngoba wayemthanda njengokuzithanda kwakhe.

18 UJonathani wasesithi kuDavida, “Kusasa kuledili lokuThwasa kweNyanga. Uzaswelakala ngoba isihlalo sakho sizabe singelamuntu. 19 Phambi kwakusasa, sekuzakuhlwa, yana lapho owacatsha khona ekuqaliseni kwaloluhlupho, ulinde elitsheni e-Ezeli. 20 Mina ngizatshokela imitshoko emithathu eceleni kwalo angathi ngitshokela kwengihlose kukho. 21 Emva kwalokho ngizathuma umfana ngithi, ‘Hamba uyedinga imitshoko.’ Ngingathi kuye, ‘Khangela, imitshoko ingakuleli icele lakho, ilethe lapha,’ lapho-ke woza, ngoba ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, uphephile, akulangozi. 22 Kodwa ngingathi emfaneni, ‘Khangela, imitshoko ingale kwakho,’ lapho-ke kumele uhambe, ngoba uThixo uthe suka uhambe. 23 Njalo mayelana lalindaba esiyikhulumileyo mina lawe, khumbula ukuthi uThixo ungufakazi phakathi kwakho lami nini lanini.”

24 Ngakho uDavida wacatsha egangeni, njalo kwathi idili lokuThwasa kweNyanga selifikile, inkosi yahlala phansi yadla. 25 Yayihlezi endaweni yayo yezikhathi zonke phansi komduli, maqondana loJonathani, u-Abhineri ehlezi eduze loSawuli, kodwa indawo kaDavida yayingelamuntu. 26 USawuli katshongo lutho mhlalokho, ngoba wacabanga wathi, “Mhlawumbe kulento ethile eyehlele kuDavida yamenza waba ngongahlambulukanga ngokomkhuba, ngeqiniso kahlambulukanga.” 27 Kodwa ngelanga elilandelayo, ilanga lesibili lenyanga, indawo kaDavida yayingelamuntu futhi. Lapho-ke uSawuli wathi endodaneni yakhe uJonathani, “Kungani indodana kaJese ingezanga ekudleni, izolo kumbe lamuhla na?”

28 UJonathani waphendula wathi, “UDavida ucele imvumo kimi ngokutshiseka ukuba aye eBhethilehema. 29 Uthe, ‘Ngivumela ngihambe ngoba abendlu yakwethu balomkhosi womhlatshelo edolobheni njalo umnewethu ungilaye ukuba ngibe khona. Nxa ngithole umusa kuwe, ngivumela ngihambe ngiyebona abafowethu.’ Yikho-nje engezanga ukuzakudla lenkosi.”

30 Ulaka lukaSawuli lwavutha kuJonathani wathi kuye, “Wena ndodana yomfazi olihlongandlebe lolenkani! Uthi kangazi yini ukuthi wena ususekelane lendodana kaJese okulihlazo kuwe njalo okulihlazo lakunyoko owakuzalayo na? 31 Nxa indodana kaJese isekhona kulo umhlaba, wena kawuyikuma kumbe umbuso wakho. Ngakho thumela ilizwi umlethe kimi, ngoba umele afe!”

32 UJonathani wabuza uyise wathi, “Kungani kumele abulawe? Wenzeni na?” 33 Kodwa uSawuli waphosa umkhonto wakhe kuye ukuba ambulale. Ngakho uJonathani wakwazi ukuthi uyise wayehlose ukubulala uDavida.

34 UJonathani wasuka etafuleni ethukuthele kakhulu; ngosuku lwesibili lwedili kazange adle, ngoba wayebuhlungu ngehlazo uyise ayephatha ngalo uDavida.

35 Ekuseni uJonathani waphuma waya egangeni ukuyahlangana loDavida. Wayelomfana omncinyane, 36 njalo wathi emfaneni, “Gijima uyedobha imitshoko engiyitshokayo.” Umfana esagijima, watshokela umtshoko ngale kwakhe. 37 Kwathi umfana esefike lapho umtshoko kaJonathani owawuwele khona, uJonathani wamemeza wathi, “Umtshoko kawukho ngale kwakho na?” 38 Wabuye wamemeza wathi, “Phangisa! Ukhawuleze! Ungemi!” Umfana wadobha umtshoko wabuyela enkosini yakhe. 39 (Umfana wayengazi lutho ngakho konke lokhu; kusazi uJonathani loDavida kuphela.) 40 Emva kwalokho uJonathani wanika umfana izikhali zakhe wathi, “Hamba, zithwale ubuyele lazo edolobheni.”

41 Umfana esehambile uDavida wasukuma eceleni langaseningizimu kwelitshe, wakhothama kathathu phambi kukaJonathani, ubuso bakhe bukhangele phansi. Emva kwalokho bangana, bakhala bendawonye kodwa uDavida wakhala kakhulu.

42 UJonathani wasesithi kuDavida, “Hamba ngokuthula, ngoba sifungelane ubungane omunye komunye ebizweni likaThixo sisithi, ‘Uthixo ungufakazi phakathi kwami lawe, laphakathi kwenzalo yakho leyami nini lanini.’ ” UDavida wasesuka, loJonathani wasebuyela edolobheni.

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UDavida ENobhi

1 UDavida waya eNobhi ku-Ahimeleki umphristi. U-Ahimeleki wathuthumela ekuhlanganeni kwakhe laye, wasebuza esithi, “Kungani uwedwa na? Kungani kungekho olawe na?”

2 UDavida waphendula u-Ahimeleki umphristi wathi, “Inkosi ingiphathise udaba oluthize, wathi kimi, ‘Akungabikhona ozakwazi ngenjongo yakho langalokho okuthunyiweyo.’ Abantu bami ngibatshele ukuba bahlangane lami endaweni ethize. 3 Manje-ke, kuyini olakho? Ngipha izinkwa ezinhlanu, loba kuyini ongakuthola.”

4 Kodwa umphristi waphendula uDavida wathi, “Kangilasinkwa esejwayelekileyo; kodwa-ke kulesinkwa esingcwelisiweyo lapha kodwa kuya ngokuthi amadoda abezigcinile esifazaneni na.”

5 UDavida waphendula wathi, “Impela abesifazane babevinjelwe kithi, njengenjwayelo lapho ngiphuma. Imizimba yamadoda ingcwele lasemikhankasweni engengcwele. Pho ingaba njalo okungakanani lamhla!” 6 Ngakho umphristi wamnika isinkwa esingcwelisiweyo ngoba kwakungelasinkwa lapho ngaphandle kwesinkwa esiNgcwele sikaThixo esasisuswe phambi kukaThixo kwasekubekwa esitshisayo endaweni yaso ngosuku esasuswa ngalo.

7 Ngalolosuku omunye wezinceku zikaSawuli wayekhonapho, ekhonza phambi kukaThixo; wayenguDoyegi umʼEdomi, induna yabelusi bakaSawuli.

8 UDavida wabuza u-Ahimeleki wathi, “Kawulamkhonto kumbe inkemba lapha na? Kangizanga lenkemba yami loba nje esinye isikhali, ngoba umsebenzi wenkosi ubungophuthumayo.”

9 Umphristi waphendula wathi, “Inkemba kaGoliyathi umFilistiya owambulalayo eSigodini sase-Ela, ilapha; igoqelwe ngelembu ngemva kwesembatho semahlombe. Nxa uyifuna, ithathe; kakukho enye inkemba lapha ngaphandle kwaleyo.”

UDavida wasesithi, “Kayikho enjengayo; ngipha yona.”

UDavida EGathi

10 Ngalolosuku uDavida wabalekela uSawuli waya ku-Akhishi inkosi yaseGathi. 11 Kodwa izinceku zika-Akhishi zathi kuye, “Lo kasuDavida inkosi yelizwe na? Kasuye yini abahlabela ngaye emigidweni yabo besithi:

‘USawuli ubulele izinkulungwane zakhe,

kodwa uDavida ubulele amatshumi ezinkulungwane zakhe’?”

12 UDavida wawagcina amazwi la enhliziyweni yakhe wamesaba kakhulu u-Akhishi inkosi yaseGathi. 13 Ngakho wazenza ophambeneyo kubo; njalo kwathi lapho ekubo wenza njengomuntu ohlanyayo, edwebadweba ezivalweni zesango njalo wayekela lendenda zehlela endevini zakhe.

14 U-Akhishi wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe, “Khangelani umuntu lo! Uphambene! Kungani limletha kimi na? 15 Lithi ngiziswele yini inhlanya lize lilethe umuntu lo lapha ukuba aqhubeke kanje phambi kwami na? Umuntu lo kumele angene endlini yami na?”

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UDavida E-Adulami Kanye LaseMizipha

1 UDavida wasuka eGathi wabalekela ebhalwini lwase-Adulami. Kwathi abafowabo labendlu kayise sebekuzwile, baya kuye khonale. 2 Bonke labo ababelosizi loba ababelemilandu kumbe ababelensolo babuthana kuye, wasesiba ngumkhokheli wabo. Abantu ababelaye babengaba zinkulungwane ezine.

3 Esuka lapho uDavida waya eMizipha kwelaseMowabi wathi enkosini ye-Mowabi, “Ungabavumela yini ubaba lomama ukuba bazehlala lawe ngize ngazi uNkulunkulu azangenzela khona na?” 4 Ngakho wabatshiya enkosini yaseMowabi njalo bahlala layo sonke isikhathi uDavida esenqabeni.

5 Kodwa umphrofethi uGadi wathi kuDavida, “Ungahlali enqabeni. Yana elizweni lakoJuda.” Ngakho uDavida wasuka waya ehlathini laseHerethi.

USawuli Ubulala AbaPhristi BaseNobhi

6 Ngalesosikhathi uSawuli wezwa ukuthi uDavida labantu bakhe babebonakele. Njalo uSawuli, ephethe umkhonto ngesandla, wayehlezi ngaphansi kwesihlahla somthamarisiki phezu koqaqa eGibhiya, lazozonke izikhulu zakhe zimi zimhanqile. 7 USawuli wathi kuzo, “Lalelani bantu bakoBhenjamini! Kambe indodana kaJese izalipha lonke amasimu lezivini na? Kambe lonke izalenza libe ngabalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamakhulu na? 8 Kungenxa yalokho lonke selicebe okubi ngami na? Kakho ongitshelayo nxa indodana yami isenza isivumelwano lendodana kaJese. Kakho owenu okhathazekayo ngami loba angitshele ukuthi indodana yami itshotshozela izinceku zami ukuba zingicathamele, njengalokhu ekwenzayo lamhla.”

9 Kodwa uDoyegi, umʼEdomi, owayemi lezikhulu zikaSawuli wathi, “Mina ngibone indodana kaJese isiya ku-Ahimeleki indodana ka-Ahithubi eNobhi. 10 U-Ahimeleki umbuzele kuThixo; waphinda wamnika ukudla lenkemba kaGoliyathi umFilistiya.”

11 Lapho-ke inkosi yathumela ilizwi lokubiza umphristi u-Ahimeleki indodana ka-Ahithubi labo bonke abendlu kayise, ababengabaphristi eNobhi, yikho bonke baya enkosini. 12 USawuli wasesithi, “Khathesi-ke lalela, ndodana ka-Ahithubi.”

Waphendula wathi, “Yebo, nkosi yami.”

13 USawuli wasesithi kuye, “Kungani licebe okubi ngami, wena lendodana kaJese, wayinika isinkwa lenkemba njalo wayibuzela kuNkulunkulu, okwenze yangihlamukela njalo yangicathamela, njengalokhu ekwenzayo lamhla na?”

14 U-Ahimeleki waphendula wathi, “Ngubani kuzozonke izinceku zakho othembeke njengoDavida, umkhwenyana wenkosi, induna yabakulindayo njalo lohlonitshwa kakhulu endlini yakho na? 15 Ngalelolanga ngangiqala ukumbuzela kuNkulunkulu na? Hatshi impela! Inkosi kayingethesi inceku yakho icala loba omunye wabendlu kayise, ngoba inceku yakho kayazi lutho lakancane ngodaba lonke lolu.”

16 Kodwa inkosi yathi, “Ngeqiniso uzakufa, Ahimeleki, wena labo bonke abendlu kayihlo.”

17 Inkosi yasilaya abalindi ababephansi kwayo yathi, “Phendukani libulale abaphristi bakaThixo ngoba labo basekele uDavida. Babekwazi ukuthi uyabaleka, kodwa kabangitshelanga.”

Kodwa izikhulu zenkosi zazingafuni ukuphakamisa izandla ukuba zigalele abaphristi bakaThixo.

18 Ngakho inkosi yalaya uDoyegi yathi, “Phenduka ugalele abaphristi!” UDoyegi umʼEdomi waphenduka wabagongoda. Mhlalokho wabulala abantu abangamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lanhlanu ababegqoka izembatho zemahlombe ezelineni. 19 Wabuye wahlasela iNobhi ngenkemba, umuzi wabaphristi, lamadoda ayo kanye labesifazane, abantwana bayo lensane, lenkomo zayo, obabhemi kanye lezimvu.

20 Kodwa u-Abhiyathari, indodana ka-Ahimeleki indodana ka-Ahithubi, waphunyuka wabaleka wayamanyana loDavida. 21 Watshela uDavida ukuthi uSawuli wayebulele abaphristi bakaThixo. 22 UDavida wasesithi ku-Abhiyathari, “Ngaloluyana usuku, lapho uDoyegi umʼEdomi wayekhona, ngakwazi ukuthi uzamtshela ngempela uSawuli. Ngilecala lokufa kwabendlu kayihlo bonke. 23 Hlala lami; ungesabi; umuntu ofuna ukukubulala lami futhi ufuna ukungibulala. Uvikelekile nxa ulami.”

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UDavida Uhlenga IKheyila

1 Kwathi uDavida esetsheliwe ukuthi, “Khangela, amaFilistiya ahlasela iKheyila njalo aphanga leziza,” 2 wabuza uThixo, esithi, “Ngingahamba ukuyahlasela amaFilistiya la na?”

Uthixo wamphendula wathi, “Hamba uyehlasela amaFilistiya uhlenge iKheyila.”

3 Kodwa abantu bakaDavida bathi kuye, “Lapha koJuda thina siyesaba. Pho kuzakuba kukhulu kangakanani nxa sizakuyamelana lamabutho amaFilistiya eKheyila!”

4 UDavida waphinda wambuza futhi uThixo, njalo uThixo wamphendula wathi, “Hamba eKheyila, ngoba amaFilistiya ngizawanikela ezandleni zakho.” 5 Ngakho uDavida labantu bakhe baya eKheyila, walwa lamaFilistiya wathumba izifuyo zawo. Wabulala amaFilistiya amanengi kakhulu wahlenga abantu baseKheyila. 6 (U-Abhiyathari indodana ka-Ahimeleki wayeze lesembatho semahlombe ekubalekeleni kwakhe kuDavida eKheyila.)

USawuli Uxotshana LoDavida

7 USawuli watshelwa ukuthi uDavida wayeseye eKheyila, ngakho wathi, “UNkulunkulu usemnikele kimi, ngoba uDavida usezifake entolongweni ngokungena edolobheni elilamasango lemigoqo.” 8 USawuli wamemeza amabutho akhe wonke empini ukuba aye eKheyila ukuyavimbezela uDavida labantu bakhe.

9 Kwathi uDavida esizwa ukuthi uSawuli wayeceba okubi ngaye, wathi ku-Abhiyathari umphristi, “Letha isembatho samahlombe.” 10 UDavida wasesithi, “Awu Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, inceku yakho isizwile impela ukuthi uSawuli uceba ukuza eKheyila achithe idolobho ngenxa yami. 11 Abantu baseKheyila banganginikela kuye na? USawuli uzakuza na njengalokhu inceku yakho ekuzwileyo? Awu Thixo Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, itshele inceku yakho.”

UThixo wathi, “Uzakuza.”

12 UDavida wabuza njalo wathi, “Abantu baseKheyila bazanginikela labantu bami kuSawuli na?”

UThixo wathi, “Bazakunikela.”

13 Ngakho uDavida labantu bakhe, ababengaba ngamakhulu ayisithupha ubunengi babo, basuka eKheyila baqhubeka behamba besuka kwenye indawo baye kwenye. USawuli esezwile ukuthi uDavida wayesebalekile eKheyila kasayanga khona.

14 UDavida wahlala ezinqabeni zasenkangala lasezintabeni zeNkangala yaseZifi. Nsuku zonke uSawuli wamdinga, kodwa uNkulunkulu kamnikelanga uDavida ezandleni zakhe.

15 Kwathi uDavida eseHoreshi eNkangala yaseZifi, wezwa ukuthi uSawuli wayephumele ukuyambulala. 16 Njalo indodana kaSawuli uJonathani waya kuDavida eHoreshi wamsiza ukuba athole amandla kuNkulunkulu. 17 Wathi kuye, “Ungesabi. Ubaba uSawuli kasoze abeke isandla phezu kwakho. Wena uzakuba yinkosi yako-Israyeli, njalo mina ngizakuba ngumsekeli wakho. Lobaba uSawuli uyakwazi lokhu.” 18 Bobabili benza isivumelwano phambi kukaThixo. Emva kwalokho uJonathani waya ekhaya, kodwa uDavida wasala eHoreshi.

19 Abantu baseZifi baya kuSawuli eGibhiya bathi kuye, “Kanti uDavida kacatshanga phakathi kwethu ezinqabeni eHoreshi, entabeni yaseHakhila, eningizimu kweJeshimoni na? 20 Ngakho-ke woza Nkosi nxa kukuthokozisa ukwenzanjalo, thina sizakuba yithi esizamnikela enkosini.”

21 USawuli waphendula wathi, “Uthixo alibusise ngokungikhathalela kwenu. 22 Hambani liyekwenza amanye amalungiselelo. Dingani ukwazi lapho uDavida ajayele ukuya khona lokuthi ngubani owambonayo khonapho. Bangitshela ukuthi uliqili kakhulu. 23 Funani ukwazi ngazozonke izindawo zokucatsha azisebenzisayo beselibuya kimi lilolwazi oluqinisekileyo. Emva kwalokho ngizahamba lani; nxa ekhona esigabeni, ngizamdinga phakathi kwezizwana zonke zakoJuda.”

24 Ngakho-ke basuka baya eZifi besandulela uSawuli. Ngalesosikhathi uDavida labantu bakhe babeseNkangala yaseMawoni, e-Arabha eningizimu kweJeshimoni. 25 USawuli labantu bakhe baqalisa ukudinga, njalo kwathi uDavida esetsheliwe ngakho wehlela edwaleni wahlala eNkangala yaseMawoni. Kwathi uSawuli esekuzwile lokhu, waya eNkangala yaseMawoni elandela uDavida.

26 USawuli wayehamba ngakwelinye icele lentaba, uDavida labantu bakhe bengakwelinye icele bephangisa ukuba babalekele uSawuli. Kwathi uSawuli lamabutho akhe sebezamfica uDavida labantu bakhe ukuba babathumbe, 27 kwafika isithunywa kuSawuli, sisithi, “Woza ngokuphangisa! AmaFilistiya ahlasela ilizwe.” 28 Lapho-ke uSawuli wayekela ukulandela uDavida wasesiyakulwa lamaFilistiya. Yikho-nje indawo le beyibiza ngokuthi Sela Hamalekhothi. 29 UDavida wahamba esuka lapho wayahlala ezinqabeni zase-Eni-Gedi.

24

UDavida Uphephisa Impilo KaSawuli

1 Kwathi uSawuli esebuyile ekuxotsheni amaFilistiya watshelwa ukuthi, “UDavida useNkangala yase-Eni-Gedi.” 2 Ngakho uSawuli wathatha abantu abazinkulungwane ezintantu abakhethwa ko-Israyeli waphuma ukuyadinga uDavida labantu bakhe eduze kwamadwala amaGogo.

3 Wafika ezibayeni zezimvu endleleni; kwakulobhalu khonapho, yikho uSawuli wasengena phakathi ukuba aye ngaphandle. UDavida labantu bakhe babekhatshana emuva phakathi kobhalu. 4 Abantu bathi, “Leli yilo ilanga uThixo akhuluma ngalo lapho wathi kuwe, ‘Ngizanikela izitha zakho ezandleni zakho ukuba uziphathe njengokufisa kwakho.’ ” UDavida wanyenya egaqa waquma umphetho wesembatho sikaSawuli.

5 Muva uDavida wakhathazeka ngokuquma umphetho wesembatho sikaSawuli. 6 Wathi ebantwini bakhe, “Uthixo kakwenqabele ukwenza into enje enkosini yami, ogcotshiweyo kaThixo.” 7 Ngala amazwi uDavida wabakhuza abantu bakhe akaze wabavumela ukuthi bahlasele uSawuli. USawuli waphuma ebhalwini wazihambela.

8 Lapho-ke uDavida waphuma ebhalwini wamemeza uSawuli esithi, “nkosi, nkosi yami!” Kwathi lapho uSawuli ekhangela emuva kwakhe, uDavida wakhothama waselala phansi ethe mbo phansi ngobuso. 9 Wathi kuSawuli, “Kungani ulalela nxa abantu besithi, ‘UDavida ujonge ukwenza okubi kuwe’? 10 Lamhla uzibonele ngamehlo akho ukuthi uThixo ukunikele ezandleni zami ebhalwini. Abanye bangikhuthaze ukuthi ngikubulale, kodwa ngikuphephisile, ngithe, ‘Angiyikuphakamisa isandla sami ngimelana lenkosi yami, ngoba ingogcotshiweyo kaThixo.’ 11 Khangela, baba, khangela isiqa sesembatho sakho lesi esisesandleni sami! Ngisiqume emphethweni wesembatho sakho, kodwa kangikubulalanga. Ngakho zwisisa ubone ukuthi kangilacala lokwenza okubi loba ukuhlamuka. Kangonanga lutho kuwe, kodwa wena uyangizingela ufuna ukungibulala. 12 Sengathi uThixo angahlulela phakathi kwami lawe. Njalo sengathi uThixo angaphindisela ububi obenze kimi, kodwa esami isandla kasiyikukuthinta. 13 Njengoba isitsho sendulo sisitsho ukuthi, ‘Kwabenza okubi kuvela izenzo ezimbi,’ ngakho esami isandla kasiyikukuthinta.

14 Inkosi yako-Israyeli iphume ukuyamelana lobani na? Ngubani oxotshana laye? Yinja efileyo na? Yindwebundwebu na? 15 Sengathi uThixo angaba ngumahluleli wethu ahlulele phakathi kwethu. Sengathi angahlola injongo yami ayisekele; sengathi angangikhulula ngokungisindisa esandleni sakho.”

16 Kwathi uDavida eseqedile ukutsho lokhu, uSawuli wabuza wathi, “Lelo yilizwi lakho, Davida ndodana yami na?” Wasekhala kakhulu. 17 Wasesithi, “Wena ulungile kakhulu kulami. Ungiphathe kuhle, kodwa mina ngikuphathe kubi. 18 Usungitshelile khathesi nje okuhle okwenze kimi; uThixo unginikele ezandleni zakho, kodwa kawungibulalanga. 19 Kanje nxa umuntu efica isitha sakhe, uyasiyekela sihambe singenziwanga lutho olubi na? Sengathi uThixo angakunika umvuzo omuhle ngenxa yendlela ongiphathe ngayo lamhla. 20 Ngiyakwazi ukuthi uzakuba yinkosi impela kanye lokuthi umbuso wako-Israyeli uzamiswa ezandleni zakho. 21 Khathesi-ke funga kimi ngo Thixo ukuthi kawuyikubulala inzalo yami loba wesule ibizo lami kwabendlu kababa.”

22 UDavida wafunga kuSawuli. Emva kwalokho uSawuli wabuyela ekhaya, kodwa uDavida labantu bakhe baya enqabeni.

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UDavida, UNabhali Lo-Abhigeli

1 Ngalesosikhathi uSamuyeli wafa, kwathi u-Israyeli wonke wabuthana wamlilela; njalo bamngcwaba emzini wakhe eRama. Lapho-ke uDavida wehlela eNkangala yasePharani.

2 Umuntu othile waseMawoni, owayelempahla khonale eKhameli, wayenothe kakhulu. Wayelenkulungwane yembuzi lezinkulungwane ezintathu zezimvu ayezigunda eKhameli. 3 Ibizo lakhe lalinguNabhali lebizo lomkakhe lingu-Abhigeli. Wayengumfazi okhaliphileyo njalo emuhle, kodwa umkakhe, umʼKhalebi, wayelenhliziyo embi kwabanye abantu.

4 UDavida esenkangala wezwa ukuthi uNabhali wayegunda izimvu. 5 Ngakho wathuma amajaha alitshumi wathi kuwo, “Hambani kuNabhali eKhameli limbingelele ngebizo lami. 6 Lithi kuye, ‘Impilo ende kuwe! Impilo enhle kanye labendlu yakho! Impilo enhle kukho konke okungokwakho!

7 Khathesi ngizwa kuthiwa yisikhathi sokugunda izimvu. Lapho abelusi bakho babelathi, kasibaphathanga kubi, njalo isikhathi sonke beseKhameli akukho lutho olwacatshayo. 8 Buza izinceku zakho zizakutshela. Ngakho ake ube lomusa ezinsizweni zami, njengoba size ngesikhathi somkhosi. Ake unike izinceku zakho lendodana yakho uDavida loba kuyini ongabatholela khona.’ ”

9 Kwathi abantu bakaDavida sebefikile, bamnika uNabhali umbiko lo ngebizo likaDavida. Emva kwalokho balinda.

10 UNabhali waphendula izinceku zikaDavida wathi, “Ungubani uDavida lowo? Ingubani indodana kaJese leyo na? Ngalezizinsuku izinceku ezinengi ziyawabalekela amakhosi azo. 11 Kungani kumele ngithathe isinkwa sami lamanzi, lenyama engiyihlabele abagundi bami, nginike abantu abavela lapho engingazi khona na?”

12 Abantu bakaDavida baphenduka babuyela emuva. Sebefikile babika amazwi wonke. 13 UDavida wasesithi ebantwini bakhe, “Hlomani ngezinkemba zenu!” Ngakho bahloma ngezinkemba zabo, loDavida wahloma ngeyakhe. Abantu ababengaba ngamakhulu amane bahamba loDavida, kwathi abangamakhulu amabili basala lempahla.

14 Omunye wezinceku watshela umkaNabhali u-Abhigeli wathi, “UDavida wathuma izithunywa esenkangala ukuzabingelela inkosi yethu, kodwa yona yazithethisa. 15 Ikanti abantu laba thina basiphatha kuhle. Kabazange basiphathe kubi, njalo isikhathi sonke sisegangeni phansi kwabo akulalutho olwacatshayo. 16 Emini lebusuku babengumduli osihonqolozelayo isikhathi sonke siselusela izimvu zethu phansi kwabo. 17 Kucabange ubone ongakwenza ngoba ingozi iyalenga ngaphezu kwenkosi yethu labendlu yayo bonke. Ingumuntu omubi kangaka okungelamuntu ongakhuluma layo.”

18 U-Abhigeli kasachithanga sikhathi. Wathatha izinkwa ezingamakhulu amabili, izikhumba ezimbili zewayini, izimvu ezinhlanu ezihlinziweyo, amagokoko amahlanu amabele akhanzingiweyo, amakhekhe alikhulu amagrebisi awonyisiweyo, lamakhulu amabili amakhekhe omkhiwa okhanyiweyo, wakuthwalisa obabhemi. 19 Wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe, “Hambani phambili; ngizalilandela.” Kodwa umkakhe uNabhali kamtshelanga.

20 Wathi esiza egade ubabhemi wakhe phakathi kodonga lwentaba, wabona uDavida labantu bakhe besehla beqonde kuye, wasebahlangabeza. 21 UDavida wayesanda kuthi, “Kakusizanga lutho konke ukugcina kwami impahla yomuntu lo enkangala ukuze kungabi lalutho lwakhe olulahlekayo. Ungibhadale okuhle ngokubi. 22 Sengathi uNkulunkulu angaphatha uDavida kabuhlungu nxa ekuseni ngitshiya indoda eyodwa iphila kubo bonke abangabakhe!”

23 U-Abhigeli esebone uDavida, wehla ngokuphangisa kubabhemi wakhe wakhothamela phansi phambi kukaDavida ubuso bakhe buthe mbo emhlabathini. 24 Wawela ezinyaweni zakhe wathi, “Nkosi yami, insolo kayibe phezu kwami ngedwa. Ake uyivumele incekukazi yakho ikhulume lawe; zwana lokho incekukazi yakho efuna ukukutsho. 25 Sengathi inkosi yami ingayekela ukumnaka umuntu omubi lowana uNabhali. Ufuze ibizo lakhe, ibizo lakhe lithi Sithutha, njalo ubuwula buhamba laye. Kodwa-ke mina, incekukazi yakho, angizibonanga insizwa inkosi yami ezithumileyo. 26 Khathesi njengoba uThixo ekugcinile, nkosi yami, ekuchithekeni kwegazi lasekuphindiseleni ngezandla zakho, ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ekhona lanjengoba lawe uphila, sengathi izitha zakho labo bonke abafuna ukwenza okubi kuwe nkosi yami bangaba njengoNabhali. 27 Njalo isipho lesi, incekukazi yakho esilethe enkosini yami, kasiphiwe insizwa ezikulandelayo.

28 Ake uthethelele ukona kwencekukazi yakho, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu impela uzakwenzela inkosi yami inzalo yamakhosi engapheliyo, ngoba ilwela izimpi zikaThixo. Akungabi lokona okutholwa kuwe kukho konke ukuphila kwakho. 29 Lanxa omunye exotshana lawe ukuba akubulale, ukuphila kwenkosi yami, uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho uzakubophela kuqine elixheni labaphilayo. Kodwa ukuphila kwezitha zakho uzakuphosela khatshana kungathi kuphuma esikhwameni sesavutha. 30 Lapho uThixo eseyenzele inkosi yami zonke izinto ezinhle azithembisayo mayelana layo, njalo eseyibekile ukuba ngumkhokheli wako-Israyeli, 31 inkosi yami kayiyikuba lesazela somthwalo ohloniphisayo sokuchithwa kwegazi esingaswelekiyo loba esokuphindisela. Njalo lapho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu eselethele inkosi yami ukuphumelela, uyikhumbule incekukazi yakho.”

32 UDavida wasesithi ku-Abhigeli, “Kadunyiswe uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, okuthumileyo lamhla ukuzabonana lami. 33 Sengathi ungabusiswa ngenxa yokwahlulela kwakho okuhle lokuvimbela kwakho ekuchitheni igazi lamhla kanye lasekuphindiseleni kwami ngezandla zami. 34 Ngoba, ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ekhona, yena ongivimbele ekwenzeni okubi kuwe, aluba kawufikanga masinyane ukuzabonana lami, akukho lamunye owesilisa ongokaNabhali obezasala ephila ekudabukeni kokusa.”

35 Emva kwalokho uDavida wamukela esandleni sika-Abhigeli lokho ayemlethele khona wasesithi, “Buyela ekhaya ngokuthula. Ngiwazwile amazwi akho ngasivuma isicelo sakho.”

36 U-Abhigeli esebuyele kuNabhali, wayesendlini eledili elinjengelenkosi. Wayejabula njalo edakwe kakhulu. Ngakho u-Abhigeli kamtshelanga lutho kwaze kwasa. 37 Kwathi ekuseni, uNabhali engasadakwanga, umkakhe wamtshela zonke lezizinto, watshaywa luvalo woma qha. 38 Emva kwensuku ezazingaba litshumi, uThixo wamtshaya uNabhali wafa.

39 Kwathi uDavida esizwa ukuthi uNabhali wayefile, wathi, “Kabongwe uThixo, yena osekele injongo yami yokumelana loNabhali ngenxa yokungeyisa. Uvimbele inceku yakhe ekwenzeni okubi njalo wehlisela uNabhali izenzo zakhe ezimbi phezu kwelakhe ikhanda.”

Emva kwalokho uDavida wathumela ilizwi ku-Abhigeli emcela ukuba abe ngumkakhe. 40 Izinceku zakhe zaya eKhameli zathi ku-Abhigeli, “UDavida usithume kuwe ukuba sizekuthatha ukuze ube ngumkakhe.”

41 U-Abhigeli wathi mbo phansi ngobuso, wathi, “Nansi incekukazi yakho, ilungele ukukusebenzela lokugezisa inyawo zezinceku zenkosi yami.” 42 U-Abhigeli waphanga wagada ubabhemi, ephelekezelwa yizisebenzikazi zakhe ezinhlanu, wahamba lezithunywa zikaDavida wasesiba ngumkakhe. 43 UDavida wayethethe njalo u-Ahinowama waseJezerili, bobabili-ke baba ngomkakhe. 44 Kodwa uSawuli, indodakazi yakhe uMikhali, umkaDavida, wayeseyinike uPhalithiyeli indodana kaLayishi, owayengowaseGalimi.

26

UDavida Uphephisa Impilo KaSawuli Okwesibili

1 AmaZifi aya kuSawuli eGibhiya athi kuye, “UDavida kacatshanga entabeni yaseHakhila, ekhangele eJeshimoni na?”

2 Ngakho uSawuli waya eNkangala yaseZifi, elezinkulungwane ezintathu zabantu bakhe abakhethiweyo bako-Israyeli, ukuyadinga uDavida khona. 3 USawuli wenza isihonqo phansi komgwaqo entabeni yaseHakhila ekhangele eJeshimoni, kodwa uDavida wahlala enkangala. Kwathi ebona ukuthi uSawuli wayesemlandele khonale, 4 wathuma inhloli wasekwazi ukuthi uSawuli wayefikile impela.

5 Ngakho uDavida wasuka waya lapho uSawuli ayemise khona wabona lapho okwakulele khona uSawuli lo-Abhineri indodana kaNeri, umlawuli webutho. USawuli wayelele phakathi kwesihonqo, ibutho lisezihonqweni limhanqile.

6 UDavida wasebuza u-Ahimeleki umHithi lo-Abhishayi indodana kaZeruya, umfowabo kaJowabi, wathi, “Ngubani ozahamba lami phakathi kwesihonqo kuSawuli na?”

U-Abhishayi wathi, “Ngizahamba lawe.”

7 Ngakho uDavida lo-Abhishayi baya ebuthweni ebusuku babona uSawuli elele ubuthongo phakathi kwesihonqo umkhonto wakhe ugwaze phansi eduzane lekhanda lakhe. U-Abhineri lamabutho babelele bemhanqile.

8 U-Abhishayi wasesithi kuDavida, “Lamhla uNkulunkulu unikele isitha sakho ezandleni zakho. Khathesi-ke kahle ngimgwazele phansi kanye nje ngomkhonto wami; kangiyi kugalela kabili.”

9 Kodwa uDavida wathi ku-Abhishayi, “Ungambulali. Ngubani ongabeka isandla kogcotshiweyo kaThixo angabi lecala na?” 10 Wasesithi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, uThixo yena ngokwakhe uzamtshaya; mhlawumbe isikhathi sakhe sizafika afe, loba aye empini abhubhe. 11 Kodwa uThixo kanqabele ukuba ngibeke isandla kogcotshiweyo kaThixo. Thatha umkhonto lesigxingi samanzi okuphansi kwekhanda lakhe, sihambe.”

12 Ngakho uDavida wathatha umkhonto lesigxingi samanzi okwakuphansi kwekhanda likaSawuli, basebehamba. Bonke babelele ngoba uThixo wayebehlisele ubuthongo obukhulu.

13 UDavida wachaphela ngakwelinye icele wema phezu kwentatshana khatshana; kwakulebanga elibanzi phakathi kwabo. 14 Wamemeza ibutho lo-Abhineri indodana kaNeri, wathi, “Kanti kawungiphenduli, Abhineri na?”

U-Abhineri waphendula wathi, “Ungubani wena omemeza inkosi na?”

15 UDavida wathi, “Uyindoda, kawusiyo na? Njalo ngubani onjengawe ko-Israyeli na? Kungani ungayilindanga inkosi yakho na? Umuntu othile ufikile ukuba abulale inkosi yakho. 16 Okwenzileyo kakukuhle. Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ephila, wena labantu bakho lifanele ukufa, ngoba kaliyilindanga inkosi yenu, ogcotshiweyo kaThixo. Khangelani emaceleni enu. Ungaphi umkhonto wenkosi lesigxingi samanzi okube kuphansi kwekhanda layo na?”

17 USawuli walazi ilizwi likaDavida, wasesithi, “Yilizwi lakho lelo yini, Davida ndodana yami?”

UDavida waphendula wathi, “Yebo yilo, nkosi, nkosi yami.” 18 Wengeza wathi, “Kanti kungani inkosi yami ixotshana lenceku yayo na? Kuyini engikwenzileyo, njalo licala bani engilalo na? 19 Khathesi-ke nkosi, nkosi yami, lalela amazwi enceku yakho. Nxa uThixo ekuqubule ukuba umelane lami, kamkele umhlatshelo. Kodwa nxa kwenziwe ngabantu, kabathukwe phambi kukaThixo! Khathesi sebengixotshile esabelweni sami elifeni likaThixo njalo bathi, ‘Hamba uyekhonza abanye onkulunkulu.’ 20 Ungenzi igazi lami lichithekele phansi khatshana lobukhona bukaThixo. Inkosi yako-Israyeli iphumile ukuzadinga insikizi njengomuntu ozingela isikhwehle ezintabeni.”

21 Lapho-ke uSawuli wathi, “Ngenze isono. Buya Davida, ndodana yami. Ngenxa yokuthi ukhangele impilo yami njengegugu lamhla, kangiyikuzama futhi ukwenza okubi kuwe. Ngempela ngenze ubuwula njalo ngiphambanise kakhulu.”

22 UDavida waphendula wathi, “Nanku umkhonto wenkosi. Wothi omunye wezinsizwa zakho keze ngapha azewuthatha. 23  UThixo uyamnika umvuzo umuntu wonke ngenxa yokulunga kwakhe lokuthembeka kwakhe. UThixo ukunikele ezandleni zami lamhla, kodwa kade ngingeke ngibeke isandla kogcotshiweyo kaThixo. 24 Ngeqiniso njengoba ngiqakathekise ukuphila kwakho lamhla, sengathi kanjalo-ke uThixo angaqakathekisa ukuphila kwami angisindise kukho konke ukuhlupheka.”

25 Lapho-ke uSawuli wathi kuDavida, “Sengathi ungabusiseka, ndodana yami Davida; uzakwenza izinto ezinkulu njalo unqobe.”

UDavida wasuka wazihambela, uSawuli wasebuyela ekhaya.

27

UDavida Phakathi KwamaFilistiya

1 Kodwa uDavida wacabanga wathi, “Ngolunye lwalezi insuku uSawuli uzangibulala. Into engcono engingayenza yikubalekela elizweni lamaFilistiya. Lapho-ke uSawuli uzadela ukungidinga loba kungaphi ko-Israyeli, njalo ngizaphunyuka esandleni sakhe.”

2 Ngakho uDavida labantu abangamakhulu ayisithupha basuka laye baya ku-Akhishi indodana kaMawokhi inkosi yaseGathi. 3 UDavida labantu bakhe bahlala eGathi lo-Akhishi. Umuntu ngamunye wayelabendlu yakhe, uDavida elabomkakhe ababili: u-Ahinowama waseJezerili lo-Abhigeli waseKhameli, umfelokazi kaNabhali. 4 Kwathi uSawuli esetsheliwe ukuthi uDavida wayebalekele eGathi kasamdinganga futhi.

5 UDavida wasesithi ku-Akhishi, “Nxa ngithole umusa emehlweni akho ngabela indawo komunye wemizi yasemaphandleni, ukuze ngiyehlala khona. Inceku yakho ingahlalelani lawe edolobheni lobukhosi na?”

6 Ngakho ngalelolanga u-Akhishi wamnika iZikhilagi, njalo seyaba ngeyamakhosi akoJuda kusukela lapho. 7 UDavida wahlala elizweni lamaFilistiya umnyaka lezinyanga ezine.

8 UDavida labantu bakhe basuka bayahlasela amaGeshuri, amaGirizi kanye lama-Amaleki. (Kusukela ezikhathini zasendulo abantu laba babehlale elizweni elalifika eShuri kanye laseGibhithe.) 9 Lapho uDavida ehlasele indawo, wayengatshiyi ndoda kumbe umfazi ephila, kodwa wayethatha izimvu lenkomo, obabhemi lamakamela, kanye lezigqoko. Wabuyela ku-Akhishi.

10 Lapho u-Akhishi embuza esithi, “Lamhla ubuyehlasela ngaphi na?” UDavida wayesithi, “Besimelane leNegebi yakoJuda,” loba athi, “Besimelane leNegebi yaseJerameli,” loba athi, “Besimelane leNegebi yama-Kheni.” 11 Katshiyanga ndoda kumbe umfazi ephila ukuba asiwe eGathi ngoba wacabanga wathi, “Bangasiceba bathi, ‘Lokhu yikho okwenziwe nguDavida.’ ” Lokhu yikho ayekwenza sonke isikhathi sokuhlala kwakhe elizweni lamaFilistiya. 12 U-Akhishi wayemthemba uDavida njalo wazitshela wathi, “Usezondakala kangaka ebantwini bakibo, ama-Israyeli, usezakuba yinceku yami kuze kube nininini.”

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1 Ngalezonsuku amaFilistiya aqoqa amabutho awo ukuba alwe lo-Israyeli. U-Akhishi wathi kuDavida, “Kumele uzwisise ukuthi wena labantu bakho lizahamba lami empini.”

2 UDavida wathi, “Lapho-ke uzazibonela okungenziwa yinceku yakho.”

U-Akhishi wathi, “Kulungile, ngizakwenza ube ngumlindi wami impilo yakho yonke.”

USawuli Lowesifazane Oyisanuse E-Endori

3 Ngalesosikhathi uSamuyeli wayesewafa, njalo u-Israyeli wonke wayemlilele wamgcwaba emzini wakibo eRama. USawuli wayesewaxotsha zonke izanuse labemimoya elizweni.

4 AmaFilistiya abuthana eza amisa izihonqo zawo eShunemi, lapho uSawuli wabutha ama-Israyeli wonke wamisa izihonqo eGilibhowa. 5 USawuli ebona ibutho lamaFilistiya wesaba, inhliziyo yakhe yaba lokuthuthumela. 6 Wabuza uThixo, kodwa uThixo kamphendulanga ngamaphupho loba nge-Urimi kumbe ngabaphrofethi. 7 USawuli wasesithi encekwini zakhe, “Ngidingelani owesifazane oyisanuse ukuze ngiyebuza kuye.”

Bona bathi, “Kulomunye e-Endo.”

8 Ngakho uSawuli waziguqula, wafaka ezinye izigqoko, kwathi ebusuku yena labantu ababili baya kulowomfazi. Wathi kuye, “Ngibuzela umoya, njalo ungilethele lowo engizamutsho.”

9 Kodwa owesifazane wathi kuye, “Impela uyakwazi ukuthi uSawuli wenzeni. Useziqedile izanuse labemimoya elizweni. Kungani uthiya impilo yami ngomjibila ukuba ngibulawe na?”

10 USawuli wafunga kuye ngoThixo wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, kawuyikujeziselwa lokhu.”

11 Owesifazane lowo wasesithi, “Ngikuvusele bani na?”

Yena wathi, “Ngilethela uSamuyeli.”

12 Kwathi owesifazane lowo ebona uSamuyeli, wakhala ngelizwi eliphezulu wasesithi kuSawuli, “Kungani ungikhohlisile na? Wena unguSawuli.”

13 Inkosi yasisithi, “Ungesabi. Kuyini okubonayo?”

Owesifazane wathi, “Ngibona umoya ophuma phansi.”

14 USawuli wathi, “Ukhangeleka njani?”

Owesifazane wathi, “Kuphuma ixhegu eligqoke ingubo.”

Lapho-ke uSawuli wakwazi ukuthi kwakunguSamuyeli, wakhothama wasesithi mbo phansi ngobuso.

15 USamuyeli wasesithi kuSawuli, “Ungikhathazelani ngokungivusa na?”

USawuli wathi, “Mina ngiphakathi kohlupho olukhulu. AmaFilistiya alwa lami, njalo uNkulunkulu usengifulathele. Kasangiphenduli, ngabaphrofethi loba ngamaphupho. Ngakho ngibize wena ukuba ungitshele ukuthi ngenzeni.”

16 USamuyeli wathi, “Ungibizelani, njengoba uThixo esekufulathele njalo esebe yisitha sakho na? 17  Uthixo usekwenzile lokhu akutsho ngaphambili ngami. Uthixo usewuhluthunile umbuso ezandleni zakho wawunika omunye wabomakhelwane bakho, uDavida. 18 Ngenxa yokuthi uThixo kawumlalelanga kumbe wafeza ulaka lwakhe olwesabekayo kuma-Amaleki, uThixo wenze lokhu kuwe lamhla. 19  Uthixo uzanikela u-Israyeli kanye lawe kumaFilistiya, njalo kusasa wena lamadodana akho lizakuba lami. Uthixo uzanikela lebutho lako-Israyeli kumaFilistiya.”

20 Khonokho nje uSawuli wawela phansi wathi daca emhlabathini, esegcwele ukwesaba ngenxa yamazwi kaSamuyeli. Wayengaselamandla, ngoba wayengadlanga lutho ilanga lonke mhlalokho lobusuku bonke.

21 Kwathi owesifazane esesondele kuSawuli wabona ukuthi wayethuthumele kakhulu, wathi kuye, “Khangela, incekukazi yakho ikulalele. Ngibeke ukuphila kwami engozini ngenza lokho othe ngikwenze. 22 Khathesi-ke ake ulalele incekukazi yakho uvume ukuba ngikuphe ukudla ukuze udle ube lamandla uzihambele.”

23 Yena wala wathi, “Kangiyikudla.”

Kodwa abantu bakhe baphathisana lowesifazane ukumncenga, waze wabalalela. Wavuka phansi wahlala esihlalweni.

24 Owesifazane wayelethole elinonisiweyo endlini, alihlaba khonokho nje. Wathatha impuphu yengqoloyi, wayivuba wenza isinkwa esingelamvubelo. 25 Wasibeka phambi kukaSawuli labantu bakhe, badla. Ngalobobusuku bavuka bahamba.

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U-Akhishi Ubuyisela UDavida EZikhilagi

1 AmaFilistiya aqoqela wonke amabutho awo e-Afekhi, kwathi u-Israyeli wamisa emthonjeni weJezerili. 2 Kwathi ababusi bamaFilistiya befola lamabutho abo angamakhulu lazinkulungwane, uDavida labantu bakhe babefola emuva lo-Akhishi.

3 Umlawuli wamaFilistiya wabuza wathi, “AmaHebheru la-ke?” U-Akhishi waphendula wathi, “Kanti lo kasuDavida yini owayeyisikhulu sikaSawuli inkosi yako-Israyeli na? Usebe lami okudlula umnyaka, njalo kusukela mhla etshiya uSawuli kuze kube khathesi, angikaboni sici kuye.”

4 Kodwa abalawuli bamaFilistiya bamthukuthelela bathi kuye, “Buyisela umuntu lo emuva, ukuze abuyele endaweni owamabela yona. Akumelanga aye empini lathi, hlezi asiphendukele lapho sekulwiwa. Angawuthola ngcono kanjani futhi umusa wenkosi yakhe kulokuthatha amakhanda abantu bakithi na? 5 Kasuyenalo yini uDavida abahlabela ngaye emigidweni yabo besithi:

‘USawuli ubulele izinkulungwane zakhe,

kodwa uDavida ubulele amatshumi ezinkulungwane zakhe’?”

6 Ngakho u-Akhishi wabiza uDavida wathi kuye, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, ubuthembekile, njalo kade ngingathokoza ukuba lawe usebenze lami empini. Kusukela ngelanga owafika ngalo kimi kuze kube khathesi, angibonanga sici kuwe, kodwa ababusi kabakufuni. 7 Ngakho phenduka uhambe ngokuthula; ungenzi lutho oluzacunula ababusi bamaFilistiya.”

8 UDavida wabuza wathi, “Kanti ngenzeni na? Kuyini okubi okubone encekwini yakho kusukela ngelanga engafika ngalo kuwe kuze kube khathesi na? Kungani ngingeze ngayakulwa lezitha zenkosi yami na?”

9 U-Akhishi waphendula wathi, “Ngiyakwazi ukuthi ube uthokozisa emehlweni ami njengengilosi kaNkulunkulu; kodwa-ke abalawuli bamaFilistiya sebethe, ‘Kafanelanga ukuhamba lathi empini.’ 10 Ngakho vuka ekuseni, kanye lezinceku zenkosi yakho ezeza lawe, lisuke ekuseni lapho kuqalisa ukukhanya.”

11 Ngakho uDavida labantu bakhe bavuka ekuseni kakhulu ukuba babuyele elizweni lamaFilistiya, kwathi amaFilistiya aya eJezerili.

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UDavida Uchitha Ama-Amaleki

1 UDavida labantu bakhe bafika eZikhilagi ngelanga lesithathu. Ama-Amaleki ayehlasele iNegebi leZikhilagi. Ayehlasele iZikhilagi ayitshisa, 2 njalo ayethumbe abesifazane labo bonke ababekuyo, abatsha labadala. Kawabulalanga lamunye wabo, kodwa ahamba labo ekuhambeni kwawo.

3 Kwathi uDavida labantu bakhe befika eZikhilagi, bayifica iqothulwe ngomlilo njalo omkabo lamadodana kanye lamadodakazi abo bethunjiwe. 4 Ngakho uDavida labantu bakhe bakhala kakhulu baze baphela amandla okukhala. 5 Abafazi bakaDavida bobabili babethunjiwe, u-Ahinowama waseJezerili lo-Abhigeli, umfelokazi kaNabhali waseKhameli. 6 UDavida wayesekhathazeke kakhulu ngoba abantu babekhuluma ngokumkhanda ngamatshe, lowo lalowo efuthelene emoyeni ngenxa yamadodana akhe lamadodakazi. Kodwa uDavida wathola amandla kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe.

7 UDavida wasesithi ku-Abhiyatha umphristi, indodana ka-Ahimeleki, “Ngilethela isembatho samahlombe.” U-Abhiyathari wasiletha kuye, 8 uDavida wasebuza kuThixo esithi, “Ngililandele yini lelixuku elihlaselayo? Ngizalifica na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Lilandele. Uzalifica impela njalo uzaphumelela ekuhlengeni.”

9 UDavida labantu abangamakhulu ayisithupha ababelaye bafika eDongeni lwaseBhesori, lapho abanye abasala khona, 10 ngoba abangamakhulu amabili basebedinwe kakhulu ukuba bachaphe udonga. Kodwa uDavida labantu abangamakhulu amane baqhubeka belandela.

11 Bafica umGibhithe egangeni bamusa kuDavida. Bamnika amanzi okunatha lokudla ukuba adle, 12 ingxenye yekhekhe lemikhiwa ekhanyiweyo lekhekhe lamavini awonyisiweyo. Wadla wathola amandla, ngoba wayengadlanga lutho njalo enganathanga manzi insuku ezintathu lobusuku obuthathu.

13 UDavida wambuza wathi, “Ungokabani wena, njalo uvela ngaphi na?”

Yena wathi, “NgingumGibhithe, isigqili somʼAmaleki. Inkosi yami ingitshiyile sengigula ensukwini ezintathu ezedluleyo. 14 Sihlasele iNegebi yamaKherethi lelizwe likaJuda kanye leNegebi yamaKhalebi. Njalo iZikhilagi siyitshisile.”

15 UDavida wambuza wathi, “Ungangisa kulelixuku elihlaselayo na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Funga kimi phambi kukaNkulunkulu ukuthi kawuyikungibulala kumbe unginikele enkosini yami, besengikusa-ke kubo.”

16 Wakhokhela uDavida, bababona begcwele indawana yonke, besidla, benatha njalo bejabula ngenxa yobunengi bempango ababeyithumbile elizweni lamaFilistiya kanye lakoJuda. 17 UDavida walwa labo kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwahlwa ngelanga elilandelayo, njalo kakho owabo owaphunyukayo ngaphandle kwamajaha angamakhulu amane agada amakamela abaleka. 18 UDavida wakuthatha njalo konke okwakuthunjwe ngama-Amaleki kanye labomkakhe ababili. 19 Akukho lutho olwaswelakalayo: omutsha kumbe omdala, umfana kumbe inkazana, impango kumbe olunye nje ulutho ababeluthethe. UDavida wabuyisa konke. 20 Wathatha izimvu zonke lenkomo, abantu bakhe baziqhuba ziphambi kwezinye izifuyo, besithi, “Le yimpango kaDavida.”

21 Emva kwalokho uDavida wafika ebantwini abangamakhulu amabili ababedinwe kakhulu baze behluleka ukumlandela ababesele emuva eDongeni lwaseBhesori. Baphuma bahlangabeza uDavida kanye labantu ababelaye. Kwathi uDavida esesondela labantu bakhe, wababingelela. 22 Kodwa bonke abantu ababi labahlokozi bohlupho abaphakathi kwabalandeli bakaDavida, bathi, “Ngenxa yokuthi kabahambanga lathi kasiyikwabelana labo impango esiyithumbileyo. Kodwa yileyo laleyo indoda ingathatha umkayo labantwabayo ihambe.”

23 UDavida waphendula wathi, “Hatshi, bafowethu, akumelanga lenzenjalo ngalokho uThixo asiphe khona. Usivikele wawanikela kithi amabutho abesihlasela. 24 Pho ngubani ozalalela lokhu elikutshoyo na? Isabelo somuntu osele lempahla sizafana lesalowo ohambileyo ekulweni impi. Bonke bazakwabelwa ngokufanayo.” 25 UDavida wenza lokhu kwaba yisimiso lomthetho ko-Israyeli kusukela ngalelolanga kuze kube yileli.

26 UDavida esefikile eZikhilagi, wathumela enye impango ebadaleni bakoJuda, ababengabangane bakhe, esithi, “Nansi isipho senu esivela empangweni yezitha zikaThixo.”

27 Wayithumela kulabo ababeseBhetheli, leRamothi Negebi leJathiri, 28 lakulabo abase-Aroweri, eSifimothi, e-Eshithemowa 29 leRakhali; kulabo ababesemizini yamaJerameli lamaKheni. 30 Kulabo ababeseHoma, eBhori-Ashani, e-Athakhi 31 laseHebhroni; lakubo ababekuzo zonke ezinye izindawo lapho uDavida labantu bakhe ababeke bazulazula kuzo.

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USawuli Uyazibulala

1 AmaFilistiya alwa lo-Israyeli; abako-Israyeli babaleka, njalo abanengi bafela eNtabeni yase Gilibhowa. 2 AmaFilistiya axotshana kanzima loSawuli kanye lamadodana akhe, abulala amadodana akhe uJonathani, lo-Abhinadabi kanye loMalikhi-Shuwa. 3 Impi yatshisa macele wonke kuSawuli, njalo kwathi abatshoki bemitshoko sebemxhumile, bamlimaza kubi.

4 USawuli wathi kumthwali wezikhali zakhe, “Hwatsha inkemba yakho ungigwaze, hlezi abantu laba abangasokanga bafike bangigwaze bangenze ihlazo.”

Kodwa umphathi wezikhali zakhe wesaba, akaze akwenza lokho; ngakho uSawuli wathatha inkemba yakhe waziwisela phezu kwayo. 5 Kwathi umphathi wezikhali ebona ukuthi uSawuli wayesefile, laye waziwisela phezu kwenkemba yakhe wafa kanye laye. 6 Ngakho uSawuli lamadodana akhe amathathu lomphathi wezikhali zakhe kanye labantu bakhe bonke bafa ndawonye ngalo lolosuku.

7 Kwathi abako-Israyeli ababesekele isigodi lalabo ababengaphetsheya kweJodani bebona ukuthi ibutho lako-Israyeli lalibalekile lokuthi uSawuli kanye lamadodana akhe basebefile, batshiya imizi yabo babaleka. AmaFilistiya afika ahlala kuyo.

8 Ngelanga elalandelayo, amaFilistiya esefikile ukuba akhuthuze abafileyo, afica uSawuli lamadodana akhe amathathu befile eNtabeni yase Gilibhowa. 9 Amquma ikhanda lakhe athatha lezikhali zakhe, basebethuma izithunywa kulolonke ilizwe lamaFilistiya ukuthi zimemezele lindaba ethempelini lezithombe zawo lasebantwini bakibo. 10 Abeka izikhali zakhe ethempelini lama-Ashithorethi. Kwathi isidumbu sakhe asibethela emdulini weBhethi-Shani.

11 Kwathi abantu baseJabheshi Giliyadi sebezwile ngokwakwenziwe ngamaFilistiya kuSawuli, 12 wonke amaqhawe abo alezibindi ahamba ubusuku bonke esiya eBhethi-Shani. Ethula isidumbu sikaSawuli lezamadodana akhe emdulini weBhethi-Shani aya eJabheshi, lapho azitshisela khona. 13 Athatha amathambo abo awembela ngaphansi kwesihlahla somthamarisiki eJabheshi, asezila insuku eziyisikhombisa.

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Ugwalo Lwesibili

LukaSamuyeli

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UDavida Uzwa Ngokufa KukaSawuli

1 Emva kokufa kukaSawuli, uDavida wabuya evela ekunqobeni ama-Amaleki wahlala eZikhilagi insuku ezimbili. 2 Ngosuku lwesithathu kwafika umuntu evela ezihonqweni zikaSawuli, izigqoko zakhe zidabukile njalo egcwele uthuli ekhanda lakhe. Kwathi esefikile kuDavida waziwisela phansi emhlonipha.

3 UDavida wambuza wathi, “Uvela ngaphi?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Ngibalekile ezihonqweni zabako-Israyeli.”

4 UDavida wabuza wathi, “Kutheni? Ngitshela.”

Yena wathi, “Abantu babalekile empini. Inengi labo lifile. USawuli lendodana yakhe uJonathani labo bafile?”

5 UDavida wasesithi kulelojaha elamlethela umbiko, “Wazi njani ukuthi uSawuli lendodana yakhe uJonathani bafile?”

6 Ijaha lelo lathi, “Kwenzakele ukuthi mina kade ngiphezu kweNtaba iGilibhowa ngabona uSawuli eyame umkhonto wakhe, izinqola zempi labagadi bamabhiza sebebanga kuye. 7 Uthe etshibilika wangibona, wasengibiza, mina ngathi, ‘Kuyini engingakwenza?’

8 Ungibuzile wathi, ‘Ungubani wena na?’

Ngiphendule ngathi, ‘NgingumʼAmaleki.’

9 Wasesithi kimi, ‘Sondela eduze ungibulale! Sengiseduze lokufa, kodwa ngisaphila.’

10 Ngakho ngisondele kuye ngambulala, ngoba ngazile ukuthi emva kwalokho ubengeke aphile. Njalo ngithethe umqhele obusekhanda lakhe lesongo ebelisengalweni yakhe okuyikho engikulethe lapha enkosini yami.”

11 Lapho-ke uDavida labantu bonke ababelaye babamba izigqoko zabo bazidabula. 12 Babakhalela, babalilela, babazilela kwaze kwahlwa uSawuli lendodana yakhe uJonathani kanye lebutho likaThixo lendlu ka-Israyeli, ngoba babebulewe ngenkemba.

13 UDavida wasesithi ejaheni elalimlethele umbiko, “Wena ungowangaphi na?”

Lona laphendula lathi, “Ngiyindodana yezizweni, umʼAmaleki.”

14 UDavida waselibuza esithi, “Kungani ungesabanga ukuphakamisa isandla sakho ukuba ubulale ogcotshiweyo kaThixo na?”

15 UDavida wabiza omunye wabantu bakhe wathi, “Sondela umgongode!” Ngakho wamgongoda wafa. 16 Ngoba uDavida wayethe kuye, “Igazi lakho kalibe phezu kwekhanda lakho. Umlomo wakho ufakaze okubi ngawe lapho wena uthe, ‘Ngimbulele ogcotshiweyo kaThixo.’ ”

UDavida Ulilela USawuli LoJonathani

17 UDavida walila isililo lesi ngoSawuli lendodana yakhe uJonathani, 18 walaya ukuthi abantu bakoJuda basifundiswe isililo sedandili lesi (silotshiwe eNcwadini kaJashari):

19 “Udumo lwakho, We Israyeli, lubulewe ezingqongweni zakho.

Yeka ukufa kwamaqhawe!

20 Lingabokutsho eGathi,

lingakumemezeli ezindleleni zase-Ashikheloni,

hlezi amadodakazi amaFilistiya athabe,

hlezi amadodakazi abangasokanga athokoze.

21 We zintaba zaseGilibhowa,

kalingabi lamazolo loba izulu,

kumbe amasimu athela amabele eminikelo.

Ngoba khonapho ihawu leqhawe langcoliswa,

ihawu likaSawuli, lingasagcotshwa ngamafutha.

22 Egazini lababuleweyo,

enyameni yamaqhawe

umtshoko kaJonathani kawuphendukanga,

umtshoko kaSawuli kawuphendukanga ungasuthanga.

23 USawuli loJonathani,

ekuphileni babethandeka bengababukekayo,

lekufeni kabehlukaniswanga.

Babelesiqubu kulengqungqulu,

belamandla kulezilwane.

24 Awu madodakazi ako-Israyeli,

mlileleni uSawuli,

owaligqokisa okubomvu lokuhle kakhulu,

owacecisa izembatho zenu ngemiceciso yegolide.

25 Yeka ukufa kwamaqhawe empini!

UJonathani ulele efile ezingqongweni zakho.

26 Ngilusizi ngawe Jonathani, mfowethu;

ubuthandeka kakhulu kimi.

Ukungithanda kwakho kade kumangalisa,

kumangalisa okudlula okwabesifazane.

27 Yeka ukufa kwamaqhawe!

Izikhali zempi zitshabalele!”

2

UDavida Ugcotshwa Ukuba Yinkosi YakoJuda

1 Ngokuhamba kwesikhathi uDavida wabuza uThixo wathi, “Ngingaya yini kwelinye lamadolobho akoJuda na?”

UThixo wathi, “Hamba.”

UDavida wabuza wathi, “Ngiye ngaphi na?”

UThixo waphendula wathi, “EHebhroni.”

2 Ngakho uDavida waya khonale labafazi bakhe ababili, u-Ahinowama waseJezerili lo-Abhigeli, umfelokazi kaNabhali waseKhameli. 3 UDavida wathatha amadoda ayelaye, leyo laleyo labendlu yayo, bayahlala eHebhroni lasemizini yakhona. 4 Ngakho abantu bakoJuda bafika eHebhroni bamgcobela khona uDavida ukuba yinkosi yendlu kaJuda.

Kwathi uDavida esetsheliwe ukuthi abantu baseJabheshi Giliyadi yibo ababengcwabe uSawuli, 5 wathuma izithunywa ebantwini baseJabheshi Giliyadi ukuba bayekuthi kubo, “UThixo kalibusise ngokubonakalisa umusa lo kuSawuli inkosi yenu ngokumgcwaba. 6 Sengathi khathesi uThixo angalitshengisa umusa lokwethembeka, njalo lami futhi ngizalitshengisa lona lolothando ngoba lenze lokhu. 7 Khathesi-ke qinani libe lesibindi, ngoba uSawuli inkosi yenu usefile, njalo indlu yakoJuda isigcobe mina ukuba yinkosi yabo.”

Impi Phakathi Kwendlu KaDavida LekaSawuli

8 Ngalesisikhathi, u-Abhineri indodana kaNeri, umlawuli webutho likaSawuli, wayethethe u-Ishi-Bhoshethi indodana kaSawuli wamletha ngaseMahanayimi. 9 Wamenza waba yinkosi yaseGiliyadi, e-Ashuri kanye leJezerili, eyako-Efrayimi, lakoBhenjamini kanye lo-Israyeli wonke.

10 U-Ishi-Bhoshethi indodana kaSawuli waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eleminyaka engamatshumi amane ubudala bakhe, njalo wabusa iminyaka emibili. Kodwa indlu kaJuda yalandela uDavida. 11 Isikhathi uDavida eyinkosi yendlu yakoJuda eHebhroni saba yiminyaka eyisikhombisa lezinyanga eziyisithupha.

12 U-Abhineri indodana kaNeri, ekanye labantu baka-Ishi-Bhoshethi indodana kaSawuli, basuka eMahanayimi baya eGibhiyoni. 13 UJowabi indodana kaZeruya kanye labantu bakaDavida baphuma bayahlangana labo echibini laseGibhiyoni. Elinye ixuku lahlala phansi ngakwelinye icele lechibi kwathi elinye lalo ixuku lahlala ngakwelinye icele.

14 U-Abhineri wasesithi kuJowabi, “Ezinye zezinsizwa kazisukume zilwe mathupha phambi kwethu.”

UJowabi wathi, “Kulungile, kazikwenze lokho.”

15 Ngakho zasukuma zabalwa, abantu abalitshumi lambili bakoBhenjamini ngaku-Ishi-Bhoshethi indodana kaSawuli letshumi lambili abakoDavida. 16 Indoda ngayinye yabamba lowo eyayisilwa laye ngekhanda yatshonisa inkemba yayo emhlubulweni walowo eyayisilwa laye, bawela phansi bonke. Ngakho indawo leyo eGibhiyoni yathiwa yiHelikhathi Hazurimi.

17 Impi ngalolosuku yayinzima, njalo u-Abhineri labantu bako-Israyeli behlulwa ngabantu bakaDavida.

18 Amadodana amathathu kaZeruya ayekhona: uJowabi, lo-Abhishayi kanye lo-Asaheli. U-Asaheli wayelejubane njengomziki. 19 Waxotshana lo-Abhineri, engaphambukeli kwesokudla loba kwesenxele lapho emxhuma. 20 U-Abhineri wakhangela emuva kwakhe wabuza wathi, “Kanti nguwe, Asaheli?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Yimi.”

21 U-Abhineri wasesithi kuye, “Phambukela eceleni kwesokudla loba kwesenxele; ubambe enye yezinsizwa uyithathele izikhali zayo.” Kodwa u-Asaheli kayekelanga ukuxotshana laye.

22 U-Abhineri wamxwayisa futhi wathi, “Yekela ukuxotshana lami. Kungani kumele ngikulahle phansi na? Ngingamkhangela njani ebusweni umfowethu uJowabi na?”

23 Kodwa u-Asaheli wala ukuyekela ukuxotshana laye; ngakho u-Abhineri wamgwaza esiswini ngomcijo womkhonto wakhe, umkhonto waze wayathutsha emhlane wakhe. Wawela khonapho, wafela khonapho. Amadoda afika ema nxa efika endaweni lapho u-Asaheli ayewe wafela kuyo.

24 Kodwa uJowabi lo-Abhishayi baxotshana lo-Abhineri, kwathi ilanga selitshona bafika eqaqeni lwase-Ama, eduzane leGiya endleleni yenkangala yaseGibhiyoni. 25 Lapho-ke abantu bakoBhenjamini bema ngemva kuka-Abhineri. Benza ixuku bayajama phezu koqaqa.

26 U-Abhineri wabiza uJowabi wathi, “Kanti inkemba sekumele idle kokuphela na? Kawuboni ukuthi kuzaphetha kabuhlungu na? Koze kube nini phambi kokuba ulaye abantu bakho ukuba bayekele ukuxotshana labafowabo na?”

27 UJowabi waphendula wathi, “Ngeqiniso njengoba uNkulunkulu ekhona, aluba kawukhulumanga, amadoda la abezaxotshana labafowabo kuze kube sekuseni.”

28 Ngakho uJowabi watshaya icilongo, bonke abantu bakhe basebesima, kabasaxotshananga lo-Israyeli, kumbe babuye balwe futhi.

29 Ngalobobusuku bonke u-Abhineri labantu bakhe bahamba badabula i-Arabha. Bachapha iJodani, baqhubeka bedabula iBhethironi yonke baze bayafika eMahanayimi.

30 UJowabi waphenduka ekuxotshaneni lo-Abhineri wasebuthanisa abantu bakhe bonke. Ngaphandle kuka-Asaheli abantu bakaDavida abalitshumi lasificamunwemunye batholakala bengekho. 31 Kodwa abantu bakaDavida babebulele abakoBhenjamini ababelo-Abhineri abangamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha. 32 Bathatha u-Asaheli bayamngcwaba ethuneni likayise eBhethilehema. Emva kwalokho uJowabi labantu bakhe bahamba ubusuku bonke bafika eHebhroni emadabukakusa.

3

1 Impi phakathi kwendlu kaSawuli lendlu kaDavida yathatha isikhathi eside. UDavida wathuthuka elokhu esiba lamandla, kodwa indlu kaSawuli yaqhubeka ilokhu iphela amandla.

2 UDavida wazala amadodana la eHebhroni:

Izibulo lakhe lalingu-Amnoni indodana ka-Ahinowama owaseJezerili;

3 eyesibili kunguKhileyabi indodana ka-Abhigeli umfelokazi kaNabhali waseKhameli;

eyesithathu kungu-Abhisalomu indodana kaMahakha indodakazi kaThalimayi inkosi yaseGeshuri;

4 eyesine kungu-Adonija indodana kaHagithi;

eyesihlanu kunguShefathiya indodana ka-Abhithali;

5 eyesithupha kungu-Ithireyamu indodana yomkaDavida u-Egila.

La uDavida wawazalela eHebhroni.

U-Abhineri Uya KuDavida

6 Ngesikhathi sempi phakathi kwendlu kaSawuli lendlu kaDavida, u-Abhineri wayeqinisa isikhundla sakhe endlini kaSawuli. 7 Kunjalo-nje uSawuli wayekade elomfazi weceleni owayethiwa nguRizipha indodakazi ka-Ayiya. U-Ishi-Bhoshethi wasesithi ku-Abhineri, “Kungani wembathe lomkababa owangaphandle na?”

8 U-Abhineri wazonda kakhulu ngenxa yalokho okwatshiwo ngu-Ishi-Bhoshethi, wasephendula esithi, “Kanti ngilikhanda lenja eceleni lakoJuda na? Lanamuhla ngithembekile endlini kayihlo uSawuli lasemulini yakhe lakubangane bakhe. Angikunikelanga kuDavida. Kodwa khathesi usungethesa icala ngowesifazane lo! 9 UNkulunkulu kamjezise u-Abhineri ngokunzima kakhulu, nxa uDavida ngingamenzeli lokho uThixo amthembisa khona ngesifungo 10 ngisuse umbuso endlini kaSawuli ngimise isihlalo sobukhosi sikaDavida ko-Israyeli lakoJuda kusukela koDani kusiyafika eBherishebha.” 11 U-Ishi-Bhoshethi kasatshongo elinye ilizwi ku-Abhineri, ngoba wayemesaba.

12 Emva kwalokho u-Abhineri wathuma izithunywa zimele yena ukuba ziyekuthi kuDavida, “Kanti ilizwe ngelikabani na? Yenza isivumelwano lami, mina ngizakusiza ekuletheni u-Israyeli wonke kuwe.”

13 UDavida wathi, “Kulungile, ngizakwenza isivumelwano lawe. Kodwa ngifuna into eyodwa kuwe: Ungezi kimi ngaphandle kokuba uze loMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli lapho usizangibona.” 14 UDavida wasethuma izithunywa ku-Ishi-Bhoshethi indodana kaSawuli ebamba ngamandla esithi, “Ngipha umkami uMikhali, engazendisela yena kimi ngentengo yamajwabu emiphambili yamaFilistiya alikhulu.”

15 Ngakho u-Ishi-Bhoshethi wakhupha imilayo uMikhali wahlubulwa kumkakhe uPhalithiyeli indodana kaLayishi. 16 Kodwa umkakhe wahamba laye ekhala ngemva kwakhe indlela yonke kusiya eBhahurimi. U-Abhineri wasesithi kuye, “Buyela ekhaya!” Ngakho wabuyela.

17 U-Abhineri wakhuluma labadala bako-Israyeli wathi, “Sekulesikhathi esithile lifuna ukwenza uDavida abe yinkosi yenu. 18 Khathesi-ke kwenzeni! Ngoba uThixo wathembisa uDavida wathi, ‘Ngenceku yami uDavida ngizahlenga abantu bami u-Israyeli esandleni samaFilistiya lasesandleni sezitha zabo zonke.’ ”

19 U-Abhineri wakhuluma njalo labakoBhenjamini yena ngokwakhe. Emva kwalokho waya eHebhroni ukuyatshela uDavida konke u-Israyeli kanye lendlu yonke kaBhenjamini ababefuna ukukwenza. 20 Kwathi u-Abhineri, owayelabantu abangamatshumi amabili, efika kuDavida eHebhroni, uDavida wamenzela idili kanye labantu bakhe. 21 U-Abhineri wasesithi, “Yekela ngihle ngihambe ngiyebuthanisela inkosi, inkosi yami, u-Israyeli wonke, ukuze benze isivumelwano lawe, lokuthi ungabusa konke okufiswa yinhliziyo yakho.” Ngakho uDavida wathi u-Abhineri kahambe, wahamba ngokuthula.

UJowabi Ubulala U-Abhineri

22 Khonokho nje abantu bakaDavida loJowabi babuya bevelahlasela njalo beze lempango enengi kakhulu. Kodwa u-Abhineri wayesesukile kuDavida eHebhroni, ngoba uDavida wayethe kahambe, njalo wayehambe ngokuthula. 23 Kwathi uJowabi lamabutho wonke ayelaye befika, watshelwa ukuthi u-Abhineri indodana kaNeri wayeze enkosini lokuthi inkosi yayithe kahambe njalo ahambe ngokuthula.

24 Ngakho uJowabi waya enkosini wathi, “Kuyini okwenzileyo? Khangela, u-Abhineri ufikile kuwe. Kungani umyekele wahamba? Khathesi usehambile! 25 Uyamazi u-Abhineri indodana kaNeri; ulande ukuzakukhohlisa lokubona ukuhambahamba kwakho kanye lokwazi konke okwenzayo.”

26 UJowabi wasuka kuDavida wasethuma izithunywa ukuba zilandele u-Abhineri, njalo zayabuya laye zivela emthonjeni waseSira. Kodwa uDavida kakwazanga lokho. 27 Khathesi-ke Abhineri, esebuyele eHebhroni, uJowabi wamusa eceleni esangweni, kungani uzakhuluma laye ngasese. Khonapho-ke ukuba aphindisele igazi lomfowabo u-Asaheli, uJowabi wamgwaza esiswini, wafa.

28 Muva, uDavida esekuzwile lokhu, wathi, “Mina lombuso wami kasilacala lanini phambi kukaThixo mayelana legazi lika-Abhineri indodana kaNeri. 29 Sengathi igazi lakhe lingehlela phezu kwekhanda likaJowabi laphezu kwendlu yonke kayise. Sengathi endlini kaJowabi akungasweleki lanininini omunye olenxeba elibhibhidlayo loba ubulephero, loba edondolozela ngodondolo kumbe obulawa ngenkemba loba oswela ukudla.”

30 (UJowabi lomfowabo u-Abhishayi bambulala u-Abhineri ngoba wayebulele umfowabo u-Asaheli empini eGibhiyoni.)

31 UDavida wasesithi kuJowabi lakubo bonke abantu ababelaye, “Dabulani izigqoko zenu ligqoke amasaka lihambe ngokulila phambi kuka-Abhineri.” Inkosi uDavida yena ngokwakhe wahamba ngemva kwethala lesidumbu. 32 U-Abhineri bamgcwaba eHebhroni, njalo inkosi yakhala yaphumisela ethuneni lika-Abhineri. Abantu bonke labo bakhala.

33 Inkosi yahlabelela u-Abhineri isililo lesi:

“U-Abhineri bekumele afe njengokufa kwezixhwali na?

34 Izandla zakho kade zingabotshwanga,

inyawo zakho zingelamaketane.

Ufe ngokubulawa ngabantu ababi.”

Abantu bonke bamlilela futhi.

35 Emva kwalokho bonke beza bancenga uDavida ukuba adle okunye nje kusesemini; kodwa uDavida wafunga esithi, “UNkulunkulu kangijezise, kube nzima kakhulu, nxa nginambitha isinkwa loba olunye ulutho ilanga lingakatshoni!”

36 Abantu bonke bakunanzelela njalo bathaba; impela konke okwenziwa yinkosi kwabathokozisa. 37 Ngakho ngalelolanga abantu bonke lo-Israyeli wonke bakwazi ukuthi inkosi yayingelasandla ekubulaweni kuka-Abhineri indodana kaNeri.

38 Inkosi yasisithi ebantwini bayo, “Kaliboni yini ukuthi inkosana lomuntu odumileyo ifile ko-Israyeli lamhla na? 39 Njalo lamhla, lanxa ngiyinkosi egcotshiweyo, ngibuthakathaka, njalo amadodana kaZeruya la alamandla kakhulu kulami. Sengathi uThixo angaphindisela umenzi wokubi mayelana lezenzo zakhe ezimbi!”

4

Ukubulawa Kuka-Ishi-Bhoshethi

1 Kwathi u-Ishi-Bhoshethi indodana kaSawuli esezwile ukuthi u-Abhineri wayefile eHebhroni, wahedezela, lo-Israyeli wonke wathithibala. 2 Indodana kaSawuli yayilabantu ababili ababezinduna zamaqembu okuhlasela. Omunye wayethiwa nguBhana omunye enguRekhabi; babengamadodana kaRimoni umBherothi owesizwana sakoBhenjamini, iBherothi ithathwa njengengxenye yakoBhenjamini, 3 ngoba abantu baseBherothi babalekela eGithayimi njalo sebahlala khona njengezizwe kuze kube lamhla.

4 (UJonathani indodana kaSawuli wayelendodana eyayiqhula inyawo zombili. Yayileminyaka emihlanu ubudala bayo ekufikeni kombiko ngoSawuli loJonathani uvela eJezerili. Umlizane wayo wayiphakamisa wabaleka, kodwa wathi ephanga ukusuka yawela phansi yagogeka. Ibizo layo lalinguMefibhoshethi.)

5 Ngalesosikhathi uRekhabi loBhana, amadodana kaRimoni umBherothi, basuka baya endlini ka-Ishi-Bhoshethi, bafika khona emini enkulu ilanga livutha yena ephumula okwemini. 6 Baya phakathi kakhulu kwendlu kungathi bayathatha amabele, basebemgwaza esiswini. Emva kwalokho uRekhabi loBhana bathi nyelele bahamba.

7 Babengene endlini yena elele embhedeni ekamelweni lakhe lokulala. Emva kokuba sebemgwaze bambulala, baquma ikhanda lakhe. Balithatha, bahamba ubusuku bonke ngendlela yase-Arabha. 8 Ikhanda lika-Ishi-Bhoshethi balisa kuDavida eHebhroni bathi enkosini, “Nanti ikhanda lika-Ishi-Bhoshethi indodana kaSawuli, isitha sakho, esazama ukukubulala. Ngalolusuku uThixo umphindiselele umhlekazi wami inkosi kuSawuli lenzalo yakhe.”

9 UDavida waphendula uRekhabi lomfowabo uBhana, amadodana kaRimoni umBherothi wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ukhona, yena ongihlenge kuzozonke inhlupheko, 10 kwathi umuntu engitshela ukuthi, ‘USawuli usefile,’ ecabanga ukuthi wayeletha umbiko omuhle ngamxhakalaza ngambulala eZikhilagi. Lowo waba ngumvuzo engamupha wona ngenxa yalowombiko! 11 Pho kudlula ngokungakanani nxa abantu ababi bebulele umuntu omsulwa endlini engeyakhe njalo embhedeni ongowakhe, ngingalithonisi yini khathesi igazi lakhe ezandleni zenu ngilisuse emhlabeni na!”

12 Ngakho uDavida walaya abantu bakhe, bababulala. Baquma izandla zabo lezinyawo, balengisa izidumbu phansi kwechibi eHebhroni. Kodwa bathatha ikhanda lika-Ishi-Bhoshethi bayalingcwaba ethuneni lika-Abhineri eHebhroni.

5

UDavida Uba Yinkosi Yako-Israyeli

1 Zonke izizwana zako-Israyeli zaya kuDavida eHebhroni zathi, “Thina siyinyama yakho legazi lakho. 2 Esikhathini esedlulayo, uSawuli eseseyinkosi yethu, wena nguwe owawukhokhela u-Israyeli emkhankasweni wakhe wezimpi. LoThixo wathi kuwe, ‘Wena uzakuba ngumelusi wabantu bami u-Israyeli, njalo uzakuba ngumbusi wabo.’ ”

3 Kwathi abadala bonke bako-Israyeli sebefikile enkosini uDavida eHebhroni, inkosi yenza isivumelwano labo eHebhroni phambi kukaThixo, basebegcoba uDavida ukuba abe yinkosi ko-Israyeli.

4 UDavida waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu, wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amane. 5 EHebhroni wabusa uJuda iminyaka eyisikhombisa lezinyanga eziyisithupha, kwathi eJerusalema wabusa u-Israyeli wonke loJuda iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lantathu.

UDavida Unqoba IJerusalema

6 Inkosi labantu bayo baya eJerusalema ukuyahlasela amaJebusi ayehlala khona. AmaJebusi athi kuDavida, “Kawuyikungena lapha; leziphofu labaqhulayo bangakuvimba.” Acabanga athi, “UDavida angeke angene lapha.” 7 Kodwa uDavida wayithumba inqaba yaseZiyoni, uMuzi kaDavida.

8 Ngalolosuku uDavida wathi, “Lowo onqoba amaJebusi kuzamele asebenzise umgelo wamanzi ukuba afinyelele ‘abaqhulayo leziphofu’ labo abayizitha zikaDavida.” Yikho-nje besithi, “Iziphofu labaqhulayo” kabayikungena esigodlweni.

9 UDavida wasehlala enqabeni waseyibiza ngokuthi nguMuzi kaDavida. Wakha enhlangothini zonke zayo kusukela emadundulwini ayelapho kusiya phakathi. 10 Waqhubeka njalo esiba lamandla ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla wayelaye.

11 Ngalesosikhathi uHiramu inkosi yaseThire wathuma izithunywa kuDavida zilezigodo zemisedari lababazi bamapulanka kanye lababazi bamatshe, bakhela uDavida isigodlo. 12 UDavida wakwazi ukuthi uThixo wayembekile ukuba abe yinkosi yako-Israyeli wawuphakamisa lombuso wakhe ngenxa yabantu bakhe u-Israyeli.

13 Esesukile eHebhroni uDavida wathatha abanye abafazi beceleni kanye labafazi eJerusalema, kwazalwa amanye amadodana lamadodakazi futhi. 14 Nanka amabizo abantwana abazalelwa khona: uShamuwa, uShobabi, uNathani, uSolomoni, 15 u-Ibhari, u-Elishuwa, uNefegi, uJafiya, 16 u-Elishama, u-Eliyada kanye lo-Elifelethi.

UDavida Unqoba AmaFilistiya

17 Kwathi amaFilistiya esezwe ukuthi uDavida wayegcotshwe ukuba yinkosi yako-Israyeli wonke aphuma ehlome ephelele esiyamdinga, kodwa uDavida wakuzwa lokho wasesehlela enqabeni. 18 AmaFilistiya ayesefikile njalo esegcwele eSigodini saseRefayi, 19 ngakho uDavida wabuza uThixo wathi, “Ngingayawahlasela amaFilistiya na? Uzawanikela kimi na?”

UThixo wamphendula wathi, “Hamba, ngoba impela amaFilistiya ngizawanikela kuwe.”

20 Ngakho uDavida waya eBhali Pherazimi, lapho awehlula khona. Wathi, “Njengamanzi efohla, uThixo ufohlele ezitheni zami phambi kwami.” Ngakho leyondawo yasibizwa ngokuthi yiBhali Pherazimi. 21 AmaFilistiya abaleka atshiya izithombe zawo khonapho, uDavida labantu bakhe bazithatha bahamba lazo.

22 AmaFilistiya aphinda njalo abuya, agcwala eSigodini saseRefayi; 23 ngakho uDavida wabuza uThixo, yena waphendula wathi, “Ungayi uqondile, kodwa bhoda ngemva kwawo uwahlasele maqondana lezihlahla zebhalisamu. 24 Kuzakuthi lapho usizwa izisinde zabahambayo ezihlahleni zebhalisamu, uqhubeke ngokuphangisa, ngoba lokho kuzakutsho ukuthi uThixo usehambe phambi kwakho ukuyahlasela amabutho amaFilistiya.” 25 Ngakho uDavida wenza njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo, njalo amaFilistiya wawacakazela phansi umango wonke kusukela eGibhiyoni kusiya eGezeri.

6

Ibhokisi Lesivumelwano Lilethwa EJerusalema

1 UDavida wabuya wabuthanisa abantu bako-Israyeli abakhethiweyo, sebebonke babezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu. 2 Yena labantu bakhe bonke baya eBhala yakoJuda ukuthi bayethatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu khonale elibizwa ngeBizo, ibizo likaThixo uSomandla, ohleziyo esihlalweni sobukhosi ephahlwe ngamakherubhi aphezu kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu. 3 Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu balifaka phezu kwenqola entsha balisusa endlini ka-Abhinadabi eyayiseqaqeni. U-Uza lo-Ahiyo amadodana ka-Abhinadabi, babetshayela inqola entsha 4 eyayithwele ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, u-Ahiyo ehamba phambi kwayo. 5 UDavida lendlu yonke ka-Israyeli benza umkhosi omkhulu wokuthokoza ngamandla abo wonke phambi kukaThixo ngokuhlabela izingoma lokutshaya amachacho, lemihubhe, lamagedla kanye lamasimbali.

6 Bathi befika esizeni sikaNakhoni, u-Uza welulela isandla sakhe ebhokisini lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu walibamba ngoba inkabi zazikhubeka. 7 Ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha ngo-Uza ngenxa yesenzo sakhe sokungahloniphi, ngakho uNkulunkulu wamtshaya njalo wahle wafela khonapho phansi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu.

8 Ngakho uDavida wathukuthela ngoba ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha ku-Uza, njalo kuze kube lalamuhla indawo leyo ibizwa ngokuthi yiPherezi Uza.

9 UDavida wamesaba uThixo ngalolosuku, wathi, “Pho ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lingeza njani kimi?” 10 Wayengasafuni ukuthatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, ukuba libe kuye eDolobheni likaDavida. Esikhundleni salokho, waliphambulela endlini ka-Obhedi-Edomi umGithi. 11 Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lahlala endlini ka-Obhedi-Edomi umGithi okwezinyanga ezintathu, uThixo wambusisa kanye lendlu yakhe yonke.

12 Inkosi uDavida watshelwa kwathiwa, “UThixo useyibusisile indlu ka-Obhedi-Edomi lakho konke alakho ngenxa yebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu.” Ngakho uDavida wahamba wayathatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu endlini ka-Obhedi-Edomi walisa eDolobheni likaDavida ngokuthokoza. 13 Kwakusithi labo ababethwele ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo bangahamba izinyathelo eziyisithupha, anikele umhlatshelo wenkunzi lethole elinonisiweyo. 14 UDavida wayegqoke isigqoko samahlombe selineni, wagida phambi kukaThixo ngamandla akhe wonke, 15 lapho yena kanye lendlu yonke ka-Israyeli beletha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo ngokumemeza langokukhala kwamacilongo.

16 Kwathi lapho ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo selingena eDolobheni likaDavida, uMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli wayebukele elunguze ngefasitela. Wathi ebona inkosi uDavida eseqa egida phambi kukaThixo, wameyisa enhliziyweni yakhe.

17 Baliletha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo balibeka endaweni yalo phakathi kwethente uDavida ayelimisele lona, njalo uDavida wenza umhlatshelo weminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yobudlelwano phambi kukaThixo. 18 Eseqedile umhlatshelo weminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yobudlelwano wabusisa abantu ngebizo likaThixo uSomandla. 19 Umuntu ngamunye phakathi kwexuku lonke lako-Israyeli, abesilisa labesifazane, wamnika isinkwa, lekhekhe lezithelo kanye lekhekhe lamavini awonyisiweyo. Abantu bonke baya emizini yabo.

20 Kwathi uDavida esebuyele ekhaya ukuba abusise abendlu yakhe, uMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli waphuma wamhlangabeza, wasesithi, “Yeka ukuzibonakalisa inkosi yako-Israyeli ekwenzileyo lamhla ihlubula phambi kwezigqilikazi zezinceku zayo njengokungenziwa lilema!”

21 UDavida wathi kuMikhali, “Kade kuphambi kukaThixo, owangikhetha phambi kukayihlo laphambi kwendlu yakhe yonke, wangimisa ukuba ngibe ngumbusi ko-Israyeli bantu bakaThixo, isibili ngizathokoza phambi kukaThixo. 22 Ngizakweyiseka kakhulu kulalokhu, njalo ngehliselwe phansi emehlweni ami. Kodwa izigqilikazi lezi okhulume ngazo zizangihlonipha.”

23 UMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli kabanga lomntwana waze wafa.

7

Isithembiso SikaNkulunkulu KuDavida

1 Kwathi inkosi isihlala esigodlweni sayo uThixo eseyiphumuzile kuzozonke izitha zayo enhlangothini zonke, 2 yathi kuNathani umphrofethi, “Mina ngilapha, ngihlala esigodlweni semsedari, kodwa ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lilokhu lihlala ethenteni.”

3 UNathani waphendula inkosi wathi, “Loba kuyini okusengqondweni yakho, qhubeka ukwenze, ngoba uThixo ulawe.”

4 Ngalobobusuku ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuNathani, lisithi:

5 “Hamba uyetshela inceku yami uDavida uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Nguwe yini omele ungakhele indlu yokuhlala kuyo? 6 Mina angikaze ngihlale endlini kusukela ngosuku engabakhulula ngalo ama-Israyeli eGibhithe kuze kube lamuhla. Ngibe ngihamba ngisuka kwenye indawo ngisiya kwenye ithente liyindawo yami yokuhlala. 7 Loba kungaphi engahamba khona labako-Israyeli bonke, ngake ngatsho yini komunye wababusi babo engangibalaye ukuthi beluse abantu bami u-Israyeli ngathi, “Kungani lingangakhelanga indlu yemisedari na?” ’

8 Ngakho-ke, tshela inceku yami uDavida uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: Ngakuthatha emadlelweni ekweluseni izimvu, ukuba ube ngumbusi wabantu bami u-Israyeli. 9 Ngibe lawe loba kungaphi lapho oya khona, njalo ngizinqobile zonke izitha zakho phambi kwakho. Khathesi ngizakwenza ibizo lakho libe likhulu, njengamabizo amadoda adumileyo asemhlabeni. 10 Njalo ngizabanika indawo abantu bami u-Israyeli ngibagxumeke ukuze babe lekhaya elingelabo bangabe besakhathazwa futhi. Abantu ababi kabasayikubancindezela futhi njengalokhu abakwenza ekuqaliseni, 11 bakwenza futhi kusukela ngesikhathi engamisela ngaso abantu bami u-Israyeli abakhokheli. Njalo ngizakuphumuza kuzozonke izitha zakho.

UThixo wafunga kuwe ukuthi uThixo yena ngokwakhe uzakumisela indlu: 12 Nxa insuku zakho seziphelile usuphumula labokhokho bakho, ngizakwenza inzalo yakho ithathe isikhundla sakho, ozaphuma emzimbeni wakho, ngizawuqinisa umbuso wakhe. 13 Lowo nguye ozakwakhela iBizo lami indlu, njalo ngizaqinisa isihlalo sobukhosi sombuso wakhe kuze kube nininini. 14 Ngizakuba nguyise, yena abe yindodana yami. Angenza okubi ngizamjezisa ngomqwayi wabantu, ukuklebhula okwenziwa ngabantu. 15 Kodwa uthando lwami kaluyikususwa kuye lanini, njengokulususa kwami kuSawuli, engamsusayo phambi kwakho. 16 Indlu yakho lombuso wakho kuzaqina nini lanini phambi kwami; isihlalo sakho sobukhosi sizakuma kuze kube nininini.’ ”

17 UNathani wambikela uDavida wonke amazwi alesisambulelo.

Umkhuleko KaDavida

18 Ngakho inkosi uDavida wangena wahlala phambi kukaThixo wasesithi:

“Ngingubani, awu Thixo Wobukhosi, bayini abendlu yami, ukuba ungifikise lapha na? 19 Njalo sekungathi lokhu akwanelanga emehlweni akho, awu Thixo Wobukhosi, usukhulumile futhi ngesikhathi esizayo ngendlu yenceku yakho. Le yiyo yini indlela yakho ejayelekileyo yokuphatha abantu, awu Thixo Wobukhosi?

20 Kambe kuyini okunye uDavida angakutsho kuwe? Ngoba wena uyayazi inceku yakho, awu Thixo Wobukhosi. 21 Ngoba ngenxa yelizwi lakho langentando yakho, uyenzile into le enkulu njalo wayenza yazakala encekwini yakho.

22 Yeka ubukhulu bakho, awu Thixo Wobukhosi! Kakho ofanana lawe, njalo kakho uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwakho, njengoba sizizwele ngezindlebe zethu. 23 Njalo ngubani ongafanana labantu bakho bako-Israyeli esiyiso sodwa isizwe emhlabeni uNkulunkulu ayazihlengela sona ukuba sibe ngabantu bakhe, lokuze azenzele udumo kanye lokwenza izimangaliso ezinkulu lezesabekayo ngokuxotsha izizwe labonkulunkulu bazo phambi kwabantu bakho owabahlenga eGibhithe na? 24 Ubeke abantu bakho u-Israyeli njengabantu bakho kuze kube nini lanini, njalo wena, Thixo, usunguNkulunkulu wabo.

25 Khathesi-ke, Thixo Nkulunkulu, sigcine kuze kube phakade isithembiso osenzileyo mayelana lenceku yakho lendlu yayo. Yenza njengokuthembisa kwakho, 26 ukuze ibizo lakho libe likhulu kuze kube nininini. Ngakho abantu bazakuthi, ‘UThixo uSomandla unguNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli!’ Lendlu yenceku yakho uDavida izamiswa phambi kwakho.

27 Awu Thixo Somandla, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ukuvezile lokhu encekwini yakho usithi, ‘Ngizakwakhela indlu.’ Ngakho inceku yakho ibe lesibindi sokukhuleka umkhuleko lo kuwe. 28  Thixo Wobukhosi, unguNkulunkulu! Amazwi akho athembekile, njalo usuthembise lezizinto ezinhle encekwini yakho. 29 Khathesi-ke ake uthokoziswe yikubusisa indlu yenceku yakho, ukuze ihlale isemehlweni akho kuze kube nininini; ngoba wena, awu Thixo Wobukhosi, usukhulumile, njalo ngokubusiswa nguwe indlu yenceku yakho izabusiseka kuze kube nininini.”

8

Ukunqoba KukaDavida

1 Ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi uDavida wawehlula amaFilistiya wawanqoba, wathumba iMethegi Ama eyayiphethwe ngamaFilistiya.

2 UDavida njalo wehlula amaMowabi. Wawalalisa phansi emhlabathini wawalinganisa ngobude bentambo. Zonke izilinganiso ezimbili zawo zabulawa, kwathi isilinganiso sesithathu sayekelwa siphila. Ngakho amaMowabi abuswa nguDavida athela imithelo kuye.

3 UDavida wabuya wahlasela wanqoba uHadadezeri indodana kaRehobhi, inkosi yaseZobha, lapho aya khona ukuyavuselela umbuso wakhe ngaseMfuleni iYufrathe. 4 UDavida wathumba izinqola zakhe zokulwa eziyinkulungwane, labatshayeli bazo abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, lezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili zamabutho ahamba ngenyawo. Waquma imisipha yamabhiza wonke adonsa izinqola zokulwa ngaphandle kwalikhulu.

5 Kwathi ama-Aramu aseDamaseko efika ukuzoncedisa uHadadezeri inkosi yaseZobha, uDavida wabulala azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili zawo. 6 Wabeka inkamba zamabutho okulinda elizweni lama-Aramu eDamaseko, kwathi ama-Aramu aba ngaphansi kombuso wakhe aletha imithelo. UThixo wamnika ukunqoba uDavida loba kungaphi lapho aya khona.

7 UDavida wathatha amahawu egolide eziphathamandla zikaHadadezeri wawasa eJerusalema. 8 Kusukela eThebha kanye laseBherothayi, imizi eyayingekaHadadezeri, inkosi uDavida yathatha khona ithusi elinengi kakhulu.

9 Lapho uTowu inkosi yaseHamathi isizwe ukuthi uDavida wayelehlule lonke ibutho likaHadadezeri, 10 wathumela indodana yakhe uJoramu enkosini uDavida ukuyambingelela lokuyamenzela amhlophe ngokunqoba kwakhe uHadadezeri empini, owayesilwa impi loTowu. UJoramu wamlethela izitsha zesiliva lezegolide kanye lezethusi.

11 Inkosi uDavida yazahlukanisela uThixo lezo zinto njengalokhu ayekwenze ngesiliva legolide okwavela kuzozonke izizwe ayezehlule: 12 I-Edomi leMowabi, ama-Amoni lamaFilistiya kanye lama-Amaleki. Wanikela lempango eyathathwa kuHadadezeri indodana kaRehobhi, inkosi yaseZobha.

13 UDavida waba lodumo emva kokubuya kwakhe evela kulwa lama-Edomi azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasificaminwembili eSigodini seTswayi.

14 Wabeka inkamba zamabutho okulinda kulolonke elase-Edomi, njalo wonke ama-Edomi abuswa nguDavida. UThixo wamnika ukunqoba uDavida loba kungaphi lapho aya khona.

Izikhulu ZikaDavida

15 UDavida wabusa kulolonke elako-Israyeli, esenza okuqondileyo lokulungele abantu bakhe bonke. 16 UJowabi indodana kaZeruya wayephethe amabutho; uJehoshafathi indodana ka-Ahiludi wayengumabhalane; 17 uZadokhi indodana ka-Ahithubi lo-Ahimeleki indodana ka-Abhiyathari babengabaphristi; uSeraya wayengumabhalane; 18 uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wayephethe amaKherethi lamaPhelethi; amadodana kaDavida ayengabaphristi.

9

UDavida LoMefibhoshethi

1 UDavida wabuza wathi, “Kambe angabe ekhona yini osaseleyo endlini kaSawuli engingabonakalisa umusa wami kuye ngenxa kaJonathani na?”

2 Ngalesosikhathi kwakulenceku yendlu kaSawuli eyayithiwa nguZibha. Bambiza ukuba abonane loDavida, inkosi yasisithi kuye, “Wena unguye uZibha na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Yimi inceku yakho.”

3 Inkosi yabuza yathi, “Kakho yini osaseleyo endlini kaSawuli engingabonakalisa kuye umusa kaNkulunkulu na?”

UZibha wayiphendula inkosi wathi, “Isesekhona indodana kaJonathani; igogekile inyawo zombili.”

4 Inkosi yabuza yathi, “Ungaphi?”

UZibha waphendula wathi, “Usendlini kaMakhiri indodana ka-Amiyeli eLo-Debhari.”

5 Ngakho inkosi uDavida wathumela ukuba ayethathwa eLo-Debhari endlini kaMakhiri indodana ka-Amiyeli.

6 Kwathi uMefibhoshethi indodana kaJonathani, indodana kaSawuli, esefikile kuDavida, wakhothamela phansi emhlonipha.

UDavida wasesithi, “Mefibhoshethi!”

Waphendula wathi, “Yimi inceku yakho.”

7 UDavida wathi kuye, “Ungesabi, ngoba impela ngizakutshengisa umusa ngenxa kayihlo uJonathani. Ngizawubuyisela kuwe wonke umhlaba owawungokayihlomkhulu uSawuli, njalo wena uzakudla etafuleni lami kokuphela.”

8 UMefibhoshethi wakhothama wathi, “Inceku yakho iyini na, ukuba unake inja efileyo njengami nje?”

9 UDavida wabiza uZibha, inceku kaSawuli, wathi kuye, “Indodana yendodana yenkosi yakho sengiyinike konke okwakungokuka Sawuli labendlu yakhe. 10 Wena lamadodana akho lezinceku zakho lizamlimela amasimu lilethe amabele ukuze indodana yendodana yenkosi yakho ibe lokudla. Njalo uMefibhoshethi indodana yendodana yenkosi yakho, izakudla etafuleni lami kokuphela.” (UZibha lo wayelamadodana alitshumi lanhlanu kanye lezinceku ezingamatshumi amabili.)

11 UZibha wasesithi enkosini, “Inceku yakho izakwenza loba kuyini umhlekazi wami inkosi elaya inceku yayo ukuba ikwenze.” Ngakho uMefibhoshethi wadla etafuleni likaDavida njengomunye wamadodana enkosi.

12 UMefibhoshethi wayelendodana esengumfanyana eyayithiwa nguMikha, njalo bonke abendlu kaZibha babezinceku zikaMefibhoshethi. 13 Njalo uMefibhoshethi wayehlala eJerusalema, edlela etafuleni lenkosi kokuphela, njalo egogekile inyawo zombili.

10

UDavida Wehlula Ama-Amoni

1 Kwathi emva kwesikhathi, inkosi yama-Amoni yafa, kwathi uHanuni indodana yayo waba yinkosi esikhundleni sayo. 2 UDavida wacabanga wathi, “Ngizakuba lomusa kuHanuni indodana kaNahashi, njengoyise owayelomusa kimi.” Ngakho uDavida wathuma izithunywa ukuyakhalela uHanuni ngoyise.

Kwathi abantu bakaDavida sebefikile elizweni lama-Amoni, 3 izikhulu zama-Amoni zathi kuHanuni inkosi yazo, “Kambe ucabanga ukuthi uDavida uyamhlonipha uyihlo ngokuthuma izithunywa ukuthi zizokukhalela na? UDavida kazithumanga ukuba zizekhangela idolobho zilihlole njalo zihluthune umbuso na?” 4 Ngakho uHanuni wabamba izithunywa zikaDavida, waziphuca ingxenye yezindevu zomunye lomunye wabo, waquma izigqoko zazo phakathi ezinqeni, wasezixotsha.

5 Kwathi uDavida esekutsheliwe lokhu wathuma izithunywa ukuyahlangabeza abantu labo ngoba babeyangiswe kakhulu. Inkosi yathi, “Hlalani eJerikho indevu zenu zize zikhule beselibuya-ke.”

6 Kwathi ama-Amoni esebonile ukuthi ayeseliphunga elibi emakhaleni kaDavida, aqhatsha izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili zamabutho ama-Aramu ahamba ngezinyawo evela eBhethi-Rehobhi kanye leZobha, ndawonye lenkosi yaseMahakha labantu abayinkulungwane, labanye abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili abavela eThobhi.

7 Uthe ekuzwa lokho, uDavida wathumela uJowabi kanye lamabutho akhe wonke. 8 Ama-Amoni aphuma amisa impi ekungeneni kwesango ledolobho lawo, lapho ama-Aramu aseZobha kanye leRehobhi labantu beThobhi kanye leMahakha babebodwa egangeni.

9 UJowabi wabona ukuthi kwakulamaviyo amabutho phambi kwakhe langemva kwakhe, ngakho wakhetha amanye amaqhawe athenjiweyo ko-Israyeli wabahlela ukuba bamelane lama-Aramu. 10 Amanye amabutho ayesele wathi kawalawulwe ngu-Abhishayi umfowabo, wabahlela ukuthi bamelane lama-Amoni. 11 UJowabi wathi, “Nxa ama-Aramu elamandla kakhulu kulami, uzengihlenga; kodwa nxa ama-Amoni elamandla kakhulu kulawe, ngizakuzakuhlenga. 12 Qina, kasilwe ngesibindi silwela abantu bakithi lemizi kaNkulunkulu wethu. UThixo uzakwenza lokho okufaneleyo njengokubona kwakhe.”

13 Ngakho uJowabi lamabutho ayelaye baqhubeka ukuba balwe lama-Aramu, asebaleka phambi kwakhe. 14 Kuthe ama-Amoni ebona ukuthi ama-Aramu ayebaleka, ebaleka phambi kuka-Abhishayi aya phakathi kwedolobho. Ngakho uJowabi waphenduka ekulweni lama-Amoni waya eJerusalema.

15 Kwathi ama-Aramu ebona ukuthi ehlulwe ngama-Israyeli, aqoqana futhi. 16 UHadadezeri wabiza ama-Aramu ayengaphetsheya koMfula uYufrathe; aya eHelamu loShobhakhi umlawuli wamabutho kaHadadezeri lamabutho ewakhokhele.

17 Kwathi uDavida esekutsheliwe lokhu, waqoqa bonke abako-Israyeli, wachapha uJodani waya eHelamu. Ama-Aramu aviva ukuba ahlangane loDavida asesilwa laye. 18 Kodwa abaleka phambi kuka-Israyeli, njalo uDavida wabulala abatshayeli bezinqola zabo zempi abangamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamabutho ahamba ngezinyawo azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane. Wagalela loShobhakhi umlawuli webutho lawo, wafela khonapho.

19 Kwathi amakhosi wonke ayezinceku zikaHadadezeri ebona ukuthi ayesehlulwe ngu-Israyeli, enza ukuthula labako-Israyeli aba ngaphansi kombuso wabo. Ngakho ama-Aramu esaba ukusiza ama-Amoni futhi.

11

UDavida LoBhathishebha

1 Kwathi entwasa, ngesikhathi amakhosi ayesiyakulwa ngaso impi, uDavida wathuma uJowabi elabantu benkosi lebutho lonke lako-Israyeli. Baqothula ama-Amoni basebevimbezela iRabha. Kodwa uDavida wasala eJerusalema.

2 Ngelinye ilanga kusihlwa uDavida wavuka embhedeni wakhe wahambahamba phezu kophahla lwesigodlo. Esephahleni wabona owesifazane egeza. Owesifazane lowo wayemuhle kakhulu, 3 uDavida wasethuma umuntu ukuyabuza ngaye. Umuntu lowo wathi, “Kanti lo kasuBhathishebha, indodakazi ka-Eliyami umka-Uriya umHithi na?” 4 UDavida wathuma izithunywa ukuyamthatha. Weza kuye, wembatha laye. (Owesifazane lo wayezihlambulule ekungcoleni kwakhe.) Emva kwalokho wabuyela ekhaya. 5 Owesifazane lowo wathatha isisu, wasethumela ilizwi kuDavida, esithi, “Sengilesisu.”

6 Ngakho uDavida wathumela ilizwi leli kuJowabi elithi: “Ngilethela u-Uriya umHithi.” UJowabi wamthumela kuDavida. 7 U-Uriya esefikile kuye, uDavida wambuza ukuthi uJowabi wayenjani, amabutho ayenjani kanye lokuthi impi yayiqhubeka njani. 8 UDavida wasesithi ku-Uriya, “Yehlela endlini yakho ugeze inyawo zakho.” Ngakho u-Uriya wasuka esigodlweni, walandelwa yisipho esavela enkosini esasala sithunyelwa kuye. 9 Kodwa u-Uriya walala entubeni yesigodlo lezinceku zonke zenkosi yakhe akaze aya endlini yakhe.

10 Kwathi uDavida esetsheliwe ukuthi, “U-Uriya kayanga ekhaya,” wambuza wathi, “Angithi usanda kufika nje uvela khatshana? Kungani ungayanga ekhaya?”

11 U-Uriya wathi kuDavida, “Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lo-Israyeli loJuda kuhlezi emathenteni, inkosi yami uJowabi kanye labantu benkosi yami bamise egangeni. Pho ngingaya kanjani endlini ukuyakudla, lokunatha ngilale lomkami futhi na? Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uphila, mina angiyikwenza into enjalo!”

12 UDavida wasesithi kuye, “Hlala lapha elinye ilanga futhi, kusasa ngizakubuyisela emuva.” Ngakho u-Uriya wahlala eJerusalema lolosuku kanye lolwalandelayo. 13 Esecelwe nguDavida, wadla wanatha laye, uDavida wasemdakisa. Kodwa kusihlwa u-Uriya waphuma wayalala ecansini lakhe phakathi kwezinceku zenkosi yakhe; akayanga ekhaya.

14 Ekuseni uDavida walobela uJowabi incwadi wayiphathisa u-Uriya. 15 Kuyo wayelobe ukuthi, “U-Uriya mbeke kuviyo eliphambili lapho impi evutha khona kakhulu. Lapho-ke khumukani kuye ukuze acakazelwe phansi afe.”

16 Ngakho kwathi uJowabi idolobho eselivimbezele, wabeka u-Uriya lapho ayesazi khona ukuthi yikho okwakulabavikeli abalamandla kakhulu. 17 Kwathi abantu bakulelodolobho sebephumile ukuba balwe loJowabi, abanye babantu ebuthweni likaDavida bafa; u-Uriya umHithi laye futhi wafa.

18 UJowabi wathumela uDavida umbiko opheleleyo ngempi. 19 Walaya isithunywa wathi: “Lapho usuqedile ukwethulela inkosi umbiko wempi, 20 ulaka lwenkosi lungavutha, ibe isibuza isithi, ‘Kungani lisondele eduzane kangaka ledolobho ukuba lilwe? Kalazanga yini ukuthi kade bengatshoka imitshoko besemdulini? 21 Ngubani obulele u-Abhimelekhi indodana kaJerubhi-Bheshethi na? Owesifazane obephezu komduli kamjikijelanga ngembokodo, wayafela eThebhezi na? Kungani lisondele eduzane kangaka lomduli?’ Ingakubuza lokhu, uthi kuyo, ‘Lenceku yakho u-Uriya umHithi ifile.’ ”

22 Isithunywa sasuka sahamba, kwathi sesifikile samtshela uDavida konke uJowabi ayesithume ukuba siyekutsho. 23 Isithunywa sathi kuDavida, “Abantu basikhulele, baphuma bazasihlasela etshatshalazini, kodwa sibadudulele emuva entubeni yedolobho. 24 Lapho-ke abemitshoko batshoke izinceku zakho besemdulini, kwathi abanye abantu benkosi bafa. Lenceku yakho, u-Uriya umHithi ifile.”

25 UDavida watshela isithunywa wathi, “Yitsho lokhu kuJowabi: ‘Ungakhathazwa yilokhu; inkemba idla omunye njengoba isidla omunye. Qinisa ukuhlasela idolobho, ulichithe.’ Yitsho lokhu ukuba umise isibindi uJowabi.”

26 Kwathi umka-Uriya esezwile ukuthi umkakhe usefile, wamlilela. 27 Kwathi isikhathi sokulila sesiphelile, uDavida wamletha endlini yakhe, wasesiba ngumkakhe wamzalela indodana. Kodwa into eyenziwa nguDavida yathukuthelisa uThixo.

12

UNathani Ukhuza UDavida

1  UThixo wathuma uNathani kuDavida. Esefikile kuye wathi, “Kwakulabantu ababili emzini othile, omunye enothile omunye engumyanga. 2 Umuntu onothileyo wayelezimvu ezinengi kanye lenkomo, 3 kodwa umuntu ongumyanga wayengelalutho ngaphandle kwezinyane lemvu elincinyane ayelithengile. Walondla, lakhula laye kanye labantwana bakhe. Ladla ukudla kwakhe, lanatha enkomitshini yakhe laze lalala ezingalweni zakhe. Kuye lalinjengendodakazi yakhe.

4 Kwafika isihambi emuntwini onothileyo, kodwa umuntu onothileyo kafunanga ukuthatha enye yezimvu zakhe loba inkomo ukuba ahlabele isihambi esasifike kuye. Esikhundleni salokho, yena wathatha izinyane lemvu elisikazi elalingelomuntu lowo ongumyanga, walihlabela lowo owayefike kuye.”

5 UDavida wavutha ulaka ngalowomuntu wathi kuNathani, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, umuntu owenze lokhu ufanele ukufa! 6 Izinyane lelo kumele alihlawule ngokuphindwe kane, ngoba enze into enje njalo engabanga lozwelo.”

7 UNathani wasesithi kuDavida, “Unguye lowomuntu! Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: ‘Ngakugcoba ukuba ube yinkosi ko-Israyeli, ngakuhlenga esandleni sikaSawuli. 8 Ngakunika indlu yenkosi yakho, labafazi benkosi yakho ngabanikela ezandleni zakho. Ngakunika indlu ka-Israyeli lekaJuda. Aluba konke lokhu kwakukuncane kakhulu ngangizakunika okunye futhi. 9 Kungani weyise ilizwi likaThixo ngokwenza okubi emehlweni akhe na? Ubulele u-Uriya umHithi ngenkemba wasuthatha umkakhe ukuba abe ngowakho. Umbulele ngenkemba yama-Amoni. 10 Ngakho, khathesi, inkemba kayiyikusuka endlini yakho, ngoba ungeyisile wathatha umka-Uriya umHithi ukuba abe ngowakho.’

11 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Ngizakulethela incithakalo ezavela kwabendlu yakho. Phambi kwamehlo akho uqobo, ngizathatha omkakho ngibaphe omunye oseduzane lawe, embathe labo emini libalele. 12 Wena wakwenza ensitha, kodwa mina into le ngizayenza emini libalele phambi kuka-Israyeli wonke.’ ”

13 UDavida wasesithi kuNathani, “Ngenze isono kuThixo.”

UNathani waphendula wathi, “UThixo usesusile isono sakho. Kawuyikufa. 14 Kodwa njengoba ngokwenza lokhu wenze izitha zikaThixo zatshengisela ukweyisa okupheleleyo, umntwana ozamzalelwa uzakufa.”

15 Emva kokuba uNathani esebuyele ekhaya, uThixo wamtshaya umntwana umka-Uriya ayemzalele uDavida, wagula. 16 UDavida wamkhulekela umntwana kuNkulunkulu. Wazila ukudla wangena endlini yakhe walala phansi ubusuku ngobusuku. 17 Abadala bendlu yakwabo bema eceleni kwakhe ukuba bamvuse phansi, kodwa wala, njalo kadlanga kudla labo.

18 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa umntwana wafa. Izinceku zikaDavida zesaba ukumtshela ukuthi umntwana wayesefile ngoba zacabanga zathi, “Umntwana esaphila, sikhulume loDavida kodwa kasilalelanga. Pho singamtshela njani ukuthi umntwana usefile? Angenza into eyingozi.”

19 UDavida wananzelela ukuthi izinceku zakhe zazinyenyezelana wasebona ukuthi umntwana wayesefile. Wabuza wathi, “Umntwana usefile na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Ye, usefile.”

20 Lapho-ke uDavida wavuka phansi. Emva kokuba esegezile, wagcoba wantshintsha iziqgoko, waya endlini kaThixo wakhonza. Emva kwalokho waya kweyakhe indlu, kwathi ngokucela kwakhe bamlethela ukudla, wadla.

21 Izinceku zakhe zambuza zathi, “Kungani uqhuba ngale indlela na? Umntwana esaphila, uzile ukudla wakhala, kodwa khathesi umntwana esefile, uyavuka udle!”

22 Waphendula wathi, “Umntwana esaphila, ngizile ukudla ngakhala. Ngicabange ngathi, ‘Kwazi bani? Mhlawumbe uThixo angaba lomusa kimi ekele umntwana aphile.’ 23 Kodwa khathesi esefile ngingabe ngisazilelani na? Kambe ngingamvusa na? Mina ngizakuya kuye, kodwa yena kazukubuya kimi.”

24 Emva kwalokho uDavida waduduza umkakhe uBhathishebha, waya kuye wembatha laye. Wazala indodana abayithi nguSolomoni. UThixo wayemthanda; 25 njalo ngenxa yokuthi uThixo wayemthanda, wathumela ilizwi ngoNathani umphrofethi ukuba athiwe nguJedidiya.

26 Ngasikhathi sinye uJowabi wahlasela iRabha yama-Amoni wathumba inqaba yenkosi. 27 Emva kwalokho uJowabi wathuma izithunywa kuDavida, esithi, “Ngihlasele iRabha ngathumba imithombo yamanzi. 28 Khathesi-ke qoqa amabutho aseleyo uvimbezele idolobho ulithumbe. Kungenjalo mina ngizalithatha idolobho, libe selibizwa ngami.”

29 Ngakho uDavida waqoqa ibutho lonke waya eRabha, wayihlasela wayithumba. 30 UDavida wathatha umqhele owawusekhanda lenkosi yabo, isisindo sawo sasilithalenta legolide, uceciswe ngamatshe aligugu njalo wafakwa ekhanda lakhe. Wathatha impango enengi kakhulu kulelodolobho 31 njalo abantu ababelapho wabasusa wabasa lapho ababezasebenza khona gadalala ngamasaha, ngamapiki ensimbi kanye lamahloka, wabasebenzisa ekwenzeni izitina. Lokhu uDavida wakwenza kuyo yonke imizi yama-Amoni. Emva kwalokho uDavida lebutho lakhe lonke babuyela eJerusalema.

13

U-Amnoni LoThamari

1 Ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi, u-Amnoni indodana kaDavida wathanda uThamari, owayemuhle, engudadewabo ka-Abhisalomu indodana kaDavida.

2 U-Amnoni wabindeka waze wagula ngenxa kadadewabo uThamari, ngoba wayeyintombi egcweleyo, njalo kwakukhanya kungeke kwenzeke ukuthi enze loba yini kuye.

3 U-Amnoni wayelomngane wakhe owayethiwa nguJehonadabi indodana kaShimeya, umfowabo kaDavida. UJehonadabi wayeliqili lendoda. 4 Wabuza u-Amnoni wathi, “Kungani wena, ndodana yenkosi, ukhanya uhlobile nsuku zonke ekuseni? Awungeke ungitshele na?”

U-Amnoni wathi kuye, “Ngiyamthanda uThamari, udadewabo ka-Abhisalomu umfowethu.”

5 UJehonadabi wathi, “Hamba uyelala uzenze ogulayo. Lapho uyihlo ezekubona, wothi kuye, ‘Ngifuna udadewethu uThamari azenginika ulutho lokudla. Ukudla lokho kazekulungisela emehlweni ami, ukuze ngimkhangele ngikudle kuvela esandleni sakhe.’ ”

6 Ngakho u-Amnoni walala phansi wazenza ogulayo. Kwathi inkosi isifikile ukuzambona, u-Amnoni wathi kuyo, “Ngicela udadewethu uThamari azengenzela isinkwa khonapha ukuze ngidle ngisamukela esandleni sakhe.”

7 UDavida wathumela ilizwi kuThamari endlini yobukhosi esithi: “Hamba endlini yomnewenu u-Amnoni umlungisele ukudla.” 8 Ngakho uThamari waya endlini kamnewabo u-Amnoni owayelele phansi. Wathatha inhlama wayivuba, wenza isinkwa khonapho.

9 Wasethatha ipane wamnika isinkwa, kodwa wala ukudla. U-Amnoni wasesithi, “Batshele baphume bonke abalapha.” Ngakho bonke baphuma bamtshiya. 10 U-Amnoni wasesithi kuThamari, “Letha ukudla lapha endlini yami yokulala ukuze ungifunze ngesandla sakho.” UThamari wathatha isinkwa ayesilungisile wasisa kumnewabo u-Amnoni endlini yakhe yokulala. 11 Kodwa esefike laso kuye ukuba adle, wamxhakala wathi, “Woza ulale lami, dadewethu.”

12 Yena wathi kuye, “Ungaqali, mnewethu! Ungangigebengi. Into enje akumelanga yenziwe ko-Israyeli! Ungenzi into le embi. 13 Mina-ke? Ngingalisusela ngaphi ihlazo lami? Wena-ke? Angithi ungafana lesinye seziphukuphuku ezixhwalileyo ko-Israyeli. Ake ukhulume lenkosi, kayisoze ingalele ukwendela kuwe.” 14 Kodwa u-Amnoni wala ukumlalela, kwathi njengoba wayelamandla kulaye, wamgebenga.

15 Emva kwalokho u-Amnoni wamzonda ngenzondo ebuhlungu kakhulu. Ngeqiniso wamzonda okudlula ukumthanda kwakhe. U-Amnoni wathi kuye, “Vuka uphume!”

16 Yena wathi, “Hatshi! Ukungixotsha kungaba yibubi obudlula lokhu osukwenze kimi.”

Kodwa wala ukumlalela. 17 Wabiza inceku eyayiqondane laye wathi, “Susa umfazi lo lapha, ukhiye umnyango ngemva kwakhe.” 18 Ngakho inceku yakhe yamkhuphela phandle yakhiya umnyango. Wayegqoke isigqoko esasiceciswe kakuhle, ngoba lolu yilo uhlobo lwesigqoko esasigqokwa ngamadodakazi enkosi ayezintombi ezigcweleyo. 19 UThamari wazithela ngomlotha ekhanda wadabula isigqoko esicecisiweyo ayesigqokile. Wathwala imikhono ekhanda wasuka, wahamba ekhala kakhulu.

20 Umnewabo u-Abhisalomu wathi kuye, “U-Amnoni lowo, umnewenu, kade elawe na? Zithulele dadewethu; ungumnewenu. Ungayibeki enhliziyweni yakho into le.” UThamari wahlala endlini kamnewabo u-Abhisalomu, engowesifazane ohlulukelweyo.

21 Inkosi uDavida esekuzwile konke lokhu wathukuthela kakhulu. 22 U-Abhisalomu kazange atsho lizwi ku-Amnoni, elihle loba elibi; wamzonda u-Amnoni ngoba wayehlazise udadewabo uThamari.

U-Abhisalomu Ubulala U-Amnoni

23 Emva kweminyaka emibili, lapho abagundi bezimvu zika-Abhisalomu babeseBhali Hazori phansi komngcele wako-Efrayimi, wanxusa wonke amadodana enkosi ukuba aye khonale. 24 U-Abhisalomu waya enkosini wathi, “Inceku yakho abagundi bayo bafikile. Kambe inkosi lezikhulu zayo ingahamba lami na?”

25 Inkosi yaphendula yathi, “Hatshi, ndodana yami. Akumelanga sonke sihambe; singaba ngumthwalo onzima kuwe.” Lanxa u-Abhisalomu wayincenga, yala ukuhamba, kodwa yena yamvumela.

26 U-Abhisalomu wasesithi, “Nxa kungenjalo, ake uvumele umfowethu u-Amnoni ahambe lathi.”

Inkosi yambuza yathi, “Kungani kumele ahambe lani?” 27 Kodwa u-Abhisalomu wayincenga, ngakho yavuma ukuba u-Amnoni ahambe laye kanye lamanye amadodana enkosi.

28 U-Abhisalomu walaya abantu bakhe wathi, “Lalelani! Nxa u-Amnoni esethabe kakhulu ngenxa yokunatha iwayini ngingathi kini, ‘Mbulaleni u-Amnoni!’ limbulale. Lingesabi. Kangiliphanga umlayo lo na? Qinani libe lesibindi.” 29 Ngakho abantu baka-Abhisalomu benza ku-Amnoni lokho u-Abhisalomu ayebalaye khona. Lapho-ke wonke amadodana enkosi asuka, agada imbongolo zawo abaleka.

30 Esesendleleni umbiko wafika kuDavida usithi, “U-Abhisalomu usewabulele wonke amadodana enkosi, akukho leyodwa eseleyo.” 31 Inkosi yasukuma, yadabula izigqoko zayo yalala phansi emhlabathini; izinceku zayo zonke zema khonapho iziqgoko zazo sezizidabulile.

32 Kodwa uJehonadabi indodana kaShimeya, umfowabo kaDavida, wathi, “Inkosi yami kayingacabangi ukuthi babulele wonke amakhosana, ngu-Amnoni kuphela ofileyo. Le yinhloso ka-Abhisalomu ebivele ikhona kusukela mhla u-Amnoni egebenga udadewabo uThamari. 33 Umhlekazi wami inkosi kayinganqineki ngombiko othi wonke amadodana enkosi afile. Ngu-Amnoni kuphela ofileyo.”

34 Ngalesosikhathi u-Abhisalomu wayesebalekile.

Kwathi umuntu owayelinda wabona abantu abanengi emgwaqweni ngasentshonalanga, besehla eceleni lentaba. Umlindi lowo wahamba wayabikela inkosi wathi, “Ngibona abantu ngokuya eHoronayimi, eceleni kwentaba.”

35 UJehonadabi wasesithi enkosini, “Khangela, amadodana enkosi asefikile; kwenzakale njengoba inceku yakho itshilo.”

36 Wathi eqeda ukukhuluma, amadodana enkosi angena ekhala kakhulu. Layo inkosi, kanye lezinceku zayo zonke bakhala kabuhlungu.

37 U-Abhisalomu wabaleka waya kuThalimayi indodana ka-Amihudi inkosi yaseGeshuri. Kodwa Inkosi uDavida walilela indodana yakhe insuku zonke.

38 Emva kokuba u-Abhisalomu esebaleke waya eGeshuri, wahlala khonale iminyaka emithathu. 39 Umoya wenkosi wafisa ukuya ku-Abhisalomu, ngoba yayisiduduzekile ngokufa kuka-Amnoni.

14

U-Abhisalomu Ubuyela EJerusalema

1 UJowabi indodana kaZeruya wakwazi ukuthi inhliziyo yenkosi yayimkhumbula u-Abhisalomu. 2 Ngakho uJowabi wathuma umuntu eThekhowa wayabuya khona lowesifazane ohlakaniphileyo. Wathi kuye, “Yenza angathi uyalila. Gqoka izigqoko zokulila. Ungagcobi amagcobo okubukeka. Yenza njengowesifazane oseqede insuku ezinengi elilela ofileyo. 3 Uye enkosini ukhulume amazwi la kuyo.” UJowabi wasemfunza lawomazwi.

4 Kwathi owesifazane owavela eThekhowa esefikile enkosini wathi mbo phansi ngobuso eyihlonipha, wasesithi, “Ake ungisize, awu nkosi!”

5 Inkosi yambuza yathi, “Kuyini okukuhluphayo?”

Yena wathi, “Ngingumfelokazi impela, umkami wafa. 6 Mina ncekukazi yakho ngangilamadodana amabili. Alwa egangeni njalo akulamuntu owayelapho ukuba awalamule. Enye yatshaya enye yayibulala. 7 Manje-ke bonke abosendo sebevukele incekukazi yakho, bathi, ‘Sinike lowo owabulala umfowabo ukuze simbulale ngenxa yempilo yomfowabo ambulalayo; lapho-ke sizasusa lendlalifa futhi.’ Bazacitsha ilahle lami elivuthayo eliyilo lodwa engilalo eliseleyo, umkami asale engaselabizo loba inzalo ebusweni bomhlaba.”

8 Inkosi yasisithi kowesifazane lowo, “Buyela ekhaya, ngizakhupha umlayo ngimele wena.”

9 Kodwa owesifazane waseThekhowa wathi kuyo, “Mhlekazi wami, nkosi, umlandu kawube kimi lakwabendlu kababa, kuthi inkosi lesihlalo sayo sobukhosi kungabi lacala.”

10 Inkosi yaphendula yathi, “Nxa loba ngubani esitsho loba yini kuwe, mlethe kimi, njalo kasoze akuhluphe futhi.”

11 Wasesithi, “Inkosi kayincenge uThixo uNkulunkulu wayo ukuba avimbele umphindiseli wegazi ekwengezeleleni incithakalo, ukuze indodana yami ingabhujiswa.”

Inkosi yathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, akukho lalunye unwele lwekhanda lendodana yakho oluzawela phansi.”

12 Lapho-ke owesifazane wasesithi, “Vumela incekukazi yakho ikhulume ilizwi enkosini yami.”

Yathi, “Khuluma.”

13 Owesifazane wasesithi, “Pho kungani ucebe into enje ngabantu bakaNkulunkulu na? Nxa inkosi isitsho lokhu kayizidlisi ngecala na, ngoba inkosi kayiyibuyisanga indodana yayo eyaxotshwayo. 14 Njengamanzi achithekele phansi, angeke abuthwe, kanjalo kumele sife. Kodwa uNkulunkulu kakususi ukuphila, esikhundleni salokho yena uceba izindlela zokuthi umuntu oxotshiweyo angehlukaniswa laye kokuphela.

15 Ngilande ukuzakutsho lokhu kumhlekazi wami inkosi, ngoba abantu sebengethusile. Incekukazi yakho icabange yathi, ‘Ngizakhuluma lenkosi, engxenye izakwenza lokho okucelwa yincekukazi yayo. 16 Engxenye inkosi izavuma ukuhlenga incekukazi yayo esandleni somuntu ozama ukungisusa mina lendodana yami elifeni esaliphiwa nguNkulunkulu.’

17 Khathesi incekukazi yakho ithi, ‘Sengathi izwi lomhlekazi wami, uThixo lingangilethela ukuphumula, ngoba umhlekazi wami, inkosi unjengengilosi kaNkulunkulu ekuphawuleni okuhle lokubi. Sengathi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho angaba lawe.’ ”

18 Inkosi yasisithi kowesifazane lowo, “Ungangifihleli impendulo kulokhu engizakubuza khona.”

Owesifazane wathi “Mhlekazi wami, inkosi kayikhulume.”

19 Inkosi yasibuza yathi, “Isandla sikaJowabi kasilawe yini kukho konke lokhu na?”

Owesifazane waphendula wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uphila, mhlekazi wami, inkosi, kakho ongaphambukela kwesokudla kumbe kwesenxele kwaloba yini umhlekazi wami, inkosi ekutshoyo. Ye, yinceku yakho uJowabi engilaye ukuba ngenze lokhu onguye njalo ofunze amazwi wonke la emlonyeni wencekukazi yakho. 20 Inceku yakho uJowabi yenze lokhu ukuba iguqule umumo okhona khathesi. Inkosi yami ilenhlakanipho efana leyengilosi kaNkulunkulu yazi konke okwenzakalayo elizweni.”

21 Inkosi yasisithi kuJowabi, “Kulungile, ngizakwenza lokho. Hamba uyebuya lalo ijaha u-Abhisalomu.”

22 UJowabi wathi mbo phansi ngobuso eyihlonipha, waseyibonga inkosi. UJowabi wasesithi, “Lamhla inceku yakho isikwazi ukuthi isithole umusa emehlweni akho, mhlekazi wami, nkosi, ngoba inkosi isivumile isicelo senceku yayo.”

23 Emva kwalokho uJowabi waya eGeshuri wayabuya lo-Abhisalomu eJerusalema. 24 Kodwa inkosi yathi, “Kaye endlini yakhe, akumelanga abone ubuso bami.” Ngakho u-Abhisalomu waya endlini yakhe akaze abubona ubuso benkosi.

25 Kulolonke elako-Israyeli kakho umuntu owayebatshazwa kakhulu ngobuhle bakhe njengo-Abhisalomu. Kusukela ekhanda lakhe kusiya ephangweni lonyawo lwakhe kwakungekho sici kuye. 26 Kwakusithi lapho egele inwele zekhanda lakhe wayejwayele ukuzigela inwele zakhe kanye ngomnyaka nxa zasezimsinda kakhulu, wayezilinganisa esikalini, isisindo sazo sasingamakhulu amabili amashekeli ngesilinganiso sesikhosini.

27 U-Abhisalomu wazala amadodana amathathu lendodakazi eyodwa. Ibizo lendodakazi lalinguThamari, owayengumfazi omuhle.

28 U-Abhisalomu wahlala iminyaka emibili eJerusalema engabuboni ubuso benkosi. 29 Yikho u-Abhisalomu wabiza uJowabi wamthuma enkosini, kodwa uJowabi wala ukuya kuye. Wathumela okwesibili, kodwa wala ukuza. 30 Wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe, “Khangelani, insimu kaJowabi iphansi kweyami, njalo kulebhali kiyo. Hambani liyeyithungela ngomlilo.” Ngakho izinceku zika-Abhisalomu zayithungela insimu ngomlilo.

31 Lapho-ke uJowabi waya endlini ka-Abhisalomu wathi kuye, “Kungani izinceku zakho zithungele insimu yami ngomlilo?”

32 U-Abhisalomu wathi kuJowabi, “Khangela, ngithumele ilizwi kuwe ngathi, ‘Woza lapha ukuze ngikuthume enkosini ukuyabuza ukuthi, “Pho ngisukeleni eGeshuri? Kade kuzakuba ngcono kimi aluba ngilokhu ngikhonale!” ’ Khathesi nje, mina ngifuna ukubona ubuso benkosi, nxa ngilecala laloba yini kangibulale.”

33 Ngakho uJowabi waya enkosini wayitshela lokhu. Inkosi yambiza u-Abhisalomu, wafika wangena wasesithi mbo phansi ngobuso phambi kwenkosi. Inkosi yamanga u-Abhisalomu.

15

Icebo Lika-Abhisalomu Elomvukela

1 Ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi u-Abhisalomu wazidingela inqola yempi lamabhiza kanye labantu abangamatshumi amahlanu ukuba ngabagijima phambi kwakhe. 2 Wayevuka ekuseni kakhulu ame eceleni komgwaqo oya esangweni ledolobho. Kwakusithi loba ngubani ofikayo ukuyamangala icala enkosini ukuba liqunywe, u-Abhisalomu wayembiza athi, “Wena uvela kuliphi idolobho?” Wayephendula athi, “Inceku yakho ivela kwesinye sezizwana zako-Israyeli.” 3 Lapho-ke u-Abhisalomu wayesithi kuye, “Khangela, okufunayo kuqondile njalo kufanele, kodwa akulammeli wenkosi ukuba akuzwe.” 4 U-Abhisalomu wayeqhubeka athi, “Sekuze kungathi ngabe ngabekwa ukuba ngumahluleli elizweni! Loba ngubani olensolo kumbe icala wayezakuza kimi ngibone ukuthi wahlulelwa kuhle.”

5 Njalo kwakusithi umuntu angafika kuye akhothamele phansi phambi kwakhe, u-Abhisalomu wayeselula isandla sakhe ambambe amange. 6 U-Abhisalomu waziphatha ngale indlela kubo bonke abako-Israyeli abaya enkosini ukuyacela ukwahlulelwa kuhle, ngalokho wakhanga inhliziyo zabantu abanengi ko-Israyeli.

7 Ekupheleni kweminyaka emine, u-Abhisalomu wathi enkosini, “Ngisake ngiye eHebhroni ukuyagcwalisa isifungo engasenzayo kuThixo. 8 Inceku yakho isahlala eGeshuri e-Aramu, yenza isifungo lesi: ‘Nxa uThixo engangibuyisela eJerusalema ngizamkhonza uThixo eHebhroni.’ ”

9 Inkosi yathi kuye, “Hamba ngokuthula.” Ngakho waya eHebhroni.

10 Emva kwalokho u-Abhisalomu wathuma izithunywa ezifihlakeleyo kuzozonke izizwana zako-Israyeli ukuba zithi, “Lingezwa nje ukukhala kwecilongo, tshonini lithi, ‘U-Abhisalomu uyinkosi eHebhroni!’ ” 11 Abantu abangamakhulu amabili baseJerusalema babehambe lo-Abhisalomu. Babenxuswe njengezethekeli njalo behambe bekhululekile, bengazi lutho ngendaba leyo. 12 U-Abhisalomu esanikela imihlatshelo, wabiza u-Ahithofeli umGiloni, umeluleki kaDavida, ukuba eze evela eGilo, umuzi wakibo. Ngalokho icebo lomvukela laqina, labalandeli baka-Abhisalomu baqhubeka besanda.

UDavida Uyabaleka

13 Kwafika isithunywa kuDavida sathi, “Inhliziyo zabantu bako-Israyeli ziku-Abhisalomu.”

14 UDavida wasesithi kuzozonke izikhulu zakhe ezazilaye eJerusalema, “Wozani! Kumele sibaleke, hlezi kungabi lamunye wethu ozaphepha ku-Abhisalomu. Kumele sisuke masinyane hlezi asixhume alethe incithakalo kithi njalo ahlasele idolobho ngenkemba.”

15 Izikhulu zenkosi zaphendula zathi, “Izinceku zakho zilungele ukwenza loba yini umhlekazi wethu inkosi akukhethayo.”

16 Inkosi yaphuma labendlu yayo bonke beyilandela; kodwa yatshiya abafazi beceleni abalitshumi ukuba bagcine isigodlo. 17 Ngakho inkosi yasuka, labantu bonke beyilandela, basebesima endaweni elibanga elithize. 18 Bonke abantu bayo bayedlula, ndawonye lawo wonke amaKherethi lamaPhelethi, kanye lawo wonke amaGithi angamakhulu ayisithupha ayehambe layo kusukela eGathi ahamba phambi kwenkosi.

19 Inkosi yasisithi ku-Ithayi umGithi, “Kungani uhamba lathi na? Buyela emuva uyehlala lenkosi u-Abhisalomu. Wena ungumuntu wezizweni, owaxotshwayo elizweni lakini. 20 Ufike izolo nje. Kambe sekungathi lamhla lokhu ngikwenze uzulazule lathi, mina ngingakwazi lalapho engingaya khona? Buyela emuva uthathe abantu bakini. Sengathi uThixo angakwenzela umusa lokuhle.”

21 Kodwa u-Ithayi wayiphendula inkosi wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, njalo njengoba umhlekazi wami inkosi, ephila, loba kungaphi lapho umhlekazi wami inkosi ezakuba ikhona, loba kusitsho ukuphila kumbe ukufa, inceku yakho izakuba khonapho.”

22 UDavida wasesithi ku-Ithayi, “Qhubeka, hamba.” Ngakho u-Ithayi umGithi wahamba labantu bakhe bonke kanye lezimuli ezazilaye.

23 Ilizwe lonke lakhala kakhulu lapho abantu bonke besedlula. Inkosi yachapha isiHotsha saseKhidironi, abantu bonke bahamba beqonde enkangala.

24 UZadokhi laye wayekhona, labaLevi bonke ababelaye babethwele ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, njalo u-Abhiyathari wanikela imihlatshelo abantu bonke baze baphela ukusuka edolobheni.

25 Inkosi yasisithi kuZadokhi, “Buyisela ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu edolobheni. Ngingathola umusa emehlweni kaThixo, uzangibuyisela emuva enze ukuba ngilibone futhi kanye lendawo yakhe yokuhlala. 26 Kodwa angathi, ‘Kangithokozi ngawe,’ lapho-ke ngizilungisele; kenze kimi loba kuyini okukhanya kulungile kuye.”

27 Inkosi yabuya yathi kuZadokhi umphristi, “Uyazwisisa na? Buyela emuva edolobheni ngokuthula, lendodana yakho u-Ahimazi loJonathani indodana ka-Abhiyathari. Wena lo-Abhiyathari hambani lamadodana enu. 28 Mina ngizakuma emazibukweni enkangala kuze kufike ilizwi elivela kini lingazisa.” 29 Ngakho uZadokhi lo-Abhiyathari balibuyisela eJerusalema ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lahlala khona.

30 Kodwa uDavida waqhubeka ekhwela iNtaba yama-Oliva, ehamba ekhala; ikhanda lakhe lalimboziwe njalo ebhadula ngezinyawo. Bonke abantu ababelaye labo bamboza amakhanda abo njalo bakhwela bekhala. 31 UDavida wayetshelwe ukuthi, “U-Ahithofeli uphakathi kwabahlamuki lo-Abhisalomu.” Ngakho uDavida wakhuleka wathi, “Oh, Thixo phendula ukululeka kuka-Ahithofeli kube yibuthutha.”

32 Kwathi uDavida esefikile engqongeni, lapho abantu ababejayele ukukhonzela khona uNkulunkulu, uHushayi umʼArikhi wayekhonapho ukuba amhlangabeze, isembatho sakhe sidabukile njalo elothuli ekhanda. 33 UDavida wathi kuye, “Ungahamba lami, uzakuba ngumthwalo onzima kimi. 34 Kodwa nxa ubuyela edolobheni uyekuthi ku-Abhisalomu, ‘Ngizakuba yinceku yakho, awu nkosi, ngangiyinceku kayihlo kudala, kodwa khathesi ngizakuba yinceku yakho,’ lapho-ke ungangisiza ngokufubisa izeluleko zika-Ahithofeli. 35 Abaphristi uZadokhi lo-Abhiyathari kabayikuba khonale lawe na? Batshele konke okuzwayo esigodlweni senkosi. 36 Amadodana abo amabili, u-Ahimazi indodana kaZadokhi loJonathani indodana ka-Abhiyathari, akhonale kanye labo. Bathumele kimi ngakho konke okuzwayo.”

37 Ngakho umngane kaDavida uHushayi wafika eJerusalema khonapho u-Abhisalomu laye engena edolobheni.

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UDavida LoZibha

1 Kwathi uDavida esehambe ibanga elifitshane ngale kwenqongo, wabona uZibha, isikhonzi sikaMefibhoshethi, elindele ukumhlangabeza, elodwendwe lwabobabhemi ababotshelwe izihlalo bethwele izinkwa ezingamakhulu amabili, ikhulu lamakhekhe ezithelo ezonyisiweyo, ikhulu lamakhekhe omkhiwa kanye lomgodla wewayini.

2 Inkosi yabuza uZibha yathi, “Ukuletheleni lokhu na?”

UZibha waphendula wathi, “Obabhemi ngabendlu yenkosi ukuba bagade, izinkwa lezithelo ngokwabantu ukuba badle, iwayini ngelokuqaqabula labo abaphela amandla enkangala.”

3 Inkosi yasibuza yathi, “Indodana yendodana yenkosi yakho ingaphi na?”

UZibha wathi kuyo, “Ihlezi eJerusalema, ngoba icabanga ithi, ‘Lamhla indlu ka-Israyeli izangibuyisela umbuso kababamkhulu.’ ”

4 Inkosi yasisithi kuZibha, “Konke okwakungokuka Mefibhoshethi khathesi sekungokwakho.”

UZibha wathi, “Ngikhothama ngokuzithoba. Sengathi ngingathola umusa emehlweni akho mhlekazi wami, nkosi.”

UShimeyi Uthuka UDavida

5 Kwathi Inkosi uDavida efika eBhahurimi, umuntu wosendo lunye labendlu kaSawuli, waphuma evela lapho. Ibizo lakhe lalinguShimeyi indodana kaGera, njalo waphuma esethuka. 6 Wajikijela uDavida lezikhulu zonke zenkosi ngamatshe, lanxa amabutho wonke labalindi abakhethiweyo babengakwesokudla lakwesokhohlo kukaDavida. 7 Ekuthukeni kwakhe uShimeyi wathi, “Phuma, phuma, wena wegazi, wena sixhwali! 8  UThixo usephindisele kuwe ngenxa yegazi lonke owalichithayo kwabendlu kaSawuli, wena osubusa esikhundleni sakhe. UThixo umbuso usewunike indodana yakho u-Abhisalomu. Wena usudilikile ngoba ungumuntu wegazi!”

9 Lapho-ke u-Abhishayi indodana kaZeruya wathi enkosini, “Kungani inja efileyo le ithuka inkosi yami? Ngivumelani ngiyequma ikhanda layo.”

10 Kodwa inkosi yathi, “Kuyini okulihlanganisa lami, lina madodana kaZeruya? Nxa ethuka ngenxa yokuthi uThixo uthe kuye, ‘Mthuke uDavida,’ ngubani ongabuza ukuthi, ‘Lokhu ukwenzelani na?’ ”

11 UDavida wasesithi ku-Abhishayi lakuzo zonke izikhulu zakhe, “Indodana yami, eyinyama yami, izama ukungibulala. Pho umBhenjamini lo-ke! Myekeleni enjalo; yekelani athuke, ngoba uThixo umtshele ukuba enze njalo. 12 Engxenye uThixo uzalubona usizi lwami angibuyisele okuhle ngenxa yokuthukwa engikwenziwayo lamhla.”

13 Ngakho uDavida labantu bonke waqhubeka elandela umgwaqo uShimeyi yena ehamba eyame intaba maqondana laye, ehamba elokhu ethuka njalo emjikijela ngamatshe emthela langengcekeza. 14 Inkosi labantu bayo bafika lapho ababesiya khona sebediniwe. Kulapho abaphumula khona.

Iseluleko SikaHushayi Lo-Ahithofeli

15 Ngalesosikhathi, u-Abhisalomu labantu bonke bako-Israyeli bafika eJerusalema, lo-Ahithofeli wayelaye. 16 Lapho-ke uHushayi umʼArikhi, umngane kaDavida, waya ku-Abhisalomu wathi kuye, “Impilo ende nkosi! Impilo ende nkosi!”

17 U-Abhisalomu wabuza uHushayi wathi, “Lolu yilo uthando olutshengisa umngane wakho na? Kungani ungahambanga lomngane wakho na?”

18 UHushayi wathi ku-Abhisalomu, “Hayi, lowo okhethwe nguThixo, langabantu laba, labantu bonke bako-Israyeli ngizakuba ngowakhe, njalo ngizahlala laye. 19 Phezu kwalokho, ngubani engingamkhonza na? Akumelanga ngikhonze indodana na? Njengoba ngakhonza uyihlo, kanjalo ngizakukhonza.”

20 U-Abhisalomu wasesithi ku-Ahithofeli, “Ake useluleke. Kuyini esingakwenza na?”

21 U-Ahithofeli waphendula wathi, “Lala labafazi bakayihlo abaseceleni abatshiya belinde isigodlo. Lapho-ke u-Israyeli wonke uzakuzwa ukuthi wena usuzenze waba liphunga elibi emakhaleni kayihlo, njalo izandla zabantu bonke abalawe zizaqiniswa.” 22 Ngakho u-Abhisalomu bamisela ithente phezu kophahla lwendlu, walala labafazi bakayise beceleni u-Israyeli wonke ekhangele.

23 Ngalezonsuku iseluleko sika-Ahithofeli, sasifana lesalowo obuze uNkulunkulu. Lokho kwaba yiyo indlela uDavida lo-Abhisalomu abakhangela ngayo zonke izeluleko zika-Ahithofeli.

17

1 U-Ahithofeli wathi ku-Abhisalomu, “Kahle ngikhethe abantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili ngiphume lamhla ebusuku ngilandela uDavida. 2 Ngingamhlasela esadiniwe engelamandla. Ngingamtshayisa ngovalo, bonke abantu abalaye bazabaleka. Ngingabulala inkosi kuphela 3 abantu bonke ngibabuyisele kuwe. Ukufa komuntu omdingayo kuzakutsho ukuphenduka kwabo bonke; bonke abantu kabayikwenziwa lutho.” 4 Icebo leli lakhanya lilihle ku-Abhisalomu lakubo bonke abadala bako-Israyeli.

5 Kodwa u-Abhisalomu wathi, “Bizani loHushayi umʼArikhi, ukuze sizwe angakutsho.” 6 UHushayi esezile kuye, u-Abhisalomu wathi, “U-Ahithofeli usesinike iseluleko lesi. Sikwenze yini lokhu akutshoyo? Nxa kungenjalo, sinike owakho umcabango.”

7 UHushayi waphendula u-Abhisalomu wathi, “Iseluleko osiphiwe ngu-Ahithofeli kasilunganga ngalesi isikhathi. 8 Uyamazi uyihlo labantu bakhe, bangamaqhawe, njalo bathukuthela okwebhele leganga lithathelwe imidlwane yalo. Langaphandle kwalokho, uyihlo liqhawe eliyaziyo impi, kabuchithi ubusuku elamabutho. 9 Lakhathesi nje, ucatshile ebhalwini loba enye indawo. Nxa yena engahlasela amabutho akho kuqala, loba ngubani ozakuzwa ngakho uzakuthi, ‘Kube lokuqothulwa phakathi kwamabutho alandela u-Abhisalomu.’ 10 Lapho-ke lebutho elilesibindi kulawo wonke, elinhliziyo yalo ifana lenhliziyo yesilwane, lizahedezela ngokwesaba ngoba u-Israyeli wonke uyakwazi ukuthi uyihlo liqhawe kanye lokuthi labo abalaye balesibindi.

11 Ngakho ngiyakucebisa: Akuthi abako-Israyeli bonke, kusukela koDani kusiya eBherishebha, ngobunengi obunjengetshebetshebe ekhunjini lolwandle, babuthane kuwe, kuthi wena ngokwakho ubakhokhele empini. 12 Lapho-ke sizamhlasela loba kungaphi lapho angaficwa khona, njalo sizakwehlela phezu kwakhe njengamazolo ewela emhlabathini. Loba yena kumbe loba bani wabantu bakhe kakho ozasala ephila. 13 Angabalekela edolobheni u-Israyeli wonke uzakuza lezintambo edolobheni, silihudulele phansi esigodini kuze kungabe kusatholakala lesihletshana salo.”

14 U-Abhisalomu labantu bonke bako-Israyeli bathi, “Iseluleko sikaHushayi umʼArikhi singcono kulesika-Ahithofeli.” Ngoba uThixo wayeqonde ukufubisa iseluleko esilungileyo sika-Ahithofeli ukuze alethele u-Abhisalomu incithakalo.

15 UHushayi watshela uZadokhi lo-Abhiyathari, abaphristi, wathi, “U-Ahithofeli usecebise u-Abhisalomu labadala bako-Israyeli ukuba benze ukuthi lokuthi, kodwa mina sengibacebise ukuthi benze okunje lokunje. 16 Khathesi-ke thumelani lizwi ngokuphangisa litshele uDavida ukuthi, ‘Ngalobubusuku ungalali emazibukweni asenkangala; chaphela ngaphetsheya kungekho kuphutha, hlezi inkosi labantu bonke abalayo baminzwe.’ ”

17 UJonathani lo-Ahimazi babehlala e-Eni Rogeli. Intombazana eyinceku yayizahamba iyebatshela, labo bezahamba bayetshela inkosi uDavida, ngoba babengeke bazifake engozini yokubonakala bengena edolobheni. 18 Kodwa ijaha elithile lababona laselitshela u-Abhisalomu. Ngakho bobabili basuka masinyane baya endlini yomuntu othile eBhahurimi. Wayelomthombo egumeni lakhe, bangena kuwo. 19 Umkakhe wathatha okokwembesa wakwendlala phezu komlomo womthombo wasehaza amabele phezu kwakho. Kakho owayesazi ulutho ngakho.

20 Abantu baka-Abhisalomu sebefike kowesifazane lowo endlini, bambuza bathi, “U-Ahimazi loJonathani bangaphi?”

Owesifazane wabaphendula wathi, “Bachaphele ngaphetsheya kwesifudlana.” Abantu labo badinga kodwa kabatholanga muntu, ngakho babuyela eJerusalema.

21 Abantu labo sebehambile, ababili labo baphuma emthonjeni basebesiyatshela inkosi uDavida. Bathi kuyo, “Suka uchaphe umfula masinyane; u-Ahithofeli usecebise ukuthi lokuthi okubi ngawe.” 22 Ngakho uDavida labantu bonke ababelaye basuka bachapha iJodani. Kwathi kusisa, engasekho owayesele engakachaphi iJodani.

23 Kwathi u-Ahithofeli ebona ukuthi iseluleko sakhe sasingalandelwanga, wabophela isihlalo kubabhemi wakhe wasuka waya endlini yakhe emzini wakibo. Walungisa indlu yakhe, wasezibophela. Ngakho wafa wangcwatshwa ethuneni likayise.

Ukufa Kuka-Abhisalomu

24 UDavida waya eMahanayimi, kwathi u-Abhisalomu wachapha iJodani labantu bonke bako-Israyeli. 25 U-Abhisalomu wayesebeke u-Amasa ukuba ngumlawuli webutho esikhundleni sikaJowabi. U-Amasa wayeyindodana yomuntu owayethiwa nguJetha, umʼIsrayeli owayethethe u-Abhigeli indodakazi kaNahashi udadewabo kaZeruya unakaJowabi. 26 Abako-Israyeli lo-Abhisalomu bamisa elizweni laseGiliyadi.

27 Kwathi uDavida esefikile eMahanayimi, uShobhi indodana kaNahashi waseRabha yama-Amoni, loMakhiri indodana ka-Amiyeli waseLo-Debhari, loBhazilayi umGiliyadi waseRogelimi 28 bamlethela okokwendlala lemiganu lempahla ezenziwe ngebumba. Bamlethela lamabele kanye lebhali, ifulawa lamabele akhanzingiweyo, indumba lamalentili, 29 uluju lamasi, izimvu, letshizi evela echagweni lwamankomokazi ukuba uDavida labantu bakhe badle. Ngoba bathi, “Abantu sebelambile njalo badiniwe futhi bomile enkangala.”

18

Ukufa Kuka-Abhisalomu

1 UDavida wabutha bonke abantu ababelaye wababekela abalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamakhulu. 2 UDavida wahlukanisa amabutho akhe, ingxenye eyodwa kokuthathu ilawulwa nguJowabi, ingxenye eyodwa ingaphansi komfowabo kaJowabi u-Abhishayi indodana kaZeruya, lengxenye eyodwa kokuthathu ingaphansi kuka-Ithayi umGithi. Inkosi yatshela amabutho yathi, “Mina ngokwami impela ngizaphuma lani.”

3 Kodwa abantu bathi, “Akumelanga uphume; nxa sizancindezeleka ukuba sibaleke, kabayikuzihlupha ngathi. Lanxa kungaze kufe ingxenye yethu, kabayikuzihlupha; kodwa wena ulingana labethu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Kungabangcono khathesi ukuba usisekele usedolobheni.”

4 Inkosi yaphendula yathi, “Ngizakwenza loba kuyini lokho okukhanya kungcono kini.”

Ngakho inkosi yema eceleni kwesango abantu sebephuma ngamaviyo amakhulu lawezinkulungwane. 5 Inkosi yalaya uJowabi, lo-Abhishayi kanye lo-Ithayi yathi, “Libe lesisa ejaheni u-Abhisalomu ngenxa yami.” Amabutho wonke ayizwa inkosi ilaya umlawuli ngamunye ngo-Abhisalomu.

6 Ibutho lahamba lisiya egangeni ukuyakulwa lo-Israyeli, njalo ukulwa kwenzakala eguswini lako-Efrayimi. 7 Khonapho ibutho lako-Israyeli lehlulwa ngabantu bakaDavida, njalo ukubulalana kwaba kukhulu ngalelolanga, abantu abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili. 8 Impi yaqhela yagcwala ilizwe lonke, njalo igusu laqeda abantu abanengi kulenkemba ngalolosuku.

9 Kwenzakala nje ukuthi u-Abhisalomu ahlangane labantu bakaDavida. Wayegade imbongolo yakhe, kwasekusithi imbongolo idlula ngaphansi kwezingatsha ezenileyo zesihlahla esikhulu somʼOkhi, ikhanda lika-Abhisalomu labanjwa esihlahleni. Wasala elenga emoyeni, imbongolo ayeyigadile ilokhu ihamba.

10 Kwathi omunye wabantu esebone lokhu, watshela uJowabi wathi, “Ngibone u-Abhisalomu elenga esihlahleni somʼOkhi.”

11 UJowabi wasesithi emuntwini owayemtshele lokhu, “Ini? Umbonile? Pho kungani ungamcakazelanga phansi khonapho na? Kade ngizakupha amashekeli esiliva alitshumi kanye lebhanti lobuqhawe.”

12 Kodwa umuntu lowo waphendula wathi, “Lanxa amashekeli ayinkulungwane engalinganiselwa ezandleni zami, ngingeke ngiphakamise isandla sami ngihlasele indodana yenkosi. Sizizwele inkosi ilaya wena lo-Abhishayi kanye lo-Ithayi yathi, ‘Vikelani ijaha u-Abhisalomu ngenxa yami.’ 13 Aluba ngibeke ukuphila kwami engozini njalo akulanto efihlakeleyo enkosini, ubungayikuba lobuzalwane lami.”

14 UJowabi wathi, “Mina angiyikulindela wena kanje.” Ngakho wathatha imikhonto emithathu wayitikitela enhliziyweni ka-Abhisalomu, u-Abhisalomu elokhu esaphila esesihlahleni somʼOkhi. 15 Njalo abathwali bezikhali zikaJowabi bamhanqa u-Abhisalomu, bamtshaya bambulala.

16 Emva kwalokho uJowabi wakhalisa icilongo, amabutho aseyekela ukuxotshana lo-Israyeli, ngoba uJowabi wawamisa. 17 Bamthatha u-Abhisalomu bamphosela egodini elikhulu eguswini babuthelela inqwaba enkulu yamatshe phezu kwakhe. Ngalesosikhathi wonke u-Israyeli wabalekela ekhaya lakhe.

18 U-Abhisalomu esaphila wayethethe insika wayimisa eSigodini seNkosi njengesikhumbuzo sakhe, ngoba wacabanga wathi, “Angilandodana yokuqhuba ukukhunjulwa kwebizo lami.” Insika wayibiza ngaye, njalo ithiwa Isikhumbuzo sika-Abhisalomu kuze kube lamhla.

UDavida Uyalila

19 Ngalesosikhathi u-Ahimazi indodana kaZadokhi wathi, “Kuhle ngigijime ngihambise umbiko enkosini ukuthi uThixo useyihlengile esandleni sezitha zayo.”

20 UJowabi wathi kuye, “Kawusuwe omele ahambise imibiko lamhla. Ungayihambisa imibiko ngesinye isikhathi, kodwa akumelanga wenzenjalo lamhla, ngoba indodana yenkosi ifile.”

21 UJowabi wasesithi kumKhushi, “Hamba uyetshela inkosi lokho okubonileyo.” UmKhushi wakhothama phambi kukaJowabi wasesuka egijima.

22 U-Ahimazi indodana kaZadokhi waphinda wathi kuJowabi, “Loba kunjani, ake ungivumele ngigijime ngilandele umKhushi.”

Kodwa uJowabi waphendula wathi, “Ndodana yami, kungani ufuna ukuhamba? Kawulambiko ozakulethela umvuzo.”

23 Yena wathi, “Loba kunjani, mina ngifuna ukugijima.”

Ngakho uJowabi wathi, “Gijima!” U-Ahimazi wagijima ngendlela yasemagcekeni, wamdlula umKhushi.

24 Kwathi uDavida ehlezi phakathi kwesango langaphakathi lelangaphandle, umlindi wakhwela waya phezulu ephahleni lwesango, phansi komduli. Kwathi lapho ekhangela, wabona umuntu egijima eyedwa. 25 Umlindi wamemeza inkosi wayibikela lokho.

Inkosi yathi, “Nxa eyedwa, uzakuba lezindaba ezinhle.” Umuntu waqhubeka elokhu esondela eduze.

26 Umlindi wabona omunye umuntu egijima, wasebiza umlindi wesango ngaphansi, wathi, “Khangela, omunye umuntu ugijima eyedwa!”

Inkosi yathi, “Laye uzakuba ngoletha izindaba ezinhle.”

27 Umlindi wasesithi, “Ngibona angathi owakuqala ugijima njengo-Ahimazi indodana kaZadokhi.”

Inkosi yathi, “Ungumuntu olungileyo. Uza lezindaba ezinhle.”

28 Lapho-ke u-Ahimazi wamemeza enkosini wasesithi, “Konke kulungile.” Wakhothama phambi kwenkosi wathi mbo phansi ngobuso, wathi, “Kadunyiswe uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. Usebanikele abantu abaphakamisa izandla zabo ukuhlasela inkosi yami.”

29 Inkosi yasibuza isithi, “Ijaha u-Abhisalomu usindile na?”

U-Ahimazi waphendula wathi, “Ngibone ukuphithizela okukhulu uJowabi esezathuma inceku yenkosi lami, inceku yakho, kodwa kangazi ukuthi kade kuyini.”

30 Inkosi yasisithi, “Buyela eceleni ume khona.” Ngakho wabuyela eceleni wama khona.

31 Lapho-ke umKhushi wafika wathi, “Mhlekazi wami, nkosi, zwana izindaba ezinhle! UThixo lamhla usekukhulule kubo bonke abakuhlamukelayo.”

32 Inkosi yambuza yathi, “Ijaha u-Abhisalomu usindile na?”

UmKhushi waphendula wathi, “Sengathi izitha zomhlekazi inkosi yami labo bonke abayihlamukelayo ukuba bayilimaze bangaba njengejaha leliyana.”

33 Inkosi yadabuka kakhulu. Yakhwela yaya ekamelweni elingaphezu kwesango yakhala. Yahamba ikhala isithi, “Oh, ndodana yami Abhisalomu! Ndodana yami, ndodana yami Abhisalomu! Aluba kufe mina esikhundleni sakho, Oh Abhisalomu, ndodana yami, ndodana yami!”

19

1 UJowabi watshelwa kwathiwa, “Inkosi iyakhala ililela u-Abhisalomu.” 2 Njalo kulolonke ibutho ukunqoba kwamhlalokho kwaguqulelwa ekulileni, ngoba ngalolosuku amabutho ezwa kuthiwa, “Inkosi ilusizi ngendodana yayo.” 3 Ngalolosuku abantu bangena benyenya edolobheni njengabantu abalenhloni bengena benyenya lapho bebaleka empini. 4 Inkosi yamboza ubuso bayo yakhala kakhulu isithi, “Oh ndodana yami Abhisalomu! Oh Abhisalomu, ndodana yami, ndodana yami!”

5 UJowabi wayangena endlini enkosini wathi, “Lamhla ubayangisile bonke abantu bakho, abasanda kusindisa impilo yakho lempilo yamadodana akho lamadodakazi lempilo yabomkakho kanye labafazi bakho beceleni. 6 Uthanda abakuzondayo uzonde abakuthandayo. Ukwenze kwabasobala lamhla ukuthi abalawuli bebutho labantu babo kabasilutho kuwe. Ngiyabona ukuthi ubuzathokoza aluba u-Abhisalomu ubephila lamhla thina sonke sifile. 7 Khathesi-ke phuma uyequnga abantu bakho isibindi. Ngiyafunga ngoThixo ukuthi nxa ungaphumi akulamuntu ozabe esele lawe kufika ukuhlwa. Lokhu kuzakuba kubi kakhulu kuwe kulayo yonke incithakalo eseyake yakwehlela kusukela ebutsheni bakho kuze kube khathesi.”

8 Ngakho inkosi yasukuma yahamba lesihlalo sayo esangweni. Abantu sebezwe kuthiwa, “Inkosi ihlezi esangweni,” bonke baya phambi kwayo.

Ngalesosikhathi abako-Israyeli basebebalekele emizini yabo.

UDavida Ubuyela EJerusalema

9 Kuzozonke izizwana zako-Israyeli, abantu bonke babephikisana besithi, “Inkosi isisindisile esandleni sezitha zethu; yiyo eyasihlengayo esandleni samaFilistiya. Kodwa khathesi isibalekile elizweni ngenxa ka-Abhisalomu; 10 njalo u-Abhisalomu, esamgcobayo ukuba asibuse, ufile empini. Ngakho kungani lingatsho lutho ngokubuyisa inkosi na?”

11 Inkosi uDavida wathumela ilizwi kuZadokhi lo-Abhiyathari, abaphristi esithi, “Buzani abadala bakoJuda ukuthi, ‘Kungani lisiba ngabokucina ekubuyiseleni inkosi esigodlweni sayo njengoba okukhulunywayo kulolonke elako-Israyeli sekufikile enkosini lapho ehlala khona na? 12 Lingabafowethu, inyama yami legazi lami. Ngakho kungani lisiba ngabokucina ukubuyisa inkosi?’ 13 Njalo lithi ku-Amasa, ‘Wena kawusinyama yami legazi lami na? Sengathi uNkulunkulu angangijezisa, kube kanzima kakhulu, nxa ungasuye mlawuli webutho lami esikhundleni sikaJowabi, kusukela khathesi.’ ”

14 Wazuza ukusekelwa ngabantu bonke bakoJuda kwangathi babengumuntu munye. Bathumela ilizwi enkosini besithi, “Buya, wena kanye labantu bakho bonke.”

15 Ngakho inkosi yabuyela yahamba yaze yayafika eJodani. Ngalesosikhathi abantu bakoJuda basebefikile eGiligali ukuze baphume bayehlangabeza inkosi bayilethe ngaphetsheya kweJodani. 16 UShimeyi indodana kaGera, umBhenjamini waseBhahurimi, wehla ngokuphangisa labantu bakoJuda ukuyahlangabeza inkosi uDavida. 17 Wayelabantu bakoBhenjamini abayinkulungwane, kanye loZibha, isikhonzi sabendlu kaSawuli, lamadodana akhe alitshumi lanhlanu kanye lezinceku ezingamatshumi amabili. Baphangisa ukuya eJodani lapho inkosi eyayikhona. 18 Bachapha ezibukweni ukuze bahambise abendlu yenkosi ngaphetsheya lokwenza loba kuyini ekufunayo.

UShimeyi indodana kaGera esechaphe iJodani, waziwisela phansi wathi bhazalala phambi kwenkosi 19 wathi kuyo, “Inkosi kayingangenzi olecala. Ungakhumbuli okubi okwenziwa yinceku yakho mhlekazi wami ngosuku inkosi eyasuka ngalo eJerusalema. Sengathi inkosi ingakwesula engqondweni yayo. 20 Ngoba mina nceku yakho ngiyakwazi ukuthi ngenza isono, kodwa lamhla ngize lapha njengowakuqala kuyo yonke indlu kaJosefa ukuzahlangabeza umhlekazi wami, inkosi.”

21 Lapho-ke u-Abhishayi indodana kaZeruya wathi, “UShimeyi akumelanga abulawe ngenxa yalokhu na? Wathuka ogcotshiweyo kaThixo.”

22 UDavida waphendula wathi, “Kuyini lina lami esihlanganyela kukho, lina madodana kaZeruya? Ngalelilanga lina selibe yizitha zami! Kufanele kube lomuntu obulawayo ko-Israyeli lamhla na? Kangazi yini ukuthi lamhla ngiyinkosi yako-Israyeli?” 23 Ngakho inkosi yathi kuShimeyi, “Kawuyikufa.” Njalo inkosi yamthembisa ngokufunga.

24 UMefibhoshethi, indodana yendodana kaSawuli, laye wehla ukuyahlangabeza inkosi. Wayengazigezanga inyawo zakhe kumbe agele indevu zakhe loba agezise izigqoko zakhe kusukela ngelanga inkosi eyasuka ngalo kwaze kwaba lilanga eyabuya ngalo isindile. 25 Esefikile evela eJerusalema ukuzahlangabeza inkosi, inkosi yambuza yathi, “Kungani ungahambanga lami, Mefibhoshethi?”

26 Yena wathi, “Mhlekazi wami, nkosi, njengoba mina nceku yakho ngiqhula, ngathi, ‘Ngizabophela isihlalo kubabhemi wami ngigade phezu kwaso, ukuze ngihambe lenkosi yami.’ Kodwa uZibha inceku yami wangikhohlisa. 27 Njalo usehlinikeze inceku yakho kuwe mhlekazi nkosi yami. Mhlekazi wami, inkosi injengengilosi kaNkulunkulu; ngakho yenza lokho okukuthokozisayo. 28 Bonke abenzalo kababamkhulu kabafanelanga lutho kodwa ukubulawa ngumhlekazi wami inkosi, kodwa inceku yakho uyiphe indawo phakathi kwalabo abadla etafuleni lakho. Ngakho ngilelungelo bani lokukhalaza njalo enkosini?”

29 Inkosi yathi kuye, “Usakhulumelani okunye? Ngiyalilaya wena loZibha ukuba lahlukaniselane amasimu.”

30 UMefibhoshethi wathi enkosini, “Kathathe konke, njengoba khathesi umhlekazi wami usefikile ekhaya kungekho ngozi.”

31 UBhazilayi umGiliyadi laye wehla evela eRogelimi ukuyachapha iJodani elenkosi lokuyayivalelisela khona. 32 UBhazilayi wayesengumuntu omdala, eseleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Wayenike inkosi ukudla ekuhlaleni kwayo eMahanayimi, ngoba wayengumuntu onothe kakhulu. 33 Inkosi yathi kuBhazilayi, “Chaphela ngaphetsheya lami uyehlala lami eJerusalema ngizakupha okuswelayo.”

34 Kodwa uBhazilayi wayiphendula inkosi wathi, “Mingaki eminye iminyaka engisezayiphila, ukuba ngiye eJerusalema lenkosi na? 35 Khathesi ngileminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili ubudala. Ngingabe ngisawutsho yini umahluko phakathi kokuhle lokungekuhle na? Inceku yakho ingabe isakunambitha ekudlayo lekunathayo na? Ngingabe ngisawezwa amazwi abahlabeleli besilisa labesifazane na? Kungani inceku yakho kumele ibe ngomunye umthwalo njalo kumhlekazi wami, inkosi na? 36 Inceku yakho izachaphela ngaphetsheya kweJodani lenkosi ummangwana omfitshane, pho kungani inkosi kumele ingiphe umvuzo ongaka na? 37 Yekela inceku yakho ibuyele, ukuze ngiyefela emzini wakithi eduze lengcwaba likababa lomama. Kodwa nansi inceku yakho uKhimihami. Kachaphele ngaphetsheya lomhlekazi inkosi yami. Menzele lokho okukuthokozisayo.”

38 Inkosi yasisithi, “UKhimihami uzachaphela ngaphetsheya lami, njalo ngizamenzela okukuthokozisayo. Njalo loba yini oyifuna kimi ngizakwenzela yona.”

39 Ngakho abantu bonke bachapha iJodani, inkosi yasichaphela ngaphetsheya. Inkosi yamanga uBhazilayi yambusisa, uBhazilayi wasebuyela emzini wakhe.

40 Kwathi inkosi ichaphela eGiligali, uKhimihami wachapha layo. Wonke amabutho akoJuda lengxenye yamabutho ako-Israyeli ayeyichaphisile inkosi.

41 Masinyane bonke abantu bako-Israyeli baya enkosini bathi kuyo, “Kungani abafowethu, abantu bakoJuda, bentshontshe inkosi yethu bayisa ngaphetsheya kweJodani yona labendlu yayo kanye labantu bonke na?”

42 Bonke abantu bakoJuda baphendula abantu bako-Israyeli bathi, “Lokhu sikwenzile ngoba inkosi ilobuhlobo obuseduze kakhulu lathi. Kulicaphula ngani lokho? Sike sadla olunye ulutho lwenkosi na? Sike sazithathela enye into na?”

43 Abantu bako-Israyeli basebephendula abantu bakoJuda besithi, “Thina silezabelo ezilitshumi enkosini, njalo ngaphandle kwalokho thina silelungelo elikhulu kulelenu ngoDavida. Pho kungani lisidelela? Kasibanga ngabokuqala na ukukhuluma ngokubuyisa inkosi yethu?”

Kodwa abantu bakoJuda baphendula ngamazwi alukhuni kakhulu kulawabantu bako-Israyeli.

20

UShebha Uhlamukela UDavida

1 Ngalesosikhathi kwenzakala ukuthi umxabanisi owayethiwa nguShebha indodana kaBhikhiri umBhenjamini abekhona. Wakhalisa icilongo waklabalala esithi,

“Kasilasabelo kuDavida,

kasilangxenye endodaneni kaJese!

Umuntu wonke ethenteni lakhe, Oh Israyeli!”

2 Ngakho bonke abantu bako-Israyeli bahlubuka kuDavida balandela uShebha indodana kaBhikhiri. Kodwa abantu bakoJuda babambelela enkosini yabo umango wonke kusukela eJodani kusiya eJerusalema.

3 UDavida esebuyele esigodlweni sakhe eJerusalema, wathatha abafazi bakhe beceleni abalitshumi ayebatshiye begcine isigodlo wababeka endlini elindwayo. Wabanika ababekuswela, kodwa kembathanga labo. Babehlala bevalelwe kuze kube lusuku lokufa kwabo, baphila njengabafelokazi.

4 Inkosi yasisithi ku-Amasa, “Biza abantu bakoJuda beze kimi phakathi kwensuku ezintathu, lawe ube lapha wena ngokwakho.” 5 Kodwa u-Amasa eseyebiza uJuda, wathatha isikhathi eside kulaleso inkosi eyayimisele sona.

6 UDavida wasesithi ku-Abhishayi, “Khathesi uShebha indodana kaBhikhiri uzasenzela umonakalo odlula owenziwa ngu-Abhisalomu. Thatha abantu benkosi yakho umlandele, hlezi athole amadolobho avikelweyo aphunyuke kithi.” 7 Ngakho abantu bakaJowabi lamaKherethi lamaPhelethi kanye lamaqhawe wonke alamandla baphuma belawulwa ngu-Abhishayi. Bahamba besuka eJerusalema belandela uShebha indodana kaBhikhiri.

8 Kwathi besesedwaleni elikhulu eGibhiyoni, u-Amasa wayabahlangabeza. UJowabi wayegqoke ibhatshi lakhe lempi, phezu kwalo, ekhalweni lwakhe, kubophe ibhanti lilomhedla esikhwameni sawo. Esahamba esiya phambili, umhedla wawela ngaphandle kwesikhwama sawo.

9 UJowabi wasesithi ku-Amasa, “Unjani, mfowethu?” UJowabi wasebamba u-Amasa ngendevu ngesandla sakhe sokudla wasemanga. 10 U-Amasa kawunanzelelanga umhedla owawuphethwe nguJowabi, uJowabi wasemgwaza esiswini sakhe, amathumbu akhe ahutshukela phandle emhlabathini. Lanxa engasagwazwanga futhi, u-Amasa wafa. Emva kwalokho uJowabi lomfowabo u-Abhishayi baxotshana loShebha indodana kaBhikhiri.

11 Omunye wabantu bakaJowabi wema phansi kuka-Amasa wathi, “Lowo othanda uJowabi, lalowo ongokaDavida, kalandele uJowabi!” 12 U-Amasa walala ezibhixeka egazini lakhe phakathi komgwaqo, umuntu lowo wabona ukuthi amabutho wonke afika ame khonapho. Kwathi esenanzelele ukuthi umuntu wonke owafika ku-Amasa wema, wamhudula emsusa emgwaqweni wamusa egangeni, waphosela isembatho phezu kwakhe. 13 Emva kokuba u-Amasa esesusiwe emgwaqweni, abantu bonke bedlula loJowabi ukuyaxotshana loShebha indodana kaBhikhiri.

14 UShebha wadabula phakathi kwazo zonke izizwana zako-Israyeli kusiya e-Abheli-Bhethi-Mahakha laphakathi kwesabelo sonke samaBikiri, aqoqanayo amlandela. 15 Wonke amabutho ayeloJowabi afika amvimbezela uShebha e-Abheli-Bhethi-Mahakha. Bakha idundulu lokuvimbezela elalifika edolobheni njalo laleyame izinqaba zangaphandle. Besagqula umduli ukuba bawudilize, 16 owesifazane ohlakaniphileyo wamemeza esedolobheni wathi, “Lalelani! Lalelani! Tshelani uJowabi eze lapha ukuze ngikhulume laye.” 17 Wahamba esiya kuye, wasembuza esithi, “UnguJowabi na?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Nginguye.”

Wasesithi, “Lalela okuzatshiwo yincekukazi yakho.”

Wathi, “Ngilalele.”

18 Owesifazane waqhubeka wathi, “Kudala babejwayele ukuthi, ‘Funani impendulo e-Abheli-Bhethi-Mahakha,’ lokho kwakuyiqeda indaba. 19 Thina singabathuleyo labathembekileyo ko-Israyeli. Wena uzama ukudiliza idolobho elingunina ko-Israyeli. Kungani ufuna ukuginya ilifa likaThixo na?”

20 UJowabi waphendula wathi, “Akusikho lokho! Akusikho lokho ukuginya loba ukudiliza! 21 Akunjalo. Umuntu othiwa nguShebha indodana kaBhikhiri, owaselizweni lezintaba lako-Efrayimi, uphakamisele inkosi isandla sakhe emelana layo, emelana loDavida. Mletheni umuntu lowo, ngisuke edolobheni.”

Owesifazane wathi kuJowabi “Ikhanda lakhe lizaphoswa kuwe lisuka emdulini.”

22 Emva kwalokho owesifazane lowo waya ebantwini bonke leseluleko sakhe esikhaliphileyo, baquma ikhanda likaShebha indodana kaBhikhiri baliphosela kuJowabi. Ngakho wakhalisa icilongo, abantu bakhe bachitheka besuka edolobheni, lowo lalowo ebuyela emzini wakhe. UJowabi wabuyela enkosini eJerusalema.

Iziphathamandla ZikaDavida

23 UJowabi wayephethe lonke ibutho lako-Israyeli;

uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada ephethe amaKherethi lamaPhelethi;

24 u-Adoniramu wayephethe izibhalwa;

uJehoshafathi indodana ka-Ahiludi

wayengumbhali;

25 uSheva engumabhalane;

uZadokhi lo-Abhiyathari bengabaphristi;

26 u-Ira umJayiri engumphristi kaDavida.

21

AmaGibhiyoni Ayaphindisela

1 Ekubuseni kukaDavida kwaba lendlala iminyaka emithathu ilandelana; ngakho uDavida wabuza uThixo. UThixo wathi, “Kungenxa kaSawuli lendlu yakhe enindwe ngegazi; kungenxa yokuthi yena wabulala amaGibhiyoni.”

2 Inkosi yabiza amaGibhiyoni yakhuluma lawo. (AbaseGibhiyoni babengasiyo ngxenye ka-Israyeli kodwa babengabasalayo bama-Amori, abako-Israyeli babefunge ukubayekela, kodwa uSawuli ngenxa yokutshisekela kwakhe u-Israyeli loJuda wafuna ukubaqeda du.) 3 UDavida wabuza amaGibhiyoni wathi, “Kuyini engingalenzela khona na? Ngingakwenza njani ukubuyisana ukuze libusise ilifa likaThixo na?”

4 AmaGibhiyoni amphendula athi, “Kasilalo ilungelo lokufuna isiliva loba igolide kuSawuli kumbe kwabendlu yakhe, lelungelo lokubulala umuntu ko-Israyeli kasilalo.”

UDavida wabuza wathi, “Pho lifuna ukuthi ngilenzeleni?”

5 Bayiphendula inkosi bathi, “Umuntu owasichithayo waceba okubi ngathi saze satshabalala njalo kasaze saba lendawo loba ngaphi ko-Israyeli, 6 kasinikwe abenzalo yakhe besilisa abayisikhombisa ukuba babulawe balengiswe phambi kukaThixo eGibhiya kaSawuli, okhethiweyo kaThixo.”

Ngakho inkosi yathi, “Ngizalinika bona.”

7 Kodwa uMefibhoshethi indodana kaJonathani, indodana kaSawuli, inkosi yamtshiya ngenxa yesifungo phambi kukaThixo phakathi kukaDavida loJonathani indodana kaSawuli. 8 Kodwa inkosi yathatha u-Arimoni loMefibhoshethi amadodana amabili endodakazi ka-Ayiya uRizipha, ayemzale loSawuli, kanye lamadodana amahlanu endodakazi kaSawuli uMerabi, ayewazale lo-Adiriyeli indodana kaBhazilayi waseMehola. 9 Yabanikeza kumaGibhiyoni, ababulala abachaya eqaqeni phambi kukaThixo. Bonke beyisikhombisa bafela ndawonye; babulawa ngezinsuku zakuqala zokuvuna, ukuvunwa kwebhali kuqalisa nje.

10 URizipha indodakazi ka-Ayiya wathatha isaka wazendlalela lona edwaleni. Kusukela ekuqaliseni kokuvuna izulu laze lana livela emazulwini linetha izidumbu, kavumelanga izinyoni zasemoyeni ukuba zizithinte emini loba izinyamazana zeganga ebusuku. 11 Kwathi uDavida esetshelwe ngokwakwenziwe yindodakazi ka-Ayiya uRizipha, umfazi kaSawuli weceleni, 12 wahamba wayathatha amathambo kaSawuli lawendodana yakhe uJonathani ebantwini baseJabheshi Giliyadi. (Babewathathe ensitha enkundleni kazulu eBhethi-Shani, lapho amaFilistiya ayewachaye khona emva kokubulala kwawo uSawuli eGilibhowa.) 13 UDavida wawathatha khonapho amathambo kaSawuli lawendodana yakhe uJonathani, lamathambo alabo ababebulawe babuye bachaywa abuthwa.

14 Amathambo kaSawuli lawendodana yakhe uJonathani bawangcwaba ethuneni likasekaSawuli uKhishi, eZela koBhenjamini, benza konke njengokulaya kwenkosi. Emva kwalokho uNkulunkulu wayiphendula imikhuleko eyenzelwa ilizwe.

Izimpi Kulwisana LamaFilistiya

15 Kwaphinda kwaba lempi futhi phakathi kwamaFilistiya lo-Israyeli. UDavida wahamba labantu bakhe ukuyakulwa lamaFilistiya, wasedinwa. 16 U-Ishibhi-Bhenobi, omunye wabenzalo kaRafa, isihloko somkhonto wakhe wethusi esasilobunzima obungamashekeli angamakhulu amathathu, njalo ehlome ngenkemba entsha, wathi uzabulala uDavida. 17 Kodwa u-Abhishayi indodana kaZeruya wamhlenga uDavida; wamcakazela phansi umFilistiya lowo wambulala. Abantu bakaDavida bafunga kuye bathi, “Kawuyikuhamba lathi futhi empini, ukuze isibane sika-Israyeli singacitshwa.”

18 Ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi kwaba lenye impi futhi lamaFilistiya, eGobi. Ngalesosikhathi uSibhekhayi umHushathi wabulala uSafi, omunye wabosendo kaRafa.

19 Kweyinye impi lamaFilistiya njalo eGobi, u-Elihanani indodana kaJayiri umBhethilehema wabulala umfowabo kaGoliyathi umGithi, owayelomkhonto owawuloluthi olunjengogodo lomaluki.

20 Kanti njalo kwenye impi eyalwelwa eGathi, kwakulendoda enkulu kakhulu ileminwe eyisithupha esandleni ngasinye lamazwane ayisithupha enyaweni ngalunye, sekubalwa konke ndawonye kungamatshumi amabili lane. Laye wayengowosendo lukaRafa. 21 Kwathi echothoza u-Israyeli, uJonathani indodana kaShimeya, umfowabo kaDavida, wambulala.

22 Abane laba babengabosendo lukaRafa eGathi, bonke babulawa nguDavida lamabutho akhe.

22

Ihubo LikaDavida Lokudumisa

1 UDavida wahlabelela uThixo amazwi alelihubo lapho uThixo wamsindisa esandleni sezitha zakhe zonke lasesandleni sikaSawuli. 2 Wathi:

“UThixo ulidwala lami, inqaba yami lomsindisi wami;

3 uNkulunkulu wami ulidwala lami, lapho engiphephela khona,

isihlangu sami lophondo lokusindiswa kwami.

Uyinqaba yami, isiphephelo sami lomsindisi wami

uyangisindisa ebantwini abalodlakela.

4 Ngakhuleka kuThixo ofanele ukudunyiswa,

njalo ngikhululwe ezitheni zami.

5 Amagagasi okufa angikhulela;

lezikhukhula zokubhubhisa zangikhulela.

6 Izibopho zengcwaba zangithandela;

imijibila yokufa yangijamela.

7 Ekukhathazekeni kwami ngakhuleka kuThixo;

ngakhala kuNkulunkulu wami.

Esethempelini lakhe walizwa ilizwi lami;

ukukhala kwami kwafika ezindlebeni zakhe.

8 Umhlaba wagedezela wazamazama,

izisekelo zamazulu zanyikinyeka;

zagedezela ngoba wayethukuthele.

9 Intuthu yalanquka emakhaleni akhe;

umlilo ohangulayo waphuma emlonyeni wakhe,

amalahle avuthayo alavuka ephuma kuwo.

10 Waqhekeza amazulu wehlela phansi;

amayezi amnyama ayengaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe.

11 Wagada amakherubhi waphapha;

wantweza phezu kwamaphiko omoya.

12 Wenza umnyama isigubuzelo esimhanqileyo,

amayezi ezulu amnyama asemkhathini.

13 Phakathi kokukhazimula kobukhona bakhe,

izikhatha zombane zalavuza khona.

14  UThixo wakhwaza esezulwini;

ilizwi loPhezukonke lanqenqetha.

15 Waciba imitshoko wazihlakaza izitha,

ngezikhatha zombane waziqothula.

16 Izigodi zolwandle zambulwa

lezisekelo zomhlaba zavezwa obala

ekukhuzeni kukaThixo,

ngomfutho wokuphefumula kwamakhala akhe.

17 Welula isandla sakho usezulwini wangibamba

wangihlenga enzikini yamanzi.

18 Wangihlenga esitheni sami esilamandla,

ezitheni zami ezazingigabhela ngamandla.

19 Zangijamela mhla ngisebunzimeni,

kodwa uThixo waba yinsika yami.

20 Wangikhupha wangibeka endaweni ebanzi;

wangihlenga ngoba wayethokoza ngami.

21  UThixo ungenzele okulingene ukulunga kwami;

wangivuza ngokufanele ukuhlanzeka kwezandla zami.

22 Ngoba ngizigcinile izindlela zikaThixo;

angenzanga okubi ngokufulathela uNkulunkulu wami.

23 Yonke imithetho yakhe iphambi kwami;

angizifulathelanga izimiso zakhe.

24 Ngibe ngilokhu ngimsulwa phambi kwakhe

njalo ngisixwayile isono.

25  UThixo ungivuze ngokufanele ukulunga kwami;

ngokufanele ukuhlanzeka kwami phambi kwakhe.

26 Kwabathembekileyo lawe uthembekile,

kwabamsulwa lawe umsulwa,

27 kwabahlanzekileyo uziveza uhlanzekile,

kodwa kwabangaqondanga uziveza ukhaliphile.

28 Uyabasindisa abathobekileyo;

kodwa amehlo akho akhangele abazigqajayo ukuba ubehlisele phansi.

29 Uyisibane sami, Oh Thixo,

uThixo uguqula ubumnyama bami bube yikukhanya.

30 Ngosizo lwakho ngingaphuma ngimelane lebutho lempi,

ngoNkulunkulu wami ngingawukhwela umduli.

31 Izindlela zikaNkulunkulu uqobo lwakhe ziphelele;

ilizwi likaThixo kalilasici.

Ulihawu labo bonke abaphephela kuye.

32 Ngoba ngubani uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kukaThixo?

Njalo ngubani oliDwala ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu wethu na?

33 NguNkulunkulu ongihlomisa amandla

enze indlela yami iphelele.

34 Wenza inyawo zami zibe njengezempala;

ungenza ngime ezingqongweni.

35 Ufundisa izandla zami ukulwa impi,

izingalo zami zingaligobisa idandili lethusi.

36 Uyanginika isihlangu sakho sokunqoba;

uyazehlisela phansi ukuze ungenze ngibe mkhulu.

37 Uqhelisa indlela enginyathela kuyo,

ukuze inqagala zami zingapheci.

38 Ngaxotshana lezitha zami ngaziqothula;

kangibuyanga ngingakazibhubhisi zonke.

39 Ngaziqothula okupheleleyo, njalo zazingeke zisavuka;

zawela ngaphansi kwezinyawo zami.

40 Wangihlomisa ngamandla okulwa impi;

wenza abaxabana lami bakhothama ezinyaweni zami.

41 Wenza izitha zami zafulathela zabaleka,

njalo ngazibhubhisa izitha zami.

42 Bakhala becela uncedo, kodwa wayengekho owayengabahlenga

kuThixo, kodwa kaphendulanga.

43 Ngabatshaya bacholeka njengothuli lomhlabathi;

ngabagxoba ngabanyathela njengodaka ezindleleni.

44 Ungikhulule ekuhlaselweni yilababantu;

ungigcine ngiyinhloko yezizwe.

Abantu engangingabazi sebebuswa yimi,

45 abezizweni bayatshotshobala phambi kwami;

bathi bengizwa nje ngendaba, bangilalele.

46 Bonke badelile;

beza bethuthumela bevela ezinqabeni zabo.

47  UThixo uyaphila! Alidunyiswe iDwala lami!

Kaphakanyiswe uNkulunkulu wami, iDwala, uMsindisi wami!

48 UnguNkulunkulu ongiphindiselelayo,

obeka izizwe ngaphansi kwami,

49 ongikhululayo ezitheni zami.

Wena wangiphakamisela ngaphezu kwezitha zami;

wangihlenga ebantwini bodlakela.

50 Ngakho ngizakudumisa, Oh Thixo, phakathi kwezizwe;

ngizahlabelela indumiso yebizo lakho.

51 Unika inkosi yakhe ukunqoba okukhulu;

ubonakalisa umusa wakhe ongapheliyo kogcotshiweyo wakhe,

kuDavida lenzalo yakhe kuze kube phakade.”

23

Amazwi KaDavida Okucina

1 La ngamazwi okucina kaDavida:

“Umbono kaDavida indodana kaJese,

umbono womuntu owaphakanyiswa ngoPhezukonke,

umuntu owagcotshwa nguNkulunkulu kaJakhobe,

umhlabeleli wezingoma ka-Israyeli:

2 Umoya kaThixo wakhuluma ngami,

ilizwi lakhe lalisolimini lwami.

3 UNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli wakhuluma,

iDwala lika-Israyeli lathi kimi:

‘Lapho umuntu ebusa abantu ngokulunga,

lapho ebusa ngokwesaba uNkulunkulu,

4 unjengokukhanya kwekuseni ekuphumeni kwelanga

ekuseni okungelamayezi,

njengokukhanya emva kokuna kwezulu

okumilisa utshani emhlabathini.’

5 Indlu yami kayifanelanga kuNkulunkulu na?

Kanje kenzanga lami isivumelwano esingapheliyo

esalungiswayo saqiniswa izigaba zonke na?

Kambe kazukuphumelelisa ukusindiswa kwami

angiphe konke engikufisayo na?

6 Kodwa abantu ababi bonke bazaphoselwa eceleni njengameva,

angabuthwayo ngesandla.

7 Loba ngubani othinta ameva

usebenzisa insimbi loba uluthi lomkhonto;

ayatshiswa ngomlilo khonapho akhona.”

Amaqhawe KaDavida

8 La ngamabizo amaqhawe kaDavida:

UJoshebi-Bhasishebethi umThakemoni wayeyinduna yabaThathu, waphakamisela abantu abangamakhulu ayisificaminwembili umkhonto wakhe, ababulalayo ekuhlaseleni kunye.

9 Yena elandelwa ngu-Eliyazari indodana kaDodo umʼAhohi. Njengomunye wamaqhawe amathathu, wayeloDavida lapho bechothoza amaFilistiya ayebuthanele impi ePhasi Damimi. Lapho-ke abantu bako-Israyeli bahlehlela emuva, 10 kodwa yena wajama wawacakazela phansi amaFilistiya isandla sakhe saze sadinwa sanamathela enkembeni. Ngalelolanga uThixo waletha ukunqoba okukhulu. Amabutho abuyela ku-Eleyazari ukuyahlubula abafileyo kuphela nje.

11 Phansi kwakhe kwakuloShama indodana ka-Ageye umHarari. Kwathi amaFilistiya eseqoqene endaweni eyayilezindumba ezinengi, amabutho ako-Israyeli awabalekela. 12 Kodwa uShama wajama phakathi kwensimu. Wayivikela wawacakazela phansi amaFilistiya, uThixo waletha ukunqoba okukhulu.

13 Ngesikhathi sokuvuna, abathathu ezinduneni ezingamatshumi amathathu baya kuDavida ebhalwini lwase-Adulami, lapho ibutho lamaFilistiya lalimise eSigodini saseRefayi. 14 Ngalesosikhathi uDavida wayesenqabeni, iviyo lamabutho amaFilistiya laliseBhethilehema. 15 UDavida womela amanzi wasesithi, “Oh, sengathi kungaba lomuntu ongangikhela amanzi okunatha emthonjeni oseduze lesango laseBhethilehema!” 16 Ngakho amaqhawe amathathu adabula phakathi kwamaviyo amaFilistiya, akha amanzi emthonjeni eduze lesango laseBhethilehema ahamba lawo kuDavida. Kodwa wala ukuwanatha, esikhundleni salokho wawathela phambi kukaThixo. 17 Wathi, “Akungenzeki, Oh Thixo, ukuba ngenze lokhu. Akusigazi labantu abahambe befake ukuphila kwabo engozini na?” UDavida kawanathanga.

Lezi zaziyizenzo zobuqhawe zalawomabutho womathathu.

18 U-Abhishayi umfowabo kaJowabi indodana kaZeruya wayeyinduna yabaThathu labo. Waphakamisela umkhonto wakhe phezu kwabangamakhulu amathathu, ababulalayo, ngakho waba lodumo njengabaThathu. 19 Kahlonitshwanga kakhulu kulabaThathu na? Waba ngumlawuli wabo, loba engazange abe phakathi kwabo.

20 UBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wayeliqhawe elilesibindi laseKhabhizeli, elenza izenzo zobuqhawe obukhulu. Wabulala amaqhawe amaMowabi amabili ayezintshantshu ekulweni. Wake wangena emgodini wabulala isilwane mhla kulongqwaqwane. 21 Njalo wabulala umGibhithe owayemkhulu kakhulu. Lanxa umGibhithe lowo wayephethe umkhonto, uBhenaya wamhlasela ngenduku. Wawuhluthuna umkhonto esandleni somGibhithe wambulala ngomkhonto wakhe. 22 Lezi zaziyizenzo zobuqhawe zikaBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada; laye futhi wayedume njengamaqhawe amathathu. 23 Wayehlonitshwa kakhulu ukwedlula bonke abangamaTshumi Amathathu, kodwa wayengabalwa kanye labaThathu. UDavida wambeka ukuba abe ngumphathi wabalindi bakhe.

24 Phakathi kwabangamatshumi amathathu labo kwakuyilaba:

U-Asaheli umfowabo kaJowabi,

u-Elihanani indodana kaDodo waseBhethilehema,

25 uShama umHarodi,

u-Elika umHarodi,

26 uHelezi umPhalithi,

u-Ira indodana ka-Ikheshi waseThekhowa,

27 u-Abhiyezeri wase-Anathothi,

uSibhekhayi umHushathi,

28 uZalimoni umʼAhohi,

uMaharayi umNethofa,

29 uHeledi indodana kaBhana umNethofa,

u-Ithayi indodana kaRibhayi owaseGibhiya koBhenjamini,

30 uBhenaya umPhirathoni,

uHidayi wasezindongeni zaseGashi,

31 u-Abhi-Alibhoni umʼAribhathi,

u-Azimavethi umBharihumi,

32 u-Eliyaba umShalibhoni,

amadodana kaJasheni,

uJonathani 33 indodana kaShama

umHarari, u-Ahiyamu indodana kaSharari umHarari,

34 u-Elifelethi indodana ka-Ahasibhayi umʼMahakhathi,

u-Eliyami indodana ka-Ahithofeli umGiloni,

35 uHeziro umKhameli,

uPharayi umʼAribhi,

36 u-Igali indodana kaNathani waseZobha,

indodana kaHagiri,

37 uZelekhi umʼAmoni,

uNaharayi umBherothi, owayethwala izikhali zikaJowabi, indodana kaZeruya,

38 u-Ira umʼIthira,

uGarebhi umʼIthiri

39 kanye lo-Uriya umHithi.

Bebonke babengamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa.

24

UDavida Ubala Abantu Bokulwa

1 Ulaka lukaThixo lwabuya lwavutha phezu kuka-Israyeli, wenza uDavida wamelana labo, esithi, “Hambani liyebala abantu bako-Israyeli labakoJuda.”

2 Ngakho inkosi yathi kuJowabi labalawuli bebutho ababelaye, “Hambani ezizweni zonke zako-Israyeli kusukela koDani kusiya eBherishebha libhale abantu bokulwa, ukuze ngazi ukuthi bangaki.”

3 Kodwa uJowabi waphendula inkosi wathi, “Sengathi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho angandisa amabutho ngokuphindwe okwedlula ikhulu, njalo sengathi lamehlo kamhlekazi wami inkosi angakubona lokho. Kodwa-ke umhlekazi wami inkosi ifunelani ukwenza into enje?”

4 Kodwa ilizwi lenkosi lamenqabela uJowabi kanye labalawuli bebutho; ngakho basuka phambi kwenkosi ukuba bayebhala abantu bokulwa ko-Israyeli.

5 Sebechaphe iJodani bamisa eduze le-Aroweri, eningizimu komuzi edongeni, basebedabula phakathi kwakoGadi besedlulela eJazeri. 6 Baya eGiliyadi lasesabelweni saseThathimi Hodishi, laphambili eDani Jawani lasezindaweni eziseduze kusiya eSidoni. 7 Emva kwalokho baqonda enqabeni yaseThire lakuyo yonke imizi yamaHivi lamaKhenani. Ekucineni, baya eBherishebha eNegebi yakoJuda.

8 Sebelihambe lonke ilizwe, babuyela eJerusalema emva kwezinyanga eziyisificamunwemunye lezinsuku ezingamatshumi amabili.

9 UJowabi wafika wabikela inkosi inani lamadoda ayengalwa empini: Ko-Israyeli kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amahlanu aqinileyo ayelakho ukuthi angayiphatha inkemba, koJuda.

10 Emva kokubala abantu bokulwa uDavida wakhathazeka enhliziyweni yakhe, wasesithi kuThixo, “Ngonile kakhulu ngalokhu engikwenzileyo. Khathesi-ke, awu Thixo, ngiyakuncenga, susa icala lenceku yakho. Ngenze ubuwula obukhulu kakhulu.”

11 UDavida engakavuki ngokusa okwalandelayo, ilizwi likaThixo laselifikile kuGadi umphrofethi, umboni kaDavida, lisithi: 12 “Hamba uyetshela uDavida ukuthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Ngikunika ukuthi ukhethe phakathi kokuthathu. Khetha okukodwa kwakho ukuba ngikwenze kuwe.’ ”

13 Ngakho uGadi waya kuDavida wathi kuye, “Kungehliselwa kuwe indlala yeminyaka emithathu elizweni lakho na? Loba izinyanga ezintathu ubalekela izitha zakho zixotshana lawe na? Kumbe insuku ezintathu zesifo elizweni lakho na? Khathesi-ke cabanga ngakho wenze isinqumo ukuthi ngizamphendula njani lowo ongithumileyo.”

14 UDavida wathi kuGadi, “Ngiphakathi kokukhathazeka okukhulu. Kasiweleni ezandleni zikaThixo, ngoba isihawu sakhe sikhulu, kodwa ungangiyekeli ngiwela ezandleni zabantu.”

15 Ngakho uThixo wathumela isifo ko-Israyeli kusukela ekuseni kwamhlalokho kwaze kwafika isikhathi esasimisiwe, kwafa abantu abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa kusukela koDani kusiya eBherishebha. 16 Kwathi ingilosi isiyelule isandla sayo ukuba itshabalalise iJerusalema, uThixo wayeselusizi ngenxa yomonakalo ngakho wathi engilosini eyayiqothula abantu, “Kwanele! Susa isandla sakho.” Ngalesosikhathi ingilosi kaThixo yayisisesizeni sika-Arawuna umJebusi.

17 Kwathi uDavida ebona ingilosi eyayibulala abantu, wathi kuThixo, “Mina yimi engenze isono ngenza okubi. Laba bayizimvu nje. Kuyini abakwenzileyo? Isandla sakho kasiwele phezu kwami labendlu yami.”

UDavida Wakha I-Alithari

18 Ngalolosuku uGadi waya kuDavida wathi kuye, “Hamba uyekwakhela uThixo i-alithari esizeni sika-Arawuna umJebusi.” 19 Ngakho uDavida wahamba njengokulaya kukaThixo ngoGadi. 20 Kwathi u-Arawuna ekhangela njalo ebona inkosi labantu bayo besiza kuye, waphuma wakhothama phambi kwenkosi ubuso bakhe buthe mbo phansi.

21 U-Arawuna wathi, “Umhlekazi wami inkosi ulandeni encekwini yakhe na?”

UDavida waphendula wathi, “Ngilande ukuzathenga isiza sakho, ukuze ngakhele uThixo i-alithari, ukuze isifo esisebantwini simiswe.”

22 U-Arawuna wasesithi kuDavida, “Umhlekazi wami inkosi kathathe loba kuyini okumthokozisayo anikele ngakho. Nanzi inkabi zomnikelo wokutshiswa, nansi lemibhulo yokubhula kanye lamajogwe enkabi ukuba kube zinkuni. 23 Awu nkosi, u-Arawuna unika inkosi konke lokhu.” U-Arawuna wabuya wathi kuye, “Sengathi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho angakwamukela.”

24 Kodwa inkosi yathi ku-Arawuna, “Hayi, ngiyagcizelela ekuthini ngikuthenge kuwe. Kangiyikunikela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wami umnikelo wokutshiswa ongangibizelanga lutho.”

Ngakho uDavida wasithenga isiza kanye lenkabi ngamashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amahlanu. 25 UDavida wakhela uThixo i-alithari kuleyondawo wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yobudlelwano. Lapho-ke uThixo waphendula ukukhulekelwa kwelizwe, isifo saphela ko-Israyeli.

1 AmaKhosi

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Ugwalo Lwakuqala

LwamaKhosi

1

U-Adonija Uzibeka Ukuba Yinkosi

1 Kwathi inkosi uDavida esemdala kakhulu, wayengasafudumali lanxa elele loba bemembathise kakhulu. 2 Izinceku zakhe zathi kuye, “Kasidinge intombazana yokunakekela inkosi iyifudumeze. Izalala eceleni kwayo ukuze inkosi yethu ifudumale.”

3 Ngakho balibhudula lonke elako-Israyeli bedinga intombi enhle baze bafumana u-Abhishagi, umShunami walethwa enkosini. 4 Intombazana leyo yayinhle kakhulu; yayinakekela inkosi yayilondoloza, kodwa inkosi kayiyenzanga umfazi.

5 Kwathi u-Adonija, unina owayenguHagithi, waziveza wathi, “Yimi engizakuba yinkosi.” Waselungisa izinqola lamabhiza kanye lamadoda angamatshumi amahlanu ukumandulela. 6 (Uyise kazange amkhuze ngokumbuza ukuthi, “Ukwenzeleni konke lokhu?” Laye wayemuhle kakhulu, eselama u-Abhisalomu.)

7 U-Adonija wacebisana loJowabi indodana kaZeruya lo-Abhiyathari umphristi, laba bamsekela. 8 Kodwa uZadokhi umphristi, loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, loNathani umphrofethi, loShimeyi, loReyi kanye labalindi benkosi abamsekelanga u-Adonija.

9 U-Adonija wasesenza umhlatshelo ngezimvu, ngenkomo langamathole anonileyo eLitsheni laseZohelethi eduze le-Eni Rogeli. Wanxusa abafowabo, lamadodana enkosi lawo wonke amadoda akoJuda ayengawesikhosini, 10 kodwa kamnxusanga uNathani umphrofethi loba uBhenaya loba abalindi benkosi loba umfowabo uSolomoni.

11 Ngakho uNathani wabuza uBhathishebha, unina kaSolomoni wathi, “Awukezwa yini ukuthi u-Adonija, indodana kaHagithi, useyinkosi, ezibeka inkosi yethu uDavida ingakakwazi lokho? 12 Khathesi-ke lalela ngikweluleke, ukuze uzisindise wena lokuvikela impilo yendodana yakho uSolomoni. 13 Ngena lapha okulenkosi uDavida khona ufike uthi kuyo, ‘Wena omkhulu nkosi yami, awufunganga na phambi kwami mina sichaka sakho ukuthi: “Ngoqotho sibili indodana yakho uSolomoni uzakuba yinkosi ngemva kwakho, uzahlala esihlalweni sami”? Kungani pho u-Adonija esebe yinkosi?’ 14 Uzakuthi usuphakathi ukhuluma layo inkosi, lami ngizangena ngifike ngigcwalisele lokho ozabe ukutshilo.”

15 Ngalokho-ke uBhathishebha wayayibona inkosi eyayivele isiluphele isendlini yayo, lapho u-Abhishagi ongumShunami ayelondoloza khona inkosi. 16 UBhathishebha wakhothama wazehlisa waguqa phambi kwenkosi.

Inkosi yambuza yathi: “Kuyini okufunayo?”

17 Wathi kuyo, “nkosi yami, wena uqobo lwakho wafunga kimi inceku yakho ngoThixo uNkulunkulu wakho wathi: ‘USolomoni indodana yakho uzakuba yinkosi ngemva kwami, njalo uzahlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi.’ 18 Kodwa khathesi u-Adonija usebe yinkosi, kodwa wena mbusi, nkosi yami awukwazi okwenzakalayo. 19 Usenikele ngenkomo ezinengi, amaguqa anonisiweyo, kanye lezimvu, njalo usenxuse wonke amadodana enkosi, u-Abhiyathari umphristi kanye loJowabi umlawuli webutho, kodwa kamnxusanga uSolomoni inceku yakho. 20 Mbusi wami, nkosi, abako-Israyeli bonke bakukhangele, badinga ukwazi ukuthi ngubani ozahlala esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi ngemva kwakho. 21 Kungenzeka phela ukuthi inkosi yami ingavele iyephumula kubokhokho, mina lendodana yami uSolomoni sizaphathwa njengezigangi.”

22 Kwathi elokhu esakhuluma lenkosi, kwafika uNathani umphrofethi. 23 Bayibikela inkosi bathi, “UNathani umphrofethi ulapha.” Waya phambi kwenkosi wakhothama embele ubuso bakhe phansi.

24 UNathani wabuza wathi, “Kambe, nkosi yami, nguwe na othe u-Adonija uzamele athathe ubukhosi bakho ungasekho wena, utshilo na ukuthi uzahlala esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi? 25 Lamuhla lokhu wehlile wayakwenza umhlatshelo wenkomo ezinengi, amaguqa anonisiweyo, lezimvu. Unxuse wonke amadodana enkosi, abalawuli bamabutho enkosi kanye lo-Abhiyathari umphristi. Khona khathesi nje bayadla benatha kanye laye besitsho besithi, ‘Mpilonde nkosi Adonija!’ 26 Kodwa mina inceku yakho, loZadokhi umphristi, loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, kanye lenceku yakho uSolomoni kasinxusanga. 27 Kambe kungaba yikuthi lokhu inkosi yami ikwenze ingatshelanga izinceku zayo ukuthi ngubani ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi benkosi yami ngemva kokuba inkosi ingasekho?”

UDavida Unika USolomoni Ubukhosi

28 Ngalokho iNkosi uDavida yathi, “Mbize, angene uBhathishebha.” Ngakho weza enkosini wema phambi kwayo.

29 Inkosi yasifunga yathi: “Ngeqiniso lokuthi uThixo wami ngophilayo, lowo owangikhipha ezinhluphekweni zami zonke, 30 ngempela khona lamuhla lokhu ngizagcwalisa lokho engakufunga ngoThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli: uSolomoni indodana yakho uzakuba yinkosi ngemva kwami, njalo uzahlala esihlalweni sami esikhundleni sami.”

31 Ngalokho uBhathishebha wakhothamisa ikhanda ekhangele phansi, kwathi eseguqe phambi kwenkosi, wathi. “Umbusi wami inkosi uDavida kaphile kuze kube nini lanini!”

32 INkosi uDavida yathi, “Ngibizela uZadokhi umphristi, uNathani umphrofethi kanye loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada.” Bathe sebephambi kwenkosi, 33 yathi kubo: “Thathani izinceku zenkosi yenu lihambe lazo liyekhweza uSolomoni indodana yami phezu kwembongolo yami lehle laye liye eGihoni. 34 Khonale uZadokhi umphristi loNathani umphrofethi kuzamele bamgcobe ubukhosi phezu kuka-Israyeli wonke. Livuthele icilongo limemeze lithi, ‘Kayiphile okulaphakade iNkosi uSolomoni!’ 35 Lizakhwela laye, abuye azohlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi aze abuse esikhundleni sami. Sengimkhethile ukuthi abuse phezu kuka-Israyeli lakoJuda.”

36 UBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada waphendula inkosi wathi, “Akube njalo! Kungathi uThixo, uNkulunkulu wombusi lenkosi yami, angakumisa kube njalo. 37 Njengoba uThixo elondoloze umbusi wami oyinkosi, akube njalo lakuSolomoni ukuze enze ubukhosi bakhe bube ngaphezu kwalobo obenkosi yami iNkosi uDavida!”

38 Ngakho uZadokhi umphristi, loNathani umphrofethi, loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada lamaKherethi lamaPhelethi behla bafika bakhweza uSolomoni embongolweni yeNkosi uDavida bamqhuba bamusa eGihoni. 39 UZadokhi umphristi wathatha uphondo lwamafutha ethenteni elingcwele wagcoba uSolomoni. Ngakho bahle bavuthela icilongo, abantu bonke bahlaba umkhosi behaya besithi, “Mpilonde Nkosi Solomoni!” 40 Bonke bamlandela, bavuthela imihubhe bejabula kakhulu, kwaze kwanyikinyeka umhlaba.

41 U-Adonija kanye lezethekeli ezazilaye zawuzwa lumkhosi njengoba bona basebeqedisa ukudla. UJowabi wathi esizwa icilongo wabuza wathi, “Utshoni umsindo wonke lo edolobheni?”

42 Kwathi elokhu esakhuluma kwafika uJonathani indodana ka-Abhiyathari umphristi. U-Adonija wathi, “Ngena phakathi. Indoda eqakathekileyo njengawe kufanele ukuthi isiphathele izindaba ezimnandi.”

43 UJonathani waphendula wathi, “Akulalutho. Inkosi uDavida uMbusi wethu usegcobe uSolomoni ubukhosi. 44 Inkosi isimthumele kanye loZadokhi umphristi, loNathani umphrofethi, loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, lamaKherethi lamaPhelethi, njalo sebehle bamkhweza embongolweni yenkosi. 45 Njalo uZadokhi umphristi loNathani umphrofethi sebehle bamgcobela ubukhosi eGihoni. Besuka lapho bahle bahaya bembuka, kanti ledolobho lonke lihlokoma ngenjabulo. Yiwo lo umkhosi eliwuzwayo. 46 Kunjalo-nje uSolomoni usehle wahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi. 47 Phezu kwalokho izikhulu zesikhosini sezifikile ukuthi zizokwenzela iNkosi uDavida amhlophe zisithi, ‘Sengathi uNkulunkulu wakho angenza ibizo likaSolomoni lidume kulelakho kuthi lesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi sibe lodumo ukwedlula esakho!’ Ngalokho inkosi yakhothama yakhonza isembhedeni wayo 48 yathi, ‘Udumo alube kuye uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, yena ovumele ukuthi ngizibonele ngawami amehlo lowo ozathatha isihlalo sami sobukhosi lamuhla.’ ”

49 Ngenxa yalokhu, izethekeli zika-Adonija zathi lothu zaphakama ngokwethuka zachitheka. 50 Kodwa u-Adonija, ngokwesaba uSolomoni, wahamba wayabamba impondo ze-alithare. 51 USolomoni wasetshelwa ukuthi, “U-Adonija uyayesaba iNkosi uSolomoni ngakho usegagadlele impondo ze-alithare. Uthi yena, ‘INkosi uSolomoni kayifunge kimi lamuhla ithi kayiyikubulala isichaka sayo ngenkemba.’ ”

52 USolomoni waphendula wathi, “Nxa angatshengisela ukuthi uyindoda uqobo lwayo akulanwele lolulodwa lwekhanda lakhe oluzawela emhlabathini; kodwa nxa ebanjwe yikona, uzakufa.” 53 Ngakho iNkosi uSolomoni yathumela amadoda, ayamethula e-alithareni abuya laye. Ngalokho u-Adonija weza wafika wazehlisa wakhothama enkosini uSolomoni, yena uSolomoni wathi. “Hamba, yana emzini wakho.”

2

UDavida Ulaya USolomoni

1 Kwathi isikhathi sokuthi uDavida afe sesisondele, walaya indodana yakhe uSolomoni.

2 Wathi, “Sengiseduze ukuyiphetha indlela yemhlabeni. Ngakho qina, zitshengisele ubudoda bakho, 3 unanzelele lokho okufunwa nguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho: Ukuhamba endleleni yakhe, ugcine imilayo leziqondiso zakhe, imithetho yakhe kanye lezilayezelo zayo: Hamba ezindleleni zakhe, ugcine izimiso zakhe leziqondiso zakhe, imithetho yakhe lokulotshiweyo ngokoMthetho kaMosi, ukuze uphumelele kukho konke okwenzayo kanye lalapho oya khona, 4 ngalokho uThixo uzagcina isithembiso sakhe kimi: ‘Nxa isizukulwane sakho sizananzelela izindlela zokuphila kwaso, njalo sizahamba ngobuqotho phambi kwami ngezinhliziyo zaso lasemoyeni waso, awuyikwehluleka uswele indoda ezahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi ko-Israyeli.’

5 Wena ngokwakho uyakwazi ukuthi uJowabi indodana kaZeruya wenzani kimi lekubulaweni kwabalawuli bamabutho ako-Israyeli, u-Abhineri indodana kaNeri lo-Amasa indodana kaJetha. Wababulala, wachitha igazi ngesikhathi sokuthula kwangathi kusempini, ngalokho igazi langcolisa uzwezwe okhalweni lwakhe lenyathelo ezinyaweni zakhe. 6 Yenza lokho obona kufanele kuye, kodwa ikhanda lakhe elimpunga ungavumeli lingcwatshwe ngokuthula.

7 Kodwa ube lomusa emadodaneni kaBhazilayi weGiliyadi babengabanye balabo abazakudla kanye lawe ethaleni lakho. Bona bema kanye lami nxa ngangibalekela umfowenu u-Abhisalomu.

8 Njalo ukhumbule ukuthi, wena ulendodana kaGera uShimeyi ongowakoBhenjamini oweBhahurimi owangithuka kabuhlungu mhla ngisiya kuMahanayimi. Wathi lapho ezongihlangabeza eJodani, ngafunga ngoThixo ngathi: ‘Angiyikukubulala ngenkemba.’ 9 Kodwa loba kunjalo ungabonakana ukuthi umsulwa. Uyindoda elengqondo ekhaliphileyo, kumele ukwazi ozakwenza kuye. Yethula ikhanda lakhe elimpunga liye emangcwabeni ligcwele igazi.”

10 Kwaba yikwedlula kukaDavida esesiya kubokhokho bakhe abafayo wayangcwatshwa eMzini kaDavida. 11 Wayesebuse okweminyaka engamatshumi amane ko-Israyeli, iminyaka eyisikhombisa eHebhroni kwathi engamatshumi amathathu lemithathu eJerusalema. 12 Ngakho uSolomoni wahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikayise uDavida, umbuso wakhe wagxila waqina.

Ukuzinziswa Kombuso KaSolomoni

13 Kwathi u-Adonija, indodana kaHagithi, waya kuBhathishebha, unina kaSolomoni. UBhathishebha wambuza wathi, “Kambe uza ngokuthula na?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Ye, ngokuthula.” 14 Waqhubekela phambili wathi, “Kukhona engifisa ukukutsho kuwe.”

Wathi, “Ungatsho lokho oza ngakho.”

15 “Njengoba usazi ukuthi ubukhosi bebungobami. U-Israyeli ubekhangele ukuthi yimi inkosi yabo. Kodwa izinto seziguqukile, ubukhosi sebuthethwe ngumfowethu, ngoba yena ubuphiwe nguThixo. 16 Pho khathesi ngilesicelo engiza ngaso kuwe. Ungabokwala.”

Waphendula wathi, “Khuluma isikhalazo sakho.”

17 Yena waqhubekela phambili wathi, “Ngicelela inkosi uSolomoni anginike u-Abhishagi umShunami ukuze abe ngumkami, ngiyazi ngeke ale kuwe.”

18 UBhathishebha waphendula wathi, “Yebo kambe, ngizakukhulumela ngikubike enkosini.”

19 Kwathi uBhathishebha esiyakhulumela u-Adonija enkosini uSolomoni, inkosi yaphakama yamhlangabeza yamkhothamela yasihlala esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi. Yathi kabalethele unina isihlalo sesikhosini, unina wasehlala esandleni sayo sokudla.

20 Unina wathi, “Ungabokwala, ngilesicelo esincane engizasethula kuwe.”

Inkosi yaphendula yathi, “Cela mama, angiyikukuncitsha, angikwaleli.”

21 Unina wasesithi, “Yekela u-Abhishagi umShunami abe ngumfazi womfowenu u-Adonija.”

22 INkosi uSolomoni ephendula unina wathi, “Kungani ucelela u-Adonija u-Abhishagi umShunami? Kuyafanana lokuthi umcelela ubukhosi, kanti njalo yena ngokwakhe umnewethu umdala kulami kanye laku-Abhiyathari umphristi loJowabi indodana kaZeruya!”

23 Ngakho inkosi uSolomoni yasifunga ngoThixo yathi: “Kungani uNkulunkulu angangijezisa mina, loba kabuhlungu kanganani, nxa u-Adonija engasahlawulanga ngokufela lesisicelo esinje! 24 Khathesi-ke, ngeqiniso likaThixo ophilayo, yena kanye ongibeke wangizinzisa esihlalweni sobukhosi bukababa uDavida wangidalela indlu yesikhosini njengokuthembisa kwakhe, u-Adonija uzabulawa lamhlanje!” 25 Ngakho iNkosi uSolomoni yakhipha ilizwi yathuma uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, lakanye wamlahla phansi u-Adonija kwahle kwaba yikufa kwakhe.

26 Ku-Abhiyathari umphristi iNkosi yathi, “Buyela emasimini akho e-Anathothi. Kufanele ufe kodwa angiyikukubulala khathesi, ngoba wathwala ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo Wobukhosi phambi kukababa uDavida waba kanye lobaba esebunzimeni.” 27 Ngakho uSolomoni wasusa u-Abhiyathari esihlalweni sobuphristi bukaThixo, kwagcwaliseka lelolizwi likaThixo alikhuluma eShilo ekhuluma ngendlu ka-Eli.

28 UJowabi ekuzweni lelilizwi, njengoba yena wayekade ebambene lo-Adonija engazange enze lokho lo-Abhisalomu, wabalekela ethenteni likaThixo wafika wadumela impondo ze-alithare. 29 Inkosi uSolomoni yatshelwa ukuthi uJowabi ubalekele ethenteni likaThixo lapha afike wazisondeza e-alithareni. Ngalokho uSolomoni wathi kuBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, “Hamba uyemtshaya umbhuqe.”

30 Lakanye uBhenaya wangena ethenteni likaThixo wathi kuJowabi, “Inkosi ithi, ‘Phuma phandle!’ ”

Kodwa yena waphendula wathi, “Angiphumi, ngizafela khonapha.”

UBhenaya wayabika enkosini wathi, “Yiyonale indlela angiphendule ngayo uJowabi.”

31 Ngalokho inkosi yathi kuBhenaya, “Yenza njengokutsho kwakhe. Umtshaye umbhuqe, uhle umngcwabe, ukuze ungigeze mina kanye lendlu kababa kulowomlandu wegazi elingelacala elachithwa nguJowabi. 32  UThixo uzamjezisa ngegazi alichithayo, ngoba wahlasela wabulala amadoda amabili ngenkemba ubaba inkosi uDavida engakwazi. Bobabili u-Abhineri indodana kaNeri, umlawuli wamabutho ako-Israyeli, kanye lo-Amasa indodana kaJetha, umlawuli wamabutho akoJuda, babengamadoda angcono beqotho kulaye. 33 Kungani umlandu waleligazi labo ungahlala phezu kukaJowabi labenzalo yakhe kuze kube nini lanini. Kodwa inkosi uDavida lenzalo yakhe, lendlu yakhe lesihlalo sobukhosi sakhe, angathi ingehlelwa yikuthula okungapheliyo kukaThixo.”

34 UBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wakhwela wafika wamtshaya uJowabi wambulala wayangcwatshwa esiqintini sakhe enkangala. 35 Inkosi yabeka uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada ukuba abe ngumlawuli webutho esikhundleni sikaJowabi kwathi esikhundleni sika-Abhiyathari yabeka uZadokhi umphristi.

36 Ngakho inkosi yathi kayibizelwe uShimeyi yasisithi kuye. “Zakhele indlu eJerusalema uhlale khonale, kodwa ungayi ndawo. 37 Mhla uzake usuke uchaphe uye eziHotsheni zeKhidironi, uhle wazi ngeqiniso ukuthi uzakufa, igazi lakho lizabizwa phezu kwakho.”

38 UShimeyi wayiphendula inkosi wathi, “Lokho okutshoyo kuqondile. Inceku yakho izakwenza njengoba inkosi yayo itshilo.” Ngakho uShimeyi wahlala eJerusalema isikhathi eside.

39 Kodwa kwathi sekwedlule iminyaka emithathu, izigqili zikaShimeyi ezimbili zabalekela ku-Akhishi indodana kaMahakha, inkosi yeGathi, njalo uShimeyi watshelwa ukuthi, “Izigqili zakho ziseGathi.” 40 Ekuzwa lokhu, wethesa ubabhemi wakhe waya ku-Akhishi eGathi esiyadinga izigqili zakhe. Ngakho uShimeyi wabuya lazo izigqili zakhe evela eGathi.

41 USolomoni esetsheliwe ukuthi uShimeyi wayesuke eJerusalema waya eGathi waze waphenduka, 42 inkosi yambiza uShimeyi yathi kuye, “Angizange ngikufungise ngoThixo njalo ngakuqonqonsela ukuthi, ‘Mhla uzake usuke uye kwenye indawo uhle wazi ukuthi ngempela uzakufa na?’ Ngalesosikhathi wathi kimi, ‘Okutshoyo kuqotho. Ngizalalela.’ 43 Pho kungani ungagcinanga isifungo sakho kuThixo ulalele isiqondiso engakunika sona?”

44 Inkosi njalo yathi kuShimeyi, “Uyakwazi enhliziyweni yakho konke ukona owakwenza kubaba uDavida. Khathesi uThixo uzakujezisa ngokona kwakho. 45 Kodwa iNkosi uSolomoni izabusiswa, isihlalo sobukhosi sikaDavida sizahlala siqinile ngokuzinza phambi kukaThixo kuze kube nini lanini.”

46 Ngakho yakhupha isiqondiso kuBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, yena waphuma wafika wamnqonda uShimeyi wamlahla phansi wahle wambulala.

Ngalokho ubukhosi basebusezandleni zikaSolomoni ngokugcweleyo.

3

USolomoni Ucela Inhlakanipho

1 USolomoni waba lobudlelwano loFaro inkosi yeGibhithe waze wathatha indodakazi yayo. Wayingenisa edolobheni likaDavida inkosikazi yakhe esaqedisa umsebenzi wokwakha ithempeli likaThixo, lomduli ohonqolozele iJerusalema. 2 Kodwa-ke, abantu babelokhu besanikelela ezindaweni eziphakemeyo ngoba ithempeli lalilokhu lilindele ukwakhiwa lisakhelwa ibizo likaThixo. 3 USolomoni watshengisela uthando lwakhe kuThixo ngokuhamba njengokulaya kukayise uDavida, ngaphandle nje kokuthi wanikela iminikelo watshisa impepha ezindaweni eziphakemeyo.

4 Inkosi yaya eGibhiyoni ukuyanikela iminikelo, ngoba kwakuyiyo indawo eqhamileyo kweziphakemeyo, ngakho-ke uSolomoni wanikela ngeminikelo yokutshiswa eyinkulungwane kulelo-alithare. 5 Khonapho eGibhiyoni uThixo waziveza kuSolomoni ebusuku emaphutsheni lapho uNkulunkulu athi, “Cela loba yini ofuna ukuba ngikunike yona.”

6 USolomoni waphendula ngokuthi, “Utshengisile umusa omkhulu encekwini yakho, ubaba uDavida, ngenxa yokuthi wathembeka njalo elungile ngokuqonda enhliziyweni yakhe. Uqhubekele phambili ngomusa omkhulu kangaka wamnika indodana ehlezi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi lamuhla lokhu.

7 Khathesi, Thixo Nkulunkulu wami, uyibekile inceku yakho yaba yinkosi esikhundleni sikababa uDavida. Kodwa ngingumntwana nje ongakwaziyo ukwenza umsebenzi okumele awenze. 8 Inceku yakho ilapha phakathi kwabantu bakho obakhethileyo, abantu abaqakathekileyo, abanengi okungabalwayo noma ukulandisa ngenani labo. 9 Phana inceku yakho inhliziyo elobubelo ukuze ibuse abantu bakho lokuthi yahlukanise phakathi kokuhle lokubi. Ngoba ngubani olamandla okubusa abantu bakho abakhulu kangaka?”

10  UThixo wathokoziswa yilesisicelo sikaSolomoni. 11 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wathi kuye, “Njengoba ucele lokho kodwa ungacelanga impilo ende loba inotho, njalo awucelanga ukuthi ngabe izitha zakho ziyafa kodwa ucele inhliziyo elobubele ekubuseni ngemfanelo, 12 ngizakwenza lokho okucelileyo. Ngizakunika inhliziyo yenhlakanipho kanye lobubele, kube yikuthi akukaze kube khona ofanana lawe, njalo kungelakuthi uzake abekhona. 13 Phezu kwalokho, ngizakunika ongazange ukucele, kokubili inotho lokuhlonitshwa, kube khona ekuphileni kwakho konke njalo kungabi leyodwa inkosi ezalingana lawe. 14 Kanti njalo nxa uzathatha inyathelo lami ulalele imilayo lemithetho yami njengalokhu okwenziwa nguyihlo uDavida, ngizakunika impilo ende.” 15 Ngakho uSolomoni wasephaphama, wananzelela ukuthi kwakuliphupho.

Wabuyela eJerusalema, wayakuma phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo wanikela ngomnikelo wokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula. Wenzela izinceku zakhe zonke zasendlini idili.

Ukwahlulela Okulenhlakanipho

16 Kwasekusiba lezifebe ezimbili ezaya enkosini zafika zema phambi kwayo. 17 Esinye sathi, “Nkosi yami, umama lo sihlala ndlunye. Ngikhululeke ngazuza umntwana laye ekhona. 18 Kuthe ngosuku lwesithathu ngikhululekile laye umama lo wakhululeka wazuza umntwana. Besiyithi sodwa sobabili, kungelamuntu endlini ngaphandle kwethu sobabili.

19 Ebusuku indodana yalumama ifile ngoba usuke walala phezu kwayo. 20 Wasevuka ebusuku wangemuka indodana yami mina ncekukazi yakho ngilele ubuthongo. Uthethe umntanami wayamxhuma ebeleni lakhe, wathatha owakhe ofileyo wamfaka kwelami ibele. 21 Ekuseni ngithe ngivuka ukuba ngimunyise indodana yami, ngathola ukuthi isifile! Kodwa ngithe ngiyayikhangelisisa sokusile ngananzelela ukuthi akusiyo indodana yami engayizalayo.”

22 Omunye owesifazane wathi, “Hayi! Indodana le ephilayo ngeyami, efileyo ngeyakho.”

Kodwa umama wokususa indaba waphikelela esithi, “Hayi bo! Ofileyo ngowakho, ophilayo ngowami.” Ngakho-ke baphikisana phambi kwenkosi.

23 Inkosi yathi, “Lo uthi, ‘Hayi bo! Indodana yami iyaphila kodwa eyakho ifile’ kanti belo loyana uthi, ‘Hayi bo! Eyakho indodana yiyo efileyo kodwa eyami ngephilayo.’ ”

24 Inkosi yasisithi, “Lethani inkemba.” Lakanye inkosi bayiqhubela inkemba. 25 Inkosi yapha isiqondiso yathi, “Dabulani umntwana ophilayo phakathi laphakathi kuthi ingxenye liyiqhubele omunye umama kuthi lomunye laye limnike enye ingxenye.”

26 Owesifazane owayelendodana ephilayo wakhulelwa lusizi ngendodana yakhe ngakho wathi enkosini, “Uxolo, ngiyacela nkosi yami, kungcono umqhubele umntwana ephila, umnike nkosi! Ungambulali umntwana.”

Kodwa omunye wathi, “Kakho phakathi kwethu ofanele ukumzuza lumntwana, mqume iziqa ezimbili!”

27 Inkosi yasiveza ukwahlulela kwayo: “Umntwana ophilayo mupheni umama wakuqala. Lingambulali umntwana, lo nguye unina uqobo.”

28 Kwathi abako-Israyeli sebezwile bonke ukwahlulela kwenkosi, bayesaba kakhulu, ngoba babona ukuthi ukuhlakanipha kwayo kokwahlulela ngemfanelo kuvela kuNkulunkulu.

4

Iziphathamandla Labosibalukhulu BakaSolomoni

1 Ngakho uSolomoni wabusa lonke elako-Israyeli.

2 Njalo ababeyizikhulu embusweni wakhe yilaba:

U-Azariya indodana kaZadokhi umphristi;

3 u-Elihorefu lo-Ahija, amadodana kaShisha ababengonobhala;

uJehoshafathi indodana ka-Ahiludi wayemlondolozi wemibhalo;

4 uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada umlawuli omkhulu;

uZadokhi lo-Abhiyathari babengabaphristi;

5 u-Azariya indodana kaNathani wayekhangele izikhulu zeziqinti;

uZabhudi indodana kaNathani wayengumphristi njalo engumcebisi osekhwapheni lenkosi;

6 u-Ahishari umlawuli wasesigodlweni,

u-Adonirami indodana ka-Abhida wayekhangele izichaka.

7 USolomoni wayelezinye njalo izikhulu zeziqinti ezilitshumi lambili ezazikhangele ngokuqoqwa kokudla kwenkosi lomndlunkulu e-Israyeli. Kwakusithi isikhulu ngasinye silethe ukudla okwenyanga eyodwa ngomnyaka.

8 Nanka amabizo alezozikhulu:

uBheni-Huri wayephethe isiqinti samaqaqa ezweni lika-Efrayimi;

9 uBheni-Dekheri wayephethe eseMakhazi, leseShalibhimi, leseBhethi-Shemeshi kanye lese-Eloni-Bethihanani;

10 uBheni-Hesedi wayephethe ese-Arubhothi (eSokho lakulo lonke ilizwe leHeferi kungumango wakhe);

11 uBheni-Abhinadabi wayephethe eseNaphothi Dori (yena wayethethe uThafathi indodakazi kaSolomoni);

12 uBhana indodana ka-Ahiludi wayephethe eseThanakhi leMegido, lasezindaweni zonke zeBhethi-Shani phansi kweZarethani ngaphansi kweJezerili, kusuka eBhethi-Shani kusiya e-Abheli-Mehola kusuka lapho kuyengena ku-Abheli-Mehola kuquma kuyengena kuJokhimeyamu;

13 uBheni-Gebha eRamothi Giliyadi (imizana kaJayiri indodana kaManase eGiliyadi kwakungokwakhe, kanye lesiqinti se-Agobhi eBhashani kuhlanganisa lamadolobho amakhulu angamatshumi ayisithupha alemiduli lamasango avalwa ngezivalo ezenziwe ngemigqala yensimbi yethusi);

14 u-Ahinadabi indodana ka-Ido eMahanayimi;

15 u-Ahimazi eNafithali (wayethethe uBhasemathi indodakazi kaSolomoni);

16 uBhana indodana kaHushayi ko-Asheri lako-Bheyalothi;

17 uJehoshafathi indodana kaPharuya, ko-Isakhari;

18 uShimeyi indodana ka-Ela koBhenjamini;

19 uGebheri indodana ka-Uri eGiliyadi (elizweni likaSihoni inkosi yama-Amori kanye lelizwe lika-Ogi inkosi yeBhashani). Kwakunguye kuphela umbusi wesiqinti.

Isabelo SikaSolomoni Sokudla Kwensuku Zonke

20 Abantu bakoJuda labako-Israyeli babebanengi okwesihlabathi solwandle; babesidla, benatha njalo babejabula. 21 USolomoni wabusa kulolonke kusukela ezweni leMifula kusiya kwelamaFilistiya, kuze kube semingceleni yeGibhithe. Wonke amazwe la ayethela njalo abuswa nguSolomoni okwempilo yakhe yonke.

22 Okwakufanele kudliwe esigodlweni sikaSolomoni nsuku zonke kwakubalisa ifulawa elicolekileyo elilingana amakhora angamatshumi amathathu lempuphu elingana amakhora angamatshumi ayisithupha, 23 inkabi ezinonisiweyo ezilitshumi lenkomo ezingamatshumi amabili ezivela emadlelweni, izimvu lembuzi ezilikhulu ngaphandle kwempala lemiziki lempunzi lengalukhuni ezinonisiweyo. 24 Ngoba yena wabusa phezu kwemibuso entshonalanga koMfula, kusukela eThiphisa kusiya eGaza, njalo kwakulokuthula kuzozonke lezo zindawo. 25 Ngesikhathi sokubusa kukaSolomoni kuze kufike ekufeni kwakhe elakoJuda lako-Israyeli, kusukela kuDani kusiya kuBherishebha, abantu babehlezi bevikelekile, kungulowo lalowo emthunzini wesihlahla sakhe sevini loba esomkhiwa.

26 USolomoni wayelezibaya zamabhiza enqola zakhe zokulwa eziyinkulungwane ezine, njalo wayelamabhiza azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili.

27 Izikhulu zesiqinti, sinye ngasinye ngenyanga yaso, kwakumele zizophisane ukulethela iNkosi uSolomoni ukudla lemfanelo yakhe lababezokwethekelela esikhosini. Izikhulu lezi zazinanzelela kakhulu ukuthi akukho lokukodwa okusilelayo esikhosini. 28 Izikhulu zaziletha njalo isabelo sazo sengqoloyi lotshani bamabhiza ezinqola zempi lamanye amabhiza.

Ukuhlakanipha KukaSolomoni

29 UNkulunkulu wanika uSolomoni ukuhlakanipha lombono womzwangedwa, lokuqedisisa okujule njengetshebetshebe lolwandle. 30 Ulwazi lukaSolomoni lwalujule ukwedlula olwezazi zonke zaseMpumalanga, njalo lujule ukwedlula ulwazi lonke lwaseGibhithe. 31 Wayehlakaniphe ukwedlula wonke amadoda, kubalwa kanye lo-Ethani umʼEzira, ehlakaniphe ukwedlula uHemani, loKhalikholi loDada, amadodana kaMaholi. Njalo udumo lwakhe lwazwakala ezizweni zonke ezazakhelene laye. 32 Wabumba izaga ezizinkulungwane ezintathu kanti njalo izingoma zakhe zaba yinkulungwane eyodwa lezinhlanu. 33 Wachasisa wahaya izihlahla, kusukela isihlahla somsedari waseLebhanoni lomhisophi okhula emidulini. Wafundisa njalo langezinyamazana lezinyoni, langezinanakazana lenhlanzi. 34 Amadoda ayequbuka evela emhlabeni wonke ukuthi azozizwela ukukhalipha kwengqondo kaSolomoni, wonke lamadoda amanye evela khonapho lamanye evela ezizweni, eza ukuzakuzwa lokhukuhlakanipha.

5

Amalungiselelo Okwakhiwa KweThempeli

1 Kwathi uHiramu inkosi yaseThire esizwa ukuthi uSolomoni ugcotshwe ukuba abe yinkosi athathe isihlalo sikayise, wathumela amanxusa akhe kuSolomoni njengoba wayevele ezwanana loDavida. 2 Yena uSolomoni waphendula uHiramu wathi:

3 “Wena uyakwazi ukuthi ubaba uDavida kenelisanga ukwakhela iBizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe ithempeli ngenxa yezimpi ayezilwa inxa zonke, uThixo waze wamnqobela izitha zakhe. 4 Kodwa khathesi uThixo uNkulunkulu wami ungiphe ukuthula inxa zonke, ngakho akulasitha loba umonakalo. 5 Ngizimisele, ngenxa yalokho, ukwakha ithempeli leBizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wami, njengoba watshela ubaba uDavida wathi, ‘Indodana yakho engizayibeka esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi izakwakhela iBizo lami ithempeli.’

6 Khupha-ke iziqondiso zokuthi ngiganyulelwe izihlahla zomsedari waseLebhanoni. Amadoda avela kimi azasebenza kanye lawe, njalo amadoda avela kuwe ngizawaholisa leloholo ozalitsho wena. Uyakwazi ukuthi asilabo abawaziyo lowomsebenzi ngobuciko obungalingana lobamaSidoni.”

7 UHiramu wathi esizwa ilizwi elivela kuSolomoni, wajabula kakhulu wathi, “Udumo kalube kuThixo lamuhla, ngoba unike uDavida indodana ehlakaniphileyo ezabusa lesisizwe esikhulu.”

8 Ngakho uHiramu wathumela ilizwi kuSolomoni wathi:

“Ngilitholile ilizwi ongithumele lona njalo ngizakwenza konke okuzakuzuzisa izigodo zesihlahla somsedari lesohlobo lwephayini. 9 Amadoda ngapha ngakimi azagamula ahudule izigodo azifikise elwandle evela eLebhanoni, ngibe sengizehlisa ngemikolo ngize ngiyezifikisa lapha ozakutsho khona. Kulapho engizazehlukanisa khona wena ube usuzithathela khonapho uhambe lazo. Wena uzagcwalisa isifiso sami ngokunginika isiqiniseko sokuthi uzanginika ukudla komdlunkulu wami ukuze ungawelwa yindlala.”

10 Ngalindlela uHiramu walethela uSolomoni izigodo zesihlahla somsedari kanye lesephayini ayezifuna, 11 kanti njalo yena uSolomoni wapha uHiramu ingqoloyi elingana amakhora azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili yomndlunkulu, phezu kwamafutha acengekileyo edira angamatanka azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili iminyaka leminyaka. 12  UThixo wapha uSolomoni ingqondo ekhaliphileyo njengokumethembisa kwakhe. Kwaba lokuthula ebudlelwaneni bukaHiramu loSolomoni, kwathi bobabili benza isibopho sokuhlalisana ngokuthula.

13 INkosi uSolomoni yabutha izibhalwa zokusebenza elizweni lonke lako-Israyeli, ezazizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu. 14 Wayezithumela eLebhanoni lezizibhalwa ngezigaba zabantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi izopha ngezopha ngenyanga, kuyikuthi lezizibhalwa zazisebenza eLebhanoni inyanga yonke zibe seziphumula ekhaya okwezinyanga ezimbili. U-Adonirami nguye owayephethe labo ababuthwa babayizibhalwa zomsebenzi. 15 USolomoni wayelabantu bokuthwala abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa kanye lababebaza amatshe abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye munye ezintabeni, 16 kanye lababekhangele abasebenzayo abangamakhulu amathathu lantathu lababebona ngokuqhubeka komsebenzi beqondisa izisebenzi. 17 Ngeziqondiso zenkosi bakhupha inkalakatha zamatshe amahle ukuze kube lamatshe amahle okwakhisa ngawo isisekelo sethempeli esilohlonzi. 18 Izingcitshi zokubaza zikaSolomoni lezikaHiramu lamaGebhali babaza balungisa izigodo lamatshe kusakhiwa ithempeli.

6

USolomoni Wakha IThempeli

1 Ngomnyaka wamakhulu amane lasificaminwembili abako-Israyeli baphuma eGibhithe, ngomnyaka wesine uSolomoni ebusa ko-Israyeli, ngenyanga kaZivi, iyinyanga yesibili, waqalisa ukwakha ithempeli likaThixo.

2 Ithempeli elakhiwa yiNkosi uSolomoni elakhela uThixo lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ububanzi balo, lengalo ezingamatshumi amathathu ukuyaphezulu. 3 Isigaba sekhulusi elingaphambi kwendlu enkulu yethempeli sengezelela ububanzi lokuqhela kwethempeli, ngezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili njalo sasiphutsha ukwedlula indlu enkulu kusiya phambi kwayo ngezingalo ezilitshumi. 4 Amafasitela awenzayo ethempelini ayengamancinyane. 5 Emidulini yendlu enkulu yethempeli lasendlini engcwele ephakathi wakha esinye isimo, kulapho okwaba lezindlwana khona emaceleni. 6 Indawo ephansi kuzozonke yayibanzi okwezingalo ezinhlanu, kuthi iguma laphakathi lalizingalo eziyisithupha kanti-ke iguma lesithathu lalingaba ngeziyisikhombisa. Wakha imithangala ngaphandle kwethempeli ukuze kungabi lalutho olwaluzafakwa phakathi kwemiduli yethempeli.

7 Ekwakheni ithempeli, kwasetshenziswa amatshe ayebazwe alolongwa lapho ayevela khona kuphela, ngakho kwakungezwakali sando, ihloka loba yiphi insimbi yokwakha ethempelini ngesikhathi kusakhiwa.

8 Umnyango weguma laphansi wawungezansi yethempeli; kulamakhwelelo okuya esigcawini saphakathi kuthi kusuka lapho kwedlulele esigcawini sesithathu. 9 Ngakho wakha ithempeli waliqeda, walifulela ngentungo lamapulanka ezigodo zomsedari. 10 Wasesakha izindlwana zalandelela imiduli yethempeli. Ubude bokuya phezulu kwendlwana ngayinye babuzingalo ezinhlanu, njalo zazibanjaniswe lemiduli yethempeli ngemijabo yezigodo zomsedari.

11 Ilizwi likaThixo leza kuSolomoni lathi, 12 “Okwalelithempeli olakhayo, nxa ulandela iziqondiso zami, lemilayo yami ugcine konke engikulaya ngakho ukulandele, ngawe ngizagcwalisa zonke izithembiso engazenza kuyihlo uDavida. 13 Ngizahlala phakathi kwabantu bako-Israyeli njalo angiyikubatshiya abantu bami bako-Israyeli.”

14 Ngakho uSolomoni wakha ithempeli waliqeda. 15 Wacecisa emidulini yangaphakathi ngamapulanka omsedari, wavala ececisa kusukela phansi kusiya ephahleni, walungisa iphansi lethempeli ngamapulanka ezigodo zephayini. 16 Waquma wavala indawo ezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili emsamo wethempeli ngamapulanka omsedari kusukela phansi kusiya ephahleni esakha isiphephelo sangaphakathi kwethempeli, iNdawo eNgcwelengcwele. 17 Indlu enkulu phambi kwaleyo yona yayizingalo ezingamatshumi amane ubude bayo. 18 Ngaphakathi kwethempeli kwakwakhiwe ngomsedari, ubazwe iziduku lamaluba aqhakazileyo. Konke kwakungumsedari, kungabonakali litshe lelilodwa.

19 Walungisa isiphephelo ngaphakathi kwethempeli ukubeka ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo khonapho. 20 Isiphephelo sangaphakathi sasizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ubude, amatshumi amabili ububanzi njalo kungamatshumi amabili ukuyaphezulu. Wahuqa ingaphakathi ngegolide elicengekileyo, wasehuqa le-alithari lomsedari. 21 USolomoni wahuqa ingaphakathi yethempeli ngegolide elicengekileyo, njalo wengezelela amaketane egolide aquma phambi kwesiphephelo sangaphakathi, sona esasihuqwe ngegolide. 22 Ngakho wahuqa ingaphakathi yonke ngegolide. Wasehuqa njalo ngegolide i-alithari elalingelesiphephelo sangaphakathi.

23 Phakathi kwesiphephelo sangaphakathi wenza amakherubhi amabili ngesihlahla somʼoliva, ubude bokuya phezulu ngalinye buzingalo ezilitshumi. 24 Uphiko olulodwa lwekherubhi lakuqala lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu ubude balo, kanye lalolu olunye uphiko lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu, ingalo ezilitshumi kusukela ekucineni kophiko kusiya ekucineni kophiko. 25 Ikherubhi lesibili lalo lalizingalo ezilitshumi, womabili amakherubhi ayelingana njalo efanana isimo. 26 Ubude bokuya phezulu bekherubhi ngalinye babuzingalo ezilitshumi. 27 Amakherubhi wawafaka endlini ephakathi kwethempeli, amaphiko awo echayekile. Uphiko lwelinye ikherubhi lwathinta umduli wangapha kwathi uphiko lwelinye lalo lwathinta umduli ngale, kwathi phakathi laphakathi kwendlu amaphiko awo athintana. 28 Amakherubhi lawo wawahuqa ngegolide.

29 Emidulini indawana yonke ukubhoda ithempeli, ezindlini zangaphakathi lezangaphandle wabaza amakherubhi, lezihlahla zamalala lamaluba aqhakazileyo. 30 Wahuqa njalo iphansi lezindlu zangaphandle lezangaphakathi kwethempeli ngegolide.

31 Emnyango wesiphephelo sangaphakathi wenza izivalo zamapulanka omʼoliva, imigubazi yakhona ilamacele amahlanu. 32 Kwathi ezivalweni zombili zomʼoliva wabaza amakherubhi, lezihlahla zamalala lamaluba aqhakazileyo, wahuqa amakherubhi lezihlahla zamalala ngegolide elikhandiweyo. 33 Ngokufananayo wenza imigubazi elamacele amane ngomʼoliva emnyango wokungena endlini enkulu. 34 Wenza njalo izivalo zomphayini ezimbili, ngasinye singesigoqeka kabili. 35 Wabaza amakherubhi lezihlahla zamalala lamaluba aqhakazileyo kuzo wasewahuqa ngegolide likhandwe lalingana phezu kokubaziweyo.

36 Wakhela njalo iguma langaphakathi imizila emithathu ngamatshe abaziweyo lowodwa owemijabo yomsedari.

37 Isisekelo sethempeli likaThixo samiswa ngomnyaka wesine ngenyanga kaZivi. 38 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye ngenyanga kaBhuli, inyanga yesificaminwembili, kwaba yikuphela kwethempeli lakhiwe njengokumiswa kwalo langeziqondiso zalo. Wayethethe iminyaka eyisikhombisa elakha.

7

USolomoni Wakha Isigodlo Sakhe

1 Kwathatha uSolomoni iminyaka elitshumi lantathu ukuqeda ukwakha isigodlo sakhe. 2 Wakha isiGodlo seGusu leLebhanoni saba side okwezingalo ezilikhulu, lamatshumi amahlanu ububanzi lamatshumi amathathu ukuyaphezulu, sakhelwe phezu kwezinsika zemisedari eziyimizila emine, kulamapulanka omsedari phezu kwayo. 3 Sasifulelwe ngamapulanka omsedari ayephezu kwezinsika ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu, ziyimizila emithathu, umzila ulezinsika ezilitshumi lanhlanu. 4 Kwakulemizila emithathu yamafasitela, ayeqondene. 5 Yonke iminyango yayimiswe yaba magumbi mane; yayimiswe ngaphambili ngamithathu, ikhangelene.

6 Wasesakha lendlu yezinsika, ubude bayo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu, ububanzi bayo bungezingamatshumi amathathu. Phambi kwayo kulekhulusi elilezinsika phambili, lophahla.

7 Wasesakha lendlu yesihlalo sobukhosi, iNkundla Yokwahlulela, lapho ayezathonisela khona amacala, wayendlala ngemisedari kusukela phansi kusiya ephahleni. 8 Isigodlo sakhe ayezahlala kuso sasisegumeni elingemuva kwendlu yokuthonisela amacala, yayakhiwe ngokufananayo. USolomoni wakhela indodakazi kaFaro ayeyithethe, isigodlo esifanana lendlu yenkundla.

9 Zonke lezizakhiwo, kusukela ngaphandle kuze kuyefika egumeni elikhulu phakathi kanye lokusuka esisekelweni kusiya esihlothini, zazakhiwe ngamatshe aqakathekileyo ayebazwe ngesilinganiso esahiwe kuhle ngaphakathi langaphandle kwawo. 10 Izisekelo zakhiwa ngamatshe amakhulu aqinileyo, amanye ayezingalo ezilitshumi amanye njalo ezingalo eziyisificaminwembili. 11 Ngaphezulu kwakulamatshe aqinileyo, ebazwe ngesilinganiso, kanye lemijabo yomsedari. 12 Iguma elikhulu lalibiyelwe ngomduli wemithando emithathu yamatshe yelekene kanye lalowomsedari obazwe kuhle, kanti kwakunjalo lasegumeni lethempeli likaThixo lekhulusini lakhona.

Imiceciso YeThempeli

13 INkosi uSolomoni yathumela eThire ukuba kulethwe uHuramu. 14 Unina wayengumfelokazi owesizwe sakoNafithali ezalwa yindoda eyayingeyeThire njalo eyayiyingcitshi ekubazeni ithusi. UHuramu wayengumuntu ohlakaniphileyo elokuqedisisa njalo wayelobuciko leminwe ekubazeni ithusi. Waya enkosini uSolomoni wafika wenza yonke imisebenzi ayeyiphiwe.

15 Wabumba insika ezimbili zethusi ezazizinde okuzingalo eziyisificaminwembili ukuyaphezulu njalo ubundingilizi bazo zazizingalo ezilitshumi lambili ngomzila. 16 Wabumba njalo iziduku ezimbili zethusi ukuze zifakwe engqongeni yezinsika zona ezazizingalo ezinhlanu ukuyaphezulu inye ngayinye. 17 Amambule amaketane ayephothene acecisa iziduku ezaziphezu kwezinsika eziyisikhombisa esidukwini sinye ngasinye. 18 Wenza imizila emibili yomceciso wamaphomegranathi, igqagqele amambule ukucecisa iziduku phezu kwezinsika. Wenza okufanayo esidukwini sinye ngasinye. 19 Iziduku ezaziphezu kwezinsika ekhulusini zazibunjwe okwemiduze, ziphakeme okwezingalo ezine. 20 Phezu kweziduku ensikeni zombili, ngaphezu kwesigaba esiyingubhe phansi kwamambule, kungamaphomegranathi angamakhulu amabili emizileni inxa zonke. 21 Wakha lezonsika ekhulusini lethempeli. Insika eseningizimu wayibiza ngokuthi nguJakhini kwathi esenyakatho wayithi nguBhowazi. 22 Iziduku ezaziphezulu zazibunjwe okwemiduze. Wapheleliswa kanjalo umsebenzi wezinsika.

23 Wasesenza uLwandle ngensimbi encibilikisiweyo, luyisigombolozi, luyizingalo ezilitshumi ukusuka emphethweni kusiya emphethweni luphakeme okwezingalo ezinhlanu. Ukulinganisa leyondingilizi kwakuthatha intambo ezingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu ukuyizingelezela. 24 Ngaphansi komphetho, kungamaqhagana agqagqeleyo, elitshumi engalweni eyodwa. Amaqhagana la ayebunjwe aba yimizila emibili ensimbininye loLwandle.

25 ULwandle lwalumi phezu kwenkunzi ezilitshumi lambili, ezintathu zikhangele enyakatho, ezintathu zikhangele entshonalanga, ezintathu zikhangele eningizimu kuthi ezintathu zikhangele empumalanga. ULwandle lwalugxile phezu kwazo, imilenze yazo igobele phakathi. 26 Uhlonzi lwalulingana ububanzi besandla, umphetho ufanana lomphetho wenkomitsho, kufanana lokuqhakaza kweluba. Lwalungena izikhelelo ezizinkulungwane ezimbili.

27 Wenza njalo amathala ethusi alitshumi aphakamisekayo ubude bawo buzingalo ezine, lobubanzi buzingalo ezine, ukuphakama kuzingalo ezintathu lilinye. 28 Amathala ayenziwe ngalindlela: Kwakulezisekelo eziya phezulu emaceleni zinanyathiselwe. 29 Kulezozisekelo phakathi kwezinsika eziya phezulu kubunjelwe izilwane, inkunzi lamakherubhi, kuthi kulezonsika eziya phezulu kufanane njalo. Ngaphezulu langaphansi kwezilwane lenkunzi kulezinkatha ezikhandiweyo. 30 Inqodlana nganye ilamavili lama-ekseli ethusi, njalo nganye ilomganu phezu kwezinsika ziceciswe ngemithando ekhandelwe inxa zonke. 31 Ngaphakathi kwenqodlana yinye nganye kuvulekile kuyisigombolozi esitshona okwengalo eyodwa. Isikhala lesi siyisigombolozi ngaphansi kwaso siyingalo elengxenye. Emlonyeni kukhona okwabazelwayo kungumceciso. Okubaziweyo emaceleni kulingana inxa zonke zone, kungayisiyo indingilizi. 32 Amavili womane engaphansi kwamapulanka, lama-ekseli amavili ebotshelwe enqodlaneni. Ububanzi bendingilizi yevili ngalinye bulingana ingalo eyodwa elengxenye. 33 Amavili akhona enziwe njengawenqola yempi, ama-ekseli, amarimu, lezipokisi zawo lamahabha awo enziwe ngensimbi ezitshisiweyo.

34 Inqodlana nganye yayilezibambo ezine, esisodwa sisegumbini linye, sigxile enqodlaneni. 35 Phezu kwenqodlana kulomthando oyisizingelezi esitshona okwengxenye yengalo. Izisekelo lamapulanka kuxhume phezu kwenqodlana. 36 Wabazela khona amakherubhi, izilwane kanye lezihlahla zamalala kuyo yonke indawo ebonakalayo lomceciso inxa zonke. 37 Yiyo-ke le indlela ayenze ngayo izinqodlana ezilitshumi. Zazenziwe ngomkhando munye zilingana ubukhulu zilesimo sinye.

38 Wasebumba imiganu elitshumi ngethusi, umunye uthatha izikhelelo ezingamatshumi amane ububanzi bayo buzingalo ezine, kusithi umganu owodwa ubekwa phezu kwenqodlana nganye yezilitshumi. 39 Wasemisa inqodlana ezinhlanu zazo ngeningizimu yethempeli kwathi ezinhlanu zema enyakatho. ULwandle walubeka eningizimu, ejikweni laseningizimu yempumalanga kwethempeli. 40 Wabumba njalo imiganu lamafotsholo lemiganu yesichelo.

Ngalokho uHuramu wawuphetha umsebenzi ayewenzela inkosi uSolomoni ethempelini likaThixo:

41 Izinsika ezimbili;

iziduku ezimbili ezibunjwe okomganu phezu kwezinsika;

amambule amabili ececise iziduku ezimbili eziyingubhe eziphezu kwezinsika;

42 amaphomegranathi angamakhulu amane amambule womabili (imbule linye lilemizila emibili yamaphomegranathi, acecise iziduku eziyingubhe eziphezu kwezinsika);

43 izinqodlana ezilitshumi lenkonxa zazo ezilitshumi;

44 uLwandle lenkunzi ezilitshumi lambili ngaphansi kwalo;

45 imbiza, amafotsholo lemiganu yesichelo.

Zonke lezizinto ezenzelwa iNkosi uSolomoni nguHuramu ezenzela ithempeli likaThixo zazenziwe ngethusi elikhazimulayo. 46 Inkosi yalungiselela ukuthi zonke zibunjwe ngesithombe somdaka emagcekeni aseJodani phakathi kwaseSukhothi laseZarethani. 47 USolomoni wayekela konke lokhu kungalinganiswanga isisindo sakho, ngenxa yokuthi kwakukunengi kakhulu; ubunzima bensimbi yethusi bungazanga bulinganiswe.

48 USolomoni wenza yonke imiceciso eyayisethempelini likaThixo:

i-alithari legolide;

itafula eliligolide lilesinkwa esiNgcwele sikaNkulunkulu;

49 izinti zezibane zegolide elicengekileyo (ezinhlanu zazo ngakwesokudla njalo zinhlanu langakwesokhohlo, phambi kwesiphephelo esingaphakathi);

okubalazwe ngamaluba, izibane kanye lezindlawu;

50 imiganu yegolide elicengekileyo, izibane, imiganu yokuchelisa, izinditshi leyempepha;

kanye lezibambo zezivalo zingezegolide ezazenzelwe indlu engaphakathi, indawo eNgcwelengcwele, kanti-ke kwakunjalo lezivalweni zendlu enkulu phakathi kwethempeli.

51 Kwathi usuphelile wonke umsebenzi owawenziwe yinkosi uSolomoni ekwakheni kwakhe ithempeli likaThixo, waletha lezompahla ezazinikelwe nguyise uDavida, isiliva legolide layo yonke imiceciso, konke lokhu wakufaka endlini yenotho ethempelini likaThixo.

8

Ibhokisi Lesivumelwano Lilethwa EThempelini

1 Ngakho iNkosi uSolomoni wamema abadala bako-Israyeli ukuthi beze kuye eJerusalema, bonke abazinhloko zezizwana lezinduna zezimuli zako-Israyeli, ukuthi balethe ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lisuka eZiyoni, uMuzi kaDavida. 2 Amadoda wonke ako-Israyeli eza ndawonye enkosini uSolomoni ngesikhathi somkhosi ngenyanga ebizwa ngokuthi ngu-Ethanimi, inyanga yesikhombisa.

3 Kwathi bonke abadala bako-Israyeli sebefikile, abaphristi bathwala ibhokisi lesivumelwano, 4 njalo basebeletha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo kanye leThente lokuHlanganela layo yonke imiceciso engcwele iphakathi kwalo. Abaphristi labaLevi bakuthwala lokhu, 5 njalo inkosi uSolomoni kanye lebandla lonke lako-Israyeli babebuthene ndawonye phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano, benikela ngezimvu langenkomo ababengeke bakwazi ukuloba inani lazo loba ukuzibala.

6 Abaphristi basebeletha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo endaweni yalo engcwele engaphakathi kwethempeli, iNdawo eNgcwelengcwele, basebelifaka ngaphansi kwamaphiko amakherubhi. 7 Amakherubhi elula impiko zawo phezu kwendawo yebhokisi lesivumelwano njalo agubuzela ibhokisi lesivumelwano kanye lezibambo zokulithwala. 8 Izigodo lezi zazizinde zibonakala nxa useNdaweni eNgcwele phambi kwesiphephelo esingaphakathi, kodwa hatshi nxa ungaphandle kweNdawo eNgcwele; lezo zilokhu zimi njalo lalamuhla. 9 Kwakungelalutho ebhokisini lesivumelwano ngaphandle kwezibhebhedu ezimbili zamatshe uMosi ayezifake phakathi kwalo eseHorebhi lapho uThixo enza khona isivumelwano labako-Israyeli ngemva kokuphuma kwabo eGibhithe.

10 Kwathi abaphristi sebesukile eNdaweni eNgcwele, iyezi lagcwala lagubuzela ethempelini likaThixo. 11 Abaphristi abenzanga inkonzo yabo ngenxa yeyezi, ngoba inkazimulo kaThixo yayigcwele ethempelini lakhe.

12 Ngakho uSolomoni wathi, “UThixo utshilo ukuba uzahlala eyezini elimnyama; 13 ngempela sengikwakhele ithempeli elibukekayo, indawo ozahlala kiyo kuze kube nini lanini.”

14 Kwathi ibandla lonke lako-Israyeli lisemi khonapho, inkosi yaphenduka yalibusisa. 15 Ngakho yasisithi:

“Udumo kuye uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, yena ngesandla sakhe ophelelise ukwenza lokho akuthembisa ngowakhe umlomo ethembisa ubaba uDavida. Ngoba wathi, 16 ‘Kusukela mhla ngikhupha abantu bami abako-Israyeli eGibhithe, bengingakaze ngikhethe idolobho loba kukusiphi isizwana sako-Israyeli ukuthi ngakhelwe ithempeli leBizo lami khona, kodwa ngimkhethile uDavida ukuthi abuse abantu bami bako-Israyeli.’

17 Ubaba uDavida wayelakho enhliziyweni yakhe ukuthi akhe ithempeli leBizo likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 18 Kodwa uThixo wathi kubaba uDavida, ‘Wenza kuhle ngokuba lesifiso sokungakhela ithempeli leBizo lami enhliziyweni yakho. 19 Lanxa kunjalo, kakusuwe ozalakha lelothempeli, kodwa lizakwakhiwa yindodana yakho, eyinyama legazi lakho, yiyo ezakwakha ithempeli leBizo lami.’

20  UThixo usigcinile isithembiso asenzayo: Sengiyinkosi esikhundleni sikababa uDavida njalo khathesi sengihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi sika-Israyeli njengokuthembisa kukaThixo, njalo sengakhele iBizo likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ithempeli. 21 Ngilungisile indawo khonaphana eyebhokisi lesivumelwano, kulapho okulesivumelwano sikaThixo asenza labokhokho ekubakhupheni kwakhe kwelamaGibhithe.”

Umkhuleko KaSolomoni Wokunikela

22 Ngalokho uSolomoni wema e-alithareni likaThixo phambi kwebandla lonke lako-Israyeli, welula izandla zakhe waziphakamisela ezulwini 23 wasesithi:

Oh “Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kakho uNkulunkulu onjengawe ezulwini phezulu loba emhlabeni ngaphansi, wena ogcina isivumelwano sakho sothando lezinceku zakho, wena oqhubeka ngenhliziyo yonke endleleni yakho. 24 Usigcinile isithembiso sakho encekwini yakho uDavida ongubaba; ngomlomo wakho uthembisile njalo ngesandla sakho ukugcwalisile lokho njengoba kunjalo lamuhla.

25 Khathesi Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, gcinela inceku yakho uDavida ubaba lezozithembiso owazenzayo lapho wathi, ‘Awuyikwehluleka loba sekutheni ukuzuza indoda ezahlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi ko-Israyeli, nxa amadodana akho ezananzelela ukuhamba phambi kwami njengalokhu okwenzileyo wena.’ 26 Ngakho khathesi, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kaligcwaliseke ilizwi lesithembiso owalikhuluma kubaba uDavida inceku yakho.

27 Kambe uNkulunkulu uzahlala emhlabeni na? Amazulu, kanye lezulu eliphakemeyo, alikulingani. Pho ithempeli leli engilakhileyo lingabe liyini kuwe na! 28 Kodwa-ke akuzwe umkhuleko wenceku yakho lokucela kwayo umusa, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wami. Zwana ukukhala lokukhuleka kwenceku yakho phambi kwakho ngalolusuku. 29 Sengathi amehlo akho angahlala phezu kwalelithempeli ebusuku lemini, yonale indawo owathi wena, ‘IBizo lami lizakuba khonapha,’ ukuze uzwe umkhuleko wenceku yakho ngale indawo. 30 Zwana isikhalazo senceku yakho lesabantu bakho bako-Israyeli nxa bekhuleka bekhangele kule indawo. Zwana usezulwini okuyindawo yakho yokuhlala, njalo nxa usizwa, uthethelele.

31 Nxa umuntu angonela umakhelwane wakhe, afungiswe, abesefunga isifungo phambi kwe-alithari lakho kulelithempeli, 32 zwana usezulwini wenze. Yahlulela phakathi kwezinceku zakho, umlahle olecala, wehlisele ekhanda lakhe lokho akwenzileyo. Tshono ukuthi ongonanga kalacala ukuze uveze ukuba msulwa kwakhe.

33 Nxa abantu bakho abako-Israyeli behlulwe yisitha ngenxa yokona kwabo phambi kwakho, kuthi nxa sebephendukela ngakuwe bebiza ibizo lakho, bekhuleka njalo becela intethelelo kuwe kulelithempeli, 34 lapho-ke zwana usezulwini uthethelele izono zabantu bakho bako-Israyeli njalo ubabuyisele elizweni owalinika okhokho babo.

35 Nxa amazulu evaleka njalo kungaselazulu ngenxa yokuthi abantu bakho bonile phambi kwakho, njalo nxa bekhuleka bekhangele kule indawo bavume ibizo lakho batshiye izono zabo ngoba ubatshayile, 36 lapho-ke zwana usezulwini uthethelele izinceku zakho izono zazo, abantu bakho bako-Israyeli. Bafundise indlela yokuphila eqondileyo, uthumele izulu elizweni owalinika abantu bakho ukuba libe yilifa labo.

37 Nxa kufika indlala kumbe isifo elizweni, ukukhunta lengumane, isikhongwane lemihogoyi, loba behanqwa yizitha kwelinye lamadolobho abo, loba yincithakalo enganani loba ngumkhuhlane onjani ongeza, 38 kuthi lanxa kusenziwa umkhuleko kumbe isicelo ngomunye wabantu bakho bako-Israyeli, ngulowo lalowo ezazela inhlupheko ezinhliziyweni yakhe njalo ephakamisele izandla zakhe kulelithempeli, 39 lalela usezulwini, okuyindawo yakho yokuhlala. Thethelela njalo wenzele umuntu munye ngamunye okuhambelana lezenzo zakhe ngoba wena uyazazi inhliziyo zabo (futhi nguwe wedwa owazi inhliziyo zabantu), 40 yikho bezakwesaba imihla yabo yonke yokuphila beselizweni owalinika okhokho bethu.

41 Owezizweni ongasuye omunye wabantu bakho bako-Israyeli kodwa evela kude ngenxa yodumo lwebizo lakho 42 ngoba abantu bazakuzwa ngelakho ibizo eliqakathekileyo lesandla sakho esilamandla lengalo yakho eyeluliweyo, nxa esiza akhuleke ekhangele kulelithempeli, 43 lapho-ke zwana usezulwini, indawo elilikhaya lakho, wenze loba yini owezizweni ayicela kuwe, ukuze bonke abantu bomhlaba balazi ibizo lakho njalo bakwesabe, njengoba abantu bakho abako-Israyeli bekwenza, baze bazi ukuthi indlu le engiyakhileyo ithwele iBizo lakho.

44 Nxa abantu bakho bephuma besiya empini ukuyakulwa lezitha zabo, loba kungaphi obathuma khona, njalo kuthi nxa bekhuleka kuThixo bekhangele edolobheni olikhethileyo wena kanye lethempelini engalakhela iBizo lakho, 45 lapho-ke zwana usezulwini umkhuleko wabo lokuncenga kwabo, ubaphathise kulokho.

46 Nxa bonile phambi kwakho, ngoba kakho ongoniyo njalo uze ubathukuthelele ubanikele ezitheni zabo ezibathumba zibase ezizweni zazo, ezikhatshana leziseduze; 47 kuthi nxa bengaguquka ezinhliziyweni zabo besemazweni abayabe bethunjelwe kuwo, baphenduke bakuncenge besemazweni abathunjelwa khona bathi, ‘Sonile, senza okungalunganga lokubi,’ 48 njalo nxa bephendukela kuwe ngezinhliziyo zabo zonke langemiphefumulo yabo elizweni lezitha zabo ezabathumbayo, bakhuleke kuwe bekhangele elizweni owalinika oyise, lasedolobheni owalikhethayo lethempeli engilakhele iBizo lakho, 49 ngakho usezulwini, ikhaya lakho zwana imikhuleko yabo lokuncenga kwabo, ubenzele khona lokho. 50 Ubathethelele abantu bakho, abakonileyo wena, bathethelele kukho konke ukona kwabo kuwe, wenze izitha zabo zibe lomusa kubo; 51 ngoba bangabantu bakho njalo bayilifa lakho, bona owabakhipha eGibhithe, esihogweni esivuthayo esincibilikisa insimbi.

52 Sengathi amehlo akho angaba phezu kwenceku yakho ukukhala kwayo lokuncengela kwabantu bakho bako-Israyeli, sengathi ungalalela ukukhala kwabo bekhalaza kuwe. 53 Ngoba wabakhetha phakathi kwezizwe zonke zomhlaba ukuthi babe yilifa lakho, njengoba wakhuluma ngenceku yakho uMosi, lapho wena, Oh Thixo Wobukhosi, wakhipha okhokho bethu eGibhithe.”

54 Kwathi uSolomoni eseqedile imikhuleko le lezikhalazo kuThixo, waphakama wema phambi kwe-alithari likaThixo, lapho ayekade eguqe khona ephakamisele izandla zakhe ezulwini. 55 Waphakama wabusisa ibandla labako-Israyeli ngelizwi eliphezulu wathi:

56 “Udumo kalube kuThixo, yena olethele abantu bako-Israyeli ukuphumula njengokwethembisa kwakhe. Akukho lokukodwa okungenzekanga kuzozonke izithembiso ezinhle azenza ngenceku yakhe uMosi. 57 Sengathi uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu angaba lathi njengoba wayelabokhokho bethu; sengathi angaze asitshiya loba asidele. 58 Sengathi angaguqulela inhliziyo zethu kuye, sihambe ezindleleni zakhe sigcine lemilayo yakhe, imithetho lezimiso azipha okhokho. 59 Sengathi amazwi ami la, engikhuleka ngawo kuThixo, angaba seduze kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu emini lebusuku, ukuze aqinise izikhalazo zenceku yakhe lezikhalazo zabantu bakhe bako-Israyeli kusiya ngeziswelo zabo zemihla ngemihla, 60 ukuze abantu bonke bomhlaba bakwazi ukuthi uThixo unguNkulunkulu lokuthi kakho omunye. 61 Kodwa inhliziyo zenu azigcwale ukuzinikela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, ukuphila ngezimiso zakhe lokulalela imilayo yakhe, njengakhathesi.”

Ukunikelwa KweThempeli

62 Ngalokho inkosi labo bonke abako-Israyeli banikela imihlatshelo yabo phambi kukaThixo. 63 USolomoni wanikela ngomhlatshelo weminikelo yobudlelwano kuThixo; inkomo ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili, izimvu lembuzi ezizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Ngokunjalo inkosi labo bonke abako-Israyeli banikela ithempeli likaThixo.

64 Ngalelolanga inkosi yangcwelisa iphakathi leguma phambi kwethempeli likaThixo, njalo kulapho eyanikela khona ngomnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo wamabele kanye lamafutha eminikelo yobudlelwano ngoba i-alithari lethusi elaliphambi kukaThixo lalilincinyane kakhulu ukuthi kutshiselwe kilo iminikelo yokutshiswa, leminikelo yamabele leminikelo yamafutha obudlelwano.

65 Ngakho uSolomoni wagcina umkhosi ngalesosikhathi ekanye lo-Israyeli wonke, ibandla elikhulu, abantu abavela eLebho Hamathi kusiya eSihotsheni saseGibhithe. Bawuthakazelela phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu okwensuku eziyisikhombisa lezinye eziyisikhombisa njalo zaba litshumi lane sezizonke. 66 Ngosuku olulandelayo inkosi yabachitha. Bayibusisa inkosi basuka baya emakhaya abo, belentokozo bejabula ezinhliziyweni zabo ngakho konke okuhle uThixo ayekwenzele inceku yakhe uDavida kanye labantu bakhe bako-Israyeli.

9

UThixo Ubonakala KuSolomoni

1 USolomoni eseqedile ukwakha ithempeli likaThixo lesigodlo sobukhosi, esenelisile konke ayezimisele ukukwenza, 2  UThixo wabonakala kuye ngokwesibili, njengoba wayebonakele kuye eGibhiyoni. 3  UThixo wathi kuye:

“Sengiwuzwile umkhuleko wakho lesikhalazo osenzileyo phambi kwami; sengilenze labangcwele lelithempeli olakhileyo wena ngokufaka iBizo lami kulo lanininini. Amehlo ami kanye lenhliziyo yami kuzakuba phezu kwalo ngezikhathi zonke.

4 Wena, ungahamba phambi kwami ngobuqotho benhliziyo langokuqonda njengoba uyihlo uDavida akwenza, wenze konke engikulaya ngakho ugcine izimiso zami lemithetho yami, 5 ngizaqinisa isihlalo sakho sobukhosi phezu kuka-Israyeli kuze kube nininini, njengoba ngathembisa uyihlo uDavida lapho ngathi, ‘Awuyikwehluleka ukuzuza indoda esihlalweni sobukhosi ko-Israyeli.’

6 Kodwa nxa wena kanye lamadodana akho lingifulathela lingagcini imithetho lezimiso zami engilinike khona beselisuka liye kwabanye onkulunkulu libakhonze, 7 ngizamthathela u-Israyeli umhlaba engangimnike wona ngilikhalale leli ithempeli esengilingcwelisile ngeBizo lami. U-Israyeli uzadelelwa abe yinhlekisa ebantwini bonke. 8 Lelithempeli lizakuba yinqumbi yamatshe. Bonke abedlula lapha bazakwenyanya bahleke ulunya bathi, ‘Kanti kungani uThixo enze into enje kulelilizwe lakulelithempeli na?’ 9 Abantu bazaphendula bathi, ‘Kungenxa yokuthi sebedele uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo, owakhipha oyise eGibhithe, ngoba sebesuke banamathela kwabanye onkulunkulu, babakhonza njalo babasebenzela yikho-nje uThixo esebehlisele incithakalo yonke le.’ ”

Ezinye Izenzo ZikaSolomoni

10 Ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi amabili, lapho uSolomoni akha khona lezizindlu ezimbili, ithempeli likaThixo kanye lesigodlo sobukhosi, 11 iNkosi uSolomoni wanikela amadolobho angamatshumi amabili aweGalile kuHiramu inkosi yaseThire, ngoba uHiramu wayemnike zonke izigodo zesihlahla somsedari lezephayini legolide ayekufuna. 12 Kodwa uHiramu wathi esesuka eThire esiyabona amadolobho ayewaphiwe nguSolomoni, kazange ajabule ngawo. 13 Wambuza wathi, “Ngamadolobho bani la onginike wona, mfowethu?” njalo wayewabiza ngokuthi yilizwe leKhabhuli, okulibizo alokhu ebizwa ngalo lalamuhla. 14 Kunjalo-nje uHiramu wayethumele uSolomoni igolide elalingamathalenta alikhulu elilamatshumi amabili (120).

15 Nansi imbali yokubanjwa ngamandla kwabantu yiNkosi uSolomoni ukwakha ithempeli likaThixo, ukwakhiwa kwesigodlo sakhe, ledundulu elithiwa yiMilo, lomduli weJerusalema kanye leHazori, iMegido kanye leGezeri. 16 (UFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe wayehlasele wathumba iGezeri. Wayeyithungele ngomlilo wayitshisa. Wayebulele amaKhenani ayehlala khona, yona wasekhunga ngayo indodakazi yakhe, umkaSolomoni. 17 USolomoni waseyakha kutsha iGezeri.) Wakha iBhethi-Horoni esezansi, 18 leBhalathi, kanye leThamari enkangala, phakathi kwelizwe lakhe, 19 kanye lamadolobho ayeyiziphala lemizi yezinqola zakhe zempi kanye lamabhiza akhe lakho konke nje ayengafisa ukukwakha eJerusalema leLebhanoni kanye lakulo lonke ilizwe ayelibusa.

20 Kubo bonke abantu abasalayo bama-Amori, amaHithi, amaPherizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi (lababantu babengasibo ama-Israyeli) 21 okutsho ukuthi, izizukulwane zabo ezasalayo ama-Israyeli angazibulalanga aziqeda, laba uSolomoni wababamba isibhalo sokwenza umsebenzi wakhe wobugqili, njengoba kunjalo lalamuhla lokhu. 22 Kodwa uSolomoni kabenzanga izigqili abako-Israyeli; babengamadoda okumlwela, iziphathamandla zikahulumende, izikhulu zakhe, izinduna, kanye labalawuli bezinqola zakhe zempi labatshayeli bazo. 23 Njalo babeyizikhulu zokukhokhela imisebenzi eqakathekileyo kaSolomoni, izikhulu ezingamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi amahlanu (550) ezazikhangela amadoda ayesenza umsebenzi.

24 Ngemva kokufika kwendodakazi kaFaro esigodlweni eyayisakhelwe nguSolomoni isuka eMzini kaDavida, wakha njalo idundulu elithiwa yiMilo.

25 Kathathu ngomnyaka uSolomoni wanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wobudlelwano e-alithareni ayelakhele uThixo, etshisa impepha phambi kukaThixo kanye lemihlatshelo. Ngalokho wagcwalisa imilandu yezimiso zethempeli.

26 INkosi uSolomoni wakha njalo imikhumbi e-Eziyoni-Gebheri, eseduzane le-Elathi ngase-Edomi, ekhunjini loLwandle oluBomvu. 27 Kunjalo-nje uHiramu wathumela abantu bakhe, abagwedli ababelwazi ulwandle ukuba bayesebenza emikhunjini labakaSolomoni. 28 Bagwedla baya e-Ofiri baphenduka legolide elilesisindo samathalenta angamakhulu amane lamatshumi amabili (420), bayalethula enkosini uSolomoni.

10

Indlovukazi YaseShebha Yethekelela USolomoni

1 Indlovukazi yaseShebha yathi isizwile ngodumo lukaSolomoni lokubambelela kwakhe ebizweni likaThixo, yaya kuye ukuba imlinge ngemibuzo enzima. 2 Ekufikeni kwayo eJerusalema yayiqhuba udwende olukhulu, lamakamela ethwele iziyoliso, igolide elinengi kakhulu lamatshe aligugu, yafika kuSolomoni yakhuluma laye ngakho konke lokho okwakusengqondweni yayo. 3 USolomoni wayiphendula yonke imibuzo yayo, akubanga lalutho olwaba nzima enkosini ukuthi iyichasisele lona. 4 Indlovukazi yaseShebha isiyibonile yonke inhlakanipho kaSolomoni lesigodlo ayesakhile, 5 ukudla okwakusetafuleni lakhe, ukuhlaliswa kwezikhulu zakhe, izinceku zakhe lezembatho zazo, abaphathi benkezo bakhe, leminikelo yokutshiswa ayenzela uThixo ethempelini, yaphela amandla.

6 Yathi enkosini, “Imibiko ebifika ezindlebeni zami elizweni lami ngengqubelaphambili langenhlakanipho yakho iqotho. 7 Kodwa angizange ngikukholwe lokho ngaze ngafika mina ngokwami njalo ngazibonela ngawami amehlo. Ngempela, bengingatshelwanga ngitsho lengxenye nje; ukuhlakanipha kwakho lokuphumelela kwakho kuyayedlula imibiko engayizwayo. 8 Yeka intokozo abalayo abantu bakho! Ziyathokoza iziphathamandla zakho, zona ezima phambi kwakho zizwe inhlakanipho yakho! 9 Udumo kalube kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, yena othokoze ngawe wakubeka esihlalweni sobukhosi bako-Israyeli. Ngenxa yothando olunaphakade lukaThixo ku-Israyeli, ukubekile waba yinkosi, ukuze ugcine ukwahlulela ngemfanelo lokulunga.”

10 Yanika inkosi igolide elingamathalenta alikhulu lamatshumi amabili (120), lenqwabanqwaba zeziyoliso lamatshe aligugu. Akuzange kulethwe iziyoliso ezinengi kangako futhi njengalezo indlovukazi yaseShebha eyazipha iNkosi uSolomoni.

11 (Imikhumbi kaHiramu yaletha igolide livela e-Ofiri; njalo yethula lemithwalo emikhulu yamapulanka amahle lamatshe aligugu. 12 Inkosi yasebenzisa amapulanka amahle njengezinsika zethempeli likaThixo kanye lesigodlo sobukhosi, lokwenza imihubhe lemiqangala yabahlabeleli. Akuzange kubuye kube lamapulanka amahle amanengi kangako angeniswayo elizweni loba abonwayo selokhu kwaba yilelolanga.)

13 INkosi uSolomoni yanika indlovukazi yaseShebha yonke into eyayiyifisa leyayicelayo, ngaphandle kwalokho ayinika khona kuphuma esigodlweni. Yasisuka lodwendwe lwayo yabuyela elizweni lakibo.

Udumo LukaSolomoni

14 Isisindo segolide elalizuzwa nguSolomoni minyaka yonke lalingamathalenta angamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha (666), 15 kungabalwa inzuzo eyayivela emithelweni yabathengisayo labathenga bethengisa kanye leyayivela emakhosini wonke ama-Arabhu kanye lababusi belizwe.

16 Inkosi uSolomoni yenza amahawu amakhulu angamakhulu amabili ngegolide elikhandiweyo; lilinye langena amashekeli angamakhulu ayisithupha. 17 Wenza njalo amanye amahawu amancinyane angamakhulu amathathu ngegolide elikhandiweyo, lilinye lilegugu lokuthathu kwegolide. Inkosi yawafaka esigodlweni seHlathi laseLebhanoni.

18 Inkosi yasisenza isihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu sisekelwa ngempondo zendlovu sihuqwe ngegolide elihle. 19 Isihlalo sobukhosi sasilezinyathelo eziyisithupha, ngemva kwaso phezulu siyindingilizi. Emaceleni aso womabili sasilezeyamelo zengalo, yileso laleso kumi isilwane eceleni kwaso. 20 Izilwane ezilitshumi lambili zazimi ezinyathelweni eziyisithupha, kusithi esisodwa esinyathelweni ngasinye ngapha langapha emaceleni esinyathelo. Akukho okufanana lalokhu okwake kwenziwa lakuwuphi umbuso. 21 Zonke inkezo zenkosi uSolomoni zazingezegolide, lazozonke izitsha zeSigodlweni saseGuswini laseLebhanoni zazingezegolide elicolekileyo. Akukho okwakwenziwe ngesiliva ngoba ngensuku zikaSolomoni igugu lesiliva lalilincinyane kakhulu. 22 Inkosi yayilemikhumbi yokuthengiselana eminengi eyayisolwandle iphathisana lekaHiramu. Yayiphenduka kanye ngemva kweminyaka emithathu ithwele igolide, isiliva kanye lempondo zendlovu, indwangu lenkawu.

23 INkosi uSolomoni yawedlula wonke amakhosi omhlaba ngenotho langenhlakanipho. 24 Umhlaba wonke weza kuSolomoni ukuzokuzwa inhlakanipho uNkulunkulu ayeyifake enhliziyweni yakhe. 25 Minyaka yonke amlethela izipho zesiliva lezegolide, izembatho, izikhali leziyoliso, lamabhiza kanye lezimbongolo.

26 USolomoni waqoqa izinqola zokulwa lamabhiza; wayelezinqola zokulwa eziyinkulungwane elamakhulu amane, amabhiza azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili ayewagcina emadolobheni awezinqola zempi amanye egcinwe kuye eJerusalema. 27 Inkosi yandisa isiliva kwangani ngamatshe eJerusalema, lezihlahla zomsedari zanda kwangani yizihlahla zomkhiwa wesikhamore emawatheni ezintaba. 28 Amabhiza kaSolomoni ayethengwe eGibhithe laseKhuwe, abathengi besikhosini babewathenga eKhuwe. 29 Bathenga inqola yempi eGibhithe ngamashekeli esiliva angamakhulu ayisithupha kanye lebhiza ngamashekeli alikhulu elilamatshumi amahlanu. Babuya bawedlulisa wonke bayawathengisela amakhosi amaHithi kanye lawama-Aramu.

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Abafazi BakaSolomoni

1 Inkosi uSolomoni yayibathanda kakhulu abafazi bezizweni kanye lendodakazi kaFaro, amaMowabi, ama-Amoni, ama-Edomi, amaSidoni lamaHithi. 2 Babengabezizwe uThixo ayethe kwabako-Israyeli, “Lingathathani labo, ngoba bazaguqulela inhliziyo zenu kubonkulunkulu babo.” Lanxa kunjalo, uSolomoni wabambelela kubo ngothando. 3 Wayelabafazi abangamakhulu ayisikhombisa ababezalwa esikhosini labanye abafazi beceleni abangamakhulu amathathu; lakanye abafazi bakhe baphambukisa inhliziyo yakhe. 4 Ekuluphaleni kwakhe uSolomoni, abafazi bakhe baphambulela ukholo lwakhe kwabanye onkulunkulu, inhliziyo yakhe ayizange ilandele uThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe ngokupheleleyo, njengenhliziyo kaDavida uyise. 5 USolomoni walandela u-Ashithorethi unkulunkulu wamaSidoni, loMoleki unkulunkulu onengekayo wama-Amoni. 6 Ngalokho uSolomoni wona phambi kukaThixo; kazange alandele uThixo ngokupheleleyo, njengokwakwenziwe nguyise uDavida.

7 Eqaqeni olusempumalanga yeJerusalema, uSolomoni wakhela unkulunkulu onengekayo wamaMowabi uKhemoshi, loMoleki unkulunkulu onengekayo wama-Amoni indawo yomhlatshelo. 8 Wenza okufananayo kubo bonke abafazi bakhe bezizweni, batshisa impepha banikela ngemihlatshelo kubonkulunkulu babo.

9  UThixo wamthukuthelela uSolomoni ngoba inhliziyo yakhe yayisimfulathele uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, yena ayezibonakalise kuye kabili. 10 Lanxa wayemlayile uSolomoni ukuba angalandeli abanye onkulunkulu, uSolomoni kazange awulandele umlayo kaThixo. 11 Ngakho uThixo wasesithi kuSolomoni. “Njengoba le kuyiyo injongo yakho njalo awugcinanga isivumelwano sami kanye lezimiso zami, lezo engakulaya ngazo, impela ngizawuhluthuna umbuso wakho kuwe ngiwunike omunye wabantu abangaphansi kwakho. 12 Loba kunjalo, ngenxa kaDavida uyihlo, angiyikwenza lokho wena usaphila. Ngizawuhluthuna esandleni sendodana yakho. 13 Kanti njalo angiyikuwuhluthuna wonke umbuso kuyo, kodwa ngizayinika isizwana esisodwa ngenxa kaDavida inceku yami njalo langenxa yeJerusalema, yona esengiyikhethile.”

Izitha ZikaSolomoni

14 Ngakho uThixo wasemvusela isitha uSolomoni, uHadadi umʼEdomi owesikhosini sama-Edomi. 15 Mandulo uDavida esalwa lama-Edomi, uJowabi umlawuli webutho, owayengcwaba abafileyo, wayetshaye wabhuqa wonke amadoda ama-Edomi. 16 UJowabi lawo wonke ama-Israyeli ahlala khonale okwezinyanga eziyisithupha, baze babhubhisa wonke amadoda e-Edomi. 17 Kodwa uHadadi, esesengumfanyana, wabalekela eGibhithe lezinye izikhulu zama-Edomi ezazisebenzele uyise. 18 Basuka eMidiyani baya ePharani. Bathe sebethatha amadoda ePharani behamba lawo, baya eGibhithe, kuFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe, yena owapha uHadadi indlu kanye lomhlaba waze wamnika kanye lokudla.

19 UHadadi wathandeka kakhulu kuFaro, waze wamendisela udadewabo womkakhe, udadewabo kaThaphenesi iNdlovukazi. 20 Udadewabo kaThaphenesi wamzalela indodana eyathiwa nguGenubhathi. UThaphenesi wayondlela esigodlweni, kulapho-ke uGenubathi ahlala khona labantwana bakaFaro.

21 Kwathi uHadadi esezwile eseGibhithe ukuthi uDavida kasekho lokuthi uJowabi induna yempi sewafa, wathi kuFaro: “Ake ungivumele ukuba ngiye elizweni lakithi.”

22 UFaro wathi kuye, “Usweleni lapha okwenza ufune ukubuyela elizweni lakini na?”

UHadadi waphendula wathi, “Akulalutho kodwa ngivumela ngihambe!”

23 UNkulunkulu wamvusela njalo uSolomoni esinye isitha, uRezoni indodana ka-Eliyada owayebalekile enkosini yakhe uHadadezeri inkosi yaseZobha. 24 Waqoqa ixuku labahlamuki waba ngumkhokheli walo ngesikhathi uDavida echitha impi kaZobha; abahlamuki baya eDamaseko lapho bafika bahlala khona bayiphatha leyondawo. 25 URezoni waba yisitha sako-Israyeli ngesikhathi sokuphila kukaSolomoni, wengezelela kuloluhlupho olwasungulwa nguHadadi. Ngakho uRezoni wabusa e-Aramu ehlezi ezonda ilizwe lako-Israyeli.

UJerobhowamu Uhlamukela USolomoni

26 UJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi laye wahlamukela inkosi. Wayekade engesinye sezikhulu zikaSolomoni, engowesizwana sika-Efrayimi evela eZereda, unina owayethiwa nguZeruwa wayengumfelokazi.

27 Le yimbali yokuhlamukela kwakhe inkosi: USolomoni wayakhe walungisa amaguma ayizisekelo, njalo wagcwalisa evala isikhala esasisele emdulini wedolobho likayise uDavida. 28 UJerobhowamu wayeyindoda eyaziwayo, uSolomoni uthe ebona ukuthi wayelijaha elenza kuhle kanganani umsebenzi walo, wambeka induna yezisebenzi zonke endlini kaJosefa.

29 Ngalesosikhathi uJerobhowamu waphuma eJerusalema, wahlangana lomphrofethi weShilo u-Ahija endleleni, egqoke isigqoko esitsha. Bahlangana bebodwa bobabili kuleyondawo, 30 kwathi u-Ahija wathatha isigqoko esitsha ayesigqokile wasidabula iziqa ezilitshumi lambili. 31 Wasesithi kuJerobhowamu, “Wena zithathele iziqa ezilitshumi kulezi, ngoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Khangela, ngizahluthuna umbuso esandleni sikaSolomoni ngikunike izizwana ezilitshumi. 32 Kodwa ngenxa yenceku yami uDavida ledolobho leJerusalema, lona engilikhethileyo phakathi kwazo zonke izizwana zako-Israyeli, ngizamtshiyela isizwana esisodwa. 33 Ngizakwenza lokhu ngoba bangifulathele bakhonza u-Ashithorethi unkulunkulukazi wamaSidoni, loKhemoshi unkulunkulu wamaMowabi, kanye loMoleki unkulunkulu wama-Amoni, njalo abahambanga ngezami izindlela, abenzanga ukulunga phambi kwami, abayigcinanga imilayo lemithetho yami njengalokhu okwenziwa nguDavida uyise kaSolomoni.

34 Kodwa angiyikususa umbuso wonke esandleni sikaSolomoni; ngizamenza ukuba abe ngumbusi okwempilo yakhe yonke ngenxa yenceku yami uDavida, yena engamkhethayo njalo wayilandela imilayo yami wayigcina lemithetho yami. 35 Ngizathatha umbuso esandleni sendodana yakhe ngikunike izizwana ezilitshumi. 36 Ngizanika indodana yakhe isizwana esisodwa ukuze inceku yami uDavida ibe lesibane ngezikhathi zonke phambi kwami eJerusalema, umuzi engakhetha ukufaka iBizo lami. 37 Kodwa-ke, wena ngokwakho, ngizakuthatha, njalo uzabusa phezu kwakho konke njengokufisa kwenhliziyo yakho yonke; uzakuba ngumbusi walo lonke elako-Israyeli. 38 Nxa ungenza engikulaya ngakho uhambe ngezindlela zami wenze okuhle emehlweni ami okunjengokulalela imilayo yami lokulawulwa yimi, njengalokhu okwenziwa yinceku yami uDavida, ungenza njalo ngizakuba lawe. Ngizawuqinisa umbuso wakho njengokaDavida njalo ngizakunika u-Israyeli. 39 Ngizabethula isithunzi abenzalo kaDavida ngenxa yalokhu, kodwa hatshi kuze kube nininini.’ ”

40 USolomoni wazama ukubulala uJerobhowamu kodwa uJerobhowamu wabalekela eGibhithe, enkosini uShishakhi, njalo wahlala khonale uSolomoni waze wafa.

Ukufa KukaSolomoni

41 Ezinye izehlakalo ezenzakala ekubuseni kukaSolomoni lakho konke akwenzayo lenhlakanipho yakhe ayitshengiselayo akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali kaSolomoni na? 42 USolomoni wabusa eJerusalema phezu kuka-Israyeli okweminyaka engamatshumi amane. 43 Kwaba yikho ukufa kwakhe eselandela oyise njalo wangcwatshwelwa emzini kaDavida uyise. URehobhowami indodana yakhe yathatha ubukhosi ngemva kwakhe.

12

U-Israyeli Uhlamukela URehobhowami

1 URehobhowami waya eShekhemu, njengoba abako-Israyeli bonke babeye khona ukuyambeka ukuba abe yinkosi. 2 UJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi wakuzwa lokhu (elokhu eseGibhithe, lapho ayebalekele khona ebalekela inkosi uSolomoni) wabuya evela eGibhithe. 3 Ngakho bakhupha ilizwi lokunxusa uJerobhowamu; kwathi yena labo bonke abako-Israyeli baya kuRehobhowami bafika bathi kuye: 4 “Uyihlo wasethesa ijogwe elinzima kakhulu, wena phungula lumthwalo olochuku lejogwe elinzima esaletheswa nguyihlo, yikho sizakukhonza.”

5 URehobhowami waphendula wathi: “Sukani lapha okwensuku ezintathu beseliphenduka libuye kimi.” Ngakho abantu bahamba.

6 INkosi uRehobhowami wabuza abadala besizwe ababehlale njalo basebenza loyise uSolomoni esaphila. Wababuza abadala wathi: “Lingangicebisa ukuthi ngibaphendule ngithini lababantu?”

7 Baphendula bathi, “Nxa lamuhla ungaba yinceku yalababantu, ubasebenzele, ukhulumisane labo kuhle, bazahlala bezinceku zakho.”

8 Kodwa uRehobhowami kazange akwamukele ukucebisa kwabadala wakhetha ukudinga ulwazi kwabayintanga yakhe ababekhule bonke njalo kuyibo abasebezinceku zakhe. 9 Wababuza wathi, “Seluleko bani elilaso? Singabaphendula sithini lababantu abathi kimi, ‘Ake uphungule ubunzima esabetheswa nguyihlo?’ ”

10 Amajaha ayeyintanga yakhe amphendula athi, “Batshele lababantu abathi kuwe, ‘Uyihlo wasethesa ubunzima, akusiphungulele lobubunzima’ uthi kubo, ‘Ucikilicane wami uqatha kulokhalo lukababa. 11 Ubaba walethesa ubunzima, mina ngizabungezelela. Ubaba walitshaya ngezaswebhu, mina ngizalilumisa ngenkume.’ ”

12 Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu uJerobhowamu labo bonke abantu babuyela kuRehobhowami, njengalokho okwakutshiwo yinkosi ukuthi, “Phendukani lize kimi ngemva kwensuku ezintathu.” 13 Inkosi yasiphendula abantu ngolaka. Yalahla izicebiso eyayiziphiwe ngabadala, 14 yalandela ukucebisa kwabatsha, yathi, “Ubaba walethesa ijogwe elinzima, mina ngizalenza libe nzima okuphindiweyo. Ubaba walixathula ngemichilo, mina ngizalintinyela ngenkume.” 15 Ngakho inkosi ayizange ibalalele abantu, ngoba lokhu okwakusenzakala ngokwakuvela kuThixo, ukugcwalisa ilizwi likaThixo elaphiwa uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi ngo-Ahija waseShilo.

16 Kwathi bonke abako-Israyeli sebebonile ukuthi inkosi yalile ukubalalela, bayiphendula inkosi bathi:

“Silesabelo bani kuDavida,

yingxenye bani endodaneni kaJese?

Emathenteni enu bako-Israyeli!

Gcina indlu yakho, wena kaDavida!”

Ngakho abako-Israyeli babuyela emakhaya. 17 Kodwa uRehobhowami waqhubeka ebabusa abako-Israyeli ababehlala emadolobheni akoJuda.

18 INkosi uRehobhowami yathuma u-Adoniramu, owayephethe izibhalwa, kodwa bonke abako-Israyeli bamkhanda ngamatshe bambulala. Kodwa iNkosi uRehobhowami, yona yenelisa ukubaleka ngenqola yempi yaya eJerusalema. 19 Kusukela ngalesosikhathi abako-Israyeli bayihlamukela indlu kaDavida kuze kube lamuhla.

20 Kwathi bonke abako-Israyeli besizwa ukuthi uJerobhowamu usebuyile bambizela enkundleni lapho abafika bambeka ukuba abe yinkosi yalo lonke elako-Israyeli. Isizwana sakoJuda saba yiso sodwa esasala sibuswa yindlu kaDavida.

21 Kwathi uRehobhowami esefike eJerusalema wabuthanisa bonke abakoJuda labakoBhenjamini, amadoda empi azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili ukuba bayekulwa labako-Israyeli ukuze babuyisele uRehobhowami indodana kaSolomoni esihlalweni sobukhosi.

22 Kodwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu leza kuShemaya inceku kaNkulunkulu. 23 “Tshono kuRehobhowami indodana kaSolomoni inkosi yakoJuda, kubo bonke abendlu kaJuda lekaBhenjamini, lakubo bonke abanye abantu uthi, 24 ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo ukuthi: Lingahambi ukuyakulwa labafowenu, abako-Israyeli. Yanini emakhaya enu, munye ngamunye, ngoba lokhu okwenzakalayo kuvela kimi.’ ” Ngakho balilalela ilizwi likaThixo babuyela emakhaya abo, njengokulaywa kwabo nguThixo.

Amathole Egolide EBhetheli Kanye LakoDani

25 UJerobhowamu wasesakha iShekhemu elizweni lamaqaqa elako-Efrayimi wahlala khonale. Esuka lapho waphuma wayakwakha ePheniweli.

26 UJerobhowamu wacabanga wathi, “Umbuso usuzabuyela endlini kaDavida. 27 Nxa abantu laba bangayanikela imihlatshelo ethempelini likaThixo eJerusalema, bazaphinda baphe usekelo lwabo enkosini, uRehobhowami inkosi yakoJuda. Bazangibulala babuyele enkosini uRehobhowami.”

28 Ngemva kokudinga ukwelulekwa, inkosi yenza amathole egolide amabili. Yasisithi ebantwini, “Kunzima kakhulu kini ukuthi liye eJerusalema. Nampa onkulunkulu benu, Oh Israyeli, abalikhupha eGibhithe.” 29 Wasemisa elinye eBhetheli, elinye njalo eDani. 30 Lokhu kwaba yisono; abantu babesiya khonale eDani ukuyakhonza lelo elalikhonale.

31 UJerobhowamu wakha amathempeli ezindaweni eziphakemeyo wasebeka abaphristi emihlotsheni yonke yabantu, lakulabo ababengasibo abaLevi. 32 Wamisa umkhosi ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu ngenyanga yetshumi lasificaminwembili, owawunjengomkhosi owasusenziwa koJuda, wanikela imihlatshelo e-Alithareni. Lokhu wakwenza eBhetheli, enikela ematholeni ayewenzile. LeBhetheli wabeka abaphristi ezindaweni eziphezulu ayezenzile. 33 Ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga yesificaminwembili, inyanga ayezikhethele yona, wanikela imihlatshelo e-alithareni ayelakhile eBhetheli. Ngakho wamisa umkhosi kwabako-Israyeli waya e-alithareni ukuyanikela imihlatshelo.

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Umuntu KaNkulunkulu Ovela KoJuda

1 UJerobhowamu esemi e-alithareni ukuze atshise impepha, kwafika umuntu kaNkulunkulu eBhetheli evela koJuda elelizwi likaThixo, 2 walethula e-alithareni lelilizwi likaThixo elithi: “Wena alithare! Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo ukuthi, ‘Kuzazalwa indodana endlini kaDavida, ibizo lakhe lizakuba nguJosiya. Izakwenza umhlatshelo phezu kwakho ngabaphristi bezindawo eziphakemeyo okwakhathesi abenza iminikelo khona lapha, lamathambo abantu azatshiselwa phezu kwakho.’ ” 3 Ngalolosuku umuntu kaNkulunkulu wenza isibonakaliso esithi: “Lesi yisiboniso esivela kuThixo: I-alithari lizadatshulwa phakathi lomlotha ophezu kwalo uzachithwa.”

4 Inkosi uJerobhowamu isizwile isikhalazo sendoda evela kuNkulunkulu nge-alithare leBhetheli yelulela isandla sayo e-alithareni, yathi, “Mbambeni!” Kodwa isandla leso ayeselulile soma wehluleka ukusifinyeza. 5 Kwathi i-alithari lalo ladatshulwa phakathi umlotha walo walahlwa, njengokwesibonakaliso esasethulwe ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu ngelizwi likaThixo.

6 Inkosi yathi emuntwini kaNkulunkulu, “Ake ungincengele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, ungikhulekele, ukuba isandla sami sisiliswe sibuyele esimeni saso.” Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wasemncengela kuThixo, lesandla sikaJerobhowamu sasiliswa saba njengakuqala.

7 Wasesithi emuntwini kaNkulunkulu: “Ake siye ekhaya ukuba udle, ngizakunika umvuzo.”

8 Kodwa umuntu kaNkulunkulu wayiphendula inkosi wathi, “Loba ungaze unginike ingxenye yenotho yakho, kangihambi lawe; kangiyikudla ukudla, njalo angiyikunatha amanzi kulindawo; 9 ngoba ngilaywe ngelizwi likaThixo ukuthi: ‘Ungabokudla ukudla, unganathi amanzi njalo ungaphenduki ngendlela oze ngayo.’ ” 10 Ngakho wabuyela ngenye indlela, kasabuyelanga ngendlela ayeze ngayo eBhetheli.

11 Kwakulomphrofethi omdala owayehlala eBhetheli, okweza kuye amadodana akhe amtshela ngokwakwenziwe ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu ngalolosuku. Amadodana atshela uyise lokuthi indoda leyo yayitheni enkosini. 12 Uyise wasebuza amadodana ukuthi: “Pho angabe uhambe ngayiphi indlela?” Amadodana atshengisa uyise indlela eyathathwa ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu owavela koJuda. 13 Wasesithi emadodaneni akhe, “Lungisani ubabhemi lingifakele isihlalo phezu kwakhe.” Kwathi sebemlungisele wagada ubabhemi 14 walandela umuntu kaNkulunkulu, wamfica ehlezi ngaphansi kwesihlahla somʼOkhi wambuza wathi, “Nguwe umuntu kaNkulunkulu na ovela koJuda?”

Indoda yathi, “Yebo yimi.”

15 Ngakho umphrofethi wasesithi kuye, “Woza siye ekhaya uzokudla.”

16 Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wathi, “Angingeke ngiphenduke ukuthi ngibuyele lawe emuva, njalo angingeke ngidle ukudla loba nginathe amanzi lawe kule indawo. 17 Ilizwi likaThixo lifike kimi lathi, ‘Ungadli ukudla kwalapha, unganathi lamanzi akhona njalo ungabobuyela ngendlela oze ngayo.’ ”

18 Umphrofethi omdala wamphendula wathi, “Lami ngingumphrofethi njengawe. Ingilosi seza kimi ngelizwi likaThixo sathi: ‘Ubomletha umbuyisele emuva endlini yakho ukuze ayekudla isinkwa njalo anathe lamanzi.’ ” (Kodwa wayeqamba amanga.) 19 Ngakho umuntu kaNkulunkulu wabuyela laye wafika wadla ukudla wanatha lamanzi endlini yakhe.

20 Besahlezi endaweni yokudlela, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuye umphrofethi omdala owayemphendule wabuyela laye emuva. 21 Wakhuluma kulowomuntu kaNkulunkulu owayevela koJuda wathi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Usuphikise ilizwi likaThixo awusagcinanga imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akulaya ngayo. 22 Uphenduke endleleni wafika wadla ukudla wanatha lamanzi lapho utshelwe ukuthi ungaze wadla ukudla kumbe unathe amanzi akhona. Ngenxa yalokho isidumbu sakho asisayikungcwatshwa emangcwabeni abokhokho bakho.’ ”

23 Kwathi umuntu kaNkulunkulu eseqedile ukudla lokunatha, umphrofethi owayemphendule endleleni wambuyisela emuva wafaka isihlalo sakhe phezu kukababhemi wamkhweza. 24 Uthe esengene indlela yakhe, kwavela isilwane endleleni sambulala, isidumbu sakhe sasala phansi emgwaqweni, kwathi ubabhemi wema ngapha kwesidumbu lesilwane sime ngale kwaso. 25 Abantu ababesedlula lapho babona isidumbu siwele khonapho emgwaqweni, isilwane simi eceleni phansi kwesidumbu, bedlulela edolobheni bayabikela umphrofethi omdala lapho ayehlala khona.

26 Kwathi umphrofethi owayemphendule endleleni ehambeni lwakhe ekuzwa lokhu, wathi, “Ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu odelele ilizwi likaThixo. UThixo umnikele esilwaneni, esimphoqoze sambulala, njengoba ilizwi likaThixo belimxwayisile.”

27 Umphrofethi wathi emadodaneni akhe, “Ngilungiselani ubabhemi limethese isihlalo.” Akwenza lokho amadodana, 28 wasesuka esiya khonale lapho afumana khona isidumbu endleleni, ngapha kumi isilwane ngale kungubabhemi emaceleni aso. Isilwane asizange sisithinte isidumbu kanti njalo sasivele singazange simthinte lobabhemi. 29 Ngakho umphrofethi wathatha isidumbu somuntu kaNkulunkulu, wasikhweza kubabhemi, wasithwalela edolobheni lakhe lapho afika amlilela khona njalo wamngcwaba khona. 30 Wasebeka isidumbu engcwabeni lakhe, wamlilela wathi, “Maye, umfowethu!”

31 Ngemva kokumngcwaba, wathi emadodaneni akhe, “Ekufeni kwami, lingingcwabe engcwabeni lona leli okungcwatshwe khona umuntu kaNkulunkulu; libeke amathambo ami ndawonye lamathambo akhe. 32 Ngoba ilizwi alimemezelayo ngelizwi likaThixo phezu kwe-alithari eBhetheli laphezu kwazo zonke indawana zomhlatshelo eziphakemeyo emadolobheni aseSamariya lizagcwaliseka.”

33 Langemva kwalokhu, uJerobhowamu kazange aguqule izindlela zakhe zokona, waqhubeka ekhetha abaphristi bendawo eziphakemeyo edobha nje ingqe ngubani ebantwini. Kwakusithi loba ngubani ofuna ukuba ngumphristi wayemgcobela indawo eziphezulu. 34 Lesi kwakuyisono sendlu kaJerobhowamu esakhokhelela ekuweni lasekudilikeni kwayo kayaze yaba khona emhlabeni.

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Isiphrofethi Sika-Ahija Esibi NgoJerobhowamu

1 Ngalesosikhathi u-Abhija indodana kaJerobhowamu wagula, 2 uJerobhowamu wathi kumkakhe, “Hamba, uzifihle ngesinye isimo, ukuze kungabikhona ozakunanzelela ukuthi ungumkaJerobhowamu. Ube ususiya eShilo. U-Ahija umphrofethi ukhonale onguye owangitshela ukuthi ngizakuba yinkosi yabantu laba. 3 Uthathe izinkwa ezilitshumi, amakhekhe athile kanye legabha loluju, ube ususiya kuye. Uzakutshela okumele kwenzakale emntwaneni.” 4 Ngakho umkaJerobhowamu wenza lokho ayekutshilo wasesiya endlini ka-Ahija eShilo.

U-Ahija wayengasaboni, eseyisiphofu ngenxa yokuluphala. 5 Kodwa uThixo wayetshele u-Ahija ukuthi, “UmkaJerobhowamu uyeza uzokubuza ngendodana yakhe, iyagula, njalo uzamnika impendulo le lale ngalokhu lalokhuyana. Ekufikeni kwakhe uzakwenza kungathi kayisuye ezifihla.”

6 Kwathi u-Ahija esizwa izisinde zakhe phandle wahle wema emnyango, wathi, “Ngena, Nkosikazi kaJerobhowamu, kanti ngokwani ukuzenzisa? Ngithunywe kuwe ngilombiko omubi. 7 Hamba, uyetshela uJerobhowamu ukuthi lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: ‘Ngakondla wakhula phakathi kwabantu ngakwenza umkhokheli wabantu bami bako-Israyeli. 8 Ngaxebula umbuso endlini kaDavida ngawunika wena, kodwa awuzange wenze njengenceku yami uDavida, yena owagcina imilayo yami njalo wangilandela ngayo yonke inhliziyo yakhe, esenza konke okuhle phambi kwami. 9 Wonile okudlula bonke abakwandulelayo. Usuzidalele abanye onkulunkulu, izithombe ezikhandwe ngensimbi, ungithukuthelisile ngazonda njalo ungifulathele.

10 Ngenxa yalokho ngizakwehlisela incithakalo endlini kaJerobhowamu. Ngizabhubhisa bonke abesilisa bokucina ekuzalweni kwabakaJerobhowamu ko-Israyeli loba yisigqili loba okhululekileyo. Ngizayitshisa indlu kaJerobhowamu kungathi ngibase ubulongwe, ize iphele du. 11 Izinja zizabadla bonke abakaJerobhowamu abafele edolobheni, lezinyoni zemkhathini zizazitika ngalabo abafela emaphandleni. UThixo usekhulumile!’

12 Wena, buyela ekhaya. Uzakuthi ubeka unyawo lwakho edolobheni umfana ahle afe. 13 U-Israyeli uzalila amngcwabe. Nguye yedwa kwabakaJerobhowamu ozangcwatshwa, ngoba nguye yedwa endlini kaJerobhowamu, uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, amthole enze ukulunga.

14  UThixo uzazivusela owakhe umbusi ozakuba yinkosi phezu kuka-Israyeli, ozachitha imuli kaJerobhowamu. Lamuhla yikho ukuqala kwakho lokho.* 15  UThixo uzamtshaya u-Israyeli, kungathi ngumhlanga uzunguzeka emanzini. Uzamquphuna u-Israyeli elizweni lakhe elihle alinika okhokho bakhe abachithe ngaphetsheya komfula uYufrathe, ngoba uThixo bamvuse ulaka ngokwenza izinsika zikankulunkulukazi u-Ashera. 16 Njalo uzamlahla u-Israyeli ngenxa yezono zikaJerobhowamu azenzileyo wakhokhelela lo-Israyeli ukuzenza.”

17 UmkaJerobhowamu wasuka lapho waqonda eThiza. Wathi enyathela egumeni, indodana yafa. 18 Bayingcwaba njalo, u-Israyeli wonke wayililela njengoba uThixo wayetshilo ngenceku yakhe umphrofethi u-Ahija.

19 Ezinye izehlakalo zombuso kaJerobhowamu, izimpi lokuthi wabusa njani, kulotshiwe egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli. 20 Wabusa okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili wasesiyaphumula labokhokho bakhe ekufeni. Indodana yakhe uNadabi wathatha isikhundla sakhe waba yinkosi.

URehobhowami Inkosi YakoJuda

21 URehobhowami indodana kaSolomoni waba yinkosi wabusa koJuda. Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amane lanye eqalisa ukubusa, wabusa okweminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa eJerusalema idolobho elakhethwa nguThixo phakathi kwezizwana zonke zako-Israyeli ukubeka iBizo lakhe. Unina wayenguNahama; engowase-Amoni.

22 AbakoJuda bona phambi kukaThixo. Ngokona lokhu, bavusa ubukhwele bolaka lwakhe ukwedlula okwakwenziwe ngoyise. 23 Bazakhela njalo indawo eziphakemeyo zeminikelo, amatshe azilayo lezinsika zika-Ashera ezintabeni zonke langaphansi kwemithunzi yezihlahla eziyizithingithingi. 24 Kwakukhona lapho amadoda afeba lamanye amadoda ezindaweni zemihlatshelo phakathi kwelizwe; abantu ababesenza wonke amanyala ezizwe uThixo ayezixotshile phansi kwabako-Israyeli.

25 Ngomnyaka wesihlanu kaRehobhowami, uShishakhi inkosi yaseGibhithe wahlasela iJerusalema. 26 Wabutha yonke inotho yethempeli likaThixo kanye lenotho yesigodlo sobukhosi. Wahuquluza konke kanye lamahawu enziwe ngegolide ayekhandwe nguSolomoni. 27 Ngakho iNkosi uRehobhowami yakhanda amahawu ethusi ukwenanisa lawo yawabela abakhokheli babalindimasango besigodlweni. 28 Kwakusithi nxa inkosi isiya ethempelini likaThixo, abalindi babewathwala amahawu lawo, baphinde bawabuyisele endlini yabalindi.

29 Ezinye izehlakalo ekubuseni kukaRehobhowami, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda? 30 Kwahlala kulempi phakathi kukaRehobhowami loJerobhowamu. 31 URehobhowami wakhothama, wangcwatshwa labokhokho bakhe eMzini kaDavida. Unina wayenguNahama, engumʼAmoni. U-Abhija indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi waba yinkosi ngemva kukayise.

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U-Abhija Inkosi YakoJuda

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili wokubusa kukaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, u-Abhija waba yinkosi yakoJuda, 2 njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka emithathu. Ibizo likanina lalinguMahakha indodakazi ka-Abhisalomu.

3 Wenza zonke izono ezazisenziwa nguyise, inhliziyo yakhe yayingekho ekukhonzeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe, inganjengenhliziyo kaDavida ukhokho wakhe. 4 Kungenani, ngenxa kaDavida uThixo uNkulunkulu wamnika isibane eJerusalema ngokuveza indodana eyayizathatha isihlalo sakhe langokuqinisa iJerusalema. 5 UDavida wayekwenzile konke okufaneleyo emehlweni kaThixo njalo kehlulekanga ukugcina imilayo kaThixo kuzozonke insuku zokuphila kwakhe ngaphandle kwendaba ka-Uriya umHithi.

6 Kwaba lempi phakathi kukaRehobhowami loJerobhowamu ngasosonke isikhathi sokuphila kuka-Abhija. 7 Okunye okumayelana lombuso ka-Abhija, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda? Kwaba lempi phakathi kuka-Abhija loJerobhowamu. 8 U-Abhija waphumula laboyise wangcwatshwa emzini kaDavida. U-Asa indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi bukayise.

U-Asa Inkosi YakoJuda

9 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili okubusa kukaJerobhowamu inkosi yako-Israyeli, u-Asa waba yinkosi yakoJuda, 10 wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amane lowodwa. Ibizo likagogo wakhe lalinguMahakha indodakazi ka-Abhisalomu.

11 U-Asa wenza okubukekayo phambi kukaThixo, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe nguDavida uyise. 12 Waxotsha abesilisa ababefeba ngokwenzana abafazi, wadiliza zonke izithombe ezazakhiwe ngoyise. 13 Waze waxotsha kanye logogo wakhe uMahakha wamsusa esihlalweni sokuba yindlovukazi yomndlunkulu, ngoba wayebumbe isithombe esilihlazo sika-Ashera. U-Asa wasidilizela phansi lesisithombe wayasitshisela eSigodini saseKhidironi. 14 Noma engadilizanga izindawo eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela, inhliziyo ka-Asa yayinamathele kuThixo impilo yakhe yonke. 15 Waletha ethempelini likaThixo isiliva legolide lonke uyise kanye laye ababekunikele lezinye impahla.

16 Kwaba lempi phakathi kuka-Asa loBhasha inkosi yako-Israyeli ekubuseni kwabo bonke. 17 UBhasha inkosi yako-Israyeli waqophana loJuda wasesakha umuzi weRama ukuvimbela loba ngubani owayezama ukuphuma loba ukungena elizweni lika-Asa inkosi yakoJuda.

18 U-Asa wasethatha isiliva sonke legolide elalisele eziphaleni zokuligugu ethempelini likaThixo lokwakusesigodlweni sakhe. Wakubeka ezandleni zezikhulu zakhe wazithumela kuBheni-Hadadi indodana kaThabhrimoni, oyindodana kaHeziyoni, inkosi yase-Aramu, owayebusa eDamaseko. 19 “Akubekhona ubudlelwano phakathi kwami lawe,” watsho, eqhubeka wathi, “njengoba kwakunjalo phakathi kukayihlo lobaba. Khangela ngikuthumela izipho zesiliva legolide. Wena quma ubudlelwano bakho loBhasha inkosi yako-Israyeli yikho ezaphuma elizweni lami.”

20 UBheni-Hadadi wavumelana lenkosi u-Asa wasethumela abalawuli bamabutho akhe ukuyahlasela amadolobho ako-Israyeli. Wanqoba ele-Ijoni, eleDani, ele-Abheli-Bhethi-Mahakha lalo lonke elaseKhinerethi kanye leNafithali. 21 UBhasha wathi ekuzwa lokhu, wema ukwakha iRama wasehlehlela eThiza. 22 Inkosi u-Asa yaquma ukuthi kungasali muntu kulolonke elakoJuda. Basebethutha eRama bethwala amatshe lamapulanka ayekade esetshenziswa nguBhasha kuleyondawo. Ngalokho inkosi u-Asa yakha iGebha kwelakoBhenjamini, leMizipha.

23 Konke okumayelana lombuso ka-Asa, lalokho anqoba kikho, lamadolobho wonke ayewakhile, akulotshwanga na egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda? Kodwa-ke, ekuluphaleni kwakhe, waba lomkhuhlane ezinyaweni zakhe. 24 Ngakho u-Asa waya ekuphumuleni wangcwatshwa laboyise emzini kayise uDavida. Kwathi indodana yakhe uJehoshafathi wathatha isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi.

UNadabi Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

25 UNadabi indodana kaJerobhowamu waba yinkosi yabako-Israyeli ngomnyaka wesibili ka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda, njalo wabusa abako-Israyeli okweminyaka emibili. 26 Wona wenza okubi emehlweni kaThixo, wahamba ngendlela kayise lasezonweni zakhe, lezo ezazibangele ukuthi u-Israyeli angene kuzo adale isono.

27 UBhasha indodana ka-Ahija owendlu ka-Isakhari waceba ukumbulala. Wambulala eGibhethoni elinye lamadolobho amaFilistiya, ngesikhathi uNadabi labo bonke abako-Israyeli belihanqile. 28 UBhasha wabulala uNadabi ngomnyaka wesithathu wombuso ka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda wasehlala esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi.

29 Waqalisa ukubusa wahle wabulala bonke abendlu kaJerobhowamu. Kazange atshiyele uJerobhowamu loyedwa kodwa wabhubhisa bonke elandela ilizwi likaThixo eleza lenceku yakhe u-Ahija waseShilo 30 ngenxa yezono zikaJerobhowamu ayezenzile njalo enguye owabangela ukuthi u-Israyeli one, ngoba wathukuthelisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

31 Ezinye izehlakalo ekubuseni kukaNadabi, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga na egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli? 32 Kwaba lempi phakathi kuka-Asa loBhasha inkosi yako-Israyeli ngesikhathi sonke sokubusa kwabo.

UBhasha Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

33 Ngomnyaka wesithathu ka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda, uBhasha indodana ka-Ahija waba yinkosi yalo lonke elako-Israyeli laseThiza, njalo wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lane. 34 Wona phambi kukaThixo, wahamba ngendlela kaJerobhowamu lezono zakhe, lezo abangela u-Israyeli ukuthi azenze.

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1 Ilizwi likaThixo leza kuJehu indodana kaHanani lisongela uBhasha lisithi: 2 “Ngakususa othulini ngakwenza umkhokheli wabantu bami bako-Israyeli, kodwa wasuka wahamba ngezindlela zikaJerobhowamu njalo wabangela abantu bami bako-Israyeli ukuthi bone bangithukuthelise ngezono zabo. 3 Ngakho sekufanele ngichithe uBhasha labendlu yakhe, njalo indlu yakho ngizakwenza ifanane lekaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi. 4 Bazadliwa yizinja abangabakaBhasha abazafela edolobheni, kanti izinyoni zasemoyeni zizakudla labo abazafela emangweni.”

5 Okunye okumayelana lombuso kaBhasha, akwenzayo lokuphumelela kwakhe, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli? 6 UBhasha waphumula laboyise wembelwa eThiza. Kwathi u-Ela indodana yakhe yathatha ubukhosi yabusa.

7 Njalo ilizwi lafika livela kuThixo ngoJehu indodana kaHanani lisiya kuBhasha labendlu yakhe, ngoba kulezono ezinengi ayezenzile emehlweni kaThixo, wamthukuthelisa ngezinto abazenzayo, waze wafanana labendlu kaJerobhowamu kanye lokuthi wayichitha.

U-Ela Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

8 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesithupha wokubusa kuka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda, u-Ela indodana kaBhasha waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli njalo wabusa eThiza okweminyaka emibili.

9 UZimri, esinye sezikhulu zakhe, owayelawula ingxenye yezinqola zempi, waceba ukumbulala. U-Ela wayeseThiza ngalesosikhathi, esidla edakwa endlini ka-Ariza, indoda eyayiphethe isigodlo saseThiza. 10 UZimri wangena, wamtshaya wambulala. Kwakungumnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa wokubusa kuka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda. Wasethatha isikhundla sakhe sobukhosi waba yinkosi.

11 Uthe eqalisa ukubusa esehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi, wabulala bonke abendlu kaBhasha. Katshiyanga ndoda noma kuyisihlobo loba kungumngane. 12 Ngakho uZimri wabhubhisa bonke abendlu kaBhasha, kwaba njengokwatshiwo nguThixo owasongela uBhasha ngomphrofethi uJehu 13 ngenxa yazo zonke izono azenzayo uBhasha lendodana yakhe u-Ela; benza lo-Israyeli wona kwaze kwaqubula uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, wazonda ngenxa yezithombe zabo eziyize.

14 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso ka-Ela, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini encwadini yembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli?

UZimri Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

15 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa wokubusa kuka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda, uZimri wabusa eThiza okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. Ibutho lalisenkambeni yaseGibhethoni, idolobho lamaFilistiya. 16 Abako-Israyeli bathi sebezwile ukuthi uZimri wakha icebo lokubulala inkosi lakanye wayibulala, babeka u-Omri, umlawuli webutho wahle waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli mhlalokho enkambeni. 17 U-Omri labo bonke abako-Israyeli bahlehla basuka eGibhethoni bayavimbezela iThiza. 18 UZimri uthe ebona ukuthi idolobho laselithethwe, waya enqabeni yesigodlo senkosi wathungela isigodlo sesikhosini ngomlilo lapho ayekhona. Ngakho wafa, 19 ngenxa yezono azenzayo, esenza okubi phambi kukaThixo njalo kwakungaselamuntu ohamba ngendlela zikaJerobhowamu lasezonweni ayengene kuzo lalezo ayebangela u-Israyeli ukuba azenze.

20 Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kukaZimri, lomvukela ayewenzile, akulotshwanga na ogwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli?

U-Omri Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

21 Kwasekusiba lokudabukana phakathi kwabantu bako-Israyeli, abanye babesekela uThibhini indodana kaGinathi ukuthi abe yinkosi, abanye besekela u-Omri. 22 Kodwa-ke kwabasobala ukuthi abalandeli baka-Omri bayabakhulela abakaThibhini indodana kaGinathi. Ngakho uThibhini wafa u-Omri waba yinkosi.

23 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lanye ka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda, u-Omri waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli, wabusa okweminyaka elitshumi lambili, eyisithupha yayo eseThiza. 24 Wathenga uqaqa lwaseSamariya kuShemeri ngamathalenta amabili esiliva njalo wakha idolobho phezu koqaqa lolo walibiza ngokuthi Samariya, elubiza ngoShemeri, owayekade engumnikazi walo.

25 Kodwa u-Omri wona waba lezono phambi kukaThixo, njalo yena wona okwedlula bonke abamandulelayo. 26 Wahamba ngazozonke izindlela zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi kanye lasezonweni zakhe, abangela ukuthi u-Israyeli azenze, ngalokho baqubula uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, wazonda ngenxa yezithombe zabo eziyize.

27 Okwembali yokubusa kuka-Omri, akwenzayo kanye layephumelele kukho, akulotshwanga na ogwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli? 28 U-Omri waphumula kuboyise wembelwa eSamariya. Kwathi u-Ahabi indodana yakhe wabusa ngemva kwakhe.

U-Ahabi Uba Yinkosi Yako-Israyeli

29 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lasificaminwembili wokubusa kuka-Asa inkosi yakoJuda, u-Ahabi indodana ka-Omri waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli, njalo wabusa eSamariya kwabako-Israyeli okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili. 30 U-Ahabi indodana ka-Omri waba lezono ezingaphezu kwalabo abamandulelayo phambi kukaThixo. 31 Kwathi lanxa ebona kungasilutho ukungena ebubini bukaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, wathatha uJezebheli indodakazi ka-Ethibhali inkosi yamaSidoni, waseqalisa ukukhonza lokusebenzela uBhali. 32 Wakhela uBhali i-alithari ethempelini likaBhali ayelakhe eSamariya. 33 U-Ahabi wenzela u-Ashera insika njalo kunengi akwenzayo okwathukuthelisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, okwedlula wonke amakhosi ako-Israyeli amandulelayo.

34 Ngezinsuku zika-Ahabi uHiyeli waseBhetheli wakha kutsha iJerikho. Ukubekwa kwezisekelo zayo kwathatha impilo yezibulo lakhe u-Abhiramu kwathi lasekumiseni amasango alo kwathatha impilo yecinathunjana lakhe uSegubi, kwagcwaliseka ilizwi likaThixo ayelikhulume ngoJoshuwa indodana kaNuni.

17

U-Elija Uphiwa Ukudla Ngamawabayi

1 U-Elija umThishibi owayevela ngaseThishibi eGiliyadi, wasesithi ku-Ahabi, “Njengoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, engimkhonzayo ephila, akuyikuba lamazolo njalo akuyikuba lezulu okweminyaka embalwa ezayo ngaphandle kokuba ngitsho.”

2 Ngakho ilizwi likaThixo lafika ku-Elija lisithi: 3 “Suka lapho, khangela empumalanga uyecatsha eDongeni lwaseKherithi, empumalanga kweJodani. 4 Uzanatha amanzi avela kulesosifula, njalo sengilayile amawabayi ukuthi azabe ekulethela ukudla khonapho.”

5 Ngakho wenza lokho okwakutshiwo nguThixo. Waya eDongeni lwaseKherithi, empumalanga yeJodani, wafika wahlala khona. 6 Amawabayi amlethela ukudla, isinkwa lenyama ekuseni kwathi lantambama kwaba yisinkwa lenyama, amanzi wayenatha esifuleni.

Umfelokazi WaseZarefathi

7 Ngemva kwesikhathi amanzi atsha esifuleni ngoba kwakungelazulu elizweni. 8 Ngakho kwabuye kwafika kuye ilizwi likaThixo lisithi: 9 “Suka khathesi uye eZarefathi yeSidoni uyehlala khona. Sengilungisile khona ukuthi umfelokazi uzakulungisela abe ekupha ukudla.” 10 Wasesiya eZarefathi. Uthe efika esangweni ledolobho, kwakukhona umfelokazi edobha incwathi. Wazibika kuye njalo ecela wathi, “Ungangilethela amanzi ngenkezo kenginathe na?” 11 Uthe esayathatha amanzi, wambiza njalo wathi, “Ngicela ungiphathele locezu lwesinkwa.”

12 Umfelokazi waphendula wathi, “Ngeqiniso lanjengoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ephila, angilaso isinkwa kodwa ngilengcosana nje yefulawa engcebethwini encane lamafutha angenganani ediweni. Ngidobha incwathi lezi nje ngiya lazo ngekhaya ukuze ngiyezigoqozela engingakudla mina lendodana yami, kube yikho esizakudla andubana sife.”

13 U-Elija wathi kumfelokazi, “Ungesabi. Hamba uye ekhaya uyekwenza khonokho okutshoyo. Kodwa uqale ungiphekele iqebelengwane eliyisinkwa ngalokho olakho ube usuliletha lapha kimi, andubana uziphekele okwakho lendodana yakho. 14 Ngoba lokhu yikho uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli akutshiloyo: ‘Impuphu esengcebethwini kayiyikuphela, lamafutha asediweni kawayikuphela, kuze kufike usuku uThixo azanisa ngalo izulu elizweni?’ ”

15 Wasuka lapho wayakwenza njengalokho ayekutshilo u-Elija. Ngakho kwahlala kulokudla kuka-Elija lomfelokazi labendlu yakhe okwensuku zonke. 16 Ngoba ifulawa eyayisengcebethwini ayiphelanga, kanti njalo lamafutha agobhoza kokuphela kazaphela njengokutsho kukaThixo ku-Elija.

17 Ngemva kwesikhatshana indodana yomfelokazi owayengumninindlu yagula. Wakhula umkhuhlane ngamandla, yaze yema ukuphefumula. 18 Umfelokazi wathi ku-Elija, “Kanti kuyini ongizondela khona, wena muntu kaNkulunkulu? Kambe ungabe ulande ukuzangikhumbuza ngesono sami ukuze ubulale indodana yami na?”

19 U-Elija waphendula wathi, “Nginika indodana yakho.” Wayiphatha ngezandla indodana, wakhwela layo waya endlini ephezulu ayehlala kuyo, wayilalisa embhedeni wakhe. 20 Wasecela ngamandla kuThixo esithi. “Yebo Thixo Nkulunkulu wami, wehlisele umonakalo lakulo umfelokazi engihlezi kuye na, ngokubangela ukufa kwendodana yakhe na?” 21 Wasezelula ecambalala phezu komfana kathathu ecela kuThixo, esithi, “Wena Thixo Nkulunkulu wami, ake ubuyisele impilo yalumntwana!”

22  UThixo wakuzwa ukukhala kuka-Elija lakanye impilo yomfana yabuyela, wavuka waphila. 23 U-Elija wamphakamisa umntwana wamthwalela endlini ephansi. Wamqhubela unina wasesithi kunina, “Khangela ubone, indodana yakho iyaphila!”

24 Umfelokazi wasesithi ku-Elija, “Khathesi sengisazi ukuthi ungumuntu kaNkulunkulu lokuthi ilizwi likaThixo elivela emlonyeni wakho liliqiniso.”

18

U-Elija Lo-Obhadaya

1 Ngemva kwesikhathi eside, ngomnyaka wesithathu, ilizwi likaThixo lezwakala ku-Elija lisithi: “Hamba uyezibika ku-Ahabi, ngizanisa izulu elizweni.” 2 Lakanye u-Elija wahamba wayazibika ku-Ahabi.

Ngalesosikhathi indlala yayinkulu kakhulu eSamariya, 3 njalo u-Ahabi wayebize u-Obhadaya, owayengumlindi wesigodlo sakhe. (U-Obhadaya wayekholwa kakhulu kuThixo. 4 Lapho uJezebheli wayebulala abaphrofethi bakaThixo, u-Obhadaya wayethethe abalikhulu wayabafihla ezimbalwini ezimbili, bengamatshumi amahlanu ebhalwini lunye, wabathumela ukudla lamanzi.) 5 U-Ahabi wayethe ku-Obhadaya, “Ngena elizweni lonke emaxhaphozini lasezihotsheni. Mhlawumbe singathola khona utshani bokupha amabhiza lezimbongolo zethu ukuze singabulali leyodwa yezinyamazana zethu.” 6 Ngakho behlukaniselana isigaba somhlaba ababezawuhlola. U-Ahabi wakhangela le kwathi lo-Obhadaya laye waya le.

7 Kwathi u-Obhadaya ezihambela nje, wahlangabezwa ngu-Elija. U-Obhadaya wamnanzelela, wakhothamela phansi emhlabathini, wasesithi, “Kambe nguwe sibili, nkosi yami Elija?”

8 U-Elija waphendula wathi, “Yebo. Hamba uyetshela inkosi yakho ukuthi, ‘U-Elija ulapha.’ ”

9 U-Obhadaya wabuza wathi, “Ngoneni kanti okwenza unikele inceku yakho ezandleni zika-Ahabi ukuba ibulawe? 10 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ephila, akukho sizwe loba umbuso lapho inkosi yami ingazange ithume izithunywa ukuba zikudinge khona. Kuthe laloba isizwe loba umbuso ulandula ukuba awukho khonale, ubenze bafunga ukuthi abangeke bakuthole. 11 Kodwa khathesi usungithuma ukuthi ngiye enkosini ngiyeyitshela ukuthi, ‘U-Elija ulapha.’ 12 Angikwazi ukuthi uMoya kaThixo uzakusa ngaphi mhla ngakutshiyayo. Nxa ngingayatshela u-Ahabi akudinge akuswele, uzangibulala. Kunjalo-nje mina nceku yakho ngimkhonzile uThixo kusukela ebutsheni bami. 13 Awukezwa yini, nkosi yami, engakwenzayo uJezebheli ebulala abaphrofethi bakaThixo na? Ngafihla abalikhulu ezimbalwini ezimbili, bengamatshumi amahlanu kolulodwa, ngabapha ukudla lamanzi. 14 Njalo khathesi usungithuma ukuba ngiye enkosini yami ngiyeyitshela ngithi, ‘U-Elija ulapha.’ Kusobala ukuthi izangibulala!”

15 U-Elija wathi, “Njengoba uThixo uSomandla engimkhonzayo ekhona, ngizazinikela ngempela ku-Ahabi lamuhla.”

U-Elija Entabeni IKhameli

16 Ngakho u-Obhadaya wahlangabeza u-Ahabi wayamtshela, u-Ahabi wayahlangabeza u-Elija. 17 Uthe ebona u-Elija, wathi kuye, “Nguwe wena, wena oluhlupho ko-Israyeli?”

18 U-Elija waphendula wathi, “Angibanganga hlupho ko-Israyeli. Kodwa nguwe labendlu kayihlo abalubangileyo. Selitshiye imilayo kaThixo lalandela oBhali. 19 Biza abantu kulolonke elako-Israyeli ngiyehlangana labo eNtabeni iKhameli. Njalo letha bonke abaphrofethi bakaBhali abangamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu labaka-Ashera abangamakhulu amane, abadlela etafuleni kaJezebheli.”

20 U-Ahabi wakhupha ilizwi kulolonke elako-Israyeli wahlanganisa abaphrofethi labo eNtabeni iKhameli. 21 U-Elija wema phambi kwabantu wathi, “Lizathandabuza kuze kube nini ngeminakano emibili le na? Nxa uThixo enguNkulunkulu mlandeleni kodwa nxa uBhali enguNkulunkulu, mlandeleni.”

Kodwa abantu abazange batsho lutho.

22 Ngakho u-Elija wasesithi kubo, “Yimi ngedwa umphrofethi kaThixo oseleyo kodwa uBhali ulabangamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu. 23 Sidingeleni inkunzi ezimbili. Libanike bazikhethele abayifunayo bayihlabe bayiqume amaqatha bayifake phezu kwenkuni kodwa bangabasi umlilo. Lami ngizahlinza eyinye yazo ngiyiqobaqobe ngiyifake phezu kwenkuni kodwa angiyikubasa umlilo. 24 Libe selibiza ibizo likankulunkulu wenu mina ngizacela ebizweni likaThixo. Unkulunkulu ozaphendula ngomlilo, nguye-ke uNkulunkulu.”

Ngakho abantu bonke bathi, “Lokho okutshoyo kulungile.”

25 U-Elija wathi kubaphrofethi bakaBhali, “Khethani inkunzi eyodwa njalo liqale lina ukuyilungiselela, njengoba lina libanengi kangaka. Memezani unkulunkulu wenu ngegama lakhe, kodwa lingalumathisi umlilo.”

26 Bayithatha inkunzi ababeyiphiwe bayilungisa. Basebebiza ibizo likaBhali kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwaba semini enkulu. Baklabalala besithi, “We Bhali, sabela bo!” Kodwa akubanga lampendulo; kakho owaphendulayo. Bagida bezingelezela i-alithari ababelakhile.

27 Kwathi emini enkulu u-Elija waqalisa ukubahoza esithi, “Klabalalani ngamandla! Ngempela angithi ungunkulunkulu! Mhlawumbe ujule eminakanweni, engxenye ubambekile, loba engxenye uphakathi kohambo. Engxenye ulele ngakho ufuna ukuvuswa.” 28 Ngakho baklabalala ngamandla baziklaya ngezingqamu langezinkemba, njengoba kwakungumkhuba wabo, kwaze kwajuluka igazi. 29 Yedlula imini enkulu, bona baqhubeka ngokuphithizela bephrofetha kwaze kwaba yisikhathi somhlatshelo wakusihlwa. Kodwa akubanga lalutho, akubanga lampendulo, kakho owazihlupha ngakho.

30 Ngakho u-Elija wathi ebantwini, “Wozani ngapha engikhona.” Basondela kuye, yena walungilungisa i-alithari likaThixo elaselibhidlikile. 31 U-Elija wathatha amatshe alitshumi lambili, yilelo limele isizwana sosendo lukaJakhobe, yena owayezwe ilizwi likaThixo lisithi kuye, “Uzabizwa ngokuthi ungu-Israyeli.” 32 Wakha i-alithari ngebizo likaThixo ngalawo matshe, wagebha umgelo ozingelezela i-alithari okungangena kuwo igokoko lamabele. 33 Walungisa inkuni, wasika inyama yenkunzi wenza amaqatha, waseyibeka phezu kwenkuni. Wasesithi kubo, “Gcwalisani imigqomo emine emikhulu ngamanzi libe seliwathela phezu komhlatshelo laphezu kwenkuni.”

34 Wathi, “Kwenzeni futhi,” bakwenza lokho njalo.

Wathi, “Kwenzeni okwesithathu,” lakanye bakwenza bephinda okwesithathu. 35 Amanzi agcwala aze agcwala lasemgelweni owawugombolozele i-alithari.

36 Kuthe ngesikhathi somhlatshelo, u-Elija umphrofethi wasondela wakhuleka esithi, “Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, lo-Isaka lo-Israyeli, veza obala lamuhla ukuthi wena unguNkulunkulu ko-Israyeli kanye lokuthi mina ngiyinceku yakho, lokuthi zonke lezizinto ngizenza ngokulaya kwakho. 37 Akungiphendule Oh Thixo, akungiphendule ukuze lababantu bakwazi ukuthi wena Thixo, unguNkulunkulu, lokuthi njalo uguqula inhliziyo zabo.”

38 Khonokho umlilo kaThixo wehla watshisa umhlatshelo, inkuni, amatshe lomhlabathi, kwaze kwatsha lamanzi ayesemgelweni.

39 Abantu bonke bekubona lokhu, bazilahla phansi bakhala bathi, “UThixo nguye uNkulunkulu! UThixo nguye uNkulunkulu!”

40 U-Elija wasebalaya wathi, “Bambani abaphrofethi bakaBhali. Akungaphunyuki lamunye!” Bababamba, u-Elija wathi kabasiwe eSigodini saseKhishoni, babulawelwa khona.

41 Ngakho u-Elija wasesithi ku-Ahabi, “Hamba, udle unathe, ngoba kuzwakala umdumo wezulu elikhulu.” 42 Ngalokho u-Ahabi wasuka wayakudla njalo wanatha, kodwa u-Elija wakhwela phezu kwentaba yaseKhameli, wagobisa ikhanda lakhe walifaka phakathi kwamadolo akhe.

43 Wathuma isisebenzi sakhe wathi: “Hamba uyephosa amehlo akho olwandle.” Lakanye isisebenzi sahamba sayakhangela.

Sathi, “Akulalutho laphaya.”

U-Elija watsho kwaze kwaba kasikhombisa esithi, “Buyela.”

44 Ngesikhathi sesikhombisa isisebenzi sabika sathi, “Iyezana elincinyane ngangesandla somuntu likhanya liqubuka lisuka olwandle.”

Ngakho u-Elija wasesithi, “Hamba uyetshela u-Ahabi uthi, ‘Bopha inqola yakho yempi usuke lapho ungakavalelwa lizulu.’ ”

45 Ngalesosikhathi, kwaba mnyama emkhathini ngamayezi, kwaqubuka umoya, kwana izulu elikhulu njalo u-Ahabi wasuka ngenqola waya eJezerili. 46 Amandla kaThixo ehlela ku-Elija, njalo uthe ukuba akhwicele isembatho sakhe ebhantini wagijima phambi kuka-Ahabi indlela yonke esiya eJezerili.

19

U-Elija Ubalekela EHorebhi

1 U-Ahabi wasetshela uJezebheli ngakho konke okwakwenziwe ngu-Elija kanye lokuthi wababulala njani abaphrofethi ngenkemba. 2 Ngalokho uJezebheli wathumela isithunywa ku-Elija ukuthi siyekuthi, “Onkulunkulu kabangihlanekele ngokwengezelelweyo nxa ngingakubulalanga kuze kube kusasa, njengoba usubulele abaphrofethi.”

3 U-Elija wasesesaba, wasuka wabaleka, wayafika eBherishebha yakoJuda, wasetshiya khona inceku yakhe. 4 Yena wahamba okwelanga elilodwa engena enkangala. Wathola khona isihlahla, wahlala ngaphansi kwaso emthunzini, wakhulekela ukuthi ngabe uyafa wathi, “Kwanele, Thixo, susa ukuphila kwami ngoba angingcono kulabokhokho.”

5 Wasecambalala elala ngaphansi kwesihlahla wajunywa yibuthongo. Khonokho ingilosi yamthinta yathi kuye, “Vuka udle.” 6 Wathalaza, lakanye wabona ngemakhanda nantiyana iqebelengwane lisatshisa emalahleni elaliphekwe kuwo, kanye lenkezo eyayilamanzi okunatha. Wadla njalo wanatha, waphinda walala.

7 Ingilosi kaThixo yaphinda yabuya okwesibili yamthinta, yathi kuye, “Vuka udle, ngoba uhambo lude luzakukhulela.” 8 Ngakho wavuka, wadla njalo wehlisa ngamanzi. Eseqiniswe yilokhokudla wahamba insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane waze wayafika eHorebhi intaba kaNkulunkulu. 9 Eselapho wangena ebhalwini walala.

UThixo Uzibonakalisa Ku-Elija

Ngakho ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuye lisithi, “Kanti wenzani khonapha, Elija?”

10 Yena waphendula wathi, “Bengikutshisekela kakhulu, wena Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla. Abako-Israyeli basephule isivumelwano sakho, badiliza ama-alithare akho, babulala abaphrofethi bakho ngenkemba. Yimi ngedwa engiseleyo, njalo khathesi bayangizingela bafuna ukungibulala.”

11  UThixo wathi kuye, “Hamba uyekuma phezu kwentaba phambi kukaThixo ngoba uThixo uzadlula khona.”

Kwaba lomoya owawuvunguza ngamandla udabula izintaba uqhekeza lamadwala phambi kukaThixo, kodwa uThixo wayengekho kulesosiphepho. Kwedlula isiphepho kweza ukuzamazama komhlaba kodwa uThixo wayengekho kulokhokuzamazama. 12 Kwedlula ukuzamazama komhlaba kwaqhamuka umlilo, kodwa uThixo wayengekho kulowomlilo. Ngemva komlilo kwezwakala ilizwi elipholileyo linyenyeza. 13 U-Elija uthe elizwa, wadonsa isembatho sakhe wamboza ubuso bakhe wasuka wayakuma entubeni yobhalu.

Khonokho ilizwi lathi kuye, “Wenzani khonapha, Elija?”

14 Yena waphendula wathi, “Bengikutshisekela kakhulu wena Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla. Abako-Israyeli basephule isivumelwano sakho, badiliza ama-alithare akho, babulala abaphrofethi bakho ngenkemba. Yimi ngedwa engiseleyo, njalo khathesi bayangizingela bafuna ukungibulala lami.”

15  UThixo wathi kuye, “Buyela ngayonale indlela oze ngayo, uye enkangala yaseDamaseko. Ekufikeni kwakho khonale, ugcobe uHazayeli abe yinkosi yase-Aramu. 16 Njalo, ugcobe loJehu indodana kaNimishi abe yinkosi yako-Israyeli, ubusugcoba u-Elisha indodana kaShafathi wase-Abheli-Mehola athathe isikhundla sakho sobuphrofethi. 17 UJehu uzabulala bonke abazaphepha kuleyonkemba kaHazayeli, njalo u-Elisha uzabulala labo abazasila kuleyonkemba kaJehu. 18 Kodwa ngizaphephisa abako-Israyeli abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa abangazange bakhothamele uBhali njalo abandebe zabo azizange zimange.”

Ubizo Luka-Elisha

19 Ngakho u-Elija wasuka lapho wathola u-Elisha indodana kaShafathi. Wamfica elima labanye ngenkabi emajogweni alitshumi lambili, yena etshayela ezejogwe letshumi lambili. U-Elija wasondela kuye wamembesa ngesembatho sakhe. 20 U-Elisha watshiya inkabi zakhe walandela u-Elija. Wasesithi, “Ngivumela ngiyevalelisa ubaba lomama, ngibuye ngizehamba lawe.”

U-Elija wamphendula wathi, “Buyela, kanti ngenzeni kuwe?”

21 Ngakho u-Elisha wehlukana laye wabuyela emuva. Wathatha inkabi zejogwe lakhe wazihlaba. Wabasa umlilo ngezinto lezo ayelima ngazo ukuze ose inyama yazo wayinika abantu bayidla. Waselandela u-Elija waba yinceku yakhe.

20

UBheni-Hadadi Uhlasela ISamariya

1 UBheni-Hadadi inkosi yama-Aramu waqoqa ibutho lakhe lonke. Wayephelekezelwa ngamakhosi angamatshumi amathathu lamabili ngezinqola zawo zempi lamabhiza, wasuka wayahanqa iSamariya wayihlasela. 2 Wathuma izithunywa edolobheni ku-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli, esithi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguBheni-Hadadi: 3 Isiliva legolide lakho ngokwami, abafazi benu abahle kakhulu labantwana ngabami.”

4 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yaphendula yathi, “Kunjalo nkosi mbusi wami. Mina lakho konke engilakho ngokwakho.”

5 Izithunywa zaphenduka njalo zisithi, “UBheni-Hadadi uthi: ‘Ngathumela ngathi ngifuna isiliva legolide lakho, abafazi labantwabakho. 6 Kodwa ngasolesi isikhathi kusasa ngizathumela izikhulu zami ukuzakhuthuza isigodlo sakho lezindlu zezikhulu zakho. Zizabutha yonke into eligugu kuwe zikuthathele.’ ”

7 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yasibiza bonke abadala belizwe yathi kubo, “Ake libone lindoda edinga uhlupho! Ithe isithi ifuna abafazi bami labantwabami, isiliva legolide lami, angizange ngale.”

8 Abadala kanye labantu bonke bathi, “Ungalaleli njalo ungamniki lokho akufunayo.”

9 Yasitshela izithunywa zikaBheni-Hadadi ukuthi, “Tshelani inkosi umbusi wami ukuthi, ‘Inceku yakho izagcwalisa isicelo sakuqala kodwa lesi hayi ayenelisi.’ ” Zasuka izithunywa zabuyisela impendulo kuBheni-Hadadi.

10 Ngakho uBheni-Hadadi wakhupha ilizwi njalo lisiya ku-Ahabi, wathi: “Kabangihlanekele onkulunkulu, loba kungaba lobunzima obunganani, nxa kuzasala ubhuqu olulingana ukufunjathwa ngamadoda wonke aseSamariya.”

11 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yaphendula yathi, “Mtsheleni lithi: ‘Lowo ohloma ngezempi angabokloloda njengongahlomanga.’ ”

12 UBheni-Hadadi wemukela lelilizwi ezinathela lamanye amakhosi emathenteni awo, wahle walawula amabutho akhe esithi: “Hlomelani ukuhlasela.” Basebelungisela ukuhlasela idolobho.

U-Ahabi Unqoba UBheni-Hadadi

13 Kusenjalo kweza umphrofethi ku-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli owafika wabika esithi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Uyalibona na ibutho elikhulu kangaka? Ngizalinikela ezandleni zakho lamuhla nje, ukuze wazi ukuba nginguThixo.’ ”

14 U-Ahabi wabuza wathi, “Kodwa ngubani ozakwenza lokhu?”

Umphrofethi waphendula wathi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Lokhu kuzakwenziwa ngabalawuli bamabutho ezabelweni abayintanga yabatsha.’ ”

Yena wabuza njalo ukuthi, “Pho ngubani ozayiqalisa impi?”

Umphrofethi wamphendula wathi, “Nguwe.”

15 Ngakho u-Ahabi wamema abalawuli bamabutho abentanga yabatsha ezabelweni, abangamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amathathu lambili (232). Waseqoqa labo bonke abanye abako-Israyeli abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa (7,000) ndawonye. 16 Basuka emini enkulu ngesikhathi uBheni-Hadadi lamakhosi angamatshumi amathathu lambili (32) ayezomhlomulela belokhu besazinathela bedakwa emathenteni abo.

17 Abalawuli bezabelweni bentanga yabatsha basuka kuqala. UBheni-Hadadi wayethumele inhloli, ezabika ukuthi, “Kulamadoda ezayo evela eSamariya.”

18 Yena wathi, “Nxa esiza ngokuthula, athumbeni ephila; nxa ezohlasela, athumbeni ephila.”

19 Abalawuli bamabutho ezabelweni abentanga yabatsha baphuma edolobheni belandelwa libutho 20 njalo ngamunye wabo wabulala lowo ayeqondene laye. Ebona lokhu, ama-Aramu abaleka, ama-Israyeli axotshana lawo. Kodwa uBheni-Hadadi inkosi yama-Aramu wabaleka ngebhiza lamanye amabutho ayesilwa ngamabhiza. 21 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yaqhubeka yakhulela abamabhiza kanye labezinqola zempi yatshaya yabhuqa ama-Aramu amanengi kakhulu.

22 Ngemva kwalokho, umphrofethi waya enkosini yako-Israyeli wafika wathi, “Hloma uphelele ubone ukuthi ungenzani, ngoba entwasa inkosi yama-Aramu iyeza izokuhlasela futhi.”

23 Kusenjalo, izikhulu zenkosi yase-Aramu zayicebisa zathi, “Onkulunkulu babo ngonkulunkulu bezintabeni. Yikho besikhulele. Kodwa singalwela emagcekeni, ngempela sizabakhulela. 24 Wena yenza kanje: Susa wonke amakhosi ekulawuleni kwawo ufake abanye abalawuli esikhundleni sawo. 25 Njalo kumele uqoqe amanye amabutho anjengala anqotshwayo, kulingane amabhiza kanye lezinqola zempi ukuze silwele emagcekeni labako-Israyeli. Ngalokho akulakuthandabuza ukuthi sizabe silamandla kulabo.” Wavumelana labo wenza njengokutsho kwabo.

26 Ngesikhathi sentwasa uBheni-Hadadi waqoqa ama-Aramu wasesiya e-Afekhi ukuze alwe labako-Israyeli. 27 Ama-Israyeli ayeseqoqene, anikwa lemiphako, asuka ayawahlangabeza. Ama-Israyeli amisa maqondana lawo kungathi yimihlanjana yembuzi emibili, kanti ama-Aramu ayegcwele indawana yonke.

28 Umphrofethi kaNkulunkulu wasesiya enkosini yako-Israyeli wafika wathi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Njengoba ama-Aramu esithi uThixo ngunkulunkulu wezintaba hatshi uNkulunkulu wezigodi, ngizanikela wonke amabutho awo amanengi kangaka ezandleni zakho, ukuze wazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

29 Bajamelana okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, kwathi ngosuku lwesikhombisa bahlaselana. Ama-Israyeli abulala abazinkulungwane ezilikhulu phakathi kwamabutho ama-Aramu ahamba ngezinyawo ngosuku olulodwa. 30 Amanye amabutho abalekela edolobheni lase-Afekhi, lapho adilikelwa khona ngumduli owabulala izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa. Kwathi uBheni-Hadadi wabalekela edolobheni lapho afika wacatsha endlini ephakathi.

31 Izikhulu zakhe zathi kuye, “Khangela, sesizwile ukuthi amakhosi ako-Israyeli ngamakhosi alomusa. Asihambeni enkosini yako-Israyeli sembethe amasaka okhalweni njalo sibophe amakhanda ngentambo. Mhlawumbe izakuxolela ingakubulali.”

32 Basuka bethandele amasaka ezinkalweni zabo, bebophe amakhanda ngentambo, baya enkosini yako-Israyeli bafika bathi, “Inceku yakho uBheni-Hadadi ithi, ‘Ngicela ungiyekele ngiphile.’ ”

Inkosi yathi, “Ulokhu esaphila? Ngumfowethu lowo.”

33 Amadoda lawo abona lokhu kukhomba ubuhle alithathela phezulu lelilizwi athi, “Ye, umfowenu uBheni-Hadadi!”

Inkosi yathi, “Hambani liyemthatha.” Lakanye uBheni-Hadadi uthe efika, u-Ahabi wathi kakhwele enqoleni yakhe yempi.

34 UBheni-Hadadi wazibika esithi, “Ngizabuyisela wonke amadolobho athunjwa ngubaba kuyihlo. Ungazilungisela izindawo zokuthengiselana eDamaseko, njengoba ubaba laye wayelazo eSamariya.”

U-Ahabi wathi, “Ngesivumelwano ngizakukhulula.” Wasesenza isivumelwano laye wamkhulula.

Umphrofethi Uqalekisa U-Ahabi

35 Ngelizwi likaThixo omunye wamadodana abaphrofethi wathi komunye, “Ake ungitshaye ngesikhali sakho,” kodwa wala.

36 Ngakho umphrofethi wasesithi, “Njengoba ungalalelanga ilizwi likaThixo, uzakuthi usuka kimi ubulawe yisilwane.” Ngemva kokusuka kwakhe, wafunyanwa yisilwane sambulala.

37 Umphrofethi wafumana enye njalo indoda wathi kuyo, “Ake ungigwaze.” Yamgwaza leyondoda yamlimaza. 38 Umphrofethi wasuka wayamelela inkosi endleleni. Wazifihla ubuso bakhe ngeqhiye. 39 Kuthe inkosi isedlula khonapho, umphrofethi wayimemeza esithi, “Inceku yakho ibe iphakathi kwempi etshisayo, kwathi omunye weza kimi lothunjiweyo wathi, ‘Linda lumuntu. Nxa engabaleka, uzamfela wena, loba uhlawule ngethalenta lesiliva.’

40 Kuthe inceku yakho isaphathekile lapha lalaphaya, umuntu lowo wanyamalala.” Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi, “Leso yiso isigwebo sakho. Usuvele wasiqamba wena ngokwakho.”

41 Umphrofethi waphanga wembula ubuso bakhe, inkosi yako-Israyeli yabona ukuthi ngomunye wabaphrofethi. 42 Wathi enkosini, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Usukhulule umuntu ebengithe kumele afe. Kutsho ukuthi usuzamfela wena, labantu bakho bazafela abantu bakhe.’ ” 43 Ngokuhlulukelwa langokuzonda, inkosi yako-Israyeli yasuka yabuyela esigodlweni sayo eSamariya.

21

Isivini SikaNabhothi

1 Kwathi ngemva kwesikhathi esithile kwaba lesenzo esithile ngesivini sikaNabhothi umJezerili. Isivini leso sasiseJezerili, phansi kwesigodlo sika-Ahabi inkosi yaseSamariya. 2 U-Ahabi wathi kuNabhothi, “Kahle mina ngilime imibhida yami esivinini sakho, njengoba siphansi kwesigodlo sami. Mina ngizakunika isivini esingcono, loba nxa uthanda, ngizakunika intengo ofisa ukusithengisa ngayo.”

3 Kodwa uNabhothi wathi, “UThixo kangavumi ukuba ngikunike ilifa labobaba.”

4 Ngalokho u-Ahabi wabuyela ekhaya enyukubele njalo ethukuthele ngoba uNabhothi umJezerili wayethe, “Angizukukunika ilifa labobaba.” U-Ahabi walala embhedeni enyukubele wala lokudla.

5 Umkakhe uJezebheli wangena endlini wambuza wathi, “Kungani usineme kangaka? Kungani usala ukudla?”

6 Yena wamphendula wathi, “Kungenxa yokuthi ngithe kuNabhothi umJezerili, ‘Ngithengisela isivini sakho; loba nxa ufuna, ngikunike esinye isivini esikhundleni salesi.’ Kodwa ungiphendule wathi ‘Angizukukunika isivini sami.’ ”

7 UJezebheli umka-Ahabi wathi, “Lokhu yikho okwenzayo njengenkosi yako-Israyeli na? Vuka udle! Uchelese. Mina ngizakuzuzela isivini sikaNabhothi umJezerili.”

8 UJezebheli wasebhala izincwadi ngebizo lika-Ahabi, wazidinda ngophawu luka-Ahabi, wazithumela ebadaleni lakuzo izikhulu ezazihlala loNabhothi emzini wakibo. 9 Ezincwadini lezo waloba ukuthi:

“Memezelani usuku lokuzila libe selibeka uNabhothi esihlalweni esiqakathekileyo phakathi kwabantu. 10 Libe selihlalisa izigangi ezimbili maqondana laye lithi kazifakaze ngokuthi uthuke uNkulunkulu kanye lenkosi. Libe selimkhuphela phandle liyemkhanda ngamatshe limbulale.”

11 Ngakho abadala lezikhulu ababehlala emzini kaNabhothi benza lokho ababekuthunywe nguJezebheli ngezincwadi ayebalobele zona. 12 Bamemezela isikhathi sokuzila bahlalisa uNabhothi esihlalweni esiphakemeyo phambi kwabantu. 13 Kwasuka izigangi ezimbili zahlala phambi kwakhe zakhangelana laye zaqalisa ukwethesa uNabhothi amacala, zisithi, “UNabhothi uthuke uNkulunkulu kanye lenkosi.” Ngakho bamkhuphela ngaphandle komuzi bamkhanda ngamatshe bambulala. 14 Basebethumela ilizwi kuJezebheli besithi, “UNabhothi ukhandwe ngamatshe njalo usefile.”

15 Masinyazana uJezebheli esezwe ukuthi uNabhothi ukhandwe ngamatshe wabulawa, wathi ku-Ahabi, “Vuka uyethatha isivini sikaNabhothi umJezerili sona lesiyana alileyo ukukuthengisela sona. Uvele kasekho, usefile.” 16 U-Ahabi uthe esizwa ukuthi uNabhothi kasekho, wavuka wayathatha lesosivini sikaNabhothi waseJezerili.

17 Ilizwi likaThixo leza ku-Elija umThishibi lisithi: 18 “Yehla uyehlangabeza u-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli obusa eSamariya. Usesivinini sikaNabhothi, uye khona ukuze azithathele lesosivini. 19 Ufike uthi kuye, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Awubulalanga umuntu wathumba impahla yakhe na?’ Ubususithi kuyo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo; Khonapho lapho izinja ezikhothele khona igazi likaNabhothi, kukhonapho kanye lapho izinja ezizakhothela khona elakho, yebo, elakho kanye!’ ”

20 U-Ahabi wathi ku-Elija, “Wo usungitholile, wena sitha sami!”

U-Elija wamphendula wathi, “Yebo sengikutholile ngoba uzinikele ukwenza isono emehlweni kaThixo. 21 ‘Ngizokwehlisela ukubhujiswa. Ngizabhubhisa izizukulwane zakho ngisuse sonke isilisa sokucina ku-Ahabi ko-Israyeli loba yisigqili loba ngokhululekileyo. 22 Indlu yakho ngizayenza lokhu engakwenza ekaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi lekaBhasha indodana ka-Ahija, ngoba ungithukuthelisile wabangela ukuthi u-Israyeli enze isono.’

23 Ngalokho uThixo uthi ngoJezebheli: ‘Izinja zizamdabudabula uJezebheli zimdlele emidulini yaseJezerili.’

24 Izinja zizakudla bonke abangabaka-Ahabi abafela edolobheni, izinyoni zezulu zizakudla labo abazafela emaphandleni.”

25 (Akuzange kube lendoda eyayifanana lo-Ahabi yena owazinikela ukuthi adale isono phambi kukaThixo, ekhuthazwa ngumkakhe uJezebheli. 26 Waziphatha butshapha kakhulu elandela izithombe, njengama-Amori wona ayesuswe nguThixo phambi kuka-Israyeli.)

27 U-Ahabi wathi esizwa lawomazwi, wadabula izigqoko zakhe, wembatha amasaka wazila. Walala embethe amasaka wahamba edanile.

28 Ngemva kwalokho ilizwi likaThixo lathi ku-Elija umThishibi: 29 “Ukubonile na ukuthi u-Ahabi usezithobe kanganani phambi kwami? Ngenxa yokuzithoba kwakhe, angiyikumehlisela lobobubi esaphila, kodwa ngizakwehlisela endlini yakhe ensukwini zendodana yakhe.”

22

UMikhaya Uphrofetha Okubi Ngo-Ahabi

1 Kwathatha iminyaka kungelampi phakathi kwe-Aramu le-Israyeli. 2 Kodwa ngomnyaka wesithathu uJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda wayabonana lenkosi yako-Israyeli. 3 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yayike yakhuluma lezikhulu zayo isithi, “Alikwazi na ukuthi eleRamothi Giliyadi ngelethu kodwa asikenzi lutho ukuze silithathe ezandleni zenkosi yase-Aramu?”

4 Ngakho yasicela uJehoshafathi isithi, “Ungahamba lami na ukuze siyehlasela eRamothi Giliyadi?”

UJehoshafathi ephendula inkosi yako-Israyeli wathi, “Mina ngikanye lawe, abantu bami banjengabakho, amabhiza ami anjengawakho.” 5 Kodwa uJehoshafathi waphinda wathi enkosini yako-Israyeli, “Akubuze kuThixo kuqala.”

6 Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli yahlanganisa abaphrofethi abangaba ngamakhulu amane yasibabuza isithi, “Ngihambe ngiyehlasela iRamothi Giliyadi yini, loba ngiyekele na?”

Abaphrofethi bathi, “Hamba ngoba iNkosi izayinikela esandleni sakho.”

7 Kodwa uJehoshafathi wabuza wathi, “Kambe kakusela mphrofethi kaThixo lapha esingabuza kuye na?”

8 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi kuJehoshafathi, “Ukhona oyedwa esingabuza uThixo ngaye kodwa ngiyamzonda ngoba kakaze aphrofethe okuhle ngami, uhlala ekhuluma okubi. Ibizo lakhe nguMikhaya indodana ka-Imla.”

UJehoshafathi wathi, “Inkosi kayimelanga itsho njalo.”

9 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yasibiza omunye wezikhulu zayo yathi kuye, “Phangisa ungilethele uMikhaya indodana ka-Imla.”

10 Bembethe izembatho zabo zobukhosi, inkosi yako-Israyeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda babehlezi ezihlalweni zabo zobukhosi esizeni sokubhulela amabele esangweni laseSamariya labo bonke abaphrofethi bephrofetha phambi kwabo. 11 UZedekhiya indodana kaKhenana wayekhande impondo zensimbi, wasesithi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uthi: ‘Ngempondo lezi uzagwaza ama-Aramu uwabhubhise.’ ”

12 Bonke abaphrofethi babevele bephrofetha okufananayo besithi, “Hlasela iRamothi Giliyadi unqobe, ngoba uThixo uyinikile esandleni senkosi.”

13 Isithunywa esasithunywe ukuyabiza uMikhaya sathi kuye, “Khangela, abanye abaphrofethi bafakaza bengela kuthandabuza ukuthi inkosi izanqoba. Lawe vumelana labo, ukhulume okuyithokozisayo.”

14 Kodwa uMikhaya wathi, “Njengokutsho kukaThixo, mina ngizayitshela lokho engikuthunywe nguThixo.”

15 Ekufikeni kwakhe, inkosi yambuza yathi, “Mikhaya, sihambe siyehlasela iRamothi Giliyadi yini, loba ngiyekele na?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Hlasela njalo unqobe, ngoba uThixo uzalinikela ezandleni zakho nkosi.”

16 Inkosi yathi kuye, “Kumele ngikufungise kangaki ukuze ungangikhohlisi kodwa ungitshele iqiniso ebizweni likaThixo?”

17 Ngakho uMikhaya waphendula wathi, “Ngabona u-Israyeli wonke ehlakazekile ezintabeni njengezimvu ezingelamelusi, kulapho uThixo athi ‘Lababantu abalamkhomkheli. Yekela bonke babuyele emakhaya ngokuthula.’ ”

18 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi kuJehoshafathi, “Angikutshelanga yini ukuthi uvele kaphrofethi okuhle ngami, kodwa okubi kuphela?”

19 UMikhaya waqhubekela phambili wathi, “Ngakho zwana ilizwi likaThixo elithi, Ngabona uThixo ehlezi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi lamabutho wonke asezulwini emi ngakwesokunene sakhe lakwesokhohlo sakhe. 20 Njalo uThixo wathi, ‘Ngubani ozahugela u-Ahabi ekuhlaseleni iRamothi Giliyadi ukuze ayefela khonale na?’

Omunye waqamba lokhu, lomunye okwakhe. 21 Ekucineni kwavela umoya, wema phambi kukaThixo wathi, ‘Mina ngizamhuga.’

22  UThixo wabuza wathi, ‘Uzakwenza ngandlela bani?’

Umoya waphendula wathi, ‘Ngizahamba ngiyekuba ngumoya wokuqamba amanga emilonyeni yabo bonke abaphrofethi bakhe.’

UThixo wathi, ‘Uzaphumelela ukumhuga. Hamba-ke uyekwenza lokho.’

23 Ngakho khathesi uThixo usefake umoya wenkohliso emilonyeni yabaphrofethi bakho bonke laba. UThixo usekumisele ukubhujiswa.”

24 Kusenjalo uZedekhiya indodana kaKhenana wasondela, wamwakala uMikhaya ebusweni. Wabuza wathi: “Umoya kaThixo wasuka njani kimi ungena kuwe na?”

25 UMikhaya waphendula wathi, “Uzazibonela mhla uzakuyacatsha endlini engaphakathi.”

26 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yalaya yathi, “Thathani uMikhaya limbuyisele ku-Amoni obusa idolobho lakoJowashi indodana yenkosi. 27 Liyekuthi, ‘Inkosi ithi: Valelani umuntu lo entolongweni lingamniki lutho ngaphandle kwesinkwa lamanzi ngize ngiphenduke ngokuhle.’ ”

28 UMikhaya waqonqosela wathi: “Nxa ungaphenduka kuhle, uThixo uyabe engakhulumanga ngami.” Waqhubeka wathi, “Lani lonke bantu abambisiseni amazwi ami!”

U-Ahabi Ubulawelwa ERamothi Giliyadi

29 Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda baya eRamothi Giliyadi. 30 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi kuJehoshafathi: “Mina ngizakuya empini ngizazifihla ngokulahlisa isimo sami, kodwa wena gqoka ezakho ezobukhosi.” Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli yazifihla ngokulahlisa isimo sayo yangena empini.

31 Inkosi yase-Aramu yayilaye abalawuli bayo bezinqola zokulwa abangamatshumi amathathu lambili yathi, “Lina lingalwi lamuntu, loba eyisikhulu loba engumuntukazana, ngaphandle kwenkosi yako-Israyeli.” 32 Abalawuli bezinqola zokulwa bathe bebona uJehoshafathi, bahle bathi “Ngempela le yiyo kanye inkosi yako-Israyeli.” Abalawuli bezinqola zokulwa basebehlasela uJehoshafathi, yena wahlaba umkhosi, 33 baphanga babona ukuthi kwakungasiyo inkosi yako-Israyeli bahle bayekela ukuxotshana laye.

34 Umuntu othile wakhokha umtshoko wakhe watshoka engaqondanga muntu umtshoko wayaciba inkosi yako-Israyeli emkenkeni wesihlangu sayo. Inkosi yasisithi kumtshayeli wenqola yokulwa: “Phendula inqola yakho ungisuse lapha. Sengilimele.” 35 Kwalwiwa impi kanzima ilanga lonke. Inkosi yayeyanyiswe enqoleni yayo yokulwa ikhangele ama-Aramu. Igazi lamanxeba ayo lagelezela phansi enqoleni yokulwa, kwathi Ngalokhokuhlwa yafa. 36 Ekutshoneni kwelanga kwamenyezelwa kuyo yonke impi ukuthi: “Abantu bonke kababuyele emizini yakibo, bonke kababuyele lowo lalowo elizweni lakibo!”

37 Ngakho inkosi yafa yasiwa eSamariya, yangcwatshwa khona. 38 Inqola yokulwa bayigezisela esizibeni seSamariya (endaweni eyayigezela izifebe), izinja zakhotha igazi layo, njengokutsho kwelizwi likaThixo.

39 Konke okunye ngempilo langokubusa kuka-Ahabi lakho konke akwenzayo, ukwakha isigodlo esasiceciswe ngempondo zezindlovu, lamadolobho ayevikelwe okwenqaba, akulotshwanga na egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli? 40 U-Ahabi wangcwatshwa laboyise. Ubukhosi bakhe bathathwa yindodana yakhe u-Ahaziya.

UJehoshafathi Inkosi YakoJuda

41 UJehoshafathi indodana ka-Asa waba yinkosi yakoJuda ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kuka-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli. 42 UJehoshafathi waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lemihlanu yokuzalwa, wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lemihlanu. Ibizo likanina kungu-Azubha indodakazi kaShilihi. 43 Kukho konke ayekwenza wayesenyathelweni likayise u-Asa njalo kazange aphambuke; wenza konke okuhle emehlweni kaThixo. Kodwa izindawo eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela kazisuswanga, abantu babelokhu benikela imihlatshelo, betshisa impepha khonapho. 44 UJehoshafathi wahlalisana ngokuthula lenkosi yako-Israyeli.

45 Okwenzakala ekubuseni kukaJehoshafathi, ukuphumelela kwakhe kanye lokunqoba ezimpini, akulotshwanga na encwadini yembali yamakhosi akoJuda? 46 Waqeda insalela yabesilisa ababefeba emathempelini ayelokhu esasele lapho langemva kokubusa kukayise u-Asa. 47 Kwakungaselankosi e-Edomi, umsekeli nguye owayebusa.

48 UJehoshafathi wakha imikhumbi yokuthutha igolide e-Ofiri, kodwa ayizange isebenze olwandle, yahle yahlikizeka, yabhidlikela e-Eziyoni-Gebheri. 49 Ngalesosikhathi u-Ahaziya indodana ka-Ahabi wathi kuJehoshafathi, “Yekela abantu bami bahambe labakho olwandle,” kodwa uJehoshafathi wala.

50 Ngakho uJehoshafathi waphumula labokhokho bakhe, wangcwatshwa kanye labo emzini kaDavida uyise. UJehoramu indodana yakhe wabusa esikhundleni sakhe.

U-Ahaziya Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

51 U-Ahaziya indodana ka-Ahabi waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya ngomnyaka wetshumi lesikhombisa wokubusa kukaJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda, yena-ke wabusa ko-Israyeli okweminyaka emibili. 52 Wona emehlweni kaThixo, ngoba wahamba enyathelweni likayise lelikanina walandela njalo izindlela zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, owabangela u-Israyeli ukuthi enze isono. 53 Wasebenzela uBhali njalo wamkhonza wathukuthelisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe nguyise.

* 14:14 14.14 Okutshiwo ngumutsho lo ngesiHebheru akukho sobala.

2 AmaKhosi

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Ugwalo Lwesibili

LwamaKhosi

1

Isigwebo SikaThixo Ku-Ahaziya

1 Ngemva kokufa kuka-Ahabi, amaMowabi ahlamukela u-Israyeli. 2 U-Ahaziya wayewele embotsheni yendlu yakhe engaphezulu eSamariya walimala. Wathumela izithunywa, wathi kuzo, “Hambani liyebuza kuBhali-Zebhubhi, unkulunkulu wase-Ekroni, ukuthi kambe ngizasila yini kulokhu kulimala na.”

3 Kodwa ingilosi kaThixo yathi ku-Elija umThishibi, “Suka uyehlangabeza izithunywa zenkosi yaseSamariya uyezibuza ukuthi, ‘Kambe yikuthi akuselaNkulunkulu ko-Israyeli na ukuze uyehlahlula kuBhali-Zebhubhi, unkulunkulu wase-Ekroni?’ 4 Ngakho uThixo uthi: ‘Awuyikusuka kulowombheda ogulela kuwo. Ngempela uzakufa!’ ”

5 Ekubuyeleni kwezithunywa enkosini, yazibuza yathi, “Kungani selibuyile na?”

6 Izithunywa zaphendula zathi, “Kulendoda esihlangabezileyo yathi kithi, ‘Buyelani enkosini elithumileyo liyeyitshela ukuthi, “Ilizwi likaThixo lithi: Kungenxa yokuthi akulaNkulunkulu yini ko-Israyeli okubangele ukuthi uthumele abantu ukuyahlahlula kuBhali-Zebhubhi, unkulunkulu we-Ekroni na? Ngakho awuyikuvuka kulowombheda olele kuwo. Ngempela uzakufa!” ’ ”

7 Inkosi yabuza izithunywa yathi, “Ngumuntu onjani lowo olihlangabezileyo waselitshela lokhu?”

8 Izithunywa zaphendula zathi, “Yindoda ebigqoke isigqoko soboya ekhalweni ibophe ngozwezwe.”

Inkosi yathi, “Lowo ngu-Elija umThishibi.”

9 Inkosi yasithumela ku-Elija induna yebutho labantu bayo abangamatshumi amahlanu. Induna yebutho yakhwela yaya ku-Elija, owayehlezi phezu koqaqa, yafika yathi kuye, “Muntu kaNkulunkulu, inkosi ithi, ‘Yehla!’ ”

10 U-Elija ephendula induna yebutho wathi, “Nxa ngingumuntu kaNkulunkulu, kakwehle umlilo ovela ezulwini ukuqothule wena kanye labantu bakho abangamatshumi amahlanu!” Lakanye wehla umlilo uvela ezulwini wayiqothula induna yebutho kanye labantu bayo.

11 Ngokubona lokho inkosi yathuma ku-Elija eyinye induna yebutho lamanye amadoda angamatshumi amahlanu. Induna yathi ku-Elija, “Muntu kaNkulunkulu, inkosi ithi, ‘Yehla khathesi.’ ”

12 U-Elija waphendula wathi, “Nxa ngingumuntu kaNkulunkulu, kakwehle umlilo ovela ezulwini ukuqothule wena kanye labantu bakho!” Ngakho umlilo kaNkulunkulu wehla uvela ezulwini waqothula izinduna zamabutho ezakuqala zombili kanye labo bonke abantu bayo abangamatshumi amahlanu.

13 Ngakho inkosi yathuma induna yebutho yesithathu labantu bayo abangamatshumi amahlanu. Induna yebutho yesithathu yakhwela yafika yaguqa ngamadolo phambi kuka-Elija yamncenga yathi, “Muntu kaNkulunkulu, akube lesihawu ngempilo yami leyamadoda la angamatshumi amahlanu, thina sizinceku zakho! 14 Angithi uyabona, umlilo wehle uvela ezulwini waqothula izinduna zamabutho lamadoda angamatshumi amahlanu induna nganye. Kodwa manje akunakekele impilo yami!”

15 Ingilosi kaThixo yathi ku-Elija, “Yehla kanye layo induna; ungayesabi.” Ngakho u-Elija wasukuma wehla kanye lenduna waya enkosini.

16 Wasesithi enkosini, “Ilizwi likaThixo lithi: Kungenxa yokuthi akulaNkulunkulu yini ko-Israyeli ukuze uthume izithunywa ukuthi ziyohlahlula kuBhali-Zebhubhi, unkulunkulu we-Ekroni na? Ngenxa yesenzo sakho lesi, awuyikuvuka kulowombheda olele kuwo. Ngempela uzakufa!” 17 Lakanye wafa, njengelizwi likaThixo elakhulunywa ngu-Elija.

Njengoba u-Ahaziya wayengelandodana, ubukhosi bakhe bathathwa nguJoramu owaba yinkosi ngomnyaka wesibili wokubusa kukaJehoramu indodana kaJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda. 18 Konke okwembali yokubusa kuka-Ahaziya, kanye lakwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli na?

2

U-Elija Wenyukela Ezulwini

1 Kwathi uThixo esezathatha u-Elija ukuba aye ezulwini ngesivunguzane, u-Elija lo-Elisha babevela eGiligali.

2 U-Elija wathi ku-Elisha, “Hlala lapha; uThixo usengithume eBhetheli.” Kodwa u-Elisha wathi, “Njengoba uThixo ephila njalo njengoba lawe uphila, angiyikutshiyana lawe.” Ngakho basuka baya eBhetheli.

3 Iqula labaphrofethi eBhetheli leza ku-Elisha lambuza lisithi: “Uyakwazi yini ukuthi uThixo uzakuthathela inkosi yakho lamuhla na?”

U-Elisha wathi, “Yebo, ngiyakwazi, kodwa lingakhulumi ngakho.”

4 Ngakho u-Elija wasesithi kuye, “Hlala lapha, Elisha; uThixo usengithume eJerikho.”

U-Elisha waphendula wathi: “Njengoba uThixo ephila njalo njengoba lawe uphila, angiyikutshiyana lawe.” Ngakho basuka baya eJerikho.

5 Iqula labaphrofethi eJerikho laya ku-Elisha lambuza lisithi, “Uyakwazi yini ukuthi uThixo uzathatha inkosi yakho lamuhla na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Yebo, ngiyakwazi, kodwa lingakhulumi ngakho.”

6 Ngakho u-Elija wasesithi, “Hlala khonapha; uThixo usengithume eJodani.”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Njengoba uThixo ephila njalo njengoba lawe uphila, angiyikutshiyana lawe.” Ngakho baqhubekela phambili ngohambo.

7 Amadoda angamatshumi amahlanu exukwini labaphrofethi asuka ayakuma bucwadlana ekhangele lapho u-Elija lo-Elisha ababemi khona eJodani. 8 U-Elija wasethatha ingubo yakhe, wayigoqa watshaya ngayo amanzi. Amanzi adabuka phakathi amanye aba kwesokunene amanye kwesokhohlo, basebechapha emhlabathini owomileyo.

9 Ekuchapheni kwabo, u-Elija wathi ku-Elisha, “Akungitshele, kambe kuyini engingakwenzela khona ngingakasuswa kuwe?”

U-Elisha waphendula wathi, “Ngicela isabelo esiphindwe kabili somoya wakho.”

10 U-Elija wathi, “Usucele into elukhuni, ungangibona ngisuswa kuwe kuzakuba ngokwakho, kodwa nxa kungangabinjalo akuyikuba ngokwakho.”

11 Besahamba belokhu bekhuluma, kwafika inqola yokulwa yomlilo lamabhiza ayo avuthayo yabehlukanisa, ngakho u-Elija waya ezulwini ngesivunguzane. 12 U-Elisha ebona lokhu wamemeza wathi, “Baba! Baba! Izinqola zokulwa labamabhiza okulwa ako-Israyeli!” U-Elisha kasazange aphinde ambone futhi. Wasethatha izigqoko zakhe wazidabula.

13 Wasedobha ingubo eyayiwe ku-Elija wabuyela emuva wayakuma okhunjini lomfula uJodani. 14 Wathatha ingubo eyayiwe kuye watshaya ngayo amanzi wathi, “Ungaphi khathesi uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Elija?” Wasetshaya amanzi, adabuka phakathi amanye kwesokunene amanye kwesokhohlo, wasechaphela ngaphetsheya.

15 Ixuku labaphrofethi ababevela eJerikho, ababebukele, lathi, “Umoya ka-Elija uphezu kuka-Elisha.” Basebesiya mhlangabeza bakhothama phambi kwakhe. 16 Basebesithi, “Uyabona, thina izinceku zakho silamadoda angamatshumi amahlanu enelisayo. Yekela amadoda la ayedinga inkosi yakho. Mhlawumbe uMoya kaThixo umthethe wayambeka entabeni ethile loba esihotsheni esithile.”

U-Elisha wathi, “Hatshi, lingabathumi.”

17 Kodwa baphikelela waze wakhulelwa zinhloni zokuba elokhu esala. Wasesithi, “Bathumeni.” Ngakho bathuma amadoda angamatshumi amahlanu, amdinga okwensuku ezintathu amswela. 18 Bathe sebebuyela ku-Elisha, owayesehlala eJerikho, wababuza wathi, “Bengingalitshelanga yini ukuthi lingamdingi?”

Ukuhlanjululwa Kwamanzi

19 Amadoda omuzi wakhona athi ku-Elisha, “Akubone, nkosi yethu, umuzi lo usendaweni ebukekayo, njengoba lawe uzibonela, kodwa amanzi alapha mabi lomhlaba wakhona awulazithelo.”

20 U-Elisha wathi, “Ngiphani umganu oyingubhe liwufake itswayi.” Ngakho bawuletha umganu.

21 Wasephuma esiya emthonjeni wafika waphosela khona itswayi ekhuluma esithi, “Ilizwi likaThixo lithi: ‘Sengiwahlambulule amanzi la. Awangeke aphinde futhi abangele ukufa loba ukungatheli kuhle kwalumhlaba.’ ” 22 Amanzi lawo kusukela mhlalokho kuze kube lamuhla mahle, njengokwakutshiwo ngu-Elisha.

Ukuhozwa Kuka-Elisha

23 Esuka lapho u-Elisha waya eBhetheli. Esahamba endleleni, kwavela kulowomuzi ixuku lentanga yabatsha lamhoza lisithi, “Qhubeka, wena mpabanga! Qhubeka, wena mpabanga!” 24 Wanyemukula, wabakhangela wasebehlisela isiqalekiso ngebizo likaThixo. Kwasekuvela amabhele amabili ehlathini afohloza abangamatshumi amane lababili babo. 25 Wasesedlulela eNtabeni yaseKhameli, uthe esesuka lapho waya eSamariya.

3

Ukuhlamuka KwamaMowabi

1 UJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili wokubusa kukaJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda, yena wabusa okweminyaka elitshumi lambili. 2 Wona emehlweni kaThixo, kodwa kwakungafanani lokukayise lonina ababekwenzile. Walahla ilitshe likaBhali elalizila elalibazwe nguyise. 3 Kodwa wagxila ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, lezo ayebangele u-Israyeli ukuthi azenze; kazange azifulathele.

4 UMesha inkosi yaseMowabi wayefuya izimvu, wayefanele ukubhadala inkosi yako-Israyeli izimvu ezizinkulungwane ezilikhulu kanye loboya benqama ezizinkulungwane ezilikhulu. 5 Kodwa ngemva kokufa kuka-Ahabi, inkosi yamaMowabi yahlamukela inkosi yako-Israyeli. 6 Ngalesosikhathi inkosi uJoramu yasuka eSamariya yabutha abako-Israyeli bonke. 7 Wathumela lelilizwi kuJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda wathi: “Inkosi yamaMowabi isingihlamukele. Singahambisana siyehlasela amaMowabi na?”

UJehoshafathi waphendula esithi, “Ngizahamba lawe. Mina nginguwe, abantu bami banjengabantu bakho, amabhiza ami anjengamabhiza akho.”

8 Wasebuza ukuthi, “Sizahlasela sivelela ngaphi na?”

UJoramu wathi “Sizavelela eNkangala yase-Edomi.”

9 Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli yaphuma lenkosi yakoJuda kanye lenkosi yase-Edomi. Ngemva kohambo bezulazula okwensuku eziyisikhombisa amanzi amabutho kanye lawezinyamazana zempi aphela.

10 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yababaza yathi, “Kutheni kanti? UThixo angasibiza singamakhosi amathathu ukuze azosinikela ezandleni zamaMowabi na?”

11 Kodwa uJehoshafathi wabuza wathi, “Akulamphrofethi kaThixo yini, esingabuza ngaye kuThixo na?”

Esinye sezikhulu zenkosi yako-Israyeli sathi, “Ukhona u-Elisha indodana kaShafathi. Wayeyinceku ka-Elija.”

12 UJehoshafathi wathi, “Ilizwi likaThixo likuye.” Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli kanye loJehoshafathi lenkosi yase-Edomi baya kuye.

13 U-Elisha wathi enkosini yako-Israyeli, “Mina lawe singenelana njani? Hamba kubaphrofethi bakayihlo lakubaphrofethi bakanyoko.”

Inkosi yako-Israyeli yaphendula yathi, “Hayi, kungenxa yokuthi uThixo wasibiza sobathathu singamakhosi sinje ukuze asinikele kumaMowabi.”

14 U-Elisha wathi, “Njengoba uThixo uSomandla engimkhonzayo ephila, kungasikuhlonipha kwami ukuthi kuloJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda, ngibe ngingayikukukhangela loba ukukubona ukuthi ukhona kodwa lokhu. 15 Kodwa-ke ngibizela umtshayi wechacho.”

Umtshayi wechacho esatshaya ichacho, amandla kaThixo ehlela ku-Elisha, 16 wasesithi, “Ilizwi likaThixo lithi: Lungisani imigelo eminengi kulesisigodi. 17 Ngoba ilizwi likaThixo lithi: Aliyikubona yezi loba izulu, kodwa lesisigodi sizagcwala ngamanzi, kuthi lina lenkomo zenu kanye lezinyamazana zonke lithole ukunatha. 18 Le yinto elula kuThixo, njalo uzanikela amaMowabi esandleni sakho. 19 Uzanqoba kuzozonke izinqaba zedolobho lakuyo yonke imizi eqakathekileyo. Uzawisa zonke izihlahla ezinhle, ugqibele yonke imithombo yamanzi, wonakalise wonke amasimu amahle ngamatshe.”

20 Ngosuku olulandelayo ekuseni, ngesikhathi sokunikela imihlatshelo, lakanye babona, nanko amanzi egeleza evelela e-Edomi! Ngakho ilizwe lagcwala amanzi.

21 AmaMowabi wonke ayesezwile ukuthi amakhosi ayezohlasela; ngalokho amadoda wonke, abadala lamajaha, ababengenelisa ukuphatha izikhali balawulwa ukuba bayevikela umngcele. 22 Bathi bevuka emadabukakusa bathola ilanga linkanyazela phezu kwamanzi. Ekuboneni kwamaMowabi ngale, amanzi ayekhanya ebomvu kungani ligazi. AmaMowabi asesithi, 23 “Ligazi leliyana! Kutsho ukuthi amakhosi lawayana alwile abulalana wodwa. Asiyeni butha impango, maMowabi!”

24 Kodwa amaMowabi athe efika enkambeni yama-Israyeli, ama-Israyeli awavukela awahlasela, amaMowabi aze abaleka. Ngakho ama-Israyeli ahlasela ilizwe lelo abhubhisa amaMowabi. 25 Atshabalalisa imizi kwathi indoda nganye yaphosela ilitshe kuwo wonke amasimu amahle aze agcwala ngamatshe. Bagqibela yonke imithombo yamanzi njalo bagamula zonke izihlahla ezinhle. Kwasala iKhiri-Haresethi eyasala amatshe ayo elokhu enjalo, kodwa amadoda ayehlome ngezavutha ayihonqolozela njalo ayihlasela.

26 Inkosi yamaMowabi ithe ibona ukuthi isikhulelwa ekulweni, yathatha amadoda angamakhulu ayisikhombisa alwa ngenkemba yazama ukuthi idabule phakathi ngamandla iyephutshela enkosini yase-Edomi, kodwa yehluleka. 27 Inkosi yaseMowabi yasithatha ingqabutho yayo eyiyo indodana eyayizasala ibusa yayinikela njengomnikelo wokutshiswa phezu kwemiduli yedolobho. Kwakukukhulu ukuthukuthelela abako-Israyeli baze bahlehla babuyela kwelakibo.

4

Amafutha Omfelokazi

1 Umfazi wenye indoda phakathi kwexuku labaphrofethi wakhalaza ku-Elisha wathi, “Indoda yami ebiyinceku yakho isifile, njalo uyakwazi ukuthi ibe imkhonza uThixo. Umkami ubelesikwelede sendoda ethile esifuna ukuthumba amadodana ami amabili ukuze abe yizigqili zayo.”

2 U-Elisha wamphendula wathi, “Ngingakunceda kanjani na? Akungitshele, kulani endlini yakho?”

Umfelokazi wathi, “Incekukazi yakho ayilalutho ngaphandle kwengcosana yamafutha.”

3 U-Elisha wasesithi, “Hamba uyekweboleka imbiza ezinengi kubomakhelwane bakho bonke. Ungaceli ezilutshwane nje. 4 Ubusungena endlini yakho lamadodana akho uvale umnyango. Ubusuthululela amafutha embizeni inye nganye, ithi ingagcwala uyibeke eceleni.”

5 Wasuka kuye kwathi ngemva kwesikhathi wavala umnyango lamadodana akhe. Amadodana amqhubela imbiza yena elokhu ezigcwalisa ngamafutha. 6 Kuthe imbiza zonke sezigcwele, wathi endodaneni yakhe, “Letha enye futhi.”

Kodwa yaphendula yathi, “Akuselambiza eseleyo.” Amafutha kazabe esajuluka.

7 Wasuka wayatshela umuntu kaNkulunkulu, owathi, “Hamba uyethengisa amafutha lawo ubhadale izikwelede zakho. Wena lamadodana akho lizaphila ngaseleyo.”

Ukuvuswa Kwendodana YomShunami

8 Ngolunye usuku u-Elisha waya eShunemi. Kwakulowesifazane onothileyo, owamcela ukuba ahlale adle ukudla. Kwakusithi nxa ehambele khonale wayethola ukudla khonapho. 9 Owesifazane wathi kumyeni wakhe, “Ngiyakwazi ukuthi lumuntu ohlala esedlula lapha ngumuntu ongcwele kaNkulunkulu. 10 Kasimlungisele indlu ephezulu simfakele khona umbheda, itafula, isihlalo kanye lesibane. Kube yindlu azafikela kiyo nxa elapha kithi.”

11 Kwelinye ilanga, u-Elisha wafika wayangena endlini yakhe leyo wacambalala khona. 12 Wathuma inceku yakhe uGehazi, wathi, “Ngibizela umShunami.” Ngakho inceku yambiza, wafika wema phansi kwakhe. 13 U-Elisha wasesithi, “Umtshele uthi, ‘Usuzihluphe kangaka usilungisela. Kambe kuyini ongakwenzelwa wena? Singakukhulumela yini enkosini loba kumlawuli wamabutho na?’ ”

Owesifazane wathi, “Ngilomuzi phakathi kwabantu bakithi.”

14 U-Elisha wabuza wathi, “Kuyini esingamenzela khona na?”

UGehazi wathi, “Kalandodana njalo umyeni wakhe useluphele.”

15 Ngakho u-Elisha wathi, “Mbize.” Inceku yasimbiza, wafika wema emnyango. U-Elisha wathi, 16 “Ngasolesi isikhathi ngomnyaka ozayo uzaphatha indodana ezandleni zakho.”

Owesifazane waphikisa wathi, “Atshi, nkosi yami, ungabokhohlisa incekukazi yakho, wena muntu kaNkulunkulu!”

17 Owesifazane wathatha isisu, kwathi ngomnyaka owalandelayo ngesikhathi esifananayo wakhululeka wazuza indodana njengokutshelwa kwakhe ngu-Elisha.

18 Umntwana wakhula, kwathi ngelinye ilanga walandela uyise, owayelabavuni. 19 Wasesithi kuyise, “Maye ikhanda lami! Maye ikhanda lami!”

Uyise wathuma isisebenzi wathi, “Thwala umntwana uye laye kunina.” 20 Isisebenzi sesimthwalele kunina unina wamanga kwaze kwaba semini enkulu umntwana wasesifa. 21 Unina wamthatha wayamlalisa embhedeni womuntu kaNkulunkulu, waphuma wasevala umnyango.

22 Owesifazane wathumela kumkakhe ilizwi elithi, “Ngicela ungithumele esinye sezisebenzi kanye lobabhemi ukuze ngiphange ngiyebona umuntu kaNkulunkulu ngiphenduke.”

23 Umyeni wakhe wathi, “Kungani umlanda lamuhla? Akusikho ekuThwaseni kweNyanga njalo akusilo iSabatha.”

Owesifazane wathi, “Kulungile kunjalo.”

24 Wethesa ubabhemi wasesithi kusisebenzi sakhe, “Khokhela; ungahambi kancane usenzela mina ngaphandle kokuba ngikutshele.” 25 Ngakho waphuma wahamba waze wayamthola umuntu kaNkulunkulu eNtabeni yaseKhameli.

Ebona owesifazane esesebucwadlana, umuntu kaNkulunkulu wathi kuGehazi inceku yakhe, “Khangela! Nanguyana umShunami! 26 Gijima umhlangabeze umbuze uthi, ‘Konke kulungile kuwe na? Umkakho uyaphila na? Umntanakho uyaphila na?’ ”

Owesifazane wathi, “Konke kulungile.”

27 Kodwa esefikile emuntwini kaNkulunkulu entabeni, wagagadlela inyawo zakhe. UGehazi weza kuye wamfuqela khatshana, kodwa umuntu kaNkulunkulu wathi, “Myekele! Uphakathi kosizi olukhulu, kodwa uThixo ukufihlile kimi lokho njalo kangitshelanga ukuthi kungani.”

28 Owesifazane wathi, “Ngake ngacela indodana kuwe na, nkosi yami? Angizange ngikutshele yini ukuthi ungaze wangikhohlisa na?”

29 U-Elisha wathi kuGehazi, “Khwincela ijazi lakho ebhantini, uphathe intonga yami ngesandla ubusugijima. Loba ngubani ohlangana laye, ungambingeleli, loba angaze akubingelele ungamphenduli. Ufike ubeke intonga yami ebusweni bomfana.”

30 Kodwa unina womfana wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ephila lanjengoba uphila, angiyikukutshiya.” Ngakho wasuka walandela owesifazane.

31 UGehazi wahle wagijima phambili wayabeka intonga ebusweni bomfana, kodwa akuzwakalanga lutho njalo kanyikinyekanga. Ngakho uGehazi wabuyela ukuyahlangabeza u-Elisha wamtshela wathi, “Umfana kavukanga.”

32 Ekufikeni kwakhe endlini u-Elisha, wafumana lakanye nangu umfana usembhedeni wakhe ufile. 33 Wangena wavala umnyango baba bobabili lomfana wasekhuleka kuThixo. 34 Wakhwela embhedeni wacambalala phezu komfana, umlomo emlonyeni, amehlo emehlweni, izandla ezandleni. Uthe esazelula phezu komfana, umzimba womfana waqalisa ukukhudumala. 35 U-Elisha wafulathela wahambahamba endlini waphinda wabuyela embhedeni wacambalala phezu komfana. Umfana wathimula kasikhombisa wasevula amehlo.

36 U-Elisha wabiza uGehazi wathi kuye, “Biza umShunami.” Wakwenza lokho. Uthe esefikile wasesithi kuye owesifazane, “Thatha indodana yakho.” 37 UmShunami wangena, wawela ezinyaweni zakhe wakhothama. Wasethatha indodana yakhe wahamba.

Ukufa Okusembizeni

38 U-Elisha wabuyela eGiligali njalo kulesosigaba kwakulendlala. Kwathi esesemhlanganweni lexuku labaphrofethi, wathuma isisebenzi sakhe wathi, “Beka imbiza enkulu eziko, uphekele abaphrofethi ukudla.”

39 Omunye wabo wayakukha imibhida egangeni wathola ivini leganga. Wakha amajodwana wagcwalisa ophikweni lwesigqoko sakhe. Ekuphendukeni kwakhe wawaqobaqoba wawafaka embizeni yesitshebo lanxa kungekho owayesazi ukuthi kuyini. 40 Kwaphakululwa ukuba abantu badle, kodwa bathi beqalisa ukudla bamemeza bathi, “Awu muntu kaNkulunkulu kulokufa embizeni!” Kabazabe besakudla.

41 U-Elisha wathi, “Lethani ifulawa.” Wayifaka embizeni wasesithi, “Baphakuleleni abantu badle.” Ngalokho kwakungaselabuthi embizeni.

Abalikhulu Baphiwa Ukudla

42 Kwafika indoda ethile ivela eBhali-Shalisha, iphathele umuntu kaNkulunkulu izinkwa zebhali ezingamatshumi amabili, zibhekhwe ngezilimo zakuqala. U-Elisha wathi, “Nikani abantu badle.”

43 Inceku yakhe yathi, “Ngingababela njani abantu abalikhulu okungaka?”

Kodwa u-Elisha wathi, “Phakululela abantu badle. Ngoba ilizwi likaThixo lithi: ‘Bazakudla baze bakutshiye.’ ” 44 Inceku yasiphakululela abantu, badla baze bakutshiya, njengokutsho kwelizwi likaThixo.

5

UNamani Welatshwa Ubulephero

1 UNamani wayengumlawuli webutho lenkosi yase-Aramu. Wayelodumo ehlonipheka emehlweni enkosi yakhe, ngoba ngaye uThixo wanika ele-Aramu ukunqoba. Wayelibutho elilesibindi, kodwa wayelobulephero.

2 Amaxuku amabutho ase-Aramu ayephumile athumba intombazana yako-Israyeli, yaba yisichaka somkaNamani. 3 Yathi kunkosikazi yayo, “Ngabe inkosi yami ike ibonane lomphrofethi oseSamariya! Ubezayelapha ubulephero bayo.”

4 UNamani wayatshela inkosi yakhe ngalokhu okwakutshiwo yintombazana yako-Israyeli. 5 Inkosi yase-Aramu yathi, “Ye kufanele uhambe, ngizabhalela inkosi yako-Israyeli incwadi.” Ngakho uNamani wasuka ephethe amathalenta esiliva alitshumi, amashekeli egolide azinkulungwane eziyisithupha kanye lamaxha ezigqoko alitshumi. 6 Incwadi ahamba layo enkosini yako-Israyeli yayisithi: “Ngalincwadi ngikuthumela inceku yami uNamani ukuba uzomelapha ubulephero bakhe.”

7 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi iqeda ukufunda incwadi leyo, yadabula izembatho zayo yathi, “NginguNkulunkulu mina na? Ngilamandla okubulala lamandla okuphilisa na? Kungani lumuntu ethumele umuntu esithi ngimelaphe ubulephero? Angithi liyabona ukuthi udinga ukuxabana lami!”

8 U-Elisha umuntu kaNkulunkulu esezwe ukuthi inkosi yako-Israyeli yayisidabule izembatho zayo, wayithumela ilizwi esithi, “Kungani usudabule izembatho zakho na? Letha indoda leyo kimi ukuze yazi ukuthi kulomphrofethi ko-Israyeli.” 9 Ngakho uNamani wahamba lamabhiza akhe kanye lezinqola zokulwa wayakuma emnyango wendlu ka-Elisha. 10 U-Elisha wathuma isithunywa ukuthi siyotshela uNamani sithi: “Hamba, uyegeza kasikhombisa emfuleni uJodani, inyama yakho izahluma njalo lawe uhlambuluke.”

11 Kodwa uNamani wasuka ethukuthele wasesithi: “Mina benginakana ukuthi ngempela uzaphuma eze kimi ame abize ibizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe, aphakamise isandla phezu kwezilonda angelaphe ubulephero. 12 Imifula yaseDamaseko, i-Abhana leFariphari kayingcono yini kulawo wonke amanzi ako-Israyeli na? Bengingeke ngageza kiyo ngihlambuluke na?” Ngakho wafulathela wahamba ethukuthele.

13 Izinceku zikaNamani zamlanda zathi kuye, “Baba, alubana umphrofethi ubekutshele ukuthi wenze into enkulu ube ungayikuyenza na? Pho, kwehlula ngaphi nxa esithi, ‘Geza uhlambuluke’!” 14 Yikho ukusuka kwakhe esiya khonale efika egeza kasikhombisa, njengokulaywa kwakhe ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu, inyama yakhe yahluma njalo yahlambuluka kungathi ngeyomfana omncinyane.

15 Ngakho uNamani kanye lezinceku zakhe babuyela kumphrofethi uNkulunkulu. Wafika wema phambi kwakhe wathi, “Ngiyakwazi ukuthi akulankulunkulu emhlabeni wonke ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. Ngoxolo ngicela wamukele lesisipho senceku yakho.”

16 Umphrofethi wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengokuba uThixo engimkhonzayo ephila, angiyikwamukela lutho.” Kwathi lanxa uNamani emncenga wala.

17 UNamani wasesithi, “Nxa ungasoze ukwamukele ngiyacela, mina nceku yakho, ukuba ngithole umhlabathi walapha ongalingana ukuthwalwa zimbongolo ezimbili, ngoba mina nceku angisayikunikela iminikelo yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo lakuwuphi unkulunkulu kodwa kuThixo. 18 Kodwa inceku yakho icela ukuba uThixo ayixolele kulokhu kuphela: Nxa inkosi yami ingena ethempelini likaRimoni ukuze iyemkhothamela ibambelele engalweni yami lami ngikhothame kanye layo, nxa ngikhothama ethempelini likaRimoni, ngiyacela ukuba uThixo angixolele kulokho.”

19 U-Elisha wathi, “Hamba ngokuthula.”

UNamani uthe esehambe okomango othile, 20 uGehazi, isisebenzi sika-Elisha inceku kaNkulunkulu, wazitshela ukuthi, “Inkosi yami imyekele uNamani wase-Aramu, wahamba ingasamukelanga isipho sakhe. Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ephila ngizamgijimela ngiyezuza ulutho kuye.”

21 Ngakho uGehazi wahaluzela wamxhuma uNamani. Kwathi uNamani embona esiza egijima, wehla enqoleni yakhe wamhlangabeza, wambuza wathi, “Kulungile konke na?”

22 UGehazi wathi, “Yebo, konke kulungile. Inkosi yami ingithumile ukuba ngithi, ‘Sekufike amajaha amabili exuku labaphrofethi bevela elizweni lezintaba elako-Efrayimi, icela ukuba uwanike ithalenta lesiliva elilodwa lezigqoko ezimbili.’ ”

23 UNamani wathi, “Ngokujabula, ngithi thatha amathalenta amabili.” Wamkhuthaza uGehazi ukuba awamukele, wasebophela amathalenta esiliva amabili emigodleni emibili, lamaxha amabili ezigqoko. Wawaqhubela izisebenzi ezimbili, zawathwala zahamba kuqala phambi kukaGehazi. 24 Esefikile eqaqeni uGehazi, wathatha impahla kulezozisebenzi wayazibeka endlini. Wathi kababuyele, lakanye basuka.

25 Wasengena wafika wema phambi kwenkosi yakhe u-Elisha. U-Elisha wambuza wathi, “Ube ungaphi Gehazi?”

UGehazi waphendula wathi, “Inceku yakho ayizange iye ndawo.”

26 Kodwa u-Elisha wathi kuye, “Umoya wami ubungekanye lawe na lapho lowomuntu ephenduka enqoleni ekuhlangabeza? Yisikhathi sokwamukela imali lesi na, kumbe esokwamukela izigqoko, lezivande zama-oliva, lamavini lemihlambi yezimvu, leyenkomo, kumbe eyezinceku zesilisa lesifazane? 27 Ubulephero bukaNamani buzanamathela kuwe lasenzalweni yakho kuze kube laphakade.” UGehazi wasuka phambi kuka-Elisha eselobulephero esemhlophe njengongqwaqwane.

6

Ukundenda KweHloka

1 Ixuku labaphrofethi lathi ku-Elisha, “Khangela, indawo esihlala kiyo lawe kayisasanelanga. 2 Asiye eJodani lapho esizagamula khona izigodo sakhe indawo yokuhlala.”

U-Elisha wathi, “Kulungile, hambani.”

3 Omunye wabo wathi, “Ungazake uhambe lezinceku zakho na?”

U-Elisha wathi, “Kulungile ngizahamba.” 4 Ngakho wasehamba labo.

Baya eJodani bafika baqalisa ukugamula izigodo. 5 Omunye wathi egamula, ihloka lakhe laqamuka isihloko salo sawela emanzini. Wasekhala esithi, “Nkosi yami, ihloka leli bengilibolekile.”

6 Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wasebuza esithi, “Liwele ngaphi?” Uthe esemtshengisile indawo yakhona, u-Elisha wagamula uswazi waluphosela khonapho, lokho kwenza ihloka lelo landenda. 7 Wasesithi, “Lenyule emanzini.” Umuntu lowo welula isandla sakhe walenyula.

U-Elisha Uthiya Ama-Aramu Aphumputhekisiweyo

8 Inkosi yase-Aramu yayisempini ilwisana labako-Israyeli. Ngemva kokukhulumisana lezikhulu zayo inkosi yathi, “Inkamba yami ngizayimisa endaweni ethile.”

9 Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wathumela ilizwi enkosini yako-Israyeli lisithi, “Qaphela ungedluli kuleyana indawo, ngoba ama-Aramu azakwehla ayekhona.” 10 Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli yahlolisisa kuleyondawo eyayiqanjwe ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu. U-Elisha wakuphinda enkosini lokhu kuxwayisa kanenginengi, ukuze izivikele ezindaweni ezinjengalezi.

11 Lokhu kwayithukuthelisa inkosi yase-Aramu. Yabiza izikhulu zayo yazihwabhela yathi, “Aliyikungitshela yini ukuthi phakathi kwethu ngubani oseceleni lenkosi yako-Israyeli na?”

12 Esinye sezikhulu zakhe sathi, “Kakho phakathi kwethu nkosi yami, kodwa u-Elisha, umphrofethi wako-Israyeli, ulakho ukutshela inkosi yako-Israyeli ngalawo mazwi owakhuluma usendlini yakho yokulala.”

13 Inkosi yabalaya yathi, “Hambani liyemdinga lapho akhona, ukuze ngithumele amadoda ayemthumba.” Kwavela impendulo ethi, “UseDothani.” 14 Inkosi yasithumela amabhiza lezinqola zokulwa kanye lamabutho aqinileyo. Bahamba ebusuku bahle bagombolozela umuzi wakhona.

15 Kuthe inceku yomuntu kaNkulunkulu ivuka ekuseni ngelanga elilandelayo yaphuma phandle yathola amabutho alamabhiza lezinqola zokulwa sezihonqolozele idolobho. Inceku yethuka yathi, “Maye, nkosi yami, sizakwenzenjani na?”

16 Umphrofethi wathi, “Ungesabi. Labo abalathi banengi kulalabo abangakubo.”

17 U-Elisha wasekhuleka wathi, “Oh Thixo, vula amehlo akhe ukuze abone.” Ngakho uThixo wavula amehlo enceku, yakhangela yabona amaqaqa agcwele amabhiza lezinqola zokulwa ezomlilo zihonqolozele u-Elisha.

18 Kuthe izitha zisondela kuye, u-Elisha wakhuleka kuThixo wathi, “Tshaya lababantu babe yiziphofu.” Ngakho wabaphumputhekisa, njengokucela kuka-Elisha.

19 U-Elisha wabatshela wathi, “Akusiwo umgwaqo njalo akusiwo umuzi eliwudingayo. Ngilandelani, ngizalikhokhela liye emuntwini elimdingayo.” Ngakho wabakhokhelela eSamariya.

20 Sebephakathi komuzi, u-Elisha wathi, “Thixo, vula amehlo alababantu ukuze babone.” Ngakho uThixo wavula amehlo abo, bazibonela ukuthi babephakathi kweSamariya.

21 Inkosi yako-Israyeli ithe ibabona, yabuza ku-Elisha yathi, “Ngibabulale yini, baba? Ngibabulale na?”

22 Yena waphendula wathi, “Ungababulali. Kambe ungababulala yini ngenkemba loba ngomtshoko wakho abantu obathumbileyo. Baphe ukudla lamanzi ukuze badle babe sebebuyela enkosini yabo.” 23 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yasibenzela idili elikhulu, bathe sebeqedile ukudla lokunatha, yabakhulula ukuba bahambe, ngakho basuka babuyela enkosini yabo. Kwathi amaxuku amabutho ase-Aramu ayehlala ehlasela elako-Israyeli akhawula ukuhlasela.

Indlala ESamariya Ngesikhathi Ivinjezelwe

24 Ngemva kwesikhathi, uBheni-Hadadi inkosi yase-Aramu yaqoqa amabutho ayo wonke yayavimbezela umuzi waseSamariya. 25 Kwaba lendlala enkulu eSamariya ngesikhathi sokuvinjezelwa kwayo; ngakho inhloko kababhemi yayithengiswa ngamashekeli esiliva angamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, legajana lombhida othile ngamashekeli amahlanu esiliva.

26 Kwathi ngolunye usuku inkosi yako-Israyeli ihambahamba phezu komduli womuzi, owesifazane othile wamemeza esithi kuyo, “Akungincede, baba nkosi yami!”

27 Inkosi yaphendula yathi, “Nxa uThixo engakusizi, mina kambe ngizaluthatha ngaphi uncedo? Ngizaluthatha esikhamelweni sewayini yini loba esizeni sokubhulela na?” 28 Wasebuza wathi, “Kodwa uhlutshwa yini?”

Owesifazane waphendula wathi, “Owesifazane lo uthe kimi, ‘Letha umntanakho ukuba simudle lamuhla, kuzakuthi kusasa sidle owami.’ 29 Ngakho simphekile umntanami samudla. Ngosuku olulandelayo ngasengisithi, ‘Letha umntanakho ukuba simudle.’ Kodwa yena ubesemfihlile.”

30 Inkosi ithe isizwa okwakutshiwo ngowesifazane lowo yadabula izigqoko zayo. Inkosi yayihamba phezu komduli, abantu bayikhangela, babona ukuthi isigqoko sayo sangaphansi sasingesokulila. 31 Inkosi yathi, “Sengathi uNkulunkulu angangihlanekela kubi nxa ikhanda lika-Elisha indodana kaShafathi kungasa lilokhu limi phezu kwamahlombe akhe lamuhla!”

32 U-Elisha wayehlezi endlini yakhe labadala babehlezi laye. Inkosi yasithumela isithunywa phambili, kodwa sithe singakafiki u-Elisha wathi ebadaleni, “Liyakubona yini ukuthi umbulali lo usethumele umuntu ukuba azoquma ikhanda lami na? Khangelani, ekufikeni kwesithunywa lapha libovala umnyango libambe isivalo siqine. Kalizizwa yini izisinde zenkosi yaso ngemva kwaso na?”

33 Kwathi esakhuluma, isithunywa sahle safika. Ngakho inkosi yathi, “Uhlupho lonke lolu luvela kuThixo. Pho-ke ngisamlindelelani uThixo na?”

7

1 U-Elisha wathi, “Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo. Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Kusasa ngasolesi isikhathi, ingxenye yegokoko lefulawa izabe isithengiswa ngeshekeli kuthi ingxenye ezimbili zegokoko lebhali zibe ngezeshekeli elilodwa esangweni laseSamariya.”

2 Isikhulu leso inkosi eyayeyeme engalweni yaso sathi emuntwini kaNkulunkulu, “Khangela, kambe loba uThixo angaze avule amasango empophoma zamazulu bekungenzeka lokhu na?”

U-Elisha waphendula wathi, “Lokho uzakubona ngawakho amehlo, kodwa awuyikudla loba yini yakho!”

Ukuvinjezelwa Kuyasuswa

3 Kwakukhona amadoda alobulephero amane esangweni lomuzi. Akhulumisana athi, “Sihlaleleni lapha size sife na? 4 Nxa singathi, ‘Asingeneni phakathi komuzi.’ Lakhona kulendlala, sizakufa. Singahlala khonapha, sizakufa. Ngakho asiyeni enkambeni yama-Aramu siyezinikela. Bangahlala bengasibulali, sizaphila; kodwa bangasibulala, sizakufa.”

5 Kusihlwa baya enkambeni yama-Aramu. Bathe befika eduzane lenkamba, bananzelela ukuthi kwakungaselamuntu loyedwa, 6 ngoba iNkosi yayenze ukuthi ama-Aramu azwe umsindo wezinqola zokulwa lamabhiza kanye lebutho elikhulu endlebeni zawo, aze atshelana athi, “Qaphelani, inkosi yako-Israyeli isisibizele amakhosi amaHithi lamaGibhithe ukuthi azosihlasela!” 7 Ngakho asuka abaleka ngomnyama wokuhlwa atshiya amathente awo kanye lamabhiza labobabhemi. Abaleka atshiya inkamba ilokhu imi injalo evikela impilo yawo.

8 Amadoda ayelobulephero angena enkambeni afika ahlala kwelinye lamathente. Adla anatha, aze athwala lesiliva, legolide lezigqoko, ahamba lakho ayakufihla. Aphenduka njalo angena kwelinye lamathente athatha njalo ezinye impahla lazo ayazifihla.

9 Asekhulumisana esithi, “Akulunganga lokhu esikwenzayo. Lolu lusuku lwezindaba ezinhle kodwa silokhu singazitsheli muntu. Singalindela ukusa kwelanga sizajeziswa. Asihambeni khathesi siyebika esigodlweni.”

10 Ngakho bahamba bamemeza abalindi bamasango bomuzi bathi kubo, “Siye sayafika enkambeni yama-Aramu sathola kungelamuntu loyedwa kodwa lokhu kungezwakali lomsindo womuntu ngaphandle kwamabhiza labobabhemi kubotshelwe, kanye lamathente atshiywe enjengoba enjalo.” 11 Abalindi bamasango bamemezela lezizindaba, kwaze kwayabikwa laphakathi esigodlweni.

12 Inkosi yavuka ebusuku yakhuluma lezikhulu zayo yathi, “Ngizalitshela ukuthi ama-Aramu asenzeni kithi. Ayakwazi ukuthi siphakathi kwendlala; ngakho asuke atshiya inkamba zawo ukuze asicathamele emaphandleni enakana esithi, ‘Ngempela bazaphuma ijumo, kube lapho esizabathumba khona singene phakathi komuzi.’ ”

13 Esinye sezikhulu zenkosi sathi, “Thuma abahlanu ngamabhiza aseleyo phakathi komuzi. Bazawelwa luhlupho olufana lolwama-Israyeli wonke asele lapha, yebo, bazafana nje labo bonke abako-Israyeli abalindele ukufa. Ngakho asibathume balandele bayedingisisa okwenzakeleyo.”

14 Basebekhetha izinqola zokulwa ezimbili lamabhiza azo, inkosi yathuma ukuba zilandele ibutho lama-Aramu. Inkosi ekulawuleni kwayo abatshayeli balezinqola zokulwa yathi, “Hambani liyedingisisa ukuthi kuyini okwenzakeleyo.” 15 Balandela baze bayafika eJodani, bathola kuyikuthi indlela yonke yayihlakazeke ngezigqoko langempahla ezazilahlwe ngama-Aramu ekubalekeni kwawo. Ngakho zaphenduka izithunywa zafika zabika enkosini. 16 Abantu baphuma bayaphanga okwakusenkambeni yama-Aramu. Ngakho igokoko lefulawa lathengiswa ngeshekeli, amagokoko amabili ebhali athengiswa ngeshekeli, njengokutsho kukaThixo.

17 Inkosi yayibeke isikhulu eyayeyeme engalweni yaso ukuba silondoloze isango. Abantu baphithizela basinyathela esangweni, safa, njengokwakutshiwo ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu ngesikhathi inkosi ize ifike endlini yakhe. 18 Kwenzakala njengalokhu umuntu kaNkulunkulu wayetshilo enkosini: “Ngalesi isikhathi kusasa, igokoko lefulawa lizathengiswa ngeshekeli, amagokoko amabili ebhali azathengiswa ngeshekeli esangweni laseSamariya.”

19 Isikhulu senkosi sona sasithe emuntwini kaNkulunkulu, “Khangela, loba uThixo angaze avule amasango empophoma zamazulu bekungenzeka lokhu na?” Umuntu kaNkulunkulu yena wayephendule wathi, “Lokhu uzakubona ngawakho amehlo, kodwa awuyikudla loba yini yakho!” 20 Yikho kanye okwenzakala kulesisikhulu senkosi, ngoba abantu baphithizela basinyathela esangweni, safa.

8

Umfazi OngumShunami Uphiwa Amasimu Akhe

1 U-Elisha wayetshele umfazi olomntwana ayemvuse ekufeni wathi, “Suka uhambe labendlu yakho uyehlala lapha ongathuthela khona okwesikhatshana, ngoba uThixo uzaletha indlala elizweni ezathatha iminyaka eyisikhombisa.” 2 Owesifazane lowo wakwenza lokho njengokulaywa kwakhe ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu. Yena kanye labendlu yakhe basuka bayahlala elizweni lamaFilistiya okweminyaka eyisikhombisa.

3 Ekupheleni kweminyaka eyisikhombisa wasuka elizweni lamaFilistiya waya enkosini yakibo wayacela indawo yomuzi kanye lamasimu akhe. 4 Inkosi yayikhuluma loGehazi, isisebenzi somuntu kaNkulunkulu, yathi, “Ake ungixoxele ngezimanga ezinkulu esezike zenziwa ngu-Elisha.” 5 Uthe uGehazi esathi uyalandisela inkosi ngokuthi u-Elisha wavusa njani abafileyo, owesifazane owayelendodana yakhe eyasiliswa ngu-Elisha wafika ezocela ukubuyela emzini wakhe lokulima amasimu akhe.

UGehazi wathi, “Nguyenalo owesifazane, nkosi yami, nansi lendodana yakhe, eyiyo eyavuswa kwabafileyo ngu-Elisha.” 6 Inkosi yambuza ngalokhu umama lowo, lakanye wakufakaza lokho.

Inkosi yasikhetha esinye sezikhulu zayo ukuba sikhangele izikhalazo zowesifazane yaqonqosela yathi, “Uze umbuyisele konke okwakungokwakhe, lenzuzo yonke eyasala izuzakala emasimini akhe kusukela mhla asuka kulelilizwe kuze kube sekuphendukeni kwakhe lamuhla.”

UHazayeli Ubulala UBheni-Hadadi

7 U-Elisha waya eDamaseko, uBheni-Hadadi inkosi yase-Aramu wayegula. Inkosi isitsheliwe ngalokho ukuthi, 8 “Umuntu kaNkulunkulu usefikile uvela ekudeni khonale esiza lapha,” wathi kuHazayeli: “Thatha isipho uyehlangabeza umuntu kaNkulunkulu. Khuluma ubuze uThixo ngaye; uthi, ‘Kambe ngizasila yini kulokhu kugula na?’ ”

9 UHazayeli waphuma wayahlangabeza u-Elisha, ephethe izipho zezimpahla ezinhle kakhulu ezenziwa ngabaleminwe eDamaseko zithwelwe ngamakamela angamatshumi amane. Wafika wangena wema phambi kwakhe, wathi, “Indodana yakho uBheni-Hadadi inkosi yase-Aramu ungithumile ukuba ngizobuza, uthe yena, ‘Kambe ngizasila emkhuhlaneni na?’ ”

10 U-Elisha waphendula wathi, “Hamba uyemtshela ukuthi, ‘Ngempela uzasila’; kodwa uThixo usebonakalisile kimi umbono wokuthi uzakufa.” 11 Wamkhangela engaciyozi emuthe nzo ngamehlo uHazayeli waze waba lenhloni. Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wasekhala.

12 UHazayeli wabuza wathi, “Kungani inkosi yami ikhala?”

Umuntu kaNkulunkulu waphendula wathi, “Kungenxa yokuthi ngiyabazi ububi ozabenza ebantwini bako-Israyeli; uzatshisa izinqola zabo ngomlilo, ubulale lamadodana abo ngenkemba, uchoboze ingane zabo njalo uqhaqhe abesifazane abazithweleyo.”

13 UHazayeli wathi, “Kambe inceku yakho, yona iyinja ngokwayo, ingasanelisa njani isiga esingako?”

U-Elisha waphendula wathi, “UThixo ungitshengisile ukuthi wena uzakuba yinkosi yase-Aramu.”

14 Ngakho uHazayeli wasuka ku-Elisha wabuyela enkosini yakhe. UBheni-Hadadi wasebuza esithi, “Utheni u-Elisha kuwe?” UHazayeli yena waphendula wathi, “Ungitshele ukuthi ngempela uzasila.” 15 Kodwa ngosuku olulandelayo wathatha ingubo, wayigxamuza emanzini, wasembomboza ubuso benkosi ngayo yaze yafa. Ngakho uHazayeli waba yinkosi.

UJehoramu Yinkosi YakoJuda

16 Ngomnyaka wesihlanu kaJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli, ngesikhathi uJehoshafathi eyinkosi yakoJuda, uJehoramu indodana kaJehoshafathi waqalisa ukubusa eyinkosi yakoJuda. 17 Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lambili eqalisa ukubusa, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka eyisificaminwembili. 18 Yena wahamba emanyathelweni amakhosi ako-Israyeli, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe ngabendlu ka-Ahabi, ngoba wayethethe indodakazi ka-Ahabi. Wona phambi kukaThixo. 19 Loba kunjalo, ngenxa kaDavida inceku yakhe, uThixo kathandanga ukudiliza indlu kaJuda. Wayemthembise ukugcina isibane sikaDavida lenzalo yakhe kuze kube nini lanini.

20 Ngensuku zikaJehoramu, abase-Edomi bahlamukela uJuda babeka eyabo inkosi. 21 Ngakho uJehoramu waya eZayiri lezinqola zakhe zokulwa. Ama-Edomi amhanqa yena kanye labalawuli bezinqola zokulwa, wavuka ebusuku waphulukundlela ngobusuku; kodwa amabutho akhe abaleka abuyela ekhaya. 22 Kuze kube lamhla abase-Edomi balokhu behlamukela uJuda. ULibhina laye wahlamuka ngalesosikhathi.

23 Okunye ngombuso langezehlakalo zikaJehoramu, lakho konke okunye akwenzayo, akulotshwanga egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 24 UJehoramu waya kwabaphansi, wangcwatshwa laboyise eMzini kaDavida. Ngakho u-Ahaziya indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi.

U-Ahaziya Inkosi YakoJuda

25 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili kaJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli, u-Ahaziya indodana kaJehoramu inkosi yakoJuda waqalisa ukubusa. 26 U-Ahaziya waqalisa ukubusa eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okomnyaka owodwa. Unina wayengu-Athaliya, umntanomntanakhe ka-Omri inkosi yako-Israyeli. 27 Wahamba ngenyathelo labendlu ka-Ahabi wona phambi kukaThixo, njengokwakwenziwe ngabendlu ka-Ahabi, ngoba wayeyisihlobo sabo ngokuthatha.

28 U-Ahaziya waya empini loJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi besilwa loHazayeli inkosi yase-Aramu eRamothi Giliyadi. Ama-Aramu alimaza uJoramu, 29 ngakho inkosi uJoramu yabuyela eJezerili ukuthi iyekwelatshwa amanxeba lapho eyayilinyazwe khona ngama-Aramu eRama ekulweni kwayo loHazayeli inkosi yama-Aramu.

Ngakho u-Ahaziya indodana kaJehoramu inkosi yakoJuda wehla wayabona uJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi, njengoba wayeselimele.

9

UJehu Ugcotshwa Ukuba Yinkosi Yako-Israyeli

1 Umphrofethi u-Elisha wabiza enye indoda exukwini labaphrofethi wathi kuyo, “Khwica isembatho sakho ebhantini ubusuthatha iqhagana lamafutha leli, uye eRamothi Giliyadi. 2 Ekufikeni kwakho khonale, ubodinga uJehu indodana kaJehoshafathi, indodana kaNimishi. Ufike umthathe, umsuse kubangane bakhe ubusumngenisa endlini engaphakathi. 3 Ube usuthatha iqhagana lamafutha uwathele ekhanda lakhe, ube usubika uthi, ‘Ilizwi likaThixo lithi: Ngikugcoba ubukhosi bako-Israyeli.’ Ube usuvula umnyango ubaleke; ungabophuza!”

4 Ngakho ijaha leli, umphrofethi, waya eRamothi Giliyadi. 5 Ekufikeni kwakhe khonale wafica izikhulu zebutho zihlezi ndawonye, wasesithi kuzo, “Mlawuli, ngilombiko kuwe.”

UJehu wabuza wathi, “Ngokabani phakathi kwethu?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Ngowakho mlawuli webutho.”

6 UJehu wasukuma wangena endlini. Umphrofethi wathela amafutha ekhanda likaJehu wasebika ukuthi, “Ilizwi likaThixo uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli lithi: ‘Ngigcoba wena ukuba ube yinkosi phezu kwabantu bakaThixo, u-Israyeli. 7 Kumele ubhubhise indlu ka-Ahabi inkosi yakho, njalo ngizaphindisela igazi lezinceku zami abaphrofethi kanye legazi lezinceku zikaThixo zonke elachithwa nguJezebheli. 8 Indlu ka-Ahabi izabhujiswa. Ngizaqeda ko-Ahabi bonke abesilisa ko-Israyeli, isigqili loba okhululekileyo. 9 Indlu ka-Ahabi ngizayenza lokhu engakwenza ekaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi kanye lokwenzakala endlini kaBhasha indodana ka-Ahija. 10 UJezebheli, yena uzadliwa yizinja elizweni laseJezerili; kayikungcwatshwa muntu.’ ” Wasevula umnyango, wabaleka.

11 UJehu uthe ephuma lapho esebuyele kwabanye abalawuli, omunye wabo wambuza wathi, “Kulungile konke na? Uhlanya lolu lube luzofunani kuwe?”

UJehu wathi, “Liyamazi umuntu lo kanye lezinto azikhulumayo.”

12 Abalawuli basebesithi, “Kakusilo iqiniso lokho! Sitshele.”

UJehu wathi, “Nanku angitshele khona: ‘Ilizwi likaThixo lithi: Ngiyakugcoba ube yinkosi ko-Israyeli.’ ”

13 Baphanga bathatha izembatho zabo bazendlala ezinyaweni zakhe ezikhwelweni. Bavuthela icilongo bamemeza besithi, “UJehu useyinkosi!”

UJehu Ubulala UJoramu Lo-Ahaziya

14 Ngakho uJehu indodana kaJehoshafathi, indodana kaNimishi wavukela uJoramu. (UJoramu labo bonke abako-Israyeli babevikela iRamothi Giliyadi kuHazayeli inkosi yama-Aramu, 15 kodwa inkosi uJoramu yayisibuyele eJezerili ukuze yelatshwe amanxeba okulinyazwa ekulweni lama-Aramu kulwiwa loHazayeli inkosi yama-Aramu.) UJehu wathi, “Nxa lifuna lokho, akungabikho loyedwa ozaphuma emzini ukuba ayefikisa ilizwi eJezerili.” 16 Wasekhwela enqoleni yakhe yokulwa waya eJezerili, ngoba uJoramu wayephumulela khonale njalo u-Ahaziya inkosi yakoJuda wayehlele khona ukuba ayembona.

17 Umlindi owayemi emphotshongweni eJezerili wathi ebona amabutho kaJehu esiza, wamemeza esithi, “Ngibona impi ezayo.”

UJoramu wathi, “Thumela umgadi webhiza abahlangabeze ayebabuza ukuthi, ‘Liza ngokuthula na?’ ”

18 Umgadi webhiza wasuka wayahlangabeza uJehu wathi, “Inkosi ingithume ukuba ngibuze ngisithi, ‘Uza ngokuthula na?’ ”

UJehu waphendula wathi, “Ulani lakho ukuthula na? Ngena ngemva kwami.”

Umlindi wabika wathi, “Isithunywa sesifikile kubo, kodwa kasiphenduki.”

19 Ngakho inkosi yathuma umgadi webhiza wesibili. Esefikile kubo wathi, “Inkosi ithi: ‘Liza ngokuthula na?’ ”

UJehu waphendula wathi, “Ulani lakho ukuthula na? Ngena ngemva kwami.”

20 Umlindi wabika wathi: “Usefikile kubo, kodwa kukhanya kaphenduki. Ugijima sengathi nguJehu indodana kaNimishi njalo utshayela sengathi luhlanya.”

21 UJoramu wakhwaza wathi, “Bophani inqola yami yokulwa.” Inqola yokulwa ithe isilungisiwe, uJoramu inkosi yako-Israyeli kanye lo-Ahaziya inkosi yakoJuda bagada, basuka omunye ekweyakhe inqola yokulwa lomunye laye ekweyakhe, behlangabeza uJehu. Bahlangana laye esivandeni sesiqinti esasikade singesikaNabhothi umJezerili. 22 UJoramu uthe ebona uJehu wambuza wathi, “Uza ngokuthula na, Jehu?”

UJehu wathi, “Kambe kungaba lokuthula njani khona kugcwele izithombe lobuthakathi bukanyoko uJezebheli na?”

23 UJoramu wafulathela wabaleka, ememezela ku-Ahaziya esithi, “Umvukela, Ahaziya!”

24 UJehu wakhokha umtshoko wakhe waciba uJoramu esiphangeni ngomtshoko wakhe. Umtshoko wahle wangena enhliziyweni yakhe yena wathi votshololo enqoleni yakhe yokulwa. 25 UJehu wathi kuBhidikhari, owayeyisikhulu sakhe sezinqola zokulwa, “Dobha isidumbu sakhe uyesiphosela ensimini eyayingekaNabhothi umJezerili. Uyakhumbula mhla sasigadile sobabili enqoleni yokulwa ngemva kuka-Ahabi uyise mhla uThixo enza lesisiphrofethi ngaye esithi, 26 ‘Izolo ngibone igazi likaNabhothi lelamadodana akhe, kutsho uThixo, ngeqiniso ngizakwenza ulihlawulele kulesisivande, kutsho uThixo.’ Ngakho umthathe, uyemphosela ensimini leyana, njengokutsho kwelizwi likaThixo.”

27 U-Ahaziya inkosi yakoJuda esebone lokhu okwakwenzakele wabaleka wahamba ngomgwaqo esiya eBhethi-Hagani. UJehu waxotshana laye ememeza esithi, “Mbulaleni laye!” Bamlimaza enqoleni yakhe yokulwa endleleni yokuya eGuri phansi kwe-Ibhiliyami, kodwa wabaleka waya eMegido lapho ayafela khona. 28 Izinceku zakhe zamthwala ngenqola yokulwa zamusa eJerusalema zayamngcwaba laboyise ethuneni lakhe eMzini kaDavida. 29 (Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye kaJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi, u-Ahaziya waba yinkosi yakoJuda.)

Ukubulawa KukaJezebheli

30 Ngakho uJehu waya eJezerili. UJezebheli wathi ekuzwa lokho, wazicomba ngesibhuda emehlweni weluka inwele zakhe waselunguza ngefasitela. 31 UJehu uthe engena esangweni, wambuza wathi, “Uza ngokuthula na, Zimri, wena mbulali wenkosi yakho?”

32 Yena wakhangela phezulu ewindini wabuza wathi, “Ngubani ongakimi na? Ngubani?” Abathenwa ababili loba abathathu bakhangela phansi kuye. 33 UJehu wathi, “Msakazeleni phansi!” Ngakho basebemsakazela phansi, elinye igazi lakhe lachaphakela emdulini lasemabhizeni ayesegidagida emnyathela ngamasondo.

34 UJehu wangena wafika wadla njalo wanatha. Wathi, “Ake limthathe lo owesifazane oqalekisiweyo liyemngcwaba, ngoba eyindodakazi yenkosi.” 35 Kodwa bathe sebethi bayathatha isidumbu bathola sekusele ikhanda lenyawo lezandla kuphela. 36 Babuyela bayatshela uJehu yena owathi, “Leli yilizwi likaThixo alikhuluma ngenceku yakhe u-Elija umThishibi lisithi: Esiqintini esiseJezerili izinja zizakudla inyama kaJezebheli, 37 lesidumbu sikaJezebheli sizakuba njengobulongwe emhlabathini elizweni laseJezerili ukuze kungabi lozakuthi, ‘Lo nguJezebheli.’ ”

10

Ukubulawa Kwabendlu Ka-Ahabi

1 ESamariya kwakulamadodana angamatshumi ayisikhombisa ayengawendlu ka-Ahabi. Ngakho uJehu waloba izincwadi elobela izikhulu zaseJezerili, abadala lakulabo ababesondla abantwana baka-Ahabi. Waloba kanje: 2 “Masinyazana ekuboneni kwenu lincwadi, njengoba abantwana benkosi yenu besezandleni zenu njalo lilezinqola zokulwa lamabhiza, umuzi wenqaba lezikhali, 3 khethani lowo elimbona efanele kulabo bonke phakathi kwamadodana enkosi yenu limfake esihlalweni sikayise sobukhosi, beselilwela indlu yenkosi yenu.”

4 Kodwa besaba bathi: “Nxa amakhosi amabili ehlulekile ukumelana laye, thina singakwenza njani?”

5 Ngakho isiphathamandla sesigodlo, usibalukhulu, abadala kanye labalindi bathumela lelilizwi kuJehu, “Sizinceku zakho, njalo sizakwenza konke njengokutsho kwakho. Kakho esizamkhetha ukuba abe yinkosi; yenza lokho obona kulungile kakhulu.”

6 Ngakho uJehu wabalobela incwadi yesibili esithi, “Nxa livumelana lami njalo lizimisele ukungilalela, qumani amakhanda amadodana enkosi yenu libe selibuya lawo kusasa eJezerili ngasonalesisikhathi.”

Amakhosana esikhosini, ayengamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ayehlala lamadoda aqakathekileyo phakathi komuzi, okuyiwo ayesondla amadodana enkosi. 7 Incwadi yathi ifika, amadoda la abulala wonke amakhosana angamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Afaka amakhanda awo ezitsheni awathumela kuJehu eJezerili. 8 Isithunywa sithe sifika satshela uJehu sathi: “Sebewalethile amakhanda amakhosana.”

UJehu wasekhupha ilizwi esithi, “Abutheleleni abe zinqwaba ezimbili esangweni lomuzi kuze kube sekuseni.”

9 Ngosuku olulandelayo uJehu waphuma; wema phambi kwabantu wathi, “Lina limsulwa. Yimi engithame ukubulala inkosi yami njalo ngiyibulele, kodwa ngubani obulele bonke laba? 10 Alibokwazi ukuthi akukho lalinye ilizwi elivela kuThixo lingxame u-Ahabi labendlu yakhe, elizakwehluleka. UThixo usekwenzile lokho akuthembisa ngenceku yakhe u-Elija.” 11 Ngakho uJehu wabulala bonke eJezerili abendlu ka-Ahabi ababesele, kanye lezikhulu zakhe, abangane bakhe abasekhwapheni labaphristi bakhe, akusalanga muntu kwabendlu ka-Ahabi.

12 UJehu waphuma njalo waqonda eSamariya. EBhethi-Ekhedi yaBelusi, 13 wahlangana lezihlobo zika-Ahaziya inkosi yakoJuda wababuza wathi, “Lingobani lina na?”

Bona bamphendula bathi, “Siyizihlobo zika-Ahaziya, njalo sizekwethekelela abendlu yenkosi kanye lendlovukazi engunina.”

14 Yena wathi ezincekwini zakhe, “Bathatheni bephila!” Ngakho babathatha bephila bayababulalela emthonjeni weBhethi-Ekhedi, babengamadoda angamatshumi amane. Kakho loyedwa abamtshiya ephila.

15 Ngemva kokusuka kwakhe lapho, wahlangana loJehonadabi indodana kaRekhabi, owayesendleleni ezomhlangabeza. UJehu wambingelela wathi, “Wena uvumelana lami na, njengoba mina ngikanye lawe?”

UJehonadabi waphendula wathi, “Mina ngilawe.”

UJehu wathi, “Nxa kunjalo ngibamba isandla,” kwathi esembambile wamkhweza enqoleni yokulwa. 16 UJehu wasesithi, “Woza sihambe ngiyekutshengisa ukuphitshekela kwami uThixo.” Ngakho wagada laye enqoleni yakhe yokulwa.

17 UJehu uthe efika eSamariya, wabulala bonke ababesele khonale abendlu ka-Ahabi, wababhubhisa njengokutsho kwelizwi likaThixo ekhuluma ku-Elija.

Ukubulawa Kwabaphrofethi BakaBhali

18 Ngakho uJehu wasebuthanisa abantu bonke wasesithi kubo, “U-Ahabi ubekhonza uBhali kancinyane; uJehu uzamkhonza kakhulu. 19 Ngakho ngibizelani bonke abaphrofethi bakaBhali, zonke izikhonzi zakhe labaphristi bakhe. Linanzelele ukuthi kakho loyedwa ozasala, ngoba ngifuna ukwenza umhlatshelo omkhulu kuBhali. Ongayikubuya kasayikuphila.” UJehu wayebakhohlisa ngoba wayedinga ukubhubhisa abafundisi bakaBhali.

20 UJehu wasesithi, “Bizani umhlangano wokudumisa uBhali.” Basebewumemezela. 21 Wasethumela ilizwi kulolonke elako-Israyeli, beza bonke abafundisi bakaBhali; kakho loyedwa ongezanga. Bagcwala baminyana ethempelini likaBhali kusukela emsamo kusiya emnyango. 22 UJehu wasesithi kulowo owayegcina izigqoko zabakhonza uBhali, “Balethele izigqoko bonke abakhonza uBhali.” Ngakho wabalethela lezozigqoko.

23 UJehu loJehonadabi indodana kaRekhabi bangena ethempelini likaBhali. UJehu wathi kubakhonzi bakaBhali, “Linanzelele kungangeni loyedwa oyinceku kaThixo enkonzweni yenu, akube ngabakhonzi bakaBhali kuphela.” 24 Ngakho bangena banikela benza leminikelo yokutshiswa. UJehu wayebeke amadoda angamatshumi ayisificaminwembili wawaqonqosela wathi, “Loba ngubani ozayekela omunye walamadoda engiwabeke ezandleni zenu ephunyuka, ngizaphindisela ngempilo yakhe.”

25 UJehu wathi eseqedile ukunikela umnikelo wokutshiswa, wathi kubalindi lezikhulu zebutho, “Ngenani liyebabulala; kungabikho loyedwa ozaphunyuka.” Ngakho babatshaya ngenkemba bababhubhisa. Abalindi lezikhulu balahlela phandle izidumbu basebengena ethempelini likaBhali elingaphakathi. 26 Bakhipha ilitshe elikhonzwayo likaBhali balitshisa. 27 Balidiliza lelolitshe likaBhali elikhonzwayo babhidliza lethempeli lakhe, balenza laba yindlu yokuyela ngaphandle kuze kube lalamuhla lokhu.

28 Ngalokho uJehu wadiliza ukholo lukaBhali ko-Israyeli. 29 Kodwa, yena katshiyananga lezono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, lezo ayebangele u-Israyeli ukuzenza, ukukhonza amathole egolide eBhetheli laseDani.

30  UThixo wathi kuJehu, “Njengoba wenze kuhle ngokuphelelisa lokho okufaneleyo phambi kwami njalo wenze konke ebengikumisele abendlu ka-Ahabi, abendlu yakho bazabusa ko-Israyeli kuze kube yisizukulwane sesine.” 31 Kodwa uJehu kazange ananzelele ukugcina umthetho kaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke. Kazange atshiyane lezono ezazisenziwa nguJerobhowamu, lezo ayebangele u-Israyeli ukuba azenze.

32 Ngalezonsuku uThixo waqalisa ukwehlisa inani labako-Israyeli. UHazayeli wanqoba ama-Israyeli kulolonke ilizwe lawo, 33 empumalanga yeJodani kulolonke eleGiliyadi (kuthatha umango kaGadi, okaRubheni lokaManase), kusukela e-Aroweri ngaseSihotsheni se-Arinoni kusiyaphutsha eGiliyadi kungena eBhashani.

34 Okunye kwezehlakalo lezenzo ngokubusa kukaJehu, konke akwenzayo, aphumelela kukho, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli na?

35 UJehu wafa walala kuboyise emathuneni aseSamariya. UJehowahazi indodana yakhe yathatha ubukhosi yabusa. 36 UJehu isikhathi abusa ngaso u-Israyeli eseSamariya kwaba yiminyaka engamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili.

11

U-Athaliya LoJowashi

1 U-Athaliya unina ka-Ahaziya wathi ebona ukuthi indodana yakhe isifile, waqhubeka ebulala bonke abendlunkulu. 2 Kodwa uJehoshebha, indodakazi yenkosi uJehoramu njalo engudadewabo ka-Ahaziya, wathatha uJowashi indodana ka-Ahaziya wamnqenqisa emsusa phakathi kwamakhosana ayesezabulawa. Wamfihla kanye lomlizane wakhe endlini yokulala emcatshisa ukuze u-Athaliya angaze ambona; yikho kasazange abulawe. 3 Wahlala ecatshisiwe yena kanye lomlizane wakhe ethempelini likaThixo okweminyaka eyisithupha yokubusa kuka-Athaliya.

4 Ngomnyaka wesikhombisa uJehoyada wamema abalawuli bamakhulu, amaKharithi kanye labalindi, bonke balethwa phambi kwakhe ethempelini likaThixo. Wenza isivumelwano labo wabafungisa ethempelini likaThixo. Wasebatshengisa indodana yenkosi. 5 Wabalaya wathi, “Nanku elizakwenza: Lina elisemaviyweni amathathu azabe elindile ngeSabatha, ingxenye yokuthathu yenu kumele ilinde isigodlo, 6 lengxenye yokuthathu eseSangweni laseSuri, lengxenye yokuthathu esangweni elingemuva kwabalindi, abazophisanayo ukulinda ithempeli, 7 lani elisemaviyweni amabili okuvame ukuthi lingasebenzi ngeSabatha, lonke lizalindela inkosi ithempeli. 8 Lizalinda lizingelezele inkosi, ngulowo ehlomile ngesikhali sakhe esandleni sakhe. Loba ngubani osondela kini kumele abulawe. Hlalani liseduze kwenkosi loba ingaze iye ngaphi.”

9 Abalawuli bekhulu benza njengokulaywa kwabo nguJehoyada umphristi. Umlawuli munye ngamunye wathatha iviyo lakhe lamadoda lawo ayesiya ekulindeni ngeSabatha lalawo ayezakuba engasebenzi eza kuJehoyada umphristi. 10 Ngakho yena wanika abalawuli imikhonto lamahawu ayengawenkosi uDavida ayegcinwa ethempelini likaThixo. 11 Kwathi abalindi ngamunye, ephethe isikhali esandleni sakhe, bajama bephahle inkosi iseduze kwe-alithari lethempelini, kusukela ezansi kusiya enyakatho yethempeli.

12 UJehoyada waseveza indodana yenkosi wayethwesa umqhele; wayiqhubela lesivumelwano sikaThixo wahle wamemezela ukuba isiyinkosi. Bayigcoba inkosi, abantu batshaya izandla bahlaba umkhosi besithi, “Mpilo ende enkosini!”

13 U-Athaliya uthe esizwa umkhosi wokujabula kwabalindi kanye labantu bonke, waya ebantwini ngasethempelini likaThixo. 14 Uthe ethi mehlo suka, wabona nansi inkosi, yayimi eduze kwensika njengomkhuba. Izikhulu labatshayi bamacilongo babesekele inkosi, abantu bonke bejabula ngokutshaya amacilongo. Ngakho u-Athaliya wadabula izembatho zakhe wamemeza esithi, “Umvukela! Umvukela!”

15 UJehoyada waselaya abalawuli bekhulu, ababelawula amabutho wathi: “Mkhupheni limfake phakathi kwamaviyo amabutho limhlasele ngenkemba lowo ozama ukumlandela.” Ngenxa yokuthi umphristi wayethe, “Akumelanga abulawelwe ethempelini likaThixo.” 16 Ngakho bamdumela ekufikeni kwakhe endaweni lapha okungenela khona amabhiza esigodlweni, kulapho abulawelwa khona.

17 UJehoyada wasesenza isivumelwano phakathi kukaThixo lenkosi kanye labantu ukuthi bavume ukuba ngabantu bakaThixo. Wenza njalo isivumelwano phakathi kwenkosi labantu. 18 Abantu bonke belizwe baya ethempelini likaBhali bafika balidilizela phansi. Babhidliza ama-alithare lezithombe kwaba yizicucu, babulala uMathani umphristi kaBhali phambi kwama-alithare.

Ngakho uJehoyada umphristi wasebeka abalindi ethempelini likaThixo. 19 Wathatha abalawuli bamakhulu, amaKharithi, abalindi labantu bonke belizwe, sebendawonye behla lenkosi ethempelini likaThixo baya layo esigodlweni, bengenela esangweni labalindi. Inkosi yasithatha indawo yayo esihlalweni sobukhosi, 20 abantu bonke belizwe baba lokujabula okukhulu. Kwaba lokuthula emzini, ngoba u-Athaliya wayesebulewe ngenkemba esigodlweni.

21 UJowashi waqalisa ukubusa eleminyaka eyisikhombisa.

12

UJowashi Ulungisa IThempeli

1 Ngomnyaka wesikhombisa kaJehu, uJowashi waba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amane. Ibizo likanina kunguZibiya; yena wayevela eBherishebha. 2 UJowashi wenza ukulunga phambi kukaThixo ngayo yonke leyominyaka elaywa nguJehoyada umphristi. 3 Kodwa indawo eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela azidilizwanga, ngakho abantu baqhubeka benikela imihlatshelo yabo khona, njalo betshisa impepha khona.

4 UJowashi wathi kubaphristi, “Qoqani yonke imali elethwa ethempelini likaThixo kuyiminikelo engcwele, imali eqoqwe ekubalweni kwabantu, lemali eyamukelwe ngokuzifungela komuntu lemali elethwe ngokuzithandela ethempelini. 5 Akuthi ngamunye umphristi amukele imali evela kumgcinisikhwama, leyomali izasetshenziswa ukulungisa lapho okonakala khona ethempelini.”

6 Kodwa kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wamatshumi amabili lemithathu wokubusa kwenkosi uJowashi, abaphristi babelokhu bengalilungisanga ithempeli. 7 Ngakho inkosi uJowashi yabiza uJehoyada umphristi kanye labanye abaphristi yababuza yathi, “Kungani lingalungisi lapho okwadilika khona ethempelini? Lingabe lisathatha enye imali kumgcinisikhwama, kodwa liyilethe ukuze kulungiswe ethempelini.” 8 Abaphristi bavuma ukuthi abasayikuthatha enye imali ebantwini njalo abasayikulungisa ithempeli bona ngokwabo.

9 UJehoyada umphristi wasethatha ibhokisi, wabhoboza isikhala esivalweni salo, waselibeka eceleni kwe-alithari, ngakwesokudla nxa umuntu engena ethempelini likaThixo. Abaphristi bokulinda emnyango basebefaka ebhokisini yonke imali eyayilethwa ethempelini likaThixo. 10 Besithi bangabona isinengi ebhokisini, babize unobhala wesigodlweni kanye lomphristi omkhulu, bafike bayibale yonke engenileyo ethempelini likaThixo babesebeyigqiba emigodleni. 11 Kwakusithi imali isibaliwe kukhitshwe eyokubhadala ababekhethelwe ukukhangela umsebenzi ethempelini. Ngaleyomali babhadala labo ababesebenza ethempelini likaThixo, ababazi kanye labakhi 12 labakha ngamatshe lababazi bamatshe. Bathenga amapulanka lamatshe abaziweyo ayesetshenziswa ukwakha kulungiswa ithempeli likaThixo, njalo babhadala zonke izindleko ezazingezomsebenzi wokuvuselela ithempeli.

13 Imali eyalethwa ethempelini likaThixo kayisetshenziswanga ukwenza imiganu yesiliva, lezindlawu, lemiganu yokuchela, lamacilongo loba ezinye izinto zegolide lezesiliva; 14 yaphiwa izisebenzi ezayisebenzisa ukulungisa ithempeli. 15 Akudingakalanga ukuthi bacele imvumo kulabo ababanika imali yokubhadala ababesebenza, ngoba babesebenza beyiphatha ngokuthembeka okupheleleyo. 16 Imali yeminikelo yecala leminikelo yesono kayilethwanga ethempelini likaThixo ngoba yayingeyabaphristi.

17 Ngalesosikhathi uHazayeli inkosi yase-Aramu wayahlasela iGathi, wayithumba, wasezimisela ukuthumba iJerusalema, 18 kodwa uJowashi inkosi yakoJuda wathatha zonke impahla ezingcwele ezazinikelwe ngokhokho bakhe uJehoshafathi loJehoramu lo-Ahaziya, amakhosi akoJuda lalezozipho ezazinikelwe nguye ngokwakhe, legolide lonke elatholakala ethempelini likaThixo lasesigodlweni, wazithumela kuHazayeli inkosi yase-Aramu. UHazayeli wasesuka eJerusalema.

19 Mayelana lezinye izehlakalo zombuso kaJowashi, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini encwadini yembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 20 Izikhulu zakhe zaceba ndawonye ngaye zambulala eBhethi-Milo, emgwaqweni owehla usiya eSila. 21 Izikhulu ezambulalayo ngoJozabhadi indodana kaShimeyathi loJehozabhadi indodana kaShomeri. Wafa wangcwatshwa laboyise eMzini kaDavida. U-Amaziya indodana yakhe yabusa esikhundleni sakhe.

13

UJehowahazi Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

1 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lantathu wokubusa kukaJowashi indodana ka-Ahaziya inkosi yakoJuda, uJehowahazi indodana kaJehu waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya njalo wabusa okweminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa. 2 Wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo ngokulandela izono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, owayebangele u-Israyeli ukuthi azenze, njalo kazange axekelane lazo. 3 Ngakho ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha ku-Israyeli, okwaze kwathi okwesikhathi eside wabayekela bengaphansi kombuso kaHazayeli inkosi yase-Aramu loBheni-Hadadi indodana yakhe.

4 UJehowahazi wacela ukuthethelelwa kuThixo. UThixo wamuzwa, ngoba wabona ukuba abako-Israyeli bancindezelwe kanganani yinkosi yase-Aramu. 5  UThixo wabapha umkhululi abako-Israyeli owabakhulula esandleni sama-Aramu. Ngalokho abako-Israyeli bahlala emizini yabo njengakuqala. 6 Kodwa abatshiyananga lezono zabendlu kaJerobhowamu, lezo ayebangele abako-Israyeli ukuthi bazenze; baqhubeka ngazo, njalo lezinsika zika-Ashera zahlala zilokhu zikhona eSamariya.

7 Akusalanga lutho lwamabutho kaJehowahazi ngaphandle kwabagadi bamabhiza abangamatshumi amahlanu, lezinqola zempi ezilitshumi kanye lezinkulungwane ezilitshumi zamabutho ahamba ngezinyawo, ngoba inkosi yase-Aramu yayibhubhise bonke abanye yabenza baba njengothuli ngesikhathi sokubhula.

8 Mayelana lezinye izehlakalo zombuso kaJehowahazi, lakho konke akwenzayo lokuphumelela kwakhe, akulotshwanga encwadini yembali yamakhosi abako-Israyeli na? 9 UJehowahazi waphumula laboyisemkhulu njalo wangcwatshwa eSamariya. Indodana yakhe uJowashi yabusa esikhundleni sakhe.

UJowashi Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

10 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda, uJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya, yena-ke wabusa okweminyaka elitshumi lesithupha. 11 Wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo njalo kazange axekelane lezono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, ayebangele u-Israyeli ukuthi azenze, waqhubeka ngazo.

12 Mayelana lezinye izehlakalo zombuso Jowashi lakho konke akwenzayo lokuphumelela kwakhe lezimpi azilwa lo-Amaziya inkosi yamaJuda akulotshwanga encwadini yembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli na? 13 UJowashi waphumula laboyisemkhulu, ubukhosi bakhe bathathwa nguJerobhowamu. UJowashi wangcwatshwa eSamariya ndawonye lamakhosi abako-Israyeli.

14 U-Elisha wayegula umkhuhlane owacina usumbulala. UJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli wahamba ukuyambona wafika wakhala wathi, “Baba! Baba! Izinqola zokulwa labagadi bamabhiza ako-Israyeli!”

15 U-Elisha wathi, “Thatha idandili lemitshoko.” Wakwenza lokho. 16 Wathi enkosini yako-Israyeli, “Phatha idandili lelo ngezandla.” Yathi isiliphethe, u-Elisha wabeka izandla zakhe phezu kwezandla zenkosi.

17 U-Elisha wasesithi, “Vula iwindi elisempumalanga.” Yalivula, u-Elisha wathi, “Tshoka!” Yatshoka. U-Elisha wasememeza eqonqosela wathi, “Umtshoko wokunqoba kaThixo, umtshoko wokunqoba ele-Aramu! Uzabhubhisa ama-Aramu e-Afekhi.”

18 Wasesithi enkosini, “Thatha imitshoko yakho,” inkosi yayithatha. U-Elisha wasesithi kuyo, “Tshaya iphansi leli,” inkosi yatshaya iphansi kwaze kwaba kathathu yasisima. 19 Umuntu kaNkulunkulu kwamzondisa lokho wasesithi kuyo inkosi, “Bekufanele ukuthi utshaye iphansi kahlanu loba kasithupha; ngalokho kade uzabe unqobe ele-Aramu njalo walibhubhisa. Kodwa khathesi usuzalinqoba kathathu kuphela.”

20 U-Elisha wafa wangcwatshwa.

Abahlaseli bamaMowabi babejayele ukungena elizweni entwasa. 21 Kwathi kwesinye isikhathi abako-Israyeli bengcwaba indoda ethile, babona nampa abahlaseli; basebelahlela isidumbu leso ethuneni lika-Elisha. Kuthe isidumbu leso sithinta amathambo ka-Elisha, indoda leyo yavuka yasukuma yama ngezinyawo zayo.

22 UHazayeli inkosi yase-Aramu wancindezela abako-Israyeli ngesikhathi sokubusa kukaJehowahazi. 23 Kodwa uThixo waba lomusa kubo waba lozwelo watshengisela ukubakhathalela ngenxa yesivumelwano sakhe lo-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe. Kuze kube lamuhla kathandi ukubabhubhisa loba ukubalahla basuke phambi kwakhe.

24 UHazayeli inkosi yama-Aramu wafa, uBheni-Hadadi indodana yakhe wabusa esikhundleni sakhe. 25 Ngakho uJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi wabuya wathumba njalo amadolobho embusweni kaBheni-Hadadi indodana kaHazayeli ayethunjwe empini kayise uJehowahazi. UJowashi wamnqoba kathathu, ngakho wawabuyisa amadolobho abako-Israyeli.

14

U-Amaziya Inkosi YakoJuda

1 Ngomnyaka wesibili kaJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi inkosi yako-Israyeli, u-Amaziya indodana kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda waqalisa ukubusa. 2 Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu eqalisa ukubusa, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lasificamunwemunye. Unina kwakunguJehowadani, owayevela eJerusalema. 3 Yena wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo, kodwa kwakungafanani lokukayise uDavida. Kukho konke ayekwenza walandela inyathelo likayise uJowashi. 4 Kodwa izindawo eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela azizange zisuswe; abantu baqhubeka benikela imihlatshelo lokutshisa impepha kulezondawo.

5 Kuthe umbuso usuqinile ezandleni zakhe, wabulala izikhulu ezazibulele uyise owayeyinkosi. 6  *Kodwa kasabulalanga amadodana alabo ababulala uyise inkosi, njengokulotshiweyo eNcwadini yoMthetho kaMosi lapho uThixo alaya khona wathi: “Abazali abayikufela abantwababo, loba abantwana bafele abazali babo; ngulowo lalowo uzafela isono sakhe.”

7 Nguye owanqoba ama-Edomi azinkulungwane ezilitshumi, eSigodini seTswayi waze wathumba iSela empini, wayibiza ngokuthi yiJokitheli, okulibizo layo kuze kube lalamuhla.

8 Ngakho u-Amaziya wathumela izithunywa kuJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi, indodana kaJehu, inkosi yako-Israyeli emqopha esithi, “Woza, uqondane lami ubuso ngobuso.”

9 Kodwa uJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli waphendula u-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda wathi, “Isihlahlana sameva saseLebhanoni sathumela umsedari eLebhanoni ilizwi sathi, ‘Yendisela indodakazi yakho endodaneni yami.’ Kwavela isilo eLabhanoni eseza safika sagxobagxoba isihlahlana sameva ngamasondo aso. 10 Ngempela uyinqobile i-Edomi ngakho khathesi usuziqhenya. Ziqhenye ekunqobeni kwakho, kodwa uhlale ekhaya! Kungani uzibizela uhlupho uzibangela ukulwa kwakho njalo lokukaJuda na?”

11 Loba kunjalo, u-Amaziya, kazange alalele, ngakho uJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli wahlasela. Yena waqondana lo-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda bakhangelana ubuso ngobuso eBhethi-Shemeshi koJuda. 12 UJuda wachithwa ngu-Israyeli, kwathi amadoda wonke abalekela emizini yawo. 13 UJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli wathumba u-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda, indodana kaJowashi, eyindodana ka-Ahaziya, eBhethi-Shemeshi. Ngakho uJowashi wasesiya eJerusalema wayadiliza umduli weJerusalema kusukela esangweni lika-Efrayimi kusiya eSangweni leJiko, isibanga esingaba yizingalo ezingamakhulu ayisithupha ubude. 14 Wathatha lonke igolide lesiliva lazozonke ezinye impahla ezatholakala zisethempelini likaThixo lasezindlini zenotho esigodlweni waphinda wathumba labantu wahamba labo eSamariya.

15 Mayelana lezinye izehlakalo zombuso kaJowashi, lakho konke lokuphumelela kwakhe, lempi ayilwa lo-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda, lokhu akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli na? 16 UJowashi waphumula laboyise, njalo wembelwa eSamariya lamakhosi ako-Israyeli. UJerobhowamu indodana yakhe wabusa esikhundleni sakhe.

17 U-Amaziya indodana kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda waphila okweminyaka elitshumi lemihlanu ngemva kokufa kukaJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi inkosi yako-Israyeli. 18 Mayelana lezinye izehlakalo zombuso ka-Amaziya azilotshwanga na egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda?

19 Bamenzela icebo eJerusalema, wasebalekela eLakhishi, kodwa bathumela amadoda amlandela ayambulalela khonale. 20 Bamthwala ngebhiza bamletha eJerusalema lapha angcwatshwa khona labokhokho bakhe, eMzini kaDavida.

21 Ngakho abantu bonke koJuda bathatha u-Azariya, owayeleminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa yokuzalwa bamgcoba ubukhosi bukayise u-Amaziya. 22 Nguye owakha kutsha i-Elathi walibuyisela koJuda ngemva kokuphumula kukayise labokhokho bakhe.

UJerobhowamu Wesibili Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

23 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanhlanu ka-Amaziya indodana kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda, uJerobhowamu indodana kaJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli waba yinkosi eSamariya, njalo wabusa okweminyaka engamatshumi amane lanye. 24 Wenza ububi phambi kukaThixo njalo kazange atshiye lasinye sezono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, lezo abangela u-Israyeli ukuthi azenze. 25 Nguye owabuyisela imingcele yako-Israyeli kusukela eLebho Hamathi kusiya eLwandle lwase-Arabha, njengelizwi likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, alikhuluma ngenceku yakhe uJona indodana ka-Amithayi, umphrofethi owayevela eGathi-Heferi.

26  UThixo wayekubonile ukuthi kwakubuhlungu kanganani kubo bonke abako-Israyeli, izigqili loba ababekhululekile, ukuhlupheka ababekukho; kungekho labani owayengabasiza. 27 Kanti njengoba uThixo wayengatshongo ukuthi uzakwesula ibizo lika-Israyeli ngaphansi kwamazulu, wabahlenga ngesandla sikaJerobhowamu indodana kaJowashi.

28 Mayelana lezinye izehlakalo zombuso kaJerobhowamu, konke akwenzayo, kanye lokuphumelela kwakhe empini, lokuthi wathumba njani wabuyisela embusweni ka-Israyeli iDamaseko leHamathi, ayengawe Juda, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli na? 29 UJerobhowamu waphumula laboyise, amakhosi ako-Israyeli. UZakhariya indodana yakhe wabusa esikhundleni sakhe.

15

U-Azariya Inkosi YakoJuda

1 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa kaJerobhowamu inkosi yako-Israyeli, u-Azariya indodana ka-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda waqalisa ukubusa. 2 Wayeleminyaka elitshumi lesithupha yokuzalwa esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lambili. Ibizo likanina lalinguJekholiya; evela eJerusalema. 3 Wenza ukulunga phambi kukaThixo, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe nguyise u-Amaziya. 4 Kodwa izindawo eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela, azidilizwanga; abantu baqhubeka benikela imihlatshelo kanye lokutshisela impepha kuzo.

5  UThixo wehlisela inkosi u-Azariya ubulephero eyabugula yaze yafa, njalo yayihlala yodwa endlini yayo. UJothamu indodana yakhe wayegcina isigodlo senkosi, ephethe labantu belizwe.

6 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso ka-Azariya, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 7 U-Azariya wafa walala kuboyise njalo wangcwatshwa phansi kwabo eMzini kaDavida. UJothamu indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi.

UZakhariya Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

8 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu leminyaka efica mibili ka-Azariya inkosi yakoJuda, uZakhariya indodana kaJerobhowamu waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya, njalo wabusa okwezinyanga eziyisithupha. 9 Wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo, njengalokho okwakwenziwe ngoyise. Kazange atshiye izono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, yena owabangela ukuba u-Israyeli azenze.

10 UShalumi indodana kaJabheshi wenza amacebo okususa uZakhariya wamhlasela phambi kwabantu, wambulala wahle wathatha ubukhosi waba yinkosi. 11 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaZakhariya zilotshwe egwalweni lwembali yombuso wamakhosi ako-Israyeli. 12  *Ngakho kwagcwaliseka ilizwi likaThixo kuJehu elathi: “Abendlu yakho bazabusa u-Israyeli kuze kube yisizukulwane sesine.”

UShalumi Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

13 UShalumi indodana kaJabheshi waba yinkosi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesificamunwemunye ka-Uziya inkosi yakoJuda, yena wabusa eSamariya okwenyanga eyodwa. 14 Ngakho uMenahemu indodana kaGadi wehla esuka eThiza esiya eSamariya. Wahlasela uShalumi indodana kaJabheshi eSamariya, wambulala wasethatha ubukhosi.

15 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaShalumi, lamacebo okuhlamuka lawokukhokhela kwakhe, kulotshiwe egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli.

16 Ngalesosikhathi uMenahemu, wathi esuka eThiza wahlasela uThifisa laye wonke umuntu owatholakala esedolobheni lababeseduzane lalo, ngoba bala ukuvula amasango abo. Wasuka uThifisa waqhaqha wonke amanina ayezithwele.

UMenahemu Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

17 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lasificamunwemunye ka-Azariya inkosi yakoJuda, uMenahemu indodana kaGadi waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli, wabusa eSamariya okweminyaka elitshumi. 18 Wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo. Ekubuseni kwakhe konke kazange atshiyane lezono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, ayebangele ukuba u-Israyeli azenze.

19 Ngakho uPhuli inkosi yase-Asiriya wahlasela ilizwe, njalo uMenahemu wamnika amathalenta esiliva ayinkulungwane ukuze azuze ukusekelwa lokuqinisa umbuso wakhe. 20 UMenahemu wathelisa bonke abako-Israyeli. Wonke umuntu onothileyo kwakumele athele ngamashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amahlanu ukuze aphiwe inkosi yase-Asiriya. Ngakho inkosi yase-Asiriya yasuka elizweni, ayizange ibe isahlala khona.

21 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaMenahemu, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli na? 22 UMenahemu waya ekuphumuleni kubokhokho bakhe. UPhekhahiya indodana yakhe yathatha ubukhosi.

UPhekhahiya Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

23 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu ka-Azariya inkosi yakoJuda, uPhekhahiya indodana kaMenahemu waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya, yena wabusa okweminyaka emibili. 24 UPhekhahiya wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo. Kazange atshiyane lezono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, ayebangele u-Israyeli ukuba azenze. 25 Omunye wezikhulu zakhe, uPhekha indodana kaRemaliya wabumba amacebo okumsusa. Wathatha amadoda angamatshumi amahlanu aseGiliyadi, wayabulala uPhekhahiya, kanye lo-Aghobi lo-Ariye enqabeni yesigodlo eSamariya. Ngakho uPhekha wabulala uPhekhahiya njalo wahle wathatha ubukhosi.

26 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaPhekhahiya, lakho konke akwenzayo, kulotshiwe egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli.

UPhekha Inkosi Yako-Israyeli

27 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu lambili ka-Azariya inkosi yakoJuda, uPhekha indodana kaRemaliya waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya, njalo wabusa okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili. 28 Wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo. Kazange atshiyane lezono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, ayebangele ukuthi u-Israyeli azenze.

29 Ngezinsuku zikaPhekha inkosi yako-Israyeli, uThigilathi-Philesa inkosi yase-Asiriya weza wathumba i-Ijoni, le-Abheli-Bhethi-Mahakha, leJanowa, leKhedeshi kanye leHazori. Wathumba iGiliyadi kanye leGalile, kubalwa lelizwe lonke likaNafithali njalo waxotshela abantu e-Asiriya. 30 Ngakho uHosheya indodana ka-Ela wenza amacebo okususa uPhekha indodana kaRemaliya. Wamhlasela wambulala, wasethatha umbuso waba yinkosi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili kaJothamu indodana ka-Uziya.

31 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaPhekha, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli na?

UJothamu Inkosi YakoJuda

32 Ngomnyaka wesibili kaPhekha indodana kaRemaliya inkosi yako-Israyeli, uJothamu indodana ka-Uziya inkosi yakoJuda waqalisa ukubusa. 33 Waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ubudala bakhe, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lesithupha. Ibizo likanina kwakunguJerusha indodakazi kaZadokhi. 34 Wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo, njengalokho okwakwenziwe nguyise u-Uziya. 35 Kodwa izindawo eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela kazisuswanga; abantu baqhubeka benikela imihlatshelo lokutshisa impepha khonale. UJothamu wavuselela iSango laNgaphezulu lethempeli likaThixo.

36 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaJothamu, kanye lakwenzayo, akulotshwanga egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 37 (Ngalezonsuku uThixo waqala ukuthuma uRezini inkosi yase-Aramu kanye loPhekha indodana kaRemaliya ukumelana loJuda.) 38 UJothamu waya ekuphumuleni kubokhokho bakhe wangcwatshwa labo eMzini kaDavida, okwakulidolobho likayise. U-Ahazi indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi.

16

U-Ahazi Inkosi YakoJuda

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lesikhombisa kaPhekha indodana kaRemaliya, u-Ahazi indodana kaJothamu inkosi yakoJuda waqalisa ukubusa. 2 U-Ahazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili esiba yinkosi, yena wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lesithupha. Wayengafanani loyise uDavida, ngoba kazange enze ukulunga phambi kukaThixo. 3 Wahamba ngezindlela zamakhosi ako-Israyeli waze wenza umnikelo wokutshiswa ngendodana yakhe, elandela izindlela zezizwe ezingamanyala uThixo ayezixotshe abako-Israyeli bengakangeni kulelolizwe. 4 Wanikela imihlatshelo njalo watshisa impepha ezindaweni zokukhonzela phezu kwamaqaqa langaphansi kwazo zonke izihlahla eziyizithingithingi.

5 Ngakho uRezini inkosi yama-Aramu kanye loPhekha indodana kaRemaliya inkosi yako-Israyeli basuka bayahlasela iJerusalema bavimbezela u-Ahazi, kodwa abazange bamehlule. 6 Ngalesosikhathi, uRezini inkosi yase-Aramu, wahluthuna i-Elathi wayibuyisela kuma-Aramu ngokududula abantu bakoJuda. Ama-Edomi ahle angena e-Elathi ahlala khona kuze kube lamuhla.

7 U-Ahazi wathuma izithunywa ukuthi ziyekuthi kuThigilathi-Philesa inkosi yase-Asiriya, “Ngiyinceku yakho lesichaka. Woza uzongikhulula esandleni senkosi yase-Aramu lasesandleni senkosi yako-Israyeli, amakhosi angihlaselayo.” 8 Ngakho u-Ahazi wathatha isiliva legolide elafunyanwa ethempelini likaThixo lasezindlini zenotho zesigodlweni senkosi wakuthumela kwaba yisipho senkosi yase-Asiriya. 9 Inkosi yase-Asiriya yahle yamhlomulela ngokuhlasela iDamaseko yayithumba. Yakhupha ababehlala khona yabaxotshela eKhiri njalo uRezini yahle yambulala.

10 Ngakho inkosi u-Ahazi yasisiya eDamaseko ukuze ibonane loThigilathi-Philesa inkosi yase-Asiriya. Yabona i-alithari eDamaseko yasithumela umdwebo walelo alithare ku-Uriya umphristi lengcazelo egcweleyo yokwakhiwa. 11 Ngakho u-Uriya umphristi wasesakha i-alithari ngomdwebo owawuvela enkosini u-Ahazi eDamaseko waliqeda inkosi u-Ahazi ingakaphenduki. 12 Inkosi ithe isivela eDamaseko yabona i-alithari yahle yayanikela kulo. 13 Inkosi yanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wamabele, yathela okunathwayo komnikelo, yachela igazi lomnikelo wobudlelwano e-alithareni. 14 I-alithari lethusi elalimi phambi kukaThixo yaliletha livela ngaphambili ethempelini, phakathi kwe-alithari elitsha lethempeli likaThixo, yalifaka ngenyakatho ye-alithare elitsha.

15 Inkosi u-Ahazi yasilaya u-Uriya umphristi yathi, “Phezu kwe-alithari elikhulu elitsha, nikela umnikelo wokutshiswa wekuseni kuthi ntambama kube ngumnikelo wamabele, lomnikelo wabantu bonke elizweni, lomnikelo wabo wonke wamabele kanye lowokunathwayo. Chela i-alithari ngalo lonke igazi leminikelo yokutshiswa kanye lemihlatshelo. Kodwa ngizasebenzisa i-alithari lethusi ukucela iziqondiso.” 16 Ngakho u-Uriya umphristi wenza njengokulaywa kwakhe yinkosi u-Ahazi.

17 Inkosi u-Ahazi yasusa izinsimbi zenqodlana lemiganu phezulu, yethula uLwandle phezu kwenkabi zethusi ezazingaphansi kwalo, yalubeka phezu kwesisekelo selitshe. 18 Yasusa isembeso seSabatha esasakhiwe ethempelini, yavala intuba yokungena inkosi eyayiphandle kwethempeli likaThixo, ivumela okwakufunwa yinkosi yase-Asiriya.

19 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso ka-Ahazi, kanye lokunye akwenzayo, akulotshwanga egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 20 U-Ahazi waya ekuphumuleni kubokhokho bakhe eMzini kaDavida. UHezekhiya indodana yakhe yathatha ubukhosi.

17

UHosheya Inkosi Yokucina Ko-Israyeli

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili wokubusa kuka-Ahazi inkosi yakoJuda, uHosheya indodana ka-Ela waba yinkosi yako-Israyeli eSamariya, njalo wabusa iminyaka eyisificamunwemunye. 2 Wenza ububi phambi kukaThixo, kodwa akubanga njengokwamakhosi ako-Israyeli amandulelayo.

3 UShalimaneseri inkosi yase-Asiriya weza wahlasela uHosheya, owayekade eyisichaka sakhe esasithela kuye. 4 Kodwa inkosi yase-Asiriya yafumana ukuthi uHosheya ngumhlamuki, ngoba wayekade ethumele amanxusa enkosini yaseGibhithe uSo, njalo engasatheli imithelo enkosini yase-Asiriya njengalokhu ayekwenza minyaka yonke. Ngakho uShalimaneseri wambamba wamfaka entolongweni. 5 Inkosi yase-Asiriya yasihlasela ilizwe lonke, yangena eSamariya yalivimbezela okweminyaka emithathu. 6 Ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye kaHosheya, inkosi yase-Asiriya yathumba iSamariya yaxotshela abako-Israyeli e-Asiriya. Yabahlalisa eHala, ngaseGozani eMfuleni uHabhori lasemizini yamaMede.

U-Israyeli Uxotshwa Elizweni Ngenxa Yezono

7 Konke lokhu kwenzakala ngenxa yokona kwabako-Israyeli phambi kukaThixo, owabakhupha eGibhithe emandleni kaFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe. Bakhonza abanye onkulunkulu 8 belandela lemikhuba yezizwe uThixo ayezixotshile phambi kwabo kanye lemikhuba amakhosi ako-Israyeli ayeseyingenisile. 9 Basebesenza ngasese izinto ezazingalunganga kuThixo. Kusukela emphongolweni wesilindo kusiya enqabeni yomuzi basebezakhele izindawo zokukhonzela emizini yabo. 10 Bazimisela amatshe okukhonzela lezinsika zika-Ashera kuwo wonke amaqaqa aphakemeyo langaphansi kwazo zonke izihlahla eziyizithingithingi. 11 Kuzozonke izindawo zokukhonzela batshisa impepha, njengalokhu okwakusenziwa yizizwe uThixo ayezixotshile phambi kwabo. Benza okubi okwathukuthelisa uThixo. 12 Bakhonza izithombe, lanxa uThixo wayethe, “Lingabokwenza lokhu.” 13  UThixo wayebaxwayisile abako-Israyeli kanye labakoJuda ngabaphrofethi bakhe bonke lezanuse wathi: “Tshiyani izindlela zenu ezimbi. Gcinani imithetho yami lezimiso zami ezisemlayweni engalaya okhokho benu ngawo lengawuthumela kini ngezinceku zami abaphrofethi.”

14 Kodwa abalalelanga njalo baba ntamolukhuni njengabokhokho babo, bona abangazange bathembele kuThixo wabo. 15 Balahla izimiso zakhe lesivumelwano asenza labokhokho babo lezixwayiso ayebanike zona. Balandela izithombe eziyize, labo ngokwabo baba yize, balingisela izizwe ababehlala phakathi kwazo lanxa uThixo wayebalaye wathi, “Lingenzi njengabo,” njalo benza izinto ayebanqabele ukuthi bazenze.

16 Bayephula yonke imilayo kaThixo wabo, bazenzela izithombe ezikhandiweyo ezamathole amabili, benza insika ku-Ashera. Bakhothamela zonke izinkanyezi zezulu, njalo bakhonza uBhali. 17 Benza umhlatshelo ngamadodana lamadodakazi abo emlilweni. Babevumisa njalo besenza ubuthakathi, bazinikela ekwenzeni okubi phambi kukaThixo bamthukuthelisa.

18 Ngakho uThixo wabathukuthelela abako-Israyeli wabaxotsha kuye. Isizwana sakoJuda yiso kuphela esasalayo, 19 loba nje laye uJuda engayigcinanga imilayo kaThixo. Balandela imikhuba eyayingeniswe ngabako-Israyeli. 20 Ngakho uThixo wakhalala bonke abantu bako-Israyeli; wabahlukuluza njalo wabanikela ezandleni zabaphangi, waze wabasusa phambi kwakhe.

21  UThixo uthe esemkhiphile u-Israyeli endlini kaDavida, babeka uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi ukuba abe yinkosi yabo. UJerobhowamu wamphambula u-Israyeli ekulandeleni uThixo wambangela ukuba enze isono esikhulu. 22 Abako-Israyeli baqhubeka ngazozonke izono zikaJerobhowamu abaze bazidela. 23  UThixo waze wabasusa phambi kwakhe, njengoba wayexwayisile ngezinceku zakhe zonke abaphrofethi. Ngakho abantu bako-Israyeli bathunjwa elizweni labo basiwa e-Asiriya, njalo balokhu bekhonale.

Ukuhlaliswa Kutsha ESamariya

24 Inkosi yase-Asiriya yaletha abantu ababevela eBhabhiloni, leKhutha, le-Ava, leHamathi kanye leSefavayimi yayabahlalisa emizini yeSamariya endaweni eyayingeyabako-Israyeli. 25 Ekuqaleni kokuhlala kwabo khona, babengamkhonzi uThixo; ngakho uThixo wathumela izilwane phakathi kwabo, zabulala abanye babo. 26 Kwabikwa enkosini yase-Asiriya kwathiwa, “Abantu obaxotshele eSamariya wabahlalisa emizini yakhona abakwazi ukuthi unkulunkulu walelolizwe ufunani. Usethumele izilwane phakathi kwabo, ezibabulalayo zibaqeda, ngoba abantu abakwazi ukuthi ufunani.”

27 Inkosi yase-Asiriya yakhupha isiqondiso yathi, “Thuma omunye wabaphristi owabathumbayo eSamariya, abuyele ayohlala labantu njalo abafundise ukuthi unkulunkulu walelolizwe ufunani.” 28 Ngakho omunye wabaphristi ababethunjwe eSamariya weza wayahlala eBhetheli wabafundisa ukuthi uThixo ukhonzwa njani?

29 Loba kunjalo, yileloqembu ngobuzwe balo lenza onkulunkulu balo emadolobheni wonke ababehlaliswe khona, bababeka ezindaweni zokukhonzela ezazakhiwe ngabantu beSamariya. 30 Abantu ababevela eBhabhiloni babumba uSukhothi-Bhenothi, kwathi ababevela eKhutha benza uNerigali, ababevela eHamathi benza u-Ashima, 31 ama-Avi enza uNibhazi kanye loTharithaki, lamaSefavi enza umhlatshelo ngokutshisa abantwababo emlilweni benikela ku-Adrameleki lo-Anameleki, onkulunkulu bamaSefavayimi. 32 Bamkhonza uThixo, kodwa basebezikhethela phakathi kwabo inhlobo zonke zabantu ukuthi babe ngabaphristi ezindaweni eziphakemeyo zokukhonzela. 33 Bamkhonza uThixo, kodwa babekhonza labonkulunkulu babo belandela imikhuba yezizwe ababevela kizo.

34 Kuze kube lamuhla balokhu bekwenza lokhu belandela imikhuba emidala. Abamkhonzi uThixo njalo abalandeli izimiso leziqondiso, imithetho lemilayo uThixo ayeyiphe abantwana bakaJakhobe, lo ambiza ngokuthi ngu-Israyeli. 35  UThixo wathi esenza isivumelwano labako-Israyeli, wabalaya wathi, “Lingakhonzi abanye onkulunkulu loba ukubakhothamela, lingabenzeli lutho loba ukubenzela umhlatshelo. 36 Khonzani kuphela uThixo, yena owalikhuphula walisusa eGibhithe ngamandla amakhulu langesandla somusa esivulekileyo, nguye yedwa okumele limkhonze. Kuye lizakhothama njalo kuye lizanikela imihlatshelo. 37 Linanzelele ngezikhathi zonke ukulondoloza izimiso, leziqondiso, imithetho lemilayo alilobela yona. Lingabokhonza abanye onkulunkulu. 38 Lingakhohlwa isivumelwano engasenza lani, njalo lingakhonzi abanye onkulunkulu. 39 Kodwa, khonzani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, nguye ozalikhulula ezandleni zezitha zenu zonke.”

40 Loba kunjalo, kabazange balalele kodwa baqhubeka belandela imikhuba yabo yakuqala. 41 Lanxa babemkhonza uThixo, babelandela izithombe zabo. Lalamuhla abantwababo labantwana babantwababo balokhu besenza khonokho okwakusenziwa ngoyise.

18

UHezekhiya Inkosi YakoJuda

1 Ngomnyaka wesithathu kaHosheya indodana ka-Ela inkosi yako-Israyeli, uHezekhiya indodana ka-Ahazi inkosi yakoJuda waqalisa ukubusa. 2 Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lasificamunwemunye. Ibizo likanina lalingu-Abhija indodakazi kaZakhariya. 3 Wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo, njengalokho okwakwenziwe nguyise uDavida. 4 Wadiliza izindawo zokukhonzela, wabhidliza amatshe ababewakhonza njalo wagamulela phansi insika zika-Ashera. Watshaya wenza izicucu inyoka yethusi eyayenziwe nguMosi, ngoba kuze kube yilesosikhathi abako-Israyeli babelokhu beyitshisela impepha. (Yayibizwa ngokuthi Nehushithani.)

5 UHezekhiya wayethembele kuThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. Kakho owayenjengaye kuwo wonke amakhosi akoJuda, loba kulabo abamandulelayo kumbe labo abamlandelayo ekubuseni. 6 Wabambelela kuThixo kazange ekele ukumlandela, wagcina imilayo uThixo ayeyinike uMosi. 7  UThixo wayelaye; waphumelela kukho konke ayekwenza. Wahlamukela inkosi yase-Asiriya kasabanga ngaphansi kwayo. 8 Kusukela emphongolweni wesilindo kusiya emzini oyinqaba, wanqoba amaFilistiya, kuze kuyefika khonale eGaza lamazwe akhona.

9 Ngomnyaka wesine wenkosi uHezekhiya, okwakungumnyaka wesikhombisa wokubusa kukaHosheya indodana ka-Ela inkosi yako-Israyeli, uShalimaneseri inkosi yase-Asiriya wayahlasela iSamariya wayivimbezela. 10 Ngemva kweminyaka emithathu ama-Asiriya alithumba. Ngakho iSamariya yathunjwa ngomnyaka wesithupha wokubusa kukaHezekhiya, okwakungumnyaka wesificamunwemunye wokubusa kukaHosheya inkosi yako-Israyeli. 11 Inkosi yase-Asiriya yaxotshela abako-Israyeli e-Asiriya yabahlalisa eHala ngaseGozani eMfuleni uHabhori lasemizini yamaMede. 12 Lokhu kwenzakala ngoba bengalalelanga uThixo wabo, kodwa sebephule isivumelwano sakhe, lakho konke uMosi inceku kaThixo ayebalaye ngakho. Abazanga balalele njalo abazanga bakwenze.

13 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lane wokubusa kwenkosi uHezekhiya, uSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya wahlasela wonke amadolobho avikelweyo akoJuda wawathumba. 14 Ngakho uHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda wathumela ilizwi enkosini yase-Asiriya eLakhishi esithi, “Ngiphambanisile. Suka kimi, mina ngizakubhadala konke okufunayo kimi.” Inkosi yase-Asiriya yathi uHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda kayinike amathalenta esiliva angamakhulu amathathu kanye legolide elingamathalenta angamatshumi amathathu. 15 Ngakho uHezekhiya wamnika sonke isiliva esatholakala ethempelini likaThixo lasezindlini zenotho yesigodlweni senkosi.

16 Ngalesisikhathi uHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda waxexebula igolide elalisezivalweni zethempeli likaThixo lelalinanyathiselwe emigubazini yethempeli likaThixo, walinika inkosi yase-Asiriya.

USenakheribhi Usongela IJerusalema

17 Inkosi yase-Asiriya yathumela umlawuli omkhulu wamabutho ayo, lesikhulu somndlunkulu kanye lomlawuli wamabutho lamabutho amanengi, besuka eLakhishi besiya enkosini uHezekhiya eJerusalema. Bafika eJerusalema bema emgelweni wechibi elingaphezulu, elisendleleni yeNsimu yoMgezisi. 18 Babiza inkosi ngokwayo: Kodwa kweza u-Eliyakhimu indodana kaHilikhiya umphathi wesigodlo, loShebhina umabhalane, loJowa indodana ka-Asafi umbhali.

19 Umlawuli webutho wathi kubo, “Tshelani uHezekhiya ukuthi:

‘Nanku okutshiwo yinkosi enkulu, inkosi yase-Asiriya ithi: Uthembeni ngalesisibindi sakho na? 20 Uthi ulamaqhinga lamandla ebutho, kodwa ukhuluma amazwi ayize. Uthembe bani uze ungihlamukele nje? 21 Khangela, ngiyazi uthembe iGibhithe, yona enjengomhlanga ozimvava osika isandla somuntu umlimaze nxa eweyamile. Unjalo uFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe kubo bonke abathembele kuye. 22 Njalo nxa lisithi kimi, “Thina sithembe uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu”: kasuye yini uHezekhiya asusa izindawo zakhe eziphakemeyo lama-alithare akhe, esithi kuJuda leJerusalema, “Kumele likhonzele phambi kwaleli i-alithari eliseJerusalema”?

23 Khathesi woza wenze isivumelwano lenkosi yami, inkosi yase-Asiriya: Ngizakunika amabhiza azinkulungwane ezimbili nxa bekhona abazawagada! 24 Pho ungayehlula njani induna yezikhulu ezincane zenkosi yami eyodwa, lanxa uthembele eGibhithe ekutholeni izinqola zempi labagadi bamabhiza na? 25 Phezu kwalokho, kanti ngizehlasela lokuzochitha lindawo ngaphandle kwelizwi elivela kuThixo na? UThixo uqobo nguye othe ngizohlasela ilizwe leli ngilichithe.’ ”

26 Ngakho u-Eliyakhimu indodana kaHilikhiya, loShebhina loJowa bathi kumlawuli webutho, “Ake ukhulume ezincekwini zakho ngesi-Aramayikhi, ngoba siyasizwa. Ungasikhulumisi ngesiHebheru lababantu abasemdulini besizwa.”

27 Kodwa umlawuli webutho waphendula esithi, “Inkosi yami ingithume ukuba izinto lezi ngizitsho kuphela enkosini yenu lakini, hatshi ebantwini abahlezi emdulini, okuzakuthi labo, njengani badle ubulongwe babo banathe lomchamo wabo na?”

28 Umlawuli webutho wasukuma wasememeza ngesiHebheru esithi, “Zwanini ilizwi lenkosi enkulu, inkosi yase-Asiriya! 29 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo yinkosi: Lingamvumeli uHezekhiya ukuba alikhohlise. Angeke alikhulule. 30 Lingamvumeli uHezekhiya elincenga ukuba lithembe kuThixo lapho esithi, ‘Ngempela uThixo uzasikhulula; idolobho leli kaliyikuphiwa esandleni senkosi yase-Asiriya.’

31 Lingamlaleli uHezekhiya. Nanku okutshiwo yinkosi yase-Asiriya: Yenza isivumelwano sokuthula lami, uphume uze kimi. Lapho-ke omunye lomunye uzakudla esivinini sakhe lasemkhiweni wakhe anathe lamanzi emthonjeni wakhe, 32 ngize ngifike ngilithathe, ngilise elizweni elifanana lelakini, ilizwe lamabele lewayini elitsha, ilizwe lesinkwa lezivini, ilizwe lezihlahla zama-oliva loluju.

Khethani impilo hatshi ukufa, Lingamlaleli uHezekhiya, ngoba uyalikhohlisa nxa esithi, ‘UThixo uzasikhulula.’ 33 Kambe ukhona unkulunkulu wesinye isizwe osewake wakhulula ilizwe lakhe esandleni senkosi yase-Asiriya na? 34 Bangaphi onkulunkulu baseHamathi le-Ariphadi na? Bangaphi onkulunkulu baseSefavayimi labaseHena labase-Iva na? Bayikhululile iSamariya esandleni sami na? 35 Nguphi kubo bonke onkulunkulu bamazwe la oke wenelisa ukukhulula ilizwe lakhe kimi na? Pho uThixo angayikhulula njani iJerusalema esandleni sami na?”

36 Kodwa abantu bathula kabazange batsho lutho, ngoba inkosi yayilaye yathi, “Lingamphenduli.”

37 U-Eliyakhimu indodana kaHilikhiya umgcini wesigodlo loShebhina umabhalane loJowa indodana ka-Asafi umbhali, baya kuHezekhiya izigqoko zabo zidabukile bamtshela okwakutshiwo ngumlawuli webutho.

19

Umbono Ngokukhululwa KweJerusalema

1 Kwathi lapho uHezekhiya, inkosi, esezwe lokhu, wadabula izigqoko zakhe wagqoka amasaka, wasesiya ethempelini likaThixo. 2 Wathuma u-Eliyakhimu umphathi wesigodlo, uShebhina umabhalane labaphristi abangabakhokheli, bonke begqoke amasaka, baya kumphrofethi u-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi. 3 Bathi kuye, “UHezekhiya uthi: ilanga lanamhla lusuku losizi lokusolwa kanye lehlazo njengalapho abantwana sekufike isikhathi sokuthi bazalwe kodwa amandla okubeletha engekho. 4 Mhlawumbe uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho izawezwa wonke amazwi omlawuli webutho, onkosi yakhe, inkosi yase-Asiriya, emthume ukuba athuke uNkulunkulu ophilayo, lokuthi uzamthuka ngenxa yamazwi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho awazwileyo. Ngakho-ke khulekela insali elokhu iphila.”

5 Kwathi izithunywa zenkosi uHezekhiya sezifikile ku-Isaya, 6 u-Isaya wathi kuzo, “Tshelani inkosi yenu lithi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Ungesabi lokhu okuzwileyo, amazwi lawana izinceku zenkosi yase-Asiriya ezingithuke ngawo. 7 Lalela! Ngizafaka umoya ozamenza athi nxa esizwa umbiko othile, afune ukubuyela elizweni lakhe, athi angafika khonale ngenze ukuba abulawe ngenkemba.’ ”

8 Kwathi lapho umlawuli webutho esezwile ukuthi inkosi yase-Asiriya yayisisukile eLakhishi, laye wasuka wayathola inkosi isilwa leLibhina.

9 USenakheribhi wemukela umbiko othi uThirihaka, inkosi yaseKhushi, wayesiza ukuba amhlasele. Ngakho wathumela njalo izithunywa kuHezekhiya lombiko othi: 10 “Tshela uHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda ukuthi: Ungavumi ukuthi unkulunkulu omthembileyo akukhohlise esithi, ‘IJerusalema kaliyikunikelwa enkosini yase-Asiriya.’ 11 Ngempela usukuzwile okwenziwa ngamakhosi ase-Asiriya emazweni wonke, ewabhidliza okupheleleyo. Wena-ke uzaphepha na? 12 Onkulunkulu bezizwe ezatshabalaliswa ngokhokho bami bake bazikhulula na onkulunkulu beGozani, leHarani, leRezefi kanye labantu base-Edeni ababeseThelasari? 13 Ingaphi inkosi yaseHamathi, inkosi yase-Ariphadi, angaphi amakhosi aseLayiri leSefavayimi, loba eyaseHena kumbe eyase-Iva?”

Umkhuleko KaHezekhiya

14 UHezekhiya wamukela incwadi eyeza lezithunywa wayibala. Emva kwalokho waya ethempelini leNkosi, wayichaya phambi kukaThixo. 15 UHezekhiya wakhuleka kuThixo esithi: “Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, osebukhosini phakathi kwamaKherubhi, wena kuphela nguwe onguNkulunkulu wemibuso yonke yasemhlabeni. Nguwe owenza izulu lomhlaba. 16 Beka indlebe, Thixo, uzwe; vula amehlo akho Thixo, ubone. Lalela uzwe amazwi uSenakheribhi awathumele ukuzathuka uNkulunkulu ophilayo.

17 Kuliqiniso, Thixo, ukuthi amakhosi ase-Asiriya azitshabalalisa lezizizwe kanye lamazwe azo. 18 Aphosele onkulunkulu bawo emlilweni abatshabalalisa, ngoba kungesibo onkulunkulu kodwa yizigodo lamatshe kuphela, okubunjwe ngezandla zabantu. 19 Khathesi, Thixo, Nkulunkulu wethu, sikhulule esandleni sakhe, ukuze imibuso yonke emhlabeni ibekwazi, ukuthi wena wedwa, Thixo, unguNkulunkulu.”

U-Isaya Uphrofetha Ngokuwa KukaSenakheribi

20 U-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi wathumela ilizwi kuHezekhiya elithi: “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli: Ngiwuzwile umkhuleko wakho mayelana loSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya. 21 Nanti ilizwi uThixo aselikhulume ngaye:

‘Ndodakazi eGcweleyo iZiyoni

iyakweyisa njalo iyakuklolodela.

Ndodakazi iJerusalema

inqekuza ikhanda layo lapho wena ubaleka.

22 Ngubani lowo omthukileyo wamhlazisa?

Ngubani lowo omphakamisele ilizwi lakho

wamphakamisela lamehlo akho ngokuzigqaja na?

NgoNgcwele ka-Israyeli!

23 Ngezithunywa zakho

umthukile uThixo.

Utshilo njalo ukuthi,

“Ngezinqola zami ezinengi

ngikhwelile eziqongweni zezintaba,

iziqongo eziphezulu kakhulu zaseLebhanoni.

Sengigamule ngawisa izihlahla ezinde zemisedari,

izihlahla ezikhethiweyo zamaphayini.

Ngifikile eziqongweni zalo ezikhatshana,

emaguswini alo amahle kakhulu.

24 Ngigebhile imithombo ezizweni

nganatha amanzi khona.

Ngezinyawo zami

ngomisile zonke izifula zaseGibhithe.” ’ ”

Ukubhidlizwa kweSenakheribhi

25 “ ‘Kawuzwanga na?

Lokhu ngakumisa endulo.

Ngakuceba ensukwini zasendulo;

khathesi sengenze ukuba kufezeke,

ukuthi usudilize amadolobho avikelweyo

aba yizinqwaba zamatshe.

26 Abantu bakhona, abangaselamandla,

badangele njalo bayangekile.

Banjengezilimo ensimini,

njengamahlumela aluhlaza,

lanjengotshani obuhluma ephahleni lwendlu

bubuye butshe bungakakhuli.

27 Kodwa ngiyakwazi lapho okhona,

lalapho usiza uphinde uhambe;

kanye lokuthi ungithukuthelela kangakanani.

28 Ngenxa yokungithukuthelela kwakho

langenxa yokuthi ubuqholo bakho sebufikile ezindlebeni zami

ngizafaka umkhala wami emakhaleni akho

lamatomu ami emlonyeni wakho,

njalo ngizakwenza ubuyele

ngendlela oze ngayo.’

29 Lokhu kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kuwe, Hezekhiya:

Lonyaka lizakudla okuzikhulela kodwa,

ngomnyaka wesibili lidle umkhukhuzela wakhona.

Kodwa ngomnyaka wesithathu hlanyelani livune,

hlanyelani izivini lidle izithelo zazo.

30 Futhi insali yendlu kaJuda

izagxilisa njalo impande phansi ithele izithelo ngaphezulu.

31 Ngoba eJerusalema kuzavela insali,

kuthi entabeni iZiyoni kuphume ixuku labasindayo.

Ukutshiseka kukaThixo uSomandla kuzakwenza ukuba lokhu kufezeke.

32 Ngakho-ke mayelana lenkosi yase-Asiriya uThixo uthi:

‘Kasoze angene kulelidolobho

loba atshoke umtshoko lapha.

Kasoze eze kulo elehawu

kumbe akhe umduli wokulivimbezela.

33 Uzabuyela ngendlela eza ngayo,

kasoze angene kulelidolobho,

kutsho uThixo.

34 Idolobho leli ngizalivikela ngilihlenge,

ngenxa yami langenxa kaDavida inceku yami.’ ”

35 Ngalobobusuku ingilosi kaThixo yasuka yayabulala abantu abalikhulu elilamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lanhlanu lezinkulungwane ezihonqweni zama-Asiriya. Kwathi lapho abantu bevuka ekuseni kwakhona bonke kwasekuyizidumbu kuphela! 36 Ngakho uSenakheribhi inkosi yama-Asiriya wasuka ezihonqweni wahamba. Wabuyela eNiniva wahlala khona.

37 Kwathi ngolunye usuku ekhonza ethempelini likaNisirokhi unkulunkulu wakhe, amadodana akhe u-Adrameleki loShareza ambulala ngenkemba asebalekela elizweni lase-Ararathi. U-Esarihadoni indodana yakhe yaba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe.

20

Ukugula KukaHezekhiya

1 Ngalezonsuku uHezekhiya wagula, eselengela ekufeni. Umphrofethi u-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi waya kuye wathi: “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Lungisa indlu yakho, ngoba uzakufa; awuyikusila.”

2 UHezekhiya waphendula ubuso bakhe wakhangela emdulini wakhuleka kuThixo esithi, 3 “Khumbula, Thixo, ukuthi ngihambe phambi kwakho ngokuthembeka langokuzinikela ngenhliziyo yami yonke, njalo ngenze okuhle emehlweni akho.” UHezekhiya wakhala kabuhlungu.

4 U-Isaya engakasuki egumeni elingaphakathi, kwafika ilizwi likaThixo kuye lisithi: 5 “Buyela uyetshela uHezekhiya, umkhokheli wabantu bami uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu kayihlo uDavida. Uthi: Ngiwuzwile umkhuleko wakho njalo ngizibonile lezinyembezi zakho; ngizakusilisa. Ngosuku lwesithathu kusukela khathesi uzakhwela uye ethempelini likaThixo. 6 Ngizakwengezelela iminyaka elitshumi lanhlanu empilweni yakho. Ngizakukhulula wena kanye ledolobho leli ezandleni zenkosi yase-Asiriya. Ngizavikela idolobho leli ngizenzela mina njalo ngisenzela inceku yami uDavida.’ ”

7 U-Isaya wathi: “Lungisani isigaqa semikhiwa.” Bakwenza lokho basebethoba ngaso ithumba, wasesila.

8 UHezekhiya wayebuze u-Isaya wathi, “Kuyini okuzakuba yisibonakaliso sokuthi uThixo uzangisilisa kanye lokuthi ngizakhwela ngiye phezulu ethempelini leNkosi ngosuku lwesithathu kusukela khathesi na?”

9 U-Isaya waphendula wathi, “Nansi isibonakaliso sikaThixo kuwe, esokuthi uThixo uzakwenza akuthembisayo. Kambe isithunzi sizakuya phambili amanyathelo alitshumi kumbe sizabuyela emuva amanyathelo alitshumi na?”

10 “UHezekhiya wathi kulula ukuba isithunzi siye phambili amanyathelo alitshumi, kodwa kasiyi emuva amanyathelo alitshumi.”

11 Ngakho umphrofethi u-Isaya wacela kuThixo, uThixo wenza ukuthi isithunzi sibuyele emuva okwezinyathelo ezilitshumi esasehle ngawo ezikhwelelweni zika-Ahazi.

Izithunywa Ezazivela EBhabhiloni

12 Ngalesosikhathi uMerodakhi-Bhaladani indodana kaBhaladani inkosi yaseBhabhiloni wabhalela uHezekhiya izincwadi wamthumela lesipho ngoba wayezwile ngokugula kukaHezekhiya. 13 UHezekhiya wazamukela izithunywa wazitshengisa konke okwakusendlini yakhe yokugcinela impahla, isiliva, igolide, iziyoliso kanye lamafutha acengekileyo, izikhali zakhe lakho konke okwakukhona enothweni yakhe. Akulalutho esigodlweni sakhe loba embusweni wakhe wonke uHezekhiya angazitshengisanga lona.

14 Ngakho u-Isaya umphrofethi waya kuHezekhiya inkosi wambuza wathi, “Atheni amadoda lawana njalo avela ngaphi?”

UHezekhiya waphendula wathi: “Avela elizweni elikhatshana. Avele eBhabhiloni.”

15 Umphrofethi wabuza wathi: “Aboneni esigodlweni sakho?”

UHezekhiya wathi, “Abone konke okusesigodlweni sami. Akulalutho phakathi kwempahla zami eziligugu engingawatshengisanga khona.”

16 Ngakho u-Isaya wasesithi kuHezekhiya, “Zwana ilizwi likaThixo lithi: 17 Isikhathi sizafika sibili lapho konke okusesigodlweni sakho lakho konke oyihlo abakugcinayo kusiyafika lolosuku, kuzathwalelwa eBhabhiloni. Akuyikusala lutho, kutsho uThixo. 18 Njalo abanye besizukulwane sakho, abenyama legazi lakho, abazazalwa nguwe, bazathathwa bayekuba ngabathenwa esigodlweni senkosi yaseBhabhiloni.”

19 UHezekhiya waphendula wathi: “Ilizwi likaThixo olikhulumileyo lilungile.” Ngoba wayenakana esithi: “Kambe kakuyikuba lokuthula lokuvikeleka ekuphileni kwami na?”

20 Ezinye izehlakalo zombuso kaHezekhiya, konke ukuphumelela kwakhe lokwakha kwakhe ichibi kanye lomgelo owaletha amanzi phakathi komuzi, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 21 UHezekhiya waya ekuphumuleni kubokhokho bakhe. Indodana yakhe uManase yathatha ubukhosi.

21

UManase Inkosi YakoJuda

1 UManase wayeleminyaka elitshumi lambili eqalisa ukubusa njalo wabusa okweminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lemihlanu eJerusalema. Ibizo likanina lalinguHefizibha. 2 Wenza ububi emehlweni kaThixo, elandela imikhuba eyenyanyekayo yezizwe uThixo ayezixotshile phambi kuka-Israyeli. 3 Wavuselela izindawo zokukhonzela ezazidilizwe nguyise uHezekhiya, wakha lama-alithare kaBhali wenza lensika ka-Ashera, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe ngu-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli. Wakhothamela zonke izinkanyezi zezulu wazikhonza. 4 Wakha ama-alithare ethempelini likaThixo, lona uThixo ayethe, “EJerusalema ngizabeka khona iBizo lami.” 5 Kuwo womabili amaguma ethempeli likaThixo, wakhela izinkanyezi zezulu ama-alithare. 6 Wenza umhlatshelo ngendodana yakhe emlilweni, wavumisa, wenza imilingo, wasebenza lezanuse labemimoya. Wenza okubi kakhulu emehlweni kaThixo, wamthukuthelisa.

7 Wathatha insika ebaziweyo ka-Ashera ayeyenzile wayifaka ethempelini, lona lelo kanye uThixo ayethe kuDavida lakuSolomoni indodana yakhe, “Kulelithempeli lakulo umuzi waseJerusalema, engiwukhethileyo kuzozonke izizwana zako-Israyeli, ngizabeka iBizo lami kuze kube nininini. 8 Angiyikuphinda ngenze inyawo zabako-Israyeli zizule elizweni engalinika okhokho babo, nxa bezananzelela balandele yonke imilayo engabanika yona bagcine wonke uMthetho abawunikwa nguMosi inceku yami.” 9 Kodwa abantu abalalelanga. UManase wabalahlekisa, ngakho bona kakhulu ukwedlula izizwe uThixo ayezitshabalalise phambi kokuba u-Israyeli angene.

10  UThixo wakhuluma ngezinceku zakhe abaphrofethi wathi: 11 “UManase inkosi yakoJuda wenzile wonke amanyala la. Wenzile izono lezi ezenyanyekayo. Usenze ububi obukhulu obedlula obama-Amori ayekhona ngaphambi kwakhe, njalo usekhokhelele uJuda esonweni ngezithombe zakhe, 12 ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ukuthi, Ngizakwehlisela phezu kweJerusalema loJuda incithakalo ezakwenza indlebe zakhe wonke oyizwayo zinkenteze. 13 Ngizakwelula phezu kweJerusalema intambo eyasetshenziswa ekulahleni iSamariya, lentambo eyasetshenziswa ekulahleni indlu ka-Ahabi. Ngizakwesula iJerusalema njengomuntu owesula umganu, awesule awumbokothe. 14 Ngizalahla insalela yabantu bami, ngibanikele ezitheni zabo. Bazathunjwa babe yimpango yezitha zabo zonke, 15 ngoba benzile okubi phambi kwami, bangithukuthelisa, kusukela ekuphumeni kwabokhokho babo eGibhithe kuze kube lamuhla.”

16 Futhi uManase wachitha igazi elinengi kakhulu elingelacala waze waligcwalisa iJerusalema kusukela ekuqaleni kwalo kuze kube sekucineni, ngaphandle kwesono ayebangele uJuda ukuba asenze, ngakho benza isono emehlweni kaThixo.

17 Ezinye izehlakalo ngokubusa kukaManase, lakho konke akwenzayo, kanye lesono asenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 18 UManase waya ekuphumuleni kubokhokho bakhe, wangcwatshelwa esivandeni sesigodlo sakhe, isivande sika-Uza. U-Amoni indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi.

U-Amoni Inkosi YakoJuda

19 U-Amoni waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka emibili. Ibizo likanina lalinguMeshulemethi indodakazi kaHaruzi; owayevela eJothibha. 20 Wenza okubi emehlweni kaThixo, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe nguyise uManase. 21 Walandela konke okwakwenziwe nguyise, wakhonza izithombe ezazikhonzwa nguyise, njalo wazikhothamela. 22 Wamdela uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho bakhe, njalo kazange ahambe ngendlela kaThixo.

23 Izikhulu zika-Amoni zamelana laye zabumba icebo zambulala esigodlweni sakhe. 24 Abantu bakulelolizwe basebebulala ababecebe ukubulala inkosi u-Amoni, basebebeka indodana yakhe uJosiya waba yinkosi, esikhundleni sakhe.

25 Ezinye izehlakalo ngokubusa kuka-Amoni, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 26 Wangcwatshwa ethuneni lakhe, esivandeni sika-Uza. UJosiya indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi.

22

Ukutholakala KweNcwadi YoMlayo

1 UJosiya waba yinkosi eleminyaka eyisificaminwembili eqalisa ukubusa njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lowodwa. Ibizo likanina lalinguJedida indodakazi ka-Adaya; wayevela eBhozikhathi. 2 Wenza okulungileyo emehlweni kaThixo njalo wahamba ezindleleni zonke zikayise uDavida, engaphambukeli eceleni kwesokudla loba esenxele.

3 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili wokubusa kwakhe, uJosiya inkosi wathumela unobhala wakhe, uShafani indodana ka-Azaliya, indodana kaMeshulami, ethempelini likaThixo. Wathi, 4 “Hamba uye kuHilikhiya umphristi omkhulu uyekuthi kalungise imali elethwe ethempelini likaThixo, ekade iqoqwa ebantwini ngabalindi beminyango. 5 Abayigcinise amadoda akhethelwe ukukhangela ukuqhubeka komsebenzi ethempelini. Babe yibo abazaholisa abasebenza ukulungisa kutsha ithempeli likaThixo, 6 ababazi, abakhi, lababazi bamatshe. Babe yibo njalo abazathenga amapulanka lamatshe abaziweyo okulungisa kutsha ithempeli. 7 Kodwa akudingeki ukuthi babike ngokusetshenziswa kwemali abayigcinisiweyo, ngoba basebenza ngokwethembeka.”

8 UHilikhiya umphristi omkhulu wathi kuShafani unobhala, “Sengithole uGwalo lwemiThetho ethempelini likaThixo.” Walunika uShafani walufunda. 9 Ngakho uShafani waya enkosini, wayibikela wathi, “Izikhulu zakho sezibhadele imali ebisethempelini likaThixo njalo seziyigcinise izisebenzi kanye labakhangela ethempelini.” 10 UShafani unobhala wasebikela inkosi esithi, “UHilikhiya umphristi usenginike ugwalo.” Ngakho uShafani waselubala phambi kwenkosi.

11 Inkosi ithe isizwile amazwi eNcwadi yoMthetho, yadabula izembatho zayo. 12 Yapha leziziqondiso kuHilikhiya umphristi, lo-Ahikhami indodana kaShafani, lo-Akhibhori indodana kaMikhaya loShafani unobhala kanye lo-Asaya inceku yenkosi, yathi: 13 “Hambani kuThixo liyengibuzela mina labantu kanye loJuda wonke ngalokhu okulotshwe kulolugwalo osolutholakele. Lukhulu ulaka lukaThixo oluvuthayo kithi ngoba okhokho bethu kabawalalelanga amazwi alolugwalo: abakulandelanga konke okulotshiweyo kulo mayelana lathi.”

14 UHilikhiya umphristi, lo-Ahikhami, lo-Akhibhori, loShafani lo-Asaya bayakhuluma lomphrofethikazi uHulida umkaShalumi indodana kaThikhiva, indodana kaHarihasi, umgcini wezigqoko. UHulida wayehlala eJerusalema Esigabeni Sesibili.

15 Yena wathi kubo: “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ukuthi, tshelani indoda elithume kimi ukuthi, 16 ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Ngizakwehlisela incithakalo kulindawo lasebantwini bayo ngakho konke okulotshwe egwalweni olubalwa yinkosi yakoJuda. 17 Ngoba bangihlamukele, batshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha, njalo bangithukuthelisile ngazozonke izithombe abazenze ngezandla zabo, ulaka lwami luzavutha kule indawo lungacitshwa muntu.’ 18 Tshelani inkosi yakoJuda yona elithume ukuzabuza kuThixo, lithi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, mayelana lamazwi eliwazwileyo: 19 Ngenxa yokuthi inhliziyo yakho ivumile njalo uzithobile phambi kukaThixo lapho usizwa engikukhulume ngendawo le labantu bayo, ukuthi bazakuba ngabaqalekisiweyo bachithwe, njalo ngenxa yokuthi udabule izigqoko zakho wakhala phambi kwami, ngikuzwile, kutsho uThixo. 20 Ngakho ngizakusa kubokhokho bakho, njalo uzangcwatshwa ngokuthula. Amehlo akho awayikuyibona incithakalo engizayehlisela kule indawo.’ ”

Ngakho izithunywa zayithatha leyompendulo zayisa enkosini.

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UJosiya Uvuselela Isivumelwano

1 Inkosi yasibiza bonke abadala bakoJuda labeJerusalema. 2 Yasuka yaya ethempelini likaThixo lamadoda akoJuda, abantu baseJerusalema, abaphristi labaphrofethi, abantu bonke kusukela kubantukazana kusiya kuzo kanye izikhulu. Yabafundela bonke besizwa wonke amazwi oGwalo lweSivumelwano, olwatholakala ethempelini likaThixo. 3 Inkosi yema ngasensikeni, yavuselela isivumelwano phambi kukaThixo sokumlandela lokugcina imilayo yakhe lemithetho yakhe lezimiso zakhe ngenhliziyo yayo yonke langomoya wayo wonke, ngalokho iqinisa amazwi esivumelwano ayebhaliwe kulolugwalo. Ngakho bonke abantu bazinikela kuso isivumelwano.

4 Inkosi yalaya uHilikhiya umphristi omkhulu labaphristi abalandelayo labalindi beminyango ukuba bakhuphe ethempelini likaThixo zonke izitsha ezazenzelwe uBhali lo-Ashera, lazozonke izinkanyezi zaphezulu, wazitshisela ngaphandle kweJerusalema eziqintini zeSigodi saseKhidironi, umlotha wazo wawuthwalela eBhetheli. 5 Wakhupha abaphristi bezithombe ababekhethwe yinkosi yakoJuda ukuba batshise impepha emizini yakoJuda lakuleyo ephansi kweJerusalema, labo ababetshisa impepha kuBhali lelanga lenyanga lezinkanyezi zonke zaphezulu. 6 Wakhupha ethempelini likaThixo insika ka-Ashera, wayisa esigodini seKhidironi ngaphandle kweJerusalema, wayitshisela khona, wayichola yaba luthuli wasechithachithela umlotha wayo phezu kwamangcwaba abantukazana. 7 Wadiliza izindlu zabesilisa ababefeba ethempelini likaThixo lapho abesifazane ababethungela khona u-Ashera amaveli.

8 UJosiya waletha bonke abaphristi besuka emizini yakoJuda, wangcolisa izindawo zokukhonzela, kusukela eGebha kusiya lapho abaphristi ababetshisela khona impepha eBherishebha. Wabhidliza izindawo zokukhonzela emasangweni ekungeneni kwesango likaJoshuwa umphathi womuzi, ngakwesokhohlo kwesango lomuzi. 9 Loba abaphristi bezindawo zokukhonzela bengaphathisanga e-alithareni likaThixo eJerusalema, kodwa badla isinkwa esingelamvubelo kanye labanye abaphristi ababedlelana labo.

10 Wangcolisa iThofethi elisesihotsheni saseBheni-Hinomu ukuze kungabikhona otshisa indodana yakhe kumbe indodakazi emlilweni kaMoleki. 11 Entubeni yethempeli likaThixo wasusa amabhiza amakhosi abakoJuda ayewahlukanisele ilanga, wona ayeseduze lendlu yesikhulu esasithiwa nguNathani-Meleki. UJosiya wasetshisa izinqola zempi ezazehlukaniselwe ilanga.

12 Wadilizela phansi ama-alithare ayakhiwe ngamakhosi akoJuda ephahleni eduze lendlu ephezulu ka-Ahazi lama-alithare uManase ayewakhile emagumeni womabili ethempeli likaThixo. Wawasusa lapho, wawachoboza, aba yizicucu waziphosela eSigodini seKhidironi. 13 Inkosi yangcolisa izindawo zokukhonzela ezazingempumalanga kweJerusalema, ngaseningizimu kwentaba yokuXhwala, uSolomoni inkosi yako-Israyeli eyayizakhele u-Ashithorethi unkulunkulukazi oyisinengiso wamaSidoni, loKhemoshi uNkulunkulu oyisinengiso wamaMowabi, kanye loMoleki oyisinengiso wama-Amoni. 14 UJosiya wabhidliza amatshe okukhonza, waquma izinsika zika-Ashera, wafaka amathambo abantu abanengi endaweni yazo.

15 Le-alithari elaliseBhetheli indawo yokukhonzela eyayenziwe nguJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi owenza ukuba u-Israyeli one, lalelo-alithare lendawo yokukhonzela, wakubhidliza. Watshisa indawo yokukhonzela wayichola yaba yimpuphu njalo watshisa insika ka-Ashera. 16 UJosiya wathalaza ngapha langapha, kwathi ebona amangcwaba amanengi ayelapho ewatheni loqaqa wathi kawasuswe, atshiswe e-alithareni ukulingcolisa mayelana lelizwi likaThixo elamenyezelwa ngumuntu kaThixo owaziphrofethayo lezizinto.

17 Inkosi yabuza yathi, “Ilitshe lesikhumbuzo sengcwaba leliyana engilibonayo ngelani?”

Abantu bomuzi bathi, “Liphawule ingcwaba lenceku kaNkulunkulu eyavela koJuda, yaqalekisa i-alithari laseBhetheli ngalezizinto ozenze kulo.”

18 Yena wasesithi, “Liyekeleni lingavumeli muntu awathinte amathambo akhe.” Ngakho bawayekela amathambo akhe kanye lalawo awomphrofethi owavela eSamariya.

19 UJosiya wasusa amathempeli ezindawo zokukhonzela ezisemizini yaseSamariya ayekade akhiwe ngamakhosi ako-Israyeli, ethukuthelisa uThixo, wenza kiwo lokho ayekwenze eBhetheli. 20 UJosiya wabulalela abaphristi bezindawo zokukhonzela phezu kwama-alithare, watshisela amathambo abantu phezu kwawo. Wasebuyela eJerusalema.

21 Inkosi uJosiya yalaya bonke abantu yathi, “Ligcine iPhasika likaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, njengoba kulotshiwe eGwalweni LweSivumelwano.” 22 Lalingagcinwa iPhasika elinjalo kusukela ensukwini zabehluleli abaphatha u-Israyeli, lakuzo zonke insuku zamakhosi ako-Israyeli lezamakhosi akoJuda. 23 Kodwa ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili wenkosi uJosiya, lagcinwa iPhasika likaThixo eJerusalema.

24 Wakwenza njalo uJosiya ukususa izangoma, labahlahluli, labonkulunkulu basezindlini, lezithombe kanye lazozonke izinto zamanyala ezazikhona koJuda laseJerusalema. Lokhu kwakuyikugcwalisa izimiso zomlayo owawulotshwe encwadini umphristi uHilikhiya ayithola ethempelini likaThixo. 25 Ngaphambi kwakhe noma ngemva kwakhe uJosiya kakubanga khona inkosi eyafanana laye eyaphendukela kuThixo njengalokhu akwenzayo ngenhliziyo yakhe langomphefumulo wakhe wonke njalo langamandla akhe wonke mayelana lawo wonke uMthetho kaMosi.

26 Kanti uThixo kadedanga ekuvutheni kolaka lwakhe olwavutha kakhulu koJuda ngenxa yazo zonke izinto uManase amthukuthelisa ngazo. 27  *Ngakho uThixo wathi, “Ngizamsusa phambi kwami uJuda njengoba ngasusa u-Israyeli, ngiwulahle lumuzi waseJerusalema engawukhethayo, lethempeli leli engathi ngalo, ‘Ibizo lami lizakuba kulo.’ ”

28 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaJosiya, lakho konke akwenzayo, akulotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na?

29 Ngesikhathi sokubusa kukaJosiya, uFaro Nekho inkosi yaseGibhithe waya eMfuleni uYufrathe ukuyancedisa inkosi yase-Asiriya. Inkosi uJosiya wamhlangabeza empini kodwa uNekho waqondana laye wambulala eMegido. 30 Izisebenzi zikaJosiya zaletha isidumbu sakhe ngenqola yokulwa zisuka eMegido zisiya eJerusalema njalo zamngcwabela ethuneni lakhe. Ngakho abantu elizweni bathatha uJehowahazi indodana kaJosiya bamgcoba ubukhosi bukayise.

UJehowahazi Inkosi YakoJuda

31 UJehowahazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lantathu ubudala bakhe esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema inyanga ezintathu. Ibizo likanina kwakunguHamuthali indodakazi kaJeremiya njalo wayevela eLibhina. 32 Wenza ububi emehlweni kaThixo njengabokhokho bakhe. 33 Inkosi uFaro Nekho wambopha ngamaketani eRibhila elizweni lamaHamathi ukuze angabusi eJerusalema, wamthelisa kakhulu uJuda amathalenta alikhulu esiliva, lethalenta legolide. 34 UFaro Nekho wabeka u-Eliyakhimu indodana kaJosiya esihlalweni sobukhosi esikhundleni sikayise uJosiya waseguqula ibizo lakhe wathi nguJehoyakhimi. Kodwa wathatha uJehowahazi waya laye eGibhithe, wafela khonale. 35 UJehoyakhimi wathela ngenani lesiliva legolide elalifunwa nguFaro Nekho. Ukuze akwenelise lokho wayethelisa abantu elizweni ngesiliva legolide ngesilinganiso ayebona sibalingene.

UJehoyakhimi Inkosi YakoJuda

36 UJehoyakhimi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ubudala bakhe ethatha ubukhosi, yena wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitshumi lanye. Ibizo likanina lalinguZebhuda indodakazi kaPhedaya owayevela eRuma. 37 Wenza ububi phambi kukaThixo, njengabokhokho bakhe.

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1 Ngezinsuku zokubusa kukaJehoyakhimi uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yahlasela ilizwe, uJehoyakhimi wathela kuye okweminyaka emithathu. Kodwa waphinda waguquka wamvukela uNebhukhadineza. 2  UThixo wathuma abahlaseli bamaKhaladiya lama-Asiriya lamaBhabhiloni lama-Aramu lamaMowabi, lama-Amoni, amhlasela. Wabathuma ukuchitha uJuda njengelizwi likaThixo alikhuluma ngezinceku zakhe abaphrofethi. 3 Ngempela konke lokho kwenzeka koJuda mayelana lomlayo kaThixo ukuze basuswe phambi kwakhe ngenxa yazo zonke izono zikaManase azenzayo, 4 langenxa yegazi elachithekayo lingelacala. Ngoba wayegcwalise iJerusalema ngegazi elingelacala njalo uThixo wayengazimiselanga ukuthethelela.

5 Ezinye izehlakalo zembali kaJehoyakhimi azilotshwanga yini egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda na? 6 Wafa uJehoyakhimi waya ekuphumuleni kubokhokho bakhe. UJehoyakhini indodana yakhe yathatha ubukhosi.

7 Inkosi yaseGibhithe ayizange ihlasele futhi iphuma elizweni layo, ngenxa yokuthi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yayisithethe ingxenye yelizwe layo enkulu kakhulu, kusukela eSihotsheni seGibhithe kuze kuyefika eMfuleni uYufrathe.

UJehoyakhini Inkosi YakoJuda

8 UJehoyakhini wayeleminyaka elitshumi lasificaminwembili esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okwezinyanga ezintathu. Ibizo likanina lalinguNehushita indodakazi ka-Elinathani; evela eJerusalema. 9 Wenza ububi phambi kukaThixo, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe nguyise.

10 Ngalesosikhathi amabutho kaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni afika eJerusalema, awuvimbezela umuzi, 11 uNebhukhadineza yena ngokwakhe wazafika amabutho akhe esewuvimbezele umuzi. 12 UJehoyakhini inkosi yakoJuda wazinikela enkosini yaseBhabhiloni, yena lonina lezinceku zakhe kanye labathenwa bakhe.

Ngomnyaka wesificaminwembili wokubusa kwenkosi yaseBhabhiloni uNebhukhadineza wathumba uJehoyakhini. 13 Njengelizwi likaThixo, uNebhukhadineza wabutha yonke inotho yasethempelini likaThixo lenotho yesigodlo senkosi, wabutha zonke izitsha zegolide ezazisethempelini likaThixo, ezazenziwe nguSolomoni inkosi yako-Israyeli, njengokutsho kukaThixo. 14 Wathumba abaseJerusalema bonke: izikhulu zonke, lawo wonke amadoda empi lazozonke izingcitshi ezileminwe, abantu abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Kwasala abantukazana kuphela elizweni.

15 UNebhukhadineza wamthatha uJehoyakhini wayamgqilaza eBhabhiloni. Wathumba njalo eJerusalema unina wenkosi labafazi bayo lezikhulu zayo lamadoda aziwayo elizweni. 16 Inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yathumbela eBhabhiloni wonke amadoda angamaqhawe, azinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, aqinileyo ayengaphuma impi, kanye lezingcitshi ezileminwe eziyinkulungwane. 17 Inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yabeka uMathaniya isinini sikaJehoyakhini waba yinkosi esikhundleni sikaJehoyakhini, yasimupha ibizo elitsha lokuthi nguZedekhiya.

UZedekhiya Inkosi YakoJuda

18 UZedekhiya waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanye, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lanye. Ibizo likanina lalinguHamuthali indodakazi kaJeremiya, waseLibhina. 19 Wenza okubi emehlweni kaThixo, njengalokho okwakwenziwe nguJehoyakhimi. 20 Kwakungenxa yokuthukuthela kukaThixo ukuze kwenzakale konke lokhu eJerusalema lakoJuda, njalo ekucineni kwabangela ukuthi uThixo abachithe.

Ukuwa KweJerusalema

Ngalokho uZedekhiya wayihlamukela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni.

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1 Ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye wokubusa kukaZedekhiya, ngosuku lwetshumi lwenyanga yetshumi, uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni waya eJerusalema lebutho lakhe lonke, wayivimbezela; wayakhela imiduli yokuvimbezela inxa zonke. 2 Idolobho lavinjezelwa kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wetshumi lanye kaZedekhiya inkosi.

3 Ngosuku lwesificamunwemunye lwenyanga yesine indlala yayisinzima edolobheni, abantu bengaselakudla. 4 Umduli wedolobho wafohlwa, ibutho lonke labaleka. Basuka edolobheni bephuma ngesango eliphakathi kwemiduli emibili, phansi kwesivande senkosi, lanxa nje amaBhabhiloni ayeligombolozele idolobho. Babaleka beqonde e-Arabha. 5 Kodwa ibutho lamaKhaladiya laxotshana lenkosi layamfica emagcekeni aseJerikho. Wonke amabutho akhe ehlukana laye njalo ahlakazeka, 6 yena wathunjwa.

Wasiwa enkosini yaseBhabhiloni eRibhila, lapho afika wagwetshelwa khona. 7 Babulala amadodana kaZedekhiya ekhangele. Basebemkhupha amehlo, bambopha ngamaketane ethusi bamusa eBhabhiloni.

8 Ngosuku lwesikhombisa ngenyanga yesihlanu, ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificamunwemunye kaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, uNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi besikhosini, owayesebenzela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, wafika eJerusalema. 9 Wathungela ithempeli likaThixo ngomlilo, lesigodlo senkosi lezindlu zonke zaseJerusalema. Zonke izindlu eziqakathekileyo wazitshisa. 10 Wonke amabutho aseBhabhiloni, ekhokhelwa ngumlawuli wamabutho okulinda umndlunkulu, adiliza imiduli ehonqolozele iJerusalema. 11 UNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi wathatha bonke abantu ababesele edolobheni wabasa ekuthunjweni, ndawonye labo bonke abantu lalabo abasebeye enkosini yaseBhabhiloni. 12 Kodwa umlawuli wamabutho watshiya inengi labantu ababengabayanga bokucina elizweni ukuba basebenze ezivinini lasemasimini.

13 AbeBhabhiloni baphahlaza izinsika zethusi lezinti zezibane loLwandle lwethusi, okwakusethempelini likaThixo. Bathwalela ithusi lelo eBhabhiloni. 14 Bathatha njalo imbiza, lamafotsholo, lezindlawu, lezinditshi lazozonke izitsha zethusi ezazisetshenziswa enkonzweni yasethempelini. 15 Umlawuli wabalindi besigodlo wathatha indengezi lemiganu yokuchela, konke okwakwenziwe ngegolide elicengekileyo loba isiliva.

16 Ithusi elalivela ensikeni ezimbili, loLwandle kanye lelezidindi ezisusekayo, konke okwakwenzelwe ithempeli likaThixo nguSolomoni, kwakulesisindo esasingelinganiswe. 17 Ubude bensika ngayinye babuzingalo ezilitshumi lasificaminwembili. Isiduku sethusi phezu kwenye insika sasizingalo ezintathu ubude baso njalo siceciswe ngomeluko lamaphomegranathi ethusi nxazonke. Eyinye insika kanye lomeluko wayo layo yayinjalo.

18 Umlawuli wabalindi wathumba uSeraya induna yabaphristi, loZefaniya umsekeli wakhe kanye labalindi bomnyango abathathu. 19 Kulabo ababelokhu besedolobheni, wathatha isikhulu esasiphethe amadoda okulwa labacebisi besikhosini abahlanu. Wathatha lonobhala owayeyinduna eyayiphethe ukubuthwa kwabantu bengeniswa emabuthweni kanye lamadoda angamatshumi ayisithupha ayelawo atholakala phakathi komuzi. 20 UNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabathatha bonke wabasa enkosini yaseBhabhiloni eRibhila. 21 Khonale eRibhila, elizweni laseHamathi, inkosi yathi kabaqunywe.

Ngakho abakoJuda baya ekuthunjweni kude lelizwe labo.

22 UNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni wakhetha uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami, oyindodana kaShafani, ukuba aphathe abantu ababesele koJuda. 23 Kwathi zonke izikhulu zabalawuli bamabutho lamabutho sebezwile ukuthi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yayisibeke uGedaliya ukuba nguSibalukhulu, beza kuGedaliya eMizipha izikhulu kungu-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya, uJohanani indodana kaKhareya, uSeraya indodana kaThanihumethi umNethofa, uJazaniya indodana kaMahakhathi, labantu babo. 24 UGedaliya wafunga isifungo ebathembisa labantu babo wathi: “Lingesabi izikhulu zaseBhabhiloni. Hlalani elizweni lisebenzele inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, konke kuzalilungela.”

25 Kodwa ngenyanga yesikhombisa u-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya, indodana ka-Elishama, owayezalwa esikhosini, weza lamadoda alitshumi bafika babulala uGedaliya lamadoda akoJuda kanye laweBhabhiloni ayekade elaye eMizipha. 26 Ngenxa yalokhu, abantu bonke kusukela kubantukazana kusiya kwabaphakemeyo, kanye lezikhulu zamabutho, babalekela eGibhithe ngokwesaba abeBhabhiloni.

Ukukhululwa KukaJehoyakhini

27 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa wokuthunjwa kukaJehoyakhini inkosi yakoJuda, ngomnyaka u-Evili-Merodakhi aba yinkosi eBhabhiloni, wakhulula uJehoyakhini entolongweni ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa lwenyanga yetshumi lambili. 28 Wakhuluma laye ngomusa, wamnika isihlalo esihloniphekayo esasingaphezu kwezamanye amakhosi ayelaye eBhabhiloni. 29 Ngakho uJehoyakhini wakhupha izigqoko zakhe zasentolongweni, wadla lenkosi izikhathi zonke okwempilo yakhe yonke. 30 Nsuku zonke inkosi yayinika uJehoyakhini isabelo esimisiweyo malanga wonke, empilweni yakhe yonke.

* 14:6 14.6 UDutheronomi 24.16

* 15:12 15.12 2 Amakhosi 10.30

* 23:27 23.27 1 Amakhosi 8.29

1 ImiLando

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Ugwalo Lwakuqala

LwemiLando

1

Kulondwa Imbali Kusukela Ku-Adamu Kusiya Ku-Abhrahama

Emadodaneni KaNowa

1 U-Adamu, uSethi, u-Enoshi,

2 uKhenani, uMahalaleli, uJaredi,

3 u-Enoki, uMethuzela, uLameki,

uNowa.

4 Amadodana kaNowa ayeyila: uShemu, uHamu loJafethi.

AbakaJafethi

5 Amadodana kaJafethi ayeyila:

uGomeri, uMagogi, uMadayi, uJavani, uThubhali, uMesheki loThirasi.

6 Amadodana kaGomeri ayeyila:

u-Ashikhenazi, uRifathi kanye loThogarima.

7 Amadodana kaJavani ayeyila:

u-Elisha, uThashishi, uKhithimi loRodanimu.

AbakaHamu:

8 Amadodana kaHamu ayeyila:

uKhushi, uMizirayimi, uPhuthi loKhenani.

9 Amadodana kaKhushi ayeyila:

uSebha, uHavila, uSabhitha, uRahama loSabhitheka.

Amadodana kaRahama ayeyila:

uShebha loDedani.

10 UKhushi wayenguyise

kaNimrodi, owakhula waba liqhawe elilamandla emhlabeni.

11 UMizirayimi wayenguyise

wamaLudi, ama-Anami, amaLehabhi, amaNafithuhi, 12 amaPhathrosi, lamaKhasiluhi (okwadabuka khona amaFilistiya) lamaKhafithori.

13 UKhenani wayenguyise

kaSidoni izibulo lakhe, amaHithi, 14 amaJebusi, ama-Amori, amaGigashi, 15 amaHivi, ama-Arikhi, amaSini, 16 ama-Avadi, amaZemari kanye lamaHamathi.

AbakaSemi

17 Amadodana kaShemu ayeyila:

u-Elamu, u-Ashuri, u-Afazadi, uLudi lo-Aramu.

Amadodana ka-Aramu ayeyila:

u-Uzi, uHuli, uGetha loMesheki.

18 U-Afazadi wayenguyise kaShela,

uShela wazala u-Ebha.

19 Amadodana amabili ayezalwa ngu-Ebha ayeyila:

Omunye wayenguPhelegi, ngoba ngezinsuku zakhe umhlaba wawudabuke phakathi; umfowabo kwakuthiwa nguJokithani.

20 UJokithani wayenguyise

ka-Alimodadi, uShelefi, uHazarimavethi, uJera, 21 uHadoramu, u-Uzali, uDikila, 22 u-Obhali, u-Abhimayeli, uShebha, 23 u-Ofiri, uHavila kanye loJobhabhi. Bonke laba babengamadodana kaJokithani.

24 UShemu, u-Afazadi uShela,

25 u-Ebha, uPhelegi, uRewu

26 uSerugi, uNahori, uThera

27 lo-Abhrama (u-Abhrahama).

Imuli Ka-Abhrahama

28 Amadodana ka-Abhrahama ayeyila: u-Isaka lo-Ishumayeli.

Abenzalo KaHagari

29 Laba babeyinzalo yabo:

uNebhayothi izibulo lika-Ishumayeli, uKhedari, u-Adibheli, uMibhisamu, 30 uMishima, uDuma, uMasa, uHadadi, uThema, 31 uJethuri, uNafishi kanye loKhedema.

La yiwo ayengamadodana ka-Ishumayeli.

Abenzalo KaKhethura

32 Amadodana azalwa nguKhethura, umfazi ka-Abhrahama oweceleni, ayeyila:

uZimirani, uJokishani, uMedani, uMidiyani, u-Ishibhaki loShuwa.

Amadodana kaJokishani ayeyila:

uShebha loDedani.

33 Amadodana kaMidiyani ayeyila:

u-Efa, u-Eferi, uHanokhi, u-Abhida lo-Elida.

Bonke laba babeyizizukulwane zikaKhethura.

Abenzalo KaSara

34 U-Abhrahama wayenguyise ka-Isaka.

Amadodana ka-Isaka ayeyila:

u-Esawu lo-Israyeli.

Amadodana Ka-Esawu

35 Amadodana ka-Esawu ayeyila:

u-Elifazi, uRuweli, uJewushi, uJalamu loKhora.

36 Amadodana ka-Elifazi ayeyila:

uThemani, u-Omari, uZefi, uGathamu loKhenazi;

ekaThimina kungu-Amaleki.

37 Amadodana kaRuweli ayeyila:

uNahathi, uZera, uShama loMiza.

Abantu BeSeyiri E-Edomi

38 Amadodana kaSeyiri ayeyila:

uLothani, uShobhali, uZibhiyoni, u-Ana, uDishoni, u-Ezeri loDishani.

39 Amadodana kaLothani ayeyila:

uHori loHomami. UThimina wayengudadewabo kaLothani.

40 Amadodana kaShobhali ayeyila:

u-Alivani, uManahathi, u-Ebhali, uShefo lo-Onami.

Amadodana kaZibhiyoni ayeyila:

u-Ayiya lo-Ana.

41 Indodana ka-Ana yayingu:

uDishoni.

Amadodana kaDishoni ayeyila:

uHemirani, u-Eshibhani, u-Ithirani loKherani.

42 Amadodana ka-Ezeri ayeyila:

uBhilihani, uZavani lo-Akhani.

Amadodana kaDishoni ayeyila:

u-Uzi lo-Arani.

Ababusi Be-Edomi

43 La ayengamakhosi abusa e-Edomi kungakabusi inkosi yako-Israyeli:

uBhela indodana kaBheyori, idolobho lakhe lalibizwa ngokuthi yiDinihabha.

44 UBhela esefile, uJobhabhi indodana kaZera waseBhozira wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

45 UJobhabhi esefile, uHushamu waselizweni lamaThemani wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

46 UHushamu esefile, uHadadi indodana kaBhedadi owanqoba uMidiyani elizweni laseMowabi, wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi. Idolobho lakhe lalibizwa ngokuthi yi-Avithi.

47 UHadadi esefile, uSamila waseMasirekha wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

48 USamila esefile, uShawuli waseRehobhothi phezu komfula wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

49 UShawuli esefile, uBhali-Hanani indodana ka-Akhibhori wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi.

50 UBhali-Hanani esefile, uHadadi wathatha umbuso waba yinkosi. Idolobho lakhe labizwa ngokuthi yiPawu, njalo ibizo lomkakhe lalinguMehethabheli indodakazi kaMathiredi, indodakazi kaMe-Zahabhi. 51 UHadadi laye wafa.

Izinduna zase-Edomi kwakuyilezi:

uThimina, u-Aliva, uJethethi, 52 u-Oholibhama, u-Ela, uPhinoni, 53 uKhenazi, uThemani, uMibhizari, 54 uMagidiyeli lo-Iramu.

Lezi kwakuzinduna ze-Edomi.

2

Amadodana Ka-Israyeli

1 Amadodana ka-Israyeli ayeyila: uRubheni, uSimiyoni, uLevi, uJuda, u-Isakhari, uZebhuluni, 2 uDani, uJosefa, uBhenjamini, uNafithali, uGadi lo-Asheri.

AbakaJuda

Emadodaneni KaHezironi

3 Amadodana kaJuda yila:

ngu-Eri, lo-Onani kanye loShela. Laba bobathathu wabazala lowesifazane ongumKhenani, indodakazi kaShuwa.

U-Eri, izibulo likaJuda, wayeyisigangi phambi kukaThixo, ngalokho uThixo wambulala.

4 UThamari, umalukazana kaJuda wamzalela uPherezi loZera.

UJuda wayelamadodana amahlanu.

5 Amadodana kaPherezi yila:

nguHezironi loHamuli.

6 Amadodana kaZera yila:

nguZimri, lo-Ethani, loHemani, loKhalikholi kanye loDarida. Bonke babebahlanu.

7 Indodana kaKhami yile:

ngu-Akhari, owaletha inhlupheko ko-Israyeli ngesiphambeko asenza ngalokho okungcwelisiweyo.

8 Indodana ka-Ethani yile:

ngu-Azariya.

9 Amadodana azalwa nguHezironi yila:

nguJerameli, loRamu kanye loKhalebi.

Kusukela KuRama Indodana KaHezironi

10 URamu wayenguyise ka-Aminadabi,

njalo u-Aminadabi enguyise kaNahashoni, umkhokheli wabantu bakoJuda.

11 UNahashoni wayenguyise kaSalimoni,

uSalimoni enguyise kaBhowazi.

12 UBhowazi enguyise ka-Obhedi,

u-Obhedi enguyise kaJese.

13 UJese wayenguyise

ka-Eliyabi izibulo lakhe; indodana yesibili kungu-Abhinadabi,

eyesithathu kunguShimeya, 14 eyesine kunguNethaneli,

eyesihlanu kunguRadayi, 15 eyesithupha kungu-Ozemu,

eyesikhombisa kunguDavida.

16 Odadewabo kwakunguZeruya lo-Abhigeli.

Amadodana amathathu kaZeruya kwakungu-Abhishayi, loJowabi kanye lo-Asaheli.

17 U-Abhigeli wayengunina ka-Amasa, oloyise okwakuthiwa nguJetha umʼIshumayeli.

UKhalebi Indodana KaHezironi

18 UKhalebi indodana kaHezironi wayelabantwana abazala kumkakhe u-Azubha (lakuJeriyothi). Amadodana ka-Azubha ayeyila:

nguJesheri, loShobhabi, kanye lo-Adoni.

19 Ekufeni kuka-Azubha, uKhalebi wathatha u-Efrathi, owamzalela uHuri.

20 UHuri wayenguyise ka-Uri, njalo u-Uri enguyise kaBhezaleli.

21 Muva, uHezironi wembatha lendodakazi kaMakhiri uyise kaGiliyadi (ayemthethe eseleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha ubudala bakhe), yena wamzalela uSegubi.

22 USegubi wayenguyise kaJayiri, owayephethe imizi engamatshumi amabili lantathu eGiliyadi.

23 (Kodwa uGeshuri lo-Aramu bathumba iHavothi-Jayiri, kanye leKhenathi lezindawana eziyimizana eseduzane, imizi engamatshumi ayisithupha.)

Bonke laba babeyisizukulwane sikaMakhiri uyise kaGiliyadi.

24 Ngemva kokufa kukaHezironi eKhalebi-Efratha, u-Abhija umkaHezironi wamzalela u-Ashuri uyise kaThekhowa.

UJerameli Indodana KaHezironi

25 Amadodana kaJerameli izibulo likaHezironi yila:

nguRamu izibulo lakhe, loBhuna, lo-Oreni, lo-Ozemu kanye lo-Ahija. 26 UJerameli wayelomunye umfazi owayethiwa ngu-Athara unina ka-Onami.

27 Amadodana kaRamu izibulo likaJerameli yila:

nguMazi, loJamini kanye lo-Ekheri.

28 Amadodana ka-Onami yila:

nguShamayi loJada.

Amadodana kaShamayi yila:

nguNadabi lo-Abhishuri. 29 Umka-Abhishuri kwakungu-Abhihayili, owamzalela u-Ahibhani loMolidi.

30 Amadodana kaNadabi yila:

nguSeledi lo-Aphayimi. USeledi wafa engelabantwana.

31 Indodana ka-Aphayimi yile:

ngu-Ishi, uyise kaSheshani. USheshani wayenguyise ka-Ahilayi.

32 Amadodana kaJada, umfowabo kaShamayi yila:

nguJetha loJonathani. UJetha wafa engelabantwana.

33 Amadodana kaJonathani yila:

nguPhelethi loZaza.

Laba babeyinzalo kaJerameli.

34 USheshani wayengelawo amadodana, wayelamadodakazi wodwa.

Wayelesisebenzi saseGibhithe esasithiwa nguJariha. 35 USheshani wendisela isisebenzi sakhe lesi esinguJariha, indodakazi yakhe eyamzalela u-Athayi.

36 U-Athayi wayenguyise kaNathani,

uNathani enguyise kaZabhadi,

37 uZabhadi enguyise ka-Efilali,

u-Efilali enguyise ka-Obhedi,

38 u-Obhedi enguyise kaJehu,

uJehu enguyise ka-Azariya,

39 u-Azariya enguyise kaHelezi,

uHelezi enguyise ka-Eleyasa,

40 u-Eleyasa enguyise kaSisimayi,

uSisimayi enguyise kaShalumi,

41 uShalumi enguyise kaJekhamiya,

uJekhamiya enguyise ka-Elishama.

Abosendo LukaKhalebi

42 Amadodana kaKhalebi umfowabo kaJerameli yila:

uMesha izibulo lakhe, onguyise kaZifi,

lendodana yakhe uMaresha, uyise kaHebhroni.

43 Amadodana kaHebhroni yila:

nguKhora, loThaphuwa, loRekhemu loShema.

44 UShema wayenguyise kaRahama,

uRahama yena enguyise kaJokheyama.

URekhemu wayenguyise kaShamayi.

45 Indodana kaShamayi kunguMawoni,

uMawoni wayenguyise kaBhethi Zuri.

46 Umfazi weceleni kaKhalebi u-Efa wayengunina

kaHarani, loMoza kanye loGazezi.

UHarani wayenguyise kaGazezi.

47 Amadodana kaJahidayi yila:

nguRegemi, loJothamu, loGeshani, loPhelethi, lo-Efa kanye loShafi.

48 UMahakha umfazi weceleni kaKhalebi wayengunina

kaShebheri loThirihana.

49 Nguye njalo owazala uShafi uyise kaMadimana kanye

loSheva uyise kaMakhibhena loGibhiya.

Indodakazi kaKhalebi kwakungu-Akhisa.

50 Yibo laba abenzalo kaKhalebi.

Amadodana kaHuri izibulo lika-Efrathi yila:

nguShobhali uyise kaKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi, 51 loSalima uyise kaBhethilehema, loHarefi uyise kaBhethi-Gaderi.

52 Inzalo kaShobhali uyise kaKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi yile:

nguHaro, ingxenye yamaManahathi, 53 labosendo lukaKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi kungama-Ithira lamaPhuthi lamaShumathi lamaMishirayi. Kulapho okwakudabuka khona amaZorathi lama-Eshithawoli.

54 Abenzalo kaSalima yilaba:

nguBhethilehema, umNethofa, u-Athirothi-Bhethi-Jowabi, ingxenye yamaManahathi, amaZori, 55 losendo lwabalobi ababehlala eJabhezi: AmaThirathi lamaShimeya lamaSukhathi. Laba babengamaKheni beyinzalo kaHamathi ukhokho wamaRekhabi.

3

Amadodana KaDavida

1 Nanka amadodana kaDavida awazala eHebhroni:

Izibulo lakhe lalingu-Amnoni indodana ka-Ahinowama owaseJezerili;

owesibili, uDanyeli indodana ka-Abhigeli waseKhameli;

2 owesithathu, ngu-Abhisalomu indodana kaMahakha indodakazi kaThalimayi inkosi yaseGeshuri;

owesine, u-Adonija indodana kaHagithi;

3 owesihlanu, uShefathiya indodana ka-Abhithali;

owesithupha, u-Ithireyamu amzuza ku-Egila, umkakhe.

4 Abayisithupha laba uDavida wabazalela eHebhroni, lapho abusa khona okweminyaka eyisikhombisa lezinyanga eziyisithupha.

UDavida wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lemithathu, 5 njalo la yiwo amadodana awazalela khona:

uShamuwa, uShobabi, uNathani loSolomoni. Amadodana amane la wawazala loBhathishebha indodakazi ka-Amiyeli.

6 Njalo kwaba lo-Ibhari, u-Elishama, u-Elifelethi, 7 uNoga, uNefegi, uJafiya, 8 u-Elishama, u-Eliyada kanye lo-Elifelethi, beyisificamunwemunye bonke.

9 Bonke laba babengamadodana kaDavida, ngaphandle kwamadodana akhe awazala labafazi bakhe beceleni. Udadewabo wamadodana la wayenguThamari.

Amakhosi AkoJuda

10 Indodana kaSolomoni kwakunguRehobhowami,

indodana yakhe kungu-Abhija,

indodana yakhe kungu-Asa,

indodana yakhe kunguJehoshafathi,

11 indodana yakhe kunguJehoramu,

indodana yakhe kungu-Ahaziya,

indodana yakhe kunguJowashi,

12 indodana yakhe kungu-Amaziya,

indodana yakhe kungu-Azariya,

indodana yakhe kunguJothamu,

13 indodana yakhe kungu-Ahazi,

indodana yakhe kunguHezekhiya,

indodana yakhe kunguManase,

14 indodana yakhe kungu-Amoni,

indodana yakhe kunguJosiya.

15 Amadodana kaJosiya yila:

nguJohanani izibulo,

uJehoyakhimi indodana yesibili,

uZedekhiya eyesithathu,

uShalumi eyesine.

16 Abasala behlala esikhundleni sikaJehoyakhimi yilaba:

nguJekhoniya indodana yakhe

loZedekhiya.

Usendo Lwesikhosini Emva Kokuthunjwa

17 Abosendo lukaJekhoniya owayethunjiwe yilaba:

uSheyalithiyeli indodana yakhe, 18 uMalikhiramu, loPhedaya, loShenazari, loJekhamiya, loHoshama, kanye loNedabhiya.

19 Amadodana kaPhedaya yila:

nguZerubhabheli loShimeyi.

Amadodana kaZerubhabheli yila:

nguMeshulami loHananiya. UShelomithi engudadewabo. 20 Babekhona njalo abanye abahlanu: uHashubha, u-Oheli, uBherekhiya, uHasadiya, loJushabi-Hesedi.

21 Abosendo lukaHananiya yilaba:

nguPhelathiya loJeshaya, kanye lamadodana kaRefaya, ka-Anani, ka-Obhadaya kanye lokaShekhaniya.

22 Abosendo lukaShekhaniya yilaba:

nguShemaya lamadodana akhe: uHathushi, lo-Igali, loBhariya, loNeyariya kanye loShafathi, beyisithupha.

23 Amadodana kaNeyariya yila:

ngu-Eliyonayi, loHezekhiya, lo-Azirikhamu, bebathathu.

24 Amadodana ka-Eliyonayi yila:

nguHodaviya, lo-Eliyashibi, loPhelaya, lo-Akhubi, loJohanani, loDelaya kanye lo-Anani, beyisikhombisa.

4

Abanye Abosendo LukaJuda

1 Abosendo lukaJuda kuyilaba:

NguPherezi, loHezironi, loKhami, loHuri loShobhali.

2 UReyaya indodana kaShobhali wayenguyise kaJahathi, uJahathi onguyise ka-Ahumayi kanye loLahadi. Laba babengabosendo lwamaZorathi.

3 La ayengamadodana ka-Ethamu:

uJezerili, lo-Ishima kanye lo-Idibhashi. Udadewabo kwakuthiwa nguHazeleliphoni. 4 UPhenuweli wayenguyise kaGedori, lo-Ezeri uyise kaHusha.

Laba kungabosendo lukaHuri, izibulo lika-Efrathi uyise kaBhethilehema.

5 U-Ashuri uyise kaThekhowa wayelabafazi ababili, uHela loNara.

6 UNahara wamzalela u-Ahuzami, loHeferi, loThemeni kanye loHahashithari. Laba kwakungabosendo lukaNara.

7 Amadodana kaHela yila:

nguZerethi, loZohari, lo-Ethinani, 8 loKhozi owayenguyise ka-Anubi loHazobhebha kanye labosendo luka-Ahareheli indodana kaHarumi.

9 UJabhezi wayelodumo kulabafowabo. Unina wayemuphe lelibizo lokuthi Jabhezi, ngoba esithi “Ngamzala kabuhlungu.” 10 UJabhezi wakhuleka kuNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli wathi: “Sengathi ungangibusisa uqhelise ilizwe lami! Isandla sakho kasibe lami, ungivikele ebubini, ngingehlelwa yibuhlungu.” UNkulunkulu wamnika lokho ayekucela.

11 UKhelubi, umfowabo kaShuha, wayenguyise kaMehiri, owayenguyise ka-Eshithoni. 12 U-Eshithoni wayenguyise kaBhethi-Rafa, loPhaseya kanye loThehina uyise ka-Iri Nahashi. Laba babengabantu bakaRekha.

13 Amadodana kaKhenazi yila:

ngu-Othiniyeli loSeraya.

Amadodana ka-Othiniyeli yila:

nguHathathi loMeyonothayi. 14 UMeyonathayi wayenguyise ka-Ofira.

USeraya wayenguyise kaJowabi,

owayengukhokho wesizwe samaGe-Harashimi. Babizwa ngalelibizo ngoba babezingcitshi.

15 Amadodana kaKhalebi indodana kaJefune yila:

ngu-Iru, lo-Ela kanye loNamu.

Indodana ka-Ela yile:

nguKhenazi.

16 Amadodana kaJehaleleli yila:

nguZifi, loZifa, loThiriya kanye lo-Asareli.

17 Amadodana ka-Ezra yila:

nguJetha, loMeredi, lo-Eferi kanye loJaloni.

Omunye wabafazi bakaMeredi wazala uMiriyemu, loShamayi kanye lo-Ishibha uyise ka-Eshithemowa. 18 Laba kwakungabantwana bakaBhithiya indodakazi kaFaro, eyayendele kuMeredi.

Umkakhe ongumJudakazi wamzalela uJeredi uyise kaGedori, uHebheri uyise kaSokho, loJekuthiweli uyise kaZanowa.

19 Amadodana omkaHodiya, udadewabo kaNahama,

uyise kaKheyila owaseGami, lo-Eshithemowa waseMahakhathi.

20 Amadodana kaShimoni yila:

ngu-Amnoni, loRina, loBheni-Hanani kanye loThiloni.

Abosendo luka-Ishi yilaba:

nguZohethi loBheni-Zohethi.

21 Amadodana kaShela indodana kaJuda yila:

ngu-Eri uyise kaLekha, loLada uyise kaMaresha labantwana babeluki bamalembu amahle eBhethi-Ashibheya.

22 UJokhimu, lamadoda aseKhozeba, uJowashi loSarafi, owabusa amaMowabi loJashubi Lehemu. (Lokhu kutholakala emibhalweni yasendulo). 23 Laba kwakungababumbi ababehlala eNethayimi leGedera; behlala khona besebenzela inkosi.

USimiyoni

24 Abosendo lukaSimiyoni yilaba:

nguNemuweli, loJamini, loJaribhi, loZera kanye loShawuli;

25 uShalumi wayeyindodana kaShawuli, uMibhisamu indodana yakhe loMishima indodana yakhe.

26 Abosendo lukaMishima yilaba:

nguHamuweli indodana yakhe, loZakhuri indodana yakhe loShimeyi indodana yakhe.

27 UShimeyi wayelamadodana alitshumi lesithupha lamadodakazi ayisithupha, kodwa abafowabo babengelabantwana abanengi, ngakho usendo lwabo lonke aluzanga lwande njengabantu bakaJuda. 28 Babehlala eBherishebha, eMolada, eHazari-Shuwali, 29 eBhiliha, e-Ezema, eTholadi, 30 eBhethuweli, eHoma, eZikhilagi, 31 eBhethi-Makhabhothi, eHazari Susimi, eBhethi-Bhiri laseShaharayimu. Yiyo eyayiyimizi yabo kwaze kwabusa uDavida. 32 Imizana eyayilapho kwakuyi-Ethamu, i-Ayini, iRimoni, iThokheni le-Ashani, imizi emihlanu 33 layo yonke imizana eyayiseduzane lalimizi kuze kuyefika eBhalathi. Lezi yizo izindawo abahlaliswa khona.

Bagcina imibhalo yosendo lwabo.

34 UMeshobabi loJamuleki,

loJosha indodana ka-Amaziya 35 loJoweli,

loJehu indodana kaJoshibhiya, indodana kaSeraya, indodana ka-Asiyeli

36 kanye lo-Eliyonayi, loJakhobha, loJeshohaya,

lo-Asaya, lo-Adiyeli, loJesimiyeli, loBhenaya,

37 kanye loZiza indodana kaShifi, indodana ka-Aloni, indodana kaJedaya, indodana kaShimiri, indodana kaShemaya.

38 Amadoda aqanjiweyo ngamabizo ngaphezulu ayengabakhokheli bosendo lwakwabo.

Izimuli zabo zanda kakhulu, 39 zaqhela zayakwakha langaphandle kweGedori okuya ngempumalanga yesihotsha bedinga amadlelo emihlambi yabo. 40 Bathola umhlaba ovundileyo olamadlelo amahle, obanzi ophilileyo njalo uthule. Kwakuke kwahlala amanye amaHamu khonapho.

41 Amadoda alamabizo abhaliweyo afika ngezinsuku zikaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda. Bahlasela amaHamu emizini yawo kanye lamaMewuni ayelapho bawabhuqa du, njengoba kubonakala lalamuhla. Basebezihlalela besakha khonapho, ngoba kwakulamadlelo emihlambi yabo. 42 Abangamakhulu amahlanu alaba abakaSimiyoni, bekhokhelwa nguPhelathiya, uNeyariya loRefaya lo-Uziyeli amadodana ka-Ishi, bahlasela ilizwe lamaqaqa laseSeyiri. 43 Babulala ama-Amaleki ayephunyukile asala, njalo sebehlale kulindawo kuze kube lamuhla.

5

URubheni

1 Amadodana kaRubheni izibulo lika-Israyeli (wayelizibulo, kodwa kwathi esengcolise umbheda kayise owomtshado, amalungelo akhe njengezibulo aphiwa amadodana kaJosefa indodana ka-Israyeli, ngakho kasalotshwanga emibhalweni yosendo njengelungelo lokuzalwa kwakhe, 2 lanxa uJuda wayelamandla amakhulu kulabo bonke abafowabo njalo enguye owazala umbusi, ilungelo lobuzibulo laya kuJosefa). 3 Amadodana kaRubheni izibulo lika-Israyeli ayeyila:

nguHanokhi, loPhalu, loHezironi kanye loKhami.

4 Abenzalo kaJoweli yilaba:

nguShemaya indodana yakhe, loGogi indodana yakhe,

loShimeyi indodana yakhe, 5 loMikha indodana yakhe,

loReyaya indodana yakhe, loBhali indodana yakhe,

6 kanye loBhera indodana yakhe, lowo uThigilathi-Philesa inkosi yase-Asiriya eyamthumba yamusa ezizweni. UBhera wayengumkhokheli wabakoRubheni.

7 Izihlobo zabo ngosendo lwabo, njengokulotshwe emibhalweni yosendo yilezi:

nguJeyiyeli induna, loZakhariya, kanye 8 loBhela indodana ka-Azazi, indodana kaShema, indodana kaJoweli.

Bakha bahlala emangweni osuka e-Aroweri kusiya eNebho laseBhali-Meyoni. 9 Empumalanga babehlezi emangweni ofika emaphethelweni enkangala etshaya khonale eMfuleni uYufrathe, ngoba izifuyo zabo zasezandile eGiliyadi.

10 Ngezinsuku zokubusa kukaSawuli balwa impi lamaHagari; bawanqoba basebehlala emizaneni yawo emangweni wonke ongempumalanga yeGiliyadi.

UGadi

11 AbakaGadi babehlala phansi kwabo eBhashani, kuze kuyefika eSalekha:

12 UJoweli wayeyinduna, uShafamu emlandela, besekusiza uJanayi loShafathi, ngaseBhashani.

13 Izihlobo zabo, ngokuzalana kwabo, yilezi:

nguMikhayeli, loMeshulami, loShebha, loJorayi, loJakhani, loZiya kanye lo-Ebha, beyisikhombisa sebendawonye.

14 Laba babengamadodana ka-Abhihayili indodana kaHuri, indodana kaJarowa, indodana kaGiliyadi, indodana kaMikhayeli, indodana kaJeshishayi, indodana kaJahido, indodana kaBhuzi.

15 U-Ahi indodana ka-Abhidiyeli, indodana kaGuni, wayeyinhloko yemuli yakwabo.

16 AbakaGadi babehlala eGiliyadi, eBhashani lemizaneni yakhona, kanye lasemadlelweni aseSharoni kuze kuyefika emaphethelweni awo.

17 Bonke laba balotshwa emibhalweni yosendo ngezinsuku zokubusa kukaJothamu inkosi yakoJuda loJerobhowamu inkosi yako-Israyeli.

18 AbakoRubheni, labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwana sakoManase babelamadoda ayeselungele ukubuthwa azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisithupha (44,760) amadoda ayeseqwahele esenelisa ukuphatha ihawu ahlome ngenkemba, atshoke ngemitshoko, ayesevele afundela ukulwa empini. 19 Bahlasela uHagari loJethuri loNafishi loNodabi. 20 Bahlonyulelwa ekulweni kwabo labo, njalo uNkulunkulu wanikela uHagari labanye bakhe ezandleni zabo, ngoba bakhuleka kuNkulunkulu empini. Wayiphendula imikhuleko yabo, ngoba bamethemba. 21 Bathumba izifuyo zakoHagiri ezibalisa amakamela azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu, izimvu eziyizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu labobabhemi abazinkulungwane ezimbili. Bathumba njalo abantu abazinkulungwane ezilikhulu, 22 abanye abanengi babulawa, ngoba le kwakuyimpi kaNkulunkulu. Bona bahlala kulelolizwe kwaze kwaba yisikhathi bethunjwa.

Ingxenye Yesizwana SikaManase

23 Abantu ababeyingxenye yesizwana sikaManase babebanengi; bahlala elizweni kusukela eBhashani kusiya eBhali-Hemoni, kusitsho iSeniri (iNtaba yaseHemoni).

24 Laba yibo ababezinhloko zezimuli: u-Eferi, lo-Ishi, lo-Eliyeli, lo-Aziriyeli, loJeremiya, loHodaviya, kanye loJahidiyeli. Babengamadoda empi alezibindi, amadoda adumileyo, njalo bezinhloko zezimuli zabo. 25 Kodwa bona babengathembekanga kuNkulunkulu waboyise basebekhonza onkulunkulu bezizwe uNkulunkulu wabo ababhubhisa kulawomazwe bengakahlali khona. 26 Ngakho uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli wadunga umoya kaPhuli inkosi yase-Asiriya (okuyikuthi, Thigilathi-Philesa inkosi yase-Asiriya), owathumba abakoRubheni, labakoGadi kanye lengxenye yesizwana sikaManase. Wabathatha wabasa eHala, leHabhori, leHara lasemfuleni uGozani, lapho abakhona lalamuhla.

6

ULevi

1 Amadodana kaLevi yila:

nguGeshoni, loKhohathi, kanye loMerari.

2 Amadodana kaKhohathi yila:

ngu-Amramu, lo-Izihari, loHebhroni kanye lo-Uziyeli.

3 Abantwana baka-Amramu yilaba:

ngu-Aroni, loMosi kanye loMiriyemu.

Amadodana ka-Aroni yila:

nguNadabi, lo-Abhihu lo-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari.

4 U-Eliyazari wayenguyise kaFinehasi,

uFinehasi enguyise ka-Abhishuwa,

5 u-Abhishuwa enguyise kaBhukhi,

uBhukhi enguyise ka-Uzi,

6 u-Uzi enguyise kaZerahiya,

uZerahiya enguyise kaMerayothi,

7 uMerayothi enguyise ka-Amariya,

u-Amariya enguyise ka-Ahithubi,

8 u-Ahithubi enguyise kaZadokhi,

uZadokhi enguyise ka-Ahimazi,

9 u-Ahimazi enguyise ka-Azariya,

u-Azariya enguyise kaJohanani,

10 uJohanani enguyise ka-Azariya;

nguye lo owayengumphristi ethempelini elakhiwa nguSolomoni eJerusalema.

11 U-Azariya enguyise ka-Amariya,

u-Amariya enguyise ka-Ahithubi,

12 u-Ahithubi enguyise kaZadokhi,

uZadokhi enguyise kaShalumi,

13 uShalumi enguyise kaHilikhiya,

uHilikhiya enguyise ka-Azariya,

14 u-Azariya enguyise kaSeraya,

uSeraya enguyise kaJozadaki.

15 UJozadaki wathunjwa lapho uThixo athumba abakoJuda labaseJerusalema ngesandla sikaNebhukhadineza.

16 Amadodana kaLevi yila:

nguGeshoni, loKhohathi kanye loMerari.

17 Nanka amabizo amadodana kaGeshoni:

nguLibhini loShimeyi.

18 Amadodana kaKhohathi yila:

ngu-Amramu, lo-Izihari, loHebhroni kanye lo-Uziyeli.

19 Amadodana kaMerari yila:

nguMahili loMushi.

Laba babelusendo lwabaLevi behlelwe ngoluhlu lwaboyise:

20 AbakaGeshoni yilaba:

nguLibhini indodana yakhe, loJahathi indodana yakhe,

loZima indodana yakhe, 21 loJowa indodana yakhe,

lo-Ido indodana yakhe, loZera indodana yakhe kanye

loJeyatherayi indodana yakhe.

22 Abosendo lukaKhohathi yilaba:

ngu-Aminadabi indodana yakhe, loKhora indodana yakhe,

lo-Asiri indodana yakhe, 23 lo-Elikhana

lo-Ebhiyasafi indodana yakhe lo-Asiri indodana yakhe,

24 loThahathi indodana yakhe, lo-Uriyeli indodana yakhe,

lo-Uziya indodana yakhe kanye loShawuli indodana yakhe.

25 Abosendo luka-Elikhana yilaba:

ngu-Amasayi, lo-Ahimothi,

26 lo-Elikhana indodana yakhe, loZofayi indodana yakhe,

loNahathi indodana yakhe, 27 lo-Eliyabi indodana yakhe,

loJerohamu indodana yakhe, lo-Elikhana indodana yakhe kanye

loSamuyeli indodana yakhe.

28 Amadodana kaSamuyeli ayeyila:

uVashini izibulo

lo-Abhija indodana yesibili.

29 Abosendo lukaMerari yilaba:

nguMahili, loLibhini indodana yakhe,

loShimeyi indodana yakhe, lo-Uza indodana yakhe,

30 loShimeya indodana yakhe, loHagiya indodana yakhe kanye

lo-Asaya indodana yakhe.

Abahlabeleli BaseThempelini

31 Laba yibo abakhethwa nguDavida ukuphatha ukuhlabelela endlini kaThixo ngemva kokubekwa kwebhokisi lesivumelwano khona. 32 Bakhonza ngokuhlabelela phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano, iThente lokuHlanganela, uSolomoni waze wakha ithempeli likaThixo eJerusalema. Benza inkonzo yabo ngendlela okwakuqoqwe ngayo.

33 Bona ababekhethelwe lowomsebenzi kanye lamadodana abo yilaba:

Kwabendlu kaKhohathi yilaba:

nguHemani umhlabeleli,

indodana kaJoweli, indodana kaSamuyeli

34 indodana ka-Elikhana, indodana kaJerohamu,

indodana ka-Eliyeli, indodana kaThowa,

35 indodana kaZufi, indodana ka-Elikhana,

indodana kaMahathi, indodana ka-Amasayi,

36 indodana ka-Elikhana, indodana kaJoweli,

indodana ka-Azariya, indodana kaZefaniya

37 indodana kaThahathi, indodana ka-Asiri,

indodana ka-Ebhiyasafi, indodana kaKhora,

38 indodana ka-Izihari, indodana kaKhohathi,

indodana kaLevi, indodana ka-Israyeli.

39 U-Asafi umkhula kaHemani owasebenza laye ngasesandleni sakhe sokudla:

U-Asafi indodana kaBherekhiya, indodana kaShimeya,

40 indodana kaMikhayeli, indodana kaBhaseya,

indodana kaMalikhija, 41 indodana ka-Ethini,

indodana kaZera, indodana ka-Adaya,

42 indodana ka-Ethani, indodana kaZima,

indodana kaShimeyi, 43 indodana kaJahathi,

indodana kaGeshoni, indodana kaLevi;

44 kanti njalo kubakhula babo amaMerari kwesenxele isandla sakhe yilaba:

ngu-Ethani indodana kaKhishi, indodana ka-Abhidi,

indodana kaMaluki, 45 indodana kaHashabhiya,

indodana ka-Amaziya, indodana kaHilikhiya,

46 indodana ka-Amizi, indodana kaBhani,

indodana kaShemeri, 47 indodana kaMahili,

indodana kaMushi, indodana kaMerari,

indodana kaLevi.

48 Abafowabo kubaLevi babephiwe yonke eminye imisebenzi ethabanikeleni, endlini kaNkulunkulu. 49 Kodwa u-Aroni labosendo lwakhe yibo ababesethula iminikelo yokutshiswa e-alithareni kanye lase-alithareni lempepha lakho konke okwakusenziwa eNdaweni eNgcwele kakhulu, becelela u-Israyeli umusa, njengalokhu uMosi inceku kaNkulunkulu yayitshilo.

50 Laba ngabosendo luka-Aroni:

ngu-Eliyazari indodana yakhe, loFinehasi indodana yakhe,

lo-Abhishuwa indodana yakhe, 51 loBhukhi indodana yakhe,

lo-Uzi indodana yakhe, loZerahiya indodana yakhe,

52 loMerayothi indodana yakhe, lo-Amariya indodana yakhe,

lo-Ahithubi indodana yakhe, 53 loZadokhi indodana yakhe kanye

lo-Ahimazi indodana yakhe.

54 Imizi ababehlezi kiyo kuselizweni ababeliphiwe (yimizi eyayiphiwe abosendo luka-Aroni beyinzalo kaKhohathi, ngoba isabelo sakuqala sasingesabo) yile:

55 Babephiwe iHebhroni koJuda lamadlelo akhona. 56 Kodwa amasimu lemizana eyayiseduzane ledolobho kwaphiwa uKhalebi indodana kaJefune. 57 Ngakho abosendo luka-Aroni baphiwa iHebhroni (umuzi wokuphephela), leLibhina, leJathiri, le-Eshithemowa, 58 leHileni, leDebhiri, 59 le-Ashani, leJuta leBhethi-Shemeshi, ndawonye lamadlelo akhona.

60 Esizwaneni sikaBhenjamini baphiwa iGibhiyoni, leGebha, le-Alemethi le-Anathothi, kanye lamadlelo akhona.

Imizi eyaphiwa amaKhohathi yayilitshumi lantathu.

61 Abaseleyo bamaKhohathi baphiwa imizi elitshumi beyingxenye yendlu yesizwana sikaManase.

62 Abosendo lukaGeshoni, indlu ngendlu, baphiwa imizi elitshumi lemithathu ezizwaneni zako-Isakhari, ko-Asheri lakoNafithali, kanye lengxenye yesizwana sikaManase esiseBhashani.

63 Abosendo lukaMerari, indlu ngendlu, baphiwa imizi elitshumi lambili esizwaneni sikaRubheni, lesikaGadi lesikaZebhuluni.

64 Ngakho yiyo imizi lamadlelo ayo eyaphiwa abaLevi ngama-Israyeli.

65 Esizwaneni sakoJuda, lesakoSimiyoni loBhenjamini baphiwa imizi esike yaqanjwa.

66 Amanye amaKhohathi aphiwa imizi elizweni lesizwana sika-Efrayimi.

67 Elizweni lamaqaqa lika-Efrayimi baphiwa iShekhemu (umuzi wokuphephela) leGezeri, 68 leJokhimeyamu, leBhethi-Horoni, 69 le-Ayijaloni leGathi-Rimoni, kanye lamadlelo akhona.

70 Engxenyeni yesizwana sikaManase abako-Israyeli, banika insalela yamaKhohathi, i-Aneri leBhileyamu kanye lamadlelo akhona.

71 AmaGeshoni azuza lezindawo:

Kwabosendo lwengxenye yesizwana sikaManase bazuza iGolani eBhashani kanye le-Ashitharothi, ndawonye lamadlelo akhona;

72 esizwaneni sika-Isakhari bazuza iKhedeshi, leDabherathi, 73 leRamothi le-Anema lamadlelo akhona;

74 esizwaneni sika-Asheri bazuza iMashali, le-Abhidoni, 75 leHukhokhi leRehobhi, kanye lamadlelo akhona;

76 esizwaneni sikaNafithali bazuza iKhedeshi eGalile, leHamoni, leKhiriyathayimi kanye lamadlelo akhona.

77 AmaMerari (insalela yabaLevi) aphiwa kanje:

esizwaneni sikaZebhuluni azuza iJokhiniyamu, iKhatha, iRimoni leThabhori, kanye lamadlelo akhona;

78 esizwaneni sikaRubheni ngaphetsheya kweJodani ngempumalanga yeJerikho azuza iBhezeri enkangala, leJahazi, 79 leKhedemothi kanye leMefahathi lamadlelo akhona;

80 lasesizwaneni sikaGadi azuza iRamothi eGiliyadi, leMahanayimi, 81 leHeshibhoni, leJazeri, kanye lamadlelo akhona.

7

U-Isakhari

1 Amadodana ka-Isakhari yila:

nguThola, loPhuwa, loJashubi loShimroni, bonke babebane.

2 Amadodana kaThola yila:

ngu-Uzi, loRefaya, loJeriyeli, loJahamali, lo-Ibhisamu loSamuyeli, bonke bezinhloko zezindlu zabo. Ngezinsuku uDavida esabusa, abosendo lukaThola abangamadoda aselindele impi ngoluhlu lokuzalana kwabo, babengamadoda ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili lamakhulu ayisithupha (22,600).

3 Indodana ka-Uzi kungu:

Izrahiya.

Amadodana ka-Izrahiya yila:

nguMikhayeli, lo-Obhadaya, loJoweli lo-Ishiya. Ngobuhlanu babo babezinduna. 4 Ngoluhlu lokuzalana kwabo, babelamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lesithupha (36,000) ayeselungele ukuthi angaphuma ayekulwa impi, ngoba babelabafazi labantwana abanengi.

5 Abayizihlobo abesilisa abasebefanele ukuthi bangaya empini bengabosendo luka-Isakhari, ngoluhlu lokuzalana kwabo, sebendawonye babezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lesikhombisa (87,000).

UBhenjamini

6 Amadodana kaBhenjamini amathathu yila:

nguBhela, loBhekheri loJediyeli.

7 Amadodana kaBhela yila:

ngu-Ezibhoni, lo-Uzi, lo-Uziyeli, loJerimothi lo-Iri, babebahlanu bonke, bezinhloko zezindlu zabo. Bona-ke ngoluhlu losendo lwabo babelamadoda ayelungele ukulwa empini azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili lamatshumi amathathu lane (22,034).

8 Amadodana kaBhekheri yila:

nguZemira, loJowashi, lo-Eliyezeri, lo-Eliyonayi, lo-Omri, loJeremothi, lo-Abhija, lo-Anathothi kanye lo-Alemethi. Wonke la kwakungamadodana kaBhekheri. 9 Imbali yoluhlu lwezimuli zababezinhloko zemindeni ibalisa ukuthi babengabantu abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lamakhulu amabili amadoda empi (20,200).

10 Indodana kaJediyeli

kwakunguBhilihani.

Amadodana kaBhilihani yila:

nguJewushi, loBhenjamini, lo-Ehudi, loKhenana, loZethani, loThashishi kanye lo-Ahishahari. 11 Wonke lamadodana kaJediyeli ayeyizinhloko zezindlu zawo. Kwakulamadoda ayesefanele ukubuthwa ayekulwa empini azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesikhombisa, lamakhulu amabili (17,200).

12 AmaShuphimu lamaHuphimu ayengawosendo luka-Iri, lamaHushimu engawosendo luka-Aheri.

UNafithali

13 Amadodana kaNafithali yila:

nguJaziyeli, loGuni, loJezeri kanye loShalumi, abosendo lukaBhiliha.

UManase

14 Abosendo lukaManase yilaba:

ngu-Asiriyeli amzala lomfazi weceleni ongumʼAramu. Wazala uMakhiri uyise kaGiliyadi. 15 UMakhiri wathatha umfazi ozalwa ngamaHuphimu lamaShuphimu. Udadewabo kwakunguMahakha. Omunye owosendo kwakunguZelofehadi owazala amankazana kuphela. 16 UmkaMakhiri uMahakha wazala indodana yathiwa nguPhereshi. Umfowabo yena wethiwa ibizo elithi Shereshi, njalo amadodana akhe kwakungu-Ulamu loRakhemu.

17 Indodana ka-Ulamu kungu:

Bhedani.

La ngamadodana kaGiliyadi, indodana kaMakhiri, indodana kaManase.

18 Udadewabo uHamolekhethi wazala u-Ishodi, lo-Abhiyezeri loMahila.

19 Amadodana kaShemida yila:

ngu-Ahiyani, loShekhemu, loLikhi kanye lo-Aniyami.

U-Efrayimi

20 Abosendo luka-Efrayimi yilaba:

nguShuthela, loBheredi indodana yakhe,

loThahathi indodana yakhe, lo-Eleyada indodana yakhe,

loThahathi indodana yakhe, 21 loZabhadi indodana yakhe kanye

loShuthela indodana yakhe.

(U-Ezeri lo-Eliyadi babulawa ngababezalwa eGathi, baze bayethumba izifuyo zabo. 22 Uyise u-Efrayimi wabalilela okwensuku ezinengi, izihlobo zakhe zabuya ukuzomduduza. 23 Walala njalo lomkakhe wakhulelwa, wazala indodana ayitha ibizo elithi Bheriya, kuyikutshengisa ukuthi kwakonakele phakathi kwemuli. 24 Indodakazi yakhe kwakunguShera owakha iBhethi-Horoni yaPhansi leyaPhezulu kanye le-Uzeni-Shera.)

25 URefa wayeyindodana yakhe, loReshefi indodana yakhe,

loThela indodana yakhe, loThahani indodana yakhe,

26 loLadani indodana yakhe, lo-Amihudi indodana yakhe,

lo-Elishama indodana yakhe, 27 loNuni indodana yakhe

kanye loJoshuwa indodana yakhe.

28 Amazwe lemizi yabo yayihlanganisa iBhetheli lemizana eseduzane, iNaharani empumalanga, iGezeri lemizana yayo kusiya entshonalanga, iShekhemu lemizana yayo kusiyafika e-Aya lemizana yayo. 29 Emingceleni yakwelakoManase kuleBhethi-Shani, leThanakhi, leMegido, kanye leDori lemizana yakhona. Ababehlala kulimizi ngabosendo lukaJosefa indodana ka-Israyeli.

U-Asheri

30 Amadodana ka-Asheri yila:

ngu-Imna, lo-Ishiva, lo-Ishivi kanye loBheriya. Udadewabo kunguSera.

31 Amadodana kaBheriya yila:

nguHebheri loMalikhiyeli uyise kaBhirizayithi.

32 UHebheri wayenguyise kaJafilethi, loShomeri loHothamu kanye lodadewabo uShuwa.

33 Amadodana kaJafilethi yila:

nguPasaki, loBhimihali kanye lo-Ashivathi.

Laba kwakungamadodana kaJafilethi.

34 Amadodana kaShomeri yila:

ngu-Ahi, loRohiga, loHubha kanye lo-Aramu.

35 Amadodana omfowabo uHelemu yila:

nguZofa, lo-Imna, loSheleshi kanye lo-Amali.

36 Amadodana kaZofa yila:

nguSuwa, loHarineferi, loShuwali, loBheri, lo-Imra, 37 loBhezeri, loHodi, loShama, loShilisha, lo-Ithirani kanye loBhera.

38 Amadodana kaJetha yila:

nguJefune, loPhisipha kanye lo-Ara.

39 Amadodana ka-Ula yila:

ngu-Ara, loHaniyeli kanye loRiziya.

40 Bonke laba babengabosendo luka-Asheri bezinhloko zendlu ngendlu, amadoda akhethiweyo, amabutho alesibindi njalo bengabakhokheli abalokuhlakanipha. Inani lamadoda ayesefanele ukubuthwa aye empini, kusiya ngoluhlu losendo lwakwabo, kwakuzinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesithupha (26,000).

8

Usendo LukaSawuli UmBhenjamini

1 UBhenjamini wayenguyise

kaBhela izibulo lakhe,

lo-Ashibheli indodana yesibili, lo-Ahara eyesithathu,

2 loNoha eyesine loRafa indodana yesihlanu.

3 Amadodana kaBhela ayeyila:

u-Adari, uGera, u-Abhihudi, 4 u-Abhishuwa, uNamani, u-Ahowa, 5 uGera, uShefufani kanye loHuramu.

6 Laba ngabosendo luka-Ehudi, ababezinhloko zezindlu zalabo ababehlala eGebha abaxotshelwa eManahathi:

7 KunguNamani, lo-Ahija, kanye loGera owabaxotshayo njalo enguyise ka-Uza, lo-Ahihudi.

8 Kulamadodana azalwa nguShaharayimi eMowabi ngemva kokwehlukana labafazi bakhe oHushimi loBhara. 9 Emfazini wakhe uHodeshi wayelabantwana laba: uJobhabhi, loZibhiya, loMesha, loMalikhami, 10 loJewuzi, loSakhiya kanye loMirima. Yiwo amadodana akhe, ayeyizinhloko zezindlu zawo. 11 KuHushimi wazala u-Abhithubi lo-Eliphali.

12 Amadodana ka-Eliphali ayeyila:

u-Ebheri, uMishami, uShemedi (nguye owakha i-Ono leLodi lemizana eseduzane layo), 13 kanye loBheriya loShema, bona bezinhloko zezindlu zalabo ababehlala e-Ayijaloni abayibo njalo abaxotsha ababehlala eGathi.

14 U-Ahiyo, uShashaki, uJeremothi, 15 uZebhadiya, u-Aradi, u-Ederi, 16 uMikhayeli, u-Ishipha kanye loJoha bengamadodana kaBheriya.

17 UZebhadiya, uMeshulami, uHizikhi, uHebheri, 18 u-Ishimerayi, u-Iziliya, loJobhabhi kungamadodana ka-Eliphali.

19 UJakhimi, uZikhiri, uZabhidi, 20 u-Eliyenayi, uZilethayi, u-Eliyeli, 21 u-Adaya, uBheraya kanye loShimirathi kungamadodana kaShimeyi.

22 U-Ishiphani, u-Ebheri, u-Eliyeli, 23 u-Abhidoni, uZikhiri uHanani, 24 uHananiya, u-Elamu, u-Anithothija, 25 u-Ifideya loPhenuweli bengamadodana kaShashaki.

26 UShamisherayi, uShehariya, u-Athaliya, 27 uJareshiya, u-Elija, kanye loZikhiri kungamadodana kaJerohamu.

28 Bonke laba babezinhloko zezindlu, izinduna kusiya ngoluhlu losendo lwabo, njalo babehlala eJerusalema.

29 UJeyiyeli uyise kaGibhiyoni wayehlala eGibhiyoni.

Ibizo lomkakhe lalinguMahakha, 30 njalo indodana yakhe elizibulo kwakungu-Abhidoni, eselanywa nguZuri, loKhishi, loBhali, loNeri, loNadabi, 31 loGedori, lo-Ahiyo, loZekheri 32 kanye loMikhilothi, owayenguyise kaShimeya. Laba labo babehlala eJerusalema eduze lezihlobo zabo.

33 UNeri wayenguyise kaKhishi, uKhishi enguyise kaSawuli, uSawuli enguyise kaJonathani, loMalikhi-Shuwa, lo-Abhinadabi kanye lo-Eshi-Bhali.

34 Indodana kaJonathani:

kwakunguMeri-Bhali yena enguyise kaMikha.

35 Amadodana kaMikha ayeyila:

uPhithoni, uMeleki, uThareya kanye lo-Ahazi.

36 U-Ahazi wayenguyise kaJehoyada, uJehoyada enguyise ka-Alemethi, lo-Azimavethi loZimri, njalo uZimri enguyise kaMoza. 37 UMoza wayenguyise kaBhineya, loRafa eyindodana yakhe, lo-Eleyasa indodana yakhe kanye lo-Azeli indodana yakhe.

38 U-Azeli wayelamadodana ayisithupha, amabizo awo eyila:

u-Azirikhamu, loBhokheru, lo-Ishumayeli, loSheyariya, lo-Obhadaya kanye loHanani. Wonke la ayengamadodana ka-Azeli.

39 Amadodana omfowabo u-Eshekhi ayeyila:

u-Ulamu izibulo lakhe, uJewushi indodana yesibili kanye lo-Elifelethi eyesithathu. 40 Amadodana ka-Ulamu ayengamaqhawe alezibindi ayezintshantshu zemitshoko. Babelamadodana amanengi lamadodana amadodana abo, babelikhulu elilamatshumi amahlanu sebendawonye (150).

Bonke laba babeyinzalo kaBhenjamini.

9

1 Bonke abako-Israyeli babelotshiwe eluhlwini logwalo lokuzalana kwabo lwamakhosi ako-Israyeli. AbakoJuda bathunjwa basiwa eBhabhiloni ngenxa yokungathembeki kwabo.

Abantu EJerusalema

2 Abokuqala ukwakha kutsha elizweni labo bahlala emizini yabo babengabantu bako-Israyeli, abaphristi, abaLevi lezinceku zethempelini.

3 AbakoJuda, abakoBhenjamini kanye labako-Efrayimi loManase ababehlala eJerusalema yilaba:

4 Ngu-Uthayi indodana ka-Amihudi, indodana ka-Omri, indodana ka-Imri, indodana kaBhani, owosendo lukaPherezi indodana kaJuda.

5 KwabakoShilo

ngu-Asaya izibulo lamadodana akhe.

6 KwabakoZera:

nguJuweli.

Abantu bakoJuda babengamakhulu ayisithupha alamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye (690).

7 KwabakoBhenjamini:

nguSalu indodana kaMeshulami, indodana kaHodaviya, indodana kaHasenuwa;

8 lo-Ibhineya indodana kaJerohamu;

lo-Ela indodana ka-Uzi, indodana kaMikhiri;

loMeshulami indodana kaShefathiya, indodana kaRuweli, indodana ka-Ibhinija.

9 Abantu bakoBhenjamini, ngoluhlu lokuzalana kwabo njengokulotshiweyo, babengamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amahlanu lesithupha (956). Bonke laba kwakungamadoda ayizinhloko zezindlu zawo.

10 Abaphristi yilaba:

nguJedaya; loJehoyaribhi; kanye loJakhini;

11 lo-Azariya indodana kaHilikhiya, indodana kaMeshulami, indodana kaZadokhi, indodana kaMerayothi, indodana ka-Ahithubi, isikhulu esasiphethe indlu kaNkulunkulu;

12 lo-Adaya indodana kaJerohamu, indodana kaPhashuri, indodana kaMalikhija;

loMasayi indodana ka-Adiyeli, indodana kaJahizera, indodana kaMeshulami, indodana kaMeshilemithi, indodana ka-Imeri.

13 Abaphristi ababezinhloko zezindlu zabo babeyinkulungwane eyodwa elamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisithupha (1,760). Babengamadoda alolwazi, belomlandu wokuphatha umsebenzi endlini kaNkulunkulu.

14 AbaLevi yilaba:

nguShemaya indodana kaHashubhi, indodana ka-Azirikhamu, indodana kaHashabhiya, ongumʼMerari;

15 loBhakhibhakhari, loHereshi, loGalali kanye loMathaniya indodana kaMikha, indodana kaZikhiri, indodana ka-Asafi;

16 lo-Obhadaya indodana kaShemaya, indodana kaGalali, indodana kaJeduthuni,

kanye loBherekhiya indodana ka-Asa, indodana ka-Elikhana, owayehlala emizini yamaNethofa.

17 Abalindi bamasango yilaba:

nguShalumi, lo-Akhubi, loThalimoni, lo-Ahimani labafowabo loShalumi induna yabo, 18 eyayilinda iSango leNkosi empumalanga, kuze kube lamuhla. Abalindi bamasango bakoLevi yilaba:

19 nguShalumi indodana kaKhore, indodana ka-Ebhiyasafi, indodana kaKhora, lababelinda amasango ndawonye bengabendlunye (amaKhora) beyibo ababefanele bananzelele iminyango yeThempeli njengoba oyise babevele belinda iminyango yendlu kaThixo.

20 Ekadeni owayephethe abalindi bamasango kwakunguFinehasi indodana ka-Eliyazari njalo uThixo wayelaye.

21 UZakhariya indodana kaMeshelemiya wayengumlindisango lokungena eThenteni lokuHlanganela.

22 Sebebonke labo ababekhethiwe ukuba ngabalindimasango ezindaweni eziqakathekileyo babengamakhulu amabili aletshumi lambili (212). Babelotshwe ngoluhlu lokuzalana kwabo emizini yabo.

Abalindi bamasango babefakwe kulezizindawo zokwethembeka nguDavida loSamuyeli umboni. 23 Bona kanye lenzalo yabo babephethe ukugcinakala kwamasango endlu kaThixo indlu ethiwa iThente. 24 Abalindimasango laba babesenhlangothini zozine: empumalanga, entshonalanga, enyakatho laseningizimu. 25 Abafowabo ababehlezi labo emizini yabo babefanele babebelinda labo bezophisana okwensuku eziyisikhombisa ihlandla ngalinye. 26 Abalindimasango abakhulu, abangabaLevi, ngobune babo babefanele bagcine izindlu lenotho esendlini kaNkulunkulu. 27 Babelala belindile ubusuku bonke besendlini kaNkulunkulu, ngoba babefanele bayilinde; njalo yibo ababelezihluthulelo beyivula ngokusa insuku zonke.

28 Abanye babo babegcina izitsha zenkonzo ezazisetshenziswa ethempelini; babezibala zingena babuye bazibale njalo seziphuma. 29 Abanye njalo babegcine impahla yendlini lakho konke okwakusendlini engcwele, kanye lokugcina ifulawa lewayini, lamafutha, impepha leziyoliso. 30 Kodwa abanye abaphristi babesebenza ukuhlanganisa iziyoliso. 31 UmLevi obizwa ngokuthi nguMathithiya, indodana elizibulo likaShalumi umKhora, wayephiwe umlandu wokubumba isinkwa somnikelo. 32 Abanye abazalwane bamaKhohathi babephethe umsebenzi ngamaSabatha wonke owokubumba isinkwa esokubekwa etafuleni.

33 Labo ababengabahlabeleli, bezinhloko zezindlu zabaLevi, babehlala ezindlini phakathi kwethempeli bengaphiwanga eminye imisebenzi ngoba babephathekile kowabo emini lebusuku.

34 Bonke laba babezinhloko zezindlu zenzalo kaLevi, izinduna njengokulotshiweyo eluhlwini losendo lwabo, njalo babehlala eJerusalema.

Okulotshiweyo NgoLuhlu Lwendlu KaSawuli

35 uJeyiyeli uyise kaGibhiyoni wayehlala eGibhiyoni.

Ibizo lomkakhe lalinguMahakha, 36 njalo indodana yakhe elizibulo kwakungu-Abhidoni eselanywa nguZuri, loKhishi, loBhali, loNeri, loNadabi, 37 loGedori, lo-Ahiyo, loZakhariya kanye loMikhilothi. 38 UMikhilothi wayenguyise kaShimeyamu. Laba labo babehlala eJerusalema eduze lezihlobo zabo.

39 UNeri wayenguyise kaKhishi, uKhishi enguyise kaSawuli, uSawuli enguyise kaJonathani, loMalikhi-Shuwa, lo-Abhinadabi kanye lo-Eshi-Bhali.

40 Indodana kaJonathani kwakunguMeri-Bhali,

yena enguyise kaMikha.

41 Amadodana kaMikha ayeyila:

uPhithoni, uMeleki, uThareya kanye lo-Ahazi.

42 U-Ahazi wayenguyise kaJada, uJada enguyise ka-Alemethi, lo-Azimavethi loZimri, yena uZimri enguyise kaMoza. 43 UMoza wayenguyise kaBhineya; uRefaya eyindodana yakhe, lo-Eleyasa indodana yakhe kanye lo-Azeli indodana yakhe.

44 U-Azeli wayelamadodana ayisithupha, amabizo awo eyila:

u-Azirikhamu, loBhokheru, lo-Ishumayeli. LoSheyariya, lo-Obhadaya kanye loHanani. Laba babengamadodana ka-Azeli.

10

Ukuzibulala KukaSawuli

1 AmaFilistiya alwa lo-Israyeli; abako-Israyeli babaleka, njalo abanengi bafela eNtabeni yase Gilibhowa. 2 AmaFilistiya axotshana kanzima loSawuli kanye lamadodana akhe, abulala amadodana akhe uJonathani, lo-Abhinadabi kanye loMalikhi-Shuwa. 3 Impi yatshisa macele wonke kuSawuli, njalo kwathi abatshoki bemitshoko sebemxhumile, bamlimaza.

4 USawuli wathi kumthwali wezikhali zakhe, “Hwatsha inkemba yakho ungigwaze, hlezi abantu laba abangasokanga bafike bangigwaze bangenze ihlazo.”

Kodwa umphathi wezikhali zakhe wesaba, akaze akwenza lokho, ngakho uSawuli wathatha inkemba yakhe waziwisela phezu kwayo. 5 Kwathi umphathi wezikhali ebona ukuthi uSawuli wayesefile, laye waziwisela phezu kwenkemba yakhe, wafa. 6 Ngakho uSawuli lamadodana akhe amathathu bafa, labo bonke abendlu yakhe bafa ndawonye.

7 Kwathi bonke abako-Israyeli ababesesigodini bebona ukuthi ibutho lalibalekile lokuthi uSawuli kanye lamadodana akhe basebefile, batshiya imizi yabo babaleka. AmaFilistiya afika ahlala kuyo.

8 Ngelanga elalandelayo, amaFilistiya esefikile ukuba akhuthuze abafileyo, afica uSawuli lamadodana akhe befile eNtabeni yase Gilibhowa. 9 Bamkhuthuza baze bamquma ikhanda lakhe balithatha kanye lezikhali zakhe, basebethuma izithunywa kulolonke ilizwe lamaFilistiya ukuthi zimemezele lindaba ezithombeni zabo lebantwini bakibo. 10 Abeka izikhali zakhe ethempelini labonkulunkulu babo kwathi ikhanda lakhe balibeka ethempelini likaDagoni.

11 Abantu bonke baseJabheshi Giliyadi sebezwile ngokwakwenziwe ngamaFilistiya kuSawuli, 12 wonke amaqhawe alezibindi ahamba ayathatha isidumbu sikaSawuli lezamadodana akhe aya lazo eJabheshi. Basebengcwaba amathambo abo ngaphansi kwesihlahla esikhulu eJabheshi, bazila insuku eziyisikhombisa.

13 USawuli wafa ngoba wayengathembekanga kuThixo; kaligcinanga ilizwi likaThixo wakhe waze wayadinga ukuqondiswa yizangoma, 14 esikhundleni sokukhuleka kuThixo. Ngakho uThixo wamenza wafa wathatha ubukhosi wabunika uDavida indodana kaJese.

11

UDavida Uba Yinkosi Yako-Israyeli

1 Bonke abako-Israyeli baya kuDavida eHebhroni bafika bathi: “Thina siyinyama yakho legazi lakho. 2 Esikhathini esedlulayo, lanxa uSawuli eseseyinkosi, wena nguwe owawukhokhela u-Israyeli emkhankasweni wezimpi. Njalo uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho wathi kuwe, ‘Wena uzakuba ngumelusi wabantu bami u-Israyeli, njalo uzakuba ngumbusi wabo.’ ”

3 Kwathi abadala bonke bako-Israyeli sebefikile enkosini uDavida eHebhroni, wenza isivumelwano labo eHebhroni phambi kukaThixo, basebegcoba uDavida ukuba abe yinkosi ko-Israyeli, njengesithembiso sikaThixo asenza ngoSamuyeli.

UDavida Unqoba IJerusalema

4 UDavida labo bonke abako-Israyeli baya eJerusalema (kusitsho iJebusi). AmaJebusi ayehlala khona 5 athi kuDavida, “Kawuyikungena lapha.” Kodwa lanxa kunjalo, uDavida wayithumba inqaba yaseZiyoni, uMuzi kaDavida.

6 UDavida wayethe, “Ozakhokhela ekuhlaseleni amaJebusi uzakuba nguMlawuli omkhulu wempi.” UJowabi indodana kaZeruya nguye owaqala ukuya khona, ngakho wazuza ubukhokheli.

7 UDavida wasehlala enqabeni, yikho yathiwa ibizo lokuthi nguMuzi kaDavida. 8 Wakha idolobho inxa zonke kusukela emadundulwini kuze kuyefinyelela emidulini ehonqolozeleyo, ngalesosikhathi uJowabi esakha evuselela umuzi. 9 UDavida waqhubeka njalo esiba lamandla, ngoba uThixo uSomandla wayelaye.

Amaqhawe KaDavida

10 Lezi zinduna zamaqhawe kaDavida ezazimsekele ngokuqinileyo embusweni kanye laye wonke u-Israyeli, ukuba abe yinkosi, njengokuthembisa kukaThixo. 11 Lolu yiluhlu lwalawo maqhawe kaDavida:

UJashobheyamu, umHakhimoni, wayengumlawuli wezikhulu; waphakamisela amadoda angamakhulu amathathu umkhonto wakhe, ababulalayo ekuhlaseleni kunye.

12 Yena elandelwa ngu-Eliyazari indodana kaDodo umʼAhohi omunye wamaqhawe amathathu. 13 WayeloDavida ePhasi Damimi, ekuhlomeni kwamaFilistiya elungiselela ukudibana empini. Endaweni ethile kwakulensimu yebhali, amabutho abaleka ebalekela amaFilistiya. 14 Kodwa bona bema bajama phakathi kwensimu. Bayivikela bawabulala amaFilistiya, uThixo wabapha ukunqoba okukhulu.

15 Izinduna ezintathu kwezingamatshumi amathathu zaya edwaleni kuDavida ebhalwini lwase-Adulami, ngalesosikhathi amanye amaFilistiya ayebuthene eSigodini saseRefayi. 16 Ngalesosikhathi uDavida wayesenqabeni, iviyo lamabutho amaFilistiya laliseBhethilehema. 17 UDavida womela amanzi wasesithi, “Oh, sengathi kungaba lomuntu ongangikhela amanzi okunatha emthonjeni oseduze lesango laseBhethilehema!” 18 Ngakho abathathu laba badabula phakathi kweviyo lamaFilistiya bayakukha amanzi eduzane lesango laseBhethilehema bayawanika uDavida. Kodwa wala ukuwanatha, wakhetha ukuwathululela phambi kukaThixo. 19 Wasesithi, “UNkulunkulu kangangivumeli ukukwenza lokhu! Kufanele yini ukuthi nginathe igazi lalababantu abanikele impilo yabo engozini bewaletha?” Ngoba babeka impilo zabo engozini bewaletha, uDavida kawanathanga.

Lezi zaziyizenzo zobuqhawe zalawomabutho womathathu.

20 U-Abhishayi umfowabo kaJowabi wayeyinduna yabaThathu labo. Waphakamisela umkhonto wakhe phezu kwabangamakhulu amathathu, ababulalayo, ngakho waba lodumo njengabaThathu. 21 Waba lodumo oluphindwe kabili phezu kwalaba abaThathu waze waba ngumlawuli wabo, loba engazange abe phakathi kwabo.

22 UBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wayeliqhawe elilesibindi laseKhabhizeli, elenza izenzo zobuqhawe obukhulu. Wabulala amaqhawe amaMowabi amabili ayezintshantshu ekulweni. Wake wangena emgodini wabulala isilwane mhla kulongqwaqwane. 23 Wabulala umGibhithe owayemude okwezingalo eyisikhombisa njalo eqatha. Lanxa umGibhithe wayephethe umkhonto esandleni kwakungani uphethe umkhonto onjengogodo lomaluki, uBhenayiya waqondana laye ngenduku. Wahluthuna umkhonto esandleni somGibhithe wambulala ngawo umkhonto wakhe. 24 Lezi zaziyizenzo zobuqhawe zikaBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, laye futhi wayedume njengamaqhawe amathathu. 25 Wayehlonitshwa kakhulu ukwedlula bonke abangamatshumi amathathu, kodwa wayengabalwa kanye labaThathu. UDavida wambeka ukuba abe ngumphathi wabalindi bakhe.

26 Amaqhawe ayelamandla ayeyila:

u-Asaheli umfowabo kaJowabi,

u-Elihanani indodana kaDodo waseBhethilehema,

27 uShamothi umHarori,

uHelezi umPheloni,

28 u-Ira indodana ka-Ikheshi waseThekhowa,

u-Abhiyezeri wase-Anathothi,

29 uSibhekhayi umHushathi,

u-Ilayi umʼAhohi,

30 uMaharayi umNethofathi,

uHeledi indodana kaBhana umNethofa,

31 u-Ithayi indodana kaRibhayi owaseGibhiya koBhenjamini,

uBhenaya umPhirathoni,

32 uHurayi wasezindongeni zaseGashi,

u-Abhiyeli umʼAribhathi,

33 u-Azimavethi umBhaharumi,

u-Eliyaba umShalibhoni,

34 amadodana kaHashemi umGizoni,

uJonathani indodana kaShageye umHarari,

35 u-Ahiyamu indodana kaSakhari umHarari,

u-Elifali indodana ka-Uri,

36 uHeferi indodana kaMekherathi,

u-Ahija umPheloni,

37 uHeziro umKhameli,

uNarayi indodana ka-Ezibhayi,

38 uJoweli umfowabo kaNathani,

uMibhari indodana kaHagiri,

39 uZelekhi umʼAmoni,

uNaharayi umBherothi, owayethwala izikhali zikaJowabi indodana kaZeruya,

40 u-Ira umʼIthira,

uGarebhi umʼIthiri,

41 u-Uriya umHithi,

uZabhadi indodana ka-Ahilayi,

42 lo-Adina indodana kaShiza owakoRubheni, owayeyinduna yakoRubheni, kanye labangamatshumi amathathu ababelaye,

43 loHanani indodana kaMahakha,

loJoshafathi umʼMithini,

44 lo-Uziya umʼAshitherathi,

loShama loJeyiyeli amadodana kaHothamu umʼAroweri,

45 loJediyeli indodana kaShimiri,

umfowabo uJoha umThizi,

46 lo-Eliyeli umʼMahavi,

loJeribhayi loJoshaviya amadodana ka-Elinamu,

lo-Ithima waseMowabi,

47 lo-Eliyeli, lo-Obhedi kanye loJasiyeli waseMezobha.

12

Amabutho Alandela UDavida Egangeni

1 La ngamabutho ayeloDavida eZikhilagi, ngesikhathi engavunyelwa ukubonakala kuSawuli indodana kaKhishi (kwakungamaqhawe ayemhlomulele empini; 2 ayehlome ngemitshoko, ezingcitshi ekutshokeni lokutshaya ngezavutha loba ejikijela ngesokudla loba ngesenxele; ayeyizihlobo zikaSawuli engawesizwe sikaBhenjamini):

3 U-Ahiyezeri induna yawo loJowashi amadodana kaShemaha owaseGibhiya;

loJeziyeli loPhelethi amadodana ka-Azimavethi;

loBherakha, loJehu umʼAnathothi, 4 kanye lo-Ishimaya umGibhiyoni, indoda eyayilamandla amakhulu kwabangamatshumi amathathu, engumkhokheli wabangamatshumi amathathu,

loJeremiya, loJahaziyeli, loJohanani, loJozabhadi umGederathi, 5 lo-Eluzayi, loJerimothi, loBheliya, loShemariya kanye loShefathiya umHarufi,

6 lo-Elikhana, lo-Ishiya, lo-Azareli, loJowezeri loJashobheyamu amaKhora;

7 kanye loJowela loZebhadiya amadodana kaJerohamu waseGedori.

8 Abanye abakoGadi babalekela kuDavida enqabeni yakhe enkangala. Babengamabutho alezibindi, belungele ukulwa njalo bekwazi ukuphatha ihawu lomkhonto. Ubuso babo babungobezilwane, njalo belesiqubu njengamagogo ezintabeni.

9 U-Ezeri wayeyinduna,

u-Obhadaya engumsekeli womlawuli, u-Eliyabi engowesithathu,

10 uMishimana engowesine, uJeremiya engowesihlanu,

11 u-Athayi engowesithupha, u-Eliyeli engowesikhombisa,

12 uJohanani engowesificaminwembili, u-Elizabhadi engowesificamunwemunye,

13 uJeremiya engumsekeli wetshumi kanye loMakhabhanayi owayengowetshumi lanye.

14 Amadoda akoGadi ayengabalawuli bamabutho, kuthi omncinyane wabo wayengamelana labalikhulu kodwa omkhulu wabo engamelana labayinkulungwane. 15 Yiwo la amadoda achapha uJodani ngenyanga yakuqala umfula ugcwele uphuphuma emakhunjini awo wonke, yibo njalo abaxotsha bonke ababehlala ezihotsheni, empumalanga kanye lasentshonalanga.

16 Amanye amadoda akoBhenjamini lamanye ayevela koJuda lawo alandela uDavida khonale enqabeni yakhe. 17 UDavida waphuma ukuba ayewahlangabeza wathi kuwo: “Nxa lingilandela ngokuthula, lizongiphathisa njengabangane, ngizimisele ukuhlanganyela kanye lani. Kodwa nxa lidinga ukunginikela ezitheni zami, mina ngimsulwa, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho kakubone lokho, alijezise.”

18 Ngakho uMoya wasesehlela ku-Amasayi, umlawuli wabangamatshumi amaThathu, wathi:

“Singabakho thina, wena Davida!

Sikanye lawe wena ndodana kaJese!

Impumelelo, impumelelo kuwe,

njalo impumelelo kulabo abaphathisana lawe!

Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho uzakusiza.”

Ngakho uDavida wabamukela wabenza abakhokheli bamaviyo amabutho ayehlasela.

19 Amanye amadoda akoManase abalekela kuDavida ekuhambeni kwakhe lamaFilistiya esiyahlasela uSawuli. (Yena kanye lamabutho akhe kasazange ancedise amaFilistiya, ngoba ngemva kokubuzisisana, ababusi bawo bathi kaxotshwe. Bathi bona: “Uyingozi kithi, ngoba angasiphendukela abuyele enkosini yakhe uSawuli.”) 20 UDavida wathi esiya eZikhilagi, nanka amadoda abaleka koManase amlandela: ngu-Adina, loJozabhadi, loJediyeli, loMikhayeli, loJozabhadi, lo-Elihu kanye loZilethayi ababengabalawuli benkulungwane koManase. 21 Bancedisa uDavida ekulweni lamaviyo abahlaseli, ngoba bonke babengamabutho alezibindi, njalo basebengabalawuli phakathi kwamabutho akhe. 22 Insuku zonke, ukusa kwamalanga, kwakutheleka abantu bezoncedisa uDavida, waze waba lebutho elikhulu, njengebutho likaNkulunkulu.

Abanye Balandela UDavida EHebhroni

23 Nanka amanani amadoda ayehlomele impi eza kuDavida eHebhroni ezomncedisa ukuthatha umbuso kaSawuli, njengokutsho kukaThixo:

24 amadoda ayevela koJuda ehlome ngamahawu lemikhonto ayezinkulungwane eziyisithupha lamakhulu ayisificaminwembili (6,800) ehlomele ukulwa impi;

25 abakaSimiyoni, amabutho ayelungele ukuhlasela babezinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lekhulu (7,100),

26 amadoda akoLevi ayezinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu ayisithupha (4,600), 27 kubalwa loJehoyada, umkhokheli wabendlu ka-Aroni babezinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisikhombisa (3,700) zamadoda 28 kanye loZadokhi, ibutho elaliseselijaha lilesibindi, lilezikhulu zendlu yakwabo ezingamatshumi amabili lambili (22);

29 amadoda akoBhenjamini, labakibo kaSawuli babezinkulungwane ezintathu (3,000), ababesele bethembekile kuSawuli kuze kufike lesisikhathi yibo ababebanengi kulelonani;

30 amadoda ako-Efrayimi, amadoda ayelezibindi, edumile ezizwaneni zawo, ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lamakhulu ayisificaminwembili (20,800),

31 amadoda ayevela kungxenye yesizwana sikaManase, ekhethwe ngamabizo awo ukuba azobeka uDavida ukuthi abe yinkosi, ayezinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesificaminwembili (18,000);

32 amadoda ayevela ko-Isakhari, ayezwisisa umumo walesosikhathi njalo esazi ukuthi u-Israyeli kumele enzeni. Kwakuzinduna ezingamakhulu amabili (200) kanye lezihlobo zazo ezazingaphansi kwazo;

33 amadoda ayevela koZebhuluni, amabutho ayezingwazi empini, ngezikhali zemihlobo etshiyeneyo, eza ukuzancedisa uDavida ngokuzinikela okungalakuthandabuza, ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu (50,000);

34 amadoda ayevela koNafithali kwakuyizikhulu eziyinkulungwane eyodwa (1,000), kanye lamadoda ayephethe amahawu lemikhonto ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa (37,000);

35 amadoda ayevela koDani, ezimisele ukulwa empini, ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili lamakhulu ayisithupha (28,600);

36 amadoda ayevela ko-Asheri, amabutho ayevele ekwejayele ukulwa empini njalo ezimisele ukulwa, ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane (40,000);

37 njalo ngempumalanga yeJodani, amadoda akoRubheni, koGadi lakungxenye yesizwana sikaManase, ayehlome ngemihlobohlobo yezikhali, ayezinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili (120,000).

38 Bonke laba babengamabutho azinikeleyo ukungena laloba yisiphi isigaba.

Ngamabutho aya eHebhroni ezimisele ukufika abeke uDavida esihlalweni sobukhosi abe yinkosi ka-Israyeli. Abanye bonke abako-Israyeli babengqondonye befisa ukwethesa uDavida ubukhosi. 39 Wonke lamadoda athatha insuku ezintathu eloDavida, esidla njalo enatha, njengoba izimuli zawo zaziwalungisele umphako. 40 Konke labomakhelwane babo, ababevela kude khonale ku-Isakhari, loZebhuluni lakuNafithali beza bethwele ukudla ngabobabhemi, amakamela, imbongolo langenkabi. Kwakulefulawa enengi, amakhekhe omkhiwane, amakhekhe erezini, iwayini, amafutha, inkomo lezimvu, ngoba kwakulokujabula ko-Israyeli.

13

Ukubuyiselwa Kwebhokisi Lesivumelwano

1 UDavida wacebisana lezikhulu zakhe zonke, abalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamakhulu. 2 Wasesithi kuwo wonke umbuthano wako-Israyeli: “Nxa likubona kulungile njalo nxa kuyintando kaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, asithumeleni ilizwi eduze lakhatshana kubo bonke abafowethu kuwo wonke amazwe ako-Israyeli, kanye lakubaphristi labaLevi abalabo khonale emadolobheni abo lasemadlelweni abo, sibanxusa ukuthi beze bazohlanganyela kanye lathi. 3 Asibuyiseni ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu wethu kithi, ngoba asizange sibuze kulo ngesikhathi sokubusa kukaSawuli.” 4 Bonke ababebuthene bavumelana ukukwenza lokho, ngoba bonke abantu bakubona kufanele ukukwenza lokho.

5 Ngakho uDavida wahlanganisa ama-Israyeli wonke, kusukela eMfuleni uShihori eGibhithe kusiya eLebho Hamathi, ukuyathatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu eKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi. 6 UDavida labo bonke abako-Israyeli ababelaye baya eBhala yakoJuda (iKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi) ukuthi baye khonale bayebuya lebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo uNkulunkulu, osesihlalweni sobukhosi ephahlwe ngamaKherubhi, ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo elibizwa ngaleloBizo.

7 Balisusa ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu endlini ka-Abhinadabi ngenqola entsha, eyayiqondiswa ngu-Uza lo-Ahiyo. 8 UDavida labo bonke abako-Israyeli babejabula bezithokozisa ngamandla abo wonke phambi kukaNkulunkulu, ngezingoma betshaya lamachacho, lezingungu, lezigubhu, lamacilongo.

9 Bathi befika esizeni sokubhulela eKhidoni, u-Uza welula isandla sakhe ezama ukuzinzisa ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, ngoba inkabi zazikhubekile. 10 Ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha ku-Uza, wamtshaya wafa ngoba wayebeke isandla sakhe phezu kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo. Ngakho wahle wafa khonapho phambi kukaThixo.

11 Ngakho uDavida wathukuthela ngoba ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha ku-Uza, njalo kuze kube lalamuhla indawo leyo ibizwa ngokuthi yiPherezi Uza.

12 UDavida wamesaba uNkulunkulu ngalolosuku waze wabuza wathi: “Pho ngingaliletha njani kimi ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu?” 13 Kasazange alithathe ibhokisi lesivumelwano ukuze libe kuye eMzini kaDavida. Kodwa-ke walisa eceleni endlini ka-Obhedi-Edomi umGithi. 14 Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lahlala kwabendlu ka-Obhedi-Edomi endlini yakhe okwezinyanga ezintathu, yikho uThixo wabusisa indlu yakhe lakho konke okwakungokwakhe.

14

UDavida Labendlu Yakhe

1 Ngalesosikhathi uHiramu inkosi yaseThire wathumela izithunywa kuDavida, ndawonye lezigodo zomsedari, ababazi bamatshe kanye lababazi ukuthi bayemakhela isigodlo. 2 UDavida wahle wakwazi ukuthi uThixo usembekile ukuba abe yinkosi ka-Israyeli lokuthi umbuso wakhe uphakanyisiwe kakhulu ngenxa yabantu bakhe bako-Israyeli.

3 EJerusalema uDavida wathatha abanye abafazi wazala amanye amadodana lamadodakazi. 4 Nanka amabizo abantwana abazalelwa khona: uShamuwa, uShobabi, uNathani, uSolomoni, 5 u-Ibhari, u-Elishuwa, u-Eliphelethi, 6 uNoga, uNefegi, uJafiya, 7 u-Elishama, uBheyeliyada kanye lo-Elifelethi.

UDavida Unqoba AmaFilistiya

8 AmaFilistiya athi esizwa ukuthi uDavida usegcotshwe ukuba yinkosi yalo lonke elako-Israyeli, aphuma wonke ehlome ephelele esiyamzingela, kodwa uDavida wakuzwa lokho wahle waphuma yena ukuyawahlangabeza. 9 AmaFilistiya ayesefikile njalo ukuyahlasela eSigodini saseRefayi; 10 ngakho uDavida wabuza kuNkulunkulu wathi: “Ngihambe ngiyewahlasela amaFilistiya na? Uzawanikela kimi na?”

UThixo wamphendula wathi, “Hamba, ngizawanikela kuwe.”

11 Ngakho uDavida lamabutho akhe aya eBhali Pherazimi lapho awehlula khona. Wathi: “Njengamanzi efohla, uNkulunkulu ufohlele ezitheni zami ngesandla sami.” Ngakho leyondawo yasibizwa ngokuthi yiBhali Pherazimi. 12 AmaFilistiya ayebaleke atshiya onkulunkulu bawo khonale, uDavida wathi kabatshiswe ngomlilo.

13 AmaFilistiya aphinda njalo ukuhlasela isigodi, 14 ngakho uDavida wabuza kuNkulunkulu njalo, uNkulunkulu wamphendula wathi, “Ungasuki uqonde phambili kodwa bazingeleze ubusubahlasela uvelela ezihlahleni zebhalisamu. 15 Kuzakuthi lapho usizwa izisinde zabahambayo ezihlahleni zebhalisamu, uphume uhlasele, ngoba lokho kuzabe kusitsho ukuthi uNkulunkulu usehambe phambi kwakho ukuyanqoba amabutho amaFilistiya.” 16 Ngakho uDavida wenza njengokulaywa kwakhe nguNkulunkulu, njalo bawacakazela phansi amaFilistiya umango wonke kusukela eGibhiyoni kusiya eGezeri.

17 Yikho udumo lukaDavida lwanda lwafinyelela kuwo wonke amazwe, uThixo wenza izizwe zonke zimesabe.

15

Ukulethwa Kwebhokisi Lesivumelwano EJerusalema

1 Ngemva kokuba uDavida esakhile ezakhe izindlu eMzini kaDavida, wakha indawo yebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, walimisela ithente kuleyondawo. 2 UDavida wasesithi: “Kakho ozathwala ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwabaLevi ngoba uThixo wabakhethela ukuthwala ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lokumkhonza kuze kube nininini.”

3 UDavida wasehlanganisa bonke abako-Israyeli eJerusalema ukuze balethe ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo endaweni ayeyilungisele lona.

4 Wahlanganisa abosendo luka-Aroni labaLevi ngezindlu zabo:

5 Kwabendlu kaKhohathi,

kwakungu-Uriyeli umkhokheli lezihlobo ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili (120);

6 kwabendlu kaMerari,

kwakungu-Asaya umkhokheli lezihlobo ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amabili (220);

7 kwabendlu kaGeshoni,

kwakunguJoweli umkhokheli lezihlobo ezilikhulu labantu abangamatshumi amathathu (130);

8 kwabendlu ka-Elizafani,

kwakunguShemaya umkhokheli lezihlobo ezingamakhulu amabili (200);

9 kwabendlu kaHebhroni,

kwakungu-Eliyeli umkhokheli lezihlobo ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (80);

10 kwabendlu ka-Uziyeli,

kwakungu-Aminadabi umkhokheli lezihlobo ezilikhulu labantu abalitshumi lambili (112).

11 UDavida wasenxusa abaphristi uZadokhi lo-Abhiyathari kanye lo-Uriyeli, lo-Asaya, loJoweli, loShemaya, lo-Eliyeli lo-Abhinadabi abaLevi. 12 Wasesithi kubo, “Lina lizinhloko zezindlu zabaLevi, zihlambululeni lina kanye lezihlobo zenu ukuze liyethatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, lililethe endaweni engiyilungisele lona. 13  UThixo uNkulunkulu wethu wasithukuthelela ngenxa yokuthi lina abaLevi, ayisini elathwala ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo kuqala. Asizanga sibuze kuThixo ukuthi kwakumele senzeni njengokulaya kwakhe.” 14 Ngakho abaphristi labaLevi bazihlambulula ukuze bathwale ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 15 Yikho abaLevi bathwala ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo ngezibambo zezigodo emahlombe abo, njengokulaya kukaMosi kulandelwa ilizwi likaThixo.

16 UDavida watshela abakhokheli babaLevi ukuthi bakhethe abafowabo ukuthi babe ngabahlabeleli ukuze bahlabelele izingoma ezimnandi, betshaya amachacho lezigubhu lemihubhe.

17 AbaLevi bakhetha uHemani indodana kaJoweli; kubafowabo, u-Asafi indodana kaBherekhiya; lakubafowabo amaMerari, u-Ethani indodana kaKhushaya; 18 kanye labafowabo ngokulandelana ngezikhundla: uZakhariya, loJahaziyeli, loShemiramothi, loJeyiyeli, lo-Uni, lo-Eliyabi, loBhenaya, loMaseya, loMathithiya, lo-Elifelehu, loMikhineya, lo-Obhedi-Edomi kanye loJehiyeli abalindi bamasango.

19 Abahlabeleli uHemani lo-Asafi kanye lo-Ethani babezatshaya izigubhu zethusi; 20 loZakhariya, lo-Aziyeli, loShemiramothi, loJehiyeli, lo-Uni, lo-Eliyabi, loMaseya kanye loBhenaya babezatshaya imihubhe, ngokuhambelana le-alamothi 21 loMathithiya, lo-Elifelehu, loMikhineya, lo-Obhedi-Edomi, loJeyiyeli kanye lo-Azaziya babezatshaya imiqangala, njengokuqondiswa kwabo yishiminithi, 22 uKhenaniya umkhokheli kubaLevi wayengumhlabelisi; wayephethe lapha ngoba wayeligabazi.

23 UBherekhiya lo-Elikhana babengabalindi bamasango ebhokisi lesivumelwano, 24 loShebhaniya, loJoshafathi loNethaneli, lo-Amasayi, loZakhariya, loBhenaya kanye lo-Eliyezari bengabaphristi bokuvuthela icilongo phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu. U-Obhedi-Edomi loJehiya labo babengabalindi beminyango yebhokisi lesivumelwano.

25 Ngakho uDavida labadala bako-Israyeli labalawuli bamaxuku enkulungwane bahamba ukuyathatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo endlini ka-Obhedi-Edomi, bahamba ngokujabula. 26 Ngoba uNkulunkulu wayebasizile abakoLevi ababethwele ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, benza umhlatshelo wenkunzi eziyisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa. 27 UDavida labo bonke abaLevi ababethwele ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo labahlabeleli loKhenaniya umkhokheli wabahlabeleli babegqoke izigqoko zelembu lelineni elihle, uDavida wayegqoke lesigqoko semahlombe selineni elihle. 28 Ngakho abako-Israyeli ngobunengi babo baletha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo ngomdumo omkhulu, bevuthela impondo zenqama betshaya lamacilongo, lezigubhu lamachacho lemihubhe.

29 Ekungeneni kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo eMzini kaDavida, uMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli wayebukele elunguze ngefasitela. Wathi ebona inkosi uDavida izithokozisa igida, wayeyisa ngenhliziyo yakhe.

16

Ibhokisi Lesivumelwano SikaThixo Libekwa Ethenteni

1 Balithwala ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu bayalingenisa ethenteni uDavida ayelilungiselele lona, banikela ngeminikelo yokutshiswa leyobudlelwano phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 2 UDavida eseqedile ukunikela ngeminikelo yokutshiswa langeyobudlelwano, wabusisa abantu ngebizo likaThixo. 3 Wababela bonke abako-Israyeli, abesilisa labesifazane, yilowo lalowo isinkwa, lekhekhe lezithelo kanye lekhekhe lamavini awonyisiweyo.

4 Wakhetha abanye abaLevi ukukhonza phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo bedumisa uThixo, bebonga uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli: 5 Induna kwakungu-Asafi, uZakhariya engumsekeli, kulandela uJeyeli, loShemiramothi, loJehiyeli, loMathithiya, lo-Eliyabi, loBhenaya, lo-Obhedi-Edomi kanye loJeyiyeli. Babezatshaya amachacho lemihubhe, u-Asafi etshaya izigubhu, 6 abaphristi uBhenaya loJahaziyeli bengabokuvuthela amacilongo phambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu.

Ihubo Lokubonga KukaDavida

7 Ngalolosuku uDavida wamisa ukuba u-Asafi labanye bakhe bahlabelele lelihubo bebonga uThixo:

8 Bongani uThixo, memezani ibizo lakhe,

lizazise phakathi kwabantu izenzo zakhe.

9 Hlabelelani kuye, hlabelelani indumiso kuye;

likhulume ngezenzo zakhe zonke ezimangalisayo.

10 Jabulani ebizweni lakhe elingcwele;

kazithokoze inhliziyo zabo abamdingayo uThixo.

11 Dingani uThixo lamandla akhe,

limdinge yena njalonjalo.

12 Khumbulani izenzo zakhe ezimangalisayo azenzayo,

izimangaliso azenzayo, lezahlulelo azikhulumayo,

13 lina zizukulwane zika-Israyeli inceku yakhe,

lina madodana kaJakhobe, abakhethiweyo bakhe.

14 Yena unguThixo uNkulunkulu wethu;

izahlulelo zakhe zigcwele wonke umhlaba.

15 Uyakhumbula isivumelwano sakhe nini lanini,

ilizwi lomlayo wakhe, okwezizukulwane ezizinkulungwane,

16 isivumelwano asenza lo-Abhrahama,

isifungo asenza lo-Isaka,

17 wasiqinisa kuJakhobe saba yisimiso,

laku-Israyeli saba yisivumelwano esingapheliyo,

18 wathi “Ngizalinika ilizwe laseKhenani

njengesabelo selifa lenu.”

19 Kwathi lisesebalutshwana,

bebalutshwana kakhulu, beyizihambi kulo,

20 bezula kuzizwe ngezizwe

besuka komunye umbuso besiya komunye.

21 Kavumelanga loba ngubani ukubancindezela;

wawakhuza amakhosi ngenxa yabo,

22 “Lingabathinti abagcotshiweyo bami;

lingahlukuluzi abaphrofethi bami.”

23 Hlabelani kuThixo lina, mhlaba wonke,

limemezele insindiso yakhe insuku ngezinsuku.

24 Fakazani ngobukhosi bakhe ezizweni zonke,

lemisebenzi yakhe emangalisayo phakathi kwabantu bonke.

25 Ngoba umkhulu uThixo, ufanele ukudunyiswa ngokuphindiweyo;

kumele esatshwe ngaphezu kwabonkulunkulu bonke.

26 Ngoba bonke onkulunkulu bezizwe bayizithombe;

kodwa uThixo wadala amazulu.

27 Inkazimulo lobukhosi kuphambi Kwakhe

Amandla lentokozo kusendaweni yakhe yokuhlala.

28 Mnikeni uThixo, lina zizukulwane zezizwe.

Mnikeni uThixo ubukhosi lamandla.

29 Mnikeni uThixo udumo olufanele ibizo lakhe.

Lethani umnikelo libuye phambi kwakhe.

Mkhonzeni uThixo enkazimulweni yobungcwele bakhe;

30 thuthumelani phambi kwakhe mhlaba wonke!

Umhlaba ugxilile, ngeke ugudluzwe.

31 Amazulu kawathokoze, lomhlaba ujabule,

kabathi phakathi kwabezizwe, “UThixo uyabusa.”

32 Ulwandle kaluhlokome lakho konke okukulo,

amasimu kawathakazelele lakho konke okukuwo.

33 Lapho-ke izihlahla zonke zeganga zizahlabela

ngentokozo phambi kukaThixo,

ngoba uyeza ukuzakwahlulela umhlaba.

34 Bongani uThixo ngoba ulungile.

Uthando lwakhe olungapheliyo lumi kokuphela.

35 Celani lithi: “Sisindise, Oh Nkulunkulu Mkhululi wethu,

usiqoqe usikhulule phakathi kwezizwe,

ukuze silibonge ibizo lakho elingcwele,

sijabule ekukudumiseni.”

36 Kabongwe uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

kusukela endulo kuze kube nininini.

Bonke abantu bathi: “Ameni. Kabongwe uThixo!”

37 UDavida wasetshiya o-Asafi labakhula bakhe ukuba bagcine ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, bakhonze njalo benze konke okufanele kwenziwe lapho ngezinsuku zonke. 38 Abanye abatshiya lapho ukuze bakhonze labo ngo-Obhedi-Edomi labakhula bakhe, ababengamatshumi ayisithupha lasificaminwembili. U-Obhedi-Edomi indodana kaJeduthuni, kanye loHosa babengabalindi bamasango.

39 UDavida watshiya uZadokhi umphristi kanye labanye abaphristi phambi kwethabanikeli likaThixo endaweni ephakemeyo yokukhonzela eGibhiyoni 40 ukunikela kuThixo iminikelo yokutshiswa e-alithareni ngezikhathi zonke, ekuseni lantambama, njengokulotshiweyo eMthethweni kaThixo, awupha abako-Israyeli. 41 Abanye abasala labo babengoHemani loJeduthuni labanye bonke balabo ababekhethiwe beqanjwa ngamabizo ukuba badumise uThixo, “ngoba uthando lwakhe lumi kuze kube nininini.” 42 UHemani loJeduthuni babengabokuvuthela amacilongo lokutshaya izigubhu lamanye amachacho ezingoma ezingcwele. Amadodana kaJeduthuni ayehlala esangweni.

43 Abanye bonke basuka, ngulowo lalowo waqonda emzini wakhe, uDavida wabuyela emzini wakhe ukuyabusisa abendlu yakhe.

17

Isithembiso SikaNkulunkulu KuDavida

1 UDavida esehlezi esigodlweni sakhe wasesithi kuNathani umphrofethi, “Uyabona, mina ngihlezi esigodlweni esakhiwa ngomsedari, kodwa ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lingaphansi kwethente.”

2 UNathani wathi kuDavida, “Konke okusengqondweni yakho, kwenze, ngoba uNkulunkulu ulawe.”

3 Ngalobobusuku ilizwi likaNkulunkulu leza kuNathani, lisithi:

4 “Hamba uyetshela inceku yami uDavida uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Ayisuwe ozangakhela indlu yokuhlala kuyo. 5 Angikahlali endlini kusukela mhla ngakhulula abako-Israyeli eGibhithe kuze kube lamuhla. Sengibhode ngisuka kulelithente ngaya kuleliyana, ngisuka endaweni ethile yokuhlala ngisiya kweyinye. 6 Konke lapho engihambe khona labako-Israyeli, kambe kukhona lapho engike ngathi kubakhokheli babo engabalaya ukuthi beluse abantu bami, “Kungani lingangakhelanga indlu yemisedari na?” ’

7 Ngakho tshela inceku yami uDavida ukuthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: Ngakuthatha emadlelweni ekweluseni izimvu, ukuze ube ngumbusi wabantu bami abako-Israyeli. 8 Ngibe ngilawe lapho obuhamba khona, ngizinqobile zonke izitha zakho phambi kwakho. Ngalokho ibizo lakho ngizalenza libe lodumo olufana lamabizo amadoda adume kakhulu emhlabeni. 9 Njalo ngizalungisela abantu bami bako-Israyeli indawo engeyabo ngibafake khona labo babe lekhaya labo lapho abangayikuhlutshwa khona. Abantu abagangileyo abasayikubancindezela futhi, njengalokhu abakwenza kuqala 10 lalokhu asebephikelele ukukwenza kusukela esikhathini engamisa ngaso abakhokheli ebantwini bami u-Israyeli. Ngizazinqoba zonke izitha zakho.

Ngiyaqinisa kuwe ukuthi uThixo uzakwakhela indlu: 11 Kuzakuthi nxa insuku zakho seziphelile ususiya kubokhokho bakho, ngizakwenza inzalo yakho ithathe isikhundla sakho, omunye wamadodana akho, njalo ngizawuqinisa umbuso wakhe. 12 Lowo nguye ozangakhela indlu yami, ngakho ngizamisa isihlalo sombuso wakhe kuze kube nininini. 13 Ngizakuba nguyise, yena abe yindodana yami. Angiyikususa uthando lwami kuye, njengalokhu engakwenza kulowo owakwandulelayo. 14 Ngizambeka yena endlini yami lasembusweni wami kuze kube nininini, lombuso wakhe uzakuma kokuphela.’ ”

15 UNathani wabikela uDavida amazwi wonke esambulelo.

Umkhuleko KaDavida

16 Ngakho inkosi uDavida wangena wahlala phambi kukaThixo, wasesithi,

“Ngingubani mina, awu Thixo Nkulunkulu wami, bayini abendlu yami, lokho okwenze waze wangibeka kulesi isimo? 17 Kanti njalonje lakho kubuye kukhanye kungathi kakwenelanga emehlweni akho, Oh Nkulunkulu, usukhulume ngelizayo ngendlu yenceku yakho. Ungiphethe Nkulunkulu wami, awu Thixo Nkulunkulu wami, kungathi ngingomunye wabaphakemeyo kakhulu.

18 Kambe kuyini okunye uDavida angakutsho kuwe ngokuhlonipha okwenze encekwini yakho? Ngoba wena uyayazi inceku yakho, 19 Oh Thixo. Ngenxa yenceku yakho, njalo langentando yakho, uyenzile into le enkulu, waziveza obala lezizithembiso ezinkulu kangaka.

20 Kakho ofanana lawe, Oh Thixo, njalo kakho omunye uNkulunkulu kodwa nguwe kuphela, njengoba sesizwile ngezethu indlebe. 21 Njalo ngubani ongafanana labantu bakho bako-Israyeli esiyiso sodwa isizwe emhlabeni esiloNkulunkulu owayazikhululela abantu, lokuzenzela ibizo, lokwenza imimangaliso enzima ngokuxotsha izizwe phambi kwabantu bakho, owabakhulula eGibhithe? 22 Wabenza abantu bakho u-Israyeli baba ngabantu bakho kuze kube nini lanini, njalo wena, Thixo, usunguNkulunkulu wabo.

23 Lakhathesi, Thixo akuthi lesosithembiso owasenza encekwini yakho labendlu yayo sigcwaliseke kuze kube nininini. Yenza njengokuthembisa kwakho, 24 kuze kubonakale ukuthi ibizo lakho lizaphakanyiswa kuze kube nininini. Ngakho abantu bazakuthi, ‘UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ngoka-Israyeli uNkulunkulu!’ Kuthi indlu yenceku yakho imiswe phambi kwakho.

25 Wena Nkulunkulu wami ukuveze obala encekwini yakho ukuthi uzayakhela indlu. Ngalokho inceku yakho isithole isibindi sokukhuleka kuwe. 26 Oh Thixo, unguNkulunkulu wena! Usuthembise lezizinto ezinhle encekwini yakho. 27 Ngakho kukuthokozisile ukubusisa indlu yenceku yakho, ukuthi ibe khona phambi kwakho kuze kube nininini ebusweni bakho; ngoba wena, Oh Thixo, uyibusisile, njalo izabusiswa nini lanini.”

18

Ukunqoba KukaDavida

1 Ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi uDavida wahlasela amaFilistiya wawanqoba, wathumba iGathi lemizana eseduzane layo eyayiphethwe ngamaFilistiya.

2 UDavida wanqoba njalo amaMowabi aba ngaphansi kwakhe athela kuye.

3 Kanti njalo, uDavida walwa loHadadezeri inkosi yaseZobha, kwaze kwafika eHamathi, esiyamisa umbuso wakhe emangweni olandela uMfula iYufrathe. 4 UDavida wathumba izinqola zakhe zokulwa eziyinkulungwane, abatshayeli bazo abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamabutho ahamba phansi azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili. Wawaquma imisila wonke amabhiza ezinqola zokulwa kwasala alikhulu kuphela.

5 Kwathi ama-Aramu aseDamaseko ezoncedisa uHadadezeri inkosi yaseZobha, uDavida wawatshaya wawabhuqa ama-Aramu kwafa azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili lambili. 6 Wenza izinqaba e-Aramu embusweni waseDamaseko, ama-Aramu aba ngaphansi kombuso wakhe athela kuye. UThixo wanika uDavida ukunqoba kuzozonke izindawo ayezihlasela.

7 UDavida wathatha amahawu egolide ayephethwe yizikhulu zikaHadadezeri wawathwalela eJerusalema. 8 Kusukela eThebha laseKhuni, imizi eyayingekaHadadezeri, uDavida wathatha khona ithusi elinengi kakhulu, lelo uSolomoni enza ngalo uLwandle lwethusi, izinsika lezinye impahla ezabunjwa ngethusi.

9 Kuthe lapho Towu inkosi yaseHamathi isizwe ukuthi uDavida usenqobe lonke ibutho likaHadadezeri inkosi yaseZobha, 10 wathumela indodana yakhe uHadoramu enkosini uDavida ukuthi iyembingelela emenzela amhlophe ngokunqoba uHadadezeri owayekade esilwa impi loTowu. UHadoramu wayethwele imihlobohlobo yezimpahla zegolide lesiliva kanye lezethusi.

11 Inkosi uDavida yazahlukanisela kuThixo, lezo zinto njengalokho eyayikwenze impahla zegolide lesiliva ezazithunjwe kulezozizwe zama-Edomi lamaMowabi, lama-Amoni, lamaFilistiya lama-Amaleki.

12 U-Abhishayi indodana kaZeruya watshaya wabhuqa ama-Edomi azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasificaminwembili eSigodini seTswayi. 13 Wabeka inkamba zamabutho okulinda e-Edomi, bonke abase-Edomi babangaphansi kombuso kaDavida. UThixo wapha uDavida ukunqoba kuzozonke izindawo ayesiya kuzo.

Iziphathamandla ZikaDavida

14 UDavida wabusa kulolonke elako-Israyeli, esenza okuqondileyo lokulungele abantu bakhe bonke.

15 UJowabi indodana kaZeruya wayephethe amabutho;

uJehoshafathi indodana ka-Ahiludi engumlobi,

16 uZadokhi indodana ka-Ahithubi lo-Ahimeleki indodana ka-Abhiyathari babengabaphristi;

uShavisha wayengumabhalane;

17 uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wayephethe amaKherethi lamaPhelethi,

lamadodana kaDavida ayeyizikhulu ayeseduzane lenkosi embusweni.

19

Ukunqotshwa Kwama-Amoni Lama-Aramu

1 Kwathi emva kwesikhathi, uNahashi inkosi yama-Amoni wafa, ngakho indodana yakhe yathatha isikhundla yaba yinkosi. 2 UDavida wacabanga wathi, “Ngizakuba lomusa kuHanuni indodana kaNahashi ngoba uyise wayelomusa kimi.” Ngakho uDavida wathuma izithunywa ukuyakhalela uHanuni ngoyise.

Izithunywa zikaDavida zithe zifika kuHanuni ukuthi zimkhalele elizweni lama-Amoni, 3 izikhulu zama-Amoni zathi kuHanuni, “Wena nkosi unakana ukuthi uDavida uhlonipha uyihlo ngokuthuma izithunywa zokukukhalela na? Amadoda akhe la kawasizinhloli ezithunywe ukuzahlola umumo welizwe ukuze ahluthune umbuso na?” 4 Ngenxa yalokho uHanuni wabamba izithunywa zikaDavida, waziphuca, waquma izigqoko zazo zafika ezibunu, wasezixotsha.

5 Kwathi uDavida esekuzwile lokho wathuma izithunywa ukuba zihlangabeze izithunywa, njengoba zazihlukuluzwe zayangiswa kakhulu. Inkosi yathi, “Lina hlalani eJerikho indevu zenu zize zikhule, libe selisiza ngapha.”

6 Kwathi ama-Amoni esebonile ukuthi asenuka emakhaleni kaDavida, uHanuni lama-Amoni bathumela amathalenta esiliva ayinkulungwane okuqhatsha izinqola zokulwa labatshayeli bazo e-Aramu Naharayimu, le-Aramu-Mahakha laseZobha. 7 Baqhatsha izinqola zokulwa labatshayeli bazo abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili, banxusa lenkosi uMahakha lamabutho akhe, yona eyeza yazakanisa eMedebha labantu bayo, ama-Amoni lawo eqoqana emadolobheni awo aphuma ukuya empini.

8 Uthe ekuzwa lokho uDavida, wathumela uJowabi kanye lamabutho akhe wonke. 9 Ama-Amoni asondela esehlome aphelela emangenelweni edolobho lakibo, kanti amakhosi ayenxusiwe ayejamile lawo wodwa egangeni.

10 UJowabi wabona ukuthi kwakulamaviyo amabutho phambi kwakhe langemva kwakhe, ngakho wakhetha amanye amaqhawe athenjiweyo ko-Israyeli wabahlela ukuba bamelane lama-Aramu. 11 Amanye amabutho ayesele wathi kawalawulwe ngu-Abhishayi umfowabo, wona-ke ajamelana lama-Amoni. 12 UJowabi wasesithi, “Nxa ama-Aramu ezangikhulela, wena uzangihlomulela; kanti-ke nxa ama-Amoni ezakukhulela lami ngizakuhlomulela. 13 Qina, kasilwe ngesibindi silwela abantu bakithi lemizi kaNkulunkulu wethu. UThixo uzakwenza lokho okufaneleyo njengokubona kwakhe.”

14 Ngakho uJowabi lamabutho ayelawo wasuka ukuyakulwa lama-Aramu, wona ahle abaleka phambi kwakhe. 15 Kuthe ama-Amoni ebona ukuthi ama-Aramu ayabaleka, abaleka lawo phambi kuka-Abhishayi umfowabo kaJowabi, abuyela phakathi kwedolobho. Ngakho uJowabi wasebuyela eJerusalema.

16 Kwathi ama-Aramu esebonile ukuthi ehlulwe ngama-Israyeli, athuma izithunywa zayaphendula ama-Aramu ayengaphetsheya koMfula, kanye loShofaki umlawuli wamabutho kaHadadezeri lamabutho ayekhokhele.

17 Kwathi uDavida esekutsheliwe lokhu, waqoqa bonke abako-Israyeli, wachapha uJodani, wajamelana labo ngamaviyo ayeqondene laye. UDavida walungiselela amaviyo akhe ukudibana lama-Aramu empini, lakanye alwa lawo. 18 Abaleka ebona u-Israyeli, ngakho uDavida wabulala abatshayeli bezinqola zokulwa abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamabutho ahamba ngezinyawo azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amane. Waze wabulala loShofaki umlawuli wamabutho akhona.

19 Kwathi izinceku zikaHadadezeri zibona ukuthi zehlulwe ngabako-Israyeli, zaxolisana loDavida, zathela kuye.

Ngakho ama-Aramu awathandanga ukunceda ama-Amoni kusukela lapho.

20

Ukuthunjwa KweRabha

1 Kwathi entwasa, ngesikhathi sokuphuma kwezimpi zamakhosi ukuyakulwa, uJowabi wakhokhela amabutho ayehlomile. Watshaya wabhuqa ilizwe lama-Amoni waze wayavimbezela ilizwe laseRabha, kodwa uDavida wasala eJerusalema. UJowabi wahlasela iRabha wayitshiya ingamanxiwa. 2 UDavida wathatha umqhele owawusekhanda lenkosi yabo isisindo sawo sasilithalenta legolide, uceciswe ngamatshe aligugu, umqhele wasufakwa ekhanda likaDavida. Wathatha impango enengi kakhulu kulelodolobho, 3 njalo abantu ababelapho wabasusa wabasa lapho ababezasebenza khona gadalala ngamasaha, ngamapiki ensimbi kanye lamahloka. Lokhu uDavida wakwenza kuwo wonke amadolobho ama-Amoni. Kwathi uDavida ngokwakhe kanye lamabutho akhe wonke babuyela eJerusalema.

Impi LamaFilistiya

4 Ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi, kwaqhamuka impi yamaFilistiya, eGezeri. Ngalesosikhathi uSibhekhayi umHushathi wabulala uSiphayi, omunye wabosendo lwamaRefayi kwaba yikwehlulwa kwamaFilistiya.

5 Kweyinye impi lamaFilistiya, u-Elihanani indodana kaJayiri wabulala uLahimi umfowabo kaGoliyathi umGithi, owayelomkhonto ololuthi olunjengolomeluki.

6 Kanti njalo kwenye impi, eyalwelwa eGathi, kwakulendoda enkulu kakhulu ileminwe eyisithupha esandleni ngasinye, lamazwane ayisithupha enyaweni ngalunye, sekubalwa konke ndawonye kungamatshumi amabili lane. Laye wayengowosendo lukaRafa. 7 Ngokuchothoza kwakhe abako-Israyeli, uJonathani indodana kaShimeya, umfowabo kaDavida, wambulala.

8 Laba ngabosendo lukaRafa eGathi, njalo bafela ezandleni zikaDavida lamabutho akhe.

21

UDavida Ubala Amabutho Empi

1 USathane wasemelana labako-Israyeli njalo wafuqela uDavida ukuba abale abantu bako-Israyeli. 2 Ngakho uDavida wathi kuJowabi kanye labalawuli bamabutho, “Hambani liyebala u-Israyeli kusukela eBherishebha kusiya koDani. Beseliphenduka lizongitshela ukuze ngazi ukuthi bangaki khonale.”

3 Kodwa uJowabi waphendula wathi, “Sengathi uThixo angandisa amabutho akhe ngokuphindwe okwedlula ikhulu. Mhlekazi wami nkosi, kambe kabasibantu benkosi yami bonke laba? Inkosi yami ifunelani ukukwenza lokhu? Kungani ithanda ukwehlisela icala phezu kwabako-Israyeli?”

4 Loba kwakunjalo, uJowabi wakhulelwa yilizwi lenkosi, ngakho uJowabi walibhoda lonke elako-Israyeli wasebuyela eJerusalema. 5 UJowabi wafika wabikela uDavida inani lamadoda ayengalwa empini: Kulolonke elako-Israyeli kwakulamadoda ayisigidi lezinkulungwane ezilikhulu ayelakho ukuthi angayiphatha inkemba, kubalwa labazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amane alamatshumi ayisikhombisa koJuda.

6 Kodwa ekubaleni kwakhe uJowabi kazange ahlanganise abaLevi labakaBhenjamini, ngoba umlayo wenkosi wawumnenga. 7 Kanti njalo lowomlayo wawuyisono phambi kukaNkulunkulu, lakanye wamjezisa u-Israyeli.

8 Ngakho uDavida wasesithi kuNkulunkulu, “Ngonile kakhulu phambi kwakho ngokwenza lokhu. Ngakho, ngiyakuncenga, susa umlandu lo encekwini yakho. Ngenze ubuwula obukhulu kakhulu.”

9  UThixo wakhuluma loGadi, umboni kaDavida, wathi: 10 “Hamba uyetshela uDavida ukuthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Ngikunika ukuthi ukhethe phakathi kokuthathu. Khetha okukodwa okumele ngikwehlisele khona mina.’ ”

11 Ngakho uGadi waya kuDavida wathi kuye, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Zikhethele wena okufunayo: 12 iminyaka emithathu yendlala, loba izinyanga ezintathu zokududulwa uxotshwa yizitha zakho, ngenkemba zazo zikukhulela, loba insuku ezintathu zokumelana lenkemba kaThixo, kuyikuthi kuyabe kuyisifo elizweni, ingilosi kaThixo iletha incithakalo kulolonke elako-Israyeli.’ Ngakho, khathesi khetha ukuthi ngifike ngithini kulo ongithumileyo.”

13 UDavida wathi kuGadi, “Ngisosizini olukhulu kakhulu; kungangcono ngizinikele ezandleni zikaThixo, ngoba umusa wakhe mkhulu kakhulu; kodwa unganginikeli ezandleni zabantu.”

14 Ngakho uThixo wathumela isifo ko-Israyeli, kwafa amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa ko-Israyeli. 15 Njalo uNkulunkulu wasethumela ingilosi ukuba iyechitha iJerusalema. Kodwa ingilosi ithe isakwenza lokho, uThixo wazisola ngencithakalo eyayizakwenzakala wahle wakhuza ingilosi eyayizabhubhisa abantu wathi, “Kwanele! Susa isandla sakho.” Ingilosi kaThixo ngalesosikhathi yayisimi esizeni sika-Onani umJebusi.

16 UDavida wakhangela phezulu wabona ingilosi kaThixo imi phakathi kwezulu lomhlaba, iphethe inkemba esandleni sayo phezu kweJerusalema. Ngakho uDavida labadala, begqoke amasaka, bawa phansi ngobuso.

17 UDavida wathi kuNkulunkulu, “Angithi yimi engithe akubalwe amadoda okulwa na? Yimi engonileyo ngadala isono. Laba abasilutho yizimvu ezilandelayo. Benzeni? Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wami, isandla sakho asiwele phezu kwami labendlu yami, kodwa akuthi isifo singasali ebantwini bakho.”

UDavida Wakha I-Alithari

18 Ngakho ingilosi kaThixo yathuma uGadi ukuthi ayetshela uDavida ukuthi ayekwakha i-alithari likaThixo esizeni sika-Onani umJebusi. 19 Lakanye uDavida walalela ilizwi elakhitshwa nguGadi ngebizo likaThixo.

20 U-Onani esabhula ingqoloyi, wanyemukula wabona ingilosi; amadodana akhe amane ayelaye acatsha. 21 Kwasekufika uDavida, kuthe u-Onani embona, watshiya ukubhula wayakhothamela uDavida elokhu ebuso bukhothamele phansi.

22 UDavida wathi kuye, “Ake ungivumele ngibone isiza sakho sokubhulela amabele ukuze ngakhe i-alithari likaThixo, ukuze isifo esisebantwini simiswe. Ngithengisela sona ngentengo yaso egcweleyo.”

23 U-Onani wathi kuDavida, “Sithathe! Inkosi yami kayenze lokho ebona kuyithokozisa. Khangela, mina ngizaletha inkabi zomnikelo wokutshiswa, lemibhulo yokubhula izakuba zinkuni, ingqoloyi izakuba ngumnikelo wamabele. Konke lokhu ngiyakunika.”

24 Kodwa inkosi uDavida yathi ku-Onani, “Hayi, ngifuna ukuthenga ngentengo egcweleyo. Angiyikuthatha okuya kuThixo okungokwakho, angiyikunikela umnikelo wokutshiswa engingawuthenganga.”

25 Ngakho uDavida wanika u-Onani amashekeli egolide angamakhulu ayisithupha ethenga leyondawo. 26 UDavida wakhela uThixo i-alithari kuleyondawo wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yobudlelwano. Wakhuleka kuThixo, uThixo wamphendula ngomlilo uvela ezulwini phezu kwe-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa.

27 Ngakho uThixo wakhuluma lengilosi, yona yasibuyisela inkemba yayo esikhwameni sayo. 28 Ngalesosikhathi, uDavida esebonile ukuthi uThixo wayemphendule esizeni sika-Onani umJebusi, wanikela iminikelo kuleyondawo. 29 Ithabanikeli likaThixo, elalakhiwe nguMosi enkangala, kanye le-alithari leminikelo yokutshiswa ngalesosikhathi kwakusendaweni ephakemeyo eGibhiyoni. 30 Kodwa uDavida wehluleka ukuya khona ukuze abuze kuNkulunkulu ngoba wayesesaba inkemba yengilosi kaThixo.

22

1 UDavida wasesithi, “Indlu kaThixo uNkulunkulu izakuba khonapha, kanye le-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa ka-Israyeli.”

Amalungiselelo Okwakha IThempeli

2 Ngakho uDavida wakhupha ilizwi lokuthi bonke abezizweni abahlala ko-Israyeli babuthaniswe, kwathi phakathi kwabo wakhetha ababazi bamatshe ukuze balungise babaze amatshe okwakha indlu kaNkulunkulu. 3 Wabuthanisa insimbi enengi kakhulu yokwenza izipikili zezivalo lezinsimbi zokuhlanganisa, wabuthanisa lethusi elinengi elingelakulinganiswa. 4 Wadinga lezigodo zomsedari ezinengi ezingelakubalwa, ngoba amaSidoni labaseThire baletha inani lazo elikhulu kakhulu kuDavida.

5 UDavida wasesithi, “Indodana yami uSolomoni isengumntwana njalo ayikabi lolwazi, ngoba phela indlu ezakwakhelwa uThixo kumele ibe yindlu ebukekayo kakhulu ibe lodumo lesithunzi emehlweni ezizwe zonke. Ngakho ngizalungiselela ukwakhiwa kwayo.” Yikho uDavida walungiselela ngokujulileyo esaphila.

6 Wasebiza uSolomoni indodana yakhe, wamlaya ukuthi akhele uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli indlu. 7 UDavida wathi kuSolomoni: “Ndodana yami, ngangizimisele ukwakhela iBizo likaThixo, uNkulunkulu wami indlu. 8 Kodwa ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: ‘Wena uchithe igazi elinengi, walwa izimpi ezinengi. Kawuyikwakhela iBizo lami indlu, ngoba uchithe igazi elinengi kakhulu emhlabeni. 9 Kodwa, uzazala indodana ezakuba ngumuntu othanda ukuthula; ngizayiphumuza ezitheni zayo inxa zonke. Izathiwa nguSolomoni, njalo ngizanika u-Israyeli ukuthula ensukwini zokubusa kwakhe. 10 Nguye ozakwakhela iBizo lami indlu. Uzakuba yindodana yami, mina ngizakuba nguyise. Njalo ngizaqinisa ubukhosi bakhe ko-Israyeli kuze kube nininini.’

11 Ndodana yami, uThixo kabe lawe ukuze uphumelele ukwakha indlu kaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, njengokutsho kwakhe ngawe. 12 Sengathi uThixo angakunika ukuhlakanipha lokuqedisisa, ukuze kuthi lapho ekunika amandla ko-Israyeli, uwulondoloze umlayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. 13 Uzaphumelela nxa unanzelela ukugcina izimiso lemithetho uThixo ayinika u-Israyeli ngoMosi. Qina, ube lesibindi. Ungesabi utshaywe luvalo.

14 Ngayo yonke imizamo yami ngilungisele indlu kaThixo amathalenta egolide azinkulungwane ezilikhulu, lamathalenta esiliva ayisigidi, lethusi kanye lensimbi okulesisindo esingelakubalwa, lezigodo kanye lamatshe. Lawe ungengezelela kulokho. 15 Ulezisebenzi ezinengi, ababazi bamatshe, labakha ngamatshe, lababazi, lezingcitshi zemisebenzi yonke, 16 eyegolide, isiliva, ithusi kanye lensimbi, izingcitshi ezingelakubalwa. Qalisa-ke umsebenzi, uThixo abe lawe.”

17 UDavida waselaya bonke abakhokheli bako-Israyeli ukuba basize uSolomoni indodana yakhe. 18 Wathi kubo, “uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu kakho kini na? Kalinikanga ukuthula inxa zonke na? Ngoba unikele abantu belizwe esandleni sami, lelizwe libuswa nguThixo labantu bakhe. 19 Ngakho nikelani inhliziyo zenu ekufuneni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Qalisani ukwakha indlu kaThixo uNkulunkulu, ukuze ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo lezitsha zikaThixo ezingcwele kungeniswe ethempelini elizakwakhelwa iBizo likaThixo.”

23

AbaLevi

1 Kwathi uDavida esemdala eseluphele, wabeka uSolomoni indodana yakhe ukuba abe yinkosi ko-Israyeli.

2 Wasehlanganisa bonke abakhokheli bako-Israyeli, labaphristi kanye labaLevi. 3 AbaLevi abaleminyaka esukela kwengamatshumi amathathu kusiya phezulu babalwa, inani lamadoda laba zinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lasificaminwembili. 4 UDavida wasesithi: “Phakathi kwalaba, abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane bazakhangela ukuqhutshwa komsebenzi wethempeli likaThixo kuthi abazinkulungwane eziyisithupha bazakuba yizikhulu labahluleli. 5 Abazinkulungwane ezine bazakuba ngabalindi bamasango kuthi abazinkulungwane ezine badumise uThixo ngamachacho lezigubhu engizigcinele lowomsebenzi.”

6 UDavida wehlukanisa abaLevi ngamaxuku kusiya ngamadodana kaLevi: uGeshoni, loKhohathi kanye loMerari.

AbakaGeshoni

7 Exukwini labakaGeshoni yilaba:

uLadani loShimeyi.

8 Amadodana kaLadani yila:

nguJehiyeli owokuqala, loZethami kanye loJoweli, bonke bebathathu.

9 Amadodana kaShimeyi yila:

nguShelomothi, loHaziyeli kanye loHarani, bonke bebathathu.

Laba babezinhloko zezindlu zenzalo kaLadani.

10 Lamadodana kaShimeyi yila:

nguJahathi, loZiza, loJewushi kanye loBheriya.

Laba kwakungamadodana kaShimeyi, bonke babebane.

11 UJahathi engowakuqala loZiza engowesibili, kodwa uJewushi loBheriya abazange babelamadodana amanengi, ngakho babalwa njengemuli yinye bahle baphiwa umsebenzi bendawonye.

AmaKhohathi

12 Amadodana kaKhohathi yila:

ngu-Amramu, lo-Izihari, loHebhroni kanye lo-Uziyeli, bonke babebane.

13 Amadodana ka-Amramu yila:

ngu-Aroni loMosi.

U-Aroni wehlukaniselwa ukunikela izinto ezingcwele kakhulu kuThixo, ukuze yena lamadodana akhe batshise impepha phambi kukaThixo lokumkhonza lokubusisa ngebizo lakhe kuze kube nininini. 14 Amadodana kaMosi inceku kaNkulunkulu abalwa ndawonye labesizwana sikaLevi.

15 Amadodana kaMosi yila:

nguGeshomu lo-Eliyezari.

16 Abosendo lukaGeshomu:

nguShubhayeli engowakuqala.

17 Abosendo luka-Eliyezari:

nguRehabhiya engowakuqala.

U-Eliyezari kazange abe lamanye amadodana kodwa amadodana kaRehabhiya ayemanengi kakhulu.

18 Amadodana ka-Izihari yila:

nguShelomithi engowokuqala.

19 Amadodana kaHebhroni yila:

nguJeriya engowokuqala, lo-Amariya engowesibili,

loJahaziyeli engowesithathu kanye loJekhameyamu owesine.

20 Amadodana ka-Uziyeli yila:

nguMikha engowakuqala lo-Ishiya owesibili.

AmaMerari

21 Amadodana kaMerari yila:

nguMahili loMushi.

Amadodana kaMahili yila:

ngu-Eliyezari loKhishi.

22 U-Eliyezari wafa engelamadodana: wayelamadodakazi wodwa. Amadodakazi endela kubafowabo, amadodana kaKhishi.

23 Amadodana kaMushi yila:

nguMahili, lo-Ederi kanye loJerimothi, bonke bebathathu.

24 Laba kwakungabosendo lukaLevi ngezindlu zabo, abazinhloko zezindlu njengokulotshwa kwamabizo lokubalwa kwabo ngamunye, okutsho ukuthi, abasebenzayo abaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ababesebenza ethempelini likaThixo. 25 Ngoba uDavida wathi: “Njengoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, enike abantu bakhe ukuthula lokuthi bazahlala eJerusalema kuze kube nininini, 26 abaLevi akusafanele bathwale ithabanikeli loba kuyini okusetshenziswa ezinkonzweni zalo.” 27 Njengeziyalezelo zikaDavida zokucina, abaLevi babalwa kusukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu.

28 Umsebenzi wabaLevi wawungowokuncedisa inzalo ka-Aroni emsebenzini wethempeli likaThixo: ukugcina amaguma akhona; izindlu ezisemaceleni, ukuhlambulula zonke izinto ezingcwele lokwenza yonke imisebenzi endlini kaNkulunkulu. 29 Babephethe umsebenzi wesinkwa sokwahlukanisela ethaleni, ifulawa yomnikelo wamabele, lesinkwa esingelamvubelo, ukuxuba lokupheka isinkwa, lezilinganiso zonke zezisindo lobukhulu bakhona. 30 Njalo babemele beme ngezinyawo ekuseni nsuku zonke ukubonga lokudumisa uThixo. Kwakufanele benzenjalo lantambama, 31 lalapho kunikelwa iminikelo yokutshiswa kuThixo ngamaSabatha, emadilini okuThwasa kweNyanga, lakuyo yonke imikhosi emisiweyo. Babefanele bamsebenzele uThixo ngazozonke izikhathi ngenani elilingeneyo langendlela ababeyimiselwe.

32 Ngakho abaLevi bawenza umsebenzi wabo weThenteni lokuHlanganela, laseNdaweni eNgcwele, ngaphansi kwabafowabo abayisizukulwana sika-Aroni, emsebenzini wethempeli likaThixo.

24

Izigaba ZabaPhristi

1 Lezi yizo izigaba zamadodana ka-Aroni:

Amadodana ka-Aroni nguNadabi, lo-Abhihu, lo-Eliyazari kanye lo-Ithamari. 2 Kodwa uNadabi lo-Abhihu bafa uyise engakafi, njalo babengelamadodana; ngakho u-Eliyazari lo-Ithamari yibo ababa ngabaphristi. 3 Ngokuphathisana loZadokhi owosendo luka-Eliyazari kanye lo-Ahimeleki owosendo luka-Ithamari, uDavida wabehlukanisa ngezigaba kusiya ngemisebenzi ababemele bayenze. 4 Babebanengi abosendo luka-Eliyazari abakhokheli kulabosendo luka-Ithamari ngakho behlukaniswa bamiswa njengalokhu: kwakusiba ngabalitshumi lesithupha kwabosendo luka-Eliyazari abazinhloko labayisificaminwembili kusendo luka-Ithamari. 5 Babakhetha kungelakubandlulula ngokuphosa inkatho, ngoba zazikhona izikhulu zendawo yokuphephela lezikhulu zikaNkulunkulu phakathi kwabosendo luka-Eliyazari laphakathi koluka-Ithamari.

6 Umlobi uShemaya indodana kaNethaneli, umLevi, waloba amabizo abo phambi kwenkosi kanye lezikhulu: uZadokhi umphristi, lo-Ahimeleki indodana ka-Abhiyathari kanye lenhloko zezimuli zabaphristi labaLevi, kuthathwa imuli eyodwa ku-Eliyazari kuphinde kuthathwe imuli eyodwa ku-Ithamari.

7 Inkatho yakuqala yadla uJehoyaribhi,

eyesibili yadla uJedaya,

8 eyesithathu yadla uHarimu,

eyesine yadla uSeworimi,

9 eyesihlanu yadla uMalikhija,

eyesithupha yadla uMijamini,

10 eyesikhombisa yadla uHakhozi,

eyesificaminwembili yadla u-Abhija,

11 eyesificamunwemunye yadla uJeshuwa,

eyetshumi yadla uShekhaniya,

12 eyetshumi lanye yadla u-Eliyashibi,

eyetshumi lambili yadla uJakhimi,

13 eyetshumi lantathu yadla uHupha,

eyetshumi lane yadla uJeshebheyabi,

14 eyetshumi lanhlanu yadla uBhiliga,

eyetshumi lesithupha yadla u-Imeri,

15 eyetshumi lesikhombisa yadla uHeziri,

eyetshumi lasificaminwembili mibili yadla uHapizezi,

16 eyetshumi lesificamunwemunye yadla uPhethahiya,

eyamatshumi amabili yadla uHezekhiyeli,

17 eyamatshumi amabili lanye yadla uJakhini,

eyamatshumi amabili lambili yadla uGamuli,

18 eyamatshumi amabili lantathu yadla uDelaya,

eyamatshumi amabili lane yadla uMaziya.

19 Yizo lezi izigaba ababehlukaniswe ngazo ukuze benze umsebenzi wokukhonza ekungeneni kwabo ethempelini likaThixo, ngezimiso ezenzelwa ukhokho wabo u-Aroni, njengokulaywa kwakhe nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

Abanye AbaLevi

20 Kwathi-ke ababesele abosendo lukaLevi:

emadodaneni ka-Amramu: uShubhayeli;

emadodaneni kaShubhayeli: nguJehideya.

21 Kuvela kuRehabhiya, amadodana akhe yila: ngu-Ishiya engowokuqala.

22 Kuma-Izihari: nguShelomothi;

emadodaneni kaShelomothi; nguJahathi.

23 Amadodana kaHebhroni yila:

nguJeriya owokuqala lo-Amariya owesibili, loJahaziyeli owesithathu loJekhameyamu owesine.

24 Indodana ka-Uziyeli: nguMikha;

emadodaneni kaMikha nguShamiri.

25 Umfowabo kaMikha: ngu-Ishiya;

emadodaneni ka-Ishiya: nguZakhariya.

26 Amadodana kaMerari: nguMahili loMushi.

Indodana kaJahaziya: nguBheno.

27 Amadodana kaMerari:

Kusuka kuJahaziya: nguBheno, loShohamu, loZakhuri kanye lo-Ibhiri.

28 Kusuka kuMahili: ngu-Eliyezari, ongazange abe lamadodana.

29 Kusukela kuKhishi: indodana kaKhishi: nguJerameli.

30 Njalo lakumadodana kaMushi: nguMahili, lo-Ederi kanye loJerimothi.

Laba kwakungabaLevi, ngezimuli zabo.

31 Labo baphosa inkatho, njengalokhu okwenziwa ngabafowabo abosendo luka-Aroni, phambi kweNkosi uDavida loZadokhi, u-Ahimeleki, labayizinhloko zezimuli zabaphristi kanye lezabaLevi. Imuli yomfowabo omdala yaphathwa njengemuli yomfowabo omncinyane kulabo bonke.

25

Abahlabeleli

1 UDavida, elabalawuli bamabutho, wakhetha abanye bamadodana ka-Asafi, uHemani loJeduthuni emsebenzini wokuphrofetha, baphelekezelwa yimihubhe lamachacho lezigubhu. Nantu uluhlu lwamadoda ayesenza lowomsebenzi:

2 Emadodaneni ka-Asafi:

nguZakhuri, loJosefa, loNethaniya kanye lo-Asarela. Amadodana ka-Asafi ayesesandleni sika-Asafi, yena owayephrofetha esesandleni senkosi.

3 NgakuJeduthuni, amadodana akhe yila:

nguGedaliya, loZeri, loJeshaya loShimeyi, loHashabhiya kanye loMathithiya, beyisithupha ndawonye, besesandleni sikayise uJeduthuni, owayephrofetha esebenzisa umhubhe ukubonga lokudumisa uThixo.

4 NgakuHemani, amadodana akhe yila:

nguBhukhiya, loMathaniya, lo-Uziyeli, loShubhayeli kanye loJerimothi; uHananiya, loHanani, lo-Eliyatha, loGidalithi loRomamthi-Ezeri; loJoshibhekhasha, loMalothi, loHothiri kanye loMahaziyothi. 5 Bonke laba kwakungamadodana kaHemani umboni wenkosi. Bona ebaphiwe ngesithembiso sikaNkulunkulu sokumphakamisa. UNkulunkulu wapha uHemani amadodana alitshumi lane lamadodakazi amathathu.

6 Wonke lamadoda ayephethwe ngoyise emsebenzini wokuhlabela ethempelini likaThixo, ngezigubhu, amachacho lemihubhe enkonzweni endlini kaNkulunkulu.

U-Asafi, loJeduthuni kanye loHemani babengaphansi kwenkosi. 7 Bona kanye lezihlobo zabo zonke babewufundele umsebenzi wokuhlabelela njalo bengamagabazi okuhlabelela uThixo, babengamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili labantu abayisificaminwembili (288). 8 Abatsha labadala ngokufanayo, abafundisayo lababefunda, baphosa inkatho.

9 Inkatho yakuqala eyayingeka-Asafi yawela kuJosefa lamadodana akhe kanye lezihlobo zakhe, belitshumi lambili;

eyesibili yawela kuGedaliya, yena kanye lezihlobo lamadodana akhe belitshumi lambili;

10 eyesithathu yawela kuZakhuri, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo zakhe, belitshumi lambili;

11 eyesine yawela ku-Iziri, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo zakhe belitshumi lambili;

12 eyesihlanu yawela kuNethaniya, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo zakhe belitshumi lambili;

13 eyesithupha yawela kuBhukhiya, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

14 eyesikhombisa yawela kuJesarela, lamadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

15 eyesificaminwembili yawela kuJeshayiya, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

16 eyesificamunwemunye yawela kuMathaniya, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

17 eyetshumi yawela kuShimeyi, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

18 eyetshumi lanye yawela ku-Azareli, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

19 eyetshumi lambili yawela kuHashabhiya, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

20 eyetshumi lantathu yawela kuShubhayeli, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

21 eyetshumi lane yawela kuMathithiya, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

22 eyetshumi lanhlanu yawela kuJerimothi, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

23 eyetshumi lesithupha yawela kuHananiya, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

24 eyetshumi lesikhombisa yawela kuJoshibhekhasha, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

25 eyetshumi lasificaminwembili yawela kuHanani, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

26 eyetshumi lesificamunwemunye yawela kuMalothi, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

27 eyamatshumi amabili yawela ku-Eliyatha, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

28 eyamatshumi amabili lanye yawela kuHothiri, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

29 eyamatshumi amabili lambili yawela kuGidalithi, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

30 eyamatshumi amabili lantathu yawela kuMahaziyothi, lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili;

31 eyamatshumi amabili lane yawela kuRomamthi-Ezeri lakumadodana akhe lezihlobo, belitshumi lambili.

26

Abalindi BamaSango

1 Izigaba zabalindi bamasango:

KwabakoKhora:

kunguMeshelemiya indodana kaKhora, omunye wamadodana ka-Asafi. 2 UMeshelemiya wayelamadodana ahlanganisa

uZakhariya eyakuqala loJediyeli eyesibili,

loZebhadiya eyesithathu, loJathiniyeli eyesine,

3 lo-Elamu eyesihlanu, loJehohanani eyesithupha kanye

lo-Eliyehonayi eyesikhombisa.

4 U-Obhedi-Edomi laye wayelamadodana:

kunguShemaya eyakuqala, loJehozabhadi eyesibili,

loJowa eyesithathu, loSakhari eyesine,

loNethaneli eyesihlanu, 5 lo-Amiyeli eyesithupha,

lo-Isakhari eyesikhombisa, kanye loPhewulethayi eyesificaminwembili.

(Ngoba uNkulunkulu wayembusisile u-Obhedi-Edomi.)

6 Indodana yakhe uShemaya layo yayilamadodana, ayengabakhokheli kwabendlu kayise ngoba babengamadoda enelisayo. 7 Amadodana kaShemaya wona yila:

ngu-Othini, loRafayeli, lo-Obhedi kanye lo-Elizabhadi;

izihlobo zakhe u-Elihu loSemakhiya lazo zazingamadoda ayesenelisa.

8 Bonke laba babengabosendo luka-Obhedi-Edomi; bona kanye lamadodana abo lezihlobo zabo babengamadoda enelisayo belamandla okwenza umsebenzi, bengabosendo luka-Obhedi-Edomi, babengamatshumi ayisithupha lambili (62) sebendawonye.

9 UMeshelemiya wayelamadodana lezihlobo, amadoda ayekhaliphile ayelitshumi lasificaminwembili (18) esendawonye.

10 UHosa ongumʼMerari wayelamadodana:

uShimiri engowakuqala (loba wayengasuye izibulo, uyise wayembeke kulesosikhundla sokuba ngowokuqala),

11 loHilikhiya engowesibili, loThabhaliya engowesithathu kanye

loZekhariya engowesine.

Amadodana lezihlobo zikaHosa sebendawonye babelitshumi lantathu (13).

12 Izigaba zabalindi bamasango, kusiya ngabakhokheli bazo, zazilomlandu wokwenza umsebenzi ethempelini likaThixo, njengokwakusenziwa yizihlobo zabo. 13 Benza inkatho isango lilinye, kusiya ngemuli, abatsha labadala kufanana.

14 Inkatho yeSango langaseMpumalanga yawela kuShelemiya.

Basebesenzela inkatho indodana yakhe uZakhariya owayengumcebisi okhaliphileyo, inkatho yeSango langaseNyakatho yawela kuye.

15 Inkatho yeSango langaseZansi lawela ku-Obhedi-Edomi, amadodana akhe kwathiwa kawalinde isiphala.

16 Inkatho yeSango langaseNtshonalanga kanye leSango leShalekhethi emgwaqweni ongaphezulu laya kuShuphimu loHosa.

Kwalinda abalindi ngabalindi:

17 Kwakusiba labaLevi abayisithupha ngelanga empumalanga,

abane ngelanga enyakatho,

abane ezansi ngelanga

kuthi esiphaleni kube lababili lakhona ngazozonke izikhathi.

18 Phambili ngentshonalanga, kwakulabane emgwaqweni, ababili besegumeni uqobo.

19 Lezi yizigaba zabalindi bamasango ababengabosendo lukaKhora loMerari.

Abagcinisikhwama Lezinye Izikhulu

20 Abanye babaLevi babephatha inotho yethempeli likaNkulunkulu leziligugu ezingcwele.

21 Abosendo lukaLadani, ababe ngamaGeshoni ngoLadani njalo ababezinhloko zabakaLadani umGeshoni, kwakunguJehiyeli, 22 amadodana kaJehiyeli, loZethami lomfowabo uJoweli. Laba yibo ababephethe inotho yethempeli likaThixo.

23 Kuma-Amramu, ama-Izihari, lamaHebhroni lama-Uziyeli babemi ngalindlela:

24 uShubhayeli, owosendo lukaGeshomu indodana kaMosi, wayeyisikhulu esasiphethe ezenotho. 25 Izihlobo zakhe ngo-Eliyezari yilezi: nguRehabhiya indodana yakhe, loJeshaya indodana yakhe, loJoramu indodana yakhe, loZikhiri indodana yakhe loShelomithi indodana yakhe.

26 (UShelomithi lezihlobo zakhe babephethe zonke ezenotho ezingcwele ezazinikelwe yinkosi uDavida, labayizinhloko zezindlu ababengabalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamakhulu, langabanye abalawuli bamabutho. 27 Eyinye impango eyayithunjwe ekulweni bayinikela ekulungisweni kwethempeli likaThixo. 28 Lakho konke okwakunikelwe nguSamuyeli umboni loSawuli indodana kaKhishi, lo-Abhineri indodana kaNeri loJowabi indodana kaZeruya, lazozonke ezinye ezazinikelwe zazisesandleni sikaShelomithi kanye lezihlobo zakhe.)

29 Kwabaka-Izihari yilaba:

UKhenaniya lamadodana akhe baphiwa umsebenzi ngaphandle kwethempeli, beyizikhulu labehluleli kwabako-Israyeli.

30 KwabakaHebhroni yilaba:

UHashabhiya lezihlobo zakhe, amadoda enelisayo ayengamakhulu alitshumi layisikhombisa ayekhangele ingxenye ka-Israyeli entshonalanga yeJodani kuwo wonke umsebenzi kaThixo lokuba yizinceku zenkosi. 31 AmaHebhroni wona, umkhokheli wawo kwakunguJeriya kusiya ngokulotshwa koluhlu lokuzalana kwezimuli zawo.

Kwathi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amane wokubusa kukaDavida kwahlolisiswa kuloluluhlu lwemibhalo, kwafunyanwa ukuthi amadoda akhaliphileyo phakathi kwamaHebhroni ayeseJazeri ngaseGiliyadi. 32 UJeriya wayelezihlobo ezingamakhulu angamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa, ezazikhaliphile njalo zizinhloko zezimuli zazo, ngakho inkosi uDavida wazibeka ukuthi ziphathe abakoRubheni, abakoGadi lengxenye yesizwana sikaManase kukho konke okwakungokukaNkulunkulu lokuyizindaba zenkosi.

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Amaviyo Empi

1 Nantu uluhlu lwabako-Israyeli, inhloko zezimuli, abalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamakhulu, ababesebenzela inkosi kulokho okuqondane lamaviyo empi ayefanele ukuzophisana ngenyanga kuze kuyephela umnyaka. Iviyo lilinye lalilamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000).

2 Owayephethe iviyo lakuqala, ngenyanga yakuqala, kwakunguJashobheyamu indodana kaZabhidiyeli. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) esigabeni sakhe. 3 Yena wayengowosendo lukaPherezi njalo eyinduna yezikhulu zonke zamabutho okwenyanga yakuqala.

4 Owayephethe iviyo ngenyanga yesibili kwakunguDodayi wako-Ahohi; uMikhilothi engumkhokheli weviyo lakhe. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

5 Umlawuli wamabutho wesithathu, owezopho lesithathu, kwakunguBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada umphristi. Wayeyinduna, njalo esigabeni sakhe kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000). 6 Nguyenalo uBhenaya owayeliqhawe phakathi kwamaTshumi amaThathu njalo eyinduna yamaTshumi amaThathu. Indodana yakhe u-Amizabhadi yayiphethe iviyo lakhe.

7 Owesine, owezopho lenyanga yesine, kwakungu-Asaheli umfowabo kaJowabi; indodana yakhe uZebhadiya wasala esethatha isikhundla sakhe. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

8 Owesihlanu, owezopho lenyanga yesihlanu, kwakungumlawuli uShamihuthi owako-Izira. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

9 Owesithupha, owezopho lenyanga yesithupha, kwakungu-Ira indodana ka-Ikheshi waseThekhowa. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

10 Owesikhombisa, owezopho lenyanga yesikhombisa, kwakunguHelezi umPheloni, owako-Efrayimi. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

11 Owesificaminwembili, owezopho lenyanga yesificaminwembili, kwakunguSibhekhayi umHushathi wakoZera. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

12 Owesificamunwemunye, owezopho lesificamunwemunye, kwakungu-Abhiyezeri umʼAnathothi owakoBhenjamini. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

13 Owetshumi, owezopho lenyanga yetshumi, kwakunguMaharayi umNethofa wakoZera. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

14 Owetshumi lanye, owezopho lenyanga yetshumi lanye, kwakunguBhenaya umPhirathoni wako-Efrayimi. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

15 Owetshumi lambili, owezopho lenyanga yetshumi lambili, kwakunguHelidayi umNethofa, owemuli ka-Othiniyeli. Kwakulamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane (24,000) eviyweni lakhe.

Izikhulu Zezizwana

16 Izikhulu ezizwaneni zako-Israyeli yilezi:

KwabakoRubheni: ngu-Eliyezari indodana kaZikhiri;

kwabakoSimiyoni, nguShefathiya indodana kaMahakha;

17 kwabakoLevi: nguHashabhiya indodana kaKhemuweli;

kwabako-Aroni: nguZadokhi;

18 kwabakoJuda: ngu-Elihu, umfowabo kaDavida;

kwabaka-Isakhari: ngu-Omri indodana kaMikhayeli;

19 kwabakoZebhuluni: ngu-Ishimaya indodana ka-Obhadaya;

kwabakoNafithali: nguJerimothi indodana ka-Aziriyeli

20 kwabako-Efrayimi: nguHosheya indodana ka-Azaziya;

kwabayingxenye yesizwana sikaManase: nguJoweli indodana kaPhedaya;

21 kwabayingxenye yesizwana sikaManase eGiliyadi: ngu-Ido indodana kaZakhariya;

kwabakoBhenjamini: nguJasiyeli indodana ka-Abhineri;

22 kwabakoDani: ngu-Azareli indodana kaJerohamu.

Laba babeyizikhulu ezizwaneni zako-Israyeli.

23 UDavida kazange abhale phansi inani lamadoda ayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lababengaphansi kwaleyo, ngoba uThixo wayethembise ukuthi wayezakwandisa u-Israyeli abe njengezinkanyezi emkhathini. 24 UJowabi indodana kaZeruya waqalisa ukubala amadoda kodwa kaqedanga. Ulaka lwehlela u-Israyeli ngenxa yalokho kubalwa ngakho inani lelo alibhalwanga encwadini yezindaba zeNkosi uDavida.

Abacebisi BeNkosi

25 U-Azimavethi indodana ka-Adiyeli wayephethe iziphala zesikhosini.

UJonathani indodana ka-Uziya wayephethe iziphala emaphandleni ezabelweni, emadolobheni, emizini kanye lasezilindweni.

26 U-Eziri indodana kaKhelubi wayephethe izisebenzi emaphandleni ezazilima amasimu.

27 UShimeyi umʼRamathi wayephethe izivini.

UZabhidi waseShefama wayephethe izithelo zezivini zokwenza iwayini.

28 UBhali-Hanani umGederi wayephethe izihlahla zama-oliva lomkhiwane wesikhamore emawatheni ezintatshana zasentshonalanga.

UJowashi wayephethe amafutha e-oliva.

29 UShithirayi umSharoni wayephethe imihlambi eyayisemadlelweni aseSharoni.

UShafathi indodana ka-Adilayi, wayephethe imihlambi ezihotsheni.

30 U-Obhili owako-Ishumayeli wayephethe amakamela,

uJehideya owakoMeronothi ephethe ezabobabhemi.

31 UJazizi umHagari wayephethe ezemihlambi yezimvu.

Bonke laba babeyizikhulu ezaziphethe impahla zenkosi uDavida.

32 UJonathani, isihlobo sikaDavida, wayengumcebisi, indoda ehlakaniphileyo njalo engumbhali.

UJehiyeli indodana kaHakhimoni wayephethe amadodana enkosi.

33 U-Ahithofeli wayengumcebisi wenkosi.

UHushayi owako-Arikhi wayengumngane wenkosi.

34 UJehoyada indodana kaBhenaya nguye owathatha isikhundla sika-Ahithofeli kwalandela u-Abhiyathari.

UJowabi wayengumlawuli webutho lenkosi.

28

Amacebo KaDavida Ngokwakhiwa KweThempeli

1 UDavida wamema zonke izikhulu zako-Israyeli zabuthana eJerusalema: izikhulu zezizwana, abalawuli bamaviyo emsebenzini wenkosi, abalawuli bezinkulungwane kanye labalawuli bamakhulu, lezikhulu ezaziphethe ezezimpahla lezifuyo zenkosi lamadodana ayo, kanye lezikhulu zesigodlweni, amaqhawe labo bonke ababelezibindi empini.

2 Inkosi uDavida yasukuma yathi: “Lalelani, zihlobo labantu bami, bengizimisele ukwakhela ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, indlu yokuhlala njalo kuyisenabelo sikaNkulunkulu wethu, ngaze ngenza amalungiselelo okukufeza lokho. 3 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kimi: ‘Awuyikulakhela indlu iBizo lami, ngoba wena ungowempi njalo usuchithe igazi.’

4 Kodwa uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, wakhetha mina kuyo yonke indlu yakwethu ukuba yinkosi yako-Israyeli kuze kube nininini. Wakhetha uJuda ukuba abe ngumkhokheli, kwathi khona endlini kaJuda wakhetha imuli yakwethu, kwazakuthi emadodaneni kababa kumthokozisile ukungibeka ngibe yinkosi kulolonke elako-Israyeli. 5 Kuwo wonke amadodana ami njengoba uThixo engiphe amanengi, umkhethile uSolomoni indodana yami ukuba ahlale esihlalweni sobukhosi esikhosini sombuso kaThixo ko-Israyeli. 6 Wathi kimi: ‘USolomoni indodana yakho yiyo ezangakhela indlu yami ilungise lamaguma ami, ngoba ngimkhethile ukuba abe yindodana yami, lami ngizakuba nguyise. 7 Ngizawuqinisa umbuso wakhe kuze kube nininini nxa eqina ekugcineni imilayo yami lemithetho yami njengalokhu okwenzakalayo lamuhla.’

8 Ngakho-ke phambi kwakhe wonke u-Israyeli, lebandla likaThixo uNkulunkulu, laphambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu: gcinani linanzelele imilayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuze libe lelizwe elihle elizalitshiyela izizukulwane kube yilifa lazo kuze kube nininini.

9 Njalo wena ndodana yami, Solomoni, mamukele uNkulunkulu kayihlo, umkhonze ngokuzinikela ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langengqondo yokuvuma, ngoba uThixo uyihlola yonke inhliziyo kanti uyayazi iminakano lezenzo zonke. Nxa umdinga uThixo, uzamthola wena, kodwa nxa umfulathela, uzakufulathela yena kuze kube nininini. 10 Nanzelela-ke ngoba uThixo ukukhethile ukuba umakhele ithempeli libe yindawo yokukhonzela. Qina wenze umsebenzi.”

11 Ngakho uDavida wasenika uSolomoni indodana yakhe umdwebo wesakhiwo sethempeli, lowezindlu zalo, lowezindlu zenotho, lowezindlu zangaphezulu, lowezindlu zangaphakathi, lowendlu yesihlalo somusa. 12 Wamnika umdwebo wakho konke ayekutshengiswe nguMoya engqondweni yakhe ngamaguma ethempeli likaThixo, lowezindlu eziwazingelezeleyo, lowendlu yenotho yethempeli, lowendlu yenotho yezinto ezingcwele. 13 Wamtshela langesimo sezigaba zabaphristi lezabaLevi, langawo wonke umsebenzi wasethempelini likaThixo, langezitsha zonke zenkonzo, 14 langesisindo segolide lazozonke izitsha zegolide zaleyo laleyo nkonzo, langesisindo sezitsha zesiliva zaleyo laleyo nkonzo: 15 langesisindo sezinti zezibane zegolide kanye lezibane zazo, langesisindo segolide salolo lalololuthi lwesibane lezibane zalo, lobunzima besiliva balolo lalololuthi lwesibane lezibane zalo, njengokusetshenziswa kwazo enkonzweni; 16 langesisindo segolide saleyotafula lezinkwa ezahlukaniselwe uNkulunkulu lesisindo sesiliva esamatafula enziwe ngesiliva; 17 isisindo segolide elicengekileyo lezinti, imiganu yokuchelisa lezinkezo zakhona, lesisindo saleso lalesositsha segolide, kanye lesaleso lalesositsha sesiliva. 18 Wamtshela langesimo se-alithare lempepha elenziwe ngegolide elicengekileyo lesisindo salo, langomfanekiso wesihlalo esingamakherubhi egolide achaye amaphiko awo egubuzele ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo.

19 UDavida wasesithi: “Konke lokhu ngilakho kulotshwe ngesandla sikaThixo phezu kwami, njalo wanginika ukuzwisisa kukho konke lokhu langokuphelela kwesimo sakhona.”

20 Okunye okwatshiwo nguDavida kuSolomoni indodana yakhe yikuthi, “Qina ube lesibindi, njalo uwenze lumsebenzi. Ungesabi njalo ungalahli ithemba ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wami, ulawe. Kawuyikwehluleka njalo kayikukufulathela kuze kube sekupheleni komsebenzi wethempeli likaThixo. 21 Izigaba zabaphristi labaLevi sebelindele wonke umsebenzi wethempeli likaNkulunkulu, njalo kuzakuthi bonke abazinikeleyo bakuphathise ngobungcitshi babo obupheleleyo kuyo yonke imisebenzi. Izikhulu labantu bonke zizayamukela yonke imilayo yakho.”

29

Izipho Zokwakha IThempeli

1 Inkosi uDavida yathi ebandleni lonke: “Indodana yami uSolomoni, yena kanye osekhethwe nguNkulunkulu, usesengumfana njalo usesemutsha. Umsebenzi mkhulu, ngoba lesisakhiwo sobukhosi ayisiso esomuntu kodwa ngesikaThixo uNkulunkulu. 2 Sengilungiselele ngayo yonke inzuzo engilayo ukwakhiwa kwethempeli likaNkulunkulu wami, igolide lokwenza izinto zegolide, isiliva sokwenza izinto zesiliva, ithusi lokwenza izinto zethusi, lensimbi yokwenza izinto zensimbi, lezigodo zokwenza izinto zezigodo, kanye lohlobo lwamatshe e-onikisi, lamatshe okubekwa, lamatshe okucecisa, lalemibala, lenhlobonhlobo zonke zamatshe amahle lamatshe alukhuni amanengi, konke lokhu ngikubuthelele ngakunengi. 3 Ngaphandle kwalokho, ngenxa yokutshisekela kwami ithempeli likaNkulunkulu wami, manje senginikela inotho yami yegolide lesiliva ethempelini likaNkulunkulu wami ngaphezu kwakho konke engikulethileyo ethempelini leli elingcwele: 4 ngamathalenta egolide azinkulungwane ezintathu egolide (igolide lase-Ofiri) lamathalenta esiliva esicengekileyo azinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa okokugudula ngalo imiduli yezindlu, 5 okomsebenzi wegolide lokomsebenzi wesiliva lokwawo wonke umsebenzi ozakwenziwa yizingcitshi. Ngakho, ngubani ofuna ukuzinikela kuThixo lamuhla?”

6 Abazinhloko zezindlu, izikhulu zezizwana zako-Israyeli, abalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamakhulu, lezikhulu ezazikhangele ngokuqhutshwa komsebenzi wenkosi bapha ngokuzinikela. 7 Banikela emsebenzini wethempeli likaNkulunkulu amathalenta azinkulungwane ezinhlanu lezinhlamvu zegolide ezizinkulungwane ezilitshumi, lamathalenta esiliva azinkulungwane ezilitshumi, amathalenta ethusi azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasificaminwembili mibili, lamathalenta azinkulungwane ezilikhulu ensimbi. 8 Loba ngubani owayelamatshe aligugu wawanikela endlini yenotho yethempeli likaThixo yona eyayiphethwe nguJehiyeli umGeshoni. 9 Abantu baba lokujabula okukhulu bebona ukuzinikela kwabakhokheli babo, ngoba banikela kuThixo ngokukhululeka langezinhliziyo zabo zonke. UDavida inkosi laye wajabula kakhulu.

Umkhuleko KaDavida

10 UDavida wamdumisa uThixo phambi kwebandla lonke esithi:

“Kawudunyiswe, Wena Thixo,

Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ukhokho,

kusukela nininini kuze kube nininini.

11 Bungobakho, Oh Thixo, ubukhulu lamandla

lodumo lobukhosi lenkazimulo,

ngoba konke okusezulwini lokusemhlabeni kungokwakho.

Bungobakho, Oh Thixo, ubukhosi;

uphakeme wena phezu konke.

12 Inotho lodumo kuvela kuwe;

ungumbusi wazo zonke izinto.

Esandleni sakho kukhona ukuqina lamandla.

Kukuwe ukuphakamisa lokupha amandla kubo bonke.

13 Siyakubonga khathesi, Nkulunkulu wethu,

silidumisa ibizo lakho elilodumo.

14 Kodwa mina ngiyini, bayini abantu bami, ukuthi sinikele ngenhliziyo yonke na? Konke kuvela kuwe, thina sikunike kuphela lokho okuvela esandleni sakho. 15 Singabezizweni lezethekeli emehlweni akho, njengoba labokhokho bethu bonke babenjalo. Insuku zethu emhlabeni ziyafanana lesithunzi, asisilutho, kalikho ithemba. 16 Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wethu, lokhu esesikunikele ngobunengi bakho ekwakhiweni kwethempeli eliyindawo yeBizo lakho eliNgcwele, kuvela esandleni sakho, njalo konke kuvele kungokwakho. 17 Ngiyazi, Nkulunkulu wami, uhlola inhliziyo njalo uyabuthanda ubuqotho. Zonke lezizinto ngizinikele ngokufisa langenhliziyo yobuqotho. Khathesi ngikhangele ngentokozo abantu bakho abalapha ukuthi banikele ngesifiso kuwe. 18 Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wabobaba o-Abhrahama, lo-Isaka lo-Israyeli, yenza inhliziyo zabantu bakho zime ngalokhu kulangatha, njalo inhliziyo zabo zibe kuwe kuze kube nininini. 19 Phana uSolomoni, indodana yami, inhliziyo epheleleyo ukuze agcine imilayo yakho lemithetho yakho lezimiso zakho, lokuthi akhe lesisakhiwo esiyisigodlo mina esengisilungiselele.”

20 UDavida wasesithi kulolonke ibandla, “Dumisani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.” Ngakho bonke bamdumisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, bathi mbo ngobuso phansi, bekhonza uThixo, behlonipha lenkosi.

USolomoni Ugcotshwa Ubukhosi

21 Ngosuku olulandelayo banikela imihlatshelo kuThixo leminikelo yokutshiswa: inkunzi eziyinkulungwane, lenqama eziyinkulungwane lamazinyane amaduna ayinkulungwane, leminikelo yokunathwayo, layo yonke eminye imihlatshelo banikela ngokunengi benikelela bonke abako-Israyeli. 22 Badla banatha ngokujabula okukhulu ngalolosuku phambi kukaThixo.

Basebememukela okwesibili uSolomoni indodana kaDavida, bamgcoba phambi kukaThixo ukuthi abe ngumbusi, kuthi uZadokhi abe ngumphristi. 23 USolomoni wasebusa embusweni kaThixo esikhundleni sikayise uDavida. Waphumelela njalo wonke u-Israyeli wamlalela. 24 Izikhulu zonke kanye lamaqhawe, ndawonye lamadodana eNkosi uDavida bazinikela ngaphansi kombuso weNkosi uSolomoni.

25  UThixo wamphakamisa kakhulu uSolomoni wamnika isithunzi phezu kwabo bonke abako-Israyeli, njalo wamnika ubukhosi obungazange bube khona esikhosini kwabako-Israyeli.

Ukufa KukaDavida

26 UDavida indodana kaJese wayeyinkosi yabo bonke abako-Israyeli. 27 Wabusa kwabako-Israyeli iminyaka engamatshumi amane, eyisikhombisa eHebhroni kwathi engamatshumi amathathu lantathu eJerusalema. 28 Wafa eseluphele eseleminyaka eminengi kakhulu lenotho lodumo; uSolomoni indodana yakhe waba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe.

29 Izehlakalo zombuso weNkosi uDavida kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekupheleni, zilotshiwe egwalweni lwembali kaSamuyeli umboni, egwalweni lwembali kaNathani umphrofethi kanye lasegwalweni lwembali kaGadi umboni. 30 Kubalwa ukubusa kwakhe ngokugcweleyo, amandla lakho konke okwakusenzakala kuye lakwabako-Israyeli leminye imibuso yawo wonke amanye amazwe.

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Ugwalo Lwesibili

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USolomoni Ucela Inhlakanipho

1 USolomoni indodana kaDavida waqina embusweni wakhe, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe wayelaye njalo wamenza waba mkhulu kakhulu.

2 Kwathi uSolomoni wakhuluma kubo bonke abako-Israyeli kusukela kubalawuli bezinkulungwane labalawuli bamakhulu, kusiya kubahluleli lakubo bonke abakhokheli bako-Israyeli, abazinhloko zezimuli 3 kwaze kwathi yena uSolomoni lebandla lonke baya endaweni ephakemeyo yokukhonzela eGibhiyoni, njengoba ithente lokuhlanganela likaNkulunkulu, elalenziwe nguMosi inceku kaThixo enkangala lalikuleyondawo. 4 UDavida wayeselethe ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu lisuka eKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi elisa endaweni ayelilungisele yona, ngoba wayeselimisele ithente eJerusalema. 5 Kodwa i-alithari lethusi elalakhiwe nguBhezaleli indodana ka-Uri, indodana kaHuri, laliseGibhiyoni phambi kwethabanikeli likaThixo; ngakho uSolomoni lebandla lonke bahamba ukuyafuna intando yakhe khona. 6 USolomoni wasesiya e-Alithareni lethusi phambi kukaThixo ethenteni lokuhlanganela wafika wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa eyinkulungwane phezu kwalo.

7 Ngalobobusuku uNkulunkulu wabonakala kuSolomoni wathi kuye: “Cela loba kuyini okufunayo ukuze ngikunike khona.”

8 USolomoni ephendula uNkulunkulu wathi: “Utshengisile umusa omkhulu kakhulu kubaba uDavida njalo mina usungibeke ngaba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. 9 Khathesi, Thixo Nkulunkulu, gcwalisa isithembiso owasenza kubaba uDavida, ngoba ungenze inkosi phezu kwabantu abanengi okothuli lomhlabathi. 10 Nginika ukuhlakanipha lolwazi, ukuze ngikhokhele lababantu, ngoba ngubani ongabusa abantu bakho abanengi kangaka?”

11 UNkulunkulu wathi kuSolomoni, “Njengoba lesi kuyisifiso somoya wakho njalo kawucelanga impahla lenotho lodumo, lokubhubha kwalabo abakuzondayo, lokuthi awucelanga impilo ende kodwa ucele inhlakanipho lolwazi ukuze ubuse phezu kwabantu bami engikwenze waba yinkosi yabo, 12 ngenxa yalokho ngizakunika inhlakanipho lolwazi. Njalo ngizakunika impahla, lenotho lodumo, okungakaze kwenzakale emakhosini akwandulelayo njalo akuyikwenzakala lakumakhosi alandelayo.”

13 Ngakho uSolomoni waya eJerusalema esuka endaweni yokukhonzela eGibhiyoni, evela phambi kwethente lokuhlanganela. Wabusa phezu kuka-Israyeli.

14 USolomoni wabuthanisa izinqola zokulwa lamabhiza; wayelezinqola zokulwa ezingamakhulu alitshumi lane lamabhiza azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili, ayekugcina emizini yezinqola zezimpi okunye ekugcina yena eJerusalema. 15 Inkosi yandisa isiliva legolide eJerusalema kwangani ngamatshe, lezihlahla zomsedari zanda kwangani yizihlahla zomkhiwa wesikhamore emawatheni ezintaba. 16 Amabhiza kaSolomoni ayethengwe eGibhithe laseKhuwe, abathengi besikhosini babewathenga eKhuwe. 17 Bathenga inqola yempi eGibhithe ngamashekeli esiliva angamakhulu ayisithupha kanye lebhiza ngamashekeli alikhulu elilamatshumi amahlanu. Babuya bawedlulisa wonke bayawathengisela amakhosi amaHithi kanye lawama-Aramu.

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Amalungiselelo Okwakha IThempeli

1 USolomoni wathi akwakhiwe ithempeli leBizo likaThixo kanye lesigodlo sakhe. 2 Wabutha amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa (70,000) awokuthwala imithwalo, lamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (80,000) awokubaza amatshe emaqaqeni, lazinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisithupha (3,600) ayezakhangela abasebenzayo.

3 USolomoni wakhupha ilizwi elalisiya kuHiramu inkosi yaseThire lisithi:

“Ngithumela izigodo zomsedari njengalokhu owakwenza kubaba uDavida owawumthumela umsedari ukuthi azakhele isigodlo ayezahlala kuso. 4 Sengilungiselela ukwakha ithempeli leBizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wami lokulinikela kuye ukutshisela impepha eloqhatshi olumnandi phambi kwakhe, lokunikela isinkwa esingcwele ngezikhathi zonke, lokunikela iminikelo yokutshiswa ekuseni lantambama langeSabatha langokuThwasa kweziNyanga kanye lasemikhosini emisiweyo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. Lokhu ngokumiselwe u-Israyeli ngokungapheliyo.

5 Ithempeli engizalakha lizaqakatheka, ngoba uNkulunkulu wethu mkhulu kulabo bonke onkulunkulu. 6 Ngubani ozamakhela ithempeli, njengoba lamazulu, kanye lamazulu aphezulu engqongeni, angeke amanele. Pho ngingubani mina ukuba ngimakhele ithempeli, ngaphandle kwendawo yokutshisela imihlatshelo phambi kwakhe?

7 Ngakho, ngithumela indoda eyingcitshi ekusebenzeni ngegolide langesiliva, ithusi lensimbi, langamalembu ayibubende labomvu laluhlaza, ekwaziyo ukubalaza, ukuthi izosebenzela koJuda laseJerusalema labami abazingcitshi emisebenzini yezandla, labo abalethwa ngubaba uDavida.

8 Ngithumela izigodo zomsedari lezephayini leze-aligumi ezivela eLebhanoni, ngoba ngiyakwazi ukuthi abantu bakho bazingcitshi ekugamuleni izigodo khonale. Abantu bami bazasebenza labakho 9 bengilethela izigodo ezinengi, ngoba ithempeli engilakhayo kufanele libe ngelikhulu njalo elibukekayo. 10 Ngizanika izinceku zakho, abagamuli bezigodo, ingqoloyi ecolekileyo eyizilinganiso ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili, izilinganiso zebhali ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili, amatshumi amabili ezinkulungwane zezilinganiso zewayini kanye lezilinganiso zezithelo ze-oliva eziyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili.”

11 UHiramu inkosi yaseThire waloba incwadi ephendula uSolomoni wathi:

“Kungenxa yokuthi uThixo uyabathanda abantu bakhe, kungakho ukwenze waba yinkosi yabo.”

12 UHiramu wabuye wengezelela wathi:

“Udumo kuye uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, yena owadala izulu lomhlaba! Unike inkosi uDavida indodana ehlakaniphileyo, egcwele ukukhalipha lombono, ezakwakhela uThixo ithempeli njalo izakhele layo isigodlo sayo.

13 Ngikuthumela uHuramu-Abhi, indoda eyingcitshi kakhulu, 14 unina wayo wayedabuka koDani loyise evela eThire. Wafundela ukusebenza igolide lesiliva, ithusi lensimbi, ilitshe lezigodo, kanye lamalembu ayibubende, aluhlaza labomvu lelineni elicolekileyo. Ulobuciko kukho konke ukubalaza lokulungisa amise izimo zezifanekiso aziphiweyo. Uzasebenza lezingcitshi zakho lalaba abenkosi yami, enguyihlo uDavida.

15 Ngakho inkosi yami kayithumele izinceku zayo ingqoloyi lebhali lamafutha e-oliva kanye lewayini njengokuthembisa kwayo. 16 Thina sizagamula zonke izigodo zeLebhanoni ozifunayo, sizenze iminyaba ezandenda olwandle igelezele eJopha. Wena uyihlangabeze uyithwalele eJerusalema.”

17 USolomoni wasebala bonke abezizweni ababeko-Israyeli, ngemva kokubalwa okwakwenziwe nguyise uDavida; kwatholakala kuyikuthi babezinkulungwane ezilikhulu elilamatshumi amahlanu lantathu, lamakhulu ayisithupha (153,600). 18 Wasesithi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa (70,000) ababengabokuthwala, kuthi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (80,000) babengabokubaza amatshe emaqaqeni, abazinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisithupha (3,600) babengabokukhangela abasebenzayo.

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USolomoni Wakha Ithempeli

1 USolomoni waseqalisa ukwakha ithempeli likaThixo eJerusalema eNtabeni yaseMoriya, lapho uThixo wayeke waziveza khona phambi kukayise uDavida. Kwakusesizeni sokubhulela amabele sika-Onani umJebusi, indawo eyayilungiselelwe nguDavida. 2 Waqalisa ukwakha ngosuku lwesibili lwenyanga yesibili ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwakhe.

3 Isisekelo sesakhiwo sethempeli likaNkulunkulu esasimiswe nguSolomoni sasizingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha ubude baso njalo sibanzi okwezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili (kuyisilinganiso sezingalo zakudala). 4 Umkhandlwana owawuphambi kwethempeli wawubanzi okwezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ulingana lowethempeli njalo umude ukuyaphezulu lakho kuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili.

Ngaphakathi wagudula ngegolide elihle. 5 Wabethela indlu yalo enkulu ngamapulanka ephayini wasehuqa ngegolide elicengekileyo wacecisa ngokucomba amalala lemiceco yamaketane. 6 Wagqizisa ithempeli ngamatshe aligugu. Igolide alisebenzisayo kwakuligolide lePharivayimu. 7 Wasegudula ingaphakathi yophahla lemijabo yakhona, imigubazi, imiduli lezivalo zethempeli ngegolide, njalo wabazela amakherubhi emidulini.

8 Wakha iNdawo eNgcwelengcwele, ubude bayo bulingana lobubanzi bethempeli, izingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ubude njalo ezingamatshumi amabili ububanzi bayo. Wagudula ngaphakathi ngamathalenta angamakhulu ayisithupha egolide elicengekileyo. 9 Izipikili zegolide zilesisindo samashekeli angamatshumi amahlanu. Wabuye wagudula ngegolide izindawo ezingaphezulu.

10 ENdaweni eNgcwelengcwele wenza amakherubhi abaziweyo wawahuqa ngegolide. 11 Amaphiko amakherubhi nxa evulekile eyizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili. Uphiko olulodwa lwekherubhi lakuqala lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu ubude balo njalo luthinta umduli wethempeli, kusithi olunye uphiko, lalo luzingalo ezinhlanu, luthinta uphiko lwelinye ikherubhi. 12 Ngokufananayo uphiko lwekherubhi lesibili lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu ubude balo lalo luthinta omunye umduli wethempeli, njalo kusithi olunye uphiko lalo oluzingalo ezinhlanu ubude balo, luthinta uphiko lwekherubhi lakuqala. 13 Amaphiko amakherubhi ayechaye okuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili. Ayemi ngezinyawo zawo, ekhangele indlu enkulu.

14 Wenza ikhetheni ngelembu eliluhlaza, leliyibubende lelibomvu, langelineni elicolekileyo, welukela imifanekiso yamakherubhi kilo.

15 Ngapha ngaphambi kwethempeli wamisa insika ezimbili, zona zombili zazizinde okwezingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu, ngalinye lilesiduku phezulu esilingana izingalo ezinhlanu. 16 Wenza amaketane aphotheneyo wawabeka phezu kwezinsika. Njalo wenza amaphomegranathi alikhulu wawanamathisela emaketaneni. 17 Wasesakha izinsika zaphansi kwethempeli, eyinye ngezansi eyinye layo ngenyakatho. Insika engezansi wayibiza ngokuthi Jakhini kwathi eyenyakatho wayibiza ngokuthi Bhowazi.

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Impahla ZeThempeli

1 Wenza i-alithari lethusi elizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ubude balo, lezingamatshumi amabili ububanzi njalo izingalo ezilitshumi ukuyaphezulu. 2 Wasesenza uLwandle ngethusi elincibilikisiweyo, luyisizingelezi, luzingalo ezilitshumi ukusuka okhunjini kusiya kolunye ukhumbi njalo luzingalo ezinhlanu ukuyaphezulu. Isilinganiso sokuluzingelezela sizingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu. 3 Ngaphansi komphetho, kulenkunzi eziluzingelezileyo, ingalo nganye iletshumi. Inkunzi zazibunjelwe emizileni emibili ndawonye loLwandle.

4 ULwandle lwalumi phezu kwenkunzi ezilitshumi lambili, ezintathu zikhangele enyakatho, ezintathu zikhangele entshonalanga, ezintathu eningizimu kanye lezintathu zikhangele empumalanga. ULwandle lwalumi phezu kwazo, izinqe zazo zazifulathele ngaphakathi. 5 Uhlonzi lwalungangobubanzi besandla, umphetho walo unjengomphetho wenkomitsho njengeluba liqhakaza. Lwaluthwala amatanka azinkulungwane ezintathu.

6 Wasesenza izinditshi zokugezela ezilitshumi, ezinhlanu wazifaka eceleni laseningizimu ezinye ezinhlanu wazifaka enyakatho. Zazingezokuhlambululela izinto zokusetshenziswa eminikelweni yokutshiswa, kodwa uLwandle lwalungolokugezela abaphristi.

7 Wenza izinti zezibane zegolide ezilitshumi elandela isilinganiso sazo, wazifaka ethempelini, ezinhlanu zazo eceleni leningizimu ezinye ezinhlanu ngenyakatho.

8 Wenza amatafula alitshumi wawafaka ethempelini, amahlanu ngeningizimu kwathi amahlanu ngenyakatho. Njalo wenza imiganu elikhulu eyegolide eyokuchela.

9 Wenza iguma labaphristi, leguma elikhulu kanye lezivalo zeguma, wasehuqa izivalo ngethusi. 10 Wafaka uLwandle eceleni leningizimu ejikweni leningizimu yempumalanga.

11 Wenza njalo lezimbiza lamafotsholo lemiganu yokuchela.

Kwaba yikuqeda kukaHiramu umsebenzi ayezinikele ukuwenzela inkosi uSolomoni ethempelini likaNkulunkulu:

12 izinsika ezimbili;

iziduku eziyingubhe phezu kwezinsika;

okwelukiweyo kungakubili kucecise iziduku eziyingubhe phezu kwezinsika;

13 amaphomegranathi angamakhulu amane ezalukweni zombili (imizila emibili yamaphomegranathi esalukweni ngasinye, kucecisa iziduku eziyingubhe phezu kwensika);

14 izinqodlana ezilenkonxa phezulu;

15 uLwandle lenkunzi ezilitshumi lambili ngaphansi kwalo;

16 imbiza, amafotsholo, izinti zenyama lakho konke okuhambelana lalokho.

Zonke izinto uHuramu-Abhi azenzela inkosi uSolomoni ezethempeli likaThixo zazingezethusi elilolongiweyo. 17 Inkosi yabumbela lezozinto ngebumba emagcekeni aseJodani phakathi kweSukhothi leZereda. 18 Zonke lezizinto ezenziwa nguSolomoni zazinengi okukuthi isisindo sethusi lazo sasingalinganiswanga.

19 USolomoni wenza zonke izinto ezazisethempelini likaNkulunkulu:

i-alithari legolide;

amatafula esinkwa esiNgcwele;

20 izinti zezibane zegolide elihle lezibane zazo zokukhanyisa endlini engaphakathi njengokumisiweyo,

21 lamaluba, lezibane lezindlawu (zazenziwe ngegolide elihle);

22 izihlokozo zezibane ezegolide, imiganu yokuchela, lezindengezi zokuthwala umlilo, lezivalo zethempeli eziligolide, izivalo zangaphakathi eNdaweni eNgcwele Kakhulu lezivalo zendlu enkulu.

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1 USolomoni eseqedile wonke umsebenzi wethempeli likaThixo ayewenzile, waletha zonke izinto ezazinikelwe nguyise uDavida, isiliva legolide lempahla wazibeka endaweni yezenotho ethempelini likaNkulunkulu.

Ibhokisi Lesivumelwano SikaThixo Lingeniswa EThempelini

2 USolomoni wasebiza abadala bako-Israyeli ebanxusela eJerusalema, lezinhloko zezizwana kanye lezinduna zezimuli zako-Israyeli ukuthi bathathe ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo eZiyoni, balise eMzini kaDavida. 3 Wonke amadoda ako-Israyeli ahlangana ndawonye enkosini ngesikhathi somkhosi ngenyanga yesikhombisa.

4 Kwathi bonke abadala bako-Israyeli sebefikile, abaLevi bathatha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, 5 balithwala kanye lethente lokuhlanganela lazozonke izinto ezingcwele ezaziphakathi kwalo. Abaphristi, ababengabaLevi, bazithwala; 6 njalo iNkosi uSolomoni kanye labo bonke abako-Israyeli ababebuthene kuye babephambi kwebhokisi lesivumelwano, benikela imihlatshelo eminengi yezimvu lenkomo ezazingeke zilotshwe loba zibalwe.

7 Abaphristi basebeletha ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo endaweni yalo engcwele engaphakathi ethempelini, iNdawo eNgcwele Kakhulu, balifaka ngaphansi kwamaphiko amakherubhi. 8 Amakherubhi avula amaphiko awo phezu kwendawo yebhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo, amboza ibhokisi lesivumelwano kanye lemijabo yalo yokulithwala. 9 Imijabo yayimide kakhulu okokuthi izihloko zayo, zisuka ebhokisini, zazibonakala endlini engcwele yangaphakathi, kodwa hatshi eNdaweni eNgcwelengcwele; zisekhona lanamhlanje. 10 Kwakungelalutho ebhokisini ngaphandle kwezibhebhedu zombili uMosi azifaka kulo eHorebhi, lapho uThixo enza khona isivumelwano lo-Israyeli sebephumile eGibhithe.

11 Abaphristi basebesuka eNdaweni eNgcwelengcwele. Bonke abaphristi abalapho babezingcwelisile, kungananzwa ixuku labo. 12 Bonke abaLevi ababengabahlabeleli, u-Asafi, uHemani, uJeduthuni lamadodana abo lezihlobo zabo bamela ngempumalanga kwe-alithari, begqoke ilineni elihle njalo betshaya izigubhu, amachacho lemiqangala. Babephelekezelwa ngabaphristi abalikhulu lamatshumi amabili (120) bekhalisa amacilongo. 13 Abatshayi bamacilongo labahlabeleli bahlanganyela ndawonye, kungathi yilizwi linye, ukuba badumise njalo bebonga uThixo. Sekuhlangene amacilongo lezigubhu lokunye okukhaliswayo, baphakamisa amazwi abo bedumisa uThixo behlabela besithi:

“Ulungile;

uthando lwakhe lumi kuze kube nininini.”

Ithempeli likaThixo lagcwala iyezi, 14 ngakho abaphristi babengeke benze inkonzo yabo ngenxa yeyezi, ngoba inkazimulo kaThixo yagcwala ithempeli likaNkulunkulu.

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1 USolomoni wasesithi, “UThixo usetshilo ukuthi uzahlala eyezini elimnyama, 2 sengikwakhele ithempeli elimangalisayo, indawo yakho ozahlala kuyo kuze kube nininini.”

3 Ibandla lonke lako-Israyeli lisemi khonapho, inkosi yaphenduka yababusisa. 4 Yasisithi:

“Kadunyiswe uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, yena osegcwalise ngezandla zakhe ayekuthembise ubaba uDavida ngomlomo wakhe. Ngoba wathi, 5 ‘Kusukela ngelanga engakhupha ngalo abantu bami eGibhithe, akuladolobho engalikhethayo laloba kusiphi isizwana sako-Israyeli, ukuba iBizo lami lakhelwe ithempeli khona, njalo angikhethanga loba ngubani ukuba abe ngumkhokheli wabantu bami bako-Israyeli. 6 Kodwa khathesi sengikhethe iJerusalema ukuba iBizo lami libe khonale, njalo sengikhethe uDavida ukuba abuse abantu bami bako-Israyeli.’

7 Ubaba uDavida wayetshiseka enhliziyweni yakhe ukuba akhele iBizo likaThixo ithempeli, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 8 Kodwa uThixo wathi kubaba uDavida, ‘Wenza kuhle ngokuba lesifiso sokungakhela ithempeli leBizo lami enhliziyweni yakho. 9 Lanxa kunjalo, kayisuwe ozakwakha ithempeli, kodwa indodana yakho eyinyama yakho legazi lakho, yiyo ezakwakhela iBizo lami ithempeli.’

10  UThixo usigcinile isithembiso asenzayo. Sengiyinkosi esikhundleni sikababa uDavida njalo khathesi sengihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi sika-Israyeli njengokuthembisa kukaThixo, njalo sengakhele iBizo likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ithempeli. 11 Kulapho engibeke khona ibhokisi, phakathi kwalo kulesivumelwano sikaThixo asenza labantu bako-Israyeli.”

Umkhuleko KaSolomoni WokuNikela

12 USolomoni wasesima phambi kwe-alithari likaThixo phambi kwalo lonke ibandla lako-Israyeli welula izandla zakhe. 13 Wayenze isitubhu sethusi, ubude baso buzingalo ezinhlanu, lobubanzi baso buzingalo ezinhlanu njalo buzingalo ezintathu ukuyaphezulu, sona wayesimise phakathi laphakathi kweguma elingaphandle. Wema phezu kwesitubhu waseguqa phambi kwalo lonke ibandla lako-Israyeli waphakamisela izandla zakhe ezulwini. 14 Wasesithi:

“Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kakho uNkulunkulu ofanana lawe ezulwini lasemhlabeni, wena ogcina isivumelwano sakho sothando lezinceku zakho eziqhubeka endleleni yakho ngezinhliziyo ezipheleleyo. 15 Usigcinile isithembiso sakho encekwini yakho uDavida ongubaba; ngomlomo wakho uthembisile njalo ngesandla sakho ukugcwalisile lokho njengoba kunjalo lamuhla.

16 Ngakho Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, gcinela inceku yakho uDavida ubaba isithembiso owasenza kuye usithi, ‘Kawuyikuswela umuntu ozakuma phambi kwami esihlalweni sobukhosi buka-Israyeli, nxa amadodana akho ezahamba ngokomthetho wami phambi kwami, njengalokhu okwenzileyo wena.’ 17 Ngakho khathesi, Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kaligcwaliseke ilizwi lesithembiso owalikhuluma kuDavida inceku yakho.

18 Kambe uNkulunkulu uzahlala labantu emhlabeni na? Amazulu, kanye lamazulu aphezulu kakhulu, kawakulingani. Pho lisilela kanganani lelithempeli engilakhileyo! 19 Kodwa-ke akuzwe umkhuleko wenceku yakho lokucela kwayo umusa, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wami. Zwana ukukhala lokukhuleka kwenceku yakho phambi kwakho. 20 Ebusuku lemini amehlo akho kakhangele lindlu, yona eyindawo owathi iBizo lakho lizakuba kuyo. Akuzwe umkhuleko wenceku yakho ngalindawo. 21 Akulalele ukucela kwenceku yakho lokwabantu bakho bako-Israyeli nxa bekhuleka bekhangele kule indawo. Akuzwe ezulwini, lona eliyindawo yakho yokuhlala; ukuze uthi ungezwa, uthethelele.

22 Nxa umuntu angonela umakhelwane wakhe, afungiswe, abesefunga isifungo phambi kwe-alithari lakho kulelithempeli, 23 zwana usezulwini, uthethelele. Zahlulele izinceku zakho, uyigwebe leyo elecala ngalokho ekwenzileyo, njalo uyidedele engonanga uyiphe umvuzo ofanele ukuba msulwa kwayo.

24 Kuthi lapho abantu bakho bako-Israyeli behlulwe yizitha ngoba bonile kuwe, akuthi lapho bephenduka befakaza ibizo lakho, bekhuleka njalo becela phambi kwakho kulelithempeli, 25 zwana usezulwini uthethelele izono zabantu bakho bako-Israyeli ubabuyisele elizweni owabapha lona kanye laboyise.

26 Akuthi nxa emazulwini kuvalekile lingasani izulu ngoba abantu bakho bonile kuwe, njalo bathi nxa bekhuleka bekhangele kulindawo befakaza ibizo lakho betshiya izono zabo ngoba ubajezisile, 27 zwana usezulwini uthethelele izono zenceku zakho, abantu bakho u-Israyeli. Bafundise indlela eqondileyo yokuphila uthumele izulu elizweni owalinika abantu bakho ukuba libe yilifa labo.

28 Nxa kufika indlala loba isifo elizweni, loba ingumane loba isikhwekhwe, intethe loba isikhongwane, loba izitha zibavimbezela loba kukuyiphi imizi yabo, loba kufika incithakalo kumbe umkhuhlane bani, 29 kuthi lanxa umkhuleko kumbe isicelo sisenziwa ngomunye wabantu bakho bako-Israyeli, ngulowo lalowo ebona inhlupheko lezinsizi zakhe njalo ephakamisela izandla zakhe kulelithempeli, 30 lalela usezulwini, okuyindawo yakho yokuhlala. Thethelela, wenzele umuntu munye ngamunye lokho okuhambelana lezenzo zakhe, ngoba wena uyazazi inhliziyo zabo (futhi nguwe wedwa owazi inhliziyo zabantu), 31 ukuze bakwesabe bahambe ezindleleni zakho besaphila elizweni owalipha okhokho bethu.

32 Akuthi owezizweni ongasuye omunye wabantu bakho bako-Israyeli kodwa evela elizweni elikhatshana ngenxa yodumo lwebizo lakho lesandla sakho esilamandla lengalo yakho elulekileyo, nxa esiza ekhuleka ekhangele kulelithempeli, 33 umuzwe usezulwini, lona eliyindawo yakho yokuhlala, umenzele owezizweni loba kuyini akucela kuwe, ukuze kuthi abantu bonke emhlabeni balazi ibizo lakho bakwesabe, njengalokhu abantu bakho bako-Israyeli bekwenza, ukuze bazi ukuthi lindlu engiyakhileyo ngeyeBizo lakho.

34 Nxa abantu bakho bephuma besiya empini ukuyakulwa lezitha zabo, loba kungaphi lapho obathuma khona, njalo kuthi nxa bekhuleka kuwe bekhangele lelidolobho olikhethileyo kanye lalelithempeli engilakhele iBizo lakho, 35 uzwe usezulwini imikhuleko yabo lokuncenga kwabo, ubamele wena.

36 Nxa bonile phambi kwakho, ngoba kakho ongoniyo njalo uze ubathukuthelele ubanikele ezitheni zabo ezibathumba zibase elizweni elikhatshana loba eliseduzane, 37 kuthi nxa bengaguquka ezinhliziyweni zabo besemazweni abayabe bethunjelwe kuwo, baphenduke bakuncenge besemazweni abathunjelwa khona bathi, ‘Sonile, senza okungalunganga lokubi,’ 38 loba nxa bephendukela kuwe ngezinhliziyo zabo zonke langemiphefumulo yabo elizweni njalo bekhuleka bekhangele elizweni owalinika oyise, edolobheni owalikhethayo lasethempelini engilakhele iBizo lakho; 39 ngakho wena osezulwini, endaweni yakho yokuhlala, akuzwe imikhuleko yabo lokuncenga kwabo, ubamele. Njalo ubathethelele abantu bakho, bona abakoneleyo.

40 Ngakho-ke, Nkulunkulu wami sengathi amehlo akho angavuleka lezindlebe zakho zilalele imikhuleko eyenziwa kule indawo.

41 Ngakho phakama, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu,

uze endaweni yakho yokuphumula,

wena lebhokisi lesivumelwano samandla akho.

Sengathi abaphristi bakho, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu,

bangembathiswa ngensindiso,

sengathi labathembekileyo bakho bangathokoza ngokulunga kwakho.

42 Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu, ungafulatheli ogcotshiweyo wakho.

Khumbula uthando olukhulu olwathenjiswa uDavida inceku yakho.”

7

Ukunikelwa KweThempeli

1 Kwathi uSolomoni eseqedile ukukhuleka, kwehla umlilo uvela ezulwini, waqhunqisa umnikelo wokutshiswa lemihlatshelo, inkazimulo kaThixo yagcwalisa ithempeli. 2 Abaphristi behluleka ukungena ethempelini likaThixo ngoba laligcwele inkazimulo kaThixo. 3 Kwathi lapho bonke abako-Israyeli bebona umlilo usehla lenkazimulo kaThixo ethempelini, bathi mbo ngobuso phansi embundwini weguma, badumisa bebonga uThixo besithi:

“Yena ulungile;

uthando lwakhe lumi kuze kube nininini.”

4 Inkosi labantu bonke banikela imihlatshelo kuThixo. 5 Ngalokho inkosi uSolomoni yanikela umhlatshelo wenkomo ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili kanye lezimvu lembuzi ezizinkulungwane ezilikhulu elilamatshumi amabili. Ngakho inkosi labantu bonke banikela ithempeli likaNkulunkulu. 6 Abaphristi bema ngezindawo zabo, njengoba labaLevi labo bema ngamachacho lawo inkosi uDavida eyayivele iwenzele ukudumisa uThixo njalo ayevele esetshenziswa nxa ebonga, esithi, “Uthando lwakhe lumi kuze kube nininini.” Maqondana labaLevi, abaphristi babevuthela amacilongo abo, njalo bonke abako-Israyeli babemi.

7 USolomoni wahlukanisela uThixo indawo yaphakathi laphakathi kweguma phambi kwethempeli likaThixo, njalo kulapho anikelela khona iminikelo yokutshiswa lamafutha eminikelo yobudlelwano, ngoba i-alithari lethusi ayelenzile lalingeke lenele iminikelo yokutshiswa, iminikelo yamabele kanye lamafutha.

8 Ngakho ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni wathakazelela umkhosi okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, labo bonke abako-Israyeli ababelaye, ababelibandla elikhulu, abanye bevela eLebho Hamathi kusiya eSihotsheni saseGibhithe. 9 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili benza umhlangano, ngoba babekhonze ngokunikela i-alithari okwensuku eziyisikhombisa lomkhosi wezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa phezulu. 10 Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lantathu lwenyanga yesikhombisa wakhulula abantu ukuthi babuyele emakhaya abo bethokoza njalo bejabula ngenhliziyo ngenxa yezinto ezinhle uThixo ayezenzele uDavida loSolomoni kanye labantu bakhe bako-Israyeli.

UThixo Uzibonakalisa KuSolomoni

11 Kwathi uSolomoni eseqedile ithempeli likaThixo lesigodlo, esenelisile lokwenza konke ayekunakana ngethempeli likaThixo kanye lesigodlo sakhe, 12  UThixo wabonakala kuye ebusuku wathi:

“Ngiwuzwile umkhuleko wakho njalo sengizikhethele indawo le ukuba ibe lithempeli lemihlatshelo.

13 Nxa ngivala iphezulu ukuze kungabi lezulu, loba ngithumela intethe ukuchitha ilizwe, ingabe ngithumela isifo phakathi kwabantu bami, 14 nxa abantu bami, ababizwa ngebizo lami, bezazithoba bakhuleke badinge ubuso bami njalo batshiye izindlela zabo ezimbi, kulapho ngizakuzwa khona ngisezulwini ngithethelele izono zabo njalo ngiphephise ilizwe labo. 15 Ngalokho amehlo ami azavuleka, lezindlebe zami zizalalela imikhuleko eyenziwa kulindawo. 16 Ngilikhethile ngizahlukanisela lelithempeli ukuze iBizo lami libe kulo kuze kube nininini. Amehlo ami lenhliziyo yami kuzakuba kulo ngazozonke izikhathi.

17 Wena, nxa ungahamba phambi kwami njengalokhu okwenziwa nguyihlo uDavida, wenze konke engikulaya ngakho, ulandele izimiso lemithetho yami, 18 ngizaqinisa isihlalo sakho sobukhosi, njengesivumelwano engasenza loyihlo uDavida ngisithi: ‘Kawuyikuswela umuntu ozabusa u-Israyeli.’

19 Kodwa ungafulathela utshiye izimiso lemilayo engikunika yona usuke uyekhothamela abanye onkulunkulu ubakhonze, 20 kulapho ngizakhucula abako-Israyeli elizweni lami, engabanika lona, kuthi lelithempeli engilahlukanisele iBizo lami ngilichithe, ngilenze libe yinto ekhohlakeleyo into eyinhlekisa kubo bonke abantu. 21 Loba lelithempeli likhanga amehlo, bonke abedlula lapha bazamangala bathi, ‘Kanti kungani uThixo ekwenzile lokhu okunje kulelilizwe kanye lakulelithempeli?’ 22 Abantu bazaphendula bathi, ‘Ngoba bamfulathele uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, owabakhupha eGibhithe, basuka bayabambelela kwabanye onkulunkulu, bebakhonza njalo bebakhothamela, yikho ebehlisele incithakalo yonke le.’ ”

8

Ezinye Izenzo ZikaSolomoni

1 Ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi amabili, leyo uSolomoni akha ngayo ithempeli likaThixo kanye lesigodlo sakhe, 2 uSolomoni wabuye wavusa imizi uHiramu ayemnike yona, wahlalisa abako-Israyeli kuyo. 3 USolomoni wayahlasela iHamathi-Zobha wayithumba. 4 Wakha njalo leThamari enkangala layo yonke imizi yeziphala ayakha eHamathi. 5 Wavusa iBhethi-Horoni elingaphezu kanye leBhethi-Horoni elingaphansi, imizi ebiyelweyo elemithangala lamasongo alemigoqo, 6 kanye leBhalathi lamadolobho akhe wonke ayeyiziphala lemizi yezinqola zakhe zempi kanye lamabhiza akhe lakho konke nje ayengafisa ukukwakha eJerusalema leLebhanoni kanye lakulo lonke ilizwe ayelibusa.

7 Abantu bonke ababesele kumaHithi, lama-Amori, lamaPherizi, lamaHivi kanye lamaJebusi (lababantu babengasiwo ama-Israyeli), 8 kutshiwo labo inzalo yabo eyayisele elizweni, labo abangabhujiswanga ngama-Israyeli, uSolomoni wababutha baba yizigqili: njengoba kunjalo kuze kube lanamhla. 9 Kodwa abako-Israyeli uSolomoni kabenzanga izigqili emsebenzini wakhe; babengamadoda akhe empi, abalawuli bezinduna zebutho, labalawuli bezinqola zokulwa labokulwa ngezinqola zokulwa. 10 Njalo babeyizikhulu zenkosi uSolomoni, bengamakhulu amabili alamatshumi amahlanu ababephethe abantu.

11 USolomoni wasusa indodakazi kaFaro eMzini kaDavida wayisa esigodlweni asakhela yona, ngoba wathi, “Umkami kamelanga ahlale esigodlweni sikaDavida inkosi yako-Israyeli, ngoba izindawo esezike zangena ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo zingcwele.”

12 USolomoni wasenikela kuThixo umnikelo wokutshiswa phezu kwe-alithari likaThixo ayelakhele phambi komkoto, 13 kulandelwa umkhuba wemihla ngemihla njengokulaya kukaMosi eqakathekisa iSabatha, lokuThwasa kweNyanga kanye lokwemikhosi emithathu yomnyaka, uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo, uMkhosi wamaViki loMkhosi weziHonqo. 14 Elandela isimiso sikayise uDavida wamisa izigaba zabaphristi ngezinkonzo zabo, njalo abaLevi bekhokhela ekudumiseni lokuphathisa abaphristi kusiya ngemfanelo yemihla ngemihla. Wakhetha abalindi bamasango ngezigaba ukulinda amasango ehlukeneyo ngoba yikho okwakutshiwo nguDavida umuntu kaNkulunkulu. 15 Kabaphambukanga kulokho inkosi uDavida eyayikutshilo mayelana labaphristi labaLevi kanye lezindlu zenotho.

16 Wonke umsebenzi kaSolomoni wenziwa, kusukela ngosuku lokubekwa kwesisekelo sethempeli likaThixo kwaze kwaba sekupheleni kwawo. Kwaba yikuphela kokwakhiwa kwethempeli likaThixo.

17 Ngakho uSolomoni wasesiya e-Eziyoni-Gebheri lase-Elathi ngasemakhunjini ase-Edomi. 18 UHiramu wathumela kuye imikhumbi eyayiphethwe yizinduna zakhe, amadoda ayelwazi ulwandle. Zona, kanye lezinceku zikaSolomoni zaya e-Ofiri, zayathwala igolide elingamathalenta angamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu, zayalethula enkosini uSolomoni.

9

Inkosikazi YaseShebha Yethekelela USolomoni

1 Indlovukazi yaseShebha isizwile ngodumo lukaSolomoni, yaya eJerusalema ukuba iyemlinga ngemibuzo enzima. Yayiphelekezelwa ludwende olukhulu, amakamela ayethwele iziyoliso, igolide elinengi kakhulu lamatshe aligugu, yafika kuSolomoni yaxoxa laye ngakho konke eyayikumumethe. 2 USolomoni wayiphendula yonke imibuzo yayo, akubanga lalutho olwaba nzima ukuthi aluchasisele yona. 3 Inkosikazi yaseShebha isibonile konke ukuhlakanipha kukaSolomoni, lesigodlo ayesakhile, 4 lokudla kwakhe, lokuhlaliswa kwezinduna zakhe, lokuhlelwa kwezinceku zakhe lezigqoko zazo, labaphathi benkezo lezigqoko zabo, leminikelo yokutshiswa ayeyinikela ethempelini likaThixo, kwayiqeda amandla.

5 Yathi enkosini, “Imibiko ebifika ezindlebeni zami elizweni lami ngengqubelaphambili langenhlakanipho yakho iqotho. 6 Ngibe ngingayikholwa leyo mbiko ngaze ngazibonela ngawami amehlo. Ngeqiniso, akufiki engxenyeni engikuzwileyo ngokujula kwenhlakanipho yakho; engikubonileyo kwedlula engakuzwayo ngawe ngokuphindwe kanengi. 7 Yeka ukujabula kwabantu bakho! Yeka ziyadela izikhulu zakho, ezihlezi zimi phambi kwakho zizizwela inhlakanipho yakho! 8 Udumo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, obe lokuthokoza ngawe wakufaka esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi ukuba ube yinkosi ubusele uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngenxa yothando lukaNkulunkulu wakho ngo-Israyeli, lokuzimisela ukubamela kuze kube nininini, ukubekile waba yinkosi phezu kwabo, ukuze ulondoloze ukwahlulela ngemfanelo langokulunga.”

9 Indlovukazi yasinika uSolomoni amathalenta egolide alikhulu elilamatshumi amabili (120), iziyoliso ezinengi, lamatshe aligugu. Kwakungakaze kube leziyoliso ezinjengalezo ezaphiwa inkosi uSolomoni yindlovukazi yaseShebha.

10 (Izinceku zikaHiramu lezikaSolomoni zaletha igolide livela e-Ofiri; zaletha lezigodo zomʼaligumu lamatshe aligugu. 11 Inkosi yasebenzisa izigodo zomʼaligumu ukwakha inyathelo lethempeli likaThixo lenyathelo lesigodlo sesikhosini, kanye lokwenza imihubhe lemiqangala yabahlabeleli. Kwakungakaze kubonakale okunjengalokhu kwelakoJuda).

12 Inkosi uSolomoni yapha inkosikazi yaseShebha okwedlula lokho eyayikucelile, kwakukunengi kugabhela lokho ayekuphathelwe yinkosikazi. Yavalelisa-ke inkosikazi yabuyela elizweni layo lobhobo lwezindwendwe zayo.

Inotho Lodumo LukaSolomoni

13 Isisindo segolide elalifika kuSolomoni minyaka yonke lalingamathalenta angamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lasithupha (666), 14 kungabalwa inzuzo eyayivela emithelweni yabathengisi labathengi. Kunjalo-nje amakhosi ase-Arabhiya leziphathamandla zelizwe zaletha igolide lesiliva kuSolomoni.

15 Inkosi uSolomoni yenza amahawu amakhulu angamakhulu amabili ngegolide elikhandiweyo; lilinye langena amashekeli angamakhulu ayisithupha. 16 Inkosi yasisenza ezinye ezincinyane ezingamakhulu amathathu ngegolide elikhandiweyo, sisinye sithatha amashekeli egolide elikhandiweyo angamakhulu amathathu. Inkosi yazibeka eSigodlweni saseGuswini laseLebhanoni.

17 Ngakho inkosi yasisenza isihlalo esikhulu sinanyekwe ngempondo zendlovu ngaphakathi kodwa ngaphandle kuligolide elihle. 18 Isihlalo sobukhosi sasilezinyathelo eziyisithupha njalo kulesenabelo segolide esasixhunywe kuso. Emaceleni esihlalo kwakulezeyamelo zengalo, yileso laleso kumi isilwane eceleni kwaso. 19 Izilwane ezilitshumi lambili zazimi kulawomakhwelelo ayisithupha, sisinye simi nganxanye kwekhwelelo ngalinye. Kakukho okunjalo okwakuke kwenzekala loba kuwuphi umbuso. 20 Zonke inkezo zenkosi uSolomoni zazingezegolide, lazozonke izitsha zeSigodlweni saseGuswini laseLebhanoni zazingezegolide elicolekileyo. Akukho okwakwenziwe ngesiliva ngoba ngensuku zikaSolomoni igugu lesiliva lalilincinyane kakhulu. 21 Inkosi yayilodibi lwemikhumbi yezokuthengiselana eyayigwedlwa ngabantu bakaHiramu. Yayiphenduka kanye ngemva kohambo lweminyaka emithathu, iphenduka ithwele igolide, isiliva lempondo zendlovu, inkawu lendwangu.

22 Inkosi uSolomoni yawedlula wonke amakhosi omhlaba ngenotho langenhlakanipho. 23 Amakhosi wonke omhlaba eza kuSolomoni ukuzokuzwa inhlakanipho uNkulunkulu ayeyifake enhliziyweni yakhe. 24 Minyaka yonke amlethela izipho zesiliva lezegolide, izembatho, izikhali leziyoliso, lamabhiza kanye lezimbongolo.

25 USolomoni wayelezibaya zamabhiza lezezinqola zokulwa ezizinkulungwane ezine, kanye lamabhiza azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili, ayekugcina emizini yezinqola zokulwa okunye njalo kukuye khonapho eJerusalema. 26 Wabusa wonke amakhosi kusukela emfuleni iYufrathe kusiya elizweni lamaFilistiya, lasemngceleni weGibhithe. 27 Inkosi yandisa isiliva kwangani ngamatshe eJerusalema, lezihlahla zomsedari zanda kwangani yizihlahla zomkhiwa wesikhamore emawatheni ezintaba. 28 USolomoni wayezuza amabhiza ayevela eGibhithe lakuwo wonke amanye amazwe.

Ukufa KukaSolomoni

29 Ezinye izehlakalo ezenzakala ekubuseni kukaSolomoni kazilotshwanga yini kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekucineni, ezindabeni zomlandu kaNathani umphrofethi, lasesiphrofethini sika-Ahija waseShilo, lasemibonweni ka-Ido umboni emayelana loJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi? 30 USolomoni wabusa u-Israyeli wonke eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amane. 31 Waya kwabaphansi, wangcwatshwa emzini kaDavida uyise. URehobhowami indodana yakhe waba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe.

10

Abako-Israyeli Bavukela URehobhowami

1 URehobhowami waya eShekhemu ngoba bonke abako-Israyeli babeye khona ukuze bamethese ubukhosi. 2 Kwathi uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi ekuzwa lokhu (wayeseGibhithe lapho abuya evela khona ngoba wayebalekele inkosi uSolomoni.) 3 Abako-Israyeli basebethumela ilizwi bembiza uJerobhowamu, kwathi-ke yena kanye labo bonke abako-Israyeli baya kuRehobhowami bafika bathi: 4 “Uyihlo wasithwalisa umthwalo onzima, kodwa wena khathesi ake uphungule ubunzima asethesa bona, wethule lemithwalo yethu enzima abesithwalise yona, yikho sizakukhonza.”

5 URehobhowami wabaphendula wathi: “Libobuya ngemva kwensuku ezintathu.” Ngakho abantu basuka bahamba.

6 INkosi uRehobhowami yasicebisana labadala ababeloyise uSolomoni esaphila, yathi: “Lingicebisa ukuthi ngibanike mpendulo bani lababantu?”

7 Baphendula bathi, “Ungaba lomusa kulababantu, ubathokozise, ukhulumisane labo kuhle, bazahlala bezinceku zakho.”

8 Kodwa uRehobhowami kazange akwamukele ukucebisa kwabadala wakhetha ukudinga ulwazi kwabayintanga yakhe ababekhule bonke njalo kuyibo abasebezinceku zakhe. 9 Wababuza wathi, “Seluleko bani elilaso? Singabaphendula sithini lababantu abathi kimi, ‘Ake uphungule ubunzima esabetheswa nguyihlo’?”

10 Amajaha ayeyintanga yakhe amphendula athi, “Batshele lababantu abathi kuwe, ‘Uyihlo wasethesa ubunzima, akusiphungulele lobubunzima’ uthi kubo, ‘Ucikilicane wami uqatha kulokhalo lukababa. 11 Ubaba walethesa ubunzima, mina ngizabungezelela. Ubaba walitshaya ngezaswebhu, mina ngizalilumisa ngenkume.’ ”

12 UJerobhowamu labo bonke abantu babuyela kuRehobhowami ngosuku lwesithathu njengokutsho kwakhe ukuthi, “Phendukani lize kimi ngemva kwensuku ezintathu.” 13 Lakanye inkosi yaphendula abantu ngolaka, yalahla iseluleko sabadala, 14 yalandela iseluleko samajaha yathi, “Ubaba walethwesa ubunzima, mina ngizakwengezelela kubo. Walitshaya ngezaswebhu, mina ngizalilumisa ngezinkume.” 15 Ngakho inkosi kayibalalelanga abantu, ngoba lokhu kwenziwa nguNkulunkulu, ukuze kugcwaliseke ilizwi likaThixo ayelikhulume ngo-Ahija waseShilo kuJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi.

16 Kwathi bonke abako-Israyeli bebona ukuthi inkosi iyala ukubalalela bayiphendula bathi:

“Silesabelo bani kuDavida na,

silengxenye bani endodaneni kaJese na?

Yanini emizini yenu lina bako-Israyeli!

Sala lendlu yakho, Davida!”

Ngakho bonke abako-Israyeli babuyela emakhaya. 17 Kodwa uRehobhowami waqhubeka ebabusa abako-Israyeli ababehlala emizini yakoJuda.

18 Inkosi uRehobhowami yasithuma u-Adoniramu owayengumphathi wezibhalwa, kodwa abako-Israyeli bamkhanda ngamatshe wafa. Kodwa inkosi uRehobhowami yaphanga yakhwela enqoleni yayo yokulwa, yabalekela eJerusalema. 19 Kusukela ngalesosikhathi abako-Israyeli bayihlamukela indlu kaDavida kuze kube lamuhla.

11

1 Kwathi uRehobhowami esefike eJerusalema, wabuthanisa abakoJuda labakoBhenjamini, amadoda empi azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili ukuba bayekulwa labako-Israyeli ukuze babuyisele uRehobhowami embusweni.

2 Kodwa ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuShemaya umuntu kaNkulunkulu lisithi: 3 “Tshela uRehobhowami indodana kaSolomoni inkosi yakoJuda, labo bonke abako-Israyeli koJuda lakoBhenjamini uthi, 4 ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Lingaphumi ukuthi liyekulwa labafowenu. Buyelani emizini yenu, lina lonke, ngoba lokhu kuyikwenza kwami.’ ” Ngakho balalela ilizwi likaThixo, babuyela emizini yabo, kabasayanga kulwa loJerobhowamu.

URehobhowami Wakha Izinqaba KoJuda

5 URehobhowami wahlala eJerusalema njalo wakha imizi eyizinqaba koJuda: 6 iBhethilehema, le-Ethamu, leThekhowa, 7 leBhethi Zuri, leSokho, le-Adulami, 8 leGathi, leMaresha, leZifi, 9 le-Adorayimi, leLakhishi, le-Azekha, 10 leZora, le-Ayijaloni, kanye leHebhroni. Le kwakuyimizi ebiyelweyo koJuda lakoBhenjamini. 11 Waqinisa izinqaba zayo wabeka abalawuli bempi kuyo, wabuthela ezinqabeni ukudla lamafutha omʼoliva lewayini. 12 Wafaka izihlangu lemikhonto kuyo yonke imizi, wayiqinisa kakhulu. Ngakho-ke wabusa koJuda lakoBhenjamini.

13 Abaphristi labaLevi kulezozabelo kulolonke elako-Israyeli bamsekela. 14 AbaLevi bahle batshiya amadlelo abo lempahla, baya koJuda laseJerusalema, ngoba uJerobhowamu lamadodana akhe wala ukuthi bangabaphristi bakaThixo. 15 Wasekhetha abakhe abaphristi wababeka ezindaweni zokukhonzela, labezithombe zembuzi lezamathole ayezenzile. 16 Abezizwana zonke zako-Israyeli ababezimisele ukukhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, balandela abaLevi eJerusalema ukuyanikela imihlatshelo yabo kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo. 17 Baqinisa umbuso kaJuda basekela uRehobhowami indodana kaSolomoni iminyaka emithathu, belandela indlela kaDavida lekaSolomoni ngalesosikhathi.

Abemuli KaRehobhowami

18 URehobhowami wathatha uMahalathi, indodakazi kaJerimothi indodana kaDavida, leka-Abhihayili indodakazi ka-Eliyabi indodana kaJese, waba ngumkakhe, 19 wamzalela amadodana la: uJewushi loShemariya loZahamu. 20 Wasethatha njalo uMahakha indodakazi ka-Abhisalomu owamzalela o-Abhija lo-Athayi loZiza loShelomithi. 21 URehobhowami wathanda kakhulu uMahakha indodakazi ka-Abhisalomu ukwedlula bonke omkakhe labafazi beceleni; wathatha abafazi abalitshumi lasificaminwembili, labafazi beceleni abangamatshumi ayisithupha.

22 URehobhowami wabeka u-Abhija indodana kaMahakha ukuba abe yinkosana enkulu kubafowabo ngoba wayeqonde ukumenza inkosi. 23 Wenza ngokuhlakanipha, amadodana akhe wawabeka ezindaweni zonke zakoJuda lakoBhenjamini, kuyo yonke imizi ebiyelweyo. Wasebanika ukudla okunengi, wabadingela labafazi abanengi.

12

UShishakhi Uhlasela IJerusalema

1 Ngemva kokuba uRehobhowami eselamandla, lombuso wakhe usuqinile, yena kanye labo bonke abako-Israyeli bawudela umlayo kaThixo. 2 Kodwa ngoba bona kuThixo, uShishakhi inkosi yaseGibhithe wahlasela iJerusalema ngomnyaka wesihlanu wokubusa kwenkosi uRehobhowami. 3 Wahlasela ngezinqola zokulwa ezingamakhulu alitshumi lambili labagadi bamabhiza abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, labantu abangelakubalwa ubunengi babo abanye bengabeLibhiya, lamaSukhi labaKhushi abeza laye bevelela ngaseGibhithe, 4 wathumba imizi yakoJuda ebiyelweyo waze wayafika leJerusalema.

5 Ngakho uShemaya umphrofethi waya kuRehobhowami kanye lakubakhokheli bakoJuda ababebuthene eJerusalema ngokwesaba uShishakhi, wafika wathi kubo, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uthi, ‘Lingilahlile lina; ngakho sengilinikela kuShishaki.’ ”

6 Abakhokheli bako-Israyeli lenkosi yabo bazithoba batsho bathi, “uThixo ulungile.”

7 Kwathi uThixo esebonile ukuzithoba kwabo ilizwi lakhe lafika kuShemaya lisithi: “Njengoba bezithobile, kangisayikubabhubhisa, kodwa ngizabakhulula emva kwesikhatshana, lolaka lwami kalusayikwehliselwa eJerusalema ngesandla sikaShishakhi. 8 Kodwa bazakuba yizinceku zakhe ukuze bazi umahluko phakathi kokungikhonza lokukhonza amakhosi amanye amazwe.”

9 UShishakhi inkosi yaseGibhithe wasehlasela iJerusalema, wabutha yonke inotho yasethempelini likaThixo kanye lenotho yasesigodlweni sesikhosini. Wathatha konke waze wathatha lezihlangu zegolide ezazenziwe nguSolomoni. 10 Ngakho iNkosi uRehobhowami yasisenza izihlangu zethusi endaweni yalezo njalo yazibeka ngaphansi kwabalawuli babalindi bamasango asesigodlweni sesikhosini. 11 Kwakusithi lapho inkosi isiya ethempelini likaThixo, abalindi babehamba layo bephethe izihlangu, kuze kuthi emva kwesikhathi bazibuyisele endlini yabalindi.

12 Ngenxa yokuthi uRehobhowami wazithoba, ulaka lukaThixo lwadeda kuye, kasazange abe esabhujiswa. Ngempela kwakukhona okuhle koJuda.

13 Inkosi uRehobhowami yaqinisa umbuso wayo eJerusalema njalo yaqhubeka ibusa. Ekugcotshweni kwakhe ubukhosi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amane lanye, wabusa okweminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa eJerusalema umuzi kaThixo ayewukhethile phakathi kwezizwana zako-Israyeli ukuze abeke iBizo lakhe. Ibizo likanina linguNahama, engowako-Amoni. 14 Wenza okubi wona ngoba engazange abeke inhliziyo yakhe ekumdingeni uThixo.

15 Okumayelana lokubusa kukaRehobhowami, kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekupheleni, akulotshwanga na emibhalweni kaShemaya umphrofethi leka-Ido umboni mayelana lokuzalana kwabantu? Kwaba lempi njalo phakathi kukaRehobhowami loJerobhowamu. 16 URehobhowami wakhothama, wangcwatshwa labokhokho bakhe eMzini kaDavida. U-Abhija, indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi waba yinkosi ngemva kukayise.

13

U-Abhija Ubusa KoJuda

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili wokubusa kukaJerobhowamu, u-Abhija waba yinkosi yakoJuda, 2 njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka emithathu. Ibizo likanina lalinguMikhaya, indodakazi ka-Uriyeli waseGibhiya.

Kwaba lempi phakathi kuka-Abhija loJerobhowamu. 3 Bathi behlangana ekulweni, u-Abhija wayelamadoda aqinileyo azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amane, kanti uJerobhowamu wahlangabezana laye elamadoda azinkulungwane ezificaminwembili.

4 U-Abhija wema phezu kweNtaba iZemarayimu, elizweni lamaqaqa lako-Efrayimi, wathi: “Wena Jerobhowamu kanye laye wonke u-Israyeli, lalelani kimi, lizwe! 5 Alikwazi na ukuthi uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, unikele ubukhosi bako-Israyeli kuDavida lenzalo yakhe kuze kube nininini ngesivumelwano setswayi na? 6 Kukanti uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebhathi, isikhulu sikaSolomoni indodana kaDavida, uhlamukele inkosi yakhe. 7 Abantu ababi bamlandela behlamukela uRehobhowami indodana kaSolomoni esesemncinyane engakaqedisisi njalo engakabi lamandla okumelana labo.

8 Khathesi licabanga ukumelana lombuso kaThixo, ophethwe ngamadodana kaDavida ngoba libona libanengi kakhulu, lilamathole eGolide elawenzelwa nguJerobhowamu ukuba abe ngonkulunkulu. 9 Kalibaxotshanga yini abaphristi bakaThixo, amadodana ka-Aroni, kanye labaLevi, lazibekela abenu abaphristi njengalokhu okwenziwa ngabantu bamanye amazwe na? Kuthi lowo ofika elenkunzi loba inqama eziyisikhombisa ukuba ahlukaniselwe uThixo waba ngumphristi walokho okungayisikho onkulunkulu.

10 Kodwa thina, uThixo uNkulunkulu ngowethu, asimdelanga. Thina abaphristi esilabo ngamadodana ka-Aroni, amkhonzayo uThixo, njalo baphathiswa ngabaLevi. 11 Bayanikela kuThixo ekuseni lantambama insuku zonke iminikelo yokutshiswa lempepha elephunga elihle. Bayalungisa izinkwa ezahlukaniselwe uThixo etafuleni legolide elihle, balumathise izibane oluthini lwegolide ntambama nsuku zonke. Thina siyawulalela umlayo kaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu. Kodwa lina limdelile. 12 UNkulunkulu ulathi, nguye osikhokhelayo. Abaphristi bakhe abaphethe amacilongo bazawavuthela besibizela ekulweni lani. Madoda ako-Israyeli, lingabokulwa loThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu, ngoba aliyikuphumelela.”

13 UJerobhowamu wayesethumele elinye iviyo lamabutho akhe ngemva ukuze athi yena ejamelane labakoJuda phambili lona licathamele ngemva kwabo. 14 AbakoJuda bafulathela kodwa babona ukuthi babehlaselwa inxa zonke phambili langemva kwabo. Bakhala kuThixo. Abaphristi bevuthela amacilongo abo 15 kwathi abakoJuda bakhwaza ngephimbo lokuhlasela empini. Kuthe kuzwakala ukukhwaza ngephimbo lokuhlasela, uNkulunkulu wabhuqa uJerobhowamu labo bonke abako-Israyeli phambi kuka-Abhija labakoJuda. 16 Abako-Israyeli babalekela abakoJuda njalo uNkulunkulu wabanikela ezandleni zabo. 17 U-Abhija lamabutho akhe babulala amadoda amanengi kakhulu, kwafa amadoda ako-Israyeli aqinileyo empini azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu. 18 Amadoda ako-Israyeli aqinileyo ngalesosikhathi anqotshwa, kwathi abakoJuda baphumelela ngoba babethembele kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo.

19 U-Abhija waxotshana loJerobhowamu wamthathela amadolobho eBhetheli, leleJeshana kanye lele-Efroni, lemizi eyayiseduzane khonapho. 20 UJerobhowamu kazange abuse futhi kusabusa u-Abhija. UThixo wamtshaya wafa.

21 Kodwa u-Abhija waqina waba lamandla embusweni. Wathatha abafazi abalitshumi lane waba lamadodana angamatshumi amabili lamadodakazi alitshumi lesithupha.

22 Ezinye izehlakalo ekubuseni kuka-Abhija, akwenzayo lakutshoyo, kulotshiwe ezindabeni zomphrofethi u-Ido.

14

1 Ngakho u-Abhija waya kubokhokho bakhe wembelwa eMzini kaDavida. Indodana yakhe u-Asa wathatha isikhundla sakhe waba yinkosi, njalo ngezinsuku zokubusa kwakhe kwaba lokuthula elizweni okweminyaka elitshumi.

U-Asa Uba Yinkosi YakoJuda

2 U-Asa wenza okuhle lokulungileyo phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe. 3 Wasusa wonke ama-alithare ezizweni lezindawo zokukhonzela, wadiliza izinsika zakhona lezithombe zikankulunkulukazi u-Ashera. 4 Walaya abakoJuda ukuba bakhonze uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, balandele yonke imithetho lemilayo yakhe. 5 Wavala izindawo zokukhonzela lama-alithare empepha kuwo wonke amadolobho akoJuda, ngakho kwaba lokuthula ekubuseni kwakhe. 6 Wakha imizi ebiyelweyo koJuda, njengoba kwakulokuthula elizweni. Kakho owalwa impi laye ngaleyominyaka, ngoba uThixo wamnika ukuphumula.

7 Wathi kwabakoJuda, “Kasakheni imizi le siyizingelezele ngemiduli, lemiphotshongo, lamasango leminxibo. Ilizwe lilokhu lingelethu, ngoba simtholile uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu; simkhonzile usesilethele ukuthula inxa zonke.” Basebesakha njalo baphumelela.

8 U-Asa wayelamabutho empi azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu koJuda, ayehlome ngamahawu amakhulu lemikhonto, lamanye azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili alamatshumi ayisificaminwembili koBhenjamini, ayehlome ngezihlangu ezincinyane lamadandili. Wonke kungamadoda alezibindi zokulwa.

9 UZera umKhushi waphuma ebathukuthelele ephelekezelwa libutho elikhulu lezinqola zokulwa ezingamakhulu amathathu, waze wayafika eMaresha. 10 U-Asa waphuma laye ukuyamjamela, bafika bajama eSigodini saseZefatha phansi kweMaresha.

11 U-Asa wasekhuleka kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe wathi: “Thixo, kakho omunye onjengawe ongavikela ababuthakathaka kwabalamandla. Sisize, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wethu, ngoba thina sithembele kuwe, ngebizo lakho siphumile ukuba silwe lalelibutho lempi elikhulu kangaka. Oh Thixo, unguNkulunkulu wethu; umuntu angezake amelane lawe.”

12  UThixo wawatshaya wawabhuqa amaKhushi phambi kuka-Asa labakoJuda. AmaKhushi abaleka, 13 kodwa u-Asa lamabutho akhe waxotshana lawo waze wayawafikisa eGerari. Kwafa amaKhushi amanengi okokuthi kasazange azame ukuqoqana kutsha; abhuqwa phambi kukaThixo laphambi kwamabutho akhe. Amadoda akoJuda atshuquluza impango enengi kakhulu. 14 Atshabalalisa yonke imizi yaseGerari, ngoba ukuthukuthela kukaThixo kwakuphezu kwayo. Atshuquluza yonke imizi ngoba impango yayinengi kuyo. 15 Ahlasela izihonqo zabelusi njalo abutha imihlambi yezimvu, imbuzi kanye lamakamela. Asebuyela eJerusalema.

15

Imvuselelo Ka-Asa

1 Umoya kaNkulunkulu wehlela phezu kuka-Azariya indodana ka-Odedi. 2 Waphuma ukuba ayehlangabezana lo-Asa wasesithi kuye, “Lalela kimi, Asa labo bonke abakoJuda labakoBhenjamini. UThixo ulawe nxa wena ukuye. Nxa umfuna, uzamthola, kodwa nxa umlahla uzakulahla. 3 Okwesikhathi eside abako-Israyeli babengelaye uNkulunkulu weqiniso, bengelaye umphristi wokufundisa njalo bengelawo umthetho. 4 Kodwa osizini lwabo baphendukela kuThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, bamdinga bamthola. 5 Ngalezonsuku, ngenxa yokuxokozela okukhulu kwezizwe, kwakungelula ukuhambahamba. 6 Kwakulencithakalo isizwe sichithwa ngesinye, umuzi uchithwa ngomunye, ngoba uNkulunkulu wabehlisela zonke inhlobonhlobo zosizi. 7 Kodwa wena, qina ungayekethisi, ngoba owakho umsebenzi uzakuba lomvuzo.”

8 U-Asa wathi ewezwa lamazwi lesiphrofethi sika-Azariya indodana ka-Odedi umphrofethi, waqina waba lesibindi. Wasusa zonke izithombe ezinengisayo kulolonke ilizwe lakoJuda lelakoBhenjamini lasemizini ayeyithumbile emaqaqeni ako-Efrayimi. Wavuselela i-alithari likaThixo elaliphambi komkoto wethempeli likaThixo.

9 Wasebuthanisa bonke abakoJuda labakoBhenjamini kanye labantu ababevela ko-Efrayimi, lakoManase kanye lakoSimiyoni ababehlezi phakathi kwabo, ngoba babebanengi kakhulu abako-Israyeli ababethe ngokubona ukuthi uThixo uNkulunkulu wayelaye bathutha beza ngakuye.

10 Babuthana eJerusalema ngenyanga yesithathu ngomnyaka wetshumi lanhlanu wokubusa kuka-Asa. 11 Ngalesosikhathi benza imihlatshelo kuThixo eyezinkomo ezingamakhulu ayisikhombisa lezimvu kanye lembuzi eziyizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa kulezo ababezithumbe babuya lazo. 12 Benza isivumelwano sokuba bamdinge uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, ngezinhliziyo zabo ezipheleleyo langomoya. 13 Bonke ababengayi kumdinga uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, babefanele babulawe, loba bebancinyane loba bebakhulu, loba kungowesilisa kumbe owesifazane. 14 Benza isifungo kuThixo ngokuvungama, bememeza njalo bevuthela lamacilongo lempondo. 15 AbakoJuda bathokoza bonke ngesifungo ngoba babesenze ngenhliziyo yabo yonke. Bamdinga uThixo ngokulangatha, wabavumela ukuthi bamthole. Ngakho uThixo wabanika ukuthula inxa zonke.

16 Inkosi u-Asa yasusa ugogo wayo uMahakha esikhundleni sokuba yindlovukazi ngoba wayenze insika yokukhonzela unkulunkulukazi u-Ashera oyisinengiso. U-Asa wayidiliza insika, wayiqumaquma wayitshisela eSigodini saseKhidironi. 17 Lanxa engasusanga izindawo zokukhonzela ko-Israyeli, u-Asa wayezinikele kuThixo ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke empilweni yakhe yonke. 18 Wangenisa ethempelini likaNkulunkulu isiliva legolide lezinto lezo yena kanye loyise ababezahlukanisele uThixo.

19 Akusazange kube lempi kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu wokubusa kuka-Asa.

16

Iminyaka Ka-Asa Yokucina

1 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesithupha wokubusa kuka-Asa uBhasha inkosi yako-Israyeli wasuka wayavimbezela uJuda wakhela iRama inqaba ukunqabela loba ngubani ukuthi angaphumi loba angangeni elizweni lika-Asa inkosi yakoJuda.

2 Ngakho u-Asa wathatha isiliva legolide esiphaleni senotho sethempeli likaThixo lakwesakhe esigodlweni sakhe wakuthumela kuBheni-Hadadi inkosi yase-Aramu, owayebusa eDamaseko. 3 Wathi, “Kasenze isivumelwano mina lawe njengalokho okwakwenziwe ngubaba loyihlo. Uyabona, nanku mina ngikuthumele isiliva legolide. Wena yesula isivumelwano sakho loBhasha inkosi yako-Israyeli yikho ezahlehla angiyekele.”

4 UBheni-Hadadi wavumelana lenkosi u-Asa wahle wathumela abalawuli bamabutho akhe ukuba bayehlasela imizi yako-Israyeli. Banqoba elako-Ijoni, lelakoDani le-Abheli-Mayimi kanye layo yonke imizi yeziphala zakoNafithali. 5 UBhasha wathi ekuzwa lokhu wema ukwakha iRama wahle wayekela umsebenzi wakhe. 6 Ngakho inkosi u-Asa yaletha wonke amadoda akoJuda athutha amatshe lezigodo eRama okwakusetshenziswa nguBhasha. Wakha ngakho iGebha leMizipha.

7 Ngalesosikhathi uHanani umboni wafika ku-Asa inkosi yakoJuda wathi kuye: “Ngenxa yokuthi wethembele enkosini yase-Aramu wadela ukwethembela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, ibutho lenkosi yase-Aramu seliphunyukile esandleni sakho. 8 Kanti amaKhushi lamaLibhiya babengelabutho elilamandla amakhulu lamanani amanengi ezinqola zokulwa lamadoda alwa ngamabhiza na? Kodwa-ke kwathi usuthembele kuThixo, wabanikela esandleni sakho. 9 Ngoba amehlo kaThixo athungatha umhlaba wonke ukuze aqinise labo abanhliziyo zabo zizimisele kuye. Usuwenze ubuwula, ngakho kusukela khathesi uzahlala usempini.”

10 U-Asa wazondela umboni ngenxa yalokho; wathukuthela wahle wamfaka entolongweni. Kusenjalo u-Asa waphatha abanye babantu ngochuku.

11 Izehlakalo zombuso ka-Asa, kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekupheleni, zilotshwe egwalweni lwamakhosi akoJuda lawako-Israyeli. 12 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu layisificamunwemunye wokubusa kwakhe u-Asa wahlaselwa ngumkhuhlane ezinyaweni zakhe. Loba umkhuhlane wakhe wawubuhlungu kakhulu, kazange adinge usizo kuThixo, kodwa wayesiya ezinyangeni. 13 Kwathi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amane lowodwa u-Asa wafa walala kunye laboyise. 14 Bamngcwaba ethuneni ayezenzele lona eMzini kaDavida. Bambeka phezu kwethala elaligcwele amakha enhlobo ngenhlobo ayexutshwe ngokuhlakanipha kwezingcitshi zamakha, babasa umlilo omkhulu wokumhlonipha.

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UJehoshafathi Inkosi YakoJuda

1 UJehoshafathi indodana ka-Asa waba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe; wazilungisela ukumelana lo-Israyeli empini. 2 Wabeka amabutho emizini ebiyelweyo yakoJuda wafaka amaviyo koJuda kanye lasemizini yako-Efrayimi eyayithunjwe nguyise u-Asa.

3  UThixo wayelaye uJehoshafathi ngoba ngeminyaka yakuqala wayehamba ngezindlela ezalandelwa nguyise uDavida. Kabadinganga oBhali, 4 kodwa wadinga uNkulunkulu kayise njalo walalela imilayo yakhe kazange alingisele okwakusenziwa ngabako-Israyeli. 5  UThixo wawuqinisa umbuso wakhe, bonke abakoJuda baletha izipho kuJehoshafathi, ngakho wanotha kakhulu njalo wahlonitshwa kakhulu. 6 Inhliziyo yakhe yayi kuThixo ngokuzinikela okukhulu ezindleleni zakhe; njalo wasusa zonke izindawo zokukhonzela wadiliza lezinsika zikankulunkulukazi u-Ashera koJuda.

7 Ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwakhe wathuma izikhulu zakhe oBheni-Hali, lo-Obhadaya, loZakhariya, loNethaneli kanye loMikhaya ukuba ziyefundisa emizini yakoJuda. 8 Ndawonye lazo kwakulabanye abaLevi uShemaya loNethaniya, loZebhadiya, lo-Asaheli, loShemiramothi, loJehonathani, lo-Adonija, loThobhija kanye loThobhi-Adonija lo-Elishama loJehoramu abaphristi. 9 Bafundisa kulolonke elakoJuda, bethwele uGwalo lwemiThetho kaThixo; babhoda yonke imizi yakoJuda befundisa abantu.

10 Ukumesaba uThixo kwagcwala kuyo yonke imibuso yamazwe akhelane loJuda, ngakho abasayanga empini loJehoshafathi. 11 Amanye amaFilistiya alethela uJehoshafathi izipho lesiliva njengomthelo, lama-Arabhu aletha imihlambi yezimvu: izinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu ayisikhombisa enqama, lembuzi eziyizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu ayisikhombisa.

12 UJehoshafathi waba lamandla amakhulu angezelelweyo, wakha izinqaba lamadolobho eziphala koJuda 13 njalo wayelokudla okunengi emizini yakoJuda. Wayelamabutho akwaziyo ukulwa ayehlala eJerusalema. 14 Wona ayemi kanje ngezimuli:

KwabakoJuda, abalawuli bamaviyo enkulungwane babeyilaba:

u-Adina umlawuli wayelamaqhawe alamandla azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu (300,000);

15 kulandele uJehohanani umlawuli, elamabutho azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (280,000);

16 kulandele u-Amasiya indodana kaZikhiri, owazinikela ukusebenzela uThixo elamaqhawe alamandla azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili (200,000).

17 KwabakoBhenjamini:

kwakungu-Eliyada, indoda eliqhawe, elamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili (200,000) ayehlome ngamadandili lezihlangu;

18 kulandele uJehozabhadi elamadoda azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (180,000) ayehlomele ukulwa impi.

19 Yiwo la amadoda ayesebenzela inkosi, ngaphandle kwalawo ayesemzini ebiyelweyo kulolonke elakoJuda.

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UMikhaya Uphrofetha Okubi Ngo-Ahabi

1 Ngakho uJehoshafathi wayenothe kakhulu njalo ehlonipheka, waba lobunini lo-Ahabi ngokwendiselana. 2 Ngemva kweminyaka ethile wayakwethekelela u-Ahabi eSamariya. U-Ahabi wamhlabela izimvu ezinengi lenkomo yena kanye labantu ayelabo njalo wamkhuthaza ukuba ahlasele iRamothi Giliyadi. 3 U-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli yabuza uJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda wathi: “Uzahamba lami na ukuyahlasela iRamothi Giliyadi?”

UJehoshafathi waphendula wathi, “Mina nginjengawe, abantu bami banjengabantu bakho; sizakuba lawe empini.” 4 Kodwa uJehoshafathi waphinda wathi enkosini yako-Israyeli, “Akubuze kuThixo kuqala.”

5 Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli yasibuthanisa abaphrofethi, amadoda angamakhulu amane, yababuza yathi, “Siphume impi siyehlasela iRamothi Giliyadi, loba ngizithibe na?”

Bayiphendula bathi, “Hamba, ngoba uNkulunkulu uzayinikela esandleni senkosi.”

6 Kodwa uJehoshafathi wabuza wathi, “Kambe kakusela mphrofethi kaThixo lapha esingabuza kuye na?”

7 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi kuJehoshafathi, “Ukhona oyedwa esingabuza uThixo ngaye kodwa ngiyamzonda ngoba kakaze aphrofethe okuhle ngami, uhlala ekhuluma okubi. Ibizo lakhe nguMikhaya indodana ka-Imla.”

UJehoshafathi wathi, “Inkosi kayimelanga itsho njalo.”

8 Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli yabiza esinye sezikhulu zayo yathi kuso, “Ngibizela uMikhaya indodana ka-Imla khathesi.”

9 Bembethe izembatho zabo zobukhosi, inkosi yako-Israyeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda babehlezi ezihlalweni zabo zobukhosi esizeni sokubhulela amabele esangweni laseSamariya labo bonke abaphrofethi bephrofetha phambi kwabo. 10 UZedekhiya indodana kaKhenana wayekhande impondo zensimbi, wasesithi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uthi: ‘Ngempondo lezi uzagwaza ama-Aramu uwabhubhise.’ ”

11 Bonke abaphrofethi babevele bephrofetha okufananayo besithi, “Hlasela iRamothi Giliyadi unqobe, ngoba uThixo uyinikile esandleni senkosi.”

12 Isithunywa esasithunywe ukuyabiza uMikhaya sathi kuye, “Khangela, abanye abaphrofethi bafakaza bengela kuthandabuza ukuthi inkosi izanqoba. Lawe vumelana labo, ukhulume okuyithokozisayo.”

13 Kodwa uMikhaya wathi, “Ngeqiniso njengoba uThixo ekhona, engingamtshela khona yilokhu okutshiwo nguThixo.”

14 Uthe efika, inkosi yambuza yathi, “Mikhaya, siye empini eRamothi Giliyadi, loba ngizithibe na?”

Yena waphendula wathi: “Hlasela unqobe, ngoba bazanikelwa ezandleni zakho.”

15 Inkosi yathi kuye, “Kumele ngikufungise kangaki ukuze ungangikhohlisi kodwa ungitshele iqiniso ebizweni likaThixo?”

16 Ngakho uMikhaya waphendula wathi, “Ngabona abako-Israyeli bonke behlakazekile emaqaqeni njengezimvu ezingelamelusi, uThixo wathi, ‘Lababantu kabalamkhokheli. Kabazibuyelele emakhaya ngokuthula.’ ”

17 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi kuJehoshafathi, “Kangikutshelanga yini ukuthi uvele kaphrofethi lutho oluhle ngami kodwa okubi kuphela na?”

18 UMikhaya waqhubeka wathi, “Ngakho zwanini ilizwi likaThixo: Ngabona uThixo ehlezi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi lebutho lonke lasezulwini limi ngakwesokudla langakwesokhohlo. 19 Njalo uThixo wathi, ‘Ngubani ozakhohlisa u-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli ukuba ahlasele eRamothi Giliyadi njalo ayofela khona na?’

Omunye wabonisa lokhu, omunye laye lokhuyana. 20 Ekucineni kwavela umoya, wema phambi kukaThixo wathi: ‘Mina ngizamhuga.’

UThixo wathi kuwo: ‘Ngendlela bani na?’

21 Wona wathi: ‘Ngizahamba ngiyekuba ngumoya wokuqamba amanga emilonyeni yabo bonke abaphrofethi bakhe.’

UThixo wathi: ‘Uzaphumelela ukumhuga. Hamba-ke uyekwenza lokho.’

22 Ngakho khathesi uThixo usefake umoya wenkohliso emilonyeni yabaphrofethi bakho bonke laba. UThixo usekumisele ukubhujiswa.”

23 Ngakho uZedekhiya indodana kaKhenana waphakama wayawakala uMikhaya ngempama ebusweni, watsho embuza wathi, “Umoya kaThixo wasuka njani kimi ukuyakhuluma kuwe na?”

24 UMikhaya waphendula wathi, “Wena ngokwakho uzakubona lokho mhla ubalekela endlini engaphakathi usiyacatsha.”

25 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi, “Bambani uMikhaya, limbuyisele ku-Amoni umbusi wedolobho lakuJowashi indodana yenkosi 26 lithi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo yinkosi, ithi: Valelani umuntu lo entolongweni, lingamniki lutho ngaphandle kwesinkwa lamanzi ngize ngiphenduke kukuhle.’ ”

27 UMikhaya waqonqosela wathi: “Nxa ungaphenduka kuhle, uThixo uyabe engakhulumanga ngami.” Waqhubeka wathi, “Lani lonke bantu abambisiseni amazwi ami!”

Ukubulawa Kuka-Ahabi ERamothi Giliyadi

28 Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda baya eRamothi Giliyadi. 29 Inkosi yako-Israyeli yathi kuJehoshafathi: “Mina ngizakuya empini ngizazifihla ngokulahlisa isimo sami, kodwa wena gqoka ezakho ezobukhosi.” Ngakho inkosi yako-Israyeli yazifihla ngokulahlisa isimo sayo yangena empini.

30 Ngakho inkosi yase-Aramu yayiqonqosele abalawuli bezinqola zokulwa yathi, “Lingalwi lamuntu, loba ngomncinyane loba ngomkhulu, ngaphandle kwenkosi yako-Israyeli.” 31 Abalawuli bezinqola zokulwa bathi bebona uJehoshafathi bathi, “Yiyonale inkosi yako-Israyeli.” Ngakho bamphendukela ukuba bamhlasele, kodwa uJehoshafathi wahlaba umkhosi, uThixo wamsiza. UNkulunkulu wabenza baya khatshana laye, 32 ngoba abalawuli bezinqola zokulwa bathi sebebonile ukuthi kasiyo inkosi yako-Israyeli, abazange besaxotshana laye.

33 Kodwa omunye watshoka kungananzelelwe umtshoko waphutsha emkhandlwini wesikhali wagwaza inkosi yako-Israyeli. Inkosi yatshela umtshayeli wenqola yokulwa yathi, “Phendula inqola yakho ungisuse lapha, sengilimele.” 34 Impi yalwiwa ilanga lonke, njalo inkosi yako-Israyeli yeyama enqoleni yayo yokulwa ikhangele ama-Aramu kwaze kwaba ntambama. Kuthe litshona layo yabe isifa.

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1 UJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda wathi esebuyela eJerusalema esigodlweni sakhe ephephile, 2 uJehu umboni, indodana kaHanani, waphuma ukuba ayomhlangabeza wasesithi enkosini, “Kufanele yini ukuba uncedise ababi njalo uthande abamzondayo uThixo? Ngenxa yalokho, ulaka lukaThixo luphezu kwakho. 3 Kodwa-ke kukhona okuhle ngawe, ngoba uziqedile elizweni lonke izinsika zikankulunkulukazi u-Ashera, inhliziyo yakho wayimisela ukudinga uNkulunkulu.”

UJehoshafathi Ukhetha Abehluleli

4 UJehoshafathi wayehlala eJerusalema, waphuma wahambela abantu kusukela eBherishebha kusiya elizweni lamaqaqa lako-Efrayimi wabaphendula ukuba bamkhonze uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo. 5 Wakhetha abehluleli elizweni, kuwo wonke amadolobho abiyelweyo akoJuda. 6 Wabatshela wathi: “Linanzelele elikwenzayo, ngoba kalehluleli umuntu kodwa lehlulela uThixo, yena uzalisiza ekwahluleleni. 7 Ngakho mesabeni uThixo linanzelele elikwenzayo, yahlulelani ngonanzelelo ngoba kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu kakukho ukwehlulela kubi loba ubandlululo loba ukufumbathisana.”

8 Lakhona eJerusalema, uJehoshafathi wabeka abaLevi abathile labaphristi lezinhloko zezindlu zabako-Israyeli ukuba balawule umthetho kaThixo balamule lemibango. Babehlala eJerusalema. 9 Wabanika iziqondiso ezithi: “Kumele lethembeke ngokumesaba uThixo, ngobuqotho langenhliziyo nye epheleleyo. 10 Wonke amacala eza kini evela ezihlotsheni zenu kuwo wonke amadolobho elihlala kiwo loba kungamacala okuchitha igazi loba awokwephula umthetho, imilayo, izimiso loba iziqondiso, baxwayiseni ukuba bangoni kuThixo, funa ulaka lwakhe lwehlele phezu kwenu labafowenu. Lingenza lokho aliyikwenza isono.

11 U-Amariya umphristi omkhulu nguye ozalikhangela emsebenzini wonke kaThixo, kuthi uZebhadiya indodana ka-Ishumayeli, umkhokheli wesizwe sakoJuda alikhokhele ezintweni eziqondane lenkosi, abaLevi labo bazakuba yizikhulu zenu. Yenzani ngesibindi, njalo sengathi uThixo angaba lalabo abazakwenza ngobuqotho.”

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UJehoshafathi Unqoba AmaMowabi Lama-Amoni

1 Ngemva kwalokho amaMowabi lama-Amoni kanye labanye bamaMewuni baphuma impi ukuba bayehlasela uJehoshafathi.

2 Amanye amadoda aya kuJehoshafathi afika athi kuye, “Kulempi enkulu ezayo ukuzakuhlasela evela ngase-Edomi, ngaphetsheya kolwandle. IsiseHazazoni Thamari” (okuyikuthi, Eni-Gedi). 3 Ngokwethuka, uJehoshafathi wazimisela ukumdinga uThixo, wamemezela ukuba akuzilwe ukudla kulolonke elakoJuda. 4 Abantu bakoJuda baqoqana bahlangana bezodinga usizo kuThixo, lakanye baphuma kuyo yonke imizi yakoJuda.

5 Ngakho uJehoshafathi wema phambi kwebandla lakoJuda lelaseJerusalema ethempelini likaThixo phambi kweguma elitsha 6 wathi,

“Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wabokhokho, kakusuwe yini uNkulunkulu osezulwini? Ubusa phezu kwemibuso yezizwe zonke. Amandla asesandleni sakho, njalo kakho ongamelana lawe. 7 Oh Nkulunkulu wethu, awubaxotshanga ababekuleli lizwe phambi kwabantu bakho bako-Israyeli wabanika ukuba libe ngelabo nini lanini abesizukulwane sika-Abhrahama umngane wakho na? 8 Sebehlale kulo njalo sebakhe indawo yokukhonzela yeBizo lakho, besithi, 9 ‘Nxa sisehlelwa zinhlupheko, loba yinkemba yokwahlulela, loba yizifo loba yindlala, sizakuma ngobukhona bakho phambi kwalelithempeli elileBizo lakho sikhale kuwe ekuhlukuluzweni kwethu, wena uzasizwa njalo usisindise.’

10 Kodwa khathesi nanka amadoda ama-Amoni lamaMowabi labeNtabeni yaseSeyiri, abelizwe owalela u-Israyeli ukuba alinqobe ekuphumeni kwakhe eGibhithe; okwabangela ukuthi babatshiye abaze bababhubhisa. 11 Khangela ukuthi khathesi baphindisela ngokunganani ngokusemuka isipho owasipha sona ukuba sibe yilifa lethu. 12 Oh Nkulunkulu wethu, awuyikubahlulela na? Ngoba asilamandla okumelana lebutho elikhulu kangaka elisihlaselayo. Asikwazi esingakwenza, kodwa amehlo ethu aphezu kwakho.”

13 Wonke amadoda akoJuda, labomkabo labantwabawo lensane, bema lapho phambi kukaThixo.

14 UMoya kaThixo wehlela kuJahaziyeli indodana kaZakhariya, indodana kaBhenaya, indodana kaJeyiyeli, indodana kaMathaniya, umLevi oyisizukulwane sika-Asafi, emi phambi kwebandla.

15 Wasesithi: “Lalela, wena Nkosi Jehoshafathi labo bonke abahlala koJuda labaseJerusalema! Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo kini: ‘Lingesabi njalo lingadediswa yibukhulu bebutho laleyompi. Ngoba ukulwa akusikwenu, kodwa ngokukaNkulunkulu. 16 Kusasa hambani liyejamelana labo. Bona bazakhwela ngokhalo lwaseZizi, lina lizabathola ekucineni kodonga eNkangala yaseJeruweli. 17 Aliyikuyilwa limpi. Lunganini ezindaweni; lime ngesibindi lizabona ukuhlenga kukaThixo azalenzela khona, Oh lina bakaJuda lani beJerusalema. Lingesabi, lingadangali. Phumani kusasa liyehlasela, uThixo uzakuba lani.’ ”

18 UJehoshafathi wakhothama ubuso buphansi kanti njalo bonke abakoJuda labaseJerusalema bawela phansi ngobuso bemkhonza uThixo. 19 Ngakho abanye abaLevi bamaKhohathi, lamaKhora bema bamdumisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ngelizwi eliphakemeyo okuphezulu.

20 Kwathi ekuseni kakhulu basuka baya eNkangala yaseThekhowa. Bathi besuka lapho, uJehoshafathi waphakama wathi, “Lalelani kimi, bantu bakoJuda lani baseJerusalema! Thembelani kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu uzaliphathisa; likholwe abaphrofethi bakhe, lizaphumelela.” 21 Ngemva kokubuza abantu, uJehoshafathi wakhetha amadoda okuhlabelela uThixo lokumdumisa ngenxa yenkazimulo yobungcwele bakhe bekhokhele amabutho, besithi:

“Mbongeni uThixo,

ngoba uthando lwakhe lumi nininini.”

22 Bathi beqalisa ukuhlabelela njalo bedumisa, uThixo wabeka abantu bokucathamela abase-Amoni labase-Mowabi labaseNtabeni iSeyiri ababedinga ukuhlasela uJuda, behlulwa. 23 Amadoda ako-Amoni lawamaMowabi avukela amadoda ayevela eNtabeni yaseSeyiri ukuba bawabulale bawatshabalalise. Ngemva kokuba sebeqedile ukubulala abaseSeyiri, banceda ngokubulalana bodwa.

24 Amadoda akoJuda athe efika endaweni emalungana lenkangala bakhangela lapho okwakulebutho elikhulu khona babona ngezidumbu zelekene phansi, kungekho loyedwa owayebalekile. 25 Ngakho uJehoshafathi lamanye amadoda bahamba bayabutha impango, njalo phakathi kwayo bafumana impahla zokusebenzisa lezembatho lezinye njalo impahla eziligugu ukwedlula lezo ababengazithwala. Impango yayinengi kwaze kwathatha insuku ezintathu beyithutha. 26 Ngosuku lwesine babuthana eSigodini saseBherakha, lapho abadumisela khona uThixo. Kungenxa yalokho yonale indawo yabizwa ngokuthi iSigodi saseBherakha kuze kube lamuhla.

27 Ngakho wonke amadoda akoJuda lawaseJerusalema abuyela ngokuthokoza eJerusalema, bekhokhelwa nguJehoshafathi ngoba uThixo wayebenzele lokho okwakubajabulisile phezu kwezitha zabo. 28 Bangena eJerusalema baya ethempelini likaThixo betshaya imihubhe lemiqangala lamacilongo.

29 Ukwesaba uNkulunkulu kwehlela phezu kwayo yonke imibuso emazweni besizwa ngokulwa kukaThixo esilwa lezitha zika-Israyeli. 30 Lakanye umbuso kaJehoshafathi waba lokuthula, ngoba uNkulunkulu wakhe wayemnike ukuphumula inxa zonke.

Isiphetho Sombuso KaJehoshafathi

31 Ngakho uJehoshafathi wabusa koJuda. Waba yinkosi yakoJuda eleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu, wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu. Unina wayengu-Azubha indodakazi kaShilihi. 32 Wahamba ngezindlela zikayise u-Asa njalo kazange aphambuke kuzo; wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo. 33 Izindawo zokukhonzela kazisuswanga njalo abantu babelokhu bengazimiselanga ngezinhliziyo zabo ngokupheleleyo kuNkulunkulu waboyise.

34 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaJehoshafathi kusukela ekuqaleni kusiya ekucineni, zilotshiwe embalini kaJehu, indodana kaHanani, yona elotshwe egwalweni lwamakhosi ako-Israyeli.

35 Ngokuqhubeka kwezikhathi, uJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda waba lesibopho asenza lo-Ahaziya inkosi yako-Israyeli, owayelecala lokwenza okubi. 36 Wavumelana laye ukuba bakhe imikhumbi yokuthwala impahla zokuthengiselana. Ngemva kokuba isiyakhiwe e-Eziyoni-Gebheri, 37 u-Eliyezari indodana kaDodavahu waseMaresha wakhuluma isiphrofethi esilahla uJehoshafathi, esithi, “Ngenxa yokuthi wenza isibopho lo-Ahaziya, uThixo uzadiliza lokho okwenzileyo.” Imikhumbi yabhidlika ayaze yenelisa ukungena olwandle isiyathengisa.

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1 Ngakho uJehoshafathi waphumula labokhokho bakhe, wangcwatshwa kanye labo emzini kaDavida uyise. UJehoramu indodana yakhe wabusa esikhundleni sakhe. 2 Abafowabo bakaJehoramu, amadodana kaJehoshafathi, babengo-Azariya, loJehiyeli, loZakhariya, lo-Azariyahu, loMikhayeli kanye loShefathiya. Bonke laba babengamadodana kaJehoshafathi inkosi yako-Israyeli. 3 Uyise wayebanike izipho ezinengi zesiliva lezegolide kanye lezinye impahla eziligugu, lamadolobho abiyelweyo koJuda, kodwa ubukhosi wayebunike uJehoramu ngoba eyindodana yakhe yamazibulo.

UJehoramu Inkosi YakoJuda

4 UJehoramu esengenile esikhundleni sikayise waqinisa umbuso wakhe, wabulala bonke abafowabo ngenkemba kanye lamanye amakhosana ako-Israyeli. 5 UJehoramu waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lambili, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka eyisificaminwembili. 6 Walandela izindlela zamakhosi ako-Israyeli, njengalokho okwakwenziwe ngabendlu ka-Ahabi, ngoba wathatha indodakazi ka-Ahabi. Wenza okubi phambi kukaThixo. 7 Lanxa kunjalo, ngenxa yesivumelwano uThixo ayesenze loDavida, uThixo kathandanga ukuyidiliza indlu kaDavida. Wayethembise ukumbekela isibane yena kanye lesizukulwane sakhe nini lanini.

8 Ngensuku zikaJehoramu, abase-Edomi bahlamukela uJuda babeka eyabo inkosi. 9 Ngakho uJehoramu waya khonale lezikhulu zakhe lazozonke izinqola zakhe zempi. Abase-Edomi bamhanqa kanye labalawuli bezinqola zakhe zempi, kodwa wavuka ebusuku waphunyuka. 10 Kuze kube lamhla abase-Edomi balokhu behlamukela uJuda.

AbaseLibhina labo bahlamuka ngasolesi isikhathi, ngoba uJehoramu wayefulathele uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyise. 11 Njalo wamisa izindawo zokukhonzela emaqaqeni akoJuda, wenza abaseJerusalema ukuba bakhonze izithombe, wadukisa abakoJuda.

12 UJehoramu wemukela incwadi eyayivela ku-Elija umphrofethi isithi:

“Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu kayihlo uDavida, uthi: ‘Kawuhambanga ezindleleni zikaJehoshafathi uyihlo lezika-Asa inkosi yakoJuda. 13 Kodwa ulandele izindlela zamakhosi ako-Israyeli, waholela abakoJuda labantu baseJerusalema ekuzingcoliseni njengalokhu indlu ka-Ahabi eyakwenzayo njalo usubulele abafowenu abendlu kayihlo ababengcono kulawe. 14 Ngakho-ke uThixo usezabatshaya abantu bakini lamadodana akho, labomkabo lakho konke okungokwakho, ngesidutshulo esikhulu. 15 Lawe uqobo uzagula umkhuhlane omubi owesifo samathumbu akho, amathumbu akho aze ahotshuke ngokuhamba kwensuku ngenxa yesifo.’ ”

16  UThixo wamvusela uJehoramu ulaka lwamaFilistiya lama-Arabhu ayehlala eduzane lamaKhushi. 17 Bahlasela koJuda, bangena khona bathutha zonke impahla ababezitholile esigodlweni senkosi, labantwabayo labomkayo. Akulandodana eyasalayo ngaphandle kuka-Ahaziya isicino sabo.

18 Ngemva kwakho konke lokhu uThixo wehlisela uJehoramu isifo samathumbu esingelaphekiyo. 19 Ngokuqhubeka kwesikhathi ekupheleni komnyaka wesibili, amathumbu akhe ahotshuka ngenxa yesifo, wafa esebuhlungwini obukhulu. Abantu bakhe abazange babase umlilo wokumhlonipha njengalokhu ababekwenza kuboyise.

20 UJehoramu waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lambili, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka eyisificaminwembili. Wafa engakhalelwa muntu, wabekwa eMzini kaDavida, kodwa kungesikho emangcwabeni amakhosi.

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U-Ahaziya iNkosi YakoJuda

1 Abantu baseJerusalema babeka u-Ahaziya, indodana encinyane kaJehoramu, ukuba abe yinkosi esikhundleni sikayise, njengoba abahlaseli ababeze lama-Arabhu enkambeni, babebulele wonke amadodana akhe amadala. Ngakho u-Ahaziya indodana kaJehoramu inkosi yakoJuda waqalisa ukubusa.

2 U-Ahaziya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili ekubeni kwakhe yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okomnyaka owodwa. Unina wayengu-Athaliya, umntanomntanakhe ka-Omri.

3 Laye ngomunye owalandela izindlela zabendlu ka-Ahabi, ngoba unina wamkhuthaza ukwenza okubi. 4 Wona phambi kukaThixo, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe ngabendlu ka-Ahabi, ngoba ngemva kokufa kukayise bahle baba ngabacebisi bakhe, babangela ukuchitheka kwakhe. 5 Walalela ukweluleka kwabo aze ahambe loJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi inkosi yako-Israyeli empini yokuhlasela uHazayeli inkosi yase-Aramu eRamothi Giliyadi. Ama-Aramu alimaza uJoramu; 6 wahle wabuyela eJezerili ukuba ayephozisa amanxeba okulinyazwa kwakhe eRama ekulweni kwakhe loHazayeli inkosi yase-Aramu.

Ngakho u-Ahaziya indodana kaJehoramu inkosi yakoJuda waya eJezerili ukuyabona uJoramu indodana ka-Ahabi njengoba wayeselimele.

7 Ngokwethekelela kuka-Ahaziya kuJoramu, uNkulunkulu wayemise ukumbhubhisa u-Ahaziya. Ngoba ekufikeni kwakhe khonale wahle waphuma loJoramu ukuyahlangabeza uJehu indodana kaNimishi owayegcotshwe nguThixo ukubhubhisa indlu ka-Ahabi. 8 Kwathi lapho uJehu esenza lokhu okuyifaneleyo indlu ka-Ahabi, wahlangana lezikhulu zakoJuda lamadodana abafowabo baka-Ahaziya ababesebenzela u-Ahaziya, wababulala. 9 Wasedinga u-Ahaziya abantu bakhe bambamba esecatshile eSamariya, bamletha kuJehu, wabulawa. Bamngcwaba ngoba bathi: “Wayeyindodana kaJehoshafathi owadinga uThixo ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke.” Ngakho kwakungaselamuntu endlini ka-Ahaziya olamandla okuwumisa umbuso.

U-Athaliya LoJowashi

10 Kwathi u-Athaliya unina ka-Ahaziya esebonile ukuthi indodana yakhe isifile, waqhubekela phambili edinga ukubhubhisa umndlunkulu wendlu yakoJuda. 11 Kodwa uJehoshabhiyathi, indodakazi yenkosi uJehoramu, watshontsha uJowashi indodana ka-Ahaziya phakathi kwamakhosana omndlunkulu ayesezabhujiswa wamfihla endlini yakhe yokulala kanye lomlizane wakhe. Njengoba uJehoshebha indodakazi yenkosi uJehoramu wayengumkaJehoyada umphristi njalo engudadewabo ka-Ahaziya, wamfihla umntwana ukuze angabulawa ngu-Athaliya. 12 Wacatsha labo ethempelini likaNkulunkulu okweminyaka eyisithupha yokubusa kuka-Athaliya elizweni.

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1 Ngomnyaka wesikhombisa uJehoyada waqunga isibindi. Wenza isivumelwano labalawuli bamakhulu embuthweni: o-Azariya indodana kaJerohamu lo-Ishumayeli indodana kaJehohanani, lo-Azariya indodana ka-Obhedi, loMaseya indodana ka-Adaya kanye lo-Elishafathi indodana kaZikhiri. 2 Bangena kulolonke elakoJuda, baqoqa abaLevi kuyo yonke imizi yakoJuda labayizinhloko zezimuli zako-Israyeli. Ekufikeni kwabo eJerusalema, 3 ibandla lonke lenza isivumelwano lenkosi ethempelini likaNkulunkulu.

UJehoyada wathi kubo, “Indodana yenkosi izabusa, njengoba uThixo wathembisa abayinzalo kaDavida. 4 Ngakho nanku okumele likwenze: Ingxenye yesithathu yenu baphristi labaLevi abalinda ngeSabatha bafanele balinde eminyango, 5 eyinye ingxenye yesithathu esigodlweni somndlunkulu kanye lenye njalo ingxenye yesithathu ezalinda eSangweni leSisekelo, kuthi wonke amanye amadoda abesemagumeni ethempeli likaThixo. 6 Kakho ozangena ethempelini likaThixo ngaphandle kwabaphristi labaLevi abazabe besemsebenzini; labo bezangena ngoba behlanjululwe, kodwa wonke amanye amadoda azalinda lokho azabe ekutshengiswe nguThixo. 7 AbaLevi bazahonqolozela inkosi, ngulowo lalowo wabo ehlomile. Loba ngubani ozangena ethempelini kumele abulawe. Lingaxekelani lenkosi loba kungaphi lapho ezabe ikhona.”

8 AbaLevi lawo wonke amadoda akoJuda benza khonokho kanye ababekutshelwe nguJehoyada umphristi. Kwaba ngulowo lalowo wathatha abantu bakhe, kulabanye ababesiyaqalisa amazopho abo ngeSabatha labanye ababetshayisa ngemva kwamazopha abo ngoba uJehoyada umphristi wayelokhu engakakhululi loba iviyo elilodwa. 9 Wasenika abalawuli bamaviyo amabutho alikhulu imikhonto lamahawu amakhulu lamancinyane ayekade engawenkosi uDavida ayesethempelini likaNkulunkulu. 10 Wasemisa wonke amadoda, ngamunye ephethe izikhali zakhe ezandleni, ezingelezele inkosi eduze kwe-alithari lethempeli, kusukela eceleni langezansi kusiya enyakatho yethempeli.

11 UJehoyada lamadodana akhe basebeveza indodana yenkosi njalo bayethesa umqhele; bayiqhubela lencwadi yesivumelwano bayibeka yaba yinkosi. Bayigcoba bavungama bathi: “Mpilonde nkosi!”

12 U-Athaliya uthe esizwa umsindo wabantu begijima njalo behalalisa inkosi, wasuka waya kubo ethempelini likaThixo. 13 Lakanye wayibona inkosi imi ensikeni yayo ngasemangenelweni. Izikhulu labavutheli bamacilongo besekele inkosi, njalo bonke abantu belizwe bejabula bevuthela amacilongo, kanye labahlabeleli bephethe izinto zokuhlabelela bekhokhela emkhosini wokuhaya inkosi. U-Athaliya wadabula izigqoko zakhe njalo wamemeza ethi: “Umvukela! Umvukela!”

14 UJehoyada umphristi wathumela abalawuli bamaviyo amabutho alikhulu, ababelawula amabutho, wathi: “Mkhupheleni phandle u-Athaliya phakathi kwamaviyo kuthi loba ngubani omlandelayo limbulale ngenkemba.” Ngoba umphristi wayethe, “Lingambulaleli ethempelini likaThixo.” 15 Ngakho bambamba esefikile emangenelweni eSango laMabhiza emagumeni esigodlo, njalo kulapho abambulalela khona.

16 UJehoyada wasesenza isivumelwano sokuthi yena kanye labantu lenkosi bazakuba ngabantu bakaThixo 17 Bonke abantu baya ethempelini likaBhali, balidilizela phansi, babhidliza lama-alithare akhe lezithombe zakhe, babulala uMathani umphristi kaBhali phambi kwama-alithare.

18 UJehoyada wabeka abalindi bethempeli likaThixo ezandleni zabaphristi, ababengabaLevi, bona uDavida ayevele ebenzele amazopho abo ethempelini, ukuze balethe iminikelo yokutshiswa kaThixo njengokulotshwa kwayo eMthethweni kaMosi, kulokujabula lokuhlabelela njengokulaya kukaDavida. 19 Wahlalisa njalo abalindiminyango emasangweni ethempeli likaThixo ukuze kungangeni loyedwa ongahlanjululwanga.

20 Wasethatha abalawuli bamabutho alikhulu, lezikhulu lababusi babantu kanye labantu bonke belizwe basebeletha inkosi ethempelini likaThixo. Bangena esigodlweni ngeSango elingaPhezulu bahlalisa khona inkosi esihlalweni soBukhosi, 21 njalo bonke abantu elizweni bajabula. Kwaba lokuthula kulolonke idolobho ngoba u-Athaliya wayesebulewe ngenkemba.

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UJowashi Ulungisa IThempeli

1 UJowashi waba yinkosi eleminyaka eyisikhombisa yokuzalwa, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amane. Ibizo likanina linguZibhiya owayevela eBherishebha. 2 UJowashi wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo iminyaka yonke uJehoyada engumphristi. 3 UJehoyada wamdingela abafazi ababili, wazala amadodana lamadodakazi.

4 Ngemva kwesikhathi esithile uJowashi wabona kufanele ukuthi alungise kutsha ithempeli likaThixo. 5 Wabuthanisa abaphristi labaLevi wathi kubo: “Yanini emizini yakoJuda liyeqoqa imali yomnyaka ngomnyaka kuye wonke umʼIsrayeli, lilungiswe kutsha ithempeli likaNkulunkulu wenu. Kwenzeni khathesi.” Kodwa abaLevi abazange bakwenze masinyane.

6 Ngakho inkosi yabiza uJehoyada umphristi omkhulu yathi kuye, “Kungani ungatshelanga abaLevi ukuba baqoqe koJuda laseJerusalema umthelo owabekwa nguMosi inceku kaThixo kanye lasebandleni lako-Israyeli okweThente loBufakazi na?”

7 Amadodana ka-Athaliya umfazi oxhwalileyo adiliza ithempeli likaNkulunkulu abuye azisebenzisela lezinto zalo ezingcwele kuboBhali.

8 Ngokulaya kwenkosi, kwenziwa ibhokisi labekwa phandle, esangweni lethempeli likaThixo. 9 Kwasekumenyezelwa kulolonke elakoJuda laseJerusalema ukuba kulethwe kuThixo, umthelo owawumiswe nguMosi inceku kaNkulunkulu enkangala ukuba uzakhitshwa ngabako-Israyeli. 10 Izikhulu zonke labantu bonke baletha okwabo ngokujabula, bakufaka ebhokisini laze lagcwala. 11 Kwakusithi nxa ibhokisi lingalethwa ngabaLevi ezikhulwini zenkosi zithi zingabona ukuthi sekulemali enengi, unobhala wesigodlweni lesikhulu somphristi omkhulu bafike bathulule okwakusebhokisini babe sebelibuyisela endaweni yalo. Bakwenza lokho ngezikhathi zonke baze babuthelela imali enengi kakhulu. 12 Inkosi loJehoyada baholisa abantu ababesenza umsebenzi owawufanele wenziwe ethempelini likaThixo. Baqhatsha ababazi bamatshe lababazi ukuze bakhe kutsha ithempeli likaThixo, labakhandi bezinsimbi kanye labakhandi bethusi besakha kutsha ithempeli.

13 Amadoda ayebona ngokuqhutshwa komsebenzi ayekhaliphile, njalo umsebenzi ayewukhangele waqhubeka kuhle. Lakhiwa kutsha ithempeli likaNkulunkulu labuyela esimeni salo elaliyiso njalo baliqinisa. 14 Bathe sebeqedile, baletha imali eyasalayo enkosini lakuJehoyada, benza ngayo impahla zethempeli likaThixo: izitsha zokusebenzela kanye lezeminikelo yokutshiswa, izinditshi lezinye izitsha zegolide lezesiliva. UJehoyada esaphila, iminikelo yokutshiswa yayihlezi ikhona ethempelini likaThixo.

15 UJehoyada wayeseluphele eleminyaka eminengi, wafa eleminyaka yokuzalwa elikhulu elilamatshumi amathathu. 16 Wangcwatshwa lamakhosi eMzini kaDavida ngenxa yalokho okuhle akwenza ko-Israyeli ekwenzela uNkulunkulu ethempelini lakhe.

Ububi BukaJowashi

17 Ngemva kokufa kukaJehoyada, izikhulu zakoJuda zayakhonza enkosini uJowashi, yazilalela. 18 Balidela ithempeli likaThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyise, basebekhonza izinsika zika-Ashera, lezithombe zakhe. Ngenxa yalesisono, ulaka lukaNkulunkulu lwehlela phezu kwabakoJuda laseJerusalema. 19 Lanxa uThixo wathumela abaphrofethi ebantwini ukuba bababuyisele kuye njalo lanxa bafakaza ngokungavumelani labo, abazange babalalele.

20 Ngakho uMoya kaNkulunkulu wehlela kuZakhariya indodana yomphristi uJehoyada. Wema phambi kwabantu wathi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguNkulunkulu: ‘Kungani lingalaleli imilayo kaThixo? Aliyikuphumelela. Ngenxa yokumlahla uThixo elikwenzileyo, laye uselilahlile.’ ”

21 Kodwa bamhlamukela, kwathi ngokuqondisa kwenkosi bamkhanda bambulala ngamatshe egumeni lethempeli likaThixo. 22 INkosi uJowashi ayizange izihluphe ngomusa eyayiwenzelwe nguJehoyada uyise kaZakhariya kodwa yabulala indodana yakhe, yona yathi ekufeni kwayo, “UThixo kakubone lokhu, aphindisele.”

23 Ekupheleni komnyaka amabutho ama-Aramu ahlasela uJowashi; ahlasela koJuda laseJerusalema abulala bonke abakhokheli babantu. Impango yonke ayithumela enkosini yawo eDamaseko. 24 Kwathi loba impi yama-Aramu yayikade ize lamadoda amalutshwana, uThixo wanikela ezandleni zawo ibutho elikhulu kakhulu. Njengoba abakoJuda babemlahlile uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, uJowashi wehlulelwa ngokufaneleyo. 25 Ama-Aramu athi esehlehla, atshiya uJowashi elimele kakhulu. Izikhulu zakhe zamhlamukela ngokubulala kwakhe indodana kaJehoyada umphristi, zahle zambulalela embhedeni wakhe. Ngakho wafa wayangcwatshwa eMzini kaDavida, kodwa kungasikho emathuneni amakhosi.

26 Laba abaceba ukumbulala kwakunguZabhadi, indodana kaShimeyathi owesifazane wama-Amoni loJehozabhadi, indodana kaShimirithi owesifazane wamaMowabi. 27 Imbali yamadodana akhe, iziphrofethi ezinengi ngaye, lembali yokwakhiwa kutsha kwethempeli likaNkulunkulu kulotshiwe egwalweni lwezindaba zamakhosi. U-Amaziya indodana yakhe waba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe.

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U-Amaziya Inkosi YakoJuda

1 U-Amaziya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ubudala ekubekweni kwakhe ukuba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lasificamunwemunye. Ibizo likanina linguJehowadani evela eJerusalema. 2 Wenza okulungileyo emehlweni kaThixo, kodwa kakwenzanga ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke. 3 Kwathi umbuso wakhe usuqinile, wabulala izikhulu zakhe ezazibulele inkosi uyise. 4  *Kodwa amadodana azo kawabulalanga, wenza okuseMthethweni, eNcwadini kaMosi, lapho uThixo wapha umlayo wathi: “Oyise kabayikubulawa ngenxa yabantwababo, labantwababo kabayikubulawa ngenxa yaboyise; ngulowo lalowo uzafela izono zakhe.”

5 U-Amaziya wabuthanisa abantu bakoJuda wabamisa ngezindlu zabo bephethwe yizinduna zezinkulungwane lezamakhulu kwelakoJuda lelakoBhenjamini. Wasebutha kusukela kwabaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu, wathola bezinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu, amadoda akhethiweyo, angaphuma impi, angahloma ngemikhonto langezihlangu. 6 Wabuya waqhatsha ko-Israyeli amaqhawe alamandla azinkulungwane ezilikhulu ngamathalenta esiliva alikhulu.

7 Kodwa kwafika kuye inceku kaNkulunkulu yathi: “Nkosi yami, amabutho ako-Israyeli la akufanelanga aphume impi kanye lawe ngoba uThixo kakho kwabako-Israyeli, kakho lakubani ebantwini bako-Efrayimi. 8 Loba ungaze uhambe uyekulwa ngesibindi empini, uNkulunkulu uzakuchitha phambi kwesitha ngoba uNkulunkulu ulamandla okukusiza loba ukukuchitha.”

9 U-Amaziya wasebuza inceku kaNkulunkulu wathi, “Pho ngizakuthini ngamathalenta alikhulu engiwabhadalele amabutho ako-Israyeli?”

Inceku kaNkulunkulu yaphendula yathi, “UThixo angakunika okunengi kakhulu kulalokho.”

10 U-Amaziya wawakhulula amabutho ayevela ko-Efrayimi wathi kawabuyele kibo. Lokhu amabutho abazondela abakoJuda abuyela kibo ngokufuthelana okukhulu.

11 U-Amaziya wasequnga isibindi, waphuma lamabutho akhe, waya eSigodini seTswayi, lapho abulala khona amadoda aseSeyiri azinkulungwane ezilitshumi. 12 Ibutho lakoJuda lathumba amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi ephila, lawaqhuba layawafikisa engqongeni yeliwa lapho awaphosela khona phansi aphahlazeka wonke aba yizicucu.

13 Kwathi amabutho ayebuyiselwe emuva ngu-Amaziya ngoba engasafuni ukuthi amlwele impi, ahamba ehlasela imizi yaseSamariya laseBhethi-Horoni kwelakoJuda. Abulala abantu abazinkulungwane ezintathu njalo athutha impango enengi kakhulu.

14 U-Amaziya wathi esevela bulala ama-Edomi wabuya ethwele onkulunkulu babantu baseSeyiri. Wabamisa baba ngonkulunkulu bakhe wakhothama kubo wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa. 15 Ulaka lukaThixo lwavutha wathukuthelela u-Amaziya, wasethuma umphrofethi owafika wambuza wathi, “Kungani udinga uncedo kubonkulunkulu balababantu na, abehluleka ukuvikela abantu babo ekubahlaseleni kwakho?”

16 Wathi esakhuluma, inkosi yathi kuye, “Sikubekile yini ukuba ngumcebisi wenkosi na? Thula! Kungani udinga ukubulawa na?”

Ngakho umphrofethi wema kodwa wasesithi, “Ngiyakwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu uzimisele ukuthi akubhubhise, ngoba lokhu akwenzileyo kutsho ukuthi awuzange ulalele ukucebisa kwami.”

17 Ngemva kokuba u-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda eseke wabuza abacebisi bakhe, wathumela ilizwi kuJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi, indodana kaJehu, inkosi yako-Israyeli wathi: “Woza, siqondane ubuso ngobuso.”

18 Kodwa uJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli waphendula u-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda wathi: “Isihlahla sameva saseLebhanoni sathumela umbiko kwesomsedari waseLebhanoni sathi: ‘Yendisela indodakazi yakho endodaneni yami ibe ngumkayo.’ Ngakho kwavela isilo saseLebhanoni sanyathela safohloza isihlahla sameva. 19 Uzitshela ukuthi usuyinqobile i-Edomi, khathesi usuziqhenya. Kodwa hlala ekhaya! Kungani uzibangela uhlupho oluzakuchitha luze luchithe loJuda na?”

20 Kodwa u-Amaziya kazange alalele ngoba uNkulunkulu wayekumisile ukuthi uzabanikela kuJowashi, ngenxa yokukhonza kwabo onkulunkulu bama-Edomi. 21 Ngakho uJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli wasehlasela. Yena kanye lo-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda baqondana ubuso ngobuso eBhethi-Shemeshi koJuda. 22 UJuda wachithwa ngu-Israyeli, kwathi amadoda wonke abalekela emizini yawo. 23 UJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli wathumba u-Amaziya inkosi yakoJuda, indodana kaJowashi indodana ka-Ahaziya, eBhethi-Shemeshi. Ngakho uJowashi waya laye eJerusalema njalo wadiliza umduli weJerusalema kusukela eSangweni lika-Efrayimi kusiya eSangweni laseJikweni isibanga esingaba ngamanyathelo angamakhulu ayisithupha ubude baso. 24 Wasethatha lonke igolide lesiliva lazozonke impahla azithola ethempelini likaNkulunkulu ezazilindwe ngu-Obhedi-Edomi, kanye leziligugu zenotho yesigodlweni lezithunjwa, wasebuyela eSamariya.

25 U-Amaziya indodana kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda waphila okweminyaka elitshumi lemihlanu ngemva kokufa kukaJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi inkosi yako-Israyeli. 26 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso ka-Amaziya, kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekupheleni, azilotshwanga yini egwalweni lwamakhosi akoJuda lako-Israyeli na? 27 Kusukela ekuphambukeni kuka-Amaziya engasalandeli uThixo, bamsongela eJerusalema wabalekela eLakhishi, kodwa bathumela amadoda amlandela eLakhishi ambulalela khonale. 28 Wabuyiswa esethwelwe ngebhiza wangcwatshwa labokhokho bakhe eMzini kaJuda.

26

U-Uziya Inkosi YakoJuda

1 Ngakho bonke abantu bakoJuda bathatha u-Uziya, owayeleminyaka elitshumi lesithupha ubudala, bambeka waba yinkosi esikhundleni sikayise u-Amaziya. 2 Nguye owakha kutsha umuzi we-Elathi wawubuyisela koJuda ngemva kokufa kwenkosi u-Amaziya owangcwatshwa kubokhokho bakhe.

3 U-Uziya wayeleminyaka elitshumi lesithupha ubudala ekubeni kwakhe yinkosi njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lambili. Ibizo likanina linguJekholiya; evela eJerusalema. 4 Wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe nguyise u-Amaziya. 5 Wazimisela ukumdinga uNkulunkulu ngezinsuku zikaZakhariya, owamfundisa ukumesaba uNkulunkulu. Esamlandela uThixo, uNkulunkulu wamphumelelisa.

6 Waphuma impi wayakulwa lamaFilistiya wadiliza imiduli yaseGathi, laseJabhine lase-Ashidodi. Wasesakha kutsha imizi eseduzane le-Ashidodi leminye kwezinye iziqinti phakathi kwamaFilistiya. 7 UNkulunkulu wayelaye ekuhlaseleni kwakhe amaFilistiya kanye lama-Arabhu ayehlala eGuri Bhali kanye lekuhlaseleni amaMewuni. 8 Ama-Amoni aletha umthelo wawo ku-Uziya, udumo lwakhe lwanda lasemingceleni kusiyafika eGibhithe, ngoba wayeselamandla amakhulu.

9 U-Uziya wakha imiphotshongo eJerusalema ngaseSangweni leNgosi langaseSangweni leSigodi langasengosini yomduli, wayivikela ngezinqaba. 10 Wakha njalo imiphotshongo enkangala, wemba imithombo eminengi, ngoba wayefuyile elemihlambi yezifuyo emawatheni amaqaqa lasemagcekeni. Wayelabantu bokulima lababesezivinini emaqaqeni lasemhlabeni ovundileyo, ngoba wayethanda ukulima.

11 U-Uziya wayelamabutho ayekwazi ukulwa ebuthwe ngamaviyo ayeqoqwe nguJeyiyeli umabhalane loMaseya isikhulu esasiqondiswa nguHananiya, omunye wezikhulu zomndlunkulu. 12 Inani labakhokheli lonke ngezimuli emadodeni okulwa lalizinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisithupha (2,600). 13 Babelawula ibutho elilamadoda abazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu lesikhombisa lamakhulu amahlanu (307,500) ayefundele ukulwa, amaviyo alamandla okuhlomulela inkosi ezitheni zayo. 14 U-Uziya wahlomisa amabutho akhe wonke ngezihlangu, imikhonto, ingowane zensimbi lamabhatshi ensimbi, lemitshoko lamatshe ezavutha. 15 EJerusalema wakhandisa imitshina yokufutha imitshoko leyokujikijela amatshe amakhulu ayikhandisa emadodeni ayezingcitshi eyayisetshenziswa emiphotshongweni esemajikweni. Udumo lwakhe lwanda lwayafika kude, ngoba wancediswa kakhulu waze waba lamandla amakhulu kakhulu.

16 Kodwa kwathi u-Uziya eselamandla amakhulu, ukuziqhenya kwakhe kwamlethela incithakalo. Kazange athembeke kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe, waze wangena ethempelini likaThixo, ukuba ayetshisa impepha e-alithareni lempepha. 17 U-Azariya umphristi labanye abaphristi bakaThixo abangamatshumi ayisificaminwembili abalezibindi bamlandela phakathi ethempelini. 18 Bajamelana laye bathi kuye, “Akulunganga ukuthi wena, Uziya, utshisele uThixo impepha. Lokho ngokwabaphristi, abenzalo ka-Aroni, abehlukaniselwa ukutshisa impepha. Phuma kulindawo engcwele, ngoba awuzange wethembeke, njalo awuyikuphakanyiswa nguThixo uNkulunkulu.”

19 U-Uziya owayephethe udengezi lokutshisela impepha esandleni sakhe, wathukuthela. Uthe elokhu esakhwazela abaphristi ngoba kwabo phambi kwe-alithari lempepha ethempelini likaThixo, kwaqalisa ubulephero ebunzini lobuso bakhe. 20 Kwathi u-Azariya umphristi omkhulu labanye abaphristi bemkhangela, babona eselobulephero ebunzini lakhe, ngakho baphanga bamkhuphela phandle. Lakanye yena ngokwakhe wayevele esefisa ukuphuma, ngoba uThixo wayesemtshayile.

21 U-Uziya inkosi waba lobulephero kwaze kwaba lilanga lakhe lokufa. Wayesehlala endlini yakhe eyayimi yodwa ngoba elobulephero njalo engasavunyelwa ethempelini likaThixo. UJothamu indodana yakhe yaphatha isigodlo njalo yaphatha abantu bonke belizwe.

22 Ezinye izehlakalo zombuso ka-Uziya, kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekucineni, zilotshwe ngumphrofethi u-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi. 23 U-Uziya waphumula labokhokho bakhe wangcwatshwa eduze kwabo ensimini yokungcwaba eyayingeyamakhosi ngoba abantu bathi, “Wayelobulephero.” Ngakho uJothamu indodana yakhe wathatha isikhundla sakhe waba yinkosi.

27

UJothamu Inkosi YakoJuda

1 UJothamu wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ubudala eqalisa ukubusa, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lesithupha. Ibizo likanina lalinguJerusha indodakazi kaZadokhi. 2 Wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo njengalokhu okwenziwa nguyise u-Uziya kodwa yena kasangenanga ethempelini likaThixo njengoyise. Lanxa kunjalo, abantu baqhubeka besenza okubi. 3 UJothamu wakha wavuselela iSango langaPhezulu lethempeli likaThixo wenza njalo umsebenzi omkhulu emdulini ngapha ngaseqaqeni lwe-Ofeli. 4 Wakha amadolobho emaqaqeni aseJuda lemiphotshongo ezindaweni ezenileyo.

5 UJothamu wahlasela inkosi yama-Amoni wawanqoba. Ngalowomnyaka ama-Amoni athela kuye ngamathalenta esiliva alikhulu, lezilinganiso zezilimo zengqoloyi ezizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lezinkulungwane ezilitshumi zebhali. Ama-Amoni amlethela inani elifananayo ngomnyaka wesibili langomnyaka wesithathu.

6 UJothamu waba lamandla amakhulu ngoba waqina kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe.

7 Ezinye izehlakalo embusweni kaJothamu, kanye lezimpi azilwayo lokunye ayekwenza, kulotshiwe egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi ako-Israyeli lakoJuda. 8 Waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, njalo wabusa okweminyaka elitshumi lesithupha eJerusalema. 9 UJothamu waphumula labokhokho bakhe, wangcwatshwa eMzini kaDavida. U-Ahazi indodana yakhe wathatha isikhundla waba yinkosi.

28

U-Ahazi Inkosi YakoJuda

1 U-Ahazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili ubudala nyakana esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lesithupha. Kenzanga njengoyise uDavida, kazange enze okulungileyo emehlweni kaThixo. 2 Wahamba ngezindlela zamakhosi ako-Israyeli njalo wabaza izithombe zokukhonza oBhali. 3 Watshisa imihlatshelo eSigodini saseBheni-Hinomu wanikela amadodana akhe emlilweni, elandela izindlela ezenyanyekayo zezizwe uThixo ayezixotshe mandulo kokufika kwabako-Israyeli. 4 Wanikela imihlatshelo njalo watshisa impepha ezindaweni zokukhonzela phezu kwamaqaqa langaphansi kwazo zonke izihlahla eziyizithingithingi.

5 Ngakho uThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe wamnikela enkosini yama-Aramu. Ama-Aramu amnqoba athumba abantu bakhe abanengi abaletha eDamaseko.

Yena njalo wanikelwa ezandleni zenkosi yako-Israyeli, yona eyambulalela abantu abanengi kakhulu. 6 Kwathi ngelanga elilodwa uPhekha indodana kaRemaliya wabulala amabutho azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili koJuda ngoba abakoJuda babemfulathele uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyise. 7 UZikhiri ibutho lako-Efrayimi, wabulala uMaseya indodana yenkosi, lo-Azirikhamu isikhulu somndlunkulu, kanye lo-Elikhana, owayengumsekeli wenkosi. 8 Abako-Israyeli bathumba ezihlotsheni zabo zakoJuda omkabo, lamadodana lamadodakazi abazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili. Babutha njalo impango enengi kakhulu, abayithwala babuyela layo eSamariya.

9 Kodwa umphrofethi wenkosi okwakuthiwa ngu-Odedi wayekhonale, ngakho waphuma ukuyahlangabeza ibutho ekuphendukeni kwalo eSamariya. Wathi kulo, “Ngenxa yokuthi uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyihlo wayethukuthelele abakoJuda, wabanikela ezandleni zenu. Kodwa lina selibabhubhise ngolaka oluze lwayathinta ezulwini. 10 Khathesi selifuna ukuthi amadoda labesifazane bakoJuda laseJerusalema babe yizigqili zenu. Kodwa lina ngokwenu kalonanga yini kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu na? 11 Lalelani kimi! Buyiselani amadoda akini eliwenze izibotshwa, ngoba ulaka lukaThixo olwesabekayo luphezu kwenu.”

12 Abanye babakhokheli bako-Efrayimi u-Azariya indodana kaJehohanani, loBherekhiya indodana kaMeshilemothi, loJehizikhiya indodana kaShalumi, kanye lo-Amasa indodana kaHadilayi bamelana lalabo ababevela empini bathi kubo, 13 “Lingalethi lezozibotshwa lapha, ngoba kungenzeka sibe lecala phambi kukaThixo. Selidinga ukuthi lengezelele lelocala phezu kwesono sethu na? Ngoba icala lethu livele likhulu, njalo lentukuthelo yakhe eyesabekayo iphezu kwabako-Israyeli.”

14 Ngakho amabutho akhulula ababebotshiwe asebuyisela lempahla ezaziyimpango phambi kwezikhulu laphambi kwebandla. 15 Amadoda ayeqanjwe ngamabizo abuyisela izibotshwa ezimpahleni zempango bagqokisa ababenqunu. Babanika izigqoko lamanyathelo, ukudla lokunathwayo, kanye lomuthi wokwelapha. Bonke ababuthakathaka babagadisa obabhemi. Ngakho babathatha bababuyisela kwabanye babo eJerikho, iDolobho lamaLala, basebebuyela eSamariya.

16 Ngalesosikhathi inkosi u-Ahazi yacela uncedo enkosini yase-Asiriya. 17 Ama-Edomi ayesephendukile ezohlasela abakoJuda njalo asuka eqhuba izibotshwa, 18 kanti amaFilistiya lawo ngapha ayesehlasele amadolobho angaphansi kwamaqaqa kanye laseNegebi yakoJuda. Bathumba basebehlala khona eBhethi-Shemeshi, le-Ayijaloni leGederothi, kanye laseSokho, leThimina leGimizo lemizana eyayiseduze lalapho. 19  UThixo wabatshaya abakoJuda ngoba u-Ahazi inkosi yako-Israyeli wayekhuthaze ukona kwabakoJuda watshengisela ukungathembeki okukhulu kuThixo. 20 UThigilathi-Philesa inkosi yase-Asiriya esikhundleni sokumsiza laye wafika wengezelela uhlupho. 21 U-Ahazi wathatha ezinye zezimpahla zasethempelini likaThixo lezinye azithatha endlini yomndlunkulu esigodlweni waze wathatha lezamakhosana wayaziqhubela inkosi yase-Asiriya, kodwa lakho lokhu akumncedanga.

22 Kwathi lanxa inkosi u-Ahazi iphakathi kobunzima, yandisa ukona kwayo kuThixo. 23 Yanikela imihlatshelo kubonkulunkulu baseDamaseko, ababeyehlule, ngoba yakhumbula yathi, “Njengoba onkulunkulu bamakhosi ama-Aramu bewancedile, ngizanikela imihlatshelo kubo ukuze bangisize lami.” Kodwa-ke kwahle kwaba yikuwa kwayo lokuchitheka kwabako-Israyeli.

24 U-Ahazi wabutha zonke izitsha ethempelini likaNkulunkulu wazisusa. Wavala iminyango yethempeli likaThixo wasesakha ama-alithare kuwo wonke amajiko eJerusalema. 25 Wakha izindawo zokukhonzela kuwo wonke amadolobho akoJuda ukuze atshisele onkulunkulu imihlatshelo; wathukuthelisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo.

26 Ezinye izehlakalo zombuso wakhe lezindlela zakhe zonke, kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekupheleni, zilotshiwe egwalweni lwembali yamakhosi akoJuda lako-Israyeli. 27 U-Ahazi waya ekuphumuleni kubokhokho bakhe wangcwatshwa labo emzini waseJerusalema, kodwa kabekwanga emathuneni amakhosi ako-Israyeli. UHezekhiya indodana yakhe wathatha isikhundla waba yinkosi.

29

UHezekhiya Uhlambulula IThempeli

1 UHezekhiya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lemihlanu ubudala ethatha ubukhosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lasificamunwemunye. Ibizo likanina lalingu-Abhija indodakazi kaZakhariya. 2 Wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo, njengalokho okwakwenziwe nguyise uDavida.

3 Ngenyanga yakuqala ngomnyaka wakuqala wokubusa kwakhe, wavula iminyango yethempeli likaThixo wayilungisa. 4 Wamema abaphristi kanye labaLevi, wababuthanisa egumeni eliseceleni langempumalanga 5 wathi: “Lalelani kimi, lina baLevi! Zihlambululeni khathesi njalo lihlambulule lethempeli likaThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyihlo. Lisuse amanyala endaweni engcwele. 6 Obaba babengathembekanga; benza okubi emehlweni kaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu bamdela. Indawo kaThixo bayincitsha ubuso bakhangela eceleni njalo bamfulathela uThixo. 7 Bavala njalo izivalo zomphempe bacitsha izibane. Abazange batshise impepha njalo kabalethanga iminikelo yokutshiswa endaweni engcwele kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 8 Ngakho ulaka lukaThixo selwehlele phezu kwabakoJuda laphezu kwabaseJerusalema; uThixo usebenze besabeka, bathuthumelisa baba yinto yokweyiswa, njengoba lizibonela ngawenu amehlo. 9 Lokhu sekubangele ukubulawa kwabo ngenkemba njalo lokuthi amadodana lamadodakazi labomkethu babe sekuthunjweni. 10 Khathesi ngifuna ukwenza isivumelwano loThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ukuze ulaka lwakhe oluvuthayo lusidedele. 11 Madodana ami, kalingabi ngabangananziyo ngoba uThixo uselikhethile lina ukuma phambi kwakhe limkhonze, limsebenzele lokutshisa impepha.”

12 Ngakho laba abaLevi bahle baqalisa umsebenzi:

KwabakaKhohathi,

uMahathi indodana ka-Amasayi loJoweli indodana ka-Azariya;

kwabakaMerari,

uKhishi indodana ka-Abhidi lo-Azariya indodana kaJehaleleli;

kwabakaGeshoni,

uJowa indodana kaZima lo-Edeni indodana kaJowa;

13 kwabosendo luka-Elizafani,

kunguShimiri loJeyiyeli;

kwabosendo luka-Asafi,

kunguZakhariya loMathaniya;

14 kwabosendo lukaHemani,

kunguJehiyeli loShimeyi;

kwabosendo lukaJeduthuni,

kunguShemaya lo-Uziyeli.

15 Bathi sebebuthanise abafowabo bazihlambulula bona, bangena ukuyahlambulula ithempeli likaThixo, njengokuqondisa kwenkosi, eyayilandela ilizwi likaThixo. 16 Abaphristi bangena endaweni engcwele kaThixo ukuba bayeyihlambulula. Konke okwakungcolile ethempelini likaThixo bakukhuphela egumeni lethempeli likaThixo. AbaLevi bakuthwala baya lakho eSigodini saseKhidironi. 17 Baqalisa ukwahlukanisela ngosuku lwakuqala lwenyanga yakuqala, kwathi ngosuku lwesificaminwembili lwenyanga bafika emphempeni kaThixo. Ngezinsuku ezilandelayo ezificaminwembili bangcwelisa ithempeli likaThixo uqobo, baze baqeda ngosuku lwetshumi lesithupha lwenyanga yakuqala.

18 Basebengena enkosini uHezekhiya ukuba bayembikela bathi: “Sesilihlambulule lonke ithempeli likaThixo, le-alithari lomnikelo wokutshiswa lezitsha zalo zonke, kanye lethala lokwendlalela isinkwa esingcwelisiweyo kanye lazozonke impahla zakhona. 19 Sesilungise sangcwelisa zonke izitsha ezasuswa yinkosi u-Ahazi ngokungathembeki kwakhe eseseyinkosi. Khathesi seziphambi kwe-alithari likaThixo.”

20 Ekuseni ngosuku olulandelayo inkosi uHezekhiya wabuthanisa izikhulu zedolobho ndawonye wasesiya ethempelini likaThixo. 21 Baletha inkunzi eziyisikhombisa, lenqama eziyisikhombisa, lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna ayisikhombisa kanye lempongo eziyisikhombisa kungumnikelo wesono sombuso, lesendlu yokukhonzela kanye lesikaJuda. Inkosi yalaya abaphristi, abenzalo ka-Aroni, ukunikela ngalokho e-alithareni likaThixo. 22 Ngakho babulala inkunzi, abaphristi bathatha igazi bachela ngalo e-alithareni; kwalandela inqama abazibulala bachela igazi lazo e-alithareni; basebebulala amazinyane ezimvu bachela igazi lawo e-alithareni. 23 Impongo zomnikelo wesono zalethwa phambi kwenkosi laphambi kwebandla, babeka izandla zabo phezu kwazo. 24 Abaphristi basebebulala impongo baletha igazi lazo e-alithareni kungumnikelo wesono ukuze kwenzelwe wonke u-Israyeli indlela yokubuyisana, ngoba inkosi yayilaye ukuthi kube lomnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wesono kunikelelwa wonke u-Israyeli.

25 AbaLevi yababeka phakathi kwethempeli likaThixo belezigubhu, lamachacho lemihubhe njengalokho okwakumiswe nguDavida loGadi umboni wenkosi loNathani umphrofethi; lokhu kwakungumlayo kaThixo oweza ngabaphrofethi bakhe. 26 Ngakho abaLevi balinda belamachacho kaDavida, abaphristi belamacilongo.

27 UHezekhiya wakhupha isiqondiso sokuba kwenziwe umnikelo wokutshiswa e-alithareni. Kuthe kuqalisa umnikelo, ukuhlabelela uThixo lakho kwaqalisa, kwahamba kanyekanye lamacilongo kanye lamachacho kaDavida inkosi yako-Israyeli. 28 Ibandla lonke lakhothama lakhonza, abahlabeleli behlabela labamacilongo bewavuthela. Konke lokhu kwaqhubeka kwaze kwaphela umnikelo wokutshiswa.

29 Ngemva kokuphela kweminikelo inkosi labo bonke ababekhona baguqa bakhonza. 30 Inkosi uHezekhiya lezikhulu zayo yatshela abaLevi ukuba badumise uThixo ngamazwi kaDavida kanye laka-Asafi umboni. Ngakho badumisa ngokuhlabelela ngenjabulo bakhothamisa amakhanda abo bakhonza.

31 UHezekhiya wasesithi, “Selizinikele kuThixo khathesi. Wozani lilethe imihlatshelo leminikelo yokubonga ethempelini likaThixo.” Ngakho ibandla laletha imihlatshelo leminikelo, yokubonga, njalo ababelenhliziyo ezivumayo baletha iminikelo yokutshiswa.

32 Inani leminikelo yokutshiswa eyalethwa libandla kwakuzinkunzi ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa, inqama ezilikhulu lamazinyane amaduna ezimvu angamakhulu amabili, konke kungokomnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo. 33 Izifuyo ezahlukaniselwa ukuba ngumhlatshelo kwakuzinkunzi ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lezimvu lembuzi ezizinkulungwane ezintathu. 34 Kodwa, abaphristi babebalutshwana kakhulu ekuhlinzeni ezomnikelo wokutshiswa; ngakho basebencediswa ngabafowabo abaLevi waze waphela umsebenzi njalo abanye abaphristi baze bangcweliswa ngoba abaLevi babekunanzelele kakhulu ukuzingcwelisa kulabaphristi. 35 Umnikelo wokutshiswa wawumnengi, kanye lamafutha omnikelo wobudlelwano kanye lomnikelo wokunathwayo okwakuhambelana lomnikelo wokutshiswa.

Ngakho lokhu kwaba yikuvuselelwa kwenkonzo ethempelini likaThixo. 36 UHezekhiya labo bonke abantu bajabula ngababekuphiwe nguNkulunkulu ekwenzela abantu bakhe, ngoba kwakwenzakale ngokuphangisa.

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UHezekhiya Ugcina IPhasika

1 UHezekhiya wanxusa bonke abako-Israyeli labakoJuda, wanxusa labako-Efrayimi labakoManase ngezincwadi eJerusalema, ukuthi bazokudla iPhasika ethempelini likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 2 Inkosi lezikhulu zayo lebandla lonke eJerusalema bavumelana ukwenza ukugcina iPhasika ngenyanga yesibili. 3 Babengenelisanga ukwenza umkhosi ngesikhathi sawo ngoba abaphristi babebalutshwana ababezingcwelisile njalo labantu babengabuthananga eJerusalema. 4 Icebo leli lakhanya lilihle enkosini lasebandleni lonke. 5 Baquma ukuthi kukhutshwe ilizwi kulolonke elako-Israyeli kusukela eBherishebha kusiya koDani, kunxuswa abantu ukuthi beze eJerusalema emkhosini wePhasika likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. Umkhosi lo wawungakaze wenziwe ngabanengi kusiya ngomthetho owalotshwa phansi.

6 Ngokulaya kwenkosi, izithunywa zangena kulolonke elako-Israyeli lelakoJuda ziphethe izincwadi ezazivela enkosini lasezikhulwini zayo, ezazilotshwe ukuthi:

“Bantu bako-Israyeli, buyelani kuThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama lo-Isaka lo-Israyeli, ukuze abuyele kulabo benu abaseleyo abaphunyuke ezandleni zamakhosi ase-Asiriya. 7 Lingabi njengaboyihlo lezihlobo zenu ababengathembekanga kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, waze wabenza baba yisibonelo sokwesabekayo njengoba libona. 8 Lingabi ntamolukhuni njengaboyihlo; zehliseni kuThixo. Wozani endlini yokukhonza aseyingcwelisile kuze kube nininini. Mkhonzeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuze ulaka lwakhe olwesabekayo lusuke kini. 9 Nxa libuyela kuThixo, abafowenu labantwabenu bazathola umusa kulabo ababathumbayo, babuye kulelilizwe, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu ulomusa lesihawu. Kayikulifulathela nxa libuyela kuye.”

10 Ngakho izithunywa zaphuma zangena kuyo yonke imizi lemizana ko-Efrayimi lakoManase, zayafika lakhonale koZebhuluni, kodwa abantu bazihleka ulunya njalo baziklolodela. 11 Lanxa kunjalo, abanye abantu bako-Asheri labakoManase labakoZebhuluni bazithoba baya eJerusalema. 12 Njalo lakoJuda isandla sikaNkulunkulu sasisebantwini ukubapha ukubambana engqondweni ukuze benze lokho inkosi lezikhulu zayo eyayithe abakwenze, njengokutsho kwelizwi likaThixo.

13 Kwabuthana abantu abalixuku elikhulu eJerusalema bethakazelela uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo ngenyanga yesibili. 14 Basusa ama-alithare eJerusalema bakhucula ama-alithare empepha bawathwala bayawaphosela eSigodini saseKhidironi.

15 Babulala amazinyane ezimvu awePhasika ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga yesibili. Abaphristi labaLevi bayangeka bazihlambulula baletha iminikelo yokutshiswa ethempelini likaThixo. 16 Basebebuyela ezikhundleni zabo zenjayelo njengokumisiweyo emthethweni kaMosi umuntu kaNkulunkulu. Abaphristi bachela igazi ababeliqhutshelwa ngabaLevi. 17 Njengoba babebanengi ababengazihlambululanga exukwini, abaLevi bahlaba amanye amazinyane ezimvu awePhasika besenzela labo ababengahlanjululwanga ngokomkhuba njalo bengelakho ukuzahlukanisela izimvu zabo phambi kukaThixo. 18 Lanxa abantu abanengi ababevela ko-Efrayimi, koManase, ko-Isakhari lakoZebhuluni babengakazihlambululi, kodwa badla iPhasika, okwakungekho emthethweni olotshiweyo. Kodwa uHezekhiya wabakhulekela wathi: “Kungathi uThixo, olungileyo, angathethelela bonke 19 abamdingayo uNkulunkulu uThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo loba bengahlambulukanga ngokomthetho wendawo engcwele.” 20 Lakanye uThixo wawuzwa umkhuleko kaHezekhiya wasilisa abantu.

21 Ama-Israyeli ayeseJerusalema athakazelela uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa ngokujabula okukhulu, abaLevi labaphristi behlabelela kuThixo insuku zonke, bephathiswa ngamachacho okudumisa uThixo.

22 UHezekhiya wabakhuthaza bonke abaLevi abatshengisela ukuzinikela emsebenzini kaThixo. Ngalezonsuku eziyisikhombisa badla leyongxenye eyayiyisabelo sabo njalo banikela umnikelo wobudlelwano bamdumisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu waboyise.

23 Ibandla lonke laselivumelana ukuthakazelela umkhosi lo okwezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa; ngakho umkhosi bawuqhuba okwezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa bejabula. 24 UHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda walethela ibandla inkunzi eziyinkulungwane lezimvu ezizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lembuzi zingezebandla, kwathi izikhulu lazo zaletha inkunzi eziyinkulungwane lezimvu lembuzi ezizinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Abaphristi abanengi kakhulu bazihlambulula. 25 Ibandla lonke lakoJuda lajabula, ndawonye labaphristi labaLevi labo bonke ababebuthene bevela ko-Israyeli, ndawonye labezizweni ababevela ko-Israyeli lababehlala koJuda. 26 Kwaba lokujabula okukhulu eJerusalema, ngoba kusukela ensukwini zikaSolomoni indodana kaDavida inkosi yako-Israyeli kwakungazange kube lomkhosi onjalo eJerusalema. 27 Abaphristi labaLevi bema babusisa abantu, uNkulunkulu wabezwa, ngoba imikhuleko yabo yafika ezulwini, endaweni yakhe engcwele ahlala kiyo.

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1 Sekuphelile konke lokhu abako-Israyeli ababesemkhosini bangena emizini yakoJuda, badiliza izinsika zokukhonzela u-Ashera. Badiliza izindawo zokukhonzela lama-alithare kulolonke elakoJuda lakoBhenjamini kanye lako-Efrayimi lakoManase. Bathe sebekudilizile konke lokhu, abako-Israyeli babuyela emizini yabo, ezindaweni zabo.

Iminikelo Yenkonzo

2 UHezekhiya wamisa abaphristi labaLevi ngezigaba ngamunye wabo kusiya ngemisebenzi yabo yobuphristi kumbe eyabaLevi eyokunikela ngeminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yobudlelwano, ukukhonza, ukubonga kanye lokuhlabelela indumiso emasangweni endaweni ehlala uThixo. 3 Inkosi yapha okuvela kweyayo inotho iminikelo yokutshiswa yekuseni lantambama kanye lokweminikelo yokutshiswa ngamaSabatha, leyokuThwasa kweziNyanga kanye leyemikhosi emisiweyo njengokulotshiweyo eMthethweni kaThixo. 4 Inkosi yathi abantu abahlala eJerusalema kumele banike abaphristi labaLevi imfanelo yabo ukuze basebenze ngokuzinikela eMthethweni kaThixo. 5 Masinyazana ngemva kwesiqondiso, abako-Israyeli banikela kakhulu ngokwesivuno sakuqala samabele, lokwewayini elitsha, lokwamafutha lokwenyosi lakho konke okwakutholakala emasimini. Baletha okunengi kakhulu, okwetshumi kukho konke. 6 Amadoda ako-Israyeli lawakoJuda ayehlala emizini yakoJuda lawo aletha okwetshumi kwemihlambi yenkomo leyezimvu zawo lezinto ezingcwele zokunikela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wawo, azibuthelela inqwabanqwaba. 7 Baqalisa ukukwenza lokhu ngenyanga yesithathu baze baqeda ngenyanga yesikhombisa. 8 UHezekhiya lezikhulu zakhe befika bebona lezozinqwabanqwaba badumisa uThixo njalo babusisa abantu bakhe bako-Israyeli.

9 UHezekhiya wabuza abaphristi labaLevi ngenqwabanqwaba; 10 u-Azariya umphristi omkhulu, owendlu kaZadokhi wamphendula wathi, “Kusukela abantu beqalise ukuletha iminikelo yabo ethempelini likaThixo, sesizuze ukudla okunengi njalo okusalayo kunengi kakhulu, ngoba uThixo ubabusisile abantu bakhe, yikho kulalokhu okunengi kangaka okuseleyo.”

11 UHezekhiya wapha imilayo yokuba kwakhiwe iziphala ethempelini likaThixo, lakanye lokho kwenziwa. 12 Ngakho baqhubeka beletha izipho ngokwethembeka, lokwetshumi kanye lezipho eziqakathekileyo. UKhenaniya induna enkulu, umLevi, wayephethe lezizinto, njalo umfowabo uShimeyi wayengumsekeli wakhe. 13 UJehiyeli, lo-Azaziya, loNahathi, lo-Asaheli, loJerimothi, loJozabhadi, lo-Eliyeli, lo-Isimakhiya loMahathi kanye loBhenaya babekhangele umsebenzi bengaphansi kukaKhenaniya lomfowabo uShimeyi, njengokukhethwa kwabo yinkosi uHezekhiya lo-Azariya isikhulu esasikhangele ithempeli likaNkulunkulu.

14 UKhore indodana ka-Imna umLevi, owayengumlindi weSango langeMpumalanga, wayephethe iminikelo yokuzithandela kuNkulunkulu, enguye owaba okunikelwe kuThixo kanye lezipho ezingcwelisiweyo. 15 U-Edeni, loMiniyamini, loJeshuwa, loShemaya, lo-Amariya kanye loShekhaniya bamncedisa kakhulu bethembekile emizini yabaphristi, besabelana kusiya ngezigaba zabaphristi, abadala labatsha, ngokufananayo.

16 Phezu kwalokho, babesabela abesilisa kusukela kwabaleminyaka emithathu ngokulotshwa egwalweni lokuzalana kwabo bonke ababezangena ethempelini likaThixo besiyakwenza imisebenzi etshiyeneyo kusiya ngemilandu yabo ngezigaba zabo. 17 Babela abaphristi ngezimuli zabo njengokulotshiweyo egwalweni lokuzalana kwabo njalo kwabanjalo lakubaLevi abaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili yokuzalwa labadala, kusiya ngemisebenzi yabo langezigaba zabo. 18 Lokhu kwakuhlanganisa abantwana, abesifazane kanye lamadodana lamadodakazi esigaba sonke kwabasegwalweni lokuzalana kwabo. Ngoba babethembekile ngokuzahlala bengcwele.

19 Abaphristi abayinzalo ka-Aroni, ababehlala eziqintini eduzane lamadolobho loba kwamanye amadolobho, babeqanjwe ngamabizo ukuthi babelane iziqa baze babele lalabo bonke ababelotshiwe ezingwalweni zokuzalana kwabaLevi.

20 Lokhu yikho okwenziwa nguHezekhiya kulolonke elakoJuda, esenza okufaneleyo lokulungileyo ngokwethemba kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe. 21 Kukho konke ayekwenza emsebenzini wethempeli likaNkulunkulu lasekulaleleni kwakhe umthetho lemilayo, wadinga uNkulunkulu njalo wasebenza ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke. Ngalokho waphumelela.

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USenakheribhi Usongela IJerusalema

1 Ngemva kwakho konke lokhu uHezekhiya ayekwenze ngokwethembeka, kweza uSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya wahlasela elakoJuda. Wavimbezela amadolobho ayelezinqaba, edinga ukuwanqoba abe ngawakhe. 2 UHezekhiya uthe ebona ukuthi uSenakheribhi usefikile njalo uhlose ukuhlasela iJerusalema, 3 wabuza izikhulu zakhe kanye labebutho ukuthi kwakungaba njani ukuthi kuvalwe amanzi avela emithonjeni engaphandle kwedolobho, bahle bamncedisa. 4 Ixuku elikhulu lamadoda labuthana, lakanye bawavala amanzi awemthonjeni lawesifula esasidabula phakathi kwelizwe. Bathi, “Kungani amakhosi ase-Asiriya afanele afice amanzi amanengi na?” 5 Ngakho wasebenza ngamandla evuselela umduli lokwakha imiphotshongo phezu kwawo. Wakha omunye umduli ngaphandle kwalowo waseqinisa imithangala eyayivele ingeyoMuzi kaDavida. Wenza lezikhali lezihlangu ezinengi kakhulu.

6 Wabeka izikhulu zebutho zaphatha abantu wasezimisa phambi kwakhe egcekeni lesango elingasedolobheni wazikhuthaza ngalamazwi: 7 “Qinani libe lesibindi. Lingesabi njalo lingethuselwa libutho elikhulu kangaka lenkosi yase-Asiriya ngoba kulamandla amakhulu akithi adlula akuye. 8 Yena ulengalo yenyama kuphela, kodwa thina siloThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ukusisiza lokusilwela izimpi zethu.” Abantu baba lesibindi ngenxa yalokho okwatshiwo yinkosi yakoJuda uHezekhiya.

9 Muva, uSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya lawo wonke amabutho akhe esavimbezele eLakhishi, wathuma izikhulu zakhe eJerusalema ziphethe lelilizwi elalisiya kuHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda kanye labantu bonke abakoJuda abebekhona lapho wathi:

10 “Nanku okutshiwo nguSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya uthi: Usithatha ngaphi wena isibindi, esokuthi wale ulokhu useJerusalema yona ivinjezelwe? 11 Nxa uHezekhiya esithi, ‘UThixo uNkulunkulu wethu uzasisindisa ezandleni zenkosi yase-Asiriya,’ uyalikhohlisa, ukuba life ngendlala langomhawu wamanzi. 12 UHezekhiya akasuye yini ngokwakhe owasusa izindawo zikankulunkulu lowu eziphakemeyo lama-alithare, esithi kuJuda leJerusalema, ‘Kumele likhonzele e-alithareni elilodwa njalo litshisele kulo imihlatshelo na’?

13 Kutsho ukuthi alikwazi yini lokho engikwenzileyo lalokho okwenziwa ngobaba ebantwini bamanye amazwe na? Kambe onkulunkulu balezozizwe benelisa yini ukukhulula ilizwe labo esandleni sami na? 14 Nguphi kubo bonke onkulunkulu bamazwe balezozizwe ezabhujiswa ngobaba owake wenelisa ukukhulula abantu bakhe kimi na? UNkulunkulu wenu angalikhulula njani esandleni sami? 15 Qaphelani lingakhohliswa nguHezekhiya limyekele elilahlekisa. Lingamethembi, ngoba kakho unkulunkulu loba ngowasiphi isizwe loba yiwuphi umbuso oseke wenelisa ukukhulula abantu bakhe esandleni sami loba esandleni sabokhokho. Pho kanganani ukuba owenu unkulunkulu angalikhulula yini esandleni sami!”

16 Izikhulu zikaSenakheribi zaqhubekela phambili zikhuluma kubi ngoThixo uNkulunkulu langenceku yakhe uHezekhiya. 17 Inkosi yaloba lezincwadi ithuka uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, isitsho lokhu okubi ngaye: “Njengoba onkulunkulu babantu bamanye amazwe behluleka ukukhulula abantu babo esandleni sami, kuyafanana kunjalo uNkulunkulu kaHezekhiya kasoze enelise ukukhulula abantu bakhe esandleni sami.” 18 Basebememeza ngesiHebheru ebantwini baseJerusalema ababephezu komduli, bebethusela ukuze besabe babesebethumba idolobho. 19 Bakhuluma ngoNkulunkulu weJerusalema njengalokho abakwenza ngabonkulunkulu babanye abantu bemhlabeni, izinto ezibunjwe yizandla zabantu.

20 INkosi uHezekhiya lomphrofethi u-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi bakhala ngomkhuleko ngalokhu. 21  UThixo wathuma ingilosi, eyabhubhisa wonke amadoda empi labakhokheli lezikhulu enkambeni yenkosi yase-Asiriya. Ngakho wabuyela elizweni lakhe ngokuyangeka. Esengene ethempelini likankulunkulu wakhe, amanye amadodana akhe amjuqa ngenkemba.

22 Ngalokho uThixo wamsindisa uHezekhiya labantu baseJerusalema esandleni sikaSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya lakuzo zonke ezinye izitha. UThixo wabavikela wabaphatha kuhle inxa zonke. 23 Abanengi balethela uThixo iminikelo eJerusalema kanye lezipho eziligugu kuHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda. Kusukela lapho waba lesithunzi wahlonitshwa yizizwe zonke.

Ukuziqhenya, Ukuphumelela Lokufa KukaHezekhiya

24 Ngalezonsuku uHezekhiya wagula eselengela ekufeni. Wakhuleka kuThixo, wamphendula ngokumnika isibonakaliso. 25 Kodwa inhliziyo kaHezekhiya yagcwala ngokuzikhukhumeza ngakho kazange azihluphe ngesihawu ayesitshengisiwe; ngakho intukuthelo kaThixo yehlela phezu kwakhe lasebantwini bakoJuda labaseJerusalema. 26 Ngakho uHezekhiya waphenduka ukuzikhukhumeza ngenhliziyo yakhe, labantu baseJerusalema labo benza njalo; ngalokho ulaka lukaThixo alusabehlelanga ngezinsuku zikaHezekhiya.

27 UHezekhiya wayelenotho enengi njalo elodumo, wasesakha izindlu zokulondolozela isiliva sakhe legolide kanye lamatshe akhe aligugu, iziyoliso, izihlangu lakho konke okunye okuligugu. 28 Wakha njalo iziphala zokugcinela amabele, iwayini elitsha lamafutha, wakha izibaya zemihlobo eyehlukeneyo yenkomo, lezibaya zemihlambi yezimvu. 29 Wakha imizi wazuza imihlambi yezimvu leyenkomo, ngoba uNkulunkulu wamnika inotho enkulu kakhulu.

30 UHezekhiya nguye owavala amanzi entombo yangaphezulu kweGihoni wawadonsa agelezela ngentshonalanga koMuzi kaDavida. Waphumelela kukho konke ayekwenza. 31 Ekufikeni kwamanxusa ayethunywe ngababusi beBhabhiloni bezobuza ngomangaliso owawenzakele elizweni, uNkulunkulu wamtshiya ukuze amhlole ukuthi azi konke okwakusenhliziyweni yakhe.

32 Ezinye izehlakalo ngokubusa kukaHezekhiya lemisebenzi yakhe yokuzinikela kulotshiwe embonweni womphrofethi u-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi egwalweni lwamakhosi akoJuda lawako-Israyeli. 33 UHezekhiya waphumula labokhokho bakhe wangcwatshwa eqaqeni lapha okulamangcwaba abosendo lukaDavida. AbakoJuda bonke labantu baseJerusalema bamhlonipha ekufeni kwakhe. Kwathi uManase indodana yakhe wathatha isikhundla waba yinkosi.

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UManase Inkosi YakoJuda

1 UManase waba yinkosi eleminyaka elitshumi lambili ubudala njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lanhlanu. 2 Wenza ububi emehlweni kaThixo, elandela imikhuba eyenyanyekayo yezizwe uThixo ayezixotshile phambi kuka-Israyeli. 3 Wavuselela izindawo zokukhonzela ezazibhidlizwe nguyise uHezekhiya; waphinda wakhela oBhali ama-alithare kanye lezinsika zika-Ashera. Wakhothamela zonke izinkanyezi zezulu wazikhonza. 4 Wakha ama-alithare ethempelini likaThixo, lona uThixo ayekhulume ngalo wathi: “IBizo lami lizahlala eJerusalema kuze kube nininini.” 5 Emagumeni womabili ethempeli likaThixo wakhela izinkanyezi zezulu ama-alithare. 6 Wanikela amadodana akhe emlilweni eSigodini saseBheni-Hinomu, wenza imilingo, ukuvumisa, lokuthakatha njalo wayahlahlula lakwabalamadlozi. Wenza okubi kakhulu phambi kukaThixo, wamthukuthelisa.

7 Wathatha isithombe ayesibazile wasibeka ethempelini likaNkulunkulu, lelo uNkulunkulu ayethe kuDavida lasendodaneni yakhe uSolomoni, “Kulelithempeli kanye laseJerusalema, engilikhethileyo ezizwaneni zako-Israyeli, ngizafaka iBizo lami kuze kube nininini. 8 Angiyikuyekela inyawo zabako-Israyeli zisuke kulelilizwe engalabela okhokho babo, nxa bezananzelela benze konke engabalaya ngakho okwemithetho, izimiso leziqondiso ezaphiwa uMosi.” 9 Kodwa uManase wakhokhelela abakoJuda labaseJerusalema ekulahlekeni, benza ububi okwedlula izizwe uThixo azibhubhisa mandulo kokufika kwabako-Israyeli.

10  UThixo wakhuluma kuManase labantu bakhe, kodwa kabalalelanga. 11 Ngakho uThixo wabehlisela abalawuli bamabutho enkosi yase-Asiriya, abathumba uManase, bamfaka umkhala emakhaleni, bambopha ngamaketane ethusi bamusa eBhabhiloni. 12 Ekuhlulukelweni kwakhe wacela umusa kaThixo uNkulunkulu waboyise. 13 Ngakho uthe esekhuleka kuThixo, wezwa ukuncenga kwakhe walalela isicelo sakhe; wambuyisela eJerusalema ebukhosini bakhe. Ngalokho uManase wakwazi ukuthi uThixo unguNkulunkulu.

14 Ngemva kwalokho wakha kutsha umduli wangaphandle owoMuzi kaDavida, entshonalanga kwentombo yesigodini seGihoni, kusiya emangenelweni eSango leNhlanzi kubhoda uqaqa lwe-Ofeli; njalo wawakha waba mude kulakuqala. Wafaka abalawuli bamabutho kuwo wonke amadolobho alezinqaba koJuda.

15 Wasusa bonke onkulunkulu bezizweni wasusa lesithombe ethempelini likaThixo, lawo wonke ama-alithare ayewakhele eqaqeni lwethempeli kanye laseJerusalema; konke lokhu wakulahlela ngaphandle kwedolobho. 16 Wavuselela i-alithari likaThixo wenza iminikelo yobudlelwano leminikelo yokubonga phezu kwalo njalo watshela uJuda ukumkhonza uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 17 Kodwa abantu baqhubeka benikela imihlatshelo ezindaweni zokukhonzela, kodwa benikela kuphela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wabo.

18 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaManase, kanye lomkhuleko wakhe kuNkulunkulu wakhe lamazwi akhulunywa ngababoni kuye ngebizo likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kulotshiwe embalini yamakhosi ako-Israyeli. 19 Umkhuleko wakhe lokuthi uNkulunkulu wakwamukela njani ukuncenga kwakhe, lokona kwakhe konke, kanye lokungathembeki, lalezozindawo zokukhonzela ayezakhile lezinsika zika-Ashera lezithombe engakazehlisi ngokuzithoba, kulotshiwe konke emibhalweni yababoni. 20 UManase waphumula labokhokho bakhe wangcwatshwa esigodlweni sakhe. U-Amoni indodana yakhe yathatha isikhundla sakhe.

U-Amoni Inkosi YakoJuda

21 U-Amoni wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili ubudala esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka emibili. 22 Wenza ububi phambi kukaThixo, njengalokhu okwakwenziwe nguyise uManase. U-Amoni wakhonza njalo wanikela imihlatshelo kuzozonke izithombe ezazenziwe nguManase. 23 Kodwa kenzanga njengoyise uManase, ngoba yena kazehlisanga phansi kukaThixo; u-Amoni wenza amacala ngokuphindiweyo.

24 Izikhulu zika-Amoni zathama icebo zambulalela esigodlweni sakhe. 25 Kodwa abantu belizwe babulala bonke labo ababethame amacebo ngenkosi u-Amoni, babeka uJosiya indodana yakhe wathatha ubukhosi.

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Imvuselelo KaJosiya

1 UJosiya waba yinkosi eleminyaka eyisificaminwembili ubudala njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanye. 2 Wenza okulungileyo phambi kukaThixo njalo wahamba ngenyathelo likayise uDavida, kazange aphambukele kwesokudla loba esokhohlo.

3 Ngomnyaka wesificaminwembili wokubusa kwakhe, elokhu esesengumntwana, waqalisa ukumdinga uNkulunkulu kakhokho wakhe uDavida. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili waqalisa ukuhlambulula elakoJuda laseJerusalema, wavala izindawo zokukhonzela, izinsika zika-Ashera, izithombe ezibaziweyo lezikhandiweyo. 4 Ngeziqondiso zakhe kwabhidlizwa ama-alithare aboBhali; waqoba ama-alithare empepha ayengaphezu kwawo; wahlikiza izinsika zika-Ashera, izithombe kanye lemifanekiso. Lokhu wakuvadlaza wasekuchithizela phezu kwamangcwaba alabo ababenikele imihlatshelo kulezozithombe. 5 Watshisela amathambo abaphristi ema-alithareni abo, ngalokho wahlambulula elakoJuda laseJerusalema. 6 Emizini yakoManase, lako-Efrayimi lakoSimiyoni, kuze kuyefika koNafithali, lasemanxiweni aseduzane layo, 7 wadiliza ama-alithare lezinsika zika-Ashera njalo wahlifiza izithombe zaba yimpuphu wachithiza ama-alithare empepha kulolonke elako-Israyeli aba yizicucu. Wasebuyela eJerusalema.

8 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili wokubusa kukaJosiya, ukuze ahlambulule ilizwe kanye lethempeli, wathumela uShafani indodana ka-Azaliya loMaseya umbusi wedolobho, loJowa indodana kaJowahazi, umlobi, ukuba bavuselele ithempeli likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe.

9 Baya kuHilikhiya umphristi omkhulu bamnika imali eyayilethwe ethempelini likaNkulunkulu, eyayiqoqwe ngabaLevi ababengabagcini beminyango beyiqoqa ebantwini bakoManase, lako-Efrayimi layo yonke insalela yabako-Israyeli lakubo bonke abantu bakoJuda labakoBhenjamini lababehlala eJerusalema. 10 Basebeyiqhubela amadoda ayekhethelwe ukukhangela ukuqhubeka komsebenzi wasethempelini likaThixo. Lamadoda ayeholisa ababevuselela lokwakha kutsha ithempeli. 11 Eyinye bayiqhubela ababazi labakhi ukuze bathenge amatshe abaziweyo lezigodo lezintungo zezindlu ezadilika amakhosi akoJuda engananzelele.

12 Amadoda ayisebenza imisebenzi yawo ngokwethembeka. Ayekhokhelwa njalo eqondiswa ngoJahathi lo-Obhadaya, abaLevi bosendo lukaMerari, uZakhariya loMeshulami abosendo lukaKhohathi. AbaLevi bonke ababengamagabazi kwezamachacho omculo, 13 babephethe izisebenzi njalo bekhangele izisebenzi kulowo lalowo umsebenzi. Abanye abaLevi babengonobhala, labalobi kanye labalindi beminyango.

Ukutholakala KoGwalo LwemiThetho

14 Besakhipha imali eyayingeniswe ethempelini likaThixo, uHilikhiya umphristi wafumana uGwalo loMthetho kaThixo owawuphiwe uMosi. 15 UHilikhiya wathi kuShafani unobhala, “Sengilutholile uGwalo loMthetho ethempelini likaThixo.” Waselunika uShafani.

16 Ngalokho uShafani waluthatha walusa enkosini wayibikela wathi: “Izikhulu zakho ziyakwenza konke ozilaye ukuba zikwenze. 17 Sebeyibhadele imali leyo eyayisethempelini likaThixo njalo sebeyitshiyele abakhangeli bomsebenzi kanye lezisebenzi.” 18 Ngakho uShafani unobhala wabikela inkosi, wathi, “UHilikhiya umphristi usengiphe ugwalo.” Ngakho uShafani waselubala phambi kwenkosi.

19 Inkosi yonela ukuzwa amazwi oMthetho, yadabula izembatho zayo 20 yapha leziziqondiso kuHilikhiya, lo-Ahikhami indodana kaShefani, lo-Abhidoni indodana kaMikha, loShafani unobhala kanye lo-Asaya inceku yenkosi yathi: 21 “Hambani liyengibuzela kuThixo lensalela yako-Israyeli labakoJuda ngalokhu okulotshwe kulolugwalo olutholakeleyo. Lukhulu ulaka lukaThixo phezu kwethu ngenxa yabokhokho abangazange balilalele ilizwi likaThixo; kabenzanga ngendlela okulotshwe ngayo kulolugwalo.”

22 UHilikhiya lalabo ayethunywe labo yinkosi bahamba ukuba bayekhuluma loHulida umphrofethikazi owayengumkaShalumi indodana kaThokhathi, indodana kaHasira, umlondolozi wezembatho. UHulida wayehlala eJerusalema endaweni yeSiqinti Sesibili.

23 Wathi kubo, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: Tshelani umuntu olithume kimi lithi, 24 ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uthi: Ngizakwehlisela lindawo labantu bayo incithakalo lazozonke izithuko ezilotshiweyo egwalweni olufundwe phambi kwenkosi yakoJuda. 25 Ngoba bangidelile batshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha njalo bangithukuthelisile ngakho konke abakwenze ngezandla zabo, ulaka lwami luzakwehlela phezu kwalindawo njalo aluyikucitshwa.’ 26 Tshelani inkosi yakoJuda, elithume ukuzabuza kuThixo lithi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, mayelana lamazwi owezwileyo: 27 Njengoba uzisolile wazehlisa ngaphansi kukaNkulunkulu wezwa ukuthi utheni ngalindawo labantu bayo njalo langenxa yokuthi uzehlisile wazithoba phambi kwami wadabula izembatho zakho walila phambi kwami, ngikuzwile, utsho njalo uThixo. 28 Wena ngizakususa ngikuse kubokhokho bakho, njalo uzangcwatshwa ngokuthula. Amehlo akho awayikubona leyoncithakalo engizayehlisela indawo le lakulabo abahlala khona.’ ”

Ngempela bayithatha leyompendulo baya layo enkosini.

29 Inkosi yasibuthanisa bonke abadala bakoJuda labaseJerusalema. 30 Yaya ethempelini likaThixo labantu bakoJuda, kanye labaseJerusalema, labaphristi kanye labaLevi labantu bonke kusukela komncinyane kusiya komkhulu. Inkosi yabafundela wonke amazwi ayeseGwalweni lweSivumelwano, olwatholakala ethempelini likaThixo. 31 Inkosi yema ensikeni yayo yavuselela isivumelwano sayo phambi kukaThixo, ukumkhonza uThixo lokwamukela imilayo yakhe, leziqondiso, lezimiso zakhe ngenhliziyo yayo yonke langomphefumulo wayo wonke, lokulalela amazwi esivumelwano esilotshiweyo ogwalweni.

32 Yasifungisa bonke ababeseJerusalema labakoBhenjamini ukuba bazasigcina; abantu baseJerusalema bakwenza lokho belandela isivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo.

33 UJosiya wasusa zonke izithombe ezenyanyekayo ezabelweni zonke ezazingezako-Israyeli, wenza bonke abako-Israyeli bamkhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo. Ngezinsuku zokuphila kwakhe kazange aphambuke endleleni kaThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo.

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UJosiya Wenza UMkhosi WePhasika

1 UJosiya wenza uMkhosi wePhasika kuThixo eJerusalema, iwundlu lePhasika lahlatshwa ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga yakuqala. 2 Wabeka abaphristi ngemisebenzi yabo njalo wabakhuthaza emsebenzini wethempeli likaThixo. 3 KubaLevi, ababefundisa abako-Israyeli bonke njalo ababevele behlukaniselwe uThixo wathi: “Bekani ibhokisi lesivumelwano elingcwele ethempelini elakhiwa nguSolomoni indodana kaDavida inkosi yako-Israyeli. Akumelanga libe lithwalwa ngamahlombe enu. Khathesi khonzani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu labantu bakhe bako-Israyeli. 4 Hlanganani ngezindlu zenu langezigaba zenu, kusiya ngeziqondiso ezalotshwa nguDavida inkosi yako-Israyeli kanye loSolomoni indodana yakhe.

5 Manini endaweni engcwele leqembu labaLevi kuzozonke izigaba ngezindlu zezihlobo zenu, kube ngabemuli. 6 Hlabani amawundlu ePhasika, lizihlambulule lilungisele izihlobo zenu lenze njengokutsho kwelizwi likaThixo ngoMosi.”

7 UJosiya wanika abantu makhaza bonke ababekhona izimvu lembuzi eziyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu zomnikelo wePhasika, kanye lenkomo eziyizinkulungwane ezintathu, zonke zingezayo inkosi.

8 Izikhulu zakhe lazo zapha ngokuzinikela ebantwini zapha labaphristi labaLevi. UHilikhiya, loZakhariya loJehiyeli, abaphrofethi bethempeli likaNkulunkulu, bapha abaphristi iminikelo yePhasika engamakhulu angamatshumi amabili lesithupha lenkomo ezingamakhulu amathathu. 9 Abanye abapha kanye loKhenaniya loShemaya, loNethaneli, abafowabo, kanye loHashabhiya, loJeyiyeli, loJozabhadi, abakhokheli babaLevi, bapha okomnikelo wePhasika izinkulungwane ezinhlanu kanye lenkomo ezingamakhulu amahlanu ezabaLevi.

10 Inkonzo yalungiswa kwathi abaphristi bema ezindaweni zabo labaLevi ezigabeni zabo ngeziqondiso zenkosi. 11 Amawundlu ePhasika ahlatshwa, abaphristi bemukela igazi bachela ngalo, abaLevi ngalesosikhathi babehlinza. 12 Babeka eceleni iminikelo yokutshiswa ukuze banike izigaba ngezigaba zezimuli zabantu ukuze banikele kuThixo, njengokulotshiweyo eGwalweni lukaMosi. Benza okufaneleyo lasenkomeni. 13 Bosa izinyamazana zePhasika emlilweni njengokulaywa kwabo, babilisa iminikelo engcwele ezimbizeni, ezindengezini lasemapaneni baphanga bakuphakela abantu. 14 Ngemva kwalokho, bazilungisela okwabo ndawonye lokwabaphristi, ngoba abaphristi, abayinzalo ka-Aroni, babephathekile ngeminikelo yokutshiswa kanye leyamahwahwa kwaze kwaba kusihlwa. Ngakho abaLevi bazilungisela okwabo lokwabaphristi abangabendlu ka-Aroni.

15 Abahlabeleli, abenzalo ka-Asafi, babesezindaweni ezaqanjwa nguDavida, lo-Asafi, loHemani kanye loJeduthuni umboni wenkosi. Abalindi bamasango esangweni linye ngalinye akuzange kudingeke ukuthi basuke ezindaweni zabo, ngoba abaLevi abayizihlobo zabo babebalungisele okwabo.

16 Ngakho ngalesosikhathi umsebenzi kaThixo wenzelwa ukugcinwa kwePhasika lokunikelwa kweminikelo yokutshiswa e-alithareni likaThixo, njengoba inkosi uJosiya yayitshilo. 17 Abako-Israyeli ababekhona bathakazelela iPhasika ngalesosikhathi njalo bathakazelela uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. 18 IPhasika lalingazange ligcinwe ngalindlela ko-Israyeli kusukela ngezinsuku zomphrofethi uSamuyeli; njalo kayikho leyodwa inkosi yako-Israyeli eyayike yathakazelela iPhasika elinjengaleli elenziwa nguJosiya, labaphristi, labaLevi labo bonke abakoJuda labako-Israyeli ababelapho labantu baseJerusalema. 19 LeliPhasika lathakazelelwa ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili mibili wokubusa kukaJosiya.

Ukufa KukaJosiya

20 Ngemva kwakho konke lokhu uJosiya eseqondisile konke ngeThempeli, uNekho inkosi yaseGibhithe wayahlasela iKharikhemishi eYufrathe, uJosiya waphuma ukuyadibana laye empini. 21 Kodwa uNekho wamthumela amanxusa esithi, “Kulokuxabana bani phakathi kwami lawe, we nkosi yakoJuda? Phela angihlaseli wena khathesi, ngihlaselana laleyondlu engilwa layo impi. UNkulunkulu ungitshele ukuba ngiphangise; wena mana ungaphikisani loNkulunkulu, yena olami, funa akubhubhise.”

22 Kodwa uJosiya kazange amyekele, wazifihla ukuze abe sempini. Kazange alalele akutshelwa nguNekho kuvela kuNkulunkulu kodwa laye wayakulwa emagcekeni aseMegido.

23 Abatshoki bayiciba inkosi uJosiya, yatshela izikhulu zayo yathi, “Ngisusani lapha, sengilimele kakubi.” 24 Ngakho bamethula enqoleni yakhe yokulwa, bamfaka kweyinye ayelayo bamusa eJerusalema, lapho afela khona. Wangcwatshwa emathuneni abokhokho bakhe, bonke abakoJuda labako-Israyeli bamlilela.

25 UJeremiya laye waloba isililo ngoJosiya, njalo kuze kube lamuhla abahlabeleli bonke abesilisa labesifazane lokhu behaya isililo ngoJosiya. Lokhu kulila kwaba ngumkhuba ko-Israyeli njalo kubhaliwe eZililweni.

26 Ezinye izehlakalo ngokubusa kukaJosiya lezinye izenzo zokuzinikela kwakhe, mayelana lokulotshiweyo eMthethweni kaThixo 27 zonke izehlakalo, kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekuphetheni, kulotshiwe egwalweni lwamakhosi ako-Israyeli lakoJuda.

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1 Abantu belizwe bathatha uJehowahazi indodana kaJosiya bamenza inkosi eJerusalema esikhundleni sikayise.

Ukubusa KukaJehowahazi

2 UJehowahazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lantathu yobudala esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okwezinyanga ezintathu. 3 Inkosi yaseGibhithe yamethula ubukhosi eJerusalema njalo yathelisa abakoJuda amathalenta alikhulu esiliva kanye lethalenta legolide. 4 Inkosi yaseGibhithe, yabeka u-Eliyakhimu, umfowabo kaJehowahazi, ukuba abe yinkosi yakoJuda laseJerusalema yasiguqula ibizo lika-Eliyakhimu laba nguJehoyakhimi. Kodwa uNekho wathatha umfowabo ka-Eliyakhimu uJehowahazi wamusa eGibhithe.

UJehoyakhimi Inkosi YakoJuda

5 UJehoyakhimi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ubudala esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lanye. Wenza ububi phambi kukaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe. 6 UNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni wamhlasela wambopha ngamaketane ethusi wasemusa eBhabhiloni. 7 UNebhukhadineza wasuka lezinye impahla zethempeli likaThixo wazisa ethempelini lakhe elaliseBhabhiloni.

8 Ezinye izehlakalo ngombuso kaJehoyakhimi, lamanyala awenzayo lakho konke okwatholakala kulihlazo ngaye, kulotshiwe egwalweni lwamakhosi ako-Israyeli lakoJuda. UJehoyakhini indodana yakhe wathatha isikhundla waba yinkosi.

UJehoyakhini Inkosi YakoJuda

9 UJehoyakhini wayeleminyaka elitshumi lasificaminwembili ubudala esiba yinkosi, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okwezinyanga ezintathu lezinsuku ezilitshumi. Wenza ububi phambi kukaThixo. 10 Kwathi entwasa, inkosi uNebhukhadineza yathumela ukuthi bamlethe eBhabhiloni, kanye lempahla eziligugu ezazivela ethempelini likaThixo, wabeka uZedekhiya isinini sikaJehoyakhini ukuba yinkosi yakoJuda laseJerusalema.

UZedekhiya Inkosi YakoJuda

11 UZedekhiya waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanye, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lanye. 12 Wenza okubi emehlweni kaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe njalo kazange azithobe ngaphansi komphrofethi uJeremiya, owayekhulumela uThixo. 13 Wahlamukela inkosi uNebhukhadineza, owayemfungise ngebizo likaNkulunkulu. Waba lenkani, lenhliziyo elukhuni, kazange azithobe kuThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 14 Abakhokheli bonke babaphristi lababantu baqhubeka ngokungathembeki, belandela izenzo ezingamanyala zezizwe, bengcolisa ithempeli likaThixo, ayezehlukanisele lona eJerusalema.

Ukuwa KweJerusalema

15  UThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho babo, wathumela ilizwi ephindaphinda ngezithunywa zakhe, ngoba wayelesihawu ebantwini bakhe kanye lendawo yakhe yokuhlala. 16 Kodwa izithunywa zikaNkulunkulu babezihleka ulunya, beseyisa amazwi akhe njalo beklolodela abaphrofethi bakhe lwaze lwavutha ulaka lukaThixo ebantwini bakhe kungasekho okunganceda. 17 Ngakho wathuma inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, yabulala amajaha akibo ngenkemba endlini engcwele, njalo akusindanga jaha loba ntombi, indoda endala loba oseluphele. UNkulunkulu wabanikela bonke esandleni sikaNebhukhadineza. 18 Wathutha zonke impahla zethempeli likaNkulunkulu wazisa eBhabhiloni, zonke ezincinyane lezinkulu, kanye lezenotho yethempelini likaThixo lezenotho yenkosi leyezikhulu zayo. 19 Batshisa ithempeli likaNkulunkulu njalo badiliza umduli weJerusalema; batshisa zonke izigodlo batshabalalisa lakho konke okwakuligugu khonapho.

20 Wathatha bonke ababesele bengadliwanga yinkemba wabasa eBhabhiloni baba yizichaka zakhe lezamadodana akhe kwaze kwangena umbuso wasePhezhiya. 21 Ilizwe lazuza ukuphumula kwalo kwamasabatha; kusosonke isikhathi salo sencithakalo laphumula kwaze kwaphela iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa ukugcwalisa ilizwi likaThixo elakhulunywa nguJeremiya.

22 Ngomnyaka wakuqala wenkosi yasePhezhiya uKhurosi, ukuze kugcwaliseke ilizwi likaThixo elakhulunywa nguJeremiya, uThixo wathinta inhliziyo kaKhurosi inkosi yasePhezhiya ukuba yenze isimemezelo kuwo wonke umbuso wayo, ukuthi sibhalwe phansi kuthiwe:

23 “Nanti ilizwi likaKhurosi inkosi yasePhezhiya elithi:

‘UThixo, uNkulunkulu wasezulwini unginike yonke imibuso yomhlaba njalo ungikhethile ukuba ngimakhele ithempeli eJerusalema koJuda. Loba ngubani, wabantu bakhe phakathi kwenu sengathi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe angaba laye, kahambe.’ ”

* 25:4 25.4 UDutheronomi 24.16

U-Ezra

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10

U-Ezra

1

UKhurosi Ubuyisela Izithunjwa

1 Ngomnyaka wakuqala wenkosi yasePhezhiya uKhurosi, ukuze kugcwaliseke ilizwi likaThixo elakhulunywa nguJeremiya, uThixo wathinta inhliziyo kaKhurosi inkosi yasePhezhiya ukuba yenze isimemezelo kuwo wonke umbuso wayo, ukuthi sibhalwe phansi kuthiwe:

2 “Nanku okutshiwo yinkosi uKhurosi wasePhezhiya:

‘UThixo, uNkulunkulu wasezulwini, ungiphile yonke imbuso yasemhlabeni njalo ungikhethile ukuthi ngimakhele ithempeli eJerusalema koJuda. 3 Loba ngubani wabantu bakhe phakathi kwenu angahamba aye eJerusalema koJuda ayekwakha ithempeli likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uNkulunkulu oseJerusalema njalo sengathi uNkulunkulu wabo angaba labo. 4 Akuthi abantu loba ngabakuyiphi indawo lapho okungabe kuseselensalela kabamuphe isiliva legolide, impahla lezifuyo, leminikelo yokuzithandela yethempeli likaNkulunkulu eJerusalema.’ ”

5 Kwasekusithi abazinhloko zemizi yakoJuda lakoBhenjamini, kanye labaphristi labaLevi, labo bonke ababethintwe inhliziyo zabo nguNkulunkulu, bazilungisela ukuhamba ukuyakwakha indlu kaThixo eJerusalema. 6 Bonke omakhelwane babo babancedisa ukuzuza izinto zesiliva legolide, impahla lezifuyo, lezipho eziligugu phezu kwayo yonke iminikelo yokuzizwela.

7 Phezu kwalokho iNkosi uKhurosi yakhupha zonke izitsha ezazingezethempeli likaThixo ezazithunjwe nguNebhukhadineza eJerusalema zabekwa ethempelini likankulunkulu wakhe. 8 UKhurosi inkosi yasePhezhiya wathi kazilethwe nguMithiredathi umgcinisikhwama onguye owazibalayo ezibalela uSheshibhazari inkosana yakoJuda.

9 Nanzi-ke lezompahla:

imiganu yegolide yayingamatshumi amathathu (30),

imiganu yesiliva yayiyinkulungwane (1,000),

amapane esiliva ayengamatshumi amabili lasificamunwemunye (29),

10 imiganu yegolide ezingubhe yayingamatshumi amathathu (30),

eyesiliva efana layo yayingamakhulu amane letshumi (410),

ezinye impahla zaziyinkulungwane (1,000).

11 Sekukonke, kwakuyizinkulungwane ezinhlanu lamakhulu amane ezinto zegolide lesiliva (5,400).

USheshibhazari weza lazozonke lezizinto lapho izithunjwa zafika eJerusalema zivela eBhabhiloni.

2

Uluhlu Lwalabo Ababuyayo Ekuthunjweni

1 Manje-ke yilaba abantu bendawo ababuyayo ekuthunjweni, ababethunjiwe nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yabasa eBhabhiloni (babuyela eJerusalema lakoJuda, ngulowo emzini wakibo, 2 behamba loZerubhabheli, loJeshuwa, loNehemiya, loSeraya, loRelayiya, loModekhayi, loBhilishani, loMisipha, loBhigivayi, loRehumi loBhana):

Uluhlu lwamadoda ako-Israyeli:

3 isizukulwane

sikaPharoshi sasizinkulungwane ezimbili lekhulu elilamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili (2,172),

4 esikaShefathiya sasingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili (372),

5 esika-Ara sasingamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu (775),

6 esikaPhahathi-Mowabi (ngosendo lukaJeshuwa loJowabi) sasizinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisificaminwembili letshumi lambili (2,812),

7 esika-Elamu sasiyinkulungwane elamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane (1,254),

8 esikaZathu sasingamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amane lanhlanu (945),

9 esikaZakhayi sasingamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisithupha (760),

10 esikaBhani sasingamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amane lambili (642),

11 esikaBhebhayi sasingamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amabili lantathu (623),

12 esika-Azigadi sasiyinkulungwane elamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amabili lambili (1,222),

13 esika-Adonikhamu sasingamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lasithupha (666),

14 esikaBhigivayi sasizinkulungwane ezimbili lamatshumi amahlanu lasithupha (2,056),

15 esika-Adini sasingamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu lane (454),

16 esika-Atheri (ngoHezekhiya) sasingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificaminwembili (98),

17 esikaBhezayi sasingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili lantathu (323),

18 esikaJora sasilikhulu letshumi lambili (112),

19 esikaHashumi sasingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amabili lantathu (223),

20 esikaGibhari sasingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu (95),

21 amadoda

eBhethilehema ayengamakhulu amabili lantathu (123),

22 eNethofa ayengamatshumi amahlanu lasithupha (56),

23 e-Anathothi ayelikhulu lamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili (128),

24 e-Azimavethi ayengamatshumi amane lambili (42),

25 eKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi, eKhefira leBherothi ayengamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amane lantathu (743),

26 eRama leGebha ayengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amabili lanye (621),

27 eMikhimashi ayelikhulu lamatshumi amabili lambili (122),

28 eBhetheli le-Ayi ayengamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amabili lantathu (223),

29 eNebho ayengamatshumi amahlanu lambili (52),

30 eMagibhishi ayelikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lasithupha (156),

31 kweyinye i-Elamu ayeyinkulungwane elamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane (1,254),

32 eHarimi ayengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili (320),

33 eLodi, eHadidi le-Ono ayengamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (725),

34 eJerikho ayengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amane lanhlanu (345),

35 eSenaya ayezinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amathathu (3,630).

36 Abaphristi:

esizukulwaneni

sikaJedaya (ngosendo lukaJeshuwa) babengamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lantathu (973),

37 kwesika-Imeri babeyinkulungwane lamatshumi amahlanu lambili (1,052),

38 kwesikaPhashuri babeyinkulungwane elamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lasikhombisa (1,247),

39 kwesikaHarimi babeyinkulungwane letshumi lasikhombisa (1,017).

40 AbaLevi:

besizukulwane

sikaJeshuwa loKhadimiyeli (abosendo lukaHodaviya) babengamatshumi ayisikhombisa lane (74).

41 Abahlabeleli:

besizukulwane

sika-Asafi babelikhulu lamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili (128).

42 Abalindi bamasango:

besizukulwane

sikaShalumi, lo-Atheri, loThalimoni,

lo-Akhubi, loHathitha loShobhayi babelikhulu lamatshumi amathathu lasificamunwemunye (139).

43 Izinceku zethempelini:

zesizukulwane

sikaZiha, loHasufa, loThabhawothi,

44 loKherosi, loSiyaha, loPhadoni,

45 loLebhana, loHagabha, lo-Akhubi,

46 loHagabi, loShalimayi, loHanani,

47 loGideli, loGahari, loReyaya,

48 loRezini, loNekhoda, loGazami,

49 lo-Uza, loPhaseya, loBhesayi,

50 lo-Asina, loMewunimi, loNefusimi,

51 loBhakibhuki, loHakufa, loHahuri,

52 loBhaziluthi, loMehida, loHasha,

53 loBhakhosi, loSisera, loThema,

54 loNeziya kanye loHathifa.

55 Izizukulwane zezinceku zikaSolomoni:

isizukulwane

sikaSothayi, loHasoferethi, loPheruda,

56 loJala, loDakhoni, loGideli,

57 loShefathiya, loHathili,

loPhokherethi-Hazebhayimi kanye lo-Ami.

58 Izinceku zethempelini lezizukulwane zezinceku zikaSolomoni

zazingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lambili (392).

59 Abalandelayo laba bavela emadolobheni aseTheli Mela, eTheli Hasha, eKherubi, e-Adani, lase-Imeri, kodwa behluleka ukuveza ukuthi usendo lwabo lwaphuma ko-Israyeli:

60 abesizukulwane

sikaDelaya, loThobhiya loNekhoda babengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu lambili (652).

61 Ababephuma kubaphristi kwakuyilaba:

Abesizukulwane

sikaHobhaya, esikaHakhozi lesikaBhazilayi (indoda eyayithethe indodakazi kaBhazilayi umGiliyadi layo yayibizwa ngalelobizo).

62 Laba baphenya imibhalo yembali yezimuli zabo, kodwa bayiswela ngakho basuswa ebuphristini kwathiwa bangcolile. 63 Umbusi wabalaya ukuthi bangakudli loba yikuphi ukudla okungcwele kuze kube lomphristi wokubuza inkatho i-Urimi leThumimi.

64 Ixuku lonke lalilinani elifika izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lambili, lamakhulu amathathu alamatshumi ayisithupha (42,360), 65 ngaphandle kwezinceku lezincekukazi zabo ezizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu amathathu alamatshumi amathathu lasikhombisa (7,337); njalo babe labahlabeleli besilisa labesifazane abangamakhulu amabili (200). 66 Babelamabhiza angamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amathathu lasithupha (736), lezimbongolo ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lanhlanu (245), 67 lamakamela angamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu (435) kanye labobabhemi abazinkulungwane eziyisithupha ezilamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amabili (6,720).

68 Bathi ukufika kwabo endlini kaThixo eJerusalema abanye bezinhloko zezimuli benza umnikelo wokuzizwela waba ngowokwakha indlu kaNkulunkulu endaweni yayo. 69 Banikela esikhwameni esikhulu ngokwamandla abo ukwenza umsebenzi lo banika amadrakhima azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lanye egolide (61,000) lesiliva esifika izinkulungwane ezinhlanu samamina (5,000) lezembatho zobuphristi ezilikhulu (100).

70 Abaphristi, labaLevi, labahlabeleli, labalindi bamasango kanye lezinceku zethempelini bahlala emadolobheni akibo, ndawonye labanye abantu, labo bonke abako-Israyeli bahlala emadolobheni akibo.

3

Ukwakhiwa Kutsha Kwe-alithari

1 Kwathi sekufika inyanga yesikhombisa, lapho abako-Israyeli sebehlezi emizini yakibo, abantu babuthana njengomuntu munye eJerusalema. 2 Kwasekusithi uJeshuwa indodana kaJozadaki labaphristi ayesebenza labo kanye loZerubhabheli indodana kaSheyalithiyeli labakhula bakhe baqalisa ukwakha i-alithari likaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ukwenza umhlatshelo womnikelo wokutshiswa kulo, mayelana lalokho okulotshiweyo eMthethweni kaMosi umuntu kaNkulunkulu. 3 Lokuba babesesaba abantu bendawo, balakha i-alithari esisekelweni salo benza iminikelo yokutshiswa kuThixo kulo, yomibili imihlatshelo yokusa lowokuhlwa. 4 Kwathi njalo belandela okulotshiweyo bawugubha uMkhosi weziHonqo besenza inani elifaneleyo leminikelo yokutshiswa elungiselwe lelo lalelo ilanga. 5 Emva kwalokho baletha iminikelo yenjayelo eyokutshiswa, iminikelo yokuThwasa kweNyanga leminikelo yayo yonke imikhosi kaThixo emisiweyo engcwele, kanye laleyo eyayilethwa njengeminikelo yokuzithandela eyalethwa kuThixo. 6 Ngelanga lokuqala lenyanga yesikhombisa baqalisa ukuletha iminikelo yokutshiswa kuThixo, lokuba isisekelo sethempeli likaThixo sasingakabekwa.

Ukwakhiwa Kutsha KweThempeli

7 Basebesipha ababazi bamatshe lababazi nje imali, bapha ukudla lokunathwayo lamafutha ebantwini baseThire leSidoni, ukuze balethe izigodo zemisedari ngendlela yolwandle kusuka eLebhanoni kusiya eJopha njengoba kwakuvunyelwe nguKhurosi inkosi yasePhezhiya.

8 Ngenyanga yesibili ngomnyaka wesibili bebuyile endlini kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema, uZerubhabheli indodana kaSheyalithiyeli, loJeshuwa indodana kaJozadaki labo bonke abafowabo (abaphristi labaLevi labo bonke ababuyayo eJerusalema bevela ebugqilini) bawuqalisa umsebenzi, bakhetha abaLevi abaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu ukuthi baphathe umsebenzi wokwakha indlu kaThixo. 9 UJeshuwa lamadodana akhe labafowabo loKhadimiyeli lamadodana akhe (abazukulu bakaHodaviya) lamadodana kaHenadadi kanye lamadodana abo labafowabo, bonke bengabaLevi, bahlangana ndawonye ukukhangela labo ababesebenza endlini kaNkulunkulu.

10 Kwathi abakhi sebesibekile isisekelo sethempeli likaThixo abaphristi bagqoka izembatho zabo, baphatha amachacho, kanye labaLevi (amadodana ka-Asafi) bephethe izigubhu, bonke bema ezindaweni zabo ukudumisa uThixo njengokwamiswa nguDavida inkosi yako-Israyeli. 11 Badumisa bebonga, bahlabelela uThixo bathi:

“Ulungile;

uthando lwakhe ku-Israyeli lumi laphakade.”

Bonke abantu bamemeza bedumisa uThixo ngoba isisekelo sendlu kaThixo sasesibekiwe. 12 Kodwa abanengi babaphristi abadala labaLevi kanye lezikhulu zezimuli ababelibonile ithempeli lakuqala, bakhala kakhulu bebona isisekelo saleli ithempeli sibekwa, ikanti abanye babo bamemeza ngokuthaba. 13 Kakho owayengawehlukanisa umsindo wokumemeza kokuthokoza lomsindo wokukhala ngoba abantu benza umsindo omangalisayo. Njalo umsindo lowo wezwakala kude.

4

Ukulwiswa Kanye Lokwakhiwa KweThempeli

1 Kwathi lapho izitha zakoJuda lakoBhenjamini sezizwile ukuthi ababeyizithunjwa basebesakha ithempeli likaThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli 2 beza kuZerubhabheli lakulabo ababezinhloko zezimuli bathi, “Yekelani silincedise ukwakha ngoba lathi, njengani, siyamdinga uNkulunkulu wenu njalo kukade sisenza imihlatshelo kuye kusukela esikhathini sika-Esarihadoni inkosi yase-Asiriya, onguye owasiletha lapha.”

3 Kodwa uZerubhabheli, loJeshuwa labo bonke ababezinhloko zezimuli zako-Israyeli baphendula bathi, “Kalilani lakho ukwakhisana lathi ithempeli likaNkulunkulu wethu. Thina sodwa sizalakha, silakhela uThixo, uNkulunkulu wako-Israyeli, njengokulaywa kwethu nguKhurosi, inkosi yasePhezhiya.”

4 Kwasekusithi abantu balelolizwe baqalisa ukubadondisa abantu bakoJuda babenza besaba ukuqhubeka besakha. 5 Bathenga abacebisi bokudunga umsebenzi bawunyampise ngasosonke isikhathi sokubusa kukaKhurosi inkosi yasePhezhiya kwaze kwaba sekubuseni kukaDariyu inkosi yasePhezhiya.

Ukulwisana Kwamuva Ngezinsuku Zika-Ekisekisi Lo-Athazekisisi

6 Ekuqaleni kokubusa kuka-Ahasuweru bethesa abantu bakoJuda labaseJerusalema icala.

7 Njalo kwathi ngezinsuku zika-Athazekisisi inkosi yasePhezhiya uBhishilamu, loMithiredathi loThabheli labo bonke abangane babo baloba incwadi isiya ku-Athazekisisi. Incwadi leyo yayibhalwe ngolimi lwesi-Aramayikhi ngendlela yokuloba kwawo ama-Aramu.

8 URehumi umlawuli webutho loShimishayi unobhala babhala incwadi isiya ku-Athazekisisi inkosi besola iJerusalema besithi:

9 URehumi umlawuli webutho loShimishayi unobhala kanye labo bonke abahlangene labo, abehluleli lezinduna zabantu abasuka eThripholi, ePhezhiya, e-Ereki leBhabhiloni lama-Elamu aseSusa, 10 kanye labanye abantu inkosi enkulu ehloniphekayo u-Ashuribhaniphali (u-Osinaphari) eyabaxotshayo yayabahlalisa edolobheni laseSamariya lakwezinye izindawo ngaphetsheya kweYufrathe.

11 (Nanka amazwi encwadi leyo abayibhalayo.)

Kuyo iNkosi u-Athazekisisi,

Ivela ezincekwini zakho, abantu abangaphetsheya kweYufrathe:

12 Inkosi ifanele yazi ukuthi amaJuda afikayo kithi lapha evela kuwe aseye eJerusalema njalo sebelakha kutsha idolobho lelo elihlamukayo, elibi kakhulu. Sebevusa imiduli bevuselela lezisekelo.

13 Phezu kwalokho inkosi kufanele ukuba yazi ukuthi aluba idolobho leli lingaze lakhiwe lemiduli yalo imiswe njalo, kakusayikubhadalwa imithelo lenkongozelo yenkosi, lomthetho wokungenisa impahla ezweni, besekusithi-ke isikhwama senkosi sisilele izimali. 14 Pho njengoba thina silomlandu ophuma esigodlweni njalo kungafanelanga ukuthi sibone inkosi idelelwa, sithumela umbiko lo ukuyazisa inkosi, 15 ukuze kuhlolisiswe ezingwalweni zezindaba ezatshiywa yilabo abakwandulelayo. Kulezongwalo uzathola ukuthi idolobho leli lidolobho lokuhlamuka, lilohlupho emakhosini lakwezinye izigaba zombuso, liyindawo yokuhlamuka kulokhu kwasukela endulo. Yilokho okwabangela ukubhidlizwa kwalelidolobho. 16 Inkosi siyazisela ukuthi aluba idolobho leli lingakhiwa, imiswe njalo imiduli yalo, izakube ingasasalanga lalutho ngaphetsheya kweYufrathe.

17 Inkosi yathumela impendulo le:

KuRehumi umlawuli wempi loShimishayi unobhala labo bonke abaphathisana labo abahlala eSamariya lakwezinye izindawo ngaphetsheya kweYufrathe:

Ngiyalibingelela.

18 Incwadi elasithumela yona isiguqulwe ulimi yabalwa phambi kwami. 19 Ngakhupha ilizwi kwaphenywa, kwafunyanwa ukuthi idolobho leli lilembali ende eyokuvukela amakhosi, liyindawo yokuhlamuka lokuxhwala. 20 IJerusalema isike yaba lamakhosi alamandla ayebusa kulolonke elangaphetsheya kweYufrathe, kubhadalwa kuwo imithelo, inkongozelo yenkosi lemithelo yokungenisa impahla elizweni. 21 Manje-ke khuphani umlayo kulawomadoda ukuthi kabamise umsebenzi, ukuze idolobho leli lingakhiwa ngize ngitsho mina. 22 Nanzelelani ukuthi lingayilibali indaba le. Kuyekelelwani indaba le ikhula yona ilimaza izifiso zenkosi?

23 Incwadi yeNkosi u-Athazekisisi yonela ukubalelwa uRehumi loShimishayi unobhala lalabo ababephathisa bahle bahamba masinyane kubaJuda eJerusalema bababamba ngamandla ukumisa umsebenzi.

24 Kanjalo umsebenzi wendlu kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema wema kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wesibili wokubusa kukaDariyu inkosi yasePhezhiya.

5

Incwadi KaThathenayi Isiya KuDariyu

1 Ngalesosikhathi uHagayi umphrofethi loZakhariya umphrofethi, umzukulu ka-Ido babephrofitha kubaJuda laseJerusalema ngebizo likaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli onguye owayephezu kwabo. 2 Kwasekusithi uZerubhabheli indodana kaShelathiyeli loJeshuwa indodana kaJozadaki baqalisa ukwakha kutsha indlu kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Abaphrofethi bakaNkulunkulu babelabo bebancedisa.

3 Ngalesosikhathi uThathenayi umbusi wangaphetsheya kweYufrathe loShethari-Bhozenayi labaphathisi babo baya kubo bababuza bathi, “Ngubani olivumeleyo ukwakha kutsha ithempeli leli lokuvuselela lesisakhiwo?” 4 Babuza njalo bathi, “Ngobani amabizo amadoda ayakhayo indlu le na?” 5 Kodwa ilihlo likaNkulunkulu wabo lalibalindile abadala babaJuda njalo kabazange beme kuze kuyefika umbiko kuDariyu kubuye njalo impendulo yakhe ibhaliwe.

6 Le yiyo incwadi eyathunyelwa nguThathenayi umbusi wangaphetsheya kweYufrathe loShethari-Bhozenayi labasekeli babo, izinduna zaphetsheya kweYufrathe yaya kuDariyu iNkosi. 7 Umbiko abawuthumelayo wawubhalwe kanje:

Kuyo iNkosi uDariyu:

Ukubingelela okuhle.

8 Inkosi kufanele yazi ukuthi saya esiqintini sakoJuda, ethempelini likaNkulunkulu omkhulu. Abantu bayalakha ngamatshe amakhulu, kunqunyiswa imijabo emidulini. Umsebenzi uqhutshwa ngokukhuthala, njalo uyaphambili ngokuphangisa ukhokhelwa yibo.

9 Sabuza abadala bakhona sathi, “Ngubani oliphe imvumo yokwakha kutsha leli ithempeli lokuvuselela isakhiwo lesi?” 10 Njalo sababuza amabizo abo ukuze sibhale amabizo abakhokheli babo sisenzela ukukwazisa.

11 Nansi impendulo abasipha yona:

“Siyizinceku zikaNkulunkulu wezulu lomhlaba, yikho silakha kutsha ithempeli elakhiwa kudala, elakhiwa yinkosi enkulu yako-Israyeli yaliqeda. 12 Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi okhokho bethu bamthukuthelisa uNkulunkulu wasezulwini, wabanikela ezandleni zikaNebhukhadineza umKhaladiya, inkosi yaseBhabhiloni owalibhidlizayo lelithempeli abantu wabaxotshela eBhabhiloni.

13 Kodwa ngomnyaka wokuqala kaKhurosi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, iNkosi uKhurosi wakhupha isimemezelo sokuthi kwakhiwe indlu kaNkulunkulu. 14 Wabuye wasusa ethempelini laseBhabhiloni impahla zegolide lesiliva ezendlu kaNkulunkulu ezazithethwe nguNebhukhadineza ethempelini eJerusalema waziletha ethempelini eBhabhiloni. Kwathi iNkosi uKhurosi yazinika indoda eyayithiwa nguSheshibhazari, eyamkhetha ukuba ngumbusi, 15 wamtshela wathi, ‘Thatha impahla lezi uhambe lazo uyezibeka ethempelini eJerusalema. Njalo yakha kakutsha indlu kaNkulunkulu endaweni yayo.’

16 Yikho uSheshibhazari weza wabeka izisekelo zendlu kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Kusukela ngalelolanga kuze kube manje ibilokhu isakhiwa kodwa kayikapheli.”

17 Ngakho-ke nxa kulungile enkosini, kakudingisiswe ezincwadini zezindaba zamakhosi aseBhabhiloni kubonwe ingabe yikho na ukuthi iNkosi uKhurosi wayesenzile isimemezelo sokuthi yakhiwe indlu le kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Lapho-ke inkosi kayisithumele isinqumo sayo ngendaba le.

6

Isimemezelo SikaDariyu

1 INkosi uDariyu wasekhupha umlayo, basebephenya ezincwadini ezaziqoqwe ndawonye endlini yenotho yesizwe eBhabhiloni. 2 Kwafunyanwa khona umqulu womgoqwa enqabeni yase-Ekhibhathana elizweni laseMediya kulotshwe lokhu kuwo:

Umbhalo wesimiso:

3 Ngomnyaka wokuqala weNkosi uKhurosi, inkosi yakhupha isimemezelo mayelana lethempeli likaNkulunkulu eJerusalema:

Ithempeli kalakhiwe kutsha libe yindawo yokwenzela imihlatshelo, njalo izisekelo zalo kazibekwe. Kalibe yizingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha ukuphakama, ububanzi bube yizingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, 4 kwakhiwe imizila emithathu yamatshe amakhulu lomzila owodwa wezigodo. Izindleko zonke zizabhadalwa yisikhwama sesikhosini. 5 Akuthi njalo impahla zegolide lesiliva uNebhukhadineza azithatha ethempelini eJerusalema waziletha eBhabhiloni zibuyiselwe ezindaweni zazo ethempelini eJerusalema; zimele zibekwe endlini kaNkulunkulu.

6 Ngakho-ke wena Thathenayi, mbusi wangaphetsheya kweYufrathe, loShethari-Bhozenayi labaphathisi benu bakulowo umango, sukani lapho. 7 Lingaphazamisi umsebenzi wethempeli lelo likaNkulunkulu. Yekelani umbusi wamaJuda labadala bamaJuda bakhe kutsha indlu kaNkulunkulu endaweni yayo.

8 Njalo sengimisa umlayo walokho okumele lina likwenzele abadala bamaJuda ekwakhiweni kwendlu kaNkulunkulu:

Izindleko zala amadoda zizabhadalwa ngokugcweleyo yisikhwama senkosi, kuthathwa emithelweni yangaphetsheya kweYufrathe ukuze umsebenzi ungaze wema. 9 Loba yini efunekayo, amajongosi, inqama, amazinyane amaduna eminikelo yokutshiswa kuNkulunkulu wezulu, lengqoloyi, itswayi, iwayini lamafutha okuyabe kucelwe ngabaphristi eJerusalema, kabakuphiwe nsuku zonke kungaphuthi, 10 ukuze benze imihlatshelo ethokozisayo kuNkulunkulu wezulu njalo bakhulekele impilakahle yenkosi lamadodana ayo.

11 Phezu kwalokho ngibeka umthetho othi nxa ekhona ozaguqula lesisimiso, kakuhwatshwe uthungo endlini yakhe aphakanyiswe axhonxwe kulo. Akuthi ngenxa yalelicala indlu yakhe ibhidlizwe ibe yinqwaba yenhlabathi. 12 Sengathi uNkulunkulu owenza ukuthi iBizo lakhe lihlale khona, angayichitha loba yiphi inkosi loba ngabantu abaphakamisa isandla sabo ukuguqula umlayo lo loba ukudiliza ithempeli leli eliseJerusalema.

Mina kaDariyu ngiwumisile umthetho lo. Kawulandelwe ngokukhuthala.

Ukuqedwa Lokunikelwa KweThempeli

13 Kwathi-ke, ngenxa yomthetho iNkosi uDariyu eyase iwuthumele, uThathenayi umbusi wangaphetsheya kweYufrathe, loShethari-Bhozenayi labasekeli babo bakwenza lokho ngenkuthalo. 14 Yikho-ke abadala bamaJuda baqhubeka ngokwakha bephumelela betshunyayezwa nguHagayi umphrofethi loZakhariya, umzukulu ka-Ido. Baqeda ukulakha ithempeli belandela umlayo kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli kanye lezimiso zikaKhurosi, loDariyu lo-Athazekisisi, amakhosi asePhezhiya. 15 Ithempeli laqedwa ngosuku lwesithathu enyangeni ka-Adari, ngomnyaka wesithupha wokubusa kweNkosi uDariyu.

16 Kwasekusithi abantu bako-Israyeli, abaphristi, labaLevi labo bonke ababethunjiwe benza umkhosi. 17 Ukunikela indlu kaNkulunkulu le bapha umnikelo wenkunzi ezilikhulu, inqama ezingamakhulu amabili, amazinyane amaduna angamakhulu amane njalo lempongo ezilitshumi lambili njengomnikelo wesono ka-Israyeli wonke. 18 Njalo bagcoba abaphristi ezigabeni zabo labaLevi ngamaxuku abo ukwenza umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema, njengokulotshiweyo eNcwadini kaMosi.

IPhasika

19 Ngelanga letshumi lane lenyanga yokuqala, izithunjwa zathakazelela iPhasika. 20 Abaphristi labaLevi babezihlambulule behlanzekile ngokomkhuba. AbaLevi balihlaba izinyane lePhasika elabo bonke ababethunjiwe, labafowabo abaphristi njalo bezihlabela labo ngokwabo. 21 Ngakho abako-Israyeli ababebuyile ebugqilini balidla, kanye labo bonke labo abasebezehlukanisile emikhutsheni engcolileyo yabomakhelwane beZizwe ukuze badinge uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. 22 Bathakazelela uMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo okwensuku eziyisikhombisa bethokoza, ngoba uThixo wayebagcwalise ngokuthokoza ngokuguqula ingqondo yenkosi yase-Asiriya ukuthi ibancedise emsebenzini wendlu kaNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

7

U-Ezra Uza EJerusalema

1 Ngemva kwalezizinto, ngesikhathi sokubusa kuka-Athazekisisi inkosi yasePhezhiya, u-Ezra indodana kaSeraya, indodana ka-Azariya, indodana kaHilikhiya, 2 indodana kaShalumi, indodana kaZadokhi indodana ka-Ahithubi, 3 indodana ka-Amariya, indodana ka-Azariya, indodana kaMerayothi, 4 indodana kaZerahiya, indodana ka-Uzi, indodana kaBhukhi, 5 indodana ka-Abhishuwa, indodana kaFinehasi, indodana ka-Eliyazari, indodana ka-Aroni umphristi omkhulu, 6 u-Ezra lo weza evela eBhabhiloni. Wayeyisifundiswa esazi kakhulu ngoMthetho kaMosi, owawuphiwe nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli. Inkosi yayimuphe konke ayekucelile, ngoba isandla sikaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe sasiphezu kwakhe. 7 Abanye abako-Israyeli, labaphristi, lamaLevi, labahlabeleli, labalindi bamasango lezinceku zethempelini labo babuya eJerusalema ngomnyaka wesikhombisa wokubusa kwenkosi u-Athazekisisi.

8 U-Ezra wafika eJerusalema ngenyanga yesihlanu ngomnyaka wesikhombisa wenkosi. 9 Wayeqalise uhambo lwakhe esuka eBhabhiloni ngelanga lakuqala lenyanga yokuqala, wafika eJerusalema ngelanga lakuqala lenyanga yesihlanu, ngoba isandla somusa sikaNkulunkulu sasiphezu kwakhe. 10 Ngoba u-Ezra wayezinikele ekufundeni lokugcina uMthetho kaThixo lokufundisa izimiso zawo ko-Israyeli.

Incwadi YeNkosi U-Athazekisisi Isiya Ku-Ezra

11 Nansi incwadi iNkosi u-Athazekisisi ayeyiphe u-Ezra umphristi lomabhalane, indoda eyayifundile ezindabeni zemithetho lezimiso zikaThixo ku-Israyeli:

12 Athazekisisi, nkosi yamakhosi,

Ku-Ezra umphristi, umfundisi womthetho kaNkulunkulu wasezulwini:

Ngiyabingelela.

13 Manje-ke ngimisa umthetho wokuthi ingqe ngubani wako-Israyeli osembusweni wami, kugoqela abaphristi labaLevi, ofisa ukuhamba lawe eJerusalema, kahambe. 14 Uthunywa yinkosi labacebisi bayo abayisikhombisa ukuba uyofunisisa ngoJuda langeJerusalema mayelana loMthetho kaNkulunkulu wakho, owuphetheyo. 15 Njalo ubothatha isiliva legolide elinikwe ngesihle yinkosi labacebisi bayo kuNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ohlala eJerusalema, 16 kanye lesiliva legolide lonke ongalizuza elizweni laseBhabhiloni kanye leminikelo yokuzizwela eyabantu labaphristi benikelela ithempeli likaNkulunkulu wabo eJerusalema. 17 Ngaleyomali umele uthenge inkunzi, lenqama, lamazinyane ezimvu amaduna, ndawonye leminikelo yabo yamabele leyokunathwayo, konke kunikelwe e-alithareni lethempeli likaNkulunkulu wenu eJerusalema.

18 Wena labazalwane bakho abangamaJuda selingenza lokho okuyabe kufanele ngesiliva legolide eliseleyo, mayelana lentando kaNkulunkulu wenu. 19 Hambisani kuNkulunkulu weJerusalema zonke impahla eliziphathisiweyo ezokukhonza ethempelini likaNkulunkulu wenu. 20 Akuthi loba yini efunekayo ethempelini likaNkulunkulu wenu elifuna ukuthi izuzakale, kayidingwe ngendleko ephuma esikhwameni senkosi.

21 Mina, iNkosi Athazekisisi ngimisa umthetho wokuthi bonke abaphathi bezikhwama abangaphetsheya kweYufrathe baphe u-Ezra umphristi, umfundisi woMthetho kaNkulunkulu wasezulwini ngokuphangisa loba yini ayicelayo kini, 22 kuze kube ngamathalenta esiliva alikhulu, lamasaka alikhulu engqoloyi, imigqomo elikhulu yewayini, imigqomo elikhulu yamafutha e-oliva, letswayi elingelakulinganiswa. 23 Ingqe yini emiswe nguNkulunkulu wasezulwini, kakwenziwe ngokukhuthala kusenzelwa ithempeli likaNkulunkulu wasezulwini. Kakudingeki ukuthi ulaka luze lwehliselwe phezu kwenkosi lamadodana ayo. 24 Yazini njalo ukuthi kalilamvumo yokubiza imithelo loba inkongozelo yenkosi kumbe imbadalo yokungenisa impahla elizweni kubaphristi, labaLevi, labahlabeleli, labalindimasango, lezinceku zethempelini loba kwezinye izisebenzi zale indlu kaNkulunkulu.

25 Yikho wena Ezra, ngokuhlakanipha olakho okukaNkulunkulu wakho, beka abathonisi labehluleli ukwahlulela kuhle bonke abantu abangaphetsheya kweYufrathe, bonke abayaziyo imithetho kaNkulunkulu wenu. Kumele ufundise labo abangayaziyo. 26 Lowo ongawulaleliyo umthetho kaNkulunkulu wenu lomthetho wenkosi ngeqiniso umele ajeziswe ngokufa, loba ngokuxotshwa, loba ngokuhluthunelwa impahla loba ngokufakwa entolongweni.

27 Udumo kalube kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho bethu, okufakileyo enhliziyweni yenkosi ukuletha inhlonipho endlini kaThixo eJerusalema ngale indlela 28 njalo otshengise umusa wakhe kini phambi kwenkosi labeluleki bakhe lazozonke izinduna zakhe ezilamandla. Ngenxa yokuthi isandla sikaThixo uNkulunkulu wami besiphezu kwami, ngaba lesibindi ngaqoqa amadoda angabakhokheli ko-Israyeli ukuthi bahambe lami.

8

Uluhlu Lwenhloko Yemizi Ababuya Lo-Ezra

1 Laba bazinhloko zezimuli lalabo ababhalisa kubo abeza lami sisuka eBhabhiloni ngesikhathi sokubusa kweNkosi u-Athazekisisi:

2 abesizukulwane sikaFinehasi,

uGeshomu;

abesizukulwane sika-Ithamari,

uDanyeli;

abesizukulwane sikaDavida,

uHathushi 3 owesizukulwane sikaShekhaniya;

abesizukulwane sikaPharoshi,

uZakhariya, okwabhalisa kanye laye amadoda alikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu (150);

4 abesizukulwane sikaPhahathi-Mowabi:

kwakungu-Eliyehonayi indodana kaZerahiya oweza lamadoda angamakhulu amabili (200);

5 abesizukulwane sikaZathu,

kwakunguShekhaniya indodana kaJahaziyeli, oweza lamadoda angamakhulu amathathu (300);

6 abesizukulwane sika-Adini,

kwakungu-Ebhedi indodana kaJonathani, oweza lamadoda angamatshumi amahlanu (50);

7 abesizukulwane sika-Elamu,

kwakunguJeshaya indodana ka-Athaliya, oweza lamadoda angamatshumi ayisikhombisa (70);

8 abesizukulwane sikaShefathiya,

kwakunguZebhadiya indodana kaMikhayeli, oweza lamadoda angamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (80);

9 abesizukulwane sikaJowabi,

kwakungu-Obhadaya indodana kaJehiyeli, oweza lamadoda angamakhulu amabili aletshumi lasificaminwembili (218);

10 abesizukulwane sikaBhani,

kwakunguShelomithi indodana kaJosifiya, oweza lamadoda alikhulu lamatshumi ayisithupha (160),

11 abesizukulwane sikaBhebhayi,

kwakunguZakhariya indodana kaBhebhayi, oweza lamadoda angamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili (28);

12 abesizukulwane sika-Azigadi,

kwakunguJohanani indodana kaHakathani, oweza lamadoda alikhulu letshumi (110);

13 abesizukulwane sika-Adonikhamu,

abokucina, kwakungu-Elifelethi, uJuweli loShemaya, beza lamadoda angamatshumi ayisithupha (60);

14 abesizukulwane sikaBhigivayi,

kwakungu-Uthayi loZakhuri, abeza lamadoda angamatshumi ayisikhombisa (70).

Ukubuyela EJerusalema

15 Ngababuthanisa eMgelweni wamanzi agelezela ku-Ahava, samisa khona okwensuku ezintathu. Ngathi sengihlola phakathi kwabantu labaphristi, kangitholanga loyedwa wamaLevi khona. 16 Yikho ngasengibiza u-Eliyezari, lo-Ariyeli, loShemaya, lo-Elinathani, loJaribi, loNathani, loZakhariya loMeshulami ababengabakhokheli, loJoyaribi lo-Elinathani ababengabantu abafundileyo, 17 ngabathumela ku-Ido, lezihlobo zakhe, izinceku zethempelini eKhasifiya, ukwenzela ukuthi basilethele izikhonzi zendlu kaNkulunkulu. 18 Ngoba isandla somusa sikaNkulunkulu sasiphezu kwethu, basilethela uSherebhiya, indoda emadodeni, owesizukulwane sikaMahili indodana kaLevi, indodana ka-Israyeli, lamadodana kaSherebhiya labafowabo, amadoda alitshumi lasificaminwembili (18); 19 loHashabhiya, kanye loJeshaya owesizukulwane sikaMerari, kanye labafowabo labantwababo, bonke babengamadoda angamatshumi amabili (20). 20 Bona beza lezinceku zethempelini ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amabili (220) ezazimiswe nguDavida lezinduna zakhe ukuncedisa abaLevi. Bonke babhalwa phansi amabizo abo.

21 Khonapho, ekhunjini loMgelo we-Ahava, ngamemezela ukuzila ukudla, ukuze sizehlise phambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu simcele asiphe uhambo oluhle, thina labantwabethu, lempahla zethu zonke. 22 Ngaba lenhloni ukucela enkosini amabutho labagadi bamabhiza ukuthi basivikele ezitheni endleleni ngoba inkosi sasiyitshele sathi, “Isandla somusa sikaNkulunkulu wethu siphezu kwakhe lowo okhangele kuye, kodwa ulaka lwakhe olukhulu luyavutha kulabo abamfulathelayo.” 23 Ngakho sazila ukudla, samncenga uNkulunkulu wethu ngakho lokhu, wawuphendula umkhuleko wethu.

24 Ngasengisehlukanisa kwabanye abaphristi abalitshumi lambili abangabakhokheli, ndawonye loSherebhiya, loHashabhiya labalitshumi labafowabo, 25 ngabalinganisela umnikelo wesiliva legolide lempahla ezaziyizipho ezasisuka enkosini, labacebisi bayo, lezikhulu zayo labako-Israyeli bonke ababekhona lapho, siyisipho sendlu kaNkulunkulu. 26 Ngabalinganisela amathalenta angamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu (650) esiliva, impahla zesiliva ezilobunzima obungamathalenta alikhulu (100), amathalenta alikhulu (100) egolide, 27 imiganu yegolide engamatshumi amabili (20) kuthiwa intengo yayo ingaba ngamadariki ayinkulungwane (1,000), lezitsha ezimbili ezethusi elilolongiweyo eliligugu njengegolide.

28 Ngathi kubo, “Lina kanye lempahla lezi lingcwelisiwe eNkosini. Isiliva legolide kungumnikelo wokuzithandela kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu. 29 Kulindeni ngonanzelelo lize liyokulinganisa emakamelweni endlu kaThixo eJerusalema phambi kwabakhokheli babaphristi lamaLevi labayizinhloko zezimuli zako-Israyeli.” 30 Kwathi-ke abaphristi labaLevi basemukela isiliva legolide lempahla ezingcwele ezazilinganisiwe ukuze zisiwe endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu eJerusalema.

31 Ngosuku lwetshumi lambili lwenyanga yokuqala saphakama sasuka eMgelweni we-Ahava saqonda eJerusalema. Isandla sikaNkulunkulu wethu sasiphezu kwethu, wasivikela ezitheni lasezigebengwini indlela yonke. 32 Ngakho safika eJerusalema, saphumula khona okwensuku ezintathu.

33 Ngosuku lwesine sangena endlini kaNkulunkulu salinganisa isiliva legolide lempahla zonke ezingcwelisiweyo sazibeka ezandleni zikaMeremothi indodana ka-Uriya umphristi. U-Eliyezari indodana kaFinehasi laye wayekhona, labaLevi oJozabhadi indodana kaJeshuwa loNowadiya indodana kaBhinuwi. 34 Konke kwakukhona ngenani lakho langesisindo, kwathi isisindo sonke salotshwa phansi ngasonaleso isikhathi.

35 Yikho izithunywa ezabuya ebugqilini zenza umnikelo wokutshiswa kuNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli: inkunzi ezilitshumi lambili ezika-Israyeli wonke, inqama ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lesithupha, amawundlu amaduna angamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesikhombisa kanye lomnikelo wesono oyizimpongo ezilitshumi lambili. Konke lokhu kwakungumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo. 36 Bathi njalo bethula imilayo yenkosi kuzikhulu zenkosi lakubabusi bangaphetsheya kweYufrathe, okwathi-ke bona bancedisa abantu kanye lasendlini kaNkulunkulu.

9

Umkhuleko Ka-Ezra Ngokuthathana Kwemihlobo

1 Sezenziwe zonke lezi izinto, abakhokheli beza kimi bathi, “Abantu bako-Israyeli bonke, labaphristi, labaLevi kabazehlukanisanga labantu bezizwe abalezenzo ezinengekayo, abanjengamaKhenani, amaHithi, amaPherizi, amaJebusi, ama-Amori, amaMowabi, amaGibhithe lama-Amoni. 2 Bathatha amanye amadodakazi abo aba ngomkabo bathathela lamadodana abo, baxubanisa isizwe esingcwele labantu abahlezi labo. Njalo abakhokheli lezikhulu yibo abakhokheleyo kulokhu kungathembeki.”

3 Ngathi ngikuzwa lokho ngadabula isigqoko sami lejazi lami, ngadonsa inwele ekhanda lami lezindevu zami ngahlala phansi ngididekile. 4 Kwasekusithi wonke lowo owethuswa ngamazwi kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli waziqoqa phansi kwami ngenxa yalokhu ukona kwezithunjwa. Ngahlala khonapho ngididekile kwaze kwaba ngumhlatshelo wakusihlwa.

5 Kwathi-ke ngomhlatshelo wakusihlwa, ngaphakama ekuzehliseni kwami, isigqoko sami lejazi lami kudabukile, ngaguqa, izandla zami zivuliwe kuThixo uNkulunkulu wami 6 ngakhuleka ngathi:

“Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ngiyangekile kakhulu njalo ngilenhloni ukuphakamisela ubuso bami kuwe, Nkulunkulu wami, ngoba izono zethu ziphakeme kulamakhanda ethu lecala lethu selifikile emazulwini. 7 Kusukela ensukwini zabokhokho bethu kuze kube manje, icala lethu likhulu. Ngenxa yezono zethu, thina lamakhosi ethu labaphristi bethu sesilokhu sidliwa yinkemba njalo sigqilazwa, siphangwa njalo siyangiswa ngamakhosi ezizwe, njengoba kunjalo lalamuhla.

8 Kodwa khathesi, okwesikhatshana nje, uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ube lomusa ngokusitshiyela insalela lokusipha indawo eqinileyo endlini yakhe engcwele, okuthi ngakho uNkulunkulu wethu uletha ukukhanya emehlweni ethu lokukhululeka kancinyane ekugqilazweni kwethu. 9 Lokuba siyizigqili, uNkulunkulu wethu kasidelanga ebugqilini bethu. Usitshengise umusa emehlweni amakhosi asePhezhiya; usiphile impilo entsha ukuba sakhe kutsha indlu kaNkulunkulu wethu sivuselele amanxiwa ayo, njalo usesiphile umduli wokusivikela koJuda laseJerusalema.

10 Kodwa manje, awu Nkulunkulu wethu, kuyini esingakutsho sekwenzakale lokhu? Ngoba siyidelile imilayo 11 owayinika ngezinceku zakho abaphrofethi uze uthi: ‘Ilizwe eselingena kulo ukulithatha yilizwe elingcolisiweyo ngokuxhwala kwabantu balo. Ngemikhuba yabo enengekayo sebeligcwalise ngamanyala abo kusukela ngapha kwalo kuze kufike ekucineni ngale. 12 Ngakho-ke lingendiseli amadodakazi enu emadodaneni abo kumbe amadodana enu athathe amadodakazi abo. Lingadingi isibopho sobudlelwano labo loba nini, ukuze liqine lidle izinto ezinhle zelizwe elizalitshiyela abantwabenu njengelifa laphakade.’

13 Osekwenzakele kithi kungumvuzo wezenzo zethu ezimbi lecala lethu elikhulu, ikanti wena Nkulunkulu wethu usijezise okunganeno kwezono zethu wasipha abayinsalela kanje. 14 Sizaphinda njalo sephule imilayo yakho sendiselane labantu bezizwe abagila imikhuba eyenyanyekayo kangaka na? Ungaze wasizondela kakhulu na usibhubhise ungasitshiyeli lansalela loba abasindileyo na? 15 Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ulungile! Namhlanje sisele njengensalela. Nanku silapha phambi kwakho ngecala lethu, lokuba engekho ongema ebukhoneni bakho ngenxa yalo icala lethu.”

10

Abantu Bavuma Isono

1 Lapho u-Ezra wayekhuleka njalo evuma izono, ekhala eziwisela phansi phambi kwendlu kaNkulunkulu, ixuku elikhulu labako-Israyeli kubalisa amadoda labafazi labantwana, babuthana kuye. Labo bakhala kabuhlungu. 2 Yikho uShekhaniya indodana kaJehiyeli, omunye wesizukulwane sika-Elamu, wathi ku-Ezra, “Kasizange sithembeke kuNkulunkulu wethu ngoba sathatha abafazi bezizweni ebantwini esakhelene labo. Kodwa loba kunjalo ithemba lisekhona ngo-Israyeli. 3 Manje kasenzeni isivumelwano phambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu ukubalahla bonke labobafazi labantwababo njengeseluleko senkosi yami lalabo abayesabayo imilayo kaNkulunkulu wethu. Kakwenziwe ngendlela yoMthetho. 4 Sukuma; indaba le isezandleni zakho. Thina sizakusekela, yikho yiba lesibindi ukwenze.”

5 Ngakho u-Ezra waphakama wafungisa bonke abakhokheli babaphristi labaLevi lo-Israyeli wonke ukwenza lokho okwakumisiwe. Basenza lesosifungo. 6 U-Ezra wasesuka endlini kaNkulunkulu waya endlini kaJehohanani indodana ka-Eliyashibi. Elapho kadlanga lutho njalo kazange anathe manzi, ngoba waqhubeka elilela ukungathembeki kwezithunjwa.

7 Kwasekukhutshwa isimemezelo kulolonke elakoJuda kanye leJerusalema ukuthi zonke izithunjwa kaziqoqane eJerusalema. 8 Ingqe ngubani ongafikanga phakathi kwensuku ezintathu wayezathathelwa yonke impahla alayo, kulandelwa isinqumo sezinduna labadala, kuthi yena ngokwakhe axotshwe emphakathini walabo ababethunjiwe.

9 Phakathi kwalezonsuku ezintathu wonke amadoda akoJuda lakoBhenjamini ayesebuthene eJerusalema. Kwathi ngelanga lamatshumi amabili lenyanga yesificamunye bonke abantu babehlezi esigcawini phambi kwendlu kaNkulunkulu, bekhathazekile ngombuthano lowo njalo begxanxwa lizulu elalisina. 10 Kwathi u-Ezra umphristi wasukuma wathi kubo, “Kalithembekanga; lisuke lathatha abafazi bezizweni, lengeza icala lika-Israyeli. 11 Manje-ke vumani izono zenu kuThixo, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho benu, lenze intando yakhe. Zahlukaniseni kulababantu elakhelene labo lasebafazini benu abezizwe.”

12 Inkundla yonke yaphendula ngelizwi elikhulu yathi: “Uqondile! Kumele senze njengoba usitsho. 13 Kodwa kulabantu abanengi lapha futhi lesi yisikhathi sezulu; ngakho ngeke sime lapha phandle. Futhi indaba le ingazake iphethwe ngosuku olulodwa kumbe ezimbili, ngoba sonile kakhulu ngento le. 14 Akuthi izinduna zethu zisimele thina sonke. Akuthi wonkemuntu emizini yethu othethe umfazi wabezizwe eze ngesikhathi esimisiweyo, eze labadala kanye labehluleli balowomuzi, luze ludede kithi ulaka olwesabekayo lukaNkulunkulu wethu.” 15 Kwaba nguJonathani kuphela, indodana ka-Asaheli loJahizeya indodana kaThikhiva, besekelwa nguMeshulami loShabhethayi umLevi abakuphikisayo lokhu.

16 Ngakho izithunjwa zenza njengokwakumisiwe. U-Ezra umphristi wakhetha amadoda ayeyizinhloko zezimuli, oyedwa emulini, bonke baqanjwa ngamabizo. Ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga yetshumi bahlala phansi bawahlolisisa lawomacala, 17 kwathi ngelanga lokuqala ngenyanga yokuqala baqeda ukuphatha indaba yamadoda ayethethe abafazi bezizweni.

Ababelecala Lokuthatha Abafazi Bezizweni

18 Phakathi kwezizukulwane zabaphristi, laba abalandelayo yibo ababethethe abafazi bezizweni:

Abesizukulwane sikaJeshuwa indodana kaJozadaki labafowabo:

uMaseya, u-Eliyezari, uJaribhi loGedaliya. 19 (Bonke baphakamisa izandla zabo bafunga ukubalahla abafazi babo, kwathi ngenxa yecala labo ngulowo wakhupha inqama emhlambini ukuba ngumnikelo wesono.)

20 Abesizukulwane sika-Imeri:

nguHanani loZebhadiya.

21 Abesizukulwane sikaHarimi:

nguMaseya, lo-Elija, loShemaya, loJehiyeli lo-Uziya.

22 Abesizukulwane sikaPhashuri:

ngu-Eliyonayi, loMaseya, lo-Ishumayeli, loNethaneli, loJozabhadi lo-Eleyasa.

23 Phakathi kwabaLevi nampa:

uJozabhadi, loShimeyi, loKhelaya (kutshiwo uKhelitha), loPhethahiya, loJuda lo-Eliyezari.

24 Phakathi kwabahlabeleli nampa:

u-Eliyashibi.

Phakathi kwabalindimasango:

nguShalumi, loThelemu lo-Uri.

25 Phakathi kwabanye abako-Israyeli:

Abesizwe sikaPharoshi:

nguRamiya, u-Iziya, uMalikhija, uMijamini, u-Eliyezari, uMalikhija loBhenaya.

26 Abesizukulwane sika-Elamu:

nguMathaniya, uZakhariya, uJehiyeli, u-Abhidi, uJeremothi lo-Elija.

27 Abesizukulwane sikaZathu:

ngu-Eliyonayi, u-Eliyashibi, uMathaniya, uJeremothi, uZabhadi lo-Aziza.

28 Abesizukulwane sikaBhebhayi:

nguJehohanani, uHananiya, uZabhayi lo-Athilayi.

29 Abesizukulwane sikaBhani:

nguMeshulami, uMaluki, u-Adaya, uJashubi, uSheyali loJeremothi.

30 Abesizukulwane sikaPhahathi-Mowabi:

ngu-Adina, uKhelali, uBhenaya, uMaseya, uMathaniya, uBhezaleli, uBhinuwi loManase.

31 Abesizukulwane sikaHarimi:

ngu-Eliyezari, u-Ishiya, uMalikhija, uShemaya, uSimiyoni, 32 uBhenjamini, uMaluki, loShemariya.

33 Abesizukulwane sikaHashumi:

nguMathenayi, uMathatha, uZabhadi, u-Elifelethi, uJeremayi, uManase loShimeyi.

34 Abesizukulwane sikaBhani:

nguMadayi, u-Amramu, u-Uweli, 35 uBhenaya, uBhedeya, uKheluhi, 36 uVaniya, uMeremothi, u-Eliyashibi, 37 uMathaniya, uMathenayi loJasu.

38 Abesizukulwane sikaBhinuwi loBhani:

nguShimeyi, 39 uShelemiya, uNathani, u-Adaya, 40 uMakhinadebhayi, uShashayi, uSharayi, 41 u-Azareli, uShelemiya, uShemariya, 42 uShalumi, u-Amariya loJosefa.

43 Abesizukulwane sikaNebho:

nguJeyiyeli, uMathithiya, uZabhadi, uZebhina, uJadayi, uJoweli loBhenaya.

44 Bonke laba bathatha abafazi bezizweni, abanye babo bazala abantwana labafazi labo.

UNehemiya

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UNehemiya

1

UMkhuleko KaNehemiya

1 La ngamazwi kaNehemiya indodana kaHakhaliya:

Kwathi ngenyanga kaKhisilevi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili, ngisenqabeni yaseSusa, 2 uHanani, omunye wabafowethu, wafika evela koJuda elamanye amadoda, ngababuza ngamaJuda lawo ayeyinsalela asinda ebugqilini, njalo ngabuza ngeJerusalema.

3 Bathi kimi, “Labo abasindayo ebugqilini ababuyelayo elizweni baphakathi kohlupho olumangalisayo lokuyangeka okukhulu. Umduli weJerusalema wadilika lamasango ayo atshiswa ngomlilo.”

4 Ngathi sengizwile lezizinto ngahlala phansi ngakhala. Okwensuku ezithile ngalila, ngazila ukudla njalo ngikhuleka phambi kukaNkulunkulu wasezulwini. 5 Ngasengisithi:

“Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wasezulwini, uNkulunkulu omkhulu owesabekayo, ogcina isivumelwano sakhe sothando lalabo abamthandayo, abalalela imilayo yakhe, 6 ake kuthi indlebe yakho ilalele lamehlo akho avuleke ukuze uzwe umkhuleko okhulekwa yinceku yakho kuwe imini lobusuku, ikhulekela izinceku zakho, abantu bako-Israyeli. Ngiyazivuma izono ezenziwe kuwe yithi ama-Israyeli, kugoqela mina lendlu kababa. 7 Senzile ububi kuwe. Kasilalelanga imilayo yakho, izimemezelo lemithetho owayinika inceku yakho uMosi.”

8 Khumbula umlayo owalaya ngawo inceku yakho uMosi wathi, “Aluba lingathembekanga ngizalichithachitha phakathi kwezizwe, 9 kodwa nxa libuya kimi lilalele imilayo yami, lapho-ke loba abathunjiweyo bakini besemkhawulweni womhlaba, ngizabaqoqa besuka khonale ngibabuyise endaweni engiyikhethileyo ukuba likhaya leBizo lami.

10 Bazinceku zakho labantu bakho owabahlengayo ngamandla akho amakhulu lesandla sakho esilamandla. 11 Oh Thixo, akuthi indlebe yakho ilalele umkhuleko wale inceku yakho, lomkhuleko wezinceku zakho ezithokoza ekwesabeni ibizo lakho. Phumelelisa inceku yakho lamuhla ngokuyipha isihawu phambi kwendoda le.”

Ngangingumphathi wezitsha zokudla kwenkosi.

2

U-Athazekisisi Uthumela UNehemiya EJerusalema

1 Ngenyanga kaNisani ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili weNkosi u-Athazekisisi, ngesikhathi ephiwa iwayini, ngalithatha iwayini ngalisa enkosini. Ngangingakaze ngivele kuyo ngidanile; 2 ngakho inkosi yangibuza yathi, “Kungani ubuso bakho bukhanya buhlobile kanje wena ungaguli? Lokhu ngeke kube ngokunye ngaphandle kokudana okusenhliziyweni.”

Ngezwa ngisesaba kakhulu, 3 kodwa ngathi enkosini, “Phila lanini nkosi! Ubuso bami bungayekelelani na ukuhloba njengoba idolobho lapho okulele khona okhokho selingamanxiwa nje, lamasango alo atshiswa ngomlilo na?”

4 Inkosi yathi kimi, “Pho ufunani?”

Ngasengikhuleka kuNkulunkulu wezulwini, 5 yikho ngasengiyiphendula inkosi ngathi, “Aluba kungaba yikuthanda kwenkosi njalo nxa inceku yakho ifumene umusa emehlweni ayo, kayingithumele kulelodolobho elikoJuda lapho okwambelwa khona okhokho ukuze ngiyolakha kakutsha.”

6 Inkosi eyayihlezi lendlovukazi eceleni kwayo yangibuza yathi, “Uhambo lwakho luzathatha isikhathi esingakanani, njalo uzabuya nini?” Inkosi yathanda ukuthi ngihambe; yikho ngamisa isikhathi.

7 Ngaphinde ngathi kuyo, “Nxa kuyikuthanda kwenkosi, ngicela izincwadi ziye kubabusi bangaphetsheya kweYufrathe, ukwenzela ukuthi bangivikele ohanjweni lwami ngize ngiyefika koJuda? 8 Njalo ngicela incwadi eya ku-Asafi, umphathi wegusu lenkosi, yikho ezanginika izigodo zokwenza izinsika zamasango esigodlo eduzane lethempeli lezomduli wedolobho kanye lezendlu engizahlala kuyo.” Kwathi ngoba isandla somusa sikaNkulunkulu wami sasiphezu kwami, inkosi yazamukela izicelo zami. 9 Yikho ngasengisiya kubabusi bangaphetsheya kweYufrathe ngabapha izincwadi zenkosi. Inkosi yayingiphe futhi abalawuli bebutho kanye lamabutho amabhiza ukuba bangiphelekezele.

10 Kwathi ukuba uSanibhalathi umHoroni loThobhiya umʼAmoni owayeyinduna bekuzwa lokhu, bakhathazeka kakhulu ukuthi ukhona owayeselande ukuzathuthukisa inhlalo yaba-Israyeli.

UNehemiya Uhlola Imiduli YeJerusalema

11 Ngaya eJerusalema, kwathi sengihlale khona insuku ezintathu 12 ngaphuma kusebusuku ngilamadoda ambalwa. Ngangingazange ngitshele muntu ngalokho uNkulunkulu wami ayekubeke enhliziyweni yami ngeJerusalema. Ngangingelanyamazana ngaphandle kwaleyo engangiyigadile.

13 Ebusuku ngaphuma ngeSango leSigodi ngaqonda uMthombo weKhanka leSango loBulongwe, ngihlola imiduli yeJerusalema, eyayibhidliziwe, kanye lamasango ayo ayetshiswe ngomlilo. 14 Ngaqhubeka sengiqonde eSangweni loMthombo leSiziba Senkosi, kodwa kwakungelantshukuntshu yokudlula ubabhemi wami engangimgadile; 15 yikho ngasengikhwela ngesigodi kusebusuku, ngihlola umduli. Ekucineni ngaphenduka ngangena ngeSango leSigodi. 16 Izinduna kazizange zikwazi ukuthi ngangiye ngaphi lokuthi ngangisenzani, ngoba ngangivele ngingakatsho lutho kubaJuda loba kubaphristi loba ezikhulwini loba ezinduneni loba lakubobani ababezakwenza umsebenzi.

17 Ngasengisithi kubo, “Liyalubona uhlupho esiphakathi kwalo: iJerusalema selingamanxiwa nje, lamasango alo atshisiwe ngomlilo. Wozani, siwakhe kutsha umduli weJerusalema ukuze singabi silokhu sihlaziswa.” 18 Ngaphinda ngabatshela ngesandla somusa sikaNkulunkulu wami kimi lokuthi inkosi yayitheni kimi.

Baphendula bathi, “Kasiqaliseni ukwakha.” Yikho bahle bawuqalisa umsebenzi lo omuhle.

19 Kodwa kwathi ukuba uSanibhalathi umHoroni, loThobhiya induna yomʼAmoni loGeshemi umArabhu bekuzwa lokho, basichithoza basihleka. Babuza bathi, “Kuyini lokhu elikwenzayo. Selihlamukele inkosi na?”

20 Ngabaphendula ngokuthi, “UNkulunkulu wasezulwini uzasiphumelelisa. Thina izinceku zakhe sesiqalisa ukwakha kutsha, kodwa lina, kalilasabelo eJerusalema, loba imfanelo loba lungelo bani lomdabuko wenu.”

3

Abakhi Bomduli

1 U-Eliyashibi umphristi omkhulu labanye bakhe abangabaphristi baya emsebenzini wokwakha bavuselela iSango leZimvu. Balinikela basebemisa kuhle izivalo zalo, bakha baze bayafika eMphotshongweni weKhulu, lawo abawunikelayo, baqhubeka bayafika eMphotshongweni kaHananeli. 2 Amadoda aseJerikho wona akha isigaba esilandelayo, kwathi uZakhuri indodana ka-Imri wakha eceleni kwabo.

3 ISango leNhlanzi lakhiwa ngamadodana kaHasena. Amisa imigubazi yalo afaka lezivalo lamabhawudo kanye leminxibo yakhona. 4 UMeremothi indodana ka-Uriya, indodana kaHakhozi, yena wavuselela isigaba esilandelayo. Kusukela kuye kwakha uMeshulami indodana kaBherekhiya, indodana kaMeshezabeli, kwalandela kuye uZadokhi indodana kaBhana laye wayesakha. 5 Isigaba esilandelayo savuselelwa ngamadoda aseThekhowa, kodwa izikhulu zakhona zala ukusebenza ngaphansi kwabakhokheli babo.

6 ISango leJeshana lavuselelwa nguJoyada indodana kaPhaseya loMeshulami indodana kaBhesodeya. Bamisa imigubazi yalo bafaka izivalo lamabhawudo leminxibo ezindaweni zakhona. 7 Eceleni kwabo, kwakuvuselela amadoda aseGibhiyoni lawaseMizipha, uMelathiya waseGibhiyoni loJadoni waseMeronothi, izindawo ezaziphethwe ngumbusi wangaphetsheya kweYufrathe. 8 U-Uziyeli indodana kaHarihaya, omunye wabakhandi begolide, wavuselela isigaba esilandelayo; uHananiya, omunye wabenzi bamakha, laye wavuselela isigaba esilandelayo. Balivuselela iJerusalema kwaze kwafika eMdulini Obanzi. 9 URefaya indodana kaHuri, umbusi wengxenye yeJerusalema, walungisa isigaba esilandelayo. 10 Okubambene lalapha kwavuselelwa nguJedaya indodana kaHarumafi okwakumalungana lendlu yakhe, loHathushi indodana kaHashabhineya wavuselela eceleni kwakhe. 11 UMalikhija indodana kaHarimi loHashubhi indodana kaPhahathi-Mowabi bavuselela esinye isigaba loMphotshongo Wamaziko. 12 UShalumi indodana kaHaloheshi, umbusi wengxenye yeJerusalema, wavuselela isigaba esilandelayo esizwa ngamadodakazi akhe.

13 ISango leSigodi lavuselelwa nguHanuni lezakhamizi zaseZanowa. Balakha kutsha bafaka izivalo zalo lamabhawudo kanye leminxibo ezindaweni zakhona. Bavusa njalo umduli okwezinyathelo ezingamakhulu amahlanu kusiyafika eSangweni loBulongwe.

14 Isango loBulongwe lalungiswa nguMalikhija indodana kaRekhabi, umbusi wesiqinti saseBhethi-Hakheremi. Walivuselela wafaka izivalo lamabhawudo leminxibo yakhona ezindaweni zakhona.

15 ISango loMthombo lavuselelwa nguShaluni indodana kaKholi-Hoze, umbusi wesiqinti saseMizipha. Walivuselela, wafaka uphahla lezivalo lamabhawudo leminxibo ezindaweni zakhona. Wavuselela futhi umduli weSiziba saseSilowami, eceleni kweSivande senkosi kwaze kwayafika ezinyathelweni ezehla zisuka eDolobheni likaDavida. 16 Ngale kwakhe, uNehemiya indodana ka-Azibhuki, umbusi wengxenye yesiqinti saseBhethi Zuri wavuselela kwaze kwayafika maqondana lamathuna kaDavida, kusiyafika echibini lokwembiwa leNdlu yaMaqhawe.

17 Kulandela yena, kwaba ngabaLevi ababesakha ngaphansi kukaRehumi indodana kaBhani. Eceleni kwakhe, kwakusakha uHashabhiya, umbusi wengxenye yesiqinti seKheyila, owayesakhela isiqinti sakhe. 18 Kulandela yena, kwakusakha amadoda akibo engaphansi kukaBhavayi indodana kaHenadadi, umbusi wenye ingxenye yesiqinti saseKheyila. 19 Kulandela yena, kungu-Ezeri indodana kaJeshuwa, umbusi waseMizipha, owavuselela esinye isigaba, kusukela endaweni eqondane lomqanso oya endlini yezikhali kwaze kwafika ejikweni. 20 Kulandela yena, kunguBharukhi indodana kaZabhayi owakha esinye isigaba ngesivuvu, kusukela ejikweni kusiya entubeni engena endlini ka-Eliyashibi umphristi omkhulu. 21 Kulandela yena, esinye isigaba savuselelwa nguMeremothi indodana ka-Uriya, indodana kaHakhozi, kusukela entubeni yako-Eliyashibi kusiya lapho ecina khona.

22 Sekusuka lapho kwalungisa abaphristi bakulowomango. 23 Ngale kwabo, kwakusakha uBhenjamini loHashubhi belungisa phambi kwendlu yabo; kulandela bona, kwasebenza u-Azariya indodana kaMaseya, indodana ka-Ananiya, esakha eduze lendlu yakhe. 24 Kulandela yena, uBhinuwi indodana kaHenadadi wavuselela esinye isigaba, kusukela endlini ka-Azariya kusiya ejikweni, 25 loPhalali indodana ka-Uzayi wasebenza maqondana lejiko lomphotshongo othutsha phezu kwesigodlo esingaphezulu kusiya egcekeni labalindi. Kulandela yena, kunguPhedaya indodana kaPharoshi 26 lezinceku zethempelini ezazihlala eqaqeni luka-Ofeli abakha baze bafika endaweni malungana leSango laManzi kusiya empumalanga kanye lomphotshongo othutshayo. 27 Kulandela bona, kwakungamadoda aseThekhowa avuselela esinye isigaba, kusukela emphotshongweni omkhulu othutshayo kusiya emdulini ka-Ofeli.

28 Ngaphezulu kweSango leBhiza, kwakusakha abaphristi, ngulowo phambi kwendlu yakhe. 29 Kulandela bona, uZadokhi indodana ka-Imeri wayesakha phambi kwendlu yakhe. Kulandela yena, kwakunguShemaya indodana kaShekhaniya, umlindi weSango laseMpumalanga, laye owakhayo. 30 Owamlandelayo, nguHananiya indodana kaShelemiya, loHanuni, indodana yesithupha kaZalafi, laye wavuselela esinye isigaba. Owalandela bona nguMeshulami indodana kaBherekhiya owakha malungana lalapho ayehlala khona. 31 Kulandela yena, kwakunguMalikhija, omunye wabakhandi begolide, wakha kwaze kwayafika endlini yezinceku zethempelini kanye labathengisi, malungana leSango lokuHlolwa, kuze kufike endlini engaphezulu kwejiko; 32 kwathi phakathi kwendlu engaphezu kwejiko leSango leZimvu abakhandi begolide labathengisi baba yibo abavuselelayo.

4

Impikiswano Ekwakheni Kutsha

1 Kwathi uSanibhalathi esizwa ukuthi sasiwuvusa umduli, wazonda waze wagcwalelana. Wabahleka ulunya amaJuda, 2 wasesithi phambi kwabakhula bakhe lebutho laseSamariya, “OkungamaJuda lokhu kuthi kwenzani kambe? Kungawuvusa umduli wakho na? Kuzayenza imihlatshelo na? Kuzawuqeda ngalanga linye? Kungakubuyisa na ukuphila ematsheni lawana azinqwaba zengcekeza etshe kanjeyana?”

3 UThobhiya umʼAmoni, owayeseceleni kwakhe wathi, “Lokhu abakwakhayo, loba nje ikhanka lingakhwela phezu kwakho, lingawudiliza umduli wabo wamatshe!”

4 Sizwe, Oh Nkulunkulu wethu, ngoba siyeyiswa. Phindisela kubo emakhanda izithuko zabo. Banikele babe yimpango elizweni lobugqili. 5 Ungaligubuzeli icala labo kumbe wesule izono zabo emehlweni akho, ngoba bebehlambaza abakhi.

6 Ngakho sawakha umduli wonke waze waphakama okufika ingxenye yobude bawo, ngoba abantu basebenza ngenhliziyo yabo yonke.

7 Kodwa kwathi ukuba uSanibhalathi, loThobhiya, lama-Arabhu, lama-Amoni lamadoda ase-Ashidodi besizwa ukuthi ukuvuselelwa kwemiduli yaseJerusalema kwasekuqhubekile njalo lezikhala zazivalwa bazonda kakhulu. 8 Baceba ukuba beze bazohlasela iJerusalema bavuse uthuli kulo. 9 Kodwa sakhuleka kuNkulunkulu wethu sabeka abalindi emini lebusuku ukuthi balindele lokhukuhlaselwa.

10 Kusenjalo, abantu bakoJuda bathi, “Amandla abasebenzi asededa, ikanti izibi zisezinengi okokuthi siyehluleka ukuqhubeka ngokwakha umduli.”

11 Izitha zethu lazo zathi, “Besalibele nje futhi bengakasiboni, bazaqabuka sesiphakathi kwabo sesibabulala siwuphethe lumsebenzi.”

12 Kwasekusithi amaJuda ababehlala eduze labo beza bazasitshela baphindaphinda besithi, “Lingaze liqonde ngaphi bazalihlasela kuphela.”

13 Ngasengimisa abanye abantu ngezimuli zabo ezindaweni lapho umduli owawuphansi khona, ezazingeneka lula, behlomile ngezinkemba, lemikhonto langemitshoko. 14 Ngemva kokuba sengiwuhlolisisile wonke umumo, ngasukuma ngathi ezikhulwini, lezinduna lakubantu bonke jikelele, “Lingabesabi. Khumbulani uThixo, omkhulu owesabekayo, lilwele abafowenu, amadodana lamadodakazi enu, abafazi benu lemizi yenu.”

15 Kwathi izitha zethu sezizwile ukuthi sasesilazi icebo lazo lokuthi uNkulunkulu wayeselifubisile, sonke sabuyela kuwo umduli, ngulowo kowakhe umsebenzi.

16 Kusukela ngalelolanga, ingxenye yamadoda engangilawo yenza umsebenzi, enye ingxenye yahloma ngemikhonto, lamahawu, lemitshoko lamabhatshi ensimbi. Izinduna zazimisa ngemva kwabo bonke abantu bakoJuda 17 ababesakha umduli. Labo ababethwala izinto zokwakha babesenza umsebenzi ngesandla esisodwa ngesinye umuntu ephethe isikhali, 18 njalo ngulowo lalowo umakhi wayehlome inkemba ilengiswe eceleni kwakhe nxa esebenza. Kodwa indoda yokutshaya icilongo yahlala ikimi.

19 Ngasengisithi ezikhulwini, lezinduna lakubantu bonke jikelele, “Umsebenzi ubanzi usabalele, njalo sehlukene kakhulu omunye komunye kulandela umduli. 20 Lingezwa ingabe kungaphi okukhala khona icilongo, phuthumani khona lize kithi. UNkulunkulu wethu uzasilwela!”

21 Yikho sawuqhuba umsebenzi ingxenye yamadoda ihlomile ngemikhonto, kusukela emathathakusa kuze kuphume izinkanyezi. 22 Ngasonaleso isikhathi ngabuye ngathi ebantwini, “Akuthi yonke indoda kanye lomsizi wayo balale ngaphakathi kweJerusalema ebusuku, ukuze babengabalindi bethu ebusuku, babe ngabasebenzi emini.” 23 Mina labafowethu, lamadoda ayelami, labalindi ababelami kasizange sihlubule izigqoko zethu; ngulowo waphatha isikhali sakhe loba engena emanzini.

5

UNehemiya Usiza Abampofu

1 Ngalesosikhathi amadoda labomkabo baxokozela kakhulu besola abazalwane babo bamaJuda. 2 Abanye babesithi, “Thina lamadodana lamadodakazi ethu sibanengi kakhulu; ukuthi sidle ukuze siphile kumele sizuze amabele.”

3 Abanye babesithi, “Sesibambisa ngamasimu ethu, langezivini zethu kanye lemizi yethu ukuzuza amabele ngesikhathi sendlala.”

4 Abanye njalo labo babesithi, “Sesiseboleka imali ukuze sikwazi ukubhadala imithelo yenkosi eyamasimu ethu lezivini zethu. 5 Loba siyinyamanye legazi linye labantu bakithi njalo loba amadodana ethu elingana lawabo, kodwa sizibona sesifuqela amadodana lamadodakazi ethu ebugqilini. Abanye bamadodakazi ethu bavele sebegqilaziwe, kodwa kasilamandla, ngoba amasimu ethu lezivini zethu sekungokwabanye.”

6 Ngathi sengizwile ukukhala kwabo kanye lensolo yabo, ngathukuthela kakhulu. 7 Ngakuhlolisisa kuhle konke lokhu engqondweni yami ngasengicala izikhulu lezinduna. Ngathi, “Libhadalisa abantu bakini inzuzo!” Ngasengibiza umhlangano omkhulu ukuthi ngiqondane labo, 8 ngathi, “Ngokusemandleni ethu, sesabahlenga abazalwane bethu abangamaJuda ababethengiselwe kwabeZizwe. Kodwa manje selibathengisa abafowenu, babuye bathengiselwe kithi njalo!” Bathula ngoba baswela abangakutsho.

9 Ngaqhubeka ngathi, “Elikwenzayo kakulunganga. Kungani lingahambi ngokwesaba uNkulunkulu na ukuze lingaklolodelwa yizitha zethu zabeZizwe? 10 Mina labafowethu labantu bami lathi siyabeboleka abantu imali lamabele. Kodwa ukufuna inzuzo kakuphele! 11 Babuyiseleni khona manje amasimu abo, lezivini zabo, lezihlahla zabo zama-oliva kanye lezindlu zabo, njalo lenzuzo yokweboleka leyo eliyithathayo kubo, ingxenye eyodwa yekhulu emalini, emabeleni, ewayinini elitsha lemafutheni.”

12 Bathi, “Sizakubuyisela. Njalo kasiyikubiza lutho kubo. Sizakwenza njengoba usitsho.”

Ngasengibiza abaphristi ngathi izikhulu lezinduna kabenze isifungo sokuthi bazakwenza lokho abakuthembisileyo. 13 Njalo ngathintitha amavinqo esigqoko sami ngathi, “UNkulunkulu uzamthintitha kanje emkhupha endlini yakhe laselifeni lakhe wonke umuntu ongemi ngalesi isithembiso. Kanjalo umuntu onjalo kathintithwe achithwe!”

Besizwa lokho umhlangano wonke wathi, “Ameni,” badumisa uThixo. Abantu benza njengokuthembisa kwabo.

14 Kwathi njalo, kusukela ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili wokubusa kweNkosi u-Athazekisisi, sengibekiwe ukuba ngumbusi wabo elizweni lakoJuda, kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wakhe wamatshumi amathathu lambili, iminyaka elitshumi lambili, mina labazalwane bami kasizange sikuthinte ukudla okwakwabelwe umbusi. 15 Kodwa ababusi bangaphambili, labo abangandulelayo, babethwalisa nzima abantu ngokuthatha kubo amashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amane phezu kokudla lewayini. Labasekeli babo labo bathwalisa nzima abantu. Kodwa ngenxa yokumesaba uNkulunkulu mina kangikwenzanga lokho. 16 Esikhundleni salokho, ngazinikela emsebenzini womduli lo. Wonke amadoda ayelami abuthana khona ukuzasebenza; kasizange sizizuzele umhlaba.

17 Phezu kwalokho, amaJuda alikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu kanye lezinduna babesidla kwami kanye lalabo abeza kithi bevela ezizweni eziseduze. 18 Insuku ngensuku kwakuhlatshwa inkabi eyodwa, lezimvu zekhethelo eziyisithupha, lenkukhu, kulungiselwe mina, kuthi kuzozonke insuku ezilitshumi kulethwe yonke imihlobo yewayini. Phezu kwakho konke lokhu, kangizange ngikubize lokho kudla okwakuyisabelo sombusi, ngoba abantu laba babethwele nzima ngezinto ezifunekayo.

19 Ungikhumbule ngomusa, Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ngenxa yakho konke esengikwenzele lababantu.

6

Ukuqhubeka Kwempikiswano Ekwakheni Kutsha

1 Kwathi ukuba ilizwi lifike kuSanibhalathi, loThobhiya, loGeshemi umʼArabhu lakuzo zonke izitha zethu ukuthi ngasengiwakhile kutsha umduli kungasasalanga sikhala kuwo loba nje ngalesosikhathi ngangingakafaki izivalo emasangweni, 2 uSanibhalathi loGeshemi bangithumela lelilizwi: “Woza, kesihlangane komunye wemizi esemagcekeni ase-Ono.”

Kodwa babeceba ukungenza kubi; 3 yikho ngasengithuma izithunywa kubo lale impendulo: “Ngiphezu komsebenzi omkhulu yikho ngeke ngize. Kungani umsebenzi ufanele ume ngiwutshiyela ukuza kini na?” 4 Kwaze kwaba kane bengithumela mbiko munye, lami ngala ngampendulo nye.

5 Kwathi ngesikhathi sesihlanu, uSanibhalathi wathuma inceku yakhe iphethe lona lelolizwi, ilencwadi esandleni ingavalwanga 6 ilotshwe ukuthi:

“Kubikwa phakathi kwezizwe loGeshemi uthi kuliqiniso ukuthi wena lamaJuda liceba ukuhlamuka, ngakho lakha umduli. Njalo, imbiko le ithi wena usufuna ukuba yinkosi yawo 7 futhi usuze wabeka abaphrofethi ukuthi benze lesisimemezelo ngawe eJerusalema esithi: ‘Sekulenkosi koJuda!’ Umbiko lo ungahle uyofika enkosini; yikho woza sibonisane.”

8 Ngambuyisela impendulo le: “Akulanto enjalo mayelana lalokho othi kuyenzakala; konke kuphume engqondweni yakho.”

9 Bonke babezama ukusethusela, bekhumbula besithi, “Izandla zabo zizaphela amandla bangabe besasebenza, yikho umsebenzi kawuyikuphela.”

Kodwa ngakhuleka ngathi, “Manje qinisa izandla zami.”

10 Ngelinye ilanga ngaya endlini kaShemaya indodana kaDelaya, indodana kaMehethabheli, owayezivalele endlini yakhe. Wathi, “Kasihlangane endlini kaNkulunkulu, phakathi kwethempeli, sivale iminyango yethempeli, ngoba kulamadoda abuyayo ebusuku ukuzokubulala.”

11 Kodwa ngathi, “Umuntu onjengami kungamfanela ukubaleka na? Kumbe umuntu onjengami angangena ethempelini ukusiza impilo yakhe na? Kangiyi!” 12 Ngabona ukuthi wayengathunywanga nguNkulunkulu, kodwa wayenze isiphrofethi sokungilahla ngoba oThobhiya loSanibhalathi babemthengile. 13 Wayethengwe ukuthi angethuse ukuze ngenze isono ngokwenza lokhu, ukwenzela ukuthi bangiphe ibizo elibi ngizondakale.

14 Bakhumbule oThobhiya loSanibhalathi, Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ngenxa yalokho asebekwenzile; mkhumbule njalo umphrofethikazi uNowadiya labo bonke labobaphrofethi abebekade bezama ukungethusa. 15 Ngakho umduli waphela ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili ku-Eluli, ngemva kwensuku ezingamatshumi amahlanu lambili.

Ukuqediswa Komduli

16 Izitha zethu zonke sezikuzwile lokho, zonke izizwe eziseduze zesaba zalahla ithemba, ngoba zananzelela ukuthi umsebenzi lo wenziwa uxhaswe nguNkulunkulu.

17 Njalo, ngalezonsuku izikhulu zakoJuda zazithumezela izincwadi ezinengi kuThobhiya, lezimpendulo zikaThobhiya zabe zilokhu zifika kuzo. 18 Phela abanengi koJuda babebambelele kuye ngesifungo, ngoba wayengumkhwenyana kaShekhaniya indodana ka-Ara, futhi indodana yakhe uJehohanani yayithethe indodakazi kaMeshulami indodana kaBherekhiya. 19 Ikanti njalo babelokhu behlezi bengibikela ngezenzo zakhe ezinhle, basuke bayemtshela ukuthi ngitheni. Njalo uThobhiya wathumezela izincwadi ukungethusela.

7

1 Umduli usuyakhwe kutsha lezivalo sengizifakile ezindaweni zazo, abalindi bamasango labahlabeleli labaLevi bakhethwa. 2 Ngabeka umfowethu uHanani ukuphatha iJerusalema, kanye loHananiya umlawuli wesigodlo lenqaba ngoba wayeyindoda elobuqotho, emesabayo uNkulunkulu kulamadoda amanengi. 3 Ngathi kubo, “Amasango aseJerusalema makangavulwa ilanga lize litshise. Nxa abalindimasango belokhu besemsebenzini, kabavale iminyango bayinxibe. Njalo khethani izakhamizi zeJerusalema ukuba ngabalindi, abanye ezindaweni lapho abamiswe khona, abanye eduze lezindlu zabo.”

Uluhlu Lwezithunjwa Ezaphendukayo

4 Idolobho lalilikhulu libanzi, kodwa kwakulabantu abalutshwana phakathi kwalo, lezindlu zazingakavuselelwa. 5 Kwathi uNkulunkulu wami wakubeka enhliziyweni yami ukuqoqa ndawonye izikhulu, lezinduna labantukazana nje ukuthi bazobhalisa ngezimuli. Ngathola umbhalo wezizukulwane walabo ababuya kuqala. Nanku engakuthola kubhaliwe lapho:

6 laba yibo abantu belizwe abafikayo bephuma ebugqilini ababethunjiwe nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni. Baba yizigqili (babuyela eJerusalema lakoJuda, ngulowo waya emzini wakibo, 7 abeza kanye loZerubhabheli, loJeshuwa, loNehemiya, lo-Azariya loRamiya, loNahamani, loModekhayi, loBhilishani loMisipherethi, loBhigivayi, loNehumi loBhana):

uluhlu lwamadoda ako-Israyeli:

8 awesizukulwane

sikaPharoshi ayezinkulungwane ezimbili lekhulu elilamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili (2,172),

9 akaShefathiya ayengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili (372),

10 aka-Ara ayengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu lambili (652),

11 akaPhahathi-Mowabi (ngosendo lukaJeshuwa loJowabi) ayezinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisificaminwembili letshumi lasificaminwembili (2,818),

12 aka-Elamu ayeyinkulungwane elamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane (1,254),

13 akaZathu ayengamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amane lanhlanu (845),

14 akaZakhayi ayengamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisithupha (760),

15 akaBhinuyi ayengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amane lasificaminwembili (648),

16 akaBhebhayi ayengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili (628),

17 aka-Azigadi ayezinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili lambili (2,322),

18 aka-Adonikhamu ayengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lasikhombisa (667),

19 akaBhigivayi ayezinkulungwane ezimbili lamatshumi ayisithupha lasikhombisa (2,067),

20 aka-Adini ayengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu lanhlanu (655),

21 aka-Atheri (ngoHezekhiya) ayengamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificaminwembili (98),

22 akaHashumi ayengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili (328),

23 akaBhezayi ayengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili lane (324),

24 akaHarifi ayelikhulu letshumi lambili (112),

25 akaGibhiyoni ayengamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu (95),

26 amadoda ayeseBhethilehema leNethofa ayelikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lasificaminwembili (188),

27 ayese-Anathothi ayelikhulu lamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili (128),

28 ayeseBethi Azimavethi ayengamatshumi amane lambili (42),

29 ayeseKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi, leKhefira leBherothi ayengamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amane lantathu (743),

30 ayeseRama leGebha ayengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amabili lanye (621),

31 ayeseMikhimashi ayelikhulu lamatshumi amabili lambili (122),

32 ayeseBhetheli le-Ayi ayelikhulu lamatshumi amabili lantathu (123),

33 awakweyinye iNebho ayengamatshumi amahlanu lambili (52),

34 awakweyinye i-Elamu ayeyinkulungwane elamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane (1,254),

35 ayeseHarimi ayengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili (320),

36 aseJerikho ayengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amane lanhlanu (345),

37 ayeseLodi, eHadidi le-Ono ayengamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amabili lane (721),

38 ayeseSenaya ayezinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amathathu (3,930).

39 Abaphristi:

abesizukulwane

sikaJedaya (ngosendo lukaJeshuwa) babengamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lantathu (973),

40 abaka-Imeri babeyinkulungwane elamatshumi amahlanu lambili (1,052),

41 abakaPhashuri babeyinkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lasikhombisa (1,247),

42 abakaHarimi babeyinkulungwane eletshumi lasikhombisa (1,017).

43 AbaLevi:

abesizukulwane

sikaJeshuwa (ngoKhadimiyeli ngosendo lukaHodaviya) babengamatshumi ayisikhombisa lane (74).

44 Abahlabeleli:

Abesizukulwane

sika-Asafi babelikhulu lamatshumi amane lasificaminwembili (148).

45 Abalindimasango ethempeli:

abesizukulwane

sikaShalumi, lo-Atheri, loThalimoni, lo-Akhubi, loHathitha loShobhayi babelikhulu lamatshumi amathathu lasificaminwembili (138).

46 Izinceku zethempelini:

abesizukulwane

sikaZiha, loHasufa loThabhawothi,

47 loKherosi, loSiya, loPhadoni,

48 loLebhana, loHagabha, loShalimayi,

49 loHanani, loGideli, loGahari,

50 loReyaya, loRezini, loNekhoda,

51 loGazami, lo-Uza, loPhaseya,

52 loBhesayi, loMewunimi, loNefushesimi,

53 loBhakibhuki, loHakufa, loHahuri,

54 loBhaziluthi, loMehida, loHasha,

55 loBhakhosi, loSisera, loThema,

56 loNeziya loHathifa.

57 Abezizukulwane zezinceku zikaSolomoni:

Abesizukulwane

sikaSothayi, loSoferethi loPherida,

58 loJayala, loDakhoni, loGideli,

59 loShefathiya, loHathili,

loPhokherethi-Hazebhayimi lo-Amoni.

60 Izinceku zethempelini labezizukulwane zezinceku zikaSolomoni babengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lambili (392).

61 Abalandelayo laba bavela emadolobheni aseTheli Mela, eTheli Hasha, eKherubi, e-Adoni, lase-Imeri, kodwa behluleka ukuveza ukuthi usendo lwabo lwaphuma ko-Israyeli:

62 abesizukulwane

sikaDelaya, loThobhiya loNekhoda babengamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amane lambili (642).

63 Ababephuma kubaphristi kwakuyilaba:

abesizukulwane

sikaHobhaya, esikaHakhozi lesikaBhazilayi (indoda eyayithethe indodakazi kaBhazilayi umGiliyadi layo yayibizwa ngalelobizo).

64 Laba baphenya imibhalo yembali yezimuli zabo, kodwa bayiswela ngakho basuswa ebuphristini kwathiwa bangcolile. 65 Ngakho-ke, umbusi wabalaya ukuthi bangakudli loba yikuphi ukudla okungcwele kuze kubekhona umphristi wokubuza inkatho i-Urimi leThumimi.

66 Ixuku lonke lalilinani elifika inkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lambili lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha (42,360), 67 ngaphandle kwezinceku zabo ezesilisa labesifazane ezazifika inkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu lasikhombisa (7,337); njalo belabahlabeleli besilisa labesifazane abafika amakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lanhlanu (245). 68 Kwakulamabhiza ayefika amakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amathathu lasithupha (736), imbongolo ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lanhlanu (245), amakamela angamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu (435), 69 labobabhemi abazinkulungwane eziyisithupha lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amabili (6,720).

70 Ezinye inhloko zezimuli zancedisa emsebenzini. Umbusi wanikela esikhwameni esikhulu, amadrakhima egolide ayinkulungwane (1,000), imiganu engamatshumi amahlanu (50) lezigqoko zabaphristi ezingamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi amathathu (530). 71 Abanye abazinhloko zezimuli baphosela esikhwameni amadrakhima egolide azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili (20,000) lamamina esiliva azinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amabili (2,200). 72 Sekukonke okwaphiwa ngabantu bonke kwaba ngamadrakhima egolide azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili (20,000), amamina esiliva azinkulungwane ezimbili (2,000) lezigqoko zabaphristi ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lasikhombisa (67).

73 Abaphristi, labaLevi, labalindimasango, labahlabeleli, lezinceku zethempelini, kanye labanye abantu lo-Israyeli wonke, bahlala emadolobheni akibo.

8

U-Ezra Ufundela Abantu Umthetho

1 Kwathi sekuyinyanga yesikhombisa abako-Israyeli basebehlezi emadolobheni akibo. Bonke abantu babuthana ngangqondo yinye egcekeni elaliphambi kweSango laManzi. Bacela u-Ezra umbhali ukuthi alethe iNcwadi yoMthetho kaMosi, uThixo ayelaye ngawo ama-Israyeli.

2 Yikho kwathi ngelanga lokuqala lenyanga yesikhombisa u-Ezra umphristi wawuletha uMthetho phambi komhlangano, owawugcwele amadoda labafazi labo bonke ababelokuzwisisa. 3 Wafunda kakhulu kusukela ekuphumeni kwelanga kwaze kwaba semini enkulu ekhangele egcekeni leSango laManzi phambi kwamadoda, labafazi labanye ababelokuzwisisa. Bonke abantu balalelisisa ukuzwa iNcwadi yoMthetho.

4 U-Ezra umbhali wayemi phezu kwethala eliphakemeyo elalenziwe ngezigodo lenzelwe umkhosi lo. Eceleni kwakhe kwesokunene kwakumi uMathithiya, loShema, lo-Anaya, lo-Uriya, loHilikhiya, loMaseya; kwathi kwesokhohlo kunguPhedaya, loMishayeli, loMalikhija, loHashumi, loHashibhadana, loZakhariya loMeshulami.

5 U-Ezra wayivula incwadi. Bonke abantu babembona ngoba wayemi ekuphakameni ngaphezu kwabo; kwathi lapho eyivula abantu basukuma. 6 U-Ezra wamdumisa uThixo, uNkulunkulu omkhulu, kwathi bonke abantu baphendula baphakamisa izandla zabo bathi, “Ameni! Ameni!” Basebekhothama bekhonza uThixo bethe mbo ngobuso phansi.

7 AbaLevi ababalisa uJeshuwa, loBhani, loSherebhiya, loJamini, lo-Akhubi, loShabhethayi, loHodiya, loMaseya, loKhelitha, lo-Azariya, loJozabhadi, loHanani loPhelaya bafundisa abantu uMthetho abantu belokhu bemi khonapho. 8 Babebala eNcwadini yoMthetho kaNkulunkulu, bewuchasisa baveze lokho okutshoyo ukuze abantu bakuzwisise lokho okwakubalwa.

9 Kwasekusithi uNehemiya umbusi, lo-Ezra umphristi lombhali, kanye labaLevi ababefundisa abantu bathi kubo bonke, “Lelilanga lingcwele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Lingalili kumbe likhale.” Kwakungoba bonke babekhala lapho babelalele amazwi oMthetho.

10 UNehemiya wathi, “Hambani liyozitika ngokudla okumnandi lokunathwayo okumnandi, okunye likuthumele labo abangelakho okulungisiweyo. Ilanga lanamhla lingcwele kuThixo wethu. Malingadani, ngoba ukuthokoza kukaThixo kungamandla enu.”

11 AbaLevi babathulisa bonke abantu, bathi, “Thulani, ngoba lolu lusuku olungcwele. Lingadani.”

12 Kwathi abantu bonke basebehamba bayakudla banatha, bathumela okunye ukudla kwabanye bazithokozisa kakhulu, ngoba manje basebewazwisisa lawomazwi abasebewazwile.

13 Ngosuku lwesibili lwenyanga, abazinhloko zezimuli zonke, kanye labaphristi labaLevi, babuthana ku-Ezra umbhali ukuba bahlolisise amazwi oMthetho. 14 Bakufumana kubhaliwe eMthethweni, owalaywa nguThixo ngoMosi, ukuthi ama-Israyeli babemele bahlale ezihonqweni ngesikhathi somkhosi wenyanga yesikhombisa 15 lokuthi njalo lelilizwi babemele balimemezele liye kuwo wonke amadolobho abo laseJerusalema elithi: “Phumani liye emaqaqeni liyokhwebula amagatsha ama-oliva lama-oliva eganga, lamamithili, lamalala lezihlahla ezilomthunzi, lenze izihonqo,” njengoba kulotshiwe.

16 Ngakho abantu baphuma babuya lamagatsha bazakhela izihonqo ephahleni lwezindlu zabo, emagumeni abo, emagumeni endlu kaNkulunkulu lasegcekeni eliseSangweni laManzi lalelo elaliseSangweni lika-Efrayimi. 17 Ixuku lonke elavela ebugqilini lakha izihonqo lahlala kuzo. Kusukela ensukwini zikaJoshuwa indodana kaNuni kuze kube yilolosuku, ama-Israyeli ayengazange awenze kanjalo lowo mkhosi. Kwakukukhulu ukuthokoza kwabo.

18 Insuku ngensuku, kusukela kolokuqala kusiya kolokucina, u-Ezra wayebala eNcwadini yoMthetho kaNkulunkulu. Bawuthakazelela lowo mkhosi okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, kwathi ngosuku lwesificaminwembili, kwabakhona umhlangano omkhulu, njengokumisiweyo emthethweni.

9

Abako-Israyeli Bavuma Izono Zabo

1 Ngelanga lamatshumi amabili lane aleyonyanga, ama-Israyeli ahlangana ndawonye, azila ukudla egqoke amasaka njalo bezithele uthuli emakhanda abo. 2 Labo ababengabako-Israyeli ngomdabuko bazehlukanisa kwabezizwe. Bema ezindaweni zabo bavuma izono zabo lobubi babokhokho babo. 3 Bema khonapho ababekhona babala eNcwadini yoMthetho kaThixo uNkulunkulu wabo okwengxenye yesine yosuku, kwathi enye ingxenye yesine babevuma izono zabo njalo bekhonza uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo. 4 Ethaleni kwakumi abaLevi, uJeshuwa, loBhani, loKhadimiyeli, loShebhaniya, loBhuni, loSherebhiya, loBhani loKhenani, abamemeza baqongisa amazwi kuThixo uNkulunkulu wabo. 5 Njalo abaLevi ababalisa uJeshuwa, loKhadimiyeli, loBhani, loHashabhineya, loSherebhiya, loHodiya, loShebhaniya, loPhethahiya bathi: “Sukumani lidumise uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, okhona kusukela phakade kuze kube phakade.

Libusisiwe ibizo lakho elingcwele, sengathi lingaphakanyiswa ngaphezulu kwakho konke ukubusiswa lokudunyiswa. 6 Wena wedwa unguThixo. Wenza amazulu, kanye lamazulu aphezukonke, lazozonke izinkanyezi zawo, umhlaba lakho konke okukuwo, inlwandle lakho konke okukuzo. Uyapha ukuphila kukho konke, lamabutho wonke asezulwini ayakukhonza.

7  UnguThixo uNkulunkulu, owakhetha u-Abhrama wamkhupha e-Uri lamaKhaladiya wambiza ngokuthi ngu-Abhrahama. 8 Wabona ukuthi inhliziyo yakhe yayithembekile kuwe, ngakho wenza isivumelwano laye ukupha izizukulwane zakhe ilizwe lamaKhenani, lamaHithi, lama-Amori, lamaPherizi, lamaJebusi lamaGigashi. Usigcinile isithembiso sakho ngoba ulungile.

9 Wakubona ukuhlupheka kwabokhokho bethu eGibhithe; wezwa ukukhala kwabo eLwandle oluBomvu. 10 Wathumela izibonakaliso ezingumangaliso lezimanga kuFaro, kuzozonke izinduna zakhe lakubo bonke abantu belizwe lakhe, ngoba wawukwazi ukuthi amaGibhithe abaphatha njani ngodlakela. Wazenzela ibizo, elimiyo kuze kube lamuhla. 11 Walwehlukanisa ulwandle phambi kwabo, ukuze bedlule kulo emhlabathini owomileyo, kodwa waphosela labo ababebaxhuma ekujuleni, njengelitshe liphoselwa ethwaceni lwamanzi. 12 Emini wawubakhokhela ngensika yeyezi, ebusuku ngensika yomlilo ukubapha ukukhanya endleleni ababehamba ngayo.

13 Wehla weza eNtabeni yaseSinayi; wakhuluma kubo usezulwini. Wabapha izimiso lemithetho eqondileyo njalo elungileyo, lezimemezelo lemilayo elungileyo. 14 Wabazisa ngeSabatha lakho elingcwele njalo wabapha imilayo, lezimiso lemithetho ngenceku yakho uMosi. 15 Ngesikhathi belambile wabapha isinkwa sivela ezulwini njalo ekomeni kwabo wabalethela amanzi ephuma edwaleni; wabatshela ukuthi bangene balithathe ilizwe owafunga uphakamisa isandla ukubapha.

16 Kodwa bona, okhokho bethu, baba yiziqholo baqinisa intamo, kabaze balalela imilayo yakho. 17 Bala ukulalela njalo behluleka ukukhumbula izimanga owazenzayo phakathi kwabo. Baqinisa intamo kwathi ekuhlamukeni kwabo bakhetha umkhokheli ukuze babuyele ebugqilini babo. Kodwa unguNkulunkulu oxolelayo, olomusa lesihawu, ophuza ukuthukuthela kodwa wandile ngothando. Ngakho kawubafulathelanga, 18 lalapho sebezibumbele isithombe sethole besithi, ‘Lo ngunkulunkulu wenu owalikhuphayo eGibhithe,’ lanxa benze amanyala esabekayo.

19 Ngenxa yesihawu sakho esikhulu kawubakhalalanga enkangala. Emini insika yeyezi kayikhawulanga ukubakhokhela endleleni yabo, loba insika yomlilo ebusuku ukukhanyisa indlela ababemele bahambe ngayo. 20 Wanika uMoya wakho omuhle ukubafundisa. Kawuyigodlanga imana yakho emilonyeni yabo, njalo wabapha amanzi ukucitsha umhawu wabo. 21 Okweminyaka engamatshumi amane wabagcina enkangala; kabazange baswele lutho, izembatho zabo kaziguganga lezinyawo zabo kazivuvukanga.

22 Wabapha imibuso lezizwe, wababela lemingcele ekude. Balithatha ilizwe likaSihoni inkosi yaseHeshibhoni lelizwe lika-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani. 23 Wenza amadodana abo aba manengi njengezinkanyezi zomkhathi, wabaletha elizweni owawutshele okhokho babo ukuba bangene kulo balithathe. 24 Amadodana abo angena alithatha ilizwe. Wawehlukanisa phambi kwabo amaKhenani, ababehlala phakathi kwelizwe; wanikela amaKhenani kubo, ndawonye lamakhosi awo labantu belizwe, ukuba benze kubo njengokuthanda kwabo. 25 Bathumba amadolobho abiyelweyo lomhlaba ovundileyo; bazithatha izindlu ezazigcwaliswe ngakho konke okuhle, lemithombo eyayivele igejiwe, izivini, lezivande zama-oliva lezihlahla ezinengi ezezithelo. Badla bazitika bakhithika imikhaba; bazithokozisa ngokulunga kwakho okukhulu.

26 Kodwa kabalalelanga bakuhlamukela; umthetho wakho bawubeka ngemva kwabo. Babulala abaphrofethi bakho, ababebakhuza ukuze babuyele kuwe; bahlambaza ngendlela eyesabekayo. 27 Ngakho wabanikela ezitheni zabo, zabancindezela. Kodwa kwathi sebencindezelwe bakhala kuwe. Usezulwini wabezwa, kwathi ngesihawu sakho esikhulu wabapha abakhululi, ababahlengayo ezandleni zezitha zabo.

28 Kodwa bonela ukuphumula, baphinda njalo benza okubi phambi kwakho. Wase ubadela ezandleni zezitha zabo ukuthi zibabuse. Kwathi lapho sebekhala kuwe njalo, wezwa usezulwini, kwathi ngesihawu sakho wabakhulula izikhathi ngezikhathi.

29 Wabaxwayisa ukuthi babuyele emthethweni wakho, kodwa baqholoza kabaze bayilalela imilayo yakho. Benza isono ngezimiso zakho, okuthi nxa umuntu ezilalela aphile. Ngobuqholo bakufulathela, baqinisa intamo, bala ukulalela. 30 Okweminyaka eminengi wababekezelela. NgoMoya wakho wabakhuza ngabaphrofethi bakho. Kodwa kabananzanga, ngakho wabanikela ebantwini abakhelene labo. 31 Kodwa ngomusa wakho omkhulu kawubaqedanga njalo kawubadelanga, ngoba unguNkulunkulu olomusa, olozwelo.

32 Ngakho-ke manje, Oh Nkulunkulu wethu, uNkulunkulu omkhulu, olamandla njalo omangalisayo, ogcina isivumelwano sakhe sothando, ungadeleli bonke lobu ubunzima obusehleleyo thina laphezu kwamakhosi ethu labakhokheli, phezu kwabaphristi labaphrofethi bethu, phezu kwabobaba labantu bakho bonke, kusukela ensukwini zamakhosi ase-Asiriya kuze kube lamuhla. 33 Kukho konke lokho okwenzakeleyo kithi, ubeqotho; wenze ngokuthembeka, thina sisenza okubi. 34 Amakhosi ethu, abakhokheli bethu, abaphristi bethu labobaba abawulandelanga umthetho wakho; abayinanzanga imilayo yakho izixwayiso owabapha zona. 35 Loba babesembusweni wabo, bekholisa ukulunga kwakho kubo elizweni elibanzi elivundileyo lelo owabapha lona, kabakukhonzanga futhi kabaguqukanga ezindleleni zabo ezimbi.

36 Kodwa ake ubone, siyizigqili lamuhla, izigqili elizweni owalipha okhokho bethu ukuthi badle izithelo zalo lezinye izinto ezinhle eziphuma kulo. 37 Ngenxa yezono zethu, isivuno salo esinengi siya emakhosini osuwabeke phezu kwethu. Abusa phezu kwemizimba yethu laphezu kwezinkomo zethu njengokuthanda kwawo. Siphakathi kosizi olumangalisayo.”

Isivumelwano Sabantu

38 “Ngenxa yakho konke lokhu, sesisenza isivumelwano esibophayo, sisibhala phansi, njalo abakhokheli bethu, abaLevi labaphristi bethu bafaka uphawu lwabo kuso.”

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1 Labo abafaka uphawu lwabo yilaba:

Umbusi:

uNehemiya indodana kaHakhaliya.

LoZedekhiya, 2 loSeraya, lo-Azariya, loJeremiya,

3 loPhashuri, lo-Amariya, loMalikhija,

4 loHathushi, loShebhaniya, loMaluki,

5 loHarimi, loMeremothi, lo-Obhadaya,

6 loDanyeli, loGinethoni, loBharukhi,

7 loMeshulami, lo-Abhija, loMijamini,

8 loMaziya, loBhiligayi loShemaya.

Laba babe ngabaphristi.

9 AbaLevi:

uJeshuwa indodana ka-Azaniya, uBhinuwi owamadodana kaHenadadi loKhadimiyeli,

10 labasekeli babo: uShebhaniya, uHodiya, uKhelitha, uPhelaya loHanani,

11 uMikha, uRehobhi, uHashabhiya,

12 uZakhuri, uSherebhiya, uShebhaniya,

13 uHodiya, uBhani loBheninu.

14 Abakhokheli babantu yilaba:

uPharoshi, uPhahathi-Mowabi, u-Elamu, uZathu uBhani,

15 uBhuni, u-Azigadi, uBhebhayi,

16 u-Adonija, uBhigivayi, u-Adini,

17 u-Atheri, uHezekhiya, u-Azuri,

18 uHodiya, uHashumi, uBhezayi,

19 uHarifi, u-Anathothi, uNebhayi,

20 uMagiphiyashi, uMeshulami, uHeziri,

21 uMeshezabeli, uZadokhi, uJaduwa,

22 uPhelathiya, uHanani, u-Anaya,

23 uHosheya, uHananiya, uHashubhi,

24 uHaloheshi, uPhiliha, uShobeki,

25 uRehumi, uHashabhina, uMaseya,

26 u-Ahija, uHanani, u-Anani,

27 uMaluki, uHarimi loBhana.

28 Inengi labantu, abaphristi, abaLevi, abalindimasango, abahlabeleli, lezinceku zethempeli labo bonke abazehlukanisayo ebantwini bezizwe ngenxa yoMthetho kaNkulunkulu, kanye lamakhosikazi abo lamadodana lamadodakazi abo ayeseqedisisa 29 bonke bahlanganyela labafowabo ababeyizikhulu, ukuzibopha ngesiqalekiso langesifungo ukuwulandela uMthetho kaNkulunkulu owanikwa ngoMosi inceku kaNkulunkulu lokulalela kuhle yonke imilayo, leziqondiso lezimemezelo zikaThixo iNkosi yethu.

30 Sithembisa ukuthi kasiyikwendisa amadodakazi ethu ebantwini esakhelene labo loba sithathele amadodana ethu amadodakazi abo.

31 Nxa labo esakhelene labo beletha impahla kumbe amabele okuthengiswa ngeSabatha, kasiyikuthenga kubo ngeSabatha loba ngaliphi ilanga elingcwele. Kuwo wonke umnyaka wesikhombisa sizayekela amasimu ethu alaluke njalo sizacitsha zonke izikwelede.

32 Siyazethesa umlandu wokugcwalisa umlayo wokupha okwesithathu kweshekeli ngomnyaka okomsebenzi wendlu kaNkulunkulu: 33 okwesinkwa esibekwe etafuleni; okomnikelo wenjayelo owamabele lowokutshiswa; okweminikelo yamaSabatha, eyamadili okuThwasa kweNyanga leminye imikhosi emisiweyo; eyiminikelo engcwele, iminikelo yesono yokubuyisana eka-Israyeli; leyayo yonke imilandu yendlini kaNkulunkulu.

34 Thina abaphristi, abaLevi labantu sesenze inkatho ukubona ukuthi yiphi imuli emele ilethe inkuni ngasiphi isikhathi endlini kaNkulunkulu ezokutshiswa e-alithareni likaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, njengokulotshiweyo eMthethweni.

35 Njalo sizethesa umlandu wokuletha endlini kaThixo umnyaka ngomnyaka izithelo zakuqala zamabele ethu lokwezithelo zonke zezihlahla.

36 Njengoba kulotshiwe njalo eMthethweni, sizaletha amazibulo amadodana ethu, awenkomo zethu, lawemihlambi yethu yezimvu endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu, kubaphristi abasebenza khona.

37 Futhi njalo, sizaletha okuya eziphaleni zasendlini kaNkulunkulu, kubaphristi, okokuqala kwempuphu yethu, okweminikelo yamabele ethu, izithelo zezihlahla zethu zonke lewayini lethu elitsha kanye lamafutha. Njalo sizaletha okwetshumi okwamabele ethu kubaLevi, ngoba ngabaLevi abaqoqa okwetshumi kuwo wonke amadolobho esisebenza kuwo. 38 Umphristi odabuka ku-Aroni kaphelekezele abaLevi besamukela okwetshumi, njalo abaLevi kumele balethe okwetshumi okomnikelo wetshumi kuze endlini kaNkulunkulu, eziphaleni eziqondane lesikhwama. 39 Abantu bako-Israyeli, kanye labaLevi, bamele balethe iminikelo yabo yamabele, iwayini elitsha lamafutha eziphaleni lapho okugcinwa khona impahla zendlu engcwele, njalo lapho okuhlala khona abaphristi abasebenzayo labalindimasango labahlabeleli.

“Kasiyikuyidela indlu kaNkulunkulu.”

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Izakhamizi Ezintsha ZeJerusalema

1 Abakhokheli babantu bafika bahlala eJerusalema. Abantu bonke basebesenzisa inkatho ukukhetha oyedwa etshumini ngalinye owayemele ayehlala eJerusalema, idolobho elingcwele, kuthi abaseleyo abayisificamunwemunye bahlale emadolobheni akibo. 2 Abantu bawabonga wonke amadoda azinikelayo ukuyahlala eJerusalema.

3 Laba yibo abakhokheli bezigodi abayahlala eJerusalema (amanye ama-Israyeli, labaphristi, labaLevi, lezinceku zethempelini kanye labezizukulwane zezisebenzi zikaSolomoni bahlala emadolobheni akoJuda, ngulowo esabelweni sakhe emadolobheni ehlukeneyo, 4 kwathi abanye babantu bakoJuda lakoBhenjamini bahlala eJerusalema):

Abesizukulwane sikaJuda:

U-Athaya indodana ka-Uziya, indodana kaZakhariya, indodana ka-Amariya, indodana kaShefathiya, indodana kaMahalaleli owosendo lukaPherezi;

5 loMaseya indodana kaBharukhi, indodana kaKholi-Hoze, indodana kaHazaya, indodana ka-Adaya, indodana kaJoyaribi, indodana kaZakhariya, isizukulwane sikaShilo.

6 Abesizukulwane sikaPherezi ababehlala eJerusalema babefika 468, amadoda aqinileyo.

7 Abesizukulwane sikaBhenjamini:

uSalu indodana kaMeshulami, indodana kaJoyedi, indodana kaPhedaya, indodana kaKholaya, indodana kaMaseya, indodana ka-Ithiyeli, indodana kaJeshaya, 8 labalandeli bakhe, uGabhayi loSalayi, amadoda afika amakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amabili lasificaminwembili (928).

9 UJoweli indodana kaZikhiri wayenguye induna yabo, loJuda indodana kaHasenuwa wayephethe iSiqinti seSibili sedolobho.

10 Ababesuka kubaphristi:

uJedaya; indodana kaJoyaribi; uJakhini;

11 uSeraya indodana kaHilikhiya, indodana kaMeshulami, indodana kaZadokhi, indodana kaMerayothi, indodana ka-Ahithubi, umphathi endlini kaNkulunkulu, 12 labasekeli babo, abaqhuba umsebenzi wethempeli, amadoda afika amakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amabili lambili (822);

u-Adaya indodana kaJerohamu, indodana kaPhelaliya, indodana ka-Amizi, indodana kaZakhariya, indodana kaPhashuri, indodana kaMalikhija, 13 labasekeli bakhe, ababe yizinhloko zezimuli, amadoda afika amakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lambili (242);

u-Amashisayi indodana ka-Azareli, indodana ka-Ahizayi, indodana kaMeshilemothi, indodana ka-Imeri, 14 labasekeli bakhe, ababengamadoda aqinileyo alikhulu lamatshumi amabili lasitshiyagalombili (128).

Induna yabo kwakunguZabhidiyeli indodana kaHagedolimi.

15 Ababesuka kubaLevi:

uShemaya indodana kaHashubhi, indodana ka-Azirikhamu, indodana kaHashabhiya, indodana kaBhuni;

16 uShabhethayi loJozabhadi, bobabili bezinduna zabaLevi ababekhangele umsebenzi waphandle kwendlu kaNkulunkulu;

17 uMathaniya indodana kaMikha, indodana kaZabhidi, indodana ka-Asafi, umqondisi owayekhokhela inkonzo yokubonga lemkhulekweni;

uBhakhibhukhiya, engowesibili phakathi kwabasekeli bakhe;

u-Abhida indodana kaShamuwa, indodana kaGalali, indodana kaJeduthuni.

18 AbaLevi ababesemzini ongcwele babefika amakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lane (284).

19 Abalindimasango:

u-Akhubi, loThalimoni labasekeli babo, ababelinda amasango babengamadoda afika ikhulu elilamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili (172).

20 Bonke abanye abako-Israyeli, kanye labaphristi labaLevi, babekuwo wonke amadolobho akoJuda, ngulowo esesabelweni sakwabo esomdabuko.

21 Izinceku zethempelini zazihlala entabeni i-Ofeli, ziphethwe nguZiha loGishipha.

22 Umlawuli wabaLevi eJerusalema waye ngu-Uzi indodana kaBhani, indodana kaHashabhiya, indodana kaMathaniya, indodana kaMikha. U-Uzi wayengomunye wabazukulu baka-Asafi, ababengabahlabeleli abakhangele inkonzo endlini kaNkulunkulu. 23 Abahlabeleli babengaphansi kwezimiso zenkosi, ezaziqondisa ababemele bakwenze insuku zonke.

24 UPhethahiya indodana kaMeshezabeli, omunye wesizukulwane sikaZera indodana kaJuda, wayengumeluleki wenkosi mayelana lezindaba zonke zabantu.

25 Mayelana lemizi kanye lamasimu ayo, abanye babantu bakoJuda bahlala eKhiriyathi Aribha lakweminye imizi eseduze, eDibhoni lemizini eseduze kwayo, eJekhabhizeli lemizana yakhona, 26 eJeshuwa, eMolada, eBhethi Phelethi, 27 eHazari-Shuwali, eBherishebha lemizana yakhona, 28 eZikhilagi, eMekhona lemizana yakhona, 29 e-Eni Rimoni, eZora, eJamuthi, 30 eZanowa, e-Adulami lemizana yakhona, eLakhishi lamasimu ayo, lase-Azekha lemizana yakhona. Yikho babehlala yonke indawo kusukela eBherishebha kusiya eSigodini sikaHinomu.

31 Abesizukulwane sikaBhenjamini ababesuka eGebha bahlala eMikhimashi, e-Aya, eBhetheli lemizana yakhona, 32 e-Anathothi, eNobhi, le-Ananiya, 33 eHazori, eRama leGithayimi, 34 eHadidi, eZebhoyimi laseNebhalathi, 35 eLodi lase-Ono, njalo laseSigodini seZingcitshi.

36 Abanye bezigaba zabaLevi bakoJuda bahlala koBhenjamini.

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AbaPhristi LabaLevi

1 Laba ngabaphristi labaLevi ababuya loZerubhabheli indodana kaSheyalithiyeli kanye loJeshuwa:

USeraya, uJeremiya, u-Ezra,

2 u-Amariya, uMaluki, uHathushi,

3 uShekhaniya, uRehumi, uMeremothi,

4 u-Ido, uGinethoni, u-Abhija,

5 uMijamini, uMowadiya, uBhiliga,

6 uShemaya, uJoyaribi, uJedaya,

7 uSalu, u-Amoki, uHilikhiya loJedaya.

Laba babengabakhokheli babaphristi labakhulu babo ngezinsuku zikaJeshuwa.

8 AbaLevi babe nguJeshuwa, loBhinuwi, loKhadimiyeli, loSherebhiya, loJuda njalo loMathaniya, okwathi yena, labakhula bakhe yibo ababekhokhela izingoma zenkonzo yokubonga. 9 UBhakhibhukhiya lo-Uni, labakhula babo, babesima ngale bakhangelane labo ezinkonzweni.

10 UJeshuwa wayenguyise kaJoyakhimu,

uyise ka-Eliyashibi,

u-Eliyashibi uyise kaJoyada,

11 uJoyada uyise kaJonathani,

uJonathani uyise kaJaduwa.

12 Ngezinsuku zikaJoyakhimu, laba babezinhloko zezimuli zabaphristi:

abendlu kaSeraya, nguMeraya;

abendlu kaJeremiya nguHananiya;

13 abendlu ka-Ezra, nguMeshulami;

abendlu ka-Amariya, nguJehohanani;

14 abendlu kaMaluki, nguJonathani;

abendlu kaShebhaniya, nguJosefa;

15 abendlu kaHarimi, ngu-Adina;

abendlu kaMeremothi, nguHelikhayi;

16 abendlu ka-Ido, nguZakhariya;

abendlu kaGinethoni, nguMeshulami;

17 abendlu ka-Abhija nguZikhiri;

abendlu kaMiniyamini lekaMowadiya, nguPhilithayi;

18 abendlu kaBhiliga nguShamuwa;

abendlu kaShemaya nguJonathani;

19 abendlu kaJoyaribi, nguMathenayi;

abendlu kaJedaya, ngu-Uzi;

20 abendlu kaSalu, nguKhalayi;

abendlu ka-Amoki, ngu-Ebheri;

21 abendlu kaHilikhiya, nguHashabhiya;

abendlu kaJedaya nguNethaneli.

22 Abazinhloko zezindlu zabaLevi ngezinsuku zika-Eliyashibi, loJoyada, uJohanani loJaduwa, kanye lezabaphristi, babhalwa phansi kubusa uDariyu wasePhezhiya. 23 Abakhokheli bezimuli ezizukulwaneni zikaLevi kuze kube yisikhathi sikaJohanani indodana ka-Eliyashibi babhalwa phansi encwadini yemilando. 24 Abakhokheli babaLevi babengoHashabhiya, loSherebhiya, loJeshuwa indodana kaKhadimiyeli, labakhula babo ababesima baqondane labo nxa bedumisa njalo besenza inkonzo yokubonga, yilabo bevumela abanye, njengokwamiswa nguDavida umuntu kaNkulunkulu.

25 UMathaniya, loBhakhibhukhiya, u-Obhadaya, uMeshulami, uThalimoni lo-Akhubi babe ngabalindimasango ababelinda iziphala emasangweni. 26 Bawenza umsebenzi lo ngezinsuku zikaJoyakhimu indodana kaJeshuwa, indodana kaJozadaki, langezinsuku zikaNehemiya umbusi lo-Ezra umphristi lombhali.

Ukunikelwa Komduli WaseJerusalema

27 Ekunikelweni komduli waseJerusalema, abaLevi badingwa lapho ababehlala khona balethwa eJerusalema ukuzathakazelela umkhosi wokunikelwa ngezingoma langokubonga langokutshaya izigubhu lamachacho lemiqangala. 28 Abahlabeleli labo balethwa ndawonye besuka emangweni oseduze leJerusalema, basuka emizini yamaNethofa, 29 eBhethi Giligali, lasemangweni waseGebha le-Azimavethi, ngoba abahlabeleli basebezakhele imizi eduze leJerusalema. 30 Kwathi lapho abaphristi labaLevi sebezihlambulule ngokomkhuba, bahlambulula abantu, amasango lomduli.

31 Ngathi abakhokheli bakoJuda bakhwele phezu komduli. Njalo ngamisa amaqembu amakhulu amabili awabahlabeleli ukuthi babonge. Elinye lalimele likhwele phezulu komduli kwesokunene, kusiya ngesangweni loBulongwe. 32 UHoshayiya lengxenye yabakhokheli bakoJuda babalandela, 33 kunye lo-Azariya, lo-Ezra, loMeshulami, 34 loJuda, loBhenjamini, loShemaya, loJeremiya, 35 kanye labanye abaphristi ababelamacilongo, loZakhariya indodana kaJonathani, indodana kaShemaya, indodana kaMathaniya indodana kaMikhaya, indodana kaZakhuri, indodana ka-Asafi, 36 labakhula bakhe oShemaya, lo-Azareli, loMilalayi, loGilalayi, loMayi, loNethaneli, loJuda loHanani bephethe amachacho njengokwakumiswe nguDavida umuntu kaNkulunkulu. U-Ezra umbhali nguye owayekhokhele udwendwe. 37 SebeseSangweni loMthombo baqhubeka bakhwela izinyathelo eziya eMzini kaDavida emqansweni oya emdulini bedlula ngaphezulu kwendlu kaDavida baya eSangweni laManzi ngempumalanga.

38 Iqembu lesibili labahlabeleli lona lafulathela elakuqala laya le. Ngabalandela phezu komduli ngilengxenye yabantu, sedlula uMphotshongo waMaziko siqonda uMduli Obanzi, 39 sedlula isango lika-Efrayimi, leSango likaJeshana, iSango leNhlanzi, uMphotshongo kaHananeli loMphotshongo weKhulu saze sayafika eSangweni leZimvu. ESangweni laBalindi bafika bema.

40 Amaqembu lawo abahlabeleli amabili ayesipha ukubonga asesima ezindaweni zawo endlini kaNkulunkulu; lami ngenze njalo, kanye lengxenye yezinduna, 41 labaphristi o-Eliyakhimu, loMaseya, loMiniyamini, loMikhaya, lo-Eliyonayi, loZakhariya loHananiya belamacilongo abo 42 njalo loMaseya, loShemaya, lo-Eliyezari, lo-Uzi, loJehohanani, loMalikhija, lo-Elamu lo-Ezeri. Amaqembu abahlabeleli ahlabela ekhokhelwa nguJezirahiya. 43 Ngalelolanga banikela imihlatshelo emangalisayo, bethokoza ngoba uThixo wayebaphe ukuthokoza okukhulu. Abesifazane kanye labantwana labo bathokoza. Umsindo wokuthokoza eJerusalema wawuzwakala kude.

44 Ngalesosikhathi kwakhethwa amadoda ukugcina iziphala zalokho okwakulethwa, izithelo zokuqala kanye lokwetshumi. Okusuka emasimini aseduzane lamadolobho babemele bakulethe eziphaleni lezo zilinganiso ezazivumelwa nguMthetho okwabaphristi labaLevi, ngoba uJuda wayejabuliswe ngumsebenzi owawuqhutshwa ngamaphristi lamaLevi. 45 Bayiphatha inkonzo kaNkulunkulu wabo lenkonzo yokuhlanjululwa, njalo benzenjalo labahlabeleli kanye labalindimasango, njengemilayo kaDavida lendodana yakhe uSolomoni. 46 Ngoba kudala, ensukwini zikaDavida lo-Asafi, kwakulabaqondisi babahlabeleli labezingoma zokudumisa lokubonga uNkulunkulu. 47 Yikho ngezinsuku zikaZerubhabheli loNehemiya, ama-Israyeli onke apha isabelo sansukuzonke esabahlabeleli labalindimasango. Baphinda njalo babeka eceleni esinye isabelo esabanye abaLevi, kwathi abaLevi labo bacezula okunye kwabo kwaba ngokwabosendo luka-Aroni.

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Izenzo Zokulunga ZikaNehemiya Ezokucina

1 Ngalelolanga iNcwadi kaMosi yabalelwa abantu besizwa kwafunyanwa kuyo kubhaliwe ukuthi akungabi lamʼAmoni loba umʼMowabi ovunyelwa emhlanganweni kaNkulunkulu, loba sekutheni, 2 ngoba babengahlangabezanga ama-Israyeli ngokudla lamanzi kodwa bathenga uBhalamu ukuba abaqalekise. (UNkulunkulu wethu kodwa waguqula isiqalekiso leso saba yisibusiso.) 3 Kwathi abantu sebewuzwile umthetho, babasusa ko-Israyeli bonke labo ababedabuka ezizweni.

4 Mandulo kwalokhu, u-Eliyashibi umphristi nguye owayephethe iziphala zendlu kaNkulunkulu wethu. Wasuka wezwana kakhulu loThobhiya, 5 wasemlungisela indlu enkulu eyayikade isetshenziswa ukulondoloza amabele omnikelo lempepha kanye lempahla zethempeli, kanye njalo lamabele awokwetshumi, lewayini elitsha lamafutha, konke okwakumiswe ukuthi kube ngokwabaLevi, labahlabeleli labalindimasango, kanye lezipho eziya kubaphristi.

6 Kodwa kwathi kusenzakala konke lokhu, mina ngangingekho eJerusalema, ngoba ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lambili wokubusa kuka-Athazekisisi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni ngabuyela enkosini. Muva kwalokho ngacela imvumo kuye 7 ngabuyela eJerusalema. Kulapho engafika ngabona khona ngaleyonto embi eyenziwa ngu-Eliyashibi ngokupha uThobhiya indlu emagumeni asendlini kaNkulunkulu. 8 Ngacaphuka kakhulu ngaphosela phandle zonke impahla zikaThobhiya. 9 Ngakhupha ilizwi ukuthi kazihlanjululwe izindlu, ngasengibuyisela kuzo impahla zendlini kaNkulunkulu, ndawonye lamabele omnikelo lempepha.

10 Ngezwa njalo ukuthi abaLevi babengaphiwanga lokho okwakuyisabelo sabo, lokuthi bonke abaLevi labahlabeleli ababeqhuba inkonzo basebebuyele emasimini abo. 11 Ngazikhwazela izinduna ngazibuza ngathi, “Kungani indlu kaNkulunkulu ingasakhathalelwa na?” Ngasengibabizela ndawonye ngababeka ezindaweni zemisebenzi yabo.

12 Bonke abakoJuda baletha okwetshumi kwamabele, iwayini elitsha lamafutha eziphaleni. 13 Ngasengibeka uShelemiya umphristi, loZadokhi umbhali, lomLevi owayethiwa nguPhedaya ukuba baphathe iziphala, ngenza uHanani indodana kaZakhuri, indodana kaMathaniya, ukuba ngumsekeli wabo, ngoba amadoda la kwakuthiwa athembekile. Baphiwa umlandu wokwabela abafowabo isabelo sabo.

14 Ungikhumbule ngalokhu, Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ungakucitshi lokho engikwenzele indlu kaNkulunkulu wami ngokuthembeka kanye lezinkonzo ezikuyo.

15 Ngalezonsuku ngabona abantu bakoJuda bevoxa izikhamelo zewayini ngeSabatha njalo beletha amabele bewethesa kubobabhemi, kunye lewayini, lamagrebisi, lomkhiwa leminye imithwalo. Konke lokhu babekuletha eJerusalema ngeSabatha. Ngakho-ke ngasengibaxwayisa ukuthi bangathengisi ukudla ngosuku lolo. 16 Abantu beThire ababehlala eJerusalema babeletha inhlanzi lemihlobo yonke yezimpahla bezithengisa eJerusalema ebantwini bakoJuda ngeSabatha. 17 Ngazikhuza izikhulu zakoJuda ngathi kuzo, “Manyala bani la eliwenzayo lingcolisa usuku lweSabatha na? 18 Kakusikho yini okwenziwa ngoyihlomkhulu, okwabangela ukuthi uThixo wethu, ehlisele kithi laphezu kwalelidolobho lobubunzima na? Manje selibuye lisandisa ulaka ku-Israyeli ngokugcolisa iSabatha.”

19 Kwathi nxa selimathunzi emasangweni aseJerusalema kungakabi yiSabatha, ngalaya ukuthi iminyango kayivalwe ingaze yavulwa iSabatha ize idlule. Ngamisa emasangweni abanye abantu bami ukuze kungangeni mthwalo ngosuku lweSabatha. 20 Okwezikhathi ezimbalwa abathengi labathengisi bezinhlobo zonke zezimpahla balala ngaphandle kweJerusalema. 21 Kodwa ngabaxwayisa ngathi, “Lenzelani ukulala phansi komduli na? Lingakuphinda lokhu kuzakuba lokuxabana.” Kusukela kulesosikhathi kabasaphindanga beza ngeSabatha. 22 Ngasengilaya abaLevi ukuthi bazihlambulule besebesiyalinda amasango ukuze kugcinwe usuku lweSabatha lungcwele.

Ungikhumbule langalokhu njalo, Oh Nkulunkulu wami, njalo utshengise umusa kimi mayelana lothando lwakho olukhulu.

23 Phezu kwalokho, ngalezonsuku ngabona amadoda akoJuda ayethethe abafazi base-Ashidodi, le-Amoni laseMowabi. 24 Ingxenye yabantwababo babekhuluma ulimi lwase-Ashidodi kumbe ulimi lwabanye abantu, bengakwazi ukukhuluma isiHebheru. 25 Ngabathethisa, ngakhuluma iziqalekiso phezu kwabo. Amanye amadoda ngawatshaya ngaze ngawasiphuna inwele zawo. Ngathi kabenze isifungo ngebizo likaNkulunkulu ngathi, “Lingendiseli amadodakazi enu emadodaneni abo, njalo lingathatheli amadodana enu amadodakazi abo futhi lani lingazithatheli wona. 26 Kwakungasimitshado enjengale yini eyenza uSolomoni inkosi yako-Israyeli yenze isono? Phakathi kwezizwe ezinengi kwakungelankosi efana laye. Wayethandwa nguNkulunkulu wakhe, njalo uNkulunkulu wamenza inkosi ka-Israyeli wonke, kodwa laye wahugelwa esonweni ngabafazi bezizweni. 27 Manje-ke sesingezwa ukuthi lani selisenza wonke amanyala la esabekayo njalo kalisathembekanga kuNkulunkulu wethu ngokuthatha abafazi bezizwe na?”

28 Omunye wamadodana kaJoyada indodana ka-Eliyashibi umphristi omkhulu wayengumkhwenyana kaSanibhalathi umHoroni. Ngahle ngamxotshela khatshana kwami.

29 Ubakhumbule, Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ngoba babungcolisile ubuphristi lesivumelwano sobuphristi lesabaLevi.

30 Ngakho ngabahlambulula abaphristi labaLevi kuzozonke izinto zezizweni, ngababela imisebenzi yabo, ngulowo waqondana lomsebenzi wakhe. 31 Ngaphinde ngenza amalungiselelo okulethwa kwenkuni ngezikhathi ezimisiweyo, njalo lawezithelo zokuqala.

Ungikhumbule ngomusa, Oh Nkulunkulu wami.

U-Esta

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U-Esta

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INdlovukazi UVashithi Ikhutshwa Ebukhosini

1 Lokhu yikho okwenzakala ngesikhathi sika-Ahasuweru, owayebusa izifunda ezingaphezu kwekhulu elilamatshumi amabili lasikhombisa (127) kusukela e-Indiya kuze kuyefika eTopiya. 2 Ngalesosikhathi inkosi u-Ahasuweru wayebusa esesigodlweni saseSusa, 3 kwathi ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwakhe, wenzela izikhulu zakhe kanye leziphathamandla zakhe idili elikhulu. Abakhokheli bebutho basePhezhiya labaseMediya, amakhosana, kanye lezikhulu zezifunda zonke zazikhona.

4 Okwensuku ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili (180) watshengisa ubukhulu benotho yombuso wakhe kanye lobucwazicwazi lobukhosi bombuso wakhe. 5 Kwathi lezonsuku seziphelile, inkosi yenza idili elikhulu elabakhona okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, endaweni ehonqolozelweyo esigodlweni senkosi, lisenzelwa bonke abantu abaziwayo labantukazana ababesesigodlweni saseSusa. 6 Egumeni kwakulezilengiso ezimhlophe leziluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, zibotshelwe emasongweni esiliva ngentambo zelineni elimhlophe lelembu eliyibubende ensikeni zamatshe aqinileyo. Kwakulemibheda yegolide lesiliva phezu kwephansi elaligandelwe ngamatshe aligugu, abomvu, aluhlaza, amhlophe lamnyama lamanye adulayo.

7 Iwayini lalinathelwa ezinkezweni zegolide, inye ngayinye yehlukene kwezinye, njalo iwayini lesikhosini lalilinengi, kutshengisa ukukhululeka kwesandla senkosi. 8 Ngokulaya kwenkosi, isethekeli sinye ngasinye sasikhululekile ukuthi sinathe ngokwentando yaso, ngoba inkosi yayilaye zonke iziphathamandla ezazisipha iwayini ukuthi ziphe umuntu wonke njengokufisa kwakhe.

9 INdlovukazi uVashithi layo yenzela abesifazane ababesesigodlweni seNkosi u-Ahasuweru idili elikhulu.

10 Ngelanga lesikhombisa, inkosi u-Ahasuweru isidakiwe ngenxa yewayini, yalaya abathenwa abayisikhombisa ababeyisebenzela, uMehumani, uBhizitha, uHaribhona, uBhigitha, u-Abhagitha, uZethari loKharikhasi, 11 ukuthi balethe kuyo iNdlovukazi uVashithi ethwele umqhele wakhe wobukhosi ukuze abukise ubuhle bakhe ebantwini kanye lezikhulwini, ngoba wayemuhle kakhulu. 12 Kodwa kwathi abathenwa beyitshela ngokulaya kwenkosi, iNdlovukazi uVashithi yala ukuya. Ngakho inkosi yathukuthela yavutha ngolaka.

13 Njengoba kwakuyinjwayelo ukuthi inkosi icebisane lezingcitshi ezindabeni eziphathelene lemithetho kanye lokwahlulela, yakhuluma lamadoda ahlakaniphileyo ayezwisisa ngomumo walezozikhathi 14 njalo ayeseduzane kakhulu lenkosi kwakunguKharishena, uShethari, u-Adimatha, uThashishi, uMeresi, uMarisena loMemukhani, izikhulu eziyisikhombisa zasePhezhiya laseMediya ezazilemvumo yokuya enkosini njalo zilezikhundla eziphakemeyo embusweni.

15 Yasibuza yathi, “Umthetho uthi kwenziweni eNdlovukazini uVashithi? Phela kayilalelanga umlayo wenkosi u-Ahasuweru awuthumele kuyo ngabathenwa.”

16 UMemukhani wasephendula phambi kwenkosi kanye lezikhulu zayo wathi, “INdlovukazi uVashithi yonile, hatshi enkosini kuphela, kodwa lasezikhulwini zonke kanye labantu bonke bezabelo zonke zeNkosi u-Ahasuweru. 17 Phela isenzo seNdlovukazi sizakwazakala kuwo wonke amakhosikazi, abesedelela omkawo esithi, ‘Inkosi u-Ahasuweru yalaya iNdlovukazi uVashithi ukuthi ilethwe phambi kwayo, kodwa yala ukuza.’ 18 Lamhlanje amakhosikazi aphakemeyo asePhezhiya kanye laseMediya asizwileyo isenzo seNdlovukazi azaphendula izikhulu zenkosi zonke ngendlela efananayo. Kuzakuba khona ukungahloniphi kanye lengxabangxoza.

19 Ngakho-ke, nxa kulungile enkosini, kakube lomthetho ozaphuma esigodlweni njalo ulotshwe emithethweni yelizwe lePhezhiya leMediya, ongeke uguqulwe njalo, ukuthi uVashithi akumelanga aphinde angene lapho okulenkosi u-Ahasuweru. Njalo inkosi kayiphe isikhundla sayo sobundlovukazi komunye ongcono kulayo. 20 Kuzakuthi nxa umthetho wenkosi umenyezelwa kuwo wonke umbuso wayo omkhulu, abesifazane bonke bazahlonipha omkabo kusukela komncane kusiya komkhulu.”

21 Inkosi kanye lezikhulu zayo bathokoza ngalokhu kucebisa, inkosi yasisenza khona lokho uMemukhani akucebisayo. 22 Yathumela izincwadi kuzozonke izabelo zombuso, kuleso laleso sabelo incwadi yaso ngolimi olukhulunywa kuso, kwamenyezelwa ngendimi zazo ukuthi yileyo laleyo ndoda kumele ibuse umuzi wayo.

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U-Esta Ubekwa Ukuba YiNdlovukazi

1 Emva kokuba ukuthukuthela kweNkosi u-Ahasuweru sekudedile, yamkhumbula uVashithi kanye lalokho ayekwenzile, lalokho okwakumenyezelwe ngaye. 2 Izinceku zenkosi zasezisithi kuyo, “Akudingelwe inkosi amantombazana agcweleyo, amahle. 3 Inkosi kayikhethe iziphathamandla kuzozonke izabelo zombuso wayo ukuthi zilethe wonke amantombazana amahle endlini yabesifazane esigodlweni saseSusa. Bafakwe ezandleni zikaHegayi, umthenwa wenkosi, okhangele abesifazane; zilungiswe kuhle njalo ziphiwe amakha okuziqhola. 4 Besekusithi intombi ethokozisa inkosi ibe yiNdlovukazi esikhundleni sikaVashithi.” Iseluleko lesi sayithokozisa inkosi, yasisilandela.

5 Kwakukhona esigodlweni saseSusa umJuda owendlu yakoBhenjamini, okwakuthiwa nguModekhayi, indodana kaJayiri, indodana kaShimeyi, indodana kaKhishi, 6 owayethunjwe eJerusalema nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, kanye loJekhoniya inkosi yakoJuda wayephakathi kwabathunjwayo.

7 UModekhayi wayelomzawakhe okwakuthiwa nguHadasa, amondla ngoba engelayise lonina. Intombazana le yayisaziwa langokuthi ngu-Esta, yayibukeka kakhulu, inhle njalo uModekhayi wayeyondle njengendodakazi yakhe ize ifelwe nguyise lonina. 8 Kwathi umlayo wenkosi kanye lesimiso sekumenyezelwe, amantombazana amanengi alethwa esigodlweni saseSusa afakwa ezandleni zikaHegayi. U-Esta laye wathathwa wasiwa esigodlweni sobukhosi wanikelwa ngaphansi kukaHegayi, owayelinda indawo yabesifazane.

9 Intombazana le yamthokozisa wayithanda. Wahle wayinika okokuzilungisa kuhle lamakha okuziqhola kanye lokudla okuhle. Wayipha amantombazana ayisikhombisa okuyisebenzela ayekhethwe esigodlweni senkosi, wayisusa kanye lamantombazana ayo, wabafaka endaweni yabesifazane enhle kakhulu.

10 U-Esta wayengavezanga ukuthi udabuka ngaphi lembali yemuli yakibo, ngoba uModekhayi wayethe angakwenzi lokho.

11 Insuku zonke uModekhayi wayehamba eduzane leguma lendlu yabesifazane ukuze ezwe ukuba u-Esta uqhuba njani lokuthi uyaphila na.

12 Intombi yayiqeda izinyanga eziyisithupha igcotshwa, ilungiswa kuhle njalo iqholwa ngamakha njengalokho okwakulungiselelwa abesifazane; izinyanga eziyisithupha igcotshwa ngamafutha emure lezinye eziyisithupha iqholwa ngamakha lokunye okokuqhola, ingakayi eNkosini u-Ahasuweru.

13 Indlela intombi eyayisiya ngayo enkosini yile: loba yini intombi eyayiyifuna yayikuphiwa ukuze ihambe lakho esigodlweni senkosi isuka endlini yabesifazane. 14 Ntambama yayisiya esigodlweni kuthi ekuseni ibuyele kweyinye indawo yabesifazane iyelondolozwa nguShahashigazi, umthenwa wenkosi owayegcina abafazi beceleni. Wayengabuyeli enkosini ngaphandle kokuba yona ithokoza ngaye njalo imbize ngebizo lakhe.

15 Kwathi lapho ithuba lika-Esta (intombazana eyayondliwe nguModekhayi, indodakazi kamalumakhe u-Abhihayili) selifikile ukuthi aye enkosini, kacelanga lutho ngaphandle kwalokho okwakukhulunywe nguHegayi, umthenwa wenkosi owayelondoloza abesifazane. U-Esta wathakazelelwa yibo bonke abambonayo. 16 U-Esta wasiwa enkosini ngenyanga yetshumi, inyanga yeThebhethi, ngomnyaka wesikhombisa wokubusa kweNkosi u-Ahasuweru. 17 Inkosi yakhangwa ngu-Esta kakhulukazi okwedlula abanye bonke abesifazane, njalo yamthakazelela yathokoza ngaye okwedlula zonke ezinye izintombi ezigcweleyo. Ngakho yamethesa umqhele wobukhosi yamenza waba yindlovukazi endaweni kaVashithi.

18 Inkosi yasisenza idili elikhulu kakhulu, idili lika-Esta, isenzela izikhulu kanye leziphathamandla zayo. Yamemezela usuku lwekhefu kuzozonke izabelo, yapha lezipho ngesandla esikhululekileyo sobukhosi.

UModekhayi Uvumbulula Icebo Elibi

19 Kwathi izintombi ezigcweleyo sezihlangene okwesibili, uModekhayi wayehlezi esangweni lenkosi. 20 U-Esta wayekwenze kwaba yimfihlo okwemuli yakhe lalapho adabuka khona njengokutshelwa kwakhe nguModekhayi ukuba akwenze, njalo waqhubeka elandela imilayo kaModekhayi njengalokhu ayekwenza esamkhulisa.

21 Ngesikhathi uModekhayi ehlezi esangweni lenkosi, abathenwa benkosi ababili ababelinda emnyango, uBhigithani loThereshi, bathukuthela baceba ukuyibulala inkosi u-Ahasuweru.

22 Kodwa uModekhayi wakuzwa ababekuceba wasetshela iNdlovukazi u-Esta, owabika lokho enkosini, ebabaza isenzo esihle sikaModekhayi.

23 Kwathi lowombiko usuhlolisisiwe kwatholakala ukuthi uliqiniso, iziphathamandla lezo zombili zalengiswa endaweni yokulenga. Konke lokhu kwalotshwa ogwalweni lwezindaba phambi kwenkosi.

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Icebo LikaHamani Lokubulala AmaJuda

1 Ngemva kwalezo zehlakalo, inkosi u-Ahasuweru wenza uHamani indodana kaHamedatha umʼAgagi waba lodumo ngokumphakamisa, wamupha isikhundla esiphakemeyo, esihloniphekayo ukwedlula esezinye zezikhulu zonke. 2 Zonke iziphathamandla zesigodlweni esangweni lenkosi zaguqa phansi zamkhothamela uHamani, ngoba inkosi yayilaye lokho ngaye. Kodwa uModekhayi kazange amkhothamele loba amkhonze.

3 Ngakho iziphathamandla zesigodlweni esangweni lenkosi zabuza uModekhayi zisithi, “Kungani ungalaleli umlayo wenkosi?”

4 Bakhuluma laye insuku ngezinsuku kodwa wala ukwenza lokho. Ngakho bamtshela uHamani ngalokho befuna ukubona kumbe isenzo sikaModekhayi sasizakwamukeleka, ngoba wayebatshelile ukuthi yena ungumJuda.

5 Kwathi uHamani ebona ukuthi uModekhayi kamguqeli njalo kamkhonzi, wathukuthela kakhulukazi.

6 Kwathi ngoba esekwazi ukuthi uModekhayi udabuka ngaphi, wawulahla umqondo wokubulala uModekhayi yedwa. Kodwa uHamani wadinga indlela yokubulala bonke abomhlobo kaModekhayi, amaJuda, kuwo wonke umbuso ka-Ahasuweru.

7 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili wokubusa kuka-Ahasuweru, ngenyanga yakuqala, inyanga ethiwa nguNisani, benza inkatho ethiwa yiphuri phambi kukaHamani ukuze bakhethe usuku lenyanga. Inkatho yadla inyanga yetshumi lambili, inyanga ethiwa yi-Adari.

8 UHamani wasesithi eNkosini u-Ahasuweru, “Kukhona abantu abathile abahlakazeke basabalala phakathi kwabantu abasezabelweni zonke zombuso wakho abalemikhuba eyehlukene leyabantu bonke, njalo abangalaleli imithetho yenkosi. Inkosi akumelanga ibayekelele kulokho. 9 Nxa lokhu kulungile enkosini, kakube lesimemezelo somthetho wokuba babhujiswe. Mina ngizafaka phakathi kwengcebo yesigodlweni amathalenta esiliva alitshumi lenkulungwane ukuphathisa amadoda azakwenza umsebenzi lo.”

10 Ngakho inkosi yakhupha indandatho yophawu lwayo emunweni yayipha uHamani indodana kaHamedatha, umʼAgagi, isitha samaJuda. Inkosi yathi kuHamani, 11 “Gcina imali le, wenze ebantwini njengokuthanda kwakho.”

12 Kwathi ngosuku lwetshumi lantathu ngenyanga yokuqala onobhala besigodlweni babizwa. Babhala ngokulotshwa kwesabelo sinye ngasinye njalo ngolimi lwabantu balesosabelo, yonke imilayo kaHamani eyayisiya kuziphathamandla zenkosi, ababusi bezabelo ezehlukeneyo kanye lasezikhulwini ezaziphethe abantu abehlukeneyo. Yayibhalwe ngebizo leNkosi u-Ahasuweru ngokwakhe njalo yadindwa ngophawu lwendandatho yakhe. 13 Izincwadi zathunyelwa ngezithunywa kuzozonke izabelo zenkosi kulomlayo wokuba kubhujiswe, kubulawe njalo kutshabalaliswe wonke amaJuda, abatsha labadala, abesifazane labantwana ngelanga elilodwa, ilanga letshumi lantathu lwenyanga yetshumi lambili, enyangeni ethiwa ngu-Adari, njalo lokuphanga impahla yabo.

14 Amazwi esimemezelo leso ayezakhutshwa abe ngumthetho omisiweyo kuzozonke izabelo, aziswe bonke abantu bakuzo zonke izizwe ukuze bazilungiselele lolosuku.

15 Izithunywa zakhuthazwa ngumlayo wenkosi, zaphuma zakhupha umthetho omisiweyo esigodlweni saseSusa. Inkosi loHamani bahlala phansi banatha, kodwa abedolobho laseSusa badideka.

4

UModekhayi Ucela U-Esta Ukuba Asize

1 Kwathi uModekhayi esezwile ngakho konke okwasekwenziwe, wadabula iziqgoko zakhe, wagqoka amasaka okulila, wazihuqa ngomlotha, waphuma wangena phakathi komuzi ekhala kakhulu njalo kabuhlungukazi.

2 Kodwa wahamba wayafika esangweni lenkosi, ngoba akulamuntu owayevunyelwa ukungena egqoke amasaka okulila. 3 Kuzozonke izabelo lapho isimiso somthetho lomlayo wenkosi okwafika khona, kwaba lokulila okukhulu kubaJuda, bazila ukudla, bakhala njalo belila. Abanengi balala emlotheni begqoke amasaka okulila.

4 Kwathi izinceku zika-Esta kanye labathenwa bakhe befika bemtshela ngoModekhayi, waba lokudabuka okukhulu. Wamthumela izembatho zokuthi agqoke endaweni yamasaka okulila, kodwa wala ukuzamukela.

5 U-Esta wasebiza uHathakhi, omunye wabathenwa benkosi owayekhethwe ukuba yinceku yakhe, wamlaya ukuba ayedingisisa lokho okwakukhathaza uModekhayi lembangela yakho.

6 Ngakho uHathakhi waya kuModekhayi egcekeni ledolobho phambi kwesango lenkosi.

7 UModekhayi wamtshela konke okwakwenzakale kuye, kugoqela inani lemali uHamani ayethembise ukulibhadala lingene enothweni yenkosi kusenzelwa ukubhujiswa kwamaJuda. 8 Wamupha njalo amazwi esimemezelo leso ayesekhutshwe aba ngumthetho omisiweyo wokubhujiswa kwabo, owawumenyezelwe eSusa, ukuze awutshengise u-Esta njalo amchazele ngawo; njalo wamtshela ukuthi amkhuthaze ukuba aye enkosini ukuyacela isihawu sayo encengela abantu bakibo. 9 UHathakhi wabuyela wayamtshela u-Esta lokho okwakukhulunywe nguModekhayi.

10 Yena wasemlaya ukuba athi kuModekhayi, 11 “Zonke iziphathamandla zenkosi kanye labasezigodlweni ezabelweni bayakwazi ukuthi inkosi ilomthetho owodwa zwi kuloba yiphi indoda loba owesifazane osondela enkosini angene endlini ephakathi engabizwanga; kufanele abulawe, ngaphandle kokuba inkosi yelule intonga yayo yegolide imkhombe ngayo ukuze impilo yakhe iphephe. Kodwa, sekwedlule amalanga angamatshumi amathathu selokhu ngacina ukubizelwa enkosini.”

12 Kwathi amazwi ka-Esta ebikwa kuModekhayi, 13 waphendula wathi: “Ungacabangi ukuthi ngoba wena usendlini yenkosi nguwe wedwa kuwo wonke amaJuda ozaphepha. 14 Nxa ungala uthule ngalesisikhathi, usizo lokukhululwa kwamaJuda kuzavela kwenye indawo, kodwa wena kanye lemuli kayihlo lizabhubha. Njalo kwazi bani, ukuthi uze kulesi sikhundla sobukhosi ngenxa yesikhathi esinjengalesi na?”

15 U-Esta wasethumela impendulo le kuModekhayi: 16 “Hamba uyebuthanisa ndawonye wonke amaJuda aseSusa, lingizilele ukudla. Lingaze ladla loba ukunatha okwensuku ezintathu, ebusuku lemini. Mina kanye lezincekukazi zami sizazila njengani. Nxa lokhu sekwenziwe, ngizakuya enkosini loba nje lokho kungekho emthethweni. Nxa ngisifa, ngiyabe ngifile.”

17 Ngakho uModekhayi wasuka wayakwenza lokho okwakulaywe ngu-Esta.

5

Isicelo Sika-Esta Enkosini

1 Ngelanga lesithathu u-Esta wagqoka izembatho zakhe zobukhosi wema enkundleni engaphakathi kwesigodlo phambi kwendlu yenkosi. Inkosi yayihlezi esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi endlini yayo, ikhangele emnyango.

2 Yathi ibona iNdlovukazi u-Esta imi enkundleni, yathokoza ngaye, yasiselula intonga yayo yegolide eyayisesandleni sayo, yamkhomba ngayo. U-Esta wasesondela wathinta isihloko sentonga.

3 Inkosi yasibuza yathi, “Kutheni Ndlovukazi Esta? Siyini isicelo sakho na? Uzanikwa loba yini, okungafika kungxenye yombuso.”

4 U-Esta wathi, “Nxa inkosi ithokoza ngalokhu, bengicela ukuthi inkosi kanye loHamani beze lamhla edilini engililungisele yona.”

5 Inkosi yathi, “UHamani keze khathesi, ukuze kwenziwe okucelwa ngu-Esta.” Inkosi loHamani baya edilini elalilungiswe ngu-Esta.

6 Kwathi besanatha iwayini, inkosi yambuza njalo u-Esta yathi, “Siyini isicelo sakho? Uzakukwamukeliswa. Kuyini okucelayo na? Uzanikwa loba yini okungafika kungxenye yombuso.”

7 U-Esta waphendula wathi, “Isikhalazo sami lesicelo sami yilokhu: 8 Nxa inkosi ingamukela ngomusa njalo nxa inkosi ithokoza ngokwamukela isikhalazo sami njalo igcwalise isicelo sami, bengicela ukuthi inkosi kanye loHamani kusasa beze edilini engizabalungisela lona. Kulapho engizaphendula okubuzwe yinkosi.”

UHamani Uthukuthelela UModekhayi

9 UHamani wasuka lapho mhlalokho ethabe kakhulukazi. Kodwa uthe ebona uModekhayi esesangweni lenkosi wananzelela ukuthi kamsukumeli loba ukutshengisa ukwesaba phambi kwakhe, wagcwalelana ngokumthukuthelela uModekhayi. 10 Kodwa wazibamba waya emzini wakhe, wabiza abangane bakhe ndawonye kanye loZereshi umkakhe, 11 uHamani wasezincoma kubo ngenotho yakhe enengi, langamadodana akhe amanengi, kanye lazozonke izindlela inkosi eyayimhlonipha ngazo lokuthi imphakamise yambeka phezu kwezinye izikhulu leziphathamandla.

12 UHamani wengeza wathi, “Njalo akusikho kodwa lokhu. Yimi ngedwa zwi umuntu omenywe yiNdlovukazi u-Esta ukuba ngiphelekezele inkosi edilini elenzileyo. Njalo usenginxusile kanye lenkosi kusasa. 13 Kodwa konke lokhu akungisuthisi ikakhulu nxa ngilokhu ngibona umJuda loya onguModekhayi ehlezi esangweni lenkosi.”

14 Umkakhe uZereshi kanye labangane bakhe bonke bathi kuye, “Yenza indawo yokulengisa abantu, ibe zingalo ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu ubude, ubusucela inkosi ekuseni ukuba ilengise uModekhayi lapho. Ube usuziyela edilini uchelesile.” Umcabango lo wamthokozisa kakhulu uHamani, yasisakhiwa indawo yokulengisa.

6

UModekhayi Unikwa Udumo

1 Ngalobobusuku inkosi yaswela ubuthongo; ngakho yalaya ukuba kulethwe kuyo ugwalo lwemiLando, imibhalo yombuso wayo, izobalelwa. 2 Kwatholakala emibhalweni ukuba uModekhayi wayeveze ukuba uBhigithani loThereshi, abathenwa benkosi ababelinda entubeni, babecebe ukubulala inkosi u-Ahasuweru.

3 Inkosi yathi, “UModekhayi wazuza dumo bani lokwaziwa ngalokhu?” Izinceku zenkosi zathi, “Akulalutho alwenzelwayo.”

4 Inkosi yasisithi, “Ngubani osenkundleni na?” UHamani wayesanda kungena enkundleni yangaphandle yesigodlo ezokhuluma lenkosi mayelana lokulengisa uModekhayi endaweni ayeyakhele lokho.

5 Izinceku zayo zathi, “UHamani umi enkundleni.” Inkosi yalaya yathi, “Mngeniseni.”

6 UHamani esengenile, inkosi yathi kuye, “Kuyini okungenzelwa umuntu inkosi ethokoza ngaye ukuba imuphe udumo?”

UHamani wacabanga ngaphakathi wathi, “Kambe ngubani ongaphiwa udumo yinkosi ngaphandle kwami?” 7 Ngakho waphendula inkosi wathi, “Emuntwini inkosi ethokoza ngaye ukuba imuphe udumo, 8 kabamlethele isembatho sobukhosi esesake sagqokwa yinkosi kanye lebhiza eselake lagadwa yinkosi, elilomqhele wobukhosi ekhanda lalo. 9 Isembatho leso kanye lebhiza kakube sezandleni zesinye sezikhulu zenkosi ezihloniphekayo kakhulu. Umuntu lo inkosi ethokoza ngaye efuna ukumupha udumo kagqokiswe lezozembatho, abesekhokhelwa edabula phakathi kwemigwaqo yedolobho egade ibhiza, kumenyezwe phambi kwakhe ukuthi, ‘Lokhu yikho okwenziwa emuntwini inkosi ethokoza ngaye ukuba imuphe udumo!’ ”

10 Inkosi yasilaya uHamani yathi, “Hamba khona manje uyethatha izembatho kanye lebhiza wenze njengokucebisa kwakho kuModekhayi umJuda ohlezi esangweni lenkosi. Ungaze watshiya loba yikuphi okuqambileyo.”

11 UHamani wasethatha izembatho kanye lebhiza. Wamgqokisa uModekhayi, wasemkhokhela ephezu kwebhiza, wadabula imigwaqo yedolobho, ehamba ememeza esithi, “Lokhu yikho okwenziwa emuntwini inkosi ethokoza ngaye ukuba imuphe udumo!”

12 Ngemva kwalokho uModekhayi wabuyela esangweni lenkosi. Kodwa uHamani watshitsha waya ngekhaya, emboze ikhanda ngosizi, 13 watshela uZereshi umkakhe kanye labangane bakhe bonke ngakho konke okwakumehlele. Abeluleki bakhe lomkakhe uZereshi bathi kuye, “Njengoba uModekhayi osuqale ukuwa phambi kwakhe engumJuda ngokwemvelo, awungeke umelane laye, uzatshabalala ngempela.” 14 Kwathi besakhuluma laye, kwafika abathenwa benkosi bamthatha masinyane ukuya edilini elalilungiswe ngu-Esta.

7

Ukulengiswa KukaHamani

1 Inkosi loHamani basebesiyakudla leNdlovukazi u-Esta, 2 kwathi besanatha iwayini ngalelolanga lesibili, inkosi yabuza njalo yathi, “Ndlovukazi Esta, kuyini okucelayo na? Uzakukwamukeliswa. Kuyini okucelayo na? Uzanikwa loba yini okungafika kungxenye yombuso.”

3 INdlovukazi yaphendula yathi, “Nxa ngifumene umusa kuwe nkosi, njalo nxa inkosi kuyithokozisa, bengicelela ukuphila, yiso isicelo sami lesi. 4 Ngoba mina kanye labantu bakithi sithengisiwe ukuze sichithwe njalo sibulawe ukuze singabikhona emhlabeni. Ngabe besimane sathengiswa njengezigqili zesilisa lezesifazane, bengizazithulela, ngoba akulahlupho olunje olungabangela ukuthi inkosi iphanjaniswe.”

5 Inkosi u-Ahasuweru wathi ku-Esta iNdlovukazi, “Ngubani lowo? Ungaphi umuntu obelesibindi sokwenza into enje?”

6 U-Esta wathi, “Isitha lomuntu ololunya nguyenalo uHamani olomona.”

UHamani wasethuthumela phambi kwenkosi lendlovukazi. 7 Inkosi yasukuma igcwele ulaka yatshiya iwayini layo yaya phandle esivandeni sesigodlo. Kwathi uHamani ebona ukuthi inkosi yayisiyenze isinqumo ngempilo yakhe, wasala ngemuva ukuba azincengele impilo yakhe eNdlovukazini u-Esta.

8 Kwathi inkosi isiphendukile esivandeni sesigodlo ingena endlini yedili, yathola uHamani eziphosa esihlalweni lapho u-Esta ayehlezi khona.

Inkosi yababaza yathi, “Kambe ungadlova indlovukazi ngikhonapha endlini na!”

Kwathi ilizwi lelo liphuma emlonyeni wenkosi, bagubuzela ubuso bukaHamani. 9 Kwathi uHaribhona, omunye wabathenwa ababesebenzela inkosi wathi, “Kulensika yokulengisa abantu ephakeme okuzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu emiswe eduze lendlu kaHamani. Yena ubeyenzele uModekhayi, owaveza icebo elibi ukusiza inkosi.”

Inkosi yathi, “Mlengiseni kuyo!” 10 Bamlengisa kuleyonsika ayeyilungisele ukulengisa uModekhayi. Ulaka lwenkosi lwaseludeda.

8

Isimemezelo SeNkosi NgabaJuda

1 Mhlalokho inkosi u-Ahasuweru yanika iNdlovukazi u-Esta impahla kaHamani, isitha samaJuda. UModekhayi weza phambi kwenkosi, ngoba u-Esta wayesechazile ngobuhlobo babo. 2 Inkosi yakhupha indandatho yayo yophawu lobukhosi, eyayisiyithathele uHamani, yayipha uModekhayi. U-Esta wamkhetha uModekhayi ukuba aphathe impahla kaHamani.

3 U-Esta wabuye wancenga enkosini, eziwisela ezinyaweni zayo njalo ekhala. Wayicela ukuba inqabele icebo elibi likaHamani umʼAgagi, ayelicebe ngamaJuda. 4 Inkosi yasiselulela intonga yayo yegolide ku-Esta owasukuma wama phambi kwayo. 5 Wathi, “Nxa kuyithokozisa inkosi, njalo nxa ingamukela ngokuthokoza ibona kuyinto efanele ukwenziwa, njalo nxa ithokoza ngami, akubhalwe umlayo ozachitha izincwadi ezalotshwa nguHamani indodana kaHamedatha, umʼAgagi, ezazibhalwe ngezimiso zokuchitha amaJuda kuzozonke izabelo zenkosi.

6 Kambe kungavuma njani ukubona incithakalo isehlela abantu bakithi? Kungavuma njani ukuba ngibone incithakalo yemuli yakithi?”

7 Inkosi u-Ahasuweru waphendula iNdlovukazi loModekhayi umJuda ngokuthi, “Ngoba uHamani ehlasele amaJuda, sengiphe u-Esta impahla yakhe, njalo sebemlengise esakhiweni sokulengisa.

8 Ngakho-ke bhala omunye umlayo ngebizo lenkosi usenzela amaJuda njengokubona kwakho, ubusuyingcina ngophawu lwendandatho yenkosi, ngoba awukho umbiko olotshwe ngebizo lenkosi wangcinwa ngophawu lwendandatho yayo ongadilizwa.”

9 Onobhala besigodlweni bahle babizwa masinyane, ngelanga lamatshumi amabili lantathu ngenyanga yesithathu, inyanga ethiwa nguSivana. Babhala yonke imilayo kaModekhayi kumaJuda, lakuziphathamandla, kubabusi lakuzikhulu kuzozonke izabelo ezilikhulu elilamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa (127) kusukela e-Indiya kuze kuyefika eTopiya. Imilayo leyo yayibhalwe ngombhalo walelo lalelo lizwe ngolimi lwalabobantu njalo lakubaJuda ngombhalo wabo lolimi lwabo.

10 UModekhayi wabhala ngebizo leNkosi u-Ahasuweru, wangcina izincwadi lezo ngophawu lwendandatho yenkosi, wathuma izithunywa ezazigada amabhiza ayelesiqubu efuyelwe ukusetshenziswa yinkosi.

11 Isimiso somlayo wenkosi sasinika amaJuda kuwo wonke amadolobho imvumo yokuhlangana lokuzivikela; ukuchitha, ukubulala babhubhise yonke impi ehlomileyo eyaloba yisiphi isizwe loba isifunda esasingabahlasela kanye labesifazane labantwana; lokuthi baphange impahla yezitha zabo.

12 Ilanga elamiswayo ukuba amaJuda enze lokho kuzozonke izabelo zeNkosi u-Ahasuweru lalingeletshumi lantathu ngenyanga yetshumi lambili, inyanga ethiwa ngu-Adari. 13 Isimiso somlayo lowo sasizakhutshwa sibe ngumthetho kuzozonke izabelo, umenyezelwe ebantwini bezizwe zonke ukuze amaJuda ahlale elungele ngalelolanga ukuphindisela ezitheni zawo.

14 Izithunywa zaphuma ngokuphangisa zigade amabhiza esigodlweni, zifuqwa ngumlayo wenkosi. Isimiso somlayo samenyezelwa edolobheni laseSusa.

Ukunqoba KwamaJuda

15 UModekhayi wasuka phambi kwenkosi egqoke izembatho zobukhosi ezilombala oluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lomhlophe, umqhele wegolide omkhulu kanye lesembatho esiyibubende eselembu lelineni elihle. Kwaba ledili lentokozo edolobheni laseSusa.

16 Kwaba yisikhathi sokuthaba lokuthokoza, injabulo lodumo kubaJuda. 17 Kuzozonke izabelo lakuwo wonke amadolobho, ingqe lapho isimiso somlayo wenkosi esaya khona, kwaba lentokozo lenjabulo kubaJuda, kwaba lamadili kwadliwa. Abantu abanengi bakwezinye izizwe baba ngabaJuda ngenxa yokwesaba amaJuda.

9

Ukunqoba KwamaJuda

1 Ngelanga letshumi lantathu ngenyanga yetshumi lambili, inyanga ethiwa ngu-Adari, isimemezelo somlayo wenkosi kwakufanele senziwe. Ngalelilanga izitha zamaJuda zazisithi zizakuwanqoba, kodwa akusayanga njengokucabangela kwabo ngoba amaJuda aba yiwo anqobayo. 2 AmaJuda abuthana emadolobheni awo kuzozonke izabelo zeNkosi u-Ahasuweru ukuhlasela labo ababefuna ukubachitha. Kakho owayengamelana labo, ngoba abantu bezizwe zonke ezinye babebesaba. 3 Ngakho zonke izikhulu zezabelo, iziphathamandla, ababusi kanye lezisebenzi zenkosi bancedisa amaJuda, ngoba besesaba uModekhayi.

4 UModekhayi wayesengumuntu omkhulu esigodlweni; udumo lwakhe lwamemetheka kuzozonke izabelo, waba lamandla amakhulu kakhulu.

5 AmaJuda acakaza izitha zawo zonke ngenkemba, enza intando yawo ezitheni ezaziwazonda.

6 Esigodlweni saseSusa, amaJuda abulala njalo achitha amadoda angamakhulu amahlanu.

7 Abulala njalo uPharishandatha, uDalifoni, u-Asiphatha, 8 uPhoratha, u-Adaliya, u-Aridatha, 9 uPharimashitha, u-Arisayi, u-Aridayi loVayizatha, 10 amadodana alitshumi kaHamani indodana kaHamedatha, isitha samaJuda. Kodwa abazange bayithathe impango.

11 Inani lalabo ababulawayo esigodlweni saseSusa labikwa enkosini ngalelolanga.

12 Inkosi yathi eNdlovukazini u-Esta, “AmaJuda asebulale njalo achitha amadoda angamakhulu amahlanu kanye lamadodana kaHamani alitshumi enqabeni yaseSusa. Kuyini asebekwenze kwezinye izabelo zenkosi? Tshono, siyini isicelo sakho? Uzakunikwa. Kuyini okucelayo na? Lakho uzakwenzelwa.”

13 U-Esta wathi, “Nxa kuyithokozisa inkosi, phana imvumo kubaJuda abaseSusa ukuthi benze isimiso somlayo lo kusasa njalo uvumele ukuba amadodana kaHamani alitshumi alengiswe esakhiweni sokulengisa.”

14 Inkosi yalaya ukuba kwenziwe lokho. Isimiso somlayo samenyezelwa eSusa, alengiswa amadodana kaHamani alitshumi. 15 AmaJuda aseSusa ahlangana ndawonye ngelanga letshumi lane ngenyanga ethiwa ngu-Adari, abulala amadoda angamakhulu amathathu eSusa, kodwa abazange bayithinte impango.

16 Kusenjalo, amaJuda ayesele ezabelweni zenkosi ahlangana ukuba azivikele lokuthi athole ukuphumula ezitheni zawo. Abulala izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu kodwa kawazange ayithinte impango.

17 Lokhu kwenzakala ngelanga letshumi lantathu ngenyanga ethiwa ngu-Adari, kwathi ngelanga letshumi lane aphumula alenza ilanga lentokozo ledili.

Idili LePhurimi

18 AmaJuda aseSusa wona ayehlangene ngelanga letshumi lantathu leletshumi lane, kwathi ngeletshumi lanhlanu aphumula alenza laba lilanga lentokozo lokudla.

19 Yikho amaJuda ahlala emaphandleni lemizini engelamithangala ethakazelela usuku lwetshumi lane olwenyanga ka-Adari njengelanga lentokozo ledili, ilanga lokuphana izipho.

Ukujeziswa KwePhurimi

20 UModekhayi wabhala ngalezizinto, wasethumela izincwadi kuwo wonke amaJuda kuzozonke izabelo zeNkosi u-Ahasuweru, eziseduze lezikhatshana, 21 ukuthi babeledili lokuthokoza minyaka yonke ngamalanga etshumi lane letshumi lanhlanu enyangeni ethiwa ngu-Adari 22 kube yisikhumbuzo sesikhathi lapho amaJuda athola khona ukuphumula ezitheni zawo, njalo kuyinyanga lapho usizi lwaba yintokozo lokulila kwaba lilanga lokujabula. Wawabhalela ukuba akhumbule lawo malanga abe zinsuku zokuthokoza lamadili njalo aphanane izipho zokudla kanye lokupha abayanga izipho.

23 Ngakho amaJuda avuma ukuqhubeka ngamadili entokozo ayewaqalile, esenza lokho uModekhayi ayewabhalele ngakho.

24 Ngoba uHamani indodana kaHamedatha, umʼAgagi, isitha samaJuda wonke, wayecebe ukuwachitha amaJuda njalo wayenze inkatho okuthiwa yiphuri eyadala ukubhujiswa lencithakalo yawo. 25 Kodwa kwathi icebo lelo selivelile enkosini, yathumela imilayo ebhaliweyo ukuthi amaqhinga amabi kaHamani ayekade ewamisele amaJuda acine esephendukela yena, njalo yena lamadodana akhe balengiswe endaweni eyakhelwe lokho.

26 (Ngakho amalanga lawo athiwa yiPhurimi, kusuka ebizweni elithi phuri.) Ngenxa yakho konke okubhalwe encwadini le lakho konke ababekubonile lokwakwenzakale kubo, 27 amaJuda akwenza umlandu wawo ukuthi aqalise umkhuba wokuthi wona kanye lezizukulwane zawo labo bonke abahlanganyela lawo kumele loba kutheni baphumule ngezinsuku lezi ezimbili minyaka yonke, ngendlela eyayimisiwe langesikhathi esasiqanjiwe. 28 Amalanga la kumele akhunjulwe njalo alandelwe kuzozonke izizukulwane zezimuli zonke, ezifundeni zonke lemadolobheni wonke. Akumelanga amalanga ePhurimi la ayekelwe ukuthakazelelwa ngamaJuda, loba ukuthi isikhumbuzo sawo sikhohlakale kumbe sitshabalale kuzizukulwane zawo.

29 Ngakho, iNdlovukazi u-Esta, indodakazi ka-Abhihayili, kanye loModekhayi umJuda, babhala ngegunya langamandla amakhulu beqinisekisa incwadi yesibili eyayimayelana lePhurimi. 30 UModekhayi wathumela izincwadi kubo bonke abangamaJuda ezifundeni ezilikhulu elilamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa (127) embusweni ka-Ahasuweru, amazwi okubafisela ukuthula lokubaqinisa, 31 ukuba lezinsuku zePhurimi ngezikhathi ezazimisiwe, njengokumemezela kukaModekhayi umJuda leNdlovukazi u-Esta, lanjengalokhu ababeziqalisele khona kanye lezizukulwane zabo mayelana lezikhathi zokuzila lokulila. 32 Isimemezelo sika-Esta saqinisa imithetho le emayelana lePhurimi, kwalotshwa phansi emibhalweni.

10

Ubukhulu BukaModekhayi

1 Inkosi u-Ahasuweru wenza isinqumo sokuthelisa abantu kuwo wonke umbuso lasemikhunjini ekhatshana. 2 Zonke izenzo zamandla akhe amakhulu, kanye lemibhalo elandisa ngobukhulu bukaModekhayi inkosi eyayimphakamise ngabo, akulotshwanga na egwalweni lwemiLando yamakhosi aseMediya lasePhezhiya? 3 UModekhayi umJuda wayelandela inkosi u-Ahasuweru esikhundleni embusweni, engumhlonitshwa omkhulu phakathi kwamaJuda, njalo eqakathekiswa ngabanengi kubaJuda bakibo, ngoba wayesebenzela ukuphila kuhle kwabantu bakibo njalo wayemela inhlalakahle yawo wonke amaJuda.

UJobe

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UJobe

1

Isingeniso

1 Elizweni lase-Uzi kwakuhlala indoda eyayithiwa nguJobe. Indoda le yayingelasici, iqotho; yayimesaba uNkulunkulu njalo ikuxwaya okubi. 2 Yayilamadodana ayisikhombisa lamadodakazi amathathu, 3 ilezimvu eziyizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, amakamela azinkulungwane ezintathu, izipani zenkabi ezingamakhulu amahlanu labobabhemi abangamakhulu amahlanu, njalo ilezisebenzi ezinengi. Yayinothile kulabo bonke abantu beMpumalanga.

4 Amadodana akhe ayesenza amazopha okwenza amadili okuthakazelela amalanga okuzalwa kwawo ezindlini zawo, anxuse odadewabo bobathathu ukuzakudla anathe labo. 5 Kwakusithi mhla idili liphela, uJobe wayewabiza azowahlambulula. Ekuseni kakhulu wayesenza umnikelo wokutshiswa wamunye ngamunye esithi, “Mhlawumbe abantwabami benzile isono bathuka uNkulunkulu ezinhliziyweni zabo.” Lo waba ngumkhuba wakhe uJobe.

Ukulingwa Kokuqala KukaJobe

6 Ngelinye ilanga izingilosi zeza ukuzezethula phambi kukaThixo, loSathane weza lazo. 7  UThixo wathi kuSathane, “Uvela ngaphi?”

USathane wamphendula uThixo wathi, “Ngivela ekuzulazuleni emhlabeni, ngihambahamba ngisiya le lale.”

8  UThixo wasesithi kuSathane, “Usuke wayinanzelela yini inceku yami uJobe? Kakho emhlabeni onjengaye; kalasici, uqondile, indoda emesabayo uNkulunkulu, exwaya okubi.”

9 USathane waphendula wathi, “Kambe uJobe umesaba kungelasizatho na uNkulunkulu? 10 Kawumbiyelanga ngothango yini yena lendlu yakhe, kanye lakho konke alakho? Uwubusisile umsebenzi wezandla zakhe kuze kuthi imihlambi yakhe yezimvu leyenkomo igcwale ilizwe lonke. 11 Kodwa ake welule isandla sakho uchithe konke alakho, uzabona uzakuthuka ebusweni bakho.”

12  UThixo wathi kuSathane, “Kulungile, konke alakho kusezandleni zakho, kodwa yena ngokwakhe ungamthinti.”

USathane wasesuka phambi kukaThixo.

13 Ngelinye ilanga amadodana kaJobe lamadodakazi akhe ayezitika ngokudla, enatha iwayini endlini yomnewabo omdala, 14 isithunywa safika kuJobe sathi, “Inkabi bezilima labobabhemi besidla eduze khonapho, 15 kwafika amaSabhini ahlasela aqhuba konke ahamba. Izisebenzi azicakazile ngenkemba kwasala mina ngedwa engisindileyo ukuzakubikela!”

16 Sisakhuluma esinye isithunywa safika sathi, “Umlilo kaNkulunkulu wehle uvela ezulwini wazitshisa izimvu lezisebenzi, kusele mina ngedwa engisindileyo ukuzakubikela!”

17 Elokhu esakhuluma kwafika esinye isithunywa sathi, “AmaKhaladiya abe ngamaqembu amathathu ehlela emakameleni akho awaqhuba ahamba lawo. Izisebenzi azicakazile ngenkemba kwasila mina ngedwa ukuzakubikela!”

18 Elokhu esakhuluma kwafika njalo esinye isithunywa sathi, “Amadodana lamadodakazi akho abesidla edilini enatha iwayini endlini yomnewabo omdala, 19 kwathi masinyane vungu isavunguzane siqhamuka enkangala saphekula amagumbi womane endlu. Yathi mbo phezu kwabo bahle bafa, kwasila mina ngedwa ukuzakubikela!”

20 Ekuzwa lokho uJobe wasukuma wadabula isembatho sakhe, waphuca ikhanda lakhe. Wazilahla phansi wakhonza 21 wathi:

“Ngaphuma ngize esiswini sikamama,

njalo ngizasuka ngize.

UThixo wapha njalo usethethe;

kalidunyiswe ibizo likaThixo.”

22 Phakathi kwakho konke lokhu uJobe kazange enze isono ngokubeka umlandu wokuthi athi uNkulunkulu wonile.

2

Ukulingwa Kwesibili KukaJobe

1 Kwelinye ilanga njalo izingilosi zeza phambi kukaThixo, loSathane laye weza lazo ukuzezethula kuye. 2  UThixo wasesithi kuSathane, “Uvela ngaphi?”

USathane wamphendula wathi, “Ngivela ekuzulazuleni emhlabeni, ngihambahamba ngisiya le lale kuwo.”

3  UThixo wasesithi kuSathane, “Usuke wayinanzelela yini inceku yami uJobe? Kakho emhlabeni onjengaye; kalasici, uqondile, indoda emesabayo uNkulunkulu, exwaya okubi. Ulokhu emi kubo ubuqotho bakhe lanxa wangiphoqa ukuthi ngimdilize kungelasizatho.”

4 USathane waphendula wathi, “Isikhumba ngesikhumba! Umuntu anganikela loba yini alayo ukusiza impilo yakhe. 5 Kodwa yelula isandla sakho umtshaye inyama lamathambo akhe, uzabona uzakuthuka ebusweni bakho.”

6  UThixo wathi kuSathane, “Kulungile, usezandleni zakho, kodwa ungayithinti impilo yakhe.”

7 Ngakho uSathane wasesuka phambi kukaThixo wathela uJobe izilonda ezibuhlungu kusukela ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe kusiyafika esicholo sekhanda lakhe. 8 UJobe wasethatha ucezu lodengezi wazihwaya ngalo ehlezi esilotheni.

9 Umkakhe wathi kuye, “Ulokhu ubambelele kubo ubuqotho bakho na? Mthuke uNkulunkulu uzifele!”

10 Wamphendula wathi, “Ukhuluma njengomfazi oyisiwula. Sizakwamukela okuhle kuNkulunkulu singalwamukeli uhlupho na?”

Kukho konke lokhu uJobe kenzanga isono ngakutshoyo.

Abangane BakaJobe Abathathu

11 Kwathi abangane bakaJobe abathathu, u-Elifazi umThemani, uBhilidadi umShuhi loZofari umNahama sebezwile ngazozonke inhlupho ezazimwele, basuka emakhaya abo bahlangana bavumelana ukuthi bahambe bayomqinisa njalo bamduduze. 12 Bathi bembona besesebucwala kabaze bamazi; baqhinqa isililo, badabula izembatho zabo, bathela uthuli emakhanda abo. 13 Basebehlala phansi laye okwensuku eziyisikhombisa lobusuku obuyisikhombisa. Kakho kubo owatsho ulutho kuye ngoba babona ubuhlungu obukhulu ayephakathi kwabo.

3

Inkulumo KaJobe

1 Ngemva kwalokho uJobe wavula umlomo wakhe waliqalekisa ilanga azalwa ngalo. 2 Wathi:

3 “Sengathi ilanga lokuzalwa kwami lingatshabalala,

lalobobusuku okwathiwa, ‘Kuzelwe umfana!’

4 Lolosuku sengathi lungaphenduka ubumnyama;

sengathi uNkulunkulu ophezulu angangalunanzi;

lokukhanya kucime ngalo.

5 Sengathi ubumnyama lethunzi elikhulu kungaluginya njalo;

sengathi iyezi lingalusibekela;

sengathi umnyama ungalugubuzela.

6 Lobobusuku, sengathi ubumnyama bungabuthi jwamu;

sengathi bungayekelwa ukubalwa kanye lezinsuku zomnyaka

futhi bungangeniswa lakuyiphi inyanga.

7 Sengathi lobobusuku bungaba yinyumba;

sengathi kungeze kwezwakala umsindo wentokozo ngalo.

8 Sengathi labo abaqalekisa insuku bangaluqalekisa lolosuku,

labo abazimisele ukuhlokoza uLeviyathani.

9 Sengathi izinkanyezi zalo zokusa zingafiphala;

lulindele imini kube yize

lungayiboni imisebe yokuqala yokusa,

10 ngoba kaluyivalanga iminyango yesibeletho ngisiza

ukufihla uhlupho emehlweni ami.

11 Kungani ngingafanga ngizalwa,

ngahle ngacitsha ngisaphuma esiswini na?

12 Kungani kwaba lamadolo okungemukela

lamabele okungimunyisa na?

13 Ngoba manje ngabe ngilele ekuthuleni;

ngabe ngisebuthongweni ekuphumuleni

14 kanye lamakhosi lababusi bomhlaba,

ababezakhele izindawo okwamanje sezingamanxiwa,

15 kanye lamakhosana ayelegolide,

egcwalise izindlu zawo ngesiliva.

16 Kumbe kungani ngingathukuzwanga emhlabathini njengomphunzo na,

njengosane oluvele lungazange lubone ukukhanya kosuku?

17 Khonale ababi kabasaxokozeli,

njalo khonale abakhatheleyo basekuphumuleni.

18 Abathunjiweyo labo bazuza ukukhululeka;

kabasakuzwa ukuhaladwa ngumtshayeli wabathunjiweyo.

19 Abantukazana lezikhulu bakhonale,

lesigqili siyakhululwa enkosini yaso.

20 Kungani ukukhanya kuphiwa labo abasosizini na,

lokuphila kulabo abalobuhlungu emphefumulweni,

21 kulabo abakhalela ukufa okungafikiyo,

abakuthungathayo ukwedlula ingcebo efihliweyo,

22 abaphuphuma ngenjabulo

bathokoza nxa sebefika engcwabeni?

23 Kungani impilo iphiwa umuntu

ondlela yakhe ifihliwe,

uNkulunkulu amhonqolozeleyo na?

24 Ngoba ukububula sokuphenduke ukudla kwami kwansukuzonke;

ukugomela kwami kuthululeka njengamanzi.

25 Ebengikwesaba sekungehlele,

obekungitshayisa ngovalo sekwenzakele kimi.

26 Kangilakho ukuchelesa, kangilakho ukuthula;

kangilakuphumula, kodwa ukuhlupheka kuphela.”

4

Impendulo Ka-Elifazi

1 Wasephendula u-Elifazi umThemani wathi:

2 “Nxa umuntu angaphosa ilizwi nje kuwe uzacunuka na?

Kodwa ngubani ongathula angakhulumi na?

3 Khumbula ukuthi sewabafundisa njani abanengi,

ukuthi ubaqinise njani abalezandla ezibuthakathaka.

4 Amazwi akho abasekele labo abakhubekayo;

uwaqinisile amadolo axegayo.

5 Kodwa manje uhlupho luze kuwe, usuphela amandla;

lukutshaya ubusudela ithemba.

6 Kungani ukukholwa kwakho kungabi yiso isibindi sakho na

lezindlela zakho ezimsulwa zibe lithemba lakho na?

7 Khumbula manje: Ngubani owathi engelacala wabhubha na?

Kungaphi lapho abaqotho abake babhujiswa khona na?

8 Ngokubona kwami labo abalima okubi

lalabo abahlanyela ububi bavuna bona.

9 Ngokuphefumula kukaNkulunkulu bayabhubha;

ngokukhwaza kolaka lwakhe bayafa.

10 Izilwane zingabhonga zihwabhe,

kodwa amazinyo ezilwane ezinkulu ayephuka.

11 Isilwane siyafa ngokuswela ukudla

besekuthi imidlwane yesilwanekazi ihlakazeke.

12 Kulethwe ilizwi kimi ngasese,

indlebe zami zilizwile linyenyezwa.

13 Phakathi kwamaphupho adungayo ebusuku,

lapho abantu belele obukabhuka,

14 ukwesaba lokuthuthumela kwangifikela

kwenza wonke amathambo ami aqhaqhazela.

15 Kwathi tshazi umoya emehlweni ami,

wahlasimula umzimba wami lenwele zami zema.

16 Umoya lowo wema,

kodwa kangikwazanga ukuthi kuyini.

Kwakumi into phambi kwamehlo ami,

ngasengisizwa ilizwi elihelezayo:

17 ‘Kambe umuntu angalunga ukwedlula uNkulunkulu na?

Umuntu angahlanzeka kuloMenzi wakhe na?

18 Nxa uNkulunkulu engazethembi izinceku zakhe,

nxa ebeka izingilosi zakhe umlandu ngokona,

19 pho-ke kuzakuba njani kulabo abahlala ezindlini zodaka,

ozisekelo zazo zisothulini,

abahlifizeka lula njengenondo!

20 Phakathi kokusa lokuhlwa bayabhidlizwa babe yizicucu;

bengananzwa langubani, bayabhubha kokuphela.

21 Izintambo zamatende abo kazidonswa na,

bafe bengelalwazi?’ ”

5

U-Elifazi Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Memeza nxa uthanda, kodwa ngubani ozakuphendula na?

Uzaphendukela kuwuphi wabangcwele na?

2 Ukucaphuka kuyasibulala isiwula

lomhawu uyamqeda oyisithutha.

3 Mina ngokwami sengasibona isiwula siphumelela,

kodwa masinyane nje indlu yaso yayisiqalekisiwe.

4 Abantwabaso kabavikelekanga lakancinyane,

baphoselwa entolongweni bengelamvikeli.

5 Abalambileyo bayazidlela isivuno sakhe,

besithatha kanye lasemeveni,

labomileyo bahahabela inotho yakhe.

6 Ngoba ubunzima kabugobhozi emhlabathini,

loba uhlupho luhlume phansi.

7 Kodwa umuntu uzalelwa ukuhlupheka

njengoba ngeqiniso inhlansi zomlilo ziqhatshela phezulu.

8 Kodwa aluba ubuyimi, bengizamncenga uNkulunkulu;

bengizakwethula udubo lwami kuye.

9 Uyazenza izimanga ezingelakulinganiswa,

imimangaliso engelakubalwa.

10 Uyanisa izulu emhlabeni;

uthumela amanzi elizweni.

11 Abaphansi uyabakhweza phezulu,

lalabo abakhalayo ubaphakamisela ekuphepheni.

12 Uyawafubisa amacebo amaqili,

ukuze izandla zawo zingaphumeleli.

13 Uyababamba abahlakaniphileyo ebuqilini babo,

kuthi amaqhinga eziphoxo achitheke.

14 Ubumnyama buyabehlela emini;

phakathi kwemini bayaphumputha kungathi kusebusuku.

15 Uyabasindisa abaswelayo baphephe inkemba emlonyeni wabo;

uyabasindisa ekubanjweni ngabalamandla.

16 Ngakho abayanga balalo ithemba,

ukwahlulela kubi kuvala owakho umlomo.

17 Ubusisiwe umuntu oqondiswa nguNkulunkulu;

ngakho ungaseyisi isijeziso sikaSomandla.

18 Ngoba uyagwaza, kodwa aphinde abophe amanxeba;

uyalimaza kodwa izandla zakhe njalo ziyapholisa.

19 Uzakuhlenga ezinhluphekweni eziyisithupha;

kweziyisikhombisa kawuyikuwelwa yingozi.

20 Ngesikhathi sendlala uzakuhlenga ekufeni,

lasempini akuhlenge ekugaleleni kwenkemba.

21 Uzavikelwa ekuhletshweni,

ungaze wesaba nxa kufika incithakalo.

22 Uzakuhleka ukuchithakala kanye lendlala,

njalo ungaze wazesaba izilo zomhlaba.

23 Ngoba uzakuba lesivumelwano lamatshe eganga,

lezinyamazana zeganga zizahlalisana kuhle lawe.

24 Uzakwazi ukuthi ithente lakho livikelekile;

uzahlolisisa impahla yakho uthole kungelalutho olungekho.

25 Uzakwazi ukuthi abantwabakho bazakuba banengi,

lesizukulwane sakho sibe ngangotshani bomhlaba.

26 Uzakuza engcwabeni usukhulile okugcweleyo

njengezikhwebu zamabele eziqoqwa seziphelele.

27 Sesikuhlolile lokhu, kuliqiniso.

Ngakho kuzwisise, ukulandele wena ngokwakho.”

6

Impendulo KaJobe

1 Wasephendula uJobe wathi:

2 “Nxa ubuhlungu bami bungalinganiswa

lokuhlupheka kwami konke kufakwe esikalini!

3 Ngempela bungasinda ukwedlula itshebetshebe yolwandle,

akungamangalisi ukuthi amazwi ami abhede kanje.

4 Imitshoko kaSomandla iphakathi kwami,

umoya wami unatha itshefu yayo;

inhlupho zokuhlukuluza zikaNkulunkulu ziqondiswe kimi.

5 Kambe ubabhemi weganga uyakhala yini utshani bukhona,

loba inkabi ikhonye yona ukudla ilakho?

6 Ukudla okuduma kuyadleka na kungelatswayi,

kumbe okumhlophe kweqanda kuyanambitheka yini?

7 Ngiyala ukukuthinta;

ukudla okunjalo kubuyisa inhliziyo yami.

8 Oh, aluba ngingazuza isicelo sami,

uNkulunkulu angiphe lokho engikufisayo,

9 ukuthi uNkulunkulu avume ukungichoboza,

ekele nje isandla sakhe singiqede!

10 Lalapho ngizabe ngilokhu ngilale induduzo

intokozo yami ebuhlungwini obungadediyo,

ukuthi bengingawaphikanga amazwi akhe oNgcwele.

11 Ngilamandla bani okuthi ngibe lokhu ngithemba?

Ngisamelelwe yini ukuba ngibe ngilokhu ngibekezela?

12 Ngilamandla elitshe yini?

Inyama yami ilithusi na?

13 Ngilawo yini amandla okuzisiza,

manje njengoba sengemukwe impumelelo?

14 Iloba ngubani ogodla umusa kumkhula wakhe

udela ukwesaba uSomandla.

15 Kodwa abafowethu kabathenjwa

njengemifula egeleza icitsha,

njengemifula echithayo

16 ileliqhwa eselincibilika,

njalo igcwele ngongqwaqwane osencibilikile,

17 kodwa ikhawule ukugeleza ngesikhathi sokoma,

kuthi sekutshisa amanzi anyamalale ezindleleni zawo.

18 Indwendwe zamakamela ziyaphambuka ezindleleni zazo;

zintule enkangala zifele khona.

19 Indwendwe zamakamela aseThema zidinga amanzi,

abathengisi baseShebha balinde bethembile.

20 Bayadana ngoba bebekade bethembile;

bayafika khonale bafike badane.

21 Lani selitshengise ukuthi kalilancedo;

libona into eyesabekayo beselisesaba.

22 Sengake ngatsho yini ukuthi, ‘Ake lingihlawulele lokhu,

ngihlengani ngempahla yenu,

23 ngikhululani esandleni sesitha,

ngihlengani ekufithizelweni ngabalesihluku’?

24 Ngifundisani, ngizathula;

ake lingitshengise lapho engiphambanise khona.

25 Abuhlungu kanganani amazwi eqiniso!

Kodwa ukuphikisa kwenu kutshengisani?

26 Lizama ukuqondisa engikutshoyo,

amazwi omuntu oselahlekelwe lithemba liwathethe njengomoya nje na?

27 Lina lingenza inkatho ngezintandane,

lithengise lomngane wenu.

28 Kodwa okwamanje wobani lomusa lingizwele.

Ngingaqamba amanga phambi kwenu na?

29 Dedani, lingenzi okungaqondanga;

khumbulani kutsha, phela ubuqotho bami busengozini.

30 Kukhona okubi na okusezindebeni zami?

Kambe umlomo wami kawukwehlukanisi okubi na?”

7

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Umuntu kakho ekutshikatshikeni okunzima yini emhlabeni?

Insuku zakhe kazifani lezomuntu oqhatshiweyo na?

2 Njengesigqili siloyisa amathunzi okuhlwa,

lanjengoqhatshiweyo elindele umholo wakhe,

3 kanjalo ngibekelwe izinyanga ezingelambadalo,

lobusuku bosizi sebabelwe mina.

4 Ngithi nxa ngilala ngicabange ngithi, ‘Kuzakusa nini na’?

Ubusuku buyadonsa ngiqwayize kuze kuse.

5 Umzimba wami uphihlika impethu lamathuthuva,

isikhumba sami siyobukile siyabhibhidla.

6 Insuku zami ziyaphangisa kulosungulo lomaluki,

zisuka ziphele kungekho ithemba.

7 Khumbula, Oh Nkulunkulu, ukuthi impilo yami ngumoya nje;

amehlo ami kawayikufa akubona njalo ukuthokoza.

8 Ilihlo elingibonayo khathesi alisayikuphinde lingibone futhi;

lizangidinga, kodwa ngizakuba ngingasekho.

9 Njengeyezi elinyamalalayo liphele,

kanjalo lowo ongena engcwabeni kaphenduki.

10 Kasoze lanini aphinde angene endlini yakhe;

indawo yakhe kayisayikubuye imazi lanini.

11 Ngakho-ke kangizukuthula;

ngizakhuluma ubuhlungu obusemoyeni wami,

ngizasola ngokudabuka komphefumulo wami.

12 Ngilulwandle yini, kumbe ngiyisilo semanzini

okungaze lihlale lingilindile?

13 Ngithi lapho ngicabanga ukuthi umbheda wami uzangiduduza

lecansi lami liphungule ukusola kwami,

14 lakhona lapho liyangethusa ngamaphupho

njalo lingethusele ngemibono,

15 okwenza ngiqome ukuklinywa lokufa,

kulalo umzimba wami.

16 Ngiyayeyisa impilo yami; kangiloyisi ukuphila okwaphakade.

Ngiyekelani; insuku zami kazisatsho lutho.

17 Umuntu uyini ongaze uzihluphe kangaka ngaye,

ungaze umnake kangaka,

18 uze umhlole ekuseni insuku zonke

njalo umlinge imizuzwana yonke na?

19 Kawusoze uke ukhangele eceleni kwami na,

loba uke ungixekele okomzuzwana yini?

20 Aluba ngenze isono, kuyini engikwenzileyo kuwe,

wena mlindi wabantu?

Kungani ukhethe ukuhlukuluza mina na?

Sengingumthwalo kuwe na?

21 Kungani ungaxoleli iziphambeko zami na,

uthethelele izono zami?

Ngoba kakusekhatshana ukuthi ngilale othulini;

uzangidinga, kanti ngizabe ngingasekho.”

8

Inkulumo KaBhilidadi

1 UBhilidadi umShuhi wasephendula wathi:

2 “Koze kube nini ukhuluma izinto ezinjalo?

Amazwi akho angumoya ophenquzayo.

3 Kambe uNkulunkulu uyakuhlanekela ukulunga na?

Kambe uSomandla uyakuhlanekela okuhle na?

4 Lapho abantwabakho besona kuye,

wabapha isijeziso sokona kwabo.

5 Kanti nxa wena uzakhangela kuNkulunkulu

uncenge kuSomandla,

6 nxa umsulwa ulungile,

lamanje nje uzaphakama akusize

akubuyisele esimeni sakho.

7 Lapho owaqalisa khona kuzakhanya sekukuncinyane,

ngoba ngezinsuku ezizayo uzabe usuphumelela kakhulu.

8 Buza izizukulwane ezingaphambili

udinge ukuthi okhokho babo bafundani,

9 ngoba thina sizelwe izolo nje, kasazi lutho,

lezinsuku zethu emhlabeni zilithunzi kuphela.

10 Kambe kaziyikukulaya zikutshele na?

Kaziyikuletha amazwi okuzwisisa na?

11 Konje imihlanga ingakhula ibe mide ingekho exhaphozini na?

Imizi ingaphila kungelamanzi na?

12 Nxa leyonqodi isakhula ingakaqunywa

imane ibune masinyane kulotshani.

13 Sinjalo isiphetho sabo bonke abakhohlwa uNkulunkulu;

litshabalala kanjalo ithemba lalowo ongakholwayo.

14 Lokho akuthembayo kufohlozeka lula;

lokho eyeme kukho yibulembu besayobe.

15 Uyeyama kulobubulembu bakhe, kodwa bubhidlike;

uyabambelela kubo, kodwa bukhithike.

16 Unjengesihlahla esithelelwa kakhulu sikhula elangeni,

esisabalalisa ingatsha zaso esivandeni;

17 sinxibanise impande zaso enqunjini yamatshe,

sizama ukuzuza ukugxila kuhle ematsheni.

18 Kodwa singasitshulwa kuleyondawo,

leyondawo isisilandula ithi, ‘Angikaze ngikubone.’

19 Ngeqiniso impilo yaso iyabuna,

ezinye izihlahla zibe zilokhu zikhula emhlabathini lowo.

20 Ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu kamlahli umuntu ongelasici

futhi kaqinisi izandla zezigangi.

21 Usazogcwalisa umlomo wakho ngohleko

lezindebe zakho ngokumemeza ngentokozo.

22 Izitha zakho zizakwembathiswa ngehlazo,

lamathente ababi azatshabalala.”

9

Impendulo KaJobe

1 Wasephendula uJobe wathi:

2 “Ngeqiniso ngiyazi ukuthi lokhu kuliqiniso.

Kodwa umuntu wenyama angalunga yini kuNkulunkulu?

3 Loba umuntu ubengafisa ukuphikisana laye

ngeke amphendule lakanye emibuzweni eyinkulungwane.

4 Ukuhlakanipha kwakhe kujulile, amandla akhe makhulu.

Ngubani kambe oke wamelana laye wasinda?

5 Uyazidudula izintaba zona zingazi lutho,

azigenqule nxa esezondile.

6 Uyawunyikinya umhlaba endaweni yawo,

axukuxe izinsika zawo.

7 Uyalitshela ilanga ukuba lingakhanyi;

asibekele ukukhanya kwezinkanyezi.

8 Nguye kuphela owelula amazulu,

ohamba phezu kwamagagasi olwandle.

9 UnguMenzi wezinkanyezi iNgulube leZinja,

iSilimela lomthala waseningizimu.

10 Wenza imimangaliso engafinyelelekiyo,

izimanga ezingelakubalwa.

11 Uthi nxa esedlula kimi, ngingamboni;

ahambe khonapho ngingezwa lutho.

12 Nxa ehluthuna, ngubani ongamalela?

Ngubani ongathi kuye, ‘Wenzani wena?’

13 UNkulunkulu kalunqandi ulaka lwakhe;

labasekeli bakaRahabi besaba bawela ezinyaweni zakhe.

14 Pho mina ngingaphikisana laye njani?

Ngingawathatha ngaphi amazwi okujijana laye?

15 Laloba ngingelamlandu, ngeke ngimphendule;

ngingancenga uMahluleli wami kuphela ukuthi angihawukele.

16 Lanxa bengingambiza asabele,

angikholwa ukuthi ubengangilalela.

17 Ubengangicobodisa ngesiphepho

andise amanxeba ami kungelasizatho.

18 Ubengasoze angiphe ithuba lokukhokha umoya

kodwa ubezahle angincindezele ngosizi.

19 Nxa kungokwamandla, alamandla amakhulu!

Nxa kungokokwahlulela ngokulunga, ngubani ongamthonisisa?

20 Loba ngingabe ngimsulwa, umlomo wami ubungangilahla;

lanxa ngimsulwa wona ubuzakuthi ngilecala.

21 Lanxa ngingelacala,

angizihluphi ngami;

ngiyayeyisa impilo yami.

22 Kuyafanana konke; yikho ngisithi,

‘Ubhubhisa bonke abangelacala lababi.’

23 Nxa isifo esibi sibulala ngokuphangisa,

uyabahleka abangelacala ngokulahla kwabo ithemba.

24 Nxa ilizwe liwela ezandleni zababi,

wembesa amehlo abahluleli balo.

Nxa kungayisuye, pho ngubani?

25 Amalanga ami alesiqubu esidlula esesithunywa;

ayaphapha anyamalale kungela mthonselanyana wokuthokoza.

26 Antweza edlule njengezikepe zelala,

njengenkozi zisehla zihwitha ezikudlayo.

27 Nxa ngingathi, ‘Ngizakubeka eceleni ukusola kwami,

ngicitshe ukunyukubala kwami, ngibobotheke,’

28 ngilokhu ngihemahema ngezinhlupho zami,

ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi kawuzukungigeza.

29 Njengoba ngivele sengibekwe icala,

ngizazihluphelani ngokulwela ize na?

30 Loba ngingaze ngigeze ngesepa

lezandla zami ngesoda yokuhlambulula,

31 uzavele ungiphosele emgodini olodaka

ngize ngenyanywe yizigqoko zami.

32 Akasumuntu njengami ukuthi ngingamphendula,

ukuthi singamisana emthethwandaba.

33 Aluba ubengabakhona osilamulayo,

abeke isandla sakhe phezu kwethu sobabili,

34 omunye nje ongasusa uswazi lukaNkulunkulu kimi,

ukuze ngingatshukunyiswa yikwesaba lokhu.

35 Lapho-ke bengizakhuluma ngingesabi yena,

kodwa okwakhathesi kunje, ngeke.”

10

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Senginengwa yimpilo yami;

ngakho sengizasola ngingasathikazi

ngithulule ubuhlungu bomphefumulo wami.

2 Ngizakuthi kuNkulunkulu: Ungangilahli,

kodwa ngitshela ukuthi ungethesa cala bani.

3 Kuyakuthabisa na ukungizwisa ubuhlungu,

ukulahla umsebenzi wezandla zakho,

ikanti uyahlekelela ngamacebo ababi?

4 Ulamehlo enyama na?

Ubona njengokubona kwabantu na?

5 Insuku zakho ziyafanana lezabantu yini,

kumbe iminyaka yakho njengeyomuntu yini,

6 osungaze uphenye iziphambeko zami

njalo ulandelele isono sami,

7 loba wena ukwazi ukuthi angilacala

lokuthi kakho ongangikhulula esandleni sakho?

8 Izandla zakho zangibumba zangenza.

Pho usuzaphenduka ungibhidlize na?

9 Khumbula ukuthi wangibumba njengomdaka.

Pho usuzabuye ungiphendule uthuli na?

10 Kawungichithanga yini njengochago

njalo wangijiyisa njengolaza,

11 wangigqokisa ngesikhumba lenyama,

wangithungela ndawonye ngamathambo lemisipha?

12 Wangipha ukuphila wangitshengisa umusa,

ukunanza kwakho kwawelusa umoya wami.

13 Kodwa lokhu yikho owakufihla enhliziyweni yakho,

njalo ngiyazi ukuthi lokhu kwakukhona engqondweni yakho:

14 Nxa ngona, ngabe wawungikhangele

wawungeke wekela ukona kwami kungajeziswa.

15 Aluba ngilecala, maye mina!

Laloba ngimsulwa, akukho engingakwenza,

ngoba ngiyafa ngenhloni

njalo ngiyagalula ekuhluphekeni kwami.

16 Nxa ngingathi ngivusa ikhanda ungicwathela njengesilwane

uphinde utshengise amandla akho esabekayo kimi.

17 Uletha ofakazi abatsha abangilahlayo,

wandise ulaka lwakho kimi;

amabutho akho angihlasela amaviyo ngamaviyo.

18 Pho kungani wangikhupha esibelethweni na?

Ngifisa ukuthi ngabe ngafa ngingakabonwa laloba yiliphi ilihlo.

19 Aluba ngavele ngingabi ngophilayo,

loba ngathwalwa ngisuka esibelethweni ngasiwa ethuneni!

20 Insuku zami ezilutshwane kaseziphelile nje?

Akungifulathele ukuze ngizuze umzuzwana wentokozo nje

21 ngingakayi lapho okungabuywa khona,

elizweni lobumnyama lethunzi elikhulu,

22 elizweni lobusuku obujule ngempela,

elethunzi elinzima lengxubevange,

lapho lokukhanya kunjengobumnyama.”

11

Impendulo KaZofari

1 UZofari umNahama wasephendula wathi:

2 “Uthi amazwi wonke la angayekelwa ukuphendulwa na?

Uwawane lolu luyekelwe nje lubheda?

3 Umbhedo wakho lo ungenza abantu bathule na?

Uthi ungangakhuzwa muntu wena ukhulumela eceleni?

4 Uthi kuNkulunkulu, ‘Inkolo yami kayilansolo

njalo ngimsulwa phambi kwakho.’

5 Oh, ngize ngifise ukuthi ngabe uNkulunkulu uyakhuluma,

avule izindebe zakhe ekusola

6 akuvulele imfihlo zokuhlakanipha,

ngoba inhlakanipho yeqiniso ikabili.

Yazi lokhu:

UNkulunkulu uvele usezikhohliwe ezinye izono zakho.

7 Kambe ungayifinyelela yini imfihlakalo kaNkulunkulu?

Ungaziphenya iziphetho zikaSomandla na?

8 Ziqongile ngaphezu kwamazulu, ungenzani kambe?

Zizikile kulokujula kolwandle, kuyini ongakwazi pho?

9 Ukulinganiswa kwazo kude kulomhlaba

njalo kubanzi kulolwandle.

10 Nxa engeza lapha akuphosele entolongweni

abize inkundla, ngubani ongamphikisa na?

11 Liqiniso ukuthi uyababona abantu abakhohlisayo;

njalo nxa ebona okubi, kananzeleli na?

12 Kodwa umuntu oyisithutha ngeke ahlakaniphe

njengoba ubabhemi weganga engeke azalwa ngumuntu.

13 Kodwa nxa ugxilisa inhliziyo yakho kuye

uphakamisele izandla zakho kuye,

14 nxa ulahla isono esisesandleni sakho

ungavumeli bubi buhlale ethenteni lakho,

15 lapho-ke uzabuveza ubuso bakho ungelanhloni;

uzakuma uqine ungesabi.

16 Uzalukhohlwa ngempela uhlupho lwakho,

lufike nje engqondweni njengezikhukhula ezadlulayo.

17 Impilo izakhanya kulemini enkulu,

lobumnyama buzakuba njengasekuseni.

18 Uzavikeleka, ngoba ithemba likhona;

uzakhangela ofuna khona uzuze ukuphumula uvikelekile.

19 Uzazilalela, kungekho okwethusayo,

njalo abanengi bazabe sebezisondeza kuwe.

20 Kodwa amehlo ababi azafiphala,

behluleke lokubaleka;

ithemba labo libe yikuhotsha umoya wokufa.”

12

Impendulo KaJobe

1 Wasephendula uJobe wathi:

2 “Wo, lina yini elizibona kuyini abantu,

njalo lolwazi luzakufa lani!

3 Kodwa lami ngilayo ingqondo njengani;

kalingedluli ngalutho.

Ngubani ongazaziyo izinto zonke lezi?

4 Sengiyinto yokuhlekisa ebanganini bami,

lanxa ngacela kuNkulunkulu waphendula,

inhlekisa sibili, kodwa ngilungile, ngimsulwa!

5 Abantu abahlezi kuhle bayakweyisa ukwehlelwa ngumnyama,

bathi kuyimfanelo yalabo onyawo zabo sezitshelela.

6 Amathente ezigebenga avikelekile,

lalabo abamthukuthelisayo uNkulunkulu bavikelekile,

uNkulunkulu ulabo ezandleni zakhe.

7 Kodwa ake ubuze izinyamazana, zizakufundisa,

kumbe izinyoni zemoyeni, zizakutshela;

8 kumbe khuluma lomhlaba, uzakufundisa,

loba uthi inhlanzi zolwandle zikwazise.

9 Yikuphi kwalezizinto okungaziyo na

ukuthi yisandla sikaThixo esikwenzileyo lokhu?

10 Esandleni sakhe kulempilo yazo zonke izidalwa

lokuphefumula kwabantu bonke.

11 Indlebe kayiwahloli yini wonke amazwi

njengolimi lunambitha ukudla?

12 Angithi ukuhlakanipha kufunyanwa ebadaleni na?

Angithi impilo ende iletha ukuzwisisa na?

13 NgokukaNkulunkulu ukuhlakanipha lamandla;

ukweluleka lokuzwisisa kungokwakhe.

14 Lokho akubhidlizayo kungeke kwamiswa njalo;

lowo amvalelayo ngeke avulelwe.

15 Angaze awavale amanzi, kuba lokoma;

angawavulela kuba lomonakalo elizweni.

16 Angawakhe amandla lenhlakanipho;

okhohliswayo lomkhohlisi ngabakhe bonke.

17 Abeluleki uyabakhupha bahambe beze

enze abehluleli babe yiziphukuphuku.

18 Uyanyomula izibopho ezibotshwe ngamakhosi

azibophe ngelembu ekhalweni.

19 Abaphristi uyabakhupha beze

awagenqule amadoda abesithi asegxilile.

20 Uyazithulisa izindebe zabeluleki

abathenjiweyo asuse ulwazi lwabadala.

21 Izikhulu uzihleka usulu

abalamandla abathathele lawomandla.

22 Uyembula imfihlo ezenzeka emnyameni

amathunzi azikileyo awalethe ekukhanyeni.

23 Wenza izizwe zikhule, abesezidiliza;

uyaziqhelisa izizwe, aphinde azichithe.

24 Abakhokheli basemhlabeni ubemuka ukuhlakanipha kwabo;

ubenza bantule enkangala.

25 Bayaphumputha emnyameni kungelakukhanya;

ubenza badiyazele njengezidakwa.”

13

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Amehlo ami asekubonile konke lokhu,

indlebe zami zikuzwile zakuqedisisa lokhu.

2 Elikwaziyo lina lami ngiyakwazi;

kalingcono ngalutho kulami.

3 Kodwa ngiloyisa ukukhuluma loSomandla,

ngiphikisane loNkulunkulu ngendaba yami.

4 Kodwa lina lingigcona ngamanga;

lonke lizinyanga ezingelamsebenzi!

5 Thulani lithi zwi lonke!

Lokho kungaba yikuhlakanipha kini.

6 Zwanini-ke manje engikutshoyo;

lalelani ukuncenga kwezindebe zami.

7 Lingakhuluma okubi limele uNkulunkulu na?

Lingamkhulumela inkohliso na?

8 Limtshengisa ukuthi liyabandlulula yini?

Yini elimkhulumelayo uNkulunkulu akutshoyo?

9 Kungalilungela yini nxa engalihlola?

Kambe lingamkhohlisa njengoba lingakhohlisa abantu na?

10 Ngempela angaligcona

nxa lingabe litshengisa ukubandlulula.

11 Inkazimulo yakhe ingezake ilethuse na?

Ukwesabeka kwakhe kungezake kulehlele na?

12 Izitsho zenu ziyizaga zomlotha;

lezivikelo zenu yizivikelo zebumba kuphela.

13 Thulani ngikhulume mina;

kungivelele loba kuyini okuvelayo.

14 Ngizifakelani engozini na

ngiphathe impilo yami ezandleni zami?

15 Lanxa engangibulala kodwa ngizakwala ngimethemba;

ngizazivikela izindlela zami phambi kwakhe.

16 Ngeqiniso lokhu kuzangihlenga,

ngoba kakho umuntu ongakholwayo ongasondela kuye!

17 Ake lilalele kuhle amazwi ami;

vulani indlebe zenu lizwe engikutshoyo.

18 Manje-ke njengoba sengiyilungisile indaba yami,

ngiyabona ukuthi ngizakhululwa.

19 Ngubani kambe ongangethesa icala?

Nxa ekhona, ngizathula ngife.

20 Akungiphe lezizinto ezimbili nje, Oh Nkulunkulu,

lapho-ke angiyikukucatshela:

21 Sisusele khatshana lami isandla sakho,

ukhawule ukungethusa ngokwesabeka kwakho.

22 Ubusungibizela ecaleni, ngizaphendula,

kumbe ungiyekele ngikhulume, lawe uphendule.

23 Sengenze iziphambeko lezono ezinganani na?

Ngitshengisa isiphambeko sami lesono sami.

24 Kungani ufihla ubuso bakho

ungithathe njengesitha sakho?

25 Uzahluphana lehlamvu eliphetshulwa ngumoya na?

Uzaxotshana lomule owomileyo na?

26 Ngoba ubhala izinto ezibuhlungu ngami

ungenze ngivune izono zobutsha bami.

27 Ukhina inyawo zami ngezibopho;

ulandelela zonke izindlela zami

ngokudweba uphawu ezinyathelweni zezinyawo zami.

28 Yikho-ke umuntu ecikizeka njengento ebolileyo,

njengesigqoko esidliwe yinondo.”

14

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Umuntu ozelwe ngumfazi ulensuku ezilutshwane

njalo ezigcwele inhlupho.

2 Uyaqhakaza njengeluba aphinde abune;

njengesithunzi esithi tshazi, akemi.

3 Onjalo ungala ulokhu umkhangele na?

Ungamisa phambi kwakho umthonisise na?

4 Ngubani ongaveza okuhlambulukileyo kokungcolileyo na?

Kakho!

5 Insuku zomuntu zimisiwe;

uzibekile izinyanga zokuphila kwakhe

wabeka lemikhawulo angeke ayeqe.

6 Ngakho-ke myekele ungazihluphi ngaye,

aze aqede lesosikhathi sakhe njengomuntu oqhatshiweyo.

7 Kungaba lethemba ngesihlahla;

singaganyulwa siyahluma njalo,

amahlumela aso kawayikwehluleka ukukhula.

8 Impande zaso zingaguga phansi emhlabathini

lesiphunzi saso sife emhlabathini,

9 kodwa singezwa amanzi siyahluma

sikhuphe ingatsha njengesihlahla esitsha.

10 Kodwa umuntu uyafa alaliswe phansi;

uphefumula okokucina angabe esabakhona.

11 Njengamanzi esitsha olwandle

lanjengomfula ucitsha amanzi wome qha,

12 ngokunjalo umuntu ulala phansi angabe esavuka;

kuze kutshabalale amazulu abantu kabayikuvuka

kumbe baphatshanyiswe ebuthongweni babo.

13 Kube uyangifihla ethuneni

ungithukuze ulaka lwakho luze ludlule!

Kube ungibekela isikhathi

ube usungikhumbula!

14 Umuntu angafa uphinde aphile na?

Zonke insuku zokutshikatshika kwami

ngizalindela isikhathi sokuyekelwa kwami.

15 Uzabiza lami ngizasabela;

uzasifisa lesosidalwa esenziwa yizandla zakho.

16 Ngeqiniso lapho uzabala izinyathelo zami

kodwa kawuyikulandelela izono zami.

17 Iziphambeko zami zizananyekwa emgodleni;

uzasigubuzela isono sami.

18 Kodwa njengentaba ikhumuzeka ize ibhidlike,

lanjengedwala ligudluka endaweni yalo,

19 njengamanzi awagubhayo amatshe

lezikhukhula zikhukhula umhlabathi,

kanjalo uyalibhidliza ithemba lomuntu.

20 Umehlula kanye angaphindi abekhona, adlule;

uyabuguqula ubuso bakho umxotshe.

21 Nxa amadodana akhe ezuza udumo, kawakwazi;

nxa izizukulwane zakhe zisehliswa, kazikuboni.

22 Bezwa kuphela ubuhlungu bemizimba yabo

bazikhalele bona.”

15

Impendulo Ka-Elifazi

1 Wasephendula u-Elifazi umThemani wathi:

2 “Kambe indoda ehlakaniphileyo ingaphendula ngeze nje

loba igcwalise isisu sayo ngomoya otshisayo wempumalanga na?

3 Ingadaza inkani ngamazwi angatsho lutho,

ngezinkulumo ezingelasisindo na?

4 Wena uze weyise ukulunga

njalo uphazame lokukhonza uNkulunkulu.

5 Isono sakho sikhuthaza umlomo wakho;

usuthethe ulimi lwamaqili.

6 Umlomo wakho yiwo okulahlayo, hatshi owami;

izindebe zakho zifakaza ububi bakho.

7 Nguwe yini umuntu wokuqala ukuzalwa?

Wabakhona kuqala kulezintaba na?

8 Uyake ulalele yini enkundleni kaNkulunkulu?

Nguwe wedwa yini ololwazi?

9 Kuyini okwaziyo wena thina esingakwaziyo?

Ulemibono bani wena thina esingelayo?

10 Asebezimpunga lamakhehla bavumelana lathi,

amadoda amadala kuloyihlo.

11 Induduzo zikaNkulunkulu kazikwanelisi yini,

amazwi akhulunywa kamnandi kuwe?

12 Kungani uvumela ukufuqwa yinhliziyo na,

kungani amehlo akho eqwayiza,

13 uze ubhodlise ulaka lwakho kuNkulunkulu

ukhihlize amazwi anjalo ngomlomo wakho?

14 Umuntu uyini ukuthi abe ngohlanzekileyo na,

lozelwe ngowesifazane ongaba ngcwele?

15 Nxa uNkulunkulu engazethembi izingilosi zakhe,

njalo lamazulu engathembekanga kuye,

16 pho umuntu ongcolileyo ke, oxhwalileyo,

onatha ububi njengamanzi!

17 Lalela kimi ngikuchazele;

wothi ngikutshele esengakubonayo,

18 lokho osekwafakazwa yizihlakaniphi,

bengafihli lutho abaluthatha kubokhokho babo

19 (abayibo kuphela abaphiwa ilizwe

njalo akwaze kwedlula muntu wezizweni phakathi kwabo):

20 Ngezinsuku zakhe zonke umuntu omubi uhlutshwa yizinhlungu,

kube yisihluku seminyaka yonke ayibekelweyo.

21 Imisindo eyesabisayo iyagcwala ezindlebeni zakhe;

nxa kusithi kuyalunga, izikliwi zimhlasele.

22 Ulahlekelwa lithemba lokuwuphepha umnyama;

umiselwe inkemba.

23 Uyantula nje abe yikudla kwamanqe;

uyazi ukuthi usuku lobumnyama selusondele.

24 Usizi lobuhlungu emoyeni bumlethela uvalo;

inhlupho ziyamgabhela, njengenkosi isilungele ukuhlasela,

25 ngoba efumbathele uNkulunkulu inqindi,

ezimisela ukulwa loSomandla,

26 aqholoze amhlasele

ngesihlangu esiqinileyo, esilohlonzi.

27 Lanxa ezimuke ubuso bungaka,

umkhaba ulenga ngedanga,

28 uzahlala emadolobheni angamanxiwa

lezindlini ezingahlali muntu,

izindlu eziwohlokayo zibe yinqumbi.

29 Kasayikunotha futhi lenotho yakhe kayiyikuma,

lezifuyo zakhe kazisayikugcwala ilizwe lonke.

30 Kayikuphepha emnyameni;

ilangabi lizabunisa amahlumela akhe

lomoya wokuphefumula komlomo kaNkulunkulu uzamthwalela kude.

31 Makangazikhohlisi ngokuthemba okuyize,

ngoba akazukuzuza lutho ngakho.

32 Singakapheli isikhathi sakhe uzajeziswa,

lezingatsha zakhe kaziyikuhluma.

33 Uzaba njengevini eliphundlwe izithelo zalo zingakavuthwa,

njengesihlahla se-oliva sikhithiza impoko zaso.

34 Ngoba ixuku labangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu kalizukuba lezithelo,

lomlilo uzawahangula amathente alabo abathanda isivalamlomo.

35 Bazithwala uhlupho babelethe ububi;

isibeletho sabo sibumba inkohliso.”

16

UJobe Uyaphendula

1 UJobe wasephendula wathi:

2 “Sengezwa izinto ezinengi ezifana lalezi;

lingabaduduzi ababi lina lonke!

3 Zizaphela nini inkulumo zokubhuda kwenu lokhu?

Kuyini okulihluphayo laphikelela nje lidaza inkani?

4 Lami bengingakhuluma njengani

aluba yini elisesikhundleni sami;

ngabe ngikhupha inkulumo ezimnandi ngilisola

ngize nginikine ikhanda lami.

5 Kodwa umlomo wami ngabe uyaliqinisa;

induduzo yezindebe zami idedise inhlungu zenu.

6 Kodwa nxa ngikhuluma, ubuhlungu obukimi kabudedi;

loba ngingaze ngithule, kabupheli.

7 Ngeqiniso, Nkulunkulu, usungiqede amandla;

usuyitshabalalisile yonke imuli yami.

8 Usungibophile sekuyibo ubufakazi balokho;

lokucikizeka kwami kuyakhula kungilahla.

9 UNkulunkulu uyanginxwanela angidlikize ngolaka lwakhe,

angigedlele amazinyo;

isitha sami singinyonkoloze ngamehlo ahlabayo.

10 Abantu bavula imilomo yabo bengihoza;

bangimakala esihlathini bengihlambaza

babambane bangihlanganyele.

11 UNkulunkulu usenginikele ebantwini ababi

wangiphosela ezandleni zezigangi.

12 Konke kwakukuhle kimi, kodwa wangibhidliza;

wangixhakalaza ngentamo wangichoboza.

Usengenze ngaba yinto yakhe yokunenjwa;

13 abacibi bemtshoko bakhe bangihanqile.

Ungiciba izinso zami engelazwelo

achithele inyongo yami phansi.

14 Ungisukela njalonjalo;

angidumele njengebutho.

15 Sengithungele isembatho sesaka emzimbeni wami

ngathukuza ibunzi lami othulini.

16 Ubuso bami sebubomvu ngokukhala,

amathunzi anzima ahonqolozela amehlo ami;

17 kodwa izandla zami kaziluqhelanga udlakela,

lomkhuleko wami uhlanzekile.

18 Awu mhlaba, ungaligqibeli igazi lami;

sengathi lokukhala kwami kungaze kwacitshwa lanini!

19 Lakhathesi ufakazi wami usezulwini;

umeli wami uphezulu khonale.

20 Umeli wami ngumngane wami

nxa amehlo ami empompoza inyembezi kuNkulunkulu;

21 uyamncengela umuntu kuNkulunkulu

njengomuntu encengela umngane wakhe.

22 Kusasele iminyakana engemingaki

andubana ngiye lapho kungabuywa khona.”

17

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Umoya wami udabukile,

insuku zami ziqunyiwe,

ithuna lingimelele.

2 Impela abaklolodayo bangihanqile;

amehlo ami asehlezi elinde ulaka lwabo.

3 Ngipha, Oh Nkulunkulu, lesosibambiso osifunayo.

Kambe ngubani omunye ongangenzela lesosibambiso na?

4 Usuzivalile ingqondo zabo kabasazwisisi;

ngakho kawuzukubayekela bagiye.

5 Nxa umuntu angaphika umngane wakhe ukuze ahlawulwe,

amehlo abantwabakhe azafiphala.

6 UNkulunkulu usengenze ngaba yisiga ebantwini bonke,

umuntu okhafulelwa ngabanye emehlweni.

7 Amehlo ami asethundubele ngosizi;

umdumbu wami wonke usuyisithunzi nje.

8 Abantu abaqotho kuyabanenga lokhu;

abangelacala bayacaphuka ngabangakholwayo.

9 Kungenani, abalungileyo bazabambelela ezindleleni zabo,

kuthi labo abalezandla ezihlanzekileyo baqine.

10 Kodwa khathesi lina lonke ake lizame futhi!

Kangiboni loyedwa ohlakaniphileyo kini.

11 Sezidlule insuku zami, amacebo ami asedilikile,

kunjalo lezifiso zenhliziyo yami.

12 Lababantu bathatha ubusuku njengemini;

bathi bebona ubumnyama bathi, ‘Ukukhanya sekusondele.’

13 Nxa ikhaya engilithembileyo lilingcwaba kuphela,

nxa ngisendlala umbheda wami emnyameni,

14 nxa ngisithi ekuboleni, ‘Baba,’

ngithi empethwini, ‘Mama’ kumbe ‘Dadewethu,’

15 pho lingaphi ithemba lami na?

Ngubani ongabona ithemba ngami?

16 Kuzakwehlela emasangweni okufa na?

Sizakwehlela ndawonye othulini na?”

18

Impendulo KaBhilidadi

1 Kwathi lapho uBhilidadi umShuhi waphendula wathi:

2 “Koze kube nini ulokhu uphethe emlonyeni?

Nakana andubana sikhulume.

3 Kungani usithatha njengezinkomo

kube ingathi siyizithutha kuwe na?

4 Wena ozidabudabulayo ube yiziqa ngokuthukuthela kwakho,

uthi sesingawudela umhlaba ngenxa yakho?

Loba uthi amadwala agudlulwe ezindaweni zawo na?

5 Isibane somubi siyacima;

ilangabi lomlilo wakhe liyaphela ukubhebha.

6 Ukukhanya ethenteni lakhe kuyafiphala;

isibane esiseceleni kwakhe siyacima.

7 Izisinde zakhe zamandla ziyadeda;

lamacebo akhe yiwo amlahla phansi.

8 Inyawo zakhe zimbeka emambuleni

acine esemthandele.

9 Umjibila umhwiphula ngesithende;

isihitshela simuthi nki.

10 Isihitshela usifihlelwe phansi;

umjibila uthukuziwe endleleni yakhe.

11 Uyethuka ngokwesaba inxa zonke

kumlandelele langaphi aya khona.

12 Umonakalo umlambele;

incithakalo imlindele nxa esiwa.

13 Kudla ingxenye yesikhumba sakhe;

izibulo lokufa lidla izitho zakhe.

14 Uyasuswa ekuvikelekeni kwethente lakhe

aqhutshwe asiwe enkosini yokwesaba.

15 Umlilo uhlala ethenteni lakhe;

isolufa evuthayo ichithachithwe emzini wakhe.

16 Impande zakhe ziyabuna ngaphansi

lamagatsha akhe abune ngaphezulu.

17 Ukukhunjulwa kwakhe kuyaphela emhlabeni;

kalabizo elizweni.

18 Uyasuswa ekukhanyeni aye ebumnyameni

njalo axotshwe emhlabeni.

19 Kalabantwana loba isizukulwane ebantwini bakibo,

kakho loyedwa owakhe lapho ake ahlala khona.

20 Abantu bentshonalanga bayanengwa yisiphetho sakhe;

abantu bempumalanga bayatshaqeka.

21 Ngempela linjalo ikhaya lomuntu omubi;

yiyo indawo yalowo ongamaziyo uNkulunkulu.”

19

Impendulo KaJobe

1 Wasephendula uJobe wathi:

2 “Koze kube nini lilokhu lingichukuluza,

lingicobodisa ngamazwi na?

3 Selingithethise amahlandla alitshumi manje;

lingihlasela lingelanhloni.

4 Nxa kuliqiniso ukuthi ngiphambukile,

isiphambeko sami ngumlandu wami ngedwa.

5 Nxa isibili liziphakamisa ngaphezulu kwami,

lingincindezele ngokuyangeka kwami,

6 yazini ukuthi uNkulunkulu ungonile

wangithandela ngomambule wakhe.

7 Loba ngingaze ngikhale ngithi, ‘Ngiyahlukuluzwa bo!’

angitholi mpendulo;

loba ngicela uncedo,

kangahlulelwa ngokulunga.

8 Uyivalile indlela yami akudluleki;

izindlela zami uzembese ngomnyama.

9 Usengiphucile konke ukuhlonitshwa

wangethula umqhele ekhanda lami.

10 Ungidabula inxa zonke ngize ngiphele du;

usiphuna ithemba lami njengesihlahla.

11 Ulaka lwakhe luyavutha kimi;

ungibalela phakathi kwezitha zakhe.

12 Amabutho akhe eza ngamandla;

angakhela isihonqo sokungivimbezela

amise egqagqele ithente lami.

13 Usenze abafowethu bangihlamuka;

abangane bami sebemelana lami.

14 Izihlobo zami sezihambile;

abangane bami sebekhohliwe ngami.

15 Izethekeli zami lezincekukazi zami zithi ngingowemzini;

zingikhangela njengowezizweni.

16 Ngithi nxa ngibiza isisebenzi sami singasabeli,

lokuba ngisincenga ngomlomo wami.

17 Ukuphefumula kwami kuyamnukela umkami;

ngiyenyanyeka kubafowethu.

18 Labafanyana bayangiklolodela;

ngithi nxa ngiqhamuka bangihoze.

19 Bonke abangane bami abasekhwapheni bayanengeka ngami;

labo engibathandayo sebengifulathele.

20 Angiselalutho ngaphandle kwesikhumba lamathambo kuphela;

ngiphephe manayinayi.

21 Ngizwelani usizi, bangane bami, wobani losizi,

ngoba isandla sikaNkulunkulu singitshayile.

22 Lingilandelelani njengoNkulunkulu na?

Lizakufa lasutha ngenyama yami na?

23 Oh, uthi ngabe amazwi ami ayalotshwa,

ngabe abhaliwe emqulwini,

24 ngabe athwetshulwe ngensimbi phezu komnuso,

loba agujwe edwaleni lanininini!

25 Ngiyazi ukuthi uMhlengi wami uyaphila,

lokuthi ekupheleni uzakuma emhlabeni.

26 Kuzakuthi nxa isikhumba sami sesibhujisiwe,

kodwa ngikuyo inyama yami ngizambona uNkulunkulu;

27 mina ngokwami ngizambona ngawami amehlo,

mina hatshi omunye.

Inhliziyo yami iyagubhazela ngokulangatha!

28 Lingaze lithi, ‘Sizamzingela qho

ngoba nguye ozilethele ukuhlupheka,’

29 yini okumele liyesabe inkemba;

ngoba intukuthelo izaletha isijeziso ngenkemba,

lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi kulokwahlulela.”

20

Impendulo KaZofari

1 Wasephendula uZofari umNahama wathi:

2 “Imicabango yami ekhathazekileyo ingifuqa ukuthi ngiphendule

ngoba sengikhubekile kakhulu.

3 Ngizwa kulokukhuzwa okungilulazisayo

njalo ukuzwisisa kwami kungifuqela ukuthi ngiphendule.

4 Ngempela uyakwazi ukuthi kwakuvele kunjani lendulo,

kusukela ukubekwa komuntu emhlabeni,

5 ukuthi injabulo yomubi imfitshane,

intokozo yongakholwayo ngeyomzuzwana nje.

6 Loba ukuzigqaja kwakhe kufika emazulwini

lekhanda lakhe lithinta emayezini,

7 uzabhubha okwaphakade, njengobulongwe bakhe;

labo abake bambona bazakuthi, ‘Ungaphi kanti?’

8 Njengephupho uyanyamalala angabe esabonwa njalo,

axotshwe njengombono webusuku.

9 Ilihlo elake lambona kalisayikumbona njalo;

indawo yakhe ingeke ibe isambona.

10 Abantwabakhe bazazincengela ebayangeni

ngezandla zakhe abuyisele inotho yakhe.

11 Amadlabuzane obutsha alawo emathanjeni akhe

azalala kanye laye othulini.

12 Loba ububi bumnandi emlonyeni wakhe,

ebufihla ngaphansi kolimi lwakhe,

13 loba esehluleka ukutshiyana labo

abugcine emlonyeni wakhe,

14 kodwa ukudla kwakhe kuzahloba esiswini sakhe;

kuzaphenduka kube yibuhlungu bezinyoka ngaphakathi kwakhe.

15 Uzayihlanza yonke inotho ayiginyayo;

uNkulunkulu uzakwenza isisu sakhe sikuhlanze konke.

16 Uzamunya ubuhlungu bezinyoka;

amazinyo ebululu azambulala.

17 Akayikuyikholisa imifula,

leyomifula egeleza uluju lolaza.

18 Lokho akuginqeleyo kumele akubuyise engakudlanga;

akayikuyikholisa inzuzo yokuthengiselana kwakhe.

19 Ngoba ubebancindezela abayanga basala bengelalutho;

wathumba izindlu angazakhanga.

20 Ngempela akayikudeda kulobubuhwaba bakhe;

ngeke azisindise ngenotho yakhe.

21 Akusela lutho angabe esaludla;

ukuphumelela kwakhe kakuyikuma.

22 Phakathi kwenotho yakhe uzahlaselwa zinhlupho;

ubuhlungu buzamehlela ngamandla.

23 Nxa esesigcwalisile isisu sakhe,

uNkulunkulu uzabhodlisela ulaka lwakhe oluvuthayo kuye

akhwele ehle ngezidutshulo phezu kwakhe.

24 Lanxa angaze abalekele isikhali sensimbi

umtshoko wethusi uzamciba.

25 Uyawuhwatsha emhlane wakhe,

umcijo wawo ocazimulayo awuhwatshe esibindini.

Uzangenwa yikwesaba okukhulu;

26 umnyama omkhulu uyilindele inotho yakhe.

Umlilo ongungumayo uzamqeda

utshise lokho okuseleyo ethenteni lakhe.

27 Amazulu azabembula ububi bakhe;

umhlaba uzamvukela.

28 Isikhukhula sizayithwala indlu yakhe,

kungamanzi azimpophoma mhla wosuku lolaka lukaNkulunkulu.

29 Sinjalo isiphetho uNkulunkulu asimisele ababi,

ilifa abalikhethelwe nguNkulunkulu.”

21

UJobe Uyaphendula

1 UJobe wasephendula wathi:

2 “Lalelani kuhle amazwi ami;

lokhu akube yinduduzo elingipha yona.

3 Ake lingibekezelele nxa ngisakhuluma,

ngithi nxa sengikhulumile liklolode.

4 Ukusola kwami kuqonde umuntu yini?

Ngingayekelelani ukucunuka pho?

5 Ngikhangelani, lizamangala;

vulani imilomo yenu ngezandla.

6 Nxa ngikhumbula ngalokhu ngitshaywa luvalo;

ngizwa umzimba wami uqhaqhazela.

7 Kungani ababi bephila impilo ende,

baluphale nje amandla abo esanda?

8 Babona abantwababo bezinza benamile,

inzalo yabo layo beyikhangele.

9 Imizi yabo ihlezi kayilakwesaba;

induku kaNkulunkulu kayikho phezu kwabo.

10 Inkunzi zabo zikhuthele ziyazala;

amankomokazi abo azala kuhle kawaphunzi.

11 Abantwababo bayazihambela njengomhlambi;

izingane zabo ziyazigidela zichelesile.

12 Bayahlabela betshaya izigubhu lamachacho;

bayazithokozisa ngomsindo wemiqangala.

13 Yonke iminyaka yabo ngeyokuphumelela

baze bayongena egodini belokuthula.

14 Kodwa bathi kuNkulunkulu, ‘Tshiyana lathi!

Kasifisi ukuzazi izindlela zakho.

15 Ungubani yena uSomandla ofuna ukuthi simkhonze na?

Sizazuzani nxa sikhuleka kuye na?’

16 Kodwa ukuphumelela kwabo kakukho ezandleni zabo,

ngakho kangisondeli ezelulekweni zababi.

17 Kodwa kukangaki na isibane sababi sicinywa?

Kukangaki besehlelwa ngamabhadi na,

abawabelwa nguNkulunkulu ezondile?

18 Kukangaki besiba njengomule emoyeni na,

njengamakhoba ephetshulwa yisivunguzane?

19 Kuthiwa, ‘UNkulunkulu ulomba isijeziso somuntu

asibekele amadodana akhe.’

Kajezise yena umuntu ngokwakhe

ukuze akwazi!

20 Amehlo akhe kawakubone

ukuchithwa kwakhe;

kalunathe ulaka lukaSomandla.

21 Ngoba uvele uzihlupha ngani ngemuli avele ezayitshiya

nxa izinyanga zakhe azabelweyo seziphelile na?

22 Kambe ukhona ongafundisa uNkulunkulu ulwazi,

njengoba yena esahlulela labaphezulu na?

23 Umuntu uyafa ephilile kuhle,

kukuhle konke ekhululekile,

24 umzimba wakhe uzimukile,

amathambo akhe egcwele umnkantsho.

25 Omunye ufa elobuhlungu emphefumulweni wakhe,

evele engakaze akholise lutho oluhle.

26 Bobabili balaliswe ndawonye eceleni komunye othulini,

impethu zinyakaze phezu kwabo bobabili.

27 Ngiyazi kamhlophe ukuthi licabangani,

amacebo elidinga ukungilimaza ngawo.

28 Lithi, ‘Ingaphi-ke manje indlu yesikhulu,

amathente okwakuhlala kuwo abantu ababi?’

29 Kalikaze libuze labo abahambayo na?

Kalize lananzelela izinto abazilandisayo,

30 ukuthi umuntu omubi uyaphepha ngosuku lokubhujiswa na,

ukuthi uyakhululwa ngosuku lwesiphithiphithi?

31 Kambe ngubani omtshela ngobubi bakhe ebusweni bakhe na?

Ngubani ophindiselayo ngalokho akwenzileyo na?

32 Uthwalelwa engcwabeni,

lilindwe ingcwaba lakhe ngemfanelo.

33 Inhlabathi esigodini leso imnandi kuye;

bonke abantu bayamlandela,

banengi kakhulu njalo abahamba kuqala kulaye.

34 Pho-ke lingangiduduza njani likhuluma ize nje?

Akusalanga lutho elilutshoyo ngaphandle kwenkohliso.”

22

Impendulo Ka-Elifazi

1 U-Elifazi umThemani wasephendula wathi:

2 “Umuntu angasiza uNkulunkulu na?

Lesihlakaniphi uqobo kambe singamsiza na?

3 Bekungamupha ntokozo bani uSomandla ukulunga kwakho na?

Ubengazuzani ngabe kuthiwa kawulasici na?

4 Yikumesaba kwakho yini akukhuzela khona

lakwethesela khona amacala na?

5 Kabubukhulu ububi bakho na?

Lezono zakho angithi kazipheli na?

6 Wawubiza isibambiso kubafowenu kungelasizatho;

uhlubula abantu izigqoko zabo basale beze.

7 Abakhatheleyo wawubancitsha amanzi,

abalambileyo ungabaphi ukudla,

8 lanxa wena wawuyindoda elamandla, ulepulazi,

indoda ehlonitshwayo, uphila kulo.

9 Abafelokazi wabaxotsha ungabaphanga lutho

izintandane waziqeda amandla.

10 Kungenxa yalokho usuhanqwe yimijibila,

usuhlukuluzwa luhlupho masinyane,

11 yikho kumnyama kangaka ungasaboni,

njalo yikho ususibekelwa zimpophoma zamanzi.

12 UNkulunkulu kakho esiqongweni samazulu na?

Ake ubone phela ukuthi ziphakeme njani izinkanyezi ezisesiqongweni!

13 Kodwa wena uthi, ‘UNkulunkulu wazini?

Angahlulela phakathi komnyama onje?

14 Usithwe ngamayezi amakhulu, ngakho kasiboni

nxa ehambahamba ezulwini eliphezulu.’

15 Wena-ke uzakwalela endleleni endala na

eseyahanjwa ngababi?

16 Bedluliswa singakafiki isikhathi sabo,

izisekelo zabo zakhukhulwa nguzamcolo.

17 Bathi kuNkulunkulu, ‘Tshiyana lathi!

USomandla angasenzani na?’

18 Ikanti kunguye owagcwalisa izindlu zabo ngezinto ezinhle,

ngakho kangingeni ezelulekweni zababi.

19 Abalungileyo bayakubona lokho bathokoze;

abangelacala bayabahleka bathi,

20 ‘Ngempela izitha zethu zichithiwe,

lokuseleyo kwenotho yazo sekubhuqwe ngumlilo.’

21 Zehlise kuNkulunkulu ukuze uwelelane laye;

ngaleyondlela ukuphumelela kuzakuza kuwe.

22 Yamukela iziqondiso eziphuma emlonyeni wakhe,

amazwi akhe uwabeke enhliziyweni yakho.

23 Nxa ubuyela kuSomandla, uzavuselelwa;

nxa ususa ububi bube kude lethente lakho

24 lomthuso wakho uwulahlele othulini,

igolide lakho lase-Ofiri ulilahlele emadwaleni ezifuleni,

25 lapho-ke uSomandla uzakuba ligolide lakho,

lesiliva esikhethekileyo kuwe.

26 Ngempela uzazuza ukuthokoza kuSomandla

uphakamisele ubuso bakho kuNkulunkulu.

27 Uzakhuleka kuye, yena akuzwe,

njalo uzagcwalisa izifungo zakho.

28 Lokho okumisileyo kuzakwenziwa,

lokukhanya kuzazikhanyisa izindlela zakho.

29 Nxa abantu besehliswa ubususithi, ‘Baphakamiseni!’

lapho-ke uzabasiza abahlulukelweyo.

30 Uzabasiza lalabo abonayo,

abazakhululwa ngenxa yokubamsulwa kwakho.”

23

UJobe Uyaphendula

1 Waphendula uJobe wathi:

2 “Lalamuhla ukusola kwami kulokhu kubuhlungu kabi,

isandla sakhe siyasinda loba ngibubula kangaka.

3 Ngabe ngiyakwazi lapho engingamfumana khona;

aluba nje bengingaya emzini wakhe!

4 Bengizayibeka kuhle indaba yami phambi kwakhe

ngigcwalise umlomo wami ngamazwi empikiswano.

5 Bengizakuzwa ukuthi yena uphendula athini,

ngikuhlolisise lokho akutshoyo.

6 Kambe angangiphikisa ngamandla na?

Hatshi, angazake angethese cala.

7 Lapho umuntu oqotho ubengendlala indaba yakhe phambi kwakhe,

njalo bengizakhululwa lanini kumahluleli wami.

8 Kodwa nxa ngisiya empumalanga, yena kakho khona;

nxa ngisiya entshonalanga, kangimfumani khona.

9 Nxa esemsebenzini enyakatho,

kangimboni;

angaphendukela eningizimu,

kangiboni lokuthi tshazi kwakhe.

10 Kodwa uyayazi indlela engihamba ngayo;

nxa esengilingile, ngizaphuma senginjengegolide.

11 Inyawo zami bezilokhu zilandelana lezinyathelo zakhe;

ngalela endleleni yakhe angaze ngaphambuka.

12 Angigudlukanga emilayweni yezindebe zakhe;

ngiwenze igugu amazwi omlomo wakhe

ukwedlula isinkwa sami sansukuzonke.

13 Kodwa uzimele yedwa, ngubani ongaphikisana laye na?

Uyenza loba yini ayifunayo.

14 Uyagcwalisa isimiso sakhe ngami,

njalo manengi amacebo anjalo awagcinileyo.

15 Yikho-nje ngithuthumela ukuma phambi kwakhe;

ngithi ngingakukhumbula konke lokhu ngimesabe.

16 UNkulunkulu usenze inhliziyo yami yaphela amandla;

uSomandla usengethusile.

17 Kodwa kawuyikungithulisa umnyama lo,

umnyama lo onzima ovala ubuso bami.”

24

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Kungani uSomandla engabeki izikhathi zokwahlulela na?

Kungani labo abamaziyo belindela ize bengazazi lezinsuku na?

2 Abantu bayayiguqula imingcele ngokususa izikhonkwane;

bayayelusa imihlambi entshontshiweyo.

3 Bayathatha bahambe lobabhemi wentandane,

bathathe inkabi yomfelokazi ibe yisibambiso.

4 Abaswelayo bayabagudlula endleleni

bancindezele abayanga belizweni baze bayocatsha.

5 Njengabobabhemi beganga enkangala,

abayanga babhudula ukudla;

egwaduleni kulapho okuzuzwa khona ukudla kwabantwababo.

6 Babutha ukudla kwenkomo emasimini

badobhe okuseleyo ezivinini zababi.

7 Ngoba bengelazigqoko balala beze ubusuku bonke;

kabalalutho lokuzembesa emqandweni.

8 Bagxonxwa lizulu lezintabeni

bakhusele emadwaleni beswele indawo yokuphephela.

9 Umntwana oyintandane uhluthunwa ebeleni;

usane lomyanga luyathunjelwa isikwelede.

10 Ngoba bengelazigqoko bahamba nqunu;

bathwala izikhwebu zamabele kodwa belambile.

11 Bahluza ama-oliva emigelweni;

bagidagida esikhamelweni sewayini kodwa bomile.

12 Ukububula kwabafayo kuzwakala kuphuma edolobheni,

lemiphefumulo yabalimeleyo ikhala icela uncedo.

Kodwa uNkulunkulu kabeki muntu icala ngenxa yokona.

13 Bakhona labo abahlamukela ukukhanya,

abangazaziyo izindlela zalokho kukhanya

loba ukuhlala kuzo.

14 Nxa ukukhanya kwemini sekuhambile

isigebenga siyaphuma sibulale abampofu labaswelayo;

ebusuku siyanyonyoba njengesela.

15 Ilihlo lesiphingi lilindela ukuhlwa;

sikhumbula sithi, ‘Akulamuntu ozangibona,’

sihlala sibusithile ubuso baso.

16 Ebumnyameni abantu bayagqekeza izindlu,

kodwa emini bayazivalela endlini;

kabakufuni ukukhanya.

17 Bonke labo ubumnyama obukhulu buyikusa kubo;

bathandana lezinto ezesabekayo ezobumnyama.

18 Ikanti baligwebu phezu kwamanzi;

esabo isabelo selizwe siqalekisiwe,

ukuze kungayi muntu ezivinini.

19 Njengalokhu ukutshisa lokoma kuhangula ungqwaqwane oncibilikayo,

kanjalo ingcwaba liyabahlwitha abenze isono.

20 Isibeletho siyabakhohlwa,

impethu zizitike phezu kwabo;

abantu ababi kabasakhunjulwa

kodwa bayafohlozwa njengesihlahla.

21 Bancindezela owesifazane oyinyumba longelamntwana,

kumfelokazi kabalamusa.

22 Kodwa uNkulunkulu uyazihudulela kude izikhulu ngamandla akhe.

Noma bangaze bahlale bazinze kodwa kabalathemba lempilo.

23 Angabayekela bahlale besizwa bevikelekile,

kodwa amehlo akhe ayazibona izindlela zabo.

24 Okwesikhatshana nje balodumo, baphinde banyamalale;

bayehliswa njalo bafe njengabo bonke abanye;

bayaqunywa njengezihloko zamabele.

25 Aluba lokhu kungenjalo, ngubani ongathi ngilamanga

alulazise amazwi ami abe yize?”

25

UBhilidadi Uyaphendula

1 Kwathi-ke uBhilidadi umShuhi waphendula wathi:

2 “Umbuso lesizotha kukuye uNkulunkulu;

nguye omisa konke ngemfanelo ezulwini eliphezulu.

3 Amabutho akhe angabalwa na?

Ngubani ongaphunyelwa yikukhanya kwakhe na?

4 Pho umuntu angaba ngolungileyo njani kuNkulunkulu na?

Angenza njani ozelwe ngowesifazane ukuthi ahlanzeke na?

5 Khangela, nxa inyanga ngokwayo ingakhazimuli,

lezinkanyezi zingahlanzekanga emehlweni akhe,

6 pho umuntu-ke usilela kanganani, oyimpethu nje,

umuntu, oyinhlava nje kuphela!”

26

UJobe Uyaphendula

1 UJobe wasephendula wathi:

2 “Usumsize njani ongelamandla!

Usuyilamulele njani ingalo ebuthakathaka!

3 Yiseluleko esinjani osusiphe lowo ongelakuhlakanipha!

Njalo usubonise mbono bani!

4 Ngubani okuncedisileyo ukukhuluma amazwi la na?

Ngokabani umoya okhulume ngomlomo wakho na?

5 Abafileyo basebuhlungwini obukhulu,

labo abangaphansi kwamanzi lalabo abahlala kuwo.

6 UKufa kwambulekile phambi kukaNkulunkulu;

ikhamisile indawo yokubhubha.

7 Uyawendlala umkhathi wenyakatho endaweni engelalutho;

aphanyeke umhlaba phezu kweze.

8 Ugoqele amanzi emayezini akhe,

kodwa amayezi kawapatshaki yikusindwa ngamanzi.

9 Uyayigubuzela inyanga egcweleyo,

endlale amayezi phezu kwayo.

10 Umisa umkhawulo wokwengama umkhathi emanzini

kube ngumngcele phakathi kokukhanya lobumnyama.

11 Izinsika zamazulu ziyazamazama,

zisethuswa yikukhuza kwakhe.

12 Ngamandla akhe waluthulisa ulwandle;

ngenhlakanipho yakhe waquma uRahabi waba yiziqa.

13 Ngomoya wakhe umkhathi wacethula;

isandla sakhe sayigwaza inyoka ibaleka.

14 Njalo le yimisebenzi yakhe engaphandle nje ekucineni;

esikuzwayo yilizwana nje lokunyenyeza kwakhe!

Pho ngubani ongawuzwisisa umdumo wamandla akhe na?”

27

Amazwi KaJobe Okucina Ebanganini Bakhe

1 UJobe waqhubeka ngenkulumo yakhe wathi:

2 “Ngifunga ngoNkulunkulu ophilayo,

ngubani ongithathele ilungelo lami lokwahlulelwa ngokulunga,

uSomandla, ongizwise ubuhlungu bomphefumulo,

3 nxa ngilokhu ngiselempilo ngaphakathi kwami,

umphefumulo kaNkulunkulu usemakhaleni ami,

4 izindebe zami kazisoze zikhulume ububi,

lolimi lwami kaluyikukhuluma inkohliso.

5 Kangisoze ngivume ukuthi lina lilungile ngelikutshoyo;

ngizaze ngiyekufa ngingabulandulanga ubuqotho bami.

6 Ngizakugcina ukulunga kwami ngingakuyekeli;

umzwangedwa wami kawuyikungihlupha empilweni yami.

7 Sengathi izitha zami zingaba njengababi,

abaxabana lami babe njengabangaqondanga!

8 Ngoba ulethemba bani ongakholwayo nxa esefile,

uNkulunkulu angathatha impilo yakhe na?

9 UNkulunkulu uyakulalela yini ukukhala kwakhe

nxa usizi lumehlela na?

10 Uzakuthola yini ukuthokoza kuSomandla?

Uzacela kuNkulunkulu sonke isikhathi na?

11 Ngizalifundisa mayelana lamandla kaNkulunkulu;

izindlela zikaSomandla kangiyikuzifihla.

12 Lonke lizibonele lokhu ngokwenu.

Pho, ngeyani inkulumo yonke le eyize na?

13 Nansi isabelo uNkulunkulu asiqumela ababi,

ilifa elemukelwa ngumuntu olesihluku sivela kuSomandla:

14 Loba bebanengi njani abantwabakhe, isabelo sabo yinkemba;

lenzalo yakhe kayisoze lanini izuze ukudla okwaneleyo.

15 Isifo esibi sizabangcwaba labo abatshiywa nguye besaphila,

labafelokazi babo kabayikubalilela.

16 Lokuba angaze abuthelele isiliva njengothuli

lezigqoko zibe yinqwaba njengodaka,

17 lokho akubuthelelayo abalungileyo bazakugqokela,

labangelacala bazakwaba isiliva sakhe.

18 Indlu ayakhayo injengesidleke sobulembu,

njengedumba elenziwe ngumlindi.

19 Uthi esiyalala enothile, kodwa kasayikuphinda njalo;

uthi esevula amehlo, konke sekuphelile.

20 Utshaywa luvalo kungathi ufuqwa yisikhukhula;

isiphepho siyamhwitha ebusuku.

21 Umoya wempumalanga udlula laye, anyamalale;

uyamkhukhula endaweni yakhe.

22 Utshaya phezu kwakhe ngesihluku

esithi uyabaleka ecambalele evika amandla awo.

23 Utshaya izandla umhleka ulunya

uvunguza laye umsusa endaweni yakhe.”

28

Lapho Okutholakala Khona Inhakanipho

1 Kulomgodi wesiliva

lendawo lapho okucengwa khona igolide.

2 Insimbi ithathwa emhlabathini,

lethusi lincibilikiswa emanyeleni.

3 Umuntu uyawuxotsha umnyama;

uguduza ezingoxweni eziphansi kude

edinga amanyele emnyameni othe bhuqe.

4 Khatshana kwezindawo zabantu ugebha umgodi,

ezindaweni lapho okungafiki nyawo lwamuntu;

khatshana kwabantu uyalenga, azunguzeke.

5 Umhlaba, okuphuma kuwo ukudla,

uyaguquka ngaphansi ingathi utshiswe ngomlilo;

6 amasafire amatshe amahle ayaphuma emadwaleni,

uthuli lwawo lugcwele igolide.

7 Kakukho nyoni edla inyama eyaziyo leyondlela efihlekileyo,

kakulalihlo laluphi ukhozi oselwake lwayibona.

8 Izilo ezizithembileyo kazilubeki unyawo kuyo,

njalo kakulasilwane esizingela khona.

9 Isandla somuntu yiso esihlasela idwala eliyinsengetshe

siveze obala impande zezintaba.

10 Uyaligubha idwala angene;

ilihlo lakhe liwabone wonke amagugu alo.

11 Uyathungatha lapho okudabuka khona imifula

aveze obala izinto ezifihlekileyo.

12 Kodwa ukuhlakanipha kungafunyanwa ngaphi na?

Kuhlala ngaphi na ukuzwisisa?

13 Umuntu kakuzwisisi ukuqakatheka kwakho;

kakufunyanwa elizweni labaphilayo.

14 Phansi ekujuleni kuthi, “Kakukho kimi”;

ulwandle luthi, “Kangilakho mina.”

15 Kungeke kwathengwa ngegolide elicolekileyo,

njalo lentengo yakho ingeke yalinganiswa ngesiliva.

16 Kungeke kwathengwa ngegolide lase-Ofiri,

loba nge-onikisi kumbe isafire.

17 Kungazake kulinganiswe legolide loba amatshe akhazimulayo,

njalo kakuzuzwa ngemiceciso yegolide.

18 Amatshe amahle ekhorali lejaspa lawo kawabalwa lapha;

intengo yokuhlakanipha ingaphezulu kwamarubhi.

19 Ithophazi yaseKhushi ngeke ilinganiswe lakho;

ngeke kuthengwe langegolide elicolekileyo.

20 Pho kuvela ngaphi ukuhlakanipha na?

Kuhlala ngaphi ukuzwisisa?

21 Kufihliwe emehlweni ento yonke ephilayo,

kucatshisiwe lakuzo izinyoni zasemoyeni.

22 INcithakalo loKufa kuthi,

“Amahungahunga akho yiwo kuphela esiwezwayo.”

23 UNkulunkulu uyayizwisisa indlela yakho

njalo nguye yedwa okwaziyo lapho okuhlala khona,

24 ngoba uyayikhangela imikhawulo yomhlaba

akubone konke okungaphansi kwamazulu.

25 Wathi emisa umfutho womoya,

elinganisa isimo samanzi,

26 wathi ebeka umthetho wezulu elinayo

lendlela yezulu elilesiphepho,

27 wasekukhangela ukuhlakanipha wakuhlola butsha;

wakukholwa wakuqinisa, wakulinga ukuthi kuqinile.

28 Wathi emuntwini,

“Ukumesaba uThixo yikho ukuhlakanipha,

lokuxwaya ububi yikho ukuzwisisa.”

29

Ukuzigeza KukaJobe Kokucina

1 UJobe waqhubeka ngenkulumo yakhe wathi:

2 “Ngiyaziloyisa lezozinyanga esezadlulayo,

lezinsuku uNkulunkulu esangilinda,

3 lapho isibane sakhe sisakhanyisa phezu kwekhanda lami

ngihamba ngokukhanya kwakhe emnyameni!

4 Oh, lezinsuku ngisazizwa ukuthi ngiyimi,

lapho ubudlelwano obukhulu loNkulunkulu busesendlini yami,

5 lapho uSomandla eseselami

labantwabami besaphila lami,

6 lapho indlela yami ifafazwe ngolaza ledwala

lingithululela impophoma zamafutha e-oliva.

7 Ekuyeni kwami emasangweni edolobho

ngafika ngahlala enkundleni,

8 amajaha angibona agudluka ema eceleni,

abadala baphakama bema ngezinyawo;

9 amadoda ayizikhulu athula akaze akhuluma

avala imilomo yawo ngezandla zawo;

10 amazwi ezikhulu ehliselwa phansi,

inlimi zazo zanamathela olwangeni lwazo.

11 Loba ngubani owangizwayo wakhuluma kuhle ngami,

kwathi labo abangibonayo bangibuka,

12 ngoba ngalamulela abayanga abacela uncedo,

lezintandane ezazingelamsizi.

13 Indoda eyayisifa yangibusisa;

ngenza inhliziyo yomfelokazi yahlabelela.

14 Ngavunula ukulunga njengezigqoko zami;

ukwahlulela ngokulunga kwaba yisembatho sami lengwane yami.

15 Ngangingamehlo kwabayiziphofu

lezinyawo kwabaqhulayo.

16 Nganginguyise kwabaswelayo;

ngayimela indaba yesihambi.

17 Ngawephula amazinyo ababi

ngahluthuna labo ababebabambile ngamazinyo abo.

18 Ngakhumbula ngathi, ‘Ngizafela endlini yami,

insuku zami zinengi njengezinhlamvu zetshebetshebe.

19 Impande zami zizafinyelela emanzini,

amazolo azalala emagatsheni ubusuku bonke.

20 Udumo lwami luzahlala lulutsha kimi,

idandili lami lilitsha esandleni sami.’

21 Abantu babengilalela belethemba,

belindele ukwelulekwa bethule zwi.

22 Nxa sekukhulume mina, kungakhulumi omunye njalo;

amazwi ami ayengena kamnandi ezindlebeni zabo.

23 Babengilindela njengokulindela izulu,

bawanathe amazwi ami njengezulu lentwasa.

24 Ngangisithi ngingababobothekela, bathabe bangakholwa;

ukukhanya kobuso bami kwakuligugu kubo.

25 Yimi engangibakhethela ukuthi benzeni ngoba ngisanduna kubo;

ngangihlala njengenkosi phakathi kwamabutho ayo;

ngangifana lomduduzi wabalilayo.”

30

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Kodwa manje bayangiklolodela,

amadoda angabantwana kimi,

oyise engangingabehlisa

ngibelusise izimvu zami.

2 Amandla ezandla zabo ayengangisiza ngani mina,

ngoba amadlabuzane abo ayesephelile;

3 sebejujukile ngokuswela langendlala,

bazula elizweni elomileyo

emangweni eyinkangala engelalutho ebusuku.

4 Enkotheni khonale bakha imibhida emunyu,

ukudla kwabo kuzimpande zezihlahla.

5 Baxotshwa ebantwini bakibo,

bathethiswa kungathi babengamasela.

6 Kwasekumele bahlale ezihotsheni zezifula ezomileyo,

ezimbalwini emadwaleni lemilindini emhlabathini.

7 Bakhonya phakathi kwezihlahla

baququbala ezixukwini.

8 Base bengabantu abaphansi abangaselabizo,

sebexotshiwe elizweni.

9 Kodwa manje amadodana abo asengihaya ngengoma;

sengiyisiga kubo.

10 Bayangenyanya njalo bamela khatshana lami;

kabathikazi ukungikhafulela ebusweni.

11 Khathesi njengoba uNkulunkulu eselithukulule idandili lami

wangitshaya ngezinhlupheko,

sebeklamasa kabasazithinti.

12 Kwesokunene kwami ixuku liyangihlasela;

bathiya inyawo zami ngemijibila

bakhe imibundu yokungivimbezela.

13 Badiliza indlela yami;

bayaphumelela ukungibhidliza

besithi ‘Akekho ozamsiza.’

14 Bahlasela ingathi bafohlela esikhaleni esivulekileyo;

beza bethululeka phezu kwezinqwaba zamanxiwa.

15 Ukwesaba okukhulu kungiphethe;

isithunzi sami sobuntu singathi siphethwe ngumoya,

ukuvikeleka kwami kunyamalala njengeyezi.

16 Manje impilo yami isincipha;

insuku zokuhlupheka zingibambe nko.

17 Ubusuku bugwaza amathambo ami;

lokuqaqamba kobuhlungu bami kakupheli.

18 Ngamandla akhe amakhulu uNkulunkulu unjengelembu kimi;

uyangikhama ngamabheqe entanyeni yami.

19 Ungivoxela edakeni,

ngicina sengiluthuli lomlotha.

20 Ngikhala kuwe, Oh Nkulunkulu, kodwa kawuphenduli;

ngiyasukuma, kodwa uyangikhangela kuphela.

21 Ungisukela ngesihluku;

ungihlasela ngamandla esandla sakho.

22 Uyangihlwitha ngiphetshulwe ngumoya;

ngiphoseke le lale phakathi kwesiphepho.

23 Ngiyazi ukuthi uzangilalisa phansi ekufeni,

endaweni emiselwe konke okuphilayo.

24 Ngempela kakho ombeka isandla umuntu oswelayo

nxa ekhalela ukusizwa esebunzimeni.

25 Kangibakhalelanga yini labo abahluphekileyo?

Umoya wami kawubazwelanga usizi abayanga na?

26 Kodwa ngathi ngilindele ubuhle, kweza ububi;

ngathi ngilindele ukukhanya kweza ubumnyama.

27 Ukudunguluka ngaphakathi kwami kakukhawuli;

insuku zokuhlupheka zingijamele.

28 Ngihamba nje ngimnyama kubi, kungesikutshiswa lilanga;

ngiyasukuma enkundleni ngicele uncedo.

29 Sengingumfowabo wamakhanka,

umkhula wezikhova.

30 Isikhumba sami siba mnyama, siyaxathuka;

umzimba wami uyatshisa ngomkhuhlane.

31 Ichacho lami selilungiselwe isililo,

lomqangala wami ulindele umkhosi wokukhala.”

31

UJobe Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Ngasenza isivumelwano lamehlo ami

ukuthi angakhangeli intombi ayihawukele.

2 Siyini isabelo somuntu asabelwe nguNkulunkulu ophezulu na,

ilifa lakhe elivela kuSomandla phezulu?

3 Akusikubhujiswa kwababi

lokutshabalaliswa kwalabo abenza okubi na?

4 Kanti kaziboni yini izindlela zami

abale zonke izinyathelo zami?

5 Nxa ngike ngahamba ngokwamanga

loba unyawo lwami lwakhuthalela inkohliso

6 uNkulunkulu akangikale esikalini sakhe esiqotho

ukuze abone ukuthi angilasici,

7 nxa izinyathelo zami zike zaphambuka endleleni,

nxa inhliziyo yami ikhokhelwe ngamehlo ami,

noma kumbe izandla zami zike zangcoliswa,

8 lapho-ke abanye kabazidlele lokho engikuhlanyeleyo,

njalo amabele ami kawasitshunwe.

9 Nxa inhliziyo yami ike yakhangwa ngowesifazane,

kumbe nxa ngike ngacathama ngasemnyango kamakhelwane,

10 lapho-ke owami umfazi kacholele enye indoda,

njalo amanye amadoda kawalale laye.

11 Ngoba lokho bekuzakuba lihlazo,

isono esifanele ukwahlulelwa.

12 Kungumlilo otshisayo onguMaqothula;

ngabe kwasiphuna isivuno sami.

13 Nxa ngingaphathanga kuhle izisebenzi zami,

esesilisa lesesifazane

nxa kukhona abakusolayo kimi,

14 ngizakuthini lapho uNkulunkulu esengibuza ngakho na?

Ngizaphendula ngithini nxa sekumele ngichaze na?

15 Yena lowo owangenzayo esibelethweni kabenzanga labo na?

Kasuye yini yena kanye owasenzayo sonke

phakathi kwezisu zabomama na?

16 Nxa ngilahlele eceleni izifiso zabayanga

loba ngayekela amehlo omfelokazi edinwa yizinyembezi,

17 nxa ngizidlele ngedwa isinkwa sami,

ngingasabelani lezintandane,

18 kodwa ebutsheni bami ngabondla njengaboyise,

njalo kusukela ekuzalweni kwami ngamkhokhela umfelokazi,

19 nxa ngike ngabona umuntu esifa ngokuswela izigqoko,

loba umuntu oswelayo engelasivunulo,

20 njalo inhliziyo yakhe ayingibusisanga

ngokumfudumeza ngoboya bezimvu zami,

21 nxa ngike ngaphakamisa isandla sami phezu kwentandane,

kodwa mina ngikwazi ukuthi bayangilalela emthethwandaba,

22 nxa kunjalo kayikhumuke ingalo yami kusukela ehlombe,

kayephulwe endololwaneni.

23 Ngoba ngesaba ukubhubhisa kukaNkulunkulu,

kwathi ngokwesaba inkazimulo yakhe,

ngayekela ukwenza izinto ezinjalo.

24 Nxa ngifake ithemba lami phezu kwegolide,

loba ngathi kulo igolide elicolekileyo, ‘Ulithemba lami,’

25 nxa bengithokoziswa yinotho yami enengi,

lenzuzo evele ngezandla zami,

26 nxa ngilikhangele ilanga libenyezela

loba inyanga ihamba ngenkazimulo,

27 yaze yayengeka inhliziyo yami ngaphakathi

nganga isandla sami ukuzikhonza,

28 lezi lazo yizono ebezifanele ukwahlulelwa,

ngoba bengizabe ngingathembekanga kuNkulunkulu ophezulu.

29 Nxa ngike ngathokoza ngomnyama owehlele isitha sami

kumbe ngagqabhaza ngohlupho olumehleleyo,

30 kangivumelanga umlomo wami ukuba wenze isono

ngokuqalekisa ukuphila kwakhe,

31 nxa abantu bendlu yami bengakaze bathi,

‘Ngubani ongazange azitike ngenyama kaJobe na?’

32 kodwa kakulasihambi esake salala emgwaqweni,

ngoba umnyango wami wawuhlala uvulelwe izihambi

33 nxa ngisithukuzile isono sami njengokwenziwa ngabantu,

ngokufihla umlandu wami enhliziyweni yami

34 ngoba ngisesaba abantu

ngithuthunyeliswa yikweyiswa ngabosendo

ngazithulela ngaze ngala lokuphumela phandle.

35 (Oh, kube ukhona ongizwayo!

Sengisayina incwadi yokuzivikela kwami,

uSomandla kangiphendule;

ongimangalelayo kabhale phansi

icala angethesa lona.

36 Leyoncwadi ngingayithwala ehlombe lami,

ngingayithwala ekhanda njengomqhele.

37 Bengingamchazela ngokugcweleyo

ngazozonke izinyathelo zami;

ngisondele kuye njengenkosana.)

38 Nxa ilizwe lakithi lingiphika

lemifolo yalo imanzi ngezinyembezi,

39 nxa ngike ngadla izithelo zalo angaze ngabhadala

loba ngephula imimoya yabanikazi,

40 nxa kunjalo kakumile ameva esikhundleni sengqoloyi,

lokhula esikhundleni sebhali.”

Aphela lapha amazwi kaJobe.

32

Inkulumo Ka-Elihu

1 Amadoda la womathathu ema ukuphendula uJobe ngoba wayelungile ngokubona kwakhe. 2 Kodwa u-Elihu indodana kaBharakeli umBhuzi, owendlu kaRamu, wamzondela uJobe ngokuzigeza yena endaweni yokugezwa nguNkulunkulu. 3 Wayebazondele njalo labangane labo bobathathu ngoba babengayitholanga indlela yokuphikisa uJobe kodwa bemlahlile ngokumsola. 4 U-Elihu wayeke wema ukukhuluma loJobe ngoba babebadala kulaye. 5 Kodwa kwathi esebona ukuthi wonke amadoda womathathu ayengaselalutho ayengalutsho, ulaka lwakhe lwavutha.

6 Ngakho-ke u-Elihu indodana kaBharakeli umBhuzi wathi:

“Ngimncinyane ngeminyaka,

lina libadala;

yikho bengisesaba,

ngithikaza ukutsho engikwaziyo.

7 Ngikhumbule ngathi, ‘Kakukhulume ubudala;

iminyaka yokukhula kayifundise ukuhlakanipha.’

8 Kodwa kungumoya osemuntwini,

ukuphefumula kukaSomandla, okumupha ukuqedisisa.

9 Kakusibo bodwa abadala abahlakaniphileyo,

njalo kakusibo bodwa abalupheleyo abakuzwisisayo okulungileyo.

10 Ngakho ngithi: Lalelani kimi;

lami ngizalitshela engikwaziyo.

11 Bengithule lisakhuluma,

ngikulalele ukucabanga kwenu;

lathi lisadinga amazwi,

12 ngalilalela ngokupheleleyo.

Kodwa kakho lamunye kini otshengise ukuthi uJobe ulahlekile;

kakho omunye wenu osephendule imibono yakhe.

13 Lingaze lathi, ‘Sesikutholile ukuhlakanipha;

uNkulunkulu kaveze ukuphosisa kwakhe, hatshi umuntu.’

14 Kodwa uJobe kakaqondisisi amazwi akhe kimi,

futhi kangiyikumphendula ngendlela yenu yokuphikisa.

15 Sebededile kabaselakho okunye abangakutsho;

sebesilela amazwi.

16 Ngike ngime na njengoba sebethule,

sebemi nje laphayana bengaselampendulo?

17 Lami ngisake ngikhulume;

lami ngizakutsho engikwaziyo.

18 Ngoba manengi amazwi engilawo,

umoya ongaphakathi kwami uyangifuqa;

19 ngaphakathi ngiyafuthelana njengewayini elivalelwe embodleleni;

njengemixhaka yewayini esifuna ukudubuka.

20 Kumele ngikhulume ukuze ngibhodle;

kumele ngivule indebe zami ngiphendule.

21 Kangizukutshengisa ubandlululo loba kukubani,

futhi kangisoze ngiyenge muntu;

22 ngoba ngabe ngangiligabazi ekukhulumeni,

uMenzi wami ubezangisusa masinyane.”

33

U-Elihu Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Khathesi-ke, Jobe, lalela amazwi ami;

lalelisisa konke engikutshoyo.

2 Sengizawuvula umlomo wami;

amazwi ami asesolimini lwami.

3 Amazwi ami aphuma enhliziyweni eqotho;

izindebe zami zikhuluma ngokukholwa lokho engikwaziyo.

4 UMoya kaNkulunkulu wangenza;

umphefumulo kaSomandla ungipha impilo.

5 Ngiphendula nxa usenelisa;

zilungiselele ukuthi ungiphikise.

6 Lami nginjengawe phambi kukaNkulunkulu;

lami njalo ngathathwa emhlabathini.

7 Ukungesaba kwakho makungakwethusi,

njalo isandla sami masingasindi kuwe.

8 Kodwa ukhulumile ngisizwa,

ngiwezwile amazwi wona kanye,

9 ‘Ngimsulwa njalo kangilasono;

ngihlanzekile kangilamlandu.

10 Ikanti uNkulunkulu ubone okusolekayo kimi;

ungithatha njengesitha sakhe.

11 Uyazikhina inyawo zami ngezibopho;

uyaziqaphelisisa zonke izindlela zami.’

12 Kodwa ngiyakutshela ukuthi lapha uyalahleka,

uNkulunkulu mkhulu kulomuntu.

13 Kungani umsola

usithi kaphenduli amazwi omuntu na?

14 Ngempela uNkulunkulu uyakhuluma,

khathesi akhulume ngale indlela,

aphinde akhulume ngenye

lokuba umuntu angaze akunanzelela.

15 Kungaba ngephupho, kube ngombono ebusuku

lapho abantu belele befile

bethe nya emibhedeni yabo,

16 angakhuluma ezindlebeni zabo,

abethuse ngezixwayiso,

17 ukuze aguqule umuntu ekwenzeni okubi

aqede ukuzikhukhumeza kwakhe,

18 ukulondoloza umphefumulo wakhe ungayi egodini,

lempilo yakhe ingabhubhi ngenkemba.

19 Loba umuntu angajeziswa ngobuhlungu esembhedeni wakhe,

langokuqaqamba okungathuliyo emathanjeni akhe,

20 aze ezwe umzimba wakhe usunengwa yikudla

lomoya wakhe usenyanya lokudla okumnandi kakhulu.

21 Inyama yakhe iyacikizeka iphele,

lamathambo akhe ayekade evaliwe abonakale egcekeni.

22 Umoya wakhe uyasondela egodini,

lempilo yakhe kuzo izithunywa zokufa.

23 Kodwa nxa kulengilosi eceleni kwakhe,

engumeli, eyodwa phakathi kwenkulungwane,

ukutshela umuntu okuyikho okumfaneleyo,

24 ukuba lomusa kuye isithi,

‘Mxolele angayingena egodini;

sengimzuzele inhlawulo yakhe yokumhlenga

25 bese inyama yakhe ivuselelwa njengeyomntwana;

iyavuselelwa ibe njengezinsukwini zobutsha bakhe.’

26 Uyakhuleka kuNkulunkulu amthokozele,

abubone ubuso bukaNkulunkulu amemeze ngentokozo;

uyabuyiselwa nguNkulunkulu esimeni sakhe sokulunga.

27 Kuthi-ke abesebuya ebantwini athi,

‘Ngenza isono, ngahlanekela okulungileyo,

kodwa kangisazuzanga obekungifanele.

28 Wawuhlenga umphefumulo wami ukuze ungayi egodini,

ngakho ngizaphila ukuze ngikholise ukukhanya.’

29 UNkulunkulu uyazenza zonke lezizinto emuntwini

kabili, noma kathathu

30 ukubuyisa umphefumulo wakhe ungayi egodini,

ukuthi isibane sokuphila sikhanye kuye.

31 Nanzelela, Jobe, ulalele kimi;

thula kukhulume mina.

32 Nxa ulolutho lokutsho, ngiphendula;

khuluma sibili, ngoba ngifuna ukuthi ugezwe umlandu.

33 Kodwa nxa lungekho lalela kimi;

thula zwi mina ngizakufundisa ukuhlakanipha.”

34

U-Elihu Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 U-Elihu waqhubeka esithi:

2 “Zwanini amazwi ami, lina madoda ahlakaniphileyo;

lalelani kimi, lina madoda ayizifundiswa.

3 Phela indlebe iyawahlola amazwi

njengolimi lunambitha ukudla.

4 Asizihluzeleni thina okulungileyo;

kasifundeni ndawonye okuhle.

5 UJobe uthi, ‘Kangilacala,

kodwa uNkulunkulu kangahluleli ngokulunga.

6 Loba mina ngiqondile,

kuthiwa ngilamanga;

loba ngingelacala,

umtshoko wakhe ungihlaba isilonda esingelaphekiyo.’

7 UJobe kanti ungumuntu bani,

onatha ukuklolodela njengamanzi?

8 Uzwanana labantu abenza ububi;

uhambisana labantu ababi.

9 Ngoba uthi, ‘Umuntu kakumsizi ngalutho

ukuzama ukuthokozisa uNkulunkulu.’

10 Ngakho lalelani kimi lina madoda azwisisayo.

Kakube khatshana laye uNkulunkulu

ukwenza ububi, khatshana kukaSomandla ukona.

11 Uyamphindisela umuntu ngalokho akwenzileyo;

umehlisela lokho okufanele ukuziphatha kwakhe.

12 Kakungeni engqondweni

ukuthi uNkulunkulu angenza ububi,

ukuthi uSomandla

angakutshila ukwahlulela ngokulunga.

13 Ngubani owambekayo phezu komhlaba na?

Ngubani owathi kalawule umhlaba wonke na?

14 Aluba wayengathanda

asuse umoya wakhe lokuphefumula,

15 bonke abantu babengatshabalala kanyekanye,

umuntu wayezabuyela othulini.

16 Nxa lilokuzwisisa, zwanini lokhu;

lalelani lokhu engikutshoyo.

17 Kambe lowo ozonda ukwahlulela ngokulunga angabusa na?

Liyamlahla yini Yena oqotho njalo olamandla?

18 Kayisuye yini othi emakhosini, ‘Kalisizi lutho,’

athi kwabayizikhulu, ‘Libabi,’

19 ongatshengisi ukwazisa amakhosana kulabanye

loba athande abanothileyo kulabayanga,

ngoba bonke bangumsebenzi wezandla zakhe?

20 Bayafa nje masinyane, loba phakathi kobusuku;

abantu bayanyikinywa bedlule;

abalamandla bayasuswa kungelasandla somuntu.

21 Amehlo akhe aphezu kwezindlela zabantu;

ubona zonke izinyathelo zabo.

22 Akulandawo emnyama loba ithunzi elisithileyo,

lapho abenzi bobubi abangacatsha khona.

23 UNkulunkulu kasweli ukuthi aphinde abahlolisise abantu,

ukuze abalethe ekwahlulelweni phambi kwakhe.

24 Engaqalanga wahlola uyabaphahlaza abalamandla

abeke abanye endaweni yabo.

25 Ngoba ezinanzelela izenzo zabo,

uyabagenqula ebusuku bahlifizeke.

26 Uyabajezisa ngenxa yobubi babo

kube segcekeni emuntwini wonke,

27 ngoba baphambuka ekumlandeleni

abaze banaka layiphi indlela yakhe.

28 Benza ukukhala kwabayanga kweza phambi kwakhe,

laye wakuzwa ukukhala kwabasweleyo.

29 Kodwa nxa elokhu ezithulele, ngubani ongamsola na?

Angafihla ubuso bakhe ngubani ongambona na?

Kanti uphezu komuntu lesizwe ngokufanayo,

30 ukwalela ongamesabiyo uNkulunkulu ukuthi abuse,

ukuze angafakeli abantu izifu.

31 Akesithi umuntu athi kuNkulunkulu,

‘Ngilecala kodwa kangisayikona njalo.

32 Ngifundisa lokho engingakuboniyo;

nxa ngenze okubi, kangisayikuphinda ngikwenze.’

33 Pho uNkulunkulu akuvuze ngokwentando yakho na,

wena usala ukuphenduka?

Kumele ukhethe wena, hatshi mina;

ngakho ngitshela lokho okwaziyo.

34 Amadoda alokuqedisisa azakutsho,

amadoda ahlakaniphileyo abangizwayo ngisithi kini,

35 ‘UJobe ukhuluma engelalwazi;

amazwi akhe kawalambono.’

36 Oh, uJobe angasake alingwe ngokweqileyo

ngoba uphendule njengomuntu omubi!

37 Phezu kwesono sakhe wengeza ukuhlamuka;

uyakloloda ngokuqakeza izandla zakhe phakathi kwethu

andise amazwi akhe aphikisa uNkulunkulu.”

35

U-Elihu Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 U-Elihu wasesithi:

2 “Ukhumbula ukuthi lokhu kulungile yini?

Uthi, ‘Ngizagezwa nguNkulunkulu.’

3 Kodwa uyambuza uthi, ‘Kungisiza ngani lokhu na,

njalo ngizuzani ngokungenzi isono?’

4 Ngithanda ukukuphendula

kanye labangane bakho abalapha.

5 Ake ukhangele emazulwini ubone;

khangela amayezi aphakeme kangaka ngaphezu kwakho.

6 Ungaze wenze isono, lokho kumthinta ngani na?

Nxa izono zakho zizinengi, kwenzani lokho kuye na?

7 Nxa ulungile, kuyini omnika khona wena na,

kumbe yena wamukelani esandleni sakho?

8 Ububi bakho bulimaza kuphela umuntu onjengawe,

lokulunga kwakho kuthinta amadodana abantu kuphela.

9 Abantu bayakhala ngomthwalo wokuncindezelwa;

bacela ukuphunyuzwa ezingalweni zalabo abalamandla.

10 Kodwa kakho othi, ‘Ungaphi uNkulunkulu uMenzi wami na,

opha amahubo ebusuku,

11 osifundisayo thina kulezinyamazana zalapha emhlabeni

asenze sihlakaniphe kulezinyoni zasemoyeni?’

12 Kaphenduli nxa abantu bebiza

ngenxa yokuziphakamisa kwababi.

13 Ngempela uNkulunkulu kakulaleli ukuncenga kwabo kwamanga;

uSomandla kayilaleli into enjalo.

14 Kuzakuba njani pho, angakulalela

nxa usithi kawumboni,

usithi indaba yakho iphambi kwakhe

ngakho kuzamele ulinde yena,

15 njalo futhi, ukuthi ulaka lwakhe kalujezisi

njalo akabunanzi lakancane ububi.

16 Yikho uJobe evula umlomo wakhe ekhuluma ize;

ngokuswela ulwazi wandisa amazwi.”

36

U-Elihu Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 U-Elihu waqhubeka esithi:

2 “Ake lingibekezelele okwesikhatshana ukuze ngilitshengise

ukuthi kunengi okumele kutshiwo ngobuhle bukaNkulunkulu.

3 Ngiluzuza kude ulwazi lwami;

ngithi ukwahlulela okulungileyo ngokukaMenzi wami.

4 Yiba leqiniso ukuthi amazwi ami aqinisile;

yena opheleleyo elwazini ulawe.

5 UNkulunkulu ulamandla, kodwa keyisi muntu;

ulamandla njalo katshedi ezimisweni zakhe.

6 Ababi kabayekeli bephila

kodwa abahluphekayo uyabapha okubafaneleyo.

7 Kawasusi amehlo akhe kwabalungileyo;

ubakhweza esihlalweni kanye lamakhosi

abaphakamise nini lanini.

8 Kodwa nxa abantu bebotshwe ngamaketane,

bethiwe nko ngezibopho zezinhlupheko,

9 uyabatshela lokho abakwenzileyo,

ukuthi benze isono ngokuziphakamisa.

10 Ubenza balalele ukuqondiswa

abalaye ukuthi baphenduke ebubini babo.

11 Nxa bemlalela bamkhonze,

zonke insuku zabo eziseleyo zizaphumelela,

leminyaka yabo ibe ngeyokusuthiseka.

12 Kodwa nxa bengalaleli,

bazabhubha ngenkemba,

bafe bengelalwazi.

13 Abangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu bagodle ukusola enhliziyweni;

loba angaze ababophe kabaceli ukusizwa.

14 Bafa besesebatsha,

bephakathi kweziphingi ezingamadoda,

ezihlala ezindaweni zokukhonzela.

15 Kodwa labo abahluphekayo

uyabakhulula ekuhluphekeni kwabo;

ukhuluma labo besezinkathazweni zabo.

16 Uyakulimukisa ukuthi uphume emihlathini yosizi

uye endaweni ebanzi,

ekhululekileyo njalo engelazibopho,

ebumnandini betafula yakho igcwele izidlo ezimnandi.

17 Kodwa manje usindwa yikwahlulelwa okulungele ababi;

ukuthonisiswa lokwahlulelwa ngokulunga

yikho osekukuduba.

18 Qaphela kungabikhona okulingayo ngenotho;

ungavumeli ukuthengwa ngemali kukususe endleleni.

19 Kambe inotho yakho loba konke ukutshikatshika kwakho

kungakusekela ukuze ungangeni osizini na?

20 Ungalangazeleli ubusuku,

ukuze uyohudula abantu ezindaweni zabo.

21 Qaphela ungangeni kokubi,

okukhanya ingathi uyakuthanda kulokuhlupheka.

22 UNkulunkulu uphakeme ngamandla akhe.

Ngubani ongafundisa njengaye na?

23 Ngubani omisele izindlela zakhe na,

loba othe kuye, ‘Usuwenze okungalunganga?’

24 Khumbula ukukhulisa umsebenzi wakhe,

abantu abawudumisileyo ngengoma.

25 Bonke abantu jikelele bakubonile lokhu;

abantu bakukhangela bemi khatshana.

26 Ubukhulu bukaNkulunkulu bungaphezulu kokuzwisisa kwethu!

Iminyaka yakhe ingezake yaziwe.

27 Uyawadonsa amathonsi amanzi,

aqulungane abe lizulu elingena ezifuleni;

28 amayezi athulula amanzi awo

kune izulu elikhulu ebantwini.

29 Ngubani ongakuzwisisa ukuthi uwendlala njani amayezi na,

ukuthi ukhwaza njani esesiqongweni sakhe na?

30 Ake libone ukuthi uwuhlakaza njani umbane wakhe azizingelezele ngawo,

abhukutshe ezinzikini zolwandle.

31 Yiyo indlela abusa ngayo izizwe

aziphe ukudla okunengi.

32 Ugcwalisa izandla zakhe ngombane

awukhombise lapho omele utshaye khona.

33 Ukuduma kwakhe kubika isiphepho esizayo;

lenkomo ziyatshengisa ukuza kwaso.”

37

U-Elihu Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Konke lokhu kwenza inhliziyo yami itshaye

ize itshede endaweni yayo.

2 Lalela! Lalela ukubhonga kwelizwi lakhe,

ukuzamazama okuphuma emlonyeni wakhe.

3 Uyawukhulula umbane wakhe ngaphansi kwawo wonke amazulu

awuthumele emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

4 Ngemva kwalokho kuza umdumo wokubhonga kwakhe;

uduma ngelizwi lakhe lobukhosi.

Nxa ilizwi lakhe seliqaqamba

ulikhulula lonke angaligodli.

5 Ilizwi likaNkulunkulu liduma ngezindlela ezimangalisayo;

wenza izinto ezinkulu ngaphezu kokuzwisisa kwethu.

6 Utshela ungqwaqwane athi, ‘Khithika phezu komhlaba,’

lezulu athi kulo, ‘Thululeka ube yisihlambo esikhulu.’

7 Ukuze kuthi bonke abantu abadalayo bakwazi ukusebenza kwakhe,

uyamisa umuntu wonke emsebenzini wakhe.

8 Izinyamazana ziyacatsha;

zihlale ezikhundleni zazo.

9 Isiphepho siyaphuma ekamelweni laso,

umqando uphume entshongolweni esikayo.

10 Ukuphefumula kukaNkulunkulu kukhupha iliqhwa,

amanzi aluwaca ajiye abe yilitshe.

11 Ugcwalisa amayezi ngamanzi;

ahlakaze umbane wakhe ngawo.

12 Ngokuqondisa kwakhe ayaqhela embese umhlaba wonke

ukuze enze loba yini awalaya yona.

13 Uyawaletha amayezi ajezise ngawo abantu,

loba ukuthelezela umhlaba wakhe ukuze atshengise uthando lwakhe.

14 Lalela lokhu, Jobe;

akume ukhumbule izimangaliso zikaNkulunkulu.

15 Uyakwazi na ukuthi uNkulunkulu uwalawula njani amayezi

enze umbane wakhe ulavuke?

16 Uyakwazi na ukuthi amayezi emi njani elengile,

leyomimangaliso yakhe yena lowo opheleleyo elwazini?

17 Wena oginqiswa yikutshisa kwezigqoko zakho

nxa umhlaba uthule zwi kubetha umoya waseningizimu,

18 ungamncedisa yini ukwendlala isibhakabhaka,

esilukhuni njengesibuko sensimbi yethusi?

19 Ake usitshele ukuthi pho sithini kuye;

ngeke siyimise kuhle indaba yethu ngoba kumnyama nje lapha kithi.

20 Atshelwe kambe ukuthi ngifuna ukukhuluma?

Ukhona umuntu ongacela ukuthi aginywe?

21 Phela kakho ongalikhangela ilanga,

njengoba licazimula kangaka esibhakabhakeni

nxa umoya uwaphephule wonke amayezi kwacethula.

22 Esuka enyakatho uqhamuka ngenkazimulo enjengegolide;

uNkulunkulu uqhamuka ngobukhosi obesabekayo.

23 USomandla asingeke simfinyelele njalo uphakeme ulamandla;

ekwahluleleni kwakhe okuhle lokulunga okukhulu kancindezeli.

24 Ngakho-ke abantu bayamhlonipha,

ngoba kanti kabanaki yini bonke abahlakaniphileyo enhliziyweni?”

38

UThixo Uyakhuluma

1  UThixo wasekhuluma loJobe ephakathi kwesiphepho. Wathi:

2 “Ngubani na lowo odunga amacebo ami

ngamazwi okungazi?

3 Qina njengendoda;

ngizakubuza,

lawe uzangiphendula.

4 Wawungaphi lapho ngibeka izisekelo zomhlaba na?

Ngitshela nxa uqedisisa.

5 Ngubani owamisa izilinganiso zawo na? Phela angithi uyazi!

Ngubani owayidonsayo intambo yokulinganisa kuwo na?

6 Izinsika zawo zamiswa phezu kwani na,

loba ngubani owamisa ilitshe lawo lekhoneni na

7 lapho izinkanyezi zokusa zazihlabelela kanyekanye

lezingilosi zonke zamemeza ngentokozo?

8 Ngubani owavalela ulwandle ngemva kwezivalo

lapho selufohla esiswini na,

9 lapho ngisenza amayezi aba yisembatho salo na

ngalugoqela ngomnyama omkhulu,

10 lapho ngalubekela imikhawulo

ngamisa iminyango yalo lemigoqo endaweni yayo,

11 lapho engathi, ‘Ungeza uze ufike lapha kodwa ungedluli;

kulapha amagagasi akho azigqajayo aphelela khona?’

12 Sewake wabekela ikuseni umthetho na,

loba watshengisa ukusa indawo yakho

13 ukuba kuphakamise umhlaba ngemiphetho

kuthintithe ababi abakuwo?

14 Umhlaba ubumbeka isimo njengebumba ufakwe uphawu;

imibala yawo ikhanye ithi bha njengelembu.

15 Ababi bayacitshelwa ukukhanya,

lengalo yabo ephakanyisiweyo iyephulwa.

16 Sewake wahamba emithonjeni yolwandle na

loba wahamba ezingoxweni zenziki yalo na?

17 Amasango okufa aseke abonakaliswa kuwe na?

Usuke wawabona amasango ethunzi lokufa na?

18 Ubuqedisisile na ubukhulu bobubanzi bomhlaba?

Ngitshela nxa ukwazi konke lokhu.

19 Yiphi indlela eya ekhaya elihlala ukukhanya na?

Ubumnyama bona buhlala ngaphi?

20 Ungakusa ezindaweni zakho na?

Uyazazi izindlela eziya emizini yazo na?

21 Ye uyakwazi, ngoba wawuvele usuzelwe!

Usuphile iminyaka yonke le!

22 Sewake wangena eziphaleni zikangqwaqwane

loba wabona iziphala zesiqhotho na,

23 engizilindisele izikhathi zohlupho,

insuku zempi lokuhlasela na?

24 Ingaphi indlela eya esigodlweni sokwaba umbane,

loba indawo yokuhlakaza umoya wempumalanga phezu komhlaba na?

25 Ngubani ogubhe intshukuntshu yezihlambo zezulu,

lendlela yomdumo wesiphepho;

26 ukuthelezela ilizwe elingahlali muntu,

inkangala okungelamuntu kuyo,

27 ukusuthisa ilizwe elilugwadule

kulenze lihlume utshani na?

28 Izulu elinayo liloyise na?

Ngubani onguyise wamathonsi amazolo na?

29 Ngesikabani isisu esizala iliqhwa na?

Ngubani ozala umtshazo ovela phezulu na

30 lapho amanzi abalukhuni njengelitshe,

lapho iphezulu yolwandle ijiyile?

31 Ungasibopha na isiLimela lesi esihle?

Ungazithukulula yini izintambo zeziNja?

32 Ungawuletha na uMthala ngesikhathi sawo

loba ukhuphe inkanyezi ethiwa yiNgulube lemidlwane yayo?

33 Uyayazi imithetho yasezulwini na?

Ungawakha yini umbuso kaNkulunkulu emhlabeni?

34 Ungawamemeza yini amayezi

uthi akunethise ngesihlambo samanzi?

35 Uyakuthuma yini ukuphazima kombane?

Uyabika kuwe yini uthi, ‘Ngilapha’?

36 Ngubani owapha inhliziyo ukuhlakanipha

kumbe owapha ingqondo ukuzwisisa na?

37 Ngubani ololwazi lokubala amayezi na?

Ngubani ongagenqula amaqhaga asezulwini na

38 nxa uthuli seluqina

lamagade omhlabathi esebumbene?

39 Uyasizingelela na isilwanekazi ukudla kwaso,

uyiqede indlala yezilwane

40 lapho zilele ezikhundleni zazo

kumbe zicwathile ezixukwini?

41 Ngubani opha iwabayi ukudla

lapho amatsiyane alo ekhala kuNkulunkulu

ezulazula ehayila ngendlala na?”

39

UThixo Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Uyakwazi na ukuthi amagogo azala nini?

Uyawubukele yini nxa impalakazi izala izinyane layo?

2 Uyawuzibale yini izinyanga zize zizale?

Uyasazi isikhathi ezizazala ngaso na?

3 Ziyalala phansi zizale abantwana bazo;

kube sekuphela ubuhlungu bokuhelelwa kwazo.

4 Amazinyane azo ayaqina akhule abe lamandla egangeni;

ayasuka ahambe angabuyi.

5 Ngubani owakhulula ubabhemi weganga na?

Ngubani owathukulula igoda lakhe na?

6 Ngamupha ugwadule lwaba likhaya lakhe,

lenkangala yetswayi ibe ngumango wakhe.

7 Uyazincifela iziphithiphithi zedolobho;

kakuzwa ukukhahlanyezwa ngumtshayeli.

8 Uyazihambela abhode izintaba emadlelweni akhe

edinga loba yini eluhlaza.

9 Inyathi kambe izavuma ukukusebenzela na?

Izahlala esibayeni sakho ebusuku na?

10 Ungayibamba ngomchilo ulime ngayo na?

Ingazilima na izigodi zakho?

11 Ungayithemba yini ngenxa yamandla ayo amakhulu na?

Ungawuyekelela yona umsebenzi wakho onzima na?

12 Ungayithemba ukuthi izalayitsha amabele akho na

iwase esizeni?

13 Impiko zentshe zitshaya kakuhle,

kodwa ngeke zilinganiswe

lempiko kanye lezinsiba zengabuzane.

14 Ibekela amaqanda ayo emhlabathini

iwayekele afudumale etshebetshebeni,

15 inganakananga ukuthi unyawo oluthile lungawahlifiza,

ukuthi inyamazana yeganga ethile ingawanyathela.

16 Amatsiyane ayo iyawakhahlameza, kube sengathi akusi wayo;

ingakhathali ukuthi ukubekela kwayo kwaba yize,

17 ngoba uNkulunkulu kayiphanga ukuhlakanipha

loba ingqondo yokubona okufaneleyo.

18 Kodwa nxa isiselula impiko zayo ukuthi igijime,

iyalihleka ibhiza lomgadi walo.

19 Uyalipha na wena ibhiza amandla

kumbe ugqokise intamo yalo ngomhlonga na?

20 Uyalenza leqe njengentethe na,

lingethuse ngokuhwabha kwalo kokuziqenya?

21 Liyaphanda ngenkani, lithokoziswa ngamandla alo,

lidlubulunde lihlasela isitha.

22 Liyakuhleka ukwesaba, kalesabi lutho;

kaliyikhekhelezi inkemba.

23 Umxhaka wemitshoko ukhehlezela emhlubulweni walo,

ndawonye lomkhonto obenyezelayo kanye lomdikadika.

24 Liyafuthelana ngamadlabuzane ligijime limbe phansi;

kakulivumeli ukuma nxa icilongo selikhala.

25 Konela ukuthi likhale icilongo lihwabhe lithi, ‘Aha!’

Lihle lilizwe iphunga lempi isesekhatshana,

ukukhwaza kwezinduna lomkhosi wempi.

26 Ukhozi luphatshiswa yikuhlakanipha kwakho na

lwelule impiko zalo ziqonde eningizimu?

27 Ukhozi luntweza ngokutshelwa nguwe yini

kanye lokwakhela isidleke salo esiqongweni?

28 Luhlala eliweni, lulale khona ebusuku;

idwala elililiwa yilo inqaba yalo.

29 Ludinga ukudla kwayo lusuka khona;

amehlo alo akubona ekude.

30 Amatsiyane alo azitika ngegazi,

kuthi lapho okulokubuleweyo khona lalo lukhona.”

40

UThixo Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1  UThixo wathi kuJobe:

2 “Lowo ophikisana loSomandla angamqondisa na?

Yena lowo obeka uNkulunkulu icala kamphendule!”

3 Ngakho uJobe wasephendula uThixo wathi:

4 “Kakungilingananga, ngingakuphendula njani na?

Ngivala umlomo wami ngesandla sami.

5 Ngikhulumile kanye, kodwa kangilampendulo,

kabili, kodwa kangisayikukhuluma njalo.”

6  UThixo wasekhuluma loJobe ephakathi kwesiphepho wathi:

7 “Qina njengendoda;

ngizakubuza,

wena uzangiphendula.

8 Ungakusola na ukwahlulela kwami ngokulunga?

Ungangilahla ukuze uzigeze na?

9 Ulayo ingalo enjengekaNkulunkulu na,

njalo ilizwi lakho lingaduma njengelakhe yini?

10 Nxa kunjalo zicecise ngobukhosi langenkazimulo,

uzembathise ngodumo lobukhosi.

11 Khulula ukuvutha kolaka lwakho,

khangela wonke umuntu ozigqajayo umthobise,

12 khangela wonke umuntu ozigqajayo umbeke phansi,

ubacobodise ababi khonapho abakhona.

13 Bambele bonke ndawonye othulini;

goqela ubuso babo engcwabeni.

14 Lapho-ke lami ngizavuma kuwe

ukuthi isandla sakho sokunene singakusindisa.

15 Khangela imvubu,

engayidala kanye lawe

njalo edla utshani njengenkomo.

16 Ilamandla amangalisayo okhalweni lwayo,

amandla angaka emisipheni yesisu sayo!

17 Umsila wayo uyazunguza njengomsedari;

imisipha yemilenze yayo yalukene.

18 Amathambo ayo alezimbobo zethusi,

lezitho zayo zinjengemiqwayi yensimbi.

19 Iyingqala yezidalwa zikaNkulunkulu,

kodwa uMenzi wayo angayehlula ngenkemba yakhe.

20 Izintaba zimlethela izithelo zazo,

kuthi zonke izilo zeganga zidlalele eduze.

21 Ilala ngaphansi kwezihlahla ezibukekayo,

isithekile phakathi kwemihlanga exhaphozini.

22 Izihlahla ezinhle ziyayisitha ngemithunzi yazo;

imidubu okhunjini lomfula iyihonqolozele.

23 Nxa umfula uthwele izikhukhula kayethuki;

kayithi thiki lokuba iJodani ithululela impophoma emlonyeni wayo.

24 Ukhona yini ongayibamba ngamehlo,

kumbe ayithiye ayibhoboze amakhala na?”

41

UThixo Uqhubeka Ekhuluma

1 “Ungambamba na uLeviyathani ngewuka

loba uhitshele ulimi lwakhe ngentambo na?

2 Ungawufaka umkhala yini emakhaleni akhe

kumbe ubhoboze umhlathi wakhe ngewuka na?

3 Uzabe elokhu ekuncenga yini ukuthi umzwele?

Uzakhuluma lawe ngamazwi apholileyo yini?

4 Uzakwenza isivumelwano lawe na

ukuthi abe yisichaka sakho kokuphela?

5 Ungamenza abe yisifuyo sokudlalisa njengenyoni na

kumbe umfake umkhungo adlaliswe ngamantombazana na?

6 Abathengi bazabhejelana ngentengo yakhe na?

Bazakwahlukaniselana ngaye na abathengi?

7 Ungasibhoboza yini isikhumba sakhe ngenhlendla

loba ikhanda lakhe ngemikhonto yokuciba inhlanzi?

8 Ungabeka isandla phezu kwakhe,

uzahlala ukukhumbula ukutshukana kwenu ungaphindi futhi!

9 Ukucabanga ukuthi ungamehlula kuyize;

ukumbona nje kodwa kuqeda amandla.

10 Kakho ongaba lesibindi sokuthi alwe laye.

Pho ngubani ongamelana lami na?

11 Ngubani engilomlandu kuye othi kangihlawule na?

Konke okukhona ngaphansi kwezulu ngokwami.

12 Kangisoze ngikhawule ukubabaza izitho zakhe,

amandla akhe langesimo sakhe esihle.

13 Ngubani ongaxebula isikhumba sakhe na?

Ngubani ongasondela kuye ngamatomu na?

14 Ngubani ongaqunga isibindi avule iminyango yomlomo wakhe,

ogqagqelwe zingavula zamazinyo na?

15 Umhlane wakhe ulezinhlu zamahawu

abophene silikici;

16 yilelo lithe mba kwelinye

okuthi kakungeni moya phakathi kwawo.

17 Anamathelene ndawonye;

abambene okokuthi angeke ehlukaniswe.

18 Ukuthimula kwakhe kukhupha inhlansi zomlilo;

amehlo akhe anjengemisebe yokusa.

19 Amalangabi omlilo alavuka emlonyeni wakhe;

inhlansi zomlilo ziqhatsha ziphuma khona.

20 Intuthu ithunqa iphuma emakhaleni akhe

kungathi isuka embizeni ebilayo phezu komlilo wemihlanga.

21 Ukuphefumula kwakhe kulumathisa amalahle,

njalo kulavuka amalangabi emlonyeni wakhe.

22 Amandla akhe asentanyeni yakhe;

okuphambi kwakhe kuhle kuphele amandla.

23 Amavinqo enyama yakhe abambene nki;

aqine nko kawehlukaniseki.

24 Isifuba sakhe silukhuni njengelitshe,

siqine njengengaphansi kwembokodo.

25 Uthi nxa ephakama kwesabe amaqhawe ngokwawo;

atshede ebalekela ukubhula komsila wakhe.

26 Inkemba leyo emfikelayo kayenzi lutho,

kumbe umkhonto, loba umtshoko loba isijula.

27 Insimbi uyithatha njengotshani

lethusi kungathi luluthi olubolileyo.

28 Imitshoko kayimenzi abaleke;

lamatshe esavutha anjengomule kuye.

29 Induku kuye ingumuca wotshani;

uyahleka esizwa ukukhenceza komdikadika.

30 Ingaphansi yomzimba wakhe injengendengezi ezibukhali,

itshiya umzila odakeni kungathi yisileyi esizunguzekayo.

31 Udunga inziki zamanzi ayabuke njengembiza enkulu ibila,

aluvube ulwandle njengembiza yamagcobo.

32 Ngemva kwakhe utshiya umzila okhazimulayo;

umuntu angazathi ulwandle luloboya obumhlophe.

33 Kakukho emhlabeni okulingana laye,

isidalwa esingesabiyo.

34 Ubakhangelela phansi bonke abathi bazithembile;

uyinkosi phezu kwabo bonke abazigqajayo.”

42

UJobe Uyaphendula

1 UJobe wasemphendula uThixo wathi:

2 “Ngiyazi ukuthi ungazenza zonke izinto;

kalikho icebo lakho elingavinjwa.

3 Ubuzile wathi,

‘Ngubani lo ovala iseluleko sami engelalwazi na?’

Ngeqiniso ngikhulumile ngezinto ebengingazizwisisi,

izinto ezimangalisayo engingeke ngizazi.

4 Wena uthe, ‘Lalela manje, mina ngizakhuluma;

ngizakubuza,

wena uzangiphendula.’

5 Indlebe zami zasezizwile ngawe

kodwa manje amehlo ami asekubonile.

6 Ngakho sengizeyisa,

sengiphenduka ngizilahla othulini lasemlotheni.”

Isiphetho Sendaba

7 Kwathi uThixo esetshilo lezizinto kuJobe wathi ku-Elifazi umThemani, “Ngikuzondele wena kanye labangane bakho bobabili, ngoba kalikhulumanga ngami okulungileyo njengenceku yami uJobe. 8 Ngakho manje thathani inkunzi eziyisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa liye encekwini yami uJobe liyekwenza umnikelo wenu wokutshiswa. Inceku yami uJobe izalikhulekela, mina ngizawamukela umkhuleko wayo ngingaze ngalijezisa okufanele ubuthutha benu. Kalikhulumanga ngami okulungileyo njengenceku yami uJobe.” 9 Ngakho u-Elifazi umThemani, uBhilidadi umShuhi loZofari umNahama benza lokho abakutshelwa nguThixo; njalo uThixo wawemukela umkhuleko kaJobe.

10 UJobe esebakhulekele abangane bakhe, uThixo wamenza waphumelela njalo wamupha okunengi okuphindwe kabili kulokho ayelakho kuqala. 11 Bonke abafowabo labodadewabo kanye lobani owayemazi ngaphambili weza ukuzakudla laye endlini yakhe. Bamkhalela, bamzwela ngakho konke ukuhlupheka uThixo ayemehlisele khona, kwathi ngulowo lalowo wamupha ulutho lwesiliva kanye lesongo legolide.

12  UThixo wayibusisa impilo yokucina kaJobe ukwedlula eyokuqala. Waba lezimvu eziyizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lane, izinkulungwane eziyisithupha zamakamela, inkulungwane yezipani zenkabi labobabhemi abayinkulungwane. 13 Waphinda njalo waba lamadodana ayisikhombisa lamadodakazi amathathu. 14 Indodakazi yokuqala wayetha ibizo elithi Jemima, eyesibili yayinguKheziya, eyesithathu yaba nguKhereni-Haphutshi. 15 Kakuzange kube khona elizweni lonke abesifazane ababebahle njengamadodakazi kaJobe, njalo uyise wawabela ilifa kanye labanewabo.

16 Ngemva kwalokhu uJobe waphila iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amane; wababona abantwabakhe labantwababo kwaze kwaba yisizukulwane sesine. 17 UJobe wafa esemdala njalo eseluphele.

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AmaHubo

Ugwalo 1

1

AmaHubo 1 – 41

1 Ubusisiwe umuntu

ongahambi ngezeluleko zababi;

ongemiyo endleleni yezoni;

ongahlaliyo esihlalweni sabaklolodayo.

2 Kodwa ukuthokoza kwakhe kusemthethweni kaThixo,

futhi unakana ngomthetho wakhe imini lobusuku.

3 Unjengesihlahla esihlanyelwe emifuleni yamanzi,

esithela izithelo zaso ngesikhathi saso,

ohlamvu laso kalibuni.

Konke akwenzayo kuyaphumelela.

4 Ababi kabanjalo!

Banjengamakhoba

aphetshulwa ngumoya.

5 Ngakho ababi kabayikuma ekwahlulelweni,

noma izoni enkundleni yabalungileyo.

6 Ngoba uThixo uyayilinda indlela yabalungileyo,

kodwa indlela yababi iya ekubhujisweni.

Ihubo 2

1 Kungani izizwe zixokozela,

labantu besakha amacebo ngeze?

2 Amakhosi omhlaba ayahloma ajame

lababusi bahlangana ndawonye

bemelana loThixo njalo lalowo ogcotshiweyo wakhe besithi;

3 “Kasiwaqamuleni amaketane abo,

silahle izibopho zabo.”

4 Yena osesihlalweni ezulwini uyahleka;

uThixo uyabahleka.

5 Abesebakhalimela ngolaka,

abathuthumelise ngentukuthelo yakhe, esithi,

6 “Sengiyibekile eyami inkosi phezu kweZiyoni,

intaba yami engcwele.”

7 Ngizasimemezela isimiso sikaThixo :

Wathi kimi, “UyiNdodana yami;

lamhla sengibe nguyihlo.

8 Cela kimi,

ngizakwenza izizwe zibe yilifa lakho,

imikhawulo yomhlaba kube yinotho yakho.

9 Uzazibusa ngentonga yobukhosi eyensimbi,

uzazibhidliza zicubuzeke njengebumba.”

10 Ngakho-ke lina makhosi, limukani,

liyaxwayiswa lina babusi bomhlaba.

11 Mkhonzeni uThixo ngokumesaba,

lithokozele umbuso wakhe ngokuthuthumela.

12 Ikhothameleni iNdodana, funa ithukuthele

beselibhujiswa endleleni yenu,

ngoba intukuthelo yakhe ingavutha ngesikhatshana.

Babusisiwe bonke abaphephela kuye.

Ihubo 3

Ihubo likaDavida ebalekela indodana yakhe u-Abhisalomu.

1 Oh Thixo banengi kangaka abayizitha zami!

Banengi kangaka abangihlaselayo!

2 Abanengi bathi ngami,

“UNkulunkulu kayikumhlenga.”

3 Kodwa wena uyisihlangu sokungivikela, Oh, Thixo,

inkazimulo yami, uphakamisa ikhanda lami.

4 Ngikhala kakhulu kuThixo

uyangiphendula esentabeni yakhe engcwele.

5 Ngilala phansi ngijumeke;

ngibuye ngiphaphame, ngoba uThixo uyangilondoloza.

6 Angiyikubesaba abangamatshumitshumi ezinkulungwane

abangihlaselayo inxa zonke.

7 Phakama, awu Thixo

Ngisindise, Oh Nkulunkulu wami.

Zibethe zonke izitha zami emhlathini;

akhumule amazinyo ababi.

8  KuThixo kuvela insindiso.

Sengathi isibusiso Sakho singaba sebantwini Bakho.

Ihubo 4

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ngeziginci. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Ngiphendula lapho ngikubiza,

Oh Nkulunkulu wami olungileyo.

Ake ungiphumuze ekuhlulukelweni engikukho;

woba lomusa kimi njalo uzwe umkhuleko wami.

2 Koze kube nini, we bantu,

koze kube nini inkazimulo yami liyenza ihlazo?

Koze kube nini lithanda inkohliso

njalo lidinga onkulunkulu bamanga?

3 Yazini ukuthi uThixo

usezehlukanisele labo abathembekileyo,

njalo uThixo uyezwa nxa ngikhala kuye.

4 Ekuthukutheleni kwenu lingoni;

nxa lisemibhedeni yenu

hlolani inhliziyo zenu, lithule.

5 Nikelani imihlatshelo eqondileyo,

limethembe uThixo.

6 Abanengi bayabuza bathi,

“Kuvele ngubani ongasitshengisa ukulunga na?”

Sengathi ukukhanya kobuso bakho

kungakhazimula phezu kwethu, Oh Thixo.

7 Uyigcwalisile inhliziyo yami ngentokozo enkulu

eyedlula ubunengi bamabele abo lewayini labo elitsha.

8 Ngizalala phansi ngijunywe yibuthongo ngilokuthula,

ngoba wena wedwa,

Oh Thixo, uhlezi ungilondolozile.

Ihubo 5

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kwabemifece. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Zwana amazwi ami, Oh Thixo,

hawukela ukububula kwami.

2 Lalela ukukhala kwami ngidinga uncedo,

Nkosi yami loNkulunkulu wami,

ngoba ngikhuleka kuwe.

3 Ekuseni, Oh Thixo, uyalizwa ilizwi lami;

ekuseni ngibeka izicelo zami phambi kwakho

ngilinde ngithembile.

4 Kawusuye uNkulunkulu othokoza ngobubi;

ababi ngeke bahlale lawe.

5 Iziqholo ngeke zime

phambi kwakho;

uyabazonda bonke abenza okubi.

6 Uyababhubhisa labo abaqamba amanga;

abomele igazi labakhohlisayo

uThixo uyabenyanya.

7 Kodwa mina, ngomusa wakho omkhulu,

ngizangena endlini yakho;

ngizakhothamela phansi ngokuhlonipha

ngikhangele ethempelini lakho elingcwele.

8 Ngikhokhele, Oh Thixo, ngokulunga kwakho;

ngenxa yezitha zami

yenza iqonde indlela yakho phambi kwami.

9 Kalikho lalinye ilizwi lomlomo wabo elithembekileyo;

inhliziyo yabo igcwele ukubhidliza.

Umphimbo wabo ulingcwaba elikhamisileyo;

ngolimi lwabo bakhuluma inkohliso.

10 Tshono uthi balecala, Oh Nkulunkulu!

Akuthi amacebo abo abe yikuwa kwabo.

Baxotshele khatshana ngenxa yezono zabo ezinengi,

ngoba bakuhlamukele wena.

11 Kodwa akuthi bonke abaphephela kuwe bathokoze;

kabahlabelele njalonjalo ngenjabulo.

Basibekele ngovikelo lwakho,

kuthi labo abalithandayo ibizo lakho bajabule ngawe.

12 Ngoba ngempela, Oh Thixo,

uyababusisa abalungileyo;

uyabazungeza ngomusa wakho njengesihlangu.

Ihubo 6

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ngeleziginci. Kulandelwa isheminithi. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Oh Thixo ungangikhalimeli ngolaka lwakho

njalo ungangitshayi uthukuthele.

2 Woba lomusa kimi, Thixo,

ngoba ngiphela amandla;

Oh Thixo, ngisilisa,

ngoba amathambo ami alobuhlungu.

3 Umoya wami udabukile.

Koze kube nini, Oh Thixo,

koze kube nini?

4 Phenduka, Oh Thixo, ungikhulule;

ngihlenga ngenxa yothando lwakho olungehlulekiyo.

5 Kakho okukhumbulayo nxa esefile.

Ngubani okukhonzayo esengcwabeni lakhe?

6 Ngikhathele ngokububula;

ubusuku bonke umbheda wami uba manzi te ngikhala

umendlalo wami ngiwugcwalise ngezinyembezi.

7 Amehlo ami ayafiphala ngenxa yosizi;

ayanqundeka ngenxa yazo zonke izitha zami.

8 Xekani kimi lina lonke elenza okubi,

ngoba uThixo usekuzwile ukulila kwami.

9  UThixo usekuzwile ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa;

UThixo uyawamukela umkhuleko wami.

10 Zonke izitha zami zizayangeka zidaniswe;

zizatshibilika zibuyele emuva masinyane sezilehlazo.

Ihubo 7

Ishigayoni kaDavida ayihlabelela uThixo mayelana loKhushi umBhenjamini.

1 Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wami,

ngiphephela kuwe;

ngisindisa ungikhulule kubo bonke abangizingelayo,

2 ngoba bazanginithiza njengesilwane

bangiklebule iziqanyana kungekho ongangilamulela.

3 Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wami, nxa ngikwenzile lokhu

izandla zami zilecala,

4 nxa ngenze okubi kulowo ohlalisene kuhle lami

loba ngisuke ngaphanga isitha sami kungelasizatho,

5 nxa kunjalo akuthi isitha sami singihlasele;

masigxobagxobele impilo yami emhlabathini

singibhuqabhuqele phansi ebhuqwini.

6 Vuka, Oh Thixo, ngolaka lwakho;

vuka uvimbele ukuthukuthela kwezitha zami.

Vuka, Nkulunkulu wami,

memezela ukwahlulela okuhle.

7 Akuthi abantu bebuthene bakuhanqe

busa phezu kwabo usekuphakameni.

8  UThixo kahlulele bonke abantu.

Ngahlulele, Oh Thixo ngokwanele ukulunga kwami,

ngokwanele ubuqotho bami, wena oPhezukonke.

9 Oh Nkulunkulu olungileyo,

ohlolisisa imicabango lezinhliziyo,

qeda udlakela lwababi

ukuze abalungileyo bavikeleke.

10 Isihlangu sami nguNkulunkulu oPhezukonke,

osindisa abaqotho ngenhliziyo.

11 UNkulunkulu ngumahluleli olungileyo,

uNkulunkulu obonisa ulaka lwakhe insuku zonke.

12 Nxa umuntu engadeli ububi bakhe

uzalola inkemba yakhe;

uzaligoba alithiye idandili lakhe.

13 Usezilungisile izikhali zakhe ezibulalayo;

uselungisa imitshoko yakhe evutha umlilo.

14 Lowo osuthiswe ngobubi

akhulelwe yikona uzala ukuphumputheka.

15 Lowo omba umgodi awuphande

uwela kulowomgodi awumbileyo.

16 Inkathazo ayidalileyo iyamphendukela;

lesihluku sakhe sehlela phezu kwekhanda lakhe.

17 Ngizambonga uThixo ngenxa yokulunga kwakhe;

ngizahlabelela indumiso egameni likaThixo oPhezukonke.

Ihubo 8

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ngendlela yegithithi. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Oh Thixo, Thixo wethu,

ibizo lakho libabazeka kangaka emhlabeni wonke!

Uyibekile inkazimulo yakho

ngaphezulu emazulwini.

2 Ukumisile ukudunyiswa yizindebe zabantwana lensane

ngenxa yezitha zakho,

ukuze uthulise isitha lomphindiseli.

3 Nxa nginakana ngamazulu akho,

umsebenzi weminwe yakho,

inyanga lezinkanyezi

ozibeke endaweni yazo,

4 uyini umuntu osungaze uzihluphe ngaye na,

indodana yomuntu ukuba uyinanze?

5 Wamenza waba mncinyazana kulezingilosi,

wamethesa umqhele wodumo lobukhosi.

6 Wamenza umbusi phezu kwemisebenzi yezandla zakho;

wabeka zonke izinto ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe:

7 yonke imihlambi yezimvu

leyenkomo lezinyamazana zeganga,

8 izinyoni zasemkhathini

lenhlanzi zolwandle,

konke okuntsheza emanzini olwandle.

9 Oh Thixo, Thixo wethu,

ibizo lakho libabazeka kangaka emhlabeni wonke!

Ihubo 9

Kumqondisi wokuhlabelela. Ihlatshelwa njengengoma ethi “Ukufa kweNdodana.” Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Ngizakudumisa, Oh Thixo, ngenhliziyo yami yonke;

ngizafakaza ngazozonke izimangaliso zakho.

2 Ngizathokoza ngijabule ngawe,

ngizahlabelela indumiso egameni lakho,

wena oPhezukonke.

3 Izitha zami ziyafulathela zibaleke;

ziyakhubeka zitshabalale phambi kwakho.

4 Ngoba ulisekele ilungelo lami;

usuhlalile esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi

wahlulela kakuhle.

5 Uzikhuzile izizwe,

wababhubhisa ababi;

wawesula amabizo abo

kuze kube nini lanini.

6 Ukubhidlika okungapheliyo kusehlele isitha sami,

wawasiphuna amadolobho aso;

lokukhunjulwa kwaso sekuphele nya.

7  UThixo uyabusa kuze kube nininini;

usesimisile isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi ukuze ahlulele.

8 Uzabusa umhlaba ngokulunga

njalo uzakwahlulela abantu ngokufaneleyo.

9  UThixo uyisiphephelo sabancindezelweyo,

uyinqaba ezikhathini zokuhlupheka.

10 Labo abalaziyo ibizo lakho bazathemba kuwe,

ngoba wena, Thixo, kawubafulatheli abakudingayo.

11 Hlabelelani indumiso kuThixo esebukhosini eZiyoni;

fakazani phakathi kwezizwe

ngalokho akwenzileyo.

12 Ngoba yena ophindiselayo kulowo ochitha igazi uyakhumbula;

akakudeli ukukhala kwabahlukuluzwayo.

13 Oh Thixo, ake ubone ukuthi izitha zami zingichukuluza njani!

Yiba lesihawu ungenyule emasangweni okufa,

14 ukuze ngifakaze indumiso yakho

emasangweni eNdodakazi yaseZiyoni

kuthi khonale ngithokoze

ngokusindisa kwakho.

15 Izizwe ziwele emgodini eziwumbileyo;

inyawo zazo zibanjwe emambuleni eziwathiyileyo.

16  UThixo waziwa ngokwahlulela kwakhe okulungileyo;

ababi babanjwa yizenzo zezandla zabo.

17 Ababi babuyela engcwabeni,

zonke izizwe ezikhohlwa uNkulunkulu.

18 Kodwa abaswelayo kabayikukhohlakala kokuphela,

njalo lethemba labahlukuluzwayo kaliyikutshabalala.

19 Vuka Thixo, ungayekeli umuntu anqobe;

akuthi izizwe zahlulelwe phambi kwakho.

20 Batshayise ngovalo, Oh Thixo;

akuthi izizwe zikwazi ukuthi zingabantu nje.

Ihubo 10

1 Kungani, Oh Thixo, umela khatshana?

Kungani uzifihla ngezikhathi zokuhlupheka?

2 Ngobuqholo bakhe umuntu omubi uzingela ababuthakathaka,

abayengeka ngamacebo awakhayo.

3 Uzikhukhumeza ngezinkanuko zenhliziyo yakhe;

ubusisa abayizihwaba athuke uThixo.

4 Ngenxa yokuzigqaja kwakhe omubi kamdingi uThixo;

kuyo yonke imicabango yakhe akulandawo kaNkulunkulu.

5 Izindlela zakhe ziyaphumelela;

uyadelela njalo lemithetho yakho ikhatshana laye

aneme lapho ebona izitha zakhe.

6 Uthi, “Akulalutho olungangixukuxa;

ukuthokoza ngokwami lanini,

angiyikufa ngahlupheka.”

7 Umlomo wakhe ugcwele amanga lenhlamba lezithuko;

ulimi lwakhe luqukethe uhlupho lobubi.

8 Ucathama ngaphandle kwemizi;

avumbuluke lapho abulale abantu abamsulwa,

ahlale ecatheme ekusithekeni.

9 Uyacathama njengesilwane ekusithekeni;

ucathamela labo abangelamandla;

uyabadumela abahudulele emambuleni akhe.

10 Ababambileyo uyabachoboza baphangalale;

uyabawisa ngamandla akhe.

11 Uzitshela athi, “UNkulunkulu usekhohliwe;

uyabugubuzela ubuso bakhe angabe esabona.”

12 Vuka, Thixo! Phakamisa isandla sakho,

Oh Nkulunkulu. Ungabakhohlwa abazihluphekelayo.

13 Kungani umuntu omubi ethuka uNkulunkulu na?

Kungani na ezitshela esithi,

“Kazukungithonisisa?”

14 Kodwa wena, Oh Nkulunkulu, uyalubona uhlupho losizi;

uyakunanzelela ukuze ulamule.

Ongelamandla uzilahla kuwe;

wena ungumsizi wezintandane.

15 Yephula ingalo yomuntu oxhwalileyo;

mthonisise ngokuganga kwakhe

obekuzahlala kungaziwa.

16  UThixo ungumbusi kuze kube nini lanini;

izizwe zizabhubha elizweni lakhe.

17 Uyazizwa, Oh Thixo, izifiso zabancindezelweyo;

uyabaqinisa, ulalele ukukhala kwabo,

18 ulamulele izintandane labancindezelweyo,

ukuze kuthi umuntu, ongowasemhlabeni,

angabe esesabeka futhi.

Ihubo 11

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaDavida.

1 Mina ngiphephela kuThixo.

Pho ungatsho kanjani kimi ukuthi:

“Balekela entabeni yakho njengenyoni.

2 Ngoba, khangela, ababi sebewanwebile amadandili abo;

imitshoko yabo sebeyixhume ezintanjeni

ukuthi batshoke becatshile emathunzini

beciba labo abaqotho ezinhliziyweni.

3 Kambe nxa kubhidlizwa izisekelo,

kuyini abangakwenza abalungileyo na?”

4  UThixo usethempelini lakhe elingcwele;

uThixo usesihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi basezulwini.

Uyawakhangela amadodana abantu;

amehlo akhe ayabahlola.

5  UThixo uyabahlola abalungileyo,

kodwa ababi lalabo abathanda udlakela

uyabazonda ngomoya wakhe wonke.

6 Ababi uzabehlisela amalahle avuthayo lesalufa etshisayo;

umoya otshisayo uzabahaqaza.

7 Ngoba uThixo ulungile,

uthanda ukwahlulela okuhle;

abaqotho bazabubona ubuso bakhe.

Ihubo 12

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ngendlela yesheminithi. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Siza Thixo, ngoba kabasekho abakholwayo;

abathembekileyo sebenyamalele kabasekho ebantwini.

2 Bonke baqamba amanga kubomakhelwane babo;

izindebe zabo eziyengayo

zihlezi zikhuluma inkohliso esezinhliziyweni zabo.

3 Sengathi uThixo angaziquma zonke izindebe ezikhohlisayo

kanye laluphi ulimi oluzikhukhumezayo

4 oluthi, “Sizanqoba ngendimi zethu;

izindebe zethu zizasilwela

ngubani oyinkosi yethu na?”

5 “Ngenxa yokuncindezelwa kwabayanga lokububula kwabaswelayo,

sengizavuka khathesi,” kutsho uThixo.

“Ngizabavikela kulabo ababachukuluzayo.”

6 Njalo amazwi kaThixo amsulwa,

njengesiliva esicengwe esithandweni somlilo esebumba,

njengegolide elihlanjululwe kasikhombisa.

7 Oh Thixo, uzahlala usiphephisile

njalo usivikele ebantwini ababi nini lanini.

8 Ababi bayaklamasa santando

nxa bebona izinto ezilihlazo zidunyiswa ngabantu.

Ihubo 13

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Koze kube nini, Oh Thixo? Uzangikhohlwa lanininini na?

Koze kube nini ungifihlela ubuso bakho na?

2 Koze kube nini ngitshukumisana lemicabango yami,

inhliziyo yami ihlale idabukile insuku zonke na?

Koze kube nini isitha sami sitshakala phezu kwami?

3 Ngizwela ungiphendule, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wami.

Khanyisela amehlo ami funa ngihle ngilale kokuphela;

4 isitha sami sizakuthi, “Sengimehlule,”

labangizondayo bathokoze nxa ngisiwa.

5 Kodwa ngiyalwethemba uthando lwabo olungapheliyo;

inhliziyo yami iyathokoza ngensindiso yakho.

6 Ngizahlabelela kuThixo,

ngoba ungenzele ukulunga.

Ihubo 14

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. KaDavida.

1 Isiwula sithi enhliziyweni yaso,

“AkulaNkulunkulu.”

Baxhwalile, izenzo zabo zibolile;

kakho loyedwa owenza okuhle.

2  UThixo ukhangela phansi esezulwini

emadodaneni abantu

ingabe bakhona yini abazwisisayo,

abamdingayo uNkulunkulu.

3 Bonke baphambukile, bonke sebexhwalile;

kakho loyedwa owenza okuhle,

kakho lamunye.

4 Kanti lezizixhwali kaziyikufa zafunda yini?

Zona ezidla abantu bami ingathi zidla isinkwa,

ezingamkhonziyo uThixo.

5 Kodwa yibo abagubhazeliswa luvalo

ngoba uNkulunkulu ukhona phakathi kwabalungileyo.

6 Lina benzi bobubi lifubisa amalungiselelo abayanga,

kodwa uThixo uyisiphephelo sabo.

7 Awu, sengathi insindiso ka-Israyeli ingaqhamuka eZiyoni!

Nxa uThixo esebuyisela impumelelo yabantu bakhe,

kathokoze uJakhobe lo-Israyeli ajabule!

Ihubo 15

Ihubo likaDavida.

1  Thixo, ngubani ongahlala endlini yakho engcwele na?

Ngubani ongahlala entabeni yakho engcwele na?

2 Ngulowo okuhamba kwakhe kungelansolo

njalo owenza okulungileyo,

okhuluma iqiniso liphuma enhliziyweni yakhe,

3 ongachothoziyo ngolimi lwakhe,

ongoneli umakhelwane wakhe

futhi ongagconi umzalwane wakhe,

4 oweyisa umuntu oxhwalileyo

kodwa ohlonipha labo abesaba uThixo,

ogcina isifungo sakhe loba kubuhlungu ukwenzenjalo,

5 owebolekisa imali yakhe engadingi inzuzo

njalo owalayo ukuthengwa ukuze kwetheswe umlandu kongelacala.

Lowo owenza lezizinto

akayikuzanyazanyiswa lanini.

Ihubo 16

Imikithamu kaDavida.

1 Ngilondoloza, Oh Nkulunkulu,

ngoba ngiphephela kuwe.

2 Ngathi kuThixo, “UnguThixo wami;

ngaphandle kwakho angilakho okuhle.”

3 Labo abangcwele abakhona elizweni

bangabakhazimulayo engithokoza ngabo.

4 Labo abagijimela abanye onkulunkulu inhlupho zabo zizakwanda.

Angiyi kuyithulula iminikelo yegazi kubonkulunkulu labo

njalo amabizo abo kawayikuphuma kwezami izindebe.

5  Thixo, usungahlukanisele isabelo sami kanye lenkezo yami;

konke okwami usukumise kuhle.

6 Imingcele yesabelo sami idabula ezindaweni ezibukekayo;

ngeqiniso elami ilifa liyathokozisa.

7 Ngizamdumisa uThixo, onguye ongelulekayo;

lasebusuku inhliziyo yami iyangiqondisa.

8 Ngikhangele kuThixo kokuphela.

Njengoba esesandleni sami sokunene angiyi kunyikinywa.

9 Ngakho-ke inhliziyo yami iyathokoza lolimi lwami luyajabula;

lomzimba wami uzaphumula uvikelekile,

10 ngoba kawuzukungiyekela ngize ngiye endaweni yabafileyo,

njalo kawusoze wekele othembekileyo wakho ezwe ukubola.

11 Usungazisile indlela yempilo;

uzangigcwalisa ngokuthaba phambi kwakho,

ngenjabulo engapheliyo kwesokunene sakho.

Ihubo 17

Umkhuleko kaDavida.

1 Zwana, Oh Thixo, ukuncenga kwami okulungileyo;

lalela ukukhala kwami.

Zwana umkhuleko wami,

kawusuki ezindebeni ezikhohlisayo.

2 Ukugezwa kwami ecaleni kakuvele kuwe;

sengathi amehlo Akho angabona lokho okuqondileyo.

3 Udungulule inhliziyo yami

wangihlola ebusuku wangilinga,

kawuyikufumana lutho olubi engiluhlelileyo;

sengizimisele ukuthi umlomo wami ungenzi sono.

4 Mayelana lezenzo zabantu,

mina ngizazithiba ezindleleni zobudlwangudlwangu

ngelizwi lezindebe zakho.

5 Izinyathelo zami zalela ezindleleni zakho;

inyawo zami kazizange zitshelele.

6 Ngikhala kuwe, Oh Nkulunkulu ngoba uzangiphendula;

ngilalela uzwe umkhuleko wami.

7 Tshengisa ukumangalisa kothando lwakho olukhulu,

wena osindisa ngesandla sakho sokunene,

labo ababalekela kuwe ezitheni zabo.

8 Ngilondoloza njengegugu lakho;

ngifihla emthunzini wamaphiko akho

9 kwababi abangihlaselayo,

ezitheni zami ezimbi ezingihanqileyo.

10 Bagcika inhliziyo zabo ezingelazwelo,

lemilomo yabo ikhuluma iqholoza.

11 Sebeze bangithola, manje sebengihanqile

bangiqhuzulele amehlo bafuna ukungilahla phansi.

12 Banjengesilwane silambele loba yini esingayidumela,

njengesilwane esesabekayo siquthile sicatshile.

13 Phakama, Oh Thixo, basukele, balahle phansi;

ngilamulela kwababi ngenkemba yakho.

14 Oh Thixo, ngisindisa ngesandla sakho ebantwini abanjalo,

ebantwini bakulumhlaba omvuzo wabo ukuyonale impilo.

Udedisa iphango lalabo obathandayo;

amadodana abo akhomba ngophakathi;

baqoqela abantwababo inotho.

15 Mina-ke ngenxa yokulunga ngizabubona ubuso bakho;

ngizakuthi ekuvukeni kwami nganeliswe yikubona isimo sakho.

Ihubo 18

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaDavida inceku kaThixo Wahlabelela uJehova amazwi alelihubo lapho uJehova wamsindisa esandleni sezitha zakhe zonke lasesandleni sikaSawuli. Wathi:

1 Ngiyakuthanda, Oh Thixo, Mandla ami.

2  UThixo ulidwala lami, inqaba yami, lomsindisi wami;

uNkulunkulu wami ulidwala lami, lapho engiphephela khona,

isihlangu sami lophondo lokusindiswa kwami, inqaba yami.

3 Ngakhuleka kuThixo ofanele ukudunyiswa

njalo ngikhululwe ezitheni zami.

4 Izibopho zokufa zangihilela;

lezikhukhula zokubhubhisa zangikhulela.

5 Izibopho zengcwaba zangithandela;

imijibila yokufa yangijamela.

6 Ekukhathazekeni kwami ngakhuleka kuThixo;

ngakhala kuNkulunkulu wami ngicela usizo.

Walizwa ilizwi lami esethempelini lakhe;

ukukhala kwami kwafinyelela kuye,

ezindlebeni zakhe.

7 Umhlaba wagedezela wazamazama,

izisekelo zezintaba zanyikinyeka;

zagedezela ngoba wayethukuthele.

8 Intuthu yalanquka emakhaleni Akhe

umlilo ohangulayo waphuma emlonyeni wakhe,

amalahle avuthayo alavuka ephuma kuwo.

9 Waqhekeza amazulu wehlela phansi;

amayezi amnyama

ayengaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe

10 Wagada amakherubhi waphapha;

wantweza phezu kwamaphiko omoya.

11 Wenza umnyama isembeso sakhe,

isigubuzelo esimhanqileyo,

amayezi ezulu amnyama asemkhathini.

12 Phakathi kokukhazimula kobukhona bakhe

kwaqubuka amayezi,

kulesiqhotho lezikhatha zombane.

13  UThixo wakhwaza esezulwini;

ilizwi loPhezukonke lanqenqetha.

14 Waciba imitshoko wazihlakaza izitha,

ngembane eminengi waziqothula.

15 Izigodi zolwandle zambulwa

lezisekelo zomhlaba zavezwa obala

ekukhuzeni kwakho Thixo,

ngomfutho wokuphefumula kwamakhala akho.

16 Welula isandla Sakhe esezulwini

wangibamba wangihlenga enzikini yamanzi.

17 Wangihlenga esitheni sami esilamandla,

ezitheni zami ezazingigabhela ngamandla.

18 Zangijamela mhla ngisebunzimeni,

kodwa uThixo waba yinsika yami.

19 Wangikhupha wangibeka endaweni ebanzi

wangihlenga ngoba wayethokoza ngami.

20  UThixo ungenzele okulingene ukulunga kwami;

wanginika umvuzo ngokufanele ukuhlanzeka kwezandla zami.

21 Ngoba ngizigcinile izindlela zikaThixo;

angenzanga okubi ngokufulathela uNkulunkulu wami.

22 Yonke imithetho yakhe ibiphambi kwami;

angizifulathelanga izimiso zakhe.

23 Ngibe ngilokhu ngimsulwa phambi kwakhe

njalo ngisixwayile isono.

24  UThixo unginike umvuzo ngokufanele ukulunga kwami,

ngokufanele ukuhlanzeka kwezandla zami phambi Kwakhe.

25 Kwabathembekileyo lawe uthembekile,

kwabamsulwa lawe umsulwa.

26 Kwabahlanzekileyo uziveza uhlanzekile

kodwa kwabangaqondanga uziveza ukhaliphile.

27 Uyabasindisa abathobekileyo;

kodwa uyabehlisela phansi labo abamehlo asesiphundu.

28 Wena, Oh Thixo, gcina isibane sami sibhebha;

uNkulunkulu wami uguqula umnyama wami ube yikukhanya.

29 Ngosizo lwakho ngingaphuma ngimelane lebutho lempi;

ngoNkulunkulu wami ngingaweqa umduli.

30 Izindlela zikaNkulunkulu uqobo lwakhe ziphelele;

ilizwi likaThixo kalilasici.

Ulihawu labo bonke abaphephela kuye.

31 Ngoba ngubani uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kukaThixo?

Njalo ngubani oliDwala ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu wethu na?

32 NguNkulunkulu ongihlomisa amandla

enze indlela yami iphelele.

33 Wenza inyawo zami zibe njengezempala;

ungenza ngime ezingqongweni

34 Ufundisa izandla zami ukulwa impi;

izingalo zami zingaligobisa idandili lethusi.

35 Wena uyanginika isihlangu sakho sokunqoba,

lesandla sakho sokunene siyangiqinisa;

uyazehlisela phansi ukuze ungenze ngibe mkhulu.

36 Uqhelisa indlela enginyathela kuyo,

ukuze inqagala zami zingapheci.

37 Ngaxotshana lezitha zami ngazifica;

kangiphendukanga ngingakazibhubhisi zonke.

38 Ngazichoboza, zazingeke zisavuka;

zawela ngaphansi kwezinyawo zami

39 Wangihlomisa ngamandla okulwa impi;

wenza abaxabana lami bakhothama ezinyaweni zami.

40 Wenza izitha zami zafulathela zabaleka,

njalo ngazibhubhisa izitha zami.

41 Bakhala becela uncedo, kodwa wayengekho owayengabalamulela

kuThixo, kodwa kaphendulanga.

42 Ngabatshaya bacholeka njengothuli luphetshulwa ngumoya;

ngabathulula njengodaka ezindleleni.

43 Ungikhulule ekuhlaselweni yilababantu;

usungenze ngaba yinhloko yezizwe;

abantu engangingabazi sebebuswa yimi.

44 Bathi bengizwa nje ngendaba, bangilalele;

abezizweni bayatshotshobala phambi kwami.

45 Bonke badelile;

beza bethuthumela bevela ezinqabeni zabo.

46  Uthixo uyaphila!

Alidunyiswe iDwala lami!

Kaphakanyiswe uNkulunkulu uMsindisi wami!

47 UnguNkulunkulu ongiphindiselelayo,

onqoba izizwe zibe ngaphansi kwami,

48 ongisindisayo ezitheni zami.

Wena wangikhuphula ngaphezu kwezitha zami;

wangihlenga ebantwini bodlakela.

49 Ngakho ngizakudumisa phakathi kwezizwe, Oh Thixo;

ngizahlabelela indumiso yebizo lakho.

50 Upha inkosi yakhe ukunqoba okukhulu;

utshengisa umusa wakhe ongaphuthiyo kogcotshiweyo wakhe,

kuDavida kanye lezizukulwane zakhe kuze kube nininini.

Ihubo 19

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Amazulu afakaza inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu;

lomkhathi utshumayela umsebenzi wezandla zakhe.

2 Usuku ngosuku lezizinto ziyakhuluma;

ubusuku lobusuku zibonisa ulwazi.

3 Akula nkulumo, akula mazwi

ilizwi lazo alizwakali.

4 Kodwa Ilizwi lazo lizwakala emhlabeni wonke,

amazwi azo afika emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

Emazulwini uNkulunkulu uselakhele ithente ilanga.

5 Lona linjengomyeni ephuma exhibeni lakhe,

njengentshantshu ethakazelela ukugijima ibanga layo.

6 Liphuma emkhawulweni wamazulu

lihambe indlela yalo liyotshona ngakuloyana;

kakukho okusithekileyo ekutshiseni kwalo.

7 Umthetho kaThixo uphelele

uvuselela umphefumulo.

Izimiso zikaThixo zithembekile,

zihlakaniphisa izithutha.

8 Iziqondiso zikaThixo zilungile,

ziletha ukuthokoza enhliziyweni.

Imilayo kaThixo isobala,

iletha ukukhanya emehlweni.

9 Ukumesaba uThixo kuhlanzekile,

kumi kuze kube phakade.

Izahlulelo zikaThixo ziqinisekile

njalo zilungile ngokupheleleyo.

10 Ziligugu okudlula igolide,

okudlula igolide elinengi elicengekileyo;

zimnandi kuloluju,

uluju olujuluka ohlangeni.

11 Ngazo inceku yakho iyacetshiswa;

ukuzilandela kulomvuzo omkhulu.

12 Ngubani ongazizwisisa iziphambeko zakhe?

Thethelela iziphambeko zami ezisithekileyo.

13 Phephisa inceku yakho ezonweni zamabomo;

sengathi zingeze zabusa phezu kwami.

Lapho ngizakuba msulwa

ngingabi lacala lokona okukhulu.

14 Sengathi amazwi omlomo wami leminakano yenhliziyo yami

kungathokozisa emehlweni akho,

Oh Thixo, Dwala lami loMhlengi wami.

Ihubo 20

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Sengathi uThixo angakuphendula nxa usenkathazweni;

sengathi ibizo likaNkulunkulu kaJakhobe lingakuvikela.

2 Sengathi angakuthumela usizo luvela endlini engcwele

njalo akunike ukuhlomulela kuvela eZiyoni.

3 Sengathi angakhumbula yonke imihlatshelo yakho

njalo emukele iminikelo yakho yokutshiswa.

4 Sengathi angakupha isifiso senhliziyo yakho

enze izimiso zakho zonke ziphumelele.

5 Sizamemeza ngokujabula lapho usunqobile,

siphakamise uphawu lwethu egameni likaNkulunkulu wethu.

Sengathi uThixo angakupha zonke izicelo zakho.

6 Manje sengisazi ukuthi

uThixo uyamhlenga ogcotshiweyo wakhe;

uyamphendula esezulwini lakhe elingcwele

ngamandla Akhe asindisayo awesandla Sakhe sokunene.

7 Abanye bathemba izinqola zempi,

abanye amabhiza,

kodwa thina sithemba ibizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.

8 Bafuqelwa phansi bawe,

kodwa thina siyaphakama sime sigxile.

9 Oh Thixo, sindisa inkosi!

Sabela lapho simemeza!

Ihubo 21

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Yebo Thixo umbusi uyathokoza ngamandla akho.

Kukhulu ukuthokoza kwakhe ngokunqoba akuphiwa nguwe!

2 Usumphile isiloyiso senhliziyo yakhe

njalo kawumncitshanga isicelo sezindebe zakhe.

3 Wamemukela ngezibusiso ezinhle

wamethesa umqhele wegolide elicengekileyo ekhanda lakhe.

4 Wacela kuwe ukusila,

wamupha ubude bezinsuku kuze kube nini lanini.

5 Ngokunqoba akuphiwe nguwe

lukhulu udumo lwakhe;

usumgqizise inkazimulo lobukhosi.

6 Ngempela usumuphe izibusiso ezingapheliyo

wamenza wajabula ngentokozo yobukhona Bakho.

7 Ngoba umbusi uyamthemba uThixo;

ngothando loPhezukonke olungaphuthiyo

akayikuzanyazanyiswa.

8 Isandla Sakho sizazibamba zonke izitha Zakho;

isandla Sakho sokunene sizabaxhakalaza abakuzondayo.

9 Kuzakuthi lapho uqhamuka wena

uzabenza babe njengomlilo wemvutho enkulu.

Ngenxa yentukuthelo yakhe uThixo uzabaginya,

umlilo wakhe uzabaqothula.

10 Wena uzabhubhisa izizukulwane zabo emhlabeni,

inzalo yabo ebantwini.

11 Loba beceba okubi Ngawe

besakha amaqhinga amabi, abangeke baphumelele;

12 ngoba uzabenza bafulathele babaleke

nxa usubakhombela usulinwebile idandili.

13 Phakanyiswa, Oh Thixo ngamandla Akho;

sizahlabela sibabaze amandla Akho.

Ihubo 22

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kulandela itshuni ethi, “Impalakazi yekuSeni.” Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Nkulunkulu wami, Nkulunkulu wami, kungani usungidelile na?

Kungani ukhatshana kokungisindisa,

khatshana kwamazwi okububula kwami?

2 Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ngiyakhala emini,

kodwa kawuphenduli;

ebusuku, kangithulanga.

3 Kanti usesihlalweni sobukhosi uNguye oNgcwele

uyindumiso ka-Israyeli.

4 Obaba babeka ithemba labo Kuwe;

bona bathemba wena wabakhulula.

5 Bakhala kuwe bakhululwa;

bathemba kuwe kabaze badaniswa.

6 Kodwa ngiyimpethu nje kangisumuntu,

ngihozwa ngabantu njalo abanengi bangeyise.

7 Bonke abangibonayo bayangihleka;

bayangithethisa baze banyikinye amakhanda:

8 “Uthemba uThixo

lowo Thixo kamkhulule.

Kamsindise njengoba ethokoza ngaye.”

9 Kanti wena wangikhupha esiswini;

wangenza ngakuthemba kusukela ebeleni likamama.

10 Kusukela ekuzalweni kwami ngabekwa ezandleni Zakho;

kusukela esiswini sikamama ulokhu unguNkulunkulu wami.

11 Ungabi khatshana kwami,

ngoba uhlupho luseduze njalo

kakho ongangisiza.

12 Inkunzi ezinengi zingihanqile;

inkunzi ezilamandla zaseBhashani zingihonqolozele.

13 Izilwane ezibhongayo ezibamba zidabudabule

zingikhamisela imilomo yazo.

14 Ngiyathululeka njengamanzi,

njalo amathambo ami wonke akhumukile.

Inhliziyo yami isiphenduke yaba yingcino;

isincibilikile ngaphakathi kwami.

15 Amandla ami asetshile qhu ingathi ludengezi,

lolimi lwami luyanamathela elwangeni lwami;

uyangilalisa othulini lokufa.

16 Izinja sezingihanqile;

ixuku labantu ababi selingihonqolozele,

sebengigwaze izandla lezinyawo.

17 Ngingawabala wonke amathambo ami;

abantu bayanginyonkoloza bangiklolodele.

18 Behlukaniselana izembatho zami

njalo benze inkatho ngezigqoko zami.

19 Kodwa wena, Thixo, ungabi kude lami.

Ungamandla ami, woza masinyane uzongisiza.

20 Phephisa impilo yami enkembeni,

impilo yami eligugu emandleni azo izinja.

21 Ngilamulela emlonyeni wezilwane;

ngisindisa empondweni zezinyathi.

22 Ngizamemezela ibizo Lakho kubafowethu;

emphakathini ngizakudumisa.

23 Lina elimesabayo uThixo, mdumiseni!

Lani lina zizukulwane zikaJakhobe, mbabazeni!

Mhlonipheni, lina lonke zizukulwane zika-Israyeli!

24 Ngoba keyisanga loba adelele

ukuhlupheka kwalowo ohlukuluzwayo;

kamfihlelanga ubuso bakhe

kodwa walalela ukukhala kwakhe ecela ukusizwa.

25 Sivela kuwe isithathelo sokudumisa kwami emhlanganweni omkhulu;

ngizagcwalisa izifungo zami phambi kwalabo abakwesabayo.

26 Abayanga bazakudla basuthe

labo abamdingayo uThixo bazamdumisa

sengathi inhliziyo zenu zingaphila nini lanini!

27 Yonke imikhawulo yomhlaba

izakhumbula iphendukele kuThixo,

njalo lezimuli zonke zezizwe

zizakhothama phansi phambi kwakhe,

28 ngoba umbuso ungokaThixo

njalo uyabusa phezu kwezizwe.

29 Zonke izinothi zomhlaba zizazitika ngokudla

njalo zikhonze;

bonke abangena othulini bazaguqa phambi Kwakhe

labo abangeke baziphilise.

30 Abesikhathi esizayo bazamkhonza;

izizukulwane zizakwaziswa ngoThixo.

31 Bazatshumayela ukulunga kwakhe,

ebantwini abangakazalwa

ngoba ukwenzile Yena.

Ihubo 23

Ihubo likaDavida.

1  UThixo ungumelusi wami, angiyikuswela lutho.

2 Ungilalisa emadlelweni aluhlaza,

ungikhokhelela emanzini apholileyo,

3 uvuselela umphefumulo wami.

Uyangihola ezindleleni zokulunga

ngenxa yebizo lakhe.

4 Loba ngidabula

esigodini sethunzi lokufa,

angiyikwesaba okubi

ngoba wena ulami;

intonga Yakho lodondolo Lwakho

kuyangiduduza.

5 Ulungisa itafula phambi kwami

emehlweni ezitha zami.

Ugcoba ikhanda lami ngamafutha;

inkomitsho yami igcwele iyaphuphuma.

6 Impela okuhle lothando kuzangilandela

zonke insuku zokuphila kwami,

njalo ngizahlala endlini kaThixo

kuze kube nininini.

Ihubo 24

Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Umhlaba ngokaThixo, lakho konke okukuwo,

ilizwe labo bonke abahlala kulo;

2 ngoba wenza isisekelo sawo phezu kolwandle

wawumisa phezu kwamanzi.

3 Ngubani ongaqansa intaba kaThixo na?

Ngubani ongema endaweni yakhe engcwele na?

4 Ngulowo olezandla ezihlanzekileyo lenhliziyo emhlophe,

ongaphakamiseli umphefumulo wakhe kunkulunkulu wamanga

loba afunge ngenkohliso.

5 Uzakwamukela isibusiso kuThixo

lokukhululwa kuNkulunkulu uMsindisi wakhe.

6 Sinjalo isizukulwane salabo abamdingayo,

abadinga ubuso Bakho, Oh Nkulunkulu kaJakhobe.

7 Phakamisani amakhanda enu, lina masango;

phakamani, lina minyango yekadeni,

ukuba iNkosi yenkazimulo ingene.

8 Ngubani iNkosi yenkazimulo?

NguThixo oqinileyo olamandla,

uThixo olamandla empini.

9 Phakamisani amakhanda enu, lina masango;

aphakamiseni, lina minyango yekadeni,

ukuba iNkosi yenkazimulo ingene.

10 Ungubani na lowo Thixo wenkazimulo?

NguThixo uSomandla

iNkosi yenkazimulo.

Ihubo 25

ElikaDavida.

1 Kuwe, Thixo,

ngiphakamisela umphefumulo wami.

2 Ngethemba kuwe,

ungangiyekeli ngiyangeka,

futhi ungayekeli izitha zami zinginqobe.

3 Kakukho bani othemba lakhe likuwe

ozayangiswa lanini,

kodwa bazayangiswa

abadinga ukulimaza kungelasizatho.

4 Ngibonisa izindlela Zakho, Oh Thixo,

ngifundisa izindlela Zakho;

5 ngikhokhela eqinisweni Lakho ungifundise

ngoba unguNkulunkulu, uMsindisi wami,

lethemba lami likuwe insuku zonke.

6 Khumbula, Oh Thixo, isihawu Sakho esikhulu kanye lothando,

ngoba konke kuvela ekadeni.

7 Ungakhumbuli izono zobutsha bami

lezindlela zokuhlamuka kwami;

ngikhumbula ngokufanele uthando Lwakho,

ngoba ulungile, Oh Thixo.

8  UThixo ulungile, uqotho;

ngakho weluleka izoni ngezindlela zakhe.

9 Uhola abathobekileyo kulokho okuqondileyo

abafundise indlela yakhe.

10 Zonke izindlela zikaThixo zilothando, ziyathembeka

kulabo abagcina izimiso zesivumelwano Sakhe.

11 Ngenxa yegama Lakho, Oh Thixo,

thethelela ububi bami, loba bubukhulu.

12 Ngubani-ke umuntu omesabayo uThixo?

Uzameluleka ngaleyondlela ayimiselweyo.

13 Uzaphila insuku zakhe ekhomba ngophakathi,

lezizukulwane zakhe zizakudla ilifa lelizwe.

14 Bayathenjwa nguThixo labo abamesabayo;

ubenza basazi isivumelwano Sakhe.

15 Amehlo ami ahlezi ekuThixo lanini,

ngoba nguye kuphela ozakhumula inyawo zami esithiyweni.

16 Phendukela kimi ube lobubele lami,

ngoba ngilesizungu, ngikhathazekile.

17 Inhlupheko zenhliziyo yami sezandile;

ngikhulula ekudabukeni kwami.

18 Khangela ukukhathazeka kwami lokuhawula kwami,

ususe zonke izono zami.

19 Ake ubone ukuthi izitha zami sezande kangakanani,

lokuthi zingizonda kubi kanjani!

20 Linda impilo yami ungihlenge;

ungangiyekeli ngiyangeke,

ngoba ngizuza isiphephelo Kuwe.

21 Sengathi ubuqotho lokuqonda kungangivikela,

ngoba ngizuza isiphephelo Kuwe.

22 Hlenga u-Israyeli, Oh Nkulunkulu,

kuzozonke inhlupheko zakhe.

Ihubo 26

ElikaDavida.

1 Veza ukungabi lacala kwami, Thixo,

ngoba sengiphile impilo engelansolo;

ngihlezi ngimethemba uThixo

ngingaxhamandi.

2 Ngilinga, Oh Thixo, ungizame,

hlola inhliziyo yami lengqondo yami;

3 ngoba uthando Lwakho luhlezi luphambi kwami,

njalo kokuphela ngihamba eqinisweni Lakho.

4 Kangidlelani labantu abakhohlisayo

njalo kangiwelelani labazenzisi;

5 ngiyawenyanya umbuthano wezigangi;

njalo ngiyala ukuhlala lezixhwali.

6 Ngigeza izandla zami ngokungelacala,

bese ngilizungeza i-alithari Lakho, Oh Thixo,

7 ngimemezele ngamandla indumiso Yakho

ngibatshele bonke ngemisebenzi Yakho eyisimanga.

8 Ngiyayithanda indlu ohlala kuyo, Oh Thixo,

indawo lapho inkazimulo Yakho ehlala khona.

9 Ungamukisi umphefumulo wami ndawonye lowezoni,

impilo yami kanye lalabo abomele igazi,

10 ozandla zabo zilamacebo amabi,

ozandla zabo zokunene zifumbethe izivalamlomo.

11 Kodwa mina ngiphila impilo engelasici;

ngihlenga ube lesihawu kimi.

12 Inyawo zami zimi emhlabathini ochayileyo;

ngizamdumisa uThixo emhlanganweni omkhulu.

Ihubo 27

ElikaDavida.

1  UThixo uyikukhanya kwami lensindiso yami

ngizakwesaba bani na?

UThixo uyinqaba yokuphila kwami

ngubani engingamesaba na?

2 Nxa ababi bengihlasela

bezodlithiza inyama yami,

lapho izitha zami labangizondayo bengihlasela,

bazakhubeka bawe.

3 Loba impi ingivimbezela,

inhliziyo yami kayizukwesaba;

loba ngivukelwa yimpi,

loba kunjalo ngizakuma isibindi.

4 Yinye into engiyicelayo kuThixo,

yilokhu engikudingayo:

ukuba ngihlale endlini kaThixo

zonke insuku zokuphila kwami,

ngibuke ubuhle bukaThixo,

lokuthi ngimdinge ethempelini lakhe.

5 Phela ngosuku lokuhlupheka

uzangilondoloza emzini wakhe,

uzangifihla esiphephelweni sethabanikeli lakhe

angimise phezulu kwedwala elisesiqongweni.

6 Lapho-ke ikhanda lami lizaphakanyiswa

ngaphezu kwezitha ezingihanqileyo;

ethabanikeleni lakhe ngizakwenza umhlatshelo ngimemeza ngentokozo;

ngizahlabelela ingoma zendumiso kuThixo.

7 Zwana ilizwi lami lapho ngimemeza Oh Thixo;

woba lomusa kimi ungiphendule.

8 Ithi inhliziyo yami Ngawe, “Dinga ubuso bakhe!”

Ubuso Bakho, Thixo ngizabudinga.

9 Ungangifihleli ubuso Bakho,

ungayixotshi inceku yakho ngokuthukuthela;

wena ubungumsizi wami.

Ungangilahli loba ungidele,

Oh Nkulunkulu, Msindisi wami.

10 Loba obaba lomama bengangidela,

uThixo uzangemukela.

11 Ngifundisa indlela Yakho, Oh Thixo;

ngihola endleleni eqondileyo

ngenxa yabancindezeli bami.

12 Unganginikeli entandweni yabangizondayo,

ngoba ofakazi bamanga bayangivukela

bevutha ulaka.

13 Ngilokhu ngilesibindi ngalokhu:

ngizakubona ukulunga kukaThixo

emhlabeni wabaphilayo.

14 Lindela uThixo

qina ume isibindi

ulindele uThixo.

Ihubo 28

Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Ngikhala Kuwe, Oh Thixo,

Dwala lami;

ungangivaleli indlebe Yakho.

Phela nxa ulokhu uthule

ngizakuba njengalabo asebengene egodini.

2 Zwana ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa,

nxa ngikhala Kuwe ngicela usizo,

nxa ngiphakamisela izandla zami

eNdaweni Yakho eNgcwelengcwele.

3 Ungangihuduli ndawonye lababi,

lalabo abenza ububi,

abakhuluma kamnandi labomakhelwane

kodwa begcine ububi ezinhliziyweni zabo.

4 Bajezisele izenzo zabo

kanye lemisebenzi yabo emibi;

bajezisele imisebenzi yezandla zabo,

ubaphindisele ngokubafaneleyo.

5 Njengoba bengananzi imisebenzi kaThixo

lalokho okwenziwe yizandla zakhe,

uzababhidlizela phansi

angaphindi ababumbe futhi.

6 Udumo kalube kuye uThixo,

ngoba ukuzwile ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa.

7  UThixo ungamandla ami lesihlangu sami;

inhliziyo yami yethemba Kuye, ngiyancedwa.

Inhliziyo yami iyaqolotsha ngentokozo

njalo ngizambonga ngehubo.

8  UThixo ungamandla abantu bakhe,

inqaba yensindiso yogcotshiweyo wakhe.

9 Sindisa abantu Bakho ubusise ilifa lakho;

woba ngumelusi wabo ubathwale lanininini.

Ihubo 29

Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Mupheni uThixo, lina ziphakanyiswa,

mupheni uThixo ubukhosi lamandla.

2 Mupheni uThixo ubukhosi obufanele ibizo lakhe;

mkhonzeni uThixo ekukhazimuleni kobungcwele bakhe.

3 Ilizwi likaThixo liyazulazula phezu kwamanzi;

uNkulunkulu wenkazimulo uyandindiza,

uThixo uyandindiza phezu kwamanzi amanengi.

4 Ilizwi likaThixo lilamandla;

ilizwi likaThixo lilobukhosi.

5 Ilizwi likaThixo lephula imisedari;

uThixo uyiqamula ibe yizicucu imisedari yaseLebhanoni.

6 Wenza iLebhanoni itshakale njengethole,

iSiriyoni njengeguqa lenyathi.

7 Ilizwi likaThixo litshaya

ngezikhatha zombane.

8 Ilizwi likaThixo liyayizamazamisa inkangala;

uThixo uyayizamazamisa iNkangala yaseKhadeshi.

9 Ilizwi likaThixo liyayitshila imikusu

likhwebule izihlahla amagusu asale eze.

Njalo ethempelini lakhe bonke bazamemeza bathi,

“Inkazimulo!”

10  UThixo uhlezi ebukhosini phezu kwesikhukhula;

uThixo unguMbusi lanininini.

11  UThixo unika amandla ebantwini bakhe;

uThixo ubusisa abantu bakhe ngokuthula.

Ihubo 30

Ihubo. Ingoma. Elokunikela ithempeli. ElikaDavida.

1 Ngizakuphakamisa, Oh Thixo,

ngoba wangenyula ekujuleni

awaze wavumela izitha zami zijabule phezu kwami.

2 Awu Thixo, Nkulunkulu wami,

ngacela Kuwe uncedo wangisilisa.

3 Yebo Thixo wangenyula elibeni,

wangisiza ngaphepha ukungena egodini.

4 Hlabelelani kuThixo lina bathembekileyo bakhe;

dumisani ibizo lakhe elingcwele.

5 Ngoba ukuthukuthela Kwakhe ngokomzuzwana nje,

kodwa umusa wakhe ukhona okwempilo yonke;

ukulila kungaqhubeka ubusuku bonke,

kodwa ukuthokoza kuyafika ekuseni.

6 Ngathi lapho ngizizwa ngihlezi kuhle ngathi,

“Kangisoze ngafa ngahlukuluzeka.”

7 Yebo Thixo, wathi lapho ungizwela

wenza intaba yami yagxila qho;

kodwa kwathi lapho usufihle ubuso Bakho

ngaphelelwa lithemba.

8 Ngakhala kuwe, Thixo;

ngacela umusa eNkosini:

9 “Kulenzuzo bani ngokubhujiswa kwami na,

ngokutshona kwami egodini?

Kambe uthuli luzakudumisa na?

Lona luzafakaza na ngokuthembeka Kwakho?

10 Zwana, Oh Thixo, ube lomusa kimi;

woba lusizo lwami.”

11 Waguqula ukububula kwami kwaba ngumgido;

wangihlubula izigqoko zamasaka wangigqokisa ukuthokoza,

12 ukuze inhliziyo yami ikuhlabelele ingathuli.

Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wami,

ngizakubonga nini lanini.

Ihubo 32

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Kuwe Thixo, sengithole isiphephelo;

mangingayangiswa lanini;

ngihlenga ngokulunga Kwakho.

2 Ngilalela,

woza ngokuphangisa ungihlenge;

woba lidwala lami lokuphephela,

inqaba eqinileyo yokungisindisa.

3 Njengoba ulidwala lami lenqaba yami,

ngikhokhela ungihole ngenxa yegama Lakho.

4 Ngikhulula emjibileni othiyelwe mina,

ngoba uyisiphephelo sami.

5 Ezandleni Zakho nginikela umphefumulo wami;

ngihlenga, Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu weqiniso.

6 Ngiyabazonda labo abanamathela izithombe eziyize;

ngithemba kuThixo.

7 Ngizathokoza ngijabule othandweni Lwakho,

ngoba wakubona ukuhlupheka kwami

wabazi ubuhlungu bomphefumulo wami.

8 Kawungifuqelanga esitheni

kodwa ugxilise inyawo zami endaweni ebanzi.

9 Woba lomusa kimi, Oh Thixo, ngoba ngiyahlupheka;

amehlo ami ayafiphala ngenxa yosizi,

umphefumulo wami lomzimba wami ngokudabuka.

10 Impilo yami incitshiswa yikukhathazeka,

leminyaka yami yikububula;

amandla ami ayadeda ngenxa yokuhlupheka kwami,

lamathambo ami aphela amandla.

11 Ngenxa yezitha zami,

sengiyinhlekisa enjani kubomakhelwane;

sengiyinhlekisa kubangane bami

labo abangibonayo ezindleleni bayangibalekela.

12 Sebekhohliwe ngami kungathi sengafa;

senginjengembiza yebumba ehlephukileyo.

13 Ngoba ngizwa izingoma zabanengi;

kulezisongo inxa zonke;

bakha amasu okungilimaza,

njalo baceba ukuchitha impilo yami.

14 Kodwa ngiyethemba Kuwe, Thixo;

ngithi, “UnguNkulunkulu wami.”

15 Izikhathi zami zisezandleni Zakho;

ngisindisa ezitheni zami

lakulabo abangizingelayo.

16 Ubuso Bakho mabukhazimulele encekwini Yakho;

ngisindisa ngothando Lwakho olungehlulekiyo.

17 Mangingahlaziswa, Oh Thixo,

ngoba sengikhalile Kuwe;

kodwa akuthi ababi bahlaziswe

balale bathule zwi ethuneni.

18 Akuthi izindebe zabo zamanga zithuliswe,

ezikhuluma ngokuzigqaja lokweyisa

bakhuluma ngobuqholo ngabantu abalungileyo.

19 Kukhulu kangakanani ukulunga Kwakho

okugcinele labo abakwesabayo,

okunika obala abantu bebona

kulabo abaphephela Kuwe.

20 Uyabafihla ekusithekeni kobukhona Bakho

emaqingeni ababi

uyabagcina bevikelwe emzini wakhe

ezilimini ezichothozayo.

21 Udumo alube kuThixo

ngoba watshengisa uthando lwakhe olumangalisayo kimi

ngisedolobheni elihanqiweyo yimpi.

22 Ngiphakathi kokwethuka ngathi,

“Sengisusiwe kangisabonakali Kuwe!”

Kanti wakuzwa ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa,

lapho ngangicela kuwe ukusizwa.

23 Mthandeni uThixo,

lina bangcwele bakhe!

UThixo uyabalondoloza abathembekileyo,

kodwa abazigqajayo uyabaphindisela ngokugcweleyo.

24 Qinani lime isibindi,

lonke lina elithemba uThixo.

Ihubo 32

Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Ubusisiwe lowo

oziphambeko zakhe zithethelelwe,

ozono zakhe zisibekelwe.

2 Ubusisiwe lowo

ongasoze abalelwe isono sakhe nguThixo,

njalo ongelankohliso emoyeni wakhe.

3 Ngathi lapho ngithule,

amathambo ami ababuthakathaka

ngenxa yokububula kwami ilanga lonke.

4 Ngoba imini lobusuku

isandla Sakho sasingelekile, singisinda;

amandla ami aphela

kwafana lesikhudumezi sehlobo.

5 Lapho-ke ngasengisivuma isono sami Kuwe

angabe ngisasibekela ububi bami.

Ngathi, “Ngizazivuma iziphambeko zami kuThixo,”

walithethelela icala lesono sami.

6 Ngakho akuthi wonke umuntu othembekileyo akhuleke kuwe

usatholakala;

ngeqiniso kuzakuthi lapho impophoma seziqubuka,

kabayi kumfinyelela.

7 Uyindawo yami yokuphephela;

uzangivikela enkathazweni

ungizungeze ngezingoma zensindiso.

8 Ngizakutshengisa ngikufundise indlela ofanele uhambe ngayo;

ngizakweluleka ngikulinde.

9 Ungabi njengebhiza loba imbongolo,

khona akulakuzwisisa

kodwa kumele kukhokhelwa ngamatomu

ukuze umuntu kumlalele.

10 Zinengi izikhalazo zababi,

kodwa uthando lukaThixo olungaphuthiyo

luyamzungeza umuntu othemba kuye.

11 Thokozani kuThixo, lithabe lina balungileyo;

hlabelelani lonke lina eliqotho enhliziyweni!

Ihubo 33

1 Hlabelelani kuThixo ngentokozo,

lina balungileyo;

kubafanele abaqotho ukumdumisa.

2 Dumisani uThixo ngechacho;

mhlabeleleni ngesiginci sezintambo ezilitshumi.

3 Mhlabeleleni ingoma entsha;

tshayani kamnandi lihlokome ngentokozo.

4 Ngoba ilizwi likaThixo lilungile, liqinisile;

uthembekile kukho konke akwenzayo.

5  UThixo uthanda ukulunga lokwahlulela okuqondileyo;

umhlaba ugcwele uthando lwakhe olungaphuthiyo.

6 Ngelizwi likaThixo amazulu enziwa,

ubunkanyankanya bezinkanyezi ngomoya womlomo wakhe.

7 Uyawaqoqa amanzi olwandle awathele enkonxeni;

athululele inziki zolwandle eziphaleni.

8 Umhlaba wonke kawesabe uThixo;

akuthi bonke abantu bomhlaba bazithobe phambi Kwakhe.

9 Ngoba wakhuluma, kwahle kwaba khona;

wayala, kwema kwaqina nko.

10  UThixo uyawachitha amacebo ezizwe;

uyazinyampisa izinhloso zabantu.

11 Kodwa amacebo kaThixo ami aqinile nini lanini,

izinhloso zenhliziyo yakhe kuzozonke izizukulwane.

12 Sibusisekile isizwe uNkulunkulu waso onguThixo,

abantu abakhethayo baba yilifa lakhe.

13  UThixo ukhangele phansi esezulwini

ababone bonke abantu;

14 esemzini wakhe

uyababona bonke abahlala emhlabeni

15 yena owenza inhliziyo zabo bonke,

enanzelela konke abakwenzayo.

16 Akulankosi esizwa yibukhulu bebutho layo;

akulaqhawe eliphunyuka ngamandla alo amakhulu.

17 Yikuthemba ize ukuthi ibhiza lingakusindisa;

loba lona lilamandla amakhulu ngeke lisindise.

18 Kodwa amehlo kaThixo akulabo abamesabayo,

kulabo othemba labo lisethandweni lwakhe olungapheliyo,

19 ukubakhulula ekufeni

baphiliswe lanxa kulendlala.

20 Simlindele uThixo ngokwethemba;

ulusizo lwethu lesihlangu sethu.

21 Inhliziyo zethu zithokoza Ngaye,

ngoba sithembe ebizweni lakhe elingcwele.

22 Sengathi uthando Lwakho olungaphuthiyo, Thixo, lungaba phezu kwethu

njengalokhu sibeka ithemba lethu kuwe.

Ihubo 34

ElikaDavida. Lapho azenza uhlanya ku-Abhimelekhi, owamxotshayo wahamba.

1 Ngizamphakamisa uThixo ngezikhathi zonke;

indumiso yakhe izahlala isezindebeni zami.

2 Umphefumulo wami uzaziqhenya Thixo

akuthi abahluphekileyo bezwe bajabule.

3 Bongani uThixo kanye lami;

kasiphakamiseni ibizo lakhe sonke, ndawonye.

4 Ngamdinga uThixo wangiphendula;

wangikhulula kukho konke engangikwesaba.

5 Labo abakhangele Kuye bayakhazimula;

ubuso babo abungeke bembeswe lihlazo.

6 Isihlupheki lesi samemeza, uThixo wasizwa;

wasisindisa kuzozonke inhlupheko zaso.

7 Ingilosi kaThixo iyabazungeza

labo abamesabayo, ibakhulule.

8 Nambithani libone ukuthi uThixo ulungile;

ubusisiwe umuntu ophephela Kuye.

9 Mesabeni Uthixo, lina bangcwele bakhe,

ngoba labo abamesabayo kabasweli lutho.

10 Izilwane zingaphela amandla zilambe,

kodwa labo abamdingayo uThixo kabasweli lutho oluhle.

11 Wozani, bantwabami, lalelani kimi;

ngizalifundisa ukumesaba uThixo.

12 Lowo othanda ukuphila

abone lezinsuku ezinhle kumele

13 anqande ulimi lwakhe kokubi

lezindebe zakhe ekukhulumeni inkohliso.

14 Tshiya ububi wenze okulungileyo;

funa ukuthula ukunxwanele.

15 Amehlo kaThixo akhangele abalungileyo

lezindlebe zakhe ziyezwa ukukhala kwabo;

16 ubuso bukaThixo bumelana lalabo abenza okubi,

ukuba acitshe ukukhunjulwa kwabo emhlabeni.

17 Abalungileyo bayakhala kuThixo abezwe;

uyabakhulula kuzozonke inhlupheko zabo.

18  UThixo useduze labo abalezinhliziyo ezephukileyo

asindise labo abadabukileyo emoyeni.

19 Umuntu olungileyo angaba lezinhlupheko ezinengi,

kodwa uThixo uyamkhulula kuzozonke.

20 Uyawavikela wonke amathambo akhe,

kungephuki loba lalinye.

21 Ububi buzambulala oyisixhwali;

izitha zolungileyo zizalahlwa.

22  UThixo uyazihlenga izinceku zakhe;

kakho ozalahlwa ophephela kuye.

Ihubo 35

ElikaDavida.

1 Xabana labo, Thixo abaxabana lami;

lwana labo abalwa lami.

2 Thatha isihlangu lewisa;

phakama uzongilamulela.

3 Phakamisa umkhonto lesijula,

ukuqondise kwabangihlaselayo.

Ngitshela ukuthi,

“Ngiyikusindiswa kwakho.”

4 Sengathi labo abazingela impilo yami

bangayangiswa bathelwe ngehlazo;

sengathi labo abazama ukungidiliza

bangabuyiselwa emuva bedumazekile.

5 Sengathi bangaba njengamakhoba emoyeni,

ingilosi kaThixo ibe ibadudula ibaxotsha;

6 sengathi indlela yabo ingaba mnyama itshelele,

ingilosi kaThixo ibe ibahlezi ezithendeni.

7 Ngoba bangithiya ngamambule abo ngingonanga lutho,

baphinda bangembela umgodi kungelasizatho,

8 sengathi bangadilizwa belibele

lawomambule abawathiyileyo abahilele,

sengathi bangawela kulowomgodi babhidlizwe.

9 Lapho-ke umoya wami uzathokoza kuThixo

ujabule ekusindiseni Kwakhe.

10 Mina qobo lwami ngizamemeza ngithi,

“Ngubani onjengawe, Oh Thixo?

Uyabakhulula abahluphekayo kulabo abalamandla kulabo,

abahluphekayo labaswelayo kulabo ababantshontshelayo.”

11 Ofakazi bolunya bayangivelela;

bangibuza ngezinto engingazaziyo.

12 Bangiphindisela okuhle ngokubi

umphefumulo wami usale usudabukile.

13 Ikanti kwathi bona begula ngembatha amasaka

ngazithoba ngazila ukudla.

Kwathi lapho imikhuleko yami ingaphendulwa

14 ngaba sesililweni

kwangathi ngililela umngane wami loba umfowethu.

Ngakhothamisa ikhanda lami ngokudabuka

kwangathi ngililela umama.

15 Kodwa ngathi sengikhubekile baqwebana bokha insini;

abahlaseli bangihlanganyela ngilibele.

Bangichothoza okungapheliyo.

16 Bakloloda ngomona njengabangakholwayo;

bangigedlela amazinyo abo.

17 Nkosi, uzakuma ubukele kuze kube nini na?

Yenyula impilo yami ekungilimazeni kwabo,

impilo yami eligugu kulezizilwane.

18 Ngizakubonga phakathi komhlangano omkhulu;

ngikudumise ngiphakathi kwamaxuku abantu.

19 Ungabayekeli abayizitha zami ngingabonelanga lutho,

bantele phezu kwami.

Ungayekeli labo abangizondayo kungelasizatho,

banginyonkoloze ngomona.

20 Kabakhulumi okuqondileyo

kodwa babumba amacala amanga,

ngalabo abaphila ngokuthula elizweni.

21 Bangikhamisela imilomo bathi, “Hiya belo!

Sizibonele ngawethu amehlo la.”

22 Oh Thixo, usukubonile lokhu; ungathuli.

Ungabi khatshana kwami, Oh Nkosi.

23 Vuka, uphakame ungilamulele!

Ngilwela, Nkulunkulu Thixo wami.

24 Ngigeza ngokulunga Kwakho,

Thixo, Nkulunkulu wami;

ungabayekeli bantele phezu kwami.

25 Ungabayekeli bacabange bathi, “Ehe, yikho ebesikufuna!”

loba bathi, “Sesimginyile.”

26 Sengathi bonke abantela ngokuhlupheka kwami

bangathelwa ngehlazo basanganiseke;

sengathi bonke abazikhukhumezayo phezu kwami

bangembeswa ngokuyangeka langehlazo.

27 Sengathi labo abathokoza ngokugezwa kwami

bangahalalisa ngentokozo lenjabulo;

sengathi bangatsho kokuphela bathi,

“Makaphakanyiswe uThixo

othokoza ngokuhlala kuhle kwenceku yakhe.”

28 Ulimi lwami luzakhuluma ngokulunga Kwakho

langendumiso Yakho ilanga lonke.

Ihubo 36

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaDavida inceku kaThixo.

1 Ngilenkinga enhliziyweni yami

mayelana lokuxhwala kwesigangi:

Kakukho ukwesaba uNkulunkulu

engqondweni yaso.

2 Phela kweyaso ingqondo siyazikhohlisa

size sehluleke ukubona kumbe ukuzonda isono saso.

3 Amazwi omlomo waso abolile alenkohliso;

kasiselakho ukuhlakanipha lokulunga.

4 Kwala loba silele siceba ububi;

sizinikela endleleni yobubi

njalo kasikulahli okubi.

5 Uthando Lwakho, Thixo, lufika emazulwini,

ukuthembeka Kwakho esibhakabhakeni.

6 Ukulunga Kwakho kunjengezintaba ezesabekayo,

ukwahlulela kuhle Kwakho njengolwandle olukhulu.

Oh Thixo, uyamlondoloza umuntu kanye lenyamazana.

7 Luligugu elinganani uthando Lwakho olungaphuthiyo,

Oh Nkulunkulu!

Bonke abantu bazuza isiphephelo

emthunzini wamaphiko Akho.

8 Bayazitika ngokudla okunengi endlini Yakho;

ubapha okunathwayo okwemfuleni wakho wokuthokoza.

9 Ngoba kuwe kulomthombo wokuphila;

kokwakho ukukhanya sibona ukukhanya.

10 Qhubeka ngothando Lwakho kulabo abakwaziyo,

ukuluga Kwakho kwabaqotho enhliziyweni.

11 Sengathi unyawo lwabazazisayo lungehluleka ukunginyathela,

loba ukuthi isandla sababi singangixotshi.

12 Bonani-ke ukuthi izigangi sezithe daca

ziwiselwe phansi, kazisavuki futhi!

Ihubo 37

ElikaDavida.

1 Ungazikhathazi ngabantu ababi

loba uhawukele labo abenza okungalunganga;

2 ngoba bazabuna masinyane njengotshani,

njengezimila eziluhlaza bazakufa masinyane.

3 Themba kuThixo wenze okulungileyo;

hlala elizweni ukholise amadlelo amahle.

4 Zithokozise kuThixo

Yena uzakupha izifiso zenhliziyo yakho.

5 Nikela indlela zakho kuThixo;

themba kuye, Yena uzakwenzela lokhu:

6 Uzakwenza ukulunga kwakho kukhazimule njengentathakusa,

ubuqotho balokho okulwelayo njengelanga lemini enkulu.

7 Chuma phambi kukaThixo

umlindele ngesineke;

ungakhathazeki nxa abantu bephumelela ngezindlela zabo,

nxa bephutshisa amaqhinga abo amabi.

8 Xwayana lokuzonda njalo ufulathele intukuthelo;

ungakhathazeki, kukhokhelela ebubini kuphela.

9 Ngoba abantu ababi bazasuswa,

kodwa labo abathemba uThixo bazakudla ilifa lelizwe.

10 Kuseyisikhatshana nje, ababi bazabe bengasekho;

loba usubadinga kabasayikufunyanwa.

11 Kodwa abathobekileyo bazakudla ilifa lelizwe

njalo bakholise ukuthula okukhulu.

12 Ababi baceba ukulimaza abalungileyo

babagedlele amazinyo;

13 kodwa iNkosi iyabahleka ababi,

ngoba iyazi ukuthi usuku lwabo luyeza.

14 Ababi bakhokha inkemba,

badonsa idandili

ngenhloso yokulimaza abahluphekayo labaswelayo,

lokubulala labo abahamba ngokulunga.

15 Kodwa izinkemba zabo zizagwaza ezabo inhliziyo,

lamadandili abo azakwephulwa.

16 Kungcono ingcosana leyo abalayo abalungileyo

kulenotho yababi abanengi;

17 ngoba amandla ababi azaqedwa,

kodwa uThixo uyabaxhasa abalungileyo.

18 Insuku zabangelasici ziyaziwa nguThixo,

ilifa labo lizakuma lanini.

19 Ngezikhathi zomonakalo abayikubuna;

ngezikhathi zendlala bazasutha.

20 Kodwa ababi bazabhubha;

izitha zikaThixo zinjengobuhle beganga,

zizanyamalala, zinyamalale njengentuthu.

21 Ababi bayaboleka kodwa kababuyiseli,

kodwa abalungileyo bayapha kakhulu;

22 labo uThixo ababusisayo bazakudla ilifa lelizwe;

kodwa labo abathukayo bazasuswa.

23 Nxa uThixo ethokoziswa yikuhamba komuntu,

uyaqinisa izinyathelo zakhe;

24 loba angakhubeka, kayikuwa,

ngoba uThixo uyamsekela ngesandla sakhe.

25 Ngangimutsha, manje sengiluphele,

kodwa angizange ngibone abalungileyo bedelwa

loba abantwababo becela isinkwa.

26 Bayaphana kokuphela njalo bayebolekana nje;

abantwababo bazabusiswa.

27 Phendukani ebubini lenze ukulunga

lapho-ke lizahlala elizweni nini lanini.

28 Ngoba uThixo uthanda abalungileyo

njalo kayikubadela abathembekileyo bakhe.

Bazavikelwa kuze kube nini lanini

kodwa inzalo yababi izalahlwa;

29 abalungileyo bazazuza ilifa lelizwe

bahlale kulo lanini.

30 Umlomo womuntu olungileyo ukhuluma ukuhlakanipha,

lolimi lwakhe lukhuluma okuqondileyo.

31 Umthetho kaNkulunkulu wakhe usenhliziyweni yakhe;

inyawo zakhe kazitsheleli.

32 Ababi bacathamela abalungileyo

befuna impilo yabo qobo lwayo;

33 kodwa uThixo kayikubayekela bazenzele abakuthandayo

kubo kumbe balahlwe licala nxa bethonisiswa.

34 Lindelani uThixo ligcine indlela yakhe.

Uzaliphakamisa lilithathe ilifa lelizwe;

lizakubona lokhu nxa ababi sebesusiwe.

35 Sengike ngabona umuntu omubi olesihluku

kulokubhadala ehluma njengesihlahla,

esikhula kuhle emhlabathini waso wemvelo,

36 kodwa waphanga wafa kabe esabakhona;

ngathi loba sengimdinga ngamswela.

37 Nanzelela abangelecala, qaphela abaqotho.

Likhona ikusasa kumuntu wokuthula.

38 Kodwa zonke izoni zizabhujiswa;

ikusasa lezigangi lizasuswa.

39 Ukusindiswa kwabalungileyo kuvela kuThixo;

uyinqaba yabo ngesikhathi sokuhlupheka.

40  UThixo uyabasiza abakhulule;

abakhulule kwababi abasindise,

ngoba baphephela kuye.

Ihubo 38

Ihubo likaDavida. Isikhalazo.

1 Awu Thixo, ungangikhuzi

ngolaka loba ungijezise uthukuthele.

2 Ngoba imitshoko yakho ingicibile,

njalo wangibhansula kakhulu ngesandla sakho.

3 Ngenxa yokuthukuthela kwakho kangiselakuphila emzimbeni wami;

amathambo ami kawasaqinanga ngenxa yesono sami.

4 Ukona kwami sekungisinda

njengomthwalo onzima ongathwalekiyo.

5 Izilonda zami sezilobovu sezisenyanyeka

ngenxa yobuthutha bami besono.

6 Ngiyangiswe ngehliswa kakhulu;

sengitshona ngilila ilanga lonke.

7 Ngiphethwe liqolo ngobuhlungu obuqumayo;

umzimba wami kawuselampilo.

8 Sengibuthakathaka, sengicikizekile;

ngiyabubula ngobuhlungu benhliziyo.

9 Zonke iziloyiso zami zisobala kuwe, Oh Thixo,

ukububula kwami kakufihlekanga kuwe.

10 Inhliziyo yami iyagubhazela, amandla ami ayaphela;

lokukhanya sekufiphele emehlweni ami.

11 Abangane bami labakhula bami sebengibalekela ngenxa yamanxeba ami;

omakhelwane bami sebehlalela khatshana

12 Labo abafuna impilo yami sebethiyile,

labo abafuna ukungilimaza bakhuluma ngokungidiliza;

ilanga lonke batshonela ukwakha amacebo enkohliso.

13 Sengifana lesacuthe esingezwayo,

njengesimungulu esehluleka ukuvula umlomo waso;

14 senginjengomuntu ongezwayo,

olomlomo ongaphenduliyo.

15 Ngikulindele, Oh Thixo,

uzaphendula, Oh Nkosi Nkulunkulu wami.

16 Ngoba ngathi, “Ungabayekeli baklolode

kumbe bazikhukhumeze phezu kwami nxa unyawo lwami lutshelela.”

17 Ngoba sengiseduze lokuwa,

lobuhlungu bungiphethe njalonjalo.

18 Ngiyabuvuma ububi bami;

ngiyakhathazeka ngesono sami.

19 Banengi labo abayizitha zami ezitshisekayo,

labo abangizonda bengelasizatho banengi.

20 Labo abangiphindisela okuhle ngokubi

bayangigcona lapho ngisenza okulungileyo.

21 Oh Thixo, ungangideli;

ungabi khatshana lami, Oh Nkulunkulu wami.

22 Woza masinyane uzongisiza,

Nkosi yami loMsindisi wami.

Ihubo 39

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaJeduthuni. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Ngathi, “Ngizaziqaphela izindlela zami,

ngiluthinte ulimi lwami esonweni;

ngizawugcika umlomo wami

nxa ababi bekhona phambi kwami.”

2 Kodwa kwathi lapho ngithule ngithe zwi,

ngingatsho lutho loba lungoluhle

ubuhlungu benhliziyo yami bakhula.

3 Inhliziyo yami yavutha ngaphakathi kwami;

kwathi lapho ngizuliswa yimicabango, umlilo wavutha;

ngasengikhuluma ngolimi lwami:

4 “Ngitshengisa, Thixo, isiphetho sempilo yami

lobunengi bezinsuku zami;

ngazisa ukuthi impilo yami igijima kanganani.

5 Usuwenze insuku zami zaba lobubanzi besandla;

ububanzi beminyaka yami kabusilutho kuwe.

Impilo yabantu ingumoya kuphela,

kanye lalabo abakhanya behlalisekile.

6 Umuntu uhambahamba njengesithunzi nje;

uyatshikatshika, kodwa konke akwenzayo kuyize lodwa;

ubuthelela inotho engazi ukuthi izakuba ngekabani.

7 Kodwa okwamanje, Thixo, ngisafunani kambe?

Ithemba lami likuwe.

8 Ngisindisa kuzozonke iziphambeko zami;

ungangenzi inhlekisa yezitha.

9 Ngathula; ngangingeke ngiwuvule umlomo wami,

ngoba lokhu kwenziwe nguwe.

10 Susa uswazi lwakho kimi;

sengikhulelwa yisidutshulo sesandla sakho.

11 Abantu uyabakhuza ubajezisele isono sabo;

ucikiza inotho yabo njengenondo

ngempela umuntu ngamunye ungumoya nje.

12 Zwana umkhuleko wami, Oh Thixo,

lalela isikhalazo sami ngicela uncedo;

ungabi ligcikandlebe nxa ngikhala.

Phela ngihlala lawe nginjengesihambi, ngiyisethekeli

njengoba okhokho bonke babenjalo.

13 Ake ukhangele eceleni nje ukuze ngithokoze njalo,

ngingakasuki lapha ngibe ngongasekho.”

Ihubo 40

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaDavida. Ihubo.

1 Ngamlindela ngesineke uThixo;

waphendukela ngakimi wezwa ukukhala kwami.

2 Wangenyula emgodini otshonayo,

wangikhupha edakeni lexhaphozini;

wamisa inyawo zami edwaleni,

wangipha indawo eqinileyo yokuma.

3 Wangipha ingoma entsha emlonyeni wami,

ihubo lokudumisa kuNkulunkulu wethu.

Abanengi bazabona besabe

babeke ithemba labo kuThixo.

4 Ubusisiwe umuntu

owenza uThixo abe lithemba lakhe,

ongathembi abazigqajayo,

lalabo abaqambukela kubonkulunkulu bamanga.

5 Zinengi, Thixo, Nkulunkulu wami,

izimangaliso ozenzileyo.

Izinto owasilungiselela zona

kakho ongazibala kuwe;

aluba bengingakhuluma

loba ngilandise ngazo,

zingaba zinengi ngokweqileyo ukuzibalisa.

6 Kawufisanga imihlatshelo leminikelo

kodwa indlebe zami uzikleklile;

iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yesono kawuzange uyidinge.

7 Lapho-ke ngasengisithi, “Ngilapha, sengifikile

kulotshiwe ngami emqulwini.

8 Ngiyakunxwanela ukwenza intando yakho, Oh Nkulunkulu wami;

umthetho wakho usenhliziyweni yami.”

9 Ngiyafakaza ngokulunga ngisemhlanganweni omkhulu;

angizivali izindebe zami, njengoba usazi, Oh Thixo.

10 Ukulunga kwakho kangikufihli enhliziyweni yami;

ngikhuluma ngokuthembeka kwakho lokusindisa kwakho.

Kangilufihli uthando lwakho leqiniso lakho

emhlanganweni omkhulu.

11 Ungasigodli isihawu sakho kimi, Oh Thixo;

sengathi uthando lwakho leqiniso lakho kungahlala kungivikela.

12 Phela inhlupheko ezingelakubalwa zingihanqile;

izono zami sezingificile, kangisaboni.

Zinengi kulenwele zekhanda lami,

njalo inhliziyo yami isiphela amandla.

13 Jabula, awu Thixo, ungisindise;

awu Thixo, woza masinyane uzongisiza.

14 Sengathi bonke abafuna ukuqeda impilo yami

bangayangiswa basanganiswe;

sengathi bonke abafisa ukungidiliza

bangabuyiselwa emuva beyangekile.

15 Sengathi bonke abathi kimi, “Ehe, Ehe!”

banganengwa lihlazo labo.

16 Kodwa akuthi bonke abakudingayo

bathokoze bajabule kuwe;

akuthi labo abathanda insindiso yakho bahlale besithi,

“UThixo kadunyiswe!”

17 Kodwa mina ngiyahlupheka, ngiyaswela;

sengathi iNkosi ingangikhumbula.

Ilusizo lwami lomkhululi wami;

Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ungalibali.

Ihubo 41

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Ubusisiwe lowo onanza abahluphekayo;

uThixo uyamkhulula ngezikhathi zokuhlupheka.

2  UThixo uzamvikela alondoloze impilo yakhe;

uzambusisa phakathi kwelizwe

akasoze amnikele emandleni ezitha zakhe.

3  UThixo uzamqinisa lanxa elele egula

njalo amsilise avuke ekuguleni kwakhe.

4 Ngathi, “Oh Thixo ake ungihawukele;

ngisilisa, ngoba ngonile kuwe.”

5 Izitha zami ziyangigcona zithi,

“Uzakufa nini licitshe ibizo lakhe?”

6 Nxa omunye wabo efika ezongibona,

ukhuluma kuhle angikhohlise,

kodwa enhliziyweni yakhe egaya izibozi;

athi angaphuma ahambe esekhihliza ebantwini.

7 Bonke abangizondayo banyenyezelana ngami;

bangicabangela wonke amanyala besithi,

8 “Usengenwe ngumkhuhlane omubi;

kasoze asile avuke futhi.”

9 Lomngane wami osekhwapheni,

ebengimthembile,

lowo obesidla lami isinkwa

usengihlamukele.

10 Kodwa wena, Oh Thixo ake ungihawukele;

ake ungivuse ukuze ngibakhawulise.

11 Ngiyazi ukuthi uyathokoza ngami,

ngoba isitha sami kasingehluli.

12 Ubuqotho bami busekelwa nguwe

njalo ungimisa phambi kwakho nini lanini.

13 Udumo alube kuye uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

kusukela nininini kuze kube nininini.

Ameni njalo Ameni!

Ugwalo 2

42

AmaHubo 42 – 72

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo lamaDodana kaKhora.

1 Njengempala inxwanela imifula yamanzi,

kunjalo umphefumulo wami uyakunxwanela, Oh Nkulunkulu.

2 Umphefumulo wami womela uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu ophilayo.

Ngizahamba nini ngiyohlangana loNkulunkulu?

3 Inyembezi zami seziyikudla kwami

imini lobusuku,

lapho abantu besithi kimi ilanga lonke,

“Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wakho?”

4 Lezizinto ngiyazikhumbula

nxa ngizisola kakhulu ngidabukile:

Ngangihamba endlini kaNkulunkulu,

ngaphansi kwempiko zikaSomandla

sihlokoma ngentokozo langokubonga

lexuku elithakazelela umkhosi.

5 Kungani wephukile na, wena mphefumulo wami?

Kungani udungekile kanje ngaphakathi kwami?

Beka ithemba lakho kuNkulunkulu,

ngoba ngisezakumdumisa,

uMsindisi wami loNkulunkulu wami.

6 Umphefumulo wami wephukile ngaphakathi kwami;

ngakho ngizakukhumbula

kusukela esifundeni seJodani,

iziqongo zaseHemoni,

kusukela entabeni iMizari.

7 Inziki imemeza inziki

phakathi kwenhlokomo yezimpophoma zakho;

wonke amavinqo lokukhaphaka

sekugabhela phezu kwami.

8 Emini uThixo uyaluqondisa uthando lwakhe

ebusuku ingoma yakhe ikhona kimi

umkhuleko kuNkulunkulu wempilo yami.

9 Ngithi kuNkulunkulu iDwala lami,

“Kutheni usungikhohliwe na?

Kutheni sengizula ngingolilayo,

ngincindezelwa yisitha na?”

10 Amathambo ami ezwa ubuhlungu obungiqedayo

lapho izitha zami zingihoza,

zisithi kimi ilanga lonke,

“Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wakho?”

11 Kungani wephukile na, wena mphefumulo wami?

Kungani udungekile kanje ngaphakathi kwami?

Beka ithemba lakho kuNkulunkulu,

ngoba ngisezakumdumisa,

uMsindisi wami loNkulunkulu wami.

Ihubo 43

1 Ngigeza, awu Nkulunkulu,

ungimele

uphikise isizwe esingathembekanga;

ngikhulula ebantwini

ababi abalenkohliso.

2 UnguNkulunkulu inqaba yami.

Usungilahlelani na?

Kungani sengizula ngilila

ngincindezelwa yisitha sami na?

3 Thumela ukukhanya kwakho leqiniso lakho,

kakungikhokhele;

kakungilethe entabeni yakho engcwele,

endaweni lapho ohlala khona.

4 Lapho-ke ngizakuya e-alithareni likaNkulunkulu,

kuNkulunkulu, intokozo yami lenjabulo yami.

Ngizakudumisa ngechacho,

Oh Nkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu wami.

5 Kungani wephukile, wena mphefumulo wami?

Kungani udungekile kanje ngaphakathi kwami?

Beka ithemba lakho kuNkulunkulu,

ngoba ngisezakumdumisa, uMsindisi wami

loNkulunkulu wami.

Ihubo 44

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo lamaDodana kaKhora.

1 Sizizwele ngezethu indlebe, yebo Oh Nkulunkulu

obaba basitshela

owakwenzayo ensukwini zabo,

ensukwini zekadeni.

2 Ngezakho izandla wazixotsha izizwe

wagxumeka obaba;

wabahlifiza abantu

wenza obaba baphumelela.

3 Kwakungasinkemba zabo ezathumba ilizwe,

njalo kakusingalo yabo eyaletha ukunqoba;

kwaba yisandla sakho sokunene, ingalo yakho,

lokukhanya kobuso bakho, ngoba wawubathanda.

4 UyiNkosi yami loNkulunkulu wami,

ophayo ukunqoba kuJakhobe.

5 Ngawe siyazihlehlisa izitha zethu;

ngebizo lakho siyazigxobagxoba izitha zethu.

6 Angilithembi idandili lami,

inkemba yami kayingiletheli ukunqoba;

7 kodwa wena usipha ukunqoba phezu kwezitha zethu,

abalwa lathi ubathela ihlazo.

8 Siyazincoma ngoNkulunkulu ilanga lonke,

njalo sizalidumisa ibizo lakho nini lanini.

9 Kodwa manje ususilahlile wasiyangisa;

kawusaphelekezeli izimpi zethu.

10 Wasenza sahlehla phambi kwesitha,

abalwa lathi sebethethe impango.

11 Wasiyekela sadliwa njengezimvu

wasichithachitha phakathi kwezizwe.

12 Wathengisa abantu bakho ngengcosana nje

awazuza lutho ngalokho kuthengisa.

13 Ususenze saba lihlazo kubomakhelwane,

inhlekisa lendumazo kwesihlalisene labo.

14 Ususenze saba yisiga phakathi kwezizwe;

abantu banyikinya amakhanda ngathi.

15 Ukuyangeka kwami kuyangilandela ilanga lonke,

ubuso bami buhuqwe ngehlazo,

16 ngokuhozwa yilabo abangisolayo

njalo abangenyanyayo,

ngenxa yesitha esijonge ukuphindisela.

17 Konke lokhu kwenzakala kithi,

lanxa sasingakulibalanga;

asathembeka esivumelwaneni sakho.

18 Inhliziyo zethu zazingabuyelanga emuva;

inyawo zethu zazingaphambukanga endleleni yakho.

19 Kodwa wasichoboza saba yikudla kwamaganyane,

wasembesa ngomnyama omkhulu.

20 Aluba sasesilikhohliwe ibizo likaNkulunkulu wethu

loba saphakamisela izandla zethu kunkulunkulu wezizweni,

21 kambe ngabe uNkulunkulu kakubonanga lokho na,

njengoba esazi imfihlo zenhliziyo?

22 Ikanti ngenxa yakho wena sikhangelane lokufa ilanga lonke;

sithathwa njengezimvu ezizahlatshwa.

23 Vuka, Oh Thixo! Ulaleleni na?

Ziphaphamise! Ungasilahli kokuphela.

24 Ubufihlelani ubuso bakho na,

ukhohlwe ukuhlupheka kwethu lokuncindezelwa?

25 Sesibhuqwe phansi othulini;

imizimba yethu isinamathele phansi.

26 Phakama usisize;

sihlenge ngenxa yothando lwakho olungaphuthiyo.

Ihubo 45

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Njengengoma ethi “Izimbali.” Ihubo lamaDodana kaKhora. Ingoma yomtshado.

1 Inhliziyo yami iyagubhazela ngendaba enkulu

nxa ngivuma inkondlo yami ngiyihayela inkosi;

ulimi lwami lusiba lomlobi ololwazi.

2 Uyilikhwa lamakhwa emadodeni wonke

lezindebe zakho ziconjwe kuhle ngobunono,

njengalokhu uNkulunkulu

ekubusisile lanininini.

3 Hloma inkemba yakho okhalweni, wena omkhulu;

zembathise ngokukhazimula langobukhosi.

4 Usebukhosini bakho khwela enqoleni ulokunqoba

umele iqiniso lokuzithoba lokulunga;

akuthi isandla sakho sokunene senze izimanga.

5 Akuthi imitshoko yakho ecijileyo icibe inhliziyo zezitha zenkosi;

akuthi izizwe ziwe ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakho.

6 Isihlalo sakho sobukhosi,

Oh Nkulunkulu, sizakuma nini lanini;

intonga yokwahlulela okulungileyo

izakuba yintonga yombuso wakho.

7 Uyakuthanda ukulunga njalo uyabuzonda ububi;

ngakho uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wakho

usekubeke ngaphezu kwabakhula bakho

ngokukugcoba ngamafutha entokozo.

8 Zonke izembatho zakho ziqholiwe ngemure,

langenhlaba langekhasiya;

ezigodlweni eziceciswe ngempondo zendlovu kuqhamuka

inhlokomo yeziginci ekuthokozisayo.

9 Amadodakazi amakhosi akhona

kanye labanye abesifazane abahloniphekayo;

kwesokunene sakho ngumlobokazi wesikhosini

oceciswe ngegolide lase-Ofiri.

10 Lalela, ndodakazi, nanzelela uvule indlebe;

khohlwa abakini, lendlu yakwenu.

11 Inkosi iyaphelelwa ngobuhle bakho;

yihloniphe, ngoba iyinkosi yakho.

12 Indodakazi yaseThire izakuza lesipho,

amadoda anothileyo azazincengela kuwe.

13 Ngaphakathi exhibeni layo

inkosazana yibucwazicwazi;

isembatho sayo sicecisiwe ngegolide.

14 Isiwa enkosini yembethe izivunulo ezelukiweyo;

abakhaphi bayo bayayilandela

balethwe kuwe.

15 Bangeniswa lapho ngentokozo lenjabulo;

bangena esigodlweni senkosi.

16 Amadodana enu azathatha isikhundla saboyihlo;

lizawenza abe ngamakhosana elizweni lonke.

17 Ibizo lakho ngizalenza

likhunjulwe kokuphela yizizukulwane zonke;

yikho-ke izizwe zizakudumisa nini lanini.

Ihubo 46

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElamaDodana kaKhora. Ingoma ngendlela ye-alamothi.

1 UNkulunkulu uyisiphephelo sethu lamandla ethu,

usizo oluhlezi lukhona nxa kulohlupho.

2 Ngakho kangiyikwesaba, umhlaba ungaze ubhidlike

lezintaba ziwele ekujuleni kolwandle,

3 loba amanzi alo ehlokoma agubhazele

izintaba zivevezele ngokuqubuka kwalo.

4 Kukhona umfula ozifudlana zawo zithokozisa idolobho likaNkulunkulu,

indawo engcwele okuhlala kuyo oPhezukonke.

5 UNkulunkulu ungaphakathi kwalo, kaliyikuwiswa;

uNkulunkulu uzalisiza ngovivi lokusa.

6 Izizwe ziyahlokoma, imibuso iyachitheka;

uphakamisa ilizwi lakhe umhlaba uncibilike.

7  UThixo uSomandla ulathi;

uNkulunkulu kaJakhobe uyinqaba yethu.

8 Wozani libone imisebenzi kaThixo,

incithakalo aseyenzile emhlabeni.

9 Uyathulisa izimpi

kuze kube semikhawulweni yomhlaba;

uyalephula idandili avadlaze lomkhonto,

utshisa izinqola ngomlilo.

10 “Thulani, lazi ukuba mina nginguNkulunkulu;

ngizaphakanyiswa phakathi kwezizwe;

ngizaphakanyiswa emhlabeni.”

11  UThixo uSomandla ulathi,

uNkulunkulu kaJakhobe uyinqaba yethu.

Ihubo 47

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElamaDodana kaKhora. Ihubo.

1 Qakezani izandla zenu, zizwe zonke;

hlokomani kuNkulunkulu ngomsindo wokuthokoza.

2 Wesabeka kangakanani uThixo oPhezukonke,

iNkosi enkulu kuwo wonke umhlaba!

3 Wazehlula zonke izizwe zaba ngaphansi kwethu,

abantu babangaphansi kwezinyawo zethu.

4 Wasikhethela ilifa lethu,

igugu likaJakhobe amthandayo.

5 UNkulunkulu usekhuphukile phakathi komsindo wentokozo,

uThixo uphakathi kokukhala kwamacilongo.

6 Hlabelelani indumiso kuNkulunkulu, hlabelelani indumiso;

hlabelelani indumiso eNkosini yethu, hlabelelani indumiso.

7 Ngoba uNkulunkulu uyiNkosi yomhlaba wonke;

hlabelelani kuye ihubo lokudumisa.

8 UNkulunkulu uyazibusa izizwe;

uNkulunkulu uhlezi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi esingcwele.

9 Izikhulu zezizwe ziyaqoqana

njengabantu bakaNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama,

ngoba amakhosi omhlaba angakaNkulunkulu;

uphakeme kakhulukazi.

Ihubo 48

Ingoma. Ihubo lamaDodana kaKhora.

1 Umkhulu uThixo, ufanele ngokuphindiweyo ukudunyiswa,

emzini kaNkulunkulu wethu, intaba yakhe engcwele.

2 Muhle kakhulu ngokuphakama kwakhe,

uyintokozo yomhlaba wonke.

Njengeziqongo zeZafoni injalo intaba iZiyoni,

umuzi weNkosi eNkulu.

3 UNkulunkulu usemithangaleni yawo;

ubonisa ukuthi nguye oyinqaba yawo.

4 Kwathi lapho amakhosi ehlanganisa izimpi zawo,

lapho ehlasela kanyekanye,

5 awubona umuzi lo ethuka

aphaphatheka esetshaywa luvalo.

6 Ahle athuthumela khonapho,

ezwa ubuhlungu obuzwiwa ngowesifazane ehelelwa.

7 Wena wabatshabalalisa njengemikhumbi yaseThashishi

ibhidlizwa ngumoya wempumalanga.

8 Lokho esikuzwileyo

yikho esikubonileyo

emzini kaThixo uSomandla,

emzini kaNkulunkulu wethu:

uNkulunkulu uzawuvikela lanini.

9 Phakathi kwethempeli lakho, Oh Nkulunkulu,

siyacabanga ngothando lwakho olungaphuthiyo.

10 Njengebizo lakho, Oh Nkulunkulu,

udumo lwakho lufika emikhawulweni yomhlaba;

isandla sakho sokunene sigcwele ukulunga.

11 Intaba iZiyoni iyathokoza,

imizi yakoJuda iyathaba

ngezahlulelo zakho.

12 Hambahamba eZiyoni, ibhode,

bala izilindo zayo eziphezulu,

13 nanzelela kuhle imithangala yayo,

hlola izinqaba zayo,

ukuze ukwazi ukulandisela

isizukulwane esizayo.

14 Ngoba uNkulunkulu lo nguNkulunkulu wethu nini lanini;

uzakuba ngumholi wethu lasekupheleni.

Ihubo 49

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElamaDodana kaKhora. Ihubo.

1 Zwanini lokhu lina bantu lonke;

lalelani, lonke elihlala kulo umhlaba,

2 abantukazana lezikhulu,

abanothileyo labayanga ngokufanayo:

3 Umlomo wami uzakhuluma amazwi okuhlakanipha;

amazwi aphuma enhliziyweni yami azanika ukuzwisisa.

4 Ngizabeka indlebe yami kuso isaga;

ngechacho ngizaliqhaqha ilibho:

5 Ngingesabelani na nxa kufika insuku ezimbi,

lapho abakhohlisi ababi bengihanqa,

6 labo abathembe inotho yabo

abazitshaya isifuba ngenotho yabo enengi?

7 Kakho umuntu ongahlenga impilo yomunye

kumbe amkhuphele inhlawulo kuNkulunkulu,

8 ngoba ukuhlenga impilo yomuntu kuyadula,

akulambhadalo engakwenelisa,

9 ukuze aphile kokuphela

angaboni ukubola.

10 Phela bonke bayabona ukuthi izihlakaniphi ziyafa;

ngokunjalo iziwula labasangeneyo bayabhubha

batshiye inotho yabo kwabanye.

11 Amangcwaba abo ayizindlu zabo zanininini,

yimizi yabo okwezizukulwane ezingapheliyo,

lokuba nje basebeqambe iziqinti ngamabizo abo.

12 Kodwa umuntu, lokuba elenotho, kaphili kokuphela;

unjengezinyamazana ezibhubhayo.

13 Lesi yisiphetho salabo abazithembayo bona,

labalandeli babo, abavumelana labakutshoyo.

14 Njengezimvu bamiselwe ingcwaba,

ukufa kuzazitika kubo.

Abaqotho bazabusa phezu kwabo ekuseni;

izidumbu zabo zizabola engcwabeni,

kude lemizi yabo efana leyamakhosi.

15 Kodwa uNkulunkulu uzayihlenga eyami impilo engcwabeni;

ngempela uzangithatha angise kuye.

16 Ungasuki udangale kakhulu ngokubona omunye enotha;

nxa indlu yakhe igcwala ngobunkentshenkentshe;

17 phela kazukuhamba lalutho mhla esifa,

ubukhazikhazi lobo kayikwehla labo.

18 Loba wayesithi esaphila azibone engobusisiweyo

abantu bayakukhonza nxa uphumelela,

19 uzakuyahlangana lesizukulwane sabokhokho bakhe,

abangasayikuphinde bakubone ukukhanya kwempilo.

20 Umuntu olenotho kodwa engaqedisisi

unjengezinyamazana ezibhubhayo.

Ihubo 50

Ihubo lika-Asafi.

1 USomandla, uNkulunkulu, uThixo,

uyakhuluma, ubiza umhlaba

kusukela okuphuma khona ilanga kuze kufike lapho elitshona khona.

2 EseZiyoni, epheleleyo ngobuhle,

uNkulunkulu uyakhazimula.

3 UNkulunkulu wethu uyeza,

kayikuthula;

umlilo uyahangula phambi kwakhe,

emaceleni akhe kukhukhula isiphepho.

4 Ubiza amazulu ngaphezulu lomhlaba,

ukuze ehlulele abantu bakhe:

5 “Qoqani kimi abahlanjululiweyo bami,

abenza isivumelwano lami ngemihlatshelo.”

6 Lamazulu atshumayela ukulunga kwakhe;

ngoba uNkulunkulu ngumahluleli ngokwakhe.

7 “Zwanini, bantu bami, ngizakhuluma;

yebo Israyeli, ngizafakaza ngimelane lawe;

nginguNkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu wakho

8 Kangikukhuzi ngemihlatshelo yakho

kumbe iminikelo yakho yokutshiswa,

ehlezi ikhona phambi kwami.

9 Angisweli inkunzi ephuma esibayeni sakho

kumbe imbuzi zesilugu sakho,

10 ngoba yiphi layiphi inyamazana yeganga ngeyami,

lenkomo ezisemaqaqeni azinkulungwane.

11 Ngazi zonke izinyoni ezisezintabeni,

lezidalwa zeganga ngezami.

12 Aluba ngangingolambayo ngangingekulitshela,

ngoba umhlaba ngowami, lakho konke okukuwo.

13 Ngidla inyama yezinkunzi yini

kumbe nginatha igazi lembuzi na?

14 Yenzani imihlatshelo yokubonga kuNkulunkulu,

gcwalisani izifungo zenu koPhezukonke,

15 njalo lize kimi mhla lisekuhluphekeni;

ngizalikhulula, lani lizangidumisa.”

16 Kodwa kwababi, uNkulunkulu uthi:

“Lilelungelo bani ukukhuluma imithetho yami

kumbe liphathe isivumelwano sami ezindebeni zenu na?

17 Liyazizonda iziqondiso zami,

lilahlela amazwi ami emuva kwenu.

18 Lithi lingabona isela lihle libambane lalo;

lisuka lingenelane lezifebe.

19 Lisebenzisa imilomo yenu ukukhuluma okubi

lifundise ulimi lwenu inkohliso.

20 Linyeya umfowenu njalonjalo,

limgcone umntakanyoko uqobo.

21 Lizenzile lezizinto ngazithulela;

lalikhumbula ukuthi ngifana lani.

Kodwa ngizalikhuza

ngilibonisa icala lenu obala.

22 Nanzelelani lokhu, lina elikhohlwa uNkulunkulu,

funa ngilidabudabule, kungekho ongalilamulela:

23 Lowo onikela iminikelo yokubonga uyangidumisa,

njalo ulungisa indlela ukuze ngimtshengise insindiso yami.”

Ihubo 51

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida. Lapho umphrofethi uNathani efike kuye emveni kokuba uDavida efebe loBhathishebha.

1 Ake ungihawukele, awu Nkulunkulu,

ngenxa yothando lwakho olungaphuthiyo;

ngenxa yesihawu sakho esikhulu

yesula iziphambeko zami.

2 Hlanza wonke amanyala ami

ungihlambulule esonweni sami.

3 Phela ngiyazazi iziphambeko zami,

isono sami sihlezi siphambi kwami.

4 Ngenzile isono kuwe, wena wedwa,

ngenza okubi phambi kwakho,

ukuze kukhanye ukuthi wena uqondile nxa ukhuluma

njalo kube kufanele nxa usahlulela.

5 Ngeqiniso ngavele ngazalwa ngilesono,

ngaba yisoni ngiqalisa esiswini sikamama.

6 Ngempela wena ufuna iqiniso elisuka emibilini;

uyangifundisa ukuhlakanipha ngaphakathi kwami.

7 Ngihlanza ngehisophi ngihlambuluke;

ngigezisa ngibemhlophe kuleliqhwa.

8 Mangizwe intokozo lokuthaba;

makuthi amathambo owacobozileyo ajabule.

9 Fihla ubuso bakho esonweni sami

ucitshe nya wonke amanyala ami.

10 Dala phakathi kwami inhliziyo ehlanzekileyo, Oh Nkulunkulu

uvuselele ngaphakathi kwami umoya othembekileyo.

11 Ungangilahli ebusweni bakho

kumbe ususe kimi uMoya oNgcwele.

12 Buyisela kimi intokozo yokusindisa kwakho

njalo ungiphe umoya ovumayo ukuthi ungisekele.

13 Lapho-ke ngizafundisa abonayo izindlela zakho,

lezoni zizabuyela kuwe.

14 Ngikhulula ecaleni lokuchitha igazi, Oh Nkulunkulu,

uNkulunkulu ongisindisayo,

njalo ulimi lwami luzahlabelela ukulunga kwakho.

15 Oh Thixo, vula izindebe zami,

umlomo wami uzamemezela indumiso yakho.

16 Kawuthokoziswa yimihlatshelo, ngoba bengizawuletha;

kawuthakazeleli iminikelo yokutshiswa.

17 Imihlatshelo kaNkulunkulu iyinhliziyo edabukileyo;

inhliziyo edabukileyo, ezisolayo,

awu Nkulunkulu, kawuyikuyilahla.

18 Nxa kuyintando yakho phumelelisa iZiyoni;

yakha imiduli yeJerusalema.

19 Lapho-ke kuzakuba lemihlatshelo elungileyo,

iminikelo yokutshiswa egcweleyo elungileyo,

lapho-ke inkunzi zizanikelwa e-alithareni lakho.

Ihubo 52

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida. Lapho uDoyegi umʼEdomi wayeye kuSawuli wamtshela wathi, “UDavida uye wayangena endlini ka-Ahimeleki.”

1 Kungani uncoma ngobubi, wena somandlase?

Kungani utshona untela ilanga lonke,

wena olihlazo emehlweni kaNkulunkulu?

2 Ulimi lwakho luceba incithakalo;

lunjengensingo eloliweyo,

wena owenza inkohliso.

3 Uthanda ububi kulobuhle,

amanga kulokukhuluma iqiniso.

4 Uyawathanda wonke amanga alimazayo,

wena limi olukhohlisayo!

5 Ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu uzakwehlisela ukubhubha okungapheliyo:

Uzakuhlwitha akukhuphe ethenteni lakho;

uzakuquphula akususe elizweni labaphilayo.

6 Abalungileyo bazabona besabe;

bazamhleka bathi,

7 “Nangu-ke manje umuntu

lo ongenzanga uNkulunkulu inqaba yakhe

kodwa wathemba inotho yakhe enkulu

wakhula waba lamandla ngokuwisa abanye!”

8 Kodwa mina nginjengesihlahla se-oliva

esikhula endlini kaNkulunkulu;

ngithembe uthando lukaNkulunkulu

olungaphuthiyo nini lanini.

9 Ngizakudumisa lanini ngalokho okwenzileyo;

ngizathemba ebizweni lakho,

ngoba lihle ibizo lakho.

Ngizakudumisa phambi kwabangcwele bakho.

Ihubo 53

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ngendlela yemahalathi. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Isiwula sithi enhliziyweni yaso,

“AkulaNkulunkulu.”

Baxhwalile, lezindlela zabo zibolile;

kakho loyedwa owenza okuhle.

2 UNkulunkulu ukhangela phansi esezulwini

emadodaneni abantu

ingabe bakhona yini abazwisisayo,

abamdingayo uNkulunkulu.

3 Abantu bonke baphambukile,

bonke sebexhwalile;

kakho loyedwa owenza okuhle,

kakho lamunye.

4 Kanti lezizixhwali kaziyikufa zafunda yini?

Zona ezidla abantu bami ingathi zidla isinkwa,

ezingamkhonziyo uNkulunkulu.

5 Kodwa yibo abagubhazeliswa luvalo

khona kungelalutho olwesabekayo.

UNkulunkulu wawahlakaza amathambo alabo abalihlaselayo;

lina labayangisa ngoba uNkulunkulu wabeyisa.

6 Sengathi insindiso ka-Israyeli ingaqhamuka eZiyoni!

Nxa uNkulunkulu esebuyisela impumelelo yabantu bakhe,

kathokoze uJakhobe lo-Israyeli ajabule!

Ihubo 54

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kutshaywa iziginci. Ihubo likaDavida. Lapho amaZifi aya kuSawuli afika athi, “Kanti uDavida kacatshanga yini phakathi kwethu?”

1 Ngisindisa, awu Nkulunkulu, ngebizo lakho;

ngigeza ecaleni ngamandla akho.

2 Zwana umkhuleko wami, Oh Nkulunkulu;

lalela amazwi omlomo wami.

3 Ngihlaselwa ngabantu engingabaziyo;

izikliwi zifuna impilo yami

abantu abangamnanzanga uNkulunkulu.

4 Ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu ulusizo lwami;

uThixo nguye ongisizayo.

5 Akuthi ububi bubuyele phezu kwalabo abangigconayo;

ngokuthembeka kwakho babhubhise.

6 Ngizakwenzela umhlatshelo owomnikelo wokuzithandela;

ngizalidumisa ibizo lakho, Thixo, ngoba lihle.

7 Ngoba ingikhulule kuzozonke inhlupheko zami,

lamehlo ami akubonile ukunqotshwa kwezitha zami.

Ihubo 55

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kutshaywa iziginci. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Lalela umkhuleko wami, Oh Nkulunkulu,

ungafulatheli isikhalazo sami;

2 ngizwa ungiphendule.

Imicabango yami iyangikhathaza, ngididekile

3 ngelizwi lesitha sami,

lokunyonkolozwa ngababi;

ngoba bangibangela

inhlupho bangithuka bethukuthele.

4 Inhliziyo yami iyatshiseka ngaphakathi kwami;

ukwesaba ukufa kuyangiqinela.

5 Ukwesaba lokuthuthumela sekungihlasele;

isithuli sesingigabhela.

6 Ngathi, “He, aluba ngangilamaphiko njengejuba!

Ngangizaphapha ngizoziphumulela kude.

7 Ngangizabaleka ngiye kude

ngiyehlala enkangala;

8 ngangizaphanga ngiye enqabeni yami,

kude kwesikhukhula lesiphepho.”

9 Sanganisa ababi, Oh Thixo,

sanganisa ukukhuluma kwabo,

ngoba ngibona udlakela lengxabano edolobheni.

10 Emini lebusuku bayacathama emidulini yalo;

umona lenzondo kugcwele lapho.

11 Imimoya yokubhidliza yiyo esibusa;

izisongo lamanga akusasuki emigwaqweni.

12 Aluba ngithukwa yisitha

ngingakubhensela lokho;

aluba ongizondayo engivukela

ngingamcatshela.

13 Kodwa nguwe, umuntu njengami,

umkhula wami, umngane wami oseduze,

14 engake ngaba lobudlelwano obukhulu laye

lapho sasihamba ndawonye

labanengi endlini kaNkulunkulu.

15 Yekela ukufa kuzijume izitha zami;

yekela bagqitshelwe bephila engcwabeni,

ngoba ububi buthe khoxo phakathi kwabo.

16 Kodwa ngiyambiza uNkulunkulu,

uThixo angisindise.

17 Kusihlwa, ekuseni lemini

ngiyakhala ngisosizini,

yena uyalizwa ilizwi lami.

18 Uyangihlenga ngingakalimali

kuleyompi engihlaselayo,

loba bebanengi abaxabana lami.

19 UNkulunkulu osesihlalweni sobukhosi lanininini,

uzabezwa abachithachithe

abantu abangaguqukiyo ezindleleni zabo

njalo abangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu.

20 Umkhula wami uyabahlasela abangane bakhe;

wephula isivumelwano asenzayo.

21 Inkulumo yakhe ibutshelezi njengolaza,

kodwa kulempi enhliziyweni yakhe

amazwi akhe alolozela ukwedlula amafutha

kodwa abukhali kulensingo.

22 Yethula inswelo zakho kuThixo

yena uzakusekela;

akazukuyekela abalungileyo bawe.

23 Kodwa wena, Nkulunkulu

ababi uzabawisela egodini lokungcola;

abantu abomele igazi njalo abakhohlisayo

kabasoze bayiphile ingxenye yezinsuku zabo.

Kodwa mina, ngithemba kuwe.

Ihubo 56

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kulandelwa itshuni ethi, “Ijuba phezu kwemikusu ekude.” ElikaDavida. Imikithamu. Lapho wayesethunjwe ngamafilistiya eGathi.

1 Woba lomusa kimi, Oh Nkulunkulu,

ngoba abantu baxotshana lami kubi;

ilanga lonke bayajujumezela bengihlasela.

2 Labo abangigconayo baxotshana lami ilanga lonke;

abanengi bangihlasela bekloloda.

3 Nxa ngisesaba ngizathemba kuwe.

4 KuNkulunkulu, engidumisa ibizo lakhe,

ngithemba kuye uNkulunkulu; angiyikwesaba.

Umuntu wenyama angenzani kimi?

5 Ilanga lonke batshona behlanekela amazwi ami;

beqoqa ukungibhidliza.

6 Bayabuthana bengicathamela

balandele izinyathelo zami

betshisekela ukucitsha impilo yami.

7 Loba sekutheni ungabayekeli baphunyuke;

ngokuthukuthela kwakho, Nkulunkulu, zidilize izizwe.

8 Bhala phansi isililo sami;

bhala ithonsi ngalinye lezinyembezi zami emqulwini wakho

kazikho yini emibhalweni yakho?

9 Lapho-ke izitha zami zizafulathela

nxa sengicela uncedo.

Ngalokhu ngizakwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu ulami.

10 KuNkulunkulu, engidumisa ibizo lakhe,

kuThixo engidumisa ibizo lakhe,

11 kuNkulunkulu ngiyathemba; angiyikwesaba.

Umuntu angenzani kimi na?

12 Ngibanjwe yizifungo kuwe, Oh Nkulunkulu;

ngizakwethula umnikelo wami wokubonga kuwe.

13 Ngoba ungikhulule ekufeni

lezinyawo zami lapho ngikhubeka,

ukuze ngihambe phambi kukaNkulunkulu

ekukhanyeni kwempilo.

Ihubo 57

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Itshuni ethi, “Ungabhidlizi.” ElikaDavida. Imikithamu. Ngesikhathi ebalekele uSawuli wacatsha ebhalwini.

1 Woba lesihawu kimi, Oh Nkulunkulu, woba lomusa kimi,

ngoba umphefumulo wami uphelela kuwe.

Ngizaphephela ethunzini lamaphiko akho

kuze kudlule incithakalo le.

2 Ngiyakhala kuNkulunkulu oPhezukonke,

kuNkulunkulu ogcwalisa isimiso sakhe ngami.

3 Uyathumela esezulwini angisindise,

abakhwazele labo abafuna ukungilimaza.

UNkulunkulu uyehlisa uthando lwakhe lokwethembeka kwakhe.

4 Ngiphakathi kwezilwane;

ngilala phakathi kwezilo eziqholozayo

abantu abamazinyo abo yimikhonto lemitshoko,

abanlimi zabo zinkemba ezibukhali.

5 Mawuphakanyiswe, Oh Nkulunkulu, ngaphezu kwamazulu;

akuthi inkazimulo yakho ibesemhlabeni wonke.

6 Bangithiya ngamambule ezinyaweni

ngaphela amandla ngokudabuka.

Bangimbela igodi endleleni

kodwa sebewele kulo bona.

7 Inhliziyo yami ibambelele, kayiguquki Oh Nkulunkulu,

inhliziyo yami ibambelele;

ngizahlabela ngenze iculo elimnandi.

8 Vuka, mphefumulo wami!

Vukani, chacho lomqangala!

Ngizayivusa intathakusa.

9 Ngizakudumisa, Oh Thixo, phakathi kwezizwe;

ngizahlabela ngawe phakathi kwabantu.

10 Ngoba lukhulu uthando lwakho, lufika emazulwini;

ukuthembeka kwakho kufinyelela esibhakabhakeni.

11 Mawuphakanyiswe, Oh Nkulunkulu, ngaphezulu kwamazulu;

akuthi inkazimulo yakho ibesemhlabeni wonke.

Ihubo 58

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Itshuni ethi, “Ungabhidlizi.” ElikaDavida. Imikithamu.

1 Lina babusi, kambe likhuluma okuqondileyo na?

Lahlulela ngobuqotho yini ebantwini?

2 Hatshi, ezinhliziyweni zenu lakha amacebo okubusa kubi,

lezandla zenu zijezisa ngochuku emhlabeni.

3 Kwasekuzalweni ababi bayaphumputheka;

kwasekuzalweni baxhwalile, beqamba amanga.

4 Itshefu yabo ifana letshefu yenyoka,

ifana leyebululu elingezwa umsindo,

5 elingananzi lomculo wombumbi,

loba lowombumbi eligabazi elinganani.

6 Khumula amazinyo emilonyeni yazo, awu Nkulunkulu;

zikhumule, Oh Thixo, izingavula zezilwane!

7 Yekela zinyamalale njengamanzi agelezayo;

zithi lapho zinweba idandili,

kayithundubale imitshoko yazo.

8 Njengomnenke uncibilika uphele ulokhu uhamba,

njengomphunzo, kabangaliboni ilanga.

9 Imbiza zakho zingakaqalisi ukutshisa

ngomlilo wenkuni zameva

loba ngezimanzi kumbe ngezomileyo

ababi bazakhukhulelwa khatshana.

10 Abalungileyo bazajabula nxa sebephindiselelwa,

nxa sebegeza inyawo zabo egazini lababi.

11 Lapho-ke abantu bazakuthi,

“Ngempela abalungileyo bajinge bathole umvuzo;

ngempela ukhona uNkulunkulu owahlulela umhlaba.”

Ihubo 59

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Itshuni ethi, “Ungabhidlizi.” ElikaDavida. Imikithamu. Ngesikhathi uSawuli ethume amadoda ukuqaphela indlu kaDavida ukuze bambulale.

1 Ngikhulula ezitheni zami, awu Nkulunkulu;

ngivikela kulabo abangivukelayo.

2 Ngikhulula kubenzi bobubi

ungisindise ebantwini abomele igazi.

3 Ake ubone ukuthi bangicathamela njani!

Amadoda esabekayo angakhela amacebo

kungelacala loba isono engisenzileyo, Oh Thixo.

4 Angonanga lutho, kodwa balungele ukungihlasela.

Phakama ungisize; ake ubone umumo engikuwo!

5 Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla,

Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

ake uzivuse wena ukuze uzijezise zonke izizwe;

ungabazweli isihawu bonke abahlamuki ababi.

6 Bathi bephenduka kusihlwa

babe behwabha njengezinja,

bahwede bebhoda ledolobho.

7 Ake ubone ukuthi baphihlizani emilonyeni yabo:

baphihliza izinkemba ezindebeni zabo,

bese besithi, “Ngubani osizwayo?”

8 Kodwa wena, Oh Thixo, uyabahleka;

uyazigqabhazela zonke lezozizwe.

9 Oh Mandla ami, ngiyakulindela;

wena, Oh Nkulunkulu, uyinqaba yami,

10 Nkulunkulu wami olothando.

UNkulunkulu uzahamba phambi kwami

angenze ngiklolode phezu kwalabo abangingcolisayo.

11 Kodwa ungababulali, Nkosi hawu lethu,

funa abantu bakithi bakhohlwe.

Ngamandla akho

baphumputhekise njalo ubehlule wena Thixo, sihlangu sethu.

12 Ngenxa yezono zemilomo yabo,

ngenxa yamazwi ezindebe zabo,

kababanjwe belokhu bezigqaja benjalo.

Ngenxa yezethuko lamanga abawaqambayo,

13 babhuqe ngolaka, babhuqe bangabi khona futhi.

Lapho-ke kuzakwaziwa lasemikhawulweni yomhlaba

ukuthi uNkulunkulu uyabusa phezu kukaJakhobe.

14 Bathi bephenduka kusihlwa

babe behwabha njengezinja,

bahambahambe becathama edolobheni.

15 Bayazula bedinga ukudla

bahlabe umkhulungwane nxa bengasuthanga.

16 Kodwa mina ngizahlabelela ngihaya amandla akho,

ekuseni ngizahlabelela ngihaya uthando lwakho,

ngoba wena uyinqaba yami,

isiphephelo sami ezikhathini zokuhlupheka.

17 Oh wena Mandla ami, ngihlabelela indumiso kuwe;

wena, Oh Nkulunkulu uyinqaba yami,

Nkulunkulu wami olothando.

Ihubo 60

Kumqondisi wokuhlabelela. Kulandelwa itshuni ethi, “Iluba lesiVumelwano.” Imikithamu kaDavida. Elokufundisa. Lapho alwa lo-Aramu Naharayimu lo-Aramu Zobha, njalo lapho uJowabi athi ekubuyeni kwakhe walahla phansi ama-Edomi azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili eSigodini seTswayi.

1 Ususilahlile, Oh Nkulunkulu, wabhidliza izinqaba zethu;

ubukade uthukuthele, manje ake usivuselele!

2 Usulizamazamisile ilizwe waliqhekeza;

namathisela iminkenke yalo ngoba selivevezela.

3 Ubabonisile abantu bakho izikhathi ezilukhuni;

usiphe iwayini elisenza sidiyazele.

4 Kodwa kulabo abakwesabayo usuphakamise uphawu

lokubahlanganisa ndawonye.

5 Sisindise, usisize ngesandla sakho sokunene,

ukuze bonke labo obathandayo bakhululwe.

6 UNkulunkulu usekhulumile esendlini yakhe engcwele:

“Ngokunqoba ngizayaba iShekhemu,

ngihlole leSigodi saseSukhothi.

7 Ngeyami iGiliyadi, loManase ngowami;

u-Efrayimi yisivikelo sekhanda lami,

uJuda uyintonga yami yobukhosi.

8 IMowabi ngumganu wami wokugezela,

phezu kuka-Edomi ngiphosela amanyathelo ami;

phezu kweFilistiya ngihalalisa umkhosi wokunqoba.”

9 Ngubani ozangisa emzini olenqaba na?

Ngubani ozangiholela e-Edomi na?

10 Kakusuwe na, Oh Nkulunkulu, wena osusilahlile,

ongasaphumi lathi ezimpini zethu?

11 Ake usisize ezitheni zethu,

ngoba usizo lomuntu luyize.

12 Nxa siloNkulunkulu sizanqoba,

njalo uzazinyathelela phansi izitha zethu.

Ihubo 61

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kutshaywa iziginci. ElikaDavida.

1 Zwana ukukhala kwami, Oh Nkulunkulu;

lalela umkhuleko wami.

2 Ngisemkhawulweni womhlaba ngiyakubiza,

ngiyabiza lapho inhliziyo yami isiphela amandla;

ngikhokhelela edwaleni eliphakeme kulami.

3 Ngoba ube uyisiphephelo sami,

inqaba eqinileyo evikela esitheni.

4 Ngiyalangazelela ukuhlala ethenteni lakho laphakade

ngizifihle emthunzini wamaphiko akho.

5 Phela usuzizwile izifungo zami, Oh Nkulunkulu;

usungiphile ilifa lalabo abalesabayo ibizo lakho.

6 Yandisa insuku zempilo yenkosi,

iminyaka yayo okwezizukulwane ezinengi.

7 Sengathi ingaba sesihlalweni iphambi kukaNkulunkulu nini lanini;

wabele uthando Lwakho lokuthembeka Kwakho kuyivikele.

8 Lapho-ke ngizahlala ngihlabelela indumiso ebizweni Lakho

ngigcwalise izifungo zami insuku ngensuku.

Ihubo 62

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. KuJeduthuni. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Umphefumulo wami ufumana ukuphumula kuNkulunkulu kuphela;

ukusindiswa kwami kuvela kuye.

2 Yena yedwa uyilo idwala lami lensindiso yami;

uyinqaba yami, kangisoze ngihlukunyezwe lanini.

3 Koze kube nini lilokhu lihlukuluza umuntu na?

Lonke lizamlahla phansi na

yena ongumduli otshekileyo,

oluthango olutebhayo?

4 Bazimisele ukumqethula

esikhundleni sakhe esiphezulu;

bathokoziswa ngamanga.

Ngemilomo yabo bayabusisa,

kodwa ezinhliziyweni zabo bayaqalekisa.

5 Fumana ukuphumula, Oh mphefumulo wami,

kuNkulunkulu kuphela; ithemba lami livela kuye.

6 Yena yedwa ulidwala lami lensindiso;

uyinqaba yami, kangisoze ngihlukunyezwe.

7 Insindiso yami lodumo lwami kweyeme kuNkulunkulu;

ulidwala lami eliqinileyo, isiphephelo sami.

8 Thembani kuye ngezikhathi zonke, lina bantu;

likhuphe konke okusezinhliziyweni zenu kuye,

ngoba uNkulunkulu uyisiphephelo sethu.

9 Abantukazana bangumoya nje,

izikhulu ziyinkohliso nje;

aluba belinganiswa esikalini kabasilutho;

bonke ndawonye bangumoya kuphela.

10 Lingathembi ukuqilibezela

kumbe lizikhukhumeze ngempahla zokwebiwa;

kungaze kube inotho yenu iyanda,

lingabeki inhliziyo zenu kuyo.

11 Yinye into uNkulunkulu ayikhulumileyo,

zimbili izinto engizizwileyo,

ukuthi amandla wonke ngawakho wena, Oh Nkulunkulu.

12 Lokuthi wena, Thixo, ulothando olojulileyo,

umuntu ngamunye uzamupha umvuzo

ngalokho akwenzileyo.

Ihubo 63

Ihubo likaDavida eseNkangala yakoJuda.

1 Oh Nkulunkulu, unguNkulunkulu wami,

ngiyakudinga ngitshiseka;

umphefumulo wami uyakomela,

umzimba wami uyakudinga,

elizweni elomileyo eseligugile

lapho okungelamanzi khona.

2 Ngikubonile endlini Yakho engcwele

ngawabona amandla Akho lenkazimulo Yakho.

3 Ngoba uthando Lwakho lungcono kulempilo,

izindebe zami zizakutsho inkazimulo Yakho.

4 Ngizakudumisa kokuphela nxa ngisaphila,

ngebizo lakho ngizaphakamisa izandla zami.

5 Umphefumulo wami uzasuthiswa ngokudla okuhle okuphilisayo;

ngezindebe ezihlabelayo umlomo wami uzakudumisa.

6 Ngisembhedeni wami ngiyakhumbula;

ngiyakukhumbula lanxa ngisemlindweni wasebusuku.

7 Ngoba ulusizo lwami,

ngiyahlabelela ngisemthunzini wamaphiko Akho.

8 Umphefumulo wami unamathele Kuwe;

isandla sakho sokunene siyangisekela.

9 Labo abazingela impilo yami bazabhujiswa;

bazakwehlela phansi ekujuleni komhlabathi.

10 Bazakwabelwa ukudliwa yinkemba

babe yikudla kwamakhanka.

11 Kodwa inkosi izathokoza kuNkulunkulu;

bonke abafunga ngebizo likaNkulunkulu bazamdumisa,

ikanti imilomo yabaqamba amanga izathuliswa.

Ihubo 64

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Ake ungizwe, Oh Nkulunkulu, nxa ngiletha ukusola kwami;

vikela impilo yami ekusongelweni yisitha.

2 Ngifihla emacebeni abantu ababi,

kulokho kuxokozela kwezixhwali.

3 Bayazilola inlimi zabo njengezinkemba

bakhombele amazwi abo njengemitshoko ebulalayo.

4 Batshoka becathemele umuntu ongonanga lutho;

bayaphanga ukumciba bengelavalo.

5 Bayakhuthazana ngamacebo amabi,

bakhulumisana ngokufihla imijibila yabo;

bathi, “Sizabonwa ngubani?”

6 Baceba ukona besithi,

“Sesakhe icebo elihle kakhulu!”

Ngempela ingqondo yomuntu

lenhliziyo yakhe ilobuqili.

7 Kodwa uNkulunkulu uzabaciba ngemitshoko;

ngokuphangisa nje bazalahlwa phansi.

8 Uzakwenza banyeyane bona bodwa bacine sebedilizana;

bonke abababonayo

bazanyikinya amakhanda babahleke.

9 Bonke abantu bomhlaba bazakwesaba;

bazafakaza imisebenzi kaNkulunkulu

banakane ngalokho akwenzileyo.

10 Akuthi abalungileyo bathokoze kuThixo

baphephele kuye;

akuthi bonke abaqotho ngenhliziyo bamdumise.

Ihubo 65

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo likaDavida. Ingoma.

1 Udumo lukulindele, Oh Nkulunkulu, eZiyoni;

kuwe izifungo zethu zizagcwaliseka.

2 Yebo, wena owuzwayo umkhuleko,

bonke abantu bazakuza kuwe.

3 Kwathi lapho sisancindezelwa yizono,

wazithethelela iziphambeko zethu.

4 Babusisiwe labo obakhethayo

ubasondeze bazohlala emagumeni Akho!

Sigcwalisiwe ngezinto ezinhle zendlu Yakho,

ezethempeli lakho elingcwele.

5 Uyasiphendula ngezenzo zokulunga ezimangalisayo,

Oh Nkulunkulu Msindisi wethu,

themba lemikhawulo yonke yomhlaba

lenlwandle ezikude,

6 owabumba izintaba ngamandla akho,

lapho wena usuziqinisile ngamandla,

7 owathulisa ukuduma kolwandle,

ukuduma kwamagagasi azo,

lokuhlokoma kwezizwe.

8 Labo abahlala khatshana bayazesaba izimangaliso zakho;

lapho okudabuka khona ukusa lokuhlwa okufiphala khona,

uhlabela izingoma zentokozo.

9 Uyawunakekela umhlaba uwuthelezele ngamanzi;

uyawunothisa kakhulu.

Imifula kaNkulunkulu igcwalisiwe ngamanzi

ukuze abantu bazuze amabele,

ngoba ukumisile wena lokho.

10 Uyayigcwalisa imisele yawo ngamanzi

uyendlale kahle imibundu yawo;

uyawuthambisa ngemikhizo ubusise amabele awo.

11 Uyawuphelelisa umnyaka ngenala,

izinqola Zakho ziphuphume ngokugcwala.

12 Amadlelo asenkangala ayaphuphuma;

izintaba zigqokiswe ngenjabulo.

13 Amadlelo agcwele imihlambi yezimvu

lezigodi zisibekelwe ngamabele;

ziyamemeza ngentokozo zihlabelela.

Ihubo 66

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ingoma. Ihubo.

1 Memezani ngentokozo kuNkulunkulu mhlaba wonke!

2 Hlabelani ngobukhosi bebizo lakhe;

yenzani udumo lwakhe lube lenkazimulo!

3 Yitshoni kuNkulunkulu lithi,

“Imangalisa kangaka imisebenzi yakho!

Izitha Zakho ziyethuka phambi Kwakho

4 Umhlaba wonke uyakhothama Kuwe;

bahlabela udumo Kuwe,

bahlabelela udumo ebizweni Lakho.”

5 Wozani libone akwenzileyo uNkulunkulu,

ukumangalisa kwemisebenzi yakhe ayenzela abantu!

6 Waguqula ulwandle lwaba ngumhlabathi owomileyo,

badabula phakathi kwamanzi behamba ngezinyawo

wozani sithokoze Kuye.

7 Uyabusa laphakade ngamandla Akhe,

amehlo Akhe ayazikhangela izizwe

sengathi abahlamuki.

8 Dumisani uNkulunkulu wethu, lina bantu lonke,

akuthi inhlokomo yokudunyiswa kwakhe izwakale;

9 uzilondolozile impilo zethu

wavikela inyawo zethu ukuze zingatsheleli.

10 Ngoba wena, Oh Nkulunkulu, wasilinga;

wasicenga njengesiliva.

11 Wasingenisa entolongweni

waseleka ngemithwalo emihlane yethu.

12 Wayekela abantu bakhwela bazehlela emakhanda ethu;

sedlula phakathi komlilo lamanzi,

kodwa wasiletha endaweni yenala.

13 Ngizakuza ethempelini Lakho lomnikelo wokutshiswa

ngigcwalise izifungo zami Kuwe.

14 Izifungo ezathenjiswa yizindebe zami lomlomo wami

lapho ngisekuhluphekeni.

15 Ngizakuhlabela izifuyo ezinonileyo,

lomnikelo wenqama; ngizanikela ngenkunzi kanye lembuzi.

16 Wozani lilalele, lina lonke elimesabayo uNkulunkulu;

wothani ngilitshele lokho angenzele khona.

17 Ngakhala Kuye ngomlomo wami;

indumiso yakhe yayisolimini lwami.

18 Aluba ngangigcine isono enhliziyweni yami,

iNkosi ngabe kayizange ingilalele;

19 kodwa ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu walalela

walizwa ilizwi lami ngikhuleka.

20 Kadunyiswe uNkulunkulu

ongawulahlanga umkhuleko wami

futhi ongagodlanga uthando lwakhe kimi.

Ihubo 67

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kutshaywa iziginci. Ihubo. Ingoma.

1 Sengathi uNkulunkulu angaba lomusa kithi asibusise

akhazimulise ubuso bakhe kithi,

2 ukuze izindlela zakho zaziwe emhlabeni,

insindiso yakho kuzozonke izizwe.

3 Sengathi abantu bangakudumisa, Oh Nkulunkulu;

sengathi bonke abantu bangakudumisa.

4 Sengathi izizwe zingajabula zihlabele ngentokozo,

ngoba wena ubusa abantu ngokulunga

ukhokhele izizwe zomhlaba.

5 Sengathi bonke abantu bangakudumisa Oh Nkulunkulu;

sengathi abantu bonke bangadumisa wena.

6 Lapho-ke umhlaba uzathela isivuno,

uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wethu, uzasibusisa.

7 UNkulunkulu uzasibusisa,

kuthi yonke imikhawulo yomhlaba izamesaba.

Ihubo 68

Kumqondisi wokuhlabelela. ElikaDavida. Ihubo. Ingoma.

1 UNkulunkulu kaphakame, izitha zakhe azihlakazwe;

izitha zakhe azimbalekele.

2 Njengentuthu iphetshulwa ngumoya lawe baphephulele kude;

njengengcino encibilikiswa ngumlilo,

ababi kababhubhe phambi kukaNkulunkulu.

3 Kodwa sekungathi abalungileyo bangajabula

bathokoze phambi kukaNkulunkulu;

sengathi bangathaba bathokoze.

4 Hlabelelani kuNkulunkulu,

hlabelelani indumiso ebizweni lakhe,

mphakamiseni yena ohlezi phezu kwamayezi

lithokoze phambi kwakhe obizo lakhe nguThixo.

5 Uyise wezintandane, umlamuleli wabafelokazi,

nguNkulunkulu emzini wakhe ongcwele.

6 UNkulunkulu uyabalungisela indawo ezimulini labo abalesizungu,

ukhokhela izibotshwa ngokuhlabela;

kodwa abahlamuki bahlala elizweni elomileyo.

7 Kwathi lapho ukhokhela abantu bakho, Oh Nkulunkulu,

lapho wawudabula elizweni eliyinkangala,

8 umhlaba wanyikinyeka, umkhathi walithulula izulu,

phambi kukaNkulunkulu, onguYena oweSinayi,

phambi kukaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

9 Wanisa izulu elinengi, Oh Nkulunkulu;

wavuselela ilifa lakho elaselikhathele.

10 Abantu bakho bahlala kulo bazinza,

kwathi ngokuphana kwakho Nkulunkulu,

wabaphakela abangabayanga.

11 INkosi yalikhupha ilizwi,

kwaba labanengi kakhulu abalimemezelayo besithi,

12 “Makhosi lamabutho phangisani libaleke;

ezihonqweni amakhosikazi abelana impango.

13 Khonapho lisalele phakathi kwemililo yezihonqo,

impiko zejuba lami zihuqiwe ngesiliva,

izinsiba zalo ngegolide elikhazimulayo.”

14 Lapho uSomandla wawahlakaza amakhosi elizwe,

kwakunjengongqwaqwane eqoqene phezu kweZalimoni.

15 Izintaba zeBhashani yizintaba ezilesithunzi;

zilezindongandonga izintaba zaseBhashani.

16 Kungani linyonkoloza ngomona,

lina zintaba ezindongandonga,

leyontaba uNkulunkulu akhetha ukubusa kuyo,

lapho uThixo ngokwakhe uzahlala khona lanini?

17 Izinqola zikaNkulunkulu zingamatshumi ezinkulungwane;

lezinkulungwane zezinkulungwane;

iNkosi isifikile ivela eSinayi yangena endlini yayo engcwele.

18 Wathi ekukhuphukeni kwakho uqansa,

wakhokhela abathunjiweyo;

wemukela izipho ebantwini,

lakulabo abahlamukayo

ukuze wena, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu, uhlale khona.

19 Udumo kalube kuThixo, kuNkulunkulu uMsindisi wethu,

othwala imithwalo yethu insuku zonke.

20 UNkulunkulu wethu nguNkulunkulu osindisayo;

kuThixo wobukhosi kuvela ukuphepha ekufeni.

21 Ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu uzawachoboza amakhanda ezitha zakhe,

imiqhele eloboya yalabo abaqhubekayo ngezono zabo.

22 INkosi ithi, “Ngizabaletha besuka eBhashani;

ngizabaletha besuka ekujuleni kolwandle,

23 ukuze ligxamuze inyawo zenu egazini lezitha zenu,

lezilimi zezinja zenu zibe lesabelo sazo.”

24 Udwendwe lwakho Nkulunkulu seluqhamuka, yebo

udwendwe lukaNkulunkulu wami leNkosi

lungena endlini engcwele.

25 Phambili ngabahlabeleli, kulandele abamachacho;

phakathi kwabo kulamantombazana atshaya amagedla.

26 Dumisani uNkulunkulu ebandleni elikhulu;

dumisani uThixo embuthanweni ka-Israyeli.

27 Masinyane isizwana sakoBhenjamini sibakhokhele,

nantiyana ixuku elikhulu lamakhosana kaJuda,

njalo nankayana amakhosana kaZebhuluni lakaNafithali.

28 Veza amandla akho, Oh Nkulunkulu,

sitshengise amandla akho Nkulunkulu,

njengowakwenza endulo.

29 Ngenxa yethempeli lakho eliseJerusalema

amakhosi azakulethela izipho.

30 Khuza isilo esiphakathi kwemihlanga

umhlambi wenkunzi phakathi kwamathole ezizwe.

Sezithotshisiwe kazilethe izibhebhedu zesiliva.

Hlakaza izizwe ezithokoza ngempi.

31 Amanxusa azavela eGibhithe;

iKhushi izazithoba kuNkulunkulu.

32 Hlabelelani kuNkulunkulu, awu lina mibuso yomhlaba,

hlabelelani indumiso kuThixo,

33 kuye ohlala phezu kwesibhakabhaka sekadeni,

okhwaza ngelizwi elikhulu.

34 Fakazani ngamandla kaNkulunkulu,

obukhosi bakhe buphezu kuka-Israyeli;

omandla akhe asesibhakabhakeni.

35 Uyamangalisa, Oh Nkulunkulu, usendlini yakho engcwele;

uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli upha amandla ebantwini bakhe.

Indumiso kayibe kuNkulunkulu!

Ihubo 69

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Itshuni ethi, “Amaluba.” ElikaDavida.

1 Ngisindisa, Oh Nkulunkulu,

ngoba umsinga wamanzi usugamenxe ngentamo yami.

2 Ngiyagalula ezinzikini ezitotayo,

lapho okungekho ndawo yokugxila.

Sengifike enzikini;

impophoma sezingikhulela.

3 Sengidiniwe yikumemeza ngicela uncedo;

umphimbo wami usome qha.

Amehlo ami aseze efiphele,

edinga uNkulunkulu wami.

4 Labo abangizondayo kungelasizatho

banengi okwedlula inwele zekhanda lami;

banengi abayizitha zami kungelambangela,

labo abafuna ukungidiliza.

Ngiyaphoqelwa ukuhlawula

engingakuntshontshanga.

5 Uyabazi ubuthutha bami, wena Nkulunkulu;

isono sami kasifihlakalanga kuwe.

6 Akuthi labo abathemba kuwe

bangayangiswa ngenxa yami,

Oh Thixo, Thixo Somandla;

akuthi labo abakudingayo,

bangahlaziswa ngenxa yami,

Oh Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

7 Ngiyakubhensela ukugconwa ngenxa yakho,

ihlazo lihuqiwe ebusweni bami.

8 Ngingowemzini kubafowethu,

ngingowemzini emadodaneni kamama;

9 ngoba ukutshisekela indlu yakho kufuthelene kimi,

lezethuko zalabo abakuthukayo ziwela kimi.

10 Ngithi lapho ngilila ngizila ukudla,

ngibhensele ukwetheswa inhlamba;

11 kuthi lapho ngivunula amasaka

abantu badlale ngami.

12 Labo abalinda emasangweni bayangihleka,

ngiyingoma nje yezidakwa.

13 Kodwa ngikhuleka kuwe, Oh Thixo,

ngesikhathi somusa wakho;

ngothando lwakho olukhulu, Oh Nkulunkulu,

ngiphendula ngensindiso yakho eqinisekileyo.

14 Ngihlenga exhaphozini,

ungangiyekeli ngigalule;

ngikhulula kulabo abangizondayo,

emanzini atshonayo.

15 Ungayekeli izikhukhula zingigalulise

loba inziki zingiginye,

loba umgodi uvaleke umlomo wawo phezu kwami.

16 Ngiphendula, Oh Thixo, ngenxa yokulunga kothando lwakho;

emuseni wakho omkhulu phendukela kimi.

17 Ungayifihleli ubuso bakho inceku yakho;

ngiphendula masinyane, ngoba ngiphakathi kohlupho.

18 Sondela ungikhulule;

ngihlenga ngenxa yezitha zami.

19 Uyakwazi ukuthi ngigconwa njani,

ngihlaziswa njalo ngiyangiswa;

zonke izitha zami ziphambi kwakho.

20 Ukugconwa sekuyephule inhliziyo yami

kwangitshiya esithubeni;

ngadinga uzwelo ngaluswela,

abaduduzi, kodwa ngabaswela.

21 Bathela inyongo ekudleni kwami

banginathisa iviniga nxa ngomile.

22 Sengathi itafula eliphambi kwabo lingaba ngumjibila;

sengathi lingaba yisijeziso lesithiyo.

23 Sengathi amehlo abo angafiphala ukuze bangaboni,

lamaqolo abo akhokhobe kokuphela.

24 Thululela ulaka lwakho phezu kwabo;

akuthi ulaka lwakho olwesabekayo lubehlele.

25 Sengathi indawo yabo ingaba ngamanxiwa;

akungabi lamuntu ozahlala emathenteni abo.

26 Ngoba bahlupha labo obalimazayo

bakhulume ngobuhlungu balabo obalimazayo.

27 Bethese amacala phezu kwamacala;

ungayekeli bazuze isabelo sensindiso yakho.

28 Sengathi bangesulwa encwadini yokuphila

bangaze babalwa kanye labalungileyo.

29 Ngisebuhlungwini, ngikhathazekile;

sengathi insindiso yakho, Oh Nkulunkulu ingangivikela.

30 Ngizalidumisa ibizo likaNkulunkulu ngengoma,

ngilibabaze ngokubonga.

31 Lokhu kuzamthabisa uThixo okwedlula inkabi,

okwedlula inkunzi yonke ilempondo lamangqina ayo.

32 Abayanga bazabona bajabule

lina elimdingayo uNkulunkulu,

sengathi inhliziyo zenu zingaphila!

33  UThixo uyabezwa abaswelayo,

kabeyisi abantu bakhe abathunjiweyo.

34 Akuthi izulu lomhlaba kumdumise,

inlwandle lakho konke okunyakaza kuzo,

35 ngoba uNkulunkulu uzayisindisa iZiyoni

ayakhe kutsha imizi yakoJuda.

Yikhona-ke abantu bazakwakha khona balithathe libe ngelabo;

36 abantwana bezinceku zayo lizakuba yilifa labo,

labalithandayo ibizo lakhe bazahlala khona.

Ihubo 70

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaDavida. Isikhalazo.

1 Phangisa, Oh Nkulunkulu, ungisindise;

Oh Thixo, woza masinyane uzongisiza.

2 Sengathi labo abafuna impilo yami

bangayangiswa basanganiswe; sengathi

bonke abafisa ukuwa kwami

bangabuyiselwa emuva beyangekile.

3 Sengathi labo abathi kimi, “Ehe! Ehe!”

bangafulathela ngenxa yehlazo labo.

4 Kodwa akuthi bonke abakudingayo

bathokoze bajabule kuwe;

akuthi labo abathanda insindiso yakho bahlale besithi,

“uThixo kadunyiswe!”

5 Ikanti ngingumyanga ngiyaswela;

woza masinyane kimi, Oh Nkulunkulu.

Ulusizo lwami lomkhululi wami;

Oh Thixo, ungaphuzi.

Ihubo 71

1 Kuwe Thixo, sengithole isiphephelo;

mangingayangiswa lanini.

2 Ngihlenga ungikhulule ngokulunga kwakho;

ngilalela, woza ngokuphangisa ungisindise.

3 Woba lidwala lami lokuphephela,

lapho engingaya khona loba nini;

tshono umlayo wokuba ngisindiswe,

ngoba ulidwala lami lenqaba yami.

4 Ngikhulula, Oh Nkulunkulu, esandleni sababi,

emandleni abantu ababi abalochuku.

5 Ngoba ube ulithemba lami, Oh Thixo Wobukhosi,

ithemba lami kusukela ebutsheni bami.

6 Kusukela ekuzalweni kwami ngahle ngeyama kuwe;

nguwe owangikhuphayo esiswini sikamama.

Ngizakudumisa njalonjalo.

7 Senginjengomhlolo kwabanengi,

kodwa wena uyisiphephelo sami esiqinileyo.

8 Umlomo wami ugcwele udumo lwakho,

umemezela inkazimulo yakho ilanga lonke.

9 Ungangilahleli kude nxa sengiluphele;

ungangifulatheli lapho amandla ami esephelile.

10 Ngoba izitha zami zikhuluma kubi ngami;

labo abalindele ukungibulala bahlangana ngami.

11 Bathi, “UNkulunkulu usemlahlile;

xotshanani laye limbambe,

ngoba kakho ozamlamulela.”

12 Ungabi khatshana kwami, Oh Nkulunkulu;

woza masinyane, Oh Nkulunkulu wami, uzongisiza.

13 Sengathi labo abangethesa amacala

bangabhubha beyangekile;

sengathi labo abafuna ukungilimaza

bangabhixwa ngehlazo lokuyangeka.

14 Kodwa mina ngizahlala ngithembile;

ngizakudumisa kakhulu.

15 Umlomo wami uzafakaza ngokulunga kwakho,

langensindiso yakho ilanga lonke,

lokuba ngingasazi isilinganiso sayo.

16 Ngizakuza ngifakaze ngemisebenzi yakho emikhulu,

Oh Thixo Wobukhosi;

ngizafakaza ngokulunga kwakho, okwakho wedwa.

17 Kusukela ebutsheni bami, Oh Nkulunkulu, wangifundisa,

kuze kube lamuhla ngimemezela

imisebenzi yakho emangalisayo.

18 Lokuba sengiluphele sengiyimpunga

ungangideli, Oh Nkulunkulu,

ngize ngifakaze ngamandla akho esizukulwaneni esizayo,

amandla akho kubo bonke abalandelayo.

19 Ukulunga kwakho kufika emkhathini, Oh Nkulunkulu,

wena osuwenze izinto ezinkulu.

Ngubani, Oh Nkulunkulu, onjengawe?

20 Loba usungenze ngabona inhlupheko

ezinengi lezibuhlungu,

uzangenyula njalo ekujuleni komhlabathi.

21 Uzalwandisa udumo lwami

ungiduduze futhi njalo.

22 Ngizakudumisa ngechacho

ngenxa yokuthembeka kwakho,

Nkulunkulu wami;

ngizahlabelela indumiso kuwe ngomqangala,

wena oNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

23 Izindebe zami zizamemeza ngentokozo

lapho ngihlabelela indumiso kuwe

mina ongisindisileyo.

24 Ulimi lwami luzatshona lukhuluma ngokulunga kwakho

ilanga lonke,

ngoba labo abafuna ukungilimaza

sebeyangisiwe basanganiswa.

Ihubo 72

ElikaSolomoni.

1 Yiphe inkosi ukwahlulela kwakho, Oh Nkulunkulu,

lokulunga kwakho indodana yesikhosini.

2 Uzakwahlulela abantu bakho ngokulunga,

labahluphekayo bakho ngemfanelo.

3 Izintaba zizaletha ukuphumelela ebantwini,

lamaqaqa azaletha izithelo zokulunga.

4 Uzabavikela abahlukuluzwayo phakathi kwabantu

asindise abantwana balabo abaswelayo

afohloze umncindezeli.

5 Uzaphila kokuphela njengelanga,

njengenyanga kuzozonke izizukulwane.

6 Uzakuba njengezulu lisina phezu kotshani obugundiweyo,

njengemikhizo ithelezela umhlabathi.

7 Ngezinsuku zayo abalungileyo bazaphumelela;

ukuphumelela kuzakwanda inyanga ize itshabalale.

8 Uzabusa kusukela elwandle kusiya elwandle,

njalo kusukela eMfuleni kusiya emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

9 Izizwe ezihlala enkangala zizakhothama kuye,

izitha zakhe zizakhotha uthuli.

10 Amakhosi eThashishi lawemazweni akude

azaletha imithelo kuye;

amakhosi aseShebha leSebha

azayilethela izipho.

11 Wonke amakhosi azakhothama kuye

lezizwe zonke zizakhonza kuye.

12 Ngoba uzabakhulula abaswelayo abakhalayo kuye,

abahluphekayo abangelamsizi.

13 Uzabahawukela ababuthakathaka

labaswelayo asindise abaswelayo ekufeni.

14 Uzabahlenga ekuncindezelweni lekuhlukuluzweni,

ngoba igazi labo liligugu kuye.

15 Mayibe lempilo ende!

Mayiphiwe igolide laseShebha.

Abantu kabayikhulekele

bayenzele izibusiso ilanga lonke.

16 Akuthi amabele ande elizweni lonke;

azunguze eziqongweni zamaqaqa.

Izithelo zalo kazikhihlize njengeLebhanoni;

kaligcwale njengotshani egangeni.

17 Sengathi ibizo lakhe lingema njalo laphakade,

kalibe khona lanini nxa lilokhu lisekhona ilanga.

Zonke izizwe zizabusiswa ngaye,

zizakuthi ubusisiwe.

18 Udumo alube kuye uThixo uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

onguye yedwa owenza izinto ezimangalisayo.

19 Udumo kalube sebizweni lakhe elingcwele laphakade;

sengathi umhlaba wonke ungagcwala inkazimulo yakhe.

Ameni njalo Ameni.

20 Lokhu yikho ukuphetha kwemikhuleko kaDavida indodana kaJese.

Ugwalo 3

73

AmaHubo 73 – 89

Ihubo lika-Asafi.

1 Ngempela uNkulunkulu ulungile ku-Israyeli,

kulabo abahlanzekileyo enhliziyweni.

2 Kodwa mina, inyawo zami zaphose zatshelela;

ngaphose ngakhuthisa ukunyathela.

3 Ngasuka ngahawukela abaklolodayo

ngibona ukuphumelela kwezigangi.

4 Kabalazo inhlungu;

imizimba yabo iphilile iqinile.

5 Kabalayo imithwalo enzima ejayelekileyo ebantwini;

kabahlukuluzwa loba yini njengabanye abantu.

6 Ngakho-ke ukuziqhenya kuyisigqizo sabo entanyeni;

bazigqokisa ngokwenza isihluku.

7 Ezinhliziyweni zabo ezingelazwelo kuphuma ububi;

iminakano emibi yezingqondo zabo ayilamikhawulo.

8 Bayakloloda, bakhulume ngomona;

bayaqholoza basongele ukuncindezela.

9 Imilomo yabo ithi izulu selingelabo,

lezilimi zabo zihle ziwuthathe umhlaba.

10 Yikho abantu bakibo bebakholwa,

bawanathe amanzi kakhulukazi.

11 Bathi, “UNkulunkulu angakwazi kanjani?

OPhezukonke ulalo ulwazi na?”

12 Yikho lokhu abayikho khona ababi

bavele kabananzi, iyanda eyabo inotho.

13 Ngempela bekuyize ukugcina inhliziyo yami ihlanzekile;

kube yize ukugeza izandla zami ngokungelacala.

14 Ilanga lonke ngitshona ngikhathazwa;

ngiyajeziswa ekuseni zonke insuku.

15 Aluba ngangithe,

“Ngizakhuluma ngitsho njalo,”

ngabe ngangibakhohlisa abantwabakho.

16 Ngathi ngizama ukukuzwisisa konke lokhu

ngezwa kungisinda,

17 ngaze ngangena endlini engcwele kaNkulunkulu;

lapho-ke ngasengizwisisa isiphetho sabo.

18 Ngempela uyababeka endaweni etshelelayo;

ubalahlela phansi ekubhujisweni.

19 Yeka, ukubhujiswa kwabo lula nje,

bakhuculwe nje yikwesaba!

20 Njengephupho nxa umuntu ephaphama

kuzakuba njalo lapho usuvuka, Thixo,

uzabeyisa njengemifanekiso yengqondo kuphela.

21 Lapho inhliziyo yami yayifuthelene

lomoya wami uthukuthele,

22 ngangiyisithutha esingaziyo;

ngangiyinyamazana yeganga kuwe.

23 Ikanti ngihlezi ngilawe;

uyangibamba ngesandla sami sokunene.

24 Uyangikhokhela ngokweluleka kwakho

kuthi ngemva kwalokho uzangithatha ungise ebukhosini.

25 Ngilobani na ezulwini ngaphandle kwakho?

Lomhlaba kawulakho engikufisayo ngaphandle kwakho.

26 Inyama yami lenhliziyo yami kungehluleka

kodwa uNkulunkulu ungamandla enhliziyo yami,

uyisabelo sami laphakade.

27 Labo abakhatshana lawe bazabhubha;

uyababhidliza bonke abangathembekanga kuwe.

28 Kodwa mina kimi kuhle ukuba seduze loNkulunkulu.

Sengenze uThixo Wobukhosi isiphephelo sami;

ngizafakaza ngazozonke izenzo zakho.

Ihubo 74

Ihubo lika-Asafu

1 Kungani ususilahlile kokuphela na, awu Nkulunkulu?

Kungani ulaka lwakho luvutha phezu kwezimvu zedlelo lakho na?

2 Khumbula abantu owabathengayo ekadeni,

isizwe selifa lakho owasihlengayo

iNtaba iZiyoni, owawuhlala khona.

3 Phenduka ungene emanxiweni aphakade la,

incithakalo yonke le yenziwe yisitha endlini engcwele.

4 Izitha zakho zazibhonga endaweni owawuhlangana lathi kuyo;

zamisa impawu zazo njengeziboniso.

5 Zenza njengabantu abaphakamise amahloka

ukuphendla indlela yabo eguswini.

6 Zafohloza konke okubaziweyo

ngamahloka azo langezando.

7 Zatshisa indlu yakho engcwele yaphela nya;

zangcolisa indawo ehlala iBizo lakho.

8 Zathi ngezinhliziyo zazo, “Sizababhuqa baphele nya!”

Zatshisa zonke izindawo zokukhonzela uNkulunkulu elizweni.

9 Kasisaboniswa mimangaliso; kakuselabuphrofethi,

kakho kithi owaziyo ukuthi

kuzaze kube nini kunjalo.

10 Koze kube nini isitha sikuklolodela na, awu Nkulunkulu?

Izitha zizalithuka kokuphela ibizo lakho na?

11 Kungani ufinyeza isandla sakho sokunene na?

Sikhuphe ezingoxweni zezembatho zakho ubabhubhise.

12 Kodwa wena Nkulunkulu uyiNkosi yami kwasekadeni;

uletha insindiso emhlabeni.

13 Kwakunguwe owaqhekeza ulwandle ngamandla akho;

wafohloza amakhanda esilo phakathi kwamanzi.

14 Kwakunguwe owachoboza amakhanda kaLeviyathani

waba yikudla kwezidalwa zasenkangala.

15 Kwakunguwe owavula imithombo lemifula;

womisa qha imifula eyayihlala igeleza.

16 Imini ngeyakho, ngobakho njalo lobusuku;

walimisa ilanga kanye lenyanga.

17 Kwakunguwe owamisa imingcele yonke yomhlaba;

wenza ihlobo kanye lobusika.

18 Khumbula ukuthi isitha besikuklolodela, Thixo,

ukuthi iziwula bezihlambaza ibizo lakho.

19 Ungaqhubeli umphefumulo wejuba lakho ezinyamazaneni;

ungaze wakhohlwa kokuphela

impilo yabantu bakho abahluphekayo.

20 Nanzelela isivumelwano sakho,

ngoba izikhundla zobugebenga zigcwele

kulolonke ilizwe ezindaweni ezilamathunzi.

21 Ungayekeli abancindezelweyo babuyele beyangekile;

sengathi abayanga labaswelayo bangalidumisa ibizo lakho.

22 Phakama, awu Nkulunkulu, vikela okungokwakho;

khumbula ukuthi iziwula zikuhleka njani ilanga lonke.

23 Ungakulibali ukuvungama kwalabo abalwa lawe,

ukuxokozela kwezitha zakho, okuzwakala kokuphela.

Ihubo 75

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Iculo elithi, “Ungabhidlizi.” Ihubo lika-Asafi. Ingoma.

1 Siletha ukubonga kuwe, Oh Nkulunkulu,

siletha ukubonga, ngoba iBizo lakho liseduze;

abantu bakhuluma ngemisebenzi Yakho emangalisayo.

2 Wena uthi, “Ngikhetha isikhathi esimisiweyo;

yimi engahlulela okuqondileyo.

3 Nxa umhlaba kanye labantu bawo kuzamazama,

yimi engizibamba ziqine izisekelo zawo.

4 Ngithi kwabayiziqholo, ‘Lingabe lisazincoma,’

ngithi kwababi, ‘Lingaziphakamisi impondo zenu.

5 Lingaphakamiseli uphondo lwenu phezulu ezulwini;

lingakhulumi liziqhenya.’ ”

6 Kakho ovela empumalanga loba entshonalanga,

kumbe ovela enkangala ongaphakamisa umuntu.

7 Kodwa nguNkulunkulu owahlulelayo:

uyamehlisa omunye, amkhweze omunye.

8 Esandleni sikaThixo kukhona inkezo

egcwele iwayini eliphuphumayo elixutshwe ngeziyoliso;

uyalithulula, kuthi bonke ababi bomhlaba

balinathe kanye lenzece zalo.

9 Kodwa mina ngizamemezela lokhu lanini;

ngizahlabelela indumiso kuNkulunkulu kaJakhobe,

10 yena othi, “Ngizazithulisa zonke impondo zababi,

kodwa impondo zabalungileyo zizaphakanyiswa.”

Ihubo 76

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Kusetshenziswa iziginci. Ihubo lika-Asafi. Ingoma.

1 Uyaziwa uNkulunkulu koJuda

ibizo lakhe likhulu ko-Israyeli.

2 Ithente lakhe liseSalema,

indawo yakhe yokuhlala iseZiyoni.

3 Khonapho wayephula imitshoko ebenyezelayo,

izihlangu lezinkemba, izikhali zempi.

4 Uyakhazimula ngokukhanya,

ulobukhosi obudlula izintaba ezigcwele izinyamazana.

5 Amadoda alezibindi alele ucaca aphangiwe,

alele ubuthongo bawo bokucina;

kakho loyedwa wamabutho lawo

ongaphakamisa izandla zakhe.

6 Uthi ungakhwaza wena, Oh Nkulunkulu kaJakhobe,

ibhiza lenqola kuhle kulale phansi kuthi zwi.

7 Wena wedwa uyesatshwa.

Ngubani ongema phambi kwakho nxa usuthukuthele?

8 Wathi usezulwini wehlisa ukwahlulela kwakho,

ilizwe lesaba lathula,

9 lapho wena, Oh Nkulunkulu, waphakama ukwahlulela,

ukusindisa bonke abahluphekayo belizwe.

10 Ngempela ulaka lwakho ebantwini lukulethela indumiso,

kuthi bonke abasilileyo elakeni lwakho bathotshiswe.

11 Yenzani izifungo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lizigcwalise;

akuthi wonke amazwe abomakhelwana

alethe izipho kuye Yedwa omele esatshwe.

12 Uyephula ubuqholo bababusi;

uyesatshwa ngamakhosi omhlaba.

Ihubo 77

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. KuJeduthuni, Elika-Asafi. Ihubo.

1 Ngakhala kuNkulunkulu ngicela uncedo;

ngakhala kuNkulunkulu ukuthi angizwe.

2 Ngathi ngikhathazekile ngamdinga uThixo;

ebusuku ngazelula izandla azazezadinwa

lomphefumulo wami wala ukududuzeka.

3 Ngakukhumbula, Oh Nkulunkulu, ngabubula;

ngacabanga, umoya wami wancipha.

4 Wala ukuthi amehlo ami avaleke;

ngangikhathazekile ngisehluleka ukukhuluma.

5 Ngakhumbula ngezinsuku ezedlulayo,

insuku zakudala;

6 ngakhumbula izingoma zami ebusuku.

Inhliziyo yami yacabanga lomoya wami wadinga:

7 “INkosi izakhalala kokuphela na?

Ayisayikuphinde itshengise uthando lwayo njalo na?

8 Kanti uthando lwayo olungapheliyo selunyamalele kokuphela na?

Kanti isithembiso sayo sesiphelile kokuphela na?

9 Kanti uNkulunkulu usekhohliwe ukuba lesihawu na?

Usethe ngokuzonda wagodla uzwelo lwakhe na?”

10 Ngasengikhumbula ngathi, “Yilokhu okunginqundayo,

ukuthi isandla sokunene soPhezukonke kasisekho phezu kwami.

11 Ngizayikhumbula imisebenzi kaThixo;

yebo, ngizayikhumbula imimangaliso yakho yekadeni.

12 Ngizacabanga ngayo yonke imisebenzi yakho

nginakane ngazozonke izenzo zakho ezinkulu.”

13 Izindlela zakho, Oh Nkulunkulu, zingcwele;

nguphi unkulunkulu omkhulu njengoNkulunkulu wethu na?

14 Nguwe Nkulunkulu owenza izimanga;

uyawatshengisa amandla akho ebantwini.

15 Ngengalo yakho elamandla wabakhulula abantu bakho,

izizukulwane zikaJakhobe loJosefa.

16 Amanzi akubona wena, Oh Nkulunkulu,

amanzi akubona atshotshobala;

inziki zagonyuluka.

17 Amayezi awathulula amanzi,

isibhakabhaka sandindiza ngokuduma;

imitshoko yakho yaphazima yaya le lale.

18 Umdumo wakho wezwakala uphakathi kwesivunguzane,

umbane wakho wawukhanyisa umhlaba;

umhlaba wavevezela wanyikinyeka.

19 Indlela yakho yadabula olwandle,

umkhondo wakho phakathi kwamanzi,

kodwa izinyathelo zakho zazingabonakali.

20 Wabahola abantu bakho njengomhlambi wezimvu

ngesandla sikaMosi lo-Aroni.

Ihubo 78

Ihubo ka-Asafu

1 Zwanini imfundiso yami, bantu bami;

lilalele amazwi omlomo wami.

2 Ngizavula umlomo wami ngemifanekiso,

ngizakutsho izinto ezifihlekileyo, izinto zekadeni,

3 esakuzwayo lesikwaziyo

esakutshelwa ngokhokho bethu.

4 Kasizukuzifihlela abantwana babo;

sizasitshela isizukulwane esizayo

ngemisebenzi emangalisayo kaThixo,

amandla akhe, lemimangaliso aseyenzile.

5 Wamisela uJakhobe imithetho

wabeka umlayo ko-Israyeli,

walaya okhokho bethu

ukuthi bawufundise abantwababo,

6 ukuze aziwe yisizukulwane esilandelayo,

kanye labantwana abazazalwa,

kuthi labo batshele abantwababo.

7 Yikho-ke bazabeka ithemba labo kuNkulunkulu

njalo abasoze bakhohlwa izenzo zakhe

kodwa bagcine imilayo yakhe.

8 Kabayikuba njengabokhokho babo

ababeyisizukulwana esilobuqholo lesihlamukayo,

onhliziyo zabo zazingazinikelanga kuNkulunkulu

omoya yabo yayingathembekanga kuye.

9 Amadoda ako-Efrayimi, loba ayehlomile ngemitshoko,

afulathela mhla welanga lempi;

10 kabasigcinanga isivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu,

bala ukuphila ngomthetho wakhe.

11 Bakhohlwa lokho ayekwenzile,

izimanga ayebatshengise zona.

12 Wenza imimangaliso oyise bekhangele

elizweni laseGibhithe, esigodini saseZowani.

13 Walwahlukanisa ulwandle wabahola bachapha;

wenza amanzi ema aqina saka njengomduli.

14 Wabahola ngeyezi emini

njalo ngokukhanya komlilo ubusuku bonke.

15 Wawaqhekeza amadwala enkangala

wabapha amanzi amanengi njengolwandle;

16 wantshazisa impophoma emadwaleni amawa

wenza amanzi ageleza njengemifula.

17 Kodwa baqhubeka besona phambi kwakhe,

bamhlamukela enkangala yena oPhezukonke.

18 Bamlinga uNkulunkulu ngabomo

ngokucela ukudla ababekutshisekela.

19 Bamchothoza uNkulunkulu

besithi, “Kambe uNkulunkulu angendlala itafula lokudlela

enkangala na?

20 Wathi lapho etshaya idwala,

amanzi antshantshaza,

kwageleza amanzi amanengi.

Kodwa angasipha njalo lokudla na?

Angabalethela inyama abantu bakhe na?”

21  UThixo wathi ebezwa wathukuthela kakhulu;

umlilo wakhe wavuthela kuJakhobe,

ulaka lwakhe lwaqina ku-Israyeli,

22 ngoba kabamkholwanga uNkulunkulu

njalo kabawathembanga amandla okuhlenga kwakhe.

23 Loba kunjalo walaya umkhathi ngaphezulu

wavula iminyango yamazulu;

24 wanisa imana ukuthi badle abantu,

wabapha amabele asezulwini.

25 Abantu badla isinkwa sezingilosi;

wabathumela konke ukudla ababengakudla.

26 Wawukhulula umoya wempumalanga uvela emazulwini,

wawukhulula umoya weningizimu ngamandla akhe.

27 Wanisela inyama kubo njengothuli,

izinyoni eziphaphayo zaba njengetshebetshebe ogwini lolwandle.

28 Wazenza zehlela phakathi kwezihonqo zabo,

indawana yonke emathenteni abo.

29 Bazitika baze bakhangela,

ngoba wayebaphe ababekade bekukhalela.

30 Kodwa

bengakakutshiyi lokho kudla ababekukhalela belokhu

besakunambitha emilonyeni yabo,

31 ulaka lukaNkulunkulu lwavutha kubo;

wabulala zona iziqwabalanda zabo,

wawahemula amajaha ako-Israyeli.

32 Phezu kwakho konke lokhu baqhubeka besona;

phezu kwezimanga zakhe, kabazange bakholwe.

33 Ngakho wenza insuku zabo zaphelela ezeni

njalo leminyaka yabo yagcwala ukwesaba.

34 Kwakusithi uNkulunkulu angababulala,

bamdinge; baphendukele kuye njalo ngokutshiseka.

35 Bakhumbula ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayelidwala labo,

ukuthi uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke wayenguMhlengi wabo.

36 Kodwa-ke kwakuyikumyenga ngemilomo yabo,

beqamba amanga kuye ngendimi zabo;

37 inhliziyo zabo zazingabambelelanga kuye,

babengathembekanga esivumelwaneni sakhe.

38 Kodwa wayelesihawu;

wazithethelela izono zabo

kaze ababhubhisa.

Isikhathi ngesikhathi waluthoba ulaka lwakhe

akaze akuqubula konke ukuthukuthela kwakhe.

39 Wakhumbula ukuthi babeyinyama nje

intshongolo eyedlulayo nje ingabe isabuya.

40 Kodwa ukuthi bamhlamukela kanengi njani enkangala,

bamdabukisa egwaduleni!

41 Baphindaphinda ukulinga uNkulunkulu;

bamthukuthelisa oNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

42 Kabawakhumbulanga amandla akhe

usuku abakhulula ngalo kumncindezeli,

43 usuku lapho aveza khona izibonakaliso zakhe ezimangalisayo eGibhithe,

izimanga zakhe esigodini saseZowani.

44 Waguqula imifula yabo yaba ligazi;

behluleka ukunatha ezifuleni zabo.

45 Wathumela imihlambi yezibawu zabantinya,

lamaxoxo ababhuqayo.

46 Amabele abo wawathela izintethe,

izithelo zabo isikhongwane.

47 Wathintitha amavini abo ngesiqhotho

lemikhiwa yabo yesikhamore wayitshazisa ngongqwaqwane.

48 Inkomo zabo wazithela ngesiqhotho,

izifuyo zabo zadliwa yizikhatha zombane.

49 Wabathululela ulaka lwakhe oluvuthayo,

intukuthelo yakhe, ukucunuka lenzondo

ixuku lezingilosi ezibhubhisayo.

50 Wayilungisa indlela yolaka lwakhe;

kabaphephisanga ekufeni

kodwa wabanikela emikhuhlaneni.

51 Wawabulala wonke amazibulo aseGibhithe,

izithelo zabo zokuqala zokuba ngamadoda emathenteni kaHamu.

52 Kodwa wabakhupha abantu bakhe njengomhlambi wezimvu;

wabahola njengezimvu bedabula inkangala.

53 Wabakhokhela ngonanzelelo,

ngakho babengesabi;

kodwa ulwandle lwazigubuzela izitha zabo.

54 Kanjalo wabaletha emngceleni welizwe lakhe elingcwele,

elizweni lamaqaqa ayelithethe ngesandla sakhe sokunene.

55 Wazixotsha izizwe phambi kwabo

wabahlukanisela ilizwe lazo laba yilifa;

wahlalisa izizwana zako-Israyeli emizini yazo.

56 Kodwa bamlinga uNkulunkulu,

bamhlamukela oPhezukonke;

kabayigcinanga imilayo yakhe.

57 Njengabokhokho babo babengathembekanga bengakholwa,

ungeke wathemba njengedandili elenziwe kubi.

58 Bamvusa ulaka ngezindawo zabo eziphezulu;

baqubula ubukhwele bakhe ngezithombe zabo.

59 Wathi uNkulunkulu ngokukuzwa lokho,

wathukuthela kakhulu;

wamlahla qobo lokumlahla u-Israyeli.

60 Walidela ithabanikeli lakhe eShilo,

ithente ayelakhile phakathi kwabantu.

61 Umphongolo wakhe wamandla wawusa ekuthunjweni,

inkazimulo yakhe ezandleni zesitha.

62 Abantu bakhe wabanikela ukudliwa yinkemba;

wayethukuthele kakhulu ngelifa lakhe.

63 Umlilo waziqeda izinsizwa zabo,

izintombi zabo zaswela izingoma zomtshado;

64 abaphristi babo babulawa ngenkemba,

abafelokazi babo behluleka ukulila.

65 INkosi yasivuka njengokade esebuthongweni,

njengomuntu ephaphama ekudakweni yiwayini.

66 Wazitshaya zahlehla izitha zakhe;

waziyangisa okungapheliyo.

67 Khonapho-ke wawakhalala amathente kaJosefa,

akaze asikhetha isizwana sika-Efrayimi;

68 kodwa wakhetha isizwana sikaJuda,

iNtaba iZiyoni ayeyithanda.

69 Wakha indlu yakhe engcwele njengeziqongo,

njengomhlaba awumisela ingunaphakade.

70 Wakhetha uDavida inceku yakhe

wamthatha ezilugwini zezimvu;

71 wamsusa ekweluseni izimvu

wamletha ukuba ngumelusi wabantu bakhe uJakhobe,

baka-Israyeli ilifa lakhe.

72 Njalo uDavida wabelusa ngobuqotho benhliziyo;

wabakhokhela ngesandla sobungcitshi.

Ihubo 79

Ihubo lika-Asafi

1 Oh Nkulunkulu, izizwe sezilingenele ilifa lakho;

sezilingcolisile ithempeli lakho eligcwele,

iJerusalema isibhidliziwe yaba luthuli.

2 Izidumbu zezinceku zakho sebezilahlile

ukuba yikudla kwezinyoni zasemoyeni,

inyama yabangcwele bakho yaba yikudla kwezilo zelizwe.

3 Balichithile igazi njengamanzi

bahonqolozela ngalo iJerusalema,

kasekho ozangcwaba abafileyo.

4 Siyizinto zokuchothozwa kubomakhelwane bethu,

inhlekisa lokweyiswa yibo bonke esihlala labo.

5 Koze kube nini, Oh Thixo? Uzazonda kuze kube nininini na?

Koze kube nini ubukhwele bakho butshisa njengomlilo na?

6 Thululela intukuthelo yakho kulezozizwe

ezingakunanziyo,

ezingalibiziyo ibizo lakho

7 ngoba zimchithile uJakhobe

zalibhidliza ilizwe lakibo.

8 Ungawethesi thina umlandu wabokhokho;

sengathi isihawu sakho singeza masinyane ukuzasivikela,

ngoba sesisebunzimeni obubi.

9 Sisize, awu Nkulunkulu Msindisi wethu,

ngenxa yobukhosi bebizo lakho;

sikhulule uthethelele izono zethu,

ngenxa yebizo lakho.

10 Kungani izizwe zisithi,

“Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wabo?”

Yenza emehlweni ethu, kwaziwe phakathi kwezizwe

ukuthi uyaliphindisela igazi lezinceku zakho elachithwayo.

11 Sengathi ukububula kwezibotshwa kungafinyelela kuwe;

ngamandla engalo yakho sindisa labo abagwetshelwe ukufa.

12 Baphindisele kasikhombisa omakhelwane bethu

ngezinhlamba ababekuchaphaza ngazo, Thixo.

13 Kuzakuthi-ke thina abantu bakho,

izimvu zedlelo lakho, sikudumise laphakade;

kusuka esizukulwaneni kusiya esizukulwaneni

sizabalisa udumo lwakho.

Ihubo 80

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Itshuni ethi, “Amaluba esiVumelwano.” Elika-Asafi. Ihubo.

1 Sizwe, Oh Malusi ka-Israyeli,

wena okhokhela uJosefa njengomhlambi wezimvu;

wena ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi

uphahlwe ngamakherubhi,

benyezela

2 phambi kuka-Efrayimi loBhenjamini loManase.

Vusa amandla akho; woza usisindise.

3 Sivuselele, Oh Nkulunkulu;

yenza ubuso bakho bukhanye phambi kwethu,

ukuze sisindiswe.

4 Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla,

koze kube nini ulaka lwakho luvutha

phezu kwemikhuleko yabantu bakho?

5 Usubafunzile ngesinkwa sezinyembezi;

ubenze banatha inyembezi ezigcwele umganu.

6 Ususenze saba yimbangela yengxabano kubomakhelwane bethu,

lezitha zethu ziyasihleka.

7 Sivuselele, Oh Nkulunkulu Somandla;

khanyisa ubuso bakho kithi,

ukuze sisindiswe.

8 Waletha ivini ulisusa eGibhithe;

wazixotsha izizwe waligxumeka,

9 walicentela indawo

labamba emhlabathini lagcwala ilizwe.

10 Izintaba zagcwala umthunzi walo,

imisedari emikhulu yathi silikici ngamagatsha alo.

11 Lakhulisa amagatsha alo anabela oLwandle,

amahlumela alo afika kude eMfuleni.

12 Kungani na usudilize imiduli yalo

ukuze bonke abedlulayo baziqhululele izithelo zalo?

13 Ingulungunda ziyalivadlaza,

lezidalwa zeganga zizitika ngalo.

14 Buya kithi, Oh Nkulunkulu Somandla!

Khangela phansi usezulwini ubone!

Nakekela ivini leli,

15 impande ehlanyelwe yisandla sakho sokunene,

indodana ozondlele yona wena.

16 Ivini lakho seliqunyiwe, selitshiswe ngomlilo;

ngokukhuza kwakho abantu bayabhubha.

17 Yeyamisa isandla sakho emuntwini ongakwesokunene kwakho,

indodana yomuntu ozondlele yona.

18 Yikho asiyikukufulathela, sivuselele,

ukuze sibize ibizo lakho.

19 Sivuselele, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla;

khanyisa ubuso bakho kithi,

ukuze sisindiswe.

Ihubo 81

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ngendlela yegithithi. Elika-Asafi

1 Hlabelelani ngentokozo kuNkulunkulu ongamandla ethu;

memezani kakhulu kuNkulunkulu kaJakhobe!

2 Qalisani ukuhlabela, tshayani isigubhu,

khalisani ichacho elimnandi lomhubhe.

3 Khalisani uphondo lwenqama ekuThwaseni kweNyanga,

lalapho inyanga isigcwele, ngelanga lomkhosi;

4 lesi yisimemezelo sika-Israyeli,

umthetho kaNkulunkulu kaJakhobe.

5 Wakumisa njengesimiso kuJosefa

lapho aphuma wavukela ilizwe leGibhithe,

lapho ezwa khona ulimi esasingaluzwa.

Ngezwa ilizwi engingalaziyo lisithi:

6 “Ngawethula umthwalo emahlombe abo;

izandla zabo zakhululwa engcebethwini.

7 Ekuhluphekeni kwenu lamemeza mina ngalikhulula.

Ngaliphendula ngiphakathi komdumo weyezi;

ngalilinga emanzini aseMeribha.

8 Zwanini, awu bantu bami, mina ngizalixwayisa

aluba lingangilalela, Oh Israyeli!

9 Lingabi lonkulunkulu wezizweni phakathi kwenu;

lingabokhothamela unkulunkulu ongaziwayo.

10  NginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

owalikhuphayo eGibhithe.

Vulani kakhulu umlomo wenu ngizawugcwalisa.

11 Kodwa abantu bami kabangilalelanga;

u-Israyeli wala ukungithobela.

12 Ngakho ngasengibayekela ngezinhliziyo zabo zobuqholo

ukuthi balandele lokho abakufunayo.

13 Aluba abantu bami bengangilalela,

aluba u-Israyeli engalandela izindlela zami,

14 masinyane nje ngingazibhuqa izitha zabo

ngiphakamisele isandla sami ezitheni zabo!

15 Labo abamzondayo uThixo bangatshotshobala phambi kwakhe,

kuthi isijeziso sabo sibe ngesaphakade.

16 Kodwa lina lingaphiwa ingqoloyi enhle kakhulu;

ngilisuthise ngoluju oluphuma edwaleni.”

Ihubo 82

Ihubo lika-Asafi

1 UNkulunkulu usesihlalweni emhlanganweni omkhulu;

nguye owahlulelayo phakathi kwabo “nkulunkulu”:

2 “Koze kube nini livikela ababi na

libonakala lithanda izigangi?

3 Lamlelani ababuthakathaka lezintandane;

melani amalungelo abayanga labahlukuluzwayo.

4 Lamlelani ababuthakathaka labaswelayo;

bephuleni esandleni sababi.

5 Onkulunkulu kabazi lutho, kabazwisisi lutho.

Bayantula emnyameni;

zonke izisekelo zomhlaba zixukuxiwe.

6 Ngathi, ‘Lingo “nkulunkulu”;

lonke lingamadodana akhe oPhezukonke.’

7 Kodwa lizakufa lingabantu nje;

lizakuwa njengamanye amakhosi wonke.”

8 Phakama, Oh Nkulunkulu, yahlulela umhlaba,

ngoba zonke izizwe ziyilifa lakho.

Ihubo 83

Ingoma. Ihubo lika-Asafi.

1 Oh Nkulunkulu, ungathuli uthi zwi;

ungangincitshi indlebe yakho,

ungameli khatshana lami, Oh Nkulunkulu.

2 Akubone ukuthi ziphithizela kanjani izitha zakho,

ukuthi ziwaqaphisa kanganani amakhanda azo.

3 Ngobuqili zakhela abantu bakho amacebo;

zisongela labo obathembileyo.

4 Bathi, “Wozani kasibabhuqe du njengesizwe,

ukuze ibizo lika-Israyeli lingaphindi likhunjulwe.”

5 Nganhliziyonye bawakha amacebo ndawonye;

bayahlangana beme ndawonye ukumelana lawe,

6 amathente ase-Edomi lama-Ishumayeli,

awamaMowabi lawamaHagari,

7 amaGebhali, lama-Amoni lama-Amaleki,

amaFilistiya labantu beThire.

8 Lama-Asiriya asebambene labo

ukuqinisa izizukulwane zikaLothi.

9 Yenza kubo njengoba wenza eMidiyani,

njengowakwenza kuSisera loJabhini emfuleni iKhishoni,

10 ababhubha e-Endo

baba njengezibi emhlabathini.

11 Yenza izikhulu zabo zibe njengo-Orebhi loZebhi,

wonke amakhosana abo abe njengoZebha loZalimuna,

12 abathi, “Kasiwathumbe

amadlelo kaNkulunkulu.”

13 Benze babe njengenkunkuma, Oh Nkulunkulu wami,

njengamakhoba ephetshulwa ngumoya.

14 Njengalokhu umlilo uhangula igusu

kumbe ilangabi lilumathisa izintaba,

15 kanjalo basukele ngesivunguvungu sakho

ubethuse ngesiphepho sakho.

16 Bahuqe ubuso babo ngehlazo

ukuze abantu balidinge ibizo lakho, Oh Thixo.

17 Sengathi bangayangeka lanini badunyazwe;

kungathi bangafa belehlazo.

18 Yenza bakwazi ukuthi wena, obizo lakho unguThixo

ukuthi wena wedwa ungoPhezukonke emhlabeni wonke.

Ihubo 84

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ngendlela yegithithi. Elabantwana bakaKhora. Ihubo.

1 Yeka ubuhle bendlu yakho,

Oh Thixo Somandla!

2 Umphefumulo wami uyalangazela, uze ungathi uyaphela,

ngifuna amaguma kaThixo;

inhliziyo yami lenyama yami

kukhalela uNkulunkulu ophilayo.

3 Intaka layo ilizuzile ikhaya,

lenkonjane isidleke sayo,

lapho ingazalela khona abantwana bayo

indawo eduze kwe-alithari lakho,

Oh Thixo Somandla, Nkosi yami loNkulunkulu wami.

4 Babusisiwe labo abahlala endlini yakho;

bahlala bekudumisa kokuphela.

5 Babusisiwe labo abalamandla abo akuwe

asebebeke inhliziyo zabo ekulagiseni kuwe.

6 Bathi nxa bedabula esiGodini seBhaka

basenze sibe yindawo yemithombo;

izulu lekwindla lalo ligcwalise iziziba.

7 Ayakhula amandla abo ande,

ngulowo lalowo aze aqhamuke kuNkulunkulu eZiyoni.

8 Zwana umkhuleko wami, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla;

akungilalele, Oh Nkulunkulu kaJakhobe.

9 Khangela isihlangu sethu, Oh Nkulunkulu;

khangela ngomusa kogcotshiweyo wakho.

10 Lungcono usuku olulodwa emagumeni akho

kulensuku eziyinkulungwane kwenye indawo;

kungabangcono ngibe ngumlindimasango endlini kaNkulunkulu

kulokuhlala emathenteni ababi.

11 Ngoba uThixo ulilanga lesihlangu;

uThixo uyapha umusa lodumo;

kancitshani langaluphi ulutho oluhle

kulabo ozinyathelo zabo zingelansolo.

12 Oh Thixo Somandla,

ubusisiwe umuntu owethemba kuwe.

Ihubo 85

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Elamadodana kaKhora. Ihubo.

1 Ulithandile ilizwe lakho, Oh Thixo;

uyibuyisile inhlanhla kaJakhobe.

2 Wazithethelela iziphambeko zabantu bakho

wazisibekela zonke izono zabo.

3 Walubuyisela eceleni lonke ulaka lwakho

wakufulathela ukuthukuthela kwakho okwesabekayo.

4 Sivuselele njalo, Oh Nkulunkulu Msindisi wethu,

ukubeke khatshana ukukucunula kwethu.

5 Uzasizondela kuze kube phakade na?

Uzalugcina ulaka lwakho kuzozonke izizukulwane na?

6 Kawuzukusivuselela na,

ukuze abantu bakho bathokoze kuwe?

7 Sitshengise uthando lwakho olungaphuthiyo, Oh Thixo,

usinike insindiso yakho.

8 Ngizalalela lokho uNkulunkulu uThixo azakutsho;

uthembisa abantu bakhe ukuthula, abangcwele bakhe

kodwa kabangabuyeli ebufebeni babo.

9 Ngempela insindiso iseduze kulabo abamesabayo,

ukuze inkazimulo yakhe ihlale elizweni lethu.

10 Uthando lokuthembeka kuyahlangana ndawonye;

ukulunga lokuthula kuyangana.

11 Ukuthembeka kuqhamuka emhlabathini,

ukulunga kukhanya phansi kusezulwini.

12 Ngeqiniso uThixo uzanika okulungileyo,

lelizwe lethu lizathela isivuno salo.

13 Ukulunga kuhamba phambi kwakhe

kulungisele izinyathelo zakhe indlela.

Ihubo 86

Umkhuleko kaDavida

1 Zwana, Oh Thixo, ungiphendule,

ngoba ngingumyanga ngiyaswela.

2 Vikela impilo yami, ngoba ngizinikele kuwe;

sindisa inceku yakho ekuthembayo;

UnguNkulunkulu wami.

3 Woba lesihawu kimi, Oh Thixo,

ngoba ngitshona ngikubiza ilanga lonke.

4 Letha ukuthokoza encekwini yakho,

ngoba kuwe, Oh Thixo,

ngiphakamisela umphefumulo wami.

5 Uyathethelela njalo ulungile, Oh Thixo,

ugcwele uthando kulabo abakhuleka kuwe.

6 Zwana umkhuleko wami, Oh Thixo;

lalela ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa.

7 Mhla ngiphakathi kokuhlupheka ngizakhala kuwe,

ngoba uzangiphendula.

8 Phakathi kwabonkulunkulu kakho onjengawe, Oh Thixo;

kakulazenzo ezingalinganiswa lezakho.

9 Zonke izizwe owazenzayo

zizakuza zikhonze kuwe, Nkosi;

zizaletha udumo ebizweni lakho.

10 Ngoba umkhulu njalo wenza imisebenzi emangalisayo;

wena wedwa unguNkulunkulu.

11 Ngifundisa indlela yakho, Oh Thixo,

ukuze ngihambe eqinisweni lakho;

ngipha inhliziyo engaxamalazanga,

ukuze ngilesabe ibizo lakho.

12 Ngizakudumisa, Nkosi Nkulunkulu wami,

ngenhliziyo yami yonke;

ngizalidumisa ibizo lakho laphakade.

13 Ngoba lukhulu uthando lwakho kimi;

ungenyule ekujuleni kwendawo yabafileyo.

14 Iziqholo ziyangihlasela, Oh Nkulunkulu

iqembu lamadoda alesihluku lizingela impilo yami

abantu abangakunanziyo wena.

15 Kodwa wena, Nkosi, unguNkulunkulu olozwelo, olobubelo,

ophuza ukuzonda, owandayo ngothando lokuthembeka.

16 Phendukela ngakimi ube lesihawu kimi;

veza amandla akho ngenceku yakho,

ngisindise ngoba ngiyakukhonza,

njengokwenziwa ngumama.

17 Ngipha isiboniso sokulunga kwakho,

ukuze izitha zami zisibone ziyangeke,

ngoba wena, Oh Thixo, usungisizile njalo wangiduduza.

Ihubo 87

Elamadodana kaKhora. Ihubo. Ingoma.

1 Usakhile isisekelo sakhe entabeni engcwele;

2  uThixo uyawathanda amasango eZiyoni

okudlula yonke imizi kaJakhobe.

3 Izinto ezinhle okumangalisayo ziyatshiwo ngawe,

we muzi kaNkulunkulu:

4 “Ngizabalisa uRahabi leBhabhiloni

phakathi kwalabo abathi bayangazi

iFilistiya leThire, kanye leKhushi

ngibe sengisithi, ‘Lo wazalelwa eZiyoni.’ ”

5 Ngempela kuzathiwa ngeZiyoni,

“Lo laloyana bazalelwa khona,

kuthi yena oPhezukonke uzaliqinisa.”

6  UThixo uzaloba eluhlwini lwamabizo abantu:

“Lo wazalelwa eZiyoni.”

7 Bazakuthi betshaya amachacho bahlabele bathi,

“Yonke imithombo yami ikuwe.”

Ihubo 88

Ingoma. Ihubo lamadodana kaKhora. Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Itshuni ethi, Mahalathi leyanothi (Ukuhlupheka lokuchukuluzwa) Ihubo likaHemani umʼEzira.

1 Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu ongisindisayo,

ebusuku lemini ngikhala kuwe.

2 Akuthi umkhuleko wami ufinyelele kuwe;

phendula indlebe yakho izwe ukukhala kwami.

3 Ngoba umphefumulo wami ugcwele inhlupheko

lempilo yami isilengela engcwabeni.

4 Ngibalwa ndawonye lalabo asebesiya egodini;

senginjengendoda engelamandla.

5 Sengahlukaniselwe kwabafileyo,

lezidumbu ezilele engcwabeni,

wena ongasabakhumbuliyo njalo,

abangasekho kulabo obanakekelayo.

6 Usungifake egodini elitshona okudlulayo,

ekujuleni okumnyama bhuqe.

7 Intukuthelo yakho iyangeleka;

usungigalulisile ngawo wonke amagagasi akho.

8 Usungithathele abangane bami abasekhwapheni

wangenza ngaba lesidina kubo.

Ngivalelwe kangiselantuba;

9 amehlo ami asebona kalufifi ngenxa yosizi.

Ngiyakubiza, Oh Thixo, insuku zonke;

ngiphakamisela izandla zami kuwe.

10 Izimanga zakho uyazitshengisa kwabafileyo na?

Kambe labo asebefile bangavuka bakudumise na?

11 Uthando lwakho luyamenyezelwa engcwabeni yini,

ukuthembeka kwakho endaweni yokuBhubha na?

12 Izimanga zakho ziyaziwa yini endaweni yobumnyama,

kumbe izenzo zakho zokulunga elizweni lokungabikho na?

13 Kodwa ngikhala kuwe ngoncedo, Oh Thixo;

ekuseni umkhuleko wami uyafika kuwe.

14 Kungani, awu Thixo, ungifulathela

ungifihlela ubuso bakho?

15 Kusukela ebutsheni bami ngavele ngahlupheka ngaba seduze lokufa;

ngiphethwe yikwesatshiswa nguwe, sengize ngidangele.

16 Intukuthelo yakho isingigabhele;

ukwesaba wena sekungiqedile.

17 Ilanga lonke kungihanqile njengesikhukhula;

sekungigalulisa nya.

18 Usungithathele abakhula bami lengibathandayo;

ubumnyama sebunguyena mngane wami oseduze.

Ihubo 89

Ihubo lika-Ethani umEzira

1 Ngizahlabelela ngothando lukaThixo olukhulu lanininini;

ngomlomo wami ngizakwenza ukuthembeka kwakho kwaziwe

ezizukulwaneni zonke.

2 Ngizamemezela ukuthi uthando lwakho lumi luqinile laphakade,

ukuthi ukuthembeka kwakho wakugxilisa ezulwini uqobo.

3 Wathi, “Sengenze isivumelwano lalowo okhethiweyo wami,

sengifungile kuDavida inceku yami,

4 ‘Ngizawumisa umndeni wakho laphakade,

ngisiqinise isihlalo sakho sobukhosi

kuzozonke izizukulwane.’ ”

5 Amazulu ayazidumisa izimanga zakho, Oh Thixo,

lokuthembeka kwakho emhlanganweni wabangcwele.

6 Phela ngubani onjengoThixo phakathi kwabaphilayo ezulwini na?

Ngubani onjengoThixo phakathi kwabaphilayo ezulwini na?

7 Enhlanganisweni yabangcwele uNkulunkulu uyesatshwa kakhulu;

uyesabeka kulabo bonke abahlezi laye.

8 Yebo Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla, ngubani onjengawe na?

Ulamandla, Oh Thixo, ukuthembeka kwakho kukuhonqolozele.

9 Uyabusa phezu kolwandle olugubhazelayo;

lapho amavinqo alo equbuka, uyawathulisa.

10 Wamchoboza uRahabi njengomunye wababuleweyo;

ngengalo yakho elamandla wazichitha izitha.

11 Ngawakho amazulu, ngowakho njalo lomhlaba;

wawudala umhlaba lakho konke okukuwo.

12 Wayidala inyakatho kanye leningizimu;

iThabhori leHemoni zihlabelela ibizo lakho ngentokozo.

13 Ingalo yakho igcwele amandla;

isandla sakho siqinile, esokunene siphakeme.

14 Ukulunga lokwahlulela kuhle yikho okuyinsika yesihlalo sakho sobukhosi;

uthando lokuthembeka kuhamba phambili kwakho.

15 Babusisiwe labo asebekufundile ukukubabaza,

abahamba ekukhanyeni kobukhona bakho, Oh Thixo.

16 Bayathokoza ngebizo lakho ilanga lonke;

bayagubhazela ngokulunga kwakho.

17 Ngoba uyibukhosi babo lamandla abo,

kuthi ngomusa wakho uphakamise uphondo lwethu.

18 Ngempela isihlangu sethu ngesikaThixo, iNkosi yethu

Kuye oYedwa oNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

19 Endulo wakhuluma ngombono,

ebantwini bakho abathembekileyo wathi:

“Sengiwehlisele amandla phezu kweqhawe;

sengiphakamise insizwa phakathi kwabantu.

20 Sengifumane uDavida inceku yami;

ngamafutha ami angcwele sengimgcobile.

21 Isandla sami sizamsekela;

ngempela ingalo yami izamqinisa.

22 Akulasitha esizamncindezela ukuthi athele kuso;

kakho umuntu omubi ozamcindezela.

23 Ngizazichoboza izitha zakhe phambi kwakhe

ngibalahlele phansi abalwa laye.

24 Uthando lwami oluthembekileyo luzaba laye,

ukuthi ngebizo lami luphakanyiswe uphondo lwakhe.

25 Ngizabeka isandla sakhe phezu kolwandle,

isandla sakhe sokunene phezu kwemifula.

26 Uzamemeza kimi athi, ‘UnguBaba,

Nkulunkulu wami, iDwala elinguMsindisi wami.’

27 Njalo ngizamisa abe lizibulo lami,

inkosi ephakeme ngaphezu kwawo wonke amakhosi omhlaba.

28 Ngizalugcina uthando lwami kuye laphakade,

lesivumelwano sami laye kasiyikuphela.

29 Inzalo yakhe ngizayimisa nini lanini,

lesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi kasiyikufa saphela.

30 Aluba amadodana akhe edela umlayo wami

angalandeli izimiso zami,

31 nxa besephula izimemezelo zami

behluleke ukugcina imiyalo yami,

32 ngizajezisa isono sabo ngoswazi,

lesiphambeko sabo ngokubatshaya;

33 kodwa kangiyikulususa uthando lwami kuye,

njalo kangisoze ngiguqule ukuthembeka kwami.

34 Kangiyikusephula isivumelwano sami

kumbe ngiguqule lokho okuphume ezindebeni zami.

35 Ngavele ngafunga kanye ngobungcwele bami

angiyikuqamba amanga kuDavida,

36 ukuthi inzalo yakhe izaqhubeka laphakade

lesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi sizakuma phambi kwami njengelanga;

37 sizakuma laphakade njengenyanga,

ufakazi othembekileyo yisibhakabhaka.”

38 Kodwa usumalile, usumlahlile,

ubumthukuthelela kakhulu ogcotshiweyo wakho.

39 Ususikhalele isivumelwano lenceku yakho

wawubhuqela othulini umqhele wakhe.

40 Usuyibhidlizile yonke imiduli yakhe,

izinqaba zakhe wazenza amanxiwa.

41 Bonke abedlula khona bamphangile;

useyinhlekisa yabomakhelwane.

42 Usuphakamisile isandla sokunene sezitha zakhe;

usuwenze zonke izitha zakhe zathokoza.

43 Uyibuyisele emuva inkemba yakhe ebukhali

awaze wamsekela empini.

44 Usuyiqedile inkazimulo yakhe

wadilizela phansi isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi.

45 Uluqumile lwaba lufitshane usuku lobutsha bakhe;

usumembese ingubo yehlazo.

46 Koze kube nini, Oh Thixo? Uzazifihla kokuphela na?

Koze kube nini ulaka lwakho luvutha njengomlilo?

47 Khumbula ukwedlula masinyane kwempilo yami.

Ngoba wabadalela ize nje abantu!

48 Ngumuntu bani ongaphila angaze abona ukufa,

loba azisindise emandleni eliba na?

49 Oh Thixo, lungaphi uthando lwakho lwakudala olukhulu,

okwathi ngokuthembeka kwakho wafunga ngalo kuDavida?

50 Khumbula, Thixo ukuthi inceku yakho iklolodelwa njani,

ukuthi enhliziyweni yami ngithwele izigcono zezizwe,

51 izigcono izitha zakho eziklolode ngazo, Oh Thixo,

okuthe ngazo zaklolodela ogcotshiweyo wakho kukho konke akwenzayo.

52 Udumo kalube kuThixo laphakade!

Ameni njalo Ameni.

Ugwalo 4

90

AmaHubo 90 – 106

Umkhuleko kaMosi umuntu kaNkulunkulu.

1 Thixo, wena ulikhaya lethu

kuzozonke izizukulwane.

2 Izintaba zingakabikhona

lalapho ungakawuvezi umhlaba kanye lelizwe,

kusukela phakade kuze kube phakade unguNkulunkulu.

3 Ubuyisela abantu ethulini,

usithi, “Buyelani othulini, lina madodana abantu.”

4 Ngoba iminyaka eyinkulungwane ekuboneni kwakho

injengosuku olusanda kudlula,

kumbe njengomlindo webusuku.

5 Uyabakhucula abantu ebuthongweni bokufa;

banjengotshani obutsha obekuseni

6 lokuba ekuseni buhluma bubutsha,

kuthi ntambama sebomile sebubunile.

7 Ulaka lwakho luyasitshabalalisa

sithuthumeliswe yikucaphuka kwakho.

8 Usubuchayile ububi bethu phambi kwakho,

izono zethu zensitha wazichaya ekukhanyeni kobukhona bakho.

9 Zonke insuku zethu ziyedlula ngaphansi kolaka lwakho;

leminyaka yethu siyiphetha ngokububula.

10 Ubude bezinsuku zethu buyiminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa

loba amatshumi ayisificaminwembili, nxa silamandla;

kanti lelobanga layo liluhlupho losizi,

ngoba iphanga yedlule, lathi siphaphe nje sedlule.

11 Ngubani owaziyo amandla olaka lwakho na?

Ngoba intukuthelo yakho inkulu njengokwesatshwa okukufaneleyo.

12 Sifundise ukubala kuhle insuku zethu,

ukuze sizuze inhliziyo yenhlakanipho.

13 Phola, Oh Thixo! Koze kube nini kulokhu kunjalo na?

Woba lesihawu ezincekwini zakho.

14 Sisuthise ekuseni ngothando lwakho olungaphuthiyo,

ukuze sihlabelele ngentokozo sijabule zonke insuku zethu.

15 Senze sijabule okwensuku ezilingana ukusihlupha kwakho,

okwensuku ezilingana lalezo esesabona ngazo ukudubeka.

16 Sengathi imisebenzi yakho ingatshengiswa ezincekwini zakho,

inkazimulo yakho ebantwaneni babo.

17 Sengathi umusa weNkosi uNkulunkulu wethu ungehlela kithi;

uqinise umsebenzi wezandla zethu

yebo, qinisa umsebenzi wezandla zethu.

Ihubo 91

1 Lowo ohlala ekusithekeni koPhezukonke

uzaphumula emthunzini kaSomandla.

2 Ngizakuthi kuThixo, “Uyisiphephelo sami lenqaba yami,

uNkulunkulu wami, engithemba kuye.”

3 Ngempela uzakuphephisa

emjibileni womthiyi

lasesifeni esibi esibulalayo.

4 Uzakusibekela ngezinsiba zakhe,

uzuze isiphephelo ngaphansi kwamaphiko akhe;

ukuthembeka kwakhe kuzakuba yisihlangu sakho lenqaba yakho.

5 Awuyikwesaba umnyama wobusuku,

loba umtshoko ontweza emini,

6 kumbe ingozi ehahabela emnyameni,

kumbe umkhuhlane obhubhisayo emini enkulu.

7 Abazinkulungwane bangawa eceleni lakho;

itshumi lezinkulungwane esandleni sakho sokunene,

kodwa kakusoze kusondele kuwe.

8 Uzaphosa nje amehlo akho

ubukele ubone ukujeziswa kwababi.

9 Ungenza oPhezukonke abe likhaya lakho

yena uThixo oyisiphephelo sami

10 lapho-ke akulangozi engakuwela,

akulamonakalo ozasondela ethenteni lakho.

11 Ngoba uzayala izingilosi zakhe ngawe

zikulinde kuzozonke izindlela zakho;

12 zizakuphakamisa ezandleni zazo,

ukuze ungakhubeki elitsheni.

13 Uzanyathela isilwane lephimpi;

uzasigxoba isilwane esikhulu lenyoka.

14 “Ngoba uyangithanda,” kutsho uThixo, “ngizamkhulula;

ngizamvikela, ngoba uyalinaka ibizo lami.

15 Uzangibiza, ngimphendule;

ngizakuba laye ekuhluphekeni,

ngizamkhulula ngimenzele udumo.

16 Ngizamsuthisa ngempilo ende

ngimtshengise insindiso yami.”

Ihubo 92

Ihubo. Ingoma. Elosuku lweSabatha.

1 Kuhle ukudumisa uThixo

lokuhlabelela ebizweni lakho, wena oPhezukonke,

2 ukumemezela uthando lwakho ekuseni

lokuthembeka kwakho ebusuku,

3 ukutshaya iziginci ngomhubhe wezintambo ezilitshumi

lemvungamo emnandi yechacho.

4 Ngoba uyangijabulisa ngezenzo zakho, Oh Thixo;

ngihlala ngentokozo ngomsebenzi wezandla zakho.

5 Mikhulu kangaka imisebenzi yakho, Oh Thixo,

izikile imicabango yakho!

6 Umuntu ongelangqondo akazi,

iziwula kazizwisisi,

7 ukuthi loba ababi bemila njengotshani

lezigangi zonke ziphumelela,

zizabhujiswa nini lanini.

8 Kodwa wena Thixo, uphakeme laphakade.

9 Ngoba ngempela izitha zakho, Oh Thixo,

ngempela izitha zakho zizabhubha;

zonke izigangi zizachithizwa.

10 Uluphakamisile uphondo lwami njengolwenyathi;

ngagcotshwa ngamakha amnandi.

11 Amehlo ami abonile ukwehlulwa kwezitha zami;

indlebe zami zizwile ngokuchithizwa kwezitha zami ezimbi.

12 Abalungileyo bazaqhela njengesihlahla selala,

bazakhula njengomsedari waseLebhanoni;

13 ngoba behlanyelwe endlini kaThixo,

bazaqhela emagumeni kaNkulunkulu wethu.

14 Bazabe belokhu bethela izithelo lanxa sebebadala,

bazahlala belokhu behluma beluhlaza,

15 bememezela besithi, “UThixo uqotho;

uliDwala lami, kakukho bubi kuye.”

Ihubo 93

1  UThixo uyabusa, ugqoke ubukhosi;

uThixo ugqoke ubukhosi njalo uzihlome ngamandla.

Umhlaba ugxilile uqinile; ngeke ugudlulwe.

2 Isihlalo sakho saqiniswa ekadeni;

uNguwe kusukela phakade.

3 Inlwandle seziphakamisile, Oh Thixo,

inlwandle ziliphakamisile ilizwi lazo;

inlwandle ziwaphakamisile amagagasi azo agubhuzelayo.

4 Ngamandla adlula umdumo wamanzi amanengi,

ngamandla adlula awokugubhuza kolwandle

uThixo ophezulu ulamandla.

5 Izimiso zakhe zimi ziqinile;

ubungcwele bukhazimulisa indlu Yakho

okwensuku ezingapheliyo, Oh Thixo.

Ihubo 94

1 Oh Thixo, uNkulunkulu ophindiselayo,

Oh Nkulunkulu ophindiselayo, khanya uvele.

2 Phakama, awu Mahluli womhlaba;

baphindisele abazigqajayo ngokubafaneleyo.

3 Koze kube nini ababi, Oh Thixo,

koze kube nini ababi beklamasa na?

4 Bathulula amazwi okukloloda;

zonke izigangi zifuthelene ngokuzikhukhumeza.

5 Ziyabanyathezela abantu bakho, Oh Thixo;

zincindezela ilifa lakho.

6 Zibulala umfelokazi kanye lowezizweni;

zibulala intandane.

7 Zithi, “UThixo kaboni;

uNkulunkulu kaJakhobe kananzi.”

8 Limukani, lina elingelangqondo phakathi kwabantu;

lina ziphukuphuku, lizahlakanipha nini?

9 Yena lowo owayigxumekayo indlebe kezwa yini?

Yena lowo owabumba ilihlo kaboni na?

10 Yena lowo oqondisa izizwe kajezisi yini?

Yena lowo ofundisa umuntu kalalwazi na?

11  UThixo uyayazi imicabango yomuntu;

uyayazi ukuthi iyize nje.

12 Ubusisiwe umuntu omqondisayo, Oh Thixo,

umuntu omfundisa okomthetho wakho;

13 uyamphumuza ensukwini zokuhlupheka,

kuze kuthi ababi bembelwe igodi.

14 Ngoba uThixo kazukwala abantu bakhe;

kasoze lanini afulathele ilifa lakhe.

15 Ukwahlulela kuzaphinda njalo kumiswe ngokulunga,

kuthi bonke abaqotho ngenhliziyo bakulandele.

16 Ngubani ozangimela ekulweni lababi na?

Ngubani ozangelekelela ekulweni lezigangi na?

17 Aluba uThixo wayengangelulekanga,

ngabe ngahle ngahlala ngathula zwi ekufeni.

18 Lapho ngasengisithi, “Unyawo lwami selutshelela,”

uthando lwakho, Oh Thixo, lwangisekela.

19 Nxa ukunqineka kwase kungikhulela,

induduzo yakho yaletha intokozo emphefumulweni wami.

20 Kambe isihlalo sobukhosi esixhwalileyo singema lawe yini

leso esiletha inhlupheko ngezimemezelo zaso?

21 Bayahlangana ukumelana labalungileyo

ongelacala agwetshelwe ukufa.

22 Kodwa uThixo useyinqaba yami,

loNkulunkulu wami ulidwala engiphephela kulo.

23 Uzabaphindisela ngenxa yezono zabo

ababhubhise ngenxa yobubi babo;

uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu uzababhubhisa.

Ihubo 95

1 Wozani sihlabelele ngentokozo kuThixo;

kasihlokomeni kamnandi kulo iDwala lokusindiswa kwethu.

2 Kasizeni phambi kwakhe ngokubonga

simdumise ngamachacho langengoma.

3 Ngoba uThixo unguNkulunkulu omkhulu,

iNkosi enkulu ngaphezu kwabonkulunkulu bonke.

4 Inziki zomhlaba zisezandleni zakhe,

leziqongo zezintaba ngezakhe.

5 Ngolwakhe ulwandle ngoba walwenza,

lezandla zakhe zawenza umhlaba owomileyo.

6 Wozani, kasikhothame simkhonze,

kasiguqe phambi kukaThixo uMenzi wethu;

7 ngoba unguNkulunkulu wethu,

thina singabantu bedlelo lakhe,

umhlambi awunakekelayo.

Lamhla, nxa lisizwa ilizwi lakhe,

8 lingazenzi lukhuni inhliziyo zenu njengoba lenzenjalo eMeribha,

njengelakwenza ngaleliyana ilanga eMasa enkangala,

9 lapho okhokho benu abangilinga khona

bengizama, lanxa babekubonile engakwenzayo.

10 Okweminyaka engamatshumi amane ngangisizondele lesosizukulwane;

ngathi, “Bangabantu onhliziyo zabo ziyahlanhlatha,

njalo kabazazanga izindlela zami.”

11 Ngakho ngamemezela ngesifungo ekuthukutheleni kwami

ngathi, “Kabayikungena ekuphumuleni kwami.”

Ihubo 96

1 Hlabelani kuThixo ingoma entsha;

hlabelani kuThixo mhlaba wonke.

2 Hlabelani kuThixo, dumisani ibizo lakhe;

memezelani insindiso yakhe insuku ngezinsuku.

3 Fakazani ngobukhosi bakhe ezizweni zonke,

lemisebenzi yakhe emangalisayo phakathi kwabantu bonke.

4 Ngoba umkhulu uThixo, ufanele ukudunyiswa ngokuphindiweyo;

kumele esatshwe ngaphezu kwabonkulunkulu bonke.

5 Ngoba bonke onkulunkulu bezizwe bayizithombe,

kodwa uThixo wadala amazulu.

6 Inkazimulo lobukhosi kuphambi Kwakhe;

amandla lobukhosi kusendlini yakhe engcwele.

7 Mnikeni uThixo, lina zizukulwane zezizwe.

Mnikeni uThixo ubukhosi lamandla.

8 Mnikeni uThixo udumo olufanele ibizo lakhe.

Lethani umnikelo libuye phambi kwakhe.

9 Mkhonzeni uThixo enkazimulweni yobungcwele bakhe;

thuthumelani phambi kwakhe mhlaba wonke.

10 Wothini phakathi kwezizwe, “UThixo uyabusa.”

Umhlaba ugxilile, ungeke wagudluzwa;

uzabehlulela abantu ngokubafaneleyo.

11 Amazulu kawathokoze, lomhlaba ujabule;

ulwandle kaluhlokome, lakho konke okukulo;

12 amasimu kawathakazelele lakho konke okukuwo.

Lapho-ke izihlahla zonke zeganga zizahlabela ngentokozo;

13 phambi kukaThixo, ngoba uyeza,

uyeza ukuzakwahlulela umhlaba.

Uzakwahlulela umhlaba ngokulunga,

ahlulele abantu ngeqiniso.

Ihubo 97

1  UThixo uyabusa, umhlaba kawuthokoze;

akuthi amakhumbi akude ajabule.

2 Amayezi lomnyama omkhulu kumsibekele;

ukulunga lokwahlulela kuhle kuyisisekelo sesihlalo Sakhe sobukhosi.

3 Umlilo uhamba phambi Kwakhe

uzihangule izitha zakhe inxa zonke.

4 Umbane wakhe ukhanyisa umhlaba;

umhlaba ukubone lokho uthuthumele.

5 Izintaba zincibilika njengengcino phambi kukaThixo,

phambi kweNkosi yomhlaba wonke.

6 Amazulu amemezela ukulunga kwayo,

labantu bonke bayayibona inkazimulo yayo.

7 Bonke abakhonza izifanekiso bathelwa ihlazo,

labo abazikhukhumeza ngezithombe

mkhonzeni, lonke lina bonkulunkulu!

8 IZiyoni iyezwa ithokoze

lemizi yakoJuda iyajabula

ngenxa yokwahlulela Kwakho, Oh Thixo.

9 Ngoba wena, Oh Thixo ungoPhezukonke kuwo wonke umhlaba;

uphakeme ngaphezulu kakhulu kwabonkulunkulu bonke.

10 Akuthi bonke abamthandayo, uThixo, bazonde okubi,

ngoba uyazilinda impilo zabathembekileyo bakhe

abakhulule esandleni sababi.

11 Ukukhanya kuyehliselwa kwabalungileyo

lentokozo kwabaqotho enhliziyweni.

12 Thokozani kuThixo lina elilungileyo,

lidumise ibizo lakhe elingcwele.

Ihubo 98

Ihubo

1 Hlabelelani uThixo ingoma entsha,

ngoba wenzile izinto ezimangalisayo;

isandla sakhe sokunene lengalo yakhe engcwele

sekumenzele insindiso.

2  UThixo useyenze yaziwa insindiso yakhe

waveza ukulunga kwakhe ezizweni.

3 Uselukhumbule uthando lwakhe

lokuthembeka Kwakhe endlini ka-Israyeli;

yonke imikhawulo yomhlaba

iyibonile insindiso kaNkulunkulu wethu.

4 Hlokomani ngentokozo kuThixo, mhlaba wonke,

hlabelani ingoma ngokujabula okukhulu,

litshaya amachacho;

5 yenzani umsindo kuThixo ngomhubhe,

ngomhubhe langomsindo wokuhlabela,

6 ngamacilongo langomsindo wophondo lwenqama

hlokomani ngentokozo phambi kukaThixo, iNkosi.

7 Akuthi ulwandle luhlokome, lakho konke okuphakathi kwalo,

umhlaba labo bonke abahlala kuwo.

8 Akuthi imifula iqakeze izandla zayo,

akuthi izintaba zihlabele kanyekanye ngentokozo;

9 kazihlabele phambi kukaThixo,

ngoba Uyeza ukuzakwahlulela umhlaba.

Uzakwahlulela umhlaba ngokulunga

labantu bonke ngokufaneleyo.

Ihubo 99

1  UThixo uyabusa,

izizwe kazithuthumele;

uhlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi phakathi kwamakherubhi,

umhlaba kawuzamazame.

2 Mkhulu uThixo eZiyoni;

uphakeme ngaphezu kwezizwe zonke.

3 Kabadumise ibizo Lakho elikhulu elesabekayo

Yena ungcwele.

4 INkosi ilamandla, ithanda ukwahlulela okuhle

umisile ukwaba ngemfanelo;

kuJakhobe usuwenzile okuqondileyo lokulungileyo.

5 Dumisani uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu

likhonze phansi kwesihlalo sakhe;

yena ungcwele.

6 UMosi lo-Aroni babephakathi kwabaphristi bakhe,

uSamuyeli wayekulabo ababelibiza ibizo lakhe;

bambiza uThixo

Yena wabaphendula.

7 Wabakhulumisa ephakathi kwensika yeyezi;

bagcina izimiso zakhe lezimemezelo azitshoyo kubo.

8 Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wethu,

wabaphendula;

ku-Israyeli wawunguNkulunkulu othethelelayo,

lanxa wabajezisa ngenxa yezenzo zabo ezimbi.

9 Phakamisani uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu,

limkhonze entabeni yakhe engcwele,

ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ungcwele.

Ihubo 100

Ihubo. Elokubonga.

1 Hlokomani ngentokozo kuThixo, mhlaba wonke.

2 Mkhonzeni uThixo ngenjabulo;

wozani phambi Kwakhe ngezingoma zokuthokoza.

3 Yazini ukuthi uThixo unguNkulunkulu.

Nguye owasenzayo,

singabantu bakhe, izimvu zedlelo lakhe.

4 Ngenani emasangweni akhe ngokubonga

lemagumeni akhe ngokudumisa;

mbongeni lidumise ibizo lakhe.

5 Ngoba uThixo ulungile lothando lwakhe lumi kuze kube phakade;

ukuthembeka kwakhe kumi kuzozonke izizukulwane.

Ihubo 101

ElikaDavida. Ihubo.

1 Ngizahlabelela ngothando lwakho lokwahlulela kwakho okuhle;

kuwe, Oh Thixo, ngizahlabelela indumiso.

2 Ngizananzelela ukuthi ngiphile impilo engasolekiyo

uzakuza nini kimi na?

Ngizahamba endlini

yami ngenhliziyo engasolekiyo.

3 Phambi kwamehlo ami

angiyikubeka lutho olungcolileyo.

Izenzo zabantu abangakholwayo ngiyazizonda;

kazizukunginamathela.

4 Abantu abalenhliziyo exhwalileyo bazakuba khatshana lami;

angiyikuhambelana lobubi.

5 Lowo ochothoza umakhelwane wakhe ngasese,

lowo ngizamthulisa;

olamehlo asesiphundu lenhliziyo ezigqajayo,

lowo kangilasikhathi laye.

6 Amehlo ami azakuba kwabathembekileyo elizweni,

ukuthi bahlale lami;

lowo okuhamba kwakhe kakulansolo

uzangisebenzela ekhonza kimi.

7 Kakho othanda ukwenza inkohliso

ozahlala endlini yami;

kakho okhuluma amanga

ozakuma phambi kwami.

8 Zonke insuku ekuseni ngizabathulisa

bonke ababi phakathi kwelizwe;

ngizamlahla phansi wonke umuntu oyisigangi

edolobheni likaThixo.

Ihubo 102

Umkhuleko womuntu okhathazekileyo. Lapho esephela umoya eseqhinqa isililo phambi kukaThixo.

1 Zwana umkhuleko wami, Oh Thixo;

ukukhala kwami ngicela uncedo kakufike kuwe.

2 Ungangifihleli ubuso bakho

nxa ngikhathazekile.

Ngipha indlebe yakho;

nxa ngibiza ngiphendula masinyane.

3 Ngoba insuku zami ziyanyamalala njengentuthu;

amathambo ami ayavutha njengamalahle abhebhayo.

4 Inhliziyo yami yonakele, ibunile njengotshani;

ngiyakhohlwa ukudla kwami.

5 Ngenxa yokububula kwami okukhulu sengiphelile,

isikhumba sesinamathela emathanjeni.

6 Sengifana lesikhova senkangala,

njengesikhova semanxiweni.

7 Ngilala ngikhangele;

senginjengenyoni ehlezi yodwa ephahleni.

8 Ilanga lonke izitha zami ziyangichukuluza;

labo abangichothozayo badlala ngebizo lami njengesethuko.

9 Ngoba ngidla umlotha njengokudla kwami,

ngixube okunathwayo kwami ngezinyembezi

10 ngenxa yokuthukuthela kwakho okukhulu,

ngoba ungiqukule wangilahlela eceleni.

11 Insuku zami zifana lesithunzi sakusihlwa;

ngiyabuna njengotshani.

12 Kodwa wena, Oh Thixo, uhlezi ebukhosini lanininini;

udumo lwakho lumi ezizukulwaneni zonke.

13 Uzaphakama uzwele iZiyoni isihawu,

ngoba sekuyisikhathi sokutshengisa umusa kuyo,

isikhathi esimisiweyo sesifikile.

14 Ngoba amatshe ayo aligugu ezincekwini zakho;

othuli lwayo nje lubalethela usizi.

15 Izizwe zizalesaba ibizo likaThixo,

wonke amakhosi omhlaba azahlonipha inkazimulo yakhe.

16 Ngoba uThixo uzayakha kutsha iZiyoni

avele enkazimulweni yakhe.

17 Uzaphendula imikhuleko yabahluphekayo;

kazukweyisa isicelo sabo.

18 Lokhu kakulotshwe phansi kube ngokwesizukulwane sakusasa,

ukuze abantu abangakadalwa bamdumise uThixo :

19 “UThixo wakhangela phansi ephezulu endlini yakhe engcwele,

esezulwini wawuhlola umhlaba,

20 ukuze ezwe ukububula kwezibotshwa

lokukhulula labo ababegwetshelwe ukufa.”

21 Ngalokho-ke ibizo likaThixo lizamenyezelwa eZiyoni

lodumo lwakhe eJerusalema,

22 lapha izizwe lemibuso

sekuhlangana ndawonye ukukhonza uThixo.

23 Wawanciphisa amandla ami ngisaphila;

waziphungula insuku zami.

24 Yikho ngasengisithi,

“Ungangithathi, Oh Nkulunkulu wami,

ngilokhu ngisephakathi kwensuku zami;

iminyaka yakho ihlala ikhona ezizukulwaneni zonke.

25 Ekuqaleni wabeka izisekelo zomhlaba,

lamazulu angumsebenzi wezandla zakho.

26 Konke kuzabhubha, kodwa wena uzasala;

konke kuzaguga njengesigqoko.

Njengesivunulo uzakuguqula

kucine sekulahlwa.

27 Kodwa wena uhlala unjalo,

leminyaka yakho kayiyikuphela.

28 Abantwana bezinceku zakho bazahlala besemehlweni akho;

izizukulwane zazo zizaqiniswa phambi kwakho.”

Ihubo 103

ElikaDavida.

1 Dumisa uThixo, Oh mphefumulo wami;

konke okuphakathi kwami,

kakudumise ibizo lakhe elingcwele.

2 Dumisa uThixo, Oh mphefumulo wami,

ungaze wakhohlwa konke okuhle okuthola kuye

3 othethelelayo zonke izono zakho

akusilise kuzozonke izifo zakho,

4 ohlenga impilo yakho egodini

akwethese uthando lesihawu,

5 osuthisa izifiso zakho ngezinto ezinhle

ukuze ubutsha bakho buvuselelwe njengengqungqulu.

6  UThixo ubenzela ukulunga

lokwahlulela okuhle labo abancindezelweyo.

7 Izindlela zakhe wazazisa uMosi,

izenzo zakhe wazazisa abantu bako-Israyeli;

8  uThixo ulesihawu njalo ulomusa,

uyaphuza ukuthukuthela, kodwa uyanda ngothando.

9 Kahlali ebeka imilandu

futhi kagcini ulaka lwakhe kokuphela;

10 kasiphathi ngokufanele izono zethu

kumbe asijezise ngokulingene iziphambeko zethu.

11 Ngoba njengokuphakama komkhathi ngaphezu komhlaba,

lukhulu kangako uthando lwakhe kulabo abamesabayo;

12 njengobukhatshana bempumalanga kuyo intshonalanga

kanjalo ususile iziphambeko zethu kithi.

13 Ngendlela ubaba elozwelo ebantwaneni bakhe,

kanjalo uThixo ulozwelo kulabo abamesabayo;

14 ngoba uyakwazi ukuthi sibunjwe njani,

uyakhumbula ukuthi siluthuli.

15 Umuntu yena insuku zakhe zinjengotshani,

ukhula amemetheke njengembali yeganga;

16 umoya uyayiphephetha ihle inyamalale,

indawo yakhe ingabe isayikhumbula lanini.

17 Kodwa kusukela phakade kusiya phakade

uthando lukaThixo lukulabo abamesabayo,

lokulunga Kwakhe ebantwaneni babantwana

18 kulabo abagcina isivumelwano Sakhe

njalo bakhumbule ukulalela izimiso zakhe.

19  UThixo usemisile isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi ezulwini,

njalo ubukhosi bakhe buphezu kwakho konke.

20 Dumisani uThixo, lina zingilosi,

lina zinceku zakhe elenza intando yakhe,

elilalela ilizwi lakhe.

21 Dumisani uThixo, lonke mabutho akhe asezulwini,

lina zinceku zakhe elenza intando yakhe.

22 Dumisani uThixo, imisebenzi yakhe yonke

ezindaweni zonke embusweni wakhe.

Dumisa uThixo, Oh mphefumulo wami.

Ihubo 104

1 Dumisa uThixo, Oh mphefumulo wami.

Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wami, umkhulu kakhulu;

ugqoke inkazimulo lobukhosi.

2 Uyazigoqela ngokukhanya kungathi njengesivunulo;

amazulu uyawelula njengethente

3 anqumise intungo zezindlu zangaphezulu zilale phezu kwamanzi.

Wenza amayezi inqola yakhe yamabhiza,

undiza ngezimpiko zomoya.

4 Wenza izikhatha zomoya zibe yizithunywa zakhe,

amalangabi omlilo izinceku zakhe.

5 Wawugxilisa umhlaba ezisekelweni zawo;

ungeke wagudlulwa.

6 Wawembesa ngolwandle njengesivunulo;

amanzi ema ngaphezu kwezintaba.

7 Kodwa wathi ngokukhwaza amanzi abaleka,

ngomsindo wokuduma kwakho asibathela;

8 ageleza phezu kwezintaba,

ehlela ezigodini

endaweni owamisele kuyo.

9 Wamisa umkhawulo angeke aweqe;

kasayikubuya awugubuzele njalo umhlaba lanini.

10 Wenza imithombo impompozele amanzi ezindongeni;

ageleza phakathi kwezintaba,

11 zipha amanzi kuzozonke izinyamazana zeganga;

labobabhemi beganga bacitsha lapho ukoma.

12 Izinyoni zomoya zakhela eduze kwamanzi;

ziyatshiloza phakathi kwezingatsha.

13 Uyazithelezela izintaba esezindlini zakhe eziphezulu;

umhlaba uyawusuthisa ngezithelo zomsebenzi wakhe.

14 Umilisela inkomo utshani,

ahlanyelele abantu bona bahlakule

kuzuzakale ukudla emhlabathini:

15 iwayini elijabulisa inhliziyo yomuntu,

amagcobo enza ubuso bakhe bukhazimule,

lesinkwa esilulamisa inhliziyo yakhe.

16 Izihlahla zikaThixo ziyathelelwa okwaneleyo,

imisedari yeLebhanoni ayihlanyelayo.

17 Izinyoni zakhela kuyo izidleke zazo;

ingabuzane lakha indlu yalo ezihlahleni zephayini.

18 Izintaba eziphakemeyo ngezamagogo,

amawa ayisiphephelo sezimbila.

19 Inyanga yehlukanisa izibanga zomnyaka,

lelanga liyazi ukuthi litshona nini.

20 Uletha umnyama, kube sebusuku,

lapho zonke izinyamazana zeganga zizingele.

21 Izilwane ziyabhonga zifuna inyama yazo

zidinga ukudla kwazo kuNkulunkulu.

22 Ilanga liyaphuma, zibe sezicatsha;

ziyabuyela ezikhundleni zazo zilale.

23 Umuntu abe esephuma aye emsebenzini wakhe,

ayotshikatshika kuze kube ntambama.

24 Minengi kanganani imisebenzi yakho, Oh Thixo!

Zonke wazenza ngenhlakanipho;

umhlaba ugcwele izidalwa zakho.

25 Nantuyana ulwandle, uthwaca olungakaya,

olunyakazela ngezidalwa ezingelakubalwa

izinto eziphilayo ezinkulu lezincinyane.

26 Kulapho imikhumbi endenda khona isiyale lale,

loleviyathani, isilo owasenza ukuthi sidlale khona.

27 Zonke lezi zikhangele kuwe

ukuthi uziphe ukudla ngesikhathi esifaneleyo.

28 Uthi ungazipha bese zikubuthela ndawonye;

uthi ungavula isandla sakho,

zisuthiswe ngezinto ezinhle.

29 Uthi ungafihla ubuso bakho zitshaywe luvalo;

uthi ungathatha umphefumulo wazo,

zife zibuyele othulini.

30 Uthi ungathumela uMoya

wakho zidalwe,

uwenze ube muhle umhlaba.

31 Sengathi inkazimulo kaThixo ingema lanini;

sengathi uThixo angathokoza ngemisebenzi yakhe

32 yena okhangela umhlaba uthuthumele,

othinta izintaba zithunqe intuthu.

33 Ngizahlabelela kuThixo impilo yami yonke;

ngizahlabelela indumiso kuNkulunkulu wami lanini nxa ngisaphila.

34 Sengathi iminakano yami ingamthokozisa,

ngoba ngiyathokoza kuThixo.

35 Kodwa sengathi izoni zinganyamalala emhlabeni

lezigangi zingabe zisaba khona.

Dumisa uThixo, Oh Mphefumulo wami.

Dumisa uThixo, Oh Mphefumulo wami.

Ihubo 105

1 Bongani uThixo, memezani ibizo lakhe;

lizazise phakathi kwabantu izenzo zakhe

2 Hlabelelani kuye, hlabelelani indumiso kuye;

likhulume ngezenzo zakhe zonke ezimangalisayo.

3 Jabulani ebizweni lakhe elingcwele;

kazithokoze inhliziyo zabo abamdingayo uThixo.

4 Dingani uThixo lamandla akhe,

limdinge yena njalonjalo.

5 Khumbulani izenzo zakhe ezimangalisayo azenzayo,

izimangaliso azenzayo, lezahlulelo azikhulumayo,

6 lina zizukulwane zika-Abhrahama inceku yakhe,

lina madodana kaJakhobe, abakhethiweyo bakhe.

7  UnguThixo uNkulunkulu wethu;

izahlulelo zakhe zisemhlabeni wonke.

8 Uyasikhumbula isivumelwano sakhe nini lanini,

ilizwi lomlayo wakhe, okwezizukulwane ezizinkulungwane,

9 isivumelwano asenza lo-Abhrahama,

isifungo asifungayo ku-Isaka.

10 Wakuqinisa lokhu kuJakhobe

kwaba yisimiso ku-Israyeli njengesivumelwano saphakade:

11 wathi “Ngizalinika ilizwe laseKhenani

njengesabelo selifa lenu.”

12 Kwathi besesebalutshwana,

bebalutshwana kakhulu, beyizihambi kulo,

13 bezula kuzizwe ngezizwe

besuka komunye umbuso besiya komunye.

14 Kavumelanga loba ngubani ukubancindezela;

wawakhuza amakhosi ngenxa yabo:

15 “Lingabathinti abagcotshiweyo bami;

lingahlukuluzi abaphrofethi bami.”

16 Waletha indlala elizweni

wachitha zonke iziphala zokudla;

17 wathumela indoda yabandulela

uJosefa owathengiswa waba yisigqili.

18 Bambhonxula inyawo zakhe ngezibopho,

wabotshwa intamo ngezinsimbi,

19 kwaze kwathi lokho ayekutsho ngaphambili kwagcwaliseka,

kwaze kwathi ilizwi likaThixo

latshengisa ukuthi wayeqinisile.

20 Inkosi yathumela ukuthi akhululwe,

umbusi wezizwe wamkhulula.

21 Wamenza umbusi wendlu yakhe,

umbusi wakho konke okwakungokwakhe,

22 ukuqondisa amakhosana akhe njengokubona kwakhe

lokufundisa abadala bakhe inhlakanipho.

23 Kwathi-ke u-Israyeli wayangena eGibhithe;

uJakhobe wahlala njengowezizweni elizweni likaHamu.

24  UThixo wenza abantu bakhe banda kakhulu;

wabenza baba banengi kakhulu bandela izitha zabo,

25 kwathi inhliziyo zabo wazenza zazonda abantu bakhe,

bakha amacebo amabi ngezinceku zakhe.

26 Wathuma uMosi inceku yakhe,

lo-Aroni ayebakhethile.

27 Benza iziboniso zakhe ezimangalisayo phakathi kwabo,

izimanga zakhe elizweni likaHamu.

28 Wathumela umnyama wenza ilizwe laba mnyama

kanti angithi babewahlamukele amazwi akhe?

29 Waguqula amanzi abo aba ligazi,

okwenza inhlanzi zawo zafa.

30 Ilizwe labo lanyakazela ngamaxoxo,

angena ezindlini zokulala ezababusi babo.

31 Wakhuluma, kwavela umtshitshi wezibawu,

lenswintila elizweni labo lonke.

32 Wenza izulu labo laba yisiqhotho,

laba lombane elizweni labo lonke;

33 wacakazela phansi amavini abo lemikhiwa,

waphundla izihlahla zelizwe labo.

34 Wakhuluma zatheleka izintethe,

izintethe ezingelakubalwa;

35 zadla yonke into eluhlaza elizweni labo,

zadla izithelo zomhlabathi wabo.

36 Ngemva kwalokho wasebulala amazibulo wonke elizweni labo,

izithelo zokuqala zobulisa babo.

37 Wamkhupha u-Israyeli, ethwele esisitheka isiliva legolide,

kakwaba lamunye phakathi kwezizwana zabo owehlulwa yikufa.

38 IGibhithe yathokoza ngokusuka kwabo,

ngoba base bemesaba kubi u-Israyeli.

39 Wendlala iyezi lagubuzela,

lomlilo ukukhanyisa ebusuku.

40 Bacela wabalethela izagwaca,

wabasuthisa ngesinkwa sasezulwini.

41 Wavula ilitshe amanzi antshaza;

njengomfula ageleza enkangala.

42 Ngoba wakhumbula isithembiso sakhe esingcwele

esaphiwa inceku yakhe u-Abhrahama.

43 Wabakhupha abantu bakhe ngokuthokoza,

abakhethiweyo bakhe ngenhlokomo yentokozo.

44 Wabapha amazwe ezizwe,

badla ilifa lalokho okwakuginqelwe ngabanye,

45 ukuze bagcine iziqondiso zakhe

njalo balalele imithetho yakhe.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 106

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Bongani uThixo, ngoba ulungile;

uthando lwakhe lumi lanini.

2 Ngubani ongamemezela imisebenzi emikhulu kaThixo

loba atsho ngokugcweleyo udumo lwakhe na?

3 Babusisiwe labo abahlala besenza ngendlela enhle,

abahlezi besenza okulungileyo.

4 Ungikhumbule, Thixo, nxa usuveza umusa ebantwini bakho,

woza ungisize nxatshana usubasindisa,

5 ukuze lami ngikholise ukuphumelela kwalabo obakhethileyo,

ukuze ngabelwe entokozweni yesizwe sakho

ngihlanganyele lelifa lakho ekudumiseni.

6 Sonile, njengalokho abakwenzayo okhokho bethu;

senzile okubi senza izinto ezimbi.

7 Lapho okhokho bethu beseGibhithe,

kabayinakanga imimangaliso yakho;

kabazikhumbulanga izenzo zakho zomusa ezinengi,

bahlamuka besolwandle, uLwandle oluBomvu.

8 Kodwa wabasindisa ngenxa yebizo lakhe,

ukuze amandla akhe amakhulu aziwe.

9 Walukhuza uLwandle oluBomvu, loma qha;

wabahola badabula ezinzikini njengasenkangala.

10 Wabasindisa esandleni sesitha;

wabahlenga esandleni sesitha.

11 Amanzi asibekela izitha zabo,

kakho loyedwa wazo owasindayo.

12 Lapho-ke base bezikholwa izithembiso zakhe

bahlabelela indumiso yakhe.

13 Kodwa baphanga bakukhohlwa lokho ayekwenzile

kabaze balindela ukweluleka kwakhe.

14 Enkangala bakhulelwa yizinkanuko zabo;

khona emqothwini bamlinga uNkulunkulu.

15 Ngakho wabapha lokho abakucelayo,

kodwa wabathela ngomkhuhlane ocikizayo.

16 Ezihonqweni basuka babalomhawu loMosi njalo lango-Aroni,

owayengcwelisiwe kuThixo.

17 Umhlaba wavuleka waginya uDathani;

wagqibela ixuku lika-Abhiramu.

18 Umlilo walavuza phakathi kwabalandeli babo;

ilangabi labatshisa ababi.

19 EHorebhi benza ithole,

bakhonza isithombe esenziwe ngensimbi.

20 Badela ukuKhazimula kwabo

bakhetha isithombe senkunzi edla utshani.

21 Bakhohlwa uNkulunkulu owabasindisayo,

owayenze izinto ezinkulu eGibhithe,

22 imimangaliso elizweni likaHamu

lezenzo ezibabazekayo ngasoLwandle oluBomvu.

23 Ngakho wathi uzababhubhisa

aluba kungesuMosi, owakhethwayo wakhe,

owema phambi kwakhe

ukuvalela ulaka lwakhe ukuze angababhubhisi.

24 Kwathi njalo baleyisa ilizwe elihle;

kabasikholwanga isithembiso sakhe.

25 Bakhonona besemathenteni abo

kabaze bamlalela uThixo.

26 Ngakho wafunga kubo ephakamise isandla sakhe

ukuthi wayezabenza bafele enkangala,

27 enze izizukulwane zabo ziqedwe ngabezizwe

zihlakazeke emazweni wonke.

28 Bazibopha ingathi kusejogweni kuBhali wasePheyori

badla imihlatshelo eyayinikelwe kubonkulunkulu abangaphiliyo;

29 bamthukuthelisa uThixo ngezenzo zabo ezimbi;

kwavela isifo phakathi kwabo.

30 Kodwa uFinehasi wema wancenga

isifo sadeda.

31 Lokhu kwenza kuthiwe wayelungile

kwaziswa izizukulwane zonke ezizayo.

32 Bamzondisa uThixo ngasemthonjeni weMeribha,

uhlupho lwase lusehlela uMosi ngenxa yabo;

33 ngoba bahlamukela uMoya kaNkulunkulu,

uMosi waze wakhupha amazwi amabi ngezindebe zakhe.

34 Kabababhubhisanga abantu bezizwe

njengalokhu ababekulaywe nguThixo,

35 kodwa baphithikana labezizwe

bathatha imikhuba yazo.

36 Bakhonza izithombe zazo,

kwaba yisifu kubo.

37 Benza imihlatshelo ngamadodana abo

lamadodakazi abo emadimonini.

38 Bachitha igazi elalingelacala,

igazi lamadodana lamadodakazi abo,

abenza ngabo imihlatshelo yezithombe zaseKhenani,

ilizwe langcola ngegazi labo.

39 Bazingcolisa ngalokho abakwenzayo;

ngezenzo zabo baziphatha njengeziphingi.

40 Ngakho uThixo wabathukuthelela abantu bakhe

wanengwa yilifa lakhe.

41 Wabanikela kwabezizwe,

izitha zabo zabusa phezu kwabo.

42 Izitha zabo zabancindezela

zababeka ngaphansi kwamandla azo.

43 Izikhathi ezinengi wabakhulula,

kodwa babezimisele ukuhlamuka

bacikizeka ngenxa yesono sabo.

44 Kodwa wananzelela ukuhlupheka kwabo

esezwile ukukhala kwabo;

45 ngenxa yokubahawukela wakhumbula isivumelwano sakhe,

kwathi ngothando lwakhe olukhulu wadeda.

46 Wenza bonke labo ababebathumbile

ukuthi babelesihawu kubo.

47 Sisindise, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wethu,

usiqoqe usikhulule phakathi kwezizwe,

ukuze silibonge ibizo lakho elingcwele

sijabule ekukudumiseni.

48 Kabongwe uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

kusukela nini kuze kube nininini.

Akuthi bonke abantu bathi, “Ameni!”

Dumisani uThixo.

Ugwalo 5

107

AmaHubo 107 – 150

1 Mbongeni uThixo ngoba ulungile,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

2 Akuthi abahlengiweyo bakaThixo batsho lokhu,

labo abahlenga esandleni sesitha,

3 labo abaqoqa emazweni

kusuka empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga,

kusuka enyakatho laseningizimu.

4 Abanye bantula egwaduleni lwenkangala,

baswela indlela eya emzini ababengahlala khona.

5 Balamba boma,

impilo zabo zancipha.

6 Basebekhala kuThixo besekuhluphekeni kwabo,

wasebakhulula osizini lwabo.

7 Wabahola ngendlela eqondileyo

baya edolobheni lapho ababengahlala khona.

8 Ngakho kabambonge uThixo ngothando lwakhe olungaphuthiyo

lezenzo zakhe ezimangalisayo azenzela abantu,

9 ngoba ubenza bakholwe abomileyo

asuthise abalambileyo ngezinto ezinhle.

10 Abanye bahlala emnyameni lasethunzini elinzima

beyizibotshwa ezihluphekayo zibotshwe ngamaketane ensimbi,

11 ngoba babewahlamukele amazwi kaNkulunkulu

beyisa iseluleko soPhezukonke.

12 Ngakho wabathwalisa umsebenzi onzima;

bawa kodwa kungekho ongabasiza.

13 Ngakho basebekhala kuThixo besekuhluphekeni kwabo

wabasindisa osizini lwabo.

14 Wabakhupha emnyameni lethunzini elinzima

waqamula amaketane abo.

15 Ngakho kabambonge uThixo ngothando lwakhe olungaphuthiyo

lezenzo zakhe ezimangalisayo azenzela abantu,

16 ngoba uyawafohloza amasango ethusi

ephule imigoqo yensimbi.

17 Abanye baba yiziwula ngenxa yezindlela zabo zokuhlamuka

badliwa yizinhlupheko ngenxa yokuxhwala kwabo.

18 Benyanya konke ukudla

balengela emasangweni okufa.

19 Bakhala kuThixo besekuhluphekeni kwabo,

wabasindisa osizini lwabo.

20 Wathumela ilizwi lakhe labasilisa;

wabahlenga engcwabeni.

21 Kabambonge uThixo ngothando lwakhe olungaphuthiyo

lezenzo zakhe ezimangalisayo ebantwini.

22 Kabenze imihlatshelo yeminikelo yokubonga

bafakaze ngezenzo zakhe zonke ngezingoma zokuthokoza.

23 Abanye bawela olwandle ngemikhumbi;

babengabathengisi emanzini abanzi.

24 Bayibona imisebenzi kaThixo,

izenzo zakhe ezimangalisayo ekujuleni.

25 Ngoba wakhuluma kwaqubuka isiphepho

esasukumisa amagagasi aba laphaya.

26 Akhwela athinta emazulwini, ehla ayatshona ezinzikini;

bekuleyongozi isibindi sabo samemetheka saphela.

27 Bazigxobagxoba badiyazela njengabantu abadakiweyo;

baphelelwa lulwazi.

28 Basebekhala kuThixo besekuhluphekeni kwabo,

wabakhupha esizini lwabo.

29 Wasethulisa isiphepho ngokunyenyeza;

amagagasi olwandle aphola athi cwaka.

30 Bajabula bonke sekudedile,

wabahola wabasa ethekwini ababelifuna.

31 Kabambonge uThixo ngothando lwakhe olungaphuthiyo

lezenzo zakhe ezimangalisayo ebantwini.

32 Kabamphakamise emhlanganweni wabantu

bamdumise enkundleni yabadala.

33 Waguqula imifula yaba yinkangala,

imithombo egelezayo yaba ngumhlabathi owomileyo,

34 lomhlabathi olezithelo waba lugwadule oluletshwayi,

ngenxa yobubi balabo ababehlala khona.

35 Waguqula inkangala yaba ngamachibi amanzi

lomhlabathi owomileyo waba yimithombo egelezayo;

36 lapho waletha abalambileyo ukuba bahlale khona,

khonapho basungula umuzi ababezahlala kuwo.

37 Bahlanyela amasimu,

bagxumeka amavini athela isivuno esikhulu;

38 wababusisa banda baba banengi kakhulu,

akaze ayekela imihlambi yabo inciphe.

39 Kwasekusithi ubunengi babo sebunciphile,

bathotshiswa ngokuncindezelwa, ngokuhlupheka langosizi;

40 kwathi yena othela ihlazo ezikhulwini

wabantulisa egwaduleni olungakhanyi mzila.

41 Kodwa abaswelayo wabakhupha ekuhluphekeni kwabo

wandisa izimuli zabo njengemihlambi yezimvu.

42 Abaqotho bayabona bathokoze,

kodwa bonke ababi bagcike imilomo yabo.

43 Lowo ohlakaniphileyo, kaqaphele lezizinto

anakane ngothando olukhulu lukaThixo.

Ihubo 108

Ingoma. Ihubo likaDavida.

1 Inhliziyo yami ibambelele, kayiguquki, Oh Nkulunkulu;

ngizahlabela ngenze iculo elimnandi

ngomoya wami wonke.

2 Vuka, mhubhe lechacho!

Ngizayivusa intathakusa.

3 Ngizakudumisa, yebo Thixo, phakathi kwezizwe;

ngizahlabela ngawe phakathi kwabantu.

4 Ngoba lukhulu uthando lwakho, luphakame kulamazulu;

ukwethembeka kwakho kufinyelela emkhathini.

5 Kawuphakanyiswe, yebo Nkulunkulu, ngaphezu kwamazulu,

akuthi inkazimulo yakho ibe khona emhlabeni wonke.

6 Sisindise usisize ngesandla sakho sokunene,

ukuze kuthi laba obathandayo bakhululwe.

7 UNkulunkulu usekhulumile esendlini yakhe engcwele:

“Ngokunqoba ngizayaba iShekhemu

ngihlole leSigodi saseSukhothi.

8 Ngeyami iGiliyadi, loManase ngowami;

u-Efrayimi yisivikelo sekhanda lami,

uJuda uyintonga yami yobukhosi.

9 IMowabi ngumganu wami wokugezela,

phezu kuka-Edomi ngiphosela amanyathelo ami;

phezu kweFilistiya ngihalalisa umkhosi wokunqoba.”

10 Ngubani ozangisa emzini olenqaba na?

Ngubani ozangiholela e-Edomi na?

11 Kakusuwe na, Oh Nkulunkulu, wena osusikhalele,

ongasaphumi lathi ezimpini zethu?

12 Ake usisize ezitheni zethu,

ngoba usizo lomuntu luyize.

13 Nxa siloNkulunkulu sizanqoba,

njalo uzazinyathelela phansi izitha zethu.

Ihubo 109

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaDavida. Ihubo.

1 Oh Nkulunkulu, wena engikudumisayo,

ungali ulokhu uthule,

2 ngoba abantu ababi abalenkohliso

bayivulile imilomo yabo bekhuluma ngami;

bakhuluma bengigcona ngendimi zabo zamanga.

3 Bangihonqolozela ngamazwi enzondo;

bayangisukela nje kungelasizatho.

4 Ukubathanda kwami bakuphindisela ngokungisola,

kodwa ngingumuntu womkhuleko.

5 Bangiphindisela okuhle ngokubi,

langenzondo ukubathanda kwami.

6 Bathi, “Khethani umuntu omubi ozamelana laye;

ombeka icala kame kwesokunene sakhe.

7 Nxa esethonisiswa kafunyanwe elecala,

futhi sengathi imikhuleko yakhe ingamlahla.

8 Sengathi insuku zakhe zingabazilutshwana;

kakube lomunye ozathatha isikhundla sakhe sobukhokheli.

9 Sengathi abantwabakhe bangaba zintandane

lomkakhe abe ngumfelokazi.

10 Sengathi abantwabakhe bangaba zinzulane zeziceli;

sengathi bangaxotshwa emizini yabo esingamanxiwa.

11 Sengathi lowo aboleke kuye angamemuka konke alakho;

sengathi labezizweni bangaphanga izithelo zamandla akhe.

12 Akungabikhona omenzela umusa

loba ozwela izintandane zakhe.

13 Sengathi izizukulwane zakhe zingaphela,

amabizo abo esulwe esizukulwaneni esilandelayo.

14 Sengathi ububi bukayise bungakhunjulwa phambi kukaThixo,

sengathi isono sikanina singacitshi lanini.

15 Sengathi izono zabo zingahlala zisobala phambi kukaThixo,

ukuze aphelise du ukukhunjulwa kwabo emhlabeni.

16 Ngoba kazange akhumbule ukwenza umusa

kodwa wabazingelela ukufa abayanga

labaswelayo labadabukileyo enhliziyweni.

17 Wayekuthanda ukwethesa isithuko,

sengathi singehlela kuye.

Wayengakuthandi ukubusisa

sengathi kungaba khatshana laye.

18 Wayevunula ukuthuka njengesigqoko;

kwangena emzimbeni wakhe njengamanzi,

emathanjeni akhe njengamafutha.

19 Sengathi kungaba njengengubo athandelwe ngayo

njengebhanti abotshwe ngalo lanini.”

20 Sengathi lokhu kungaba yisijeziso sikaThixo kulabo abangethesa amacala,

labo abakhuluma okubi ngami.

21 Kodwa wena, Oh Thixo woBukhosi,

ngenzela kuhle ngenxa yebizo lakho;

ngenxa yokulunga kothando lwakho akungikhulule.

22 Ngoba ngingumyanga ngiyaswela,

lenhliziyo yami ilimele ngaphakathi kwami.

23 Ngiyafiphala njengethunzi lakusihlwa;

ngiyaphetshulwa njengentethe.

24 Amadolo ami asebuthakathaka ngokuzila ukudla;

umzimba wami usuzacile usutshwabhene.

25 Sengiyinto yokuhlekisa kulabo abangibeka amacala;

bathi bengibona banyikinye amakhanda abo.

26 Akungisize, Oh Thixo Nkulunkulu wami;

ngisindisa ngokuya ngothando lwakho.

27 Kumele bakwazi ukuthi lokhu ngokwesandla sakho;

wena, Oh Thixo, nguwe okwenzileyo.

28 Bangangiqalekisa, kodwa wena uzabusisa;

bathi bayahlasela bayangiswe,

kodwa inceku yakho izathokoza.

29 Abangivukelayo kabembeswe ihlazo

bagoqelwe ngokuyangeka njengengubo.

30 Ngomlomo wami ngizambabaza kakhulu uThixo;

ngisemphakathini ngizamdumisa.

31 Ngoba umi ngakwesokunene salowo oswelayo,

ukusindisa impilo yakhe kulabo abamnikela ekufeni.

Ihubo 110

ElikaDavida. Ihubo.

1  UThixo uthi enkosini yami:

“Hlala ngakwesokunene sami

ngize ngenze izitha zakho

zibe yisinyathelo senyawo zakho.”

2  UThixo uzakwelula intonga yakhe elamandla eyobukhosi kusuka eZiyoni

wena uzabusa phakathi kwezitha zakho

3 Amabutho akho azazinikela

mhla uphuma impi.

Wembethe ubukhosi obungcwele,

phakathi komnyama wempondozankomo

uzakwamukela amazolo obutsha bakho.

4  UThixo ufungile

njalo kasoze ayiguqule ingqondo yakhe:

“Wena ungumphristi kuze kube nini lanini

emkhondweni kaMelikhizedekhi.”

5 INkosi ikwesokunene sakho;

izawachoboza amakhosi mhla wosuku lokuthukuthela kwayo.

6 Izazahlulela izizwe, yenze inqwaba yabafileyo

njalo ibachoboze ababusi bomhlaba wonke.

7 Izanatha emfuleni oseceleni kwendlela;

ngakho-ke izaliphakamisa ikhanda layo.

Ihubo 111

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Ngizambabaza uThixo ngenhliziyo yami yonke

enkundleni yabaqotho lasemhlanganweni.

2 Mikhulu imisebenzi kaThixo;

isemicabangweni yabo bonke abathokoza ngayo.

3 Zilenkazimulo lobukhosi izenzo zakhe,

lokulunga Kwakhe kumi kuze kube laphakade.

4 Wenzile ukuthi izimanga zakhe zikhunjulwe;

uThixo ulomusa lesihawu.

5 Uyabapha ukudla labo abamesabayo;

uyasikhumbula isivumelwano Sakhe lanini.

6 Ubatshengisile abantu bakhe amandla emisebenzi yakhe,

ngokubapha amazwe ezinye izizwe.

7 Imisebenzi yezandla zakhe ithembekile, ilungile;

zonke iziqondiso zakhe ziyathembeka.

8 Zimi kaziguquki nini lanini,

zenziwa ngeqiniso langobuqotho.

9 Wathumela abantu bakhe insindiso;

wasingcwelisa isivumelwano Sakhe okwanininini

lingcwele liyesabeka ibizo lakhe.

10 Ukumesaba uThixo kuyikuqala kwenhlakanipho

bonke abalandela iziqondiso zakhe balokuzwisisa okuhle.

Kungokwakhe ukudunyiswa kwaphakade.

Ihubo 112

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Ubusisiwe umuntu owesaba uThixo,

othokoza kakhulu ngemilayo yakhe.

2 Abantwabakhe bazaba lamandla elizweni;

isizukulwane soqotho sizabusiswa.

3 Inotho lenzuzo kusendlini yakhe,

lokulunga kwakhe kumi laphakade.

4 Lasebumnyameni kuyavela ukukhanya kwabaqotho,

emuntwini olomusa, olesihawu lolungileyo.

5 Ubuhle buzakwehlela kuye ophanayo loweboleka ekhululekile,

oqhuba zonke izinto zakhe ngemfanelo.

6 Ngeqiniso kayikunyikinyeka;

umuntu olungileyo uzakhunjulwa lanininini.

7 Akayikwesaba imibiko emibi;

inhliziyo yakhe ichumile, yethembele kuThixo.

8 Inhliziyo yakhe ikhululekile, akalakwesaba;

ekucineni uzakhangela izitha zakhe ngokunqoba.

9 Uhlakazele izipho zakhe kubayanga ezindaweni zonke,

ukulunga kwakhe kumi laphakade;

uphondo lwakhe luzaphakanyiselwa phezulu ngenhlonipho.

10 Umuntu omubi uzakubona lokhu afuthelane,

uzagedla amazinyo akhe, acikizeke emzimbeni;

izinkanuko zababi zizaphetha ziyize.

Ihubo 113

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Dumisani uThixo, lina zinceku zakhe,

dumisani ibizo likaThixo.

2 Kalidunyiswe ibizo likaThixo,

khona manje kanye laphakade.

3 Kusukela okuphuma khona ilanga kusiyafika lapho elitshona khona,

kufanele lidunyiswe ibizo likaThixo.

4  UThixo uphakeme ngaphezu kwezizwe zonke,

inkazimulo yakhe ngaphezulu kwamazulu.

5 Ngubani na onjengoThixo uNkulunkulu wethu,

oNguye ohlezi ebukhosini phezulu,

6 okhothama akhangele phansi

emazulwini lasemhlabeni?

7 Uyabavusa abampofu othulini,

aphakamise abaswelayo esilotheni;

8 abahlalise lamakhosana,

amakhosana abantu bakibo.

9 Lomfazi oyinyumba umenza ahlale kuhle emzini wakhe

afane lalowo ongunina wabantwana.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 114

1 Kwathi ekuphumeni kuka-Israyeli eGibhithe,

indlu kaJakhobe isuka ebantwini bolimi lwezizweni,

2 uJuda waba yindlu engcwele kaNkulunkulu,

u-Israyeli waba ngumbuso wakhe.

3 Ulwandle lwakubona lwabaleka,

iJodani yabuyela emuva.

4 Izintaba zaqothuka njengenqama,

amaqaqa enza njengamawundlu.

5 Kwakungani, we lwandle, wasuka wabaleka?

Wena Jodani wabuyela emuva?

6 Lani zintaba laqolotsha njengenqama,

lina maqaqa njengamawundlu?

7 Thuthumela, we mhlaba, phambi kukaThixo,

phambi kukaNkulunkulu kaJakhobe,

8 owaphendula idwala laba lichibi,

idwala eliqinileyo laba ngumthombo wamanzi.

Ihubo 115

1 Kakungabi kithi, Oh Thixo, hatshi kithi

kodwa kwelakho ibizo kakube lenkazimulo,

ngenxa yothando lokuthembeka Kwakho.

2 Kungani izizwe zisithi,

“Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wabo na?”

3 UNkulunkulu wethu usezulwini;

wenza loba yini ayithandayo.

4 Kodwa izithombe zabo yisiliva legolide,

zenziwe ngezandla zabantu.

5 Zilemilomo, kodwa kazikhulumi,

amehlo, kodwa kaziboni;

6 zilezindlebe, kodwa kazizwa,

amakhala, kodwa kazinuki lutho;

7 zilezandla, kodwa kazenelisi ukuthinta,

inyawo, kodwa kazihambi;

njalo ngeke nje zenze umsindo ngemphimbo yazo.

8 Labo abazenzayo bazakuba njengazo,

kube njalo lakulabo abathemba kuzo.

9 Oh ndlu ka-Israyeli, methembe uThixo

lusizo lwabo lesihlangu sabo.

10 Oh, ndlu ka-Aroni, methembe uThixo

ulusizo lwabo lesihlangu sabo.

11 Lina elimesabayo, thembani kuThixo

ulusizo lwabo lesihlangu sabo.

12  UThixo uyasikhumbula njalo uzasibusisa:

Uzayibusisa indlu ka-Israyeli,

uzayibusisa indlu ka-Aroni,

13 uzababusisa labo abamesabayo uThixo

abancinyane labakhulu ngokufananayo.

14 Sengathi uThixo angalenza lande,

lonke lina kanye labantwana benu.

15 Sengathi lingabusiswa nguThixo

uMenzi wezulu lomhlaba.

16  NgakaThixo amazulu aphezu kwakho konke,

kodwa umhlaba wawunika abantu.

17 Kakusibo abafileyo abadumisa uThixo,

labo abangena phansi ekuthuleni;

18 yithi esimbabazayo uThixo,

khona manje kanye laphakade.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 116

1 Ngiyamthanda uThixo ngoba walizwa ilizwi lami;

wezwa ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa.

2 Ngoba wangipha indlela yakhe,

ngizambiza kokuphela nxa ngisaphila.

3 Izibopho zokufa zangithandela,

ubuhlungu obukhulu bengcwaba bangehlela;

ngagajelwa yikuhlupheka losizi.

4 Ngasengibiza ibizo likaThixo :

“Oh Thixo ake ungisindise!”

5  UThixo ulomusa njalo ulungile;

uNkulunkulu wethu ulesihawu.

6  UThixo uvikela abalenhliziyo ethobekileyo;

ngathi ngihluphekile kakhulu wangisindisa.

7 Phumula njalo, we mphefumulo wami,

ngoba uThixo ukwenzile ukulunga.

8 Ngoba wena Thixo,

uwukhulule umphefumulo wami ekufeni,

amehlo ami ezinyembezini,

lezinyawo zami azaze zakhubeka,

9 ukuze ngihambe phambi kukaThixo

elizweni labaphilayo.

10 Ngathembela kuThixo; ngakho ngasengisithi,

“Ngiyahlupheka kakhulu.”

11 Ngiphakathi kokulahla ithemba ngathi,

“Bonke abantu balamanga.”

12 Ngingambonga ngani uThixo

ngabo bonke ubuhle bakhe kimi?

13 Ngizayiphakamisa inkezo yensindiso

ngimemeze ibizo likaThixo.

14 Ngizazigcwalisa izifungo zami kuThixo

phambi kwabo bonke abantu bakhe.

15 Kuligugu emehlweni kaThixo

ukufa kwabathembekileyo bakhe.

16 Oh Thixo, ngempela ngiyinceku Yakho,

indodana yencekukazi yakho;

usungikhulule emaketaneni ami.

17 Ngizakwenzela umhlatshelo womnikelo wokubonga

ngilibize ibizo likaThixo

18 Ngizazigcwalisa izifungo zami kuThixo

phambi kwabo bonke abantu bakhe,

19 emagumeni endlu kaThixo

phakathi kwakho, wena Jerusalema.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 117

1 Dumisani uThixo lina zizwe zonke;

mbabazeni lina bantu lonke.

2 Ngoba lukhulu uthando lwakhe kithi,

lokuthembeka kukaThixo kumi kuze kube phakade.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 118

1 Mbongeni uThixo ngoba ulungile;

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

2 U-Israyeli katsho athi:

“Uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.”

3 Kayithi indlu ka-Aroni:

“Uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.”

4 Akuthi bonke abamesabayo uThixo bathi:

“Uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.”

5 Ngathi ngidabukile ngakhala kuThixo,

waphendula ngokungikhulula.

6  UThixo ulami, angiyikwesaba.

Umuntu angenzani kimi na?

7  UThixo ulami; ungumsizi wami.

Ngizazinyonkoloza ngegunya izitha zami.

8 Kungcono ukuphephela kuThixo

kulokuthemba umuntu.

9 Kungcono ukuphephela kuThixo

kulokuthemba amakhosana.

10 Zonke izizwe zangihanqa,

kodwa ngegama likaThixo ngazichitha.

11 Zangihanqa inxa zonke

kodwa ngegama likaThixo ngazichitha.

12 Zangiminyezela njengezinyosi

kodwa zafa masinyane njengokungunguma komlilo wameva;

ngebizo likaThixo ngazichitha.

13 Ngasunduzelwa emuva ngaphose ngawa,

kodwa uThixo wangisiza.

14  UThixo ungamandla ami lengoma yami;

yena useyikusindiswa kwami.

15 Imisindo yentokozo lokunqoba

iphuma emathenteni abalungileyo:

“Isandla sokunene sikaThixo senzile izinto ezinkulu!

16 Isandla sokunene sikaThixo siphakanyisiwe kakhulu;

isandla sokunene sikaThixo senzile izinto ezinkulu!”

17 Angizukufa kodwa ngizaphila,

ngizamemezela lokho akwenzileyo uThixo.

18  UThixo ungitshayile kakhulu,

kodwa kanginikelanga ekufeni.

19 Ngivulela amasango okulunga;

ngizangena ngimbonge uThixo.

20 Nanti isango likaThixo

okungangena khona abalungileyo.

21 Ngizakubonga, ngoba ungiphendulile;

usuyinsindiso yami.

22 Ilitshe ababelilahlile

seliyilona ilitshe lekhoneni;

23  uThixo ukwenzile lokhu;

njalo kuyamangalisa emehlweni ethu.

24 Leli lilanga alenzileyo uThixo;

kasithokoze sijabule ngalo.

25 Oh Thixo, sisindise;

Oh Thixo, siphumelelise.

26 Ubusisiwe lowo obuya ngebizo likaThixo.

Siyakubusisa sisendlini kaThixo.

27  UThixo unguNkulunkulu,

wenzile ukukhanya kwakhe kwehlela phezu kwethu.

Liphethe izingatshana, ngenani edibini lomgido

lize liyefika empondweni ze-alithare.

28 UnguNkulunkulu wami, ngizakubonga;

unguNkulunkulu wami, ngizakuphakamisa.

29 Mbongeni uThixo ngoba ulungile;

uthando lwakhe lumi kuze kube phakade.

Ihubo 119

א Aleph

1 Babusisiwe labo abandlela zabo zingelansolo,

abahamba ngomthetho kaThixo.

2 Babusisiwe labo abagcina imilayo yakhe,

abayidinga ngenhliziyo yabo yonke.

3 Kaboni lutho;

bahamba ezindleleni zakhe.

4 Wena ubekile izimiso

ukuthi zilandelwe ngokupheleleyo.

5 He, aluba izindlela zami zithembekile

ekulaleleni izimemezelo zakho!

6 Lapho-ke ngeke ngibe lenhloni

nxa ngikhumbula yonke imilayo yakho.

7 Ngizakudumisa ngenhliziyo eqotho

ngilokhu ngiyifunda imithetho yakho elungileyo.

8 Ngizazilalela izimemezelo zakho;

ungangikhalali ngempela.

ב Beth

9 Ijaha lingaphila njani impilo ehlambulukileyo?

Ngokuphila ngendlela yelizwi lakho.

10 Ngikudinga ngenhliziyo yami yonke;

ungangiyekeli ngiphambuke emilayweni yakho.

11 Ilizwi lakho ngilifihlile enhliziyweni yami

ukuze ngingenzi isono kuwe.

12 Udumo kalube kuwe, Oh Thixo;

ngifundisa izimemezelo zakho.

13 Ngezindebe zami ngiyayibala yonke

imithetho ephuma emlonyeni wakho.

14 Kuyangithokozisa ukulandela izimiso zakho

njengomuntu ethabela inotho enkulu.

15 Ngiyanakana ngezimiso zakho

ngikhumbule ngezindlela zakho.

16 Ngiyathokoza ngezimemezelo zakho;

angiyikulidela ilizwi lakho.

ג Gimel

17 Yenzele okuhle inceku yakho ukuba ngiphile;

ngizalilalela ilizwi lakho.

18 Vula amehlo ami ukuze ngibone

izinto ezimangalisayo emthethweni wakho.

19 Ngiyisihambi emhlabeni;

ungangifihleli imilayo yakho.

20 Umphefumulo wami uhugekile ngokulangazelela

imithetho yakho ngezikhathi zonke.

21 Uyabakhuza abaklolodayo,

abaqalekisiweyo abaphambukayo emithethweni yakho.

22 Susa kimi ihlazo lokweyisa,

ngoba ngiyazigcina izimiso zakho.

23 Loba ababusi behlangana ngami bengigcona,

inceku yakho izanakana ngezimemezelo zakho.

24 Izimiso zakho ziyinjabulo yami;

zingabacebisi bami.

ד Daleth

25 Ngehliselwe phansi othulini;

londoloza impilo yami njengokwelizwi lakho.

26 Ngabalisa izindlela zami wangiphendula;

ngifundisa izimiso zakho.

27 Ngenza ngizwisise imfundiso yezimiso zakho;

lapho-ke ngizanakana ngezimanga zakho.

28 Umphefumulo wami ukhathele ngosizi;

ngiqinisa njengokwelizwi lakho.

29 Ngivikela ezindleleni zenkohliso;

woba lobubele kimi ngokomthetho wakho.

30 Ngikhethe indlela yeqiniso;

sengibeke inhliziyo yami emithethweni yakho.

31 Ngibambelele ezimisweni zakho, Oh Thixo;

ungangiyekeli ngiyangeka.

32 Ngigijima ngendlela yemithetho yakho,

ngoba uyikhulule inhliziyo yami.

ה He

33 Ngifundisa, Oh Thixo; ukulandela izimemezelo zakho;

ukuthi ngizigcine kuze kufike ekucineni.

34 Ngipha ukuzwisisa ukuze ngigcine umthetho wakho

ngiwulalele ngayo yonke inhliziyo yami.

35 Ngiqondisa endleleni yemilayo yakho,

ngoba khonapho ngifumana ukuthokoza.

36 Phendulela inhliziyo yami ezimisweni zakho

kungabi ngokokuzizuzela okungokwami.

37 Phendula amehlo ami asuke ezintweni ezingesilutho;

londoloza impilo yami njengokwelizwi lakho.

38 Gcwalisa isithembiso sakho encekwini yakho,

ukuze wesatshwe.

39 Susa ihlazo engilesabayo,

ngoba imithetho yakho ilungile.

40 Ngizilangazelela kanjani izimiso zakho!

Londoloza impilo yami ekulungeni kwakho.

ו Waw

41 Sengathi uthando lwakho olungaphuthiyo lungeza kimi, Oh Thixo,

insindiso yakho ize njengokuthembisa kwakho;

42 lapho-ke ngizamphendula lowo ongithukayo,

ngoba ngithembe ilizwi lakho.

43 Ungangemuki emlonyeni ilizwi leqiniso,

ngoba ithemba lami ngilibeke emithethweni yakho.

44 Ngizahlala ngiwulalela umthetho wakho,

okwanini lanini.

45 Ngizazihambela ngikhululekile,

ngoba ngiyidingisisile imithetho yakho.

46 Ngizakhuluma ngezimiso zakho phambi kwamakhosi

ngingabi lamahloni,

47 ngoba ngithokoza ngisemilayweni yakho

ngoba ngiyayithanda.

48 Ngizaphakamisa izandla zami emilayweni yakho engiyithandayo,

nginakana ngezimemezelo zakho.

ז Zayin

49 Khumbula ilizwi lakho encekwini yakho,

ngoba usungiphe ithemba.

50 Induduzo yami phakathi kokuhlupheka kwami yile:

Isithembiso sakho sigcina impilo yami.

51 Abaklolodayo bangihleka baze bakholise,

kodwa kangiphambuki emthethweni wakho.

52 Ngiyayikhumbula imithetho yakho yekadeni, Oh Thixo,

ngifumana ukududuzeka kuyo.

53 Ngithukuthela ngife ngenxa yababi,

asebedele umthetho wakho.

54 Izimemezelo zakho ziyiyo injongo yengoma yami

loba ngingabe ngihlala ngaphi

55 Ebusuku ngiyalikhumbula ibizo lakho, Oh Thixo,

njalo ngizawugcina umthetho wakho.

56 Le yiyo injayelo yokwenza kwami:

Ngiyayilalela imithetho yakho.

57 Uyingxenye yami, Oh Thixo,

ngithembisile ukulalela amazwi akho.

58 Ngiyabudinga ubuso bakho ngenhliziyo yami yonke;

woba lobubele kimi njengesithembiso sakho.

59 Sengizihlolile izindlela zami

ngaphendula izinyathelo zami zaya ezimisweni zakho.

60 Ngizaphangisa ngingaphuzi

ukulalela imilayo yakho.

61 Loba ababi bengangibopha ngentambo,

angiyikuwukhohlwa umthetho wakho.

62 Phakathi kobusuku ngivukela ukukubonga

ngemithetho yakho emihle.

63 Ngingumngane kubo bonke abakwesabayo,

kubo bonke abalandela imithetho yakho.

64 Umhlaba ugcwele uthando lwakho, Oh Thixo;

ngifundisa izimiso zakho.

65 Senzele okuhle isisebenzi sakho

njengelizwi lakho, Oh Thixo.

66 Ngifundisa ulwazi lokwahlulela okufaneleyo,

ngoba ngiyayikholwa imilayo yakho.

67 Ngingakabi sekuhluphekeni ngalahleka,

kodwa manje sengilalela ilizwi lakho.

68 Ulungile njalo okwenzayo kulungile;

ngifundisa izimiso zakho.

69 Lokuba abaklolodayo bengibhaceke ngamanga,

ngiyazigcina izimiso zakho ngenhliziyo yami yonke.

70 Inhliziyo zabo zilolunya kazilazwelo,

kodwa mina ngijabula ngomthetho wakho.

71 Kwakukuhle kimi ukuthi ngihlutshwe

ukuze ngifunde izimiso zakho.

72 Umthetho ophuma emlonyeni wakho uligugu kimi

okudlula inhlamvu zesiliva legolide eziyizinkulungwane.

י Yodh

73 Izandla zakho zangenza zangibumba,

ngipha ukuzwisisa ukuze ngifunde imilayo yakho.

74 Sengathi labo abakwesabayo bangathokoza nxa bengibona,

ngoba sengibeke ithemba lami elizwini lakho.

75 Ngiyazi, Thixo, ukuthi imithetho yakho ilungile,

lokuthi ungihlukuluzile ngenxa yokuthembeka kwakho.

76 Sengathi uthando lwakho olungaphuthiyo lungaba yinduduzo kimi,

njengesithembiso sakho encekwini yakho.

77 Isihawu sakho kasize kimi ukuze ngiphile,

umthetho wakho uyikuthokoza kwami.

78 Sengathi abaklolodayo bangayangiswa ngokungigcona ngingonanga lutho;

kodwa mina ngizanakana ngemithetho yakho.

79 Sengathi labo abakwesabayo bangaphendukela kimi,

bona abezwisisa izimiso zakho.

80 Sengathi inhliziyo yami ingaba msulwa ngezimiso zakho,

ukuze ngingayangiswa.

כ Kaph

81 Umphefumulo wami uyacikizeka ngokulangazelela insindiso yakho,

kodwa ngilibekile ithemba lami elizwini lakho.

82 Amehlo ami aseze efiphala ngokulinda isithembiso sakho;

ngithi, “Uzaze ungiduduze nini na?”

83 Lanxa nginjengesixaxa sewayini esesikhumba sifuswe entuthwini,

kangizilibali izimiso zakho.

84 Inceku yakho izalinda kuze kube nini na?

Uzabajezisa nini abangihluphayo na?

85 Abaklolodayo bangigebhela amagodi,

bephikisa umthetho wakho.

86 Yonke imilayo yakho ithembekile,

ngisiza, ngoba abantu bayangichukuluza kungelasizatho.

87 Baphose bangesula emhlabeni,

kodwa kangiyilahlanga imithetho yakho.

88 Ngivuselela ngomusa wakho olothando,

ukuze ngigcine izimiso zomlomo wakho.

ל Lamedh

89 Ilizwi lakho, Oh Thixo, kalipheli lanini;

limi liqinile emazulwini.

90 Ukuthembeka kwakho kukhona kuzozonke izizukulwane;

wawumisa umhlaba, uzakuma kokuphela.

91 Imithetho yakho imi lanamhla lokhu,

ngoba zonke izinto zikhonza wena.

92 Aluba umthetho wakho ubungesiyo injabulo yami

ngabe ngabhubha ngiphakathi kokuhlupheka kwami.

93 Kangisoze ngafa ngayilibala imithetho yakho,

ngoba ngayo uyilondolozile impilo yami.

94 Ngisindisa ngoba ngingowakho;

ngiyidingisisile imithetho yakho.

95 Ababi balindele ukungichitha,

kodwa ngizanakana ngezimiso zakho.

96 Kukho konke ukuphelela ngibona kulomkhawulo;

kodwa imilayo yakho ayilamingcele.

מ Mem

97 Oh, ngiwuthanda kangakanani umthetho wakho!

Ngikhumbula ngawo ilanga lonke.

98 Imilayo yakho iyangihlakaniphisa kulezitha zami,

ngoba ngihlezi ngilayo.

99 Ngicacile ukuqedisisa kwami kulabafundisi bami,

ngoba ngiyanakana ngezimiso zakho.

100 Ngiyezwisisa okudlula abadala,

ngoba ngiyayilalela imithetho yakho.

101 Inyawo zami kaziyinyathelanga layiphi indlela embi

ukuze ngilalele ilizwi lakho.

102 Kangiphambukanga emithethweni yakho,

ngoba wena ngokwakho ungifundisile.

103 Amazwi akho anambitheka kamnandi kimi,

amnandi kulenyosi emlonyeni wami!

104 Ngiyazuza ukuqedisisa emithethweni yakho;

ngakho ngiyayizonda loba layiphi indlela engalunganga.

נ Nun

105 Ilizwi lakho liyisibane ezinyaweni zami

liyikukhanya kwendlela yami.

106 Sengenzile isifungo ngasiqinisa,

ukuthi ngizalandela imithetho yakho elungileyo.

107 Sengihlupheke kakhulu;

londoloza impilo yami, Oh Thixo

njengokutshiwo yilizwi lakho.

108 Yamukela, Oh Thixo,

indumiso epheleleyo ngomlomo wami,

ungifundise imithetho yakho.

109 Loba ngihlezi ngizibona sengingene engozini,

kangiyi kuwulibala umthetho wakho.

110 Ababi sebengithiye ngomjibila

kodwa kangiphambukanga emithethweni yakho.

111 Izimiso zakho ziyilifa lami laphakade;

ziyintokozo yenhliziyo yami.

112 Inhliziyo yami izimisele ukugcina imilayo yakho

kuze kube sekupheleni.

ס Samekh

113 Ngiyabazonda abantu abangongqondombili,

kodwa ngiyawuthanda umthetho wakho.

114 Uyisiphephelo sami lesihlangu sami;

sengibeke ithemba lami elizwini lakho.

115 Sukani kimi lina benzi bobubi,

ukuze ngikwazi ukugcina imilayo kaNkulunkulu wami!

116 Ngisekela njengesithembiso sakho ukuze ngiphile;

ithemba lami lingaze labhidlika.

117 Ngiqinisa ukuze ngikhululwe;

ngizahlala ngizinanza izimiso zakho.

118 Uyabalahla bonke labo abaphambuka ezimisweni zakho,

ngoba ukukhohlisa kwabo kuyize.

119 Bonke ababi bomhlaba uyabalahlela kude njengezibi;

ngakho ngiyazithanda izimiso zakho.

120 Inyama yami iyathuthumela ngokukwesaba;

ngizwa ngiyesaba imithetho yakho.

ע Ayin

121 Ngenzile okulungileyo lokufaneleyo;

ungangiyekeleli abancindezeli bami.

122 Qinisa impilakahle yenceku yakho;

ungayekeli abaklolodayo bangincindezele.

123 Amehlo ami asefiphala elokhu ekhangele insindiso yakho,

ekhangele isithembiso sakho esilungileyo.

124 Yenza encekwini yakho ngokothando lwakho,

ungifundise izimiso zakho.

125 Ngiyinceku yakho; ngipha ukuqedisisa

ukuthi ngizwisise izimiso zakho.

126 Sekuyisikhathi sakho sokuthi wenze okwakho, Oh Thixo

umthetho wakho uyephulwa nje.

127 Ngoba ngiyayithanda imilayo yakho kulegolide,

kulegolide elicengekileyo,

128 njalo njengoba ngisithi imithetho yakho ilungile,

ngiyayizonda yonke indlela engaqondanga.

פ Pe

129 Izimiso zakho ziyamangalisa;

ngakho ngiyazilalela.

130 Ukwambulwa kwamazwi akho kuletha ukukhanya;

kunika ukuzwisisa kwabayizithutha.

131 Ngivula umlomo wami ngikhefuzele,

ngilangazelela imilayo yakho.

132 Phendukela kimi ube lomusa kimi,

njengoba uhlezi ukwenza kwabathanda ibizo lakho.

133 Qondisa izinyathelo zami ngokwelizwi lakho;

kakungabi lesono esingibusayo.

134 Ngihlenga ekuncindezelweni ngabantu,

ukuze ngilalele imithetho yakho.

135 Yenza ubuso bakho bukhanye encekwini yakho,

ungifundise izimiso zakho.

136 Imifula yezinyembezi iyajuluka emehlweni ami,

ngoba umthetho wakho kawulalelwa.

צ Tsadhe

137 Ulungile wena Thixo,

lemithetho yakho ilungile.

138 Izimiso ozibekileyo zilungile;

zithembekile ngokupheleleyo.

139 Ukutshiseka kwami kuyangicoba,

ngoba izitha zami kaziwananzi amazwi akho.

140 Izithembiso zakho zihlolisisiwe kakhulu,

inceku yakho iyazithanda.

141 Loba ngingumuntukazana ngiseyiswa,

angiyikhohlwa imithetho yakho.

142 Ukulunga kwakho kumi laphakade

njalo umthetho wakho uliqiniso.

143 Uhlupho losizi kuyakungehlele,

kodwa imilayo yakho iyikuthokoza kwami.

144 Izimiso zakho zihlezi zilungile;

ngipha ukuzwisisa ukuze ngiphile.

ק Qoph

145 Ngiyamemeza ngayo yonke inhliziyo yami;

ngiphendula, Thixo, mina ngizalalela imithetho yakho.

146 Ngiyakubiza, ngisindisa mina

ngizagcina izimiso zakho.

147 Ngivuka emathathakusa ngikhale kuwe ngicela usizo;

sengibeke ithemba lami elizwini lakho.

148 Amehlo ami alala ekhangele ngemilindo yonke yobusuku,

ukuze ngicabange ngezithembiso zakho.

149 Zwana ilizwi lami ngokuya kothando lwakho;

londoloza impilo yami, Oh Thixo ngokuya kwemithetho yakho.

150 Labo abakha amasu amabi baseduze,

kodwa bakhatshana lomthetho wakho.

151 Ikanti useduze, wena Thixo,

lemilayo yakho yonke iqinisile.

152 Sekukade ngafunda ezimisweni zakho

ukuthi wazenzela ukuthi zime lanininini.

ר Resh

153 Khangela ukuhawula kwami ungikhulule,

ngoba kangiwukhohlwanga umthetho wakho.

154 Ake ungimele ukuze ungihlenge;

londoloza impilo yami njengesithembiso sakho.

155 Insindiso ikhatshana kwababi,

ngoba kabazidingi izimiso zakho.

156 Isihawu sakho sikhulu, Oh Thixo

londoloza impilo yami mayelana lemithetho yakho.

157 Zinengi izitha ezingihluphayo,

kodwa kangiphambukanga ezimisweni zakho.

158 Ngikhangela abangakholwayo ngibenyanye,

ngoba kabalilaleli ilizwi lakho.

159 Ake ubone ukuthi ngiyithanda kanganani imithetho yakho;

londoloza impilo yami, Oh Thixo, ngokothando lwakho.

160 Wonke amazwi akho aqinisile;

yonke imithetho yakho elungileyo ngeyaphakade.

ש Sin kumbe Shin

161 Ababusi bayangihlupha kungelasizatho,

kodwa inhliziyo yami iyaliqhuqhela ilizwi lakho.

162 Isithembiso sakho siyangithokozisa

ingathi ngumuntu othole impango enkulu.

163 Amanga ngiyawazonda njalo ngiyawenyanya

kodwa umthetho wakho ngiyawuthanda.

164 Ngikudumisa kasikhombisa ngelanga

ngenxa yemithetho yakho elungileyo.

165 Kukhulu ukuthula abalakho labo abathanda umthetho wakho,

kakulalutho olungabakhubekisa.

166 Ngiyilindele insindiso yakho, Oh Thixo

njalo ngiyayilandela imilayo yakho.

167 Ngiyazilalela izimiso zakho,

ngoba ngiyazithanda kakhulu.

168 Ngiyayilalela imithetho yakho lezimiso zakho,

ngoba uyazazi zonke izindlela zami.

ת Taw

169 Sengathi ukukhala kwami kungafika kuwe, Oh Thixo

ngipha ukuzwisisa njengelizwi lakho.

170 Sengathi ukuncenga kwami kungafika kuwe;

ngikhulula njengesithembiso sakho.

171 Sengathi indebe zami zingageleza indumiso yakho,

ngoba uyangifundisa imithetho yakho.

172 Sengathi ulimi lwami lungalihlabela ilizwi lakho,

ngoba yonke imilayo yakho ilungile.

173 Sengathi isandla sakho singalungela ukungisiza,

ngoba sengikhethe imithetho yakho.

174 Ngilangazelela insindiso yakho, Oh Thixo

ngoba umthetho wakho uyinjabulo yami.

175 Kangiphile ukuze ngikudumise,

sengathi njalo lemithetho yakho ingangisekela.

176 Ngiphambukile njengemvu elahlekileyo.

Yidinge inceku yakho,

ngoba kangikayikhohlwa imilayo yakho.

Ihubo 120

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Ngiyambiza uThixo ngisosizini,

laye angiphendule.

2 Ngisindisa, Oh Thixo,

ezindebeni zamanga

lezindimini zenkohliso.

3 Uzakwenzani kuwe,

aphinde enzeni njalo,

wena limi lwenkohliso?

4 Uzakujezisa ngomtshoko obukhali owebutho,

ngamalahle avuthayo esihlahla.

5 Maye mina ngokuhlala kwami eMesheki,

ngokuthi ngihlala emathenteni aseKhedari!

6 Sengihlale isikhathi eside kakhulu

phakathi kwalabo abazonda ukuthula.

7 Ngingumuntu wokuthula;

kodwa ngithi ngingakhuluma, sebefuna impi.

Ihubo 121

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Ngiphakamisela amehlo ami ezintabeni

usizo lwami luvela ngaphi na?

2 Usizo lwami luvela kuThixo,

uMenzi wezulu lomhlaba.

3 Kayikuyekela unyawo lwakho lutshelela

yena okulindayo kayikuwozela;

4 ngempela yena olinda u-Israyeli

akayikuwozela, akayikulala.

5  UThixo uyakulinda

uThixo ungumthunzi wakho esandleni sakho sokunene;

6 ilanga kaliyikukutshisa emini noma

loba inyanga ebusuku.

7  UThixo uzakuvikela kuzozonke izingozi

uzalinda impilo yakho;

8  uThixo uzalondoloza ukufika kwakho lokusuka kwakho

manje kuze kube phakade.

Ihubo 122

Ingoma yemiqanso. ElikaDavida.

1 Ngathokoza lalabo abathi kimi,

“Kasiye endlini kaThixo.”

2 Inyawo zethu zimi

ngaphakathi kwamasango akho, wena Jerusalema.

3 IJerusalema yakhiwe njengomuzi

obambeneyo waqina.

4 Kulapho eziqansela khona izizwana,

izizwana zikaThixo,

ukudumisa ibizo likaThixo

njengalokho okwamiselwa u-Israyeli,

ukuba abonge ibizo likaThixo.

5 Kulapho okumi khona izihlalo zobukhosi ezokwahlulela,

izihlalo zobukhosi ezendlu kaDavida.

6 Khulekelani ukuthula kwaseJerusalema:

“Sengathi labo abakuthandayo bangaphepha.

7 Sengathi kungaba lokuthula ngaphakathi kwemiduli yakho

lokuvikela ngaphakathi kwezinqaba zakho.”

8 Ngenxa yabafowethu labangane bami,

ngizakuthi, “Ukuthula akube ngaphakathi kwakho.”

9 Ngenxa yendlu kaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu,

ngizakhuthaza ukuphumelela kwakho.

Ihubo 123

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Ngiphakamisela amehlo ami kuwe,

wena osesihlalweni sobukhosi emazulwini!

2 Njengalokhu amehlo ezisebenzi ekhangela isandla somqatshi wazo,

lanjengoba amehlo encekukazi ekhangela isandla senkosikazi yayo,

kanjalo amehlo ethu akhangela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu,

aze abe lomusa kithi.

3 Woba lomusa kithi, Oh Thixo,

woba lomusa kithi,

ngoba sesidiniwe yikweyiswa.

4 Sesibhensele ukuhozwa okunengi ngabazigqajayo,

ukweyiswa yilabo abaklolodayo.

Ihubo 124

Ingoma yemiqanso. ElikaDavida.

1 Aluba uThixo ubengemanga lathi

yekela u-Israyeli atsho njalo,

2 aluba uThixo ubengemanga lathi,

lapho sasihlaselwa ngabantu,

3 lapho ulaka lwabo lwalutshisa ngathi

ngabe basiginya siphila;

4 ngabe izikhukhula zasigalulisa,

umsinga wawuzasikhukhula,

5 amanzi ayabulayo

ayezasikhucula.

6 Udumo kalube kuThixo

ongasiyekelanga sadlithizwa ngamazinyo abo.

7 Siphunyukile njengenyoni

emjibileni womthiyi;

umjibila uqamukile

sahle saphunyuka.

8 Usizo lwethu lusegameni likaThixo

uMenzi wezulu lomhlaba.

Ihubo 125

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Labo abamethembayo uThixo banjengentaba iZiyoni,

yona enganyikinyekiyo, emi kuze kube laphakade.

2 Njengezintaba ezigombolozele iJerusalema,

ngokunjalo uThixo uzungeza abantu bakhe

manje kuze kube laphakade.

3 Intonga yobukhosi eyababi kayiyikusala

ezweni elabelwe abalungileyo,

ngoba abalungileyo bangaqabuka sebesebenzisa

izandla zabo ukwenza okubi.

4 Yenza okuhle, awu Thixo, kulabo abalungileyo,

kulabo abaqotho enhliziyweni

5 kodwa labo abaphambukela ezindleleni ezitshekileyo

uThixo uzabaxotsha kanye labenzi bobubi.

Ukuthula kakube ku-Israyeli.

Ihubo 126

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Kwathi lapho uThixo ebuyisa izithunjwa eZiyoni,

sasinjengabantu abaphuphayo.

2 Imilomo yethu yayigcwele ngohleko,

lezindimi zethu zicula izingoma zentokozo.

Basebesithi abezizwe,

“UThixo ubenzele izinto ezimangalisayo.”

3  UThixo usenzele izinto ezimangalisayo,

ngakho siyathokoza kakhulu.

4 Buyisa ukuphumelela kwethu, Oh Thixo,

njengemifula eseNegebi.

5 Labo abahlanyela ngezinyembezi

bazavuna ngezingoma zentokozo.

6 Lowo ophuma ekhala,

ethwele inhlanyelo ukuba ayehlanyela

uzabuya ngezingoma zentokozo,

ethwele izinyanda.

Ihubo 127

Ingoma yemiqanso. ElikaSolomoni.

1 Ngaphandle kokuba uThixo ayakhe indlu,

abakhi bayo basebenzela ize.

Ngaphandle kokuba uThixo awulinde umuzi,

abalindi bawo balinda ize.

2 Kuyize ukuvuka

kwenu ngovivi liphinde libambe kuze kuhlwe,

lisebenzela ukudla kokufaka emlonyeni

ngoba upha ubuthongo kulabo abathandayo.

3 Amadodana ayilifa elivela kuThixo,

abantwana bangumvuzo ovela kuye.

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni sebutho

anjalo amadodana azelwe ngumuntu esesemutsha.

5 Ubusisiwe umuntu

omxhaka wakhe ugcwele wona.

Kayikuyangeka nxa sebedibana

lezitha entubeni.

Ihubo 128

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Babusisiwe bonke abamesabayo uThixo,

abahamba ngezindlela zakhe.

2 Lizakudla izithelo zomsebenzi wenu;

izibusiso lokuphumelela kuzakuba ngokwenu.

3 Umkakho wesifazane uzakuba njengevini elithela

kakhulu phakathi kwendlu yakho;

amadodana akho azakuba njengamahlumela e-oliva

esetafuleni yakho.

4 Ibusisiwe kanjalo

indoda eyesaba uThixo.

5 Sengathi uThixo angakubusisa eseZiyoni

insuku zonke zokuphila kwakho;

sengathi ungakubona ukuphumelela kweJerusalema,

6 njalo sengathi ungaphila uze ubone isizukulwane sakho.

Ukuthula kakube ku-Israyeli.

Ihubo 129

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Sebengihluphe kakhulu kusukela ebutsheni bami

katsho njalo u-Israyeli,

2 sebengihluphe kakhulu kusukela ebutsheni bami,

kodwa kabangehlulanga.

3 Abalimi bawulimile umhlane wami

benza imifolo emide.

4 Kodwa uThixo ulungile;

ungikhulule ezintanjeni zababi.

5 Akuthi bonke abayizondayo iZiyoni

babuyiselwe emuva beyangekile.

6 Sengathi bangaba njengotshani obukhula ephahleni

obubuna bungakakhuli;

7 umvuni angeke agcwalisa isandla sakhe ngabo,

loba lowo obuthayo agcwalise izingalo zakhe.

8 Sengathi labo abadlulayo bangabokuthi,

“Izibusiso zikaThixo mazibe kuwe;

siyakubusisa ngegama likaThixo.”

Ihubo 130

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Ngingaphansi ekujuleni ngiyakhala kuwe, Thixo;

2 Thixo, zwana ilizwi lami.

Indlebe zakho kazilalele ukukhala kwami

ngicela umusa.

3 Aluba wena, Thixo ububhala phansi zonke izono,

ngubani ongema na Nkosi?

4 Kodwa kuwe kulentethelelo;

ngalokho uyesatshwa.

5 Ngiyamlindela uThixo, umphefumulo wami uyalinda,

ngibeka ithemba lami elizwini lakho.

6 Umphefumulo wami ulindela uThixo

okudlula abalindi bemelele ukusa,

okudlula abalindi bemelele ukusa.

7 We Israyeli, beka ithemba lakho kuThixo,

ngoba kuye uThixo kulothando olungaphuthiyo

njalo kuye kulensindiso epheleleyo.

8 Yena ngokwakhe uzahlenga u-Israyeli

kuzozonke izono zabo.

Ihubo 131

Ingoma yemiqanso. ElikaDavida.

1 Inhliziyo yami kayizikhukhumezi, Oh Thixo,

amehlo ami kawaziphakamisi;

kangizihluphi ngezindaba ezinkulu

loba ngezinto ezimangalisayo kimi.

2 Kodwa ngiwupholisile ngawuthulisa umphefumulo wami;

njengomntwana okhutshwe ebeleni likanina,

njengomntwana okhutshwe ebeleni

unjalo umphefumulo wami uthule ngaphakathi kwami.

3 Oh, Israyeli, beka ithemba lakho kuThixo

manje kuze kube phakade.

Ihubo 132

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Oh Thixo, khumbula uDavida

ngezinhlupheko zonke azibhenselayo.

2 Wafunga isifungo kuThixo

wenza isithembiso kuMninimandla kaJakhobe:

3 “Angizukungena endlini yami

loba ngiye embhedeni wami,

4 angiyikuwavumela amehlo ami ubuthongo,

akukuba lakuwozela enkopheni zami,

5 ngize ngifumane indawo kaThixo,

indawo yokuhlala uMninimandla kaJakhobe.”

6 Sakuzwa lokhu e-Efrathi,

sakubona emangweni waseJayari:

7 “Kasiye lapho ahlala khona;

kasikhonze phansi kwesihlalo sakhe.

8 Phakama, Oh Thixo, ubuye endaweni yakho yokuphumula,

wena umtshokotsho wesivumelwano elitshengisa amandla akho.

9 Sengathi abaphristi bakho bangembeswa ngokulunga;

sengathi labathembekileyo bakho bangahlabelela ngentokozo.”

10 Ngenxa yenceku yakho uDavida,

ungamfulatheli ogcotshiweyo wakho.

11  UThixo wenza isifungo kuDavida,

isifungo esiqinileyo angakusaphula wathi:

“Omunye wezizukulwane zakho

ngizambeka esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi

12 aluba amadodana akho egcina isivumelwano sami

lezimiso engibafundisa zona,

lapho-ke amadodana abo azahlala esihlalweni sakho

sobukhosi kuze kube nini lanini.”

13 Ngoba uThixo uyikhethile iZiyoni,

uyithandile ukuba yindawo yakhe yokuhlala:

14 “Le yindawo yami yokuphumula lanini;

lapha ngizahlala ngisebukhosini, ngoba ngiyithandile

15 ngizayibusisa ngokudla okunengi;

abayanga bayo ngizabasuthisa ngokudla.

16 Ngizavunulisa abaphristi bayo ngensindiso,

labathembekileyo bakhe bazahlabelela ngentokozo nini lanini.

17 Lapha ngizakhulisa uphondo lukaDavida

ngilungisele ogcotshiweyo wami isibane.

18 Ngizakwembathisa izitha ngehlazo,

kodwa umqhele osekhanda lakhe uzakhazimula.”

Ihubo 133

Ingoma yemiqanso. ElikaDavida.

1 Bheka kuhle, kuyabukeka kangakanani

nxa abazalwane behlezi ndawonye ngokuzwana!

2 Kunjengamafutha aligugu athelwe ekhanda,

ejuluka endevini,

ejuluka endevini zika-Aroni,

ehlele emabheqeni ezigqoko zakhe.

3 Kufana lokuthi amazolo aseHemoni

akhithikela eNtabeni iZiyoni.

Ngoba lapho uThixo wehlisela isibusiso sakhe,

esiyikuphila okwaphakade.

Ihubo 134

Ingoma yemiqanso.

1 Dumisani uThixo, lonke lina zinceku zikaThixo

eliqhuba inkonzo endlini kaThixo ebusuku.

2 Phakamisani izandla zenu endlini engcwele

lidumise uThixo.

3 Sengathi uThixo,

uMenzi wezulu lomhlaba,

angalibusisa eseZiyoni.

Ihubo 135

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Dumisani ibizo likaThixo;

mdumiseni lina zinceku zikaThixo,

2 lina eliqhuba inkonzo endlini kaThixo,

emagumeni endlu kaNkulunkulu.

3 Dumisani uThixo ngoba uThixo ulungile;

hlabelani indumiso ebizweni lakhe ngoba lokho kuhle.

4 Ngoba uThixo usemkhethile uJakhobe ukuba ngowakhe,

u-Israyeli ukuba yinotho yakhe eligugu.

5 Ngiyazi ukuthi uThixo mkhulu,

lokuthi iNkosi yethu inkulu kulabonkulunkulu bonke.

6  UThixo wenza loba yini ayifunayo,

emazulwini lasemhlabeni,

enlwandle lasezinzikini zazo.

7 Wenza amayezi aqubuka emikhawulweni yomhlaba;

uthuma umbane kanye lezulu,

avulele umoya oseziphaleni zakhe.

8 Wawalahla phansi amazibulo aseGibhithe,

amazibulo abantu lawezinyamazana.

9 Wathumela izibonakaliso lezimangaliso zakhe

phakathi kwakho, wena Gibhithe,

phezu kukaFaro lezinceku zakhe zonke.

10 Wazilahla phansi izizwe ezinengi

wabulala amakhosi alamandla,

11 uSihoni inkosi yama-Amori,

u-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani

lawo wonke amakhosi aseKhenani

12 wanika ilizwe labo laba yilifa,

ilifa labantu bakhe, u-Israyeli.

13 Ibizo lakho, Oh Thixo, limi kuze kube nininini,

udumo lwakho, Oh Thixo, ezizukulwaneni zonke.

14 Ngoba uThixo uzabalamulela abantu bakhe

abe lesihawu ezincekwini zakhe.

15 Izithombe zezizwe ziyisiliva legolide,

zenziwe ngezandla zabantu.

16 Zilemilomo, kodwa kazikhulumi,

amehlo, kodwa kaziboni;

17 zilezindlebe, kodwa kazizwa,

njalo kazilamphefumulo emilonyeni yazo.

18 Labo abazenzayo bazakuba njengazo,

kube njalo lakulabo abathemba kuzo.

19 Wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, dumisa uThixo;

wena ndlu ka-Aroni, dumisa uThixo;

20 wena ndlu kaLevi, dumisa uThixo

lina elimesabayo, dumisani uThixo.

21 Udumo alube uThixo lusuka eZiyoni,

kuye ohlala eJerusalema.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 136

1 Bongani uThixo, ngoba ulungile.

Uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

2 Bongani uNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu.

Uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

3 Bongani uMbusi wababusi:

Uthando lwakhe lumi kuze kube laphakade.

4 Kuye yedwa owenza izimanga ezinkulu,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

5 Owathi ngokuzwisisa kwakhe wenza amazulu,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

6 Owendlala umhlaba phezu kwamanzi,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

7 Owenza izibane ezinkulu,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

8 Ilanga ukubusa emini,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

9 Inyanga lezinkanyezi ukubusa ebusuku,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

10 Kuye owatshaya walalisa amazibulo aseGibhithe,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

11 Wakhupha u-Israyeli phakathi kwabo,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

12 Ngesandla esilamandla lengalo eyeluliweyo,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

13 Kuye owadabula uLwandle oluBomvu lwehlukana,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

14 Wakhuphula u-Israyeli phakathi kwalo,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

15 Kodwa wakhukhulela uFaro lempi yakhe eLwandle oluBomvu,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

16 Wahola abantu bakhe enkangala,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

17 Owalahla phansi amakhosi amakhulu,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

18 Wabulala amakhosi esabekayo,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade,

19 uSihoni inkosi yama-Amori,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade,

20 lo-Ogi inkosi yaseBhashani,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

21 Wanikela amazwe abo njengelifa,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

22 Abayilifa encekwini yakhe u-Israyeli,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

23 Kuye Yedwa owasikhumbula singesibantu balutho,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

24 Wasikhulula ezitheni zethu,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

25 Njalo onika ukudla izidalwa zonke,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

26 Bongani uNkulunkulu wasezulwini,

uthando lwakhe lumi laphakade.

Ihubo 137

1 Ngasemifuleni yaseBhabhiloni sahlala phansi sakhala

lapho sasikhumbula iZiyoni.

2 Khona lapho ezihlahleni zemidubu

saphanyeka amachacho ethu,

3 ngoba khonapho abathumbi bethu bacela izingoma kithi,

labahlukuluzi bethu bafuna izingoma zentokozo;

bathi, “Sihlabeleleni enye yezingoma zaseZiyoni!”

4 Singazihlabela kanjani izingoma zikaThixo

siselizweni lemzini na?

5 Aluba ngikukhohlwa, Oh Jerusalema,

isandla sami sokunene kasilahlekelwe yibungcitshi baso.

6 Sengathi ulimi lwami lunganamathela elwangeni lomlomo wami

uba ngingakukhumbuli wena,

uba ngingathathi iJerusalema

njengentokozo yami ephezu konke.

7 Khumbula, Oh Thixo, ama-Edomi akwenzayo

mhla iJerusalema ithunjwa.

“Lidilizeni,” baklabalala,

“lidilizeni kanye lezisekelo zalo!”

8 Wena Ndodakazi yaseBhabhiloni,

oqunyelwe ukubhubha,

ubusisiwe lowo okuphindiselayo ngalokho okwenzileyo kithi.

9 Ubusisiwe lowo othatha insane zakho,

azisakazele ematsheni.

Ihubo 138

ElikaDavida.

1 Ngizakudumisa, Thixo, ngenhliziyo yami yonke;

phambi kwabo “nkulunkulu” ngizahlabelela udumo lwakho.

2 Ngizakhothama ngikhangele ethempelini lakho elingcwele

ngidumise ibizo lakho,

ngenxa yothando lwakho lokuthembeka kwakho,

ngoba uphakamise ngaphezu kwezinto zonke

ibizo lakho lelizwi lakho.

3 Ngabiza wena wangiphendula;

wangenza ngaba lesibindi lenhliziyo eqinileyo.

4 Sengathi wonke amakhosi omhlaba angakudumisa, Oh Thixo,

lapho esizwa amazwi omlomo wakho.

5 Sengathi bangahlabela ngezindlela zikaThixo

ngoba inkazimulo kaThixo inkulu.

6 Loba uThixo ephakeme, uyabananza abathobekileyo,

kodwa abazigqajayo ubazi ekhatshana labo.

7 Loba ngihamba phakathi kohlupho

uyayilondoloza impilo yami;

uyaselula isandla sakho ukungivikela elakeni lwezitha zami,

ngesandla sakho sokunene uyangisindisa.

8  UThixo uzagcwalisa icebo lakhe ngami;

uthando lwakho, Oh Thixo, lumi laphakade

ungawutshiyi umsebenzi wezandla zakho.

Ihubo 139

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. ElikaDavida. Ihubo.

1 Oh Thixo, usungihlolile

usungazi.

2 Uyakwazi lapho ngihlala lalapho ngiphakama;

uyayibona imicabango yami lanxa ukhatshana.

3 Uyananzelela ukuphuma kwami lokulala phansi kwami;

uzazi kuhle zonke izindlela zami.

4 Ilizwi lingakabi khona elimini lwami

usulazi lonke, wena Thixo.

5 Uyangihonqolozela emuva laphambili;

ubekile isandla sakho phezu kwami.

6 Ukwazi okunje kungumangaliso kimi,

kuphakeme kakhulu ngeke ngikufinyelele.

7 Ngingaya ngaphi ngisuke eMoyeni wakho na?

Ngingabalekela ngaphi ngisuke kuwe na?

8 Ngingakhuphukela emazulwini, ukhona lapho;

nxa ngilala ezinzikini, ukhona lapho.

9 Aluba ngindiza ngamaphiko okusa,

aluba ngisehlela ngaphetsheya kolwandle,

10 lalapho isandla sakho sizangikhokhela,

isandla sakho sokunene sizangibamba singiqinise.

11 Nxa ngisithi, “Ngempela ubumnyama buzangifihla

ukukhanya kube yibusuku eduze kwami,”

12 lalobo bumnyama kabukuba mnyama kuwe;

ubusuku buzakhanya njengemini,

ngoba ubumnyama buyikukhanya kuwe.

13 Ngoba wadala ingaphakathi yobuyimi;

wangiphetha kuhle ndawonye esiswini sikamama.

14 Ngiyakudumisa ngokuthi ngabunjwa ngesimanga esesabekayo;

iyamangalisa imisebenzi yakho,

lokho ngikwazi kamhlophe.

15 Isimo samathambo ami sasingafihlekanga kuwe

lapho ngangisenziwa endaweni esithekileyo.

Lapho ngangiselukelwa ndawonye ezinzikini zomhlaba,

16 amehlo akho awubona umzimba wami ungakabi lesimo.

Zonke insuku ezamiselwa mina zabhalwa encwadini yakho

lalunye lwazo lungakabi khona.

17 Iligugu elinganani kimi imicabango yakho, Oh Nkulunkulu!

Bukhulu kanganani ubunengi bayo!

18 Aluba ngingayibala

ingedlula ubunengi bezinhlamvu zetshebetshebe.

Ngithi nxa ngivuka ngibe ngilokhu ngilawe.

19 Ungasake ubabulale ababi, awu Nkulunkulu!

Sukani kimi lina bachithi begazi!

20 Bakhuluma ngawe beqonde ububi;

abakuphikisayo badlala ngebizo lakho.

21 Kangibazondi yini abakuzondayo na Oh, Thixo,

ngibenyanye labo abakuvukelayo na?

22 Ngiyabazonda ngenzondo yonke;

ngithi bayizitha zami.

23 Ngihlola, Oh Nkulunkulu, uyazi inhliziyo yami;

ngizama ukuze wazi ukunqineka kwemicabango yami.

24 Ake ubone ingabe kulendledlana embi kimi,

ungihole ngendlela yaphakade.

Ihubo 140

Kumqondisi wokuhlabela. Ihubo LikaDavida.

1 Ngilamulela, Oh Thixo, ebantwini ababi;

ngivikela ebantwini bodlakela,

2 abakha amacebo amabi ezinhliziyweni zabo

bahlokomise impi ukusa kwamalanga.

3 Benza izindimi zabo zicije njengezenyoka;

ubuhlungu benhlangwana busezindebeni zabo.

4 Ngivikela, Oh Thixo, ezandleni zababi;

ngiphephisa ebantwini bodlakela

abaceba ukungigwenxa.

5 Abantu abazigqajayo bangifihlele isifu;

sebewanwebile amambule abo

bangithiya lapha lalapha endleleni yami.

6 Oh Thixo, ngithi kuwe, “UnguNkulunkulu wami.”

Zwana, ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa.

7 Oh Thixo wobukhosi, mhlengi wami olamandla,

ovikela ikhanda lami ngelanga lempi

8 ungavumeli ababi izifiso zabo Oh Thixo;

ungayekeli amacebo abo ukuthi aphumelele, funa bazigqaje.

9 Akuthi ingqondo zalabo abangihanqileyo

zandelwe luhlupho oludalwe yizindebe zabo.

10 Akuthi amalahle avuthayo abakhithikele;

sengathi bangaphoselwa emlilweni,

emigodini ebhixa udaka, bangavuki futhi.

11 Akuthi abahlebayo bangatholi indawo elizweni;

akuthi umnyama ubahlale izithende abantu bochuku.

12 Ngiyazi ukuthi uThixo ubenzela okulungileyo abayanga,

ubamele abaswelayo.

13 Ngempela abalungileyo bazalidumisa ibizo lakho

labaqotho bazahlala phambi kwakho.

Ihubo 141

Ihubo likaDavida

1 Oh Thixo, ngiyakubiza; woza masinyane kimi.

Zwana ilizwi lami nxa ngikubiza.

2 Sengathi umkhuleko wami ungema phambi kwakho njengempepha;

kuthi ukuphakama kwezandla zami kube njengomhlatshelo wakusihlwa.

3 Ngibekela umlindi womlomo wami, Oh Thixo,

qaphela umnyango wezindebe zami.

4 Ungayekeli inhliziyo yami ihugwe ngokubi,

ngingene ezenzweni ezimbi

labantu abayizigangi;

mangingadli izibiliboco zabo.

5 Ake ngitshaywe ngumuntu olungileyo, kungumusa;

kake angikhuze, kungamafutha ekhanda lami.

Ikhanda lami kaliyikukwala.

Ikanti umkhuleko wami uhlezi umelana lezenzo zezigangi.

6 Ababusi bazo bazaphoselwa phansi emaweni,

lababi bazafunda ukuthi amazwi ami ayekhulunywe kuhle.

7 Bazakuthi, “Njengalowo olimayo eqeqebula umhlabathi,

kanjalo amathambo ethu achithiziwe emlonyeni weliba.”

8 Kodwa amehlo ami agxile kuwe, Oh Thixo woBukhosi;

kuwe ngiyaphephela unganginikeli ekufeni.

9 Ngivikela emijibileni asebeyithiyele mina,

ezifini ezithiywe yizigangi.

10 Akuthi ababi bawele emambuleni abo,

mina ngidlule kuhle ngiphephile.

Ihubo 142

Ihubo likaDavida. Lapho esebhalwini. Umkhuleko.

1 Ngiyamemeza kakhulu kuThixo;

ngiphakamisela ilizwi lami kuThixo ngicela umusa.

2 Ngithululela ukusola kwami phambi kwakhe;

phambi kwakhe ngichaza ukuhlupheka kwami.

3 Lapho umphefumulo wami uncipha ngaphakathi kwami,

nguwe oyaziyo indlela yami.

Endleleni engihamba ngayo

abantu bangithiyile khona.

4 Khangela kwesokunene sami ubone;

kakho lobani onginanzayo.

Angilaso isiphephelo;

kakho onakekela impilo yami.

5 Ngikhala kuwe, Oh Thixo;

ngithi, “Uyisiphephelo sami,

uyisabelo sami elizweni labaphilayo.”

6 Lalela ukukhala kwami,

ngoba ngileziswelo ezizikileyo,

ngikhulula kulabo abaxotshana lami,

ngoba balamandla kakhulu kulami.

7 Ngikhulula entolongweni yami,

ukuze ngidumise ibizo lakho.

Lapho-ke abalungileyo bazangibuthanela

ngenxa yokulunga kwakho kimi.

Ihubo 143

Ihubo likaDavida

1 Oh Thixo, zwana umkhuleko wami,

zwana ukukhala kwami ngicela umusa;

ngokuthembeka kwakho langokulunga kwakho

woza uzongiphumuza.

2 Ungangenisi inceku yakho ekwahlulelweni,

ngoba kakho ophilayo ongabe ulungile kuwe.

3 Isitha siyangizingela,

singincindezela phansi emhlabathini;

singenza ngihlale emnyameni

njengalabo abafa kudala.

4 Kanjalo umphefumulo wami uyaphela ngaphakathi kwami;

inhliziyo yami ngaphakathi kwami idanile.

5 Ngiyazikhumbula insuku zekadeni;

ngidla ingqondo ngayo yonke imisebenzi yakho

nginakane ngalokho okwenziwe yizandla zakho.

6 Ngiyelula izandla zami kuwe;

umphefumulo wami uyakomela njengomhlabathi owomileyo.

7 Ngiphendula masinyane, awu Thixo;

umoya wami uyaphela.

Ungangifihleli ubuso bakho

funa ngibe njengalabo abaya egodini.

8 Akuthi ukusa kungilethele ilizwi lothando lwakho olungaphuthiyo,

ngoba sengibeke ithemba lami kuwe.

Ngitshengisa indlela okumele ngihambe ngayo,

ngoba ngiphakamisela umphefumulo wami kuwe.

9 Ngikhulula ezitheni zami, Oh Thixo,

ngoba ngizifihla kuwe.

10 Ngifundisa ukwenza intando yakho,

ngoba unguNkulunkulu wami;

sengathi uMoya wakho omuhle kakhulu

ungangikhokhela emhlabathini ochayileyo.

11 Ngenxa yebizo lakho, Oh Thixo, londoloza impilo yami;

ngokulunga kwakho ngikhupha ekuhluphekeni.

12 Ethandweni lwakho olungaphuthiyo, thulisa izitha zami;

bhubhisa bonke abangizondayo,

ngoba ngiyinceku yakho.

Ihubo 144

ElikaDavida.

1 Udumo kalube kuThixo iDwala lami,

yena ofundisa izandla zami ukulwa impi,

leminwe yami ukuhlasela.

2 UnguNkulunkulu wami othandekayo lenqaba yami,

inqaba yami lomkhululi wami,

isihlangu sami engiphephela kuso,

othobisa abantu bami ngaphansi kwami.

3 Kambe Thixo, umuntu uyini ungaze umnanze,

indodana yomuntu ukuthi uyikhumbule na?

4 Umuntu unjengomphefumulo;

insuku zakhe zinjengesithunzi esidlulayo masinyane.

5 Yahlukanisa izulu lakho, Oh Thixo, wehlele phansi;

thinta izintaba, ukuze zithunqe intuthu.

6 Thumela umbane uzihlakaze izitha;

phosa imitshoko yakho zichitheke.

7 Yelula isandla sakho sisuka phezulu;

ngihlenga ungikhulule

emanzini alamandla abezizweni

8 omilomo yabo igcwele amanga,

ozandla zabo zokunene zilenkohliso.

9 Ngizakuhlabelela ingoma entsha, Oh Nkulunkulu;

ngechacho lezintambo ezilitshumi ngizakutshayela ingoma,

10 kuye yedwa onika amakhosi ukunqoba,

ohlenga inceku yakhe uDavida enkembeni ebulalayo.

11 Ngihlenge, ungikhulule

ezandleni zabezizwe

omilomo yabo igcwele amanga,

ozandla zabo zokunene zilenkohliso.

12 Kuzakuthi amadodana ethu ebutsheni bawo

azakuba njengezihlahla ezikhuliswa kuhle,

kuthi amadodakazi ethu

abe njengezinsika ezibazelwe ukucecisa isigodlo.

13 Iziphala zethu zizagcwala

ngemihlobo yonke yokudla.

Izimvu zethu zizakwanda ngezinkulungwane,

ngamatshumi ezinkulungwane emadlelweni ethu;

14 inkabi zethu zizadonsa imithwalo enzima.

Akusayikuba khona ukubhidlizwa kwemiduli,

ukuya ebugqilini,

lokukhala kosizi emigwaqweni yakithi.

15 Babusisiwe labobantu lokhu okuzakwenzakala kubo;

babusisiwe abantu oNkulunkulu wabo ngu Thixo.

Ihubo 145

Ihubo lokudumisa. ElikaDavida.

1 Ngizaphakamisa wena, Nkulunkulu wami oyiNkosi;

ngizalidumisa ibizo lakho kuze kube phakade.

2 Zonke insuku ngizakudumisa

ngibabaze ibizo lakho kuze kube phakade.

3 Umkhulu uThixo njalo ufanele kakhulu ukudunyiswa;

ubukhulu bakhe kakho ongabulinganisa.

4 Yileso laleso isizukulwane sizababaza imisebenzi yakho kwesinye;

sizatshelana ngezenzo zakho ezinkulu.

5 Sizakhuluma ngenkazimulo yakho ebenyezelayo ubukhosi bakho,

lami ngizazidla ingqondo ngemisebenzi yakho emangalisayo.

6 Zizalandisa ngamandla emisebenzi yakho emangalisayo,

lami ngizafakaza ngemisebenzi yakho emikhulu.

7 Bazakwenza umkhosi ngokulunga kwakho okukhulu

bahlabele ngentokozo ngokulunga kwakho.

8  UThixo ulomusa njalo ulesihawu,

uyaphuza ukuthukuthela, kodwa uyanda ngothando.

9  UThixo ulungile kubo bonke;

ulesihawu kukho konke akwenzayo.

10 Konke owakwenzayo kuzakudumisa, wena Thixo;

abathembekileyo bakho bazakubabaza.

11 Bazalandisa ngenkazimulo yombuso wakho

bakhulume ngamandla akho,

12 kuze kuthi bonke abantu bazi ngezenzo zakho ezinkulu

lokubenyezela kwenkazimulo yombuso wakho.

13 Umbuso wakho ungumbuso ongapheliyo,

lobukhosi bakho bumi kuzozonke izizukulwane.

UThixo uthembekile kuzozonke izithembiso zakhe

njalo ulothando kukho konke akwenzayo.

14  UThixo uyabaxhasa bonke labo abawayo

abaphakamise bonke abacubayo.

15 Amehlo abo bonke akhangela kuwe,

wena ubaphe ukudla kwabo ngesikhathi esifaneleyo.

16 Uyavula isandla sakho

usuthise izidingo zakho konke okuphilayo.

17  UThixo ulungile kuzozonke izindlela zakhe

njalo uthembekile kukho konke akwenzayo.

18  UThixo useduze kulabo abacela kuye,

kubo bonke abacela kuye ngeqiniso.

19 Uyagcwalisa izidingo zalabo abamesabayo;

uyezwa ukukhala kwabo abasindise.

20  UThixo uyabalinda bonke abamthandayo,

kodwa bonke ababi uzababhubhisa.

21 Umlomo wami uzakhuluma ngokudumisa uThixo.

Akuthi izidalwa zonke zidumise ibizo lakhe elingcwele

kuze kube nini lanini.

Ihubo 146

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Dumisa uThixo mphefumulo wami.

2 Ngizamdumisa uThixo impilo yami yonke;

ngizahlabela indumiso kuNkulunkulu wami nxa ngisaphila.

3 Lingabeki ithemba lenu emakhosini,

ebantwini benyama, abangeke basindise.

4 Kuthi umoya wabo ungaphuma, babuyele emhlabathini;

mhlalokho nje amacebo ahle abhidlike.

5 Ubusisiwe lowo osizo lwakhe lunguNkulunkulu kaJakhobe,

othemba lakhe likuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe.

6 UnguMenzi wamazulu lomhlaba,

ulwandle lakho konke okulapho:

uThixo owala elokhu ethembekile laphakade.

7 Uyabalwela abancindezelwayo

anike abalambileyo ukudla.

UThixo ukhulula izibotshwa,

8  uThixo wenza iziphofu zibone,

uThixo uyabaphakamisa labo asebebhazalele,

uThixo uthanda abalungileyo.

9  UThixo uyabalinda abezizweni

asekele izintandane labafelokazi,

kodwa anyampise izindlela zababi.

10  UThixo uyabusa nini lanini,

uNkulunkulu wakho, wena Ziyoni, ezizukulwaneni zonke.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 147

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Kuhle kangakanani ukuhlabela indumiso kuNkulunkulu wethu,

kumnandi njalo kufanele ukumbonga!

2  UThixo uyalakha iJerusalema;

aqoqe labo abahlakazekileyo baka-Israyeli.

3 Uyabathoba abadabukileyo enhliziyweni

abophe amanxeba abo.

4 Umisile ubunengi bezinkanyezi

aziqambe leyo laleyo ngamabizo.

5 INkosi yethu inkulu, njalo makhulu amandla ayo;

ukuzwisisa kwayo kakulamkhawulo.

6  UThixo uyabasekela abathobekileyo kodwa

abaphosele phansi ababi.

7 Hlabelani kuThixo ngokubonga;

litshaye amachacho kuNkulunkulu wethu.

8 Uyembesa umkhathi ngamayezi;

awuphe umhlaba izulu

njalo akhulise utshani ezintabeni.

9 Unika inkomo utshani

aphe lamatsiyane amawabayi nxa esekhala.

10 Ukuthokoza kwakhe kakukho emandleni ebhiza,

loba injabulo yakhe ekuqineni kwemilenze yomuntu;

11  UThixo uthokoza ngalabo abamesabayo,

ababeka ithemba labo ethandweni lwakhe olungaphuthiyo.

12 Umbabaze uThixo, Oh Jerusalema;

dumisa uNkulunkulu wakho, Oh Ziyoni.

13 Ngoba uyaqinisa imigoqo yamasango akho,

abusise labantu bakho ngaphakathi kwakho.

14 Wenza ukuthula emikhawulweni yelizwe lakho.

Njalo ukusuthisa ngamabele amahle kakhulu.

15 Uthumela umlayo wakhe emhlabeni;

ilizwi lakhe ligijima masinyane.

16 Wendlala ungqwaqwane njengoboya bezimvu

ahaze iliqhwa njengomlotha.

17 Uphosela phansi isiqhotho sakhe njengamatshe.

Ngubani ongamelana lomfutho wakhe olomqando na?

18 Uthumela ilizwi lakhe konke kuncibilike;

aphephethise umoya wakhe amanzi ageleze.

19 Ulivezile ilizwi lakhe kuJakhobe,

imithetho yakhe lezahlulelo ku-Israyeli.

20 Lokhu kazange akwenzele esinye isizwe;

kaziyazi imithetho yakhe.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 148

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Dumisani uThixo emazulwini,

mdumiseni eziqongweni ngaphezulu.

2 Mdumiseni zingilosi zakhe zonke,

mdumiseni lonke mabutho asezulwini.

3 Mdumiseni, langa lenyanga,

mdumiseni lonke zinkanyezi ezikhazimulayo.

4 Mdumiseni lina ziqongo zamazulu

lani manzi ngaphezulu komkhathi.

5 Konke kakudumise ibizo likaThixo

ngoba yena watsho ilizwi kwadaleka.

6 Wazibeka ezindaweni zazo okwanini lanini;

wanika isahlulelo esingela kuguquka.

7 Dumisani uThixo emhlabeni,

lina zidalwa zasolwandle lezinziki zalo zonke,

8 umbane lesiqhotho, ungqwaqwane lamayezi,

umoya wesiphepho owenza intando yakhe,

9 lina zintaba lamaqaqa wonke,

zihlahla zezithelo lemisedari yonke,

10 zinyamazana zeganga lenkomo zonke,

zinanakazana lezinyoni eziphaphayo,

11 makhosi omhlaba lezizwe zonke,

lina makhosana lababusi bonke emhlabeni,

12 majaha lezintombi,

maxhegu labantwana.

13 Kabalidumise ibizo likaThixo,

ngoba ibizo lakhe lodwa liphakeme;

inkazimulo yakhe ingaphezulu komhlaba lamazulu.

14 Ubaphakamisele abantu bakhe uphondo,

indumiso yabo bonke abathembekileyo bakhe,

eka-Israyeli, abantu abasesifubeni sakhe.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 149

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Hlabelelani uThixo ingoma entsha,

indumiso yakhe ebandleni labathembekileyo.

2 Akuthi u-Israyeli athokoze ngoMenzi wakhe;

akuthi abantu baseZiyoni bajabule ngeNkosi yabo.

3 Kabadumise ibizo lakhe ngokusina,

batshaye amagedla lamachacho.

4 Ngoba uThixo uyathokoza ngabantu bakhe;

abathobekileyo ubapha umqhele wensindiso.

5 Akuthi abathembekileyo bathokoze ngale inhlonipho,

bahlabele ngentokozo besemibhedeni yabo.

6 Sengathi indumiso kaNkulunkulu ingaba semilonyeni yabo

lenkemba esika nxazonke ibe sezandleni zabo,

7 ukuthi benze impindiselo phezu kwezizwe

lesijeziso phezu kwabantu,

8 babophe amakhosi azo ngentambo

lezikhulu zabo ngezibopho zensimbi,

9 ukugcwalisa kubo isigwebo abasibhalelwayo.

Lokhu kuyinkazimulo yabathembekileyo bakhe bonke.

Dumisani uThixo.

Ihubo 150

1 Dumisani uThixo.

Dumisani uNkulunkulu endlini yakhe engcwele;

mdumiseni emazulwini Akhe amakhulu.

2 Mdumiseni ngenxa yezenzo zakhe zamandla;

mdumiseni ngenxa yobukhulu bakhe obudlula konke.

3 Mdumiseni ngokutshaya icilongo,

mdumiseni ngechacho langomhubhe,

4 mdumiseni ngegedla langokusina,

mdumiseni ngeziginci langomqangala,

5 mdumiseni ngamazenge akhencezayo;

mdumiseni ngomsindo wamazenge ancencethayo!

6 Akuthi konke okuphefumulayo kumdumise uThixo.

Dumisani uThixo.

Izaga

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Izaga

Injongo Lendikimba

1

1 Izaga zikaSolomoni indodana kaDavida, inkosi yako-Israyeli:

2 ukuba abantu bazuze ukuhlakanipha lokuzithiba;

ukuba bazwisise amazwi okuqedisisa;

3 ukuba bazuze impilo yokuzithiba lobuqotho,

besenza okulungileyo, okufaneleyo lokuqondileyo;

4 ukunika ulwazi kwabayizithutha,

ulwazi lokukhetha okuqondileyo kwabatsha

5 ukuthi ohlakaniphileyo alalele engeze ukufunda kwakhe,

kuthi obonisisayo azuze izeluleko,

6 ukuba abantu bazwisise izaga lemizekeliso,

izitsho lamalibho abahlakaniphileyo.

7 Ukwesaba uThixo kuyikuqala kwenhlakanipho,

kodwa iziwula ziyakweyisa ukuqedisisa lokuzithiba.

Isandulelo: Isikhuthazo Sokubambelela Elwazini

Isixwayiso Ngokukhangwa Yizoni

8 Lalela, ndodana yami, izeluleko zikayihlo

njalo ungadeli imfundiso kanyoko.

9 Kuzakuba ngumqhele omuhle ekhanda lakho

lomgaxo wokucecisa intamo yakho.

10 Ndodana yami, aluba izoni zikuhuga,

ungaze wavuma.

11 Nxa zisithi, “Woza sihambe;

kasicathamele abantu sichithe igazi,

kasicwathele omunye umuntu ongelacala;

12 kasibaginye bephila njengengcwaba,

sibajwamule njengabawele emgodini;

13 sizazuza impahla ezinhle ezehlukeneyo

sigcwalise izindlu zethu ngempango;

14 phathisana lathi

ukuze sibelesikhwama sinye”

15 ndodana yami, ungahambi lazo,

ungalugxobi olwakho ezindleleni zazo;

16 ngoba ezabo inyawo zigijima ekoneni,

bachitha igazi lula.

17 Kakusizi ukuthiya ngembule

lithe dandalazi emehlweni ezinyoni!

18 Abantu laba bacathamela ukuchitheka kwelabo igazi;

bajuma okwabo ukuphila.

19 Sinjalo isiphetho salabo abadinga inzuzo ngobugebenga;

kuyayichitha impilo yalabo abayitholayo.

Isixwayiso Ngokufulathela Inhlakanipho

20 Ukuhlakanipha kuyamemeza emgwaqweni,

kuphakamisa ilizwi lakho ezinkundleni;

21 kuyanqongoloza lezindleleni okuxokozela khona,

kuyatshumayela emasangweni omuzi kuthi:

22 “Koze kube nini lina zithutha lithanda ubuthutha benu na?

Koze kube nini izideleli zikholisa ukudelela

leziphukuphuku zizonda ulwazi na?

23 Lalelani ukukhuza kwami liphenduke!

Ngizalivulela isifuba sami,

ngilivezele imicabango yami.

24 Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi langifulathela ngilibiza,

kwangabi khona onginanzayo ngiselula isandla sami,

25 njengoba lala izeluleko zami

njalo kalavuma ukukhuza kwami,

26 ngakho lami ngizahleka selihlupheka;

ngizaliklolodela nxa lisehlelwa lusizi,

27 nxa usizi lulehlela njengesiphepho;

nxa incithakalo ilikhukhula njengesivunguzane,

nxa usizi lezinhlupheko ziligabhela.

28 Lapho-ke bazangibiza kodwa kangiyikusabela;

bazangidinga bangangitholi.

29 Ngoba babeluzonda ulwazi

kabaze bakhetha ukwesaba uThixo

30 ngoba kabavumanga iseluleko sami,

badelela ukukhuza kwami,

31 bazakudla izithelo zokuhamba kwabo

basuthiswe ngezithelo zamacebo abo.

32 Phela ubuhlongandlebe bezithutha buzazibulala,

lokungananzi kweziphukuphuku kuzazibhubhisa;

33 kodwa lowo ongilalelayo uzahlala evikelekile ekhululekile,

engesabi lutho olungamlimaza.”

2

Imivuzo Emihle Yokuhlakanipha

1 Ndodana yami, nxa usamukela amazwi ami

ugcine imilayo yami ngaphakathi kwakho,

2 uvule indlebe yakho izwe ukuhlakanipha

unikele inhliziyo yakho ukuthi izwisise,

3 njalo nxa ucela ukuqedisisa

ukhalela kakhulu ukuzwisisa,

4 futhi ukudingisisa njengokudinga isiliva

ukuphenye njengento eligugu efihliweyo,

5 lapho-ke uzakuzwisisa ukumesaba uThixo

njalo uluzuze ulwazi lukaNkulunkulu.

6 Ngoba uThixo uyapha ukuhlakanipha,

emlonyeni wakhe kuphuma ulwazi lokuqedisisa.

7 Abaqotho ubapha ukunqoba,

ulihawu lalabo abahamba bengasoleki,

8 ngoba uyayilinda indlela yabalungileyo

avikele ukuhamba kwabathembekileyo bakhe.

9 Yikho uzazwisisa lokho okulungileyo lokuqondileyo lokufaneleyo

zonke izindlela ezinhle.

10 Ngoba ukuhlakanipha kuzangena enhliziyweni yakho,

lolwazi lube mnandi emphefumulweni wakho.

11 Ukwazi ukukhetha kuzakuvikela,

lokuzwisisa kuzakulinda.

12 Ukuhlakanipha kuzakusindisa ezindleleni zabantu ababi,

abantu abamazwi abolileyo,

13 abatshiya izindlela eziqondileyo,

bahambe ngezindlela ezilamathunzi,

14 abathokoza ngokwenza okubi

bajabule ngokungcola kokubi,

15 abandlela zabo zitshekile

lokuhamba kwabo kakuqondakali.

16 Kuzakukhulula njalo koyisiphingikazi,

lasemfazini olamazwi akhohlisayo,

17 osetshiye indoda yakhe yobutsha bakhe

wadela isifungo asenza phambi kukaNkulunkulu.

18 Ngoba indlu yakhe iholela ekufeni

lezindlela zakhe zidonsela kwabafileyo.

19 Kakho ongena kuye obuyayo

kumbe aphinde azuze izindlela zokuphila.

20 Ngakho uzahamba ezindleleni zabantu abalungileyo

walele emikhondweni yabaqondileyo.

21 Ngoba abaqotho bazahlala elizweni,

labangasolekiyo bazasala kulo;

22 kodwa izigangi zizasuswa elizweni,

labangathembekanga bazakhutshwa kulo.

3

Eminye Njalo Imivuzo Emihle Yokuhlakanipha

1 Ndodana yami, ungakhohlwa imfundiso yami,

kodwa ugcine imilayo yami enhliziyweni yakho,

2 ngoba izakwandisa impilo yakho okweminyaka eminengi,

ikuphe ukuthula.

3 Akungasuki kuwe loba nini uthando lokuthembeka;

kubophele entanyeni yakho,

ukubhale egwalibeni lenhliziyo yakho.

4 Ngalokho uzathandeka uzuze ibizo elihle

emehlweni kaNkulunkulu laphambi kwabantu.

5 Themba kuThixo ngenhliziyo yakho yonke,

ungathembi ekuzwisiseni kwakho;

6 mvume kuzozonke izindlela zakho,

yena uzaqondisa zonke izindlela zakho.

7 Ungazenzi ohlakaniphileyo ngokubona kwakho;

yesaba uThixo uxwaye okubi.

8 Lokho kuzawuphilisa umzimba wakho

kuwaqinise lamathambo akho.

9 Dumisa uThixo ngenotho yakho;

ngezithelo zakho zokuqala zonke;

10 ngalokho iziphala zakho zizagcwala ziphuphume,

lezimbiza zakho zewayini zize zichitheke ngewayini elitsha.

11 Ndodana yami, ungeyisi ukulaya kukaThixo

njalo ungacaphukeli ukukhuza kwakhe,

12 ngoba uThixo ulaya labo abathandayo,

njengoyise elaya indodana yakhe ayithandayo.

13 Ubusisiwe umuntu ozuza ukuhlakanipha,

umuntu ozuza ukuqedisisa,

14 ngoba khona kulenzuzo eyedlula isiliva

lenzuzo eyedlula igolide.

15 Kuligugu elidlula amarubhi;

kakukho okuloyisayo okungalinganiswa lakho.

16 Impilo ende isesandleni sakho sokunene;

kwesokhohlo kulenotho lodumo.

17 Izindlela zakhe zilokuthokoza,

lemikhondo yakhe ilokuthula.

18 Kuyisihlahla sokuphila kulabo abakwamukelayo;

labo abakuphathayo bazabusiswa.

19 Ngokuhlakanipha uThixo wabeka izisekelo zomhlaba,

ngokuqedisisa wamisa izulu endaweni yalo;

20 ngolwazi lwakhe inlwandle zehlukaniswa,

lamayezi athontisa amazolo.

21 Ndodana yami, gogosa ingqondo ehlela ngolwazi,

ungayekeli kukucatshele;

22 kuzakuba yikuphila kuwe,

kube ngumceciso omuhle entanyeni yakho.

23 Lapho-ke uzahamba ngendlela evikelweyo

unyawo lwakho lungakhubeki;

24 nxa ulala kawuyikwesaba;

uzalala ubuthongo obumnandi.

25 Ungabi lovalo nxa ujunywa ngumonakalo

kumbe yikubhidlika lokho okwehlela ababi,

26 ngoba uThixo uzakuba lithemba lakho

avikele unyawo lwakho emjibileni.

27 Ungaze wala ukusiza labo abadinga uncedo,

wena ulakho ongabasiza ngakho.

28 Ungabokuthi kumakhelwane wakho:

“Ubobuya kwesinye isikhathi; ngizakunika kusasa”

wena ulalo lololutho.

29 Ungacebi okubi ngomakhelwane wakho,

ohlezi lawe ekwethemba.

30 Ungaxabani lomuntu kungelasizatho

yena engakonelanga ngalutho.

31 Ungamhawukeli umuntu othanda ukulwa

loba nje ufise lakuphi ukwenza kwakhe,

32 ngoba uThixo uyamenyanya umuntu oxhwalileyo

kodwa oqotho umbeka ekhwapheni lakhe.

33 Isiqalekiso sikaThixo sehlela endlini yababi,

kodwa uyayibusisa indlu yabalungileyo.

34 Uyabahleka usulu abayizideleli ezizithembayo,

kodwa abe lomusa kwabathobekileyo.

35 Abahlakaniphileyo baphiwa udumo

kodwa abayiziwula ubathela ihlazo.

4

Ukuhlakanipha Kuyinqaba

1 Zwanini, madodana ami, izeluleko zikayihlo;

lalelani lizuze ukuqedisisa.

2 Ngilipha izifundo ezipheleleyo;

ngakho lingalahli imfundiso yami.

3 Ngathi ngisengumfana emzini kababa,

ngisebuthakathaka, ngiyimi ngedwa ingane kamama,

4 wangifundisa ubaba wathi,

“Abambe amazwi ami ngenhliziyo yakho yonke;

gcina imilayo yami ukuze uphile.

5 Zuza ukuhlakanipha, zuza ukuqedisisa;

ungawakhohlwa amazwi ami, kumbe ugudluke kuwo.

6 Ungafulatheli ukuhlakanipha, kuzakuvikela;

kuthande, kuzakulinda.

7 Ukuhlakanipha kuyinqaba; ngakho zuza ukuhlakanipha.

Zuza ukuqedisisa loba kungathatha konke olakho.

8 Kugogose, kuzakuphakamisa;

kugone, kuzakunika udumo.

9 Kuzakwethesa umqhele wamaluba omusa ekhanda lakho

kukwethese umqhele wenkazimulo.”

10 Zwana mntanami, yamukela lokho engikutshoyo,

ukuze insuku zokuphila kwakho zibe zinengi.

11 Ngiyakukhokhela endleleni yokuhlakanipha,

ngikuqondise ezindleleni eziqondileyo.

12 Nxa uhamba kawuyikuthikaza;

nxa ugijima kawuyikukhubeka.

13 Bambelela iziqondiso, ungayekethisi;

zigcine kuhle ngoba ziyikuphila kwakho.

14 Ungayingeni indlela yababi

njalo ungahambi endleleni yezigangi.

15 Ixwaye, ungahambi ngayo;

itshiye uqhubeke ngeyakho indlela.

16 Phela kabalali bengenzanga ukuganga;

badela ubuthongo ukuze baqale balimaze omunye umuntu.

17 Badla isinkwa sobubi

banathe iwayini lobudlwangudlwangu.

18 Indlela yabalungileyo injengovivi lokusa,

kukhule ukukhanya kwalo kuze kuphelele emini.

19 Kodwa indlela yababi ifana lomnyama omkhulu;

kabazi ukuthi kuyini okubakhubayo.

20 Ndodana yami, zwana lokhu engikutshoyo;

lalelisisa amazwi ami.

21 Ungawasusi emehlweni akho,

agcine enhliziyweni yakho;

22 ngoba ayikuphila kulabo abawafumanayo;

lokuqina komzimba wonke womuntu.

23 Phezu kwakho konke, gcina inhliziyo yakho,

ngoba ingumthombo wokuphila kwakho.

24 Lahla izibozi zamazwi emlonyeni wakho;

ungakhuphi inkulumo yokuxhwala ezindebeni zakho.

25 Khangelisa amehlo akho nta phambili,

uwathi nhlo amehlo akho kulokho okuphambi kwakho.

26 Lungisa izindlela ukuze inyawo zakho zinyathele kuhle,

uhambe ngezindlela eziqinileyo kuphela.

27 Ungaphambukeli kwesokunene loba kwesokhohlo;

ugcine unyawo lwakho lunganyatheli okubi.

5

Isixwayiso Kwabafebayo

1 Ndodana yami, nanzelela ukuhlakanipha kwami,

ulalele kuhle amazwi ami alombono,

2 ukuze uhlale ukwazi ukukhetha okuqondileyo

lokuze izindebe zakho zigcine ulwazi.

3 Phela izindebe zesifebekazi zithonta uluju,

lenkulumo yaso iyatshelela kulamafutha;

4 kodwa ekucineni iyababa ingathi yinyongo,

ibukhali njengenkemba esika nxa zombili.

5 Inyawo zaso zehlela ekufeni;

izinyathelo zaso ziqonda nta elibeni.

6 Kasikhathali ukuthi kuphilwa njani;

izindlela zaso ziyazombeleza, kodwa kasikuboni lokho.

7 Ngalokho-ke, madodana ami, ngilalelani;

lingaphambuki kulokho engikukhulumayo.

8 Hambani ngendlela ekhatshana kwaso,

lingasondeli emnyango wendlu yaso,

9 funa unikele kwabanye amandla akho wonke

lobudala bakho kulowo olesihluku,

10 funa abemzini bazitike ngenotho yakho

lokusebenza kwakho kunothise umuzi wenye indoda.

11 Ekupheleni kokuphila kwakho uzabubula,

lapho inyama yakho lomzimba wakho sekugugile.

12 Uzakuthi, “Uthi ngangikuzonda yini ukulaywa!

Inhliziyo yami yayikuzonda njani ukuqondiswa!

13 Ngangingafuni ukulalela abafundisi bami

kumbe ukulalela abeluleki bami.

14 Ngacina sengisenkingeni enkulu

ngiphakathi kwabantu bakaNkulunkulu.”

15 Natha amanzi kowakho umgqomo,

amanzi agelezayo kowakho umthombo.

16 Kambe imifudlana yakho ingayekelwa

igelezela emigwaqweni,

lezifula zakho zamanzi

zigelezele ezinkundleni zabantu na?

17 Kazibe ngezakho wena wedwa,

ungazabelani labafokazana nje.

18 Sengathi ungabusiswa umthombo wakho

njalo sengathi ungathokoza ngomfazi wobutsha bakho.

19 Oyimpalakazi ethandekayo, imbabala ebutshelezi

amabele akhe sengathi angakusuthisa lanini, nini lanini

ukhangwe luthando lwakhe.

20 Kungani ndodana yami,

uthunjwa yisifebekazi?

Kungani ugona iqolo lomfazi wenye indoda?

21 Phela izindlela zomuntu zisobala kuThixo,

uyazihlola zonke izindlela zakhe.

22 Izenzo ezimbi zomuntu omubi ziyamthiya;

izibopho zesono sakhe zimuthe nko.

23 Uzabhubha ngoba engalayeki,

elahlekiswa yibuphukuphuku bakhe.

6

Izixwayiso Ngobuwula

1 Ndodana yami, nxa wenzele umakhelwane wakho isibambiso,

nxa libambene izandla ukuba uzamhlawulela imilandu yakhe,

2 aluba usuzihilele ngalokho okutshiloyo,

wazibambisa ngamazwi omlomo wakho,

3 lapho-ke yenza lokhu, ndodana yami, ukuzikhulula,

njengoba usuwele ezandleni zakhe umakhelwane wakho:

Hamba ufike uzehlise;

mncengancenge umakhelwane wakho!

4 Ungabuvumeli ubuthongo emehlweni akho,

ungavumeli ukuwozela enkopheni zakho.

5 Zikhulule njengempala ezandleni zomzingeli,

njengenyoni esifini somthiyi.

6 Khangela ubunyonyo, wena vila;

hlolisisa ukwenza kwabo uhlakaniphe!

7 Kabulamphathi,

kabula mkhangeli loba umbusi,

8 kodwa buyaqoqa umphako wabo ehlobo

bubuthe ukudla kwabo nxa kuvunwa.

9 Uzalala khonapho kuze kube nini, vila ndini?

Uzavuka nini ebuthongweni bakho?

10 Ukulala okuncane, ukuwozela okuncane,

ukugoqa izandla kancane uphumula,

11 ubuyanga buzafika kuwe njengesela

lokuswela njengesigebenga.

12 Isigangi lesixhwali

esihamba sikhuluma amanyala,

13 esiqhweba ngelihlo

sitshengise ngezinyawo zaso

njalo sitshengise ngeminwe yaso,

14 esiceba ububi ngenkohliso enhliziyweni yaso

sithanda ukuvusa inkani kokuphela.

15 Ngakho lowo uzawelwa yingozi ngokuphazima;

uzabhidlizwa ngokuphangisa

kungasekho okungenziwa.

16 Ziyisithupha izinto uThixo azizondayo,

eziyisikhombisa eziyisinengiso kuye:

17 amehlo atshengisa ukudelela,

ulimi oluqamba amanga,

izandla ezichitha igazi elingelacala,

18 inhliziyo egaya izibozi,

inyawo eziphangisa ukuya ebubini,

19 umfakazi wamanga, okhuluma inkohliso

lomuntu oletha ukuxabana kubazalwane.

Isixwayiso Ngokuphinga

20 Ndodana yami, gcina imilayo kayihlo

ungadeli imfundiso kanyoko.

21 Kubophele enhliziyweni yakho nini lanini;

kugqize entanyeni yakho.

22 Nxa uhamba, lezizinto zizakukhokhela;

lanxa ulele zizakulinda;

uthi uvuka zikukhulumise.

23 Ngoba imilayo le iyisibane,

imfundiso le iyikukhanya,

leziqondiso zokuzithiba ziyindlela yokuphila,

24 zikuvikela kowesifazane ongaziphathanga,

laselimini olumnandi lomfazi ongelambeko.

25 Ungasuki umfise ngenhliziyo yakho ngenxa yobuhle bakhe

kumbe akuhuge ngamehlo akhe.

26 Ngoba isifebe siyakululazisa ufane lesinkwa,

kodwa umfazi womuntu uyayibhidliza impilo yakho uqobo.

27 Kambe umuntu angokhela umlilo emathangazini akhe na

zingaze zatsha izigqoko zakhe?

28 Kambe umuntu angahamba phezu kwamalahle

inyawo zakhe zingaze zatsha na?

29 Kunjalo kulowo olala lomfazi wenye indoda;

kakho omthintayo ongayikujeziswa.

30 Abantu kabalithuki isela

nxa lintshontsha ngoba lifuqwa liphango.

31 Kodwa lingabanjwa lihlawuliswa kasikhombisa,

lanxa inhlawulo ilithathela yonke impahla yendlu yalo.

32 Kodwa indoda efebayo kayilangqondo;

lowo okwenzayo lokho uyazibulala yena ngokwakhe.

33 Izidutshulo lehlazo kuyisabelo sakhe,

ukuyangeka kwakhe kakusoze kwafa kwaphela.

34 Ngoba ubukhwele bendoda yalowomfazi buyiqubula ulaka,

ingabe isaba lozwelo lapho isiphindisela.

35 Kayizukuvuma inhlawulo;

kayiyikwamukela isivalamlomo loba singakanani.

7

Isixwayiso Emfazini Oyisifebe

1 Ndodana yami, agcine amazwi ami

ulondoloze imilayo yami ngaphakathi kwakho.

2 Gcina imilayo yami ukuze uphile;

ulinde imfundiso yami njengegugu lakho elikhulu.

3 Ibophele eminweni yakho;

uyilobe enhliziyweni yakho.

4 Tshela ukuhlakanipha uthi, “Ungudadewethu wena,”

uthi ukuqedisisa kuyisihlobo sakho;

5 lezizinto zizakuvikela emfazini oyisifebe,

lakumkakho ongelambeko ngamazwi akhe adukisayo.

6 Ngema ewindini lendlu yami

ngalunguza ngesikhala.

7 Ngabona phakathi kwabayizithutha,

ngananzelela phakathi kwamajaha

ngabona ijaha elingelangqondo.

8 Lalisehla ngomgwaqo liseduze lejiko,

liqonda endlini yowesifazane

9 ntambama sekunqunda amehlo,

umnyama wobusuku usujiya.

10 Khonokho nje kwaqhamuka owesifazane elihlangabeza

egqoke okwesifebe ngoba eqophile.

11 (Umfazi lowo, ngumuntu womsindo uyisiqholo,

inyawo zakhe kazihlali phansi;

12 khathesi nangu emgwaqweni, njalo nangu enkundleni,

utshobatshoba izindawana zonke.)

13 Wafika waligona lelijaha walanga

wakhuluma engelanhloni wathi:

14 “Ngenzile umnikelo wobudlelwano ngekhaya;

lamuhla ngizigcwalisile izifungo zami.

15 Yikho ngilapha ukukuhlangabeza;

sengikudinge ngaze ngakuthola!

16 Sengiwendlele umbheda wami

ngamalineni eGibhithe awemibalabala.

17 Sengiwuqholile umbheda wami ngemure,

ngenhlaba langesinamoni.

18 Woza sizitike ngothando kuze kuse;

kasizijabulise ngothando!

19 Indoda yami kayikho ekhaya;

ihambile iye khatshana.

20 Ithwele isikhwama sayo sigcwele imali,

ngakho kayibuyi kuze kube phakathi kwenyanga.”

21 Ngamazwi akhe amnandi waledukisa ijaha lelo;

walihuga ijaha lelo ngolimi olumnandi.

22 Khonokho nje lahle lamlandela

njengenkabi idonselwa ukuyabulawa,

njengomziki uzingenisa emjibileni,

23 umtshoko uze uyehlaba isibindi,

njengenyoni ithothela ngaphansi kwesifu,

ingaboni ukuthi isizingenise ekufeni.

24 Ngakho-ke madodana ami, ngilalelani;

zwanini lokhu engikutshoyo.

25 Lingayivumeli inhliziyo ikhangwe yizindlela zakhe,

langabe iphumputhekele emikhubeni yakhe.

26 Banengi labo asebadilizile;

izinkubela zakhe zilucaca olwesabekayo.

27 Indlu yakhe ingumgudu oya engcwabeni,

iholela phansi ezindongeni zokufa.

8

Ubizo Lokuhlakanipha

1 Ukuhlakanipha kakumemezi yini?

Ukuqedisisa kakuphakamisi ilizwi lakho na?

2 Emiqolweni yezindlela,

emahlanganweni ezindlela kulapho okujame khona;

3 emasangweni angena phakathi kwedolobho,

ezintubeni kuyamemeza kakhulu kusithi:

4 “Ngimemeza lina, madoda;

ilizwi lami libiza bonke abantu.

5 Lina eliyizithutha, zuzani ukuqonda;

lina ziphukuphuku, zuzani ukuqedisisa.

6 Lalelani ngoba ngilitshela izinto eziqakathekileyo;

ngivula izindebe zami ngikhuluma okuqondileyo.

7 Umlomo wami ukhuluma okuliqiniso,

ngoba izindebe zami ziyabenyanya ububi.

8 Wonke amazwi omlomo wami aqondile;

kalikho lelilodwa elitshekileyo loba elingcolileyo.

9 Kulowo ozwisisayo wonke alungile;

akulankohliso kulabo abalolwazi.

10 Khetha iseluleko sami kulesiliva,

ulwazi kulegolide elikhethiweyo,

11 ngoba ukuhlakanipha kuligugu okudlula amarubhi,

njalo akulanto ongayifisa ezifisweni zakho okulingana lakho.

12 Mina, kuhlakanipha, ngihlala ndawonye lokuqondisisa;

ngilolwazi lokukhetha kuhle.

13 Ukwesaba uThixo yikuzonda ububi;

ngiyakuzonda ukuzazisa lobuqholo,

ukuziphatha kubi lenkulumo ebolileyo.

14 Ukweluleka lokwahlulela okuhle kungokwami;

ngilokuzwisisa lamandla.

15 Amakhosi abusa ngenxa yami

lababusi balakho ukutshaya imithetho elungileyo;

16 amakhosana abusa ngami,

lazozonke izikhulu ezibusa emhlabeni.

17 Ngiyabathanda labo abangithandayo,

labo abangidingayo bayangithola.

18 Kimi kukhona inotho lodumo,

inotho engapheliyo lokuphumelela.

19 Izithelo zami zingcono kulegolide elicengiweyo;

okuphuma kimi kwedlula isiliva sekhethelo.

20 Ngihamba ngendlela yokulunga,

ngilandela umkhondo wokuqonda,

21 ngiyabela inotho kulabo abangithandayo

ngigcwalise iziphala zabo.

22  UThixo wangenza ngaba khona

ngaqalela konke okukhona,

kuqala kokwenza ezinye izinto;

23 ngaba khona ekudabukeni kwezinto,

kwasekuqaleni, umhlaba ungakabi khona.

24 Kungakabi lezilwandle, ngasengizelwe,

kungakabi khona izihotsha ezigcwele amanzi;

25 izintaba zingakamiswa ensikeni zazo,

engakabi khona amaqaqa, ngasengizelwe,

26  uThixo engakawenzi umhlaba lamaganga,

loba lonke uthuli lomhlaba.

27 Ngangikhona uThixo ehlela kuhle izulu,

ephawula kuhle imingcele yomkhathi lolwandle,

28 esenza amayezi emkhathini

wazizinzisa inziki zolwandle,

29 ebeka imingcele yolwandle

ukuze amanzi angedluli izimiso zakhe,

ngesikhathi lapho emisa izisekelo zomhlaba.

30 Ngalesosikhathi ngangingumbumbi eceleni kwakhe.

Ngangilenjabulo enkulu insuku ngensuku,

ngithokoza ukuba laye kokuphela,

31 ngithokoza ngomhlaba wakhe wonke

ngijabuliswa yibukhona babantu.

32 Ngakho-ke, madodana ami, ngilalelani;

babusisekile labo abalondoloza izindlela zami.

33 Lalelani imfundiso yami ukuze lihlakaniphe;

lingaqali ukuyidela.

34 Ubusisiwe lowomuntu ongilalelayo,

olinda imihla yonke eminyango yami,

elindile entubeni yami.

35 Ngoba lowo ongifumanayo uzuza ukuphila

emukeliswe ukuthandwa nguThixo.

36 Kodwa lowo owehlulekayo ukungifumana uyazilimaza;

bonke abangizondayo bathanda ukufa.”

9

Ukunxusa Kwenhlakanipho Lokobuwula

1 Ukuhlakanipha sekuzakhele indlu yakho,

imisiwe ngezinsika eziyisikhombisa.

2 Isiphekiwe inyama yakho kwalungiswa lewayini;

konke sekudekiwe etafuleni.

3 Usewathumile amantombazana,

uyanxusa emi ezindaweni eziphakemeyo zedolobho.

4 “Akuthi bonke abayizithutha beze lapha!”

Esitsho kulabo abangaqedisisiyo.

5 “Wozani lidle ukudla kwami

linathe iwayini esengililungisile.

6 Lahlani izindlela zenu zobuthutha lizaphila;

hambani ngendlela yokuzwisisa.”

7 Lowo oweluleka oklolodayo ubiza inhlamba;

okhuza umuntu oxhwalileyo ucina ethethiswa.

8 Ungakhuzi isiqholo ngoba sizakuzonda;

khuza ohlakaniphileyo uzakuthanda.

9 Yeluleka umuntu ohlakaniphileyo

uzakwandisa ukuhlakanipha kwakhe;

fundisa umuntu olungileyo, uzakwengeza ulwazi lwakhe.

10 Ukumesaba uThixo kuyikuqala kwenhlakanipho,

njalo ulwazi ngaLowo oNgcwele luyikuqedisisa.

11 Ngoba ngami zizakuba zinengi insuku zakho,

kwandiswe iminyaka yokuphila kwakho.

12 Nxa uhlakaniphile, ukuhlakanipha kwakho kuzakusiza;

aluba uyisiqholo, uzahlupheka wedwa.

13 Umfazi othiwa nguBuwula ulomsindo;

kagobeki njalo kazi lutho.

14 Uthanda ukuhlala emnyango wendlu yakhe,

esihlalweni endaweni esesiqongweni sedolobho,

15 abe ehuga labo abedlulayo,

abahamba beqonde lapho abaya khona.

16 “Abeze lapha bonke abayizithutha!”

Esitsho kulabo abangacabangiyo.

17 “Ulutho lokuntshontshwa lumnandi;

ukudla okudlelwa ensitha kuyahlabusa!”

18 Kodwa kabazi ukuthi kuyafiwa, kuleyondawo,

ukuthi izethekeli zalowomfazi sezaphelela ekujuleni kwengcwaba.

Izaga ZikaSolomoni

10

1 Izaga zikaSolomoni:

Indodana ehlakaniphileyo iletha ukuthokoza kuyise,

kodwa indoda eyisiwula iletha ukudabuka kunina.

2 Inotho ezuzwe ngobuqili kayisizi lutho,

kodwa ukulunga kukhulula ekufeni.

3  UThixo kayekeli abalungileyo belambile

kodwa uyavimbela izinkanuko zezixhwali.

4 Izandla ezivilaphayo ziletha ubuyanga,

kodwa izandla ezikhutheleyo ziletha inotho.

5 Lowo obutha amabele ngesikhathi sawo yindodana ehlakaniphileyo,

kodwa olalayo ngesikhathi sokuvuna yindodana ehlazisayo.

6 Izibusiso zingumqhele womuntu olungileyo.

Kodwa ubudlwangudlwangu bugcwele emlonyeni womubi.

7 Umkhumbulo ngomuntu olungileyo ubusisekile

kodwa ibizo lesigangi lizabola.

8 Abahlakaniphileyo enhliziyweni bayalalela izeluleko,

kodwa isiphukuphuku esivala ngomsindo siyadilika.

9 Umuntu oqotho uhamba engelakwesaba,

kodwa ohamba ngezindlela ezigobileyo uzadaluleka.

10 Lowo oqwayiza ngomona uletha usizi,

lesiphukuphuku esivala ngomsindo siyadilika.

11 Umlomo womuntu olungileyo ungumthombo wokuphila,

kodwa ubudlwangudlwangu bugcwele emlonyeni womubi.

12 Inzondo idunga ingxabano,

kodwa uthando lusibekela bonke ububi.

13 Ukuhlakanipha kufunyanwa ezindebeni zalowo oqedisisayo;

kodwa uswazi lwehla emhlane walowo ongezwayo.

14 Abantu abahlakaniphileyo bayaluqoqa ulwazi,

kodwa umlomo wesiwula ugwegwa ukubhidlika.

15 Inotho yezikhulu ingumuzi wazo ovikelweyo;

kodwa ubuyanga buyikudilika kwabampofu.

16 Inzuzo yabalungileyo iyabaphilisa,

kodwa umholo wababi ubalethela ukujeziswa.

17 Lowo olalela ukuqondiswa utshengisa indlela yokuphila,

kodwa lowo oyala ukwelulekwa wedukisa abanye.

18 Lowo ofihla inzondo yakhe ulendebe ezilamanga,

kuthi lowo onyeyayo yisiwula.

19 Lapho okwande khona amazwi, isono kasisweleki,

kodwa lowo ogcina ulimi lwakhe uhlakaniphile.

20 Ulimi lomuntu olungileyo luyisiliva esikhethiweyo,

kodwa inhliziyo yesigangi kayisilutho.

21 Izindebe zolungileyo ziphilisa abanengi;

kodwa iziwula ziyafa ngokuswela ingqondo.

22 Isibusiso sikaThixo siletha inotho,

leyonotho ingabi lahlupho.

23 Isiwula siyajabula ezenzweni zobubi,

kodwa umuntu ozwisisayo uthokoza ngokuhlakanipha.

24 Lokho akwesabayo omubi kuzamfumana;

kodwa lokho akuloyisayo olungileyo uzakuphiwa.

25 Nxa isiphepho sesikhukhule sedlula,

ababi sebedlule, kodwa abalungileyo bagxilile lanini.

26 Njengeviniga emlonyeni, lentuthu emehlweni,

unjalo olesidensi kulabo abamthumayo.

27 Ukumesaba uThixo kuyengeza ubude bempilo,

kodwa iminyaka yababi iyafinyezwa.

28 Ikusasa yabalungileyo iyikuthokoza,

kodwa amathemba ababi aphelela ezeni.

29 Indlela kaThixo yisiphephelo sabalungileyo,

kodwa iyikubhidlika kwalabo abenza okubi.

30 Abalungileyo kabasiphuleki,

kodwa ababi kabayikusala elizweni.

31 Umlomo womuntu olungileyo ukhupha inhlakanipho,

kodwa ulimi oluxhwalileyo luzaqunywa.

32 Izindebe zabalungileyo ziyakwazi okufaneleyo,

kodwa umlomo wezigangi ukhupha izibozi.

11

1  UThixo uyazenyanya izilinganiso zokudlelezela,

kodwa uthokoza ngezilinganiso eziqondileyo.

2 Nxa kungena ukuzigqaja kungena lokweyisa,

kodwa ukuzithoba kuhamba lenhlakanipho.

3 Ubuqotho kwabaqondileyo buyabakhokhela,

kodwa abangathembekanga

babulawa yibumenemene babo.

4 Inotho kayisizi lutho ngosuku lweziphithiphithi

kodwa ukulunga kuyaphephisa ekufeni.

5 Ukulunga kwabangelacala kuqondisa indlela yabo,

kodwa ababi bawiswa yibubi babo.

6 Ukulunga kwabaqondileyo kuyabakhulula,

kodwa abangathembekanga

bagwenxwa yizinkanuko zabo ezimbi.

7 Umuntu omubi angafa ithemba lakhe liyaphela;

konke abesithi uzakuzuza ngamandla akhe

kuphelela ezeni.

8 Umuntu olungileyo uyakhululwa enkathazweni,

kusuke kuyewela komubi.

9 Ngomlomo wakhe umuntu ongakholwayo uyamchitha umakhelwane,

kodwa ngolwazi abalungileyo bayaphepha.

10 Nxa kuphumelela abalungileyo umuzi uyathokoza;

nxa kusifa omubi kuba lokujabula.

11 Ngokubusiswa ngabalungileyo omubi ubalodumo,

kodwa ngomlomo wezigangi uyachitheka.

12 Umuntu ongelangqondo weyisa umakhelwane wakhe,

kodwa umuntu ozwisisayo uthiba ulimi lwakhe.

13 Onyeyayo wehluleka ukuvala isifuba sakhe,

kodwa othembekileyo uyayigcina imfihlo.

14 Isizwe esingelabukhokheli obuqondileyo siyachitheka,

kodwa ngobunengi babeluleki siyanqoba.

15 Lowo okhuphela omunye umuntu isibambiso uzahlupheka,

kodwa owalayo ukupha isibambiso uvikelekile.

16 Umfazi olomusa uyahlonitshwa,

kodwa amadoda alesihluku azuza inotho kuphela.

17 Umuntu olomusa uyazisiza,

kodwa umuntu ololunya uyazilimaza.

18 Umuntu omubi uhola umvuzo wobuqili,

kodwa lowo ohlanyela ukulunga uvuna umvuzo omuhle.

19 Lowo omiyo ekulungeni uzuza ukuphila,

kodwa oxotshana lobubi uya ekufeni.

20  UThixo uyabazonda abantu abalenhliziyo embi,

kodwa uyathokoza ngalabo abandlela zabo zilungile.

21 Kodwa yazi lokhu, ababi bazajeziswa

kodwa abalungileyo bazahlala bekhululekile.

22 Njengesongo legolide lifakwe emakhaleni engulube,

unjalo umfazi omuhle kodwa ongelambeko.

23 Izifiso zabalungileyo zizuza okuhle

kodwa ithemba lababi liphelela osizini.

24 Ophayo ngesihle uyazuza okunengi kulakuqala,

lowo ogodlayo ungenelwa yibuyanga.

25 Lowo ophayo uzaphumelela;

owonga abanye laye uzakongiwa.

26 Abantu bayamqalekisa lowo ogodla amabele,

kodwa izibusiso zingumqhele walowo ovuma ukuwathengisa.

27 Lowo odinga ukulunga uzuza umusa,

kodwa okubi kwehlela lowo okudingayo.

28 Othembele enothweni yakhe uzakuwa;

kodwa olungileyo uzaphila njengehlamvu eliluhlaza.

29 Olethela abendlu yakhe uhlupho ilifa lakhe yize,

lesihawu sizakuba yinceku yohlakaniphileyo.

30 Izithelo zolungileyo ziyisihlahla sokuphila,

njalo lowo ozuza imiphefumulo uhlakaniphile.

31 Nxa abalungileyo bezuza ukujeziswa emhlabeni

pho kuzakuba njani kwabangakholwayo labayizoni!

12

1 Othanda ukuqondiswa uthanda ulwazi,

kodwa ozonda ukukhuzwa uyisithutha.

2 Umuntu olungileyo uthola umusa kuThixo,

kodwa uThixo uyamlahla owakha amacebo amabi.

3 Umuntu angazake amiswe yibubi,

kodwa olungileyo angeke aquphuke.

4 Umfazi olesimilo ungumqhele womkakhe,

kodwa umfazi oyangisayo unjengokubola kwamathambo akhe.

5 Izimiso zabalungileyo ziqondile,

kodwa izeluleko zababi ziyinkohliso.

6 Amazwi ababi alindele ukuchitha igazi,

kodwa inkulumo yabalungileyo iyabakhulula.

7 Abantu ababi bayachithwa bangabe besaba khona,

kodwa indlu yolungileyo imi izinzile.

8 Umuntu udunyiswa ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe,

kodwa abantu abalengqondo ezimbi bayeyiswa.

9 Kungcono ukungabi ngubani kodwa ulesisebenzi,

kulokuzitshaya ulutho kodwa uswela lokudla.

10 Umuntu olungileyo uyayinanzelela imfuyo yakhe

kodwa okuhle komuntu omubi yilunya.

11 Lowo osebenza nzima emasimini akhe uzathola ukudla okunengi,

kodwa lowo ophika ngezifiso eziyize akalangqondo.

12 Ababi bahawukela impango yezigangi,

kodwa impande yabalungileyo imi iqinile.

13 Umuntu omubi uthiyeka ngenkulumo yakhe yesono,

kodwa umuntu olungileyo uyaphepha enkathazweni.

14 Umuntu uzuza okuhle ngamazwi omlomo wakhe,

umsebenzi wezandla zakhe umnika inzuzo.

15 Indlela yesiwula ikhanya iqondile kuso,

kodwa umuntu ohlakaniphileyo uyalalela izeluleko.

16 Isiwula siyaphangisa ukuthukuthela,

kodwa umuntu olengqondo kananzi loba ethukwa.

17 Umfakazi oleqiniso upha ubufakazi obuqondileyo,

kodwa umfakazi ongathembekanga ukhuluma amanga.

18 Amazwi okubhuda agwaza njengenkemba,

kodwa ulimi lohlakaniphileyo luyelapha.

19 Izindebe zeqiniso zimi lanini,

kodwa ulimi olulamanga luma umzuzwana nje.

20 Inhliziyo zabaceba ububi zigcwele inkohliso,

kodwa kulokuthokoza kwabaletha ukuthula.

21 Akukho ngozi ewela abalungileyo,

kodwa izigangi zikhulelwa zinhlupho.

22  UThixo uyazenyanya izindlela ezilamanga,

kodwa uyathokoza ngabantu abaleqiniso.

23 Umuntu olengqondo kazitshengiseli ulwazi lwakhe,

kodwa iziwula ziyabutshengisela ubuthutha bazo.

24 Izandla ezikhutheleyo zizaletha inhlalakahle,

kodwa ubuvila budonsela ekugqilazweni.

25 Inhliziyo ekhathazekileyo iyamcakisa umuntu,

kodwa ilizwi elilomusa liyamthokozisa.

26 Umuntu olungileyo ukhetha abangane ngonanzelelo,

kodwa indlela yababi iyabaphumputhekisa.

27 Umzingeli olivila kazuzi nyama yokosa,

kodwa umuntu okhutheleyo uyazibula ngenotho yakhe.

28 Endleleni yokulunga kulokuphila,

kuleyondlela kulokuphila okungapheliyo.

13

1 Indodana ehlakaniphileyo iyemukela izeluleko zikayise,

kodwa ihlongandlebe kalilaleli nxa likhuzwa.

2 Umuntu uzuza okuhle ngamazwi omlomo wakhe,

kodwa ababi batshisekela udlakela.

3 Lowo olinda izindebe zakhe ulinda impilo yakhe,

kodwa lowo osuka abhede nje uyazibulala.

4 Ivila liyafisa kodwa lingazuzi lutho,

kodwa izifiso zokhutheleyo ziyagcwaliseka.

5 Abalungileyo bayakuzonda okungamanga,

kodwa izigangi ziletha ihlazo lesigcono.

6 Ukulunga kuyamlinda umuntu oqotho,

kodwa ububi buyamchitha oyisoni.

7 Umuntu angazenza onothileyo, yena engelalutho,

omunye azitshaye umyanga, kanti elenotho enengi.

8 Inotho yomuntu ingahlenga impilo yakhe,

kodwa umyanga uvele kasongelwa muntu.

9 Isibane sabalungileyo sikhanya sithi kla!

Kodwa isibane sezigangi siyafiphala ngentuthu.

10 Ukuziqakisa kukhokhelela engxabanweni,

kodwa ukuhlakanipha kufunyanwa kwabemukela ukwelulekwa.

11 Imali ezuzwe ngobuqili iyanyamalala,

kodwa lowo oyizuza ngokuqogelela uyayandisa.

12 Ithemba eliphuzayo ligulisa inhliziyo,

kodwa isifiso esigcwalisiweyo siyisihlahla sokuphila.

13 Lowo oweyisa izeluleko uzibizela ingozi,

kodwa othobela umlayo uzaphiwa umvuzo.

14 Imfundiso yabahlakaniphileyo ingumthombo wokuphila,

iphephisa umuntu emijibileni yokufa.

15 Ukuzwisisa okuhle kuletha ukuthandeka,

kodwa indlela yabakhohlisayo inzima.

16 Wonke umuntu ohlakaniphileyo wenza konke ngolwazi,

kodwa isiwula sitshengisa ubuthutha baso.

17 Isithunywa esibi siwela phakathi kohlupho,

kodwa isithunywa esithembekileyo siletha ukusila.

18 Ongananzi ukuqondiswa wehlelwa yibuyanga lehlazo,

kodwa onanza ukukhuzwa uyadunyiswa.

19 Simnandi emphefumulweni isifiso singagcwaliseka,

kodwa iziwula kazifuni ukutshiya ububi.

20 Ohamba lezihlakaniphi uyahlakanipha,

kodwa othandana leziwula uwela engozini.

21 Umnyama ulandelana loyisoni,

kodwa impumelelo ingumvuzo wabalungileyo.

22 Umuntu olungileyo utshiyela izizukulwane sakhe ilifa,

kodwa inotho yesoni ibekelwa abalungileyo.

23 Insimu yomyanga ingathela ukudla okunengi,

kodwa umona wabalamandla uyayikhukhula.

24 Lowo ongasebenzisi uswazi uyayizonda indodana yakhe,

kodwa lowo oyithandayo unqinekela ukuyiqondisa.

25 Olungileyo uyadla asuthe ntintinini,

kodwa isisu somubi sihlala silambile.

14

1 Umfazi ohlakaniphileyo uyakha indlu yakhe,

kodwa lowo oyisiwula uyayibhidliza ngezandla zakhe.

2 Lowo ohamba ngobuqotho uyamesaba uThixo,

kodwa lowo ondlela zakhe zigobile uyameyisa.

3 Inkulumo yesiwula isikhothisa ngoswazi emhlane,

kodwa indebe zalowo ohlakaniphileyo ziyamvikela.

4 Lapho okungelankabi khona isibaya siyize,

kodwa amandla enkabi aletha isivuno esinengi.

5 Umfakazi oleqiniso kakhohlisi,

kodwa umfakazi ongelaqiniso uhutsha amanga.

6 Oweyisayo uyakudinga ukuhlakanipha kodwa kakutholi,

kodwa ulwazi luyazizela koqondisisayo.

7 Suka emuntwini oyisiwula,

ngoba awuyikuthola ulwazi ezindebeni zakhe.

8 Ukuhlakanipha kwabaqondayo yikuthi bayacabanga ngalokho abakwenzayo,

kodwa ubuthutha beziwula buyinkohliso.

9 Iziwula zikwenza ubuthutha ukuphenduka ezonweni,

kodwa abaqotho bafisa ukwenza uxolo.

10 Inhliziyo leyo laleyo iyakwazi ukudabuka kwayo,

njalo kakho ongakwazi ukuthokoza kwayo.

11 Indlu yomubi izadilizwa,

kodwa ithente loqotho lizaphumelela.

12 Kukhona indlela ebonakala ilungile emuntwini,

kodwa isiphetho sayo siyikufa.

13 Ukuhleba kungabe kufihle ubuhlungu benhliziyo,

lokuthokoza kucine sekulusizi.

14 Abangelakho bazavuzwa ngokubafaneleyo,

lomuntu olungileyo laye avuzwe ngokwakhe.

15 Umuntu oyisithutha ukholwa loba yini,

kodwa olengqondo uyakucabangisisa konke akwenzayo.

16 Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo uyamesaba uThixo, axwaye okubi,

kodwa isiwula siliphikankani kodwa sizizwa sivikelekile.

17 Umuntu olicaphucaphu wenza izinto zobuthutha,

lomuntu oliqili uyazondwa.

18 Abangazi lutho ilifa labo yibuwula,

kodwa abalengqondo betheswa umqhele wolwazi.

19 Abantu ababi bazilahla phansi phambi kwabalungileyo,

lezixhwali ziguqa emasangweni abalungileyo.

20 Abayanga bahlanyukelwa langabomakhelwane babo,

kodwa izinothi zilabangane abanengi.

21 Lowo oweyisa umakhelwane wenza isono,

kodwa ubusisiwe olomusa kwabaswelayo.

22 Kabalahleki yini abaceba ububi?

Kodwa abamisa ukwenza okuhle bafumana uthando lokuthembeka.

23 Ukusebenza nzima konke kuletha inzuzo,

kodwa ukuqina ngomlomo kuthelela ubuyanga.

24 Inotho yabahlakaniphileyo ingumqhele wabo,

kodwa ubuphukuphuku beziwula buzala ubuthutha.

25 Umfakazi oleqiniso uyabakhulula abantu,

kodwa umfakazi wamanga uyakhohlisa.

26 Lowo owesaba uThixo ulenqaba eqinileyo,

uzakuba yisiphephelo senzalo yakhe.

27 Ukumesaba uThixo kungumthombo wokuphila,

kuvikela umuntu emijibileni yokufa.

28 Ubunengi babantu elizweni kuludumo enkosini,

kodwa nxa kungelabantu umbusi kasilutho.

29 Umuntu obekezelayo uyazwisisa kakhulu,

kodwa ophanga ukuthukuthela uveza ubuthutha.

30 Ingqondo elokuthula iletha ukuphila emzimbeni,

kodwa umhawu ubolisa amathambo.

31 Lowo oncindezela abayanga weyisa uMenzi wabo,

kodwa olomusa kwabaswelayo udumisa uNkulunkulu.

32 Nxa kufika ubunzima ababi bayadilika,

kodwa abalungileyo balesiphephelo lasekufeni.

33 Ukuhlakanipha kuzinzile enhliziyweni yabaqedisisayo,

kuyaziveza kanye lakwabayiziwula.

34 Ukulunga kuyasiphakamisa isizwe,

kodwa isono silihlazo lakubaphi abantu.

35 Inkosi iyathokoza ngenceku ehlakaniphileyo,

kodwa inceku ehlazisayo iyayithukuthelisa.

15

1 Impendulo ethobekileyo iyaludedisa ulaka,

kodwa ilizwi elilukhuni livusa ulaka.

2 Ulimi lomuntu ohlakaniphileyo lukhulisa ulwazi,

kodwa umlomo wesiwula uphihlika ubuphukuphuku.

3 Amehlo kaThixo asezindaweni zonke,

alinde ababi labalungileyo.

4 Ulimi oluletha ukuphola luyisihlahla sokuphila,

kodwa ulimi olukhohlisayo luyawephula umoya.

5 Isiwula siyakulahla ukulaya kukayise,

kodwa owemukela ukuqondiswa uveza ukuhlakanipha.

6 Indlu yolungileyo igcwele inotho,

kodwa inzuzo yababi ibehlisela uhlupho.

7 Izindlela zabahlakaniphileyo ziyalwandisa ulwazi,

kodwa kazenzi njalo inhliziyo zeziwula.

8  UThixo uyawenyanya umhlatshelo wababi,

kodwa umkhuleko wabaqotho uyamthokozisa.

9  UThixo uyayenyanya indlela yababi,

kodwa uyabathanda labo abalandela ukulunga.

10 Ukujeziswa okubuhlungu kumlindele ophambuka endleleni;

ozonda ukuqondiswa uzakufa.

11 UKufa lokuBhujiswa kusobala phambi kukaThixo

kangakanani ke inhliziyo zabantu!

12 Isideleli siyakuzonda ukuqondiswa;

kasibuzi kwabahlakaniphileyo.

13 Inhliziyo ethokozayo yenza ubuso buchelese,

kodwa inhliziyo ebuhlungu yephula umoya.

14 Inhliziyo eqedisisayo idinga ulwazi,

kodwa umlomo wesiwula wongiwa ngobuthutha.

15 Zonke insuku zabancindezelweyo zilukhuni,

kodwa inhliziyo ethokozileyo ihlezi iminza.

16 Kungcono ukuba lokulutshwana umesaba uThixo

kulokuba lenotho enengi ulenhlupho.

17 Kungcono ukutsheba ngemibhida lapho okulothando khona,

kulokudla inyama enonileyo okugcwele khona inzondo.

18 Ololaka oluvuthayo ubanga ukuxabana,

kodwa umuntu obekezelayo uqeda inkani.

19 Indlela yevila igcwele ameva,

kodwa indlela yomuntu olungileyo ikhamisile.

20 Indodana ehlakaniphileyo iletha intokozo kuyise,

kodwa indoda eyisiwula yeyisa unina.

21 Ubuthutha bujabulisa umuntu ongelangqondo,

kodwa umuntu olokuzwisisa uhamba ngendlela eqondileyo.

22 Amaqhinga ayehluleka nxa kungelazeluleko,

kodwa ayaphumelela ngabeluleki abanengi.

23 Umuntu uyathokoza ngokupha impendulo eqondileyo

yeka kuhle kangakanani ukuzwa ilizwi elifaneleyo!

24 Indlela yempilo iyimpumelelo kohlakaniphileyo

ukuze angalengeli engcwabeni.

25  UThixo uyayibhidliza indlu yomuntu oziphakamisayo,

kodwa indawo yomfelokazi kayiyikuncitshiswa.

26  UThixo uyayizonda imicabango yababi,

kodwa leyo eyabalungileyo iyamthabisa.

27 Indoda eyisihwaba iluhlupho kwabendlu yayo,

kodwa lowo ozonda ukufunjathiswa uzaphila.

28 Olungileyo uyayihlolisisa impendulo engakaphenduli,

kodwa umlomo womubi ukhihliza okubi.

29  UThixo ukhatshana kwababi,

kodwa uyezwa umkhuleko wabalungileyo.

30 Ubuso obubobothekayo buletha intokozo enhliziyweni,

lezindaba ezinhle ziqinisa umzimba.

31 Lowo olalela ukukhuzwa okumphilisayo,

uzahlala kuhle labahlakaniphileyo.

32 Lowo onganaki ukulaywa uyazeyisa yena ngokwakhe,

kodwa onanza iziqondiso uzuza ukuzwisisa.

33 Ukumesaba uThixo kufundisa umuntu ukuhlakanipha,

njalo ukuzithoba kwandulela udumo.

16

1 Umuntu angawabumba amacebo ngenhliziyo yakhe,

kodwa uThixo nguye omupha amazwi okuwachaza.

2 Umuntu angabona sengathi zonke izindlela zakhe ziqondile,

kodwa uThixo uyazihlolisisa zonke injongo zomuntu.

3 Nikela kuThixo konke okwenzayo,

kuzaphumelelisa wonke amacebo akho.

4  UThixo uzilungisele isiphetho sakho konke

kanye lababi usuku lokubhujiswa.

5  UThixo uyabazonda bonke abazikhukhumezayo.

Ngempela kabayikuphepha ukujeziswa.

6 Isono siyahlawulelwa ngothando langokwethembeka;

ngokwesaba uThixo umuntu uyaphepha ebubini.

7 Nxa izindlela zomuntu zimthokozisa uThixo,

uyenza lezitha zakhe zihlalisane laye ngokuthula.

8 Kungcono ukuzuza okulutshwana ngendlela elungileyo

kulokuzuza okunengi ngobuqili.

9 Umuntu angalungisa indlela yakhe engqondweni yakhe,

kodwa uThixo nguye olawula izinyathelo zakhe.

10 Izindebe zombusi zikhuluma kungathi lidlozi

ngakho umlomo wakhe kawungaphambuli umthetho.

11 Izilinganiso eziqondileyo zivela kuThixo;

zonke izisindo ezisemgodleni zenziwa nguye.

12 Amakhosi ayakuzonda ukwenza okubi,

ngoba isihlalo sobukhosi sakhelwe phezu kokulunga.

13 Amakhosi athokoziswa yizindebe ezithembekileyo;

ayamazisa umuntu okhuluma iqiniso.

14 Ulaka lwenkosi luyisithunywa sokufa,

kodwa umuntu ohlakaniphileyo uyaluxolisa.

15 Nxa ubuso benkosi bulentokozo, kukhomba ukuphila;

ukuthandwa yiyo kunjengeyezi lezulu entwasa.

16 Kungcono kangakanani ukuzuza ukuhlakanipha kulegolide,

ukukhetha ukuzwisisa kulesiliva!

17 Umgwaqo womuntu oqotho uceza ububi;

lowo onanzelelayo indlela yakhe unanzelela impilo yakhe.

18 Ukuzigqaja kwandulela ukubhujiswa,

umoya omubi ulandelwa yikuwa.

19 Kungcono umoya othobekileyo lokuhlala kwabancindezelweyo

kulokwabelana impango labazigqajayo.

20 Lowo olalela izeluleko uyaphumelela,

njalo ubusisiwe lowo othemba uThixo.

21 Abahlakaniphileyo enhliziyweni kuthiwa bayaqedisisa,

njalo amazwi amnandi aqinisa izeluleko.

22 Ukuzwisisa kungumthombo wokuphila kulabo abalakho,

kodwa ubuwula buletha isijeziso eziwuleni.

23 Inhliziyo yomuntu ohlakaniphileyo ikhokhela umlomo wakhe,

kanti lezindebe zakhe zikhuthaza izeluleko.

24 Amazwi amahle alikhekheba loluju,

amnandi emphefumulweni njalo ayelapha emathanjeni.

25 Kukhona indlela ebonakala ilungile emuntwini,

kodwa isiphetho sayo siyikufa.

26 Isisebenzi sifuqwa liphango ukusebenza kakhulu;

ukulamba yikho okusikhuthazayo.

27 Isixhwali siceba ububi,

lenkulumo yaso injengomlilo ohaqazayo.

28 Umuntu ongelangqondo udaza inkani,

njalo lomuntu onyeyayo wehlukanisa abangane.

29 Umuntu wodlakela uhuga umakhelwane wakhe

amholele endleleni engalunganga.

30 Lowo ofica ngelihlo lakhe uceba izibozi;

lowo oluma indebe zakhe uqonde ububi.

31 Inwele ezimhlophe zingumqhele wobukhulu,

zizuzwa ngempilo elungileyo.

32 Ungcono umuntu obekezelayo kuleqhawe,

umuntu ozinqandayo ulaka lwakhe kulalowo othumba idolobho.

33 Inkatho iphoselwa enkundleni,

kodwa isinqumo sayo sisemandleni kaThixo.

17

1 Lungcono uqweqwe lwesinkwa umuntu elokuthula

kulendlu egcwele amagqibhagqibha okudla

kodwa kulengxabano.

2 Isisebenzi esihlakaniphileyo sizabusa indodana eyangisayo,

sizakwabelwa ilifa njengomunye wamadodana.

3 Isiliva sincibilikiselwa embizeni,

imvutho ngeyegolide

kodwa uThixo uhlola inhliziyo.

4 Umuntu oxhwalileyo uyazilalela izindebe ezimbi;

lomqambimanga uyalulalela ulimi olulomona.

5 Lowo ohleka umyanga weyisa uMenzi wakhe;

oklolodayo nxa konakele kayikuphepha isijeziso.

6 Abazukulu bangumqhele wabalupheleyo,

njalo labantwana baziqhenya ngabazali babo.

7 Izindebe zokutshinga azisifanelanga isiwula

zimbi kangakanani ke izindebe zamanga kumbusi!

8 Isivalamlomo siyintelezi kulowo osinikayo;

uyaphumelela kukho konke.

9 Ofihla ukona komunye uqinisa uthando,

kodwa okhuluma ngakho kokuphela

wehlukanisa abangane abasekhwapheni.

10 Ukukhuza kuyamqondisa umuntu olengqondo

kulokutshaya isiwula imvimvinya ezilikhulu.

11 Umuntu omubi udinga ukuhlamuka kuphela;

uzathunyelwa inxusa elilesihluku.

12 Kungcono ukuqondana lebhele

elithathelwe imidlwane yalo

kulokuhlangana lesiwula ebuthutheni baso.

13 Nxa umuntu ephindisela okuhle ngobubi,

ububi kabusoze basuka endlini yakhe.

14 Ukusungula inkani kunjengokubhidliza umduli wedamu;

ngakho yekela indaba ingakadaleki inkani.

15 Ukukhulula olecala lokugweba omsulwa

uThixo uyakuzonda kokubili.

16 Isizani imali esandleni sesiwula,

sivele singatshisekeli ukuzuza ukuhlakanipha?

17 Umngane ulothando ngezikhathi zonke,

lomzalwane uzalelwa izikhathi zenhlupheko.

18 Umuntu ongananzeleliyo uyaziwisela anike isibambiso

enceda umakhelwane wakhe.

19 Lowo othanda inkani uthanda isono;

lowo owakha isango eliphakemeyo udinga ukubhidlizwa.

20 Umuntu olenhliziyo exhwalileyo kaphumeleli;

lowo olimi lwakhe luyakhohlisa uwela ekuhluphekeni.

21 Ukuba lendodana eyisiwula kuthelela usizi;

akulakuthokoza kuyise wesiwula.

22 Inhliziyo ethokozayo ingumuthi omuhle,

kodwa umoya owephukileyo womisa amathambo.

23 Umuntu omubi wamukela isivalamlomo ensitha

ukuze ahlanekele indlela yokwahlulela.

24 Umuntu ohluzisisayo izinto ukhokhelwa yikuhlakanipha,

kodwa amehlo esiwula asabalala afike ekucineni komhlaba.

25 Indodana eyisiwula ithelela uyise

usizi lokudabuka kulowo owayizalayo.

26 Kakukuhle ukujezisa umuntu ongelacala,

loba ukufaka uswazi izisebenzi ngenxa yobuqotho bazo.

27 Umuntu ololwazi ubeka amazwi akhe ngokunanzelela,

njalo umuntu oqedisisayo kathukutheli ngokuphangisa.

28 Lesiwula kuthiwa sihlakaniphile nxa sithule,

kuthiwe siyaqedisisa nxa sibamba ulimi lwaso.

18

1 Umuntu ongelamusa uzifunela okwakhe;

uyazilahla zonke iziqondiso ezinhle.

2 Isiwula kasikuthakazeleli ukuzwisisa

kodwa sithokoza ngokutsho eyaso imibono.

3 Nxa kufika ububi kufika lokweyisa,

njalo ihlazo liza lokudumazeka.

4 Amazwi omlomo womuntu ayinziki yamanzi,

kodwa umthombo wokuhlakanipha ngumfudlana ontuntuzayo.

5 Kakukuhle ukulungisela ababi

loba ukungehluleli kuhle abangelacala.

6 Izindebe zesiwula zisilethela ingxabano,

lomlomo waso unxusa ukutshaywa.

7 Umlomo wesiwula yiwo osidilizayo,

lezindebe zaso zingumjibila womphefumulo waso.

8 Amazwi omuntu onyeyayo anjengezibiliboco;

angena ekujuleni kwenhliziyo yomuntu.

9 Lowo ovilaphayo emsebenzini wakhe

ungumfowabo walowo odilizayo.

10 Ibizo likaThixo liyinqaba eqinileyo;

abalungileyo babalekela kulo baphephe.

11 Inotho yezikhulu ingumuzi wazo ovikelweyo;

zicabanga ukuthi imiduli yawo ayikhweleki.

12 Umuntu uyazikhukhumeza ngenhliziyo yakhe,

mandulo kokuba awe,

ikanti ukuzithoba kwandulela udumo.

13 Lowo ophendulayo engaqali alalele

lobo yibuwula bakhe lehlazo lakhe.

14 Umphefumulo womuntu uyamqinisa nxa egula,

kodwa ngubani ongaphila elomoya owephukileyo na?

15 Inhliziyo yabaqedisisayo izuza ulwazi;

indlebe zabahlakaniphileyo ziyakudinga.

16 Isipho siyamvulela indlela ophayo

azuze ithuba lokubonana labakhulu.

17 Ecaleni okhuluma kuqala ubonakala enguye olungileyo,

kuze kuqhamuke omunye ambuzisise.

18 Ukwenza inkatho kuyakuqeda ukulwisana,

kubehlukanise abaxabanayo.

19 Umzalwane owonelweyo

uba lukhuni kulomuzi ohonqolozelweyo,

lezingxabano zinjengamasango enqaba avaliweyo.

20 Isisu somuntu sigcwaliswa yizithelo zomlomo wakhe;

usuthiswa yisivuno sezindebe zakhe.

21 Ulimi lulamandla okuphila lokufa,

njalo labo abaluthandayo bazakudla izithelo zalo.

22 Lowo ozuza umfazi ufumana okuhle,

athole umusa kuThixo.

23 Umyanga uyancenga ukuthi axolelwe,

kodwa isinothi siphendula ngolaka.

24 Umuntu olabangane abanengi ucina kubi,

kodwa kuba khona umngane othembeka okudlula umfowenu.

19

1 Ungcono umyanga ohamba ngobuqotho

kulesiwula esilezindebe ezingcolileyo.

2 Kakulunganga ukutshiseka kodwa ungelalwazi,

loba ukuwalazela uze ulahlekelwe yindlela.

3 Ubuwula bomuntu budiliza impilo yakhe,

ikanti inhliziyo yakhe ithukuthelela uThixo.

4 Inotho iletha abangane abanengi,

kodwa umyanga ufulathelwa ngumngane wakhe weduze.

5 Umfakazi wamanga uthola isijeziso,

lalowo ohutshuza amanga kayikuphunyuka.

6 Banengi abazincengela ukuthandwa ngumbusi,

njalo wonke umuntu ngumngane walowo ophanayo.

7 Umyanga uhlanyukelwa yizihlobo zakhe zonke,

pho abangane bakhe bona bamnina kangakanani!

Lanxa ebancenga kangakanani,

ngeke esabathola.

8 Lowo ozuze ukuhlakanipha uthanda umphefumulo wakhe;

lowo ogogosa ukuzwisisa uyaphumelela.

9 Umfakazi wamanga uthola isijeziso,

njalo lowo ohutshuza amanga uzabhubha.

10 Kakusifanelanga isiwula ukuthi sihlale enothweni

kubi kangakanani ukuthi isigqili sibuse amakhosana.

11 Ukuhlakanipha komuntu kumupha isineke;

kumupha udumo ukunganaki ukuqalwa.

12 Ukuthukuthela kwenkosi kunjengokubhonga kwesilwane,

kodwa ukuthandwa yiyo kunjengamazolo etshanini.

13 Indodana eyisiwula iyamchitha uyise,

lomfazi olenkani

unjengamanzi athonta ephahleni njalonje.

14 Izindlu lenotho yilifa elizuzwa ebazalini,

kodwa umfazi ozwisisayo uvela kuThixo.

15 Ubuvila buletha ubuthongo obukhulu,

njalo umuntu owehluleka ukuzenwaya uyalamba.

16 Lowo olalela izeluleko uvikela impilo yakhe,

kodwa lowo ozedelelayo uzakufa.

17 Olomusa kubayanga upha uThixo,

uzamupha umvuzo ngalokho akwenzayo.

18 Qondisa indodana yakho, ngoba lokho kuzayisiza;

ungabi lengxenye yokuyibulala.

19 Umuntu ololaka oluphuphumayo luyamtshayisa,

ungamlamulela, usuzahlala umlamulela njalo.

20 Lalela ukucetshiswa, wamukele ukuqondiswa,

ngoba ekucineni uzahlakanipha.

21 Inhliziyo yomuntu igcwele amacebo amanengi,

kodwa yisimiso sikaThixo esimayo.

22 Umuntu uloyisa uthando olungaqamukiyo;

kungcono ukuba ngumyanga kulokuba lamanga.

23 Ukumesaba uThixo kuholela ekuphileni:

olakho uhlala esuthisekile, engathintwa yizinhlupheko.

24 Ivilavoxo litshonisa isandla salo emganwini,

liyehluleke ukubuyisa isandla emlonyeni lidle.

25 Thela uswazi isideleli, abathobekileyo bazafunda ukuhlakanipha;

khuza umuntu oqedisisayo, uzazuza ulwazi.

26 Lowo ontshontshela uyise, axotshe unina

yindodana ethelela inhloni lehlazo.

27 Nxa uyekela ukulandela izeluleko, ndodana yami,

uzalahleka utshiye amazwi okwazi.

28 Umfakazi oxhwalileyo uyawudelela umthetho,

lomlomo womubi uminza ububi.

29 Izijeziso zilungiselwe izideleli,

loswazi ngolwemihlane yeziwula.

20

1 Iwayini lenza ukudelela lotshwala buyaxabanisa,

okhohliswa yilezi izinto kahlakaniphanga.

2 Ulaka lwenkosi lunjengokubhonga kwesilwane;

lowo oyizondisayo udela impilo yakhe.

3 Kumupha udumo umuntu ukubalekela ukuxabana,

kodwa iziphukuphuku zonke ziphangisa ukuthenga inkani.

4 Ivila kalilimi ngesikhathi esifaneleyo;

kuthi ngesikhathi sokuvuna liswele amabele.

5 Izifiso zenhliziyo yomuntu zingamanzi azikileyo,

kodwa umuntu ozwisisayo uyazifinyelela.

6 Banengi abathi balothando olungapheliyo,

kodwa ngubani ongamthola umuntu othembekileyo na?

7 Umuntu olungileyo uphila impilo encomekayo;

babusisiwe abantwabakhe abamfuzayo.

8 Inkosi nxa ihlezi esihlalweni sayo isahlulela,

iyakuhlungula konke okubi ngamehlo ayo.

9 Ngubani ongathi, “Ngiyigcinile inhliziyo yami imhlophe;

ngihlanzekile kangilasono?”

10 Izisindo ezitshiyanayo

lezilinganiso ezitshiyanayo uThixo uyakuzonda kokubili.

11 Lomntwana waziwa ngezenzo zakhe,

ngokuthi isimilo sakhe sihle, siqotho.

12 Indlebe ezizwayo lamehlo abonayo

kokubili kwenziwa nguThixo.

13 Ungathandani lobuthongo uzakuba ngumyanga,

hlala uvukile uzakuba lokudla okunengi.

14 “Kubi, kubi!” kutsho umthengi;

esuka lapho usezincoma ngakuthengileyo.

15 Likhona igolide lamatshe aligugu amanengi,

kodwa izindebe ezikhuluma ulwazi zilivelakancane.

16 Thatha isembatho salowo owenzela owezizweni isibambiso;

sigcine nxa ebambisela owesifazane ongaziphathanga.

17 Ukudla okuzuzwe ngenkohliso kumnandi emuntwini,

kodwa kucina sekungathi udla itshebetshebe.

18 Nxa usenza amacebo dinga izeluleko;

nxa usiyahlasela zuza ukuqondiswa.

19 Onyeyayo uyehluleka ukugcina imfihlo,

ngakho yehlukana lomuntu okhuluma angathuli.

20 Nxa umuntu ethuka uyise loba unina,

isibane sakhe sizacinywa abesemnyameni omubi.

21 Ilifa elizuzwa lula ekuqaleni

alilakubusiswa ekucineni.

22 Ungabokuthi, “Lami ngizakulungisa ngalokhu ongenze khona!”

Yekela, uThixo nguye ozakusiza.

23  UThixo uyazizonda izilinganiso eziguquguqulwayo,

njalo kathokoziswa yizikali zokudlelezela.

24 Izinyathelo zomuntu zikhokhelwa nguThixo.

Pho umuntu angayazi kanjani na indlela yakhe?

25 Yikuzithiya ukuthembisa ngokuphangisa ukupha ulutho,

phambili umuntu aphinde azisole ngalesosifungo.

26 Inkosi ehlakaniphileyo iyabahlungula ababi;

iyabahadla njengelitshe lokuchola.

27 Isibane sikaThixo siyawuhlolisisa umphefumulo womuntu;

sihlolisisa ekujuleni kwemibilini yakhe.

28 Uthando lokwethembeka kuyayivikela inkosi;

ngothando isihlalo sayo sobukhosi sivikelekile.

29 Udumo lwamajaha lusemandleni awo,

izimvu zekhanda ziyinkazimulo yabadala.

30 Izidutshulo lamanxeba kugezisa okubi,

lezibhaxulo zihlambulula ingaphakathi.

21

1 Inhliziyo yenkosi isezandleni zikaThixo,

uyiholela lapho athanda khona njengomsele wamanzi.

2 Umuntu ubona kungathi zonke izindlela zakhe zilungile,

kodwa uThixo uhlola inhliziyo.

3 Ukwenza okulungileyo lokufaneleyo

kuyathandeka kuThixo kulomhlatshelo.

4 Amehlo okuzikhukhumeza lenhliziyo ezigqajayo,

okuyikho okukhokhela ababi, konke yizono!

5 Amalungiselelo abakhutheleyo anika umvuzo

njengoba nje amawala eletha ubuyanga.

6 Inotho ezuzwe ngendlela yamanga

iyinkungu ememethekayo lomjibila wokufa.

7 Ukuhlukuluza kwababi kuzabakhukhula,

ngoba bayala ukwenza okulungileyo.

8 Indlela yomuntu olecala iyathubezela,

kodwa ukwenza kongelalo kuqondile.

9 Kungcono ukuhlala ekhulusini lophahla lwendlu

kulokuhlala ndlu yinye lomfazi olomlomo.

10 Umuntu omubi utshisekela ububi;

kalasihawu ngomakhelwane wakhe.

11 Nxa kujeziswa isideleli isithutha sizuza ukuhlakanipha;

nxa ohlakaniphileyo eqondiswa uzuza ulwazi.

12 Olungileyo uyayinanzelela indlu yesigangi

kuthi lesosigangi asibhubhise.

13 Nxa umuntu egcika indlebe zakhe ukuze angezwa ukukhala kwabayanga,

laye uzakuthi esekhala angalalelwa muntu.

14 Isipho esiphiwa ensitha siyaludedisa ulaka,

lesivalamlomo esifihlwe emajazini siyakudedisa ukuthukuthela.

15 Ukwahlulela kuhle kuthokozisa olungileyo

kodwa izigangi kuzitshayisa uvalo.

16 Umuntu ophambuka endleleni yokuzwisisa

ucina esendawonye labafileyo.

17 Lowo othanda ukuzithokozisa uzakuba ngumyanga;

laloba ngubani othanda iwayini lezibondlo ngeke anothe.

18 Ababi baba ngumhlawulelo wabalungileyo,

labangathembekanga bangumhlawulelo wabaqotho.

19 Kungcono ukuhlala enkangala

kulokuhlala lomfazi olenkani lothethayo.

20 Indlu yohlakaniphileyo igcwele amaqubaquba ezibiliboco lamafutha,

kodwa umuntu oyisithutha udla aqede du konke alakho.

21 Lowo odinga ukulunga lothando

uzuza ukuphila, ukuphumelela lodumo.

22 Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo uhlasela umuzi wabalamandla

adilizele phansi inqaba abayithembileyo.

23 Lowo oqaphela umlomo wakhe lolimi lwakhe

uyaziphephisa ezingozini.

24 Umuntu ozigqajayo loyisiqholo ibizo lakhe ngu “Sideleli,”

wenza izinto ngokuziqakisa okukhulu.

25 Izinkanuko zevila yizo ezililimazayo,

ngoba izandla zalo ziyala ukusebenza.

26 Ilanga lonke litshona lifisa okungapheliyo,

kodwa abalungileyo bayapha bengagodli.

27 Umhlatshelo wababi uyisinengiso

kambe mubi kangakanani nxa ulethwa ngenhliziyo embi.

28 Umfakazi wamanga uzabhubha,

kuthi lowo omlalelayo uzabhujiswa lanini.

29 Umuntu omubi utshengisa isibindi samanga,

kodwa umuntu oqotho uyananzelela izenzo zakhe.

30 Akulakuhlakanipha, akulambono, akulacebo

okunganqoba uThixo.

31 Ibhiza liyalungiselelwa usuku lwempi,

kodwa ukunqoba kulawulwa nguThixo.

22

1 Ibizo elihle liyathandeka kulenotho enengi;

ukuhlonitshwa kungcono kulesiliva kumbe igolide.

2 Abanothileyo labayanga bayafanana ngalokhu:

UThixo unguMenzi wabo bonke.

3 Umuntu olengqondo uthi ebona ingozi acatshe,

kodwa isithutha siyaphikelela singena enkathazweni.

4 Ukuzithoba lokwesaba uThixo

kuletha inotho lodumo lokuphila.

5 Endleleni yababi kugcwele ameva lemjibila,

kodwa onanzelela umphefumulo wakhe unqenqela khatshana.

6 Fundisa umntwana indlela amele ahambe ngayo,

kuzakuthi esemdala kayikuphambuka kuyo.

7 Abanothileyo babusa abayanga,

lalowo owebolekayo uyisichaka salowo omebolekayo.

8 Lowo ohlanyele ububi uvuna ukuhlupheka,

njalo uswazi lolaka lwakhe luzakwephulwa.

9 Umuntu ophanayo uzabusiswa,

ngoba wabela abayanga ukudla kwakhe.

10 Xotsha isideleli, lenkani ihle iphume;

ukuxabana lokuthukana kuyaphela.

11 Othanda inhliziyo ehlanzekileyo, onkulumo yakhe ipholile

uzakuba ngumngane wombusi.

12 Amehlo kaThixo ayaluvikela ulwazi

kodwa uyawadiliza amazwi abangathembekanga.

13 Ivilavoxo lithi, “Kulesilwane phandle!

Ngizabulawa ezindleleni!”

14 Umlomo wesifebekazi unjengomgodi otshonayo;

lowo othukwe nguThixo uzawobokela kuwo.

15 Ubuwula bugxilile enhliziyweni yomntwana,

kodwa uswazi lokuqondisa luzabuxotshela khatshana.

16 Lowo oncindezela abayanga ukuze anothe ngabo,

lalowo oncenga abanothileyo ngezipho,

bonke bacina sebengabayanga.

Amazwi Angamatshumi Amathathu Ezihlakaniphi

Ilizwi Lakuqala

17 Lalela uzwe amazwi ezihlakaniphi;

nikela inhliziyo yakho ezifundweni zami,

18 ngoba kuyathokozisa nxa uzigcina enhliziyweni yakho,

uzitsho kalula ngezindebe zakho.

19 Ukuze ithemba lakho lihlale kuThixo,

yikho ngikufundisa lamuhla wena ngokwakho.

20 Kangikulobelanga yini izitsho ezingamatshumi amathathu,

izitsho zokweluleka lolwazi,

21 ezikufundisa amazwi eqiniso athembekileyo,

ukuze ukwazi ukupha impendulo ezilesisindo

kulowo okuthumileyo na?

22 Ungagegeleli abayanga ngoba bengabayanga

njalo ungaphoseli abaswelayo entolongweni,

23 ngoba uThixo uzakuba ngumeli wabo

abahlukuluze labo ababahlukuluzayo.

24 Ungabi ngumngane womuntu ololaka,

ungahambi lomuntu ozonda masinyane,

25 funa ufunde izindlela zakhe

uzingenise emjibileni.

26 Ungabi ngumuntu ophanga ukwenza izithembiso

kumbe onika isibambiso ngezikwelede;

27 ungayiswela inhlawulo

uzakwemukwa noma ngumbheda wakho olala kuwo.

28 Ungasusi ilitshe lakudala elomngcele

elabekwa ngokhokho bakho.

29 Uyambona umuntu oyingcitshi emsebenzini wakhe na?

Uzasebenzela amakhosi;

akayikusebenzela abantukazana.

23

1 Nxa uhlala phansi usidla lombusi,

nanzelela ukuthi kuyini okuphambi kwakho,

2 ungazifaki ingqamu entanyeni

nxa uhugwa yibuhwaba.

3 Ungahawukeli izibiliboco zakhe

ngoba lokho kudla kuyakhohlisa.

4 Ungazihlukuluzi uzigugise ngomsebenzi uzama inotho;

hlakanipha wazi ukuzikhuza.

5 Ungayibona manje inotho, masinyane isinyamalele,

ngoba ngempela izamila impiko

iphaphele emkhathini njengengqungqulu.

6 Ungakudli ukudla komuntu oncitshanayo,

ungazihawukeli izibiliboco zakhe;

7 ngoba yena uhlezi ebalisa ngendleko.

Angathi kuwe, “Dlana unathe,”

kodwa kungasuki enhliziyweni yakhe.

8 Uzakuhlanza okuncane lokho okudlileyo

ube udlalise amazwi akho okubonga.

9 Ungakhulumi lesithutha

ngoba sizakweyisa inhlakanipho yamazwi akho.

10 Ungasusi ilitshe lakudala elomngcele

loba uzithathele amasimu ezintandane,

11 ngoba uMhlengi wazo ulamandla;

uzakuba ngumeli wazo aphikisane lawe.

12 Nikela inhliziyo yakho ekufundisweni

lezindlebe zakho emazwini olwazi.

13 Ungayekeli ukumlaya umntwana;

ukumtshaya ngoswazi akuyikumbulala.

14 Mjezise ngoswazi

ukuze uphephise umphefumulo wakhe ekufeni.

15 Ndodana yami, aluba inhliziyo yakho ihlakaniphile,

inhliziyo yami layo izathokoza;

16 ingaphakathi yami izajabula

lapho izindebe zakho zikhuluma okulungileyo.

17 Inhliziyo yakho mayingahawukeli izoni,

kodwa hlala utshisekela ukwesaba uThixo.

18 Ngeqiniso lihle ikusasa lakho,

lethemba lakho kaliyikucitshwa.

19 Lalela, ndodana yami, uhlakaniphe,

ubeke inhliziyo yakho endleleni elungileyo.

20 Ungahlangani leziminzi zewayini

labazitika ngenyama,

21 ngoba izidakwa lezihwaba ziba ngabayanga,

ukuwozela kwazo kuzembese amadabudabu.

22 Lalela uyihlo owakuletha emhlabeni,

njalo ungeyisi unyoko nxa eseluphele.

23 Thenga iqiniso ungalithengisi;

zuza ukuhlakanipha lokuzikhuza lokuzwisisa.

24 Uyise womuntu olungileyo uyathokoza kakhulu;

lowo olendodana ehlakaniphileyo uyathokoza ngayo.

25 Sengathi uyihlo lonyoko bangathokoza;

sengathi lowo owakuzalayo angajabula!

26 Ndodana yami, ngipha inhliziyo yakho,

amehlo akho ahlale ezindleleni zami,

27 ngoba isifebe singumgodi otshonayo

lomfazi olibele lendlela ungumthombo oyingozi.

28 Uyacathamela njengesigebenga,

andise amadoda angathembekanga.

29 Ngubani ohlaba umkhosi?

Ngubani olosizi na?

Ngubani otshingayo?

Ngubani olensolo na?

Ngubani omahluzuhluzu ngeze?

Ngubani omehlo abomvu gebhu na?

30 Yilabo abalibala ngewayini,

abahamba bedinga inzwisa yewayini elidibanisiweyo.

31 Ungahugwa liwayini ulibona libomvu,

nxa likhazimula enkomitshini,

lapho lisehla kamnandi!

32 Ekucineni liluma njengenyoka

libe lobuhlungu obubulalayo njengenhlangwana.

33 Amehlo akho azabona izinto ezingaqedakaliyo

lengqondo yakho icabange izinto ezididayo.

34 Uzakuba njengomuntu ondendayo phakathi kolwandle,

olele esiqongweni sensika yomkhumbi.

35 Uzakuthi, “Bangitshayile kodwa kangilimalanga!

Bangibethile kodwa kakubuhlungu!

Ngizavuka nini bo ngiyodinga obunye utshwala?”

24

1 Ungabahawukeli abantu abaxhwalileyo,

ungafisi ubungane labo;

2 ngoba ezingqondweni zabo bahlose udlakela,

lezindebe zabo zikhuluma ngokuvusa umsindo.

3 Indlu yakhiwa ngokuhlakanipha,

imiswe ngokuzwisisa;

4 amakamelo ayo agcwaliswe ngolwazi,

agcwaliswe ngemiceciso yakude eligugu.

5 Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ulamandla amakhulu,

njalo umuntu ololwazi uyandisa amandla;

6 ukuthi unqobe empini kufunakala izeluleko,

lokunqoba kudinga abeluleki abanengi.

7 Ukuhlakanipha kuphakeme kakhulu koyisiwula;

enkundleni kalalutho angalukhuluma.

8 Lowo oceba ububi

uzakwaziwa njengomacebomabi.

9 Amacebo obuwula ayisono,

njalo abantu bayasizonda isideleli.

10 Nxa uthikaza ngezikhathi zenhlupheko,

mancinyane kanganani amandla akho!

11 Bahlangule labo abaholelwa ekufeni;

banqande labo abadayizela besiya ekubulaweni.

12 Nxa usithi, “Angithi besingazi lutho ngalokhu,”

kambe lowo ohlola inhliziyo kakuboni lokho na?

Kakwazi lokho yini onguye olinda ukuphila kwakho na?

Akayikuvuza ubani lobani ngakwenzileyo na?

13 Dlana uluju ndodana yami, ngoba lulungile;

uluju olujuluka ekhekhebeni lumnandi luyanambitheka.

14 Yazi njalo ukuthi ukuhlakanipha kumnandi emphefumulweni wakho,

aluba ukuzuza ikusasa lakho lilethemba elihle,

njalo ithemba lakho aliyikudaniswa.

15 Ungacathameli indlu yomuntu olungileyo njengesigebenga,

ungawuhlaseli umuzi wakhe;

16 ngoba loba angaze awe kasikhombisa umuntu olungileyo uyavuka futhi,

kodwa ababi babhazalaliswa yizinhlupheko.

17 Ungathatshiswa yikuwa kwesitha sakho;

nxa sikhubeka ungavumeli inhliziyo yakho ithokoze,

18 ngoba uThixo uzakubona lokho

asole abesepholisa ulaka lwakhe kuso isitha.

19 Ungazikhathazi ngenxa yabantu ababi

loba ubahawukele abaxhwalileyo,

20 ngoba umuntu omubi akalalo ithemba lakusasa,

njalo isibane sezixhwali sizacinywa.

21 Yesaba uThixo lombusi, ndodana yami,

ungangenelani labahlamuki,

22 ngoba laba bobabili bazakwehlisa ulaka lubabhubhise,

ngoba phela ngubani kambe okwaziyo ukubhubhisa abangakwehlisa?

Amanye Amazwi Ahlakaniphileyo

23 La ngamanye amazwi ezihlakaniphi:

Ukwahlulela ngobandlululo kakulunganga:

24 Loba ngubani othi kolecala, “Umsulwa,”

abantu bonke bazamqalekisa

lezizwe zonke zizamhlamukela.

25 Kodwa kuzabalungela labo abamlahlayo olecala,

lezibusiso ezinengi zizabehlela.

26 Impendulo eqotho

injengokwangiwa ezindebeni.

27 Qeda umsebenzi wakho waphandle

ulungise lamasimu akho;

kuthi-ke usuqedile wakhe indlu yakho.

28 Ungafakazi ngokubethela umakhelwane kungelamlandu,

kumbe usebenzise izindebe zakho ukhohlisa.

29 Ungabokuthi, “Ngizakwenza kuye njengoba enze kimi;

ngizahlawulisa ngalokho angenze khona.”

30 Ngedlula ensimini yevilavoxo,

ngedlula esivinini somuntu ongelangqondo;

31 ameva ayesekhula indawo yonke,

indawo yonke isithe phethu ukhula,

lomduli wamatshe usudilikile.

32 Ngakunanzelela konke engangikubona

ngafunda isifundo kulokho engakubonayo:

33 Ukulala okuncane, ukuwozela okuncane,

ukugoqa izandla kancane uphumula,

34 ubuyanga buzafika kuwe njengesela

lokuswela njengesigebenga.

Ezinye Izaga ZikaSolomoni

25

1 Lezi ngezinye njalo izaga zikaSolomoni, ezabhalwa yizinceku zikaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda:

2 Kuyinkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ukufihla indaba;

ukuchwayisisa indaba ludumo lwababusi.

3 Njengalokhu izulu liphakeme lomhlaba ujulile,

kanjalo imicabango yamakhosi kayifinyelelwa.

4 Susa amakhafutha ahlangene lesiliva

umkhandi athole ukulungisa isitsha sihle;

5 susa abantu ababi phambi kwenkosi,

isihlalo sayo sizaqiniswa ngokulunga.

6 Ungaziphakamisi phambi kwenkosi,

ungaziphendleli indawo phakathi kwezikhulu;

7 kuba ngcono ukuthi yona ithi, “Woza uhlale ngapha,”

kulokuthi yona ikwehlise phambi kwezikhulu.

Lokho okubonileyo ngawakho amehlo

8 ungaphangisi ukukubika emthethwandaba,

ngoba uzathini nxa umakhelwane wakho esekuyangisa?

9 Nxa ungaya edale lomakhelwane wakho

ungahambi usuhlabela imfihlo yenu,

10 funa lowo okuzwayo akuyangise

uhlale usungumuntu olebizo elibi.

11 Ilizwi elikhulunywe ngesikhathi esifaneleyo

linjengama-aphula egolide

ananyekwe emcepheni wesiliva.

12 Njengecici legolide kumbe umceciso wegolide elicengiweyo

kunjalo ukukhuza komuntu ohlakaniphileyo, kolalelayo.

13 Njengokuqanda kongqwaqwane ngesikhathi sokuvuna

sinjalo isithunywa esithembekileyo kwabasithumileyo;

sivuselela imiphefumulo yabaphathi baso.

14 Njengamayezi lomoya okungalethi izulu

unjalo umuntu ozikhukhumeza ngamandla angelawo.

15 Ngokubekezela inkosi ingancengwa ize ivume,

lolimi oluthambileyo lungalephula ithambo.

16 Nxa uthole inyosi, dlana okwaneleyo

ungedlulisi amalawulo, uzazihlanza.

17 Ungabi ngunsukuzonke endlini kamakhelwane wakho

uzacina usumdaka abesekuzonda.

18 Unjengesagila loba inkemba kumbe umtshoko obukhali

umuntu ofakaza amanga ngomakhelwane wakhe.

19 Njengezinyo elibuhlungu loba unyawo olwenyeleyo

kunjalo ukweyama emuntwini ongathembekanga

ngesikhathi sokuhlupheka.

20 Njengomuntu okhumula ibhatshi mhla kumakhaza,

loba njengokuthela iviniga phakathi kwesoda

unjalo ohlabelela izingoma emuntwini odabukileyo.

21 Nxa isitha sakho silambile siphe ukudla sidle;

nxa somile siphe amanzi sinathe.

22 Ngokwenza lokho, umokhela amalahle avuthayo ekhanda,

njalo uThixo uzakubusisa.

23 Njengomoya wasenyakatho uletha izulu,

lunjalo ulimi olulobuqili luvusa ulaka.

24 Kungcono ukuhlala ekhulusini lophahla lwendlu

kulokuhlala ndlu yinye lomfazi olomlomo.

25 Njengamanzi aqandayo emuntwini okhatheleyo,

zinjalo izindaba ezimnandi ezivela elizweni elikude.

26 Njengesiziba esidungekileyo loba umthombo ongcolileyo

unjalo umuntu olungileyo odedela umuntu omubi.

27 Kakukuhle ukudla inyosi wedlulise,

njalo kakulasithunzi ukuzidingela ukudunyiswa.

28 Njengedolobho eselidilikelwe ngumthangala walo

unjalo umuntu ongazithintiyo.

26

1 Njengongqwaqwane ehlobo loba izulu ebusika

kanjalo udumo alusifanelanga isiwula.

2 Njengentaka ephaphazelayo loba inkonjane entwezayo,

sinjalo isiqalekiso esingelasizatho kasinamatheli.

3 Isiswebhu ngesebhiza, amatomu ngakababhemi,

loswazi ngolwemihlane yeziwula!

4 Ungabophendula isiwula ngendlela yobuwula baso,

funa ubenjengaso wena ngokwakho.

5 Phendula isiwula ngendlela yobuwula baso,

sizabona kungathi sihlakaniphile.

6 Njengokuziquma inyawo zakho loba ukunatha itshefu,

kunjalo ukuthumela umlayezo ngesiwula.

7 Njengemilenze eqhugezelayo eyomuntu oqhulayo

sinjalo isaga emlonyeni wesiwula.

8 Njengokubophela ilitshe esavutheni

kunjalo ukupha udumo koyisiwula.

9 Njengogatsha lwameva luphethwe yisidakwa

sinjalo isaga emlonyeni wesiwula.

10 Njengomtshoko ociba loba ngubani odlulayo

unjalo oqhatsha isiwula loba umuntu ozedlulelayo.

11 Njengenja ebuyela emahlanzweni ayo

kanjalo isiwula siyabuphinda ubuthutha baso.

12 Uyambona yini umuntu ozibona engohlakaniphileyo?

Kulethemba elingcono ngesiwula kulaye.

13 Ivilavoxo lithi, “Kulesilwane endleleni,

kulesilwane emigwaqweni!”

14 Njengesivalo esitshibilika ngamabhanti aso

kanjalo ivila liphenduka embhedeni walo.

15 Ivilavoxo litshonisa isandla salo emganwini;

livilaphe ukusa isandla emlonyeni lidle.

16 Ivila lizibona lihlakaniphile kakhulu

okwedlula abantu abayisikhombisa abangaphendula ngokuhlakanipha.

17 Njengomuntu odonsa inja ngendlebe

unjalo umuntu othi edlula angenele ingxabano ingesiyakhe.

18 Njengohlanya luphosa izikhuni zomlilo

kumbe imitshoko ebulalayo,

19 injalo indoda ephoxa umakhelwane wayo

ibisisithi, “Bengizidlalela nje!”

20 Nxa kungaselankuni umlilo uyacima;

nxa kungaselakunyeya ukuxabana kuyaphela.

21 Njengamalahle avuthayo loba njengenkuni emlilweni,

unjalo umuntu othanda ingxabano ekuvuseni inkani.

22 Amazwi omuntu onyeyayo anjengezibiliboco;

angena ekujuleni kwenhliziyo yomuntu.

23 Njengesiliva egcotshwe esitsheni sebumba sikhazimule

kunjalo ukuthakazelela kwezindebe zenhliziyo elobubi.

24 Umuntu olenhliziyo embi uvala ngezindebe ezimnandi,

kodwa enhliziyweni yakhe ufihle inkohliso.

25 Loba ukukhuluma kwakhe kumnandi,

kodwa ungaze wamkholwa,

ngoba inhliziyo yakhe igcwele izithuko eziyisikhombisa.

26 Inzondo yakhe angayivala ngobuqili,

kodwa ububi bakhe buzavezwa obala ebantwini.

27 Umuntu angagebha umgodi, uzawela kuwo;

umuntu angagiqa ilitshe,

lizaphenduka ligiqikele phezu kwakhe.

28 Ulimi oluqamba amanga luyabazonda labo olubalimazayo,

lomlomo okhohlisayo uletha incithakalo.

27

1 Ungazincomi ngelakusasa,

ngoba kawukwazi ukuthi liza lithweleni.

2 Yekela omunye akudumise, hatshi owakho umlomo;

akube ngomunye, kungabi ngezakho izindebe.

3 Ilitshe liyasinda, itshebetshebe ngumthwalo onzima,

kodwa ukucatshulwa yisiwula kunzima okudlula kokubili.

4 Ulaka lulolunya lentukuthelo iyagabha,

kambe ngubani ongema phambi komhawu na?

5 Kungcono ukuthukwa obala

kulokuthandwa ngokufihlakeleyo.

6 Ukulinyazwa ngumngane kakwesabeki,

kodwa isitha sikwanga sedlulise amalawulo.

7 Osuthiyo kathakazeleli uluju oluvela ekhekhebeni,

kodwa kolambileyo lokubabayo kunambitheka mnandi.

8 Njengenyoni elahleka esidlekeni sayo,

unjalo umuntu otshiya umuzi wakhe.

9 Amakha lempepha kuletha intokozo enhliziyweni,

lobumnandi bomngane busuka ezelulekweni zakhe eziqinileyo.

10 Ungadeli umngane wakho lomngane kayihlo,

futhi ungayi endlini yomfowenu nxa wehlelwe yizinhlupheko

ungcono umakhelwane eduze kolomfowenu okhatshana.

11 Hlakanipha, ndodana, ulethe intokozo enhliziyweni yami;

lapho ngizakwazi ukumphendula ongeyisayo.

12 Umuntu olengqondo uthi ebona ingozi acatshe,

kodwa isithutha siyaphikelela singena enkathazweni.

13 Thatha isigqoko salowo owenzela owemzini isibambiso;

sigcine njengesithembiso aluba esenzela umfazi ongelasimilo.

14 Uba umuntu evukisa umakhelwane wakhe ngokumnqolonga ekuseni kakhulu,

kuzathiwa uyamqalekisa.

15 Umfazi olenkani

unjengamathonsi angapheliyo mhlana kusina;

16 ukumkhuza kufana lokukhuza umoya

loba lokubamba okulamagcobo ngesandla.

17 Njengensimbi ilola insimbi,

kanjalo indoda ikhaliphisa enye.

18 Lowo onakekela isihlahla somkhiwa uzakudla izithelo zawo,

kuthi lowo olondoloza umqhatshi wakhe abelodumo.

19 Njengamanzi etshengisa ubuso bomuntu,

kanjalo inhliziyo yomuntu itshengisa ayikho khona.

20 UKufa leNcithakalo kakusuthi,

anjalo lamehlo omuntu.

21 Isiliva sincibilikiselwa embizeni imvutho ngeyegolide,

kodwa abantu bahlolwa ngodumo lwabo.

22 Ungaze uchole isiwula elitsheni,

usichole njengamabele ngembokodo

kawusoze ubususe ubuwula baso.

23 Woba leqiniso ukuthi uhlala usazi kuhle isimo sezifuyo zakho,

nanzelela imihlambi yakho;

24 ngoba inotho kayiyikuhlala kokuphela,

lomqhele wobukhosi kawuyikuba ngowezizukulwane zonke.

25 Utshani bungaqunywa kuqalise ukuhluma obunye

kuthi bonke obusikiweyo ezintabeni sebubuthiwe,

26 amawundlu azakupha uboya bezigqoko,

lembuzi zikuphe imali elingana intengo yesiqinti.

27 Uzakuba lochago lwembuzi olunengi

olwakho lolwendlu yakho lusuthise lezinceku zakho.

28

1 Umuntu omubi uyabaleka loba engaxotshaniswa muntu,

kodwa abalungileyo balesibindi njengesilwane.

2 Nxa ilizwe lihlamuka liba lababusi abanengi,

kodwa umuntu ozwisisayo lololwazi ugcina ukuthula.

3 Umbusi oncindezela abayanga

unjengezulu elinengi elikhukhula amabele.

4 Labo abaphikisa umthetho bakhuthaza izigangi,

kodwa labo abawugcinayo bayazenqabela.

5 Abantu ababi kabakuzwisisi ukwahlulela kuhle,

kodwa labo abamdingayo uThixo bayakuzwisisa kakhulu.

6 Ungcono umyanga ohamba ngokulunga

kulesinothi esilezindlela zokungcola.

7 Lowo ogcina umthetho yindodana eqedisisayo,

kodwa umngane wezixhwali uyangisa uyise.

8 Lowo owandisa inotho yakhe ngenzaliso

uyibuthela omunye ozaba lomusa kubayanga.

9 Loba ngubani ongawulaleliyo umthetho,

lemikhuleko yakhe izakuba yisinengiso.

10 Lowo oholela olungileyo endleleni embi

uzawela emjibileni wakhe,

kodwa ongelacala uzakwamukela ilifa elihle.

11 Umuntu onothileyo angazibona ingathi uhlakaniphile,

kodwa umyanga oqedisisayo uhle abone ukuthi kasumuntu.

12 Nxa olungileyo enqoba kulokujabula okukhulu;

kodwa nxa omubi ethatha umbuso abantu bayacatsha.

13 Lowo ofihla iziphambeko zakhe kayikuphumelela,

kodwa lowo ozivumayo azitshiye ufumana umusa.

14 Ubusisiwe umuntu ohlala emesaba uThixo,

kodwa lowo oyenza lukhuni inhliziyo yakhe uwela enkathazweni.

15 Njengesilwane esibhongayo loba ibhele elihlaselayo

unjalo umuntu omubi nxa ebusa abantu abangelamandla.

16 Umbusi oncindezelayo wehluleka ukwahlulela kuhle,

kodwa lowo ozonda inzuzo yokuganga uzakuba lempilo ende.

17 Umuntu odliwa ngumzwangedwa wokubulala omunye

uzaba ngohlala ebaleka aze ayokufa;

akungabi lomuntu omsekelayo.

18 Lowo ompilo yakhe ingelacala uvikelekile,

kodwa ondlela zakhe zixhwalile uzakuwa masinyane.

19 Lowo osebenza nzima emasimini akhe uzathola ukudla okunengi,

kodwa lowo ophika ngezifiso eziyize uzakuba ngumyanga onukayo.

20 Umuntu othembekileyo uzabusiswa ngokuphumelela,

kodwa ogijimela ukunotha kayikuphepha ekujezisweni.

21 Ukubandlulula abantu kakulunganga

ikanti umuntu uyona ukuze azuze ucezu lwesinkwa.

22 Umuntu oncitshanayo utshisekela ukunotha

kodwa kaboni ukuthi unyenyelwa yibuyanga.

23 Lowo okhuza umuntu uzacina esethandeka

kulalowo ololimi olukhohlisayo.

24 Lowo ontshontshela uyise loba unina

athi, “Akusinto embi”

ungumngane lomuntu obhidlizayo.

25 Umuntu olomhawu ubanga ingxabano,

kodwa lowo omethembayo uThixo uzaphumelela.

26 Lowo ozithembayo yena uyisiwula,

kodwa lowo ohamba ngenhlakanipho uvikelekile.

27 Lowo opha abayanga kayikuswela lutho,

kodwa ovala amehlo ingathi kababoni uzuza iziqalekiso ezinengi.

28 Lapho izigangi zisiba yiziphathamandla abantu bayacatsha;

kodwa nxa kusifa izixhwali abalungileyo bayaphumelela.

29

1 Umuntu oqinisa intamo phezu kokukhuzwa kanengi

uzabhujiswa ngesikhatshana kungabi lokuphepha.

2 Lapho kuphumelela abalungileyo abantu bayajabula;

nxa kubusa izixhwali abantu bayabubula.

3 Umuntu othanda ukuhlakanipha uletha intokozo kuyise,

kodwa ohamba lezifebe utshaphaza inotho yakhe.

4 Ngokubusa kuhle inkosi iyaliqinisa ilizwe layo,

kodwa leyo elihaga lezivalamlomo iyalibhidliza.

5 Loba ngubani okhohlisa umakhelwane wakhe

uzendlalela umambule wokuzithiya.

6 Umuntu omubi uthiywa yisono sakhe,

kodwa umuntu olungileyo angahlabela athokoze.

7 Olungileyo uyawananza amalungelo abayanga,

kodwa ababi kabazidubi ngalokho.

8 Izideleli zingalidunga idolobho,

kodwa abantu abahlakaniphileyo bayaludedisa ulaka.

9 Nxa umuntu ohlakaniphileyo esiya emthethwandaba lesiwula,

isiwula siyatshinga sibhede kube lomsindo.

10 Abadinga ukuchitha igazi bayamzonda umuntu oqotho

njalo badinga ukubulala abalungileyo.

11 Isiwula siyalukhihliza lonke ulaka lwaso,

kodwa umuntu ohlakaniphileyo uyazithiba.

12 Nxa umbusi elalela amanga,

zonke izikhulu zakhe ziba zimbi.

13 Umyanga lomncindezeli bakanye kulokhu:

UThixo uvula amehlo abo bobabili.

14 Nxa inkosi isahlulela abayanga kungelabandlululo,

isihlalo sayo sobukhosi sizaqina.

15 Uswazi lokuqondisa lunika ukuhlakanipha,

kodwa umntwana oyekelwayo uhlazisa unina.

16 Nxa ababi bephumelela, lesono laso siyaphumelela,

kodwa abalungileyo bazabawisa.

17 Qondisa indodana yakho, izakupha ukuthula;

izaletha injabulo emphefumulweni wakho.

18 Lapho okungekho khona isambulelo,

abantu badela ukuzithiba;

kodwa ubusisiwe lowo ogcina umlayo.

19 Inceku kayiqondiswa ngamazwi nje wodwa,

loba izwisisa kayiyikukwenza ekutshelwayo.

20 Uyambona umuntu owalazela ukukhuluma?

Kulethemba elingcono esiwuleni kulaye.

21 Umuntu ototoza inceku yakhe isakhula,

leyonceku izamthwalisa nzima ekucineni.

22 Umuntu othukuthelayo udala ingxabano,

kodwa lowo olicaphucaphu wenza izono ezinengi.

23 Ukuzigqaja komuntu kuyamehlisa,

kodwa umuntu ozehlisayo uzuza udumo.

24 Osizana lesela uyazizonda yena;

usezifungise kulo ngakho ngeke afakaze iqiniso.

25 Ukwesaba abantu kuba yizithiyo,

kodwa lowo othemba uThixo uzaphepha.

26 Abanengi bazama ukuzisondeza kumbusi,

kodwa ukwahlulela okuhle kuvela kuThixo.

27 Abalungileyo bayabenyanya abangathembekanga;

abaxhwalileyo bayabenyanya abalungileyo.

Izitsho Zika-Aguri

30

1 Amazwi ka-Aguri indodana kaJakhe, amazwi ahlakaniphileyo:

Umuntu lo wathi ku-Ithiyeli:

“Ngikhathele, Oh Nkulunkulu,

kodwa ngizophumelela.

2 Angilalwazi okudlula bonke abantu;

angilakho ukuzwisisa komuntu.

3 Angikufundanga ukuhlakanipha

njalo kangilalwazi ngaye oNgcwele.

4 Ngubani oseke waya ezulwini waphinda wehla na?

Ngubani oseke wafumbatha umoya ngesandla sakhe na?

Ngubani oseke wagoqela amanzi ngesigqoko sakhe na?

Ngubani omise yonke imikhawulo yomhlaba na?

Lingubani ibizo lakhe, lebizo lendodana yakhe?

Ngitshela nxa usazi!

5 Wonke amazwi kaNkulunkulu akalamposiso;

uyisihlangu kulabo abacatsha kuye.

6 Ungengezeleli emazwini akhe,

funa akukhuze akwenze umqambimanga.

7 Zimbili izinto engizicela kuwe, Oh Thixo;

ungangincitshi zona ngingakafi:

8 Susa kimi inkohliso lamanga;

ungangiphi ubuyanga loba inotho,

kodwa ungiphe kuphela ukudla kwami kwansukuzonke.

9 Phela ngingaba lokunengi kakhulu ngikuphike wena

ngithi, ‘Ungubani uThixo?’

loba ngibengumyanga ngintshontshe;

ngalokho ngiliyangise ibizo likaNkulunkulu wami.

10 Ungahlebi inceku enkosini yayo,

ngoba izakuqalekisa ungene enkathazweni.

11 Bakhona abathuka oyise,

abangababusisiyo onina;

12 labo abazibona belungile

ikanti kabahlambululwanga emanyaleni abo;

13 labo abamehlo abo ahlezi egcwele ulaka,

abakhangela ngokudelela;

14 labo omazinyo abo zinkemba,

omihlathi yabo inanyathiselwe izingqamu

ukuze baginye abayanga baphele emhlabeni,

labaswelayo abaphakathi kwabantu.

15 Umkhaza ulamadodakazi amabili;

ayamemeza athi, ‘Siphe! Siphe!’

Zintathu izinto ezingasuthiyo,

zine ezingakaze zithi, ‘Sekwanele!’:

16 lingcwaba

yisisu senyumba,

lomhlabathi ongasuthiyo amanzi,

lomlilo ongezukufa wathi, ‘Sekwanele!’

17 Ilihlo elihleka uyise,

elidelela ukulalela unina,

lizakotsholwa ngamawabayi asesigodini,

lizadliwa ngamanqe.

18 Kukhona izinto ezintathu ezingimangalisayo kakhulu,

ezine engingazizwisisiyo:

19 indlela yengqungqulu emkhathini,

umzila wenyoka edwaleni,

indlela yomkhumbi olwandle,

lendlela yejaha lentombi.

20 Le yindlela yesiphingikazi:

siyadla sesule umlomo waso

besesisithi, ‘Angenzanga lutho olubi.’

21 Zintathu izinto ezizamazamisa umhlaba,

zine ongeke uzithwale:

22 yinceku ebayinkosi,

yisiwula esisuthiyo,

23 ngumfazi owendileyo ongathandwayo,

lencekukazi ethathela inkosikazi indoda.

24 Kukhona emhlabeni izinto ezine ezincinyane,

ikanti-ke zihlakaniphile kakhulu:

25 Ubunyonyo kabulamandla anganani,

kodwa buyabuthelela ukudla kwabo ehlobo;

26 lezimbila ziyizidalwa ezilamandla angatsho lutho,

kodwa zenza izikhundla zazo ezingoxweni zamadwala;

27 izintethe kazilankosi,

kodwa zihamba ziludibi olwesabekayo;

28 umbankwa ungabanjwa ngesandla,

kodwa ungena lasezigodlweni zamakhosi.

29 Kulezinto ezintathu ezihamba zinqekuza kamnandi,

zine ezihamba zibeka kamnandi:

30 yisilwane, esilamandla esabekayo phakathi kwezilo, esingabalekeli lutho;

31 liqhude eliditshazelayo,

yimpongo,

njalo lenkosi nxa ihanqwe libutho layo.

32 Nxa ube yisithutha waziphakamisa,

kumbe nxa wakhe amacebo okwenza okubi,

vala umlomo wakho ngesandla sakho.

33 Ngoba njengokuphehla uchago kudala iphehla,

lanjengoba ukugubha amakhala kubanga umungula,

kunjalo ukuvusa ulaka kudala ingxabano.”

Izitsho Zenkosi ULemuweli

31

1 Amazwi enkosi uLemuweli, amazwi enhlakanipho awafundiswa ngunina:

2 Oh, ndodana yami! Oh ndodana yethumbu lami!

Oh, ndodana yezifungo zami,

3 ungadlalisi amandla akho ebafazini,

izifutho zakho kulabo abadiliza amakhosi.

4 Kakusikho kwamakhosi, bakithi Lemuweli

kakusikho kwamakhosi ukunatha iwayini,

kakusikho kwababusi ukunxwanela utshwala,

5 funa badakwe bakhohlwe izimiso zomthetho,

behluleke ukumisela kuhle abahluphekayo amalungelo abo.

6 Phana utshwala kulabo abavele sebezifele,

iwayini kulabo abalosizi olukhulu;

7 kabanathe bakhohlwe ubuyanga babo

bakhohlwe nya usizi lwabo.

8 Bamele labo abehlulekayo ukuzikhulumela,

uwamele amalungelo alabo abangelalutho.

9 Khuluma njalo wahlulele ngokulunga;

alwele amalungelo abayanga labaswelayo.

Amazwi okuphetha: Umfazi Oncomekayo

10 Ngubani na ongathola umfazi olesimilo?

Uligugu elidlula kakhulu amatshe amahle.

11 Indoda yakhe iyamthemba ngokupheleleyo

njalo kayisweli lutho oluqakathekileyo.

12 Uyenzela okuhle, hatshi okubi,

empilweni yakhe yonke.

13 Uyakhetha kuhle iwulu lesikusha

akweluke kuhle ngezandla ezikhutheleyo.

14 Unjengemikhumbi yabathengisi,

eletha ukudla okuvela kude.

15 Uvuka ekuseni kusesemnyama;

alungisele abomuzi wakhe ukudla

abele lezincekukazi zakhe.

16 Uyayihlolisisa insimu mandulo kokuyithenga;

ngalokho akuzuzayo uyahlanyela isivini sakhe.

17 Uwubamba ngokukhuthala umsebenzi wakhe;

aqinise izingalo zakhe emsebenzini.

18 Uyananzelela ukuthi ukuthengisa kwakhe kulenzuzo,

lokuthi isibane sakhe kasicimi ebusuku.

19 Uphatha uluthi lokuphotha ngesandla sakhe

abesebamba ngeminwe yakhe isigudugudu sokweluka.

20 Welulela izandla zakhe kubayanga

njalo ulezandla ezilula kwabaswelayo.

21 Lapho kukhithika ungqwaqwane, kalakwesaba ngabendlu yakhe;

ngoba bonke bagqoke ezibomvu.

22 Wendlala amalembu ombheda wakhe;

agqoke ilineni elihle lezigqoko eziyibubende.

23 Indoda yakhe iyahlonitshwa enkundleni

lapho efika ihlale khona ndawonye labadala belizwe.

24 Uthunga izigqoko zelineni azithengise,

abathengi bemigaxo bayizuza kuye.

25 Wembethe amandla lesithunzi;

uyahleka loba kusiza insuku ezimbi.

26 Ukhuluma ngenhlakanipho,

lezeluleko eziqondileyo zisolimini lwakhe.

27 Unqinekela ezomuzi wakhe

njalo kadli isinkwa sobuvila.

28 Abantwabakhe bayambonga bathi ubusisiwe;

lendoda yakhe layo iyamdumisa ithi,

29 “Banengi abafazi abenza izimangaliso zobuhle,

kodwa wena uyabedlula bonke.”

30 Ukubukeka kuyakhohlisa, lobuhle buyaphela;

kodwa umfazi owesaba uThixo kadunyiswe.

31 Kaphiwe umvuzo wobuhle abenzayo,

imisebenzi yakhe imlethele udumo enkundleni.

UMtshumayeli

1

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10

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12

UMtshumayeli

1

Konke Kuyize

1 Amazwi oMtshumayeli, indodana kaDavida inkosi yaseJerusalema:

2 “Ize! Ize!”

kutsho uMtshumayeli.

“Ize elipheleleyo!

Konke kuyize.”

3 Umuntu uzuzani ngawo wonke umsebenzi wakhe awusebenza nzima

ngaphansi kwelanga?

4 Izizukulwane ziyafika, izizukulwane ziyedlula,

kodwa umhlaba umi lanini.

5 Ilanga liyaphuma njalo ilanga liyatshona,

liphinde liphange libuyele lapho eliphuma khona.

6 Umoya uphephethela eningizimu

ujike uye enyakatho;

uyabhoda, ubhode njalo

ujinge ubuyela endleleni yawo.

7 Zonke izifula zigelezela olwandle,

kodwa ulwandle kalugcwali.

Endaweni lapho izifula ezidabuka khona

zicina zibuyela khona njalo.

8 Zonke izinto ziyadina,

lokho okungelandiswe muntu.

Ilihlo kalidinwa yikubona,

lendlebe layo kayigcwali ngokuzwa.

9 Lokho okwake kwaba khona kuzakuba khona njalo;

okwake kwenziwa kuzakwenziwa njalo;

akulalutho olutsha ngaphansi kwelanga.

10 Kukhona yini umuntu angathi ngakho,

“Khangela! Lolulutho lutsha?”

Selwake lwaba khona ngaphambili, kudala;

lwalukhona singakabi khona.

11 Kayikho imikhumbulo ngabantu bakudala,

njalo lalabo abezayo abayikukhunjulwa

yilabo abalandelayo.

Ukuhlakanipha Kuyize

12 Mina Mtshumayeli, ngangiyinkosi yako-Israyeli eJerusalema. 13 Ngazinikela ekufundeni lokudingisisa ngolwazi konke okwenziwayo ngaphansi kwezulu. Unzima kangakanani umthwalo uNkulunkulu awethese abantu! 14 Sengizibonile zonke izinto ezenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga; zonke kazitsho lutho, kuyikuxotshana lomoya.

15 Okutshileneyo kungaze kwaqondiswa;

okungekho kungaze kwabalwa.

16 Ngacabanga ngedwa ngathi, “Khangela, sengikhulile njalo kwanda ukuhlakanipha kwami okudlula bonke asebake babusa eJerusalema ngaphambi kwami; sengibe lakho ukuhlakanipha okukhulu lolwazi.” 17 Ngasengizimisela ukuzwisisa ukuhlakanipha, njalo lokuphambana ingqondo lobuwula, kodwa ngafunda ukuthi lokhu lakho kuyikuxotshana lomoya.

18 Phela ngokwanda kokuhlakanipha kuyanda lokukhathazeka;

ukwandisa ulwazi yikwandisa usizi.

2

Ukuzithokozisa Kakusizi Lutho

1 Ngacabanga ngenhliziyo ngathi, “Kulungile, ake ngizame ukuzithokozisa ngibone ingabe kuhle yini.” Kodwa lokho lakho kwakhanya kuyize. 2 Ngathi, “Ukuhleka kuyibuthutha. Ukuzithokozisa khona kusizani?” 3 Ngazama ukuzithabisa ngewayini, ngisenza ubuwula kodwa ingqondo yami ilokhu ingikhokhela ngokuhlakanipha. Ngangifuna ukubona ukuthi kuyini okumlungeleyo umuntu ukuthi akwenze lapha ngaphansi kwezulu ngezinsukwana lezo zokuphila kwakhe.

4 Ngaqalisa imisebenzi emikhulu: ngazakhela izindlu ngahlanyela amavini. 5 Ngasungula izivande lezigcawu zokubukwa ngahlanyela kuzo yonke imihlobo yezihlahla lezithelo. 6 Ngenza iziziba zamanzi okuthelela izihlahla ezazikhula kuhle. 7 Ngathenga izigqili zesilisa lezesifazane, ngilezinye futhi izigqili ezazalelwa emzini wami. Ngaba lemihlambihlambi yenkomo lezimvu okwedlula bonke abake babakhona eJerusalema ngaphambi kwami. 8 Ngabuthelela isiliva legolide, kanye lempahla yamakhosi eligugu ivela ezigodini. Ngazidingela abahlabeleli besilisa labesifazane, lesithembo esikhulu, khona okujabulisa inhliziyo yendoda. 9 Ngaba mkhulu ngokwedluleyo kulaloba ngubani owaba seJerusalema ngaphambi kwami. Phakathi kwayo yonke inyakanyaka le ukuhlakanipha kwami kwahlala kukhona.

10 Angizincitshanga lutho olwalufiswa ngamehlo ami;

inhliziyo yami angiyalelanga layiphi intokozo.

Inhliziyo yami yathokoza ngawo wonke umsebenzi wami,

lokhu kwaba ngumvuzo wezithukuthuku zami.

11 Kanti lanxa ngahlolisisa konke okwenziwa yizandla zami

lalokho engangibhensela ukukuzuza,

konke kwakuyize, yikuxotshana lomoya;

kwakungela nzuzo ngaphansi kwelanga.

Ukuhlakanipha Lobuwula Kuyize

12 Ngasengigxilisa imicabango yami ekuhlolisiseni ukuhlakanipha,

njalo lobuhlanya kanye lobuwula.

Kambe angenzani othatha isikhundla senkosi

ngaphandle kwalokho obekuvele sekwenziwe?

13 Ngabona ukuhlakanipha kungcono kulobuwula,

njengokukhanya kungcono kulomnyama.

14 Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ulamehlo ekhanda,

ikanti isiwula sihamba ebumnyameni;

kodwa ngacina sengibona

ukuthi isiphetho sabo bonke sinye.

15 Ngasengicabanga enhliziyweni yami ngathi,

“Isiphetho sesiwula sizangehlela lami.

Pho, ngizuzani ngokuhlakanipha?”

Ngathi ngenhliziyo yami,

“Lokhu lakho kuyize.”

16 Ngoba umuntu ohlakaniphileyo, njengesiwula,

akazukukhunjulwa kokuphela;

ngezinsuku ezizayo bobabili bazakhohlakala.

Njengesiwula, umuntu ohlakaniphileyo laye uzakufa!

Ukusebenza Nzima Kuyize

17 Yikho-ke ngasengikuzonda ukuphila, ngoba umsebenzi owenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga wawubuhlungu kimi. Wonke uyize, yikuxotshana lomoya. 18 Ngazizonda zonke izinto engangiziginqele ngaphansi kwelanga, ngoba ngimele ngitshiyele lowo oza ngemva kwami. 19 Njalo ngubani owaziyo ingabe uzakuba ngumuntu ohlakaniphileyo loba isiwula? Kodwa nguye ozalawula wonke umsebenzi wamaginqo ami lobungcitshi bami. Lokhu lakho kuyize. 20 Ngalokho inhliziyo yami yaqalisa ukuphela amandla ngikhumbula konke lokho engakuginqelayo ngaphansi kwelanga. 21 Ngoba umuntu angenza umsebenzi wakhe ngokuhlakanipha, ngolwazi langamasu, kodwa utshiyela konke alakho komunye ongazange akusebenzele. Lokhu lakho kuyize, kungumnyama. 22 Umuntu uzuzani ngakho konke ukusebenza nzima langokutshikatshika kabuhlungu lapha emhlabeni? 23 Ubuhlungu umsebenzi wakhe awenzayo kuzozonke insuku zokuphila kwakhe; kwala kanye lebusuku umkhumbulo wakhe kawuphumuli. Lokhu lakho kuyize.

24 Akukho okungcono emuntwini ngaphandle kokuthi adle, anathe njalo azuze ukusuthiseka ngomsebenzi wakhe. Lokhu lakho ngiyakubona ukuthi kuvela kuNkulunkulu, 25 ngoba ngaphandle kwakhe ngubani ongadla kumbe azuze intokozo? 26 Kulowo omthokozisayo uNkulunkulu umupha ukuhlakanipha, ulwazi lokuthaba, kodwa koyisoni umupha umsebenzi wokuqoqa lokulonda inotho ukuze ayiphe lowo othokozisa uNkulunkulu. Lokhu lakho kuyize, yikuxotshana lomoya.

3

Konke Kulesikhathi Sakho

1 Zonke izinto zilesikhathi sazo,

konke okwenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga kulesibanga sakho:

2 isikhathi sokuzalwa lesikhathi sokufa,

isikhathi sokuhlanyela lesikhathi sokusiphuna,

3 isikhathi sokubulala lesikhathi sokuphilisa,

isikhathi sokubhidliza lesikhathi sokwakha,

4 isikhathi sokukhala lesikhathi sokuhleka,

isikhathi sokulila lesikhathi sokugida,

5 isikhathi sokuchithiza amatshe lesikhathi sokuwabutha,

isikhathi sokugona lesikhathi sokunina,

6 isikhathi sokudinga lesikhathi sokukhalala,

isikhathi sokugcina lesikhathi sokulahla,

7 isikhathi sokudabula lesikhathi sokuthunga,

isikhathi sokuthula lesikhathi sokukhuluma,

8 isikhathi sokuthanda lesikhathi sokuzonda,

isikhathi sempi lesikhathi sokuthula.

9 Umuntu osebenzayo uzuzani na ngokusadalala kwakhe? 10 Sengiwubonile umthwalo uNkulunkulu awethese abantu. 11 Yonke into uyenze yabanhle ngesikhathi sayo. Wamupha umuntu iphakade enhliziyweni yakhe; kodwa abantu bangeke bafinyelele kulokho uNkulunkulu asakwenzayo kwasekuqaleni kusiya ekupheleni. 12 Ngiyakwazi ukuthi kakukho okungcono ebantwini kulokuthi bajabule njalo benze okuhle besaphila. 13 Ukuthi wonke umuntu adle, anathe asuthiseke ekusebenzeni kwakhe gadalala, lokhu kuyisipho sikaNkulunkulu. 14 Ngiyazi yonke into eyenziwa nguNkulunkulu izakuba khona kokuphela; akulalutho olungengezwa kukho loba kususwe kukho. UNkulunkulu uyenza lokho ukuze abantu bamkhonze.

15 Loba yini ekhona seyake yaba khona,

kulalokho okuzakuba khona sekwaba khona ngaphambili;

njalo uNkulunkulu uzakubalisa okwedlulayo.

16 Njalo ngabona okunye ngaphansi kwelanga:

endaweni yokwahlulela, ububi babukhona,

endaweni yokulungisa, ububi babukhona.

17 Ngacabanga ngenhliziyo yami,

“UNkulunkulu uzabehlulela

bonke abalungileyo lababi,

ngoba sizaba khona isikhathi sezenzakalo zonke,

isikhathi sawo wonke umsebenzi.”

18 Ngacabanga njalo ngathi, “UNkulunkulu uyabahlola abantu ukuze babone ukuthi banjengezinyamazana. 19 Isiphetho somuntu siyafana lesezinyamazana; isiphetho sinye sibalindele bonke: njengoba lokhu kuyafa, kanjalo lokunye kuyafa. Konke kokubili kulomphefumulo munye; umuntu kangcono kulenyamazana. Konke kuyize. 20 Konke kuya ndawo yinye; konke kuvela othulini, yikho konke kubuyela othulini. 21 Ngubani owaziyo ingabe umphefumulo womuntu uyakhwela uye phezulu kuthi owenyamazana wehlele phansi phakathi emhlabathini?”

22 Yikho ngabona ukuthi kakukho okungcono emuntwini ngaphandle kokuthi akholise umsebenzi wakhe ngoba leso yiso isabelo sakhe. Ngoba kambe ngubani ongamenza ukuthi abone lokho okuzakwenzakala yena esedlule?

4

Ukuhlupheka, Ukusebenza Nzima, Ukuswela Umngane

1 Ngakhangela njalo ngabona konke ukuncindezelwa okwakukhona ngaphansi kwelanga:

Ngabona inyembezi zabancindezelwayo

babengelabaduduzi;

amandla ayekulaba abancindezelayo

abalaye umduduzi.

2 Ngangifakaza ukuthi abafileyo,

abavele sebefile,

bayathokoza kulabaphilayo,

abalokhu besaphila.

3 Kodwa okungcono kulakho kokubili

ngulowo ongakabikhona,

ongakaboni ububi

obenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga.

4 Ngasengibona ukuthi konke ukusebenza lokuphumelela konke kuvela emhawini womuntu ngomakhelwane wakhe. Lokhu lakho kuyize, kuyikuxotshana lomoya.

5 Isiwula sigoqa izandla zaso

sidilize impilo yaso.

6 Kungcono isandla esisodwa esigcweleyo silokuthula

kulezandla ezimbili ezingagcwalanga ezilomtshikatshika

lokuxotshana lomoya.

7 Njalo ngabona okunye okuyize ngaphansi kwelanga:

8 Kwakulendoda eyayiyodwa zwi;

yayingelandodana loba umfowabo.

Yayisebenza gadalala ingaphumuli,

kodwa amehlo ayo ayengasuthiswa yinotho yayo.

Yabuza yathi, “Ngiginqela bani kangaka,

njalo kungani ngizincitsha intokozo?”

Lokhu lakho kuyize

umsebenzi othelela usizi!

9 Ababili bangcono kuloyedwa,

ngoba balomvuzo obonakalayo ngomsebenzi wabo.

10 Omunye angawa,

umngane wakhe uyamncedisa amvuse.

Kodwa maye lowomuntu owayo

kungelamuntu ongamsiza amvuse!

11 Njalo nxa ababili belala ndawonye bazakhudumezana.

Kanti umuntu angakhudumala kanjani eyedwa na?

12 Loba umuntu engehlulwa nxa eyedwa,

ababili bangazivikela.

Intambo elemicu emithathu kayiqamuki lula.

Ukuphiwa Isikhundla Kuyize

13 Lingcono ijaha elingumyanga kodwa lihlakaniphile kulenkosi endala eyisiwula eyalayo ukwamukela izixwayiso. 14 Ijaha lelo kungabe ngeliphuma ejele libe yinkosi, loba lingelazalelwa ebuyangeni elizweni lalowombuso. 15 Ngabona ukuthi bonke ababephila behamba ngaphansi kwelanga balilandela lelojaha elathatha isikhundla sobukhosi. 16 Amakhosi la (endala lencinyane) kungabe ayelodumo elandelwa ngabantu abanengi abangelakubalwa. Kodwa izizukulwane ezilandelayo azimthandanga lowo owathatha ubukhosi. Lokhu lakho kuyize, yikuxotshana lomoya.

5

Mesabe UNkulunkulu

1 Qaphela izinyathelo zakho nxa usiya endlini kaNkulunkulu. Sondela ulalele kulokuthi wenze imihlatshelo yeziwula ezingaziyo ukuthi ziyona.

2 Ungawalazeli ngomlomo wakho,

ungabi lephaphu

uphange uthembise kuNkulunkulu.

UNkulunkulu usezulwini

ikanti wena usemhlabeni,

ngakho kawabe malutshwana amazwi akho.

3 Njengephupho elifika nxa kulezinkathazo ezinengi,

injalo inkulumo yesiwula nxa ilamazwi amanengi.

4 Nxa usenza isifungo kuNkulunkulu, ungaphuzi ukusigcwalisa. Kathokozi ngeziwula; gcwalisa isifungo sakho. 5 Kungcono ukungafungi kulokwenza isifungo ungabe usasigcwalisa. 6 Ungavumeli umlomo wakho ukungenise esonweni. Njalo ungatshingeli isithunywa sethempelini usithi, “Isifungo sami besiyisiphosiso.” UNkulunkulu angakuthukuthelelani lokho okutshoyo abesebhidliza umsebenzi wezandla zakho na? 7 Ukuphupha kanengi lamazwi amanengi kuyize. Ngakho mesabe uNkulunkulu.

Inotho Iyize

8 Nxa ubona abayanga esiqintini bencindezelwa, bencitshwa ukwahlulelwa okuhle kanye lamalungelo, ungamangaliswa yilezozinto; ngoba phela induna nganye ikhangelwe ngomunye ongaphezu kwayo, kuthi ngaphezu kwabo bonke kube labanye njalo abangaphezulu. 9 Inala elizweni ngeyomuntu wonke; inkosi ngokwayo ithola inzuzo ngalokho okuvela emasimini.

10 Lowo othanda imali akaneliswa yiloba yimalini;

lowo othanda inotho akasuthiswa yilokho akuzuzayo.

Lokhu lakho kuyize.

11 Nxa inotho isanda,

bayanda lalabo abayisebenzisayo.

Imsiza ngani umniniyo

ngaphandle kokuyithapha ngamehlo nje kuphela?

12 Bumnandi ubuthongo besisebenzi,

loba sisidla okuncane loba okunengi,

kodwa isinothi

asilali ngenxa yenotho yaso.

13 Sengibone ububi obudanisayo ngaphansi kwelanga:

ubuhaga ngenotho okulimaza umnikazi,

14 loba inotho esuke yachitheka ngomnyama othile,

okuthi nxa umuntu elendodana

ayisayikuthola lutho.

15 Umuntu uphuma esiswini sikanina engelalutho,

njengokufika kwakhe ubuyela enjalo.

Kazuzi lutho olusuka emsebenzini wakhe

angaluphatha ezandleni zakhe.

16 Lobu labo yibubi obudanisayo:

Njengokufika kwakhe, umuntu uzabuyela enjalo,

ngakho uzuzani,

njengoba esebenza esadalalela umoya?

17 Zonke insuku zakhe udlela emnyameni,

ekhathazekile, ehluphekile, ezondile.

18 Ngasengibona ukuthi kuhle kuqondile ukuthi umuntu adle njalo anathe, njalo azuze ukusuthiseka ekutshikatshikeni kwakhe ngomsebenzi ngaphansi kwelanga ngalezonsuku ezilutshwane ezokuphila uNkulunkulu asamuphe zona ngoba lesi yisabelo sakhe. 19 Kunjalo futhi ukuthi nxa uNkulunkulu esipha umuntu inotho lempahla, amvumele ukuthi akholise ngazo, emukele isabelo sakhe athokoze emsebenzini wakhe, lesi yisipho sikaNkulunkulu. 20 Kahlali ekhumbula ngezinsuku zempilo yakhe ngoba uNkulunkulu umenza ahlale ngenjabulo enhliziyweni.

6

1 Sengibone obunye ububi ngaphansi kwelanga engibona ukuthi bunzima kakhulu ebantwini: 2 UNkulunkulu upha umuntu inotho lempahla lodumo ukuze angasileli lutho oluloyiswa yinhliziyo yakhe, kodwa uNkulunkulu kamniki amandla okuthi azikholise lezozinto, zikholiswa ngowemzini. Lokhu kuyize, ububi obudanisayo.

3 Umuntu angaba labantwana abalikhulu aphile okweminyaka eminengi; ikanti loba angaze aphile kanganani kodwa nxa engeke akholise inotho yakhe njalo angangcwatshwa ngendlela eqondileyo, ngithi umphunzo ungcono kulaye. 4 Ufika ungasilutho, unyamalale emnyameni lebizo lawo liphelele emnyameni. 5 Loba lowomphunzo ungazange ulibone ilanga loba wazi ulutho usekuphumuleni okungcono kulalowomuntu 6 loba angaze aphile okweminyaka eyinkulungwane iphindwe kabili kodwa angaze akholisa inotho yakhe. Kabayi ndawonye bonke na?

7 Yonke imizamo yomuntu iya emlonyeni wakhe,

kodwa iphango lakhe kaligcwali.

8 Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ungcono ngani kulesiwula?

Umuntu ongumyanga uzuzani

ngokwazi ukuziphatha kuhle phambi kwabanye na?

9 Kungcono okubonwa lilihlo

kulokuhwaywa liphango.

Lokhu lakho kuyize,

yikuxotshana lomoya.

10 Loba yini ekhona seyavele yethiwa ibizo,

laloba yini umuntu ayiyo yona kuvele sekusaziwa;

akulamuntu ongaphuthumana

lomunye olamandla kulaye.

11 Ngokwanda kwamazwi

siyancipha lesisindo sawo;

pho kumsiza ngani umuntu?

12 Kambe ngubani okwaziyo okulungele umuntu ekuphileni kwakhe ngensuku ezimbalwa ezingatsho lutho adlula kuzo njengethunzi na? Ngubani ongamtshela okuzakwenzeka ngaphansi kwelanga yena esedlule?

7

Inhlakanipho

1 Ibizo elihle lingcono kulamakha amnandi,

lelanga lokufa lingcono kulelanga lokuzalwa.

2 Kungcono ukuya endlini yesililo

kulokuya endlini yamadili,

ngoba ukufa kuyisiphetho somuntu wonke;

abaphilayo kabakunanzelele lokho.

3 Usizi lungcono kulokuhleka,

ngoba ubuso obudanileyo buyayisiza inhliziyo.

4 Inhliziyo yabahlakaniphileyo isendlini yokulila,

kodwa inhliziyo yeziwula isendlini yokuzithokozisa.

5 Kungcono ukulalela izixwayiso zomuntu ohlakaniphileyo

kulokulalela ingoma yeziwula.

6 Njengokuchachamba kwameva ngaphansi kwembiza,

lunjalo uhleko lweziwula.

Lokhu lakho kuyize.

7 Ukuqilibezela kwenza ohlakaniphileyo abe yisiwula,

lesivalamlomo siyayona inhliziyo.

8 Isiphetho sendaba singcono kulokuqala kwayo,

lokubekezela kungcono kulokuqinisa intamo.

9 Ungaphangisi ukufuthelana ngaphakathi,

ngoba ulaka luhlezi lugonwe yiziwula.

10 Ungaze wathi, “Kungani insuku zayizolo zazingcono kulalezi?”

Ngoba kakukuhle ukubuza imibuzo enjalo.

11 Ukuhlakanipha, njengelifa, kuyinto enhle

njalo kuyabasiza bonke abaphilayo.

12 Ukuhlakanipha kuyisiphephelo

njengoba imali iyisiphephelo,

kodwa ubungcono bolwazi yilobu:

ukuthi ukuhlakanipha kuyayilondoloza impilo yalowo olakho.

13 Nakana ngalokho uNkulunkulu akwenzayo:

Ngubani ongakuqondisa

lokho akwenze kwagoba na?

14 Ngezikhathi konke kukuhle, thokoza;

kodwa ngezikhathi zobubi, cabanga ukuthi:

uNkulunkulu ukwenzile lokhu

kanye lalokhuyana njalo.

Ngakho-ke umuntu ngeke akwazi

ukuthi ikusasa lakhe lizakuba yini.

15 Kuyonale impilo yami eyize sengizibonile izinto lezi zombili:

umuntu olungileyo uyafa elungile enjalo,

lomuntu omubi uba lempilo enhle emubi enjalo.

16 Ungalungi wedlulise,

futhi ungabi lokuhlakanipha okweqileyo

kambe uzibulalelani na?

17 Ungaxhwali okudlulisileyo,

njalo ungabi yisiwula

kambe ufelani singakafiki isikhathi sakho?

18 Kuhle ukuthi uthi ubambe lokhu

ungayekeli uphunyukwe ngokunye.

Umuntu owesaba uNkulunkulu kedlulisi amalawulo.

19 Ukuhlakanipha kwenza umuntu ohlakaniphileyo oyedwa abe lamandla

kulababusi abalitshumi edolobheni.

20 Akulamuntu loyedwa olungileyo emhlabeni

owenza okulungileyo ongazake enze isono.

21 Ungaphiki ngokulalela wonke amazwi akhulunywa ngabantu,

funa uzwe inceku yakho ikuthuka

22 ngoba uyakwazi enhliziyweni yakho

ukuthi wena ngokwakho uyawubathuke abanye.

23 Konke lokhu ngakuhlolisisa ngokuhlakanipha ngathi,

“Ngizimisele ukuhlakanipha”

kodwa lokhu kwakungaphezu kwami.

24 Ukuhlakanipha okungabe kukhona,

kukhatshana kakhulu njalo kuzikile kakhulu:

ngubani ongakufinyelela na?

25 Ngasengibeka ingqondo yami ukuthi ngizwisise,

ngidingisise njalo ngichwayisise ukuhlakanipha kanye lesimo sezinto

lokuzwisisa ubuphukuphuku bokuxhwala

lobuhlanya lobuwula.

26 Ngibona ukuthi uyingozi eyedlula ukufa

umfazi ongumjibila,

onhliziyo yakhe iyisithiyo

njalo ozandla zakhe zingamaketane.

Indoda eyesaba uNkulunkulu izaphepha kuye,

kodwa isigangi uzasihilela.

27 Uthi uMtshumayeli, “Khangela, nanku esengikunanzelele:

Ngihlanganisa lokhu lalokhu ngizama ukubona isimo sezinto

28 ngilokhu ngisachwayisisa

kodwa ngingatholi

ngafumanisa indoda eyodwa elungileyo kwabayinkulungwane,

kodwa ngitsho loyedwa umfazi oqondileyo kubo.

29 Yilokhu kuphela esengikufumene:

UNkulunkulu wamenza umuntu wabaqotho,

kodwa abantu basuka bazenzele okwabo.”

8

1 Ngubani onjengomuntu ohlakaniphileyo na?

Ngubani oyaziyo ingcazelo yezinto na?

Ukuhlakanipha kuyabukhanyisa ubuso bomuntu

njalo kuguqula ukunyukubala kwabo.

Hlonipha Inkosi

2 Ngithi hlonipha umlayo wenkosi ngoba wenza isifungo phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 3 Ungawalazeli ukusuka phambi kwenkosi. Ungalumeli ulutho nxa lungaqondanga ngoba yona ingenza loba yini eyithandayo. 4 Njengoba ilizwi lenkosi lingaphikiswa ngubani ongathi kuyo, “Kanti wenzani?”

5 Lowo ohlonipha imilayo yayo akayikwehlelwa ngokubi,

lenhliziyo ehlakaniphileyo iyasazi isikhathi lendlela yokwenza.

6 Ngoba into yonke ilesikhathi esiqondileyo lendlela yokwenza eqondileyo,

lanxa umuntu eyabe esindwa yizinkathazo zakhe.

7 Njengoba kungekho muntu olaziyo ikusasa,

ngubani pho ongamtshela okuzayo na?

8 Njengoba kungelamuntu olamandla phezu komoyo ovunguzayo

Akulamuntu olamandla phezu kosuku lwakhe lokufa.

Njengoba ibutho lingakhululwa ngesikhathi sempi,

kunjalo ukuxhwala akuyikubakhulula labo abaphila ngakho.

9 Konke lokhu ngakubona lapho ngangihlolisisa ngengqondo yami konke okwenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga. Kukhona isikhathi lapho umuntu aphatha khona abanye ngochuku kanti uyazilimaza yena. 10 Ngabona njalo ababi bengcwatshwa, labo ababehlala befika bahambe endaweni engcwele bazuze udumo kulelodolobho ababeganga khona. Khona lakho kuyize.

11 Nxa isigwebo secala singenziwanga masinyane, abantu basuka bacabange ukuqhubeka ngokuganga kwabo. 12 Loba umuntu ogangileyo engenza amacala alikhulu ajinge aphile okwesikhathi eside, ngiyazi ukuthi kuzakuba ngcono kulabo abamesabayo uNkulunkulu, abazithobayo kuNkulunkulu. 13 Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi izixhwali kazimesabi uNkulunkulu, kakuzukuzilungela, lezinsuku zazo kaziyukweluleka njengesithunzi.

14 Kukhona njalo enye into eyize eyenzakalayo emhlabeni: abantu abalungileyo abazuza okufanele ababi, labantu ababi abazuza okufanele abalungileyo. Ngithi lokhu lakho kudida ingqondo. 15 Ngakho-ke ngikhuthaza ukuzithokozisa empilweni ngoba kakukho okungcono emuntwini ngaphansi kwelanga kulokuzitika, unathe, uthokoze. Lapho-ke injabulo izahlala injalo kuye emsebenzini wakhe zonke insuku zokuphila kwakhe aziphiwe nguNkulunkulu lapha emhlabeni.

16 Ngathi ngibeka ingqondo yami ekwazini ukuhlakanipha lokunanzelela imisebenzi yabantu emhlabeni, umuntu engalali imini lobusuku, 17 ngasengibona konke uNkulunkulu akwenzileyo. Kakho ongaqedisisa okwenzakalayo ngaphansi kwelanga. Loba umuntu ohlakaniphileyo angazitshaya owaziyo, kodwa angeke akuqedisise.

9

Isiphetho Sinye Kubo Bonke

1 Yikho ngakucabanga konke lokhu ngabona ukuthi abalungileyo labahlakaniphileyo labakwenzayo kusezandleni zikaNkulunkulu, kodwa kakho owaziyo ingabe ulindelwe luthando langabe yinzondo. 2 Bonke balesiphetho sinye, abaqondileyo labaxhwalileyo, abalungileyo lababi, abahlambulukileyo labangcolileyo, abenza imihlatshelo labangayenziyo.

Njengoba kunjalo emuntwini olungileyo,

kunjalo lakoyisoni;

njengoba kunjalo kwabenza izifungo,

kunjalo lakulabo abesaba ukuzenza.

3 Lobu yibo ububi obuvelela zonke izinto ngaphansi kwelanga: Konke kulesiphetho sinye. Njalo inhliziyo zabantu zigcwele izibozi futhi kulokubheda phakathi kwazo nxa besaphila, ikanti emva kwakho konke baya kwabafileyo. 4 Loba ngubani olethemba nxa esahlezi kwabaphilayo, yebo kambe phela inja ephilayo ingcono kulesilwane esifileyo!

5 Ngoba abaphilayo bayakwazi ukuthi bazakufa,

kodwa abafileyo kabazi lutho;

kabaselawo omunye umvuzo,

ngitsho lokukhumbula ngabo kuyaphela.

6 Uthando lwabo, inzondo yabo

lomona wabo sekwedlula nya;

nini lanini kabasayikuba lengxenye

loba kukuphi okwenzakalayo ngaphansi kwelanga.

7 Hamba nje uyezidlela ukudla kwakho uchelesile, unathe iwayini lakho ngenhliziyo emhlophe, ngoba uNkulunkulu usakuvumele okwamanje. 8 Gqoka ezimhlophe ngezikhathi zonke, ugcobe ikhanda lakho ngamafutha. 9 Kholisa impilo lomfazi wakho omthandayo kuzozonke insuku zale impilo eyize uNkulunkulu akunike yona ngaphansi kwelanga, zonke insuku zakho eziyize. Phela lesi yiso isabelo sakho empilweni phakathi kokutshikatshika kwakho ngaphansi kwelanga. 10 Lokho isandla sakho esingakwenza kwenze ngamandla akho wonke, ngoba engcwabeni lapho oya khona akusetshenzwa, akulakulungiselela, kakulalwazi kumbe ukuhlakanipha.

11 Ngikubonile okunye njalo ngaphansi kwelanga:

Ukutshiya abanye kakuyi ngesiqubu

kumbe ukunqoba impi kuye ngamandla;

kakutsho ukuthi ukudla kuya kwabahlakaniphileyo

kumbe inotho kwabakhaliphileyo

loba okuhle kwehlele abafundileyo;

kodwa kuya ngesikhathi langenhlanhla kubani lobani.

12 Futhi kakho owaziyo ukuthi isikhathi sakhe sizafika nini:

Njengezinhlanzi ezigolwa kabuhlungu ngamambule

loba izinyoni zibanjwa esifini,

kanjalo abantu bafikelwa yizikhathi ezimbi

ezibafikela belibele.

Kungcono Ukuhlakanipha Kulobuwula

13 Ngaphinda ngabona ngaphansi kwelanga lesisibonelo sokuhlakanipha esagxila engqondweni yami: 14 Kwake kwaba khona idolobho elincinyane elalilabantu abalutshwana kulo. Kwasuka inkosi elamandla yalihlasela, yalihonqolozela yakha amadundulu amakhulu okuvimbezela. 15 Kulelodolobho kwakuhlala indoda ethile engesulutho kodwa ihlakaniphile, ngakho yawusindisa umuzi lowo ngokuhlakanipha kwayo. Kodwa kakho loyedwa owaphinde wayikhumbula leyondoda eyayingebani. 16 Yikho-ke ngasengisithi, “Ukuhlakanipha kungcono kulamandla.” Kodwa ukuhlakanipha komuntukazana kuyeyiswa lamazwi akhe akasanakwa.

17 Amazwi apholileyo abahlakaniphileyo afanele alalelwe

ngcono kulokumemeza kombusi weziwula.

18 Ukuhlakanipha kungcono kulezikhali zempi,

umoni oyedwa uyabuchitha bonke ubuhle.

10

1 Njengoba impukane ezifele phakathi kwamakha ziwenza anuke kubi,

kunjalo lobuwula obuncinyane bugabhela ukuhlakanipha lodumo.

2 Inhliziyo yolungileyo ikhungathekela ekulungeni,

kodwa inhliziyo yesiwula ikhungathekela ebubini.

3 Loba ehamba nje emgwaqweni

oyisiwula kalangqondo,

utshengisa loba ngubani ubuphukuphuku bakhe.

4 Aluba umbusi ekuthukuthelela,

ungasuki esikhundleni sakho;

ukuthobeka kungathoba umonakalo obungaba khona.

5 Bukhona ububi esengibubonile ngaphansi kwelanga,

kuliphutha elenziwa ngumbusi:

6 Iziwula ziphakanyiselwa ezikhundleni ezinengi eziphezulu,

kodwa abanothileyo belezikhundla eziphansi.

7 Sengibone izichaka zigade amabhiza,

kuthi amakhosana ahambe ngezinyawo njengezichaka.

8 Lowo ogebha umgodi angawela kuwo;

odiliza umduli angalunywa yinyoka.

9 Oqhekeza amatshe angalinyazwa yiwo;

obanda inkuni angaba sengozini yazo.

10 Lapho ihloka libuthundu

ubukhali balo bungalolwanga,

kudingeka amandla amanengi

kodwa ubungcitshi buyaphumelelisa.

11 Nxa inyoka ihle ilume ingakalunjwa,

umlumbi kaselanzuzo.

12 Amazwi aphuma emlonyeni wesihlakaniphi amnandi,

kodwa isiwula sichithwa yizindebe zaso.

13 Ekuqaleni amazwi aso ayibuwula;

ekucineni aseyikuwumana okubi

14 njalo isiwula sanda ngamazwi.

Kakho okwaziyo okuzayo

ngubani ongamazisa okuzakwenzakala ngemva kwakhe na?

15 Umtshikatshika wesiwula uyasidinisa;

kasiyazi indlela eya edolobheni.

16 Maye kuwe, wena lizwe onkosi yalo yayiyisichaka,

amakhosana akho azitika ngamadili ekuseni.

17 Ubusisiwe wena, wena lizwe onkosi yalo izalwa esikhosini

amakhosana alo adla ngezikhathi eziqondileyo

edlela ukuqina hatshi ukudakwa.

18 Nxa indoda ilivila intungo ziyabhensa;

nxa izandla zayo ziyekethisa indlu iyavuza.

19 Idili lenzelwa ukujabula,

lewayini lenza impilo ibe mnandi,

kodwa imali yiyo impendulo yakho konke.

20 Ungayithuki inkosi lasemicabangweni yakho,

loba uqalekise abanothileyo loba usendlini yakho yokulala,

ngoba mhlawumbe inyoni yasemoyeni ingawathwala amazwi akho,

loba inyoni ephaphayo ingayabika okutshoyo.

11

Isinkwa Emanzini

1 Phosela isinkwa sakho phezu kwamanzi,

ngoba ngemva kwensuku ezinengi uzasifumana futhi.

2 Yabela abayisikhombisa, yebo abayisificaminwembili,

ngoba kawuwazi umonakalo ongehlela elizweni.

3 Nxa amayezi ethwele, anisa izulu emhlabathini.

Aluba isihlahla singawela eningizimu loba enhla,

silala khonapho esiwele khona.

4 Lowo onanzelela umoya kayikuhlanyela;

lowo okhangela amayezi akazukuvuna.

5 Njengoba ungayazi indlela yomoya,

loba ukubunjwa komzimba esiswini sikanina,

yikho ungeke uzwisise umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu,

uMenzi wezinto zonke.

6 Hlanyela inhlanyelo yakho ekuseni,

kuthi ntambama uphumuze izandla zakho,

ngoba kawukwazi okuzaphumelela,

kumbe yilokhu loba yilokhuyana,

langabe kokubili kuzalunga ngokufananayo.

Khumbula UMenzi Wakho UseseMutsha

7 Ukukhanya kumnandi,

njalo kuhle emehlweni ukubona ilanga.

8 Umuntu angaze aphile iminyaka emingaki,

kayikholise yonke.

Kodwa makakhumbule insuku zobumnyama,

ngoba zizabe zizinengi.

Konke okuzakuza kuyize.

9 Jabula nsizwa usesemutsha,

uvumele inhliziyo yakho ikuthokozise ensukwini zobutsha bakho.

Landela izindlela zenhliziyo yakho

lakho konke amehlo akho akubonayo,

kodwa yazi ukuthi ngenxa yazo zonke lezizinto

uNkulunkulu uzakumisa ekwahlulelweni.

10 Ngakho-ke, susa ukukhathazeka enhliziyweni yakho

ulahlele kude inhlupheko zomzimba wakho,

ngoba ubutsha lamadlabuzane kuyize.

12

1 Khumbula uMdali wakho

ngezinsuku zobutsha bakho,

kungakafiki insuku zokuhlupheka

njalo kusondele leminyaka

lapho ozakuthi,

“Angizuzi kuthokoza kuyo”

2 andubana ilanga lokukhanya

kanye lenyanga lezinkanyezi kufiphale,

lamayezi achitheke

ngemva kwezulu;

3 lapho abalindi bendlu

bezathuthumela,

amadoda aqinileyo akhokhobe,

labacholi batshiye umsebenzi

ngoba sebebalutshwana,

kuthi labalunguzayo ngamawindi

sebebona lufifi;

4 lapho iminyango ephumela emigwaqweni isivaliwe

lomsindo wokuchola usufiphala;

lapho abantu besethuswa yikukhala kwenyoni,

lezingoma zazo zincipha;

5 lapho abantu sebesesaba izindawo eziphakemeyo

lezingozi emigwaqweni;

lapho isihlahla se-alimondi sesiqhakaza

lentethe isihamba ngokuzihudula nje

njalo kungasekho ukulangazelela.

Lapho-ke umuntu usesiya ekhaya lakhe

laphakade njalo abalilayo

bagcwale emigwaqweni.

6 Mkhumbule intambo yesiliva ingakaqamuki,

kumbe umganu wegolide ungakabhidlizwa;

lodiwo lungakahlikizwa emthonjeni,

loba ivili lephulwe emgodini wamanzi,

7 kuthi umhlabathi ubuyele emhlabathini

lapho owavela khona,

lomphefumulo ubuyele kuNkulunkulu

onguye owawuphayo.

8 “Ize! Ize!” kutsho uMtshumayeli,

“Konke kuyize!”

Isiphetho Sendaba

9 UMtshumayeli wayehlakaniphile, njalo esabela abantu ulwazi. Wazidla ingqondo wadingisisa wamisa kuhle izaga ezinengi. 10 UMtshumayeli wadingisisa ukuze azuze amazwi ayiwonawona, kwathi-ke konke akulobayo kwaqonda njalo kuliqiniso.

11 Amazwi abahlakaniphileyo anjengenswazi zokwethusa izimvu, izitsho zabo eziqoqiweyo zinjengezipikili ezibethelwe zatshona, zivela kuMalusi munye. 12 Limuka, ndodana yami, loba kuyini okudlula lapho.

Ukulotshwa kwezincwadi ezinengi akulamkhawulo, njalo ukufunda kakhulu kuhlukuluza umzimba.

13 Manje-ke konke sekuzwakele;

nansi isiphetho sendaba:

Mesabe uNkulunkulu ugcine imiyalo yakhe,

ngoba lo yiwo wonke umlandu womuntu.

14 Ngoba uNkulunkulu uzazahlulela zonke izenzo,

lalokho okufihliweyo

loba kuhle loba kubi.

Ingoma

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Ingoma Yezingoma

1

1 Ingoma yezingoma kaSolomoni.

Umlobokazi

2 Kangange ngezangiwo zomlomo wakhe

ngoba uthando lwakho lumnandi kulewayini.

3 Limnandi iphunga lamagcobo akho;

ibizo lakho linjengamakha atheliweyo.

Yikho izintombi zikuthanda kangaka!

4 Ngithatha uhambe lami, kasiphangise!

Inkosi kayingingenise endlini yayo.

Abangane

Siyathokoza njalo siyajabula ngawe;

sizalubabaza uthando lwakho okudlula iwayini.

Umlobokazi

Kabazenzi ukuba bakuthande!

5 Ngimnyama kodwa ngiyabukeka,

lina madodakazi aseJerusalema

ngimnyama okwamathente aseKhedari,

okwamakhetheni amathente kaSolomoni.

6 Linganginyonkolozi ngoba ngimnyama,

ngimnyama ngenxa yokutshiswa lilanga.

Abanewethu bangizondela

bangenza umlindi wesivini;

angabe ngisanaka esami isivini.

7 Akungitshele, wena engikuthandayo,

uyelusela ngaphi imihlambi yezimvu zakho

lokuthi ziphumula ngaphi izimvu zakho emini?

Kungani ngisiba njengomfazi ombozileyo eceleni

kwemihlambi yabangane bakho na?

Abangane

8 Nxa ungazi, wena omuhle okudlula bonke abesifazane,

landela umkhondo wezimvu

udlisele amazinyane embuzi zakho

eduze lamathente abelusi.

Umyeni

9 Sithandwa sami, ngikufanisa lebhiza elisikazi

elibotshwe enqoleni kaFaro.

10 Izihlathi zakho zinhle ngokuceciswa,

intamo yakho ngobuhlalu obucazimulayo.

11 Sizakwenzela amacici egolide,

ebalazwe ngesiliva.

Umlobokazi

12 Khonapho inkosi isetafuleni

amakha ami enadi alanquza iphunga lawo elimnandi.

13 Kimi isithandwa sami sinjengemfuko yemure

ithe khoxo phakathi kwamabele ami.

14 Kimi isithandwa sami sinjengelixha lempoko zehena

eliphuma esivinini se-Eni-Gedi.

Umyeni

15 Bakithi, umuhle njani sithandwa sami!

Ngeqiniso umuhle!

Amehlo akho angamajuba.

Umlobokazi

16 Umuhle ngempela, sithandwa sami!

Bakithi, uyabukeka!

Umbheda wethu butshani obuluhlaza tshoko.

Umyeni

17 Izinsika zendlu yethu ngezomsedari

lezintungo ngezefire.

2

Umlobokazi

1 Ngililuba laseSharoni,

imbali yasezigodini.

Umyeni

2 Njengembali phakathi kwameva

sinjalo isithandwa sami phakathi kwezintombi.

Umlobokazi

3 Njengesihlahla se-aphula phakathi kwezihlahla zeganga

sinjalo isithandwa sami phakathi kwamajaha.

Kumnandi kimi ukuhlala emthunzini waso,

lezithelo zakhe ziyahlabusa kimi.

4 Useke wangisa endlini yedili,

lophawu lwakhe kimi luthando.

5 Ngiqinisani ngamavini awonyisiweyo,

lingivuselele ngama-aphula,

ngoba sengiyathiswa luthando.

6 Ingalo yakhe yobunxele ngiyiqamele,

kuthi ingalo yakhe yokunene ingigonile.

7 Madodakazi aseJerusalema,

ngiyaliqonqosela

ngezimpala langezimpalakazi zeganga.

Lingalunyakazisi loba liluvuse uthando

luze luzifunele lona.

8 Zwanini! Yisithandwa sami!

Khangelani! Nansi siyeza,

siseqa ezintabeni

siqolotsha emaqaqeni.

9 Isithandwa sami sinjengempala loba ithole lomziki.

Khangela! Nansiyana simi ngale komduli wakwethu,

sikhangele sibona emawindini,

silunguza ngezimbotshana.

10 Isithandwa sami sakhuluma sathi kimi,

“Sukuma, sithandwa sami,

wena omuhle, woza sihambe.

11 Khangela! Ubusika sebudlulile;

isikhathi sezulu sesidlule.

12 Amaluba asebonakala emangweni;

isikhathi sokuhlabelela kwezinyoni sesifikile,

ukukhala kwamajuba

sekuzwakala elizweni lakithi.

13 Umkhiwa usuthela izithelo zawo zakuqala;

amavini aqhakazayo aseletha iphunga elimnandi.

Sukuma, woza sithandwa sami;

wena omuhle wami, woza sihambe.”

Umyeni

14 Juba lami elisezingoxweni zedwala,

ekusithekeni kwamawa entaba,

akungitshengise ubuso bakho,

akungizwise ilizwi lakho;

ngoba limnandi ilizwi lakho,

lobuso bakho buyabukeka.

15 Sibambeleni amakhanka,

amakhanka amancinyane

onayo ezivinini,

izivini zethu esezithela.

Umlobokazi

16 Isithandwa sami ngesami lami ngingowakhe;

uzithokozisa ngoba phakathi kwamaluba.

17 Akuze kube emadabukakusa

lapho kunyamalala khona izithunzi,

phenduka sithandwa sami,

ube njengempala

loba njengegogo elisengumntwana

phezu kwezintaba ezilamakhelekethe.

3

1 Ubusuku bonke ngisembhedeni wami

ngamdinga lowo othandwa yinhliziyo yami;

ngamdinga kodwa kangimfumananga.

2 Sengivuka manje ngizulazule phakathi kwedolobho,

emigwaqweni lasemagcekeni alo;

ngizalibhudula ngidinga othandwa yinhliziyo yami.

Kanjalo ngamdinga kodwa angaze ngamthola.

3 Abalindi bangifica belokhu

benquma phakathi kwedolobho.

“Like lambona yini lowo othandwa yinhliziyo yami?”

4 Ngathi ngisedlula kubo

ngabe ngimbona othandwa yinhliziyo yami.

Ngambamba angaze ngamyekela ukuba ahambe

ngaze ngamletha endlini kamama,

endlini yakhe lowo owangizalayo.

5 Madodakazi aseJerusalema, ngiyaliqonqosela

ngezimpala langezimpalakazi zeganga.

Lingalunyakazisi loba liluvuse uthando

luze luzifunele lona.

6 Ngubani lo ozayo eqhamuka enkangala

kungathi yisikhatha sentuthu,

eziqhole ngamakha emure lenhlaka eyenziwe

ngemihlobo yonke yezinongo zomthengisi?

7 Khangela! Yinqola kaSolomoni,

isekelwe ngamabutho angamatshumi ayisithupha,

angabathenjwa abayinqaba ko-Israyeli,

8 bonke begqize izinkemba enqulwini,

bonke sebake bazilwa izimpi,

ngulowo lalowo inkemba yakhe eceleni kwakhe,

elungele ukuhlatshwa komkhosi ebusuku.

9 Inkosi uSolomoni yazenzela inqola leyo;

yayenza ngezigodo zeLebhanoni.

10 Imijabo yayo yayenza ngesiliva,

isisekelo sayo yasenza ngegolide.

Isihlalo sayo yasithungela ilembu eliyibubende

ingaphakathi yayo yaceciswa ngothando

ngamadodakazi aseJerusalema.

11 Phumani phandle madodakazi aseZiyoni,

libone iNkosi uSolomoni ithwele umqhele,

umqhele ewetheswa ngunina mhla welanga atshada ngalo,

ilanga inhliziyo yakhe yathokoza ngalo.

4

Umyeni

1 Kayisibuhle bakho, sithandwa sami!

Awu, ayisibuhle, bakithi!

Amehlo akho embeswe liveli, angamajuba.

Inwele zakho zinjengomhlambi wembuzi

zisehla entabeni iGiliyadi.

2 Amazinyo akho anjengomhlambi wezimvu zisanda kugundwa,

zivela geziswa yileyo ihamba laleyo efanana layo;

kayikho ethe qekele yodwa.

3 Izindebe zakho zinjengozwezwe olubomvu;

muhle umlomo wakho.

Izihlathi zakho ezembeswe liveli lakho

ezinjengephomegranathi elidatshulwe phakathi.

4 Intamo yakho injengomphotshongo wokulinda kaDavida,

owakhiwa waba muhle kakhulu;

kulengiswe kuwo amahawu ayinkulungwane,

wonke angamahawu amaqhawe.

5 Amabele akho omabili anjengamazinyane amabili,

njengamaphahla amazinyane empala

adla utshani phakathi kwezimbali.

6 Nxa kusesemadabukakusa

izithunzi zingakabaleki emuntwini,

ngizakuya entabeni yemure

laseqaqeni lwamakha amnandi.

7 Umuhle kakhulukazi, ntokazi yami;

kakulanto engenhle kuwe.

8 Woza, mlobokazi wami, sisuke eLebhanoni,

woza sisuke eLebhanoni.

Yehla emaweni ase-Amana,

wehle esiqongweni saseSeniri, isiqongo seHemoni,

ezimbalwini zezingonyama

lezintabeni okuhlala ingwe kuzo.

9 Uyithumbile inhliziyo yami, dadewethu, mlobokazi wami;

uyithumbile inhliziyo yami

ngokungithi jeqe ngamehlo akho,

langengqongqo elilodwa lobuhlalu bakho.

10 Luthokozisa kanganani uthando lwakho,

dadewethu, mlobokazi wami!

Lumnandi kakhulu kulewayini,

lephunga lamakha akho

kulawo wonke amafutha!

11 Izindebe zakho ziconsa ubumnandi njengoluju, mlobokazi wami;

uchago loluju kungaphansi kolimi lwakho.

Iphunga lezivunulo zakho

linjengeleLebhanoni.

12 Uyisivande esibiyelweyo, dadewethu, mlobokazi wami;

ungumthombo obiyelweyo,

lesiphethu esihuqelweyo sagcikwa.

13 Izilimo zakho ziyisivande samaphomegranathi

alezithelo ezinhle zilehena lenadi,

14 inadi lesafuroni,

ikhalamu lesinamoni,

lemihlobo yonke yezihlahla zempepha,

imure lenhlaba lazozonke iziyoliso zekhethelo.

15 Uyisiphethu sesivandeni,

umthombo ogeleza amanzi

ugeleza usehla eLebhanoni.

Umlobokazi

16 Vuka moya wenyakatho,

woza moya weningizimu!

Phephetha esivandeni sami,

ukuze amakha aso agcwale indawo yonke.

Akuthi isithandwa sami size esivandeni saso

sikholise izithelo zaso zekhethelo.

5

Umyeni

1 Sengingenile esivandeni sami, dadewethu, mlobokazi wami;

sengiyibuthile imure yami lesiyoliso sami.

Sengizidlile inhlanga zami loluju lwami;

sengiyinathile iwayini yami lochago lwami.

Abangane

Dlanini, bangane, linathe;

nathani lizidele, lina zithandani.

Umlobokazi

2 Ngalala kodwa inhliziyo yami ivukile.

Zwana! Isithandwa sami siyaqoqoda:

“Ngivulela, dadewethu, sithandwa sami,

juba lami, wena ongelasiyinga.

Ikhanda lami ligcwele amazolo,

inwele zami zilobumanzi bobusuku.”

3 Sengisikhulule isigqoko sami

ngisigqoke futhi na?

Sengizigezile inyawo zami

ngibuye ngizingcolise futhi na?

4 Isithandwa sami sangenisa isandla saso embotsheni yomnyango;

inhliziyo yami yagubhazela ifuna sona.

5 Ngavuka ngayasivulela isithandwa sami,

izandla zami zijuluka imure,

iminwe yami igeleza imure,

phezu kwezibambo zekhiye.

6 Ngasivulela isithandwa sami,

kodwa isithandwa sami sasesisukile, sasesihambile.

Inhliziyo yami yadangala ngoba sesihambile.

Ngasithalaza kodwa ngasiswela.

Ngasimemeza kodwa kasisabelanga.

7 Abalindi bangibona

ngesikhathi bebhodabhoda, behlola idolobho.

Bangitshaya bangilimaza;

bangihlubula bathatha ibhatshi lami,

labobalindi bemiduli!

8 Lina madodakazi aseJerusalema, ngiyaliqonqosela

nxa lisithola isithandwa sami lizasitshelani?

Sitsheleni ukuthi mina sengiyathiswa luthando.

Abangane

9 Isithandwa sakho singcono ngani kulezinye izithandwa

wena omuhle okudlula bonke abesifazane?

Singcono ngani isithandwa sakho kulezinye

osungaze usiqonqosele kangaka?

Umlobokazi

10 Isithandwa sami siyakhazimula sincwaba,

siyabonakala laphakathi kwezinkulungwane ezilitshumi.

11 Ikhanda laso liligolide elicengwe kakhulu;

inwele zaso ziyibulembu,

zimnyama okwewabayi.

12 Amehlo aso anjengamajuba

esezifuleni ezilamanzi,

agezwe ngochago,

amiswa njengamatshe engcebo.

13 Izihlathi zaso zinjengendima yeziyoliso

ezilephunga lamakha.

Izindebe zaso zinjengezimbali,

ziconsa imure.

14 Izingalo zaso yimiqwayi yegolide

elixutshwe ngekhrisolithe.

Umzimba waso unjengophondo lwendlovu olulolongiweyo

lwaceciswa ngamasafire.

15 Imilenze yaso yizinsika zelitshe

eliqinileyo elibutshelezi

elimiswe ezisekelweni zegolide elicengekileyo.

Isithombo saso sinjengeLebhanoni,

njengemisedari yakhona eyebanga laphezulu.

16 Umlomo waso uyibumnandi qobo lwabo;

siyabukeka ngokupheleleyo.

Lesi yiso isithandwa sami, yena umngane wami,

we madodakazi aseJerusalema.

6

Abangane

1 Sesiye ngaphi isithandwa sakho

wena omuhle kulabo bonke abesifazane?

Siqonde ngaphi isithandwa sakho

ukuze sikudingise sona?

Umlobokazi

2 Isithandwa sami sehlele ngesivandeni saso,

endimeni yamaluba eziyoliso,

ukuzulazula ezivandeni

lokuqunta izimbali.

3 Ngingowaso isithandwa sami, laso singesami;

uzithokozisa ngoba phakathi kwamaluba.

Umyeni

4 Umuhle, sithandwa sami, njengeThiza,

uthandeka njengeJerusalema,

ulesithunzi njengamabutho ephethe uphawu lwempi.

5 Susa amehlo akho kimi;

angihubula igwebu.

Inwele zakho zinjengomhlambi wembuzi

zisehla eGiliyadi.

6 Amazinyo akho anjengomhlambi wezimvu

zivela geziswa

yileyo ihamba laleyo efanana layo;

akula ehamba yodwa.

7 Izihlathi zakho ezivalwe liveli lakho

zinjengezingxenye zesithelo sephomegranathi.

8 Kungabe kukhona amakhosikazi angamatshumi ayisithupha,

labanye abafazi beceleni abangamatshumi ayisificaminwembili,

lezintombi ezipheleleyo ezingelakubalwa;

9 kodwa ijuba lami, opheleleyo wami, wehlukene,

nguye yedwa kunina,

uyintandokazi yalowo owamzalayo.

Izintombi zambona zathi ubusisiwe;

amakhosikazi labafazi beceleni bambabaza.

Abangane

10 Ngubani lo oqhamuka njengokusa,

omuhle njengenyanga, okhazimula njengelanga,

olobukhosi njengezinkanyezi ziludwendwe?

Umyeni

11 Ngehlela esivandeni esilezithelo ezilenkelo

ngisiyabona amahlumela esigodini,

ngisiyabona ingabe amavini ayesenunkula yini

langabe amaphomegranathi ayeseqhakazile na.

12 Ngisalibele nje

isifiso sami sangibeka ezinqoleni zobukhosi ezabantu bakithi.

Abangane

13 Phenduka, phenduka, wena mShulamithi;

phenduka, phenduka, ukuze sikubuke!

Umyeni

Liyabe limbukelani umShulamithi

kungathi libuka umgido kaMahanayimi?

7

1 Zinhle kakhulu inyawo zakho emanyathelweni,

awu ndodakazi yenkosana!

Amathebe mahle anjengamatshe aligugu,

ingathi abunjwa kuhle yingcitshi.

2 Inkaba yakho yindingilizana yesiphathelo esihle

esihlala sigcwele iwayini elixutshiweyo.

Ukhalo lwakho luyinqunjana yengqoloyi

ezingelezwe yizimbali.

3 Amabele akho anjengamazinyane amabili,

njengamaphahla empala.

4 Intamo yakho injengomphotshongo wempondo zendlovu.

Amehlo akho ayiziziba zeHeshibhoni

eduze lesango laseBhathi Rabhimi.

Impumulo yakho injengomphotshongo waseLebhanoni

ukhangele eDamaseko.

5 Ikhanda lakho lingumqhele kuwe njengentaba iKhameli.

Inwele zakho zingumceciso wobukhosi;

inkosi ithunjiwe ngamagoda azo.

6 Wamuhle bantu njalo uyathokozisa,

wena sithandwa, ngezintokozo zakho!

7 Uluthi lwakho luthe klwi, njengesihlahla sephamu,

lamabele akho anjengelixha lezithelo.

8 Ngathi, “Ngizakhwela esihlahleni sephamu;

ngizaziphatha lezozithelo zalo.”

Sengathi amabele akho angaba njengamaxha evini,

amakha okuphefumula kwakho abe njengama-aphula,

9 lomlomo wakho ube njengewayini elidlula wonke.

Umlobokazi

Sengathi iwayini lelo lingaya kusithandwa sami,

ligeleze kakuhle ezindebeni lasemazinyweni.

10 Ngingowaso isithandwa sami,

silangathela mina.

11 Woza, sithandwa sami, kasihambe siye emaphandleni,

kasiyolala emizini.

12 Kasihambe ekuseni ezivinini

ukuyabona ingabe amavini asenunkula na,

ingabe amaluba amaphomegranathi awo aseqhakazile

lapho ngizakupha uthando lwami.

13 Izihlahla zamamandraki zikhupha iphunga elimnandi,

kuthi emnyango wakwethu kube lezibiliboco zonke

ezintsha lezindala,

engikubekele zona, sithandwa sami.

8

1 Aluba nje unjengomfowethu kimi,

owondliwa emunya emabeleni kamama!

Lapho-ke, nxa ngikufica phandle,

ngithi loba ngikwanga,

angabikhona ongisolayo.

2 Ngabe ngiyakudonsa

ngikuse endlini kamama

yena owangikhulisayo.

Ngabe ngikupha iwayini elixutshiweyo unathe,

uluju lwamaphomegranathi ami.

3 Ingalo yakhe yobunxele ngiyiqamele

kuthi ingalo yakhe yokunene ingigonile.

4 Madodakazi aseJerusalema, ngiyaliqonqosela:

Lingalunyakazisi loba liluvuse uthando

luze luzifunele lona.

Abangane

5 Ngubani lo oqhamukayo evela enkangala na,

eyeme isithandwa sakhe?

Umlobokazi

Ngikuvusile ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-aphula;

kulapho unyoko akumithela khona,

kulapho ahelelwa wakuzalela khona.

6 Ngibeka ngibe njengesidindo enhliziyweni yakho,

njengesidindo engalweni yakho;

ngoba uthando lulamandla njengokufa,

ubukhwele balo kabuyekethisi njengengcwaba.

Luyatshisa njengomlilo obhebha kakhulu,

njengelangabi elivuthayo.

7 Impophoma zamanzi ngeke zilucime uthando;

imifula ngeke ilukhukhule.

Nxa umuntu enganika

yonke inotho yomuzi wakhe

ngenxa yothando kungaba yinhlekisa.

Abangane

8 Silentombazana engumnawethu,

njalo kayikaphuhli.

Sizamenzelani kambe umnawethu

mhla sekuthiwa uyacelwa?

9 Uba engumduli,

sizakwakha imiphotshongo yesiliva phezu kwakhe.

Uba engumnyango,

sizamvala ngamapulanka esihlahla somsedari.

Umlobokazi

10 Ngingumduli,

lamabele ami anjengemiphotshongo.

Yikho-nje emehlweni akhe

sengifana lalowo olethe ukusuthiseka.

11 USolomoni wayelesivini eBhali Hamoni;

wasiqhatshisela ebalimini isivini sakhe.

Munye ngamunye kwakumele athele umthelo wezithelo zawo

ongamashekeli esiliva ayinkulungwane.

12 Kodwa esami isivini ngesami ukupha santando;

amashekeli lawo ayinkulungwane ngawakho, bakithi Solomoni,

lamakhulu amabili amashekeli ngawalabo abalondoloza izithelo zawo.

Umyeni

13 Wena ohlala ezivandeni labangane

bekususa isizungu,

ake ngilizwe ilizwi lakho!

Umlobokazi

14 Masihambe, sithandwa sami,

woba njengembabala

kumbe njengejongosana lomziki

ezintabeni ezigcwele amakha.

U-Isaya

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U-Isaya

1

1 Umbono omayelana ngoJuda leJerusalema owabonwa ngu-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi ensukwini zokubusa kuka-Uziya, loJothamu, lo-Ahazi loHezekhiya amakhosi akoJuda.

Isizwe Esihlamukayo

2 Zwanini, mazulu! Lalelani, mhlaba!

Ngoba uThixo usekhulumile:

“Ngondla abantwana ngabakhulisa,

kodwa sebengihlamukele.

3 Inkabi iyamazi umniniyo,

lobabhemi uyasazi isibaya somnikazi wakhe,

kodwa u-Israyeli kazi,

abantu bami kabaqedisisi.”

4 Maye kuso isizwe esonayo,

abantu abathwele amacala,

inzalo yabenza okubi,

abantwana abaxhwalileyo!

Sebemlahlile uThixo;

bamdelele oNgcwele ka-Israyeli,

bamfulathela.

5 Kungani kumele litshaywe futhi?

Kungani liqhubeka ngokuhlamuka?

Ikhanda lakho lonke lilimele,

yonke inhliziyo yakho ihlukuluziwe.

6 Kusukela ngaphansi kwentende yonyawo lwakho kusiya esicholo sekhanda

lakho akukho kuphelela,

kodwa izilonda lemvivinya kuphela,

kanye lamanxeba;

akugeziswanga, akubotshwanga

kumbe kwathanjiswa ngamafutha.

7 Ilizwe lenu lichithekile,

amadolobho enu atshiswa ngomlilo,

umhlaba wenu uphundlwa ngabezizweni,

phambi kwenu uqobo,

uchitheka njengalapho udilizwa ngabezizweni.

8 Indodakazi yaseZiyoni isele

njengedumba esivinini,

njengendlwana ensimini yamajodo,

njengedolobho elihonqolozelweyo.

9 Aluba uThixo uSomandla

kasitshiyelanga abalutshwana abasindayo,

sasizakuba njengeSodoma;

sasizafana leGomora.

10 Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo,

lina babusi baseSodoma,

lalelani umthetho kaNkulunkulu wethu,

lina bantu baseGomora!

11 “Ubunengi bemihlatshelo yenu

buyini kimi?”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ngileminikelo yokutshiswa edlula efunekayo,

eyenqama lamahwahwa ezifuyo ezinonisiweyo;

igazi lenkunzi,

lelamawundlu lelembuzi kalingithokozisi.

12 Lapho lisiza phambi kwami,

ngubani othe linyathele amaguma ami na?

13 Yekelani ukuletha iminikelo eyize!

Impepha yenu iyisinengiso kimi.

Angingeke ngibekezelele imbuthano yenu yobubi,

eyokuThwasa kweNyanga, amaSabatha lemihlangano.

14 Umphefumulo wami uyawazonda

amadili enu okuthwasa kwezinyanga

lemikhosi yenu emisiweyo.

Sekube ngumthwalo kimi;

sengikhathele ngokukuthwala.

15 Lapho lichaya izandla zenu likhuleka,

ngizalifihlela amehlo ami;

loba selikhuleka imikhuleko eminengi,

angiyikulalela.

Izandla zenu zigcwele igazi!

16 Gezani libe ngabahlambulukileyo.

Susani izenzo zenu ezimbi phambi kobuso bami;

yekelani ukwenza okubi.

17 Fundani ukwenza okulungileyo; funani ukwahlulela okuhle.

Khuthazani abancindezelweyo.

Vikelani izintandane;

lamulelani umfelokazi.

18 Wozani, siqondisane sindawonye,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Lanxa izono zenu zibomvu gebhu,

zizakuba mhlophe njengonqwaqwane,

loba zibomvu njengegazi,

zizakuba njengoboya bezimvu.

19 Nxa livuma njalo lilalela,

lizakudla okuhle kwelizwe;

20 kodwa nxa linqaba, lihlamuka,

lizadliwa yinkemba.”

Ngoba umlomo kaThixo usukhulumile.

21 Khangelani ukuthi idolobho elithembekileyo

seliphenduke laba yisifebe kanjani!

Lake lagcwala ngokufaneleyo;

ukulunga kwakuhlala kulo,

kodwa khathesi sekuhlala ababulali!

22 Isiliva senu sesingamanyele,

iwayini lenu elihle selihlanganiswe lamanzi.

23 Ababusi benu bangabahlamuki,

abangane bamasela;

bonke bathanda izivalamlomo,

bafune izipho.

Izintandane kabazivikeli;

indaba yomfelokazi kayifiki kibo.

24 Ngakho-ke iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla,

uMninimandla ka-Israyeli, uthi:

“Yebo! Ngizabhodlisela ezitheni zami,

ngibuye ngiphindisele kwabayizitha zami.

25 Ngizaphakamisela isandla sami kini;

ngizawahlambulula ngokupheleleyo amanyele enu,

ngisuse lakho konke ukungcola kwenu.

26 Ngizabuyisa abehluleli benu njengezinsukwini zakudala,

labeluleki benu njengasekuqaleni.

Muva uzabizwa ngokuthi

iDolobho Lokulunga,

iDolobho Elithembekileyo.”

27 IZiyoni izahlengwa ngemfanelo,

abaphendukayo bayo bahlengwe ngokulunga.

28 Kodwa abahlamuki lezoni bazachithwa,

lalabo abalahla uThixo bazabhubha.

29 “Lizayangeka ngenxa yezihlahla zomʼokhi ezingcwele

elazithokozisa ngazo.

Lizadana ngamasimu elawakhethayo.

30 Lizafana lomʼokhi olamahlamvu asebuna,

lanjengensimu engelamanzi.

31 Indoda elamandla izafana lencwathi,

umsebenzi wayo ufane lenhlansi;

kokubili kuzakutsha kanyekanye,

kungekho ozacitsha umlilo.”

2

Intaba KaThixo

1 Lokhu yikho okwabonwa ngu-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi mayelana loJuda leJerusalema:

2 Ngezinsuku zokucina

intaba yethempeli likaThixo izamiswa

njengenhloko phakathi kwezintaba;

izaphakanyiselwa phezu kwezintaba

njalo izizwe zonke zizabekelela zisiya kuyo.

3 Abantu abanengi bazakuza bathi,

“Wozani siye phezu kwentaba kaThixo,

siye ethempelini likaNkulunkulu kaJakhobe.

Uzasifundisa izindlela zakhe,

ukuze sihambe emikhondweni yakhe.”

Umthetho uzavela eZiyoni,

ilizwi likaThixo livele eJerusalema.

4 Uzakwahlulela phakathi kwezizwe,

alamule ingxabano zabantu abanengi.

Bazakhanda izinkemba zabo zibe yimihlathi yamakhuba,

lemikhonto yabo ibe ngamahloka okuthena izihlahla.

Isizwe asiyikuhlomela isizwe ngenkemba

loba sifundele ukulwa impi futhi.

5 Woza, ndlu kaJakhobe,

kasihambe ekukhanyeni kukaThixo.

Usuku LukaThixo

6 Wena, Thixo, usubalahlile abantu bakho,

isizukulwane sikaJakhobe.

Bagcwele ukholo oluyize lwaseMpumalanga

benza lemisebenzi yobungoma njengamaFilisti,

njalo babambana izandla labangakholwayo.

7 Ilizwe labo ligcwele isiliva legolide;

inotho yabo ayilakuphela.

Ilizwe labo ligcwele amabhiza;

izinqola zabo zempi kazipheli.

8 Ilizwe labo ligcwele izithombe;

bakhothamela umsebenzi wezandla zabo,

lakulokho okwenziwa yiminwe yabo.

9 Ngakho abantu bazakwehliselwa phansi

bonke bazehliswa

ungabathetheleli.

10 Ngenani ezimbalwini zamatshe lasemhlabathini,

licatshele ukwesabeka kukaThixo

lenkazimulo yobukhosi bakhe!

11 Amehlo omuntu oziphakamisayo azathotshiswa,

lokuziphakamisa kwabantu kwehliselwe phansi;

uThixo kuphela nguye ozaphakanyiswa ngalolosuku.

12  UThixo uSomandla ulosuku alubekele

bonke abazazigqajayo labazikhukhumezayo;

lakho konke okuphakemeyo

(kuzathotshiswa),

13 olwazo zonke izihlahla zemisedari zaseLebhanoni ezinde leziphakemeyo,

lazozonke izihlahla zomʼOkhi zaseBhashani,

14 olwazo zonke izintaba ezindekazi

lamaqaqa wonke aphakemeyo,

15 olwayo yonke imiphotshongo ephakemeyo

layo yonke imiduli eyinqaba,

16 olwemikhumbi yonke yaseThashishi

layo yonke imikolo emihle.

17 Ukuziphakamisa kwabantu kuzakwehliselwa phansi,

ukuzazisa kwabantu kuthobekiswe;

uThixo kuphela nguye ozadunyiswa ngalolosuku,

18 izithombe zizanyamalala zithi nya.

19 Abantu bazabalekela ezimbalwini zamatshe

lasemilindini emhlabathini

bebalekela ukwesabeka kukaThixo

lenkazimulo yobukhosi bakhe

lapho ephakama ukuba anyikinye umhlaba.

20 Ngalolosuku abantu bazazilahlela

emvukuzaneni lakubomalulwane

izithombe zabo zesiliva lezegolide

abazenzela ukuba bazikhonze.

21 Bazabalekela ezimbalwini zamatshe

lasezingoxweni zamawa

bebalekela ukwesabeka kukaThixo

lenkazimulo yobukhosi bakhe,

lapho ephakama ukuba anyikinye umhlaba.

22 Yekelani ukwethemba umuntu

olomphefumulo nje kuphela emakhaleni akhe.

Ngoba uyini yena na?

3

Ukwahlulelwa KweJerusalema Lelizwe LakoJuda

1 Khangelani khathesi UThixo,

uThixo uSomandla

usezasusa eJerusalema lelizweni lakoJuda

okufunekayo losizo:

konke ukudla lamanzi,

2 iqhawe lebutho,

umahluleli lomphrofethi,

isangoma lomuntu omdala,

3 induna yebutho labangamatshumi amahlanu

lamadoda ayizikhulu,

umeluleki, ingcitshi yemisebenzi,

lesanuse esihlakaniphileyo.

4 “Ngizakwenza abafana babeyizikhulu zabo;

abantwana nje bazababusa.”

5 Abantu bazancindezelana,

umuntu avukele umuntu,

umakhelwane avukele umakhelwane.

Abatsha bazavukela abadala,

abeyisekayo bavukele abahlonitshwa.

6 Indoda izabamba omunye wabafowabo

emzini kayise ithi,

“Ulesembatho, woba ngumkhokheli wethu,

inqwaba yamanxiwa le

izakuba ngaphansi kombuso wakho.”

7 Kodwa ngalolosuku uzakhala athi,

“Angilamasiza.

Endlini yami akulakudla loba izigqoko;

ungangenzi umkhokheli wabantu.”

8 IJerusalema liyadiyazela,

uJuda uyawa;

amazwi abo lezenzo zabo kuphambene loThixo,

kweyisa ubukhosi bakhe.

9 Ukukhangeleka kobuso babo kufakaza kubi ngabo;

babukisa izono zabo njengeSodoma;

kabazifihli.

Maye kubo!

Bazilethele incithakalo phezu kwabo.

10 Tshela abalungileyo ukuthi kuzakuba kuhle kubo,

ngoba bazakholisa izithelo zezenzo zabo.

11 Maye kwababi!

Incithakalo isiphezu kwabo!

Bazaphindiselwa

ngalokho izandla zabo ezikwenzileyo.

12 Abatsha bancindezela abantu bami,

abesifazane bayababusa.

Awu, bantu bami, abakhokheli benu bayaliduhisa;

bayaliphambula endleleni.

13  UThixo uphakama ukuba afakaze indaba yakhe,

uyasukuma ukuba ahlulele abantu.

14  UThixo uqalisa ukwahlulela

abadala labakhokheli babantu esithi,

“Yini elitshabalalise isivini sami;

elikuthumbe kubayanga kusezindlini zenu.

15 Litshoni ngokuchoboza abantu bami

langokuchola ubuso babayanga?”

kutsho iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla.

16  UThixo uthi,

“Abesifazane baseZiyoni bayaziphakamisa,

bahamba belule izintamo,

behuga ngamehlo abo,

begwenxeka ngamanyathelo amancane,

izigqizo zikhencezela enqagaleni zabo.

17 Ngakho-ke uThixo uzakwenza amakhanda

abesifazane baseZiyoni abe lezilonda;

uThixo uzakwenza

isikhumba samakhanda abo siphuceke.”

18 Ngalolosuku uThixo uzahluthuna imiceciso yabo: amasongo, imincwazi, lemigaxo yentanyeni 19 amacici, izigqizo lezimbombozo, 20 amaqhiye, izigetsho lamabhanti; amambodlela amakha lezintebe, 21 indandatho ezilophawu lamasongo empumulo, 22 izembatho ezinhle lezingubo lezigqoko, izikhwama 23 lezibuko, lezigqoko zelineni, imiqhele lamaveli.

24 Endaweni yephunga elimnandi

kuzakuba lomnuko omubi;

endaweni yebhanti kuzakuba legoda,

endaweni yenwele ezilungiswe kuhle

kuzakuba lempabanga,

endaweni yezigqoko ezinhle

kuzakuba ngamasaka,

endaweni yobuhle, kuzakuba lihlazo.

25 Amadoda akini azakuwa ngenkemba,

kanjalo lamabutho akini empini.

26 Amasango aseZiyoni azakhala alile,

kuthi yona ihlale phansi ichithekile.

4

1 Ngalolosuku abesifazane abayisikhombisa

bazabamba indoda yinye

bathi, “Sizakudla ukudla kwethu

sigqoke izigqoko zethu;

sivumele kuphela nje ukuba sibizwe ngebizo lakho.

Susa ihlazo lethu.”

UGatsha LukaThixo

2 Ngalolosuku uGatsha lukaThixo luzakuba luhle lube yinkazimulo, lezithelo zelizwe zizakuba ligugu lenkazimulo kwabasindayo ko-Israyeli. 3 Labo abatshiywe eZiyoni, abasele eJerusalema, kuzathiwa bangcwele, labo bonke abalotshiweyo phakathi kwabaphilayo eJerusalema. 4 INkosi izagezisa ingcekeza yabesifazane baseZiyoni, izahlambulula amachatha egazi eJerusalema ngomoya wokwahlulela langomoya womlilo. 5 Lapho-ke, phezu kwayo yonke iNtaba iZiyoni langaphezulu kwabo bonke abahlangana khona, uThixo uzakwenza iyezi lentuthu emini, lokukhanya kwamalangabi omlilo ebusuku; ngaphezu kwenkazimulo yonke kuzakuba lesivikelo esinjengophahla. 6 Sizakuba yisisitho lomthunzi wokuvika ukutshisa kwemini, isiphephelo lendawo yokucatshela isiphepho lezulu.

5

Ingoma Yesivini

1 Ngizahlabelela lowo engimthandayo

ingoma ngesivini sakhe:

Othandwa yimi wayelesivini

eqaqeni oluvundileyo.

2 Wasigebha, wasusa amatshe kuso,

wahlanyela kuso amavini amahle.

Wakha umphotshongo ophakemeyo phakathi kwaso

njalo wagebha lesikhamelo sewayini kuso.

Walindela izithelo ezinhle,

kodwa amavini athela ezimbi kuphela.

3 “Manje-ke lina abahlala eJerusalema lani madoda akoJuda,

yahlulelani phakathi kwami lesivini sami.

4 Kuyini okudlula lapho okwakumele kwenziwe esivinini sami

engingakwenzanga kuso na?

Lapho ngangilindele izithelo ezinhle

kungani sona sathela ezimbi kuphela na?

5 Khathesi-ke sengizalitshela

engizakwenza esivinini sami:

Ngizasusa uthango lwaso;

sizadilizwa.

Ngizabhidliza umduli waso,

sizagxotshwa ngezinyawo.

6 Ngizasenza sibe liganga

kungabikho ukuthenwa kumbe ukuhlakulwa;

inkotha lameva kuzakhula kuso.

Ngizalaya amayezi

anganisi zulu kuso.”

7 Isivini sikaThixo uSomandla

yindlu ka-Israyeli;

abantu bakoJuda

bayinsimu eligugu kuye.

Wayelindele okufaneleyo,

kodwa wabona ukuchitheka kwegazi;

endaweni yokulunga, wezwa ukukhala kosizi.

Izikhalazo Lezahlulelo

8 Maye kini elengeza izindlu ngezindlu

lihlanganise insimu ensimini

kuze kusweleke indawo eseleyo,

njalo lihlala lodwa elizweni.

9  UThixo uSomandla usetshilo ngisizwa wathi:

“Ngeqiniso izindlu ezinengi zizakuba ngamanxiwa;

ezinkulu ezinhle zisale zingaselamuntu ohlala kuzo.

10 Izindima ezilitshumi zesivini

zizathela ifatshi elilodwa lewayini,

ihomeri lenhlanyelo lithele ihefa lamabele.”

11 Maye kulabo abavuka ngovivi ekuseni

begijimela ukunatha utshwala;

abaqhubekayo kuze kube phakathi kobusuku

baze badakwe butshwala.

12 Balamachacho lemihubhe emadilini abo,

amagedla, imihlanga, lewayini,

kodwa kabazinaki izenzo zikaThixo,

akukho nhlonipho yomsebenzi wezandla zakhe.

13 Ngakho-ke abantu bami bazakuya ekuthunjweni

ngenxa yokungazwisisi;

izikhulu zabo zizabulawa yindlala

lenengi labo lizakoma ngomhawu wamanzi.

14 Ngakho indawo yabafileyo izakwelula imihlathi yayo,

ikhamise umlomo wayo okungelamkhawulo;

izikhulu zabo lenengi labo bawele phakathi

labo bonke abaxokozelayo labazithokozisayo.

15 Abantu bazakwehliselwa phansi,

abantu bazathobekiswa,

amehlo abaziphakamisayo athotshiswe.

16 Kodwa uThixo uSomandla uzaphakanyiswa

ngokwahlulela kwakhe okuhle;

ubungcwele bukaNkulunkulu

buzabonakala ngokulunga kwakhe.

17 Lapho-ke izimvu zizakudla angathi kusemadlelweni azo,

amazinyane adle emanxiweni ezinothi.

18 Maye kulabo abahudula isono ngentambo zenkohliso

lobubi kungathi kungamagoda enqola,

19 kulabo abathi, “UNkulunkulu kaphangise,

kaphangisise umsebenzi wakhe

ukuze siwubone.

Kalisondele icebo loNgcwele ka-Israyeli

kalize ukuze silazi.”

20 Maye kulabo abathi okubi kuhle

bathi okuhle kubi,

ababeka umnyama esikhundleni sokukhanya;

ukukhanya esikhundleni somnyama;

ababeka okubabayo esikhundleni sokumnandi,

okumnandi esikhundleni sokubabayo.

21 Maye kulabo abahlakaniphileyo emehlweni abo

njalo besile ekuboneni kwabo.

22 Maye kulabo abangamaqhawe ekunatheni iwayini

njalo bezintshantshu ekuhlanganiseni okunathwayo,

23 abakhulula abalamacala ngenxa yokufunjathiswa.

Kodwa banqabele abamsulwa imfanelo yabo.

24 Ngakho-ke, njengalokhu umlilo utshisa inhlanga,

utshani obomileyo buphelela phakathi kwamalangabi,

ngokunjalo impande zabo zizabola.

Lamaluba abo aphephuke njengothuli;

ngoba bawalile umthetho kaThixo uSomandla

balidelela ilizwi loNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

25 Ngakho ulaka lukaThixo luzavutha ebantwini bakhe;

isandla sakhe siphakeme njalo uyabatshaya.

Izintaba ziyanyikinyeka,

izidumbu zabafileyo zinjengezibi ezindleleni.

Ikanti kukho konke lokhu ulaka lwakhe kaluphelanga,

isandla sakhe silokhu siphakanyisiwe.

26 Uphakamisela izizwe ezikude uphawu,

ubatshayela ikhwelo abasemaphethelweni omhlaba.

Nampa besiza

ngokuphangisa langejubane!

27 Kakho omunye wabo odinwayo loba okhubekayo,

kakho owozelayo kumbe olalayo,

akukho bhanti elixegiswayo ekhalweni,

akukho ntambo yenyathelo equmekileyo.

28 Imitshoko yabo ibukhali,

wonke amadandili abo agotshisiwe;

amasondo amabhiza abo afana lelitshe elilukhuni,

amavili ezinqola zabo zokulwa anjengesivunguzane.

29 Ukubhonga kwabo kufana lokwesilwane,

babhonga njengezilwane ezikhulayo,

bayabhavuma lapho bebamba inyamazana edliwayo,

babaleke layo kungekho ongabemuka.

30 Ngalolosuku bazabhavumela phezu kwayo

njengokubhavuma kolwandle.

Njalo nxa umuntu ekhangela ilizwe,

uzabona umnyama losizi;

lelanga lizakwenziwa libe mnyama ngamayezi.

6

Ukuthunywa Kuka-Isaya

1 Ngomnyaka inkosi u-Uziya eyafa ngawo, ngabona uThixo ehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi esiphezulu esiphakemeyo, injobo yesembatho sakhe igcwele ithempeli. 2 Ngaphezu kwakhe kwakulamaserafimu, elinye lelinye lilempiko eziyisithupha. Ayegubuzele ubuso bawo ngezimpiko ezimbili, egubuzele inyawo zawo ngezimbili, ephapha ngezimbili. 3 Elinye lamemezela kwelinye lisithi:

“Ungcwele, ungcwele, ungcwele uThixo uSomandla,

umhlaba wonke ugcwele inkazimulo yakhe.”

4 Ekuzwakaleni kwamazwi awo imigubazi lombundu kwanyikinyeka, kwathi ithempeli lagcwala intuthu.

5 Mina ngakhala ngathi, “Maye mina! Sengibhujisiwe! Ngoba ngingumuntu olezindebe ezingcolileyo, njalo ngihlala phakathi kwabantu abalezindebe ezingcolileyo, lamehlo ami asebone iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla.”

6 Lapho-ke elinye lamaserafimu laphaphela kimi liphethe ilahle elivuthayo esandleni salo elalilithethe ngodlawu e-alithareni. 7 Lathinta umlomo wami ngalo lathi, “Khangela, lokhu sekuthinte izindebe zakho; icala lakho selisusiwe, njalo lesono sakho sesihlawulelwe.”

8 Ngasengisizwa ilizwi leNkosi lisithi, “Ngizathuma bani na? Ngubani na ozasihambela?”

Mina ngathi, “Ngilapha. Ngithuma!”

9 Yasisithi, “Hamba uyetshela abantu uthi:

‘Zwanini kokuphela, kodwa lingaqedisisi;

libone kokuphela, kodwa lingabonisisi.’

10 Yenza inhliziyo yalababantu ibe lukhuni;

wenze indlebe zabo zibe buthundu,

uvale amehlo abo.

Hlezi babone ngamehlo abo,

bezwe ngezindlebe zabo,

baqedisise ngezinhliziyo zabo,

baphenduke basiliswe.”

11 Ngasengisithi, “Koze kube nini, Nkosi?”

Yona yaphendula yathi:

“Amadolobho aze achitheke

njalo kungaselabantu kuwo,

izindlu zize zisale zingaselabantu,

lamasimu ephundleke abhuquzeka,

12  uThixo aze axotshele umuntu wonke khatshana

njalo ilizwe lidelwe ngokupheleleyo.

13 Lanxa ingxenye eyodwa etshumini isala elizweni

izachithwa futhi.

Kodwa njengezihlahla zetherebhinti lemi-okhi

zitshiya izidindi lapho seziganyulwe,

ngokunjalo inhlanyelo engcwele izakuba yisidindi elizweni.”

7

Isibonakaliso Sika-Imanuweli

1 Kwathi u-Ahazi indodana kaJothamu, indodana ka-Uziya, eyinkosi yakoJuda, uRezini inkosi yase-Aramu loPhekha indodana kaRemaliya inkosi yako-Israyeli basuka bayahlasela iJerusalema, kodwa kabalinqobanga.

2 Indlu kaDavida yatshelwa kwathiwa, “I-Aramu isimanyene lo-Efrayimi,” inhliziyo ka-Ahazi lezabantu bakhe zanyikinyeka njengezihlahla zegusu zinyikinywa ngumoya.

3  UThixo wasesithi ku-Isaya, “Hamba wena lendodana yakho uSheyari-Jashubi ukuba lihlangabeze u-Ahazi ekucineni komgelo wamanzi oweChibi Elingaphezulu, emgwaqweni oya Ensimini Yomgezisi. 4 Lithi kuye, ‘Nanzelela, hlala ngokuthula, njalo ungesabi. Inhliziyo yakho kayingadeli ngenxa yolaka olwesabekayo lukaRezini lo-Aramu lolwendodana kaRemaliya.’ ” 5 U-Aramu lo-Efrayimi lendodana kaRemaliya sebecebe ukukutshabalalisa besithi, 6 “Kasihlaseleni ilizwe lakoJuda; kasilidabuleni phakathi silabelane, senze indodana kaThabheli ibe yinkosi yalo.” 7 Kodwa-ke lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ukuthi:

“ ‘Akuyikuphumelela,

akuyikwenzakala,

8 ngoba inhloko ye-Aramu yiDamaseko,

inhloko yeDamaseko nguRezini kuphela.

Phakathi kweminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu

u-Efrayimi uzakuba esetshabalele engaseyiso sizwe.

9 Inhloko ka-Efrayimi yiSamariya,

inhloko yeSamariya yindodana kaRemaliya kuphela.

Nxa lingami liqine okholweni lwenu

alisoze livele lime.’ ”

10  UThixo wakhuluma njalo ku-Ahazi wathi, 11 “Cela isibonakaliso kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho, ingabe ekujuleni kwezulu loba phezulu engqongweni.”

12 Kodwa u-Ahazi wathi, “Angiyikucela. Angiyikulinga uThixo.”

13 U-Isaya wasesithi, “Khathesi-ke zwana wena lendlu kaDavida. Akwenelanga na ukulinga ukubekezela kwabantu? Uzalinga lokubekezela kukaNkulunkulu wami njalo na? 14 Ngakho-ke iNkosi ngokwayo izanika isibonakaliso: Intombi egcweleyo izakhulelwa izale indodana bayibize ngokuthi ngu-Emanuweli. 15 Uzakudla amasi loluju lapho eselolwazi olwaneleyo ukuba ale okubi akhethe okulungileyo. 16 Kodwa-ke umfana engakazi okwaneleyo ukuba ale okubi akhethe okulungileyo, ilizwe lamakhosi amabili owesabayo lizachithwa. 17  UThixo uzakwehlisela phezu kwakho laphezu kwabantu bakho, laphezu kwendlu kayihlo, isikhathi esingafani lesinye kusukela u-Efrayimi ebhazuka kuJuda, uzaletha inkosi yase-Asiriya.”

I-Asiriya, Isitsha SikaThixo

18 Ngalelolanga uThixo uzatshaya ikhwelo ebiza impukane ezisekudabukeni kwezifula zaseGibhithe lezinyosi eziselizweni lase-Asiriya. 19 Zizakuza zonke zihlale ezingoxweni ezingamawa, ezimbalwini zamadwala, ezihlahleni zonke zameva kuwo wonke amagodi amanzi. 20 Ngalolosuku iNkosi izasebenzisa impuco ebolekwe enkosini yase-Asiriya ngaphetsheya koMfula iYufrathe ukuphuca ikhanda lakho loboya obusembaleni yakho, lokugunda indevu zakho lazo. 21 Ngalolosuku umuntu uzafuya ithokazi elilodwa lembuzi ezimbili. 22 Ngenxa yobunengi bochago oluzavela kuzo, uzakuba lamasi azawadla. Bonke abazasala elizweni bazakudla amasi loluju. 23 Ngalolosuku, ezindaweni zonke lapho okwakulamavini ayinkulungwane alingana amashekeli esiliva ayinkulungwane, kuzakuba lokhula lameva kuphela. 24 Abantu bazakuya khona belamadandili lemitshoko ngoba ilizwe lizakuba seligcwele ukhula lameva. 25 Emaqaqeni wonke ake alinywa ngekhuba kawusayikuya khona ngenxa yokwesaba ukhula lameva, azakuba yindawo yokwelusela inkomo lamadlelo ezimvu.

8

U-Isaya Labantwabakhe Njengezibonelo

1  UThixo wathi kimi, “Thatha isibhebhedu selitshe esikhulu ulobe kuso ngolimi olujwayelekileyo ukuthi: Maheri-Shalali-Hashi-Bhazi (okutsho ukuthi: abaphanga ukuhuquluza okuphangiweyo). 2 Ngizabiza u-Uriya umphristi loZakhariya indodana kaJebherekhiya njengabofakazi bami abathembekileyo.” 3 Ngemva kwalokho ngaya kumphrofethikazi, wathatha isisu, wazala indodana. UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Mbize ngokuthi nguMaheri-Shalali-Hashi-Bhazi. 4 Kuzakuthi umfana engakakwazi ukuthi ‘Ubaba’ loba ‘Umama,’ inotho yaseDamaseko lempahla ethunjwe eSamariya kuzathathwa yinkosi yase-Asiriya.”

5  UThixo wakhuluma kimi futhi wathi:

6 “Ngenxa yokuthi abantu laba sebewalile

amanzi ageleza kuhle aseShilowa

bethokozela uRezini

lendodana kaRemaliya,

7 ngakho-ke iNkosi isiseduze ukubalethela

izikhukhula zamanzi ezilamandla,

eziyinkosi yase-Asiriya lobukhosi bayo bonke,

zivela eYufrathe.

Azachithekela ngaphandle kwayo yonke imigelo yawo,

ageleze phezu kwamakhumbi ayo wonke,

8 afohlele koJuda, agcwale kulo,

adlule phakathi kwalo efika entanyeni.

Impiko zawo ezeluliweyo

zizakwembesa ububanzi belizwe lakho,

Awu, Emanuweli!”

9 Hlabani umkhosi wempi lina zizwe, lichithwe!

Lalelani lonke lina mazwe akude.

Lungiselani impi, lichithwe!

Lungiselani impi lichithwe!

10 Lungisani icebo lenu, kodwa kalisoze liphumelele:

bumbani isu lenu, kodwa kaliyikuma,

ngoba uNkulunkulu ulathi.

Mesabeni UThixo

11  UThixo wakhuluma kimi isandla sakhe esilamandla siphezu kwami, engixwayisa ukuba ngingalandeli indlela yalababantu. Wathi:

12 “Ungabokuthi kungamacebo amabi

konke abantu laba abathi kungamacebo amabi;

ungakwesabi abakwesabayo

njalo ungakuqhuqhi.

13  UThixo uSomandla

nguye okumele limazi engongcwele,

nguye okumele limesabe,

nguye okumele limqhuqhe.

14 Uzakuba yisiphephelo;

kodwa kuzo zombili izindlu zako-Israyeli

uzakuba yilitshe elikhubekisa abantu

ledwala elibenza bawe.

Ebantwini baseJerusalema uzakuba

yisifu lomjibila.

15 Inengi labo lizakhubeka;

bazakuwa bephuke,

bazathiywa bathunjwe.”

16 Bopha ubufakazi besixwayiso,

uqinise umthetho phakathi kwabafundi bakaNkulunkulu.

17 Ngizamlindela uThixo,

ofihlela indlu kaJakhobe ubuso bakhe.

Ngizabeka ithemba lami kuye.

18 Mina ngilapha, kanye labantwana uThixo angiphe bona. Siyizibonakaliso lempawu ku-Israyeli ezivela kuThixo uSomandla, ohlala entabeni iZiyoni.

Ubumnyama Buphenduka Ukukhanya

19 Nxa abantu bekutshela ukuthi buza abalamadlozi labalemimoya yobuthakathi, labanyenyezayo bengunguza, kambe abantu akumelanga babuzisise uNkulunkulu wabo na? Kungani abaphilayo libabuzela kwabafayo na? 20 Emthethweni lakubo ubufakazi! Nxa bengakhulumi ngokumayelana lelizwi leli, kabalakho ukukhanya kokusa. 21 Bazazula lelizwe behlulukelwe, belambile. Lapho sebephalwe yindlala, bazathukuthela, bathuke inkosi yabo loNkulunkulu wabo bekhangele phezulu. 22 Emva kwalokho bazakhangela emhlabeni babone usizi kuphela, lomnyama owesabekayo, njalo bazaphoselwa emnyameni opheleleyo.

9

Sizalelwe Umntwana

1 Kodwa-ke akusayikuba khona ukudangala kulabo ababesosizini. Ensukwini ezedlulayo walithobisa ilizwe likaZebhuluni lelizwe likaNafithali. Kodwa ensukwini ezizayo uzayipha udumo iGalile yabezizweni, eNdleleni eya oLwandle elandela iJodani:

2 Abantu abahamba emnyameni

sebebone ukukhanya okukhulu;

kulabo abahlala elizweni lethunzi lokufa

ukukhanya sekukhanyisile.

3 Usikhulisile isizwe

wandisa intokozo yabo,

bayathokoza phambi kwakho

njengabantu bethokoza ekuvuneni,

njengempi ithokoza

isaba impango.

4 Ngoba njengamhla wokwehlulwa kukaMidiyani

usulephule ijogwe elibasindayo,

umgoqo onqume emahlombe abo,

intonga yomncindezeli wabo.

5 Lonke inyathela lebutho elisetshenziswe empini,

kanye lazozonke izigqoko ezigiqwe egazini

kuzakuya ekutshisweni;

kuzakuba ngokokubasisa umlilo.

6 Ngoba sizalelwe umntwana,

siphiwe indodana,

umbuso uzakuba phezu kwamahlombe akhe.

Uzabizwa ngokuthi

uMeluleki Omangalisayo, uNkulunkulu uSomandla,

uBaba Waphakade, iNkosana yokuThula.

7 Ukwanda kombuso wakhe lokuthula

akuyikuba lomkhawulo.

Uzabusa esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida

laphezu kombuso wakhe,

ewumisa njalo ewuqinisa

ngokufaneleyo langokulunga,

kusukela ngalesisikhathi kuze kube nini lanini.

Ukutshiseka kukaThixo uSomandla

kuzakufeza lokhu.

UThixo Uthukuthelele Abako-Israyeli

8 INkosi isithumele ilizwi lesixwayiso kuJakhobe

lizakwehlela phezu kuka-Israyeli.

9 Abantu bonke bazakwazi

u-Efrayimi labakhele eSamariya,

abathi ngokuzigqaja

langokuzikhukhumeza kwenhliziyo,

10 “Izitina sezidilikele phansi,

kodwa sizakwakha njalo ngamatshe abaziweyo;

imikhiwa isiganyulelwe phansi,

kodwa sizafaka imisedari endaweni yayo.”

11 Kodwa uThixo usebaqinisele izitha zikaRezini,

njalo usetshotshozele izitha zabo.

12 Ama-Aramu avela empumalanga lamaFilistiya avela entshonalanga

asedle u-Israyeli ngomlomo ovulekileyo.

Kodwa kukho konke lokhu, ukuthukuthela kwakhe akupheli,

isandla sakhe silokhu siphakanyisiwe.

13 Kodwa abantu abakabuyeli kuye owabatshayayo.

Loba badinge uThixo uSomandla.

14 Ngakho uThixo uzaquma ko-Israyeli ikhanda lomsila,

ugatsha lwelala lomhlanga ngasuku lunye;

15 abadala lezikhulu balikhanda,

abaphrofethi abafundisa amanga bangumsila.

16 Labo abakhokhela abantu laba bayabalahlekisa,

labo abakhokhelwayo bayedukiswa.

17 Ngakho iNkosi kayiyikuthokoza ngezinsizwa zabo,

izintandane labafelokazi kayiyikuba lozwelo kubo,

ngoba bonke bayameyisa uNkulunkulu, njalo babi;

imilomo yonke ikhuluma amanyala.

Kodwa kukho konke lokhu,

ukuthukuthela kwayo akupheli,

isandla sayo silokhu siphakanyisiwe.

18 Ngeqiniso ububi butshisa njengomlilo,

budla ukhula lameva,

buthungela izixuku zehlathi zivuthe amalangabi

izikhatha zentuthu ziqonga zisiya phezulu.

19 Ngolaka lukaThixo uSomandla

ilizwe lizatshiswa,

abantu bazakuba zinkuni zomlilo,

kakho ozaphephisa umfowabo.

20 Bazaqeda kwesokudla

kodwa babe belokhu belambile;

bazakudla kwesokhohlo,

kodwa bangasuthi.

Omunye lomunye uzakudla abantwabakhe:

21 UManase uzakudla u-Efrayimi, u-Efrayimi adle uManase;

bobabili bazamelana loJuda.

Kukho konke lokhu, ukuthukuthela kwakhe akupheli,

isandla sakhe silokhu siphakanyisiwe.

10

1 Maye kulabo abenza imithetho emibi,

lakulabo ababhala izimiso ezincindezelayo,

2 ukuba kwamukwe abayanga amalungelo abo

lokugodla okufaneleyo kwabantu bami abancindezelweyo;

bazingela abafelokazi

baqhwage izintandane.

3 Lizakwenzani ngosuku lokuthonisiswa

lapho incithakalo isiza ivela khatshana?

Lizabalekela kubani ukuba lithole usizo na?

Lizayitshiya ngaphi inotho yenu?

4 Akukho okuzasala, kodwa ukuba baquthe phakathi kwabathunjiweyo

loba bafe lababuleweyo.

Ikanti kukho konke lokhu, ukuthukuthela kwakhe akupheli,

isandla sakhe silokhu siphakanyisiwe.

UNkulunkulu Wahlulela I-Asiriya

5 “Maye kumʼAsiriya, intonga yentukuthelo yami,

esandleni sayo kulesagila solaka lwami!

6 Ngimthumela ukuyamelana lesizwe esingelankulunkulu,

ngimthumela ukuyamelana labantu abangithukuthelisayo,

ukuba athumbe ahluthune impahla yokuthunjwa,

lokubanyathelela phansi njengodaka ezindleleni.

7 Kodwa lokhu akusikho akujongileyo,

lokhu akusikho okusengqondweni yakhe;

injongo yakhe yikutshabalalisa,

abhubhise izizwe ezinengi.

8 Uthi, ‘Izinduna zami zebutho kazisimakhosi zonke na?

9 IKhalino kaliphumelelanga njengeKharikhemishi na?

IHamathi kalinjenge-Ariphadi na?

LeSamariya kayinjengeDamaseko na?

10 Lanjengoba isandla sami sabamba imibuso yezithombe,

imibuso ezifanekiso zayo zedlula ezeJerusalema lezeSamariya,

11 angiyikuliphatha iJerusalema lezithombe zalo

ngendlela engaphatha ngayo iSamariya lezithombe zayo na?’ ”

12 Lapho uThixo esewuqedile wonke umsebenzi wakhe mayelana lentaba iZiyoni leJerusalema uzakuthi, “Ngizayijezisa inkosi yase-Asiriya ngenxa yokuzigqaja kwayo lokuzazisa okubonakala emehlweni ayo.” 13 Ngoba uthi:

“ ‘Ngamandla esandla sami langokuhlakanipha kwami

sengenze lokhu ngoba ngilokuqedisisa.

Ngayisusa imingcele yezizwe,

ngathumba inotho yazo;

njengolamandla nganqoba amakhosi azo.

14 Njengomuntu efinyelela isidleke senyoni,

ngokunjalo isandla sami safinyelela enothweni yezizwe,

njengabantu bebutha amaqanda atshiyiweyo,

kanjalo ngaqoqa amazwe wonke;

akukho okwaphaphazelisa amaphiko

loba okwavula umlomo wakho kwatshiyoza.’ ”

15 Konje ihloka liyaziphakamisela ngaphezu kwalowo olizulisayo na,

loba isaha izincome imelane lalowo oyisebenzisayo na?

Njengangathi induku izanyikinya lowo oyiphakamisayo,

kumbe isagila sinyikinye lowo ongasiso sigodo!

16 Ngakho-ke, iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla,

uzathumela isifo esicikizayo emabuthweni ayo aqinileyo;

ngaphansi kobukhosi bayo kuzaphembeka umlilo

njengelangabi elibhebhayo.

17 Ukukhanya kuka-Israyeli kuzakuba ngumlilo,

oNgcwele wabo abe lilangabi,

ngosuku olulodwa lizatshisa liqede

ameva akhe lokhula lwakhe.

18 Ubuhle bamahlathi akhe lamasimu akhe avundileyo,

uzakuqeda ngokupheleleyo

njengalapho umuntu ogulayo ecikizeka.

19 Izihlahla zamahlathi ezisalayo zizakuba zilutshwana,

okungathi lomntwana azibale.

Insalela Yako-Israyeli

20 Ngalolosuku insalela yako-Israyeli,

abendlu kaJakhobe abasindayo,

kabasayikwethemba kuye

owabatshayayo wababhubhisa

kodwa ngeqiniso bazathembela kuThixo,

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

21 Insalela izabuyela, insalela kaJakhobe

izabuyela kuSomandla uNkulunkulu.

22 Loba abantu bakho, we Israyeli, benjengetshebetshebe olwandle,

kuzabuya insalela kuphela.

Incithakalo isimenyezelwe,

iyabakhulela kodwa ilungile.

23 INkosi, uThixo uSomandla, uzasifeza isimemezelo

sokubhujiswa elizweni lonke.

24 Ngakho-ke lokho yikho iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla akutshoyo:

“Awu bantu bami abahlala eZiyoni,

lingawesabi ama-Asiriya

alitshaya ngentonga

njalo lawo aliphakamisela isagila njengokwenziwa yiGibhithe.

25 Masinyane ukulithukuthelela kwami kuzaphela,

ulaka lwami luzaqondiswa ekubhujisweni kwabo.”

26  UThixo uSomandla uzabatshaya ngomchilo

njengalapho atshaya iMidiyani edwaleni lase-Orebi,

njalo uzaphakamisela intonga yakhe ngaphezu kwamanzi

njengalokhu akwenza eGibhithe.

27 Ngalolosuku imithwalo yabo izasuswa emahlombe enu,

lejogwe labo entanyeni zenu;

ijogwe lizakwephulwa

ngoba selizimukile.

28 Bayangena e-Ayathi;

badabula phakathi kweMigironi;

bagcina impahla eMikhimashi.

29 Badlula emkhandlwini bathi,

“Ebusuku sizalala eGebha.”

IRama liyathuthumela;

iGibhiya likaSawuli liyabaleka.

30 Hlaba umkhosi, We! Ndodakazi kaGalimi,

lalela we Layisha!

Anathothi ozihawulelayo!

31 IMadimena iyabaleka;

abantu baseGebhimu bazacatsha.

32 Ngalolosuku bazakuma kancane, kancane eNobhi,

bazakhomba ngezinqindi zabo

intaba yeNdodakazi yeZiyoni,

eqaqeni lwaseJerusalema.

33 Khangelani, iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla,

uzaquma ingatsha ngamandla amakhulu.

Izihlahla ezidephileyo zizaqunywa.

Ezinde zazo zizakwehliselwa phansi.

34 Ngehloka uzagamula izixuku zehlathi;

iLebhanoni izakuwa phambi kwakhe olaMandla.

11

UGatsha Oluvela KuJese

1 Ihlumela lizavela esidindini sikaJese;

uGatsha oluhlume empandeni zakhe luzathela izithelo.

2 UMoya kaThixo uzakuba phezu kwakhe,

uMoya wokuhlakanipha lowokuqedisisa,

uMoya wokweluleka lowamandla,

uMoya wokwazi lowokwesaba uThixo,

3 njalo uzathokoziswa yikwesaba uThixo.

Kayikwahlulela ngalokho akubona ngamehlo akhe,

loba aqume ngalokho akuzwa ngendlebe zakhe;

4 kodwa abaswelayo uzabehlulela ngokulunga

athathe izinqumo ngabayanga basemhlabeni ngokulunga.

Uzatshaya umhlaba ngentonga yomlomo wakhe;

ngomoya wendebe zakhe uzabulala ababi.

5 Ukulunga kuzakuba libhanti lakhe,

ukwethembeka kube luzwezwe ekhalweni lwakhe.

6 Impisi izahlala lezinyane lemvu,

ingwe izalala phansi lembuzi,

ithole kanye lesilwane kudle ndawonye;

umntwana omncane akukhokhele.

7 Inkomokazi izakudla lebhele,

amankonyane akho alale ndawonye;

njalo isilwane sizakudla utshani njengenkabi.

8 Usane luzadlalela phansi komlindi webululu,

umntwana omncane angenise isandla sakhe

emlonyeni womlindi wenhlangwana.

9 Abayikulimaza loba badilize

kuyo yonke intaba yami engcwele,

ngoba umhlaba uzagcwala ngolwazi lukaThixo

njengamanzi egcwalisa ulwandle.

10 Ngalolosuku iMpande kaJese izakuma njengophawu ebantwini; izizwe zizabuthana kuye, indawo yakhe yokuphumula izakuba lodumo. 11 Ngalolosuku uThixo uzakwelula isandla sakhe okwesibili ukuba abuyise insalela zabantu bakhe abasala e-Asiriya, eGibhithe, ePhathrosi, eTiyopiya, eKhushi, e-Elamu, eShinari, eHamathi lasezihlengeni zolwandle.

12 Uzaphakamisela izizwe uphawu

aqoqe abaxotshwayo ko-Israyeli.

Uzahlanganisa abantu bakoJuda abahlakazekileyo

bevela emagumbini amane omhlaba.

13 Ubukhwele buka-Efrayimi buzaphela,

izitha zikaJuda zizaqunywa;

u-Efrayimi akayikukhwelezela uJuda,

kumbe uJuda abe lobutha ku-Efrayimi.

14 Bazahwitha phansi emithezukweni yaseFilistiya ngasentshonalanga;

bebonke bazaphanga abantu basempumalanga.

Bazanqoba i-Edomi leMowabi lama-Amoni

azakuba ngaphansi kwabo.

15  UThixo uzacitsha

umsele wolwandle lwaseGibhithe,

ngomoya otshisayo uzadlulisa isandla sakhe

phezu komfula uYufrathe.

Uzawahlukanisa ube yizifula eziyisikhombisa

ukuze abantu bawuchaphe befake amanyathelo.

16 Kuzakuba lomgwaqo omkhulu wezinsalela zabantu bakhe

abasele e-Asiriya,

njengoba kwakunjalo ko-Israyeli

ekubuyeni kwabo bevela eGibhithe.

12

Izingoma Zokubonga

1 Ngalolosuku wena uzakuthi:

“Ngizakubonga Oh Thixo.

Lanxa wawungithukuthelele

ulaka lwakho seluphelile,

njalo usungiduduzile.

2 Ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu uyinsindiso yami;

ngizathemba ngingesabi.

UThixo, uThixo ngokwakhe ungamandla lengoma yami;

usebe yinsindiso yami.”

3 Ngentokozo uzakukha amanzi

emithonjeni yensindiso.

4 Ngalolosuku uzakuthi:

“Mbongeni uThixo, bizani ibizo lakhe,

zaziseni izizwe ngalokhu akwenzileyo,

limemezele ukuthi ibizo lakhe liphakeme.

5 Hlabelelani kuThixo, ngoba wenze izinto ezinhle kakhulu;

lokhu kwenzeni kwazakale emhlabeni wonke.

6 Memezani kakhulu lihlabele ngokuthokoza, bantu baseZiyoni,

ngoba mkhulu oNgcwele ka-Israyeli phakathi kwenu.”

13

Isiphrofethi NgeBhabhiloni

1 Leli yilizwi elimayelana leBhabhiloni elaboniswa u-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi:

2 Phakamisa uphawu phezu koqaqa oluligceke,

umemezele kubo,

ubaqhwebe ngesandla

ukuba bangene emasangweni asesikhosini.

3 Sengibalayile abangcwele bami,

sengiwalayile amaqhawe ami ukuba afeze ulaka lwami,

lawo athokozela ukunqoba kwami.

4 Lalelani, umsindo phezu kwezintaba,

onjengowexuku elikhulu.

Lalelani, ukuxokozela phakathi kwemibuso

njengezizwe zibuthana ndawonye!

UThixo uSomandla ubutha

ibutho elibuthela impi.

5 Bavela emazweni akude,

emikhawulweni yamazulu,

uThixo lezikhali zolaka lwakhe,

ukuba kuchithwe ilizwe lonke.

6 Lilani ngoba usuku lukaThixo seluseduze.

Luzafika njengokuchithakala okuvela kuSomandla.

7 Ngenxa yalokhu izandla zonke zizakuba buthakathaka,

inhliziyo zabantu bonke zizaphela amandla.

8 Bazakuba lokwesaba okukhulu,

baphathwe yibuhlungu losizi;

bazabhinqika njengowesifazane ehelelwa.

Bazakhangelana bemangele,

ubuso babo bungamalangabi.

9 Khangelani usuku lukaThixo luyeza,

usuku lwesihluku, ulaka lokuthukuthela okukhulu,

ukwenza ilizwe lichitheke,

kubhujiswe izoni eziphakathi kwalo.

10 Izinkanyezi zezulu lemithala yazo

akuyikukhanyisa.

Ilanga eliphumayo lizafiphazwa

lenyanga ayiyikukhanyisa.

11 Umhlaba ngizawujezisa ngenxa yobubi bawo,

lababi ngenxa yezono zabo.

Ngizaqeda ukukloloda kwabazikhukhumezayo,

ngehlise ukuzigqaja kwabalesihluku.

12 Ngizakwenza abantu basweleke okudlula igolide elicengekileyo,

basweleke okudlula igolide lase-Ofiri.

13 Ngakho-ke ngizakwenza amazulu anyikinyeke;

lomhlaba uzamazame endaweni yawo

ngokuthukuthela kukaThixo uSomandla,

ngosuku lolaka lwakhe oluvuthayo.

14 Njengempala ezingelwayo,

lanjengezimvu ezingelamelusi,

omunye lomunye uzabuyela ebantwini bakibo,

omunye lomunye uzabalekela elizweni lakibo.

15 Lowo ozathunjwa uzagwazwa;

bonke abazabanjwa bazabulawa ngenkemba.

16 Izingane zabo zizamahlazelwa phambi kwamehlo abo;

izindlu zabo zizakhuthuzwa, omkabo babanjwe ngodlakela.

17 Khangelani, ngizabavusela amaMede

angelandaba lesiliva,

njalo engalijabuleli legolide.

18 Imitshoko yawo izabulala izinsizwa;

kawayikuba lozwelo ezinganeni

loba abe lesihawu ebantwaneni.

19 IBhabhiloni, igugu lemibuso,

ubukhazikhazi bokuziqhenya kwamaKhaladiya,

lizachithwa nguNkulunkulu

njengeSodoma leGomora.

20 Akuyikuhlalwa kulo futhi

loba kwakhiwe kulo kuzozonke izizukulwane;

akulama-Arabhu azamisa amathente awo khona,

loba umelusi ozaphumuza imihlambi yakhe khona.

21 Kodwa izinyamazana zeganga zizahlala khona,

amakhanka azahlala ezindlini zakhona

lezikhova zizahlala khona,

lamagogo aqolotshe khona.

22 Impisi zizakhala ezinqabeni zakhona,

amakhanka ezindlini ezinhle zobukhosi.

Isikhathi salo sesizafika

njalo insuku zalo kaziyikwandiswa.

14

1  UThixo uzakuba lesihawu kuJakhobe;

uzamkhetha njalo u-Israyeli,

abahlalise elizweni labo.

Abezizwe bazahlangana labo

bamanyane lendlu kaJakhobe.

2 Izizwe zizabathatha

zibase endaweni yabo.

Indlu ka-Israyeli izathumba izizwe

zibe yizisebenzi zesilisa lezesifazane elizweni likaThixo.

Bazakwenza abathumbi babo babe yizigqili,

babuse abancindezeli babo.

3 Ngosuku uThixo azaliphumuza ngalo ekuhluphekeni, ekutshikatshikeni, lasebugqilini obulesihluku, 4 lizakutsho la amazwi okukloloda enkosini yaseBhabhiloni lithi:

Umncindezeli usefikile ekucineni,

ukuthukuthela kwakhe sekuphelile!

5  UThixo useyephule intonga yababi,

induku yobukhosi eyababusi,

6 abatshaya abantu ngokuthukuthela,

langokugalela okungapheliyo,

banqoba izizwe ngentukuthelo

langokuncindezela okungapheliyo.

7 Amazwe wonke alokuphumula lokuthula;

aphahluka ahlabelele izingoma.

8 Lezihlahla zamaphayini lemisedari yaseLebhanoni

ziyathokoza ngawe zithi,

“Njengoba khathesi usuwiselwe phansi

akula ozakuzasigamula.”

9 Ithuna ngaphansi liyanyakaza

ukuba likuhlangabeze ekufikeni kwakho.

Livusa imimoya yabafayo ukuba ikubingelele,

bonke labo ababengababusi emhlabeni;

libenza basukume ezihlalweni zabo zobukhosi,

bonke labo ababengamakhosi ezizwe.

10 Bazaphendula bonke,

bazakuthi kuwe,

“Lawe usubuthakathaka njengathi,

usube njengathi.”

11 Bonke ubukhosi bakho sebehliselwe phansi ethuneni,

kanye lomsindo wamachacho akho.

Impethu zendlaliwe ngaphansi kwakho,

inhlavane zikwembesile.

12 Yeka ukuwa kwakho uvela ezulwini,

wena nkanyezi yekuseni, ndodana yokusa!

Uphoselwe phansi emhlabeni,

wena owake wehlisela izizwe phansi!

13 Wathi enhliziyweni yakho,

“Ngizakwenyukela ezulwini,

ngizaphakamisela isihlalo sami sobukhosi

ngaphezu kwezinkanyezi zikaNkulunkulu;

ngizahlala ebukhosini phezu kwentaba yombuthano,

ezingqongweni zentaba engcwele.

14 Ngizakwenyukela phezu kwezindawo

eziphakemeyo emayezini;

ngizazenza ngibe njengoPhezukonke.”

15 Kodwa ulethwe phansi ethuneni,

ekuzikeni kwegodi.

16 Labo abakubonayo bakudonsela amehlo,

bayacabanga ngowakudalelwayo bathi:

“Nguye lo na umuntu owanyikinya umhlaba

wenza imibuso yaqhaqhazela,

17 umuntu owenza umhlaba waba lugwadule,

owadiliza amadolobho awo,

kazavumela abathunjwayo bakhe

ukubuyela ekhaya na?”

18 Wonke amakhosi ezizwe alele ebukhosini,

enye lenye ethuneni layo.

19 Kodwa wena uphoselwe ngaphandle kwethuna

lakho njengogatsha olulahliweyo;

welekwe ngababulawayo,

lalabo abagwazwa ngenkemba,

labo abehlela ematsheni egodi.

Njengesidumbu esinyathelwe ngezinyawo,

20 kawuyikuhlangana labo ekungcwatshweni;

ngoba usulichithile ilizwe lakho

wabulala labantu bakini.

Inzalo yababi

kakungakhulunywa ngayo futhi.

21 Lungisa indawo yokubulalela abantwabakhe

ngenxa yezono zabokhokho babo.

Kabamelanga bavuke ukuba bathathe ilizwe

bagcwalise umhlaba ngamadolobho abo.

22 “Ngizabavukela,”

kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

“Ngizakwesula iBhabhiloni labasindayo

abantwabakhe lezizukulwane,”

kutsho uThixo.

23 “Ngizalenza libe yindawo yezikhova

lelizwe elilixhaphozi.

Ngizalithanyela ngomthanyelo wencithakalo,”

kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

Isiphrofethi Nge-Asiriya

24  UThixo uSomandla ufungile wathi,

“Ngeqiniso, njengoba sengilungisile, kuzakuba njalo,

njalo njengoba ngikumisile kuzakuma kanjalo.

25 Ngizamchoboza umʼAsiriya elizweni lami;

ezintabeni zami ngizamnyathelela phansi.

Ijogwe lakhe lizasuswa ebantwini bami,

umthwalo wakhe ususwe emahlombe abo.”

26 Lokhu yikho okumiselwe umhlaba wonke,

lesi yisandla eselulelwe phezu kwezizwe zonke.

27 Ngoba uThixo uSomandla usenze isimiso,

ngubani ongamvimbela na?

Isandla sakhe siphakanyisiwe,

ngubani ongasibuyisela emuva na?

Isiphrofethi Ngamafilistiya

28 Ilizwi leli lafika nyakana kusifa inkosi u-Ahazi:

29 Lingathokozi, lonke lina maFilistiya,

lisithi intonga eyalitshayayo yephukile;

ngoba empandeni yenyoka leyana kuzavela inhlangwana,

inzalo yayo izakuba yinyoka elobuthi obutshokayo.

30 Abangabayanga kubayanga bazathola amadlelo,

abaswelayo bazalala phansi bevikelekile.

Kodwa impande yakho ngizayitshabalalisa ngendlala;

izabulala abaseleyo bakho.

31 Lila wena sango! Bubula wena dolobho!

Chithekani lonke lina maFilistiya!

Iyezi lentuthu livela enyakatho;

njalo akulamatshida eviyweni lalo.

32 Yimpendulo bani ezanikwa

izithunywa zalesosizwe na?

“UThixo useyakhile iZiyoni,

abantu bakhe abahluphekileyo bazaphephela kuye.”

15

Isiphrofethi NgeMowabi

1 Isiqalekiso esimayelana leMowabi:

I-Ari eMowabi itshabalalisiwe,

idilizwe ngobusuku obubodwa.

IKhiri eMowabi itshabalalisiwe;

idilizwe ngobusuku obubodwa.

2 IDibhoni iya phezulu ethempelini layo;

ezindaweni zayo eziphakemeyo ukuyalila;

iMowabi ililela iNebho leMedebha.

Amakhanda wonke aphuciwe;

indevu zonke zigeliwe.

3 Ezindleleni bagqoka amasaka,

phezu kwezimpahla zezindlu lasezindaweni zabantu bonke,

bayalila bonke,

baphele amandla ngokulila.

4 IHeshibhoni le-Eliyale kuyakhala,

amazwi akho azwakala laseJahazi.

Ngakho-ke amabutho aseMowabi ayakhala,

inhliziyo zawo zidangele.

5 Inhliziyo yami ikhalela iMowabi,

ababalekayo bayo babaleka baze bayefika kude eZowari;

kude njengase-Egilathi Shelishiya.

Bahamba ngendlela eya eLuhithi,

bakhala ohanjweni lwabo;

endleleni eya eHoronayimi

balilela ukubhujiswa kwabo.

6 Amanzi aseNimirimi acitshile,

utshani bubunile,

uhlaza kalusekho,

akukho lutho oluluhlaza oluseleyo.

7 Ngakho inotho abayizuzileyo bayigcina,

bayithwalela ngaphetsheya kweSifula semiDubu.

8 Ukuklabalala kwabo kuzwakele emngceleni waseMowabi,

ukukhala kwabo kufika kude e-Egilayimi,

ukulila kwabo kufika eBheri-Elimi.

9 Amanzi aseDimoni agcwele igazi

kodwa ngizajinge ngilethe okunengi phezu kweDimoni,

isilwane phezu kwababalekayo baseMowabi,

lakulabo abazasala elizweni.

16

1 Thumelani izimvu njengendlela yokuhlonipha

kumbusi welizwe

evela eSela, edabula enkangala,

esiya entabeni yeNdodakazi yeZiyoni.

2 Njengenyoni ephaphazelayo

isuswe esidlekeni,

banjalo abesifazane baseMowabi

emazibukweni ase-Arinoni.

3 UMowabi uthi, “Zinzisani ingqondo zenu

lenze isinqumo.

Yenzani isithunzi senu sibe njengobusuku

emini enkulu;

bafihleni ababalekayo,

linganikeli iziphepheli.

4 Vumelani iziphepheli zamaMowabi zihlale kini;

libe yisiphephelo sazo kubachithi.”

Umncindezeli uzakufa,

ukuchitheka kuzaphela,

umhlaseli uzanyamalala elizweni.

5 Ngothando, kuzamiswa isihlalo sobukhosi;

ngokwethembeka, indoda izahlala kuso,

ivela endlini kaDavida,

yona ethi ekwahluleleni ifune imfanelo,

njalo iphangisisa indlela yokulunga.

6 Sizwile ngokuzigqaja kukaMowabi.

Ukuzigqaja kwakhe kokuzikhukhumeza lokuzazisa,

ukuzigqaja kwakhe lobuqholo bakhe,

kodwa ukuzikhukhumeza kwakhe kuyize.

7 Ngakho-ke abaseMowabi bayalila,

balilela iMowabi bonke.

Khalani libubulele

izinkwa ezilezithelo zevini eKhiri-Haresethi.

8 Amasimu aseHeshibhoni ayabuna,

anjalo lamavini aseSibhima.

Ababusi bezizwe

sebewanyathelele phansi amavini amahle

kuqala ayefika eJazeri,

njalo anda kusiya ngasenkangala.

Amahlumela awo anaba

aze ayafika ngasolwandle.

9 Ngakho ngiyakhala njengalokhu iJazeri ikhala,

ngikhalela amavini aseSibhima.

Awu Heshibhoni lawe Eliyale,

ngilithambisa ngezinyembezi.

Ukuklabalalela izithelo zenu esezivuthiwe

ngentokozo lezivuno zenu sekuphelile.

10 Ukuthokoza lokuthaba akusekho ezivinini;

kakho ohlabelayo loba amemeze ezivinini;

kakho onyathela iwayini ezikhamelweni

ngoba umsindo sengiwuqedile.

11 Inhliziyo yami ikhalela uMowabi njengechacho,

ingaphakathi yami ikhalela iKhiri-Haresethi.

12 Lapho uMowabi evela endaweni yakhe ephakemeyo

uyazidinisa nje kuphela;

lalapho esiya endaweni yakhe yokukhonzela

ukuba akhuleke akusizi lutho.

13 Leli yilizwi uThixo avele eselikhulumile ngoMowabi. 14 Kodwa khathesi uThixo uthi: “Phakathi kweminyaka emithathu, njengesisebenzi esibotshwe yisivumelwano singayibala, udumo lukaMowabi labantu bakhe bonke abanengi kuzakweyiswa, njalo abazasinda bakhona bazakuba balutshwana kakhulu njalo bengelamandla.”

17

Isiphrofethi NgeDamaseko

1 Isiqalekiso esimayelana leDamaseko:

“Khangela iDamaseko kayisayikuba lidolobho

kodwa izakuba yinqumbi yamanxiwa.

2 Amadolobho ase-Aroyeri azatshiywa,

etshiyelwa imihlambi ezalala phansi

kungekho ozayenza yesabe.

3 Idolobho elivikelweyo lizanyamalala ko-Efrayimi

lamandla obukhosi eDamaseko;

insalela ka-Aramu izakuba

njengodumo lwabako-Israyeli,”

kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

4 “Ngalolusuku udumo lukaJakhobe luzakwehla;

amafutha asemzimbeni wakhe azancipha.

5 Kuzakuba njengalapho umvuni evuna amabele amiyo

evuna amabele ngengalo yakhe,

njenganxa umuntu edobha izikhwebu zamabele

eSigodini saseRefayi.

6 Ikanti ezinye izikhwebu zizasala,

njengalapho isihlahla se-oliva sibhuliwe,

kusale ama-oliva amabili loba amathathu

ezingatsheni eziphezulu kakhulu,

amane loba amahlanu ezingabeni zezithelo,”

kutsho uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

7 Ngalolosuku abantu bazathembela kuMenzi

wabo amehlo abo aphendukele koNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

8 Abayikuthembela ema-alithareni,

umsebenzi wezandla zabo,

njalo kabayikuzinanza izinsika zika-Ashera

lama-alithare empepha enziwa yiminwe yabo.

9 Ngalolosuku amadolobho abo aqinileyo, abawatshiyayo ngenxa yama-Israyeli azafana lezindawo ezatshiyelwa izixukwana lezihlahlanyana. Konke kuzakuba yincithakalo.

10 Selimkhohliwe uNkulunkulu uMsindisi wenu,

kalilikhumbulanga iDwala, inqaba yenu.

Ngakho lanxa ligxumeka izihlahla ezinhle,

lihlanyele lamavini avela ezizweni,

11 lanxa lingawenza akhule ngelanga

elizawagxumeka ngalo,

loba liwenze ahlume

ngekuseni eliwahlanyele ngayo,

kodwa isivuno sizakuba yize

ngosuku lwesifo lobuhlungu obungelaphekiyo.

12 Maye, ukuhlokoma kwezizwe ezinengi,

zihlokoma njengokuhlokoma kolwandle!

Yeka ukuxokozela kwezizwe,

zihuba njengokuhuba kwamanzi amanengi!

13 Lanxa izizwe zihuba njengokugubhuza kwamanzi,

nxa ezikhuza zibalekela khatshana,

njengamakhoba ephetshulwa ngumoya emaqaqeni,

lanjengothuli olubangwa yisivunguzane.

14 Kusihlwa kuba lokuthuthumela.

Kungakasi, kabasekho.

Lesi yiso isabelo salabo abasikhuthuzayo,

isabelo salabo abasihlaselayo.

18

Isiphrofethi NgeKhushi

1 Maye ngelizwe elilokuphaphazela kwempiko

emifuleni yaseKhushi,

2 elithuma izithunywa zihamba olwandle

ngezikepe zemihlanga phezu kwamanzi.

Hambani, zithunywa ezilejubane,

liye ebantwini abade abalejwabu elibutshelezi,

ebantwini abesatshwayo ezindaweni zonke,

isizwe esilolaka, esilolimi olungaziwayo,

esilizwe laso lehlukaniswe yimifula.

3 Lonke lina bantu bomhlaba,

lina elihlala emhlabeni,

lapho uphawu luphakanyiswa phezu kwezintaba

lizalubona,

lalapho uphondo lukhala

lizaluzwa.

4 Lokhu yikho uThixo akutshoyo kimi:

“Ngizakwala ngithule,

ngikhangele ngisendaweni yami yokuhlala,

njengokucwebezela kokutshisa ekukhanyeni kwelanga,

lanjengenkungu yamazolo ngesikhathi sokuvuna.”

5 Ngoba kungakavunwa, lapho ukukhahlela sekudlule,

amaluba esesiba livini elivuthiweyo,

uzaquma amahlumela ngamahloka okuthena,

aqume lengatsha ezinabayo, azisuse.

6 Zonke zizatshiyelwa izinyoni zasezintabeni ezidla inyama,

lezinyamazana zeganga;

izinyoni zizakudla ihlobo lonke,

izinyamazana zeganga ubusika bonke.

7 Ngalesosikhathi izipho zizalethwa kuThixo uSomandla

zivela ebantwini abade abalamajwabu abutshelezi,

zivela ebantwini abesatshwayo ezindaweni zonke.

Isizwe esilolaka, esilolimi olungaziwayo,

esilizwe laso lehlukaniswe yimifula,

izipho zizalethwa entabeni iZiyoni, endaweni yeBizo likaThixo uSomandla.

19

Isiphrofethi NgeGibhithe

1 Isiphrofethi esimayelana leGibhithe sithi:

Khangela uThixo ukhwele phezu kweyezi elilesiqubu

esiza eGibhithe.

Izithombe zaseGibhithe ziyathuthumela phambi kwakhe,

njalo inhliziyo zamaGibhithe ziba buthakathaka ngaphakathi kwawo.

2 “Ngizadunga umGibhithe alwe lomGibhithe,

umuntu uzakulwa lomfowabo,

umakhelwane alwe lomakhelwane,

idolobho lilwe ledolobho,

umbuso ulwe lombuso.

3 AbaseGibhithe bazaphelelwa lithemba,

njalo ngizakwenza amacebo abo abe yize;

bazabuza izithombe lemimoya yabafayo,

amadlozi lezanuse.

4 AbaseGibhithe ngizabanikela

enkosini elesihluku,

inkosi eyesabekayo izababusa,”

kutsho iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla.

5 Amanzi omfula azakutsha,

umfula uzacitsha, wome.

6 Imigelo izanuka,

izifula zaseGibhithe zizakwentsha zitshe.

Imihlanga lebhuma kuzabuna,

7 kanjalo lezihlahlanyana emakhunjini kaNayili

lapho umfula othela khona.

Konke okuhlanyelwe eduzane loNayili

Kuzakoma, kuphephukele khatshana Kungabikhona.

8 Abagoli benhlanzi bazabubula balile,

bonke abaphosa amawuka kuNayili,

loba abajika amambule emanzini

bazaphela amandla.

9 Labo abasebenzisa isikusha bazadangala,

abeluka ilineni elihle bazaphelelwa lithemba.

10 Izisebenzi zasemalenjini zizadana,

njalo bonke abahola imiholo bazakuba lusizi.

11 Izikhulu zaseZowani azisilutho kodwa izithutha nje;

abaluleki bakaFaro abahlakaniphileyo banika izeluleko zobuwula.

Ungatsho kanjani kuFaro uthi,

“Mina ngingomunye wamadoda ahlakaniphileyo,

umfundi wamakhosi endulo?”

12 Khathesi bangaphi abantu bakini abahlakaniphileyo?

Kabalitshengise balazise

ngalokhu uThixo uSomandla

asecebe ukukwenza emelana leGibhithe.

13 Izikhulu zaseZowani sezibe yizithutha,

abakhokheli baseMemfisi bakhohlisiwe,

abazinsika zabantu bakhona

sebedukise iGibhithe.

14  UThixo usethele umoya wesiyezi phakathi kwabo;

benza iGibhithe ibhadazele kukho konke ekwenzayo,

njengesidakwa sidiyazela emahlanzweni aso.

15 Akulalutho iGibhithe engalwenza,

ikhanda loba umsila, ugatsha lwelala loba umhlanga.

16 Ngalolosuku abaseGibhithe bazafana labesifazane. Bazathuthumela ngokwesaba isandla esiphakanyisiweyo uThixo uSomandla abaphakamisele sona. 17 Lelizwe lakoJuda lizaletha ukwesaba kwabaseGibhithe. Bonke okuzakhulunywa kubo ngoJuda bazathuthumela, ngenxa yalokho uThixo uSomandla aceba ukukwenza kubo.

18 Ngalolosuku amadolobho amahlanu aseGibhithe azakhuluma ulimi lwaseKhenani, afungele ukwethembeka kuThixo uSomandla. Elinye lawo lizathiwa liDolobho leNcithakalo.

19 Ngalolosuku kuzakuba le-alithari likaThixo phakathi kwelizwe laseGibhithe, lelitshe lesikhumbuzo sikaThixo emngceleni walo. 20 Lizakuba yisibonakaliso lobufakazi kuThixo uSomandla elizweni laseGibhithe. Lapho bekhalaza kuThixo ngenxa yabancindezeli babo, uzabathumela umsindisi lomvikeli, abahlenge. 21 Kanjalo uThixo uzakwenza ukuba azakale kwabaseGibhithe, njalo ngalolosuku bazamvuma uThixo. Bazakhonza ngemihlatshelo langeminikelo yamabele; bazakwenza izifungo kuThixo, bazigcine. 22  UThixo uzatshaya iGibhithe ngesifo; uzabatshaya aphinde abasilise. Bazaphendukela kuThixo, njalo uzakuzwa imikhuleko yabo abasilise.

23 Ngalolosuku bazakuba lomgwaqo osuka eGibhithe usiya e-Asiriya. Abase-Asiriya bazakuya eGibhithe, abeGibhithe labo baye e-Asiriya. AbaseGibhithe labase-Asiriya bazakhonza ndawonye. 24 Ngalolosuku i-Israyeli izakuba ngeyesithathu kanye leGibhithe le-Asiriya kube yisibusiso emhlabeni. 25  UThixo uSomandla uzababusisa esithi, “Kayibusiswe iGibhithe abantu bami, i-Asiriya umsebenzi wezandla zami le-Israyeli ilifa lami.”

20

Isiphrofethi NgeGibhithe LeKhushi

1 Ngomnyaka indunankulu yebutho eyafika ngawo e-Ashidodi, ithunywe nguSagoni inkosi yase-Asiriya, yahlasela i-Ashidodi yayithumba, 2 ngalesosikhathi uThixo wakhuluma ngo-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi wathi kuye, “Susa isaka oligqokileyo emzimbeni wakho ukhuphe lamanyathela ezinyaweni zakho.” Wenza njalo, wahamba nqunu njalo engagqokanga lutho ezinyaweni.

3  UThixo wasesithi, “Njengoba inceku yami u-Isaya ihambe nqunu njalo ingagqokanga lutho ezinyaweni okweminyaka emithathu njengesibonakaliso lomhlolo kwabaseGibhithe labaseKhushi, 4 ngokunjalo inkosi yase-Asiriya izabaqhuba benqunu njalo bengafakanga manyathela ezinyaweni abaseGibhithe abathunjiweyo labaseKhushi abaxotshwayo elizweni lakibo, abatsha labadala, izibunu zisegcekeni, kube lihlazo eGibhithe. 5 Labo ababethembe iKhushi bezincoma ngeGibhithe, bazakwesaba bayangiswe. 6 Ngalolosuku abantu abahlala kulelicele eliseduze kolwandle bazakuthi, ‘Khangelani osokwenzakale kulabo ebesigwaba ngabo, labo esabalekela kubo ukuba sithole usizo lokukhululwa enkosini yase-Asiriya! Pho sizaphepha kanjani na?’ ”

21

Isiphrofethi NgeBhabhiloni

1 Isiphrofethi mayelana leNkangala engasoLwandle:

Njengesivunguzane sidlula eNegebi,

umhlaseli uvela enkangala evelela

elizweni elesabekayo.

2 Ngitshengiswe umbono owesabekayo.

Umthengisi uyathengisa, umkhuthuzi uthatha impahla.

Elamu, hlasela! Mediya, vimbezela!

Mina ngizakuqeda konke ukububula akudalileyo.

3 Ngalokhu umzimba wami uyafuthelwa,

ngiphethwe yibuhlungu obufana lobowesifazane ehelelwa.

Ngithithibaliswa yilokhu engikuzwayo,

ngidideka ngalokhu engikubonayo.

4 Inhliziyo yami iphela amandla,

ukwesaba kungenza ngiqhaqhazele;

ukuhlwa engibe ngikufisa,

sekusesabeka kimi.

5 Itafula bayilungisile,

bendlala amalembu

bayadla, bayanatha.

Sukumani lina zikhulu,

ligcobe amahawu!

6 Lokhu yikho uThixo akutshoyo kimi:

“Hamba uyefaka umlindi

ukuze abike akubonayo.

7 Angabona izinqola zempi,

kulemihlambi yamabhiza,

abagadi phezu kwabobabhemi

loba abagadi phezu kwamakamela,

kaqaphele;

aqaphelisise sibili.”

8 Umlindi wasememeza esithi,

“Nkosi yami, usuku ngosuku ngiyema phezu komphotshongo wokulinda;

ubusuku ngabunye ngihlala ensikeni yami.

9 Khangela, nangu umuntu esiza esenqoleni yempi

lomhlambi wamabhiza.

Uphendula esithi,

‘IBhabhiloni isidilikile, isidilikile!

Zonke izifanekiso zezithombe zayo

zihlakazekele phansi!’ ”

10 Awu bantu bami elibhulelwe esizeni,

ngilitshela engikuzwileyo

kuvela Thixo uSomandla,

uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

Isiphrofethi Nge-Edomi

11 Isiphrofethi esimayelana leDuma:

Umuntu othile uyangimemeza eseSeyiri, esithi,

“Mlindi, kuyini okwebusuku okusaseleyo?

Mlindi, kuyini okwebusuku okusaseleyo?”

12 Umlindi uphendula esithi,

“Ukusa kuyeza, kodwa lobusuku buyeza.

Nxa ufuna ukubuza, buza;

uphinde ubuye futhi.”

Isiphrofethi Nge-Arabhiya

13 Isiphrofethi esimayelana le-Arabhiya:

Lina zindwendwe zabakoDedani

ezimise emahlabathini ase-Arabhiya,

14 lethelani abomileyo amanzi;

lina elihlala eThema,

lethelani ababalekayo ukudla.

15 Babalekela inkemba,

inkemba eqhatshisiweyo,

babalekela idandili eligotshiweyo,

lokutshisa kwempi.

16 Lokhu yikho uThixo akutshoyo kimi ukuthi: “Phakathi komnyaka owodwa nje, njengendlela isisebenzi esiqhatshiweyo esingawubala ngayo, lonke udumo lweKhedari luzaphela. 17 Abasindayo kwabemitshoko, amabutho aseKhedari, bazakuba balutshwana.” UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, usekhulumile.

22

Isiphrofethi NgeJerusalema

1 Isiphrofethi ngesiGodi soMbono:

Kuyini okukukhathazayo khathesi,

wena sewakhwela phezu kwezimpahla zezindlu,

2 wena dolobho eligcwele iziphithiphithi,

wena dolobho lokuxokozela lokuthokoza?

Abafayo bakho ababulawanga ngenkemba,

njalo kabafelanga empini.

3 Bonke abakhokheli bakho babaleke bebonke,

bathunjiwe bengazange basebenzise mtshoko.

Lonke lina elabanjwayo lathathwa ukuba libe yizibotshwa ndawonye,

libalekile isitha sisesekhatshana.

4 Ngakho ngathi, “Sukani kimi;

lingiyekele ngikhale kabuhlungu.

Lingazami ukungiduduza

ngenxa yokuchithwa kwabantu bakithi.”

5 INkosi, uThixo uSomandla, ulosuku

lokuxokozela lokugxoba lokwesaba

eSigodini soMbono, usuku

lokudiliza imiduli

lokumemezela ezintabeni.

6 I-Elamu ithatha isikhwama semitshoko,

labatshayeli balo bezinqola zempi, lamabhiza;

iKhiri lambula ihawu.

7 Izigodi zakho ezinhle kakhulu zigcwele izinqola zempi,

abagadi bamabhiza bamiswe emasangweni edolobho.

8 Ukuvikeleka kukaJuda kususiwe,

Ngalolosuku wathemba

izikhali eziseSigodlweni seHlathi,

9 wabona ukuthi iDolobho likaDavida

lalilezikhala ezinengi ezivikelweni zalo;

wagcina amanzi eSizibeni esingaPhansi.

10 Wabala izindlu zaseJerusalema,

wazidiliza ukuze kuqiniswe umduli.

11 Phakathi kwemiduli yomibili wakha indawo yokugcinela

amanzi eSiziba esiDala.

Kodwa kawukhangelanga kuLowo owasenzayo,

kumbe umnake Lowo owaceba ukusenza kudala.

12 Ngalolosuku iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla,

wakubiza ukuba

ukhale ulile,

usiphune inwele zakho, ugqoke isaka.

13 Kodwa khangela, kulokuthaba lokuthokoza,

ukuhlatshwa kwezinkomo lokubalwa kwezimvu,

ukudliwa kwenyama lokunathwa kwewayini! Lithi,

“Kasidleni sinathe,

ngoba kusasa sizakufa!”

14  UThixo uSomandla usekuvezile lokhu ngisizwa: “Lesisono kasiyikuthethelelwa kuze kube lusuku lwakho lokufa,” kutsho iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla.

15 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo yiNkosi, uThixo uSomandla, uthi:

“Hamba, uthi encekwini le,

kuShebhina ongumphathi wesigodlo:

16 Wenzani lapha, njalo ngubani okuphe imvumo ukuba

uzimbele ingcwaba lapha,

ugubha ingcwaba lakho endaweni ephezulu,

ugubha indawo yakho yokuphumula edwaleni?”

17 Qaphela, sekuseduze ukuthi uThixo akubambe aqinise,

akuphosele khatshana, wena ndoda elamandla.

18 Uzakugoqa ngokuqinisa akubumbe njengebhola

akuphosele elizweni elikhulu.

Uzafela khonapho.

Lezigqoko zakho zempi ezinhle zizasala khonapho,

wenza ihlazo endlini yenkosi yakho!

19 Ngizakususa esikhundleni sakho,

njalo uzaxotshwa emsebenzini wakho.

20 Ngalolosuku ngizabiza inceku yami, u-Eliyakhimu indodana kaHilikhiya. 21 Ngizamgqokisa izembatho zakho, ngimbophe ngebhanti lakho, ngimnike amandla akho. Uzakuba nguyise walabo abahlala eJerusalema lakwabendlu kaJuda. 22 Ngizabeka phezu kwamahlombe akhe isivulo sendlu kaDavida; akuvulayo kakho ongakuvala. 23 Ngizambethela njengesikhonkwane endaweni eqinileyo; uzakuba yisihlalo sobukhosi sasendlini kayise. 24 Lonke udumo lwakwabo luzakuba kuye, inzalo yakhona lezizukulwane zonke, izitsha zakhona ezincinyane, kusukela emiganwini kusiya enkonxeni zonke.

25 “Ngalolosuku,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla, “isikhonkwane esabethelwa endaweni eqinileyo sizakhumuka; sizaqunywa siwe, umthwalo ophezu kwaso uzawela phansi.” UThixo usekhulumile.

23

Isiphrofethi NgeThire

1 Isiqalekiso esimayelana leThire:

Khalani lina mikhumbi yaseThashishi!

Ngoba iThire selichithiwe

lasala lingaselandlu

kumbe indawo yokungenisa imikhumbi.

Ilizwi selifikile kibo

livela elizweni laseKhithimi.

2 Thulani lina bantu basesihlengeni

lani bathengi baseSidoni,

asebanothiswa ngabahambi bolwandle.

3 Amabele aseShihori

eza ephezu kwamanzi,

isivuno saseNayili sasiyinzuzo yeThire,

njalo yaba yindawo yezizwe yokuthengiselana.

4 Woba lenhloni wena Sidoni, lawe wena nqaba yasolwandle

ngoba ulwandle selukhulumile lwathi:

kangizange ngihelelwe kumbe ngizale;

“Kangizange ngondle amadodana kumbe ngikhulise amadodakazi.”

5 Lapho ilizwi lifika eGibhithe

bazakuba lusizi ngombiko ovela eThire.

6 Khuphukelani ngaseThashishi;

khalani lina bantu basesihlengeni.

7 Leli yilo na idolobho lenu lentokozo,

idolobho elidaladala,

elinyawo zalo zalithatha

ukuyalihlalisa emazweni akude?

8 Ngubani ocebe lokhu ngeThire,

umethesi wemiqhele,

abathengisi bayo bangamakhosana,

abathengisi bayo badumile emhlabeni?

9  UThixo uSomandla wakuceba lokhu,

ukwehlisa ukuzigqaja kwenkazimulo yonke

lokuthobisa bonke abalodumo emhlabeni.

10 Lima insimu yakho malungana leNayili

wena Ndodakazi yaseThashishi

ngoba kawuselayo indawo yokungenisa imikhumbi.

11  UThixo useselulele isandla sakhe phezu kolwandle

wenza imibuso yalo yanyikinyeka.

Usekhuphe umlayo ngeKhenani

ukuba izinqaba zayo zidilizwe.

12 Wathi, “Akusekho ukuthokoza kwakho

wena Ndodakazi Egcweleyo yaseSidoni esichoboziwe!

Vuka ukhuphukele ngaseKhithimi;

lakhona awuyikuthola ukuphumula.”

13 Khangela elizweni lamaKhaladiya,

abantu laba khathesi abangaselutho!

Abase-Asiriya sebelenze

laba yindawo yezidalwa zeganga;

bakhe imiphotshongo yabo yokuzivikela,

bazibhidlizile izinqaba zalo

balenza laba lunxiwa.

14 Khalani lina mikhumbi yaseThashishi,

inqaba yenu idiliziwe!

15 Ngalesosikhathi iThire izakhohlakala okweminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ibanga lokuphila kwenkosi. Kodwa ekupheleni kwaleyominyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa, eThire kuzakwenzakala okunjengokutshiwo yingoma yewule ukuthi:

16 “Thatha ichacho, uhambahambe phakathi kwedolobho

wena wule elikhohlakeleyo.

Litshaye kuhle ichacho, uhlabele izingoma ezinengi,

ukuze ukhunjulwe.”

17 Ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa uThixo uzakhumbula iThire. IThire lizabuyela ekuthengiseni kwalo njengesifebe, njalo lizabuyela emsebenzini walo wokuthengiselana lemibuso yonke esemhlabeni. 18 Inzuzo lemiholo yalo kuzakwahlukaniselwa uThixo; kakuyikulondolozwa loba kubuthelelwe. Inzuzo yalo izakuya kulabo abahlala loThixo ukuba babe lokudla okunengi lezigqoko ezinhle.

24

Ukuchithwa Komhlaba NguThixo

1 Khangela, uThixo

uzabhidliza umhlaba utshabalale;

uzawuchitha, ahlakaze abahlala kuwo.

2 Kuzafanana

okuzenziwa kumphristi kuzenziwa lasebantwini,

okuzenziwa enkosini kuzenziwa lasencekwini,

okuzenziwa enkosikazini kuzenziwa lasencekukazini,

okuzenziwa kumthengisi kuzenziwa lakumthengi,

okuzenziwa kowebolekayo kuzenziwa lakumebolekisi,

okuzenziwa kokweledayo kuzenziwa lakokweledisayo.

3 Umhlaba uzatshabalaliswa nya

uphangwe uqedwe du.

UThixo uselikhulumile ilizwi leli.

4 Umhlaba uyoma ubune,

umhlaba uyahodoza ubune,

abaphakemeyo bomhlaba bayahodoza!

5 Umhlaba ungcoliswa ngabantu bawo.

Kabayilalelanga imithetho,

beqe imilayo

bephula isivumelwano esingapheliyo.

6 Ngakho-ke umhlaba uchithwa yisiqalekiso;

abantu bawo kumele bahlupheke ngenxa yokona kwabo.

Ngakho abantu abahlala emhlabeni bayatshiswa,

njalo balutshwana kakhulu abaseleyo.

7 Iwayini elitsha liyaphela, amavini ayabuna;

bonke abenza umsindo bejabula bayabubula.

8 Ukukhala kwamagedla kuthulisiwe,

umsindo wabajabulayo usuphelile,

ichacho lentokozo selithule.

9 Kabasanathi iwayini behlabela,

utshwala buyababa kubanathi babo.

10 Idolobho elidilikileyo litshabalele;

iminyango yezindlu zonke ivalekile.

11 Emigwaqweni bakhalela iwayini,

yonke intokozo iba yikudana,

ukujabula konke kuphelile emhlabeni.

12 Idolobho lisele selingamanxiwa,

isango lalo libhidlizwe laba yizicucu.

13 Kuzakuba njalo emhlabeni

laphakathi kwezizwe,

njengalapho isihlahla somʼoliva sinyikinywa,

loba njengezithelo ezitholwa emva kokuvunwa kwamavini.

14 Baphakamisa amazwi abo, bahlabele ngentokozo;

bememezela ubukhosi bukaThixo bengasentshonalanga.

15 Ngakho-ke dumisani uThixo empumalanga;

phakamisani uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

ezihlengeni zolwandle.

16 Sizwa ukuhlabelela okuvela emikhawulweni yomhlaba:

“Udumo kalube koLungileyo.”

Kodwa mina ngathi, “Ngiyacikizeka, ngiyacikizeka!

Maye mina!

Abakhohlisi bayaceba!

Ngenkohliso abakhohlisi bayaceba!”

17 Ukwesaba, igodi lomjibila kulilindele,

lina bantu basemhlabeni.

18 Loba ngubani obalekela umsindo wokwesaba

uzawela egodini;

loba ngubani ophumayo egodini

uzabanjwa ngumjibila.

Amasango asezulwini avuliwe,

izisekelo zomhlaba ziyanyikinyeka.

19 Umhlaba usubhidlikile,

umhlaba usudabuke phakathi,

umhlaba usunyikinywe impela.

20 Umhlaba udiyazela njengesidakwa,

uzunguzeka njengendlu kulesiphepho;

siwusinda kangaka isono sokuhlamuka kwawo

uze uwe, awuyikuvuka futhi.

21 Ngalolosuku uThixo uzajezisa

amabutho asemazulwini phezulu

lamakhosi emhlabeni ngaphansi.

22 Bazabuthelwa ndawonye

njengezibotshwa zibotshiwe emgodini oyintolongo.

Bazavalelwa entolongweni

bajeziswe emva kwensuku ezinengi.

23 Inyanga izayangeka,

ilanga libelenhloni;

ngoba uThixo uSomandla uzabusa ngenkazimulo phezu

kweNtaba iZiyoni laphakathi kweJerusalema,

laphambi kwabadala bakhona.

25

Dumisani UThixo

1 Oh Thixo, wena unguNkulunkulu wami;

ngizakudumisa ngibabaza ibizo lakho

ngoba ngokuthembeka okupheleleyo,

wenze izinto ezimangalisayo,

izinto ezamiswa endulo.

2 Wenze idolobho laba yinqwaba yemfucuza;

idolobho elivikelweyo laba lunxiwa,

inqaba yabezizweni kayiseyilo dolobho;

kayiyikwakhiwa futhi.

3 Ngakho-ke abantu abalamandla bazakudumisa,

amadolobho ezizwe ezilolunya azakwesaba.

4 Ubuyisiphephelo sabayanga,

isiphephelo soswelayo osizini lwakhe,

isivikelo phakathi kwesiphepho

lomthunzi ekutshiseni kwelanga.

Ngoba umoya wabalesihluku

unjengesiphepho sitshayeka emdulini,

5 lanjengokutshisa kwasenkangala.

Wena uthulisa umsindo wabezizweni;

njengokutshisa kusehliswa ngumthunzi weyezi,

ithuliswa kanjalo lengoma yaba lesihluku.

6 Phezu kwale intaba uThixo uSomandla uzakwenzela

abantu bonke idili lokudla okumnandi,

idili lewayini elidala,

inyama enhle kakhulu lewayini elihle kakhulu.

7 Phezu kwale intaba uzadiliza

isembeso esimboze abantu bonke,

ilembu elembese izizwe zonke;

8 uzakuginya kokuphela ukufa.

UThixo Wobukhosi uzakwesula inyembezi

ebusweni babantu bonke;

uzasusa ihlazo labantu bakhe

emhlabeni wonke.

UThixo usekhulumile.

9 Ngalolosuku bazakuthi,

“Ngempela lo nguNkulunkulu wethu;

sethemba kuye, wasikhulula.

Lo nguThixo, sethemba kuye;

kasithokozeni sithabe ngokusisindisa kwakhe.”

10 Isandla sikaThixo sizahlala phezu kwalintaba;

kodwa uMowabi uzanyathelelwa ngaphansi ezweni lakhe

njengotshani bunyathelelwa phansi emqubeni.

11 Bazakwelulela izandla zabo kuye,

njengenhlambi iselula izandla zayo ukuba intsheze.

UNkulunkulu uzakuqeda ukuzigqaja kwabo

phezu kokuhlakanipha kwezandla zabo.

12 Uzadiliza izinqaba zenu eziphakemeyo

azibhidlizele phansi;

uzazidilizela phansi emhlabathini,

kulo kanye uthuli.

26

Ingoma Yokubonga

1 Ngalolosuku ingoma le izahlatshelwa elizweni lakoJuda:

Siledolobho eliqinileyo;

uNkulunkulu wenza ukusindisa

kube yimiduli yalo lezivikelo.

2 Vulani amasango

ukuze isizwe esilungileyo singene,

isizwe esigcina ukuthembeka.

3 Lizamemeza abe lokuthula okupheleleyo

lowo olengqondo ebambelelayo,

ngoba wethemba kuwe.

4 Thembani uThixo kokuphela,

ngoba uThixo, uThixo ngokwakhe, uliDwala laphakade.

5 Ubehlisela phansi abahlala engqongeni;

ulehlisela phansi idolobho eliphakemeyo,

ulidilizela emhlabathini,

aliphosele phansi othulini.

6 Inyawo zilinyathelela phansi,

inyawo zabancindezelweyo,

amanyathelo abayanga.

7 Indlela yabalungileyo iqondile;

awu wena oQotho,

wenza indlela yabalungileyo ibe butshelezi.

8 Yebo, Thixo, sihamba endleleni yemithetho yakho,

siyakulindela;

ibizo lakho lodumo lwakho

kulangathelelwa zinhliziyo zethu.

9 Umphefumulo wami uyakulangazelela ebusuku,

ekuseni umoya wami uyakukhumbula.

Lapho ukwahlulela kwakho kufika emhlabeni,

abantu basemhlabeni bayakufunda ukulunga.

10 Lanxa ababi betshengiswa umusa,

kabakufundi ukulunga;

laselizweni lokulunga baqhubeka besenza okubi,

bengabunaki ubukhosi bukaThixo.

11 Oh Thixo, isandla sakho siphakanyiselwe phezulu,

kodwa kabasiboni.

Babonise ukutshisekela kwakho abantu bakho bayangiswe;

umlilo olungiselwe izitha zakho kawubaqede.

12  Thixo, usilethela ukuthula;

konke esesikufezile sikwenzelwe nguwe.

13 Oh Thixo, Nkulunkulu wethu, amanye amakhosi ngaphandle kwakho ake asibusa,

kodwa ibizo lakho yilo lodwa esilidumisayo.

14 Khathesi asafa, kawasaphili;

imimoya leyana eyahambayo kayivuki.

Wawajezisa, wawatshabalalisa;

wesula konke ukukhunjulwa kwawo.

15 Usandisile isizwe, Oh Thixo;

usandisile isizwe.

Uzilethele udumo;

uyiqhelisile yonke imikhawulo yelizwe.

16  Thixo, beza kuwe ekuhluphekeni kwabo;

kwathi lapho usubajezisile

banelisa ukunyenyeza umkhuleko.

17 Njengowesifazane okhulelweyo lapho esezabeletha

uyabhinqika ekhaliswa yibuhlungu,

lathi sabanjalo phambi kwakho, Oh Thixo.

18 Sasikhulelwe, sabhinqika ebuhlungwini,

kodwa sazala umoya.

Kasilethanga nsindiso emhlabeni;

kasibazalelanga lutho abantu basemhlabeni.

19 Kodwa abafileyo bakho bazaphila Thixo,

imizimba yabo izavuka.

Lina elihlala othulini,

vukani lihlabelele ngentokozo.

Amazolo enu afana lamazolo ekuseni;

umhlaba uzabaveza abafileyo bawo.

20 Hambani bantu bami, ngenani ezindlini zenu,

lizivalele phakathi;

lizifihle okwesikhatshana

ulaka lwakhe luze luphele.

21 Khangelani, uThixo uyaphuma lapho ahlala khona

ukuba ajezise abantu basemhlabeni ngenxa yezono zabo.

Umhlaba uzaveza igazi elachithwa kuwo;

kawusayikubafihla ababulawayo bawo.

27

Ukukhululwa Kuka-Israyeli

1 Ngalolosuku,

uThixo uzajezisa ngenkemba yakhe,

inkemba yakhe eyesabekayo, enkulu njalo elamandla,

uLeviyathani inyoka endizayo,

uLeviyathini inyoka egoqanayo;

uzayibulala inunu yasolwandle.

2 Ngalolosuku:

“Hlabelani ngesivini esithela izithelo.

3 Mina Thixo, ngiyasilinda;

ngiyasithelezela kokuphela.

Ngisilinda emini lebusuku

ukuze kungabikhona owenza okubi kuso.

4 Angithukuthelanga.

Sengathi kungabe kulokhula lameva okumelana lami!

Bengizakulanda ngilwe lakho empini;

bengizakutshisa konke ngomlilo.

5 Loba phela kabeze bazephephela kimi;

kabenze ukuthula lami,

yebo, kabenze ukuthula lami.”

6 Ensukwini ezizayo uJakhobe uzagxila,

u-Israyeli uzahluma akhahlele

agcwalise umhlaba wonke ngezithelo.

7  UThixo usemtshayile na

njengokutshaya kwakhe abamtshayayo?

Usebulewe na

njengokubulawa kwalabo abambulalayo?

8 Ngempi langokumxotsha elizweni ulwe laye,

ngesiphepho sakhe esesabekayo umsusela phandle,

njengamhla kuvunguza umoya wasempumalanga.

9 Ngalokhu-ke ukona kukaJakhobe kuzahlawulelwa,

njalo lokhu kuzakuba yisithelo esigcweleyo

esokususwa kwesono sakhe:

Lapho esenza wonke amatshe e-alithare

abe njengamatshe ekalaga avuthuzwe izicucu,

akulazinsika zika-Ashera kumbe ama-alithare empepha

azatshiywa emi.

10 Idolobho elivikelweyo libhidlikile,

indawo yokuhlala etshiyiweyo, yadelwa njengenkangala;

lapho asesidla khona amathole

lapho alala khona phansi;

aphundla ingatsha zalo zisale zize.

11 Lapho ingatsha zalo sezomile, ziyephulwa

kuze abesifazane babase umlilo ngazo.

Ngoba laba ngabantu abangelakuzwisisa;

ngakho uMenzi wabo kalasihawu kubo,

loMdali wabo akayikuba lomusa kubo.

12 Ngalolosuku uThixo uzabhula kusukela kuYufrathe ogelezayo kusiya eMhotsheni waseGibhithe, njalo lina abako-Israyeli lizabuthwa munye ngamunye. 13 Njalo ngalolusuku kuzakhaliswa icilongo elikhulu. Labo ababelahlekele elizweni lase-Asiriya lababexotshelwe elizweni laseGibhithe bazabuya bakhonze uThixo phezu kwentaba engcwele eJerusalema.

28

Maye Kubathungameli Bako-Efrayimi LakoJuda

1 Maye kulowomqhele wamaluba,

iqhono lezidakwa zako-Efrayimi,

kuluba elibunayo, ubuhle obukhazimulayo,

obubekwe ngaphezulu kwesigodi esivundileyo,

kulelodolobho, iqhono lalabo asebelaliswe liwayini phansi!

2 Khangelani, uThixo ulaye olamandla oqinileyo.

Njengesiqhotho lomoya odilizayo,

njengezulu lesiphepho lesihlambi esilamandla,

uzakuphosa phansi ngamandla amakhulu.

3 Umqhele lowo wamaluba, iqhono lezidakwa zako-Efrayimi

kuzanyathelwa ngaphansi kwezinyawo.

4 Leliyaluba elibunayo, ubuhle bakhe obukhazimulayo,

kuhlanyelwe ngaphezu kwesigodi esivundileyo,

lizakuba njengomkhiwa ovuthiweyo kungakavunwa

okuthi khonokho nje omunye ewubona awukhe ngesandla

awuginye.

5 Ngalolosuku uThixo uSomandla

uzakuba ngumqhele okhazimulayo,

umqhele wamaluba omuhle

kulabo abayizinsalela zabantu bakhe.

6 Uzakuba ngumoya wokulunga

kulowo owahlulelayo,

umthombo wamandla

kulabo ababuyisela impi emuva isisesangweni.

7 Lalaba bayadiyazela ngenxa yewayini,

babhadazele ngenxa yotshwala.

Abaphristi labaphrofethi bayadiyazela ngenxa yotshwala,

njalo baphambene ngenxa yewayini;

bayabhadazela ngenxa yotshwala,

bayadiyazela,

lapho bebona imibono,

bayakhininda lapho besenza izinqumo.

8 Amatafula wonke agcwele amahlanzo

njalo akulandawo engelamanyala.

9 “Ngubani lowo ozama ukumfundisa?

Umbiko wakhe uwuchazela bani na?

Abantwana abangasamunyi,

kumbe abalunyuliweyo na?

10 Ngoba kumi kanje:

Yenza lokhu, yenza lokhuya,

umthetho walokhu, umthetho walokhuya;

ingcosana lapha, lengconsana laphayana.”

11 Kungasenani, ngezindebe zabezizweni langolimi

olungaziwayo, uNkulunkulu uzakhuluma lalababantu,

12 atshoyo kubo wathi,

“Le yindawo yokuphumula, abadiniweyo kabaphumule”;

njalo, “Le yindawo yokucambalala,”

kodwa kabalalelanga.

13 Ngakho ilizwi likaThixo kubo lizakuba ngelithi:

Yenza lokhu, yenza lokhuya,

umthetho walokhu, umthetho walokhuya,

ingcosana lapha, ingcosana laphaya,

ukuze bahambe bawe nyovane,

balimale, bathiywe, bathunjwe.

14 Ngakho-ke zwanini ilizwi likaThixo lina bantu abaklolodayo,

ababusa abantu laba eJerusalema.

15 Lizitshaya izifuba lisithi, “Senze isivumelwano lokufa,

senza isivumelwano lethuna.

Nxa isijeziso esikhulu sifika,

kasiyikusithinta,

ngoba senze amanga aba yisiphephelo sethu

lenkohliso yaba yindawo yethu yokucatsha.”

16 Ngakho lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo woBukhosi:

“Khangelani, ngibeka ilitshe eZiyoni,

ilitshe elihloliweyo,

ilitshe lengosi eliligugu;

elesisekelo esiqinisekileyo,

lowo othembayo akayikuphela amandla.

17 Ngizakwenza okufaneleyo kube yintambo yokulinganisa,

ukulunga kube yintambo yokuqondisa;

isiqhotho sizakhukhula isiphephelo senu, amanga,

lamanzi azagabhela indawo yenu yokucatsha.

18 Isivumelwano senu lokufa sizakwesulwa;

isivumelwano senu lengcwaba kasiyikuma.

Lapho isijeziso esikhulu sifika

sizalilahla phansi.

19 Ngazozonke izikhathi esizafika ngazo sizalithatha;

ukusa ngokusa, emini lebusuku,

sizalikhukhula.”

Ukulizwisisa ilizwi leli

kuzaletha ukwesaba khona ngokwakho.

20 Umbheda mfitshane kakhulu ukuba unabe kuwo,

ingubo incane kakhulu ukuba ugoqelwe ngayo.

21  UThixo uzavuka njengalokho akwenzayo entabeni iPherazimu;

uzathukuthela njengaseSigodini seGibhiyoni,

ukuba enze umsebenzi wakhe, umsebenzi oyisimanga,

enze umsebenzi wakhe, umsebenzi ongaziwayo.

22 Khathesi-ke yekelani ukukloloda kwenu

funa amaketane elibotshwe ngawo alisinde kakhulu;

iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla usengitshele

ngesimiso sokutshabalalisa ilizwe lonke.

23 Lalelani lizwe ilizwi lami;

lalelani lizwe engikutshoyo.

24 Lapho umlimi elima ukuba ahlanyele, ulima kokuphela na?

Uqhubeka elima umhlabathi ewubhuqa kokuphela na?

25 Nxa umhlabathi esewendlale kuhle,

kahlanyeli ikharawayi ahlanyele lekhumini na?

Kahlanyeli ingqoloyi endaweni yayo;

ibhali ensimini yayo,

lespelithi ensimini yaso na?

26 UNkulunkulu wakhe uyamfundisa,

amfundise indlela eqondileyo.

27 Ikharawayi kayibhulwa ngesileyi;

lenqola kayihanjiswa phezu kwekhumini,

kodwa ikharawayi ibhulwa ngentonga,

kuthi ikhumini ibhulwe ngombhulo.

28 Amabele kumele acholwe ukuba kwenziwe isinkwa,

ngakho umuntu kawabhuli kokuphela.

Lanxa ehambisa inqola yakhe yokubhula phezu kwawo,

amabhiza akhe kawawacholi.

29 Konke lokhu lakho kuvela kuThixo uSomandla

omangalisayo ngokweluleka,

njalo olenhlakanipho emangalisayo.

29

Maye Kulo Idolobho LikaDavida

1 Maye kuwe Ariyeli, Ariyeli,

idolobho uDavida ahlala kulo!

Yengezelela umnyaka emnyakeni

Wenze ukulandelana kwemikhosi yakho kuqhubeke.

2 Ikanti i-Ariyeli ngizalivimbezela,

lizakhala lilile,

kimi lizafana leziko le-alithari.

3 Ngizakuhlasela amacele wonke,

ngizakuzungeza ngemiphotshongo

ngikuvimbezele ngemisebenzi yokukuhlasela.

4 Nxa usudilizelwe phansi, uzakhuluma uphansi,

inkulumo yakho ayiyikuzwakala ivela othulini.

Ilizwi lakho lizafana lelethonga liphuma phansi emhlabathini.

Ilizwi lakho lizanyenyeza liphuma othulini.

5 Kodwa izitha zakho ezinengi,

zizakuba njengothuli olucolekileyo,

amaxuku alesihluku afane lamakhoba aphephukayo.

Masinyazana, ngesikhatshana nje,

6  UThixo uSomandla uzafika

ngomdumo langokunyikinyeka komhlaba langomsindo omkhulu;

ngesiphepho langesivunguzane langamalangabi omlilo oqothulayo.

7 Lapho-ke amaxuku ezizwe zonke ezilwa le-Ariyeli,

ayihlaselayo kanye lezinqaba zayo,

njalo eyizungezile, azakuba njengephupho,

lilombono webusuku,

8 njengomuntu olambileyo ephupha esidla,

kodwa aphaphame ukulamba kwakhe kulokhu kunjalo,

lanjengalapho umuntu owomileyo ephupha enatha

kodwa aphaphame engelamandla, ukoma kwakhe kungaphelanga.

Kuzakuba njalo lakumaxuku ezizwe zonke

ezilwa leNtaba iZiyoni.

9 Thithibalani limangale,

zenzeni iziphofu lingabe lisabona;

dakwani kodwa kungabi

ngenxa yotshwala.

10  UThixo ulehlisele ubuthongo obukhulu:

uwavalile amehlo enu (abaphrofethi);

wagubuzela amakhanda enu (izanuse).

11 Kini umbono wonke lo kawusilutho kodwa amazwi nje avalelwe encwadini egoqiweyo. Njalo nxa incwadi leyo liyiqhubela umuntu okwaziyo ukubala lithi kuye, “Ake ubale lokhu,” uzaphendula athi, “Anganelisi, ngoba ivaliwe.” 12 Loba nxa incwadi leyo liyiqhubela umuntu ongakwaziyo ukubala lithi kuye, “Ake ubale lokhu,” uzaphendula athi, “Angikwazi ukubala.”

13 UThixo uthi:

“Abantu laba basondela kimi ngemilomo yabo

bangikhonze ngezindebe zabo,

kodwa inhliziyo zabo zikude lami;

ukungikhonza kwabo

kwenziwa kuphela nje ngemilayo abayifundiswa ngabantu.

14 Ngakho-ke abantu laba ngizaphinda ngibethuse

ngesimanga phezu kwesimanga;

inhlakanipho yabahlakaniphileyo izaphela,

ulwazi lwezazi lunyamalale.”

15 Maye kulabo abatshona phansi ukuba

bafihlele uThixo amacebo abo,

abenzela imisebenzi yabo emnyameni bacabange bathi,

“Ngubani osibonayo? Ngubani ozakwazi?”

16 Lina lihlanekela izinto kube

sengathi kucatshangwa ukuthi umbumbi unjengebumba.

Okubunjiweyo kungatsho yini kokubumbileyo kuthi,

“Kangibumbanga”?

Imbiza ingatsho na kumbumbi ithi,

“Kazi lutho”?

17 Ngesikhatshana esifitshane nje,

iLebhanoni kayiyikuphendulwa ibe yinsimu evundileyo,

kuthi insimu evundileyo ifane legusu na?

18 Ngalolosuku izacuthe zizawezwa amazwi omqulu,

njalo ekukhanyeni lebumnyameni

amehlo eziphofu abone emnyameni omkhulu.

19 Abathobekileyo bazathokoza futhi kuThixo,

abaswelayo bazathokoza koNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

20 Abalesihluku bazanyamalala,

abahleka usulu abayikuba khona,

bonke abathanda ukwenza okubi bazabhujiswa,

21 labo abenza umuntu abe lecala ngokufakaza amanga,

abathiya umvikeli enkundleni yamacala,

kuthi ngobufakazi obungamanga

benze omsulwa angehlulelwa ngemfanelo.

22 Ngakho-ke lokhu yikho uThixo owahlenga u-Abhrahama akutshoyo kwabendlu kaJakhobe:

“UJakhobe kasayikuba lenhloni,

ubuso bakhe kabusayikudana.

23 Lapho bebona abantwana babo,

umsebenzi wezandla zami,

bazakwenza ibizo lami libengcwele;

bazabubona ubungcwele boNgcwele kaJakhobe,

njalo bazamesaba uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

24 Abalahlekileyo emoyeni bazakuba lokuzwisisa;

abasolayo bazavuma ukufundiswa.”

30

Maye Esizweni Esiyisiqholo

1 “Maye ebantwaneni abalobuqholo,”

kutsho uThixo,

“kulabo abafeza amacebo angasiwami,

abenza isivumelwano, kodwa kungesi ngoMoya wami,

besengeza isono phezu kwesono;

2 labaya eGibhithe bengabuzanga kimi;

abadinga usizo lokuvikelwa nguFaro,

lomthunzi wokuphephela eGibhithe.

3 Kodwa-ke ukuvikelwa nguFaro kuzakuba lihlazo kini,

umthunzi weGibhithe uzaliyangisa.

4 Lanxa belabameli eZowani,

lezithunywa zabo sezifikile eHanesi,

5 bonke bazayangeka

ngenxa yabantu abangalasizo kubo,

abangalethi sizo loba inzuzo,

kodwa ihlazo lokuyangeka kuphela.”

6 Isiphrofethi mayelana lezinyamazana zeNegebi sithi:

kulolonke ilizwe lobunzima losizi,

elezilwane lezilwanekazi,

elamabululu lezinyoka ezeqayo

izithunywa zithwala inotho yazo ngemihlane yabobabhemi,

impahla yazo eligugu ziyithwale ngamalunda amakamela,

zikusa ebantwini abangayikuba losizo kuzo.

7 Zisiwa eGibhithe osizo lwayo lungelamsebenzi.

Ngakho ngiyibiza ngokuthi

nguRahabi ivilavoxo.

8 Hamba khathesi nje, ubalobele khona esibhebhedwini,

kulobe emqulwini,

ukuze kuthi ensukwini ezizayo

kube yibufakazi obungapheliyo.

9 Laba ngabantu abangabahlamuki, abantwana abangabakhohlisi,

abantwana abangafuniyo ukulalela imfundiso kaThixo.

10 Bathi kwabayizanuse,

“Lingabe lisahlahlula futhi.”

Kubaphrofethi bathi,

“Lingasitsheli imibono ngalokho okuqondileyo.

Sitsheleni izinto ezinhle,

liphrofethe inkohliso.

11 Tshiyani indlela le,

phambukani kulo umkhondo

liyekele ukusibelesela

ngoNgcwele ka-Israyeli!”

12 Ngakho okutshiwo ngoNgcwele ka-Israyeli yilokhu:

“Njengoba lilalile ilizwi leli,

lathembela ekuncindezelweni,

lagwaba ngokukhohliswa,

13 isono lesi kini sizafana lomduli ophakemeyo,

olomnkenke njalo ohlephukayo,

odilika masinyane, ngesikhatshana nje.

14 Uzadilika ube yizicucu, njengembiza yombumbi

ephahazeke kakubi

akwaze kwatholakala lesihlephu sokokha amalahle eziko

ezicucwini zayo kumbe ukukha amanzi emgqonyeni.”

15 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi, oNgcwele ka-Israyeli, ukuthi:

“Ukusindiswa kwenu kusekuphendukeni lekuphumuleni,

amandla enu asekuthuleni lekwethembeni,

kodwa likwalile lokhu.

16 Lithe, ‘Hatshi, sizabaleka ngamabhiza.’

Ngakho lizabaleka!

Lithe, ‘Sizagada amabhiza alejubane.’

Ngakho abalixotshayo bazakuba lejubane!

17 Abayinkulungwane bazabaleka

besongelwe ngoyedwa nje;

ekusongeni kwabahlanu, lizabaleka lonke,

lize lisale linjengensika yophawu lwelizwe

elisengqongeni yentaba,

lanjengesiboniso phezu koqaqa.”

18 Kodwa uThixo ulangatha ukuba lomusa kini;

uyavuka ukuba alitshengise isihawu.

Ngoba uThixo unguNkulunkulu wokulunga.

Babusisiwe bonke abamlindeleyo!

19 Awu bantu baseZiyoni, abahlala eJerusalema, alisayikulila. UThixo uzakuba lomusa kini nxa licela usizo. Uzaliphendula khonokho nje ekulizweni kwakhe. 20 Lanxa nje uThixo elinika isinkwa sokuhlupheka lamanzi osizi, abalifundisayo kabayikucatsha futhi; lizababona ngamehlo enu. 21 Loba liphambukele kwesokudla kumbe kwesenxele lizalizwa ilizwi ngemva kwenu lisithi, “Le yiyo indlela; hambani ngayo.” 22 Lapho-ke lizangcolisa izithombe zenu ezihuqwe ngesiliva lezifanekiso zenu ezinanyekwe ngegolide; lizazilahlela khatshana njengelembu lowesifazane obesesikhathini, lithi kuzo, “Sukani lapha!”

23  UThixo uzalehlisela izulu lenhlanyelo yenu eliyihlanyele emhlabathini, lamabele azavela emhlabathini azakuba mahle njalo emanengi. Ngalolosuku inkomo zenu zizakudla emadlelweni abanzi. 24 Inkabi labobabhemi elilima ngakho umhlabathi kuzakudla utshani lamabele ahlungulwe ngefologwe langefotsholo. 25 Ngosuku lokubulawa okukhulu, lapho imiphotshongo isiwa, izifula zamanzi zizageleza kuzozonke izintaba ezinde lakuwo wonke amaqaqa adephileyo. 26 Inyanga izakhanya njengelanga, ukukhanya kwelanga kukhanye ngokuphindwe kasikhombisa, njengokukhanya kwensuku eziyisikhombisa ezigcweleyo, lapho uThixo esebopha amanxeba abantu bakhe, epholisa lezilonda ezabangwa nguye.

27 Khangelani, ibizo likaThixo livela khatshana,

lolaka oluvuthayo kanye lokuthunqa kwentuthu enkulu;

izindebe zakhe zigcwele intukuthelo,

ulimi lwakhe lungumlilo ohangulayo.

28 Umoya awuphefumulayo unjengesifula

esigcwele amanzi afika entanyeni.

Uhlungula izizwe ngesefa yokubhubhisa;

ufaka emihlathini yabantu

amatomu abasa ekulahlekeni.

29 Lizahlabela

njengasebusuku bokuthakazelela umkhosi ongcwele;

inhliziyo zenu zizathokoza

njengalapho abantu besiya entabeni kaThixo,

eDwaleni lika-Israyeli,

belemihubhe.

30  UThixo uzakwenza abantu balizwe ilizwi lakhe lobukhosi,

njalo uzakwenza bayibone ingalo yakhe isehla

ngokuthukuthela okukhulu langomlilo oqothulayo,

langesihlambo esikhulu, lomdumo kanye lesiqhotho.

31 Ilizwi likaThixo lizayichitha i-Asiriya;

abatshaye ngenduku yakhe yobukhosi.

32 Imvimvinya yinye uThixo abatshaya yona

ngentonga yakhe yokujezisa,

uzakuba ukanye lokutshaywa kwamagedla lemihubhe,

lapho esilwa labo impi ngezidutshulo zengalo yakhe.

33 IThofethi sekukade yalungiswa;

seyenziwa yalungela inkosi.

Igodi layo lomlilo selenziwa latshona njalo laba banzi,

lomlilo lenkuni ezinengi;

umphefumulo kaThixo,

utshisa njengokugeleza komlilo wesolufa,

uyawulumathisa.

31

Maye Kulabo Abathemba IGibhithe

1 Maye kulabo abaya eGibhithe ukuyafuna usizo,

abathemba amabhiza,

abathembe ubunengi bezinqola zabo zempi

lamandla amakhulu abagadi bamabhiza abo,

kodwa bengathembeli koNgcwele ka-Israyeli,

kumbe bacele usizo kuThixo.

2 Ikanti laye uhlakaniphile njalo angaletha incithakalo;

ilizwi lakhe kalibuyeli emuva.

Uzavukela abendlu yababi

lalabo abasiza abenza okubi.

3 Kodwa amaGibhithe ngabantu kawasiNkulunkulu;

amabhiza awo yinyama kawasimoya.

Lapho uThixo eselula isandla sakhe,

lowo osizayo uzakhubeka,

lowo osizwayo uzakuwa,

bobabili bazabhubha.

4 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo kimi, ukuthi:

“Njengesilwane sihwabha;

isilwane esikhulu sibhongela esikubambileyo,

lanxa ixuku lonke labelusi

libizwa ukuba lisihlasele,

kasethuswa yikuklabalala kwabo

kumbe sithikanyezwe ngumsindo wabo,

unjalo-ke uThixo uSomandla uzakwehla

ukuba alwe entabeni iZiyoni laseziqongweni zayo.

5 Njengezinyoni zitshaya amaphiko emoyeni,

uThixo uSomandla uzavikela iJerusalema,

uzalivikela alikhulule,

uzadlula ‘ngaphezu’ kwalo alihlenge.”

6 Awu bantu bako-Israyeli, buyelani kulowo elamhlamukela kakubi. 7 Ngoba ngalolosuku lonke lizazilahla izithombe zenu zesiliva lezegolide elizenze ngezandla zenu ezonayo.

8 “I-Asiriya izachithwa ngenkemba engesiyabantu,

inkemba engasiyo yabantu izababhubhisa.

Bazayibalekela inkemba,

izinsizwa zabo zizakwenziwa izigqili.

9 Inqaba yabo izadilika ngenxa yokwesaba;

lapho bebona uphawu lwempi izinduna zabo zempi zizatshaywa luvalo,”

kutsho uThixo

omlilo wakhe useZiyoni,

osithando sakhe siseJerusalema.

32

Umbuso Wokulunga

1 Khangelani, inkosi izabusa ngokulunga

lababusi bazabusa ngemfanelo.

2 Umuntu ngamunye uzakuba njengesihonqo sokuvikela umoya,

lesiphephelo sokucatshela isiphepho,

njengezihotsha zamanzi enkangala

njengomthunzi wedwala elikhulu elizweni elomileyo.

3 Lapho-ke amehlo alabo ababonayo kawasayikuvaleka,

lezindlebe zalabo abezwayo zizalalela.

4 Ingqondo yowalazelayo izakwazi, iqedisise,

ogagasayo ulimi lwakhe luzatshwaphuluka luzwakale kuhle.

5 Isithutha kasisayikuthiwa ngumhlonitshwa,

lesigangi kasiyikuhlonitshwa.

6 Ngoba isithutha sikhuluma ubuwula,

ingqondo yaso isebenza ububi:

Senza imisebenzi yenkohlakalo,

siqambe amanga ngoThixo;

abalambayo kasibaniki lutho,

abomileyo sibancitsha amanzi okunatha.

7 Izindlela zesigangi zimbi,

senza amacebo amabi

ukuba sichithe abayanga ngamanga,

lanxa isikhalazo sabaswelayo siqotho.

8 Kodwa umuntu ohloniphekayo wenza amacebo ahloniphekayo,

njalo uma ngezenzo ezihloniphekayo.

Abesifazane BaseJerusalema

9 Lina besifazane elingakhathazeki ngalutho,

vukani lilalele kimi;

lina madodakazi elizizwa livikelekile,

lalelani engikutshoyo!

10 Ngesikhatshana nje esedlula umnyaka

lina elizizwa livikelekile lizathuthumela;

ukuvunwa kwevini akuyikuphumelela,

lokuvunwa kwezithelo akuyikuba khona.

11 Thuthumelani lina madodakazi azizwa evikelekile;

qhaqhazelani lina madodakazi azizwa evikelekile!

Khululani izigqoko zenu,

lithandele inkalo zenu ngamasaka.

12 Zitshayeni izifuba zenu ngenxa yamasimu amahle,

langenxa yezivini ezithela izithelo,

13 langenxa yelizwe labantu bami,

ilizwe eligcwele ukhula lameva,

yebo, lilelani zonke izindlu zenjabulo

ledolobho lokuzitika lentokozo.

14 Inqaba enkulu izatshiswa,

idolobho elilomsindo lizatshiywa;

inqaba lomphotshongo wokulinda

kuzakuba ngumhlabathi ongatheli lutho kokuphela,

kube yintokozo yabobabhemi lamadlelo emihlambi,

15 umoya uze uthelwe phezu kwethu uvela phezulu,

inkangala ibe ngumhlaba ovundileyo,

umhlaba ovundileyo ube njengenhlabathi.

16 Ukwahlulela kuhle kukaThixo kuzakuba khona enkangala,

ukulunga kube khona emhlabeni ovundileyo.

17 Izithelo zokulunga zizakuba yikuthula;

okufaneleyo kuzaletha ukuthula zwi lethemba kuze kube nininini.

18 Abantu bami bazahlala ezindaweni ezilokuthula,

emakhaya avikelekileyo,

ezindaweni zokuphumula ezingelahlupho.

19 Lanxa isiqhotho sitshabalalisa ihlathi

ledolobho lidilizwe laphela nya,

20 yeka ukubusiswa elizakuba yikho,

lihlanyela inhlanyelo yenu emaceleni ezifula zonke,

njalo liyekela inkomo zenu labobabhemi benu ukuba kusabalale.

33

Usizi Losizo

1 Maye kuwe, wena mchithi,

wena ongachithwanga!

Maye kuwe, wena mthengisi,

wena ongacetshwanga!

Lapho uyekela ukuthengisa,

lawe uzacetshwa.

2 Awu Thixo, woba lomusa kithi;

siyakulangazelela.

Woba ngamandla ethu ekuseni konke,

ube yinsindiso yethu esikhathini sosizi.

3 Ekukhwazeni kwelizwi lakho, izizwe ziyabaleka;

lapho uphakama izizwe ziyahlakazeka.

4 Elakuthumbayo, lina zizwe, kubuthwa sengangathi kuqoqwa yisikhongwane,

abantu beqela kukho njengomtshitshi wentethe.

5  UThixo uphakeme ngoba uhlala phezulu,

uzagcwalisa iZiyoni ngokufaneleyo langokulunga.

6 Uzakuba yisisekelo esithembekileyo sesikhathi senu,

isiphala esigcwele usindiso, ukuhlakanipha lokwazi;

ukumesaba uThixo kuyisiqokoqela sokuzuza ingcebo le.

7 Khangelani, amaqhawe akibo ahlaba umkhosi emigwaqweni!

Izithunywa zokuthula ziyakhala kakhulu.

8 Imigwaqo emikhulu ibetha umoya,

akulazihambi kuyo.

Isivumelwano sephulwe,

ofakazi baso beyisiwe,

kakho ohlonitshwayo.

9 Ilizwe liyalila njalo liyachitheka.

ILebhanoni iyangekile njalo iyabuna;

iSharoni injengenkangala,

iBhashani leKhameli akhithizwa amahlamvu awo.

10  UThixo uthi, “Khathesi sengizavuka,

khathesi sengizadunyiswa,

khathesi sengizaphakanyiswa.

11 Liqukethe ngamakhoba,

lizale izibi;

umoya wenu eliwuphefumulayo ungumlilo oliqedayo.

12 Abantu bazatshiswa bafane lekalaga;

bazathungelwa ngomlilo njengamahlahla ameva aganyuliweyo.”

13 Lina elikhatshana, zwanini engikwenzileyo;

lina abaseduze, vumani amandla ami!

14 Izoni zaseZiyoni ziyathuthumela;

abangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu bayaqhaqhazela:

“Ngubani owakithi ongahlala lomlilo oqothulayo na?

Ngubani owakithi ongahlala lokutshisa okungapheliyo na?”

15 Ngulowo owenza okulungileyo,

ekhuluma okuqotho

oyalayo inzuzo yokuncindezelwa,

ale ukwamukela isivalamlomo,

owalayo ukulalela amaqhinga okubulala,

avale amehlo akhe ukuze angaboni okubi,

16 lo nguye umuntu ozahlala ekuphakameni,

osiphephelo sakhe sizakuba yinqaba yasentabeni.

Uzalethelwa isinkwa sakhe,

lamanzi kayikuwaswela.

17 Amehlo enu azayibona inkosi ebuhleni bayo,

abuke lelizwe elibanzi.

18 Ezingqondweni zenu lizakhumbula ukwesaba kwakuqala lithi:

“Ingaphi induna yezikhulu leyana?

Ungaphi owayethatha imali yemithelo?

Singaphi isikhulu esigcina imiphotshongo na?”

19 Abantu labayana abaklolodayo kalisayikubabona futhi,

abantu labayana abolimi olungazwakaliyo,

abolimi olungaziwayo, olungaqondakaliyo.

20 Khangelani iZiyoni, idolobho lemikhosi yethu;

amehlo enu azabona iJerusalema

indawo yokuhlala elokuthula, ithente elingeke lisuswe;

izikhonkwane zalo kaziyikusitshunwa

lezintambo zalo kaziyikuqamuka.

21 Khonapho uThixo uzakuba ngolaMandla wethu.

Kuzafana lendawo elemifula ebanzi kanye lezifula.

Akukho mkhumbi wempi ozagwedlwa khona,

akukho mkhumbi olamandla ozahamba khona.

22 Ngoba uThixo ungumahluleli wethu,

uThixo usinika imithetho,

uThixo yinkosi yethu;

nguye ozasikhulula.

23 Izintambo zakho zeseyili ziyaxega.

Insika kayiqiniswanga;

iseyili kayivulekanga.

Lapho-ke impango enengi izakwabiwa

kuthi labaqhulayo labo bazazuza impango.

24 Akulamuntu ohlala eZiyoni ozakuthi, “Mina ngiyagula”;

labantu abahlala khona bazathethelelwa izono zabo.

34

Ukwahlulelwa Kwezizwe

1 Sondelani lina zizwe, lilalele;

zwanini lina bantu!

Umhlaba kawulalele, lakho konke okukiwo,

umhlaba, lakho konke okuvela kuwo!

2  UThixo uthukuthelele izizwe zonke,

ulaka lwakhe luphezu kwezitha zabo zonke.

Uzazibhubhisa ngokupheleleyo,

uzazinikela ekubulaweni.

3 Ababuleweyo bakibo bazaphoselwa ngaphandle,

izidumbu zabo zizanuka;

izintaba zizacwila egazini labo.

4 Zonke izinkanyezi zasemazulwini zizanyamalala,

umkhathi ugoqwe njengomqulu;

wonke amaxuku ezinkanyezi

azakuwa njengamahlamvu abunileyo evinini

lanjengomkhiwa oswabileyo usiwa esihlahleni somkhiwa.

5 Inkemba yami isinathe yanela emazulwini;

khangelani yehlela phezu kwe-Edomi ukulahlulela,

abantu esengibabhubhise baphela.

6 Inkemba kaThixo igxanyuzwe egazini,

igcwele amafutha

igazi lezimvu lelembuzi,

amafutha ezinso zenqama.

Ngoba uThixo ulomhlatshelo eBhozira

lokubulawa okukhulu kwezifuyo e-Edomi.

7 Inyathi zizakufa kanye lazo,

amathole azinkunzi kanye lenkunzi ezinkulu.

Ilizwe labo lizagcwala igazi,

umhlabathi uzakuba manzi ngamafutha.

8 Ngoba uThixo ulosuku lokuphindisela,

umnyaka wokujezisa, ukuqinisa injongo yeZiyoni.

9 Izifula zase-Edomi zizaphendulwa zibe yingcino,

umhlabathi wakhona ube ngumlilo wesolufa,

ilizwe lakhona lizakuba yingcino etshayo!

10 Aliyikucitshwa ebusuku lemini;

intuthu yalo izathunqa kokuphela.

Lizakuba ngelichithiweyo

kusukela kusizukulwane kusiya kwesinye;

kakho ozadabula phakathi kwalo futhi.

11 Isikhova senkangala lomandukulo kuzakwakha kulo;

isikhova esikhulu lewabayi kuzakwakha izidleke zakho kulo.

UNkulunkulu uzakwelulela phezu kwe-Edomi

intambo yokulinganisa incithakalo

lentambo yokulinganisa ukutshabalala.

12 Izikhulu zalo kaziyikuba lalutho olungathiwa ngumbuso,

wonke amakhosana alo azanyamalala.

13 Izinqaba zalo zizagcwala ameva,

imbabazane lokhula kugcwale kuziphephelo zalo.

Lizakuba yindawo yamakhanka,

lomuzi wezikhova.

14 Izinyamazana zenkangala zizahlangana lezimpisi,

amagogo azakhalelana;

izidalwa zebusuku zizalala khona

zizifunele izindawo zokuphumula.

15 Isikhova sizakwakha isidleke khona sibekele amaqanda,

sizawachamisela, sifukamele abantwana baso

ngaphansi komthunzi wempiko zaso,

lemizwazwa izabuthana khonapho,

yilowo lalowo lomngane wawo.

16 Khangelani encwadini kaThixo lifunde okuthi:

Akukho lakunye kwalokhu okuzasweleka;

akukho okuzaswela umngane wakho.

Ngoba nguThixo onike umlayo,

loMoya wakhe uzazigoqela ndawonye.

17 Uzakwahlukanisela izabelo zakho;

isandla sakhe sizakwabela ngesilinganiso.

Isabelo sizakuba lilifa lakho kokuphela,

njalo sizahlala khona kusukela kusizukulwane kusiya kusizukulwane.

35

Intokozo Yabahlengiweyo

1 Inkangala lelizwe elomileyo kuzathokoza;

inkangala izajabula iqhakaze.

Njengeluba 2 izakhahlela,

ithokoze kakhulu, ihlabele isithi.

Inkazimulo yaseLebhanoni izanikezwa kuyo

ubuhle beKhameli leSharoni,

kuzabona inkazimulo kaThixo

lobukhosi bukaNkulunkulu wethu.

3 Qinisani izandla ezibuthakathaka,

liqinise lamadolo axegayo;

4 tshonini kulabo abalezinhliziyo ezilokwesaba lithi:

“Qinani, lingesabi;

uNkulunkulu wenu uzakuza,

uzakuza ezophindisela,

ajezise ngokulunga

uzakuza ukuba alikhulule.”

5 Lapho-ke amehlo eziphofu azavuleka,

lezindlebe zezacuthe zivuleke.

6 Lapho-ke abaqhulayo bazakweqa njengempala,

izimungulu zihlabele ngokuthokoza.

Amanzi azampompoza ogwaduleni,

izifula zigeleze enkangala.

7 Itshebetshebe elitshisayo lizakuba yisiziba,

umhlabathi owomileyo ube yimithombo echaphaka amanzi.

Ezindaweni amakhanka ake ahlala kuzo,

utshani lemihlanga lebhuma kuzakhula khona.

8 Njalo kuzakuba lomgwaqo omkhulu:

uzathiwa yiNdlela yobuNgcwele,

izakuba ngeyalabo abahamba ngokuqonda.

Abangcolileyo kabayikuhamba kuwo;

uzakuba ngowalabo abahamba kuleyoNdlela lezithutha

ezonayo kaziyikuhambahamba kuwo.

9 Akuyikuba lesilwane khona,

loba esinye isilo esilolaka; sivuke kuwo

kaziyikutholwa khona.

Kodwa abahlengiweyo yibo kuphela abazahamba lapho,

10 njalo labahlengiweyo bakaThixo bazabuyela.

Bazangena eZiyoni behlabelela,

intokozo engapheliyo izakuba ngumqhele emakhanda abo.

Bazakuba lokuthula lenjabulo,

usizi lokububula kuzaphela.

36

USenakheribhi Usongela IJerusalema

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lane wokubusa kwenkosi uHezekhiya, uSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya wahlasela wonke amadolobho avikelweyo akoJuda wawathumba. 2 Emva kwalokho inkosi yase-Asiriya yathuma umlawuli wayo lebutho elikhulu lisuka eLakhishi lisiya enkosini uHezekhiya eJerusalema. Kwathi umlawuli webutho esemi emgelweni wechibi elingaphezulu, elisendleleni eya eNsimini yoMgezisi, 3 u-Eliyakhimu indodana kaHilikhiya umgcini wesigodlo, loShebhina umabhalane kanye loJowa indodana ka-Asafi umbhali, baya kuye.

4 Umlawuli webutho wathi kubo, “Tshelani uHezekhiya ukuthi,

‘Nanku okutshiwo yinkosi enkulu, inkosi yase-Asiriya ithi: Uthembeni ngalesisibindi sakho na? 5 Uthi ulamaqhinga lamandla ebutho kodwa ukhuluma amazwi ayize. Uthembe bani uze ungihlamukele nje? 6 Khangela, ngiyazi uthembe iGibhithe, yona enjengomhlanga ozimvava osika isandla somuntu umlimaze nxa eweyamile. Unjalo uFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe kubo bonke abathembele kuye. 7 Njalo nxa lisithi kimi, “Thina sithembe uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu,” kasuye yini uHezekhiya asusa izindawo zakhe eziphakemeyo lama-alithare akhe, esithi kuJuda leJerusalema, “Kumele likhonzele phambi kwaleli i-alithari”?

8 Khathesi woza wenze isivumelwano lenkosi yami, inkosi yase-Asiriya: Ngizakunika amabhiza azinkulungwane ezimbili nxa bekhona abazawagada! 9 Pho ungayehlula njani induna eyodwa yezikhulu ezincane zenkosi yami, lanxa uthembele eGibhithe ekutholeni izinqola zempi labagadi bamabhiza na? 10 Phezu kwalokho, kanti ngizehlasela lokuzochitha ilizwe leli kungatshongo uThixo na? UThixo uqobo nguye othe ngizohlasela ilizwe leli ngilichithe.’ ”

11 Ngakho u-Eliyakhimu loShebhina loJowa bathi kumlawuli webutho, “Ake ukhulume ezincekwini zakho ngesi-Aramayikhi ngoba siyasizwa. Ungasikhulumisi ngesiHebheru lababantu abasemdulini besizwa.”

12 Kodwa umlawuli webutho waphendula esithi, “Inkosi yami ingithume ukuba izinto lezi ngizitsho kuphela enkosini yenu lakini, hatshi ebantwini abahlezi emdulini okuzakuthi labo njengani badle ubulongwe babo banathe lomchamo wabo na?”

13 Umlawuli webutho wasukuma wasememeza ngesiHebheru esithi, “Zwanini amazwi enkosi enkulu, inkosi yase-Asiriya! 14 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo yinkosi: Lingamvumeli uHezekhiya ukuba alikhohlise. Angeke alikhulule. 15 Lingamvumeli uHezekhiya elincenga ukuba lithembele kuThixo lapho esithi ‘Ngempela uThixo uzasikhulula; idolobho leli kaliyikuphiwa esandleni senkosi yase-Asiriya.’ ”

16 Lingamlaleli uHezekhiya. Nanku okutshiwo yinkosi yase-Asiriya: Yenza isivumelwano sokuthula lami, uphume uze kimi. Lapho-ke omunye lomunye uzakudla esivinini sakhe lasemikhiweni yakhe, anathe lamanzi emthonjeni wakhe, 17 ngize ngifike ngilithathe, ngilise elizweni elifanana lelakini, ilizwe lamabele lewayini elitsha, ilizwe lesinkwa lezivini.

18 “Lingavumeli uHezekhiya ukuthi alikhohlise esithi, ‘UThixo uzasikhulula.’ Kulonkulunkulu wesinye isizwe osewake wakhulula ilizwe lakhe esandleni senkosi yase-Asiriya na? 19 Bangaphi onkulunkulu baseHamathi le-Ariphadi na? Bangaphi onkulunkulu baseSefavayimi na? Bayikhululile iSamariya esandleni sami na? 20 Nguphi kubo bonke onkulunkulu bamazwe la oke wenelisa ukukhulula ilizwe lakhe kimi na? Pho uThixo angayikhulula njani iJerusalema esandleni sami na?”

21 Kodwa abantu bathula kabazange batsho lutho, ngoba inkosi yayilaye yathi, “Lingamphenduli.”

22 U-Eliyakhimu indodana kaHilikhiya umgcini wesigodlo loShebhina umabhalane loJowa indodana ka-Asafi umbhali, baya kuHezekhiya izigqoko zabo zidabukile bamtshela okwakutshiwo ngumlawuli webutho.

37

Ukuhlengwa KweJerusalema Kuyabikwa

1 Kwathi lapho uHezekhiya, inkosi, esezwe lokhu, wadabula izigqoko zakhe wagqoka amasaka, wasesiya ethempelini likaThixo. 2 Wathuma u-Eliyakhimu umphathi wesigodlo, uShebhina umabhalane labaphristi abangabakhokheli, bonke begqoke amasaka, baya kumphrofethi u-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi. 3 Bathi kuye, “UHezekhiya uthi: ilanga lanamhla lusuku losizi lokusolwa kanye lehlazo njengalapho abantwana sekufike isikhathi sokuthi bazalwe kodwa amandla okubeletha engekho. 4 Mhlawumbe uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho izawezwa amazwi omlawuli webutho, onkosi yakhe, inkosi yase-Asiriya, emthume ukuba athuke uNkulunkulu ophilayo, lokuthi uzamthuka ngenxa yamazwi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ewazwileyo. Ngakho-ke khulekela insali elokhu iphila.”

5 Kwathi izithunywa zenkosi uHezekhiya sezifikile ku-Isaya, 6 u-Isaya wathi kuzo, “Tshelani inkosi yenu lithi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Ungesabi lokhu okuzwileyo, amazwi lawana izinceku zenkosi yase-Asiriya ezingithuke ngawo. 7 Lalela! Ngizafaka umoya ozamenza athi nxa esizwa umbiko othile, afune ukubuyela elizweni lakhe, athi angafika khonale ngenze ukuba abulawe ngenkemba.’ ”

8 Kwathi lapho umlawuli webutho esezwile ukuthi inkosi yase-Asiriya yayisisukile eLakhishi, laye wasuka wayathola inkosi isilwa leLibhina.

9 USenakheribhi wemukela umbiko othi uThirihaka inkosi yaseKhushi, wayesiza ukuba amhlasele. Esezwe lokho wathumela izithunywa kuHezekhiya lombiko othi: 10 “Tshela uHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda ukuthi: Ungavumi ukuthi unkulunkulu omthembileyo akukhohlise esithi, ‘IJerusalema kaliyikunikelwa enkosini yase-Asiriya.’ 11 Ngempela usukuzwile okwenziwa ngamakhosi ase-Asiriya emazweni wonke, ewabhidliza okupheleleyo. Wena-ke uzaphepha na? 12 Onkulunkulu bezizwe ezatshabalaliswa ngokhokho bami bake bazikhulula na, onkulunkulu beGozani, iHarani, iRezefi kanye labantu base-Edeni ababeseThelasari? 13 Ingaphi inkosi yaseHamathi, inkosi yase-Ariphadi, angaphi amakhosi aseLayiri leSefavayimi, loba eyaseHena kumbe eyase-Iva?”

Umkhuleko KaHezekhiya

14 UHezekhiya wemukela incwadi eyeza lezithunywa wayibala. Emva kwalokho waya ethempelini leNkosi, wayichaya phambi kukaThixo. 15 UHezekhiya wakhuleka kuThixo esithi: 16 “Thixo Somandla, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli osebukhosini phakathi kwamaKherubhi, wena kuphela nguwe onguNkulunkulu wemibuso yonke yasemhlabeni. Nguwe owenza izulu lomhlaba. 17 Beka indlebe Thixo, uzwe; vula amehlo akho Thixo, ubone. Lalela uzwe wonke amazwi uSenakheribhi awathumele ukuzathuka uNkulunkulu ophilayo.

18 Kuliqiniso, Thixo, ukuthi amakhosi ase-Asiriya abatshabalalisa bonke lababantu kanye lamazwe abo. 19 Aphosele onkulunkulu bawo emlilweni abatshabalalisa, ngoba kungesibo onkulunkulu kodwa yizigodo lamatshe kuphela, okubunjwe ngezandla zabantu. 20 Khathesi, Thixo, Nkulunkulu wethu, sikhulule esandleni sakhe, ukuze imibuso yonke emhlabeni ibekwazi ukuthi wena Thixo, nguwe wedwa onguNkulunkulu.”

Ukuwa KukaSenakheribi

21 U-Isaya indodana ka-Amozi wathumela ilizwi kuHezekhiya elithi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli: Ngenxa yokuthi ukhulekile kimi mayelana ngoSenakheribhi inkosi yase-Asiriya, 22 nanti ilizwi uThixo aselikhulume ngaye wathi:

INdodakazi eGcweleyo iZiyoni

iyakweyisa njalo iyakuklolodela.

INdodakazi iJerusalema

inqekuza ikhanda layo lapho wena ubaleka.

23 Ngubani lowo omthukileyo wamhlazisa?

Ngubani lowo omphakamisele ilizwi lakho

wamphakamisela lamehlo akho ngokuzigqaja na?

NgoNgcwele ka-Israyeli!

24 Ngezithunywa zakho

umthukile uThixo.

Utshilo njalo ukuthi,

‘Ngezinqola zami ezinengi

ngikhwelile eziqongweni zezintaba

iziqongo eziphezulu kakhulu zaseLebhanoni.

Sengigamule ngawisa izihlahla ezinde zemisedari,

izihlahla ezikhethiweyo zamaphayini.

Ngifikile eziqongweni zalo ezikhatshana,

emaguswini alo amahle kakhulu.

25 Ngigebhile imithombo ezizweni

nganatha amanzi khona.

Ngezinyawo zami

ngomisile zonke izifula zaseGibhithe.’

26 Kawuzwanga na?

Lokhu ngakumisa endulo.

Ngakuceba ensukwini zasendulo;

khathesi sengenze ukuba kufezeke,

ukuthi usudilize amadolobho avikelweyo

aba yizinqwaba zamatshe.

27 Abantu bakhona, abangaselamandla,

badangele njalo bayangekile.

Banjengezilimo ensimini,

njengamahlumela aluhlaza,

lanjengotshani obuhluma ephahleni lwendlu

bubuye butshe bungakakhuli.

28 Kodwa ngiyakwazi lapho okhona,

lalapho usiza uphinde uhambe;

kanye lokuthi ungithukuthelela kangakanani.

29 Ngenxa yokungithukuthelela kwakho

langenxa yokuthi ubuqholo bakho sebufikile ezindlebeni zami,

ngizafaka umkhala wami emakhaleni akho

lamatomu ami emlonyeni wakho,

njalo ngizakwenza ubuyele

ngendlela oze ngayo.

30 Lokhu kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kuwe, Hezekhiya:

Lonyaka lizakudla okuzikhulela kodwa,

ngomnyaka wesibili lidle umkhukhuzela wakhona.

Kodwa ngomnyaka wesithathu hlanyelani livune,

hlanyelani izivini lidle izithelo zazo.

31 Futhi insali yendlu kaJuda

izagxilisa njalo impande phansi ithele izithelo ngaphezulu.

32 Ngoba eJerusalema kuzavela insali,

kuthi entabeni iZiyoni kuphume ixuku labasindayo.

Ukutshiseka kukaThixo uSomandla

kuzakwenza ukuba lokhu kufezeke.

33 Ngakho-ke mayelana lenkosi yase-Asiriya uThixo uthi:

Kasoze angene kulelidolobho

loba atshoke umtshoko lapha.

Kasoze eze kulo elehawu

kumbe akhe umduli wokulivimbezela.

34 Uzabuyela ngendlela eza ngayo;

kasoze angene kulelidolobho,

kutsho uThixo.

35 Idolobho leli ngizalivikela ngilihlenge,

ngenxa yami langenxa kaDavida inceku yami!

36 Lapho-ke ingilosi kaThixo yasuka yayabulala abantu abalikhulu elilamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lanhlanu lezinkulungwane ezihonqweni zama-Asiriya. Kwathi lapho abantu bevuka ekuseni kwakhona bonke kwasekuyizidumbu kuphela! 37 Ngakho uSenakheribhi inkosi yama-Asiriya wasuka ezihonqweni wahamba. Wabuyela eNiniva wahlala khona.

38 Kwathi ngolunye usuku ekhonza ethempelini likaNisirokhi unkulunkulu wakhe, amadodana akhe u-Adrameleki loShareza ambulala ngenkemba asebalekela elizweni lase-Ararathi. U-Esarihadoni indodana yakhe yaba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe.”

38

Ukugula KukaHezekhiya

1 Ngalezonsuku uHezekhiya wagula eselengela ekufeni. Umphrofethi u-Isaya, indodana ka-Amozi waya kuye wathi, “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Lungisa indlu yakho ngoba uzakufa, awuyikusila.”

2 UHezekhiya waphenduka wakhangela emdulini wakhuleka kuThixo esithi, 3 “Khumbula, Thixo, ukuthi ngihambe phambi kwakho ngokuthembeka langokuzinikela ngenhliziyo yami yonke, njalo ngenze okuhle emehlweni akho.” UHezekhiya wakhala kabuhlungu.

4 Emva kwalokho kwafika ilizwi likaThixo ku-Isaya lisithi: 5 “Yana kuHezekhiya uthi kuye, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu kayihlo uDavida, uthi: Ngiwuzwile umkhuleko wakho, njalo ngizibonile lezinyembezi zakho. Ngizakwengezelela iminyaka elitshumi lanhlanu ekuphileni kwakho. 6 Njalo ngizakukhulula wena, kanye ledolobho leli ezandleni zenkosi yase-Asiriya. Ngizavikela idolobho leli.

7 Lesi yisibonakaliso sikaThixo kuwe sokuthi uThixo uzakwenza njengokuthembisa kwakhe: 8 Ngizakwenza umthunzi obangelwe lilanga ubuyele emuva amanyathelo alitshumi umthunzi owehle ngawo emakhwelelweni ka-Ahazi.’ ” Ngakho ukukhanya kwelanga kwabuyela emuva ngamanyathela alitshumi elaselikhothame ngawo.

9 La ngamazwi alotshwa nguHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda emva kokuba esesilile ekuguleni kwakhe:

10 Ngathi, “Ebuhleni bokuphila kwami

kumele ngedlule emasangweni okufa

ngamukwe iminyaka yami eseleyo na?”

11 Ngathi, “Angiyikumbona futhi uThixo ngokwakhe

elizweni labaphilayo;

angisayikubabona futhi abantu bakithi

loba ngibe lalabo abahlala kulumhlaba.

12 Njengethente lomelusi indlu yami

idiliziwe ngayithathelwa.

Njengomaluki impilo yami ngiyigoqile,

ungisusile osungulweni;

emini lebusuku ungenze ngaphela.

13 Ngalinda ngokubekezela kwaze kwasa,

kodwa amathambo ami uwephule wonke njengesilwane;

emini lebusuku ungenze ngaphela.

14 Ngakhala njengenkonjane kumbe ihemu,

ngabubula njengejuba elililayo.

Amehlo ami afiphele ngokukhangela phezulu.

Awu Thixo, ngikhathazekile, woza ungisize!”

15 Kodwa ngingathini na?

Ukhulumile kimi, wena ngokwakho ukwenzile lokhu.

Ngizahamba ngokuzithoba ekuphileni kwami konke

ngenxa yobuhlungu bomoya wami.

16 Thixo, abantu baphila ngezinto ezinje;

lomoya wami uthola ukuphila kuzo.

Wangibuyisela empilweni

wangenza ngaphila.

17 Ngeqiniso kwaba lusizo kimi

ukuzwa ubuhlungu obungaka.

Ngothando lwakho wangivikela

emgodini wokutshabalaliswa;

izono zami zonke

uzibeke ngemva kwakho.

18 Ngoba ingcwaba alingeke likubonge

lokufa akungeke kukudumise;

labo abangena emgodini

abangeke bathemba ubuqotho bakho.

19 Abaphilayo, ngempela abaphilayo, bayakudumisa

njengalokhu engikwenzayo lamuhla;

abazali batshela abantwababo

ngobuqotho bakho.

20  UThixo uzangisindisa;

njalo sizahlabelela ngamachacho

kuzozonke insuku zokuphila kwethu

ethempelini likaThixo.

21 U-Isaya wayethe, “Lungisani isigaqa semikhiwa usifake phezu kwethumba, uzasila.”

22 UHezekhiya wayebuze wathi, “Kuyini okuzakuba yisibonakaliso sokuthi ngizakhwela ngiye phezulu ethempelini likaThixo na?”

39

Izithunywa Ezivela EBhabhiloni

1 Ngalesosikhathi uMerodakhi-Bhaladani indodana kaBhaladani inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, wathumela izincwadi lesipho kuHezekhiya, ngoba wayezwile ngokugula kwakhe lokusila kwakhe. 2 UHezekhiya wazamukela izithunywa ngokuthaba, wazitshengisa okwakusendlini yakhe yokugcinela impahla, isiliva, igolide, iziyoliso, amafutha acengekileyo, izikhali zakhe zonke, lakho konke okwakukhona enothweni yakhe. Akulalutho esigodlweni sakhe loba embusweni wakhe wonke angazitshengisanga khona.

3 Ngakho u-Isaya umphrofethi waya kuHezekhiya inkosi wambuza wathi, “Atheni amadoda lawana, njalo avela ngaphi?”

UHezekhiya waphendula wathi, “Avela elizweni elikhatshana. Aze kimi evela eBhabhiloni.”

4 Umphrofethi wabuza wathi, “Aboneni esigodlweni sakho?”

UHezekhiya wathi, “Abone konke okusesigodlweni sami. Akulalutho phakathi kwempahla zami eziligugu engingawatshengisanga khona.”

5 Ngakho u-Isaya wasesithi kuHezekhiya, “Zwana ilizwi likaThixo uSomandla lithi: 6 Isikhathi sizafika sibili lapho konke okusesigodlweni sakho lakho konke oyihlo abakugcinayo kusiyafika lolosuku, kuzathwalelwa eBhabhiloni. Akuyikusala lutho, kutsho uThixo. 7 Njalo abanye besizukulwane sakho, abenyama legazi lakho, abazazalwa nguwe, bazathathwa bayekuba ngabathenwa esigodlweni senkosi yaseBhabhiloni.”

8 UHezekhiya waphendula wathi, “Ilizwi likaThixo olikhulumileyo lilungile.” Ngoba wayenakana esithi, “Kuzakuba lokuthula lokuvikeleka ekuphileni kwami.”

40

Induduzo Ebantwini BakaNkulunkulu

1 Duduzani, libaduduze abantu bami,

kutsho uNkulunkulu wenu.

2 Khulumani ngomusa kulo iJerusalema,

limemezele kulo

ukuthi ukusebenza kwalo nzima sekuphelile,

ukuthi isono salo sihlawulwe,

ukuthi selamukele okuvela esandleni sikaThixo

kuphindwe kabili kuzozonke izono zalo.

3 Ilizwi lomemezayo lithi:

“Enkangala lungiselani

uThixo indlela,

lenzele uNkulunkulu wethu

umgwaqo oqondileyo enkangala.

4 Zonke izigodi zizaphakanyiswa,

izintaba zonke lamaqaqa kuzakwehliselwa phansi.

Umhlabathi ongamakhilikithi uzakwendlaleka,

izindawo ezimadundulu zizakuba yisigcawu.

5 Inkazimulo kaThixo izabonakaliswa,

abantu bonke bazambona kanyekanye,

ngoba umlomo kaThixo usukhulumile.”

6 Ilizwi lithi, “Memeza!”

Mina ngathi, “Ngimemeze ngisithini na?”

“Abantu bonke banjengotshani

njalo ubuhle babo bunjengamaluba eganga.

7 Utshani buyabuna amaluba ayakhithika,

ngoba umoya kaThixo uyakuphephetha.

Ngempela abantu babutshani.

8 Utshani buyabuna, amaluba ayakhithika,

kodwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu limi kuze kube nininini.”

9 Wena oletha izindaba ezinhle eZiyoni,

khwela entabeni ende.

Wena oletha izindaba ezinhle eJerusalema,

phakamisa ilizwi lakho ngokumemeza;

liphakamise, ungesabi,

tshono emadolobheni akoJuda uthi:

“Nangu uNkulunkulu wenu!”

10 Khangelani, uThixo Wobukhosi uza elamandla,

isandla sakhe sizabusa.

Khangelani, umvuzo wakhe ulawo,

lenhlawulo yakhe uhamba elayo.

11 Welusa umhlambi wakhe njengomelusi:

ubuthelela amawundlu ezingalweni zakhe

awathwale eseduzane lenhliziyo yakhe;

awakhokhele kuhle lawo alamazinyane.

12 Ngubani olinganise amanzi entendeni yesandla sakhe,

loba walinganisa amazulu ngobubanzi besandla sakhe na?

Ngubani owaphatha uthuli lomhlabathi ngesitsha

loba walinganisa izintaba ezilinganisweni

lamaqaqa esikalini na?

13 Ngubani osewazwisisa imicabango kaThixo,

kumbe wamfundisa njengomeluleki wakhe na?

14 Ngubani owake wacelwa nguThixo ukuba ameluleke,

njalo ngubani owamfundisa indlela elungileyo na?

Ngubani lowo owamfundisa ukwazi,

loba owamtshengisa indlela yokuqedisisa na?

15 Ngeqiniso izizwe zinjengethonsi emgqonyeni;

zibalwa njengothuli ezilinganisweni;

uThixo ulinganisa izihlenge

angathi ziluthuli olucolekileyo.

16 ILebhanoni kalaneli imililo ye-alithare,

lezinyamazana zalo kazaneli iminikelo yokutshiswa.

17 Phambi kwakhe zonke izizwe zinjengeze;

yena uzikhangela njengento engasi yalutho

njalo zingaphansi kweze.

18 Pho ngubani elingamfanisa loNkulunkulu na?

Yisifanekiso bani elingasilinganisa laye na?

19 Isithombe sibunjwa yingcwethi,

umkhandi wegolide asinameke ngegolide

asenzele imigaxo yesiliva.

20 Umuntu ongumyanga onganelisiyo ukunikela ngomnikelo onjalo

ukhetha isigodo esingaboliyo.

Udinga ingcitshi elolwazi

ukuba imise isithombe esingayikubhidlika.

21 Kalazi yini?

Kalizwanga na?

Kalikutshelwanga kwasekuqaleni na?

Kalizwisisanga na selokhu umhlaba wadalwayo?

22  UThixo uhlezi ebukhosini ngaphezu kwendingiliza yomhlaba,

njalo abantu bakhe banjengezintethe.

Welula amazulu njengekhetheni,

awendlale njengethente lokuhlala kulo.

23 Udiliza amakhosana,

enze ababusi bomhlaba lo babe yize.

24 Banele ukugxunyekwa nje,

banele ukuhlanyelwa nje,

banele ukugxila impande emhlabathini

abe ephephetha phezu kwabo, babune,

isavunguzane sibakhukhulele khatshana njengamakhoba.

25 “Ngubani elizangilinganisa laye na?

Loba ngubani olingana lami na?” kutsho yena oNgcwele.

26 Phakamisani amehlo enu likhangele phezulu:

Ngubani owadala konke lokhu na?

Yena okhupha amaxuku ezinkanyezi ngalinye ngalinye,

awabize ngalinye ngamabizo awo.

Ngenxa yamandla akhe amakhulu lokuqina okulamandla,

akukho lalinye elingekho.

27 Kungani usithi, we Jakhobe,

usole usithi, we Israyeli,

“Indlela yami ifihlakele Thixo;

ilungelo lami kalinanzwa nguNkulunkulu wami na?”

28 Kalazi yini?

Kalizwanga na?

UThixo unguNkulunkulu waphakade,

uMdali wemikhawulo yomhlaba.

Kayikudinwa kumbe akhathale,

ukuqedisisa kwakhe kakho ongakulinganisa.

29 Abakhatheleyo uyabanika amandla,

andise amandla ababuthakathaka.

30 Labatsha baphelelwa ngamandla bakhathale,

lamajaha ayakhubeka awe,

31 kodwa labo abathemba uThixo

bazavuselelwa amandla abo.

Bazaqonga ngempiko njengezinkozi,

bazagijima kodwa bangadinwa,

bazahamba kodwa bangapheli amandla.

41

Umsizi Ka-Israyeli

1 “Thulani lithi zwi phambi kwami lina zihlenge!

Izizwe kazivuselele amandla azo!

Kazisondele phambili zikhulume;

kasihlanganeni sonke endaweni yokwahlulela.

2 Ngubani osevuse lowo ovela empumalanga,

embizela emsebenzini wakhe ngokulunga na?

Unikela izizwe kuye,

anqobe amakhosi phambi kwakhe.

Ngenkemba yakhe uwenza abe luthuli,

ngedandili lakhe awenze abe ngamakhoba aphetshulwa ngumoya.

3 Uyawaxotsha yena adlule engathintwanga lutho,

endleleni angakaze ahambe ngayo.

4 Ngubani owenze lokhu wakuphumelelisa,

ebiza izizukulwane kusukela ekuqaleni na?

Mina uThixo, kusukela kwesokuqala sazo

kanye lesokucina, nginguye.”

5 Izihlenge zikubonile njalo ziyesaba;

imikhawulo yomhlaba iyathuthumela,

iyasondela ize ngaphambili;

6 yilowo lalowo usiza omunye

athi kumfowabo, “Woba lesibindi!”

7 Umbazi ukhuthaza umkhandi wegolide,

lalowo ololonga ngesando

utshotshozela otshaya ihandila.

Mayelana lokunusela uthi, “Kulungile.”

Ubethelela isithombe phansi

ngezipikili ukuze singawi.

8 “Kodwa wena we Israyeli, nceku yami,

Jakhobe, wena engikukhethileyo,

wena nzalo ka-Abhrahama, umngane wami,

9 ngakuthatha emikhawulweni yomhlaba,

ngakubiza usemakhoneni akhatshana kakhulu.

Ngathi, ‘Wena uyinceku yami’;

ngikukhethile njalo angikulahlanga.

10 Ngakho ungesabi, ngoba ngilawe;

ungakhathazeki, ngoba nginguNkulunkulu wakho.

Ngizakuqinisa, ngikusize;

ngizakusekela ngesandla sami sokudla esiqotho.

11 Bonke abakuthukutheleleyo,

ngoqotho bazayangeka babe lenhloni;

labo abakuphikisayo

bazakuba njengeze, babhubhe.

12 Lanxa izitha zakho uzidinga,

awuyikuzithola.

Labo abalwa impi lawe

bazakuba yize.

13 Ngoba mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho,

okubamba ngesandla sakho sokudla

athi kuwe: Ungesabi;

ngizakusiza.

14 Ungesabi, wena mpethu enguJakhobe,

wena Israyeli omncinyazana, ungesabi,

ngoba mina ngokwami

ngizakusiza,” kutsho uThixo,

uMhlengi wakho, oNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

15 “Khangela, ngizakwenza

ube yisileyi sokubhula esitsha

njalo esibukhali esilenhlendla ezinengi.

Uzabhula izintaba uzibhidlize.

Wenze amaqaqa abe ngamakhoba.

16 Uzawahlungula, umoya uwathathe,

isavunguzane siwaphephulele khatshana.

Kodwa wena uzathokoza kuThixo

njalo uzibule koNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

17 Abayanga labaswelayo badinga amanzi,

kodwa kawakho;

inlimi zabo sezitshile ngokoma.

Kodwa mina Thixo ngizabaphendula;

mina, Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, angiyikubalahla.

18 Ngizakwenza amanzi ageleze emiqolweni engelalutho

lemithombo phakathi kwezigodi.

Ngizaguqula inkangala ibe yiziziba zamanzi,

lomhlabathi owomileyo ube yimithombo yamanzi.

19 Enkangala ngizamilisa khona

imisedari lemi-akhakhiya,

amamithili kanye lama-oliva.

Ogwaduleni ngizamisa izihlahla zamaphayini,

ndawonye lemifiri kanye lemisiphresi,

20 ukuze abantu babone njalo bazi,

bacabange bazwisise

ukuthi isandla sikaThixo yiso esenza lokhu,

lokuthi oNgcwele ka-Israyeli ukudalile.

21 Bikani indaba yenu,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Bekani izizatho zenu,”

kutsho iNkosi kaJakhobe.

22 “Lethani izithombe zenu

zisitshele okuzakwenzakala.

Sitsheleni izinto zendulo ukuthi zaziyini

ukuze sizihlole,

sazi isiphetho sazo.

Loba sitsheleni izinto ezizayo,

23 lisazise okuqukethwe yizinsuku ezizayo,

ukuze sazi ukuthi lingonkulunkulu.

Yenzani okuthile, okuhle kumbe okubi,

ukuze sithuthumele, sibe lokwesaba.

24 Kodwa lina liyize,

lemisebenzi yenu kayisilutho,

okhetha lina uyisinengiso.

25 Sengithukuthelise omunye enyakatho, njalo uyeza

omunye ovela empumalanga obiza ibizo lami.

Lowo unyathela phezu kwababusi

kube sengathi baludaka,

kube angathi ngumbumbi evoxa ibumba.

26 Ngubani owabika lokhu kwasekuqaleni,

ukuze sazi,

kumbe ngaphambilini

ukuze sithi, ‘Wayeqinisile na’?

Kakho owabika ngalokhu,

kakho owakutsho ngaphambilini,

kakho owake wezwa amazwi aphuma kuwe.

27 Mina yimi engaba ngowokuqala

ukutshela iZiyoni ukuthi,

‘Khangela, nampa lapha!’

Nganika iJerusalema

isithunywa sezindaba ezinhle.

28 Ngiyakhangela kodwa akulamuntu,

kakho phakathi kwabo onganika iseluleko,

kakho ongaphendula lapho ngibabuza.

29 Khangela, bonke bayize!

Izenzo zabo kazisilutho;

izithombe zabo ezibunjiweyo

zingumoya lensambatheka.”

42

Inceku KaThixo

1 “Nansi inceku yami engiyisekelayo,

okhethiweyo wami, engithokoza ngaye.

Ngizabeka umoya wami phezu kwakhe,

uzaletha ukulunga ezizweni.

2 Kayikumemeza kumbe aklabalale,

loba aphakamise ilizwi lakhe emigwaqweni.

3 Umhlanga ohluzukileyo akayikuwuquma,

lentambo yesibane etsha kancane akayikuyicima.

Ngokwethembeka uzaletha ukulunga;

4 akayikudinwa kumbe ephulwe inhliziyo

aze alethe ukulunga emhlabeni.

Izihlenge zizakwethemba umthetho wakhe.”

5 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguNkulunkulu uThixo,

yena owadala amazulu wawelula,

yena owendlala umhlaba lakho konke okuphuma kuwo,

yena onika abantu abakuwo ukuphefumula,

kuthi abahamba kuwo abanike ukuphila:

6 “Mina, uThixo ngikubizile ngokulunga;

ngizabamba isandla sakho.

Ngizakulondoloza

ngikwenze ube yisivumelwano sabantu

lokukhanya kwabeZizwe;

7 uvule amehlo eziphofu,

ukhuphe abathunjiweyo entolongweni,

ubakhulule emigodini yezibotshwa labo abahlala emnyameni.

8 Mina nginguThixo, lelo yilo ibizo lami!

Ubukhosi bami angiyikubunika omunye

loba nginike izithombe udumo lwami.

9 Khangela, izinto zakuqala sezenzakele,

njalo ngimemezela izinto ezintsha;

zingakaveli ukuba zibe khona

ngiyakutshela ngazo.”

Ingoma Yokudumisa UThixo

10 Hlabelelani uThixo ingoma entsha,

udumo lwakhe kusukela emikhawulweni yomhlaba,

lina eliya phansi olwandle, lakho konke okukulo,

lina zihlenge, labo bonke abahlala kini.

11 Inkangala lamadolobho ayo kakuphakamise amazwi akho;

imizi uKhedari ahlala kuyo kayijabule.

Abantu baseSela kabahlabele ngentokozo;

kabaklabalale besezinqongweni zezintaba.

12 Kabamdumise uThixo,

amemezele udumo lwakhe ezihlengeni.

13  UThixo uzaphuma njengendoda elamandla,

njengebutho uzavuthela ukutshiseka kwakhe;

ngokuklabalala uzakhuza isaga sempi

azinqobe izitha zakhe.

14 “Bengithule okwesikhathi eside kakhulu,

bengithule ngizithiba.

Kodwa khathesi, njengowesifazane ebeletha,

ngiyakhala, ngiyakhefuzela ngiphefuzela.

15 Ngizabhidliza izintaba lamaqaqa;

ngilomise lonke uhlaza lwabo;

ngizaphendula imifula ibe yizihlenge

ngomise lamachibi.

16 Ngizakhokhela iziphofu ngezindlela ezingazaziyo,

ngizihole ngezindledlana ezingajwayelekanga.

Ngizaphendula umnyama ube yikukhanya phambi kwazo;

ngenze izindawo ezimakhilikithi zibe butshelezi.

Lezi yizo izinto engizazenza;

angiyikuziyekela.

17 Kodwa labo abathemba izithombe,

abathi kuzifanekiso, ‘Lingonkulunkulu bethu,’

bazabuyiselwa emuva beyangeke impela.”

U-Israyeli Uyisiphofu Njalo Uyisacuthe

18 “Zwanini, lina zacuthe;

khangelani, lina ziphofu, libone!

19 Ngubani oyisiphofu ngaphandle kwenceku yami,

loyisacuthe njengesithunywa engisithumayo na?

Ngubani oyisiphofu njengalowo ozinikele kimi,

oyisiphofu njengenceku kaThixo na?

20 Selabona izinto ezinengi, kodwa kalinakanga;

indlebe zenu zivulekile, kodwa kalizwa lutho.”

21 Kwamthokozisa uThixo

ngenxa yokulunga kwakhe

ukuba akhulise umthetho wakhe ube mkhulu njalo ulodumo.

22 Kodwa laba ngabantu abaphangiweyo bathunjwa;

bonke bavalelwe emiwolweni,

loba bafihlwa ezintolongweni.

Sebenziwe baba yimpahla yokuthunjwa,

kungela ozabasindisa;

sebephendulwe baba yinto yokuthunjwa

kungekho othi, “Babuyiseleni emuva.”

23 Ngubani wenu olalela lokhu,

kumbe asinake isikhathi esizayo na?

24 Ngubani owanikela uJakhobe ukuba abe yinto yokuthunjwa

wanikela lo-Israyeli kubaphangi na?

Kwakungasuye uThixo,

esamonelayo thina na?

Njengoba babengeke balandele izindlela zakhe;

kabalalelanga umthetho wakhe.

25 Ngakho wathela ulaka lwakhe oluvuthayo phezu kwabo,

ukutshisa kwempi.

Wabamboza ngamalangabi, kodwa kabezwisisanga.

Wabaqothula, kodwa kabakhathalanga.

43

UMsindisi Yedwa Ka-Israyeli

1 Kodwa khathesi, nanku akutshoyo uThixo uthi,

yena owakudalayo, wena Jakhobe,

yena owakubumbayo, wena Israyeli:

“Ungesabi, ngoba ngikuhlengile;

ngikubize ngebizo lakho; ungowami.

2 Lapho udabula phakathi kwamanzi

ngizakuba lawe;

lalapho udabula emifuleni,

kayiyikukukhukhula.

Lapho uhamba phakathi komlilo, kawuyikutsha;

amalangabi kawayikukubhebhisa.

3 Ngoba mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho,

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli, uMsindisi wakho.

Ngizanikela iGibhithe njengenhlawulo yakho,

iKhushi leSebha ime esikhundleni sakho.

4 Njengoba wena uligugu njalo udumile ebusweni bami,

futhi ngenxa yokuthi ngiyakuthanda,

ngizanikela abantu esikhundleni sakho,

labantu esikhundleni sempilo yakho.

5 Ungesabi, ngoba ngilawe;

ngizakulethela inzalo yakho ivela empumalanga

ngikubuthe kusukela entshonalanga.

6 Ngizakutsho kuyo inyakatho ngithi, ‘Bakhulule!’

Ngitsho kuyo iningizimu ngithi, ‘Ungabagodli.’

Buyisani amadodana ami

akude lamadodakazi ami asemikhawulweni yomhlaba,

7 wonke umuntu obizwa ngebizo lami,

engamdalela udumo lwami,

engambumbayo, ngamenza.”

8 Phumani lalabo abayiziphofu amehlo belawo,

abayizacuthe indlebe belazo.

9 Izizwe zonke kaziqoqane ndawonye

labantu babuthane.

Nguphi wabo owaphrofitha lokhu

wamemezela kithi ngezinto zendulo?

Kabalethe ofakazi babo babonakalise ukuthi baqinisile,

ukuze abanye bezwe, batsho bathi, “Kuqotho.”

10  UThixo uthi, “Lina lingofakazi bami,

lenceku zami engizikhethileyo,

ukuze lazi, likholwe kimi,

njalo lizwisise ukuthi mina nginguye.

Ngaphambi kwami kakho unkulunkulu owake wabakhona,

njalo kakho ozakuba khona emva kwami.

11 Mina, mina uqobo, nginguThixo,

ngaphandle kwami kakho omunye umsindisi.

12 Ngivezile ngasindisa, ngamemezela, mina ngokwami,

hatshi unkulunkulu wezizweni ophakathi kwenu.

Lingofakazi bami, ngokuthi mina yimi uNkulunkulu”

kutsho uThixo.

13 “Ye, kusukela ensukwini zasendulo nginguye.

Kakho ongakhulula esandleni sami.

Lapho ngisenza, ngubani ongakuguqula na?”

Umusa KaNkulunkulu Lokungathembeki Kuka-Israyeli

14 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo,

uMhlengi wenu, oNgcwele ka-Israyeli, uthi,

“Ngenxa yenu ngizathumela impi eBhabhiloni

ilethe bonke abaseBhabhiloni,

njengeziphepheli ngemikhumbi ababezigqaja ngayo.

15 Mina nginguThixo, oNgcwele wenu,

uMdali ka-Israyeli, iNkosi yenu.”

16 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo,

yena owenza indlela olwandle

lomkhondo emanzini alamandla,

17 yena owakhupha izinqola zempi lamabhiza,

ibutho, lamanye awokuliqinisa endawonye;

njalo lalala lapho, kalaze lavuka futhi;

licitshe, liqunywe njengentambo yesibane:

18 “Khohlwani izinto zamandulo,

linganakani ngosekwedlulayo.

19 Khangelani, ngenza okutsha!

Khathesi kuyavela ngokuphangisa; kalikuboni na?

Ngenza indlela enkangala

lezifula ogwaduleni.

20 Izinyamazana zeganga ziyangidumisa;

amakhanka lezikhova,

ngoba ngenza kube lamanzi enkangala

lezifula ogwaduleni

ukuze nginathise abantu abakhethiweyo,

21 abantu engazenzela bona

ukuba bangidumise.

22 Kodwa kawukhalazanga kimi wena Jakhobe,

kodwa ukhathele ngami wena Israyeli.

23 Kawungilethelanga izimvu zomnikelo wokutshiswa,

kumbe wangidumisa ngemihlatshelo yakho.

Angikuhluphanga ngeminikelo yamabele

kumbe ngakudinisa ngokufuna impepha.

24 Kawungithengelanga amakha ekhane anuka mnandi,

kumbe wangisuthisa ngamahwahwa emihlatshelo yakho.

Kodwa ungikhathazile ngezono zakho

njalo wangidinisa ngezinengiso zakho.

25 Mina, mina uqobo, nginguye owesula

iziphambeko zakho ngenxa yami,

ngingabe ngisazikhumbula futhi izono zakho.

26 Ngikhumbuza ngesikhathi esedlulayo,

sibonisane ngaleyondaba

ulandise ngoba msulwa kwakho.

27 Ukhokho wakho wokuqala wona;

labakhulumeli bakho bangihlamukela.

28 Ngakho izikhulu zethempelini lakho ngizaziyangisa;

nginikele uJakhobe ekubhujisweni

lo-Israyeli ekweyisweni.”

44

U-Israyeli Okhethiweyo

1 “Kodwa khathesi lalela, wena Jakhobe,

nceku yami, Israyeli, engikukhethileyo.

2 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo,

yena owakwenzayo, owakubumba esiswini,

njalo yena ozakusiza, uthi:

Ungesabi, wena Jakhobe, nceku yami,

Jeshuruni engikukhethileyo.

3 Ngoba ngizathela amanzi elizweni elomileyo,

lezifula emhlabathini owomileyo.

Ngizathela uMoya wami phezu kwenzalo yakho

lezibusiso zami phezu kwezizukulwane zakho.

4 Zizahluma njengotshani emadlelweni,

lanjengeminyezane ezifuleni ezigelezayo.

5 Omunye uzakuthi, ‘Mina ngingokaThixo’;

lomunye azibize ngebizo likaJakhobe;

omunye laye uzaloba esandleni sakhe ukuthi, ‘OkaThixo,’

azinike ibizo lika-Israyeli.”

UThixo Hatshi Izithombe

6 “Nanku akutshoyo uThixo,

iNkosi loMhlengi ka-Israyeli, uThixo uSomandla:

Mina ngingowokuqala njalo ngingowokucina;

ngaphandle kwami kakho uNkulunkulu.

7 Pho ngubani onjengami? Kakumemezele lokho.

Katsho, achaze phambi kwami

okwenzakalayo kusukela ekubekeni kwami abantu bami bendulo;

akutsho lokuzakwenzakala;

yebo, kakuqambe okuzayo.

8 Lingaqhaqhazeli, lingesabi.

Lokhu angikutshongo ngabika ngakho kudala na?

Lina lingofakazi bami. Kulomunye uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami na?

Hatshi, kalikho elinye iDwala; kalikho engilaziyo.”

9 Bonke abenza izithombe kabasilutho,

lezinto abaziqakathekisayo ziyize.

Labo abangabakhulumela bayiziphofu,

kabazi lutho, kulihlazo kubo.

10 Ngubani obaza unkulunkulu abumbe isithombe,

okungeke kumsize ngalutho?

11 Yena labanjengaye bazayangiswa;

izingcitshi kazisilutho, ngabantu nje.

Kaziqoqane zonke zime ndawonye;

bazakuba lokwesaba kanye lehlazo.

12 Umkhandi uthatha insimbi

ayifake emalahleni;

enze isithombe ngezando,

asikhande ngengalo yakhe elamandla.

Uyalamba aphelelwe ngamandla.

Anganathi manzi, amandla aphele.

13 Umbazi welula intambo yokulinganisa

asidwebe ngosungulo,

asibaze ngetshizela,

asidwebe ngensimbi ecijileyo,

abaze umfanekiso womuntu,

umuntu olobuhle bonke,

ukuba sihlale endlini yokukhonzela.

14 Ugamula isihlahla somsedari,

loba athathe umsayiphresi kumbe umʼOkhi.

Uyasikhulisa phakathi kwezihlahla zegusu,

kumbe ahlanyele iphayini, izulu lisikhulise.

15 Lapho-ke siba zinkuni zomuntu zokubasa;

okunye kwaso uyathatha othe,

ubasa umlilo abhekhe izinkwa.

Kodwa, njalo, wenza unkulunkulu amkhonze;

abaze isithombe asikhothamele.

16 Ingxenye yezinkuni ubasa ngayo umlilo,

apheke ngawo ukudla kwakhe.

Ose inyama yakhe adle asuthe.

Njalo uyotha umlilo athi,

“Ha! Ngiyafudumala;

ngiyawubona umlilo.”

17 Ngeziseleyo wenza unkulunkulu,

isithombe sakhe; uyasikhothamela, asikhonze.

Uyakhuleka kuso athi,

“Ngisindisa, ungunkulunkulu wami.”

18 Kabazi lutho, kabaqedisisi lutho;

amehlo abo abhadiwe ukuze bangaboni

lezingqondo zabo zivalekile ukuze bangaqedisisi.

19 Kakho oke ame acabange,

kakho olokwazi loba ukuzwisisa ukuba athi,

“Ingxenye yazo ngabasa ngayo umlilo;

ngaze ngabhekha izinkwa emalahleni awo,

ngosa inyama ngayidla.

Ngokuseleyo ngizakwenza into enengisayo na?

Ngizasikhothamela na isigodo nje?”

20 Udla umlotha, inhliziyo ekhohlisekileyo iyamlahla,

angeke azihlenge, kumbe athi,

“Into le esesandleni sami sokudla kayisimanga na?”

21 “Khumbula lezizinto, wena Jakhobe,

ngoba uyinceku yami, wena Israyeli.

Ngakubumba, uyinceku yami;

wena Israyeli, angiyikukukhohlwa.

22 Ngesule iziphambeko zakho njengeyezi,

ngesula izono zakho njengenkungu yekuseni.

Buyela kimi,

ngoba ngikuhlengile.”

23 Hlabelelani ngentokozo, lina mazulu,

ngoba uThixo usekwenzile lokhu;

hlaba umkhosi, wena mhlaba ngaphansi.

Tshayani ingoma lina zintaba,

lina mahlathi lazozonke izihlahla zenu,

ngoba uThixo usemhlengile uJakhobe,

ubonakalisa udumo lwakhe ko-Israyeli.

Kuzahlalwa EJerusalema

24 “Nanku akutshoyo uThixo,

uMhlengi wakho, owakubumbayo esiswini:

Mina nginguThixo,

owenza izinto zonke,

owenza amazulu eyedwa,

owendlala umhlaba eyedwa,

25 ofubisa izibonakaliso zabaphrofethi bamanga,

enze izanuse zibe yizithutha,

ochitha ulwazi lwezihlakaniphi

alwenze lube yibuthutha,

26 ofeza amazwi ezinceku zakhe

aphelelise amacebo ezithunywa zakhe.

Athi kulo iJerusalema, ‘Kuzahlalwa kulo,’

ngamadolobho akoJuda athi, ‘Azakwakhiwa.’

Ngamanxiwa awo uthi, ‘Ngizawavusa,’

27 athi enzikini yamanzi, ‘Cima,

ngizakomisa izifula zakho,’

28 athi ngoKhurosi, ‘Ungumelusi wami,

uzafeza konke engikufunayo;

uzakuthi ngeJerusalema, “Kalakhiwe futhi,”

ngethempeli athi, “Izisekelo zalo kazakhiwe.” ’ ”

45

1 “Nanku akutshoyo uThixo kogcotshiweyo wakhe,

uKhurosi, engibamba isandla sakhe sokudla

ukuba nginqobe izizwe eziphambi kwakhe,

ngithathele amakhosi izihlangu zawo,

ngivule iminyango phambi kwakhe

ukuze amasango angavaleki:

2 Ngizahamba phambi kwakho

ngenze izintaba zendlaleke.

Ngizadiliza amasango ethusi,

ngifohle emigoqweni yensimbi.

3 Ngizakupha inotho yobumnyama,

lenotho egcinwe ezindaweni ezifihlakeleyo

ukuze wazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo,

uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, okubiza ngebizo.

4 Ngenxa kaJakhobe inceku yami,

lo-Israyeli okhethiweyo wami,

ngikubiza ngebizo

ngikunike ibizo lokuhlonipha,

lanxa wena unganginakanga.

5 Mina nginguThixo, njalo kakho omunye;

ngaphandle kwami akulaNkulunkulu.

Ngizakuqinisa,

lanxa wena unganginakanga,

6 ukuze kuthi kusukela empumalanga

kusiya entshonalanga,

abantu bakwazi ukuthi kakho omunye ngaphandle kwami.

Mina nginguThixo, njalo kakho omunye.

7 Ngenza ukukhanya njalo ngidale umnyama,

ngiletha ukuphumelela njalo ngidale incithakalo;

mina Thixo ngiyazenza zonke lezizinto.

8 Lina mazulu angaphezulu, nisani ukulunga;

amayezi kawakuthululele phansi.

Umhlaba kawuvuleke kabanzi

kuhlume ukusindiswa,

ukulunga akukhule lakho;

mina, uThixo, ngikudalile.

9 Maye kulowo ophikisa uMdali wakhe,

kulowo oludengezi nje

phakathi kwendengezi emhlabathini.

Ibumba liyatsho na kumbumbi lithi,

‘Kuyini okubumbayo?’

Umsebenzi wakho uyatsho na uthi,

‘Kalazandla?’

10 Maye kulowo othi kuyise,

‘Kuyini owakuzalayo?’

loba athi kunina,

‘Kuyini owakubelethayo?’

11 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo,

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli, loMdali wakhe uthi:

Mayelana lezinto ezizayo,

uyangibuza ngabatwabami na,

loba uyangilawula emsebenzini engiwenzayo na?

12 Yimi engadala umhlaba,

ngenza labantu abahlala kuwo.

Ezami izandla yizo ezananabula amazulu;

ngahlela amaxuku ezinkanyezi zawo.

13 Ngizamvusa uKhurosi ngokulunga kwami,

ngenze izindlela zakhe zonke ziqonde.

Uzalakha futhi idolobho lami,

akhulule abami abaxotshwayo elizweni,

kodwa kungekho nhlawulo kumbe umvuzo,

kutsho uThixo uSomandla.”

14 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo:

“Izithelo zaseGibhithe lempahla ethengiswayo yaseKhushi

lamaSebhina lawana amade,

bazakuza kuwe

babengabakho,

bazakhasabula ngemva kwakho,

beze kuwe bebotshwe ngamaketane.

Bazakukhothamela

bakuncenge besithi,

‘Ngempela uNkulunkulu ulawe, kakho omunye,

kakho omunye uNkulunkulu.’ ”

15 Ngeqiniso unguNkulunkulu ozifihlayo,

Nkulunkulu loMsindisi ka-Israyeli.

16 Bonke ababaza izithombe bazayangiswa badumazeke;

bonke bazahamba beyangekile.

17 Kodwa u-Israyeli uzasindiswa nguThixo

ngensindiso engapheliyo;

kaliyikuyangiswa kumbe libe lehlazo

kuze kube nininini.

18 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo

yena owadala amazulu,

unguNkulunkulu,

yena owabumba umhlaba wawenza,

wawusekela;

kawudalanga ukuba ungabi lalutho,

kodwa wawenza ukuba kuhlalwe kuwo,

uthi:

“Mina nginguThixo,

kakho omunye.

19 Angikhulumanga ensitha

kwenye indawo elizweni lomnyama;

angizange ngithi kuzizukulwane zikaJakhobe,

‘Ngidingani lingangitholi.’

Mina Thixo ngikhuluma iqiniso;

ngitsho okuqotho.

20 Qoqanani ndawonye lize kimi;

buthanani lina elabaleka ezizweni.

Labo abahamba bethwele izithombe zezigodo kabazi lutho;

labo abakhuleka kubonkulunkulu abangeke babasize.”

21 Memezelani okufanele kube yikho, likubike,

kabemukele izeluleko ndawonye.

Ngubani owabika lokhu endulo,

ngubani owamemezela ngakho kudala le?

Kwakungayisimi mina Thixo na?

Njalo kakho uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami,

uNkulunkulu olungileyo onguMsindisi;

kakho omunye, yimi kuphela.

22 “Phendukelani kimi lisindiswe,

lonke lina mikhawulo yomhlaba;

ngoba mina nginguNkulunkulu,

njalo kakho omunye.

23 Ngifunge ngami,

ngobuqotho bonke

umlomo wami ukhulume ilizwi elingayikwesulwa.

Amadolo wonke azaguqa phambi kwami;

izindimi zonke zizafunga ngami.

24 Zizakutsho ngami zithi, ‘Ukulunga lamandla

kuThixo kuphela.’ ”

Bonke abamthukuthelelayo

bazakuza kuye bayangiswe.

25 Kodwa Thixo yonke inzalo

ka-Israyeli izafunyanwa ilungile,

ithokoze iziqhenya ngaye.

46

Onkulunkulu BaseBhabhiloni

1 UBheli uyakhothama, uNebho uyaguqa;

izithombe zabo zithwelwe yizifuyo zokuthwala.

Izifanekiso ezithwelweyo ziyasinda,

umthwalo osindayo kodiniweyo.

2 Bayakhothama baguqe ndawonye;

benganelisi ukuhlenga umthwalo,

labo uqobo baya khona ekuthunjweni.

3 “Ngilalela wena ndlu kaJakhobe,

lonke lina eliseleyo abendlu ka-Israyeli,

lina engalisekelayo selokhu lemulwayo,

ngalithwala selokhu lazalwayo.

4 Lasebudaleni benu, inwele zenu sezimhlophe,

mina nginguye, nginguye ozaliqinisa.

Sengilenzile njalo ngizalithwala;

ngizaliqinisa ngilihlenge.

5 Ngubani elingangilinganisa laye kumbe limbale njengolingana lami na?

Ngubani elingangifananisa laye ukuba siqathaniswe na?

6 Abanye bathulula igolide emigodleni yabo

balinganise isiliva ezikalini;

baqhatshe abakhandi begolide ukuba benze unkulunkulu ngalo,

bakhothame, bamkhonze.

7 Bayamphakamisela emahlombe abo bamthwale;

bayambeka endaweni yakhe, ame khonapho.

Angeke asuke kuleyondawo.

Lanxa umuntu ememeza, kaphenduli;

angeke amsize ekuhluphekeni kwakhe.

8 Khumbulani lokhu, likufake ezingqondweni zenu,

kukhumbuleni lina bahlamuki.

9 Khumbulani izinto zakuqala ezendulo.

Mina nginguNkulunkulu,

kakho omunye; mina nginguNkulunkulu,

kakho onjengami.

10 Mina ngenza isiphetho sazakale

kusukela ekuqaleni lokuzakwenzakala,

kusukela ezikhathini zasendulo.

Ngithi: ‘Injongo yami izakuma kokuphela,

njalo ngizakwenza konke engikufunayo.’

11 Empumalanga ngibiza inyoni edla ezinye;

elizweni elikhatshana ngibiza umuntu

ukuba afeze injongo yami.

Lokho engikutshiloyo ngizakufeza;

lokho engikucebileyo ngizakwenza.

12 Ngilalelani lina elilezinhliziyo ezilukhuni,

lina elikhatshana lokulunga.

13 Ngiletha ukulunga kwami eduzane,

akukho khatshana;

lokusindisa kwami akuyikuphuziswa.

IZiyoni ngizayinika ukusindiswa,

u-Israyeli inkazimulo yami.”

47

Ukuwa KweBhabhiloni

1 “Yehla uhlale othulini

Ndodakazi emsulwa yaseBhabhiloni,

hlala emhlabathini ungelasihlalo sobukhosi,

ndodakazi yamaBhabhiloni.

Akusayikuthiwa

ubuthakathaka loba kuthiwe uthambile.

2 Thatha amatshe okuchola uchole impuphu;

ukhuphe isimbombozo sakho.

Phakamisa izidwaba zakho, uveze imilenze yakho,

ugxabhaze udabule ezifuleni.

3 Ubunqunu bakho buzavezwa,

ihlazo lakho lambuleke.

Ngizaphindisela,

kakho engizamyekela.”

4 Umhlengi wethu uThixo uSomandla libizo lakhe

ungoNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

5 “Hlala ngokuthula, yana emnyameni,

ndodakazi yamaKhaladiya;

awuyikubizwa ngokuthi

ndlovukazi yemibuso futhi.

6 Ngabathukuthelela abantu bami,

ngangcolisa ilifa lami,

ngabanikela ezandleni zakho,

kawaze waba lesihawu kubo.

Lasebeluphele,

wabethesa ijogwe elinzima.

7 Wathi, ‘Ngizaqhubeka kokuphela

ngiyindlovukazi nini lanini.’

Kodwa kawuzinakanga lezizinto,

kumbe unakane ngokungenzakala.

8 Khathesi-ke lalela, wena sidalwa esingazibekanga,

wena ocambaleleyo uvikelekile

usithi ngenhliziyo yakho,

‘Mina yimi, njalo kakho omunye ngaphandle kwami,

angisoze ngaba ngumfelokazi

kumbe ngifelwe ngabantwana.’

9 Kodwa lokhu kokubili kuzakwehlela

ngokuphangisa, ngasuku lunye

ukufelwa ngabantwana lobufelokazi.

Lokhu kuzakwehlela phezu kwakho ngokugcweleyo,

bungakhathelekile ubuthakathi bakho

layo yonke imilingo yakho elamandla.

10 Wethembele ebubini bakho,

njalo watsho wathi, ‘Kakho ongibonayo.’

Inhlakanipho yakho lolwazi lwakho kuyakukhohlisa

lapho usithi kuwe,

‘Mina yimi, njalo kakho omunye ngaphandle kwami.’

11 Incithakalo izakwehlela phezu kwakho,

njalo awuyikwazi ukuyivikela ngemilingo.

Umonakalo uzakwehlela phezu kwakho,

ongeke uwuvimbe ngenhlawulo,

lengozi ongeke uyikhumbulele

izakujuma.

12 Qhubeka-ke ngemilingo yakho,

langobuthakathi bakho obunengi

okusebenza kusukela ebantwaneni bakho.

Mhlawumbe uzaphumelela,

kumbe njalo wenze kube lokwesaba.

13 Zonke izeluleko owazitholayo zikucobile.

Izazi zezinkanyezi kazisondele,

labahloli bezinkanyezi ababika ngokuzakwenzakala inyanga ngenyanga.

Kabakuhlenge kulokhu okuzakwehlela.

14 Impela banjengamahlanga;

umlilo uzabatshisa futhi

bangeke bazihlenga

emandleni amalangabi.

Lapha akulamalahle okothiwa ngumuntu;

lapha akulamlilo wokotha.

15 Lokho yikho abangakwenzela khona

labo owasebenza labo,

uthengiselana labo kusukela ebuntwaneni.

Omunye lomunye wabo uyaqhubeka ngesiphosiso sakhe;

kakho ongakusindisa.”

48

U-Israyeli Oyisiqholo

1 “Zwana lokhu, wena ndlu kaJakhobe,

lina elibizwa ngebizo lika-Israyeli

elingabosendo lukaJuda,

lina elifunga ngoThixo,

licele usizo kuNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

kodwa kungasingeqiniso loba ngokulunga,

2 lina elibizwa ngokuthi lingabasedolobheni elingcwele,

lethembe uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

uThixo uSomandla yilo ibizo lakhe:

3 Ngamemezela ngezinto zakuqala endulo,

ngazitsho ngomlomo wami, ngazenza zazakala.

Ngazenza ngokuphangisa, zahle zenzakala.

4 Ngoba ngangikwazi ukuthi ulenkani,

imisipha yentamo yakho zinsimbi,

ibunzi lakho lithusi.

5 Ngakho-ke ngakutsho kudala ngalezizinto,

ngakwazisa ngazo zingakenzakali

ukuze wena ungaze wathi,

‘Izithombe zami yizo ezazenzayo;

izithixo zami zezigodo lonkulunkulu wensimbi yibo abakumisayo.’

6 Usuzizwile lezizinto; zikhangele zonke.

Awuyikuzivuma na?

Kusukela khathesi ngizakutshela ngezinto ezintsha,

izinto ezifihlakeleyo wena ongazaziyo.

7 Zidalwe khathesi nje, hatshi endulo;

awuzange uzwe ngazo mandulo.

Ngakho awungeke uthi,

‘Yebo, kade ngizazi.’

8 Kawuzange uzwe kumbe uqedisise;

kusukela endulo indlebe yakho ibingavulekanga.

Ngikwazi kuhle ukuthi wena uyingozi;

kwathiwa ungumhlamuki kusukela ekuzalweni kwakho.

9 Ngenxa yebizo lami, ngiyaluphuzisa ulaka lwami;

ngenxa yodumo lwami ngiyalubamba ukuba lungehleli kuwe,

ukuze ngingakubhubhisi.

10 Khangela, ngikulungisile lanxa kunganjengesiliva;

ngikuhlole emlilweni wokuhlupheka.

11 Ngenxa yami, ngenxa yami, ngenza lokhu.

Ngingavuma njani ukuba ibizo lami ligconwe na?

Angiyikunika omunye udumo lwami.”

U-Israyeli Ukhululwe

12 “Ngilalela wena Jakhobe,

Israyeli, engikubizileyo:

Mina nginguye;

ngingowokuqala njalo ngingowokucina.

13 Isandla sami sabeka izisekelo zomhlaba,

isandla sami sokudla sendlala amazulu;

lapho ngikubiza,

kuyasukuma konke kanyekanye.

14 Buthanani ndawonye lonke lilalele:

Yisiphi sezithombe esamemezela ngalezizinto ngaphambilini na?

Umsekeli kaThixo okhethiweyo

uzafeza inhloso yakhe yokuhlasela amaKhaladiya;

ingalo yakhe izamelana lamaKhaladiya.

15 Mina, mina ngokwami, sengikhulumile;

yebo ngimbizile.

Ngizamletha,

njalo uzaphumelela kuyo inhloso yakhe.

16 Sondelani kimi lizwe lokhu:

Kusukela esimemezelweni sakuqala angikhulumelanga ensitha;

lapho kusenzakala, mina ngikhona.”

Khathesi uThixo Wobukhosi ungithumile

ngoMoya wakhe.

17 Nanku uThixo akutshoyo,

uMhlengi wakho, oNgcwele ka-Israyeli:

“Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho,

okufundisa lokho okuhle kakhulu kuwe,

ekutshengisa indlela okumele uhambe ngayo.

18 Aluba wawulalele imilayo yami nje,

ukuthula kwakho kwakuzakuba njengomfula,

ukulunga kwakho kunjengamagagasi olwandle.

19 Inzalo yakho yayizakuba ngangetshebetshebe,

abantwabakho babe ngangezinhlamvu zalo ezingeke zibalwe;

ibizo labo belingayikwesulwa

kumbe lidilizwe phambi kwami.”

20 Sukani eBhabhiloni,

libalekele amaBhabhiloni!

Bikani lokhu lihlaba umkhosi ngentokozo

njalo likumemezele.

Kufikiseni emikhawulweni yomhlaba;

lithi, “UThixo uyihlengile inceku yakhe uJakhobe.”

21 Kabomanga ekubaholeni kwakhe bedabula ezinkangala;

wabenzela amanzi agelezayo ephuma edwaleni,

wadabula idwala

amanzi ampompoza.

22  UThixo uthi, “Akukho ukuthula kwababi.”

49

Inceku KaThixo

1 Ngilalelani lina zihlenge;

zwanini lokhu lina zizwe ezikude:

uThixo wangibiza ngingakazalwa;

kusukela ekuzalweni kwami ubelitsho ibizo lami.

2 Wenza umlomo wami waba njengenkemba eloliweyo,

wangifihla emthunzini wesandla sakhe.

Wangenza ngaba ngumtshoko ololiweyo,

wangifihla emxhakeni wakhe wemitshoko.

3 Wathi kimi, “Wena Israyeli uyinceku yami,

engizabonakalisa inkazimulo yami ngayo.”

4 Kodwa mina ngathi, “Mina ngisebenzele ize;

amandla ami ngiwachithele ize lobala,

ikanti okufanele mina kusesandleni sikaThixo,

lomvuzo wami ukuNkulunkulu.”

5 Khathesi uThixo uthi,

yena owangibumbayo esiswini ukuba ngibe yinceku yakhe

ukuze ngibuyisele uJakhobe

kuye lokuqoqela u-Israyeli kuye,

ngoba ngiphakanyisiwe emehlweni kaThixo

njalo uNkulunkulu wami ubengamandla ami

6 uthi:

“Kuyinto encane kakhulu kuwe ukuba yinceku yami

ukuze uvuselele izizwe zikaJakhobe

ubuyise labako-Israyeli engibalondolozileyo.

Ngizakwenza ube yikukhanya kwabeZizwe,

ukuze ufikise usindiso lwami emikhawulweni yomhlaba.”

7 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo,

uMhlengi loNgcwele ka-Israyeli,

utsho kuye oweyiswa, wenyanywa yisizwe,

kuyo inceku yababusi:

“Amakhosi azakubona asukume,

amakhosana azakubona akhothame,

ngenxa kaThixo othembekileyo,

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli okukhethileyo.”

Ukubuyiselwa Kuka-Israyeli

8 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngesikhathi esifaneleyo kimi ngizakuphendula,

langosuku lwensindiso ngizakusiza.

Ngizakulondoloza ngikwenze

ube yisivumelwano sabantu,

ukubuyisela ilizwe

lokwaba kutsha amafa abo achithekayo,

9 uthi kwabathunjiweyo, ‘Phumani,’

kulabo abasemnyameni uthi, ‘Khululekani!’

Bazadlela emaceleni emigwaqo

bathole amadlelo kuwo wonke amaqaqa alugwadule.

10 Kabayikulamba kumbe bome,

lokutshisa kwasenkangala kumbe okwelanga kabayikukuzwa.

Lowo obazwela isihawu uzabakhokhela

abase emithonjeni yamanzi.

11 Izintaba zami zonke ngizazenza zibe yizindlela,

imigwaqo yami izaphakamela phezulu.

12 Khangelani, bazakuza bevela khatshana,

abanye bevela enyakatho, abanye bevela entshonalanga

labanye bevela emangweni wase-Asiwani.”

13 Hlabelelani ngentokozo lina mazulu;

jabula lawe mhlaba;

tshayani ingoma lina zintaba.

Ngoba uThixo uyabaduduza abantu bakhe

njalo uzakuba lesihawu kwabahluphekayo bakhe.

14 Kodwa iZiyoni yathi, “UThixo ungilahlile,

uThixo usengikhohliwe.”

15 “Owesifazane angamkhohlwa umntanakhe omunyayo na,

angabi lesihelo emntwaneni amzeleyo na?

Lanxa engamkhohlwa,

mina angiyikukukhohlwa!”

16 Khangela, sengikudwebe ezintendeni zezandla zami;

imiduli yakho ihlezi iphambi kwami.

17 Amadodana akho aphanga emuva,

lalabo abakuchithayo bayasuka kuwe.

18 Phakamisa amehlo akho ukhangele emaceleni wonke,

wonke amadodana akho ayaqoqana eze kuwe.

UThixo uthi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngiphila,

bonke uzabagqiza njengezigqizo,

ucece ngabo njengomlobokazi.

19 Lanxa nje wadilizwa waba lunxiwa

lelizwe lakho lachithwa,

khathesi uzakuba mncane kakhulu ebantwini bakho;

lalabo abakuchithayo bazakuba khatshana.

20 Abantwana abazalwa ngesikhathi sokufelwa kwakho

bazakutsho lawe usizwa bathi,

‘Indawo le incinyane kakhulu kithi;

siphe enye njalo indawo yokuhlala.’

21 Lapho-ke uzakuthi enhliziyweni yakho,

‘Ngubani owangizalela laba na?

Ngafelwa njalo ngaba njengongazalanga;

ngaxotshwa elizweni, ngalahlwa.

Laba bondliwa ngubani?

Mina ngangisele ngedwa,

kodwa laba-ke, bavele ngaphi?’ ”

22 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

“Khangela, ngizaqhweba abeZizwe.

Ngizaphakamisela uphawu lwami ebantwini;

bazaletha amadodana akho bewagonile,

amadodakazi akho bewathwele ngamahlombe abo.

23 Amakhosi azakuba ngoyihlo bokukukhulisa,

amakhosikazi awo abe ngonyoko bokukondla.

Bazakhothama phambi kwakho ubuso babo buphansi, emhlabathini,

bazakhotha uthuli ezinyaweni zakho.

Lapho-ke uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo;

labo abangithembayo abayikudaniswa.”

24 Amabutho angemukwa impango na,

kumbe abathunjiweyo bahlengwe kwabesabekayo na?

25 Kodwa nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Yebo, abathunjiweyo bazathathwa emabuthweni

lempango izahluthunwa futhi kwabesabekayo,

ngoba ngizamelana lalabo abamelana lawe,

abantwabakho ngizabahlenga.

26 Ngizakwenza abancindezeli bakho badle inyama yemizimba yabo;

bazadakwa ngelabo igazi njengewayini.

Lapho-ke izizwe zonke zizakwazi

ukuthi mina Thixo, nginguMsindisi wakho,

uMhlengi wakho, uMninimandla kaJakhobe.”

50

Isono Sika-Israyeli Lokulalela Kwenceku

1 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ingaphi incwadi kanyoko yokuchitha umtshado

engamxotsha ngayo na?

Kumbe nguphi kwababelezikwelede zami

engamthengisayo na?

Lathengiswa ngenxa yezono zenu,

lonyoko waliwa ngenxa yokona kwenu.

2 Ekufikeni kwami, kungani kwakungelamuntu na?

Ekubizeni kwami, kungani kungekho muntu owasabelayo na?

Ingalo yami yayimfitshane kakhulu ukuba ilihlenge na?

Angilamandla okulikhulula na?

Ngokukhuza nje kuphela, ngiyalomisa ulwandle,

ngiphendule imifula ibe yinkangala;

inhlanzi zayo zibole ngenxa yokuswela amanzi,

zife ngenxa yokoma.

3 Ngembathisa umkhathi ngomnyama.

Ngenze amasaka abe yisembeso sawo.”

4  UThixo wobukhosi unginike ulimi olufundisiweyo

ukuba ngazi ilizwi lokuqinisa abadiniweyo.

Uyangivusa ekuseni kwansukuzonke,

avuse indlebe yami ukuba ilalele njengofundiswayo.

5  UThixo Wobukhosi uvule indlebe zami,

njalo angizange ngibe ngohlamukayo;

angibuyelanga emuva.

6 Nganikela umhlana wami kulabo ababengitshaya,

lezihlathi zami kulabo abacutha indevu zami;

ubuso bami angibufihlanga

ekugconweni lekukhafulelweni.

7 Ngenxa yokuthi uThixo Wobukhosi uyangisiza

angiyikuyangeka.

Ngakho-ke sengiqinise ubuso bami babanjengelitshe lomlilo;

njalo ngiyazi ukuthi angiyikuyangeka.

8 Lowo ongimelayo useduzane.

Ngubani-ke ongangethesa amacala?

Kasiqondane.

Ngubani ongimangalelayo na?

Kangiqonde!

9  NguThixo Wobukhosi ongisizayo.

Ngubani lowo ongathi ngilecala na?

Bonke bazaguga njengesigqoko,

inondo izabadla.

10 Ngubani phakathi kwenu omesabayo uThixo

elalela ilizwi lenceku yakhe na?

Lowo ohamba emnyameni,

ongelakho ukukhanya,

kathembe ebizweni likaThixo

abambelele kuThixo wakhe.

11 Kodwa khathesi, lonke lina eliphemba imililo

lizenzele amalangabi okukhanyisa,

sukani, lihambe ekukhanyeni kwemililo yenu,

lokwezibane elizikhanyisileyo.

Elizakwamukela esandleni sami yilokhu:

Lizalala phansi lisebuhlungwini.

51

Insindiso Engapheliyo YeZiyoni

1 “Lalelani kimi lina elilandela ukulunga

lidinga loThixo:

Khangelani edwaleni elacezulwa kulo

lasegodini lamatshe elambiwa kulo;

2 khangelani ku-Abhrahama, uyihlo,

lakuSara owalizalayo.

Ekumbizeni kwami wayemunye,

ngambusisa ngamandisa.

3 Ngeqiniso uThixo uzaduduza iZiyoni

abe lesihawu kuwo wonke amanxiwa alo;

uzakwenza izinkangala zalo zibe njenge-Edeni,

amazwe alo alugwadule afane lesivande sikaThixo.

Ukuthaba lentokozo kuzafunyanwa kulo,

kanye lokubonga lelizwi lokuhlabela.

4 Lalelani kimi, bantu bami;

ungizwe lawe sizwe sami:

Kuzaphuma umthetho uvela kimi;

ukulunga kwami kuzakuba yikukhanya ezizweni.

5 Ukulunga kwami kusondela ngokuphangisa,

insindiso yami iyeza,

ingalo yami izaletha ukulunga ezizweni.

Izihlenge zizakhangela kimi,

zilinde zithembe amandla ami.

6 Phakamiselani amehlo enu phezulu emazulwini,

likhangele lasemhlabeni phansi;

amazulu azanyamalala njengentuthu;

umhlaba uzaguga njengesigqoko

abakhe kuwo bafe njengempukane.

Kodwa insindiso yami izakuba khona kuze kube nininini,

ukulunga kwami akuyikuphela.

7 Ngizwani lina elikwaziyo okulungileyo

lina bantu abagcina umthetho wami ezinhliziyweni zenu:

Lingakwesabi ukugconwa ngabantu,

kumbe lethuswe yizithuko zabo.

8 Ngoba inondo izabadla njengesigqoko;

impethu ibadle njengewulu.

Kodwa ukulunga kwami kuzakuba khona kuze kube nininini;

lensindiso yami ikhona kuzizukulwane zonke.”

9 Vuka, vuka, wena ngalo kaThixo;

uzigqokise ngamandla akho!

Vuka njengasezinsukwini zendulo,

lanjengakuzizukulwane zakudala.

Kayisuwe yini owaquma uRahabi waba yiziqa,

wagwaza lesilo lesiyana na?

10 Kawusuwe yini owomisa ulwandle,

amanzi atshona kakhulu,

wenza umgwaqo ezinzikini zolwandle

ukuze abahlengiweyo bachaphe na?

11 Labahlengiweyo bakaThixo bazabuyela.

Bazangena eZiyoni behlabelela,

intokozo engapheliyo izakuba ngumqhele emakhanda abo.

Bazakuba lokuthula lenjabulo,

usizi lokububula kuzaphela.

12 “Mina, mina uqobo, nginguye oliduduzayo.

Ungubani wena ukuba wesabe abantu abafayo,

amadodana abantu, abutshani nje,

13 uze ukhohlwe uThixo, uMenzi wakho,

owendlala amazulu

wabeka lezisekelo zomhlaba,

ukuthi uhlale ngokwesaba okungapheliyo nsuku zonke

ngenxa yolaka lomncindezeli,

ohlose ukuchitha na?

Ngoba lungaphi na ulaka lomncindezeli?

14 Izibotshwa ezitshotshobeleyo zizakhululwa masinyazana,

aziyikufela emajele azo,

kumbe ziswele ukudla.

15 Ngoba mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wakho,

ophehla ulwandle ukuze amagagasi alo ahlokome,

ibizo lakhe nguThixo uSomandla.

16 Ngifake amazwi ami emlonyeni wakho

ngakwembesa ngomthunzi wesandla sami,

mina engabeka amazulu endaweni yawo,

ngabeka izisekelo zomhlaba,

njalo othi kuZiyoni, ‘Lina lingabantu bami.’ ”

Inkezo Yolaka LukaThixo

17 Vuka, vuka!

Phakama wena Jerusalema,

wena onathe enkezweni esandleni sikaThixo

inkezo yolaka lwakhe,

wena oyikhoce wafika enzeceni zayo;

inkezo eyenza amadoda adiyazele.

18 Kuwo wonke amadodana eliwazeleyo,

kayikho eyayingalikhokhela;

kuwo wonke amadodana elawondlayo,

kayikho eyayingalibamba ngesandla.

19 Lezizingozi ezimbili zikwehlele;

ngubani ongakududuza na?

Incithakalo lokubhujiswa, indlala lenkemba,

ngubani ongakududuza na?

20 Amadodana akho asephele amandla,

aselala ezihlokweni zemigwaqo yonke

njengebhalabhala elibanjwe ngumambule.

Agcwele ulaka lukaThixo

lokukhuza kukaNkulunkulu wakho.

21 Ngakho-ke zwana lokhu wena ohluphekayo,

lodakisiweyo kodwa kungasingewayini.

22 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi bakho,

uNkulunkulu wakho ovikela abantu bakhe:

“Khangela, sengiyisusile esandleni sakho

inkezo ekwenza udiyazele;

leyonkezo engeyolaka lwami,

awuyikunatha ngayo futhi.

23 Ngizayibeka ezandleni zabakuhluphayo,

abathi kuwe,

‘Cambalala ukuze sihambe phezu kwakho.’

Wena-ke wenza umhlane wakho waba njengenhlabathi,

lanjengomgwaqo okungahanjwa kuwo.”

52

1 Vuka, vuka, wena Ziyoni,

uzembese ngamandla!

Gqoka izigqoko zakho zenkazimulo,

wena Jerusalema, muzi ongcwele.

Ongasokanga longcolileyo

akayikungena kuwe futhi.

2 Thintitha uthuli lwakho;

sukuma, uhlale ebukhosini, wena Jerusalema.

Zikhulule izibopho ezisentanyeni yakho,

wena Ndodakazi ethunjiweyo yaseZiyoni.

3 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Lathengiswa ngeze,

njalo lizahlengwa kungekho mali.”

4 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

“Ekuqaleni abantu bami baya eGibhithe besiyahlala khona;

muva i-Asiriya yabancindezela.

5 Khathesi kuyini engilakho lapha?” kubuza uThixo.

“Ngoba abantu bami bathunjwa kungekho sizatho,

njalo labo abababusayo bayakloloda,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ilanga lonke

ibizo lami lihlanjazwa kokuphela.

6 Ngakho-ke abantu bami bazalazi ibizo lami,

ngakho-ke ngalolosuku bazakwazi

ukuthi yimi engamemezela lokho ngaphambilini.

Yebo, yimi.”

7 Yeka ubuhle phezu kwezintaba,

bezinyawo zalabo abaletha izindaba ezinhle,

abamemezela ukuthula,

abaletha izindaba ezinhle,

abamemezela insindiso,

abathi kulo iZiyoni,

“UNkulunkulu wakho uyabusa!”

8 Lalela! Abalindi bakho baphakamisa amazwi abo,

bonke bahlaba umkhosi ngokuthokoza.

Lapho uThixo ebuyela eZiyoni

bazayibona iZiyoni ngamehlo abo.

9 Hlokomani ndawonye ngezingoma zokuthokoza,

lina manxiwa aseJerusalema,

ngoba uThixo usebaduduzile abantu bakhe,

uselihlengile iJerusalema.

10  UThixo uzaveza ingalo yakhe engcwele

phambi kwezizwe zonke,

njalo yonke imikhawulo yomhlaba

izabona insindiso kaNkulunkulu wethu.

11 Sukani, sukani, phumani lapho!

Lingathinti lutho olungcolileyo!

Phumani kulo libe ngabahlambulukileyo,

lina eliphatha izitsha zikaThixo.

12 Kodwa kaliyikusuka ngokuphangisa,

kumbe libaleka;

ngoba uThixo uzahamba phambi kwenu,

uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uzakuba ngumvikeli wenu emva kwenu.

Ukuhlupheka Lodumo Lwenceku

13 Khangelani, inceku yami izakwenza ngokuhlakanipha,

izaphakanyiswa ikhwezwe, iphiwe lodumo olukhulu.

14 Njengoba babebanengi abanengwayo yiyo,

ubuso bayo babulimele okudlula okwabantu bonke,

lesimo sayo sonakele singase njengesomuntu,

15 ngakho-ke izachela izizwe ezinengi,

amakhosi azavala imilomo yawo ngenxa yayo.

Ngoba lokho abangakutshelwanga bazakubona,

labangakuzwanga, bazakuqedisisa.

53

1 Ngubani olikholiweyo ilizwi lethu,

njalo amandla kaThixo abonakaliswe kubani na?

2 Wakhula phambi kwakhe njengehlumela,

lanjengempande emhlabathini owomileyo.

Wayengelabuhle lobukhosi ukuba asikhange,

kungelalutho esimeni sakhe olungenza simfune.

3 Weyiswa njalo waliwa ngabantu,

umuntu wezinsizi, njalo ekujayele ukuhlupheka.

Lowo abantu abangafuniyo ukukhangelana laye

weyiswa, asimhloniphanga.

4 Ngempela wathatha inhlungu zethu

wathwala insizi zethu,

kodwa thina sathi utshaywe nguNkulunkulu,

ebethwe nguye, njalo uhlutshiwe.

5 Kodwa wagwazwa ngenxa yezono zethu,

wachobozwa ngenxa yokona kwethu,

ukuhlutshwa kwakhe kwasilethela ukuthula,

njalo sasiliswa ngamanxeba akhe.

6 Thina sonke silahlekile njengezimvu,

munye ngamunye wethu uphambukele endleleni yakhe;

njalo uThixo ubeke phezu kwakhe

ukona kwethu sonke.

7 Wancindezelwa wahlutshwa,

kodwa kawuvulanga umlomo wakhe;

wakhokhelwa ukuyabulawa njengewundlu,

njalo njengemvu ithule phambi komgundi wayo,

laye kawuvulanga umlomo wakhe.

8 Ngokuncindezelwa langokwahlulela wathathwa.

Ngubani ongakhuluma ngesizukulwane sakhe na?

Ngoba wasuswa elizweni labaphilayo;

watshaywa ngenxa yeziphambeko zabantu bami.

9 Wabelwa ingcwaba kanye lababi,

kanye labanothileyo ekufeni kwakhe,

lanxa kungeladlakela alwenzayo

njalo kungekho inkohliso emlonyeni wakhe.

10 Ikanti kwakuyintando kaThixo ukumchoboza lokumenza ahlupheke,

njalo lanxa uThixo esenza ukuphila kwakhe umnikelo wecala,

uzabona inzalo yakhe, andise insuku zokuphila kwakhe,

lentando kaThixo izaphumelela ngaye.

11 Emva kokuhlupheka komoya wakhe,

uzabona ukukhanya kokuphila asuthiseke;

ngokwazi kwayo inceku yami elungileyo izalungisa abanengi,

ithwale izono zabo.

12 Ngakho-ke ngizamnika isabelo phakathi kwabakhulu,

njalo uzakwabelana impango labalamandla

ngoba wanikela ukuphila kwakhe ekufeni,

wabalwa ndawonye lezoni;

ngoba wathwala izono zabanengi,

wancengela izoni.

54

Inkazimulo Ezayo YaseZiyoni

1 “Hlabela wena mfazi oyinyumba,

wena ongazange uzale umntwana;

susa ingoma, umemeze ngentokozo,

wena ongakaze uhelelwe

ngoba abantwana bomfazi olahliweyo banengi

kulabalowo olendoda,”

kutsho uThixo.

2 Qhelisa indawo yethente lakho,

yelula amakhetheni ethente

lakho abe banzi,

ungathikazi, yelula izintambo zakho,

uqinise izikhonkwane zakho.

3 Ngoba uzaqhela usiya kwesokudla lesenxele;

inzalo yakho izazixotsha izizwe yakhe

emadolobheni azo adilikayo.

4 “Ungesabi, ngoba awuyikwehlelwa lihlazo.

Ungesabi ukuyangeka, ngoba awuyikudumazeka.

Uzalikhohlwa ihlazo lasebutsheni bakho,

ungakhumbuli lesithuko sobufelokazi bakho.

5 Ngoba uMenzi wakho engumyeni wakho,

uThixo uSomandla libizo lakhe

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli unguMhlengi wakho;

ubizwa ngokuthi nguNkulunkulu womhlaba wonke.

6  UThixo uzakubiza

njengowesifazane olahliweyo, odabukileyo emoyeni,

owesifazane owenda esesemncane,

waphanga waliwa,” kutsho uNkulunkulu wakho.

7 “Ngakutshiya okomzuzwana omncane,

kodwa ngesihawu esikhulu ngizakubuyisa.

8 Ngomfutho wokuthukuthela,

ngakufihlela ubuso bami okomzuzwana,

kodwa ngothando olungapheliyo,

ngizakuba lesihawu kuwe,”

kutsho uThixo uMhlengi wakho.

9 “Kimi lokhu kunjengasezinsukwini zikaNowa,

lapho engafunga khona ngathi amanzi kaNowa

kawayikugcwala umhlaba futhi.

Ngakho khathesi sengifungile ngathi

angiyikukuthukuthelela futhi;

angiyikukusola njalo.

10 Lanxa izintaba zinganyikinyiswa,

lamaqaqa asuswe,

kodwa uthando lwami olungapheliyo kuwe kaluyikunyikinyiswa,

kumbe isivumelwano sami sokuthula sisuswe,”

kutsho uThixo olesihawu kuwe.

11 Wena dolobho elihluphekileyo,

elitshaywa yiziphepho alaze laduduzwa,

ngizakwakha ngamatshe amahle,

izisekelo zakho ngizakhe ngamasafire.

12 Izakhiwo zakho zokuvikela ngizazenza ngamarubhi,

amasango akho ngiwenze ngamatshe akhazimulayo, yonke

imithangala yakho ngiyenze ngamatshe aligugu.

13 Wonke amadodana akho azafundiswa nguThixo,

njalo kuzakuba kukhulu ukuthula kwabantwana bakho.

14 Uzaqiniswa ngokulunga:

uchuku luzakuba khatshana lawe,

awuyikwesaba lutho.

Ukwesaba kuzasuselwa khatshana,

akuyikusondela phansi kwakho.

15 Nxa ekhona ozakuhlasela, kobe kungayisimi;

loba ngubani okuhlaselayo uzazinikela kuwe.

16 “Khangela, yimi engadala umkhandi wensimbi

ovuthela amalahle abe lilangabi,

akhande isikhali esilungele umsebenzi waso.

Njalo yimi engadala umchithi ukuba enze umonakalo;

17 akulasikhali esikhandelwe wena esizaphumelela,

njalo bonke abakumangalelayo uzabehlula.

Leli yilifa lezinceku zikaThixo,

lokhu yikho ukwenaniswa kwazo yimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

55

Ukunxusa Kwabomileyo

1 “Wozani, lonke lina abomileyo,

wozani emanzini,

lani lina elingelamali,

wozani, lithenge, lidle!

Wozani, thengani iwayini lochago

ingekho imali lendleko.

2 Lichithelani imali kokungasikho kudla,

lokusebenza kwenu kulokho okungasuthisiyo na?

Lalelani, lalelani kimi, lidle okuhle,

umoya wenu uzathokoziswa yizibiliboco.

3 Lalelani, lize kimi;

lingilalele ukuze umphefumulo wenu uphile.

Ngizakwenza isivumelwano esingapheliyo lani,

uthando lwami oluqotho olwathenjiswa uDavida.

4 Khangelani, ngimenze waba ngufakazi ebantwini,

umkhokheli lomlawuli wabantu.

5 Ngeqiniso lizabiza izizwe elingazaziyo,

lezizwe ezingalaziyo zizagijimela kini,

ngenxa kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli,

ngoba uselinike inkazimulo.”

6 Mdingeni uThixo esatholakala,

mbizeni eseseduzane.

7 Omubi kayekele indlela yakhe

loxhwalileyo alahle imicabango yakhe.

Kaphendukele kuThixo, uzakuba lesihawu kuye,

lakuNkulunkulu wethu ngoba uzamthethelela ngesihle.

8 “Ngoba imicabango yami kayisiyo eyenu,

lezindlela zenu kayisizo ezami,”

kutsho uThixo.

9 “Njengomkhathi uphakeme kulomhlaba,

ngokunjalo izindlela zami ziphakeme kulezindlela zenu,

lemicabango yami iphakeme kulemicabango yenu.

10 Njengoba izulu longqwaqwane

kusehla kuvela phezulu,

kungaphindi kubuyele khonale

kungathambisanga umhlaba

kuwenze ununkule ube lamahlumela,

ukuze unike umhlanyeli inhlanyelo, lodlayo umnike ukudla,

11 linjalo lelizwi lami eliphuma emlonyeni wami:

kaliyikubuya kimi lize,

kodwa lizafeza engikufunayo

liphumelelise lokho engilithume khona.

12 Lina lizaphuma ngokuthokoza

likhokhelwe ngokuthula;

izintaba lamaqaqa

kuzasusa ingoma phambi kwenu,

njalo zonke izihlahla zeganga

zizaqakeza izandla zazo.

13 Endaweni yesihlahla sameva kuzamila iphayini,

lendaweni yokhula kuzamila isihlahla somithili.

Lokhu kuzakwenza uThixo adunyiswe,

kube yisibonakaliso esingapheliyo,

esingayikudilizwa.”

56

Ukusindiswa Kwabanye

1 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Londoloza ukulunga

wenze okuqondileyo,

ngoba ukusindisa kwami kuseduze

lokulunga kwami kuzabonakaliswa masinyane.

2 Ubusisiwe umuntu okwenzayo lokhu,

umuntu obambelela kukho,

ogcina iSabatha engalingcolisi,

athibe isandla sakhe ekwenzeni okubi.”

3 Akungabi lowezizweni okuThixo othi,

“Ngeqiniso uThixo uzangehlukanisa labantu bakhe.”

Njalo lomthenwa kangavunyelwa ukusola athi,

“Mina ngiyisihlahla esomileyo.”

4 Ngoba uThixo uthi:

“Abathenwa abagcina amaSabatha ami

bakhethe okungithokozisayo,

babambelele kusivumelwano sami,

5 ngizabanika, phakathi kwethempeli lami lemiduli yalo,

isikhumbuzo lebizo

elingcono kulamadodana lamadodakazi.

Ngizabanika ibizo elingapheliyo.

Elingayikukhohlakala.

6 Labezizwe abazinikela kuThixo

ukuba bamkhonze,

bathande ibizo likaThixo,

njalo bamkhonze,

bonke abagcina iSabatha bengalingcolisi,

babambelele kusivumelwano sami,

7 laba ngizabaletha entabeni yami engcwele,

ngibaphe intokozo endlini yami yokukhulekela.

Iminikelo yabo yokutshiswa, lemihlatshelo,

kuzakwamukelwa e-alithareni lami;

ngoba indlu yami izathiwa

yindlu yokukhuleka yezizwe zonke.”

8  UThixo Wobukhosi,

yena oqoqa abaxotshwayo elizweni abako-Israyeli uthi:

“Ngizaqoqela abanye kubo futhi

ngaphandle kwalabo abavele sebeqoqiwe.”

UThixo Usola Ababi

9 Wozani lonke lina zilo zeganga;

wozani lidle, lonke lina zilo zamagusu!

10 Abalindi bako-Israyeli bayiziphofu,

bonke kabazi lutho;

bonke bayimigaxa,

izinja ezingakhonkothiyo;

balala nje baphuphe;

bathanda ukulala.

11 Bayizinja ezihlala zilomdlozela wokufuna ukudla,

azisuthi.

Bangabelusi abangaqedisisiyo,

bonke bazazenzela abakufunayo,

lowo lalowo udinga inzuzo yakhe.

12 Lowo lalowo uthi, “Wozani, ngilethe iwayini.

Kasinatheni utshwala sibusuthe.

Kusasa kuzafana lanamuhla,

loba kube ngcono kakhulu.”

57

1 Abalungileyo bayabhubha,

kodwa kakho ocabanga ngakho enhliziyweni yakhe.

Abantu abazinikele ekukhonzeni bayasuswa,

njalo kakho okuzwisisayo ukuthi

abalungileyo basuswa

ukuba baphetshiswe ebubini.

2 Labo abahamba ngokulunga

bayangena ekuthuleni;

bathola ukuphumula belele ekufeni.

3 “Kodwa lina wozani lapha lina,

madodana esanusekazi lina nzalo yezifebe leziphingi!

4 Ngubani elimklolodelayo na?

Ngubani elimnemelayo

limkhuphela inlimi zenu?

Kalisinzalo yabahlamuki,

labantwana babaqamba amanga na?

5 Liyatshiseka ngenkanuko ezihlahleni zomʼOkhi,

langaphansi kwezihlahla zonke eziyizithingithingi;

lenza umhlatshelo ngabantwabenu emakhelekehleni

langaphansi kwamawa.

6 Izithombe eziphakathi kwamatshe abutshelezi emakhelekehleni yiso isabelo senu,

yizo, yizo eziyisabelo senu.

Yebo, kuzo lithele iminikelo yokunathwayo

lanikela leminikelo yamabele.

Ngenxa yalezizinto ngingaba lozwelo na?

7 Wenze umbheda wakho phezu koqaqa oluphakemeyo,

wakhwela wayanikela imihlatshelo yakho khona.

8 Ngemva kwezivalo zakho langemva kwezinsika zomnyango wakho

ubeke izifanekiso zakho zobuhedeni.

Wathi ungilahla wembula umbheda wakho,

wakhwela kuwo wawuvula waba banzi,

wavumelana lalabo othanda imibheda yabo,

wakhangela ubunqunu babo.

9 Uye kuMoleki ulamafutha e-oliva,

wandisa lamakha akho.

Uthume izithunywa zakho khatshana

wangena ethuneni lona ngokwalo!

10 Wadiniswa yizindlela zakho zonke,

kodwa wawungeke uthi, ‘Akusizi ngalutho.’

Wathola ukuvuselelwa kwamandla akho.

Ngakho kawuphelanga amandla.

11 Ngubani omesabe kangaka

waze waba lamanga kimi,

njalo kawaze wangikhumbula

loba ukucabanga lokhu enhliziyweni yakho na?

Akusingenxa yokuthi sengathula okwesikhathi eside kakhulu

waze wangasangesabi na?

12 Ukulunga kwakho lemisebenzi yakho ngizakuveza obala,

njalo akuyikukusiza ngalutho.

13 Lapho usukhalela ukusizwa,

iqoqo lezithombe zakho kalikuhlenge.

Umoya uzazithatha zonke,

lokuphephetha nje kuziphephulele khatshana.

Kodwa umuntu owenza mina isiphephelo sakhe

ilizwe lizakuba yilifa lakhe

lentaba yami engcwele ibe ngeyakhe.”

Induduzo Kwabazisolayo

14 Njalo kuzathiwa:

“Candani, candani, lungisani indlela!

Susani izikhubekiso endleleni yabantu bami.”

15 Ngoba ophakemeyo ongaPhezulu,

yena ophila kokuphela, obizo lakhe lingcwele uthi:

“Ngihlala endaweni ephakemeyo lengcwele,

kodwa laye ozisolayo lothobekileyo emoyeni,

ukuba kuvuselelwe umoya wabathobekileyo,

kuvuselelwe lezinhliziyo zabazisolayo.

16 Angiyikulisola kokuphela

kumbe ngihlale ngithukuthele,

ngoba umoya womuntu ungaphela phambi kwami,

umoya womuntu engawudalayo.

17 Ngathukutheliswa yibuhwaba bakhe obubi;

ngamjezisa, ngafihla ubuso bami ngithukuthele,

kodwa waqhubeka ngezindlela zakhe zenkani.

18 Izindlela zakhe sengizibonile, kodwa ngizamsilisa.

Ngizamkhokhela, ngimduduze futhi,

19 ngenze ukubonga ezindebeni zabalilayo ko-Israyeli.

Ukuthula, ukuthula kwabakhatshana labaseduze,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ngizabasilisa.”

20 Kodwa ababi banjengolwandle olugubhazelayo,

olungeke luphumule,

amagagasi alo ephosa udaka lengcekeza phezulu.

21 “Akukho kuthula kwababi,” kutsho uNkulunkulu wami.

58

Ukuzila Okuqotho

1 “Memeza kakhulu, ungathuli.

Phakamisa ilizwi lakho njengecilongo.

Tshela abantu bami ngokuhlamuka kwabo,

lendlu kaJakhobe uyitshele ngezono zabo.

2 Ngoba usuku ngosuku bayangidinga;

bafuna ukwazi izindlela zami,

sengathi bayisizwe esenza okulungileyo

esingalahlanga imilayo kaNkulunkulu waso.

Bacela izinqumo ezilungileyo kimi

bafune ukuthi uNkulunkulu asondele kubo.

3 Bathi, ‘Kungani sizilile,

kodwa wena wangakuboni na?

Kungani sizithobile

kodwa wangakunaki na?’

Ikanti ngosuku lokuzila kwenu lenza elikuthandayo,

lincindezele lezisebenzi zenu zonke.

4 Ukuzila kwenu kucina ngengxabano lokulwa,

langokutshayana kubi ngenqindi.

Alingeke lizile njengelikwenzayo

lamhla lithembe ukuthi ilizwi lenu lizazwakala phezulu.

5 Lokhu yikho ukuzila engikukhethileyo na,

ukuthi umuntu azithobe okosuku olulodwa nje?

Yikuthi umuntu akhothamise ikhanda lakhe njengomhlanga nje,

lokulala esakeni lemlotheni na?

Lokho yikho elithi yikuzila,

usuku olwamukelekayo kuThixo na?

6 Lokhu akusikho yini ukuzila engikukhethileyo:

ukukhulula izibopho zokungalungi

lokuthukulula imichilo yejogwe,

kukhululwe abancindezelweyo,

kwephulwe amajogwe wonke na?

7 Akusikwabela abalambayo ukudla kwakho

lokunika umnyanga ongumhambuma indawo yokuhlala,

lapho ubona abanqunu ubagqokise,

lokungafulatheli izihlobo zakho zegazi na?

8 Lapho-ke ukukhanya kwakho kuzavela njengokusa,

lokusila kwakho kuzabonakala masinyane,

kuthi ukulunga kwakho kuhambe phambi kwakho,

inkazimulo kaThixo izakuba yisivikelo ngemva kwakho.

9 Lapho-ke uzabiza, uThixo asabele;

uzacela usizo, yena uzakuthi: Ngilapha.

Nxa ungalahla ijogwe lokuncindezela

lokukhomba ngomunwe kanye lezinkulumo ezimbi;

10 njalo nxa unika abalambayo ukudla kwakho,

wanelise lenswelo zabancindezelweyo,

ukukhanya kwakho kuzavela emnyameni,

ubusuku bakho buzakuba njengemini.

11  UThixo uzakukhokhela kokuphela;

uzakwanelisa inswelo zakho elizweni elitshiswa lilanga,

aqinise amathambo akho.

Uzakuba njengesivande esithelezelwa kuhle,

lanjengomthombo olamanzi angacitshiyo.

12 Abantu bakho bazawavusa amanxiwa amadala,

bavuse lezisekelo zakudala.

Uzabizwa ngokuthi uMakhi Wemiduli Eyadilikayo,

loMvuseleli wemiGwaqo leMizi.

13 Nxa ugcina inyawo zakho zingephuli iSabatha,

njalo ungenzi intando yakho ngosuku lwami olungcwele,

nxa iSabatha ulibiza ngokuthi yintokozo

njalo usuku lukaThixo olungcwele usithi lulodumo,

njalo nxa uluhlonipha ngokungahambi ngendlela yakho,

langokungenzi intando yakho loba ukukhuluma amazwi ayize,

14 lapho-ke uzathola intokozo kuThixo,

njalo ngizakukhweza emiqolweni yelizwe,

ngikwenze udle ilifa likayihlo uJakhobe.”

Umlomo kaThixo usukhulumile.

59

Isono, Ukuvuma Lokuhlengwa

1 Ngeqiniso ingalo kaThixo kayimfitshane ukuba isindise,

lendlebe yakhe kayibuthundu ukuba izwe.

2 Kodwa ububi benu sebulahlukanise loNkulunkulu wenu;

lezono zenu sezisithe ubuso bakhe kini ukuze angezwa.

3 Ngoba izandla zenu zingcolisiwe ngegazi,

leminwe yenu ingcoliswe yibubi.

Izindebe zenu zikhulume amanga

lolimi lwenu luhlebeza izinto ezimbi.

4 Kakho odinga ukwahlulela okuhle,

kakho okhuluma ecaleni lakhe ngobuqotho.

Bathembe ukuphika ngeze bekhuluma amanga;

bemula uhlupho, bazale ububi.

5 Bachamisela amaqanda ezinhlangwana,

beluke ubulembu besayobe.

Langabe ngubani odla amaqanda azo uzakufa,

njalo nxa elinye lawo lichanyiselwe kuphuma ibululu.

6 Ubulembu babo kabusizi ekugqokeni;

abangeke bazimboze ngabakwenzayo.

Izenzo zabo yizenzo ezimbi,

izenzo zodlakela zisezandleni zabo.

7 Inyawo zabo zigijimela ukona;

bayaphangisa ukuchitha igazi elimsulwa.

Imicabango yabo yimicabango emibi;

ukuchitha lokubhubhisa kubonakalisa izindlela zabo.

8 Indlela yokuthula kabayazi;

akukho kulunga ezindleleni zabo.

Sebenze zaba yimigwaqo ezombelezayo,

kakho ohamba ngazo ozakwazi ukuthula.

9 Ngakho-ke ukwahlulela okuhle kukhatshana lathi,

lokulunga akufiki kithi.

Sidinga ukukhanya, kodwa kulobumnyama kuphela;

sidinga ukucazimula, kodwa sihamba emathunzini amnyama.

10 Njengeziphofu siphumputha silandela umduli,

siphumputhe indlela yethu njengabantu abangelamehlo.

Sikhubeka emini ingathi kukusihlwa;

kwabalamandla, sinjengabafileyo.

11 Sonke siyahwabha njengamabhele,

sibubule ngosizi njengamajuba.

Sidinga ukwahlulela okuhle, kodwa kasikutholi;

sidinga ukuhlengwa, kodwa kukhatshana.

12 Ngoba ukona kwethu kuwe kunengi,

lezono zethu zifakaza okubi ngathi.

Ukona kwethu kuhlezi kulathi;

siyabuvuma ububi bethu,

13 ukuhlamuka lokungathembeki kuThixo,

ukufulathela uNkulunkulu wethu,

ukukhuthaza uncindezelo lomvukela,

ukukhuluma amanga esiwacabange ngezinhliziyo zethu.

14 Ngakho ukwahlulela okuhle kufuqelwa emuva,

ukulunga kume khatshana;

iqiniso likhubekile ezindleleni,

ubuqotho bungeke bungene.

15 Iqiniso kalitholwa ndawo;

oxwaya ububi uyahlaselwa.

UThixo wakhangela wadaniswa

yikuswelakala kokwahlulela okuhle.

16 Wabona ukuthi kwakungelamuntu,

wanengwa yikuthi kakho owayengalamula;

ngakho waletha ukukhululwa ngamandla akhe,

ukulunga kwakhe kwamqinisa.

17 Wagqoka ukulunga njengesivikelo sakhe sasesifubeni,

lengowane yensindiso ekhanda lakhe;

wagqoka izembatho zokuphindisela

njalo wazigoqela ngokutshiseka njengokuzigoqela ngengubo.

18 Uzaphindisela ulaka ezitheni zakhe,

kusiya ngalokho abakwenzileyo;

lokujeziswa kwabamelana laye;

izihlenge uzaziphindisela ngemfanelo yazo.

19 Kusukela entshonalanga abantu bazalesaba ibizo likaThixo,

njalo kusukela ekuphumeni kwelanga bazadumisa ubukhosi bakhe.

Ngoba uzafika njengesikhukhula esifutheleneyo

esifuqwa ngumoya kaThixo.

20 “Umhlengi uzafika eZiyoni,

kwabakaJakhobe abavuma izono zabo,”

kutsho uThixo.

21 “Mina lesi yiso isivumelwano sami labo,” kutsho uThixo. “Umoya wami okuwe, lamazwi ami engiwabeke emlonyeni wakho akuyikusuka emlonyeni wakho, kumbe emilonyeni yabantwabakho, loba emilonyeni yezizukulwane zabo kusukela ngalesisikhathi kuze kube nininini,” kutsho uThixo.

60

Inkazimulo YaseZiyoni

1 “Vuka, khazimula, ngoba ukukhanya kwakho sekufikile,

lenkazimulo kaThixo iyavela phezu kwakho.

2 Khangela, umnyama wembese umhlaba,

umnyama omkhulu usibekele abantu.

Kodwa uThixo uyakhanya phezu kwakho

lenkazimulo yakhe iyabonakala phezu kwakho.

3 Izizwe zizakuza ekukhanyeni kwakho,

lamakhosi alande ukuqhama kokusa kwakho.

4 Phakamisa amehlo akho ukhangele amacele akho wonke:

bonke babuthana beze kuwe;

amadodana akho avela khatshana,

lamadodakazi akho athwelwe ngengalo.

5 Ngakho uzakhangela ubobotheke ngokujabula,

inhliziyo yakho izatshaya ikhukhumale ngenxa yentokozo;

inotho yasolwandle izalethwa kuwe,

lenotho yezizwe izakuza kuwe.

6 Imihlambi yamakamela izagcwala elizweni lakho,

amakamela asakhulayo aseMidiyani lase-Efa.

Wonke avela eShebha azakuza

ethwele igolide lempepha

ememezela udumo lukaThixo.

7 Yonke imihlambi yaseKhedari izabuthelwa kuwe;

inqama zaseNebhayothi zizakusiza;

zizakwamukeleka njengeminikelo e-alithareni lami,

njalo ngizahlobisa ithempeli lami elilodumo.

8 Ngobani laba abandiza njengamayezi

lanjengamajuba esiya ezidlekeni zawo na?

9 Ngeqiniso izihlenge zithembe mina;

ekhokheleyo yimikhumbi yaseThashishi,

iletha amadodana akho avela khatshana,

lesiliva sawo kanye legolide

ukuba kudunyiswe uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho,

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli,

ngoba ukunike inkazimulo.

10 Abezizwe bazayakha futhi imiduli yakho,

lamakhosi abo azakukhonza.

Lanxa ekuthukutheleni kwami ngakutshaya,

kodwa ngomusa wami ngizakuba lesihawu kuwe.

11 Amasango akho azahlala evulekile;

kawayikuvalwa emini loba ebusuku

ukuze abantu bakulethele inotho yezizwe,

amakhosi azo ekhokhelwe ludwendwe lokunqoba.

12 Ngoba isizwe kumbe umbuso ongayikukukhonza uzatshabalala;

uzachitheka uphele nya.

13 Udumo lwaseLebhanoni luzakuza kuwe;

zonke izihlahla ezamaphayini, umfiri lomsiphresi,

ukuzehlobisa indlu yami engcwele;

lendawo yezinyawo zami ngizayenza ikhazimule.

14 Amadodana abancindezeli bakho

azakuza akhothame phambi kwakho;

bonke abakweyisayo

bazakhothamela phansi ezinyaweni zakho,

njalo bazakubiza ngokuthi iDolobho likaThixo,

iZiyoni yakhe oNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

15 Lanxa ubulahliwe, uzondakala,

kungekho ohamba edabula phakathi kwakho,

ngizakwenza ube ligugu elingapheliyo,

uthokozise izizukulwane zonke.

16 Uzanatha uchago lwezizwe,

umunyiswe emabeleni asesikhosini.

Lapho-ke uzakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo, uMsilisi wakho,

uMhlengi wakho, uMninimandla kaJakhobe.

17 Esikhundleni sethusi ngizakulethela igolide,

lesiliva esikhundleni sensimbi.

Esikhundleni sezigodo ngizakulethela ithusi,

lensimbi esikhundleni samatshe.

Ngizakwenza ukuthula kube ngumbusi wakho,

lokulunga kube yinkosi yakho.

18 Akusayikuba lodlakela elizweni lakho,

akusayikuba khona ukuchitheka

loba ukutshabalala phakathi kwelizwe lakini,

kodwa uzakuthi imiduli yakho yiNsindiso,

lamasango akho uthi yiNdumiso.

19 Ilanga kalisayikuba yikukhanya kwakho emini

loba ukukhanya kwenyanga kukukhanyise,

ngoba uThixo uzakuba yikukhanya kwakho okungapheliyo,

loNkulunkulu wakho abe yinkazimulo yakho.

20 Ilanga lakho kaliyikutshona futhi,

lenyanga yakho ayisayikufiphala njalo.

UThixo uzakuba yikukhanya kwakho okungapheliyo,

lezinsuku zakho zezinsizi zizaphela.

21 Lapho-ke bonke abantu bakho bazakuba ngabalungileyo,

lelizwe lizakuba lilifa labo kokuphela.

Bangamahlumela engawahlanyelayo,

umsebenzi wezandla zami,

ukuba ngibonakalise inkazimulo yami.

22 Ingcosana yakho izakuba yinkulungwane,

abancinyane bazakuba yisizwe esilamandla.

Mina nginguThixo;

ngesikhathi esifaneleyo lokhu ngizakwenza ngokuphangisa.”

61

Umnyaka Womusa KaThixo

1 Umoya kaThixo Wobukhosi uphezu kwami,

ngoba uThixo ungigcobile

ukuba ngitshumayele izindaba ezinhle kwabampofu.

Ungithumile ukuba ngibophe inhliziyo ezidabukileyo,

ngimemezele ukukhululwa kwabathunjiweyo,

lokukhululwa kwezibotshwa emnyameni,

2 lokumemezela umnyaka womusa kaThixo,

losuku lokuphindisela kukaNkulunkulu wethu;

ukududuza abalilayo,

3 lokunakekela labo abadabukileyo eZiyoni,

ukubapha umqhele wobuhle

esikhundleni somlotha,

amafutha okujabula

esikhundleni sokulila,

lengubo yokudumisa

esikhundleni somoya wokulahla ithemba.

Bazabizwa ngokuthi yimʼokhi yokulunga,

ehlanyelwe nguThixo

ukuba abonakalise inkazimulo yakhe.

4 Bazavuselela njalo amanxiwa asendulo

bavuse lezindawo ezadilizwa kudala.

Bazavuselela amadolobho adilikayo

aleminyaka eminengi adilika.

5 Abezizwe bazakwelusa imihlambi yenu;

abezizwe bazalima amasimu enu lezivini zenu.

6 Lizabizwa ngokuthi abaphristi bakaThixo,

kuzathiwa liyizikhonzi zikaNkulunkulu.

Lizakudla inotho yezizwe,

lizincome ngenotho yazo.

7 Esikhundleni sehlazo labo

abantu bami bazaphiwa isabelo esiphindwe kabili,

njalo esikhundleni sokuyangeka

bazathokoza ngelifa labo;

ngakho isabelo selifa labo elizweni sizaphindwa kabili,

lentokozo engapheliyo izakuba ngeyabo.

8 “Ngoba mina, uThixo, ngithanda ukulunga,

ngizonda ubugebenga lobubi.

Ngobuqotho bami ngizabanika umvuzo

ngenze isivumelwano esingapheliyo labo.

9 Izizukulwane zabo zizakwaziwa phakathi kwezizwe,

lenzalo yabo yaziwe phakathi kwabantu.

Bonke abababonayo bazavuma

ukuthi bangabantu ababusiswe nguThixo.”

10 Ngiyathokoza kakhulu kuThixo;

umphefumulo wami uyajabula ngoNkulunkulu wami.

Ngoba ungigqokise izigqoko zokusindiswa,

wangicecisa ngezembatho zokulunga,

njengomyeni ececisa ikhanda lakhe njengomphristi,

lanjengomlobokazi ezicecise ngamatshe akhe aligugu.

11 Ngoba njengomhlabathi owenza ihlumela limile,

lesivande esenza inhlanyelo ikhule,

ngokunjalo uThixo Wobukhosi uzakwenza ukulunga

lodumo kuvele phambi kwezizwe zonke.

62

Ibizo Elitsha LeZiyoni

1 Ngenxa yeZiyoni angiyikuthula;

ngenxa yeJerusalema angiyikuhlala ngithule,

ukulunga kwayo kuze kukhanye njengokusa,

ukusindiswa kwayo kuze kukhanye njengezibane ezivuthayo.

2 Izizwe zizakubona ukulunga kwakho,

lamakhosi wonke ayibone inkazimulo yakho.

Uzabizwa ngebizo elitsha

umlomo kaThixo ozakunika lona.

3 Uzakuba ngumqhele wenkazimulo esandleni sikaThixo,

umqhele wobukhosi esandleni sikaNkulunkulu wakho.

4 Kabasayikukubiza ngokuthi oTshiyiweyo

kumbe babize ilizwe lakho ngokuthi Chithakele.

Kodwa uzabizwa ngokuthi Hefiziba

ilizwe lakho kuthiwe yiBhiyula,

ngoba uThixo uzathokoza ngawe,

lelizwe lakho lizakwenda.

5 Njengejaha lithatha intombi,

ngokunjalo amadodana akho azakuthatha;

lanjengomyeni ethokozela umakoti wakhe,

ngokunjalo uNkulunkulu uzathokoza ngawe.

6 Ngibeke abalindi phezu kwemiduli yakho wena Jerusalema;

kabayikuthula lanini emini loba ebusuku.

Lina elimbizayo uThixo,

musani ukuphumula,

7 laye lingamphumuzi aze akhe iJerusalema

alenze libe lodumo emhlabeni.

8  UThixo ufungile ngesandla sakhe sokudla

langengalo yakhe elamandla wathi;

“Angiyikuphinda lanini

ukunika izitha zenu amabele enu njengokudla kwazo,

njalo lanini abezizwe kabayikuphinda banathe iwayini elitsha

elilisebenzele nzima.

9 Kodwa labo abawavunayo bazawadla

badumise uThixo,

lalabo ababutha amavini bazalinatha

emagumeni endlu yami engcwele.”

10 Dlulani, dlulani emasangweni!

Lungiselani abantu indlela.

Candani, candani umgwaqo!

Susani amatshe.

Phakamiselani izizwe uphawu.

11  UThixo usenze isimemezelo

emhlabeni wonke wathi;

“Wothini kuyo iNdodakazi yaseZiyoni,

‘Khangela uMsindisi wakho uyeza!

Khangela umvuzo wakhe ulawo,

lenhlawulo yakhe ulayo.’ ”

12 Bazabizwa ngokuthi ngaBantu abaNgcwele,

abaHlengiweyo bakaThixo;

wena uzathiwa Ofunwayo,

iDolobho Elingasatshiywanga.

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Usuku LukaNkulunkulu Lokuphindisela Lokuhlenga

1 Ngubani lo ovela e-Edomi,

ovela eBhozira egqoke izembatho ezibomvu na?

Ngubani lo ogqoke ubucwazicwazi,

ohamba ngobukhulu bamandla akhe na?

“Yimi okhuluma ngokulunga,

olamandla okusindisa.”

2 Kungani izigqoko zakho zibomvu

njengezomuntu onyathela isikhamelo sewayini na?

3 “Nginyathele isikhamelo sewayini ngedwa;

kakho owezizwe owayelami.

Ngabagxoba ngithukuthele,

ngabanyathela ngilolaka;

igazi labo lachaphakela ezambathweni zami,

langcolisa zonke izigqoko zami.

4 Ngoba usuku lokuphindisela lwalusenhliziyweni yami,

lomnyaka wokuhlenga kwami usufikile.

5 Ngakhangela, kodwa kakho owayengasiza.

Nganengwa yikungabi khona kosekelayo,

ngakho ingalo yami yangilethela insindiso

lolaka lwami lwangiqinisa.

6 Ngagxoba izizwe ngokuthukuthela kwami,

ngazidakisa ngolaka lwami,

ngathela igazi lazo phansi.”

Ukudumisa Lokukhuleka

7 Ngizalandisa ngomusa kaThixo,

izenzo okumele adunyiswe ngenxa yazo,

ngakho konke uThixo asenzele khona,

yebo, izinto ezinengi ezinhle

azenzele indlu ka-Israyeli,

ngesihawu sakhe langomusa wakhe omkhulu.

8 Wathi, “Ngeqiniso bangabantu bami;

amadodana angayikuba lamanga kimi”;

ngakho waba nguMsindisi wabo.

9 Kukho konke ukuhlupheka kwabo laye waba losizi;

ukuba khona kwengilosi yakhe kwabasindisa.

Ngothando lwakhe langesihawu sakhe wabahlenga;

wabaphakamisela phezulu,

wabathwala insuku zonke zakudala.

10 Kodwa bamvukela

badanisa uMoya wakhe oNgcwele.

Ngakho waphenduka waba yisitha sabo

walwa labo yena ngokwakhe.

11 Lapho-ke abantu bakhe bakhumbula insuku zakudala,

insuku zikaMosi labantu bakhe,

ungaphi lowo owabachaphisa ulwandle,

lomelusi wemihlambi yakhe na?

Ungaphi lowo owathela

uMoya wakhe oNgcwele phakathi kwabo,

12 owathumela ingalo yakhe yamandla elodumo

ukuba ibe sesandleni sokudla sikaMosi,

owehlukanisa amanzi phambi kwabo

ukuba azizuzele udumo olungapheliyo,

13 owabadabulisa ezinzikini na?

Njengebhiza emagcekeni,

kabakhubekanga;

14 njengezinkomo zisehla esigodini,

baphunyuzwa nguMoya kaThixo.

Wena wabakhokhela kanjalo abantu bakho

ukuze uzenzele ibizo elilodumo.

15 Khangela phansi usezulwini ubone,

usesihlalweni sakho sobukhosi esiphakemeyo,

esingcwele, esicwebezelayo.

Kungaphi ukutshiseka kwakho lamandla akho na?

Isisa sakho lesihawu sakho kugodliwe kithi.

16 Kodwa wena unguBaba wethu,

lanxa u-Abhrahama engasazi thina

lo-Israyeli engasivumi;

wena, Oh Thixo, unguBaba wethu,

uMhlengi wethu libizo lakho kusukela endulo.

17 Kungani, Thixo, usenza siphambuke ezindleleni zakho,

usenza lezinhliziyo zethu zibe lukhuni ukuba singakwesabi na?

Phenduka ubuye ngenxa yezinceku zakho,

izizwana eziyilifa lakho.

18 Indawo yakho engcwele

yayingeyabantu bakho okwesikhathi esifitshane,

kodwa khathesi izitha zethu seziyicakazele phansi

indlu yakho engcwele.

19 Thina singabakho kusukela endulo;

kodwa awukaze ubabuse,

kabazange babizwe ngebizo lakho.

64

1 Awu, sengathi ungaqhekeza amazulu wehlele phansi

ukuba izintaba zinyikinyeke phambi kwakho!

2 Njengalapho umlilo utshisa incwathi

wenze amanzi abile,

yehlela phansi ukuba wenze ibizo lakho lazakale ezitheni zakho,

wenze lezizwe zithuthumele phambi kwakho.

3 Ngoba wathi usenza izinto ezesabekayo esasingazilindelanga,

wehlela phansi, izintaba zathuthumela phambi kwakho.

4 Kusukela endulo kakho owezwayo,

akulandlebe eyabambisisayo,

akulalihlo elabona omunye uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwakho,

osebenzela labo abathembe kuye.

5 Uyeza ukuba usize labo abenza ukulunga ngokuthaba,

abazikhumbulayo izindlela zakho.

Kodwa lapho saqhubeka sisona kubo

wathukuthela.

Pho singasindiswa kanjani na?

6 Sonke sesaba njengomuntu ongcolileyo,

lemisebenzi yethu yokulunga yonke injengenjobo ezingcolileyo,

sonke siyabuna njengehlamvu,

lanjengomoya izono zethu zisiphephulela khatshana.

7 Kakho okhuleka ebizweni lakho

lozamayo ukubambelela kuwe,

ngoba ubuso bakho ubufihlile kithi

wasenza sacikizeka ngenxa yezono zethu.

8 Ikanti wena Thixo unguBaba wethu.

Thina silibumba, wena ungumbumbi;

sonke singumsebenzi wezandla zakho.

9 Ungathukutheli wedlulise, awu Thixo;

izono zethu ungazikhumbuli kokuphela.

Awu, ake usikhangele, siyakhuleka,

ngoba sonke singabantu bakho.

10 Amadolobho akho angcwele aseyinkangala;

leZiyoni isiyinkangala, iJerusalema isiyincithakalo.

11 Ithempeli lethu elingcwele njalo elikhazimulayo lapho okhokho ababekudumisela khona,

litshiswe ngomlilo,

njalo konke okwakuligugu kithi sekungamanxiwa.

12 Emva kwakho konke lokhu Thixo, uzazithinta na?

Uzazithulela, usijezise ngokudlulisileyo na?

65

Ukwahlulela LeNsindiso

1 “Ngaziveza kulabo abangangicelanga;

ngafunyanwa yilabo abangangidinganga.

Isizwe esingakhulekanga kimi

ngathi kuso, ‘Ngilapha, ngilapha.’

2 Ilanga lonke ngelula izandla zami

ebantwini abayiziqholo,

abahamba ngezindlela ezingalunganga

belandela iminakano yabo,

3 abantu abahlezi bengicunula

bengikhangele,

benikela imihlatshelo emasimini,

betshisa impepha phezu kwezitina;

4 abahlala emangcwabeni

balale besenza imilindelo eyimfihlo ebusuku;

abadla inyama yengulube,

abambiza zabo zigcina umhluzi wenyama engcolileyo;

5 abathi, ‘Hlala khatshana, ungasondeli phansi kwami,

ngoba ngingcwele kulawe!’

Abantu abanjalo banjengentuthu emakhaleni ami,

umlilo ovuthayo ilanga lonke.

6 Khangela, kulotshiwe phambi kwami ukuthi:

Angiyikuthula, kodwa ngizaphindisela ngokugcweleyo;

ngizaphindisela ngokupheleleyo,

7 kokubili izono zenu lezono zabokhokho benu,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ngoba batshisa imihlatshelo phezu kwezintaba

bangihlambaza phezu kwamaqaqa.

Ngizaphindisela kubo ngokugcweleyo

ngenxa yezenzo zabo abazenza ngaphambili.”

8 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo:

“Njengalapho umhluzi usatholakala ehlukuzweni lamavini

labantu besithi, ungalibhidlizi,

kusekhona okuhle kulo,

ngizazenzela okunjalo izinceku zami;

angiyikuzibhubhisa zonke.

9 Ngizaletha isizukulwane esivela kuJakhobe,

lakoJuda kuvele abazakuba ngabanikazi bezintaba zami;

zizakuba yilifa labakhethiweyo bami,

izinceku zami zizahlala khona.

10 ISharoni izakuba ngamadlelo emihlambi

lesiGodi sase-Akhori sibe yindawo yokuphumulela imihlambi,

yabantu bami abangidingayo.

11 Kodwa lina elilahla uThixo

likhohlwe intaba yami engcwele;

liphakele unkulunkulu uNhlanhla ukudla

libuye ligcwalisele unkulunkulu uSimiselo iwayini elixutshiweyo,

12 ngizalimisela inkemba,

njalo lonke lizakhothamela ukubulawa,

ngoba ngamemeza kodwa kalisabelanga,

ngakhuluma kodwa lina kalilalelanga.

Lenza okubi phambi kwami

lakhetha okungicunulayo.”

13 Ngakho-ke uThixo Wobukhosi uthi:

“Izinceku zami zizakudla,

kodwa lina lizalamba;

izinceku zami zizanatha,

kodwa lina lizakoma;

izinceku zami zizathokoza,

kodwa lina lizayangiswa.

14 Izinceku zami zizahlabelela

ngentokozo yezinhliziyo zazo,

kodwa lina lizakhala

ngobuhlungu bezinhliziyo

njalo lilile ngokudabuka komoya.

15 Lizatshiya ibizo lenu

njengesithuko kwabakhethiweyo bami;

uThixo Wobukhosi uzalibulala,

kodwa izinceku zakhe uzazinika elinye ibizo.

16 Lowo okhulekela isibusiso elizweni

uzakwenza lokho ngoNkulunkulu weqiniso;

lalowo owenza isifungo elizweni,

uzafunga ngoNkulunkulu weqiniso.

Ngoba inhlupheko ezedlulayo

zizakhohlakala zifihlakale emehlweni ami.”

Izulu Elitsha Lomhlaba Omutsha

17 “Khangelani, ngizadala

izulu elitsha lomhlaba omutsha.

Izinto zakuqala aziyikukhunjulwa,

kumbe zifike engqondweni.

18 Kodwa thabani lijabule kokuphela

ngalokho engizakudala,

ngoba ngizadala iJerusalema libe yintokozo

labantu balo babe yinjabulo.

19 Ngizathokoza ngeJerusalema

njalo ngijabule ngabantu bami;

ukulila lokukhala

akusayikuzwakala kulo futhi.

20 Kulo akusayikuba khona futhi

usane oluphila insuku ezilutshwane

kumbe umuntu omdala ongaphelelisi iminyaka yakhe;

lowo ofa elekhulu leminyaka

uzakhangelwa njengomntwana nje;

lowo ongafikiyo ekhulwini

uzakhangelwa njengoqalekisiweyo.

21 Bazakwakha izindlu bahlale kuzo;

bazahlanyela izivini badle izithelo zazo.

22 Kabasayikwakha izindlu zihlalwe ngabanye

kumbe bahlanyele, kudle abanye.

Ngoba njengezinsuku zesihlahla,

zizakuba njalo insuku zabantu bami;

abakhethiweyo bami bazakholisa

umsebenzi wezandla zabo okwesikhathi eside.

23 Kabayikusebenzela ize,

kumbe abantwababo bazalelwe ukuhlupheka,

ngoba bazakuba ngabantu ababusisiweyo nguThixo,

bona kanye lezizukulwane zabo.

24 Ngizabaphendula bengakakhuleki;

ngibezwe besakhuluma.

25 Impisi lewundlu kuzakudla ndawonye,

lesilwane sizakudla utshani njengenkomo,

kodwa inyoka izakudla uthuli.

Kaziyikulimaza kumbe zibhubhise

kuyo yonke intaba yami engcwele,”

kutsho uThixo.

66

Ukwahlulela Lethemba

1 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Izulu liyisihlalo sami sobukhosi,

lomhlaba uyisenabelo sami.

Ingaphi indlu elizangakhela yona na?

Indawo yami yokuphumula izakuba ngaphi na?

2 Isandla sami kasizenzanga zonke lezizinto

ukuze zibe khona na?”

kutsho uThixo.

“Engimbukayo ngulo:

lowo othobekileyo ozisolayo emoyeni,

olesabayo ilizwi lami.

3 Kodwa lowo onikela ngenkunzi

ufana lomuntu obulala omunye umuntu,

lalowo onikela ngewundlu,

ufana lowephula intamo yenja;

lowo onikela ngamabele

ufana lonikela ngegazi lengulube,

lalowo otshisa impepha yesikhumbuzo

ufana lokhonza isithombe.

Sebekhethe izindlela zabo,

lemiphefumulo yabo ithokoziswa yizinengiso zabo;

4 ngakho-ke lami ngizakhetha ukubaphatha kalukhuni,

ngibehlisele lokho abakwesabayo.

Ngoba kwathi lapho ngibiza, kakho owasabelayo,

lapho ngikhuluma, kakho owalalelayo.

Benza okubi phambi kwami,

bakhetha okungicunulayo.”

5 Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo

lina elilesabayo ilizwi lakhe. Uthi,

“Abafowenu abalizondayo,

labalixwayayo ngenxa yebizo lami, sebethe,

kadunyiswe uThixo

ukuze sibone intokozo yenu!

Kodwa bazayangiswa.”

6 Zwanini ukuxokozela okusedolobheni,

zwanini umsindo osethempelini!

Ngumsindo kaThixo

ephindisela ezitheni zakhe ngakho konke okuzifaneleyo.

7 “Uthi engakahelelwa,

abelethe;

ubuhlungu bungakamfikeli,

azale indodana.

8 Ngubani owake wezwa into enje na?

Ngubani owake wabona izinto ezinje na?

Ilizwe lingazalwa ngelanga elilodwa

loba isizwe sizalwe ngesikhatshana na?

Ikanti iZiyoni ithi ngokuhelelwa nje

ihle ibazale abantwana bayo.

9 Kambe ngifikisa esikhathini sokukhululeka

ngingabe ngisabelethisa na?”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ngiyasivala na isibeletho

ngesikhathi sengibelethisa na?”

kutsho uThixo

10 “Thokozani leJerusalema lilithabele,

lonke lina elilithandayo;

thokozani kakhulu lalo lonke

lina elilililelayo.

11 Ngoba lizamunya lisuthe

emabeleni alo aduduzayo;

lizanatha kakhulu,

lithokoze ngenala yalo enengi.”

12 Ngoba lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngizaletha ukuthula kini okugeleza njengesifula esigcweleyo

lomnotho wezizwe njengesifula esithelayo,

limunye liphethwe ngengalo yazo

njalo lidlaliswe emathangazini azo.

13 Njengomama eduduza umntanakhe,

kanjalo lami ngizaliduduza,

njalo lizaduduzeka eJerusalema.”

14 Lapho libona lokhu, inhliziyo zenu zizathokoza,

lani likhule njengotshani;

isandla sikaThixo sizakwazakala ezincekwini zakhe

kodwa ulaka lwakhe luzabonakaliswa ezitheni zakhe.

15 Khangelani, uThixo uza ngomlilo,

izinqola zakhe zempi zinjengesivunguzane;

ulaka lwakhe uzalwehlisela phansi ngokufuthelana,

lokukhuza kwakhe kwehle ngamalangabi omlilo.

16 Ngoba ngomlilo langenkemba yakhe

uThixo uzakwahlulela abantu bonke,

njalo abanengi bazakuba yilabo ababulewe nguThixo.

17 “Labo abazahlukanisayo, bazihlambulule ukungena emasimini belandela lowo ophakathi kwalabo abadla inyama yengulube lamagundwane kanye lezinye izinto ezinengisayo, isiphetho sabo sizafika sikhathi sinye,” kutsho uThixo.

18 Ngenxa yezenzo zabo lemicabango yabo, sekuseduze ukuthi ngizebutha izizwe zonke lezindimi zonke; njalo bazakuza babone inkazimulo yami.

19 “Ngizabeka isibonakaliso phakathi kwabo, ngithumele abanye balabo abasalayo ezizweni zeThashishi, kumaLibhiya, lamaLudi (alodumo ekusebenziseni imitshoko), eThubhali leGrisi lasezihlengeni ezikhatshana ezingakaluzwa udumo lwami kumbe zibone inkazimulo yami. Bazamemezela udumo lwami phakathi kwezizwe. 20 Njalo bazababuyisa bonke abafowenu entabeni yami engcwele eJerusalema njengomnikelo kuThixo bevela ezizweni zonke, bephezu kwamabhiza, izinqola zempi, imbongolo lamakamela,” kutsho uThixo. “Bazababuyisa njengabako-Israyeli beletha iminikelo yabo yamabele ethempelini likaThixo ngezitsha ezihlambulukileyo ngokomkhuba. 21 Ngizakhetha abanye babo ukuba labo babe ngabaphristi labaLevi,” kutsho uThixo.

22 “Njengamazulu amatsha lomhlaba omutsha engikwenzayo kuzakuma kokuphela phambi kwami,” kutsho uThixo, “ngokunjalo ibizo lakho lenzalo yakho izakuma kokuphela. 23 Kusukela ekuThwaseni kwenye iNyanga kusiya ekuthwaseni kwenye, njalo kusukela kwelinye iSabatha kusiya kwelinye abantu bonke bazakuza bakhothame phambi kwami,” kutsho uThixo. 24 “Bazaphuma babone izidumbu zabantu abangihlamukelayo; impethu yazo kayiyikufa, lomlilo wazo kawuyikucitshwa, njalo zizakwenyanyeka ebantwini bonke.”

UJeremiya

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UJeremiya

1

1 La ngamazwi kaJeremiya indodana kaHilikhiya, omunye wabaphristi base-Anathothi elizweni lakoBhenjamini. 2 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuye ngomnyaka wetshumi lantathu ekubuseni kukaJosiya indodana ka-Amoni inkosi yakoJuda, 3 njalo ekubuseni kukaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, kwaze kwaba yinyanga yesihlanu emnyakeni wetshumi lanye kaZedekhiya indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, ngesikhathi sokuthunjwa kwabantu baseJerusalema.

Ubizo LukaJeremiya

4 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi,

5 “Ngingakakubumbi esiswini ngakwazi,

ungakazalwa ngakukhetha

ngakubeka ukuba ngumphrofethi ezizweni.”

6 Mina ngathi, “Awu Thixo Somandla; ukukhuluma angikwazi, ngoba ngingumntwana nje.”

7 Kodwa uThixo wathi kimi, “Ungaze wathi, ‘Ngingumntwana nje.’ Kumele uye kubo bonke engikuthuma kubo njalo utsho loba kuyini engikulaya khona. 8 Ungabesabi, ngoba mina ngilawe njalo ngizakuhlenga,” kutsho uThixo.

9  UThixo waseselula isandla sakhe wathinta umlomo wami wathi kimi, “Khathesi, sengifake amazwi ami emlonyeni wakho. 10 Khangela, lamhla ngikubeka phezu kwezizwe lemibuso ukuba usiphune udilize, ubhubhise njalo uchithe; ukuba wakhe njalo uhlanyele.”

11 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lathi, “Kuyini okubonayo, Jeremiya?”

Ngaphendula ngathi, “Ngibona ugatsha lwesihlahla se-alimondi.”

12  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Ubone kuhle, ngoba ngilindele ukubona ukuthi ilizwi lami ligcwalisekile.”

13 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi futhi: “Kuyini okubonayo?”

Mina ngaphendula ngathi, “Ngibona imbiza ebilayo, ithambeke ifulathele inyakatho.”

14  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Incithakalo evela enyakatho izakwehliselwa phezu kwabo bonke abahlala elizweni. 15 Sekuseduze ukuba ngibize bonke abantu bemibuso yasenyakatho,” kutsho uThixo.

“Amakhosi abo azakuza amise izihlalo zawo zobukhosi

emasangweni aseJerusalema;

bazakumelana lemiduli yalo yonke eligombolozeleyo

kanye lamadolobho wonke akoJuda.

16 Ngizamemezela ukwahlulela kwami ebantwini bami

ngenxa yobubi babo bokungidela,

betshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha,

langokukhonza lokho okwenziwa ngezandla zabo.

17 Wena zilungiselele! Sukuma ubatshele lokho engizakulaya khona. Ungathuthumeliswa yibo hlezi ngikwenze uthuthumele phambi kwabo. 18 Lamhla sengikwenze waba lidolobho elivikelweyo, insika yensimbi lomduli wethusi ukuba umelane lelizwe lonke, umelane lamakhosi akoJuda, izikhulu zakhona, abaphristi bakhona kanye labantu bakhona. 19 Bazakulwa lawe, kodwa kabayikukwehlula, ngoba ngilawe njalo ngizakuhlenga,” kutsho uThixo.

2

U-Israyeli Udela UNkulunkulu

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi, 2 “Hamba umemezele iJerusalema lisizwa uthi:

Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo:

‘Ngiyakukhumbula ukuzinikela kwasebutsheni bakho,

ukungithanda kwakho njengomlobokazi

ungilandela enkangala,

phakathi kwelizwe elingahlanyelwanga.

3 U-Israyeli wayengcwele kuThixo,

eyizithelo zakuqala zesivuno sakhe,

bonke abamtshwabadelayo baba lecala,

behlelwa yincithakalo,’ ”

kutsho uThixo.

4 Zwana ilizwi likaThixo, we ndlu kaJakhobe,

lani lonke sendo lwendlu ka-Israyeli.

5  UThixo uthi:

“Yibubi bani okhokho benu ababubona kimi,

baze bedukele khatshana kangaka lami?

Balandela izithombe eziyize,

labo ngokwabo baba yize.

6 Kababuzanga ukuthi, ‘Ungaphi uThixo,

owasikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe

wasikhokhela emagangeni alugwadule

phakathi kwelizwe lezinkangala lezindonga,

ilizwe lokoma lobumnyama,

ilizwe elingahanjwa muntu lelingelamuntu ohlala kulo?’

7 Ngaliletha elizweni elivundileyo

ukuba lidle izithelo zalo lezilimo ezinhle.

Kodwa lina lafika langcolisa ilizwe lami,

lenza ilifa lami langakhwabitheki.

8 Abaphristi kababuzanga ukuthi,

‘Ungaphi UThixo?’

Labo abaphatha umthetho abangazanga;

abakhokheli bangihlamukela.

Abaphrofethi baphrofetha ngoBhali

balandela izithombe eziyize.

9 Ngakho-ke ngilethesa amacala futhi,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Labantwana babantwana benu ngizabethesa amacala.

10 Welani liye ngasemakhunjini aseKhithimi likhangele,

thumelani eKhedari lihlolisise kuhle,

libone langabe sekwake kwaba lento enjengale:

11 Isizwe sake santshintsha onkulunkulu baso na?

(Belo bavele kabasibo onkulunkulu.)

Kodwa abantu bami bantshintshe inkazimulo yabo

ngenxa yezithombe eziyize.

12 Mangalani lokhu, lina mazulu,

lithuthumele ngokwesaba okukhulu,”

kutsho UThixo.

13 “Abantu bami benze izono ezimbili:

Bangidelile,

mina mthombo wamanzi okuphila,

bagebha eyabo imithombo,

imithombo evuzayo engagcini manzi.

14 Kambe u-Israyeli yisisebenzi, isigqili ngokuzalwa na?

Pho kungani eseyimpango na?

15 Izilwane zibhongile;

sezihwabhile kuye.

Zilichithile ilizwe lakhe;

amadolobho akhe atshisiwe, atshiywa engaselamuntu.

16 Njalo, labantu baseMemfisi leThahiphanesi

baphuce ikhanda lakho.

17 Lokhu kawukwehliselanga phezu kwakho

ngokudela uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho

lapho ekukhokhela endleleni na?

18 Khathesi kungani usiya eGibhithe

ukuba unathe amanzi eShihori na?

Njalo kungani usiya e-Asiriya

ukuba unathe amanzi eYufrathe na?

19 Ububi bakho buzakujezisa;

ukutshedela kwakho emuva kuzakukhuza.

Ngakho cabanga ubone ukuthi kubi

njalo kubuhlungu kanjani

lapho udela uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho

njalo ungelavalo ngami,”

kutsho iNkosi uThixo uSomandla.

20 “Endulo wephula ijogwe lakho,

waquma izibopho zakho;

wathi, ‘Kangiyikukukhonza!’

Lakanye, phezu kwamaqaqa wonke

langaphansi kwazo zonke izihlahla eziluhlaza

walala phansi njengesifebe.

21 Ngikuhlanyele njengevini elikhethiweyo

elohlobo oluqinileyo loluthembekileyo.

Pho kwenzakala njani ukuba ungiphendukele

ube livini elibolileyo, leganga?

22 Lanxa ugeza ngesepa

usebenzisa lesepa enengi,

ichatha lobubi bakho

lilokhu likhona phambi kwami,”

kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

23 “Ungatsho kanjani na uthi, ‘Kangingcolanga,

kangibalandelanga oBhali’?

Khangela ukuthi waziphatha njani esigodini,

khumbula osukwenzile.

Ulikamela elisikazi elilesiqubu

eligijima lapha lalaphaya,

24 ubabhemi weganga ojwayele inkangala,

ophembela umoya enkanukweni yakhe,

ngubani ongamenqabela

ekukhanukeni kwakhe?

Abaduna abamxotshayo bangazidinisi ukuxotshana labo;

bazamthola ngesikhathi sezinsikazikhwela.

25 Ungagijimi inyawo zakho zize zihlubuke

lomphimbo wakho uze wome.

Kodwa wena wathi,

‘Akusizi lutho!

Ngiyabathanda onkulunkulu bezizweni,

kumele ngibalandele.’

26 Njengokuyangeka kwesela nxa selibanjiwe,

ngokunjalo abantu bako-Israyeli bayangekile,

bona kanye lamakhosi abo lezikhulu zabo,

abaphristi babo labaphrofethi babo.

27 Bathi esigodweni, ‘Wena ungubaba wami,’

elitsheni bathi, ‘Nguwe owangizalayo.’

Bangifulathele,

hatshi ngobuso babo nje;

kodwa nxa sebehlupheka bathi,

‘Woza usihlenge.’

28 Pho bangaphi onkulunkulu elazenzela bona?

Kabeze nxa bengakuhlenga

lapho usuphakathi kokuhlupheka!

Ngoba wena Juda ulabonkulunkulu abanengi

njengobunengi bamadolobho akho.

29 Kungani lingethesa umlandu?

Lonke lingihlamukele,”

kutsho uThixo.

30 “Ukubajezisa kwami abantu bakho kwaba yize;

kabakuvumanga ukuqondiswa.

Inkemba yakho isibatshwabadele abaphrofethi bakho

njengesilwane esiphangayo.

31 Wena owalesisizukulwane, khumbula ilizwi likaThixo:

Ngibe ngiyinkangala ku-Israyeli

kumbe ilizwe lomnyama omkhulu na?

Kungani abantu bami besithi,

‘Sikhululekile ukuba sizulazule;

kasiyikuza kuwe futhi’?

32 Intombi ingazikhohlwa iziceciso zayo na,

lomlobokazi akhohlwe izembatho zakhe na?

Kodwa abantu bami bangikhohliwe,

okwensuku ezingeke zibalwe.

33 Yeka ukuhlakanipha kwakho ekufuneni uthando!

Labesifazane ababi kakhulu

bangafunda ezindleleni zakho.

34 Ezigqokweni zakho

abantu bathola igazi lokuphila elabayanga

abangelacala lanxa ungababambanga befohlela phakathi.

Kodwa kukho konke lokhu

35 uthi, ‘Kangilacala;

kangithukuthelelanga.’

Kodwa mina ngizakwahlulela,

ngoba uthi, ‘Angonanga.’

36 Kungani uqhubeka kangaka,

untshintsha izindlela zakho?

IGibhithe izakuyangisa njengalokhu

owakwenziwa yi-Asiriya.

37 Uzasuka kuleyondawo

izandla zakho zisekhanda lakho,

ngoba uThixo ubalahlile labo obathembayo;

kabayikukusiza.”

3

1 “Indoda ingehlukana lomkayo

ayitshiye endele kwenye indoda,

kufanele imbuyise futhi na?

Kambe ilizwe lingeke langcoliswa kakhulukazi na?

Kodwa wena usuphile njengesifebe esilezithandwa ezinengi,

kambe khathesi ungabuyela kimi na?”

kutsho uThixo.

2 “Khangela emiqolweni elugwadule ubone.

Kungaphi lapho ongazange udlwangululwe khona?

Emigwaqweni wahlala ulindele izithandwa,

wahlala njengomhambuma enkangala.

Ulingcolisile ilizwe ngobufebe bakho

langobubi bakho.

3 Ngalokho imikhizo imisiwe,

lezulu lentwasa kalinanga.

Ikanti wena uziphethe okwesifebe,

awulanhloni.

4 Kawungibizanga khathesi nje wathi,

‘Baba, mngane wami kusukela ebutsheni bami,

5 uzahlala uzondile kokuphela na?

Ulaka lwakho luzaqhubeka kokuphela na?’

Le yindlela okhuluma ngayo,

kodwa wenza konke okubi ongakwenza.”

U-Israyeli Ongathembekanga

6 Ekubuseni kwenkosi uJosiya, uThixo wathi kimi, “Ukubonile yini okwenziwe ngu-Israyeli ongathembekanga? Usekhwele phezu kwamaqaqa wonke aphakemeyo langaphansi kwezihlahla zonke eziluhlaza wafebela khona. 7 Ngacabanga ukuthi emva kokuba esenze konke lokhu uzaphinda eze kimi, kodwa kabuyanga, lodadewabo ongathembekanga uJuda wakubona lokho. 8 U-Israyeli ongathembekanga ngamnika incwadi yakhe yesehlukaniso ngamxotsha ngenxa yobufebe bakhe bonke. Kodwa ngabona ukuthi udadewabo ongathembekanga, uJuda, kesabanga, laye wasuka wayafeba. 9 Ngenxa yokuthi ububi buka-Israyeli babungatsho lutho kuye, wangcolisa ilizwe wakhonza amatshe lezihlahla. 10 Kukho konke lokhu, udadewabo ongathembekanga uJuda kabuyelanga kimi ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke, kodwa ngokuzenzisa nje kuphela,” kutsho uThixo.

11  UThixo wathi kimi, “U-Israyeli ongathembekanga ungcono kuloJuda ongelaqiniso. 12 Hamba, uyememezela ilizwi leli ngasenyakatho:

‘Phenduka Israyeli ongathembekanga,’ kutsho uThixo,

‘Kangisayikukuhwaqela futhi,

ngoba ngilesihawu,’ kutsho uThixo.

‘Kangiyikuthukuthela kokuphela.

13 Vuma icala lakho nje kuphela,

wahlamukela uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho,

uzihlakazelele kubonkulunkulu bezizweni

ngaphansi kwezihlahla zonke eziluhlaza,

njalo kawaze wangilalela,’ ”

kutsho uThixo.

14 “Phendukani, bantu abangathembekanga,” kutsho uThixo, “ngoba ngingumyeni wenu. Ngizalikhetha, oyedwa edolobheni lababili emulini ngililethe eZiyoni. 15 Lapho-ke ngizalinika abelusi abathandwa yimi, abazalikhokhela ngokwazi langokuqedisisa. 16 Ngalezonsuku, ubunengi benu sebande kakhulu elizweni,” kutsho uThixo, “abantu kabasayikuthi, ‘Ibhokisi lesivumelwano sikaThixo.’ Kaliyikufika emicabangweni yabo kumbe likhunjulwe; kaliyikudingakala, njalo akuyikwenziwa elinye futhi. 17 Ngalesosikhathi iJerusalema bazalibiza ngokuthi yisiHlalo Sobukhosi sikaThixo, njalo izizwe zonke zizabuthana eJerusalema ukuba zihloniphe ibizo likaThixo. Kabasayikulandela inkani yezinhliziyo zabo ezimbi. 18 Ngalezonsuku indlu kaJuda izahlangana leka-Israyeli, njalo ndawonye, zivela elizweni elisenyakatho, zizakuza elizweni engalinika okhokho benu ukuba libe yilifa labo.

19 Mina ngokwami ngathi,

‘Kade ngingathaba kakhulu

ukuliphatha njengamadodana,

ngilinike ilizwe elifunekayo,

ilifa elihle kakhulu ezizweni zonke.’

Bengicabanga ukuthi lizangibiza ngokuthi ‘Baba’

njalo lingaphambuki ekungilandeleni.

20 Kodwa njengowesifazane ongathembekanga kumkakhe,

ubungathembekanga kimi wena ndlu ka-Israyeli,”

kutsho uThixo.

21 Ilizwi liyezwakala emiqolweni elugwadule,

ukukhala lokuncenga kwabantu bako-Israyeli,

ngoba izindlela zabo bazonile

bakhohlwa loThixo uNkulunkulu wabo.

22 “Phendukani, bantu abangathembekanga,

ngizalelapha ukungathembeki kwenu.”

“Yebo, sizakuza kuwe,

ngoba unguThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.

23 Impela umsindo wokukhonza izithombe emaqaqeni

lasezintabeni uyinkohliso,

ngempela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu

kulensindiso ka-Israyeli.

24 Kusukela ebutsheni bethu onkulunkulu abalihlazo

badlile izithelo zamandla abobaba,

imihlambi yezimvu zabo leyezinkomo zabo,

amadodana abo lamadodakazi abo.

25 Kasilaleni phansi silenhloni,

siphathwe lihlazo lethu.

Ngoba sonile kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu,

thina sonke kanye labokhokho bethu;

kusukela ebutsheni bethu kuze kube lamhla,

kasimlalelanga uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.”

4

1 “Nxa uphenduka, wena Israyeli, buyela kimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ungasusa phambi kwami izithombe zakho ezenyanyekayo

ungabe usaphambuka futhi,

2 njalo nxa uzafunga ngobuqotho,

ngokulunga langokuqonda, uthi,

‘Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona,’

ngakho izizwe uzazibusisa

ziziqhenye ngaye.”

3 Ebantwini bakoJuda labeJerusalema uThixo uthi:

“Qhathani ingqatho yenu,

lingahlanyeli phakathi kwameva.

4 Zisokeleni kuThixo,

lisoke inhliziyo zenu,

lina bantu bakoJuda lani bantu baseJerusalema,

hlezi ulaka lwami luvuke luvuthe njengomlilo

ngenxa yobubi elibenzileyo,

lutshise kungekho muntu ongalucitsha.”

Umonakalo Ovela Enyakatho

5 “Bikani koJuda limemezele laseJerusalema lithi:

‘Tshayani icilongo elizweni lonke!’

Klabalalani lithi,

‘Buthanani ndawonye!

Kasibalekeleni emadolobheni avikelweyo!’

6 Phakamisani uphawu lokuya eZiyoni!

Balekelani ekusileni ngokuphangisa!

Ngoba ngiletha umonakalo ovela enyakatho,

lencithakalo embi kakhulu.”

7 Isilwane sesiphumile esikhundleni saso,

umchithi wezizwe usephumile.

Usesukile endaweni yakhe

ukuba achithe ilizwe lenu.

Amadolobho enu azakuba ngamanxiwa

engelamuntu ohlala kuwo.

8 Ngakho gqokani amasaka,

khalani lilile,

ngoba ulaka lukaThixo olwesabekayo

kalususwanga kithi.

9  UThixo uthi,

“Ngalolosuku inkosi lezikhulu bazaphelelwa lithemba,

abaphristi bazathuthumela,

abaphrofethi bazakwesaba.”

10 Lapho-ke mina ngathi, “Awu, Thixo Wobukhosi, ubakhohlisile sibili abantu laba kanye leJerusalema ngokuthi, ‘Lizakuba lokuthula,’ inkemba yona isemiphinjeni yethu!”

11 Ngalesosikhathi abantu laba leJerusalema kuzathiwa kubo, “Umoya otshisayo ovela enkangala emiqolweni elugwadule uvunguza usiya ebantwini bami, kodwa kungayisikwela kumbe ukuhlungula, 12 umoya olamandla kakhulu uvela kimi. Khathesi-ke sengimemezela ukwahlulela kwami kubo.”

13 Khangela! Uyeza njengamayezi,

izinqola zakhe zempi zibuya njengesivunguzane,

amabhiza akhe alesiqubu esedlula esengqungqulu.

Maye! Sesiphelile!

14 We Jerusalema, geza ububi obusenhliziyweni yakho usindiswe.

Koze kube nini ugcine imicabango emibi na?

15 Ilizwi elivela koDani liyamemeza,

libika umonakalo ovela emaqaqeni ako-Efrayimi

16 Izizwe zitshele lokhu,

ukubike laseJerusalema,

“Ibutho elivimbezelayo liyeza livela elizweni elikhatshana,

limemezela umkhosi wempi emadolobheni akoJuda.

17 Balihanqile njengabantu abalinda insimu,

ngoba langihlamukela,”

kutsho uThixo.

18 “Ukuziphatha kwakho lezenzo zakho

kwehlisele lokhu phezu kwakho.

Lesi yisijeziso sakho.

Sibuhlungu kakhulu!

Sihlaba enhliziyweni!”

19 Maye, ngobuhlungu, ubuhlungu engibuzwayo.

Ngiyazitshila ngenxa yobuhlungu.

Maye, ngokufuthelwa kwenhliziyo yami!

Inhliziyo yami iyatshaya ngaphakathi kwami,

angingeke ngithule,

ngoba ukukhala kwecilongo sengikuzwile,

umkhosi wempi sengiwuzwile.

20 Incithakalo ilandela incithakalo,

ilizwe lonke selingamanxiwa.

Ngesikhatshana nje amathente ami adiliziwe,

lamakhetheni ami ngomzuzwana nje.

21 Koze kube nini ngibona uphawu lwempi

ngisizwa lokukhala kwecilongo na?

22 “Abantu bami bayiziwula,

kabangazi.

Bangabantwana abangelangqondo,

kabalakho ukuqedisisa.

Bahlakaniphele ukwenza okubi,

kabakwazi ukwenza okulungileyo.”

23 Ngakhangela umhlaba,

wawungelasimo njalo ungelalutho;

lasemazulwini,

ukukhanya kwawo kwakungasekho.

24 Ngakhangela ezintabeni,

zazinyikinyeka,

lamaqaqa wonke ayezunguzeka.

25 Ngakhangela, kwakungelabantu,

izinyoni zonke zasezisukile emkhathini.

26 Ngakhangela, ilizwe elithelayo laseliyinkangala,

amadolobho alo wonke ayesengamanxiwa phambi kukaThixo,

phambi kolaka lwakhe olwesabekayo.

27  UThixo uthi:

“Ilizwe lonke lizachitheka

lanxa ngingayikulitshabalalisa ngokupheleleyo.

28 Ngakho umhlaba uzalila

iphezulu libe mnyama,

ngoba sengikhulumile njalo angiyikuyekethisa,

sengenze isinqumo angiyikubuyela emuva.”

29 Ekuzwakaleni komsindo wabagadi bamabhiza labemitshoko

amadolobho wonke ayabaleka.

Abanye bangena ezixukwini,

abanye bakhwele emadwaleni.

Amadolobho wonke atshiyiwe,

akulamuntu ohlala kuwo.

30 Wenzani na, wena ohlutshwe kakhulu?

Kungani ugqoka okubomvu gebhu

ufaka lezigqoko zegolide na?

Kungani ucomba amehlo akho ngomphendulo na?

Uzicecisela ize.

Izithandwa zakho ziyakweyisa,

zifuna ukukubulala.

31 Ngizwa ukukhala okunjengokowesifazane ohelelwayo,

ukububula okufana lozuza umntwana wakhe wakuqala,

ukukhala kweNdodakazi yaseZiyoni ikhefuzela,

yelule izandla zayo isithi,

“Maye mina! Amandla ami asephela,

ukuphila kwami sekunikelwe kubabulali.”

5

Kakho Loyedwa Olungileyo

1 “Yehla ukhwele ngemigwaqo yaseJerusalema,

ukhangele emaceleni wonke, ucabange,

uhlolisise wonke amagceke ayo.

Nxa ungathola umuntu oyedwa nje

oqhuba ngobuqotho efuna iqiniso,

ngizalithethelela idolobho leli.

2 Lanxa nje besithi, ‘Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona,’

bajinge befunga amanga.”

3 Awu Thixo, amehlo akho kawadingi qiniso na?

Wabatshaya, kodwa kabezwanga buhlungu,

wabahlifiza, kodwa bala ukuqondiswa.

Benza ubuso babo baba lukhuni kulamatshe,

bala ukuphenduka.

4 Ngacabanga ngathi, “Laba ngabayanga nje,

bayizithutha,

ngoba indlela kaThixo kabayazi,

lemilayo kaNkulunkulu wabo.

5 Ngakho-ke ngizakuya kubakhokheli

ngikhulume labo,

ngeqiniso indlela kaThixo bayayazi,

lemilayo kaNkulunkulu wabo.”

Kodwa nganhliziyonye labo balephula ijogwe

baqamula lezibopho.

6 Ngakho isilwane esivela ehlathini sizabahlasela,

lempisi evela enkangala ibadlwengule,

ingwe izabacathamela eduze lamadolobho abo

ukudabudabula loba ngubani ophumayo,

ngoba iziphambeko zabo zinkulu,

lokuhlehlela kwabo emuva kunengi.

7 “Ngingalithethelela ngenxa yani na?

Abantwana benu bangidelile,

bafunga ngabonkulunkulu abangasibonkulunkulu,

ngabanika konke abakuswelayo,

kodwa bona bafeba

baminyana ezindlini zezifebe.

8 Bangamabhiza amaduna asuthayo, agcwele inkanuko,

omunye lomunye ekhalela umfazi wenye indoda.

9 Ngingabajezisi kulokhu na?”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ngingaphindiseli esizweni

esinjengalesi na?

10 Ngenani lidabule phakathi kwezivini zaso lizidlwengule,

kodwa lingazitshabalalisi ngokupheleleyo.

Phundlani ingatsha zalo,

ngoba abantu laba kabasibo bakaThixo.

11 Indlu ka-Israyeli lendlu kaJuda

kazithembekanga impela kimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

12 Baqambe amanga ngoThixo

bathi, “Kasoze enze lutho!

Akulabubi obuzasehlela,

kasiyikubona impi loba indlala.

13 Abaphrofethi bangumoya nje,

lelizwi kalikho kubo,

ngakho abakutshoyo kakwenziwe kubo.”

14 Ngakho-ke uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla uthi:

“Njengoba abantu sebekhulume amazwi la,

ngizakwenza amazwi ami emlonyeni wakho abe ngumlilo

labantu laba babe zinkuni oziqothulayo.”

15  UThixo uthi, “Wena ndlu ka-Israyeli,

ngizaletha isizwe esivela khatshana ukuba sikuhlasele,

isizwe esidala esiqinileyo,

isizwe ulimi lwaso ongalwaziyo,

lenkulumo yaso ongayizwayo.

16 Imixhaka yaso ifana lengcwaba elivulekileyo,

bonke bangamabutho alamandla.

17 Bazatshwabadela amabele enu lokudla kwenu,

batshwabadele amadodana enu kanye lamadodakazi enu,

bazatshwabadela izimvu zenu kanye lenkomo zenu,

bazatshwabadela amavini enu kanye lemikhiwa yenu.

Amadolobho avikelweyo eliwathembileyo

bazawachitha ngenkemba.

18 Ikanti langalezozinsuku,” kutsho uThixo, “angiyikuliqeda du. 19 Lapho abantu bebuza besithi, ‘Kungani uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu enze konke lokhu kithi?’ Batshele uthi, ‘Njengoba lingilahlile lakhonza onkulunkulu bezizweni elizweni lenu, ngokunjalo khathesi lizasebenzela abezizweni elizweni elingayisilo lenu.’

20 Memezela lokhu endlini kaJakhobe

njalo ukubike lakoJuda uthi:

21 Zwanini lokhu, lina zithutha zabantu abangelangqondo,

abalamehlo kodwa kababoni,

abalezindlebe kodwa kabezwa:

22 Akumelanga lingesabe na?”

kutsho uThixo.

“Kaliyikuthuthumela phambi kwami na?

Ngenza itshebetshebe laba ngumngcele wolwandle

umkhawulo wanini lanini olungeke luweqe.

Amagagasi angavinqoza, kodwa awangeke edlule,

angahlokoma, kodwa awangeke aweqe.

23 Kodwa abantu laba balezinhliziyo ezilukhuni ezihlamukayo,

baphambukile, balahleka.

24 Kabatsho ezinhliziyweni zabo ukuthi,

‘Kasimesabeni uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu,

onisa izulu ngesikhathi salo ekwindla lentwasa,

osithembisa amaviki amiselwe ukuvuna.’

25 Ukona kwenu kukuvimbele lokhu,

izono zenu zilemuka okuhle.

26 Phakathi kwabantu bami kulabantu ababi

abacathama njengabantu abathiya izinyoni,

lanjengalabo abathiya imijibila yokubamba abantu.

27 Njengezitsha ezigcwele izinyoni,

izindlu zabo zigcwele inkohliso;

sebenothile njalo sebelamandla

28 sebezimukile njalo babancwaba.

Izenzo zabo ezimbi kazilamkhawulo,

kabakudingi ukulunga.

Izintandane kabazikhulumeli ukuba zinqobe,

amalungelo abayanga kabawavikeli.

29 Akumelanga ngibajezisele lokhu na?”

kutsho uThixo.

“Akumelanga ngiphindisele esizweni

esinjengalesi na?

30 Into eyesabekayo leyethusayo

isiyenzakele kulelilizwe:

31 Abaphrofethi baphrofitha amanga,

abaphristi babusa ngamandla abo,

labantu bami bakuthanda kunjalo.

Kodwa lizakwenzani ekucineni?”

6

IJerusalema Livinjezelwe

1 “Balekani ukuze liphephe, bantu bakoBhenjamini!

Balekani eJerusalema!

Tshayani icilongo eThekhowa!

Phakamisani uphawu phezu kweBhethi-Hakheremi.

Ngoba umonakalo uyabonakala ngasenyakatho,

kanye lencithakalo eyesabekayo.

2 Indodakazi yaseZiyoni

enhle kangaka lebucayi ngizayibhubhisa.

3 Abelusi lemihlambi yabo bazakuza bamelane layo;

bazamisa amathente abo eyihanqile,

lowo lalowo elinde indawo yakhe.”

4 “Lungelani ukulwa layo!

Vukani, kasihlaseleni emini!

Kodwa, habe, ukukhanya sekufiphala,

lamathunzi okuhlwa asesiba made.

5 Ngakho vukani, kasihlaseleni ebusuku

sidilize izinqaba zayo!”

6  UThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Gamulani izihlahla liziwise

lakhe imiduli yokuvimbezela iJerusalema.

Idolobho leli kumele lijeziswe,

ligcwele ukuncindezela.

7 Njengomthombo ugobhoza amanzi awo,

ngokunjalo lalo ligobhoza ububi balo.

Udlakela lokubhubhisa kuyezwakala phakathi kwalo,

umkhuhlane walo lamanxeba ngihlezi ngikukhangele.

8 Xwayiseka, we Jerusalema,

hlezi ngikutshiye,

lelizwe lakho ngilichithe,

kungabi lomuntu ohlala kulo.”

9  UThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Kababuthe izinsalela zako-Israyeli

ngokupheleleyo njengevini,

dlulisa futhi isandla sakho phezu kwezingatsha,

njengomuntu ovuna amavini.”

10 Ngubani engingakhuluma laye ngimxwayise na?

Ngubani ozangilalela na?

Indlebe zabo zivalekile*

ngakho abangeke bezwe.

Ilizwi likaThixo liyisinengiso kubo.

Kabafumani ntokozo kulo.

11 Kodwa mina ngiyafuthelana ngolaka lukaThixo,

ngingeke ngibe ngisalugodla ngaphakathi.

“Lwehlisele phezu kwabantwana emgwaqweni

laphezu kwamajaha abuthene ndawonye,

bobabili indoda lomkayo luzabehlela,

kanye labadala, labo abakhulelwa yiminyaka.

12 Izindlu zabo zizanikwa abanye,

konke lamasimu abo kanye labafazi babo,

lapho ngiselula isandla sami

ngimelana lalabo abahlala elizweni,”

kutsho uThixo.

13 “Kusukela kwabancane kusiya kwabakhulu,

bonke bayizihwaba ezifuna inzuzo,

banjalo abaphrofethi kanye labaphristi,

bonke benza inkohliso.

14 Babopha inxeba labantu bami

kungathi kalilibi kakhulu.

Bathi, ‘Ukuthula, ukuthula,’

khona ukuthula kungekho.

15 Bayayangeka na ngokuziphatha kwabo okwenyanyekayo?

Hatshi, bavele kabalazo inhloni

lokuyangeka kabakwazi.

Ngakho bazawela phakathi kwabawileyo,

bazakwehliselwa phansi lapho sengibajezisa,”

kutsho uThixo.

16  UThixo, uthi:

“Manini emahlanganweni emigwaqo likhangele,

libuze izindledlana ezindala,

libuze lapho okulendlela enhle khona, lihambe ngayo,

lizathola ukuphumula kwemiphefumulo yenu.

Kodwa lina lithe, ‘Kasiyikuhamba ngayo.’

17 Ngalibekela abantu bokulilinda ngathi,

‘Lalelani ukukhala kwecilongo!’

Kodwa lina lathi, ‘Kasiyikulalela.’

18 Ngakho zwanini, lina zizwe,

khangelani, lina elingofakazi,

libone okuzakwenzakala kubo.

19 Zwana, wena mhlaba,

ngiletha umonakalo phezu kwabantu laba,

izithelo zamaqhinga abo,

ngoba kabawalalelanga amazwi ami

njalo bawalile lomthetho wami.

20 Ngilani lempepha yaseShebha

loba imfe evela elizweni elikude na?

Iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa kayamukeleki,

imihlatshelo yenu kayingithokozisi.”

21 Ngakho uThixo uthi:

“Ngizabeka imigoqo phambi kwalababantu.

Abazali labantwana bazakhubeka kuyo,

omakhelwane labangane bazabhubha.”

22  UThixo uthi:

“Khangelani, ibutho liyeza

livela elizweni lasenyakatho,

isizwe esikhulu siyadungwa

kusukela emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

23 Bahlome ngamadandili langemikhonto,

balesihluku kabalasihawu.

Bezwakala njengolwandle oluhlokomayo

lapho begade amabhiza abo,

beza njengabantu abalungele impi ukuba bakuhlasele,

wena Ndodakazi yaseZiyoni.”

24 Sesizwe imibiko ngabo,

njalo izandla zethu zilenga zingelamandla.

Usizi lusibambile,

ubuhlungu obunjengowesifazane ohelelwayo.

25 Lingayi phandle egangeni,

loba lihambe emigwaqweni,

ngoba isitha silenkemba,

njalo silencithakalo emaceleni wonke.

26 Awu bantu bami, gqokani amasaka,

lizibhuqe emlotheni,

khalani lilile kabuhlungu

njengokwendodana eyiyo yodwa,

ngoba masinyane nje umchithi

uzafika kithi.

27 “Ngikwenze umhloli wezinsimbi

labantu bami babayilitshe elixubene lensimbi

ukuba ukhangele ubone

ube usuhlola izindlela zabo.

28 Bonke bangabahlamuki abalukhuni,

abahamba behleba.

Balithusi lensimbi,

bonke benza ukuxhwala.

29 Imvutho ivutha okwesabekayo

incibilikisa umnusu ngokutshisa komlilo

kodwa ukucenga kuqhubeka kuyize,

ababi kabakhutshwanga.

30 Kuthiwa bayisiliva esilahliweyo,

ngoba uThixo usebalahlile.”

7

Ukholo Lwamanga Luyize

1 Leli yilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo lisithi: 2 “Mana esangweni lendlu kaThixo umemezele ilizwi leli ukhonapho uthi:

‘Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo, lonke lina bantu bakoJuda abangena ngala amasango ukuzakhonza uThixo. 3  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Lungisani izindlela zenu lezenzo zenu, ukuze ngilivumele ukuba lihlale kule indawo. 4 Lingathembi amazwi akhohlisayo lithi, “Leli lithempeli likaThixo, ithempeli likaThixo, ithempeli likaThixo!” 5 Lingalungisa izindlela zenu lezenzo zenu sibili liphathane ngokulunga, 6 nxa lingancindezeli owezizweni, izintandane loba umfelokazi njalo lingachithi gazi elingelacala kule indawo, njalo nxa lingalandeli abanye onkulunkulu okuzalilimaza, 7 ngizalivumela ukuba lihlale kule indawo, elizweni engalinika okhokho benu ukuba libe ngelabo kuze kube nini lanini. 8 Kodwa khangelani, lina lithemba amazwi akhohlisayo angasizi lutho.

9 Kambe lizantshontsha njalo libulale, lifebe, lifunge amanga, litshisele uBhali impepha njalo lilandele abanye onkulunkulu elingakaze libazi, 10 beselisizakuma phambi kwami kuyonale indlu, eleBizo lami, lithi, “Sivikelekile,” livikeleka ukuba lenze zonke lezizinto ezenyanyekayo na? 11 Indlu le, eleBizo lami, seyaba lubhalu lwabaphangi na? Kodwa kade ngikhangele! kutsho uThixo.

12 Hambani khathesi endaweni yami eShilo lapho engenza khona kuqala indawo yokuhlala iBizo lami, libone engakwenza kuyo ngenxa yobubi babantu bami bako-Israyeli. 13  UThixo uthi, kwathi lapho lisenza lezizinto, mina ngakhuluma lani futhifuthi, kodwa kalingilalelanga, ngalibiza, kalaze lasabela. 14 Ngakho-ke, lokho engakwenza eShilo khathesi ngizakwenza kule indlu eleBizo lami, ithempeli elilithembileyo, indawo engalinika yona lina kanye labokhokho benu. 15 Ngizalixotsha phambi kwami, njengalokho engakwenza abafowenu bonke, abantu bako-Efrayimi.’

16 Ngakho abantu laba ungabakhulekeli loba ubakhulumele kumbe ubenzele isicelo; ungangincengi ngoba angiyikukulalela. 17 Abakwenzayo emadolobheni akoJuda lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema kawukuboni na? 18 Abantwana batheza inkuni, oyise babasa imililo, labesifazane baxova inhlama benzele iNdlovukazi yaseZulwini isinkwa. Bathelela abanye onkulunkulu iminikelo yokunathwayo ukuba bangithukuthelise. 19 Kodwa yimi abangithukuthelisayo na? kutsho uThixo. Kabazilimazi bona ngokwabo na, okulihlazo kubo?

20 ‘Ngakho uThixo Wobukhosi uthi: Ukuthukuthela kwami lolaka lwami kuzakwehliselwa kule indawo, phezu kwabantu lasezinyamazaneni, phezu kwezihlahla zeganga laphezu kwezithelo zomhlabathi; njalo kuzakutsha kungacitsheki.

21  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Qhubekani, fakani iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa kweminye imihlatshelo yenu lidle inyama lina ngokwenu! 22 Ngoba ekukhupheni kwami okhokho benu eGibhithe ngikhuluma labo, angizange ngibanike imilayo nje kuphela ngeminikelo yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo, 23 kodwa ngabanika umlayo lo othi: Ngilalelani, njalo ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wenu lina libe ngabantu bami. Hambani ngezindlela zonke engililaye zona, ukuze kulilungele. 24 Kodwa kabazange balalele kumbe banake; esikhundleni salokho, bona balandela inkani yentando yezinhliziyo zabo ezimbi. Baya emuva hatshi phambili. 25 Kusukela ngesikhathi okhokho benu besuka eGibhithe kuze kube khathesi, usuku ngosuku, njalonjalo ngalithumela izinceku zami abaphrofethi. 26 Kodwa kabangilalelanga kumbe banake. Babelentamo ezilukhuni njalo benza ububi obudlula obabokhokho babo.’

27 Lapho ubatshela konke lokhu, kabayikukulalela; lalapho ubabiza, kabayikusabela. 28 Ngakho batshele uthi, ‘Lesi yisizwe esingalalelanga uThixo uNkulunkulu waso kumbe sivume ukuqondiswa. Iqiniso selifile; kalisekho ezindebeni zabo.

29 Gelani inwele zenu lizilahlele khatshana; lenze isililo emiqolweni elugwadule, ngoba uThixo usesalile wasidela isizukulwane lesi esingaphanasi kolaka lwakhe.’ ”

ISigodi Sokubulala

30 “ ‘Abantu bakoJuda benze ububi phambi kwami, kutsho uThixo. Bamise izithombe zabo ezenyanyekayo endlini eleBizo lami balingcolisa. 31 Sebakhe izindawo eziphakemeyo zaseThofethi esigodini saseBheni-Hinomu ukuba batshisele khona amadodana lamadodakazi abo ngomlilo, into engingabalayanga yona, engazange ifike engqondweni yami. 32 Ngakho qaphelani, insuku ziyeza, kutsho uThixo, lapho abantu bengayikuyithi yiThofethi kumbe iSigodi saseBheni-Hinomu, kodwa iSigodi sokuBulala, ngoba abafileyo bazabangcwaba eThofethi kuze kusweleke indawo. 33 Lapho-ke izidumbu zabantu laba zizakuba yikudla kwezinyoni zasemoyeni lezinyamazana zomhlaba, njalo akuyikuba lomuntu ozazethusa. 34 Ngizaqeda imisindo yokuthokoza leyenjabulo emadolobheni akoJuda lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema, lokuthaba lelizwi lomlobokazi lelomyeni, ngoba ilizwe lizachitheka.’ ”

8

Ukona Lobuqili BukaJuda

1 “ ‘Ngalesosikhathi, kutsho uThixo, amathambo amakhosi akoJuda lawezikhulu zakhona, amathambo abaphristi lawabaphrofethi, kanye lamathambo abantu baseJerusalema azakhutshwa emangcwabeni awo. 2 Azachaywa elangeni lasenyangeni lakuzo zonke izinkanyezi zasemazulwini, abakuthandayo bakukhonza njalo abakulandelayo bakubuza bakudumisa. Kawayikubuthwa loba angcwatshwe, kodwa azakuba njengezibi phezu komhlabathi. 3 Loba kungaphi engibaxotshela khona, bonke abasilayo balesisizwe esibi bazakhetha ukufa kulokuphila, kutsho uThixo uSomandla.’ ”

Isono Lesijeziso

4 “Wothi kubo, ‘UThixo uthi:

Abantu bangawa, kabavuki na?

Omunye angaphambuka, kaphenduki na?

5 Pho kungani abantu laba bedukile?

Kungani iJerusalema lihlala liseduka?

Bayanamathela enkohlisweni,

bayala ukuphenduka.

6 Ngilalele ngesineke,

kodwa kabatsho okulungileyo.

Kakho ophenduka ebubini bakhe,

esithi, “Kuyini engikwenzileyo na?”

Yilowo lalowo ulandela indlela yakhe

njengebhiza lizithela empini.

7 Lengabuzane emoyeni

liyazazi izikhathi zalo zomnyaka,

lejuba, lenkonjane lohemu

kuyasigcina isikhathi sakho sokuthutha.

Kodwa abantu bami kabakwazi

okufunwa nguThixo.

8 Lingatsho kanjani ukuthi, “Sihlakaniphile,

ngoba silomthetho kaThixo,”

lona iqiniso kuyikuthi amanga alotshwe ngosiba lwababhali

asenze umthetho wangabi liqiniso?

9 Abahlakaniphileyo bazayangiswa,

bazakwesaba bathiyeke.

Njengoba belalile ilizwi likaThixo,

balenhlakanipho bani na?

10 Ngakho abafazi babo ngizabapha amanye amadoda

lamasimu abo abe ngawabanye abatsha.

Kusukela kwabancane kusiya kwabakhulu,

bonke bayizihwaba ezifuna inzuzo,

banjalo abaphrofethi kanye labaphristi,

bonke benza inkohliso.

11 Babopha inxeba labantu bami

kungathi kalilibi kakhulu.

Bathi, “Ukuthula, ukuthula,”

khona ukuthula kungekho.

12 Kambe bayayangeka na ngokuziphatha kwabo okunengisayo?

Hatshi, bavele kabalazo inhloni,

lokuyangeka kabakwazi.

Ngakho bazawela phakathi kwabawileyo,

bazakwehliselwa phansi lapho sebejeziswa,

kutsho uThixo.

13 Ngizabemuka isivuno sabo,

kutsho uThixo.

Akuyikuba lezithelo ezivinini zabo.

Akuyikuba lezithelo zomkhiwa esihlahleni,

lamahlamvu aso azabuna.

Engibanike khona

kuzathathwa kubo.’ ”

14 Pho sihlaleleni lapha?

Buthanini!

Kasibalekeleni emadolobheni avikelweyo

siyebhubhela khona!

Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu usesilahlele ekubhubheni

wasinika amanzi aletshefu ukuba sinathe,

ngoba sonile kuye.

15 Sathemba ukuba lokuthula

kodwa akubanga lobuhle obukhona,

ekubeni kube yisikhathi sokwelatshwa

kwaba lokwesaba.

16 Ukuthimula kwamabhiza esitha

kuyezwakala kuvelela koDani,

ekukhaleni kwamabhiza amaduna

ilizwe lonke liyaqhaqhazela.

Zilande ukuzatshwabadela

ilizwe lakho konke okukulo,

idolobho labo bonke abahlala kulo.

17 “Khangelani, ngizathumela phakathi kwenu

izinyoka ezilobuhlungu,

izinhlangwana ezingeke zithakathwe, njalo zizaliluma,”

kutsho uThixo.

18 Awu Mduduzi wami osizini,

inhliziyo yami isiqaleka phakathi kwami.

19 Lalela ukukhala kwabantu bami

okuvela elizweni elikhatshana besithi:

“UThixo kakho eZiyoni na?

INkosi yalo kayisekho lapho na?”

“Kungani bevuse ulaka lwami ngezifanekiso zabo,

langezithombe zezizweni eziyize na?”

20 “Ukuvuna sekwedlule,

ihlobo seliphelile,

kodwa kasihlengwanga.”

21 Njengoba abantu bami benqotshiwe lami nginqotshiwe,

ngiyalila njalo ukwesaba kungiphethe.

22 Akulamuthi yini eGiliyadi?

Kakho yini lomelaphi khona?

Pho kungani kungekho kwelatshwa

kwenxeba labantu bami na?

9

1 Awu, sengathi ngabe ikhanda lami lingumthombo wamanzi,

lamehlo ami angumthombo wezinyembezi!

Kade ngizakhala emini lebusuku

ngikhalela abantu bami ababuleweyo.

2 Awu, sengathi ngabe enkangala

ngilendawo engahlala izihambi,

ukuba ngisuke ebantwini bami

ngisuke kubo,

ngoba bonke bayizifebe,

ixuku labantu abangathembekanga.

3 “Benza izindimi zabo zilunge

njengesavutha ukuba batshoke amanga,

ukuthi bayanqoba elizweni

akusikho ngeqiniso.

Basuka kokunye ukona baye kokunye;

kabangamukeli,”

kutsho uThixo.

4 “Qaphela abangane bakho,

ungabathembi abafowenu.

Ngoba wonke umfowenu ungumkhohlisi,

njalo wonke umngane ungumhlebi.

5 Umngane ukhohlisa umngane,

njalo kakho okhuluma iqiniso.

Sebafundisa izindimi zabo ukuqamba amanga,

bayazidinisa ngokona.

6 Lihlala phakathi kwenkohliso,

ngenkohliso yabo bayala ukungamukela,”

kutsho uThixo.

7 Ngakho uThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Khangelani, ngizabacolisa ngibahlole,

ngoba kuyini okunye engingakwenza

ngenxa yesono sabantu bami?

8 Ulimi lwabo lungumtshoko olobuthi,

lukhuluma inkohliso.

Lowo lalowo ukhuluma kuhle kubomakhelwane bakhe,

kodwa enhliziyweni zabo bebathiya ngemijibila.

9 Kakufanele ngibajezisele lokhu na?”

kubuza uThixo.

“Kakufanele ngiphindisele

esizweni esinjengalesi na?”

10 Ngizakhala ngililele izintaba

ngibuye ngililele lamadlelo asenkangala.

Atshabalele njalo kakho ohambela kuwo,

lokubhonsa kwezinkomo akuzwakali.

Izinyoni zasemoyeni sezibalekile,

lezinyamazana kazisekho.

11 “IJerusalema ngizalenza libe yinqumbi yonxiwa,

isikhundla samakhanka,

njalo ngizawadiliza amadolobho akoJuda

ukuze kungabikhona ohlala kuwo.”

12 Nguphi umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ukuba akuzwisise lokhu? Ngubani ofundiswe nguThixo ongakuchaza? Kungani ilizwe litshabalalisiwe lachithwa njengenkangala ukuze kungadluli muntu kulo?

13  UThixo wathi, “Kungenxa yokuthi sebelahle umthetho wami engababekela wona; kabangilalelanga, lomthetho wami kabawulandelanga. 14 Esikhundleni salokho, bona balandele ubulukhuni bezinhliziyo zabo; balandele oBhali, njengokufundiswa kwabo ngoyise.” 15 Ngakho-ke, uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: “Khangelani, abantu laba ngizabadlisa ukudla okubabayo ngibanathise lamanzi alobuthi. 16 Ngizabahlakazela ezizweni bona kanye laboyise abangazange bazazi, njalo ngizabalandela ngenkemba ngize ngibaqede du.”

17  UThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Cabangani khathesi! Bizani abesifazane abalilayo beze,

libize labo abalobuciko obumangalisayo.

18 Kabeze ngokuphangisa,

bazesililela amehlo ethu aze ehlise inyembezi

lempophoma zamanzi zigeleze,

ziphuma enkopheni zethu.”

19 Ilizwi lokukhala liyezwakala livela eZiyoni:

“Yeka kunganani ukuchithakala kwethu!

Yeka ubukhulu behlazo lethu!

Kumele sisuke elizweni lethu

ngoba izindlu zethu zidiliziwe.”

20 Khathesi, lina abesifazane, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo,

vulani indlebe zenu lizwe amazwi omlomo wakhe.

Fundisani amadodakazi enu ukulila,

lifundisane amazwi okukhala.

21 Ukufa kukhwele kwangena ngamafastela ethu,

njalo kungenile lasezinqabeni zethu,

sekususe abantwana emigwaqweni

kanye lamajaha ezindaweni zikazulu.

22 Tshono uthi, uThixo uthi,

“ ‘izidumbu zabafileyo zizalala

njengezibi egangeni,

njengamabele aqunywe ngemva kovunayo,

okungekho ozawabutha.’ ”

23  UThixo uthi:

“Ohlakaniphileyo kangazincomi ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe,

loba indoda elamandla izincome ngamandla ayo,

loba indoda enothileyo izincome ngenotho yayo,

24 kodwa lowo ozincomayo,

kazincome ngokuthi uyaqedisisa njalo uyangazi,

ukuthi mina nginguThixo, osebenzisa umusa,

imfanelo lokulunga emhlabeni,

ngoba lezizinto ziyangithokozisa,”

kutsho uThixo.

25  UThixo uthi, “Insuku ziyeza, lapho engizabajezisa khona bonke abasoke enyameni kuphela, 26 iGibhithe, loJuda, lo-Edomi, lo-Amoni loMowabi labo bonke abahlala enkangala ezindaweni ezikhatshana. Ngoba izizwe zonke lezi kazisokanga, njalo lendlu yonke ka-Israyeli kayisokanga enhliziyweni.”

10

UNkulunkulu Lezithombe

1 Zwana okutshiwo nguThixo kuwe, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli. 2  UThixo uthi:

“Lingazifundi izindlela zezizwe

kumbe ukwethuswa yizibonakaliso zasemkhathini,

lanxa nje izizwe zisethuswa yizo.

3 Ngoba imikhuba yabantu iyize,

bagamula isihlahla ehlathini,

ingcwethi isibaze ngetshizela yayo.

4 Bayasicecisa ngesiliva langegolide,

basibethele ngesando langezipikili

ukuze singanyikinyeki.

5 Njengezinto zokwethusa endimeni yamajodo,

izithombe zabo azikhulumi,

kumele zithwalwe

ngoba azingeke zihambe.

Lingazesabi,

azingeke zenze okubi,

lokuhle azingeke zikwenze.”

6 Kakho ofana lawe, wena Thixo,

wena umkhulu,

lebizo lakho lilamandla amakhulu.

7 Ngubani ongeke akwesabe,

wena Nkosi yezizwe?

Lokhu kukufanele.

Phakathi kwabantu bonke abahlakaniphileyo bezizwe

lakuyo yonke imibuso yabo,

kakho onjengawe.

8 Bonke kabalangqondo njalo bayizithutha,

bafundiswa yizithombe zezigodo eziyize.

9 Isiliva esikhandiweyo siyalethwa sivela eThashishi

legolide livela e-Ufazi.

Okwenziwe yingcwethi lomkhandi wegolide

kugqokiswa okuluhlaza lokuyibubende,

njalo konke kwenziwe zingcitshi.

10 Kodwa uThixo unguNkulunkulu oqotho,

unguNkulunkulu ophilayo, iNkosi yanininini.

Lapho ethukuthele, umhlaba uyagedezela,

izizwe azingeke zimelane lolaka lwakhe.

11 “Batshele lokhu uthi, onkulunkulu laba, abangawenzanga amazulu lomhlaba, bazabhubha emhlabeni langaphansi kwamazulu.”

12 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wenza umhlaba ngamandla akhe,

wamisa umhlaba ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe,

njalo wendlala lamazulu ngokuqedisisa kwakhe.

13 Lapho evungama, amanzi asemazulwini ayahlokoma,

wenza amayezi aphakame evela emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

Uthumela umbane ulezulu

njalo akhuphe umoya eziphaleni zakhe.

14 Abantu bonke kabalangqondo njalo kabalalwazi,

wonke umkhandi wegolide uyangiswa yizithombe zakhe.

Izithombe zakhe azenzayo ziyinkohliso,

kazilamphefumulo phakathi kwazo.

15 Ziyize, izinto zenhlekisa nje,

lapho ukwahlulelwa kwazo sekufikile,

zizabhubha.

16 Lowo oyiNgxenye kaJakhobe kafani lalaba,

ngoba unguMenzi wezinto zonke,

kubalwa lo-Israyeli,

isizwe selifa lakhe,

ibizo lakhe nguThixo uSomandla.

Ukubhujiswa Okuzayo

17 Qoqani impahla yenu ukuba lisuke elizweni,

lina elihlezi livinjezelwe.

18 Ngoba uThixo uthi,

“Ngalesisikhathi ngizabaphosela phandle labo abahlala kulelilizwe,

ngizabehlisela usizi

ukuze bathunjwe.”

19 Maye mina ngenxa yokulimala kwami!

Inxeba lami kalelapheki!

Ikanti ngazitshela ngathi,

“Lo ngumkhuhlane wami, njalo kumele ngiwubekezelele.”

20 Ithente lami lidiliziwe,

izintambo zalo zonke ziqumekile.

Amadodana ami asukile kimi njalo kawasekho,

kakho oseleyo ukuba angimisele ithente lami,

loba ongangilungisela amakhetheni ami.

21 Abelusi kabalangqondo

njalo kabambuzi uThixo,

ngakho kabaphumeleli,

njalo lemihlambi yabo yonke ihlakazekile.

22 Lalelani! Umbiko uyeza,

ukuxokozela okukhulu okuvela elizweni lenyakatho!

Kuzakwenza amadolobho akoJuda achitheke,

abe yizikhundla zamakhanka.

Umkhuleko KaJeremiya

23 Ngiyazi, Oh Thixo, ukuthi ukuphila komuntu akusikho kwakhe,

umuntu akusikho kwakhe ukuthi aqondise izinyathelo zakhe.

24 Ngiqondise Thixo, kodwa kube ngokulunga,

kungabi ngolaka lwakho,

hlezi ungenze ngibe yize.

25 Yehlisela ulaka lwakho phezu kwezizwe

ezingakwamukeliyo,

phezu kwabantu abangakhuleki ebizweni lakho.

Ngoba bamdlile uJakhobe,

bamdlile waphela bachitha lelizwe lakhe.

11

Isivumelwano Siyephulwa

1 Leli yilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo lisithi: 2 “Zwana izimiso zesivumelwano lesi uzitshele abantu bakoJuda lalabo abahlala eJerusalema. 3 Batshele uthi uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: ‘Uqalekisiwe umuntu ongalandeli izimiso zesivumelwano lesi, 4 izimiso engalaya ngazo okhokho benu ekubakhupheni kwami eGibhithe, esasiyisithando sokuncibilikisa insimbi.’ Ngathi, ‘Lalelani ilizwi lami lenze konke engililaya khona, lizakuba ngabantu bami, mina ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. 5 Lapho-ke ngizagcwalisa isifungo sami engasifunga kubokhokho benu, ukubanika ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju,’ ilizwe elihlezi kulo khathesi.”

Ngaphendula ngathi, “Akube njalo Thixo.”

6  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Memezela wonke amazwi la emadolobheni akoJuda lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema uthi: ‘Zwanini izimiso zesivumelwano lesi lizilandele. 7 Kusukela ekukhupheni kwami okhokho benu eGibhithe kuze kube lamhla, ngabalaya njalonjalo ngisithi, “Lalelani ilizwi lami.” 8 Kodwa kabazange balalele kumbe banake; esikhundleni salokho, bona balandela inkani yezinhliziyo zabo ezimbi. Ngakho ngabehlisela zonke izithuko zesivumelwano engangibalaye ukuba basilandele kodwa kabaze basigcina.’ ”

9  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Kulokuhlamuka okukhona ebantwini bakoJuda lakulabo abahlala eJerusalema. 10 Sebebuyele ezonweni zabokhokho babo, abalayo ukulalela amazwi ami. Balandele abanye onkulunkulu ukuba babakhonze. Indlu ka-Israyeli lendlu kaJuda, zombili zisephule isivumelwano engasenza labokhokho bazo. 11 Ngakho nanku akutshoyo uThixo: ‘Ngizabehlisela umonakalo abangeke baphephe kuwo. Lanxa sebekhala kimi kangiyikubalalela. 12 Amadolobho akoJuda labantu baseJerusalema bazakuyakhala kubonkulunkulu ababatshisela impepha, kodwa kabasoze babasize ngalutho lapho uhlupho selubehlela. 13 Wena Juda ubunengi babonkulunkulu bakho bunjengobamadolobho akho, njalo lama-alithare owakhele ukutshisela impepha kulowonkulunkulu olihlazo, uBhali, ubunengi bawo bunjengobemigwaqo yaseJerusalema.’

14 Abantu laba ungabakhulekeli kumbe ubakhulumele loba ubacelele, ngoba angiyikulalela lapho bekhala kimi esikhathini sokuhlupheka kwabo.

15 Othandekayo wami wenzani ethempelini

lami eceba amaqhinga amabi labanengi?

Kambe inyama ebusisiweyo ingaphuthisa

ukujeziswa kwakho na?

Lapho uphatheka ngobubi bakho,

uyajabula.”

16  UThixo wakubiza ngokuthi uyisihlahla se-oliva

esihlumileyo esilezithelo ezinhle.

Kodwa ngokuhlokoma kwesiphepho esikhulu

uzasithungela ngomlilo,

ingatsha zaso zephuke.

17  UThixo uSomandla, owakuhlanyelayo, usememezele umonakalo kuwe, ngoba indlu ka-Israyeli lendlu kaJuda zenze okubi zangithukuthelisa ngokutshisela uBhali impepha.

Icebo Lokubulala UJeremiya

18 Ngenxa yokuthi uThixo waveza icebo labo kimi, ngalazi, ngoba ngalesosikhathi wangitshengisa ababekwenza. 19 Ngangifana lewundlu elithambileyo lisiwa ekuhlatshweni; ngangingazi ukuthi basebebumbe icebo ngami, besithi,

“Kasiqumeni isihlahla kanye lezithelo zaso;

kasimsuseni elizweni labaphilayo,

ukuze ibizo lakhe lingakhunjulwa futhi.”

20 Kodwa, wena, Thixo Somandla,

wena owahlulela ngokulunga njalo

uhlola inhliziyo lengqondo,

yenza ngibone ukuphindisela kwakho kubo,

ngoba isisusa sami ngisinikela kuwe.

21 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo mayelana labantu base-Anathothi abafuna ukukubulala besithi, “Ungaphrofethi ngebizo likaThixo funa sikubulale” 22 ngakho uThixo uSomandla uthi: “Ngizabajezisa. Amajaha akibo azabulawa yinkemba, amadodana lamadodakazi abo abulawe yindlala. 23 Akuyikuba khona osalayo kubo, ngoba ngizaletha incithakalo ebantwini base-Anathothi ngomnyaka wokujeziswa kwabo.”

12

Insolo KaJeremiya

1 Wena ulungile izikhathi zonke,

Oh Thixo, lapho ngiletha indaba kuwe.

Ikanti ngingakhuluma lawe ngokulunga kwakho:

Kungani indlela yababi iphumelela na?

Kungani abangathembekanga behlezi kuhle na?

2 Ubahlanyele, njalo sebemilile;

bayakhula bathele izithelo.

Bahlezi bekhuluma ngawe,

kodwa ezinhliziyweni zabo ukhatshana.

3 Kodwa mina, Oh Thixo, uyangazi;

uyangibona uhlole imicabango yami ngawe.

Bahudule njengezimvu eziyahlatshwa!

Bamisele usuku lokubulawa!

4 Koze kube nini ilizwe lomile

lotshani iganga lonke bubunile?

Ngenxa yokuthi labo abahlala kulo babi,

izinyamazana lezinyoni sezibhubhile.

Kanti futhi abantu bathi,

“Kasoze akubone okwenzakala kithi.”

Impendulo KaNkulunkulu

5 “Nxa ugijime labantu ngezinyawo

bakudinisa,

ungancintisana njani lamabhiza na?

Nxa ukhubeka elizweni elingelangozi,

pho uzakwanelisa njani ezixukwini zaseJodani na?

6 Abafowenu, abendlu yakwenu

labo futhi bakunikele;

baklabalale batsho okubi ngawe.

Ungabathembi,

lanxa bekhuluma kuhle ngawe.

7 Indlu yami ngizayitshiya,

ngilidele ilifa lami;

lowo engimthandayo

ngizamnikela ezandleni zezitha zakhe.

8 Ilifa lami kimi selibe

njengesilwane ehlathini.

Liyangihwabhela;

ngakho ngiyalizonda.

9 Ilifa lami kimi kaselibe

njengenyoni emabalabala edla inyama ehanqwa

ngezinye izinyoni ezidla inyama, ziyihlasela na?

Hamba uyebutha zonke izinyamazana zeganga;

uzilethe ukuba zidle.

10 Abelusi abanengi bazasichitha isivini sami

bagandele insimu yami;

bazaguqula insimu yami enhle

ibe lugwadule oluphundlekileyo.

11 Izakwenziwa ugwadule,

yome iphundlekile phambi kwami;

ilizwe lonke lizachitheka

ngoba kakho olinakayo.

12 Emiqolweni yonke engelalutho enkangala

abachithi bazaphithizela,

ngoba inkemba kaThixo

izakudla kusukela komunye umkhawulo welizwe kusiya komunye;

kakho ozavikeleka.

13 Bazahlanyela ingqoloyi kodwa bavune ameva;

bazazidinisa kodwa bangazuzi lutho.

Ngakho wobani lenhloni ngesivuno senu

ngenxa yolaka olwesabekayo lukaThixo.”

14  UThixo uthi: “Bonke omakhelwane bami ababi abathumba ilifa engalinika abantu bami bako-Israyeli, ngizabasusa emazweni abo ngisuse lendlu kaJuda phakathi kwabo. 15 Kodwa emva kokubasusa kwami, ngizaphinda ngibe lesihawu ngibuyisele omunye lomunye wabo endaweni eyilifa lakhe elizweni lakhe. 16 Bangazifunda kuhle izindlela zabantu bami njalo bafunge ngebizo lami besithi, ‘Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ephila’ lanxa nje bake bafundisa abantu bami ukufunga ngoBhali, bazahlaliswa phakathi kwabantu bami. 17 Kodwa nxa isizwe singalaleli, ngizasisusa ngokupheleleyo ngisibhubhise,” kutsho uThixo.

13

Ibhanti LeLineni

1  UThixo wathi kimi: “Hamba uyethenga ibhanti lelineni ubophe ukhalo lwakho ngalo, kodwa lingathinti amanzi.” 2 Ngakho ngathenga ibhanti, njengokulaya kukaThixo, ngabopha ukhalo lwami ngalo.

3 Ilizwi likaThixo labuya lafika kimi ngokwesibili lathi: 4 “Thatha ibhanti olithengileyo obophe ngalo ukhalo lwakho, uye eYufrathe, khathesi nje ulifihle khona eminkenkeni yamatshe.” 5 Ngakho ngahamba ngayalifihla eYufrathe, njengokutsho kukaThixo kimi.

6 Sekudlule insuku ezinengi uThixo wathi kimi, “Hamba khathesi eYufrathe uyethatha ibhanti engathi lifihle khona.” 7 Ngakho ngaya eYufrathe ngagebha lapho engangifihle khona ibhanti, kodwa laselonakele impela lingaselasizo.

8 Lapho-ke kwafika ilizwi likaThixo kimi lisithi: 9 “UThixo uthi: ‘Ngendlela efanayo ngizakuchitha ukuzigqaja kukaJuda lokuzigqaja okukhulu kweJerusalema. 10 Lababantu abangalunganga, abalayo ukulalela amazwi ami, abalandela ubulukhuni bezinhliziyo zabo badinge abanye onkulunkulu ukuba babasebenzele njalo babakhonze, bazakuba njengebhanti leli, bengelasizo loluncane! 11 Ngoba njengebhanti libopha ukhalo lomuntu, ngayibophela kanjalo kimi yonke indlu ka-Israyeli layo yonke indlu kaJuda, kutsho uThixo, ukuba babengabantu bami ngenxa yodumo lwami, ukubongwa lokudunyiswa. Kodwa kabalalelanga.’ ”

Izikhumba Zewayini

12 “Batshele uthi, ‘UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, zonke izikhumba zewayini kumele zigcwaliswe ngewayini.’ Bona bangathi kuwe, ‘Kanti thina kasikwazi yini ukuthi izikhumba zonke kumele zigcwaliswe ngewayini?’ 13 wena uthi kubo, ‘UThixo uthi: Ngizabenza badakwe bonke abahlala kulelilizwe, kanye lamakhosi ahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida, abaphristi, abaphrofethi labo bonke abahlala eJerusalema. 14 Ngizabamahlaza omunye komunye, oyise lamadodana ngokufananayo, kutsho uThixo. Angiyikuvumela isihawu loba umusa kumbe uzwelo ukuba kungivimbele ukubabhubhisa.’ ”

Isisongo Sokuthunjwa

15 Zwanini lilalele,

lingazigqaji,

ngoba uThixo usekhulumile.

16 Dumisani uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu

engakalethi ubumnyama,

inyawo zenu zingakakhubeki

emaqaqeni asesembeswa yibumnyama.

Lilindele ukukhanya,

kodwa yena uzakwenza kube yibumnyama,

akuphendule kube yibumnyama obesabekayo.

17 Kodwa nxa lingalaleli,

ngizakhalela ensitha

ngenxa yokuzigqaja kwenu;

amehlo ami azalila kabuhlungu,

ageleze inyembezi,

ngoba umhlambi kaThixo uzathunjwa.

18 Tshono enkosini lasendlovukazini uthi,

“Yehlani ezihlalweni zenu zobukhosi lize phansi,

ngoba imiqhele yenu emihle kakhulu

izakuwa emakhanda enu.”

19 Amadolobho aseNegebi azavalwa,

njalo akuyikuba khona ozawavula.

UJuda wonke uzathathwa asiwe ekuthunjweni,

uzasiwa ekuthunjweni ngokupheleleyo.

20 Phakamisani amehlo enu libone

labo abavela enyakatho.

Ungaphi umhlambi ababewugcinisiwe,

izimvu elalizazisa ngazo na?

21 Lizakuthini lapho uThixo esebabeka phezu kwenu

labo elabenza babangabangane benu abaqakathekileyo na?

Kaliyikubanjwa yibuhlungu

obufana lobowesifazane ehelelwa na?

22 Njalo nxa uzibuza usithi,

“Kungani lokhu kwenzakele kimi na?”

Kungenxa yezono zakho ezinengi

ukuthi izidwaba zakho zidatshulwe

lomzimba wakho waphathwa kubi.

23 UmTopiya angaliguqula yini ijwabu lakhe

loba ingwe iguqule amabala ayo na?

Lani lingeke lenze okuhle

lina selajwayela ukwenza okubi.

24 “Ngizalihlakaza njengamakhoba

ephetshulwa ngumoya wasenkangala.

25 Lokhu yikho okungokwenu,

isabelo engilimisele sona,” kutsho uThixo,

“ngoba lingikhohliwe

lathemba onkulunkulu bamanga.

26 Ngizaphekulela izidwaba zakho ebusweni bakho

ukuba kubonakale ihlazo lakho,

27 ubufebe bakho lokububuliswa yisigwebo,

ukufeba kwakho ungelanhloni!

Ngizibonile izenzo zakho ezenyanyekayo

phezu kwamaqaqa lasegangeni.

Maye kuwe, wena Jerusalema!

Koze kube nini ungahlambulukanga na?”

14

Ukoma, Indlala, Inkemba

1 Leli yilizwi likaThixo elafika kuJeremiya mayelana lokoma elizweni lisithi:

2 “UJuda uyalila,

amadolobho akhe ayahlupheka;

alilela ilizwe,

njalo isililo siyaqonga sivela eJerusalema.

3 Izikhulu zithuma izinceku zazo ukuyafuna amanzi;

ziya emithonjeni

kodwa zifice amanzi engekho.

Ziyabuyela lemigqomo yazo ingelalutho;

zithithibele njalo zidanile,

zemboze amakhanda azo.

4 Umhlabathi uqhekezekile

ngoba akulazulu elizweni;

abalimi bathithibele

njalo bemboze amakhanda abo.

5 Lenyamazana ensikazi egangeni

iyabalekela inkonyane layo elizelweyo

ngoba akulatshani.

6 Obabhemi beganga bema emiqolweni elugwadule

bakhefuzele njengamakhanka;

amehlo abo asefiphele

ngenxa yokuswela amadlelo.”

7 Lanxa izono zethu zifakaza kubi ngathi,

Oh Thixo, ake wenze okunye ngenxa yebizo lakho.

Ngoba ukuhlehlela kwethu emuva kunengi;

sonile kuwe.

8 Oh Themba lika-Israyeli,

uMhlengi wakhe ezikhathini zokuhlupheka,

kungani usiba njengowezizweni elizweni,

njengesihambi esihlala ubusuku obubodwa kuphela?

9 Kungani usiba njengomuntu ojunyiweyo,

lanjengebutho elingelamandla okusiza na?

Ukhona phakathi kwethu, wena Thixo,

njalo sibizwa ngebizo lakho;

ungasilahli!

10 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo ngalababantu:

“Bayakuthanda kakhulu ukuntula;

kabazibambi inyawo zabo.

Ngakho uThixo kayikubamukela;

khathesi uzakhumbula ububi babo

abajezisele izono zabo.”

11  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Ungakhulekeli inhlalakahle yabantu laba. 12 Lanxa bezila ukudla, ukukhala kwabo angiyikukulalela; loba benikela iminikelo yokutshiswa kanye leminikelo yamabele, angiyikuyamukela. Esikhundleni salokho, ngizabaqeda du ngenkemba, ngendlala langezifo.”

13 Kodwa mina ngathi, “Awu Thixo Wobukhosi, abaphrofethi bahlezi bebatshela besithi, ‘Kaliyikubona inkemba loba libulawe yindlala. Impela, ngizalipha ukuthula okungapheliyo kule indawo.’ ”

14  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Abaphrofethi baphrofetha amanga ngebizo lami. Angibathumanga njalo angibakhethanga kumbe ngikhulume labo. Baphrofetha imibono yamanga kini, ukuhlahlula, ukukhonza izithombe lenkohliso yezingqondo zabo. 15 Ngakho-ke, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo ngabaphrofethi abaphrofetha ngebizo lami ukuthi: Kangizange ngibathume, kodwa bona bathi, ‘Akulankemba kumbe indlala ezathinta ilizwe leli.’ Bona labo abaphrofethi bazabhujiswa ngenkemba langendlala. 16 Abantu abaphrofetha kubo bazaphoselwa phandle emigwaqweni yaseJerusalema ngenxa yendlala lenkemba. Akulamuntu ozabangcwaba kumbe omkabo, amadodana abo loba amadodakazi abo. Ngizabehlisela ingozi ebafaneleyo.

17 Khuluma ilizwi leli kubo uthi:

‘Amehlo ami kawehlise inyembezi

ebusuku lemini zingomi;

ngoba indodakazi yami egcweleyo, labantu bami

balimele kakhulu,

balinyazwe yikutshaywa okwesabekayo.

18 Nxa ngingena elizweni,

ngibona labo ababulawa ngenkemba;

nxa ngingena edolobheni

ngibona umonakalo owenziwa yindlala.

Bobabili umphrofethi lomphristi

sebeye elizweni abangalaziyo.’ ”

19 UJuda usumlahle kokuphela na?

IZiyoni uyaleyisa na?

Usitshayeleni kangaka

size singelapheki na?

Sasilindele ukuthula

kodwa akulabuhle obaba khona,

isikhathi sokwelatshwa

kodwa kulokwesaba kuphela.

20 Awu Thixo, siyakuvuma ukona kwethu

kanye lokona kwabokhokho bethu;

impela sonile kuwe.

21 Ngenxa yebizo lakho ungasenyanyi;

ungasigconi isihlalo sakho sobukhosi esihle kakhulu.

Khumbula isivumelwano sakho lathi

ungasephuli.

22 Zikhona yini izithombe eziyize zezizwe ezinganisa izulu na?

Imikhathi yona ngokwayo iyalinisa izulu na?

Hatshi, nguwe, Thixo Nkulunkulu wethu.

Ngakho ithemba lethu likuwe,

ngoba nguwe owenza konke lokhu.

15

1  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Lanxa uMosi loSamuyeli bengema phambi kwami, inhliziyo yami ingeke iphendukele kulababantu. Basuse phambi kwami! Kabahambe! 2 Bangakubuza bathi, ‘Sizakuya ngaphi na?’ uthi kubo, uThixo uthi:

‘Abamiselwe ukufa, baya ekufeni;

abenkemba, enkembeni;

abendlala, endlaleni;

abokuthunjwa, ekuthunjweni.’

3 Ngizabathumela imihlobo emine yabachithi,” kutsho uThixo, “inkemba yokubulala lezinja zokuhudulela khatshana njalo lezinyoni zasemoyeni kanye lezinyamazana zeganga ukuba zidle zibhuqe. 4 Ngizabenza banengeke emibusweni yonke yasemhlabeni ngenxa yalokho okwenziwa eJerusalema nguManase indodana kaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda.

5 Ngubani ozakuba lesihawu kuwe wena Jerusalema?

Ngubani ozakukhalela na?

Ngubani ozakuma abuze ukuthi unjani na?

6 Ungalile,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Uqhubeka uhlehlela emuva.

Ngakho ngizabeka izandla phezu kwakho ngikuchithe;

ngingeke ngibe lesihawu futhi.

7 Ngizabahlungula ngefologwe

yokwela emasangweni amadolobho elizwe.

Ngizaletha ukufelwa lokuchitheka ebantwini bami,

ngoba kabaguqulanga izindlela zabo.

8 Ngizakwenza abafelokazi babo bande kakhulu

kuletshebetshebe lasolwandle.

Emini ngizakwehlisela umbulali

phezu kwabonina bamajaha akibo;

khonokho ngizabehlisela

usizi lokwesaba.

9 Unina wabayisikhombisa uzaqaleka

aphefumule okokucina.

Ilanga lakhe lizatshona kusesemini;

uzayangiswa njalo eyiswe.

Izinsalela ngizaziqeda ngenkemba

phambi kwezitha zazo,”

kutsho uThixo.

10 Maye, wena mama, ngokuthi wangizala,

mina muntu ilizwe lonke elibangisana laye njalo liphikisana laye!

Kangikaze ngebolekise loba ngeboleke,

kodwa bonke bayangithuka.

11  UThixo wathi,

“Ngeqiniso ngizakukhulula ngenjongo enhle;

ngeqiniso ngizakwenza izitha zakho zikuncenge

ezikhathini zomonakalo lezokuhlupheka.

12 Umuntu angayiqamula insimbi,

insimbi evela enyakatho kumbe ithusi na?

13 Inotho yakho lamatshe akho aligugu

ngizakwenza kube yimpango, yamahala,

ngenxa yezono zakho

kulolonke ilizwe lakini.

14 Ngizakwenza ube yisigqili sezitha zakho

elizweni ongalaziyo,

ngoba ulaka lwami luzabhebha

umlilo ozakutshisa.”

15 Uyazwisisa wena Thixo;

ngikhumbula ungikhathalele.

Ungiphindiselele kwabangihluphayo.

Uyabekezela, ungangigudluli;

khumbula ukuthi ngithukwa njani ngenxa yakho.

16 Ekufikeni kwamazwi akho, ngawadla;

ayeyintokozo yami lenjabulo yenhliziyo yami,

ngoba mina ngibizwa ngebizo lakho,

wena Thixo Nkulunkulu Somandla.

17 Kangizange ngihlale enhlanganisweni yabazithokozisayo,

kumbe ngijabule labo;

ngahlala ngedwa ngoba isandla sakho sasiphezu kwami njalo

wawungenze ngagcwala intukuthelo.

18 Kungani ubuhlungu engibuzwayo bungapheli

lenxeba lami lilibi kakhulu njalo lingelapheki na?

Kimi uzakuba njengesifula esikhohlisayo,

lanjengomthombo ongelamanzi na?

19 Ngakho uThixo uthi:

“Ungaphenduka, ngizakubuyisela

ukuze ungikhonze;

nxa ukhuluma amazwi afaneleyo, hatshi angasizi lutho,

uzakuba yisikhulumeli sami.

Abantu laba kabaphendukele kuwe,

kodwa wena akumelanga uphendukele kubo.

20 Ngizakwenza ube ngumduli kulababantu,

umduli ovikelweyo wethusi;

bazakulwa lawe

kodwa kabayikukwehlula,

ngoba mina ngilawe

ukuba ngikuhlenge ngikusize,”

kutsho uThixo.

21 “Ngizakuhlenga ezandleni zababi

ngikukhulule ezandleni zabalesihluku.”

16

Usuku Lwencithakalo

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi futhi lisithi: 2 “Ungathathi mfazi ube lamadodana loba amadodakazi kule indawo.” 3 Ngoba mayelana lamadodana lamadodakazi azalelwe kulelilizwe kanye labesifazane abangonina lamadoda angoyise uThixo uthi: 4 “Bazakufa bebulawa yimikhuhlane eyesabekayo. Kabayikukhalelwa loba bangcwatshwe, kodwa bazakuba njengezibi emhlabathini. Bazabhubha ngenkemba langendlala, njalo izidumbu zabo zizakuba yikudla kwezinyoni zasemoyeni lezinyamazana zeganga.”

5 Ngoba nanku akutshoyo uThixo: “Ungangeni endlini elokudla kwesililo; ungayilila kumbe utshengisele uzwelo, ngoba isibusiso sami, lothando lwami kanye lesihawu sami, sengikususile kulababantu,” kutsho uThixo. 6 “Bonke abaphakemeyo labantukazana bazakufa kulelilizwe. Kabayikungcwatshwa kumbe bakhalelwe, njalo kakho ozazisika kumbe aphuce ikhanda lakhe ngenxa yabo. 7 Kakho ozabanika ukudla ukuba abaduduze labo abalilela ofileyo, loba kunguyise kumbe unina, kakho lozabanika amanzi ukuba abaduduze.

8 Njalo ungangeni endlini eledili ukuba uhlale phansi udle unathe. 9 Ngoba uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: Phambi kobuso bakho njalo ensukwini zakho ngizawuqeda umsindo wentokozo lokuthaba kanye lamazwi abalobokazi labayeni kule indawo.

10 Lapho abantu laba ubatshela konke lokhu besebekubuza besithi, ‘Kungani uThixo esemise ukusehlisela inkemenkeme engaka na? Senze bubi bani na? Sono bani esisenze kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu?’ 11 wena wothi kubo, ‘Kungenxa yokuthi okhokho benu bangifulathela,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘njalo balandela abanye onkulunkulu babasebenzela, babakhonza. Bangifulathela njalo kabayigcinanga imithetho yami. 12 Kodwa lina selenze okubi kakhulu kulabokhokho benu. Khangelani ukuthi lowo lalowo wenu uyilandela njani inkani yenhliziyo yakhe embi esikhundleni sokuthi angilalele. 13 Ngakho ngizalilahlela ngaphandle kwalelilizwe elizweni lina loba oyihlo abangazange balazi, lapho elizakhonza khona abanye onkulunkulu emini lebusuku, ngoba angiyikuba lomusa kini.’ ”

14  UThixo uthi, “Kodwa insuku ziyeza lapho abantu bengayikuthi, ‘Ngeqiniso elinjengokuthi uThixo ukhona, yena owakhupha abako-Israyeli eGibhithe,’ 15 kodwa bazakuthi, ‘Ngeqiniso elinjengokuthi uThixo ukhona, yena owakhupha abako-Israyeli elizweni lasenyakatho lakuwo wonke amazwe ayebaxotshele kuwo.’ Ngoba ngizababuyisela elizweni engalinika okhokho babo.”

16  UThixo uthi, “Kodwa khathesi ngizathumela abagoli benhlanzi abanengi, bazababamba. Emva kwalokho ngizathumela abazingeli abanengi, bazabazingela ezintabeni zonke lasemaqaqeni wonke njalo lasezingoxweni zamadwala. 17 Amehlo ami akuzo zonke izindlela zabo; kabafihlakalanga kimi, lesono sabo kasiwacatshelanga amehlo ami. 18 Ngizaphindisela ngokuphindiweyo ububi babo lesono sabo, ngoba bangcolise ilizwe lami ngezinto ezingaphiliyo zezifanekiso zabo ezingamanyala, bagcwalisa lelifa lami ngezithombe zabo ezinengekayo.”

19 Awu Thixo, mandla ami lenqaba yami,

siphephelo sami ngesikhathi sokuhlupheka,

izizwe zizakuza kuwe

zivela emikhawulweni yomhlaba zithi,

“Okhokho babengelalutho kodwa onkulunkulu bamanga,

izithombe eziyize ezingabasizanga ngalutho.

20 Kambe abantu bayazenzela onkulunkulu babo na?

Ye, kodwa kayisibo onkulunkulu!”

21 “Ngakho ngizabafundisa,

khathesi ngizabafundisa

amandla ami lobukhulu bami.

Lapho-ke bazakwazi

ukuthi ibizo lami nguThixo.”

17

Inhliziyo Iyakhohlisa

1 “Isono sikaJuda sidwetshwe ngensimbi,

sabhalwa ngomcijo wedayimani

ezicecedwini zenhliziyo zabo

lasempondweni zama-alithare abo.

2 Labantwababo bayawakhumbula

ama-alithare abo lezinsika zika-Ashera

phansi kwezihlahla eziluhlaza

laphezu kwamaqaqa aphakemeyo.

3 Intaba yami eselizweni

lenotho yenu kanye lemfuyo yenu yonke

ngizakunikela kube yimpango,

ndawonye lezindawo zenu eziphakemeyo,

ngenxa yokona kulolonke ilizwe lenu.

4 Ngenxa yezici zenu lizalahlekelwa

yilifa engalinika lona.

Ngizalenza libe yizigqili zezitha zenu

elizweni elingalaziyo,

ngoba livuse ulaka lwami,

njalo luzavutha kuze kube nininini.”

5  UThixo uthi:

“Uqalekisiwe lowo othemba umuntu,

othembe ukuthi amandla akhe asenyameni,

onhliziyo yakhe ihlamukela uThixo.

6 Uzakuba njengesihlahlanyana enkangala;

ukuphumelela kayikukubona ekufikeni kwakho.

Uzahlala ezindaweni ezomileyo enkangala,

elizweni letswayi elingahlali muntu.

7 Kodwa ubusisiwe umuntu othemba uThixo,

othemba lakhe likuye.

8 Uzakuba njengesihlahla esihlanyelwe eduze lamanzi

esinabisela impande zaso esifuleni.

Kasesabi lapho ukutshisa kufika;

amahlamvu aso ahlala eluhlaza.

Kasikhathazeki ngomnyaka wokoma;

kasiphuthi ukuthela izithelo.”

9 Inhliziyo iyakhohlisa okudlula izinto zonke

njalo imbi kakhulu.

Ngubani ongayizwisisa na?

10 “Mina Thixo ngiyayihlola inhliziyo

ngihlole lengqondo,

ukuba umuntu ngimnike okufanele ukwenza kwakhe mayelana

lalokho okufanele izenzo zakhe.”

11 Umuntu ozuza inotho ngezindlela ezimbi

unjengesikhwehle esichamisela amaqanda esingawaqandelanga.

Lapho ingxenye yokuphila kwakhe isidlule, izaphela,

kuthi ekucineni abonakale eyisithutha.

12 Isihlalo sobukhosi, esikhazimulayo esaphakanyiswayo kusukela ekuqaleni,

siyindawo yethu yokuphephela.

13 Awu Thixo, themba lika-Israyeli,

bonke abakudelayo bazayangiswa.

Labo abakuhlamukelayo bazabhalwa othulini

ngoba bedele uThixo,

umthombo wamanzi okuphila.

14 Ngisilisa, Thixo, njalo ngizasiliswa;

ungikhulule, ngizakhululeka,

ngoba nguwe engimdumisayo.

15 Bahlala besithi kimi,

“Lingaphi ilizwi likaThixo na?

Kaligcwaliseke khathesi!”

16 Angibalekanga ekubeni ngumelusi wenu;

liyakwazi ukuthi

angilufisanga usuku lokuphela ithemba.

Okudlula endebeni zami kusobala kini.

17 Ungabi ngowesabekayo kimi;

uyisiphephelo sami ngosuku lokuhlupheka.

18 Abangihluphayo kabayangiswe,

kodwa mina ungivikele ehlazweni;

kababe lokwesaba,

kodwa mina ungivikele ekwesabeni.

Balethele usuku lobubi.

Ubabhubhise ngokuqothula okuphindiweyo.

Ukugcina ISabatha Lingcwele

19  UThixo wathi kimi: “Hamba uyekuma esangweni labantu, amakhosi akoJuda angena ngalo njalo aphume ngalo; ume futhi lakuwo wonke amanye amasango aseJerusalema. 20 Uthi kubo, ‘Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo, lina makhosi akoJuda labo bonke abantu abahlala koJuda kanye labantu bonke abahlala eJerusalema abangena ngala amasango. 21  UThixo uthi: Qaphelani lingathwali mthwalo ngosuku lweSabatha loba liwungenise ngamasango aseJerusalema. 22 Lingaphumisi mthwalo ezindlini zenu kumbe lenze loba yiwuphi umsebenzi ngosuku lweSabatha, kodwa ligcine iSabatha lingcwele, njengokulaya kwami okhokho benu. 23 Kodwa kabalalelanga loba banake; izintamo zabo zazilukhuni njalo kabalalelanga kumbe bamukele ukulaywa. 24  UThixo uthi: Kodwa nxa liqaphele ukungilalela, lingangenisi mthwalo ngamasango edolobho leli ngeSabatha, kodwa ligcina usuku lweSabatha lungcwele ngokungenzi msebenzi ngalo, 25 lapho-ke amakhosi ahlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida azangena lezikhulu zawo ngamasango edolobho leli. Wona lezikhulu zawo bazafika begade izinqola zempi lamabhiza, belabantu bakoJuda lalabo abahlala eJerusalema; bahlale kulo idolobho kuze kube nininini. 26 Abantu bazakuza bevela emadolobheni akoJuda lasemizini egqagqele iJerusalema, bevela elizweni lakoBhenjamini lasezintatshaneni zangasentshonalanga, bevela elizweni lamaqaqa laseNegebi, beletha iminikelo yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo, iminikelo yamabele, impepha kanye leminikelo yokubonga endlini kaThixo. 27 Kodwa nxa lingangilaleli ekuthini ligcine usuku lweSabatha lungcwele ngokungathwali mthwalo lapho lingena ngamasango aseJerusalema ngosuku lweSabatha, lapho-ke ngizaphemba umlilo ongacitshekiyo emasangweni eJerusalema ozaqothula izinqaba zalo.’ ”

18

Endlini Yombumbi

1 Leli yilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo lisithi: 2 “Suka wehlele endlini yombumbi, lapho engizakutshelela khona ilizwi lami.” 3 Ngakho ngehlela endlini yombumbi, ngambona esebenza ngevili. 4 Kodwa imbiza ayeyibumba ngebumba yonakala ezandleni zakhe; ngakho umbumbi wayenza yaba ngenye imbiza, ngendlela ayibona ingcono kuye.

5 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kimi lisithi; 6 “Wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, ngingeze ngenza kuwe njengokwenziwa ngumbumbi lo na?” kutsho uThixo. “Njengebumba esandleni sombumbi lawe unjalo esandleni sami, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli. 7 Nxa ngimemezela langasiphi isikhathi ukuthi isizwe loba umbuso uzasuswa udilizwe, uchithwe, 8 kuthi isizwe leso engisixwayisileyo siphenduke ebubini baso, ngizaxola ngingabe ngisasehlisela ebesengimise ukusehlisela khona. 9 Njalo nxa ngesinye isikhathi ngimemezela ukuthi isizwe kumbe umbuso ngizawakha ngiwumise, 10 ube ususenza ububi emehlweni ami njalo ungangilaleli, ngizacabanga kutsha ngokuhle ebesengicebe ukukwenzela khona.

11 Ngakho khathesi tshela abantu bakoJuda lalabo abahlala eJerusalema uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: Khangelani! Ngilungisela ukulehlisela umonakalo njalo ngibumba lecebo ngani. Ngakho phendukani ezindleleni zenu ezimbi, omunye lomunye wenu, lilungise izindlela zenu lezenzo zenu.’ 12 Kodwa bazaphendula bathi, ‘Akusizi lutho. Sizaqhubeka ngamacebo ethu; lowo lalowo wethu uzalandela ubulukhuni benhliziyo yakhe embi.’ ”

13 Ngakho uThixo uthi:

“Buzani phakathi kwezizwe ukuthi:

Ngubani owake wezwa okunjengalokhu na?

Kwenziwe into eyesabekayo kakhulu,

yenziwe yintombi egcweleyo u-Israyeli.

14 Ungqwaqwane waseLebhanoni

uyake unyamalale emithezukweni yayo elamatshe na?

Amanzi akhona aqandayo avela kude

ayake eme ukugeleza na?

15 Kodwa abantu bami sebengikhohliwe;

batshisela izithombe eziyize impepha,

ezabenza bakhubeka ezindleleni zabo

lasemikhondweni yasendulo.

Zabenza bahamba ngezindledlana zeganga

lasemigwaqweni engalungiswanga.

16 Ilizwe labo lizatshabalaliswa,

into yokuhlekwa usulu;

bonke abadlula khona bazakwethuka

banyikinye amakhanda abo.

17 Njengomoya ovela empumalanga,

ngizabahlakaza phambi kwezitha zabo;

ngizabafulathela ngibancitshe ubuso bami

ngosuku lokuhlupheka kwabo.”

18 Bona bathi, “Wozani sicebe amacebo amabi ngoJeremiya; ngoba ukufundisa kwabaphristi umthetho akusoze kuphuthe, kumbe ukweluleka kwezihlakaniphi, loba ilizwi elivela kubaphrofethi. Ngakho wozani, simhlasele ngemilomo yethu singananzi lutho alutshoyo.”

19 Ake ungizwe, awu Thixo;

ulalele okutshiwo yizitha zami!

20 Okuhle kuphindiselwa ngokubi na?

Ikanti sebengimbele igodi.

Khumbula ukuba ngema phambi kwakho

ngabakhulumela

ukuba ususe ulaka lwakho kubo.

21 Ngakho-ke abantwababo banikele endlaleni;

ubaqhubele emandleni enkemba.

Abafazi babo kabangabi labantwana njalo babe ngabafelokazi;

amadoda abo kawabulawe,

amajaha akhona abulawe ngenkemba empini.

22 Kakuzwakale ukukhala ezindlini zabo,

lapho usulethe abahlaseli ukuba babajume,

ngoba sebegebhe igodi ukuba bangithumbe

njalo bathiya inyawo zami ngemijibila.

23 Kodwa uyawazi, wena Thixo,

wonke amaqhinga abo okungibulala.

Ungabathetheleli amacala abo

loba ucitshe izono zabo phambi kobuso bakho.

Kabachithwe phambi kwakho;

bahlasele ngesikhathi sokuthukuthela kwakho.

19

1 Lokhu yikho akutshoyo uThixo: “Hamba uyethenga udiwo kumbumbi wezimbiza. Thatha abanye abadala babantu labanye babaphristi 2 uhambe labo esigodini seBheni-Hinomu, eduze lentuba yeSango loDengezi. Umemezele amazwi engikutshela wona, 3 uthi, ‘Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo, lina makhosi akoJuda lani bantu abahlala eJerusalema. UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: Lalelani! Ngizaletha umonakalo kule indawo ozabanda indlebe zomuntu wonke owuzwayo. 4 Ngoba bangidelile kwathi indawo le bayenza eyabonkulunkulu bezizweni; kuyo batshisele imihlatshelo onkulunkulu abangabaziyo, bona labokhokho babo kanye lamakhosi akoJuda, njalo indawo le sebayigcwalisa igazi labantu abangelacala. 5 Sebakhele uBhali izindawo eziphakemeyo ukuba batshise amadodana abo emlilweni njengeminikelo yokutshiswa kuBhali, into engingazange ngibalaye kumbe ngitsho ukuthi bayenze, kumbe ukuthi ike ifike engqondweni yami. 6 Ngakho qaphelani, insuku ziyeza, kutsho uThixo, lapho abantu bengayikubiza indawo le ngokuthi Thofethi loba iSigodi seBheni-Hinomu kodwa iSigodi sokuBulala.

7 Kuyonale indawo ngizawachitha amacebo kaJuda laweJerusalema. Ngizabenza bafe ngenkemba phambi kwezitha zabo, lasezandleni zalabo abafuna ukubabulala, njalo ngizanikela izidumbu zabo ukuba zibe yikudla kwezinyoni zasemoyeni lezinyamazana zeganga. 8 Idolobho leli ngizalichitha ngilenze libe yinto yokwesatshwa lenhlekisa; bonke abadlula khona bazathuthumela njalo baklolode ngenxa yamanxeba alo wonke. 9 Ngizabenza badle inyama yamadodana abo leyamadodakazi abo, njalo labo bazadlana inyama ngesikhathi esinzima sokuvinjezelwa kwabo yizitha ezifuna ukubabulala.’

10 Emva kwalokho bulala udiwo labo abahamba lawe bekhangele, 11 ubususithi kubo, ‘UThixo uSomandla uthi: Ngizasiphahlaza isizwe lesi kanye ledolobho leli njengokuphahlazwa kodiwo lombumbi lolu olungeke lulungiswe futhi. Abafileyo bazabangcwaba eThofethi kuze kusweleke indawo. 12 Lokhu yikho engizakwenza kule indawo lakulabo abahlala lapha, kutsho uThixo. Idolobho leli ngizalenza lifanane leThofethi. 13 Izindlu zaseJerusalema kanye lezamakhosi akoJuda zizangcoliswa njengale indawo, iThofethi, zonke izindlu lapho abazatshisela khona impepha phezu kwezimpahla kuwo wonke amaxuku ezinkanyezi, bathelela abanye onkulunkulu umnikelo wokunathwayo.’ ”

14 UJeremiya wabuya evela eThofethi, lapho uThixo ayemthume ukuyaphrofetha khona, wasesima egumeni lethempeli likaThixo wathi ebantwini bonke, 15 “UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: ‘Lalelani! Ngizakwehlisela kulelidolobho lasemizini elizungezileyo wonke umonakalo engawutshoyo, ngoba izintamo zabo zilukhuni njalo bayala ukulalela amazwi ami.’ ”

20

UJeremiya LoPhashuri

1 Kwathi uPhashuri umphristi indodana ka-Imeri, induna enkulu ethempelini likaThixo, ezwe uJeremiya ephrofitha lezizinto, 2 wenza ukuthi uJeremiya umphrofethi atshaywe njalo wamvalela esitokisini eSangweni laPhezulu koBhenjamini ethempelini likaThixo. 3 Ngosuku olwalandelayo, uPhashuri esemkhupha esitokisini, uJeremiya wathi kuye, “Ibizo lakho oliphiwe nguThixo akusiPhashuri, kodwa uMagori-Misabibi, 4 ngoba uThixo uthi: ‘Ngizakwenza ubelucuku ngokwakho lakubo bonke abangane bakho; uzababona ngamehlo akho besiwa ngenkemba yezitha zabo. UJuda wonke ngizamnikela enkosini yaseBhabhiloni, ezabathumba ibase eBhabhiloni loba ibabulale ngenkemba. 5 Yonke inotho yedolobho leli ngizayipha izitha zabo lazozonke izithelo zalo, zonke izinto zalo eziligugu kanye lemfuyo yonke yamakhosi akoJuda zizayithumba njengempango ziyithwalele eBhabhiloni. 6 Wena Phashuri, labo bonke abahlala endlini yakho lizathunjwa liye eBhabhiloni. Uzafela khonale, ungcwatshwe khonale, wena kanye labangane bakho bonke ophrofetha amanga kubo.’ ”

Insolo KaJeremiya

7 Awu Thixo, wangiyenga, ngayengeka;

wangehlula wanqoba.

Ngiyahlekwa insuku zonke;

bonke bayangiklolodela.

8 Zonke izikhathi lapho ngikhuluma, ngiyakhala

ngimemezela ukuba kube lodlakela lokuchitheka.

Ngakho ilizwi likaThixo selingilethele

isithuko lensolo ilanga lonke.

9 Kodwa nxa ngisithi, “Kangiyikumqamba

loba ngikhulume ngebizo lakhe futhi,”

ilizwi lakhe lisenhliziyweni yami njengomlilo,

umlilo ovalelwe emathanjeni ami.

Sengidiniwe ngokuligodla ngaphakathi;

impela, ngingeke nganelise.

10 Ngizwa abanengi benyenyeza besithi,

“Kulokuthuthumela indawo yonke!

Mmangaleleni! Kasimangalele!”

Abangane bami bonke

balindele ukuwa kwami, besithi,

“Mhlawumbe uzakhohliseka;

besesimehlula

siphindisele kuye.”

11 Kodwa uThixo ulami njengebutho elilamandla;

ngakho abangihluphayo bazakuwa banganqobi.

Bazakwehluleka njalo bayangeke kakhulu;

ihlazo labo kaliyikukhohlakala lanini.

12 Awu Thixo Somandla, wena ohlola abalungileyo,

uhlole inhliziyo lengqondo,

kangibone ukuphindisela kwakho kubo,

ngoba indaba yami ngiyinikele kuwe.

13 Hlabelani uThixo!

Limdumise uThixo!

Uhlenga impilo yabaswelayo

ezandleni zababi.

14 Kaluqalekiswe usuku engazalwa ngalo!

Usuku umama angizala ngalo kalungabusiswa!

15 Kaqalekiswe umuntu owayabikela ubaba izindaba,

owamemeza wathaba, esithi,

“Uzalelwe indodana!”

16 Lowomuntu kabe njengamadolobho

uThixo awachitha kungekho sihawu.

Kezwe ukulila ekuseni,

lomkhosi wempi emini.

17 Ngoba kangibulalelanga esiswini,

umama enjengengcwaba lami,

isisu sakhe sikhukhumele kokuphela.

18 Ngaphumelani esiswini

ukuba ngibone uhlupho losizi

njalo akuthi ngiphethe insuku zami ngiphakathi kwehlazo?

21

UNkulunkulu Uyasala Isicelo SikaZedekhiya

1 Ilizwi lafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo lapho uZedekhiya inkosi wayethume kuye uPhashuri indodana kaMalikhija lomphristi uZefaniya indodana kaMaseya. Bathi: 2 “Ake usibuzele kuThixo khathesi nje, ngoba uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni uyasihlasela. Mhlawumbe uThixo angasenzela izimanga njengasezikhathini ezedlulayo ukuze asuke kithi.”

3 Kodwa uJeremiya wathi kubo, “Tshelani uZedekhiya lithi: 4 ‘UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: Sekuseduze ukuthi ngiziphendulele kuwe izikhali zempi ezisezandleni zakho, ozisebenzisayo ekulweni lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni lamaKhaladiya angaphandle komduli ekuvimbezele. Njalo ngizawaqoqa phakathi kwalelidolobho. 5 Mina uqobo ngizakulwa lawe ngesandla eseluliweyo langengalo elamandla ngentukuthelo langokufuthelana kanye lolaka olukhulu. 6 Ngizabatshaya abahlala kulelidolobho, abantu lezifuyo njalo bazabulawa yisifo esesabekayo. 7 Emva kwalokho, kutsho uThixo, uZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, lezikhulu zakhe kanye labantu bakulelidolobho abaphepha emkhuhlaneni, enkembeni lasendlaleni, ngizabanikela kuNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni lasezitheni zabo ezifuna ukubabulala. Uzababulala ngenkemba; kayikuba lomusa kumbe uzwelo loba isihawu.’

8 Phezu kwalokho, abantu batshele uthi, ‘UThixo uthi: Khangelani, ngiyalimisela phambi kwenu indlela yokuphila lendlela yokufa. 9 Loba ngubani osala kulelidolobho uzabulawa ngenkemba, yindlala loba ngumkhuhlane. Kodwa loba ngubani ophumayo kulo ayezinikela kumaKhaladiya alivimbezeleyo uzasila, aphunyuke lokuphila kwakhe. 10 Sengiqonde ukwenza okubi kulelidolobho hatshi okuhle, kutsho uThixo. Lizanikelwa ezandleni zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni, ezalitshabalalisa ngomlilo.’

11 Phezu kwalokho, wothi endlini yenkosi yakoJuda, ‘Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo; 12 lina abendlu kaDavida, uThixo uthi:

Yenzani ukulunga insuku zonke ekuseni;

mhlengeni esandleni somncindezeli wakhe

lowo ophangiweyo,

hlezi ulaka lwami luqubuke, lutshise njengomlilo

ngenxa yobubi elibenzileyo,

lutshise engekho ongalucitsha.

13 Ngimelane lawe, Jerusalema,

wena ohlala ngaphezu kwalesisigodi,

emagcekeni alamadwala, kutsho uThixo,

lina elithi, “Ngubani ongazasihlasela na?

Ngubani ongangena esiphephelweni sethu na?”

14 Ngizalijezisa njengokufanele izono zenu,

kutsho uThixo.

Ngizaphemba umlilo emahlathini enu

ozalobisa konke okuseduze lani.’ ”

22

Ukwahlulelwa Kwamakhosi Angalunganga

1 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo: “Hamba wehlele endlini yenkosi yakoJuda umemezele khona ilizwi leli uthi, 2 ‘Zwana ilizwi likaThixo, we nkosi yakoJuda, wena ohlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida, wena lezikhulu zakho kanye labantu bakho abangena ngamasango la. 3  UThixo uthi: Yenzani okulungileyo lokuqondileyo. Mhlenge esandleni somncindezeli wakhe lowo ophangiweyo. Lingenzi okubi loba udlakela kowezizweni, intandane loba umfelokazi, njalo lingachithi igazi elingelacala kule indawo. 4 Ngoba nxa linanzelela ukulandela imilayo le, amakhosi ahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida azangena ngamasango ale indawo, egade izinqola zempi lamabhiza, elezikhulu zawo kanye labantu bawo. 5 Kodwa nxa imilayo le lingayilaleli, kutsho uThixo, ngifunga ngami ukuthi indawo le izakuba lunxiwa.’ ”

6 Ngoba mayelana lendawo yenkosi yakoJuda uThixo uthi:

“Lanxa unjengeGiliyadi kimi,

lanjengengqongo yeLebhanoni,

ngeqiniso ngizakwenza ufane lenkangala,

lanjengamadolobho angahlali muntu.

7 Ngizakuthumela abachithi,

indoda nganye ilezikhali zayo,

njalo bazaquma imijabo yenu emihle yemisedari

bayiphosele emlilweni.

8 Abantu abavela ezizweni ezinengi bazadlula kulelidolobho babuzane besithi, ‘Kungani uThixo enze into enje kulelidolobho elikhulu na?’ 9 Impendulo izakuthi: ‘Ngoba basidelile isivumelwano sikaThixo uNkulunkulu wabo bakhonza abanye onkulunkulu njalo babasebenzela.’ ”

10 Lingayikhaleli inkosi efileyo loba lililele ukulilahlekela kwayo;

kodwa, khalelani kakhulu othunjiweyo,

ngoba kasayikubuya

njalo loba abone ilizwe lakibo futhi.

11 Ngoba mayelana loShalumi indodana kaJosiya, owangena esikhundleni sikayise esiba yinkosi yakoJuda kodwa osesukile kule indawo: UThixo uthi, “Kasoze abuye futhi. 12 Uzafela kuleyondawo asiwa kuyo ethunjiwe; ilizwe leli kasoze alibone futhi.”

13 “Maye kuye owakha indlu yakhe yobukhosi ngokungalungi,

lezindlu zakhe zangaphezulu ngokungafanelanga,

esenza abantu bakibo basebenzele ize,

engabaholisi lutho ngokusebenza kwabo.

14 Uthi, ‘Ngizazakhela indlu enkulu yobukhosi

elezitezi ezibanzi.’

Ngakho uyenza ibe lamawindi amakhulu,

ayinameke ngemisidari,

ayicombe ngokubomvu.

15 Ukuba lemisedari eminenginengi

kukwenza ube yinkosi na?

Uyihlo kazange abe lokudla lokunathwayo na?

Wenza okuqondileyo lokulungileyo,

ngakho konke kwamlungela.

16 Wavikela amalungelo abayanga labaswelayo,

ngakho konke kwamlungela.

Lokho akusikho okutsho ukungazi na?”

kutsho uThixo.

17 “Kodwa amehlo akho lenhliziyo yakho

kukhangele inzuzo yenkohliso,

lokuchitha igazi elingelacala,

ukuncindezela kanye lodlakela.”

18 Ngakho mayelana loJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya, inkosi yakoJuda, uThixo uthi:

“Kabayikumkhalela besithi:

‘Maye ngomfowethu!

Maye ngodadewethu!’

Kabayikumkhalela besithi:

‘Maye ngenkosi yami!

Maye ngobuhle bayo obukhulu!’

19 Uzangcwatshwa njengobabhemi,

ahudulwe aphoselwe

ngaphandle kwamasango aseJerusalema.”

20 “Qansa uye eLebhanoni umemeze,

wenze ilizwi lakho lizwakale eBhashani;

memeza use-Abharimi,

ngoba bonke abamanyane lawe banqotshiwe.

21 Ngakuxwayisa uzibona uvikelekile,

kodwa wena wathi, ‘Angiyikulalela!’

Le ibe iyindlela yakho kusukela ebutsheni bakho;

kawungilalelanga.

22 Umoya uzabaxotshela khatshana bonke abelusi bakho,

labamanyene lawe bazathunjwa.

Lapho-ke uzayangeka ube lenhloni

ngenxa yobubi bakho bonke.

23 Lina abahlala ‘eLebhanoni,’

eligcineke kuhle ezindlini zemisedari,

lizabubula kakhulu lapho inhlungu zilehlela,

ubuhlungu obunjengowesifazane ehelelwa!”

24  UThixo uthi, “Ngeqiniso njengoba ngikhona, lanxa ngabe wena, Jehoyakhini ndodana kaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda, wawuyindandatho ebukekayo esandleni sami sokunene, ngangizakukhupha. 25 Ngizakunikela kulabo abafuna ukukubulala, labo obesabayo, uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni lakumaKhaladiya. 26 Wena kanye lonyoko owakuzalayo ngizaliphosela kwelinye ilizwe, lapho elingazalelwanga khona, lapho elizafela khona lobabili. 27 Kaliyikuphinda libuye elizweni elifisa ukuza kulo.”

28 Umuntu lo, uJehoyakhini, uyimbiza efileyo,

edelelwayo, into engafunwa muntu na?

Kungani yena labantwabakhe bezaphoselwa ngaphandle,

balahlelwe elizweni abangalaziyo na?

29 Wena lizwe, lizwe, lizwe,

zwana ilizwi likaThixo!

30  UThixo uthi:

“Bhalani umuntu lo njengongelabantwana,

umuntu ongayikuphumelela empilweni yakhe,

ngoba kakho owenzalo yakhe ozaphumelela,

kakho ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida

loba abuse futhi koJuda.”

23

Ugatsha Olulungileyo

1 “Maye kubelusi abachitha izimvu zedlelo lami njalo bezihlakaza!” kutsho uThixo. 2 Ngakho uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi kubelusi abelusa abantu bami: “Ngenxa yokuthi lina lihlakaze umhlambi wami lawuxotshela khatshana kalaze lawunaka, ngizakwehlisela isijeziso phezu kwenu ngenxa yobubi elibenzileyo,” kutsho uThixo. 3 “Mina ngokwami ngizabutha insalela zezimvu zami emazweni wonke engangizixotshele kuwo ngizibuyisele edlelweni lazo, lapho ezizazalana khona zande. 4 Ngizazilethela abelusi abazazelusa, njalo kazisayikwesaba loba zithuthumele, loba enye yazo ilahleke,” kutsho uThixo.

5  UThixo uthi, “Ziyeza insuku,

lapho uDavida ngizamvusela uGatsha olulungileyo,

iNkosi ezabusa ngokuhlakanipha,

yenze okulungileyo, lokufaneleyo elizweni.

6 Ensukwini zayo uJuda uzasindiswa,

lo-Israyeli ahlale evikelekile.

Ibizo azabizwa ngalo yileli elithi:

UThixo Oyikulunga Kwethu.”

7  UThixo uthi, “Ngakho-ke, insuku ziyeza, lapho abantu bengasayikuthi, ‘Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, yena owakhupha u-Israyeli eGibhithe,’ 8 kodwa bazakuthi, ‘Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, yena owakhipha izizukulwane zika-Israyeli elizweni elisenyakatho lakuwo wonke amazwe abaxotshela kuwo.’ Lapho-ke bazahlala elizweni labo.”

Abaphrofethi Abaqamba Amanga

9 Mayelana labaphrofethi:

Inhliziyo yami idabukile ngaphakathi kwami;

wonke amathambo ami ayaqhaqhazela.

Ngifana lomuntu odakiweyo,

lanjengomuntu owehlulwa liwayini,

ngenxa kaThixo

lamazwi akhe angcwele.

10 Ilizwe leli ligcwele izifebe;

ngenxa yesiqalekiso ilizwe lomile

lamadlelo enkangala abunile.

Abaphrofethi balandela indlela embi,

basebenzisa amandla abo ngokungalungi.

11 “Umphrofethi lomphristi kabakholwa kunkulunkulu;

lasethempelini lami ngiyabufumana ububi babo,”

kutsho uThixo.

12 “Ngakho indlela yabo izatshelela;

bazaxotshelwa emnyameni

njalo lapho bazakuwa.

Ngizabehlisela umonakalo ngomnyaka wokujeziswa kwabo,”

kutsho uThixo.

13 “Phakathi kwabaphrofethi baseSamariya

ngabona into eyenyanyekayo:

Baphrofetha ngoBhali

njalo baholela abantu bami ekulahlekeni.

14 Lakubaphrofethi baseJerusalema

sengibone into eyesabekayo:

Bayafeba baphile ngamanga.

Baqinisa izandla zabenza okubi,

ukuba kungabikhona oguquka ebubini bakhe.

Kimi bonke banjengeSodoma;

abantu baseJerusalema banjengeGomora.”

15 Ngakho, mayelana labaphrofethi uThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Ngizabenza badle ukudla okubabayo,

banathe lamanzi aletshefu,

ngoba kusukela kubaphrofethi baseJerusalema

ukungakholwa kuNkulunkulu sekugcwele ilizwe lonke.”

16  UThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Lingalaleli okuphrofethwa ngabaphrofethi kini;

balenza lithembe amanga.

Bakhuluma imibono evela ezingqondweni zabo,

engaveli emlonyeni kaThixo.

17 Bahlala besithi kulabo abangidelelayo,

‘UThixo uthi: Lizakuba lokuthula.’

Lakubo bonke abalandela inkani yezinhliziyo zabo

bathi, ‘Akulabubi obuzalehlela.’

18 Kodwa nguphi wabo owake wema emhlanganweni kaThixo

ukuba abone kumbe ezwe ilizwi lakhe na?

Ngubani olilaleleyo walizwa ilizwi lakhe?

19 Khangelani, isiphepho sikaThixo

sizaphutsha silulaka,

isavunguzane esibhoda ngolaka

phezu kwamakhanda ababi.

20 Ulaka lukaThixo kaluyikuphela

aze azifeze ngokupheleleyo

injongo zenhliziyo yakhe.

Ensukwini ezizayo

lizakuzwisisa kuhle lokhu.

21 Abaphrofethi laba angibathumanga;

kodwa bagijima lemibiko yabo;

kangizange ngikhulume labo,

kodwa sebephrofethile.

22 Kodwa aluba babekhona emhlanganweni wami,

ngabe bamemezela amazwi ami ebantwini bami

njalo ngabe babaphendula ezindleleni zabo ezimbi

lasezenzweni zabo ezimbi.”

23  UThixo uthi,

“NginguNkulunkulu oseduze kuphela,

uNkulunkulu ongekho khatshana na?

24 Umuntu angacatsha endaweni efihlakeleyo

ukuba ngingamboni na?”

kutsho uThixo.

“Angithi ngigcwele ezulwini lasemhlabeni na?”

kutsho uThixo.

25 “Ngikuzwile okutshiwo ngabaphrofethi abaphrofetha amanga ngebizo lami. Bathi, ‘Ngiphuphile! Ngiphuphile!’ 26 Koze kube nini lokhu kuqhubeka ezinhliziyweni zalaba abaphrofethi abalamanga na? 27 Bacabanga ukuthi amaphupho abawatshelanayo azakwenza abantu bami bakhohlwe ibizo lami, njengabokhokho babo abakhohlwa ibizo lami ngenxa yokukhonza uBhali. 28 Akuthi umphrofethi ophupha iphupho kalitsho, kodwa lowo olelizwi lami kalikhulume ngobuqotho, ngoba amakhoba angenzani lamabele na?” kutsho uThixo. 29 “Ilizwi lami kalinjengomlilo,” kutsho uThixo, “lanjengesando esidabula idwala libe yizicucu na?”

30  UThixo uthi, “Ngakho, ngimelana labaphrofethi abantshontsha kwabanye amazwi okuthiwa avela kimi. 31 Yebo, ngimelana labaphrofethi abasebenzisa indimi zabo kodwa bathi, ‘UThixo uthi,’ 32 Ngeqiniso, ngimelana lalabo abaphrofetha amaphupho amanga,” kutsho uThixo. “Bayawatsho baholele abantu bami ekulahlekeni ngamanga abo lamawala, ikanti angizange ngibathume kumbe ngibakhethe. Kababasizi ngalutho abantu laba,” kutsho uThixo.

Isiphrofethi Samanga

33 “Nxa abantu laba, loba umphrofethi kumbe umphristi, bebuza besithi, ‘Izilo likaThixo kuyini?’ wothi kubo, ‘Izilo liphi? Ngizakulahla, kutsho uThixo.’ 34 Nxa umphrofethi loba umphristi kumbe omunye umuntu esithi, ‘Leli lizilo likaThixo,’ lowomuntu ngizamjezisa kanye labendlu yakhe. 35 Lokhu yikho omunye wenu ohlala ekutsho kumngane wakhe loba isihlobo sakhe ukuthi: ‘Impendulo kaThixo ithini na?’ loba ‘UThixo utheni?’ 36 Kodwa akumelanga lithi ‘izilo likaThixo’ futhi, ngoba umuntu wonke ilizwi lakhe liba lizilo lakhe ngoba liyawahlanekela amazwi kaNkulunkulu ophilayo, uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu wethu. 37 Lokhu yikho elihlala likutsho kumphrofethi ukuthi, ‘Impendulo kaThixo kuwe ithini?’ loba ‘UThixo utheni?’ 38 Lanxa lina lisithi, ‘Leli lizilo likaThixo,’ uThixo uthi: Lasebenzisa amazwi athi, ‘Leli lizilo likaThixo.’ Lanxa mina ngalitshela ukuthi lingabokuthi, ‘Leli lizilo likaThixo.’ 39 Ngakho, ngeqiniso ngizalikhohlwa ngiliphosele khatshana lami kanye ledolobho engalinika lona lina labokhokho benu. 40 Ngizalehlisela ihlazo elingapheliyo lokuyangeka okungayikukhohlakala.”

24

Izitsha Ezimbili Zomkhiwa

1 Emva kokuba uJekhoniya indodana kaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda lezikhulu, izingcitshi kanye lezisebenzi zakoJuda sebethunjwe eJerusalema basiwa eBhabhiloni nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, uThixo wangitshengisa izitsha ezimbili zomkhiwa zibekwe phambi kwethempeli likaThixo. 2 Esinye isitsha sasilomkhiwa omuhle kakhulu, njengovuthwa kuqala; esinye isitsha sasilomkhiwa omubi, ubolile ungeke wadleka.

3  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Kuyini okubonayo, Jeremiya?”

Ngathi, “Ngumkhiwa. Omuhle muhle kakhulu, kodwa omubi ubole kakhulu ungeke udliwe.”

4 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kimi lisithi: 5 “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Njengalo umkhiwa omuhle, ngibathatha njengabalungileyo abathunjwa bakoJuda, engabasusa kule indawo ngabasa elizweni laseBhabhiloni. 6 Amehlo ami azabakhangela kokuphela, njalo ngizababuyisa kulelilizwe. Ngizabakha ngingabadilizi; ngizabahlanyela ngingabasiphuni. 7 Ngizabapha inhliziyo yokungazi, ukuthi mina nginguThixo. Bazakuba ngabantu bami, mina ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo, ngoba bazabuyela kimi ngenhliziyo yabo yonke.

8 Kodwa njengomkhiwa omubi, obolileyo ongeke udliwe,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘ngizamphatha kanjalo uZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, lezikhulu zakhe kanye labasindayo eJerusalema, langabe basele kulelilizwe loba baseGibhithe. 9 Ngizabenza bazondakale njalo babe yisinengiso kuyo yonke imibuso yasemhlabeni, insolo lesiga, into yokuhlekwa lokuthukwa, loba kungaphi engibaxotshela khona. 10 Ngizathumela inkemba, indlala lomkhuhlane baze babhujiswe baphele elizweni engabanika lona kanye labokhokho babo.’ ”

25

Iminyaka Yokuthunjwa Engamatshumi Ayisikhombisa

1 Ilizwi lafika kuJeremiya mayelana labantu bonke bakoJuda ngomnyaka wesine kaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, okwakungumnyaka wokuqala kaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni. 2 Ngakho uJeremiya umphrofethi wathi kubo bonke abantu bakoJuda lakubo bonke abahlala eJerusalema: 3 Okweminyaka engamatshumi amabili lantathu, kusukela ngomnyaka wetshumi lantathu kaJosiya indodana ka-Amoni inkosi yakoJuda kuze kube yilolusuku, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi njalo ngalikhuluma kini njalonjalo, kodwa kalilalelanga.

4 Lanxa uThixo wathumela zonke izinceku zakhe abaphrofethi kini njalonjalo, kalilalelanga njalo kalinakanga. 5 Bathi, “Phendukani khathesi, omunye lomunye wenu, ezindleleni zenu ezimbi lasezenzweni zenu ezimbi, lihlale elizweni uThixo alinika lona kanye labokhokho benu kuze kube nininini. 6 Lingalandeli abanye onkulunkulu ukuba libasebenzele njalo libakhonze; lingangithukuthelisi ngalokho okwenziwa yizandla zenu. Lapho-ke angiyikulehlisela okubi.”

7 “Kodwa kalingilalelanga,” kutsho uThixo, “njalo lingithukuthelisile ngokwenziwa ngezandla zenu, lazehlisela okubi.”

8 Ngakho uThixo uSomandla uthi: “Ngenxa yokuthi kalilalelanga amazwi ami, 9 ngizabiza bonke abantu basenyakatho lenceku yami uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni,” kutsho uThixo, “njalo ngizabaletha ukuba bamelane lelizwe leli labahlala kulo kanye lezizwe zonke eziseduze lalo. Ngizababhubhisa ngokupheleleyo ngibenze babe yinto eyesabekayo leyokuklolodelwa, lencithakalo yanini lanini. 10 Ngizasusa phakathi kwabo imisindo yokuthokoza lokuthaba, lelizwi lomlobokazi lelomyeni, lomsindo wamatshe okuchola kanye lokukhanya kwesibane. 11 Ilizwe leli lonke lizakuba yinkangala ephundlekileyo, lezizwe lezi zizasebenzela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa.

12 Kodwa lapho iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa isiphelile, ngizayijezisa inkosi yaseBhabhiloni lesizwe sayo, ilizwe lamaKhaladiya, ngenxa yobubi babo,” kutsho uThixo, “njalo ngizalenza lichitheke kokuphela. 13 Ngizakwehlisela phezu kwelizwe lelo zonke izinto engazitshoyo ngalo, konke okulotshwe encwadini le okwaphrofethwa nguJeremiya ezizweni zonke. 14 Lazo uqobo zizathunjwa yizizwe ezinengi lamakhosi amakhulu; ngizaphindisela kubo mayelana lezenzo zabo langemisebenzi yezandla zabo.”

Inkezo Yolaka LukaNkulunkulu

15  UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli wathi kimi, “Yamukela esandleni sami inkezo le egcwele iwayini lolaka lwami unathise zonke izizwe engikuthuma kuzo. 16 Zingalinatha, zizadiyazela zihlanye ngenxa yenkemba engizayithumela phakathi kwazo.” 17 Ngakho ngayithatha inkezo esandleni sikaThixo ngazinathisa zonke izizwe ayengithume kuzo:

18 IJerusalema lamadolobho akoJuda, amakhosi akhona kanye lezikhulu, ukubenza babe yincithakalo lento eyesabekayo yokuklolodelwa lokuqalekiswa, njengoba benjalo lamhla;

19 uFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe, lezinceku zakhe, lezikhulu zakhe kanye labantu bakhe bonke, 20 labantu bonke bezizweni abakhonale;

wonke amakhosi ase-Uzi;

wonke amakhosi amaFilistiya (awe-Ashikheloni, eGaza, e-Ekroni, labantu abasala e-Ashidodi);

21 e-Edomi, leMowabi kanye le-Amoni;

22 wonke amakhosi aseThire, leSidoni;

amakhosi amazwe angasolwandle ngaphetsheya kwalo,

23 eDedani, leThema leBhuzi labo bonke abasezindaweni ezikhatshana;

24 wonke amakhosi ase-Arabhiya lawo wonke amakhosi abantu bezizweni abahlala enkangala;

25 amakhosi wonke aseZimri, le-Elamu leMediya;

26 lawo amakhosi asenyakatho, eduze lakhatshana, elandelana, yonke imibuso esemhlabeni.

Emva kwabo bonke, inkosi yaseSheshaki layo izalinatha.

27 “Lapho-ke batshele uthi, ‘UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Nathani, lidakwe lihlanze, njalo liwe lingavuki futhi ngenxa yenkemba engizayithumela phakathi kwenu.’ 28 Kodwa bangala ukwamukela inkezo esandleni sakho ukuba banathe, batshele uthi, ‘UThixo uSomandla uthi: Kumele liyinathe! 29 Khangelani, sengiqalisile ukuletha umonakalo edolobheni elileBizo lami, njalo lina lizaphutha impela ukujeziswa na? Kaliyikuphutha ukujeziswa ngoba ngizakwehlisela inkemba phezu kwabo bonke abahlala emhlabeni, kutsho uThixo uSomandla.’

30 Khathesi-ke phrofetha wonke amazwi la ngabo uthi kubo:

‘UThixo uzahlokoma ephezulu;

uzaduma esendaweni yakhe engcwele,

njalo ahlokome kakhulu emelana lelizwe lakhe.

Uzamemeza njengabahluza amavini,

akhwaze ngamandla ekhwazela bonke abahlala emhlabeni.

31 Ukuxokozela kuzazwakala emikhawulweni yomhlaba,

ngoba uThixo uzazethesa amacala izizwe;

uzakwahlulela abantu bonke

ababi ababhubhise ngenkemba,’ ”

kutsho uThixo.

32 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla:

“Khangelani! Umonakalo uyanda

usuka kwesinye isizwe usiya kwesinye;

isiphepho esikhulu siyavunguza

sivela emikhawulweni yomhlaba.”

33 Ngalesosikhathi labo ababulewe nguThixo bazakuba sezindaweni zonke kusukela komunye kusiya komunye umkhawulo womhlaba. Kabayikukhalelwa loba babuthwe kumbe bangcwatshwe, kodwa bazakuba njengezibi emhlabathini.

34 Khalani lilile lina belusi;

giqikani ethulini lina bakhokheli bomhlambi.

Ngoba isikhathi sokubulawa kwenu sesifikile;

lizakuwa liphohlozeke njengokubunjiweyo.

35 Abelusi laba kabayikuba lalapho abangabalekela khona,

abakhokheli bomhlambi bengelandawo yokubalekela kuyo.

36 Zwanini ukukhala kwabelusi,

ukulila kwabakhokheli bomhlambi,

ngoba uThixo uyalichitha idlelo labo.

37 Lamadlelo alokuthula azatshabalaliswa

ngenxa yolaka olwesabekayo lukaThixo.

38 Njengesilwane uzaphuma esikhundleni sakhe,

njalo ilizwe labo lizakuba yinkangala

ngenxa yenkemba yomncindezeli

langenxa yolaka lukaThixo olwesabekayo.

26

UJeremiya Usongelwa Ukubulawa

1 Ekuqaleni kokubusa kukaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, kwafika ilizwi leli livela kuThixo lisithi, 2 “UThixo uthi: Mana egumeni lendlu kaThixo ukhulume kubo bonke abantu basemadolobheni akoJuda abeza endlini kaThixo ukuba bakhonze. Batshele konke engakulaya khona, kungabi lelizwi olitshiyayo. 3 Mhlawumbe bazalalela omunye lomunye wabo aphenduke endleleni yakhe embi. Lapho-ke ngizadeda ngingabehliseli umonakalo ebengizawenza kubo ngenxa yobubi ababenzileyo. 4 Tshono kubo uthi, ‘UThixo uthi: Nxa lingangilaleli lilandele umthetho wami engalibekela wona, 5 njalo nxa lingalaleli amazwi ezinceku zami abaphrofethi, engabathuma kini njalonjalo (lanxa lingalalelanga), 6 ngizakwenza indlu le ibe njengeShilo ledolobho leli libe yinto yokuqalekiswa phakathi kwezizwe zonke zomhlaba.’ ”

7 Abaphristi, labaphrofethi kanye labantu bonke bamuzwa uJeremiya ekhuluma amazwi la endlini kaThixo. 8 Kodwa kwathi uJeremiya eqeda nje ukubatshela bonke abantu konke uThixo ayemlaye ukuba akutsho, abaphristi, labaphrofethi kanye labantu bonke bamphuthuma bathi kuye, “Kumele ufe! 9 Kungani uphrofetha ngebizo likaThixo usithi indlu le izakuba njengeShilo ledolobho leli lizachitheka abantu basuke kulo?” Abantu bonke bambuthanela uJeremiya endlini kaThixo.

10 Kwathi izikhulu zakoJuda sezizwe ngalezizinto, zaya endlini kaThixo zisuka esigodlweni senkosi zahlala ezindaweni zazo entubeni yeSango elitsha lendlu kaThixo. 11 Abaphristi, labaphrofethi basebesithi ezikhulwini lasebantwini bonke, “Umuntu lo kumele agwetshelwe ukufa ngoba uphrofetha kubi ngedolobho leli. Likuzwile ngezindlebe zenu!”

12 UJeremiya wasesithi ezikhulwini zonke lasebantwini bonke: “UThixo ungithumile ukuba ngiphrofethe kubi ngendlu le langedolobho leli zonke izinto elizizwileyo. 13 Ngakho lungisani izindlela zenu lezenzo zenu lilalele uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu. Ngalokho uThixo uzadeda angabe esalehlisela umonakalo abememezele ukuwehlisela kini. 14 Kodwa mina, ngisezandleni zenu; yenzani kimi loba kuyini lokho elikubona kukuhle, kufanele. 15 Kodwa likwazi, impela ukuthi lingangibulala, lizakwehlisela phezu kwenu icala legazi elimsulwa laphezu kwedolobho leli kanye laphezu kwabantu abahlala kulo, ngoba ngeqiniso uThixo ungithumile kini ukuba ngikhulume wonke amazwi la lani lisizwa.”

16 Izikhulu labantu bonke basebesithi kubaphristi lakubaphrofethi, “Umuntu lo akumelanga abulawe! Ukhulume kithi ngebizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.”

17 Abanye babadala baselizweni basondela phambili bakhuluma kulolonke ibandla labantu bathi, 18  *“UMikha waseMoreshethi waphrofitha ensukwini zikaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda. Wabatshela bonke abantu bakoJuda wathi, ‘UThixo uSomandla uthi:

IZiyoni izalinywa njengensimu,

iJerusalema izakuba yinqwaba yemfucuza,

intaba yethempeli ibe yindunduma eyande izixukwana.’

19 Kanje uHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda loba omunye umuntu nje wakoJuda wambulala na? UHezekhiya kamesabanga yini uThixo wacela umusa kuye? UThixo kadedanga wayekela ukubehlisela umonakalo ayewumemezele kubo na? Sekuseduze ukuthi sizehlisele umonakalo owesabekayo phezu kwethu!”

20 (U-Uriya indodana kaShemaya owaseKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi ungomunye umuntu owaphrofetha ngebizo likaThixo: waphrofitha izinto ezinjalo ngedolobho leli langelizwe leli njengoJeremiya. 21 Kwathi inkosi uJehoyakhimi lezinduna zakhe kanye lezikhulu zakhe besizwa amazwi akhe, bafuna ukumbulala. Kodwa u-Uriya wakuzwa lokho wasebalekela eGibhithe esesaba. 22 UJehoyakhimi inkosi, wathuma u-Elinathani indodana ka-Akhibhori lamanye amadoda eGibhithe. 23 Bamthatha u-Uriya eGibhithe bamusa kuJehoyakhimi inkosi wambulala ngenkemba isidumbu sakhe saphoselwa endaweni yokungcwabela abantukazana.)

24 Phezu kwalokho, u-Ahikhami indodana kaShafani wasekela uJeremiya, ngakho kanikezwanga ebantwini ukuba bambulale.

27

UJuda Uzasebenzela UNebhukhadineza

1 Ekuqaleni kokubusa kukaZedekhiya indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, ilizwi leli lafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo lisithi: 2  UThixo wathi kimi, “Yenza ijogwe ngemichilo langemigoqo uligaxe entanyeni yakho. 3 Ubusuthumela ilizwi enkosini yase-Edomi, leyaseMowabi, leyase-Amoni, eyeThire kanye leyaseSidoni ngezithunywa ezize eJerusalema kuZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda. 4 Zinike ilizwi eliya emakhosini azo uthi, ‘UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Tshelani amakhosi enu lokhu ukuthi: 5 Ngamandla ami amakhulu langengalo yami eyeluliweyo ngenza umhlaba labantu bawo kanye lezinyamazana ezikuwo, njalo ngiwunika loba ngubani ngokuthanda kwami. 6 Khathesi wonke amazwe enu ngizawanikela encekwini yami uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, ngizakwenza lezinyamazana zeganga zibe ngaphansi kwakhe. 7 Izizwe zonke zizamsebenzela yena lamadodana akhe kanye labazukulu bakhe kuze kufike isikhathi selizwe lakhe lapho azanqotshwa khona yizizwe ezinengi lamakhosi amakhulu.

8 Kodwa, loba yisiphi isizwe loba umbuso ongasebenzeli uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni loba ukhothamisele intamo yawo ejogeni lakhe, ngizasijezisa lesosizwe ngenkemba, ngendlala langesifo, ngize ngiwuchithe ngesandla sakhe, kutsho uThixo. 9 Ngakho lingabalaleli abaphrofethi benu, izanuse zenu, abachazi bamaphupho, izangoma zenu loba izinyanga zenu ezithi kini, kaliyikuyisebenzela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni.’ 10 Baphrofetha amanga kini azasebenza ukulisusa nje kuphela emazweni enu; ngizalixotsha njalo lizabhubha. 11 Kodwa isizwe esizabeka intamo yaso ngaphansi kwejogwe lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni siyisebenzele, lesosizwe ngizasiyekela siselizweni laso ukuba sililime njalo sihlale kulo, kutsho uThixo.”

12 UZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda ngamnika ilizwi elinjalo; Ngathi, “Beka intamo yakho ngaphansi kwejogwe lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni; isebenzele yona kanye labantu bayo, uzaphila. 13 Kungani wena labantu bakho lizabulawa ngenkemba, indlala lesifo uThixo ayesongele ngakho isizwe esingayikusebenzela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni na? 14 Lingawalaleli amazwi abaphrofethi abathi kini, ‘Kaliyikuyisebenzela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni,’ ngoba baphrofetha amanga kini. 15 ‘Angibathumanga,’ kutsho uThixo. ‘Baphrofetha amanga ngebizo lami. Ngakho ngizalixotsha, libhubhe lina kanye labaphrofethi abaphrofetha kini.’ ”

16 Ngasengisithi kubaphristi lakubo bonke abantu laba, “UThixo uthi: Lingabalaleli abaphrofethi abathi, ‘Masinyane nje izitsha zasendlini kaThixo zizabuyiswa zivela eBhabhiloni.’ Baphrofetha amanga kini. 17 Lingabalaleli. Isebenzeleni inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, lizaphila. Kungani idolobho leli kumele libe lunxiwa na? 18 Nxa bengabaphrofethi njalo belelizwi likaThixo, kabamncenge uThixo uSomandla ukuba izitsha eziseleyo endlini kaThixo lasesigodlweni senkosi yakoJuda kanye laseJerusalema zingasiwa eBhabhiloni. 19 Ngoba lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla mayelana lensika, loLwandle, lokokumisa okuphakamisekayo kanye lezinye izitsha eziseleyo kulelidolobho, 20 uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni engahambanga layo ekuthatheni kwakhe uJehoyakhini indodana kaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda emsusa eJerusalema emusa ekuthunjweni eBhabhiloni, kanye lezikhulu zonke zakoJuda lezeJerusalema, 21 yebo, lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, mayelana lezinto eziseleyo endlini kaThixo lasesigodlweni senkosi yakoJuda kanye laseJerusalema ukuthi: 22 ‘Zizasiwa eBhabhiloni lapho ezizakuba khona kuze kufike usuku engizazilanda ngalo,’ kutsho uThixo. ‘Lapho-ke ngizazibuyisela emuva kule indawo.’ ”

28

UHananiya Umphrofethi Wamanga

1 Ngenyanga yesihlanu yawonalowo umnyaka, umnyaka wesine, ekuqaleni kokubusa kukaZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, umphrofethi uHananiya indodana ka-Azuri, owayevela eGibhiyoni, wathi kimi endlini kaThixo phambi kwabaphristi labantu bonke: 2 “UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: ‘Ngizalephula ijogwe lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni. 3 Phakathi kweminyaka emibili ngizazibuyisela kule indawo zonke izitsha zendlu kaThixo ezathathwa nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni wazisa eBhabhiloni. 4 Ngizambuyisela kule indawo futhi uJekhoniya indodana kaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda kanye labanye bonke abathunjwa koJuda baya eBhabhiloni,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘ngoba ngizalephula ijogwe lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni.’ ”

5 Umphrofethi uJeremiya waphendula umphrofethi uHananiya phambi kwabaphristi labantu bonke ababemi endlini kaThixo. 6 Wathi, “Ameni! Sengathi uThixo angamenzenjalo! Sengathi uThixo angagcwalisa amazwi owaphrofethayo ngokubuyisela kule indawo izitsha zendlu kaThixo labo bonke abathunjelwa eBhabhiloni. 7 Lanxa kunjalo, lalela kulokhu engikutsho lawe usizwa kanye labantu bonke besizwa ukuthi: 8 Kusukela ezikhathini zakuqala abaphrofethi abandulela wena lami baphrofetha ngempi, ngomonakalo langesifo emazweni amanengi lasemibusweni emikhulu. 9 Kodwa umphrofethi ophrofetha ngokuthula uzakwaziwa njengothunywe nguThixo sibili lapho ilizwi lakhe seligcwalisekile.”

10 Lapho-ke uHananiya umphrofethi wasusa ijogwe entanyeni kaJeremiya umphrofethi walephula, 11 wasesithi phambi kwabantu bonke, “UThixo uthi: ‘Ngizalephula kanjalo ijogwe likaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni entanyeni zezizwe zonke phakathi kweminyaka emibili.’ ” Ngemva kwalokho umphrofethi uJeremiya wasuka wazihambela.

12 Masinyane nje emuva kokuba umphrofethi uHananiya ephule ijogwe entanyeni kaJeremiya umphrofethi, kwafika ilizwi likaThixo kuJeremiya lisithi: 13 “Hamba uyetshela uHananiya uthi, ‘UThixo uthi: Wephule ijogwe lesigodo, kodwa esikhundleni salo uzakuba lejogwe lensimbi. 14  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Ngizabeka ijogwe lensimbi entanyeni zezizwe zonke lezi ukuba zisebenzele uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, zizamsebenzela. Ngizamnika amandla laphezu kwezinyamazana zeganga.’ ”

15 Umphrofethi uJeremiya wasesithi kuHananiya umphrofethi, “Lalela, Hananiya! UThixo kakuthumanga, kodwa usuwenze isizwe lesi sathemba amanga. 16 Ngakho, uThixo uthi, ‘Sekuseduze ukuthi ngikususe ebusweni bomhlaba. Ngawonalo umnyaka uzakufa, ngoba uphrofithe ukuhlamukela uThixo.’ ”

17 Ngenyanga yesikhombisa yalowomnyaka, uHananiya umphrofethi wafa.

29

Incwadi Kwabasekuthunjweni

1 La ngamazwi encwadi umphrofethi uJeremiya ayithumela eseJerusalema ebadaleni abasindayo phakathi kwabathunjwayo lakubaphristi, abaphrofethi, lakubo bonke abantu uNebhukhadineza abathatha eJerusalema wabasa ekuthunjweni eBhabhiloni. 2 (Lokhu kwakungemva kokuba inkosi uJekhoniya lendlovukazi engunina, izikhulu zasemthethwandaba kanye labadala bakoJuda labaseJerusalema, izingcitshi lezingcwethi basebeye ekuthunjweni besuka eJerusalema.) 3 Incwadi leyo wayiphathisa u-Eleyasa indodana kaShafani loGemariya indodana kaHilikhiya, abathunywa nguZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda kuNebhukhadineza eBhabhiloni. Yathi:

4  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi kubo bonke labo engabasa ekuthunjweni eBhabhiloni besuka eJerusalema: 5 “Yakhani izindlu lihlale phansi; limani izivande lidle izithelo zazo. 6 Thathani abafazi lizale amadodana lamadodakazi; dingelani amadodana enu abafazi lendise lamadodakazi enu, ukuze lawo abe lamadodana kanye lamadodakazi; inani lenu lande ngapho; lingehli. 7 Funani ukuthula lokuphumelela kwedolobho engilise ekuthunjweni kulo. Likhulekeleni kuThixo, ngoba nxa liphumelela lani lizaphumelela.” 8 Ye, uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, “Lingavumeli ukuthi abaphrofethi labahlahluli abaphakathi kwenu balikhohlise. Lingawalaleli amaphupho elibakhuthaza ukuthi bawaphuphe. 9 Baphrofetha amanga kini ngebizo lami. Kangibathumanga,” kutsho uThixo.

10  UThixo uthi: “Lapho iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa isiphelile eBhabhiloni, ngizakuza kini ngigcwalise isithembiso sami somusa sokulibuyisela kule indawo. 11 Ngoba ngiyawazi amacebo engilawo ngani,” kutsho uThixo, “amacebo okuliphumelelisa hatshi ukulilimaza, amacebo okulinika ithemba kanye lesikhathi esizayo. 12 Ngalesosikhathi lizangibiza lizekhuleka kimi, njalo ngizalizwa. 13 Lizangidinga lingifumane nxa lingidinga ngenhliziyo yenu yonke. 14 Lizangifumana,” kutsho uThixo, “njalo ngizalibuyisa livela ekuthunjweni. Ngizaliqoqa ezizweni zonke lasezindaweni zonke engalixotshela kuzo,” kutsho uThixo, “njalo ngilibuyise endaweni engalithatha kuyo ngilisa ekuthunjweni.”

15 Lingatsho lithi, “UThixo usesiphe abaphrofethi eBhabhiloni,” 16 kodwa uThixo uthi mayelana lenkosi ehlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida labantu bonke abasala kulelidolobho, abantu bakini abangahambanga lani ekuthunjweni, 17 yebo, uThixo uSomandla uthi, “Ngizabathumela inkemba, lendlala lesifo njalo ngizabenza babe njengomkhiwa obolileyo ongeke udliwe. 18 Ngizaxotshana labo ngenkemba, ngendlala langesifo njalo ngizabenza benyanyeke kuyo yonke imibuso yasemhlabeni njalo babe yinto yokuqalekiswa lokwesatshwa, ukuklolodelwa lokuthukwa, phakathi kwezizwe zonke engibaxotshela kuzo. 19 Ngoba kabawalalelanga amazwi ami,” kutsho uThixo, “amazwi engawathumela kubo njalonjalo ngezinceku zami abaphrofethi. Lani abasekuthunjweni kalilalelanga,” kutsho uThixo.

20 Ngakho, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo, lonke lina elisekuthunjweni engalisusa eJerusalema ngalisa eBhabhiloni. 21 Mayelana lo-Ahabi indodana kaKholaya loZedekhiya indodana kaMaseya, abaphrofetha amanga kini ngebizo lami, uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: “Ngizabanikela kuNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni ozababulala phambi kobuso benu. 22 Ngenxa yabo, bonke abathunjiweyo abavela koJuda abaseBhabhiloni bazasebenzisa isiqalekiso lesi sokuthi: ‘UThixo makenze kini njengalokhu akwenze kuZedekhiya lo-Ahabi, abatshiswa yinkosi yaseBhabhiloni ngomlilo.’ 23 Ngoba benze izinto ezimbi kakhulu ko-Israyeli; bafeba labafazi babomakhelwane babo, baqamba amanga ngebizo lami, engingazange ngithi bakwenze. Ngiyakwazi njalo ngingufakazi kukho,” kutsho uThixo.

Ilizwi KuShemaya

24 Tshela uShemaya umNehelami uthi, 25 “UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: ‘Wathumela izincwadi ngebizo lakho kubo bonke abantu baseJerusalema, lakuZefaniya indodana kaMaseya umphristi, lakwabanye abaphristi bonke.’ KuZefaniya wathi, 26 ‘UThixo usekubeke ukuba ngumphristi esikhundleni sikaJehoyada ukuba ube ngumphathi wendlu kaThixo; umuntu ohlanyayo ozenza umphrofethi ubomfaka esitokisini umfake lezankosi zentanyeni. 27 Pho kungani ungamkhuzanga uJeremiya wase-Anathothi, ozenza umphrofethi phakathi kwenu? 28 Uthumele ilizwi leli kithi eBhabhiloni elithi: Kuzakuba yisikhathi eside. Ngakho yakhani izindlu lihlale phansi; limani izivande lidle izithelo zazo.’ ”

29 Kodwa, uZefaniya umphristi incwadi le wayibalela uJeremiya umphrofethi. 30 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kuJeremiya lisithi, 31 “Thumela ilizwi leli kubo bonke abathunjiweyo uthi, Mayelana loShemaya umNehelami uThixo uthi: ‘Njengoba uShemaya esephrofitha kini, lanxa mina ngingamthumanga, walenza lakholwa amanga, 32 ngeqiniso ngizamjezisa uShemaya umNehelami kanye lenzalo yakhe. Kakuyikuba lowakibo ozasala ekhona phakathi kwalababantu, njalo lezinto ezinhle engizazenzela abantu bami kasoze azibone, kutsho uThixo, ngoba uphrofetha ukungihlamukela.’ ”

30

Ukubuyiswa Kuka-Israyeli

1 Leli yilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo lisithi: 2 “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Loba encwadini wonke amazwi engiwakhulume kuwe. 3 Insuku ziyeza,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘lapho engizabuyisa abantu bami u-Israyeli loJuda bevela ekuthunjweni ngibabuyisele elizweni engalinika okhokho babo ukuba libe ngelabo,’ kutsho uThixo.”

4 Amazwi akhulunywa nguThixo ngo-Israyeli loJuda: 5 “Wathi:

‘Ukukhala kokwesaba kuzwakele,

ukwesaba okukhulu, hatshi ukuthula.

6 Buzani libone:

Indoda ingazala abantwana na?

Pho kungani ngibona wonke amadoda aqinileyo

ebambe izisu zawo ngezandla njengowesifazane ohelelwayo,

ubuso bonke sebube mhlotshana okokufa?

7 Yeka ukwesabeka okuzakuba yilolosuku!

Kalukho oluzakuba njengalo.

Kuzakuba yisikhathi sokuhlupheka kukaJakhobe,

kodwa uzahlengwa kukho.

8 Ngalolosuku,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla,

‘ngizalephula ijogwe entanyeni zabo

ngiqamule lezibopho zabo;

abezizweni kabasayikubagqilaza futhi.

9 Esikhundleni salokho, bazasebenzela uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo,

loDavida inkosi yabo,

engizabavusela yona.

10 Ngakho ungesabi, wena Jakhobe nceku yami;

ungadangali, wena Israyeli,’

kutsho uThixo.

‘Ngeqiniso ngizakuhlenga ezindaweni ezikude,

lenzalo yakho elizweni lokuthunjwa kwayo.

UJakhobe uzakuba lokuthula futhi kanye lokuvikeleka,

njalo kakho ozamenza esabe.

11 Ngilawe njalo ngizakuhlenga,’

kutsho uThixo.

‘Lanxa ngizichitha ngokupheleleyo zonke izizwe

engikuhlakazela kuzo,

wena angiyikukuchitha ngokupheleleyo.

Ngizakuqondisa kodwa ngokufaneleyo kuphela;

kangiyikukuyekela ungajeziswanga.’

12  UThixo uthi:

‘Isilonda sakho kaselapheki,

ukulimala kwakho akupholi.

13 Kakho okhulumela inhloso yakho,

akulamuthi wesilonda sakho,

akukho kuphola kuwe.

14 Bonke abangane bakho sebekukhohliwe;

kabalandaba lawe.

Ngikutshaye njengokungenziwa yisitha

ngakujezisa njengokungenziwa ngolesihluku,

ngoba icala lakho likhulu kakhulu

lezono zakho zinengi kakhulu.

15 Kungani ukhaliswa linxeba lakho,

ubuhlungu bakho obungelaphekiyo na?

Ngenxa yecala lakho elikhulu lezono ezinengi

ngenze lezizinto kuwe.

16 Kodwa bonke abakudlayo bazadliwa;

zonke izitha zakho zizathunjwa.

Labo abakuphangayo bazaphangwa;

bonke abakwemukayo ngizabemuka.

17 Kodwa ngizakusilisa ngipholise lamanxeba akho,’

kutsho uThixo,

‘ngoba kuthiwa ungolahliweyo,

iZiyoni okungekho olendaba lalo.’

18  UThixo uthi:

‘Ngizavuselela inotho yasemathenteni kaJakhobe

ngibe lesihawu emakhaya akhe;

idolobho lizakwakhiwa kutsha emanxiweni alo,

lendlu yobukhosi izakuma endaweni yayo uqobo.

19 Kubo kuzavela izingoma zokubonga

kanye lomsindo wokuthokoza.

Ngizakwandisa amanani abo,

njalo kabayikuphungulwa;

ngizabenza bahlonitshwe,

njalo kabayikweyiswa.

20 Abantwana babo bazakuba njengezinsukwini zakudala,

lebandla labo lizamiselwa phambi kwami;

ngizabajezisa bonke ababancindezelayo.

21 Umkhokheli wabo uzakuba ngomunye wabakibo;

umbusi wabo uzavela phakathi kwabo.

Ngizamsondeza eduze, uzakuza phansi kwami,

ngoba ngubani lowo ongazinikela

ukuba seduze kwami na?’

kutsho uThixo.

22 ‘Ngakho lina lizakuba ngabantu bami,

mina ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

23 Khangelani, isiphepho sikaThixo

sizakhupha ulaka,

umoya osasivunguzane usehlela

phezu kwamakhanda ababi.

24 Ulaka olwesabekayo lukaThixo kaluyikudeda

aze ayifeze ngokupheleleyo

injongo yenhliziyo yakhe.

Ensukwini ezizayo

lizakuzwisisa lokhu.

31

1 “Ngalesosikhathi ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wezizwana zonke zako-Israyeli, bona bazakuba ngabantu bami,” kutsho uThixo.

2  UThixo uthi:

“Abantu abasilayo enkembeni

bazathola umusa enkangala;

ngizakuzanika u-Israyeli ukuphumula.”

3  UThixo wabonakala kithi kudala esithi:

“Ngikuthandile ngothando olungapheliyo;

ngikuhole ngesisa esikhulu.

4 Ngizakwakha njalo uzakwakhiwa kutsha futhi,

wena Israyeli Ntombi emsulwa.

Uzathatha amagedla akho futhi uphume

uyegida labathokozayo.

5 Uzalima izivini zakho futhi

emaqaqeni aseSamariya;

abalimi bazazilima badle izithelo zazo.

6 Kuzakuba losuku lapho abalindi bezamemeza

phezu kwamaqaqa ako-Efrayimi bathi,

‘Wozani, kasiyeni eZiyoni,

kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.’ ”

7  UThixo uthi:

“Mhlabeleleni uJakhobe ngokuthokoza;

nqongolozelani izizwe ezidumileyo.

Yenzani ukudumisa kwenu kuzwakale, lisithi,

‘Awu Thixo, bahlenge abantu bakho,

insalela ka-Israyeli.’

8 Khangelani, ngizababuyisa bevela elizweni lasenyakatho,

ngibaqoqe emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

Phakathi kwabo kuzakuba leziphofu labaqhulayo;

abesifazane abazithweleyo labahelelwayo;

ixuku elikhulu lizabuya.

9 Bazabuya bekhala;

bazakhuleka lapho ngibabuyisa.

Ngizabaholela ezihotsheni zamanzi

endleleni eyendlalekileyo lapho abangayikukhubeka khona,

ngoba nginguyise ka-Israyeli,

njalo u-Efrayimi yindodana yami elizibulo.

10 Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo, lina zizwe;

limemezeleni emazweni angaselwandle khatshana lithi:

‘Yena owahlakaza u-Israyeli uzamqoqa

njalo uzakwelusa umhlambi wakhe njengomelusi.’

11 Ngoba uThixo uzamhlenga uJakhobe,

abakhulule ezandleni zalabo abalamandla kulabo.

12 Bazakuza banqongoloze ngentokozo ezingqongeni zeZiyoni;

bazathokoza ngokuphana kukaThixo,

ngamabele, langewayini elitsha kanye lamafutha e-oliva,

ngamazinyane ezimvu langamathole enkomo.

Bazakuba njengesivande esithelelwa kuhle,

njalo kabasayikuba losizi futhi.

13 Izintombi zizagida njalo futhi zithabe,

enzenjalo amajaha labadala.

Ngizaguqula ukukhala kwabo kube yikuthaba;

ngizabapha induduzo lentokozo esikhundleni sosizi.

14 Ngizasuthisa abaphristi ngokunengi,

labantu bami bazasutha ngokuphana kwami,”

kutsho uThixo.

15 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ilizwi lizwakala eRama,

lesililo lokukhala okukhulu,

uRasheli ukhalela abantwabakhe

njalo esala ukududuzwa,

ngoba kabasekho.”

16 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo:

“Bamba ilizwi lakho ungakhali,

lamehlo akho angehlisi inyembezi

ngoba umsebenzi wakho uzathola umvuzo,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Bazabuya bevela elizweni lesitha.

17 Ngakho kulethemba ensukwini zakho ezizayo,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Abantwabakho bazabuyela elizweni labo.

18 Ngikuzwile impela ukukhala kuka-Efrayimi esithi:

‘Wangitshaya njengethole elingathambanga,

njalo sengajeziseka.

Ngibuyisa, njalo ngizabuya,

ngoba unguThixo uNkulunkulu wami.

19 Emva kokweduka kwami,

ngaphenduka;

emva kokuba sengizwisisile,

ngazitshaya isifuba.

Ngaba lenhloni ngadumazeka

ngoba ngangilehlazo lasebutsheni bami.’

20 U-Efrayimi kasindodana yami ethandekayo,

umntanami engithokoza ngaye na?

Lanxa ngihlala ngikhuluma kubi ngaye

ngisamkhumbula.

Ngakho inhliziyo yami iyamlangatha;

ngiyamzwela kakhulu,

kutsho uThixo.

21 Beka izitshengiso zomgwaqo;

umise lezinsika zeziqondiso.

Nanzelela umgwaqo,

indlela ozahamba ngayo.

Phenduka, wena Ntombi egcweleyo Israyeli,

buyela emadolobheni akho.

22 Koze kube nini ulokhu uzulazula,

wena ndodakazi engathembekanga na?

UThixo uzadala into entsha emhlabeni,

owesifazane uzavikela indoda.”

23  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, “Lapho ngibabuyisa bevela ekuthunjweni, abantu abaselizweni lakoJuda lasemadolobheni alo bazawasebenzisa futhi amazwi la athi, ‘UThixo akubusise wena ndawo yokuhlala elungileyo, wena ntaba engcwele.’ 24 Abantu bazahlala ndawonye koJuda lasemadolobheni akhona wonke, abalimi kanye lalabo abazulazulayo lemihlambi yabo. 25 Ngizaqinisa abadiniweyo ngisuthise abangelamandla.”

26 Lapho-ke ngaphaphama ngakhangela indawana yonke. Ubuthongo bami babubemnandi kimi.

27 “Insuku ziyeza, lapho engizahlanyela khona indlu ka-Israyeli lendlu kaJuda lenzalo yabantu lezinyamazana. 28 Njengoba ngabalinda ukusiphuna lokudiliza, ukuchitha lokubhubhisa kanye lokuletha umonakalo, ngokunjalo ngizabalinda ukwakha lokuhlanyela,” kutsho uThixo. 29 “Ngalezonsuku abantu kabasayikutsho ukuthi,

‘Abazali badle amavini amunyu,

ngakho amazinyo abantwana asetshelela.’

30 Esikhundleni salokho, umuntu wonke uzafela izono zakhe; loba ngubani odla amavini amunyu amazinyo akhe azatshelela.

31 Isikhathi siyeza,

lapho engizakwenza khona isivumelwano esitsha

lendlu ka-Israyeli kanye lekaJuda,”

kutsho uThixo.

32 “Kasiyikufana lesivumelwano

engasenza labokhokho babo

lapho engababamba khona ngesandla

ukuba ngibakhuphe eGibhithe,

ngoba bephula isivumelwano sami,

lanxa ngangingumyeni wabo,”

kutsho uThixo.

33 “Lesi yiso isivumelwano engizasenza lendlu ka-Israyeli

ngemva kwalesosikhathi,” kutsho uThixo.

“Ngizafaka umthetho wami ezingqondweni zabo,

ngiwulobe lasezinhliziyweni zabo.

Ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo,

bona bazakuba ngabantu bami.

34 Umuntu kasayikufundisa umakhelwane wakhe,

kumbe umfowabo esithi, ‘Mazi uThixo,’

ngoba bonke bazangazi,

kusukela komncinyane wabo kusiya komkhulu,

kutsho uThixo.

Ngoba ngizabathethelela ububi babo,

njalo angiyikukhumbula izono zabo futhi.”

35 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo,

yena obeka ilanga ukuba likhanyise emini,

omisa inyanga lezinkanyezi ukuba kukhanye ebusuku,

onyakazisa ulwandle

ukuze amagagasi alo ahlokome,

uThixo uSomandla yilo ibizo lakhe, uthi:

36 “Nxa izimiso lezi zinganyamalala ebusweni bami,”

kutsho uThixo,

“kulapho lenzalo ka-Israyeli ezacina khona

ukuba yisizwe phambi kwami.”

37  UThixo uthi:

“Nxa amazulu phezulu engalinganiswa

lezisekelo zomhlaba ngaphansi zihlolwe,

kulapho engingayilahla khona yonke inzalo ka-Israyeli

ngenxa yakho konke abakwenzileyo,”

kutsho uThixo.

38 “Insuku ziyeza,” kutsho uThixo, “lapho idolobho leli ngizalakhelwa kutsha kusukela eMphotshongweni waseHananeli kusiya eSangweni leNgosi. 39 Intambo yokulinganisa izasukela lapho iqonde eqaqeni lweGarebi ibe isijikela eGowa. 40 Isigodi sonke lapho okulahlelwa khona izidumbu zabafileyo lomlotha, lawo wonke amasimu kusiyafika esigodini seKhidironi ngasempumalanga kusiyafika ejikweni leSango leBhiza, kuzakuba ngcwele kuThixo. Idolobho kaliyikusitshunwa futhi loba lidilizwe.”

32

UJeremiya Uthenga Insimu

1 Leli yilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo ngomnyaka wetshumi wokubusa kukaZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, owawungumnyaka wetshumi lasificaminwembili wokubusa kukaNebhukhadineza. 2 Ngalesosikhathi ibutho lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni lalivimbezele iJerusalema, uJeremiya umphrofethi evalelwe egumeni labalindi phakathi kwesigodlo senkosi yakoJuda.

3 UZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda wayemvalele lapho esithi, “Kungani uphrofetha njengalokhu okwenzayo? Uthi: ‘UThixo uthi: Sekuseduze ukuthi idolobho leli ngilinikele enkosini yaseBhabhiloni, njalo izalithumba. 4 UZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda akayikuphunyuka ezandleni zamaKhaladiya, kodwa uzanikelwa impela enkosini yaseBhabhiloni, njalo uzakhuluma layo ubuso ngobuso ayibone ngamehlo akhe. 5 Izathatha uZedekhiya imuse eBhabhiloni, lapho azahlala khona ngize ngibone engingakwenza kuye, kutsho uThixo. Nxa usilwa lamaKhaladiya, kawuyikuphumelela.’ ”

6 UJeremiya wathi, “Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 7 UHanameli indodana kaShalumi umalumakho uzakuza kuwe athi, ‘Thenga insimu yami e-Anathothi, ngoba njengesinini sami kulilungelo lakho lomlandu wakho ukuba uyithenge.’

8 Ngakho, njengokutsho kukaThixo, umzawami uHanameli weza kimi egumeni labalindi wathi, ‘Thenga insimu yami e-Anathothi elizweni lakoBhenjamini. Njengoba kulilungelo lakho ukuba uyihlenge ibe ngeyakho, zithengele yona.’

Ngakwazi ukuthi leli laliyilizwi likaThixo; 9 ngakho ngayithenga insimu ye-Anathothi kumzawami uHanameli, ngamlinganisela amashekeli alitshumi lesikhombisa esiliva. 10 Ngasayina incwadi yesivumelwano sokuthenga ngayinamathisela, yafakazelwa, ngalinganisa isiliva esikalini. 11 Ngathatha incwadi yokuthenga enanyekiweyo eyayilemithetho lezimiso, kanye leyayingananyekwangwa, 12 incwadi yokuthenga le ngayinika uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya, indodana kaMahaseyiya; umzawami uHanameli ekhona kanye labafakazi ababesayine incwadi yokuthenga lamaJuda wonke ehlezi egumeni labalindi.

13 Nganika uBharukhi imilayo le labo bekhona ngathi: 14 ‘UThixo uSomandla uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Thatha izincwadi lezi zesivumelwano sokuthenga enanyekiweyo lengananyekwanga uzifake embizeni yomdaka ukuze zihlale khona isikhathi eside. 15  UThixo uSomandla uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Izindlu lamasimu lezivini kuzathengwa futhi kulelilizwe.’

16 Emva kokuba uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya sengimphile incwadi yokuthenga, ngakhuleka kuThixo ngathi:

17  Thixo Wobukhosi, wadala amazulu lomhlaba ngamandla akho amakhulu langengalo yakho eyeluliweyo. Akukho lutho olunzima kuwe. 18 Ubonakalisa uthando kuzinkulungwane kodwa ulethe isijeziso sezono zaboyise ebantwaneni babo ngemva kwabo. Wena Nkulunkulu omkhulu olamandla, obizo lakho nguThixo uSomandla, 19 zinkulu injongo zakho njalo zilamandla izenzo zakho. Amehlo akho ayazibona zonke izindlela zabantu; unika umuntu wonke umvuzo kusiya ngokuziphatha kwakhe langokufanele izenzo zakhe. 20 Wenza izibonakaliso lezimangaliso eGibhithe, waqhubeka uzenza kwaze kwaba yilolusuku, khona ko-Israyeli laphakathi koluntu lonke, wathola udumo olukhulu lungolwakho lalamhlanje. 21 Wakhupha abantu bakho u-Israyeli eGibhithe ngezibonakaliso langezimangaliso; ngesandla esilamandla langengalo eyeluliweyo kanye lokwesaba okukhulu. 22 Wabanika ilizwe leli owawufunge ukulipha okhokho babo, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju. 23 Beza bafika balithatha, kodwa kabakulalelanga kumbe balandele imithetho yakho; kabakwenzanga owawubalaye ukuthi bakwenze. Ngakho wabehlisela wonke umonakalo lo.

24 Khangela ukuthi akhiwe njani amadundulu okuvimbezela ukuba idolobho lihlaselwe. Ngenxa yenkemba, lendlala lesifo idolobho lizanikelwa kumaKhaladiya alihlaselayo. Owakutshoyo sekusenzakala njengoba ubona khathesi. 25 Kodwa lanxa idolobho lizanikelwa kumaKhaladiya, wena Thixo Wobukhosi uthe kimi, ‘Thenga insimu ngesiliva kube labafakaza lokho.’ ”

26 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kuJeremiya lisithi: 27 “Mina nginguThixo, uNkulunkulu woluntu lonke. Kambe kulento engehlulayo na? 28 Ngakho, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, uthi: Sekuseduze ukuthi idolobho leli ngilinikele kumaKhaladiya lakuNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, ozalithumba. 29 AmaKhaladiya ahlasela idolobho leli azangena alithungele ngomlilo; alitshise, kanye lezindlu lapho abantu abangithukuthelisela khona ngokutshisela uBhali impepha phezu kwezimpahla zezindlu langokuthululela abanye onkulunkulu iminikelo enathwayo.

30 Abantu bakoJuda labako-Israyeli benza ububi bodwa emehlweni ami kusukela ebutsheni babo; impela, abantu bako-Israyeli bangithukuthelisa ngalokhu abakwenza ngezandla zabo, kutsho uThixo. 31 Kusukela ngosuku elakhiwa ngalo kuze kube khathesi, idolobho leli livusa ukuthukuthela kwami lolaka lwami okwenza kufanele ukuba ngilisuse ebusweni bami. 32 Abantu bako-Israyeli labakoJuda bangithukuthelisile ngobubi bonke ababenzileyo, bona, amakhosi abo lezikhulu zabo, abaphristi labaphrofethi babo, abantu bakoJuda labantu baseJerusalema. 33 Bangifulathela kabaze bangipha ubuso babo; lanxa ngabafundisa kanenginengi kabalalelanga njalo kabakunakanga ukukhuzwa. 34 Bamisa izithombe zabo ezinengekayo endlini eleBizo lami bayingcolisa. 35 Bakhela uBhali izindawo eziphakemeyo eSigodini saseBheni-Hinomu ukuba banikele amadodana lamadodakazi abo kuMoleki, lanxa ngingazange ngibalaye, kumbe kufike engqondweni yami, ukuthi babokwenza into eyenyanyeka kangaka ngalokho benze uJuda one.

36 Liyatsho ngedolobho leli lithi, ‘Ngenkemba, langendlala kanye langesifo lizanikelwa eNkosini yaseBhabhiloni’; kodwa uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: 37 Ngizababuyisa kule indawo ngibenze bahlale ngokuvikelwa. 38 Bazakuba ngabantu bami, mina ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. 39 Ngizabenza babemunye enhliziyweni lasezenzweni, ukuze bahlale bengesaba, ukuba kube kuhle kubo lasebantwaneni babo emva kwabo. 40 Ngizakwenza labo isivumelwano esingapheliyo: Angiyikuyekela ukwenza okuhle kubo, ngizabafunzelela ukuba bangesabe, ukuze bangangideli. 41 Ngizathokoza ekubenzeleni okuhle njalo ngibagxumeke ngobuqotho kulelilizwe ngenhliziyo yami yonke langomoya wami wonke.

42  UThixo uthi: Njengoba ngehlisele inkemenkeme le enkulu kangaka phezu kwalababantu, ngokunjalo ngizabapha konke ukuphumelela engabathembisa khona. 43 Amasimu azathengwa futhi kulelilizwe lina elithi ngalo, ‘Lilugwadule oluphundlekileyo, olungelabantu lezinyamazana, ngoba lanikelwa kumaKhaladiya.’ 44 Amasimu azathengwa ngesiliva, lezincwadi zokuthenga zisayinwe, zinanyekwe njalo zifakazelwe elizweni likaBhenjamini, lemizini eseduze leJerusalema, lasemadolobheni akoJuda kanye lasemadolobheni elizwe lamaqaqa, asemawatheni asentshonalanga kanye lawaseNegebi, ngoba ngizabuyisela inotho yabo, kutsho uThixo.”

33

Isithembiso Sokubuyiswa

1 UJeremiya elokhu esavalelwe egumeni labalindi, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuye ngokwesibili lisithi: 2 “UThixo, yena owadala umhlaba, uThixo owawenzayo wawumisa, uThixo yilo ibizo lakhe, uthi, 3 ‘Ngibiza ngizakusabela, ngikutshele izinto ezinkulu ezifihlakeleyo ongazaziyo.’ 4 Ngoba lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli mayelana lezindlu ezikulelidolobho langezindlu zobukhosi koJuda ezadilizwayo ukuba zisetshenziswe ekumelaneni lamadundulu okuvimbezela kanye lenkemba 5 ekulweni lamaKhaladiya: ‘Zizagcwala izidumbu zabantu abafileyo engizababulala ekuthukutheleni kwami langolaka lwami. Idolobho leli ngizalifihlela ubuso bami ngenxa yobubi balo bonke.

6 Kodwa, ngizaletha ukuphila lokusiliswa kulo. Abantu bami ngizabasilisa ngibenze bajabulele ukuthula okukhulu kanye lokuvikeleka. 7 Ngizabuyisa uJuda lo-Israyeli besuka ekuthunjweni njalo ngizabakha futhi njengalokhu ababeyikho kuqala. 8 Ngizabahlambulula kuzozonke izono abazenza kimi njalo ngizabathethelela zonke izono zabo zokungihlamukela. 9 Ngakho idolobho leli lizangilethela indumela, ukuthokoza, lokubongwa kanye lodumo phambi kwezizwe zonke emhlabeni ezizwa ngezinto zonke ezinhle engizenzela lona; njalo zizakwesaba ziqhaqhazele ngenxa yokuphumelela okukhulu lokuthula engizakuletha kulo.’

10  UThixo uthi: ‘Liyatsho ngendawo le lithi, “Ilugwadule oluphundlekileyo, olungelabantu kumbe izinyamazana.” Kodwa emadolobheni akoJuda lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema okwatshiywayo, okungekho muntu kumbe inyamazana ehlala khona, kuzazwakala khona futhi 11 imisindo yokuthokoza lokuthaba, amazwi omlobokazi lomyeni, lamazwi alabo abaletha iminikelo yokubonga endlini kaThixo besithi,

“Bongani uThixo uSomandla,

ngoba uThixo ulungile;

uthando lwakhe lumi kuze kube nini lanini.”

Ngoba inotho yelizwe ngizayibuyisela njengoba yayinjalo kuqala,’ kutsho uThixo.

12  UThixo uSomandla uthi, ‘Kuyo yonale indawo ephundlekileyo, engelabantu kumbe izinyamazana, kuwo wonke amadolobho ayo kuzakuba lamadlelo futhi ukuba abelusi baphumuze imihlambi yabo. 13 Emadolobheni elizwe lamaqaqa, lawemawatheni entshonalanga kanye lawaseNegebi, elizweni lakoBhenjamini, emizini eseduze leJerusalema lasemadolobheni akoJuda, imihlambi izadlula ngaphansi kwesandla salowo oyibalayo,’ kutsho uThixo.

14 ‘Insuku ziyeza,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘lapho engizagcwalisa isithembiso somusa engasenza endlini ka-Israyeli lasendlini kaJuda.

15 Ngalezonsuku langalesosikhathi

ngizahlumisa uGatsha olulungileyo osendweni lukaDavida;

uzakwenza okulungileyo lokufaneleyo elizweni.

16 Ngalezonsuku uJuda uzasindiswa

leJerusalema ihlale ngokuvikeleka.

Ibizo ezabizwa ngalo yileli elithi;

uThixo oyikuLunga Kwethu.’

17 Ngoba uThixo uthi, ‘UDavida kayikuswela umuntu ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi bendlu ka-Israyeli, 18 labaphristi, abangabaLevi, kabayikuswela umuntu oma phambi kwami kokuphela ukuba anikele iminikelo yokutshiswa, atshise iminikelo yamabele lokwethula imihlatshelo.’ ”

19 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuJeremiya lisithi: 20 “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo, ‘Nxa lingephula isivumelwano sami lemini lesivumelwano sami lobusuku, ukuze imini lobusuku kungabe kusaqalisa ngezikhathi zakho ezamiswayo, 21 lapho-ke isivumelwano sami loDavida inceku yami lesivumelwano sami labaLevi abangabaphristi abakhonzayo phambi kwami singephulwa njalo uDavida angeke abe lenzalo ezabusa esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. 22 Ngizakwenza inzalo kaDavida inceku yami labaLevi abakhonzayo phambi kwami ingabi lakubalwa njengezinkanyezi zasemazulwini njalo ingalinganiseki njengetshebetshebe lasekhunjini lolwandle.’ ”

23 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuJeremiya lisithi: 24 “Kawukananzeleli na ukuthi abantu laba bathi, ‘UThixo useyilahlile imibuso emibili ayeyikhethile’? Ngakho bayabeyisa abantu bami njalo kabasabanaki njengesizwe. 25  UThixo uthi, ‘Nxa ngingamisanga isivumelwano sami lelanga lobusuku kanye lemithetho eqinileyo yasezulwini lasemhlabeni, 26 lapho-ke ngizayilahla inzalo kaJakhobe lekaDavida inceku yami njalo ngingakhethi enye yamadodana akhe ukuba ibuse inzalo ka-Abhrahama, leka-Isaka lekaJakhobe. Ngoba ngizabuyisela inhlanhla yabo ngibe lesihawu kubo.’ ”

34

Isixwayiso KuZedekhiya

1 Kwathi uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni lebutho lakhe lonke kanye lemibuso yonke, labantu basemazweni ayewabusa besilwa leJerusalema lawo wonke amadolobho alo ayeseduzane, ilizwi leli lafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo lisithi; 2 “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Yana kuZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda uthi kuye, ‘UThixo uthi: Sekuseduze ukuthi idolobho leli ngilinikele enkosini yaseBhabhiloni, njalo izalitshisa ngomlilo. 3 Kawuyikuphunyuka esandleni sayo kodwa uzathunjwa impela unikelwe kuyo. Inkosi yaseBhabhiloni uzayibona ngamehlo akho, njalo izakhuluma lawe ubuso ngobuso. Njalo uzahamba eBhabhiloni.

4 Kodwa-ke zwana isithembiso sikaThixo, wena Zedekhiya nkosi yakoJuda. Ngawe uThixo uthi: Awuyikufa ngenkemba; 5 uzakufa ngokuthula. Njengoba abantu babasa umlilo wesililo bekhumbula oyihlo, amakhosi akuqala akwandulelayo, ngokunjalo bazabasa umlilo wokukukhumbula, balile bathi, Maye, Oh Nkosi! Mina ngokwami ngenza isithembiso lesi, kutsho uThixo.’ ”

6 Ngakho uJeremiya umphrofethi wamtshela konke lokhu uZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, eJerusalema, 7 lapho ibutho lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni lalisilwa leJerusalema lamanye amadolobho akoJuda ayelokhu esaqinisele, iLakhishi le-Azekha. La yiwo kuphela amadolobho ayevikelwe ngezinqaba ayesasele koJuda.

Ukukhululwa Kwezigqili

8 Ilizwi lafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo emva kokuba inkosi uZedekhiya esenze isivumelwano labantu bonke baseJerusalema sokumemezela ukukhululwa kwezigqili. 9 Wonke umuntu kwakumele akhulule izigqili zakhe ezingamaHebheru, ezesilisa lezesifazane; kakho owayezagcina umJuda wakibo ebugqilini. 10 Ngakho zonke izikhulu labantu bonke abenza isivumelwano lesi bavuma ukuthi babezakhulula izigqili zabo zesilisa lezesifazane bangazigcini ebugqilini futhi. Bavuma, bazikhulula. 11 Kodwa muva bantshintsha ingqondo zabo bazithumba njalo izigqili zabo ababezikhulule bazenza izigqili futhi.

12 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kuJeremiya lisithi, 13 “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Ngenza isivumelwano labokhokho benu ekubakhupheni kwami eGibhithe, elizweni lobugqili. Ngathi, 14  *‘Ngeminyaka yonke yesikhombisa omunye lomunye wenu kumele akhulule umHebheru wakibo ozithengise kuwe. Emva kokuba esekusebenzele iminyaka eyisithupha, kumele umkhulule ahambe.’ Kodwa okhokho benu, kabangilalelanga njalo kabanginakanga. 15 Ngesikhathi esisanda kudlula laphenduka lenza okulungileyo emehlweni ami: Omunye lomunye wenu wamemezela ukukhululwa kwabantu belizwe lakibo. Laze lenza lesivumelwano phambi kwami endlini eleBizo lami. 16 Kodwa khathesi seliguquke langcolisa ibizo lami; omunye lomunye wenu usezithumbile futhi izigqili zesilisa lezesifazane elalizikhulule ukuba zizihambele lapho ezifuna khona. Selizibambe ngamandla ukuba zibe yizigqili zenu futhi.

17 Ngakho, lokhu yikho uThixo akutshoyo: Kalingilalelanga; kalimemezelanga ukukhululwa kwabantu belizwe lakini. Ngakho khathesi ngimemezela ‘inkululeko’ yenu, kutsho uThixo, ‘inkululeko’ yokubulawa ngenkemba, yisifo lendlala. Ngizalenza linengeke kuyo yonke imibuso yomhlaba. 18 Abantu abephula isivumelwano sami kabaze bagcwalisa izimiso zesivumelwano abasenza phambi kwami, ngizabaphatha njengethole abalidabula phakathi basebehamba phakathi kweziqa zalo. 19 Abakhokheli bakoJuda labeJerusalema, izikhulu zasemthethwandaba, abaphristi labantu bonke abahamba phakathi kweziqa zethole, 20 ngizabanikela ezitheni zabo ezifuna ukubabulala. Izidumbu zabo zizakuba yikudla kwezinyoni zasemoyeni lezinyamazana zeganga.

21 UZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda kanye lezikhulu zakhe ngizabanikela ezitheni zabo ezifuna ukubabulala, lakubutho lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni eselisukile kini. 22 Ngizakhupha ilizwi, kutsho uThixo njalo ngizababuyisa futhi kulelidolobho. Bazakulwa lalo, balithumbe, balitshise ngomlilo. Amadolobho akoJuda ngizawabhidliza ukuze kungabi lamuntu ohlala kuwo.”

35

AmaRekhabi

1 Leli yilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo ekubuseni kukaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, elathi, 2 “Yana endlini yamaRekhabi uwabize ukuba eze kwelinye lamakamelo endlu kaThixo uwanike iwayini anathe.”

3 Ngakho ngayathatha uJazaniya indodana kaJeremiya, indodana kaHabhaziniya, labafowabo kanye lamadodana akhe wonke lomuzi wonke wamaRekhabi. 4 Ngabasa endlini kaThixo, ekamelweni lamadodana kaHanani indoda ka-Igidaliya umuntu kaNkulunkulu. Laliseduze lekamelo lezikhulu elalingaphezu kwelikaMaseya indodana kaShalumi umlindi wesango. 5 Emva kwalokho ngabeka imiganu eyayigcwele iwayini lezinkezo phambi kwabantu bomndeni wamaRekhabi, ngathi kubo, “Nathani iwayini.”

6 Kodwa bona baphendula bathi, “Iwayini kasilinathi ngoba ukhokho wethu uJehonadabi indodana kaRekhabi wasinika umlayo lo othi: ‘Lina loba inzalo yenu akumelanga linathe iwayini. 7 Njalo lingakhi zindlu, lingahlanyeli kumbe lilime izivini; lingabi lokunye kwalezizinto, kodwa kumele lihlale emathenteni kokuphela. Ngalokho lizaphila isikhathi eside elizweni elizinzulane kulo.’ 8 Sakulalela konke ukhokho wethu uJehonadabi indodana kaRekhabi asilaya khona. Thina labomkethu lamadodana ethu kanye lamadodakazi ethu asikaze silinathe iwayini, 9 kumbe sakhe izindlu zokuhlala kuzo loba sibe lezivini, amasimu kumbe amabele. 10 Sihlala emathenteni njalo siyakulalela konke ukhokho wethu uJehonadabi asilaya khona. 11 Kodwa ekuhlaseleni kukaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni ilizwe leli, sathi, ‘Wozani siye eJerusalema sibalekele amabutho amaKhaladiya kanye lawama-Aramu.’ Sahlala kanjalo eJerusalema.”

12 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kuJeremiya lisithi: 13 “UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: Hamba uyetshela abantu bakoJuda labahlala eJerusalema ukuthi, ‘Kalifundi sifundo lilalele amazwi ami na?’ kutsho uThixo. 14 ‘UJehonadabi indodana kaRekhabi walaya amadodana akhe ukuba anganathi iwayini, njalo umlayo lo wagcinwa. Kuze kube lamhla iwayini kabalinathi ngoba balalela umlayo kakhokho wabo. Kodwa mina sengakhuluma lani njalonjalo, kodwa kalingilalelanga. 15 Ngathuma izinceku zami abaphrofethi kini kanenginengi. Bathi, “Ngamunye wenu kumele liphenduke ezindleleni zenu ezimbi lilungise lezenzo zenu; lingalandeli abanye onkulunkulu ukuba libakhonze. Ngalokho lizahlala elizweni engalipha lona lina labokhokho benu.” Kodwa kalinakanga, njalo kalingilalelanga. 16 Inzalo kaJehonadabi indodana kaRekhabi iwulandele umlayo eyawuphiwa ngukhokho wayo, kodwa abantu laba mina kabangilalelanga.’

17 Ngakho uThixo, uNkulunkulu uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi; ‘Lalelani, ngizakwehlisela phezu kukaJuda laphezu komuntu wonke ohlala eJerusalema wonke umonakalo engabathembisa wona. Ngabatshela, kodwa kabalalelanga; ngababiza, kodwa kabasabelanga.’ ”

18 UJeremiya wasesithi kwabomndeni wamaRekhabi, “UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Liwulalele umlayo kakhokho wenu uJehonadabi layilandela yonke imfundiso yakhe njalo lenza konke alilaya khona.’ 19 Ngakho uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: ‘UJehonadabi indodana kaRekhabi kayikuswela umuntu wokungikhonza.’ ”

36

UJehoyakhimi Utshisa Umqulu KaJeremiya

1 Ngomnyaka wesine kaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda ilizwi leli lafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo, lisithi: 2 “Thatha umqulu ulobe kuwo wonke amazwi engawatsho kuwe ngo-Israyeli, uJuda lezinye zonke izizwe kusukela ngiqalisa ukukhuluma kuwe ekubuseni kukaJosiya kuze kube khathesi. 3 Mhlawumbe lapho abantu bakoJuda besizwa ngawo wonke umonakalo engiceba ukuwehlisela phezu kwabo, omunye lomunye wabo uzaphenduka ezindleleni zakhe ezimbi; kulapho-ke ngizabathethelela ububi babo lezono zabo.”

4 Ngakho uJeremiya wabiza uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya. Kwathi uJeremiya ewatsho wonke amazwi ayekhulunywe nguThixo, uBharukhi ewaloba emqulwini. 5 UJeremiya wasesithi kuBharukhi, “Mina ngivalelwe; ngingeke ngiye ethempelini likaThixo. 6 Ngakho yana endlini kaThixo ngosuku lokuzila ukudla ubalele abantu amazwi kaThixo asemqulwini owawaloba ngikutshela. Abalele bonke abantu bakoJuda abangena bevela emadolobheni akibo. 7 Engxenye bazaletha isicelo sabo phambi kukaThixo, omunye lomunye aphenduke ezindleleni zakhe ezimbi, ngoba intukuthelo lolaka okumenyezelwe kulababantu nguThixo kukhulu.”

8 UBharukhi indodana kaNeriya wenza konke ayekutshelwe nguJeremiya umphrofethi ukuba akwenze; ethempelini likaThixo wabala amazwi kaThixo emqulwini. 9 Ngenyanga yesificamunwemunye yomnyaka wesihlanu kaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, kwamenyezelwa isikhathi sokuzila ukudla phambi kukaThixo ebantwini bonke baseJerusalema lakulaba ababeze bevela emadolobheni akoJuda. 10 Esendlini kaGemariya indodana kaShafani umabhalani, eyayisegumeni langaphezulu ekungeneni kweSango eLitsha lethempeli, uBharukhi wawabalela abantu bonke ethempelini likaThixo amazwi kaJeremiya asemqulwini.

11 Kwathi uMikhaya indodana kaGemariya, indodana kaShafani, esezwe wonke amazwi kaThixo ayesemqulwini, 12 waya phansi endlini kamabhalani esigodlweni, lapho izikhulu zonke ezazihlezi khona: u-Elishama umabhalani, uDelaya indodana kaShemaya, u-Elinathani indodana ka-Akhibhori, uGemariya indodana kaShafani, uZedekhiya indodana kaHananiya kanye lezinye zonke izikhulu. 13 Emva kokuba uMikhaya esebatshele konke ayezwe uBharukhi ekubalela abantu emqulwini, 14 izikhulu zonke zathuma uJehudi indodana kaNethaniya, indodana kaShelemiya, indodana kaKhushi, ukuba ayekuthi kuBharukhi, “Woza lomqulu owubalele abantu.” Ngakho uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya waya kubo lomqulu ewuphethe ngesandla. 15 Bathi kuye, “Ake uhlale phansi usibalele wona.”

Ngakho uBharukhi wababalela. 16 Sebezwe wonke amazwi la bakhangelana ngokwesaba, basebesithi kuBharukhi, “Amazwi la kumele siwabike wonke enkosini.” 17 Babuya bambuza uBharukhi bathi, “Sitshele, kwenzakale njani ukuthi ubhale konke lokhu? Kukhulunywe nguJeremiya na?”

18 UBharukhi waphendula wathi, “Ye, amazwi wonke la uwakhulume kimi, mina ngawaloba nge-inki emqulwini.”

19 Izikhulu zasezisithi kuBharukhi, “Wena loJeremiya hambani liyecatsha. Lingatsheli muntu ukuthi lingaphi.”

20 Sebefake umqulu endlini ka-Elishama umabhalani, baya enkosini egumeni bayibikela konke, 21 inkosi yathuma uJehudi ukuba ayethatha umqulu lowo, uJehudi weza lawo ewuthethe endlini ka-Elishama umabhalani wawubalela inkosi lezikhulu zonke ezazimi phansi kwayo. 22 Kwakuyinyanga yesificamunwemunye, njalo inkosi yayihlezi ekamelweni lebusika, kulomlilo ovuthayo eziko phambi kwayo. 23 Kwakusithi uJehudi angabala izigaba ezintathu loba ezine zomqulu, inkosi iziqume ngengqamu iziphosele eziko umqulu waze watsha wonke emlilweni. 24 Inkosi lezinceku zayo zonke ezawezwayo amazwi la kabesabanga loba badabule izigqoko zabo. 25 Lanxa u-Elinathani loDelaya kanye loGemariya bayincenga inkosi ukuba ingatshisi umqulu, kayibalalelanga. 26 Esikhundleni salokho inkosi yalaya uJerameli, indodana yenkosi, loSeraya indodana ka-Aziriyeli kanye loShelemiya indodana ka-Abhideli ukuba babophe uBharukhi umbhali kanye loJeremiya umphrofethi. Kodwa uThixo wayesebafihlile.

27 Inkosi isitshise umqulu owawulamazwi ayebhalwe nguBharukhi ewatshelwa nguJeremiya, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuJeremiya lisithi, 28 “Thatha omunye umqulu ulobe kuwo wonke amazwi abesemqulwini wakuqala, otshiswe nguJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda. 29 Umtshele uJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda uthi, ‘UThixo uthi: Utshise umqulu lowana wathi, “Kungani ulobe kuwo ukuthi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni izakuza ngempela ichithe ilizwe leli, iqothule abantu lezinyamazana kulo na?” 30 Ngakho mayelana loJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda, uThixo uthi: Akayikuba lomuntu ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida; isidumbu sakhe sizaphoselwa phandle sichayeke ekutshiseni kwelanga lakungqwaqwane webusuku. 31 Ngizamjezisa labantwana bakhe kanye lezinceku zakhe ngenxa yobubi babo. Ngizakwehlisela phezu kwabo laphezu kwalabo abahlala eJerusalema kanye labantu bakoJuda, wonke umonakalo engawumemezela kubo, ngoba kabalalelanga.’ ”

32 Ngakho uJeremiya wathatha omunye umqulu wawunika umbhali uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya, njalo kwathi uJeremiya emtshela uBharukhi waloba kuwo wonke amazwi omqulu owawutshiswe emlilweni nguJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda. Kwengezelelwa ngamanye amazwi amanengi ayefana lalawo.

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UJeremiya Esentolongweni

1 UZedekhiya indodana kaJosiya wabekwa nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni ukuba abe yinkosi yakoJuda; wabusa esikhundleni sikaJehoyakhini indodana kaJehoyakhimi. 2 Yena lezinceku zakhe kanye labantu baselizweni kabawanakanga amazwi kaThixo ayewakhulume ngoJeremiya umphrofethi.

3 Kodwa uZedekhiya inkosi, wathuma uJehukhali indodana kaShelemiya lomphristi uZefaniya indodana kaMaseya kuJeremiya umphrofethi belaleli ilizwi, elithi, “Ake usikhulekele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.”

4 Ngalesisikhathi uJeremiya wayesekhululekile ukuza lokuhamba phakathi kwabantu, ngoba wayengakafakwa entolongweni. 5 Ibutho likaFaro laseliphumile eGibhithe, kwasekusithi amaKhaladiya ayevimbezele iJerusalema esezwe umbiko ngalo, asuka eJerusalema.

6 Kwasekufika ilizwi likaThixo kuJeremiya umphrofethi lisithi: 7 “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi, tshelani inkosi yakoJuda elithume ukuba lizengibuza lithi, ‘Ibutho likaFaro eseliphume ukuba lizelisekela, lizabuyela elizweni lalo eGibhithe. 8 Emva kwalokho amaKhaladiya azaphenduka ahlasele idolobho leli; azalithumba alitshise ngomlilo.’

9  UThixo uthi: Lingazikhohlisi licabange lithi, ‘AmaKhaladiya azasuka kithi impela.’ Kawayikusuka! 10 Lanxa linganqoba lonke ibutho lamaKhaladiya alihlaselayo, kusale abantu abalimeleyo kuphela emathenteni abo, bazaphuma balitshise idolobho leli ngomlilo.”

11 Kwathi ibutho lamaKhaladiya selisukile eJerusalema ngenxa yebutho likaFaro, 12 uJeremiya wasuka edolobheni ukuba aye elizweni lakoBhenjamini ukuba ayethatha isabelo sakhe selifa phakathi kwabantu khonale. 13 Kodwa kwathi esefikile eSangweni lakoBhenjamini, induna yabalindi ebizo layo lalingu-Irija indodana kaShelemiya, indodana kaHananiya, wambopha wasesithi kuye, “Ubalekela kumaKhaladiya wena!”

14 UJeremiya wathi, “Akusiqiniso lokho! Kangibalekeli kumaKhaladiya.” Kodwa u-Irija kamlalelanga; esikhundleni salokho, wabopha uJeremiya wamusa ezikhulwini. 15 Izikhulu zamthukuthelela uJeremiya zalaya ukuba atshaywe aphinde avalelwe endlini kaJonathani umabhalani, ezaseziyenze yaba yintolongo.

16 UJeremiya wafakwa esitokisini esiyingubhe emgodini oyintolongo lapho ahlala khona okwesikhathi eside. 17 Inkosi uZedekhiya wathi kayethathwa alethwe esigodlweni lapho ambuzela khona ensitha esithi, “Kulelizwi elivela kuThixo na?”

UJeremiya waphendula wathi, “Yebo, wena uzanikelwa enkosini yaseBhabhiloni.”

18 UJeremiya wabuye wathi kuZedekhiya inkosi, “Ngoneni kuwe loba ezikhulwini zakho kumbe kulababantu, uze ungifake entolongweni nje? 19 Bangaphi abaphrofethi bakho abaphrofetha kuwe besithi, ‘Inkosi yaseBhabhiloni kayiyikukuhlasela wena kanye lelizwe leli’? 20 Kodwa khathesi, nkosi yami, ake ulalele. Ngivumela ngethule isicelo sami kuwe: Ungangibuyiseli endlini kaJonathani umabhalani, hlezi ngifele khona.”

21 UZedekhiya inkosi waselaya ukuba uJeremiya afakwe egumeni labalindi aphiwe isinkwa esivela emgwaqweni wabapheki bezinkwa usuku ngalunye izinkwa zonke zize ziphele edolobheni. Ngakho uJeremiya wahlala egumeni labalindi.

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UJeremiya Uphoselwa Emgodini

1 UShefathiya indodana kaMathani, loGedaliya indodana kaPhashuri, uJewukhali indodana kaShelemiya, loPhashuri indodana kaMalikhija bakuzwa uJeremiya ayekutshela abantu bonke esithi, 2 “UThixo uthi: ‘Lowo ozasala kulelidolobho uzabulawa yinkemba, yindlala kumbe yisifo; kodwa lowo ozakuya kumaKhaladiya uzasila. Uzaphunyuka lokuphila kwakhe; uzaphila.’ 3 Njalo uThixo uthi: ‘Idolobho leli lizanikelwa impela ebuthweni lenkosi yaseBhabhiloni ezalithumba.’ ”

4 Izikhulu zasezisithi enkosini, “Umuntu lo kumele abulawe. Wenza amabutho asala kulelidolobho aphelelwe lithemba, kanye labantu bonke, ngenxa yezinto azitshoyo kubo. Umuntu lo kadingi okuhle kwabantu laba, kodwa ukubhujiswa kwabo.”

5 UZedekhiya inkosi waphendula wathi, “Usezandleni zenu. Inkosi ingeke yenze lutho ukuba iliphikise.”

6 Ngakho bamthatha uJeremiya bamfaka emgodini kaMalikhija, indodana yenkosi, owawusegumeni labalindi. UJeremiya bamehlisela phansi phakathi komgodi ngemichilo; wawungelamanzi, kuludaka kuphela, ngakho uJeremiya watshona edakeni.

7 Kodwa u-Ebhedi-Meleki, umKhushi, isikhulu endlini yobukhosi, wezwa ukuthi basebefake uJeremiya emgodini. Kwathi-ke inkosi ihlezi eSangweni lakoBhenjamini, 8 u-Ebhedi-Meleki waphuma esigodlweni wathi kuyo, 9 “Nkosi yami lombusi wami, abantu laba benze ububi kukho konke abakwenze kuJeremiya umphrofethi. Sebemphosele emgodini lapho azalamba khona aze afe kungaselakudla edolobheni.”

10 Ngakho inkosi yalaya u-Ebhedi-Meleki umKhushi yathi, “Thatha amadoda angamatshumi amathathu lapha likhuphe uJeremiya umphrofethi emgodini engakafi.”

11 Ngakho u-Ebhedi-Meleki wathatha amadoda lawo waya lawo endlini engaphansi kwendlu yengcebo esigodlweni. Wathatha amanikiniki amadala lezigqoko ezigugileyo khonapho wakwehlisela phansi kuJeremiya emgodini ngemichilo. 12 U-Ebhedi-Meleki umKhushi wathi kuJeremiya, “Faka amanikiniki la amadala lezigqoko lezi ezigugileyo emakhwapheni akho ukuze imichilo ingakulimazi.” UJeremiya wenza njalo, 13 basebemdonsela phezulu ngemichilo, bamkhupha emgodini. UJeremiya wahlala egumeni labalindi.

UZedekhiya Ubuza UJeremiya Futhi

14 Inkosi uZedekhiya wabiza uJeremiya umphrofethi wasiwa entubeni yesithathu yethempeli likaThixo. Inkosi yasisithi kuJeremiya, “Ngizakubuza okuthize. Ungangifihleli lutho.”

15 UJeremiya wathi kuZedekhiya, “Ngingakuphendula kawuyikungibulala na? Loba ngingakweluleka, kawuyikungilalela.”

16 Kodwa inkosi uZedekhiya wafunga isifungo lesi ngasese kuJeremiya, wathi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo ekhona, yena owasinika ukuphefumula, angiyikukubulala loba ngikunikele kulabo abafuna ukukubulala.”

17 Lapho-ke uJeremiya wathi kuZedekhiya, “UThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: ‘Ungazinikela ezikhulwini zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni, impilo yakho izaphepha njalo ledolobho leli kaliyikutshiswa ngomlilo; wena labendlu yakho lizasila. 18 Kodwa nxa ungazinikeli ezikhulwini zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni, idolobho leli lizanikelwa kumaKhaladiya azalitshisa ngomlilo; njalo wena uqobo kawuyikuphunyuka ezandleni zawo.’ ”

19 INkosi uZedekhiya wasesithi kuJeremiya, “Ngiyabesaba abakoJuda asebe kumaKhaladiya, ngoba amaKhaladiya anganginikela kubo bangiphathe kubi.”

20 UJeremiya wathi, “Kabayikukunikela. Lalela uThixo ngokwenza lokhu engikutshela khona. Lapho-ke kuzakulungela, njalo lempilo yakho izaphepha. 21 Kodwa ungala ukuzinikela, nanku okuvezwe nguThixo kimi: 22 Bonke abesifazane abasele endlini yobukhosi yenkosi yakoJuda bazakhutshelwa phandle ezikhulwini zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni bathi kuwe:

‘Bakukhohlisile bakwehlula

abangane bakho abathenjiweyo.

Inyawo zakho zitshonile edakeni;

abangane bakho bakudelile.’

23 Abafazi bakho kanye labantwana bazakhutshelwa phandle kumaKhaladiya. Lawe uqobo kawuyikuphunyuka ezandleni zawo, kodwa uzathunjwa yinkosi yaseBhabhiloni; njalo idolobho leli lizatshiswa ngomlilo.”

24 UZedekhiya wasesithi kuJeremiya, “Akungabi lomuntu omazisa inkulumo le, hlezi ufe. 25 Izikhulu zingezwa ukuthi ngike ngakhuluma lawe, besezisiza kuwe zithi, ‘Sitshele lokho okutshiloyo enkosini kanye lokutshiwo yinkosi kuwe; ungasifihleli funa sikubulale,’ 26 wena zitshele uthi, ‘Kade ngincenga inkosi ukuthi ingangibuyiseli endlini kaJonathani ukuyafela khona.’ ”

27 Lakanye izikhulu zonke zaya kuJeremiya zambuza, yena wazitshela konke inkosi eyayimlaye ukuthi akutsho. Ngakho kazisatshongo lutho kuye futhi, ngoba kakho owayeyizwile inkulumo yakhe lenkosi.

28 UJeremiya wahlala egumeni labalindi kwaze kwaba lusuku lokuthunjwa kweJerusalema.

Ukuwa KweJerusalema

IJerusalema lathunjwa kanje:

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1 Ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye kaZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, ngenyanga yetshumi, uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni waya eJerusalema lebutho lakhe lonke wayivimbezela. 2 Ngosuku lwesificamunwemunye lwenyanga yesine, yomnyaka wetshumi lanye kaZedekhiya umduli wedolobho wadilizwa. 3 Emva kwalokho zonke izikhulu zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni zafika zahlala eSangweni laPhakathi: kwakunguNerigali-Shareza oweSamugari, loNebho-Sarisekhimi induna yezikhulu, loNerigali-Shareza, indunankulu kanye lezinye zonke izikhulu zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni. 4 Kwathi lapho uZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda lamabutho wonke bebabona babaleka. Basuka edolobheni ebusuku ngendlela yasesivandeni senkosi, baphuma ngesango eliphakathi kwemiduli, baqonda e-Arabha.

5 Kodwa ibutho lamaKhaladiya laxotshana labo, lafica uZedekhiya emagcekeni aseJerikho. Lamthumba, laselimusa kuNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni eRibhila, elizweni laseHamathi, lapho amgweba khona. 6 Inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yawabulalela khona eRibhila amadodana kaZedekhiya emehlweni akhe, yabulala lezikhulu zasesikhosini zonke zakoJuda. 7 Emva kwalokho uZedekhiya yamkhupha amehlo yasimbopha ngamaketane ethusi ukuba imuse eBhabhiloni.

8 AmaKhaladiya atshisa isigodlo ngomlilo lezindlu zabantu, badiliza lemiduli yeJerusalema. 9 UNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi besikhosini, wathatha abantu ababesele edolobheni ndawonye lalabo ababebalekele kuye kanye labanye abantu wabasa ekuthunjweni eBhabhiloni. 10 Kodwa uNebhuzaradani watshiya elizweni lakoJuda abanye babantu abangabayanga ababengelalutho olungolwabo; njalo ngalesosikhathi wabapha izivini lamasimu.

11 UNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni wayelaye uNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi besikhosini ngoJeremiya wathi, 12 “Umthathe, umgcine kuhle; ungamlimazi kodwa umenzele konke akucelayo.” 13 Ngakho uNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi, loNebhushazibhani induna yezikhulu, loNerigali-Shareza indunankulu kanye lezinye zonke izikhulu zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni 14 bathumela ukuba uJeremiya asuswe egumeni labalindi. Bamnikela kuGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami, indodana kaShafani, ukuba ambuyisele kibo. Ngakho wahlala labantu bakibo.

15 UJeremiya esavalelwe egumeni labalindi, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuye lathi, 16 “Hamba ku-Ebhedi-Meleki umKhushi uthi kuye, ‘UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Sekuseduze ukuba ngigcwalise amazwi ami ngedolobho leli ngokulehlisela umonakalo, hatshi ukuphumelela. Ngalesosikhathi azagcwaliseka phambi kwamehlo enu. 17 Kodwa ngizakuhlenga ngalolosuku, kutsho uThixo; kawuyikunikelwa kulabo obesabayo. 18 Ngizakusindisa, kawuyikubulawa ngenkemba kodwa uzaphunyuka lokuphila kwakho, ngoba ungithembile, kutsho uThixo.’ ”

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Ukukhululwa KukaJeremiya

1 Ilizwi lafika kuJeremiya livela kuThixo emva kokuba uNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi besikhosini, esemkhulule eRama. Wayefice uJeremiya ebotshwe ngamaketane phakathi kwabo bonke ababethunjwe eJerusalema lakoJuda ababesiwa ekuthunjweni eBhabhiloni. 2 Umlawuli wabalindi esethole uJeremiya wathi kuye, “UThixo uNkulunkulu wakho wamisela indawo le umonakalo lo. 3 Khathesi uThixo usewulethile; usenze ayethe uzakwenza. Konke lokhu kwenzakala ngoba lina bantu lona kuThixo njalo kalimlalelanga. 4 Kodwa lamhla ngiyakukhulula amaketane ezihlakaleni zakho. Hamba lami eBhabhiloni, nxa uthanda, ngizakugcina; kodwa nxa ungafuni, ungahambi. Khangela, ilizwe lonke liphambi kwakho; yana loba kungaphi lapho ofuna khona.” 5 Kodwa-ke kwathi uJeremiya engakasuki ukuba ahambe, uNebhuzaradani wengeza wathi, “Buyela kuGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami, indodana kaShafani, osebekwe yinkosi yaseBhabhiloni ukuba abuse amadolobho akoJuda, uhlale laye phakathi kwabantu, kumbe uye loba kungaphi lapho ofuna khona.”

Emva kwalokho umlawuli wamnika umphako lesipho wasesithi kahambe. 6 Ngakho uJeremiya waya kuGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami eMizipha wahlala phakathi kwabantu ababetshiywe elizweni.

Ukubulawa KukaGedaliya

7 Kwathi zonke izikhulu zabalawuli bamabutho lamabutho azo ayesegangeni sebezwe ukuthi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yayisibeke uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami ukuba abe ngumbusi welizwe njalo imenze waba ngumphathi wamadoda labesifazane kanye labantwana ababengabayanga bokucina elizweni njalo ababengasiwanga ekuthunjweni eBhabhiloni, 8 baya kuGedaliya eMizipha kungu-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya, uJohanani loJonathani amadodana kaKhareya, loSeraya indodana kaThanihumethi, lamadodana ka-Efayi umNethofa, loJezaniya indodana yomMahakhathi kanye labantu babo. 9 UGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami, indodana kaShafani, wafunga isifungo ebathembisa labantu babo, wathi, “Lingesabi ukusebenzela amaKhaladiya. Hlalani elizweni lisebenzele inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, konke kuzalilungela. 10 Mina ngokwami ngizahlala eMizipha ukuba ngilimele kumaKhaladiya eza kithi, kodwa lina vunani iwayini lezithelo zasehlobo kanye lamafutha, likufake ezimbizeni zokugcinela, lihlale emadolobheni eseliwaphethe.”

11 Kwathi bonke amaJuda baseMowabi, e-Amoni le-Edomi lawo wonke amanye amazwe sebezwe ukuthi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yayitshiye insalela koJuda njalo ibeke uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami indodana kaShafani, ukuba ngumbusi wabo, 12 bonke babuyela elizweni lakoJuda, kuGedaliya eMizipha, bevela kuwo wonke amazwe ababehlakazekele kuwo. Bavuna iwayini elinengi lezithelo zasehlobo.

13 UJohanani indodana kaKhareya lezikhulu zonke zebutho ezazilokhu zisegangeni, baya kuGedaliya eMizipha 14 bathi kuye, “Kawazi na ukuthi uBhahalisi inkosi yama-Amoni usethume u-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya ukuba akubulale?” Kodwa uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami kakukholwanga lokho.

15 UJohanani indodana kaKhareya wasekhuluma ngasese loGedaliya eMizipha esithi, “Yekela ngihambe ngiyebulala u-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya, kakho ozakwazi lokho. Kungani kumele akubulale enze ukuba abakoJuda bonke ababuthene kuwe bahlakazeke, lensalela yakoJuda ibhubhe na?”

16 Kodwa uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami wathi kuJohanani indodana kaKhareya, “Ungenzi into enjalo. Lokhu okutshoyo ngo-Ishumayeli akusiqiniso.”

41

1 Ngenyanga yesikhombisa u-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya, indodana ka-Elishama, owayeyinzalo yesikhosini, njalo owayengomunye wezikhulu zenkosi, waya kuGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami eMizipha 2 lamadodana kaNethaniya lamadoda alitshumi ayelaye basukuma bamgwaza ngenkemba uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami, indodana kaShafani, bambulala lowo owayebekwe yinkosi yaseBhabhiloni ukuba ngumbusi welizwe. 3 U-Ishumayeli wabulala lamaJuda wonke ayeloGedaliya eMizipha kanye lamabutho amaKhaladiya ayelapho.

4 Ngosuku olwalandela ukubulawa kukaGedaliya, kungakabi lamuntu owayesesazi ngakho, 5 kwafika amadoda angamatshumi ayisificaminwembili evela eShekhemu, leShilo leSamariya ayephuce indevu zawo izigqoko zawo zidabukile njalo ezisike imizimba, elethe iminikelo yamabele lempepha endlini kaThixo. 6 U-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya wasuka eMizipha ukuyawahlangabeza; wahamba ekhala. Ekuhlanganeni kwakhe labo wathi, “Wozani kuGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami.” 7 Kwathi sebengene phakathi kwedolobho u-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya kanye lamadoda ayelaye, bawabulala bawaphosela emgodini. 8 Kodwa alitshumi awo athi ku-Ishumayeli, “Ungasibulali! Silengqoloyi lebhali, lamafutha loluju, esikufihle egangeni.” Ngakho wawayekela kaze awabulala lamanye. 9 Umgodi ayephosele kuwo zonke izidumbu zamadoda ayewabulele kanye loGedaliya ngowawenziwe yinkosi u-Asa kuyingxenye yokuzivikela kwakhe kuBhasha inkosi yako-Israyeli. U-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya wawugcwalisa ngezidumbu.

10 U-Ishumayeli wabenza baba yizigqili bonke abantu ababeseMizipha kubalisa amadodakazi enkosi kanye labanye bonke ababetshiywe khona nguNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi besikhosini, owayebeke uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami ukuba ngumbusi wabo. U-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya wabathumba, wasuka ukuba achaphele kuma-Amoni.

11 Kwathi uJohanani indodana kaKhareya kanye lezikhulu zonke zebutho ezazilaye sebezwe konke okubi okwakwenziwe ngu-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya, 12 bathatha bonke abantu babo bayakulwa lo-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya. Bamfica phansi kwechibi elikhulu eGibhiyoni. 13 Kwathi abantu bonke ababelo-Ishumayeli bebona uJohanani indodana kaKhareya lezikhulu zebutho ezazilaye, bathaba. 14 Bonke abantu u-Ishumayeli ayebathumbe eMizipha baphenduka baya kuJohanani indodana kaKhareya. 15 Kodwa u-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya labantu bakhe abayisificaminwembili baphunyuka kuJohanani babalekela kuma-Amoni.

Ukubalekela EGibhithe

16 Emva kwalokho uJohanani indodana kaKhareya, lezikhulu zonke zebutho ezazilaye, wathatha bonke abasilayo ababevele eMizipha ayebahlenge ku-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya emva kokubulala kwakhe uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami. Kwakungamabutho, labesifazane, labantwana kanye lezikhulu zasemthethwandaba ayezithethe eGibhiyoni. 17 Baqhubeka bahamba, bayakuma eGeruthi Khimihami eduze leBhethilehema, besiya eGibhithe 18 ukuba babalekele amaKhaladiya. Babewesaba ngoba u-Ishumayeli indodana kaNethaniya wayebulele uGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami owayebekwe yinkosi yaseBhabhiloni ukuba abe ngumbusi welizwe.

42

1 Zonke izikhulu zebutho, kanye loJohanani indodana kaKhareya loJezaniya indodana kaHoshayiya, labantu bonke kusukela komncane kusiya komkhulu baya 2 kuJeremiya umphrofethi bathi kuye, “Ake uzwe isicelo sethu ubakhulekele bonke laba abaseleyo kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngoba njengoba lawe uzibonela khathesi, lanxa sake saba banengi khathesi kusele abalutshwana kuphela. 3 Khuleka ukuba uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho asitshele lapho okumele siye khona lalokho okumele sikwenze.”

4 UJeremiya umphrofethi waphendula wathi, “Ngizwile. Ngizakhuleka impela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu njengoba licelile; ngizalitshela konke uThixo akutshoyo ngingalifihleli lutho.”

5 Basebesithi kuJeremiya, “UThixo kabe ngufakazi wethu oqotho lothembekileyo nxa singenzi okuvumelana lakho konke uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho akuthuma ukuba usitshele khona. 6 Lanxa kukuhle kumbe kukubi sizamlalela uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu esikuthuma kuye, ukuze kusilungele, ngoba sizamlalela uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.”

7 Emva kwensuku ezilitshumi ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuJeremiya. 8 Ngakho wabiza uJohanani indodana kaKhareya lezikhulu zonke zebutho ezazilaye kanye labantu bonke kusukela komncane kusiya komkhulu. 9 Wathi kubo, “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, elingithume ukuba ngiyekwethula isicelo senu kuye, uthi: 10 ‘Lingahlala kulelilizwe ngizalakha, ngingalibhidlizi, ngizalihlanyela ngingalisiphuni, ngoba ngilusizi ngomonakalo engawenza kini. 11 Lingayesabi inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, eliyesabayo khathesi. Lingayesabi, kutsho uThixo, ngoba ngilani njalo ngizalihlenga ngilikhulule ezandleni zayo. 12 Ngizakuba lesihawu kini ukuze layo ibe lesihawu kini ilibuyisele elizweni lakini.’

13 Kodwa lina lingathi, ‘Kasiyikuhlala kulelizwe,’ ngalokho lingalaleli uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu, 14 njalo nxa lisithi, ‘Hatshi, thina sizakuyahlala eGibhithe lapho esingayikubona khona impi loba sizwe icilongo kumbe silambele ukudla, 15 zwanini-ke ilizwi likaThixo, lina abasele koJuda.’ UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: ‘Nxa liphitshekela ukuya eGibhithe njalo lihambe ukuyahlala khona, 16 lapho-ke inkemba eliyesabayo izalifica khona, lendlala eliyesabayo izalilandela eGibhithe, njalo lizafela khonale. 17 Ngempela bonke abaphitshekela ukuya eGibhithe ukuba bahlale khona bazakufa ngenkemba, indlala lesifo; kakho lamunye wabo ozasinda loba aphephe kumonakalo engizabehlisela wona.’ 18  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi, ‘Njengalokhu ukuthukuthela kwami lolaka lwami kwehliselwa phezu kwabantu abahlala eJerusalema, ngokunjalo ulaka lwami luzakwehliselwa phezu kwenu lapho lisiya eGibhithe. Lizakuba yinto yokuthukwa lokwesatshwa, ukulahlwa lokuhlekwa; indawo le kaliyikuyibona futhi.’

19 Lina abasele koJuda, uThixo ulitshelile wathi, ‘Lingayi eGibhithe.’ Wobani leqiniso lalokhu ukuthi: Ngiyalixwayisa lamuhla 20 ukuthi lenza iphutha elikhulu kakhulu ngokungithuma kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu lisithi, ‘Sikhulekele kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu; usitshele konke akutshoyo sizakwenza.’ 21 Sengilitshelile lamuhla, kodwa lilokhu lingalaleli lokho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu angithume ukuthi ngilitshele khona. 22 Ngakho khathesi wobani leqiniso ukuthi lizakufa ngenkemba, indlala lesifo endaweni elifuna ukuyahlala kuyo.”

43

1 Kwathi uJeremiya eseqedile ukutshela abantu wonke amazwi kaThixo uNkulunkulu wabo, konke uThixo ayemthume ukuthi abatshele khona, 2 u-Azariya indodana kaHoshayiya, loJohanani indodana kaKhareya labo bonke abantu abazigqajayo bathi kuJeremiya, “Uqamba amanga! UThixo uNkulunkulu wethu kakuthumanga ukuba uthi, ‘Akumelanga liye eGibhithe ukuyahlala khona.’ 3 Kodwa uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya uyakutshotshozela ukuba usinikele kumaKhaladiya ukuba asibulale kumbe asise ekuthunjweni eBhabhiloni.”

4 Ngakho uJohanani indodana kaKhareya lazozonke izikhulu zebutho kanye labantu bonke kabalilalelanga ilizwi likaThixo lokuthi bahlale elizweni lakoJuda. 5 Esikhundleni salokho, uJohanani indodana kaKhareya lezikhulu zonke zebutho bathatha bonke ababesele koJuda ababebuyele koJuda ukuyahlala khona bevela ezizweni zonke ababekade behlakazelwe kuzo. 6 Bathatha lamadoda wonke, labesifazane bonke kanye labantwana bonke, lamadodakazi enkosi lawo uNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi ayewatshiye loGedaliya indodana ka-Ahikhami, indodana kaShafani, loJeremiya umphrofethi kanye loBharukhi indodana kaNeriya. 7 Ngakho bangena eGibhithe bedelela uThixo, bahamba baze bayafika eThahiphanesi.

8 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuJeremiya eThahiphanesi lisithi, 9 “Thatha amatshe amakhulu uwagqibele enhlabathini endaweni egandelwe ngezitina, amaJuda bekhangele, esangweni lesigodlo sikaFaro eThahiphanesi, 10 uthi kubo, ‘UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Ngizabiza inceku yami uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, njalo ngizabeka isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi phezu kwamatshe la engiwambele lapha; uzakwendlala ithente lakhe lobukhosi phezu kwawo. 11 Uzakuza ahlasele iGibhithe, alethe ukufa kulabo abamiselwe ukufa, lokuthunjwa kulabo abamiselwe ukuthunjwa, lenkemba kulabo abamiselwe inkemba. 12 Uzawathungela ngomlilo amathempeli abonkulunkulu bamaGibhithe; uzawatshisa amathempeli abo athumbe labonkulunkulu bawo. Njengomelusi ezithandela ngesembatho sakhe, ngokunjalo laye uzazithandela ngeGibhithe asuke khona engalimalanga. 13 Khonale eGibhithe, ethempelini lelanga, uzadiliza izinsika ezikhonzwayo njalo uzatshisa amathempeli abonkulunkulu beGibhithe.’ ”

44

Umonakalo Ngenxa Yokukhonza Izithombe

1 Ilizwi leli lafika kuJeremiya limayelana lamaJuda ayehlala eGibhithe, eMigidoli, leThahiphanesi leMemfisi, lasePhathrosi lisithi, 2 “UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Liwubonile umonakalo omkhulu engawehlisela phezu kweJerusalema laphezu kwamadolobho wonke akoJuda. Lamhlanje kawahlali muntu njalo angamanxiwa 3 ngenxa yobubi ababenzayo. Bangithukuthelisa ngokukhonza langokutshisela impepha abanye onkulunkulu abangabaziyo bona, lani kanye labokhokho benu. 4 Ngathuma izinceku zami, abaphrofethi, njalonjalo ezathi, ‘Lingayenzi into le enengisayo engiyizondayo!’ 5 Kodwa kabalalelanga njalo kabanakanga; kabaphendukanga ebubini babo kumbe bayekele ukutshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha. 6 Ngakho ulaka lwami olwesabekayo lwaphuphuma; lwavutha emadolobheni akoJuda lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema, lwakwenza kwaba ngamanxiwa achithekileyo ayikho lamhlanje.

7 Khathesi uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi: Kungani lizilethela umonakalo omkhulu kangaka ngokususa koJuda amadoda labafazi, abantwana lensane, ngalokho lingazitshiyeli lensalela na? 8 Kungani lingithukuthelisa ngokwenziwa yizandla zenu, litshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha eGibhithe, lapho eselayahlala khona? Lizazibhubhisa lina ngokwenu lizenze into yokuthukwa lokuhlekwa phakathi kwezizwe zonke emhlabeni. 9 Selibukhohliwe yini ububi obenziwa ngokhokho benu lobubi obenziwa ngamakhosi lamakhosikazi akoJuda, lobubi obenziwa yini labomkenu elizweni lakoJuda, lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema? 10 Kuze kube lamhla kabazithobanga kumbe batshengise ukuhlonipha, kumbe balandele imithetho yami lezimiso engalibekela zona lina labokhokho benu.

11 Ngakho uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Ngizimisele ukulehlisela umonakalo ngibhubhise loJuda wonke. 12 Ngizathatha abaseleyo koJuda ababezimisele ukuya eGibhithe; ukuba bahlale khona. Bonke bazabhubha eGibhithe; bazabulawa ngenkemba loba babulawe yindlala. Bazabulawa yinkemba loba indlala kusukela komncinyane kusiya komkhulu. Bazakuba yinto yokuqalekiswa lokwesaba, eyokulahlwa lokuthukwa. 13 Abahlala eGibhithe ngizabajezisa ngenkemba, ngendlala langesifo, njengokujezisa engakwenza iJerusalema. 14 Kakho owensalela yakoJuda owayahlala eGibhithe ozaphunyuka kumbe aphephe ukuba abuyele elizweni lakoJuda asebefisa ukubuyela bayehlala kulo, kakho ozabuyela ngaphandle kweziphepheli ezilutshwane.”

15 Lapho-ke wonke amadoda ayekwazi ukuthi omkawo babetshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha, kanye labesifazane bonke ababekhona, ixuku elikhulu, labantu bonke ababehlala ePhathrosi elizweni laseGibhithe, bathi kuJeremiya: 16 “Thina kasiyikulilalela ilizwi olikhulume kithi ngebizo likaThixo! 17 Impela sizakwenza konke esathi sizakwenza: Impepha sizayitshisela iNdlovukazi yaseZulwini siyithululele leminikelo yokunathwayo njengalokhu esakwenzayo thina labobaba, amakhosi ethu kanye lezikhulu zakithi emadolobheni akoJuda lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema. Ngalesosikhathi sasilokudla okunengi, sinothile kungekho okubi. 18 Kodwa selokhu sayekela ukutshisela iNdlovukazi yaseZulwini impepha lokuyithululela iminikelo yokunathwayo, kasisabanga lalutho njalo sesilokhu sisifa ngenkemba langendlala.”

19 Abesifazane bengeza bathi, “Ngesikhathi sitshisela iNdlovukazi yaseZulwini impepha, siyithululela leminikelo yokunathwa, omkethu babengakwazi na ukuthi sasisenza amakhekhe anjengesithombe sayo, siyithululela leminikelo yokunathwayo?”

20 UJeremiya wasesithi ebantwini bonke, abesilisa labesifazane, ababemphendula, 21  “UThixo kakhumbulanga wanakana ngempepha elayitshisela emadolobheni akoJuda lasemigwaqweni yaseJerusalema lina laboyihlo, lamakhosi enu, lezikhulu zakini kanye labantu belizweni na? 22 Kwathi uThixo engaselakho ukubekezelela izenzo zenu ezimbi lezinto ezinengisayo elazenzayo, ilizwe lenu laba yinto yokuqalekiswa logwadule oluphundlekileyo olungahlali muntu njengoba kunjalo lanamhla. 23 Umonakalo lo wehlele kini njengoba liwubona khathesi ngoba litshise impepha lenza okubi kuThixo njalo kalaze lamlalela loba lilandele umthetho wakhe kumbe imithetho yakhe loba izimiso zakhe.”

24 UJeremiya wasesithi ebantwini bonke, kubalwa labesifazane, “Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo lonke lina bantu bakoJuda abaseGibhithe. 25  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: Lina labomkenu selitshengisile ngezenzo zenu elathembisa ukukwenza lapho lathi, ‘Impela sizagcwalisa izifungo zethu esazenzayo zokutshisela iNdlovukazi yaseZulwini impepha kanye lokuyithululela iminikelo yokunathwayo.’

Ngakho qhubekani, yenzani elakuthembisayo. Gcwalisani izifungo zenu. 26 Kodwa zwanini ilizwi likaThixo lonke lina baJuda abahlala eGibhithe elithi: ‘Ngifunga ngebizo lami elidumileyo,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘ukuthi kakho ovela koJuda ohlala loba kungaphi eGibhithe ozabiza ibizo lami kumbe afunge esithi, “Ngeqiniso elinjengoba uThixo Wobukhosi ekhona.” 27 Ngoba ngilindele ukubenza okubi, hatshi okuhle. AmaJuda aseGibhithe azabhujiswa yinkemba lendlala aze aphele wonke. 28 Labo abazaphepha enkembeni babuyele elizweni lakoJuda bevela eGibhithe bazakuba balutshwana. Lapho-ke bonke abayinsalela yakoJuda abayahlala eGibhithe bazakwazi ukuthi ilizwi elizakuma ngelikabani, elami kumbe elabo.

29 Lokhu kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kini sokuthi ngizalijezisa kuyonale indawo,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘ukuze lazi ukuthi okubi engalisongela ngakho kuzakwenzakala.’ 30  UThixo uthi: ‘Ngizanikela uFaro Hofira inkosi yaseGibhithe ezitheni zakhe ezifuna ukumbulala, njengalokhu nganikela uZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda kuNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, isitha sakhe esasifuna ukumbulala.’ ”

45

Ilizwi KuBharukhi

1 Lokhu yikho uJeremiya umphrofethi akutshela uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya ngomnyaka wesine kaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda, emva kokuba uBharukhi elobe emqulwini amazwi ayekhulunywe nguJeremiya esithi, 2  “UThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uthi kuwe, Bharukhi: 3 Wena wathi, ‘Maye mina! UThixo usengezelele usizi ebuhlungwini bami; sengikhathele ngokububula njalo kangikutholi ukuphumula.’ 4  UThixo wathi, Khuluma lokhu kuye uthi: ‘UThixo uthi: Ngizadiliza esengikwakhile ngiphinde ngisiphune esengikuhlanyele elizweni lonke. 5 Lapho-ke uzazifunela izinto ezinkulu na? Ungazidingi, ngoba ngizaletha umonakalo ebantwini bonke, kutsho uThixo, kodwa wena loba kungaphi oya khona ngizakwenza uphephe lokuphila kwakho.’ ”

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Ilizwi NgeGibhithe

1 Leli yilizwi likaThixo elafika kuJeremiya umphrofethi mayelana lezizwe:

2 Mayelana leGibhithe:

Leli yilizwi elimayelana lebutho likaFaro Nekho inkosi yaseGibhithe, elanqotshwayo eKharikhemishi emfuleni iYufrathe nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni ngomnyaka wesine kaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda:

3 “Lungisani amahawu enu, amakhulu lamancane,

liphume liye empini.

4 Bophani amabhiza,

liwagade!

Manini ezindaweni zenu

lilezingowane zenu!

Lolani imikhonto yenu,

ligqoke impahla zempi!

5 Kuyini engikubonayo?

Bayesaba,

bahlehlela emuva,

amabutho abo ehlulwe.

Abaleka ngesiqubu

anganyemukuli,

njalo kulokwesaba izindawo zonke,” kutsho uThixo.

6 “Olejubane kasoze abaleke

kumbe olamandla aphephe.

Ngasenyakatho, emfuleni iYufrathe

bayakhubeka bawe.

7 Ngubani lo ophakama njengeNayili,

njengemifula elamanzi agubhazelayo na?

8 IGibhithe liphakama njengeNayili,

njengemifula elamanzi agubhazelayo.

Lithi: ‘Ngizaphakama ngembese umhlaba;

ngizachitha amadolobho labantu bawo.’

9 Hlaselani, lina mabhiza!

Qhubekani ngentukuthelo, lina zinqola zempi!

Yanini phambili, lina mabutho,

madoda aseKhushi lawePhuthi, aphatha amahawu,

madoda aseLudi agoba idandili.

10 Kodwa usuku lolo ngolweNkosi, uThixo uSomandla,

usuku lokuphindisela, olokuphindisela ezitheni zakhe.

Inkemba izakudla ize isuthe,

ize icitshe ukoma kwayo ngegazi.

Ngoba iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla uzanikela umhlatshelo

elizweni lasenyakatho ngasemfuleni iYufrathe.

11 Yana eGiliyadi uyethatha umuthi wokwelapha,

wena Ndodakazi egcweleyo yaseGibhithe.

Kodwa imithi uyandisela ize;

akukho kusila kuwe.

12 Izizwe zizakuzwa ngehlazo lakho;

ukukhala kwakho kuzagcwala umhlaba.

Elinye ibutho lizakhubeka kwelinye;

womabili azawela phansi ndawonye.”

13 Leli yilizwi uThixo alikhuluma kuJeremiya umphrofethi ngokuza kukaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni ukuba ahlasele iGibhithe:

14 “Memezelani lokhu eGibhithe, likubike laseMigidoli;

kumemezeleni njalo laseMemfisi laseThahiphanesi lithi:

‘Manini ezindaweni zenu lilunge,

ngoba inkemba idla abakhelene lani.’

15 Amabutho enu azabulawelwani na?

Angeke ame,

ngoba uThixo uzawalahlela phansi.

16 Azakhubeka kokuphela;

azakuwa elekane.

Azakuthi, ‘Vukani, kasibuyeleni emuva

ebantwini bakithi lasemazweni akithi,

kude kwenkemba yomncindezeli.’

17 Khonale bazamemeza bathi,

‘UFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe

ingumsindo omkhulu nje kuphela;

uselahlekelwe lithuba lakhe.’

18 Ngeqiniso elinjengokuthi ngikhona,” kutsho iNkosi,

obizo layo nguThixo uSomandla,

“kuzafika omunye onjengoThabhori phakathi kwezintaba,

njengoKhameli ngasolwandle.

19 Lungisani impahla zekuthunjweni,

lina abahlala eGibhithe,

ngoba iMemfisi izadilizwa

ibe lunxiwa olungahlali muntu.

20 IGibhithe ilithokazi elihle,

kodwa isibawu siyeza

silisongela sivela enyakatho.

21 Amabutho okuqatshwa aphakathi kwalo

anjengamathole anonisiweyo.

Lawo azaphenduka abaleke endawonye,

kawayikuma,

ngoba usuku lomonakalo luyeza phezu kwabo,

isikhathi sabo sokujeziswa.

22 IGibhithe izakhwaza njengenyoka ebalekayo

lapho isitha sisondela ngobunengi baso;

sizayihlasela ngamahloka

okwabantu abagamula izihlahla.

23 Sizagamula amahlathi ayo,” kutsho uThixo,

“lanxa eminyene kanjani.

Banengi kulentethe,

ngeke babalwe.

24 Indodakazi yaseGibhithe izayangiswa,

inikelwe ebantwini basenyakatho.”

25  UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi: “Sekuseduze ukuba ngijezise u-Amoni unkulunkulu waseThebesi, loFaro, leGibhithe kanye labonkulunkulu balo lamakhosi alo, lalabo abathembe uFaro. 26 Ngizabanikela kulabo abafuna ukubabulala, kuNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni lezikhulu zakhe. Kodwa muva, iGibhithe lizahlalwa ngabantu futhi njengasezinsukwini zakudala,” kutsho uThixo.

27 “Ungesabi, wena Jakhobe nceku yami;

ungathuthumeli, wena Israyeli.

Impela ngizakukhulula endaweni ekude,

lenzalo yakho elizweni lokuthunjwa kwayo.

UJakhobe uzakuba lokuthula

futhi kanye lokuvikeleka,

njalo kakho ozamthuthumelisa.

28 Ungesabi wena Jakhobe nceku yami

ngoba ngilawe,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Lanxa ngizachitha ngokupheleleyo izizwe zonke

engakuhlakazela kuzo,

wena angiyikukuchitha ngokupheleleyo.

Ngizakujezisa kodwa ngokufaneleyo kuphela;

angiyikukuyekela nje ungajeziswanga.”

47

Ilizwi Ngamafilistiya

1 Leli yilizwi likaThixo elafika kuJeremiya umphrofethi mayelana lamaFilistiya ngesikhathi uFaro engakahlaseli iGaza:

2  UThixo uthi:

“Khangela ukuphakama kwamanzi enyakatho;

azakuba ngumfula okhukhulayo.

Azakhukhula ilizwe lakho konke okukulo,

amadolobho lalabo abahlala kuwo.

Abantu bazakhala,

bonke abahlala elizweni bazalila

3 ekuzweni umsindo wamasondo amabhiza agijimayo,

lekuzweni umsindo wezinqola zesitha

lomdumo wamasondo azo.

Oyise kabayikuphenduka ukuba basize abantwababo;

izandla zabo zizalenga zingelamandla.

4 Ngoba usuku selufikile

ukuba abhujiswe wonke amaFilistiya,

lokuqeda bonke abasilayo

abangasiza iThire leSidoni.

Sekuseduze ukuba uThixo abhubhise amaFilistiya,

insalela emakhunjini eKhafithori.

5 IGaza izaphuca ikhanda layo ilila;

i-Ashikheloni izathuliswa.

Lina nsalela esemagcekeni,

lizazisika kuze kube nini na?

6 Likhala lisithi, ‘Maye, nkemba kaThixo,

koba nini ukuze uphumule?

Buyela emgodleni wakho;

khawuka ungathi nyiki.’

7 Kodwa ingaphumula njani

yona ilaywe nguThixo,

ithunywe nguye

ukuba ihlasele i-Ashikheloni lamakhumbi olwandle na?”

48

Ilizwi NgeMowabi

1 Mayelana leMowabi:

UThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi:

“Maye kuyo iNebho ngoba izachithwa.

IKhiriyathayimi izayangeka njalo ithunjwe;

inqaba izayangeka ibhidlizwe.

2 IMowabi kayiyikudunyiswa futhi;

eHeshibhoni abantu bazaceba ukumbhidliza:

besithi, ‘Wozani sitshabalalise isizwe lesiyana.’

Lawe, wena Madimeni uzathuliswa;

inkemba izaxotshana lawe.

3 Zwanini ukukhala okuvela eHoronayimi;

ukukhala komonakalo omkhulu lencithakalo.

4 IMowabi izachitheka;

abancinyane bayo bazakhala.

5 Baqansa ngendlela eya eLuhithi,

bahamba belila kabuhlungu,

emgwaqweni owehlela eHoronayimi,

kuzwakala ukukhala okulosizi ngenxa yokuchitheka.

6 Balekani! Gijimani lizivikele ekufeni;

wobani njengesihlahla enkangala.

7 Njengoba lithembe izenzo zenu lenotho yenu,

lani futhi lizathunjwa,

loKhemoshi uzakuya ekuthunjweni,

kanye labaphristi bakhe lezikhulu zakhe.

8 Umchithi uzafika emadolobheni wonke,

njalo akukho dolobho elizaphepha.

Isigodi sizatshabalaliswa,

lamagceke azaqothulwa

ngoba uThixo usekhulumile.

9 Fakani itswayi kuyo iMowabi

ngoba izachitheka;

amadolobho ayo azakuba ngamanxiwa

angayikuba lamuntu ozahlala kuwo.

10 Yeka isithuko kulowo oyekethisayo ekwenzeni umsebenzi kaThixo!

Yeka isithuko kulowo ogodla inkemba yakhe ekuchitheni igazi!

11 IMowabi ibiphumule kusukela ebutsheni bayo

njengewayini elisele phezu kwezinsipho zalo,

elingathelwanga kwenye imbiza lisuswa kwenye

kayithunjwanga.

Ngakho inambitheka njengakuqala,

iphunga layo kaliguqukanga.

12 Kodwa insuku ziyeza,

lapho ngizathuma abantu abathulula okusembizeni,

njalo bazayithululela phandle;

bazachitha okusezimbizeni zayo

bazimahlaze imbiza zayo.

13 Lapho-ke iMowabi izayangeka ngoKhemoshi

njengokuyangeka kwendlu ka-Israyeli

lapho babethembe iBhetheli.

14 Lingatsho kanjani na ukuthi, ‘Singamabutho,

amadoda alesibindi empini na’?

15 IMowabi izachithwa, amadolobho ayo ahlaselwe;

amajaha ayo aqinileyo azacakazelwa phansi abulawe,”

kutsho iNkosi, obizo layo nguThixo uSomandla.

16 “Ukuwa kweMowabi sekuseduze;

umonakalo wayo uzafika ngokuphangisa.

17 Ikhaleleni lonke lina elakhelene layo,

bonke abalwaziyo udumo lwayo,

lithi, ‘Yeka ukwephuka kwentonga yobukhosi elamandla,

yeka ukwephuka kodondolo oluhle kakhulu!’

18 Yehlani ebukhosini benu

lihlale emhlabathini owomileyo,

lina elihlala eNdodakazini yaseDibhoni.

Ngoba lowo ochitha iMowabi

uzakuzalihlasela

adilize amadolobho enu avikelweyo.

19 Manini emgwaqweni lilinde,

lina elihlala e-Aroweri.

Buzani indoda ebalekayo lowesifazane obalekayo;

babuzeni lithi, ‘Kwenzakaleni na?’

20 IMowabi iyangekile, ngoba ichithekile.

Lilani likhale!

Bikani ngase-Arinoni

ukuthi iMowabi itshabalalisiwe.

21 Ukwehlulela sekufikile emagcekeni

eHoloni, leJahazi laseMefahathi,

22 eDibhoni, leNebho laseBhethi-Dibhilathayimi,

23 eKhiriyathayimi, leBhethi-Gamuli laseBhethi Meyoni,

24 eKheriyothi kanye laseBhozira

kuwo wonke amadolobho aseMowabi, aseduze lakhatshana.

25 Uphondo lweMowabi luqunyiwe,

ingalo yalo yephuliwe,”

kutsho uThixo.

26 “Idakiseni

ngoba idelele uThixo.

IMowabi kayizibhixe ngamahlanzo ayo;

kayibe yinto yokuhlekwa.

27 U-Israyeli wayengasinto yokuhlekisa kuwe na?

Watholakala ephakathi kwamasela na,

ukuba unikine ikhanda lakho ngokweyisa

ngasosonke isikhathi lapho ukhuluma ngaye?

28 Tshiyani amadolobho enu lihlale emadwaleni,

lina elihlala eMowabi.

Wobani njengejuba elakhela isidleke salo

emlonyeni wobhalu.

29 Sizwile ngokuzigqaja kweMowabi,

ukuziqakisa kwayo lokuzazisa kwayo!

Ukuzigqaja lokuzikhukhumeza kwayo,

kanye lokuziphakamisa kwenhliziyo yayo.

30 Ngiyakwazi ukudelela kwayo, kodwa kuyize,

lokuzincoma kwayo akusizi lutho,” kutsho uThixo

31 “Ngakho-ke ngiyalila ngeMowabi,

ngikhalela iMowabi yonke,

ngililela abantu baseKhiri-Haresethi.

32 Ngiyalikhalela njengokulila kweJazeri,

lina zivini zaseSibhima.

Ingatsha zenu zinaba zifike olwandle,

zafika olwandle lwaseJazeri.

Umchithi usehlele

phezu kwezithelo zakho ezivuthiweyo laphezu kwamavini.

33 Ukuthokoza lokuthaba akusekho

ezivinini lasemasimini eMowabi.

Ukugeleza kwewayini ezikhamelweni sengikumisile;

kakho ozalikhama eklabalala ngentokozo.

Lanxa kulokuklabalala

akusikuklabalala kwentokozo.

34 Umsindo wokukhala kwabo uyaphakama

uvelela eHeshibhoni usiya e-Eliyale laseJahazi,

uvela eZowari usiyafika eHoronayimi le-Egilathi Shelishiya,

ngoba lamanzi aseNimirimi asecitshile.

35 EMowabi ngizabaqeda

labo abanikela iminikelo ezindaweni eziphakemeyo

batshisele labonkulunkulu babo impepha,” kutsho uThixo.

36 “Ngakho inhliziyo yami ikhalela iMowabi njengemfegwana;

iyakhala njengemfegwana ikhalela abantu beKhiri-Haresethi.

Inotho ababeyizuzile kayisekho.

37 Amakhanda wonke aphuciwe

lezindevu zonke zigeliwe;

izandla zonke zisikiwe

lezinkalo zonke zigqokiswe amasaka.

38 Phezu kwezimpahla zonke zezindlu zaseMowabi

lasemagcekeni kazulu,

akulalutho ngaphandle kokukhala,

ngoba iMowabi ngiyibulele

njengembiza engafunwa muntu,” kutsho uThixo.

39 “Yeka ukuphahlazwa kwayo! Yeka ukulila kwabo!

Yeka ukufulathela kweMowabi ilehlazo!

IMowabi isibe yinto yokuhlekwa;

into yokwesatshwa yibo bonke abakhelane layo.”

40  UThixo uthi:

“Khangela! Ukhozi lwehlela phansi ngesiqubu,

lwelulele impiko zalo phezu kweMowabi.

41 IKheriyothi izathunjwa,

lezinqaba zithunjwe.

Ngalolosuku inhliziyo zamabutho aseMowabi

zizakuba njengenhliziyo yowesifazane ohelelwayo.

42 IMowabi izachithwa ingabe isaba yisizwe

ngoba yadelela uThixo.

43 Ukwesaba lomgodi kanye lomjibila kulilindele

lina bantu baseMowabi,”

kutsho uThixo.

44 “Loba ngubani obalekela ukwesaba

uzawela emgodini,

loba ngubani ophuma emgodini

uzabanjwa ngumjibila;

ngoba ngizakwehlisela phezu kweMowabi

umnyaka wokujeziswa kwayo,”

kutsho uThixo.

45 “Emthunzini waseHeshibhoni

ababalekayo bayema kungelasizo,

ngoba umlilo usuphumile eHeshibhoni,

ilangabi elivela phakathi kwakoSihoni;

litshisa amabunzi eMowabi

inkakhayi zamaqhalaqhala alomsindo.

46 Maye kuwe! wena Mowabi!

Abantu baseKhemoshi babhujisiwe;

amadodana athunjiwe

lamadodakazi akho athunjiwe.

47 Kodwa inhlanhla ye-Mowabi ngizayibuyisela

ensukwini ezizayo,”

kutsho uThixo.

Ukwahlulelwa kweMowabi kuphelela lapha.

49

Ilizwi Ngama-Amoni

1 Mayelana lama-Amoni:

Nanku akutshoyo uThixo:

“U-Israyeli kalamadodana na?

Kalandlalifa na?

Pho kungani uMoleki esethumbe iGadi na?

Kungani abantu bakhe behlala emadolobheni alo na?

2 Kodwa insuku ziyeza,

lapho engizahlaba khona umkhosi wempi

wokumelana leRabha yama-Amoni,

izakuba yindunduma yonxiwa;

lemizi eseduze layo izathungelwa ngomlilo.

Ngakho u-Israyeli uzabaxotsha

labo ababemxotshele phandle,” kutsho uThixo.

3 “Lila weHeshibhoni, ngoba i-Ayi ichithekile!

Khalani lina elihlala eRabha!

Gqokani amasaka lilile;

gijimelani lapha lalaphaya phakathi kwemiduli,

ngoba uMoleki uzathunjwa,

ndawonye labaphristi bakhe kanye lezikhulu zakhe.

4 Lizincomelani ngezigodi zenu,

lizincomelani ngezigodi ezithela kangaka?

Wena ndodakazi engathembekanga,

uthemba inotho yakho uthi,

‘Ngubani ozangihlasela na?’

5 Ngizalilethela ukwesaba

okuvela kubo bonke abaseduze lani,”

kutsho iNkosi, uThixo uSomandla.

“Lonke lizaxotshelwa khatshana,

njalo kakho ozaqoqa ababalekayo.

6 Kodwa emva kwalokho

ngizabuyisela inhlanhla yama-Amoni,”

kutsho uThixo.

Ilizwi Nge-Edomi

7 Mayelana le-Edomi:

Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla:

“Kakuselakuhlakanipha eThemani na?

Izeluleko sezaphela na kwabahlakaniphileyo?

Ukuhlakanipha kwabo sekwabola na?

8 Phendukani libaleke, licatshe ezimbalwini ezitshonayo,

lina elihlala eDedani,

ngoba ngizaletha umonakalo phezu kuka-Esawu

ngesikhathi engizamjezisa ngaso.

9 Nxa abavuni bamavini befike kuwe,

kabangeke batshiye amalutshwana na?

Nxa amasela efika ebusuku

kabayikuntshontsha lokho okwanele abakufunayo kuphela na?

10 Kodwa u-Esawu ngizamhlubula asale eze;

ngizakwembula izindawo zakhe zokucatsha,

ukuze angacatshi.

Amabutho akhe ahlomileyo azabhubha

kanye labomakhelwane bakhe labahlanganyela laye,

angabikhona khona ozakuthi,

11 ‘Tshiya izintandane zakho; ngizavikela impilo yazo

labafelokazi bakho bangathemba kimi.’ ”

12  UThixo uthi: “Nxa labo abangafanelanga ukunatha inkezo kumele bayinathe, kungani wena ungeze wajeziswa na? Kawuyikuphutha ukujeziswa, kumele uyinathe. 13 Ngifunga ngami, ukuthi iBhozira izakuba lunxiwa lento yokwesatshwa, eyokuthukwa lokuqalekiswa, njalo wonke amadolobho ayo azakuba ngamanxiwa nini lanini,” kutsho uThixo.

14 Sengizwe ilizwi elivela kuThixo:

Kuthunywe isithunywa ezizweni ukuba sithi,

“Buthanani ukuba liyihlasele!

Vukani lilwe impi!”

15 “Khathesi ngizakwenza ube mncane phakathi kwezizwe,

udeleleke ebantwini.

16 Ukuthuthumela okungabangwa nguwe,

lokuzigqaja kwenhliziyo yakho kukukhohlisile,

wena ohlala eminkenkeni yamadwala,

wena ohlala ezingqongeni zoqaqa.

Lanxa usakhela isidleke sakho phezulu njengengqungqulu,

ukhonapho ngizakwehlisela phansi,”

kutsho uThixo.

17 “I-Edomi izakuba yinto yokwesatshwa,

bonke abadlula khona bazathuthumela baklolode

ngenxa yamanxeba ayo wonke.

18 Njengokuchitheka kweSodoma leGomora,

kanye lamadolobho awo ayeseduze,

ngakho kakho ozahlala kuyo,

kakho ozabuye ahlale khona” kutsho uThixo.

19 “Njengesilwane siphuma emahlathini aseJodani

sisiya emadlelweni amahle,

i-Edomi ngizayixotsha elizweni layo ngesikhatshana.

Ngubani okhethiweyo engizamkhethela lokhu na?

Ngubani onjengami, ngubani ongamelana lami na?

Njalo nguphi umelusi ongajamelana lami na?”

20 Ngakho, zwanini lokho uThixo asecebe ukukwenza nge-Edomi,

asemise ukukwenza kulabo abahlala eThemani:

Amazinyane omhlambi azadonselwa le;

amadlelo awo uzawatshabalalisa ngokupheleleyo ngenxa yabo.

21 Ekuzwakaleni komsindo wokuwa kwabo umhlaba uzagedezela,

ukukhala kwabo kuzazwakala eLwandle oluBomvu.

22 Khangelani! Ingqungqulu izaqonga iphinde yehlele phansi,

yelulele impiko zayo phezu kweBhozira.

Ngalolosuku inhliziyo zamabutho ase-Edomi

zizakuba njengenhliziyo yowesifazane ohelelwayo.

Ilizwi NgeDamaseko

23 Mayelana leDamaseko:

“IHamathi le-Ariphadi athithibele,

ngoba azwe izindaba ezimbi.

Adanile,

akhathazeke njengolwandle olungela kuphumula.

24 IDamaseko isibe buthakathaka,

isiphendukile ukuba ibaleke,

isiphethwe layikuphaphazela;

ibanjwe lusizi lobuhlungu,

ubuhlungu obunjengowesifazane ohelelwayo.

25 Kungani idolobho lodumo lingadelwanga,

idolobho engithokoza ngalo na?

26 Ngeqiniso izinsizwa zayo zizakuwa emgwaqweni;

amabutho ayo wonke azathuliswa ngalolosuku,”

kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

27 “Imiduli yaseDamaseko ngizayithungela ngomlilo;

uzaqothula izinqaba zaseBheni-Hadadi.”

Ilizwi NgeKhedari LeHazori

28 Mayelana leKhedari lemibuso yaseHazori, eyahlaselwa nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni:

UThixo uthi:

“Vuka uhlasele iKhedari

ubhubhise labantu baseMpumalanga.

29 Amathente abo lemihlambi yabo kuzathunjwa;

amakhetheni abo azathathwa

layo yonke impahla yabo kanye lamakamela abo.

Abantu bazaklabalala besithi kubo,

‘Ukwesaba enhlangothini zonke!’

30 Balekani ngokuphangisa!

Hlalani ezimbalwini ezitshonayo, lina elihlala eHazori,”

kutsho uThixo.

“UNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni usecebe icebo ngani,

usebumbe icebo ngani.

31 Vukani lihlasele isizwe esizinzileyo,

esihlezi ngethemba,”

kutsho uThixo,

“isizwe esingelawo amasango kumbe imigoqo;

abantu baso bahlala bodwa.

32 Amakamela aso azakuba yimpango,

lemihlambi yabo emikhulu izakuba yimpango.

Ngizabahlakazela emoyeni labo abasezindaweni ezikude

njalo ngizaletha umonakalo kubo uvelela enhlangothini zonke,”

kutsho uThixo.

33 “IHazori izakuba yisikhundla samakhanka,

indawo echithekileyo nini lanini.

Kakho ozahlala khona,

akulamuntu ozahlala kuyo.”

Ilizwi Nge-Elamu

34 Leli yilizwi likaThixo elafika kuJeremiya umphrofethi mayelana le-Elamu, ekuqaleni kombuso kaZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, elathi:

35  UThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Khangela, idandili le-Elamu ngizalephula,

insika yamandla abo.

36 Ngizalethela i-Elamu imimoya emine

ezavela emagumbini amane amazulu,

ngizabahlakazela emimoyeni emine,

njalo akuyikuba lesizwe

abathunjwe e-Elamu abangayikuya kuso.

37 I-Elamu ngizayibhidliza phambi kwezitha zayo,

phambi kwalabo abafuna ukubabulala.

Ngizakwehlisela umonakalo phezu kwabo

kanye lolaka lwami oluvuthayo,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ngizabaxhuma ngenkemba

ngize ngibaqede bonke.

38 Ngizabeka isihlalo sami sobukhosi e-Elamu

ngichithe inkosi yayo lezikhulu zayo,”

kutsho uThixo.

39 “Kodwa inhlanhla ye-Elamu ngizayibuyisa

ensukwini ezizayo,”

kutsho uThixo.

50

Ilizwi NgeBhabhiloni

1 Leli yilizwi uThixo alikhuluma ngoJeremiya umphrofethi mayelana leBhabhiloni lelizwe lamaKhaladiya:

2 “Memezelani libike phakathi kwezizwe,

phakamisani uphawu lilubike;

lingafihli lutho, kodwa lithi,

‘IBhabhiloni izathunjwa,

iBheli izayangiswa,

iMariduki ibe lokwesaba.

Izifanekiso zayo zizayangiswa,

izithombe zayo zibe lokwesaba.’

3 Isizwe esivela enyakatho sizayihlasela

sitshabalalise ilizwe layo.

Kakho ozahlala kuyo;

abantu lezinyamazana kuzasuka kubaleke.

4 Ngalezonsuku, ngalesosikhathi,

abantu bako-Israyeli ndawonye labantu bakoJuda

bazahamba bekhala bedinga uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo.

5 Bazabuza indlela eya eZiyoni

bakhangelise ubuso babo kuyo.

Bazakuza bazibophele kuThixo

ngesivumelwano esingapheliyo

esingayikukhohlakala.

6 Abantu bami bebeyizimvu ezilahlekileyo,

abelusi babo babebadukisile

babenza bazulazula phezu kwezintaba.

Bantula phezu kwezintaba laphezu kwamaqaqa

bakhohlwa indawo yabo yokuphumula.

7 Loba ngubani owabatholayo wabadla;

izitha zabo zathi, ‘Kasilacala,

ngoba benza okubi kuThixo, idlelo labo eliqotho,

uThixo, ithemba laboyise.’

8 Balekelani ngaphandle kweBhabhiloni;

sukani elizweni lamaKhaladiya,

libe njengembuzi ezikhokhela umhlambi.

9 Ngoba iBhabhiloni ngizayivusela

umanyano lwezizwe ezinkulu ezivela elizweni lasenyakatho.

Bazaviva ezindaweni zabo bamelane layo.

Njalo izathunjwa kuvelelwa enyakatho.

Imitshoko yabo izakuba njengamabutho alolwazi

angaphenduki engelalutho.

10 Ngakho iBhabhiloni izaphangwa,

bonke abayiphangayo bazasuthiseka,”

kutsho uThixo.

11 “Njengoba lithokoza njalo lithabile,

lizaphanga ilifa lami ngoba

liyaqolotsha njengethokazi etshanini,

njalo likhale njengamabhiza amaduna,

12 unyoko uzayangeka kakhulu,

yena owalizalayo uzakuba lenhloni.

Uzakuba ngowokucina phakathi kwezizwe,

inkangala, ilizwe elomileyo, ugwadule.

13 Ngenxa yolaka lukaThixo kayiyikuhlalwa muntu kodwa

izachithwa ngokupheleleyo.

Bonke abadlula eBhabhiloni bazakwesaba

baklolode ngenxa yamanxeba ayo wonke.

14 Vivani inhlangothi zonke zeBhabhiloni

lonke lina eliphethe amadandili.

Itshokeni! Lingatshiyi mitshoko

ngoba yonile kuThixo.

15 Klabalalani kuyo ezinhlangothini zonke!

Iyazinikela, imiphotshongo yayo iyawa,

imiduli yayo idilikela phansi.

Njengoba lokhu kuyikuphindisela kukaThixo,

phindiselani kuyo iBhabhiloni;

yenzani kuyo njengalokhu eyakwenza kwabanye.

16 Msuseni eBhabhiloni umhlanyeli,

lomvuni lesikela yakhe ekuvuneni.

Ngenxa yenkemba yomncindezeli,

umuntu wonke kabuyele ebantwini bakibo;

umuntu wonke kabalekele elizweni lakibo.

17 U-Israyeli ungumhlambi ohlakazekileyo

oxotshwe yizilwane.

Owaqalayo ukumudla

yinkosi yase-Asiriya;

owacinayo ukuqhoba amathambo akhe

nguNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni.”

18 Ngakho uThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli uthi:

“Ngizayijezisa inkosi yaseBhabhiloni lelizwe layo

njengoba ngajezisa inkosi yase-Asiriya.

19 Kodwa u-Israyeli ngizambuyisela edlelweni lakhe,

uzakudla eKhameli kanye laseBhashani;

inkanuko yakhe izasuthiswa

emaqaqeni ako-Efrayimi kanye leGiliyadi.

20 Ngalezonsuku, ngalesosikhathi,” kutsho uThixo,

“ukona kuka-Israyeli kuzadingwa,

kodwa akuyikuba khona;

kudingwe lezono zikaJuda

kodwa kasikho esizafunyanwa,

ngoba insalela engiyitshiyayo ngizayithethelela.

21 Hlaselani ilizwe laseMerathayimi

lalabo abahlala ePhekhodi.

Xotshanani labo libabulale libaqede du,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Yenzani konke engililaye khona.

22 Umsindo wempi uselizweni,

umsindo wencithakalo enkulu!

23 Yeka ukwephuka lokucezuka

kwesando somhlaba wonke!

Yeka ukuchitheka kweBhabhiloni

phakathi kwezizwe!

24 Ngakuthiya ngomjibila, wena Bhabhiloni,

wabanjwa ungakakwazi lokho;

waficwa wathunjwa,

ngoba wamelana loThixo.

25  UThixo usevule indlu yakhe yezikhali

wakhupha izikhali zolaka lwakhe,

ngoba uThixo Wobukhosi, uSomandla

ulomsebenzi okumele awenze

elizweni lamaKhaladiya.

26 Wozani kuyo limelane layo livela kude.

Fohlelani eziphaleni zayo;

liyibuthelele njengezinqumbi zamabele.

Ichitheni okupheleleyo

lingayitshiyeli nsalela.

27 Bulalani zonke inkunzi zayo ezisesengamaguqa;

ziwiseleni phansi ekuhlatshweni!

Maye kubo!

Ngoba usuku lwabo selufikile, isikhathi sabo sokujeziswa.

28 Lalelani ababalekayo labaphephileyo abavela eBhabhiloni

bememezela eZiyoni

ngokuphindisela uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu asekwenzile,

ukuphindisela ngenxa yethempeli lakhe.

29 Bizani abemitshoko bahlasele iBhabhiloni,

bonke labo abaphatha amadandili.

Ihanqeni inxa zonke;

kungabikhona ophunyukayo.

Iphindiseleni izenzo zayo;

yenzani kuyo njengekwenzileyo.

Ngoba idelele uThixo,

oNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

30 Ngakho izinsizwa zayo zizakuwa emigwaqweni; ngalolosuku

wonke amabutho ayo azabulawa,”

kutsho uThixo.

31 “Khangela, ngimelane lawe, wena oyisiqholo,”

kutsho uThixo, uThixo uSomandla,

“ngoba usuku lwakho selufikile,

isikhathi sokujeziswa kwakho.

32 Oyisiqholo uzakhubeka awe,

njalo kakho ozamsiza amvuse.

Ngizabasa umlilo emadolobheni akhe

ozaqothula bonke abakhelene laye.”

33  UThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Abantu bako-Israyeli bancindezelwe,

kanye labantu bakoJuda futhi.

Bonke abathumbi babo babagagadlele,

besala ukubadedela bahambe.

34 Kodwa uMhlengi wabo ulamandla;

uThixo uSomandla yilo ibizo lakhe.

Uzavikela imfanelo zabo ngamandla

ukuze alethe ukuthula elizweni labo,

kodwa ukuxokozela kulabo abahlala eBhabhiloni.

35 Inkemba imelana lamaKhaladiya,”

kutsho uThixo,

“imelane lalabo abahlala eBhabhiloni

kanye lezikhulu zayo lezihlakaniphi zayo!

36 Inkemba izamelana labaphrofethi balo bamanga!

Bazakuba yizithutha.

Inkemba izamelana lamabutho ayo!

Azakuba lokwesaba okukhulu.

37 Inkemba izamelana lamabhiza ayo lezinqola zempi

labo bonke abezizweni abakuyo!

Bazakuba ngabafazi.

Inkemba izamelana lenotho yayo!

Izaphangwa.

38 Kuzakuba lokoma kwamanzi ayo!

Azacitsha.

Ngoba yilizwe lezithombe,

izithombe ezizahlanya ngenxa yokwesaba.

39 Ngakho izidalwa zasenkangala lezimpisi zizahlala khona,

lesikhova sizahlala khona.

Akusayikwakhiwa kuyo lanini

kumbe kuhlalwe kuyo kusukela kusizukulwane kusiya kusizukulwane.

40 Njengalokhu uNkulunkulu wachitha iSodoma leGomora

ndawonye lamadolobho ayeseduzane lawo,”

kutsho uThixo,

“ngokunjalo kakho ozahlala khona;

akulamuntu ozahlala phakathi kwayo.

41 Khangelani! Ibutho liyeza livela enyakatho;

isizwe esikhulu lamakhosi amanengi

bayadungwa kusukela emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

42 Bahlome ngamadandili langemikhonto;

balesihluku, kabalasihawu.

Bezwakala njengolwandle oluhlokomayo

lapho begade amabhiza abo;

beza njengabantu abalungele impi ukuba

bakuhlasele, wena Ndodakazi yaseBhabhiloni.

43 INkosi yaseBhabhiloni isiyizwile imibiko ngabo,

njalo izandla zayo zilenga zingelamandla.

Usizi seluyibambile,

ubuhlungu obunjengowesifazane ohelelwayo.

44 Njengesilwane siphuma emahlathini aseJodani sisiya

emadlelweni amahle,

iBhabhiloni ngizayixotsha elizweni layo ngesikhatshana.

Ngubani okhethiweyo engizamkhethela lokhu na?

Ngubani onjengami, ngubani ongamelana lami?

Njalo nguphi umelusi ongajamelana lami na?”

45 Ngakho, zwanini lokho uThixo asecebe ukukwenza ngeBhabhiloni,

asemise ukukwenza ngelizwe lamaKhaladiya:

Amazinyane omhlambi azadonselwa le,

amadlelo awo uzawatshabalalisa ngokupheleleyo ngenxa yabo.

46 Ekuzwakaleni komsindo wokuthunjwa kweBhabhiloni umhlaba uzagedezela;

ukukhala kwayo kuzazwakala phakathi kwezizwe.

51

1  UThixo uthi:

“Khangelani, ngizavusa umoya ochithayo

umelane leBhabhiloni labantu beLebhi Khamayi.

2 Ngizathumela abezizweni eBhabhiloni

ukuba bayihlungule njalo batshabalalise lelizwe layo;

bazamelana layo enhlangothini zonke

ngosuku lwencithakalo yayo.

3 Lingavumeli mtshoki ebopha idandili lakhe

loba limyekele egqoka isigqoko sakhe sensimbi.

Lingazitshiyi izinsizwa zayo,

liliqede du ibutho layo.

4 Bazawela phansi bebulewe eBhabhiloni

belinyazwe okokufa emigwaqweni yayo.

5 Ngoba u-Israyeli loJuda kabalahlwanga

nguNkulunkulu wabo, uThixo uSomandla,

lanxa nje ilizwe labo ligcwele ukona

phambi koNgcwele ka-Israyeli.

6 Balekani eBhabhiloni!

Sindisani impilo yenu!

Lingabhujiswa ngenxa yezono zayo.

Yisikhathi sokuphindisela kukaThixo;

uzaphindisela kuyo ngokufaneleyo.

7 IBhabhiloni yayiyinkezo yegolide esandleni sikaThixo;

yenza umhlaba wonke wadakwa.

Izizwe zanatha iwayini layo;

ngakho khathesi sezihlanya.

8 IBhabhiloni izakuwa masinyane idilike.

Ilileleni!

Idingeleni umuthi wokupholisa ubuhlungu bayo;

mhlawumbe ingasila.

9 ‘IBhabhiloni kade singayelapha

kodwa kayelapheki;

kasiyitshiyeni kuthi lowo lalowo aye elizweni lakibo,

ngoba ukwahlulela kufika emikhathini

kuqonga kuze kufike emayezini.

10  UThixo usebonakalisile ukuthi kasilacala,

wozani sibike eZiyoni

osekwenziwe nguThixo uNkulunkulu wethu.’

11 Lolani imitshoko;

thathani amahawu!

UThixo usevuse amakhosi amaMede

ngoba inhloso yakhe yikuchitha iBhabhiloni.

UThixo uzaphindisela,

aphindisele ngenxa yethempeli lakhe.

12 Phakamiselani imiduli yaseBhabhiloni uphawu!

Qinisani ukulinda,

bekani abalindayo,

lungiselani ukucathamela!

UThixo uzafeza inhloso yakhe,

isimiso sakhe ngabantu baseBhabhiloni.

13 Lina elihlala ngasemanzini amanengi,

njalo lilenotho enengi,

isiphetho senu sesifikile,

isikhathi senu sokuqunywa.

14  UThixo uSomandla usefungile ngayo wathi:

Impela ngizakugcwalisa ngabantu abangangesikhongwane,

njalo bazaklabalala ngamacilongo ngaphezu kwakho.

15 Wenza umhlaba ngamandla akhe;

wamisa umhlaba ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe

njalo wendlala lamazulu ngokuqedisisa kwakhe.

16 Lapho evungama, amanzi asemazulwini ayahlokoma;

wenza amayezi aphakame evela emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

Uthumela umbane ulezulu njalo

akhuphe umoya eziphaleni zakhe.

17 Abantu bonke kabalangqondo njalo kabalalwazi;

wonke umkhandi wegolide uyangiswa yizithombe zakhe.

Izithombe zakhe azenzayo ziyinkohliso;

kazilamphefumulo phakathi kwazo.

18 Ziyize, izinto zenhlekisa nje;

lapho ukwahlulelwa kwazo sekufikile, zizabhubha.

19 Lowo oyingxenye yesizwe sikaJakhobe kafani lalaba,

ngoba unguMenzi wezinto zonke,

kubalwa labantu belifa lakhe,

ibizo lakhe nguThixo uSomandla.

20 Wena uyinduku yami yempi,

isikhali sami sokulwa

ngawe ngitshabalalisa izizwe,

ngawe ngichitha imibuso;

21 ngawe ngihlifiza ibhiza lomgadi walo,

ngawe ngihlifiza inqola yempi lomtshayeli wayo,

22 ngawe ngihlifiza indoda lomfazi,

ngawe ngihlifiza amaxhegu labatsha,

ngawe ngihlifiza izinsizwa lezintombi,

23 ngawe ngihlifiza abelusi lemihlambi,

ngawe ngihlifiza umlimi lenkabi,

ngawe ngihlifiza ababusi lezikhulu.

24 Emehlweni enu ngizaphindisela kuyo iBhabhiloni lakubo bonke abahlala kuyo ngenxa yobubi bonke ababenzileyo eZiyoni,” kutsho uThixo.

25 “Ngimelana lawe, wena ntaba echithayo,

wena ochitha umhlaba wonke,”

kutsho uThixo.

“Ngizakwelulela isandla sami kuwe,

ngikugiqe usuka emaweni,

ngikwenze ube yintaba eyatshiswayo.

26 Akulalitshe elizasuswa kuwe ukuba libe ngelekhoneni,

loba elinye ilitshe ukuba ngelesisekelo

ngoba lizachithwa kokuphela,” kutsho uThixo.

27 “Phakamisani uphawu elizweni!

Khalisani icilongo phakathi kwezizwe!

Lungisani izizwe ukuba zilwe layo;

ibizeleni imibuso le:

i-Ararathi leMini kanye le-Ashikhenazi.

Ibekeleni umlawuli wokulwa layo;

lithumele amabhiza anjengomtshitshi wentethe.

28 Lungisani izizwe ukuba zilwe layo,

amakhosi amaMede,

ababusi bawo lezikhulu zawo,

kanye lamazwe wonke awabusayo.

29 Ilizwe liyaqhaqhazela libhinqike

ngoba inhloso kaThixo yokumelana leBhabhiloni imi injalo

ukuchitha ilizwe leBhabhiloni

ukuze kungabikhona ohlala kulo.

30 Amabutho aseBhabhiloni aseyekele ukulwa;

ahlezi ezinqabeni zawo.

Amandla awo asephelile.

Asebe njengabesifazane.

Izindawo zayo zokuhlala zithungelwe ngomlilo;

imigoqo lamasango kwephukile.

31 Esinye isithunywa silandela esinye;

lesithunywa silandela esinye isithunywa

ukuyabika enkosini yaseBhabhiloni

ukuthi idolobho lonke selithunjiwe,

32 amazibuko emifula athethwe,

amaxhaphozi atshiswe ngomlilo

lamabutho ethukile.”

33 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli:

“Indodakazi yaseBhabhiloni injengesiza sokubhulela

ngesikhathi sokunyathelwa kwaso;

isikhathi sokuvunwa kwayo sizafika masinyane.”

34 “UNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni usesidlile,

usesenze saphambana amakhanda,

usesenze saba yimbiza engelalutho.

Usesiginyile njengenyoka,

wagcwalisa isisu sakhe ngezibiliboco zethu,

wasesihlanza futhi.

35 Udlakela olwenziwe emizimbeni yethu kalube phezu kweBhabhiloni,”

kutsho abahlala eZiyoni.

“Igazi lethu kalibe phezu kwalabo abahlala eBhabhiloni,”

kutsho iJerusalema.

36 Ngakho uThixo uthi:

“Khangelani, imfanelo yenu ngizayivikela,

ngiliphindiselele;

ngizacitsha ulwandle lwayo

ngomise lemithombo yayo.

37 IBhabhiloni izakuba yinqumbi yonxiwa,

isikhundla samakhanka,

into yokwesatshwa lokuklolodelwa,

indawo engahlali muntu.

38 Abantu bayo bonke bayabhonga njengezilwane ezincane,

bayahwabha njengemidlwane yesilwane.

39 Kodwa lapho besesebukhali,

ngizabenzela idili ngibadakise,

ukuze baklabalale ngohleko,

babe sebelala kokuphela bangavuki futhi,”

kutsho uThixo.

40 “Ngizabehlisela phansi

njengamawundlu esilaheni,

njengenqama lembuzi.

41 Yeka ukuthunjwa okuzakwenziwa iSheshaki,

ukuzincoma komhlaba wonke kuthunjiwe!

Yeka ukutshaqisa iBhabhiloni ezakuba yikho

phakathi kwezizwe!

42 Ulwandle luzaphakama phezu kweBhabhiloni;

amagagasi alo ahlokomayo ayisibekele.

43 Amadolobho ayo azachitheka,

ilizwe elomileyo

leliyinkangala,

ilizwe okungekho ohlala khona,

okungekho muntu odabula phakathi kwalo.

44 Ngizamjezisa uBheli eBhabhiloni

ngimenze akuhlanze lokho akuginyileyo.

Izizwe kazisayikujulukela kuye.

Njalo umduli weBhabhiloni uzakuwa.

45 Bantu bami, phumani kulo iBhabhiloni!

Balekelani ukufa!

Balekelani ulaka olwesabekayo lukaThixo.

46 Lingaphelelwa lithemba kumbe lesabe

lapho kuzwakala amahungahunga elizweni;

elinye ihungahunga lifika lonyaka, elinye kozayo,

amahungahunga odlakela elizweni

awombusi evukela umbusi.

47 Ngoba isikhathi sizafika impela

lapho ngizajezisa izithombe zaseBhabhiloni;

ilizwe layo lonke lizayangeka

lababuleweyo bayo bonke bazawela phakathi kwayo.

48 Lapho-ke izulu lomhlaba lakho konke okukukho

kuzamemezela intokozo ngeBhabhiloni,

ngoba abachithi bazayihlasela

bevelela enyakatho,”

kutsho uThixo.

49 “IBhabhiloni kumele idilike ngenxa yabako-Israyeli ababulawayo,

njengokubulawa kwabantu emhlabeni wonke,

batshabalala ngenxa yeBhabhiloni.

50 Lina eliphephileyo enkembeni,

sukani njalo lingalibali!

Khumbulani uThixo elizweni elikude,

licabange langeJerusalema.”

51 “Siyangekile, ngoba siqalekisiwe,

lehlazo lembese ubuso bethu,

ngoba abezizweni bangene

ezindaweni ezingcwele zendlu kaThixo.”

52  UThixo uthi, “Kodwa insuku ziyeza,

lapho engizajezisa khona izithombe zayo,

njalo elizweni layo lonke

abalimeleyo bazabubula.

53 Lanxa iBhabhiloni ingafinyelela emkhathini

iqinise izinqaba zayo eziphakemeyo,

ngizathumela abachithi bayihlasele,”

kutsho uThixo.

54 “Umsindo wokukhala uvela eBhabhiloni,

umsindo wencithakalo enkulu

ovela elizweni lamaKhaladiya.

55  UThixo uzayichitha iBhabhiloni;

uzathulisa umsindo wayo wenhlokomo.

Amagagasi ezitha azahlokoma njengamanzi amanengi;

ukuvungama kwamazwi azo kuzazwakala.

56 Umchithi uzakuzahlasela iBhabhiloni;

amabutho ayo azathunjwa,

lamadandili awo azakwephuka.

Ngoba uThixo unguNkulunkulu wempindiselo;

uzaphindisela ngokugcweleyo.

57 Ngizadakisa izikhulu lezihlakaniphi zayo,

kanye lababusi bayo, lezinduna kanye lamabutho;

bazalala kokuphela bangavuki futhi,”

kutsho uThixo, obizo lakhe nguThixo uSomandla.

58  UThixo uSomandla uthi:

“Umduli oqatha weBhabhiloni uzabhidlizwa

lamasango ayo aphakemeyo athungelwe ngomlilo;

abantu bazidinisela ize,

umsebenzi wezizwe ungamafutha amalangabi nje kuphela.”

59 Leli yilizwi uJeremiya umphrofethi alinika induna yamabutho uSeraya indodana kaNeriya, indodana kaMahaseyiya, esesiya eBhabhiloni loZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwakhe. 60 UJeremiya wayelobe emqulwini ngomonakalo wonke owawuzakwehlela iBhabhiloni lakho konke okwakubhalwe ngeBhabhiloni. 61 Wathi kuSeraya, “Lapho usufikile eBhabhiloni ubowafunda wonke amazwi la ngelizwi eliphakemeyo. 62 Ube ususithi, ‘Awu Thixo, wathi indawo le uzayichitha ukuze kungabi lamuntu kumbe inyamazana ezahlala kuyo; izaphundleka kuze kube nininini.’ 63 Lapho usuqedile ukubala umqulu lo, ubophele ilitshe kuwo uwuphosele kuYufrathe, 64 ubususithi, ‘Izatshona kanje iBhabhiloni ingabe isavumbuluka ngenxa yomonakalo engizayehlisela wona. Labantu bayo bazakuwa.’ ”

Amazwi kaJeremiya aphelela lapha.

52

Ukuwa KweJerusalema

1 UZedekhiya waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanye, njalo wabusa eJerusalema okweminyaka elitshumi lanye. Ibizo likanina lalinguHamuthali indodakazi kaJeremiya waseLibhina. 2 Wenza okubi emehlweni kaThixo, njengalokho okwakwenziwe nguJehoyakhimi. 3 Kwakungenxa yokuthukuthela kukaThixo ukuze kwenzakale konke lokhu eJerusalema lakoJuda, njalo ekucineni kwabangela ukuthi uThixo abachithe.

Ngalokho uZedekhiya wayihlamukela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni.

4 Ngakho ngenyanga yesificamunwemunye yokubusa kukaZedekhiya, ngosuku lwetshumi lwenyanga yetshumi, uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, waya eJerusalema lebutho lakhe lonke. Bahlala ngaphandle kwedolobho, bakha izinqaba zokulivimbezela kuzozonke inhlangothi zalo. 5 Idolobho lavinjezelwa kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wetshumi lanye kaZedekhiya inkosi.

6 Ngosuku lwesificamunwemunye lwenyanga yesine indlala yayisinzima edolobheni, abantu bengaselakudla. 7 Umduli wedolobho wafohlwa, ibutho lonke labaleka. Basuka edolobheni ebusuku bephuma ngesango eliphakathi kwemiduli emibili, phansi kwesivande senkosi, lanxa nje amaKhaladiya ayeligombolozele idolobho. Babaleka beqonde e-Arabha, 8 kodwa ibutho lamaKhaladiya laxotshana lenkosi uZedekhiya layamfica emagcekeni aseJerikho. Wonke amabutho akhe ehlukana laye njalo ahlakazeka, 9 yena wathunjwa.

Wasiwa enkosini yaseBhabhiloni eRibhila elizweni laseHamathi, lapho eyamgwebela khona. 10 Khona eRibhila inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yabulala amadodana kaZedekhiya emehlweni akhe; yabulala lezikhulu zakoJuda zonke. 11 Emva kwalokho, yamkhupha amehlo uZedekhiya, yambopha ngamaketane ethusi, yamusa eBhabhiloni, lapho eyamfaka khona entolongweni kwaze kwafika usuku lokufa kwakhe.

12 Ngosuku lwetshumi ngenyanga yesihlanu, ngomnyaka wetshumi lasificamunwemunye kaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, uNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi besikhosini, owayesebenzela inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, wafika eJerusalema. 13 Wathungela ithempeli likaThixo ngomlilo, lesigodlo senkosi lezindlu zonke zaseJerusalema. Zonke izindlu eziqakathekileyo wazitshisa. 14 Lonke ibutho laseBhabhiloni elalingaphansi komlawuli wabalindi besikhosini layidiliza yonke imiduli eyayigombolozele iJerusalema. 15 UNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi wathatha abanye babayanga bokucina wabasa ekuthunjweni lalabo ababesele edolobheni, lenengi lezingcwethi kanye lalabo abasebeye enkosini yaseBhabhiloni. 16 Kodwa uNebhuzaradani watshiya inengi labantu ababengabayanga bokucina elizweni ukuba basebenze ezivinini lasemasimini.

17 AbeBhabhiloni baphahlaza izinsika zethusi lezinti zezibane loLwandle lwethusi, okwakusethempelini likaThixo. Bathwalela ithusi lelo eBhabhiloni. 18 Bathatha njalo imbiza, lamafotsholo, lezindlawu lemiganu yezichelo, lezinditshi lazozonke izitsha zethusi ezazisetshenziswa enkonzweni yasethempelini. 19 Umlawuli wabalindi besigodlo wathatha izinditshi, izitsha zokutshisela impepha, imiganu yezichelo, imbiza, izinti zezibane, izinditshi lemiganu okusetshenziswa eminikelweni yokunathwayo konke okwakwenziwe ngegolide elicengekileyo loba isiliva.

20 Ithusi elalivela ensikeni ezimbili, loLwandle lelenkunzi zethusi ezilitshumi lambili ezazingaphansi kwalo kanye lelezidindi ezisusekayo konke okwakwenzelwe ithempeli likaThixo yinkosi uSolomoni, kwakulesisindo esasingelinganiswe. 21 Ubude bensika ngayinye babuzingalo ezilitshumi lasificaminwembili, ubuqatha buzingalo ezilitshumi lambili, uhlonzi luyiminwe emine njalo ilomhome. 22 Isiduku sethusi phezu kwenye insika sasizingalo ezinhlanu ubude baso njalo siceciswe ngomeluko lamaphomegranathi ethusi nxazonke. Enye insika, lamaphomegranathi ayo, layo yayinjalo. 23 Emaceleni kwakulamaphomegranathi angamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye munye lesithupha; esewonke amaphomegranathi ayengaphezu kobufikifiki obabuzungezile, ayelikhulu.

24 Umlawuli wabalindi wathumba uSeraya induna yabaphristi, loZefaniya umsekeli wakhe kanye labalindi bomnyango abathathu. 25 Kulabo ababelokhu besedolobheni wathatha isikhulu esasiphethe amadoda okulwa, labacebisi besikhosini abayisikhombisa. Wathatha lonobhala owayeyinduna eyayiphethe ukubuthwa kwabantu elizweni kanye labanye abantu bakhe abangamatshumi ayisithupha ababeficwe edolobheni. 26 UNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabathatha bonke wabasa enkosini yaseBhabhiloni eRibhila. 27 Khonale eRibhila, elizweni laseHamathi, inkosi yathi kabaqunywe.

Ngakho abakoJuda baya ekuthunjweni kude lelizwe labo.

28 Nanka amanani abantu uNebhukhadineza abasa ekuthunjweni:

ngomnyaka wesikhombisa,

amaJuda azinkulungwane ezintathu lamatshumi amabili lantathu (3,023);

29 ngomnyaka kaNebhukhadineza wetshumi lasificaminwembili mibili,

abantu beJerusalema abangamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amathathu lambili (832);

30 ngomnyaka wakhe wamatshumi amabili lantathu,

amaJuda angamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amane lanhlanu (745) asiwa ekuthunjweni nguNebhuzaradani umlawuli wabalindi ekubusweni kwezizwe ezinengi.

Bebonke kwakungabantu abazinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu ayisithupha (4,600).

Ukukhululwa kukaJehoyakhini

31 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa uJehoyakhini inkosi yakoJuda esekuthunjweni, ngomnyaka u-Evili-Merodakhi aba yinkosi yaseBhabhiloni ngawo, wakhulula uJehoyakhini inkosi yakoJuda, wamkhupha entolongweni ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lwenyanga yetshumi lambili. 32 Wakhuluma laye ngomusa, wamnika isihlalo esihloniphekayo esasingaphezu kwezamanye amakhosi ayelaye eBhabhiloni. 33 Ngakho uJehoyakhini wakhupha izigqoko zakhe zasentolongweni, wadla lenkosi izikhathi zonke okwempilo yakhe yonke. 34 Nsuku zonke inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yayinika uJehoyakhini isabelo esimisiweyo malanga wonke empilweni yakhe, kwaze kwafika ilanga lokufa kwakhe.

* 6:10 6.10 NgesiHebheru kutsho ukuthi abasokwanga

* 26:18 26.18 UMikha 3.12

* 34:14 34.14 UDutheronomi 15.12

Izililo

1

2

3

4

5

Izililo

1

1 Kuthule kuthe cwaka!

Yeka lelidolobho elalinyakazela abantu!

Selinjengomfelokazi,

kanti lalilodumo phakathi kwezizwe.

Lona elaliyindlovukazi phakathi kwezigodi,

khathesi seliyisigqili.

2 Linjengowesifazane okhala kabuhlungu ebusuku,

inyembezi zithe hlikilili ezihlathini.

Kakho phakathi kwazo

zonke izithandwa zakhe ongamduduza.

Bonke abangane bakhe bamhlamukele;

sebeyizitha zakhe.

3 UJuda useye ebugqilini

ngemva kokuhlupheka lokudonsa nzima.

Usehlala phakathi kwabezizwe;

akatholi ndawo yokuphumula.

Bonke abamzingelayo bamxhumile

ephakathi kokuhlupheka kwakhe.

4 Iyalila imigwaqo eya eZiyoni,

ngoba kasekho ozayo emikhosini yalo emisiweyo.

Wonke amasango alo asekhohlakele,

abaphristi balo bayabubula,

amantombazana alo ayagomela,

lona lidabukile kakhulu.

5 Izitha zalo sezingababusi balo;

ziyaklamasa.

UThixo ulehlisele usizi

ngenxa yezono zalo ezinengi.

Abantwabalo bathunjiwe,

baba yizigqili zezitha.

6 Kuphelile konke ukubenyezela

kweNdodakazi yaseZiyoni.

Amakhosana ayo asenjengezimpala

ezingatholi amadlelo;

zibalekile zilambile zingelamandla

zibalekela umzingeli.

7 Ngezinsuku zokuhlupheka lokuntula,

iJerusalema iyayikhumbula inotho

eyayingeyayo ngensuku zayo.

Kuthe abantu bayo sebewela ezandleni zezitha,

akubanga khona ongayinceda.

Zayikhangela nje izitha zayo

zahleka ukuchitheka kwayo.

8 IJerusalema yonile kakhulu,

ngakho isingcolile.

Bonke ababeyihlonipha sebeyidelela,

ngoba sebebonile ubuze bayo;

yona ngokwayo ibubula

ize ifulathele.

9 Ukungcola kwayo kwabhixa izidwaba zayo;

kayinakanga ikusasa yayo.

Ukuwa kwayo kwesabeka,

kungekho oyiduduzayo.

“Oh Thixo, ake ukhangele ukuhlupheka kwami,

ngoba isitha sesinqobile.”

10 Isitha saphanga

yonke inotho yayo;

yabona izizwe ezingakholwayo

zingena endlini yayo engcwele,

bona labo owabanqabela

ukungena phakathi kwebandla lakho.

11 Bonke abantu bayo bayagomela

behamba bedinga ukudla;

bathengisa inotho yabo eligugu ngokudla

ukuze bangafi.

“Oh Thixo, ake ungihawukele

ngoba sengidelelwa.”

12 “Kakusilutho kini yini lina lonke elidlula lapha?

Ake likhangele nje libone.

Kambe kukhona ukuhlupheka okulingana lokwami,

khona lokhu engakwehliselwayo, nguThixo

ngosuku lokuvutha kolaka lwakhe?

13 Wehlisa umlilo uvela phezulu,

wawehlisela phakathi kwamathambo ami.

Wangithiya ezinyaweni ngomambule,

wangibuyisela emuva.

Wangenza ngaba lesizungu,

ngaswela amandla ilanga lonke.

14 Izono zami zisongwe zaba lijogwe;

ngezandla zakhe wazelukela ndawonye.

Zetheswe entanyeni yami,

uThixo wangiqeda amandla.

Usengifuqele kulabo

engingeke ngimelane labo.

15 UThixo kabemukelanga

bonke abangabebutho lami;

usebize impi ukuthi ingihlasele,

ichoboze zonke izinsizwa zami.

Esihluzweni sakhe sewayini, uThixo unyathelele phansi

iNdodakazi yakoJuda eGcweleyo.

16 Yikho ngilila,

amehlo ami empompoza inyembezi.

Kakho oseduze ongangiduduza,

kakho ongavusa umphefumulo wami.

Abantwabami sebeswela

ngoba isitha sinqobile.”

17 IZiyoni yelulile isandla sayo

kodwa kakho oyiduduzayo.

UThixo usekumisile ngoJakhobe

ukuthi abakhelene laye babe yizitha zakhe;

iJerusalema isiphenduke

yaba yinto engcolileyo kubo.

18 “UThixo ulungile,

kodwa ngaphikisana lomlayo wakhe.

Lalelani bantu lonke;

khangelani ukuhawula kwami.

Izinsizwa lezintombi zami zonke

sezaya ekuthunjweni.

19 Ngakhala kulabo engidlelana labo,

kodwa banginina.

Abaphristi bami labadala bami

babhubhela phakathi kwedolobho

besadinga ukudla,

ukuze baziphilise.

20 Ake ubone, Oh Thixo, ukuthi ngihlupheka njani!

Ngiyatsha ngaphakathi kwami,

ngidungekile enhliziyweni yami,

ngoba bengilihlongandlebe.

Ngaphandle, inkemba iyadabukisa;

ngaphakathi, yikufa kodwa.

21 Abantu bakuzwile ukububula kwami,

kodwa kakho ongangiduduza.

Zonke izitha zami zikuzwile ukuhlupheka kwami;

ziyathokoza ngalokhu okwenzileyo.

Sengathi ungalufikisa lolusuku owalumisayo,

ukuze labo babe njengami.

22 Abuvele kuwe bonke ububi babo;

yenza kubo konke

okwenzileyo kimi

ngenxa yezono zami zonke.

Kunengi ukububula kwami,

lenhliziyo yami iphela amandla.”

2

1 UThixo wembese iNdodakazi yeZiyoni

ngeyezi lolaka lwakhe!

Ubutaklazele phansi ubunkanyankanya buka-Israyeli

busuka ezulwini busiya emhlabeni;

kasinakanga isenabelo sakhe

mhla wentukuthelo yakhe.

2 UThixo kabanga lozwelo lapho eginya

yonke imizi kaJakhobe;

ngolaka lwakhe udilizele phansi

izinqaba zeNdodakazi kaJuda.

Usewuchithile umbuso wakhe,

lababusi bawo wababhuqa phansi, baba lehlazo.

3 Ngolaka lwakhe olwesabekayo,

usegumule zonke impondo zika-Israyeli.

Usegodle isandla sakhe sokunene

lapho kuqhamuka isitha.

Utshise koJakhobe njengelangabi

elihangula konke okuseduze.

4 Usethiye idandili lakhe njengesitha;

isandla sakhe sokunene sesiqaphile.

Njengesitha usebabulele bonke

ababebahle ebusweni;

usethele ulaka lwakhe olungumlilo

phezu kwethente leNdodakazi yeZiyoni.

5 UThixo unjengesitha;

usemginyile u-Israyeli.

Useziginyile zonke izigodlo zakhe,

wabhidliza zonke izinqaba zakhe.

Usekwandisile ukukhala lokulilela

iNdodakazi kaJuda.

6 Usetshaye wakhukhula umuzi wakhe njengensimu;

usebhidlize indawo yakhe yokuhlanganela.

UThixo usenze iZiyoni yakhohlwa

imikhosi yayo emisiweyo lamaSabatha ayo;

olakeni lwakhe olwesabekayo,

ukhukhulele khatshana oyinkosi longumphristi.

7  UThixo uselikhalele i-alithari lakhe,

wafulathela indlu yakhe engcwele.

Usenikele imithangala yezigodlo zakhe

ezandleni zesitha;

seziklabalala endlini kaThixo

sengathi lilanga lomkhosi omisiweyo.

8  UThixo wazimisela ukudilizela phansi

umthangala ohonqolozele iNdodakazi yeZiyoni.

Welula intambo yesilinganiso sakhe,

akaze agodla isandla sakhe esibhidlizayo.

Wenza izinsika lemithangala kwalila;

kanyekanye kwatshabalala.

9 Amasango akhe asegqibelekile;

izinti zawo zephulwe zabhidlizwa.

Inkosi yayo lamakhosana ayo achithizelwe kwabezizwe,

umthetho kawusekho,

labaphrofethi bakhe kabasayamukeli

imibono evela kuThixo.

10 Abadala beNdodakazi yeZiyoni

bahlezi emhlabathini bathule zwi;

bazithele ngothuli emakhanda abo,

bazembathisa amasaka.

Izintombi zeJerusalema

zimbozele amakhanda azo phansi.

11 Amehlo ami ayehluleka ngokukhala,

ngiyatsha ngaphakathi kwami,

inhliziyo yami idabukile,

ngoba abantu bakithi babhujisiwe,

njalo abantwana lensane ziyaqaleka

emigwaqweni yomuzi.

12 Zithi kubonina,

“Singaphi isinkwa lewayini?”

zilokhu ziqaleka njengamadoda alimeleyo

emigwaqweni yomuzi,

ziphela umphefumulo

ezandleni zabonina.

13 Kambe ngingathini kuwe na?

Ngingakulinganisa lani,

wena Ndodakazi yaseJerusalema?

Kambe ngingakufanisa lani

ukuze ngikududuze,

wena Ndodakazi eGcweleyo yaseZiyoni?

Inxeba lakho lizike njengolwandle.

Ngubani ongakwelapha na?

14 Imibono yabaphrofethi bakho

yayikhohlisa ingasizi lutho;

kabasivezanga obala isono sakho

ukuze ungehlelwa yikuthunjwa.

Ukuvumisa abalenzela khona

kwakungamanga, kulikhohlisa.

15 Bonke abedlula eceleni kwakho

batshaya izandla ngawe;

bahleka iNdodakazi yaseJerusalema

baze banikine amakhanda besithi,

“Kambe yiwo yini umuzi lo

owawuthiwa yibuhle obupheleleyo,

igugu lomhlaba wonke jikelele?”

16 Zonke izitha zakho zikukhamisele imilomo;

ziyakuhleka zikugedlela amazinyo

zisithi, “Sesimnqobile.

Selize lafika ilanga esasililindele;

kade salilindela.”

17  UThixo usekwenzile ayekuhlosile;

useligcwalisile ilizwi lakhe,

alikhuluma kudala.

Ukuwisile engakuzweli usizi,

uvumele isitha santela phezu kwakho,

uluphakamisile uphondo lwezitha zakho.

18 Inhliziyo zabantu

ziyakhala eNkosini.

Awu, mthangala weNdodakazi yaseZiyoni,

kazigeleze njengomfula inyembezi zakho,

ebusuku lemini;

ungaziphi ikhefu,

lamehlo akho ungawaphi ukuphumula.

19 Phakama, nqongoloza ebusuku,

lapho kuqalisa imilindo yebusuku;

thulula inhliziyo yakho njengamanzi

phambi kukaThixo.

Phakamisela izandla zakho kuye,

uncengela impilo yabantwabakho,

abaqalekiswa yindlala

ekuqaliseni kwemigwaqo yonke.

20 Ake ukhangele, Thixo, ube lozwelo:

Ngubani osewake wamphatha kanje?

Abesifazane badle inzalo yabo yini,

abantwana ababondlileyo na?

Umphristi lomphrofethi

babulawe endlini engcwele kaThixo na?

21 Abatsha labadala babhazalele ndawonye

ebhuqwini lwemigwaqo;

izinsizwa zami lezintombi

zibulewe ngenkemba.

Ubabulele ngosuku lokuthukuthela kwakho;

awaze waba lesihawu lapho ubabulala.

22 “Njengokunxusela idili,

wanginxusela izitha inxa zonke.

Ngosuku lolaka lukaThixo,

kakho owaphunyukayo loba owasilayo;

bonke engangibanakekela lengabondlayo

babulewe yisitha sami.”

3

1 Yimi umuntu olubonileyo usizi

ngenxa yoswazi lokuthukuthela kukaThixo.

2 Ungixotshile, wangiphumputhekisa

emnyameni hatshi ekukhanyeni;

3 ngempela usengiphakamisele isandla sakhe,

waphindaphinda ilanga lonke.

4 Usenze ijwabu lami laluphala,

wangephula amathambo.

5 Ungihanqile wangihonqolozela

ngosizi langobunzima.

6 Ungenze ngahlala emnyameni

njengalabo abafa kudala.

7 Ungihonqolozele ngenqaba ukuze ngingaphunyuki;

ungibophe nko ngamaketane.

8 Kuthi lanxa ngimemeza loba ngidinga usizo,

awuvalele phandle umkhuleko wami.

9 Uvale indlela yami ngamatshe;

waphambukisa izindlela zami.

10 Njengebhele licathamile,

njengesilwane sicatshile,

11 wangihudulela eceleni kwendlela, wangifohloza,

wangitshiya ngingelamsizi.

12 Wadonsa idandili lakhe,

ngaba yikudla kwemitshoko yakhe.

13 Wangiciba enhliziyweni

ngemitshoko evela emxhakeni wakhe.

14 Ngaba yinhlekisa ebantwini bakithi bonke;

sengitshona ngiyingoma eyinhlekisa kubo.

15 Ungigqibe ngemithi ebabayo,

wanginathisa inyongo.

16 Ungihlafunise ukhethe ngamazinyo;

wangigiqa ebhuqwini.

17 Ngincitshiwe ukuthula;

angisakwazi ingabe iyini impumelelo.

18 Ngakho ngithi, “Sebuphelile ubucwazicwazi bami,

lakho konke engangikulindele kuThixo.”

19 Ngikhumbula ukuhlupheka lokuntula kwami,

ubumunyu lenyongo.

20 Konke ngikukhumbula kamhlophe,

umoya wami wephukile.

21 Kodwa ngikhumbula lokhu

ngibe lethemba:

22 Ngenxa yothando olukhulu lukaThixo kasibhujiswanga,

ngoba isihawu sakhe kasipheli.

23 Siba sitsha ukusa kwamalanga;

kukhulu ukuthembeka kwakho.

24 Ngiyazitshela ngithi, “UThixo uyisabelo sami;

ngakho ngizalindela yena.”

25  UThixo ulungile kulowo omethembayo,

kulowo omdingayo;

26 kuhle ukulinda ngokuthula,

ukulindela insindiso kaThixo.

27 Kuhle ukuthi umuntu alithwale ijogwe

ngesikhathi esesemutsha.

28 Kahlale yedwa ngokuthula,

ngoba uThixo ulibeke phezu kwakhe.

29 Kembele ubuso bakhe ethulini,

mhlawumbe ithemba lizakuba khona.

30 Kaphe isihlathi sakhe kulowo ofuna ukumhlankala,

agcwale ihlazo.

31 Ngoba uThixo kabalahli abantu

kuze kube nini lanini.

32 Loba engaletha ubuhlungu, uzatshengisa uzwelo,

lukhulu kakhulu uthando lwakhe olungapheliyo.

33 Ngoba kehliseli ukuhlupheka

losizi ebantwini ngokuthanda.

34 Ukuhlifiza ngezinyawo

zonke izibotshwa elizweni,

35 ukuncitsha umuntu amalungelo akhe

phambi koPhezukonke,

36 ukungahluleli kuhle,

kambe uThixo uyabe engaziboni izinto ezinjalo na?

37 Ngubani ongatsho ulutho lwenzakale

nxa lungavunyelwanga nguThixo na?

38 Akuveli emlonyeni woPhezukonke

ukuthi kuyehla inhlupheko lezinto ezinhle na?

39 Pho kungani umuntu ophilayo esola

nxa ejeziselwa izono zakhe na?

40 Kasilingeni njalo sihlole izindlela zethu,

sibuyele kuThixo.

41 Asiphakamiseleni inhliziyo lezandla zethu

kuNkulunkulu ezulwini sithi:

42 “Sonile sahlamuka,

njalo kawusithethelelanga.

43 Uzigubuzele ngolaka waxhumana lathi;

ubhubhisile ungelazwelo.

44 Uzisibekele ngeyezi

ukuze kungafinyeleli mkhuleko kuwe.

45 Usenze saba ngamanyala lengcekeza

phakathi kwezizwe.

46 Izitha zethu zonke zivule imilomo yazo

zezwakala zisihoza.

47 Sesihlukuluzwe yikuthuthumela lokukhilikithela,

ukudilika lokubhidlika.”

48 Imifula yezinyembezi iyajuluka emehlweni ami

ngoba abantu bakithi babhujisiwe.

49 Amehlo ami azajuluka kokuphela,

engelakuphumula,

50  UThixo aze akhangele phansi

esezulwini, angibone.

51 Engikubonayo kuthelela usizi emphefumulweni wami

ngenxa yabesifazane bonke bomuzi wakithi.

52 Labo ababa yizitha zami kungelasizatho,

bangizingela njengenyoni.

53 Bazama ukuquma impilo yami emgodini

bangijikijela ngamatshe;

54 amanzi asibekela ikhanda lami,

ngabona ukuthi okwami sekuphelile.

55 Ngalimemezela ibizo lakho, Oh Thixo,

ngisekujuleni komgodi.

56 Wezwa ukuncenga kwami: “Ungavali indlebe zakho

nxa ngikhalela ukwenyulwa.”

57 Wasondela lapho ngikumemeza,

wathi kimi, “Ungesabi.”

58 Oh Thixo, wasamukela isikhalazo sami;

wahlenga ukuphila kwami.

59 Ububonile Thixo, ububi obenziwe kimi.

Ngisekela kulobubunzima!

60 Usubonile ukujula kokusonga kwabo,

lamacebo abo wonke ngami.

61 Awu Thixo, uzwile inhlamba zabo,

wonke amacebo abo ngami,

62 ukunyenyeza lokungunguna kwabo ngami

ukusa kwamalanga.

63 Ake ubabone! Bahlezi kumbe bajamile,

bayangihleka ngezingoma zabo.

64 Awu Thixo, akubaphindisele ngokubafaneleyo,

ngalokho okwenziwe yizandla zabo.

65 Basibekele ngelembu ezinhliziyweni zabo,

isiqalekiso sakho sehlele phezu kwabo!

66 Xhumana labo ngolaka, ubabhubhise

ngaphansi kwamazulu kaThixo.

4

1 Yeka igolide eselilahlekelwe yikukhazimula kwalo,

igolide elicolekileyo selijujukile!

Amatshe aligugu angcwele aselahliwe

ekuqaliseni kwemigwaqo yonke.

2 Yeka izinsizwa zaseZiyoni ezincomekayo,

ezake zaba lesisindo njengegolide,

okwamanje sezingathi zimbiza zebumba,

umsebenzi wezandla zombumbi!

3 Ngitsho lamakhanka asemunyisa

abantwabawo emabeleni awo,

kodwa abantu bami kabaselazwelo

njengezintshe enkangala.

4 Ngenxa yokoma, ulimi losane

lunamathele elwangeni lomlomo;

abantwana bancenga becela isinkwa

kodwa kakho obaphayo.

5 Labo ababesidla izibiliboco

sebeyiziceli emigwaqweni.

Labo abondliwa ebutifitifini

sebelala esilotheni.

6 Isijeziso sabantu bakithi

sikhulu kuleseSodoma,

yona eyabhujiswa ngomzuzwana,

akwaze kwaba lasandla esazama ukunceda.

7 Amakhosana abo ayekhazimula kulongqwaqwane,

emhlophe nke kulochago,

imizimba yabo ibomvana njengamatshe ohlobo lwerubhi,

ukubukeka kwabo kunjengelitshe elikhazimulayo.

8 Kodwa manje sebemnyama kulomsizi;

kabasananzwa langubani emigwaqweni.

Isikhumba sabo sesinamathele emathanjeni abo;

sesome okogodo.

9 Bangcono labo ababulawa ngenkemba,

kulalabo abafa ngendlala;

bazaca baphele, bekhukhuzwa yindlala

ngoba kungelakudla okuvela emasimini.

10 Ngezandla zabo abesifazane abalesihelo,

bapheke abantwababo,

babenza ukudla kwabo

ngesikhathi abantu bakithi bebulawa.

11  UThixo ubhodlisile intukuthelo yakhe;

uluthulule ulaka lwakhe olwesabekayo.

Uwulumathisile umlilo eZiyoni,

watshisa izisekelo zayo.

12 Amakhosi omhlaba ayengakholwa,

labantu basemhlabeni babengakholwa

ukuthi izitha labahlaseli bangangena

emasangweni eJerusalema.

13 Kodwa kwenzakala ngenxa yezono zabaphrofethi bakhona,

lamanyala abaphristi bakhona,

abachitha igazi labalungileyo

ngaphakathi kwalo iJerusalema.

14 Manje sebephumputha emigwaqweni

njengabantu abayiziphofu.

Sebengcoliswe ligazi

kakuselamuntu ongathinta izembatho zabo.

15 Abantu bayabaxotsha bathi, “Sukani! Lingcolile!

Sukani! Sukani! Lingasithinti!”

Nxa bebaleka bentula,

abantu bezizwe bathi,

“Ngeke bahlale lapha njalo.”

16  UThixo ngokwakhe ubahlakazile;

kasabalondolozi.

Abaphristi kabasahlonitshwa,

labadala kabasananzwa.

17 Phezu kwalokho, amehlo ethu afiphala

elindele ize engaboni sizo;

siseziqongweni zethu zokulinda,

salinda silindele isizwe esasingelancedo kithi.

18 Abantu babesicwathela indawo zonke,

ngakho sasesisesaba ukuhamba emigwaqweni yethu.

Sasesiphelelwe, insuku zethu sezibaliwe,

ngoba isiphetho sethu sesifikile.

19 Abasixotshayo babelejubane

kulengqungqulu emkhathini;

baxotshana lathi ezintabeni

njalo basicathamela enkangala.

20 Ogcotshiweyo kaThixo, oyikuphila kwethu uqobo,

wabanjwa emijibileni yabo.

Sakhumbula ukuthi ngaphansi kwesithunzi sakhe

sizahlala phakathi kwezizwe.

21 Jabula uthokoze, wena Ndodakazi yase-Edomi,

wena ohlala elizweni lase-Uzi.

Kodwa lakuwe izafika inkezo le;

uzanatha udakwe, unqunulwe.

22 Ndodakazi yaseZiyoni, isijeziso sakho sizaphela;

akayikwelula isikhathi sokuthunjwa kwakho.

Kodwa, maye kuwe Ndodakazi yase-Edomi, uzakujezisa ngesono sakho,

achaye obala ububi bakho.

5

1 Oh Thixo, khumbula okusehleleyo

khangela ubone ukuyangeka kwethu.

2 Ilifa lethu seliphiwe abezizweni,

imizi yethu yathathwa ngabemzini.

3 Sesizintandane ezingelaboyise,

omama sebenjengabafelokazi.

4 Amanzi okunatha siyawathenga;

inkuni zethu zikhutshelwa imali.

5 Labo abasixotshayo basihlezi ezithende;

sikhathele asilakuphumula.

6 Sazinikela kwabeGibhithe labe-Asiriya

ukuze sizuze isinkwa.

7 Okhokho benza isono kodwa kabasekho,

thina yithi esesijeziswa.

8 Sibuswa yizigqili,

kakho osikhululayo ezandleni zazo.

9 Isinkwa sisithola ngendlela eyingozi

ngenxa yenkemba ekhona enkangala.

10 Isikhumba sethu sitshisa njengeziko,

silomkhuhlane wendlala.

11 Abesifazane bayahlukuluzwa eZiyoni

kanye lezintombi ezigcweleyo emadolobheni akoJuda.

12 Amakhosi alengisiwe ngezandla zawo;

abadala abasahlonitshwa.

13 Izinsizwa ziyahoqiswa ematsheni okuchola;

abafana babhensiswa yimithwalo yenkuni.

14 Abadala sebesukile esangweni lomuzi;

izinsizwa sezithule ukuhlabelela.

15 Ukuthokoza akusekho ezinhliziyweni zethu;

ukugida kwethu sekuphenduke ukukhala.

16 Umqhele usuwile ekhanda lethu.

Maye thina, ngoba sonile!

17 Ngenxa yalokhu inhliziyo zethu zibuthakathaka;

ngenxa yalezizinto amehlo ethu ayafiphala,

18 ngoba intaba iZiyoni silugwadule,

sekucathama amakhanka kuyo.

19 Wena, Oh Thixo, busa nini lanini;

ubukhosi bakho buhlezi kuzozonke izizukulwane.

20 Kungani uhlezi usikhohlwa?

Usifulathelelani isikhathi eside kangaka na?

21 Sibuyisele kuwe, Oh Thixo, ukuze siphenduke;

buyisa kabutsha insuku zethu njengezakudala,

22 ngaphandle kokuba nxa ususilahle kokuphela

wasizondela ngokungalinganisekiyo.

UHezekhiyeli

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UHezekhiyeli

1

Izidalwa Eziphilayo LeNkazimulo KaThixo

1 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu, ngenyanga yesine ngosuku lwesihlanu, lapho ngangiphakathi kwabathunjwayo, eduze komfula uKhebhari, amazulu avuleka ngabona umbono kaNkulunkulu.

2 Ngosuku lwesihlanu lwenyanga ngomnyaka wesihlanu wokuthunjwa kwenkosi uJehoyakhini 3 ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuHezekhiyeli umphristi, indodana kaBhuzi, phansi komfula uKhebhari elizweni lamaBhabhiloni. Khonapho isandla sikaThixo sasiphezu kwakhe.

4 Ngakhangela, ngabona isiphepho sisiza sivela enyakatho, kuliyezi elikhulukazi lokuphazima kombane njalo lizungezwe yikukhanya okubenyezelayo. Phakathi laphakathi komlilo kwakungathi yinsimbi evuthayo, 5 njalo phakathi komlilo kwakulokwakungathi yizidalwa ezine eziphilayo. Ngokukhangeleka isimo sazo sasingesomuntu, 6 kodwa ngasinye sazo sasilobuso obune lempiko ezine. 7 Imilenze yazo yayiqondile; inyawo zazo zinjengezethole njalo zinkanyazela njengethusi elilolongiweyo. 8 Ngaphansi kwempiko zazo emaceleni azo amane zazilezandla zomuntu. Zonke zozine zazilobuso lempiko, 9 njalo impiko zazo zazithintana. Esinye lesinye sazo saya phambili; kaziphendukanga ekuhambeni kwazo.

10 Ubuso bazo babukhangeleka kanje: Esinye lesinye sazo sasilobuso bomuntu, njalo eceleni langakwesokudla esinye lesinye sasilobuso besilwane, ngakwesenxele silobuso benkabi; njalo ngasinye sasilobuso bengqungqulu. 11 Babunjalo ubuso bazo. Impiko zazo zazichayekele phezulu; ngasinye silamaphiko amabili olunye luthinta uphiko lwesinye isidalwa emaceleni womabili, lempiko ezimbili zigubuzele umzimba waso. 12 Esinye lesinye saya phambili. Loba kungaphi lapho umoya owaya khona lazo zaya khona zingaphenduki ekuhambeni kwazo. 13 Isimo sezidalwa eziphilayo sasinjengamalahle avuthayo omlilo loba njengezibane. Umlilo wahamba usiya phambili lasemuva phakathi kwezidalwa; wawukhazimula, njalo umbane uphazima uphuma kuwo. 14 Izidalwa zagijima zisiya emuva laphambili njengokuphazima kombane.

15 Kwathi lapho ngizikhangele izidalwa eziphilayo, ngabona ivili phansi eceleni kwesidalwa ngasinye silobuso obune. 16 Nansi isimo lokwakhiwa kwamavili: Ayecazimula njengekhrisoli, njalo wonke womane ayefanana. Elinye lelinye lalingathi lenziwa lanquma kwelinye ivili. 17 Ekuhambeni, ayesiya loba kuliphi lamacele amane lapho izidalwa ezazikhangele khona, njalo amavili ayengaphenduki lapho izidalwa zihamba. 18 Amarimu awo ayephakeme njalo esesabeka, njalo womane amarimu ayelamehlo indawo yonke.

19 Lapho izidalwa eziphilayo zihamba, lamavili eceleni kwazo ayehamba, njalo lapho izidalwa eziphilayo ziphakama emhlabathini amavili lawo ayephakama lazo. 20 Loba kungaphi lapho umoya owaya khona lazo zaya khona, njalo lamavili ayephakama lazo, ngoba umoya wezidalwa eziphilayo wawusemavilini. 21 Kwakusithi izidalwa zingahamba lawo ahambe, kuthi izidalwa zingema lawo ame; njalo kuthi lapho izidalwa ziphakama emhlabathini lawo aphakame lazo, ngoba umoya wezidalwa eziphilayo wawusemavilini.

22 Ngaphezu kwamakhanda ezidalwa eziphilayo kwakwendlaleke okwakungathi ngumkhathi, kucazimula njengongqwaqwane, njalo kusesabeka. 23 Ngaphansi komkhathi impiko zazo zazelulekile olunye kolunye, njalo esinye lesinye sasilezimpiko ezimbili ezembese umzimba waso. 24 Lapho izidalwa zihamba ngezwa umsindo wezimpiko zazo, unjengokuhlokoma kwamanzi ahamba ngesiqubu, njengelizwi likaSomandla, njengokuxokozela kwebutho. Lapho sezimi, zehlisa impiko zazo.

25 Emva kwalokho kweza ilizwi elavela ngaphezu komkhathi ngaphezu kwamakhanda azo lapho zazimi impiko zazo zehlisiwe. 26 Ngaphezu komkhathi phezu kwamakhanda azo kwakulokwakungathi yisihlalo sobukhosi esenziwe ngesafire, njalo ngaphezulu esihlalweni sobukhosi kwakulolutho olwalufana lomuntu. 27 Lokho ngakubona kokwakungathi lukhalo lwakhe kusiya phezulu ekhanya angathi yinsimbi evuthayo, kungathi kugcwele umlilo, njalo kusukela ekhalweni kusehla wayengathi ngumlilo, njalo ehonqolozelwe yikukhanya okucazimulayo. 28 Ukukhanya okucazimulayo okwakumzungezile kwakunjengomchilo wamakhosikazi emayezini ngosuku lokuna kwezulu.

Lokhu kwakuyisimo sesifanekiso senkazimulo kaThixo. Ngathi ngikubona ngawela phansi ngobuso, ngasengisizwa ilizwi lalowo owayekhuluma.

2

Ukubizwa KukaHezekhiyeli

1 Wathi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, sukuma ume ngezinyawo zakho ngikhulume lawe.” 2 Esakhuluma uMoya wafika kimi wangimisa ngezinyawo zami, ngamuzwa esekhuluma lami.

3 Wathi, “Ndodana yomuntu, ngiyakuthuma kuma-Israyeli, isizwe esihlamukayo esangihlamukelayo, laboyise bangihlamukela kuze kube yilolusuku. 4 Abantu engikuthuma kubo balenkani njalo bayiziqholo. Wothi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi.’ 5 Njalo langabe bayalalela loba bangalaleli ngoba bayindlu ehlamukayo, bazakwazi ukuthi umphrofethi ubekhona phakathi kwabo. 6 Njalo wena ndodana yomuntu, ungabesabi kumbe wesabe amazwi abo. Ungesabi lanxa usuhonqolozelwe ngameva njalo usuhlala phakathi kwabofezeya. Ungakwesabi lokho abakutshoyo loba uthuthunyeliswe yibo, lanxa beyindlu ehlamukayo. 7 Kumele ukhulume amazwi ami kubo langabe bayalalela loba kabalaleli, ngoba bangabahlamuki. 8 Kodwa wena, ndodana yomuntu, lalela lokhu engikutshoyo kuwe. Ungahlamuki njengendlu leyana ehlamukayo; vula umlomo wakho udle lokhu engikupha khona.”

9 Ngakhangela ngabona isandla esaselulelwe kimi. Phakathi kwaso kwakulomqulu, 10 awutshombulula phambi kwami. Emaceleni awo womabili kwakubhalwe amazwi okukhala lokulila kanye losizi.

3

1 Wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, dlana okuphambi kwakho, dlana umqulu lo; ube ususiyakhuluma kuyo indlu ka-Israyeli.” 2 Ngakho ngavula umlomo wami, wasengipha umqulu ukuba ngiwudle.

3 Wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, dlana umqulu lo engikunika wona ugcwalise isisu sakho ngawo.” Ngakho ngawudla, njalo emlonyeni wami wawuzwakala umnandi njengoluju.

4 Wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, hamba khathesi nje endlini ka-Israyeli ukhulume amazwi ami kubo. 5 Kawuthunywa ebantwini abalolimi olungaziwayo lolunzima, kodwa endlini ka-Israyeli, 6 hatshi ebantwini abanengi abolimi olungaziwayo lolunzima, ongeke uzwe abakutshoyo. Ngeqiniso aluba kade ngikuthume kubo kade bezakulalela. 7 Kodwa indlu ka-Israyeli kayifuni ukukulalela ngoba kabafuni kungilalela, ngoba yonke indlu ka-Israyeli ilukhuni njalo ilenkani. 8 Kodwa lawe ngizakwenza ube lenkani lobulukhuni njengabo. 9 Ngizakwenza ubuso bakho bube njengelitshe elilukhuni kulawo wonke, elilukhuni kulelitshe lomlilo. Ungabesabi kumbe bakuthuthumelise, lanxa beyindlu ehlamukayo.”

10 Njalo wathi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, lalela kakuhle njalo uwabeke enhliziyweni wonke amazwi engiwatsho kuwe. 11 Hamba khathesi nje ebantwini belizwe lakini abasekuthunjweni ukhulume labo. Uthi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi,’ loba bezalalela kumbe bangalaleli.”

12 Lapho-ke uMoya wangiphakamisa, kwathi ngemva kwami ngezwa umdumo ondindizelayo sengathi yinkazimulo kaThixo eyaphakama endaweni eyayime kuyo! 13 Umdumo wezimpiko zezidalwa eziphilayo zigudlana lomdumo wamavili eceleni kwazo, umdumo wokundindizela okukhulu. 14 UMoya wasungiphakamisela phezulu ungisusa, njalo ngahamba ngomoya otshisekayo lokuthukuthela komoya wami lesandla esilamandla sikaThixo siphezu kwami. 15 Ngafika kwababethunjiwe ababehlala eTheli Abhibhi phansi koMfula uKhebhari. Khonapho-ke, lapho ababehlala khona, ngahlala labo insuku eziyisikhombisa ngiphelelwe ngamandla.

Umsebenzi kaHezekhiya Njengomlindi

16 Ekupheleni kwensuku eziyisikhombisa ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi, 17 “Ndodana yomuntu, sengikwenze umlindi wendlu ka-Israyeli; ngakho zwana ilizwi engilikhulumayo ubanike isixwayiso esivela kimi. 18 Nxa ngisithi emuntwini omubi, ‘Wena uzakufa impela,’ wena ungamxwayisi kumbe ukhulume ukuba umyekelise izindlela zakhe ezimbi ukuze asindise ukuphila kwakhe, lowomuntu omubi uzafela izono zakhe, kuthi wena ngikubeke icala legazi lakhe. 19 Kodwa nxa umuntu omubi umxwayisa yena angaphenduki ebubini bakhe kumbe ezindleleni zakhe ezimbi, uzafela izono zakhe, kodwa wena uyabe uziphephisile.

20 Njalo nxa umuntu olungileyo eguquka ekulungeni kwakhe enze okubi, mina ngibeke isikhubekiso phambi kwakhe, uzakufa. Njengoba nxa wena ungamxwayisanga, uzafela izono zakhe. Izinto ezilungileyo azenzayo kaziyikukhunjulwa, njalo wena ngizakubeka icala legazi lakhe. 21 Kodwa nxa uxwayisa umuntu olungileyo ukuba angoni lakanye uyabe uziphephisile.”

22 Isandla sikaThixo sasiphezu kwami lapho, njalo wathi kimi, “Sukuma uye egcekeni ngizakhuluma lawe khona.” 23 Ngakho ngasukuma ngaya egcekeni. Inkazimulo kaThixo yayimi lapho, injengenkazimulo engangiyibone phansi koMfula uKhebhari, ngathi mbo phansi ngobuso.

24 Lapho-ke uMoya wangena kimi wangimisa ngezinyawo zami. Wakhuluma wathi kimi, “Hamba uyezivalela endlini yakho. 25 Njalo, wena ndodana yomuntu, bazakubopha ngemichilo; uzabotshwa ukuze ungayi phandle ebantwini. 26 Ngizakwenza ulimi lwakho lunamathele elwangeni lomlomo wakho ukuze uthule unganelisi ukubakhuza lanxa beyindlu ehlamukayo. 27 Kodwa nxa sengikhuluma lawe ngizavula umlomo wakho, njalo uzakuthi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi.’ Loba ngubani ozalalela myekele alalele, njalo loba ngubani ozakwala myekele ale; ngoba bayindlu ehlamukayo.”

4

Ukuvinjezelwa KweJerusalema Kuyafanekiswa

1 “Khathesi-ke, ndodana yomuntu, thatha umcephe webumba uwubeke phambi kwakho, udwebe kuwo idolobho laseJerusalema. 2 Dweba ukuvinjezelwa kwalo: Misa izindawo zokuvinjezelwa kwalo, yakha umthezuko ngaphezu kwalo, misa inkamba zokulihlasela uphinde ulihonqolozele ngezigodo zokubhidliza. 3 Emva kwalokho thatha umganu wensimbi, uwubeke unjengomduli wensimbi phakathi kwakho lomuzi ube usuphendulela ubuso bakho kuwo. Wena ukhangele ngakuwo umuzi, umuzi ube ngovinjezelweyo, wena ube ngumvimbezeli. Lokhu kuzakuba yisibonakaliso endlini ka-Israyeli.

4 Emva kwalokho lala ngomhlubulo wenxele, ubeke isono sendlu ka-Israyeli phezu kwakho. Kumele uthwale isono sabo okwalezonsuku ulele ngomhlubulo wakho. 5 Sengikumisele inani linye lezinsuku njengeminyaka yezono zabo. Ngakho izono zendlu ka-Israyeli uzazithwala okwensuku ezingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye (390).

6 Emva kokuba usuqede lokhu, lala phansi futhi, khathesi kube ngomhlubulo wakho wokunene, uthwale isono sendlu kaJuda. Ngikumisele insuku ezingamatshumi amane (40), usuku olulodwa lumele umnyaka munye ngamunye. 7 Phendulela ubuso bakho ekuvinjezelweni kweJerusalema kuthi izingalo zakho zingembeswanga uphrofithe kubi ngeJerusalema. 8 Ngizakubopha ngentambo ukuze ungatshibiliki usuka kwelinye icele usiya kwelinye uze uqede insuku zokuvinjezelwa kwakho.

9 Thatha ingqoloyi lebhali, indumba lelentili, inyawuthi lophoko; ukubeke embizeni yokugcinela ukusebenzise ekwenzeni ukudla kwakho. Kumele ukudle phakathi kwensuku ezingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye (390) ulele ngomhlubulo wakho. 10 Linganisa amashekeli angamatshumi amabili okudla ozakudla usuku ngalunye njalo ukudle ngezikhathi ezimisiweyo. 11 Njalo linganisa okukodwa kwesithupha kwehini lamanzi uwanathe ngezikhathi ezimisiweyo. 12 Dlana ukudla njengalapho usidla ikhekhe lebhali, ukupheke abantu bekhangele, inkuni zakho kube ngamalongwe abantu.” 13  UThixo wathi, “Ngokunjalo abantu bako-Israyeli bazakudla ukudla okungcolileyo phakathi kwezizwe engizabaxotshela kuzo.”

14 Lapho-ke mina ngathi, “Akunjalo, Thixo Wobukhosi. Angikaze ngizingcolise. Kusukela ebutsheni bami kuze kube khathesi angikaze ngidle loba yini etholakale ifile kumbe edlithizwe yizinyamazana. Akulanyama engcolileyo eseyake yangena emlonyeni wami.”

15 Wasesithi, “Kulungile. Ngizakuvumela ukuba upheke isinkwa sakho ngamalongwe enkomo esikhundleni samalongwe abantu.”

16 Waphinda wathi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, ngizavala ukungeniswa kokudla eJerusalema. Abantu bazakudla ukudla kokwabelwa benqineka, banathe lamanzi okwabelwa bengelathemba, 17 ngoba ukudla lamanzi kuzakuba yingcosana. Bazakwethuka lapho bebonana, njalo bazacikizeka ngenxa yezono zabo.”

5

Insingo KaNkulunkulu Yokwahlulela

1 “Khathesi, ndodana yomuntu, thatha inkemba ebukhali uyisebenzise njengempuco yomgeli ekuphuceni ikhanda lakho kanye lezindevu zakho. Emva kwalokho thatha izilinganiso wehlukanise inwele. 2 Lapho insuku zokuvinjezelwa kwenu seziphelile, tshisa ingxenye yesithathu yezinwele ngomlilo phakathi kwedolobho. Thatha ingxenye yesithathu uyigwaze ngenkemba ubhoda lonke idolobho, uhlakazele ingxenye yesithathu emoyeni. Ngoba ngizabalandela ngiphethe inkemba ekhokhiweyo. 3 Kodwa thatha inwele ezilutshwane uzithungele emiphethweni yesembatho sakho. 4 Thatha njalo emilutshwana yayo uyiphosele emlilweni uyitshise. Umlilo uzamemetheka usuka lapho uye kuyo yonke indlu ka-Israyeli.

5 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ukuthi: Le yiJerusalema engiyimise phakathi kwezizwe, kulamazwe kuwo wonke amacele ayo. 6 Kodwa ngenxa yobubi bayo isihlamukele imithetho yami lezimiso zami okudlula izizwe lamazwe ayihanqileyo. Iyalile imithetho yami kayaze yalandela izimiso zami.

7 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ukuthi: Ube ngoxhwale okudlula izizwe ezikuhanqileyo njalo kawulandelanga izimiso zami kumbe ugcine imithetho yami. Futhi kalilaleli lezimiso zezizwe ezilihanqileyo.

8 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ukuthi: Mina ngokwami ngimelane lawe, wena Jerusalema, njalo ngizabeka isijeziso phezu kwakho izizwe zikhangele. 9 Ngenxa yezithombe zakho zonke ezinengekayo, kuwe ngizakwenza engingakaze ngikwenze ngaphambili njalo engingayikukwenza futhi. 10 Ngakho phakathi kwenu oyise bazakudla abantwana babo, labantwana bazakudla oyise. Ngizabeka isijeziso phezu kwakho kuthi bonke abasindileyo bakho ngibahlakazele emoyeni. 11 Ngakho ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, ngoba ungcolise indlu yami engcwele ngezifanekiso zakho zonke ezingamanyala langezenzo zakho ezenyanyekayo, mina ngokwami ngizasusa umusa wami; angiyikuba lesihawu kuwe loba ngiyekele ukukubhubhisa. 12 Ingxenye yesithathu yabantu bakho izabulawa yisifo loba ibhujiswe yindlala phakathi kwakho; ingxenye yesithathu izakufa ngenkemba ngaphandle kwemiduli yakho; ingxenye yesithathu ngizayihlakazela emoyeni ngiphinde ngiyilandele ngiphethe inkemba.

13 Lapho-ke ukuthukuthela kwami kuzaphela, lolaka lwami kubo luzadeda, njalo ngizabe sengiphindisele. Njalo lapho ulaka lwami sengiluqedele kubo, bazakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo ngikhulume ngokutshiseka kwami.

14 Ngizakwenza ube lunxiwa lehlazo phakathi kwezizwe ezikuhanqileyo, emehlweni abo bonke abadlula khona. 15 Uzakuba lihlazo lenhlekisa, isixwayiso lento eyesabekayo ezizweni ezikuhanqileyo lapho sengibeka isijeziso phezu kwakho ngentukuthelo langolaka, ngikhuza kabuhlungu. Mina Thixo sengikhulumile. 16 Lapho ngikutshoka ngemitshoko yami ebhubhisayo, langemitshoko echithayo yendlala, ngizatshoka ukuba ngikutshabalalise. Ngizakwandisela indlala ngivale ukulethwa kokudla kwakho. 17 Ngizakulethela indlala lezinyamazana zeganga ukuba kukuhlasele, kuzakutshiya ungaselamntwana. Isifo lokuchithwa kwegazi kuzadabula phakathi kwakho, njalo ngizaletha inkemba ukuba ikuhlasele. Mina Thixo sengikhulumile.”

6

Isiphrofethi Ngezintaba Zako-Israyeli

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho ezintabeni zako-Israyeli; phrofetha ngazo uzisola 3 uthi, Lina zintaba zako-Israyeli, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo Wobukhosi. Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ezintabeni lasemaqaqeni, ezingoxweni lasezigodini ukuthi: Sekuseduze ukuthi ngililethele inkemba yokulihlasela, njalo ngizadiliza izindawo zenu eziphakemeyo.” 4 Ama-alithare enu azabhidlizwa kuthi lama-alithare enu empepha aphahlazwe; njalo abantu benu ngizababulalela phambi kwezithombe zenu. 5 Izidumbu zabako-Israyeli ngizazibeka phambi kwezithombe zabo, njalo amathambo enu ngizawahlakaza emaceleni ama-alithare enu. 6 Loba kungaphi elihlala khona amadolobho akhona azadilizwa lezindawo eziphakemeyo zidilizwe, ukuze ama-alithare enu achithwe abhuqwe, kuthi izithombe zenu ziphahlazwe ziqothulwe, ama-alithare enu empepha adilizwe, kuthi elikwenzileyo kutshabalaliswe. 7 Abantu benu bazabulawa phakathi kwenu, njalo lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

8 “Kodwa abanye ngizabaphephisa, ngoba abanye benu bazaphunyuka enkembeni lapho selihlakazekele emazweni lasezizweni. 9 Lapho-ke, ezizweni abathunjelwa kuzo, labo abaphunyukayo bazangikhumbula ukuthi ngadabuka njani ngenxa yezinhliziyo zabo ezilobufebe, esezasukayo kimi, langamehlo abo akhanuka izithombe zabo. Bazazenyanya bona ngokwabo ngenxa yobubi ababenzileyo langenxa yezenzo zonke ezenyanyekayo.” 10 Njalo bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo. Kangisongelanga ize lapho ngathi ngizabehlisela umonakalo lo.

11 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ukuthi: “Tshaya izandla zakho unyathele inyawo zakho ukhale uthi Maye! Ngenxa yobubi bonke lezenzo ezenyanyekayo zendlu ka-Israyeli, bonke bazakufa ngenkemba, langendlala kanye langesifo.” 12 Lowo okhatshana uzakufa ngesifo, kuthi lowo oseduze afe ngenkemba, lalowo osindileyo waphepha uzabulawa yindlala. Ngizaluqeda kanjalo ulaka lwami phezu kwabo. 13 Njalo bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo, lapho abantu babo sebelele befile phakathi kwezithombe zabo emaceleni wonke ama-alithare abo, phezu kwamaqaqa wonke aphakemeyo kanye lasezingqongweni zonke zezintaba, ngaphansi kwezihlahla zonke eziluhlaza lemʼokhi yonke elamahlamvu amanengi, izindawo abanikelela kuzo impepha elephunga elimnandi kuzozonke izithombe zabo. 14 “Njalo ngizakwelulela isandla sami kubo ngenze ilizwe libe lugwadule olungelalutho kusukela enkangala kusiya eDibila lapho abahlala khona. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.”

7

Isiphetho Sesifikile

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi elizweni lako-Israyeli:

‘Isiphetho! Isiphetho sesifikile

emagumbini amane elizwe.

3 Isiphetho sesifikile kini

njalo ngizakwehlisela ulaka lwami phezu kwenu.

Ngizalahlulela ngokumayelana lezenzo zenu

ngiliphe imivuzo kukho konke ukwenza kwenu okunengekayo.

4 Kangiyikulikhangela ngesihawu

loba ngiliyekele,

ngeqiniso ngizalinika umvuzo wezenzo zenu

kanye lowokwenza kwenu okunengekayo phakathi kwenu.

Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’

5 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ukuthi:

‘Umonakalo! Umonakalo ongakaze ubonakale!

Khangela, uyeza.

6 Isiphetho sesifikile!

Isiphetho sesifikile!

Sizivusele ukumelana lani.

Bona, sesifikile!

7 Incithakalo isifikile kini,

kini lina elihlala elizweni.

Isikhathi sesifikile,

ilanga selisondele;

kulokuphamazela,

hatshi intokozo, phezu kwezintaba.

8 Sekuseduze ukuba ngithululele ulaka lwami phezu kwenu

ngiqedele ukuthukuthela kwami kini.

Ngizalahlulela ngokumayelana lezenzo zenu

ngiliphe imivuzo kukho konke ukwenza kwenu okunengekayo.

9 Kangiyikulikhangela ngesihawu,

kangiyikuliyekela,

ngizalinika umvuzo ngokumayelana lezenzo zenu

kanye lokwenza okunengekayo phakathi kwenu.

Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi yimi mina Thixo otshayayo.

10 Usuku selukhona!

Bona, selufikile!

Incithakalo isipatshakile,

induku isihlumile,

ukuziphakamisa sekuqhakazile.

11 Udlakela selukhule

lwaba yinduku yokujezisa ububi;

kakho ebantwini ozatshiywa;

kakho kuleliya xuku,

akula notho,

akulalutho oluligugu.

12 Isikhathi sesifikile,

usuku selufikile.

Umthengi kangathokozi

kumbe umthengisi abe lusizi,

ngoba ulaka luphezu kwexuku lonke.

13 Umthengisi kayikuyifumana

impahla eyathengiswayo,

nxa owathengisayo lowathengayo besaphila,

ngoba umbono ngexuku lonke

kawuyikuhlehliselwa emuva.

Ngenxa yezono zabo kakho lamunye wabo

ozalondoloza ukuphila kwakhe.

14 Loba bekhalisa icilongo

benze izinto zonke zilunge,

kakho ozakuya empini,

ngoba ulaka lwami luphezu kwexuku lonke.

15 Ngaphandle kulempi,

ngaphakathi kulesifo lendlala,

labo abasemaphandleni

bazabulawa ngenkemba,

njalo labo abaphakathi kwedolobho

bazaqothulwa yindlala lesifo.

16 Bonke abaphunyukayo babaleke

bazakuba sezintabeni,

bebubula njengamajuba asezigodini,

yilowo lalowo ngenxa yezono zakhe.

17 Izandla zonke zizaxega,

lamadolo wonke abe buthakathaka njengamanzi.

18 Bazagqoka amasaka

babe lokwesaba.

Ubuso babo buzakuba lehlazo

lamakhanda abo aphucwe.

19 Bazalahlela isiliva sabo emigwaqweni,

legolide labo lizakuba njengento engcolileyo.

Isiliva sabo legolide labo

akuyikwanelisa ukubakhulula

ngosuku lolaka lukaThixo.

Bangeke baqede ukulamba kwabo

kumbe bagcwalise izisu zabo,

ngoba sekubenze bakhubeka esonweni.

20 Babeziqhenya ngeziceciso zabo ezinhle

abazisebenzisa ekwenzeni izithombe zabo ezinengekayo.

Benza lemifanekiso yabo enyanyekayo,

ngakho ngizakwenza kube yinto engcolileyo kubo.

21 Ngizanika inotho yabo njengempango kwabezizwe

lakwababi basemhlabeni njengezinto ezithunjiweyo,

njalo bazakungcolisa.

22 Ngizasusa ubuso bami kubo,

njalo bazangcolisa indawo yami eligugu;

abaphangi bazangena,

bayingcolise.

23 Lungisani amaketane

ngoba ilizwe ligcwele ukuchitheka kwegazi

ledolobho ligcwele udlakela.

24 Ngizaletha izizwe ezimbi kakhulu

ukuthi zithathe izindlu zabo.

Ngizaqeda ukuzigqaja kwabalamandla

lezindawo zabo ezingcwele zizangcoliswa.

25 Lapho ukwesaba kufika,

bazafuna ukuthula.

26 Kuzafika umonakalo phezu komonakalo,

lamahungahunga phezu kwamahungahunga.

Bazadinga umbono kumphrofethi,

ukufundiswa komthetho ngumphristi akusoze kube khona

lokweluleka kwabadala kuzaphela.

27 Inkosi izalila,

inkosana izaphelelwa lithemba,

lezandla zabantu belizwe zizaqhaqhazela.

Kubo ngizakwenza okumayelana lezenzo zabo.

Ngizabahlulela ngemithetho yabo.

Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

8

Ukukhonza Izithombe EThempelini

1 Ngomnyaka wesithupha, ngenyanga yesithupha ngosuku lwesihlanu, lapho ngangihlezi endlini yami labadala bakoJuda behlezi phambi kwami, isandla sikaThixo Wobukhosi sehlela phezu kwami khonapho. 2 Ngakhangela, ngabona ulutho olwalulesimo somuntu. Kusukela kokwakungathi lukhalo lwakhe kusiya phansi wayenjengomlilo, njalo kusukela lapho kusiya phezulu ukubonakala kwakhe kwakhazimula njengensimbi evuthayo. 3 Welula okwakukhanya angathi yisandla wangibamba ngenwele zekhanda lami. UMoya wangiphakamisela phezulu phakathi komhlaba lezulu, kwathi ngemibono kaNkulunkulu wangisa eJerusalema, ekungeneni kwesango langasenyakatho yeguma langaphakathi, lapho okwakumi khona isithombe esibangela ubukhwele. 4 Njalo khonapho phambili kwami kwakulenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, njengasembonweni engawubona egcekeni.

5 Wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, khangela ngasenyakatho.” Ngakho ngakhangela, kwathi entubeni esenyakatho kwesango le-alithari ngabona lesisithombe sobukhwele.

6 Wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, uyakubona yini abakwenzayo, izinto ezenyanyekayo kakhulu indlu ka-Israyeli ezenzayo lapha, izinto ezizangixotshela khatshana lendawo yami engcwele? Kodwa wena uzabona izinto ezenyanyekayo kakhulukazi kulalezi.”

7 Emva kwalokho wangisa entubeni yeguma. Ngakhangela, ngabona imbobo emdulini. 8 Wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, khathesi gubha umduli.” Ngakho ngawugubha umduli ngasengibona umnyango khona.

9 Wasesithi kimi, “Ngena ubone izinto ezimbi lezenyanyekayo abazenzayo lapha.” 10 Ngakho ngangena phakathi ngakhangela, ngabona indawo yonke emidulini kufanekiswe inhlobo zezinto zonke ezihuquzelayo lezinyamazana ezenyanyekayo kanye lezithombe zonke zasendlini ka-Israyeli. 11 Phambi kwazo kwakumi abadala bendlu ka-Israyeli abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa, loJazaniya indodana kaShafani emi phakathi kwabo. Omunye lomunye wayephethe udengezi lokutshisela impepha ngesandla, luthunqa intuthu elephunga elimnandi elempepha.

12 Wathi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, ukubonile yini okwenziwa ngabadala bendlu ka-Israyeli emnyameni, omunye lomunye esendaweni yokukhonzela isithombe sakhe? Bathi, ‘UThixo kasiboni; uThixo uselilahlile ilizwe.’ ” 13 Wabuye wathi, “Uzababona besenza izinto ezenyanyeka okudlula lokho.”

14 Emva kwalokho wangisa ekungeneni kwesango lasenyakatho kwendlu kaThixo, ngabona abesifazane behlezi khona belilela uThamuzi. 15 Wasesithi kimi, “Uyakubona lokhu na, ndodana yomuntu? Uzabona izinto ezenyanyeka kakhulu kulalokhu.”

16 Wasengisa egumeni lendlu kaThixo elingaphakathi, njalo khonapho ekungeneni kwethempeli, phakathi komkhandlu le-alithari, kwakulamadoda ayengaba ngamatshumi amabili lanhlanu. Ayekhothamele phansi elangeni empumalanga, efulathele ithempeli likaThixo. Ubuso bawo bukhangele empumalanga.

17 Wathi kimi, “Sewake wakubona lokhu na ndodana yomuntu? Kuyinto encane na ukuthi indlu kaJuda yenze izinto ezenyanyekayo abazenza lapha? Kumele ilizwe baligcwalise futhi ngodlakela, njalo bangithukuthelise kokuphela na? Bakhangele bebeka ugatsha empumulweni yabo! 18 Ngakho ngizabaphatha ngentukuthelo; angiyikuba lesihawu kubo ngibayekele. Lanxa sebeklabalalela ezindlebeni zami, kangiyikubalalela.”

9

Abakhonzi Bezithombe Bayabulawa

1 Lapho-ke ngamuzwa ememeza ngelizwi elikhulu esithi, “Letha abalindi bedolobho lapha, omunye lomunye elesikhali esandleni sakhe.” 2 Ngasengibona amadoda ayisithupha evelela malungana lesango langaphezulu, elikhangele enyakatho, ngamunye ephethe izikhali ezibulalayo ezandleni zakhe. Ayelenye indoda eyayigqoke ilineni eyayilezinto zokubhala emhlubulweni wayo. Angena ema phansi kwe-alithari lethusi.

3 Khathesi inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli yaya phezulu isuka ngaphezu kwamakherubhi, lapho eyayikade ikhona, yasudukela emnyango wethempeli. Lapho-ke uThixo wabiza indoda eyayigqoke ilineni ilezinto zokubhala emhlubulweni wayo 4 wathi kuyo, “Yana ezindaweni zonke zedolobho laseJerusalema ubeke uphawu emabunzini alabo ababubulayo bekhala ngenxa yezinto zonke ezenyanyekayo ezenziwa kulo.”

5 Ngisalalele, wathi kwabanye, “Mlandeleni kulolonke idolobho libulale, kungekho sihawu kumbe uzwelo. 6 Qothulani amaxhegu, amajaha lezintombi, amanina labantwana, kodwa lingathinti loba ngubani olophawu. Qalisani endlini yami engcwele.” Ngakho baqalisa ngabadala ababephambi kwethempeli.

7 Wasesithi kubo, “Ngcolisani ithempeli ligcwalise amaguma ngababuleweyo. Hambani!” Ngakho bahamba baqalisa ukubulala edolobheni lonke. 8 Kwathi lapho bebulala, mina ngisele ngedwa, ngathi mbo phansi ngobuso, ngakhala ngathi, “Awu Thixo Wobukhosi! Uzaqothula yonke insalela yako-Israyeli kulokhu kuphuphuma kolaka lwakho phezu kweJerusalema na?”

9 Wangiphendula wathi, “Isono sendlu ka-Israyeli lekaJuda sikhulu kakhulu; ilizwe ligcwele ukuchithwa kwegazi, ledolobho ligcwele ukungalungi. Bathi, ‘UThixo uselidelile ilizwe; uThixo kaboni.’ 10 Ngakho angiyikuba lesihawu kubo kumbe ngibayekele, kodwa lokhu abakwenzileyo ngizakwehlisela phezu kwamakhanda abo.”

11 Lapho-ke indoda eyayigqoke ilineni ilezinto zokubhala emhlubulweni yaletha ilizwi isithi, “Ngenze njengokulaya kwakho.”

10

Inkazimulo Iyasuka EThempelini

1 Ngakhangela ngabona okwakufana lesihlalo sobukhosi esenziwe ngesafire ngaphezu komkhathi owawungaphezu kwamakhanda amakherubhi. 2  UThixo wathi emuntwini owayegqoke ilineni, “Ngena phakathi kwamavili ngaphansi kwamakherubhi. Gcwalisa izandla zakho ngamalahle atshisayo avela kumakherubhi uwahaze phezu kwedolobho.” Ngathi ngisabukele wangena.

3 Amakherubhi ayesemi ngaseningizimu kwethempeli lapho umuntu lowo engena phakathi, iyezi lagcwala iguma langaphakathi. 4 Lapho-ke inkazimulo kaThixo yaphakama isuka ngaphezu kwamakherubhi yasudukela ngasemnyango wethempeli. Iyezi lagcwala ethempelini, kwathi iguma lagcwala ukukhanya kwenkazimulo kaThixo. 5 Umdumo wezimpiko zamakherubhi wawuzwakala khatshana le egumeni langaphandle, unjengelizwi likaNkulunkulu uSomandla nxa ekhuluma.

6 Kwathi lapho uThixo elaya umuntu owayegqoke ilineni esithi, “Thatha umlilo phakathi kwamavili, phakathi kwamakherubhi,” umuntu lowo wangena wema phansi kwevili. 7 Elinye lamakherubhi lelulela isandla salo emlilweni owawuphakathi kwawo. Lawokha lawubeka ezandleni zomuntu owayegqoke ilineni, owawuthathayo wasephuma. 8 (Ngaphansi kwempiko zamakherubhi kwakubonakala okwakungathi yizandla zomuntu.)

9 Ngakhangela, ngabona amavili amane eceleni kwamakherubhi, lilinye eceleni kwekherubhi ngalinye, amavili ayecazimula njengethophazi. 10 Ukukhangeleka kwawo, amane awo ayekhanya efanana; elinye lelinye lingathi livili elalinqume phakathi kwelinye. 11 Ekuhambeni kwawo, ayesiya loba kuluphi lwezinhlangothi ezine lapho amakherubhi ayekhangele khona; amavili ayengaphenduki lapho amakherubhi ehamba. Amakherubhi ayesiya loba kuluphi uhlangothi ikhanda elalikhangele kulo, kungekho kuphenduka ekuhambeni kwawo. 12 Imizimba yawo yonke, kugoqela imihlane yawo, lezandla zawo kanye lempiko zawo, kwakugcwele amehlo, njengoba ayenjalo lamavili awo amane. 13 Amavili ngezwa kuthiwa athiwa “ngamavili atshibilika ngesiqubu esikhulu.” 14 Ikherubhi ngalinye lalilobuso obune: Obunye ubuso babungobekherubhi, obesibili bungobomuntu, obesithathu bungobesilwane, obesine bungobengqungqulu.

15 Amakherubhi aphakama aya phezulu. La ayeyizidalwa eziphilayo engangizibone phansi komfula uKhebhari. 16 Kwathi lapho amakherubhi ehamba, lamavili emaceleni awo ahamba; njalo kwathi lapho amakherubhi eselula impiko zawo ukuba aphakame esuka phansi, amavili kawasasukanga emaceleni awo. 17 Njalo kwathi lapho amakherubhi esima, amavili lawo ema, kuthi lapho amakherubhi ephakama, amavili lawo aphakame, ngoba umoya wezidalwa eziphilayo wawukuwo.

18 Inkazimulo kaThixo yasuka ngasemnyango wethempeli yayakuma ngaphezu kwamakherubhi. 19 Amakherubhi elula amaphiko awo ngikhangele, aphakama esuka phansi, njalo kwathi lapho esehamba amavili ahamba lawo. Ema ekungeneni kwesango langasempumalanga lendlu kaThixo, njalo inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli yayingaphezu kwawo.

20 Lezi kwakuyizidalwa eziphilayo engangizibone ngaphansi kukaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli ngasemfuleni uKhebhari, ngananzelela ukuthi kwakungamakherubhi. 21 Lelo lalelo lalilobuso obune lamaphiko amane, njalo ngaphansi kwamaphiko kwakulokwakungathi yizandla zomuntu. 22 Ubuso bawo babufanana lobalawana engawabona ngasemfuleni uKhebhari. Lelo lalelo lahamba liqonde phambili.

11

Ukwahlulelwa Kwabakhokheli Bako-Israyeli

1 Lapho-ke uMoya wangiphakamisela phezulu wangisa esangweni lendlu kaThixo elikhangele empumalanga. Khonapho ekungeneni kwesango kwakulamadoda angamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, njalo phakathi kwawo ngabona uJazaniya indodana ka-Azuri kanye loPhelathiya indodana kaBhenayiya, abakhokheli babantu. 2  UThixo wathi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, laba yibo abantu abenza amacebo amabi, benika lezeluleko ezimbi kulelidolobho. 3 Bathi, ‘Masinyane nje akuyikuba yiso na isikhathi sokwakha izindlu? Idolobho leli liyimbiza yokupheka, njalo thina siyinyama.’ 4 Ngakho-ke phrofetha okubi ngabo; phrofetha ndodana yomuntu.”

5 Lapho-ke uMoya kaThixo weza kimi wangitshela ukuba ngithi, Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: “Lokho yikho wena okutshoyo, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, kodwa mina ngiyakwazi okusengqondweni yakho. 6 Sewabulala abantu abanengi phakathi kwedolobho leli wagcwalisa imigwaqo yalo ngabafileyo.”

7 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: “Izidumbu oziphosele lapho ziyinyama njalo idolobho leli liyimbiza, kodwa wena ngizakuxotshela ngaphandle kwalo. 8 Inkemba uyayesaba, njalo inkemba yiyo engizayiletha ukuba imelane lawe, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 9 Ngizakuxotshela ngaphandle kwedolobho ngikunikele kwabezizweni ngiphinde ngikujezise. 10 Uzabulawa ngenkemba, njalo ngizakwahlulela emingceleni yako-Israyeli. Lapho-ke uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo. 11 Idolobho leli kaliyikuba yimbiza yakho, kumbe wena ube yinyama phakathi kwalo; ngizakwahlulela emingceleni yako-Israyeli. 12 Njalo uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo, ngoba izimiso zami kawuzilandelanga kumbe wagcina imithetho yami kodwa ulandele izenzo zezizwe ezikuhanqileyo.”

13 Kwathi lapho ngisaphrofitha, uPhelathiya indodana kaBhenayiya wafa. Ngakho ngathi mbo phansi ngobuso ngakhala ngelizwi eliphezulu ngisithi, “Awu, Thixo Wobukhosi! Uzaqothula insalela ka-Israyeli na?”

Isithembiso Sokuphenduka Kwe-Israyeli

14 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 15 “Ndodana yomuntu, abafowenu, abafowenu abayizihlobo zakho zegazi kanye lendlu yonke ka-Israyeli, yibo labo abantu baseJerusalema abathe ngabo: ‘Bakhatshana loThixo kakhulu; ilizwe leli saliphiwa ukuba libe yilifa lethu.’ ”

Ukubuyela Kuka-Israyeli Kuyathenjiswa

16 “Ngakho-ke wothi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Lanxa ngabasa khatshana phakathi kwezizwe njalo ngabahlakazela phakathi kwamazwe, ikanti okwesikhatshana ngibe yindlu engcwele kubo emazweni abaye kuwo.’

17 Ngakho-ke wothi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizakubutha ezizweni ngikubuyise ngikususa emazweni owawuhlakazekele kuwo, njalo ngizakunika ilizwe lako-Israyeli futhi.’

18 Bazabuyela kulo basuse zonke izifanekiso zalo ezihlazisayo kanye lezithombe ezenyanyekayo. 19 Ngizabanika inhliziyo engehlukananga ngifake lomoya omutsha phakathi kwabo; ngizasusa kubo inhliziyo yabo yelitshe ngibaphe inhliziyo yenyama. 20 Lapho-ke bazalandela izimiso zami baqaphele ukugcina imithetho yami. Bazakuba ngabantu bami, lami ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo. 21 Kodwa labo abanhliziyo zabo zinikelwe ezifanekisweni zabo ezihlazisayo lasezithombeni ezenyanyekayo, lokhu abakwenzileyo ngizakwehlisela phezu kwamakhanda abo, kutsho Thixo Wobukhosi.”

22 Lapho-ke amakherubhi, ayelamavili emaceleni, elula impiko zawo, njalo inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli yayingaphezu kwawo. 23 Inkazimulo kaThixo yaya phezulu isuka phakathi kwedolobho yayakuma ngaphezu kwentaba ngasempumalanga kwedolobho. 24 UMoya wangiphakamisela phezulu wangisa kwabathunjiweyo eBhabhiloni ngombono owawulethwe nguMoya kaNkulunkulu.

Emva kwalokho umbono engangiwubonile wasuka kimi, 25 ngasengitshela abathunjiweyo konke Thixo ayengitshengise khona.

12

Ukuthunjwa Kuyafanekiswa

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, uhlala phakathi kwabantu abahlamukayo. Balamehlo ukuba babone kodwa kababoni, njalo balendlebe ukuba bezwe kodwa kabezwa, ngoba bangabantu abahlamukayo.

3 Ngakho-ke ndodana yomuntu, lungisa impahla zakho zasekuthunjweni njalo kuthi emini, bekhangele, uphume usuke lapho okhona uye kwenye indawo. Mhlawumbe bazazwisisa, lanxa beyindlu ehlamukayo. 4 Ngezikhathi zemini, bekhangele, khuphela impahla zakho phandle zilungiselwe ukuya ekuthunjweni. Kuthi kusihlwa, bekhangele, uphume njengabaya ekuthunjweni. 5 Bekhangele, bhoboza umduli ukhuphele impahla zakho ngaphandle kwawo. 6 Zetshathe ehlombe bekhangele uhambe lazo kusihlwa. Mboza ubuso bakho ukuze ilizwe ungaliboni, ngoba sengikwenze waba luphawu endlini ka-Israyeli.”

7 Ngakho ngenza njengokulaywa kwami. Ngezikhathi zemini ngakhupha impahla zami zilungiselwe ukuya ekuthunjweni. Kusihlwa ngabhoboza umduli ngezandla zami. Impahla zami ngazikhuphela ngaphandle kuhwalala, ngizetshethe emahlombe ami bekhangele.

8 Ekuseni ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 9 “Ndodana yomuntu, indlu leyana ehlamukayo yako-Israyeli kayikubuzanga na yathi, ‘Wenzani na?’

10 Wothi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Izilo leli limayelana lenkosana eJerusalema kanye lendlu yonke ka-Israyeli ekhonale.’ 11 Wothi kubo, ‘Ngiluphawu lwesitshengiselo kini.’

Njengoba ngenzile, kuzakwenziwa kanjalo kubo. Bazakuya ekuthunjweni beyizigqili.”

12 Oyinkosana phakathi kwabo uzakwetshatha impahla zakhe kuhwalala asuke, njalo imbobo izakwenziwa emdulini ukuba aphume ngayo. Uzamboza ubuso bakhe ukuze ilizwe angaliboni. 13 Ngizamendlalela imbule lami, njalo uzabanjwa yisifu sami; ngizamusa eBhabhiloniya ilizwe lamaKhaladiya, kodwa kasoze alibone, njalo uzafela khona. 14 Ngizabahlakazela emimoyeni bonke labo abamhanqileyo, izisebenzi zakhe kanye lamabutho akhe wonke njalo ngizaxotshana labo ngiphethe inkemba.

15 “Bazakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo lapho sengibachithachithela phakathi kwezizwe njalo ngibahlakazela emazweni. 16 Kodwa ngizaphephisa abalutshwana babo ekuhlaselweni yinkemba, indlala kanye lesifo, ukuze kuthi ezizweni abaya kuzo bazivume zonke izenzo zabo ezinengayo. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo.”

17 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 18 “Ndodana yomuntu, qhaqhazela nxa unatha amanzi akho. 19 Yitsho ebantwini belizwe uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi mayelana lalabo abahlala eJerusalema kanye laselizweni lako-Israyeli: Bazakudla ukudla kwabo benqineka njalo banathe lamanzi abo bengelathemba, ngoba ilizwe lizaphundlwa konke okukulo ngenxa yodlakela lwabo bonke abahlala khona. 20 Amadolobho okuhlalwa kuwo azaqothulwa ilizwe lichitheke. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo.’ ”

Akuyi Kuphuzwa

21 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 22 “Ndodana yomuntu, yisaga bani lesi na elilaso elizweni lako-Israyeli esithi: ‘Insuku ziyedlula njalo imibono yonke iba yize’? 23 Wothi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizasiqeda isaga lesi, njalo kabayikusitsho futhi ko-Israyeli.’ Wothi kubo, ‘Insuku sezisondele lapho imibono yonke izagcwaliseka khona. 24 Ngoba akusayikuba lemibono yamanga futhi kumbe ubungoma benkohliso ko-Israyeli. 25 Kodwa mina Thixo ngizakhuluma engikufunayo, njalo kuzagcwaliseka ngokuphangisa. Ngoba ensukwini zakho, wena ndlu ehlamukayo ngizagcwalisa loba kuyini engikutshoyo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

26 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 27 “Ndodana yomuntu, indlu ka-Israyeli ithi, ‘Umbono awubonayo ngoweminyaka eminengi kusukela khathesi, njalo uphrofetha ngesikhathi esizayo esikhatshana kakhulu.’

28 Ngakho wothi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Akukho lalinye ilizwi lamazwi ami elizaphuza; loba kuyini engikutshoyo kuzagcwaliseka, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

13

Abaphrofethi Bamanga Bayasolwa

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, phrofitha umelana labaphrofethi bako-Israyeli abaphrofethayo khathesi. Uthi kulabo abaphrofetha okuvela emicabangweni yabo: ‘Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo! 3 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Maye kubaphrofethi abayizithutha abalandela umoya wabo kodwa bengabonanga lutho! 4 Abaphrofethi bakho, we Israyeli, banjengamakhanka asemanxiweni. 5 Kawuyanga phezulu ezikhexeni emdulini ukuba uwulungisele indlu ka-Israyeli ukuze uqine empini ngosuku lukaThixo. 6 Imibono yabo iyinkohliso njalo lobungoma babo bungamanga. Bathi, “uThixo uthi,” yena uThixo engabathumanga; kodwa bathembe ukuthi amazwi abo azagcwaliseka. 7 Kalikayiboni imibono yenkohliso na, njalo lakhuluma ubungoma bamanga lapho lisithi, “uThixo uthi,” lanxa mina ngingatshongo?

8 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngenxa yamazwi enu enkohliso kanye lemibono yenu yamanga, ngimelana lani, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 9 Isandla sami sizamelana labaphrofethi ababona imibono yenkohliso bakhulume ubungoma bamanga. Kabayikuba ngabenhlangano yabantu bami kumbe balotshwe emibhalweni yendlu ka-Israyeli, loba bangene elizweni lako-Israyeli. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo Wobukhosi.

10 Ngenxa yokuthi bedukisa abantu bami, besithi “Ukuthula,” khona ukuthula kungekho, njalo ngoba, nxa kwakhiwe umduli ongaqinanga, bayawubhada ngekalaga, 11 ngakho tshela labo abawubhada ngekalaga ukuthi uzadilika. Kuzakuza isihlambi sezulu, njalo ngizaletha isiqhotho esitshaya phansi, kuqhamuke umoya olamandla. 12 Lapho umduli udilika, abantu kabayikulibuza na bathi, “Ingaphi ikalaga elawubhada ngayo?”

13 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngolaka lwami ngizadedela umoya olamandla, kuthi ngokuthukuthela kwami isiqhotho lesihlambi sezulu kune ngentukuthelo ebhubhisayo. 14 Ngizadiliza umduli eliwubhade ngekalaga ngiwuwisele phansi ukuze isisekelo sawo sibe segcekeni. Nxa ususiwa lizafela kuwo; njalo lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo. 15 Ngakho ngizachitha ulaka lwami ngimelane lomduli kanye lalabo abawubhada ngekalaga. Ngizakuthi kini, “Umduli kawusekho njalo yiso leso lakulabo abawucomba ngekalaga, 16 labobaphrofethi bako-Israyeli abaphrofetha ngeJerusalema babona imibono yokuthula ngalo, khona ukuthula kungekho, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.” ’

17 Khathesi-ke ndodana yomuntu, melana lamadodakazi abantu bakini aphrofetha okwemicabango yawo. Phrofetha umelana lawo 18 uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Maye kwabesifazane abathungela intebe ezihlakaleni zabo zonke benze lezimbombozo zamakhanda abo ezilobude obehlukeneyo ukuze bathiye abantu. Lizathiya impilo yabantu bami kodwa lilondoloze eyenu na? 19 Lingithukile phakathi kwabantu bami ngenxa yohetshezana lwebhali kanye lemvuthuluka yesinkwa. Ngokuqamba amanga ebantwini bami, abawalalelayo amanga, selibabulele labo ababengamelanga bafe, kodwa layekela abangafanelanga ukuphila.

20 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngimelana lezintebe zenu elithiya abantu ngazo njengenyoni njalo ngizazidabula ezingalweni zenu; ngizabakhulula abantu elibathiya njengenyoni. 21 Izimbombozo zenu ngizazidabula ngikhulule abantu bami ezandleni zenu, njalo kabayikuba ngaphansi kwamandla okubazingela kwenu. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo. 22 Ngenxa yokuthi lenyelisa inhliziyo zabalungileyo ngamanga enu, lapho ngangingabalethelanga sizi, njalo ngoba lakhuthaza ababi ukuba bangaphenduki ezindleleni zabo ezimbi ngalokho basilise ukuphila kwabo, 23 ngakho kaliyikubona imibono yamanga futhi loba izenzo zobungoma. Abantu bami ngizabahlenga ezandleni zenu. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo.’ ”

14

Abakhonza Izithombe Bayasolwa

1 Abanye babadala bako-Israyeli beza kimi bahlala phambi kwami. 2 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kimi lisithi: 3 “Ndodana yomuntu, abantu laba sebebeke izithombe ezinhliziyweni zabo, bafaka lezikhubekiso ezimbi phambi kobuso babo. Ngibavumele ukungibuza na? 4 Ngakho khuluma labo ubatshele uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Lapho loba nguphi umʼIsrayeli ebeka izithombe enhliziyweni yakhe, afake lesikhubekiso esibi phambi kobuso bakhe abesesiyaphrofetha, mina Thixo ngizamphendula mina ngokwami ngokuhambelana lokukhonza kwakhe izithombe okukhulu. 5 Ngizakwenza lokhu ukuze ngizibambe futhi inhliziyo zabantu bako-Israyeli asebengidelile bonke ngenxa yezithombe zabo.’

6 Ngakho-ke tshono endlini ka-Israyeli uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Phendukani! Tshiyani izithombe zenu lilahle imikhuba yenu enengayo!

7 Lapho owako-Israyeli loba omunye wabezizweni ohlala ko-Israyeli ezehlukanisa lami abeke izithombe enhliziyweni yakhe njalo afake lesikhubekiso esibi phambi kobuso bakhe, abesesiya kumphrofethi ukuyabuza ngami, mina Thixo ngizamphendula mina ngokwami. 8 Ngizamelana lalowomuntu ngobuso bami njalo ngimenze isibonelo kanye lesiga. Ngizamsusa ebantwini bami. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo.

9 Njalo nxa umphrofethi ekhohliseke ukuba akhulume isiphrofethi, mina Thixo yimi engikhohlise umphrofethi lowo, njalo ngizakwelula isandla sami ngimelane laye ngimbhubhise phakathi kwabantu bami u-Israyeli. 10 Bazathwala icala labo, umphrofethi uzakuba lecala njengalowo ombuzayo. 11 Lapho-ke abantu bako-Israyeli kabasayikungifulathela kumbe bazingcolise futhi ngazozonke izono zabo. Bazakuba ngabantu bami, mina ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

Ukwahlulelwa KweJerusalema Akubalekelwa

12 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 13 “Ndodana yomuntu, nxa ilizwe lisona kimi ngokungathembeki besengiselula isandla sami ukuba ngivale ukulethwa kokudla kwalo, ngithumele indlala kulo ibulale abantu bakhona kanye lezifuyo zabo, 14 lanxa amadoda amathathu la, uNowa, loDanyeli kanye loJobe, angabe ayekhona kulo, ayezazihlenga wona kuphela ngokulunga kwawo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

15 Loba nxa ngingathuma izilo zeganga ukuba zidabule phakathi kwalelolizwe zilitshiye lingaselabantwana njalo libe lugwadule okwenza kungabi lamuntu odlula phakathi kwalo ngenxa yezilo, 16 ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, lanxa amadoda la amathathu engabe ayekhona kulo ayengeke awahlenge amadodana awo kumbe amadodakazi. Wona kuphela yiwo ayengahlengwa, kodwa ilizwe lalizachitheka.

17 Loba nxa ngingaletha inkemba imelane lalelolizwe ngithi, ‘Inkemba kayidlule phakathi kwelizwe lonke,’ ngibulale abantu kanye lezifuyo zabo, 18 ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, lanxa amadoda la amathathu kungabe ayekulo, ayengeke awahlenge amadodana awo kumbe amadodakazi. Wona kuphela yiwo ayengahlengwa.

19 Loba nxa ngithumela isifo kulelolizwe, ngithululele ulaka lwami phezu kwalo ngokuchithwa kwegazi, sibulale abantu balo kanye lezifuyo zabo, 20 ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, lanxa uNowa, loDanyeli kanye loJobe bengabe bekulo bebengeke bahlenge indodana kumbe indodakazi. Bebengazihlenga bona kuphela ngokulunga kwabo.

21 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Kuzakuba kubi kakhulu okunjani na lapho sengithumela eJerusalema izahlulelo zami ezine, inkemba lendlala lezilo zeganga kanye lesifo ukuba kubulale abantu balo kanye lezifuyo zabo! 22 Kodwa kuzakuba labanye abasilayo, amadodana lamadodakazi abazakhutshelwa ngaphandle kwalo. Bazakuza kuwe, njalo lapho ubona ukuziphatha kwabo lezenzo zabo, uzaduduzeka ngomonakalo engiwehlisela phezu kweJerusalema, wonke umonakalo engawehlisela phezu kwalo. 23 Uzaduduzeka lapho usubona ukuziphatha kwabo kanye lezenzo zabo, ngoba uzakwazi ukuthi angenzanga lutho phakathi kwalo kungekho sizatho, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

15

IJerusalema Livini Elingelasizo

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, isigodo sevini silwedlula ngani ugatsha lwaloba yisiphi sezihlahla eziseguswini na? 3 Isigodo siyake sithathwe kulo ukuba kwenziwe ulutho olusizayo na? Bayazenza izikhonkwane ngalo ukuba kulengiswe izinto kuzo na? 4 Njalo emva kokuba sesiphoselwe emlilweni njengokhuni, umlilo usitshise izihloko zombili lomzaca waphakathi uhaqazeke, siselosizo ekwenzeni olunye ulutho na? 5 Nxa sasingelasizo ekwenzeni ulutho sisaphelele, kuncane kangakanani okungenziwa ukuthi sibe yilutho olusizayo lapho umlilo ususitshisile njalo sesililahle na?

6 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Njengoba nginike isigodo sevini phakathi kwezihlahla zegusu njengokhuni lomlilo, ngizabaphatha kanjalo abantu abahlala eJerusalema. 7 Ngizamelana labo ngobuso bami. Lanxa sebephumile phakathi komlilo, umlilo usezabaqeda. Njalo lapho sengimelane labo ngobuso bami, lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo. 8 Ngizakwenza ilizwe libe lugwadule ngoba bebengathembekanga, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

16

IJerusalema Njengomfazi Oyisifebe

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, melana leJerusalema ngezenzo zalo ezinengayo 3 uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi kulo iJerusalema: Umdabuko wenu kanye lozalo ngokwaselizweni lamaKhenani; uyihlo wayengumʼAmori unyoko engumHithi. 4 Ngosuku owazalwa ngalo ufokothi lwakho kaluqunywanga, njalo kawugeziswanga ngamanzi ukuba uhlambuluke, kumbe uhlikihlwe ngetswayi loba ugoqelwe ngamalembu. 5 Kakho owaba lozwelo kuwe loba owaba lesihawu ukuba akwenzele okunye kwalezizinto. Kodwa waphoselwa etshatshalazini leganga, ngoba ngosuku owazalwa ngalo weyiswa.

6 Kwathi lapho ngidlula eduze ngakubona uqhatshaqhatsha phakathi kwegazi lakho, njalo kwathi ulele phakathi khonapho kwegazi lakho ngathi kuwe, “Phila!” 7 Ngakukhulisa njengesihlahla seganga. Wakhula waqina waba yilitshe eliligugu elihle kakhulu kulawo wonke. Waphuhla lenwele zakho zakhula, wena owawunqunu uze.

8 Muva ngadlula eduze futhi, kwathi lapho sengikukhangele ngabona ukuthi wawusukhulile okwanela uthando, ngelulela isembatho sami phezu kwakho ngavala ubunqunu bakho. Ngakufungela ngesifungo sami esiqinisekileyo, ngenza isivumelwano lawe, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, njalo waba ngowami.

9 Ngakugezisa ngamanzi, ngagezisa legazi kuwe, ngasengikugcoba ngamafutha. 10 Ngakugqokisa isigqoko esicecisiweyo ngakufaka amanyathelo esikhumba. Ngakugqokisa ilineni elihle ngakwembesa izembatho ezidulayo. 11 Ngakuhlobisa ngamatshe aligugu: Ngafaka amasongo ezingalweni zakho kanye lomgaxo entanyeni yakho, 12 ngasengifaka lesongo empumulweni yakho, lamacici ezindlebeni zakho kanye lomqhele omuhle ekhanda lakho. 13 Waceciswa kanjalo ngegolide langesiliva; izigqoko zakho zazenziwe ngelineni elihle langamalembu adulayo kanye lamalembu acecisiweyo. Waba muhle kakhulu waze wakhuphuka waba yindlovukazi. 14 Udumo lwakho lwagcwala phakathi kwezizwe ngenxa yobuhle bakho, ngoba ubucwazicwazi engangikuphe bona benza ubuhle bakho baphelela, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

15 Kodwa wena wathemba ubuhle bakho wasebenzisa lodumo lwakho ekubeni yisifebe. Wachithela umusa wakho emuntwini wonke odlulayo kwathi ubuhle bakho baba ngobakhe. 16 Wathatha ezinye zezembatho zakho wenza ubucwazicwazi bezindawo eziphakemeyo, lapho owaqhubekela khona ngobuwule bakho. Izinto ezinje akumelanga zenzakale, loba zike zivele zenzeke. 17 Njalo wathatha leziceciso ezinhle zamatshe aligugu engakupha zona, iziceciso ezenziwa ngegolide lami lesiliva, wazenzela izithombe ezinduna wawula lazo. 18 Wathatha lezigqoko zakho ezicecisiweyo ukuba wembese izithombe, wanikela amafutha ami lempepha phambi kwazo. 19 Lokudla engakupha khona, ifulawa ecolekileyo, amafutha e-oliva kanye loluju engakupha khona ukuba udle, wakunikela phambi kwazo njengempepha elephunga elimnandi. Lokhu yikho okwenzakalayo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

20 Wathatha futhi amadodana akho kanye lamadodakazi owangizalela wona wawanikela njengokudla ezithombeni. Ubufebe bakho babunganelanga na? 21 Wabulala abantwabami wabanikela ezithombeni. 22 Phakathi kwazo zonke izenzo zakho ezinengayo kanye lobufebe bakho kawuzikhumbulanga insuku zebutsheni bakho, lapho wawunqunu njalo uze, uqhatshaqhatsha phakathi kwegazi lakho.

23 Maye! Maye kuwe, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Phezu kobubi bakho bonke, 24 wazakhela indunduma wenza lezindawo zokukhonzela ezidephileyo ezinkundleni zonke. 25 Ekuqaliseni kwemigwaqo yonke wakha izindawo zakho zokukhonzela ezidephileyo wonakalisa ubuhle bakho, wanikela umzimba wakho ngokuxabanisa okukhulu kuloba ngubani odlulayo. 26 Wenza ubufebe lamaGibhithe, omakhelwane bakho abalesigweba, wangithukuthelisa ngokuba ngubuyazonke kwakho okukhulu. 27 Ngakho ngelula isandla sami ukuba ngimelane lawe nganciphisa ilizwe lakho; ngakunikela ekuphangeni kwezitha zakho, amadodakazi amaFilistiya, ethuswa yikuziphatha kwakho kobuxhwali! 28 Wenza ubuwule lama-Asiriya futhi, ngoba wawungasuthiseki; njalo langasemva kwalokho wawulokhu ungakholwanga. 29 Ngakho wandisa ukuxubanisa kwakho ukuba kungenise leBhabhiloni, ilizwe labathengisi, kodwa langalokhu kawusuthisekanga.

30 Yeka ubuthakathaka bakho enhliziyweni, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, lapho usenza zonke lezizinto, usenza njengesifebe esingelanhloni! 31 Lapho usakha amadundulu akho ekuqaliseni kwemigwaqo yonke usenza lezindawo zakho zokukhonzela ezidephileyo ezinkundleni zonke, wawunganjengesifebe, ngoba wala imbadalo ngokweyisa okukhulu.

32 Wena mfazi oyisifebe! Uthanda izihambi kulomkakho. 33 Izifebe zonke zamukela imbadalo, kodwa zonke izithandwa zakho uzinika izipho, uzithenga ukuba zize kuwe zivela ezindaweni zonke zilanda ubufebe bakho. 34 Ngakho ukufeba kwakho kwehlukile kokwabanye; kakho okudingayo ukuba afebe lawe. Wena wehlukile, ngoba uyabhadala kodwa awubhadalwa.

35 Ngakho-ke, wena sifebe, zwana ilizwi likaThixo! 36 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Njengoba wachitha inotho yakho waveza lobunqunu bakho ebufebeni bakho lezithandwa zakho, njalo ngenxa yazo zonke izithombe zakho ezinengayo, langenxa yokuthi wazipha igazi labantwana bakho, 37 ngakho-ke ngizaziqoqa zonke izithandwa zakho, owawuthokoza lazo, lezo owawuzithanda kanye lalezo owawuzizonda. Ngizaziqoqa ukuba zimelane lawe zivela ezindaweni zonke ngikunqunule phambi kwazo, njalo zizabubona bonke ubunqunu bakho. 38 Ngizakunika isigwebo sokujeziswa kwabesifazane abafebayo njalo abachitha igazi; ngizakwehlisela phezu kwakho impindiselo yegazi yolaka lwami kanye lentukuthelo yobukhwele. 39 Emva kwalokho ngizakunikela kuzithandwa zakho, zizabhidliza amadundulu akho zidilize lezindawo zakho zokukhonzela ezidephileyo. Zizakuhlubula izigqoko zakho zithathe lemiceciso yakho yamatshe aligugu zikutshiye unqunu njalo uze. 40 Zizaletha ixuku elizamelana lawe, elizakutshaya ngamatshe, likuqumaqume ube yiziqa ngezinkemba zalo. 41 Bazatshisa izindlu zakho zilobe, bakujezise phambi kwabesifazane abanengi. Ngizabuqeda ubuwule bakho, njalo kawusayikuzibhadala futhi izithandwa zakho. 42 Lapho-ke ulaka lwami kuwe luzadeda, lokuthukuthela kwami kobukhwele kuzasuka kuwe; ngizaphola ngingabe ngisathukuthela futhi.

43 Ngenxa yokuthi insuku zobutsha bakho kawuzikhumbulanga kodwa wangithukuthelisa ngezinto zonke lezi, ngeqiniso lokhu okwenzileyo ngizakwehlisela phezu kwekhanda lakho, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Kanje kawenzanga isigwebo kuzozonke lezizenzo zakho ezinengayo na?

44 Bonke abatsho izaga bazasitsho isaga lesi ngawe esithi: “Indodakazi ifuna unina.” 45 Wena uyindodakazi kanyoko sibili, owayeseyisa umkakhe kanye labantwana bakhe; njalo ngeqiniso ungudade wabodadewenu, abeyisa omkabo labantwana babo. Unyoko wayengumHithi uyihlo engumʼAmori. 46 Udadewenu omdala wayenguSamariya, owayehlala ngasenyakatho kwakho labantwana bakhe; njalo udadewenu omncane owayehlala ngaseningizimu kwakho lamadodakazi akhe nguSodoma. 47 Kawuhambanga ezindleleni zabo nje kuphela njalo walingisa lezenzo zabo ezinengayo, kodwa kuzozonke izindlela zakho wena waphanga waxhwala kakhulu kulabo. 48 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, udadewenu uSodoma lamadodakazi akhe kazange akwenze okwenziwa nguwe lamadodakazi akho.

49 Isono sikadadewenu uSodoma sasiyilesi: Yena lamadodakazi akhe babezigqaja, badla bedlulisa njalo bengakhathali; kababasizanga abayanga labaswelayo. 50 Babezazisa njalo besenza izinto eziyangisayo phambi kwami. Ngakho ngabasusa njengoba ubonile. 51 USamariya kenzanga ingxenye yezono wena osuzenzile. Wenze izinto ezinengekayo kulabo, wenza odadewenu bangathi balungile ngenxa yezinto zonke lezi ozenzileyo. 52 Lithwale ihlazo lakho, ngoba usunike isizatho esilungileyo ngabodadewenu. Ngoba izono zakho zazizimbi kakhulu kulezabo, bakhanya belunge kakhulu kulawe. Ngakho, woba lenhloni uthwale ihlazo lakho, ngoba wenze odadewenu bakhanya belungile.

53 Kodwa-ke, ngizayibuyisela inhlanhla yeSodoma lamadodakazi ayo kanye leyeSamariya lamadodakazi ayo, lenhlanhla yakho kanye labo, 54 ukuze uthwale ihlazo lakho njalo ube lenhloni ngokubaduduza. 55 Njalo odadewenu, iSodoma lamadodakazi alo kanye leSamariya lamadodakazi alo, bazabuyela kulokho ababeyikho kuqala. 56 Udadewenu, uSodoma wawungeke umutsho ngezinsuku zokuzigqaja kwakho, 57 ububi bakho bungakavezwa. Lanxa kunjalo, khathesi usuhlekwa ngamadodakazi ase-Edomi labo bonke omakhelwane bayo kanye lamadodakazi amaFilistiya, bonke labo abakuhanqileyo abakweyisayo. 58 Uzathwala umvuzo wesagweba sakho kanye lezenzo zakho ezinengayo kutsho uThixo.

59 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizakuphatha njengalokhu okukufaneleyo, ngoba udelele isifungo sami ngokwephula isivumelwano. 60 Kodwa ngizasikhumbula isivumelwano engasenza lawe ensukwini zobutsha bakho, njalo ngizakwenza isivumelwano esingapheliyo lawe. 61 Lapho-ke uzazikhumbula izindlela zakho ube lenhloni lapho ususamukela odadewenu, labo abadala kulawe kanye lalabo abancane. Ngizakunika bona njengamadodakazi, kodwa hatshi ngenxa yesivumelwano sami lawe. 62 Ngakho ngizamisa isivumelwano sami lawe njalo uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo. 63 Ngakho, lapho sengikwenzela inhlawulelo yakho konke okwenzileyo, uzakhumbula ube lenhloni ungawuvuli futhi umlomo wakho ngenxa yokuthotshiswa kwakho, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

17

Ingqungqulu Ezimbili Levini

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, yenza umzekeliso utshele indlu yako-Israyeli umfanekiso. 3 Wothi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ingqungqulu enkulu elezimpiko ezilamandla, izinsiba ezinde njalo zinengi zimibalabala yafika eLebhanoni. Ibambe isihloko somsedari, 4 yephula ihlumela elalingaphezu kwawo wonke yalisa elizweni labathengisi lapho eyalihlanyela khona edolobheni labathengisi.

5 Yathatha enye yenhlanyelo yelizwe lakini yayifaka emhlabathini ovundileyo: Yayihlanyela njengomnyezane phansi kwamanzi amanengi, 6 yahluma yaba livini elifitshane elinabayo. Ingatsha zalo zaphendukela kuyo, kodwa impande zalo zaba ngaphansi kwalo. Ngakho laba livini laba lezingatsha ezilamahlamvu amanengi.

7 Kodwa kwakulenye ingqungqulu enkulu elezimpiko ezilamandla lezinsiba ezinengi. Khathesi ivini lakhuphela impande zalo kuyo zisuka esivandeni elalihlanyelwe kuso njalo lelulela ingatsha zalo kuyo zifuna amanzi. 8 Lalihlanyelwe emhlabathini omuhle phansi kwamanzi amanengi ukuze liveze ingatsha, lithele izithelo libe livini elihle.’

9 Wothi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Kambe lizakhula kuhle na? Kaliyikusitshunwa izithelo zalo ziqhululwe ukuba libune na? Wonke amahlumela alo azabuna. Akuyikusweleka ingalo elamandla kumbe abantu abanengi ukuba balisiphune. 10 Lanxa lingayagxunyekwa kwenye indawo lingakhula kuhle na? Kambe kaliyikubuna okupheleleyo nxa umoya wasempumalanga ulihangula libune esivandeni elakhulela kuso na?’ ”

11 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kimi lisithi: 12 “Tshono kule indlu ehlamukayo uthi, ‘Kalazi ukuthi izinto lezi zitshoni na?’ Tshono kubo uthi, ‘Inkosi yaseBhabhiloni yaya eJerusalema yathumba inkosi yalo kanye lezikhulu zalo yabuyela labo eBhabhiloni. 13 Yathatha omunye wabenzalo yasesikhosini, yenza isivumelwano laye, yamfungisa. Yathumba lamanye amadoda elizwe adumileyo, 14 ukuze umbuso uye phansi, ungavuki futhi, ume nje kuphela ngokugcina isivumelwano sayo. 15 Kodwa inkosi yamhlamukela ngokuthuma isithunywa eGibhithe ukuba ziyethatha amabhiza kanye lebutho elikhulu. Kambe izaphumelela na? Kambe lowo owenza izinto ezinje uzaphunyuka na? Kambe uzakwephula isivumelwano kodwa aphunyuke na?

16 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, uzafela eBhabhiloni, elizweni lenkosi eyambeka esihlalweni sobukhosi, esifungo sayo wasidelela wephula lesivumelwano sayo. 17 UFaro lebutho lakhe elilamandla kanye lexuku elikhulu akuyikumsiza empini, lapho sekwakhiwe amadundulu kwamiswa lemiduli yokuvimbezela ukuba kuchithwe imiphefumulo eminengi. 18 Wadelela isifungo ngokwephula isivumelwano. Ngoba wazibopha ngesifungo kodwa wasesenza zonke lezizinto akayikuphunyuka.

19 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, ngizakwehlisela phezu kwekhanda lakhe isifungo sami asidelayo kanye lesivumelwano sami asephulayo. 20 Ngizamendlalela imbule lami, njalo uzabanjwa yisifu sami. Ngizamusa eBhabhiloni, ngenzele khona ukumahlulela kwami ngoba wayengathembekanga kimi. 21 Wonke amabutho akhe abalekayo azabulawa ngenkemba, abasindayo bazahlakazelwa emimoyeni. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo sengikhulumile.

22 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Mina ngokwami ngizathatha ihlumela kuso kanye isihloko somsedari ngilihlanyele; ngizakwephula ihlumela elibuthakathaka eklintini lawo eliphezulu kakhulu kulamanye ngilihlanyele phezu kwentaba ende ephakemeyo. 23 Ngizalihlanyela ezingqongeni zentaba yako-Israyeli; lizaveza ingatsha lithele lezithelo njalo libe ngumsedari omuhle. Izinyoni zezinhlobo zonke zizakwakhela izidleke zazo kuwo; zizathola ukusitheka emthunzini wezingatsha zawo. 24 Zonke izihlahla zeganga zizakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo ngifinyeza isihlahla eside ngenze esifitshane sikhule sibeside. Ngomisa isihlahla esiluhlaza ngenze esomileyo sihlume.

Mina Thixo sengikhulumile, njalo ngizakwenza.’ ”

18

Umphefumulo Owonayo Uzakufa

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Litshoni lina bantu nxa libetha isaga lesi ngelizwe lako-Israyeli lisithi:

‘Oyise badla amavini amunyu,

amazinyo abantwana asetshelela’?

3 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, kalisayikusitsho isaga lesi ko-Israyeli. 4 Ngoba yonke imphefumulo ephilayo ngeyami, uyise kanye lendodana, bobabili ngokufanayo ngabami. Umphefumulo owonayo yiwo ozakufa.

5 Kasithi kulomuntu olungileyo

owenza okufaneleyo lokuqondileyo.

6 Kadleli ezindaweni zokukhonzela zasentabeni loba

athembe izithombe zendlu ka-Israyeli.

Kangcolisi umfazi kamakhelwane wakhe

loba alale lowesifazane esemazibukweni.

7 Kancindezeli muntu

kodwa uyabuyisela akuthathayo njengesibambiso sokwebolekwayo.

Kabenzi ubuphangi

kodwa unika abalambileyo ukudla kwakhe

labanqunu abanike izigqoko.

8 Kabolekisi ukuba athole inzuzo

loba athathe inzuzo edlulisileyo.

Uyasithinta isandla sakhe ekwenzeni okubi

njalo ehlulele kuhle phakathi komuntu lomuntu.

9 Uyazilandela izimiso zami

agcine lemithetho yami ngokuthembeka.

Lowomuntu ulungile;

ngempela uzaphila,

kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

10 Kasithi ulendodana elodlakela echitha igazi kumbe yenze loba yikuphi kwalezizinto 11 (lanxa uyise engenzanga lanye yazo):

Idlela ezindaweni zokukhonzela ezisentabeni.

Iyamngcolisa umfazi kamakhelwane wayo.

12 Incindezela abayanga labaswelayo.

Yenza ubuphangi.

Kayibuyiseli eyakuthatha kuyisibambiso.

Yethemba izithombe.

Yenza izinto ezinengisayo.

13 Yebolekisa ukuba ithole inzuzo njalo ithatha inzuzo edlulisileyo.

Umuntu onjalo uzaphila na? Kasoze aphile! Ngenxa yokuba enze zonke lezizinto ezinengisayo uzabulawa mpela legazi lakhe lizakuba phezu kwekhanda lakhe.

14 Kodwa kasithi indodana le ilendodana ezibonayo zonke izono ezenziwa nguyise, kodwa lanxa izibona, yona kayizenzi izinto ezinje:

15 Kayidleli ezindaweni zokukhonzela ezisentabeni,

kumbe yethembe izithombe zendlu ka-Israyeli.

Kayimngcolisi umfazi kamakhelwane wayo.

16 Kayincindezeli muntu

kumbe ifune isibambiso ekwebolekiseni.

Kayibenzi ubuphangi

kodwa abalambileyo iyabapha ukudla kwayo

inike labanqunu izigqoko.

17 Iyasithinta isandla sayo ekoneni

njalo kayithathi nzuzo loba inzuzo edlulisileyo.

Iyagcina imilayo yami ilandele lezimiso zami.

Kayiyikufela izono zikayise; izaphila impela. 18 Kodwa uyise uzafela izono zakhe yena ngokwakhe, ngoba wabamba ngamandla, waphanga umfowabo wenza okubi ebantwini bakibo.

19 Ikanti liyabuza lithi, ‘Kungani indodana ingabi lecala likayise na?’ Njengoba indodana yenze okufaneleyo lokuqondileyo njalo inaka ukugcina izimiso zami, izaphila impela. 20 Umphefumulo owonayo yiwo ozakufa. Indodana kayiyikuba lecala likayise, loba uyise abe lecala lendodana. Ukulunga komuntu olungileyo kuzabalelwa kuye, lobubi bomubi buzamelana laye.

21 Kodwa nxa umuntu omubi ephenduka kuzozonke izono azenzayo njalo agcine izimiso zami zonke enze okufaneleyo lokuqondileyo, uzaphila impela, akayikufa. 22 Akukho kona kwakhe okuzakhunjulwa. Ngenxa yezinto ezilungileyo azenzileyo uzaphila. 23 Ngiyathokoza ngokufa komuntu omubi na? kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Esikhundleni salokho, kangithabi na nxa bephenduka ezindleleni zabo njalo baphile?

24 Kodwa nxa umuntu olungileyo eguquka ekulungeni kwakhe enze izono njalo enze zona kanye izinto ezinengayo ezenziwa ngumuntu omubi, kambe uzaphila na? Akukho okwezinto ezilungileyo azenzayo okuzakhunjulwa. Ngenxa yecala lokungathembeki langenxa yezono azenzayo, uzakufa.

25 Kodwa lina lithi, ‘Indlela kaThixo kayilunganga.’ Zwana, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli: Indlela yami kayifanelanga na? 26 Nxa umuntu olungileyo eguquka ekulungeni kwakhe enze izono, uzakufela lokho; ngenxa yezono azenzileyo uzakufa. 27 Kodwa nxa umuntu omubi ephenduka ebubini abenzileyo enze okufaneleyo lokuqondileyo, uzasilisa ukuphila kwakhe. 28 Ngoba ucabanga konke okubi akwenzayo aphenduke kukho, uzaphila impela; akayikufa. 29 Ikanti indlu ka-Israyeli ithi, ‘Indlela kaThixo kayilunganga.’ Izindlela zami kazilunganga na, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli?

30 Ngakho-ke wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, lowo lalowo ngizamahlulela ngokumayelana lezindlela zakhe, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Phendukani! Tshiyani ububi benu bonke; ngalokho isono kasiyikuba yikufa kwenu. 31 Zikhululeni kukho konke okubi elikwenzileyo, lizuze inhliziyo entsha lomoya omutsha. Kungani na uzakufa, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli? 32 Ngoba angithokozi ngokufa loba ngokukabani, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Phendukani liphile!”

19

Ukulilela Amakhosana Ako-Israyeli

1 “Qhinqani isililo ngamakhosana ako-Israyeli 2 lithi:

‘Yeka isilwanekazi esasingunyoko

phakathi kwezilwane!

Salala phansi phakathi kwezilwane ezisakhulayo

sondla imidlwane yaso.

3 Sakhulisa omunye wemidlwane yaso

waba yisilwane esilamandla

wafunda ukudabula okubanjelwe ukudliwa,

wadla labantu.

4 Izizwe zezwa ngawo

wasuthiywa egodini lazo.

Zawuhola ngezingwegwe

zawusa elizweni laseGibhithe.

5 Kwathi sibona ithemba laso lingagcwalisekanga,

ithemba laso lingasekho,

sathatha omunye wemidlwane yaso

sawenza waba yisilwane esilamandla.

6 Wanyonyoba phakathi kwezilwane ngoba

wawuyisilwane esilamandla.

Wafunda ukudabula okubanjelwe ukudliwa,

wadla labantu.

7 Wadiliza izinqaba zabo

wachitha lamadolobho abo.

Ilizwe kanye labo bonke ababekulo

bathuthumeliswa yikubhonga kwawo.

8 Izizwe zawuvukela,

zivela ezindaweni eziwuzingelezileyo.

Zendlala amambule azo phezu kwawo

wawela egodini labo.

9 Bawudonsela ekhejini ngezingwegwe

bawusa enkosini yaseBhabhiloni.

Bawufaka entolongweni,

ngakho ukubhonga kwawo akuzwakalanga futhi

ezintabeni zako-Israyeli.

10 Unyoko wayenjengevini

elihlanyelwe ngasemanzini esivinini sakho;

sasithela izithelo njalo silezingatsha ezinengi

ngenxa yamanzi amanengi.

11 Ingatsha zaso zaziqinile

zifanele intonga yombusi.

Sasiphakeme siphezulu le

ngaphezu kwamahlamvu aminyeneyo,

sibonakala ngobude baso

langezingatsha zaso ezinengi.

12 Kodwa sasitshunwa ngokuthukuthela

saphoselwa phansi.

Umoya wasempumalanga wasomisa,

izithelo zaso zaqhululwa;

ingatsha zaso eziqinileyo zabuna

umlilo wazitshisa.

13 Khathesi sesihlanyelwe enkangala,

elizweni elitshisayo lelomileyo.

14 Umlilo umemetheke usuka kolunye lwezingatsha ezinkulu,

watshisa izithelo zaso.

Akulagatsha oluqinileyo oluseleyo kuso

olufanele intonga yombusi.’

Lesi yisililo njalo sizasetshenziswa njengesililo.”

20

U-Israyeli Ohlamukayo

1 Ngomnyaka wesikhombisa, ngenyanga yesihlanu ngosuku lwetshumi, abanye babadala bako-Israyeli bafika bezebuza uThixo, bahlala phansi phambi kwami.

2 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 3 “Ndodana yomuntu, khuluma labadala bako-Israyeli uthi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Lilande ukuzangibuza na? Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kangiyikulivumela ukuthi lingibuze, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’

4 Uzabahlulela na? Uzabahlulela na, ndodana yomuntu? Ngakho batshele ngezenzo zaboyise ezinengayo 5 uthi kubo: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngosuku engakhetha ngalo u-Israyeli, ngafunga kuyo inzalo yendlu kaJakhobe isandla siphakanyisiwe njalo ngiziveza kuyo iGibhithe. Isandla siphakanyisiwe ngathi kubo, “Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.” 6 Ngalolosuku ngafunga kubo ukuthi ngizabakhupha eGibhithe ngibase elizweni engabadingela lona, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju, elihle kakhulu kulamazwe wonke. 7 Njalo ngathi kubo, “Lowo lalowo wenu kalahle izifanekiso ezenyanyekayo elibeke amehlo enu kuzo, njalo lingazingcolisi ngezithombe zaseGibhithe. Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

8 Kodwa bangihlamukela kabaze bangilalela; kabazilahlanga izithombe zabo ezenyanyekayo ababebeke amehlo abo kuzo, loba balahle izithixo zabo zaseGibhithe. Ngakho ngathi ngizathululela ulaka lwami phezu kwabo ngiqede lokuthukuthela kwami ngimelane labo eGibhithe. 9 Kodwa ngenxa yebizo lami, ngenza okwakuzalivikela ekungcolisweni phambi kwezizwe ababehlala phakathi kwazo engiziveze emehlweni azo kwabako-Israyeli ngokubakhupha eGibhithe. 10 Ngakho ngabakhupha eGibhithe ngabasa enkangala. 11 Ngabanika izimiso zami ngabazisa lemithetho yami, ngoba umuntu oyilalelayo uzaphila ngayo. 12 Njalo ngabanika lamaSabatha ami njengesibonakaliso phakathi kwami labo, ukuze bakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo ngabenza baba ngcwele.

13 Kodwa abantu bako-Israyeli bangihlamukela enkangala. Kabazilandelanga izimiso zami kodwa bayala imithetho yami, njalo batshaphaza amaSabatha ami kakhulu, ngakho umuntu oyilalelayo uzaphila ngayo. Ngokunjalo ngathi ngizathululela ulaka lwami phezu kwabo ngibaqede du enkangala. 14 Kodwa ngenxa yebizo lami, ngenza okwakuzalivikela ekungcolisweni phambi kwezizwe engabakhupha zikhangele. 15 Njalo isandla siphakanyisiwe ngafunga kubo enkangala ukuthi angiyikubafikisa elizweni engangibaphe lona, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju, elihle kakhulu kulamazwe wonke, 16 ngoba imithetho yami bayala njalo kabalandelanga izimiso zami, batshaphaza lamaSabatha ami futhi. Ngoba inhliziyo zabo zazinamathele ezithombeni zabo. 17 Ikanti ngabazwela isihawu kangaze ngababhubhisa kumbe ngibaqede enkangala. 18 Ngatsho ebantwaneni babo enkangala ngathi, “Lingalandeli izimiso zaboyihlo loba ligcine imithetho yabo loba lizingcolise ngezithombe zabo. 19 Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu; landelani izimiso zami linanzelele ukugcina imithetho yami. 20 Gcinani amaSabatha engcwele, ukuba abe yisibonakaliso phakathi kwami lani. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

21 Kodwa abantwana bangihlamukela: Kabazilandelanga izimiso zami, kabananzanga ukugcina imithetho yami lanxa umuntu oyilalelayo ezaphila ngayo njalo batshaphaza amaSabatha ami. Ngakho ngathi ngizathululela ulaka lwami phezu kwabo ngiqedele ukuthukuthela kwami kubo enkangala. 22 Kodwa ngazithiba, njalo ngenxa yebizo lami ngenza okwakuzalivikela ekungcolisweni phambi kwezizwe engabakhupha zikhangele. 23 Njalo isandla siphakanyisiwe ngafunga kubo enkangala ukuthi ngangizabahlakazela phakathi kwezizwe ngibachithachithele emazweni, 24 ngoba babengayilalelanga imithetho yami kodwa bezalile izimiso zami batshaphaza amaSabatha ami, lamehlo abo alangazela izithombe zaboyise. 25 Futhi ngabanikela ezimisweni ezazingalunganga kanye lemithetho ababengeke baphile ngayo; 26 ngabayekela bangcoliswa yizipho zabo, imihlatshelo yamazibulo wonke ukuze ngibenze besabe khona bezakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’

27 Ngakho-ke, ndodana yomuntu, khuluma labantu bako-Israyeli uthi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngakho lokhu, labokhokho benu bangithuka ngokungilahla. 28 Kwathi lapho sengibangenisile elizweni engangifunge ngathi ngizabapha lona, bathi bebona loba luphi uqaqa oluphakemeyo, loba siphi isihlahla esilamahlamvu amanengi, khonapho banikelela khona imihlatshelo yabo, banikela iminikelo eyangithukuthelisayo, banikela impepha yabo elephunga elimnandi, bathulula leminikelo yabo yokunathwayo. 29 Ngasengisithi kubo: Iyini indawo le ephakemeyo eliya kuyo?’ ” (Ithiwa yiBhama lalamhlanje.)

Ukwahlulelwa Lokubuyiswa

30 “Ngakho tshono endlini ka-Israyeli uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Lizazingcolisa yini njengabokhokho benu njalo lilangazele izithombe zabo ezenyanyekayo na? 31 Lapho linikela izipho zenu, imihlatshelo yamadodana enu emlilweni, liyaqhubeka lizingcolisa ngazozonke izithombe zenu kuze kube lamhla. Kumele ngivume na ukuba ungibuze, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli? Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, kangiyikuvuma ukuba lingibuze.

32 Lina lithi, “Sifuna ukuba njengezizwe, njengabantu basemhlabeni, abakhonza izigodo lamatshe.” Kodwa lokho elilakho engqondweni akusoze kwenzakale. 33 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, ngizalibusa ngesandla esilamandla langengalo eyeluliweyo kanye lolaka oluphuphumayo. 34 Ngizalithatha ezizweni ngiliqoqe emazweni elalihlakazelwe kuwo ngesandla esilamandla langengalo eyeluliweyo kanye lolaka oluphuphumayo. 35 Ngizalisa enkangala yezizwe, kuthi khonapho sikhangelene ubuso ngobuso, ngizaletha ukwahlulela kwami phezu kwenu. 36 Njengoba ngahlulela okhokho benu enkangala yelizwe laseGibhithe, lani ngizalahlulela kanjalo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 37 Ngizalinanzelela lapho lisedlula ngaphansi kwentonga yami, ngenze lani isibopho sesivumelwano. 38 Ngizabakhupha phakathi kwenu labo abahlamukayo bangivukele. Lanxa ngizabakhupha elizweni abahlala kulo, kodwa kabayikungena elizweni lako-Israyeli. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

39 Kuwe-ke, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Hambani liyekhonza izithombe zenu, lonke! Kodwa emva kwalokho ngeqiniso lizangilalela lingalingcolisi futhi ibizo lami ngezipho zenu langezithombe. 40 Ngoba entabeni yami engcwele, intaba ephakemeyo yako-Israyeli, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, khonapho phakathi kwelizwe, yonke indlu ka-Israyeli izangikhonza, njalo khonapho ngizabamukela. Khonapho ngizafuna iminikelo yenu lezipho zenu zekhethelo ndawonye lemihlatshelo yenu yonke engcwele. 41 Ngizalamukela njengempepha elephunga elimnandi lapho sengilikhupha ezizweni njalo sengiliqoqa emazweni elalihlakazelwe kuwo, njalo ngizazibonakalisa ngingongcwele phakathi kwenu phambi kwezizwe. 42 Lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo lapho sengilingenisa elizweni lako-Israyeli, ilizwe engafunga ngesandla esiphakanyisiweyo ukuthi ngizalipha okhokho benu. 43 Khonapho-ke lizakhumbula ukuziphatha kwenu lazozonke izenzo elizingcolise ngazo, njalo lizazenyanya ngenxa yobubi bonke elibenzileyo. 44 Lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo lapho sengilijezisa ngenxa yebizo lami kodwa kungayisikho mayelana lezindlela zenu ezimbi kanye lezenzo zenu ezixhwalileyo, lina ndlu ka-Israyeli, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

Isiphrofethi Ngeningizimu

45 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 46 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangela ngaseningizimu; tshumayela okubi ngeningizimu uphrofithe okubi ngelizwe laseningizimu. 47 Tshono ehlathini laseningizimu uthi: ‘Zwana ilizwi likaThixo. Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Sekuseduze ukuthi ngilithungele ngomlilo njalo uzaziqeda zonke izihlahla zenu, ezimanzi lezomileyo. Ilangabi elivuthayo kaliyikucitshwa, njalo ubuso bonke kusukela eningizimu kusiya enyakatho buzatshiswa yiwo. 48 Umuntu wonke uzabona ukuthi mina Thixo yimi engiwuthungeleyo; kawuyikucitsha.’ ”

49 Ngasengisithi, “Awu Thixo Wobukhosi! Bathi kimi, ‘Kakhulumi imifanekiso kuphela nje na?’ ”

21

IBhabhiloni, Inkemba KaNkulunkulu Yokwahlulela

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho eJerusalema utshumayele okubi ngendawo engcwele. Phrofetha okubi ngelizwe lako-Israyeli 3 uthi kulo: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngixabane lani. Ngizahwatsha inkemba yami emxhakeni wayo ngisuse kuwe abalungileyo lababi. 4 Ngoba ngizasusa abalungileyo lababi, inkemba yami izahwatshelwa ukumelana labo bonke abavela eningizimu kanye lasenyakatho. 5 Lapho-ke abantu bonke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo sengihwatshe inkemba yami emxhakeni wayo, kayiyikubuyela futhi.’

6 Ngakho-ke bubula ndodana yomuntu! Bubula phambi kwabo ngenhliziyo edabukileyo kanye losizi olukhulu. 7 Nxa bekubuza besithi, ‘Kungani na ububula?’ uzakuthi, ‘Ngenxa yezindaba ezifikayo. Zonke inhliziyo zizenyela lezandla zonke zibe buthakathaka, imimoya yonke izaphela amandla lamadolo wonke abe buthakathaka njengamanzi.’ Kuyeza! Ngempela kuzakwenzakala, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

8 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 9 “Ndodana yomuntu, phrofetha uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

Umhedla, umhedla,

ilolwe njalo yalolongwa,

10 Ilolelwe ukubulala,

ilolongelwe ukuphazima njengombane.

Kambe sizathokoza na ngentonga yobukhosi yendodana yami uJuda? Inkemba iyazeyisa zonke izigodo ezinjalo.

11 Inkemba ibekelwe ukuba ilolongwe,

ukuba iphathwe ngesandla;

iyalolwa ilolongwe,

yenziwe ilungele isandla sombulali.

12 Hlaba umkhosi ulile, ndodana yomuntu,

ngoba imelane labantu bami;

imelane lamakhosana wonke ako-Israyeli.

Aphoselwa kuyo inkemba

ndawonye labantu bami.

Ngakho-ke bamba isihlathi sakho.

13 Ukuhlolwa kuyeza impela. Njalo kuzakuba njani nxa intonga kaJuda yobukhosi, edelelwa yinkemba, ingasaqhubeki? kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’

14 Ngakho-ke, ndodana yomuntu,

phrofetha uqakeze izandla zakho.

Inkemba kayigadle kabili,

lanxa kungaba kathathu.

Yinkemba yokubulala,

inkemba yokubulala kakhulu,

ebahanqayo ivela macele wonke.

15 Ukuze inhliziyo zibe buthakathaka

labawileyo babebanengi,

sengibeke inkemba yokubulala

kuwo wonke amasango abo.

Bheka! Yenzelwe ukuphazima njengombane,

iphathelwe ukubulala.

16 Wena nkemba, geca kwesokudla,

uphinde kwesenxele,

loba kungaphi ubukhali bakho obuphendukela khona.

17 Lami futhi ngizaqakeza izandla zami,

njalo ulaka lwami luzadeda.

Mina Thixo sengikhulumile.”

18 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 19 “Ndodana yomuntu, canda imigwaqo emibili yenkemba yenkosi yaseBhabhiloni ukuba ihambe kuyo, yomibili iqalise elizweni linye. Yenza insika yesiqondiso lapho okuphambuka khona umgwaqo oya edolobheni. 20 Canda omunye umgwaqo wenkemba ukuba izemelana leRabha yama-Amoni, lomunye ukumelana loJuda kanye leJerusalema elivikelweyo. 21 Ngoba inkosi yaseBhabhiloni izakuma lapho imigwaqo eyehlukana khona, lapho okuhlangana khona imigwaqo emibili, ukuba ifune ibika: Izaphosa inkatho ngemitshoko, izabuza izithombe zayo, izahlola isibindi. 22 Esandleni sayo sokudla kuzakuza inkatho yeJerusalema, lapho ezamisa khona imigqala yokudiliza, lokunika umlayo wokubulala, lokuhlaba umkhosi wempi, lokumisa imigqala yokudiliza amasango, lokwakha amadundulu kanye lokumisa izindawo zokuvimbezela. 23 Kuzakhanya angathi libika amanga kulabo asebefungele ukuthobeka kuyo, kodwa yona izabakhumbuza icala labo ibathumbe.

24 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: ‘Njengoba lina bantu lingikhumbuze icala lenu ngokuhlamuka kwenu okusobala, libonakalisa izono zenu kukho konke elikwenzayo njengoba lenze lokhu, lizathunjwa.

25 Wena nkosana yako-Israyeli exhwalileyo njalo embi, usuku lwakho selufikile, lesikhathi sokujeziswa kwakho sesifike emaphethelweni, 26 nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Khupha iqhiye, yethula umqhele. Akuyikuba njengoba kwakunjalo: Abaphansi bazaphakanyiswa kuthi abaphakemeyo behliselwe phansi. 27 Unxiwa! Unxiwa! Ngizawenza ube lunxiwa! Kawuyikubuyiselwa kuze kufike lowo ongowakhe ngokuqondileyo, onguye engizamnika wona.’

28 Njalo wena, ndodana yomuntu, phrofetha uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi ngama-Amoni kanye lezithuko zawo:

Inkemba, inkemba,

ihwatshelwe ukubulala,

ilolongelwe ukuqothula

lokuphazima njengombane!

29 Langaphezu kwemibono yamanga ngawe,

lokuhlahlula okungamanga ngawe,

izabekwa entanyeni zababi

okumele babulawe,

abasuku lwabo selufikile,

abasikhathi sokujeziswa kwabo sesifike emaphethelweni aso.

30 Buyisela inkemba emxhakeni wayo.

Endaweni owadalelwa kuyo,

elizweni labokhokho bakho,

ngizakwahlulela khona.

31 Ngizathululela ulaka lwami phezu kwakho

ngiphefumlele lentukuthelo yami etshisayo kuwe;

ngizakunikela ebantwini abalesihluku,

abantu abakwaziyo ukuqothula.

32 Uzakuba zinkuni zomlilo,

igazi lakho lizachithelwa elizweni lakini,

kawuyikukhunjulwa futhi;

ngoba mina Thixo sengikhulumile.’ ”

22

Izono ZeJerusalema

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi:

2 “Ndodana yomuntu, uzalahlulela na? Uzalahlulela na lelidolobho lokuchithwa kwegazi? Ngakho melana lalo kanye lezono zalo ezenyanyekayo 3 uthi: Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Wena dolobho elizilethela ukutshabalala ngokuchitha igazi phakathi kwakho njalo uzingcolisa ngokwenza izithombe, 4 usube lecala ngenxa yegazi olichithileyo njalo usungcoliswe yizithombe ozenzileyo. Usulethe insuku zakho ekupheleni, lesiphetho seminyaka yakho sesifikile. Ngakho ngizakwenza ube yinto yokuklolodelwa ezizweni lenhlekisa emazweni wonke. 5 Labo abaseduze kanye lalabo abakhatshana bazakuhoza, wena dolobho elidumazekileyo, eligcwele ukuxokozela.

6 ‘Khangela ubone ukuthi yileyo laleyo inkosana yako-Israyeli ephakathi kwakho isebenzisa amandla ayo ekuchitheni igazi. 7 Phakathi kwakho iphathe uyise lonina ngokweyisa; phakathi kwakho incindezele abezizweni, njalo yaphatha kubi izintandane labafelokazi. 8 Uzeyisile izinto zami ezingcwele watshaphaza lamaSabatha ami. 9 Phakathi kwakho kulabantu abahlebayo, abahlose ukuchitha igazi; phakathi kwakho kulalabo abadlela ezindaweni zokukhonzela entabeni benze lezenzo zesigweba. 10 Phakathi kwakho kulalabo abangcolisa imibheda yaboyise; phakathi kwakho kulalabo abadlwengula abesifazane besesikhathini sabo, lapho bengahlanzekanga ngokomkhuba. 11 Phakathi kwakho indoda yenza ukona okwenyanyekayo lomfazi kamakhelwane wayo, enye ingcolise umalukazana wayo ngendlela ehlazisayo; enye njalo idlwengula udadewabo, indodakazi kayise uqobo. 12 Phakathi kwakho abantu bayavuma ukuthengwa ukuba bachithe igazi; uthatha inzuzo lomvuzo odlulisileyo emalini ebolekisiweyo, uthole inzuzo engafanelanga kumakhelwane wakho umbamba ngamandla. Njalo usungikhohliwe, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

13 Ngeqiniso ngizatshaya izandla zami ngibabaza inzuzo engafanelanga osuyenzile kanye legazi osulichithe phakathi kwakho. 14 Isibindi sakho sizaqinisela yini loba izandla zakho ziqine ngosuku ngiqondana lawe na? Mina Thixo sengikhulumile, njalo ngizakwenza lokho. 15 Ngizakuhlakazela phakathi kwezizwe ngikuchithachithele emazweni; lokungcola kwakho ngizakuqeda. 16 Lapho usungcolisiwe phambi kwezizwe, uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

17 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kimi lisithi: 18 “Ndodana yomuntu, indlu ka-Israyeli isibe ngamanyala kimi. Bonke balithusi, lomnuso, lensimbi kanye lomthofi okusele phakathi kwemvutho. Kungamanyele esiliva. 19 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: ‘Ngoba lonke selibe ngamanyele, ngizaliqoqela eJerusalema. 20 Njengabantu beqoqela isiliva, lethusi, lensimbi, lomthofi kanye lomnuso emvuthweni ukuba kuncibilikiswe ngomfutho womlilo, ngizaliqoqa kanjalo ngokuthukuthela kwami langolaka lwami ngilibeke phakathi kwedolobho ngilincibilikise. 21 Ngizaliqoqa njalo ngizalivuthela ngolaka lwami oluvuthayo, njalo lizancibilikiswa phakathi kwalo. 22 Njengesiliva sincibilikiselwa phakathi kwemvutho, kanjalo lani lizancibilikiselwa phakathi kwalo, njalo lizakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo sengithululele ulaka lwami phezu kwenu.’ ”

23 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika futhi kimi lisithi: 24 “Ndodana yomuntu, tshono elizweni uthi, ‘Uyilizwe elingazange libe lezulu kumbe imikhizo ngosuku lwentukuthelo.’ 25 Kulokucetshwa kwamacebo amabi ngamakhosana alo phakathi kwalo njengesilwane esibhongayo sidlithiza esikubuleleyo; adla abantu, athathe inotho kanye lezinto eziligugu, andise labafelokazi phakathi kwalo. 26 Abaphristi balo bephula umthetho wami njalo bahlambaza lezinto zami ezingcwele; kabehlukanisi phakathi kokungcwele okujayelekileyo; bafundisa besithi akulamehluko phakathi kokungcolileyo lokungangcolanga; njalo bavala amehlo abo ekugcineni amaSabatha ami, okwenza ngithukwe phakathi kwabo. 27 Izikhulu zalo phakathi kwalo zinjengezimpisi zidlithiza ezikubuleleyo; zichitha igazi zibulale labantu ukuba zithole inzuzo engafanelanga. 28 Abaphrofethi balo bacomba izenzo zazo ngemibono yamanga lokuhlahlula okungamanga. Bathi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi’ kodwa uThixo engakhulumanga. 29 Abantu belizwe benza imisebenzi yokuqilibezela lokuphanga abanye; bancindezela abayanga labaswelayo, baphathe kubi labezizweni, babenqabele ukulunga.

30 Ngadinga umuntu phakathi kwabo owayengakha umduli ame phambi kwami esikhaleni emele ilizwe ukuze ngingalitshabalalisi, kodwa ngamswela. 31 Ngakho ngizathululela ukuthukuthela kwami phezu kwabo ngibaqede ngolaka lwami oluvuthayo, ngikwehlisele phezu kwamakhanda abo bonke abakwenzayo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

23

ODade Ababili Abayizifebe

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, kwakulabesifazane ababili, amadodakazi omfazi munye. 3 Baba yizifebe eGibhithe, beqalise ubuwule kusukela ebutsheni babo. Kulelolizwe amabele abo abanjwabanjwa lengaphambili yabo yaphathwaphathwa. 4 Omdala wayethiwa ngu-Ohola, umnawakhe engu-Oholibha. Babengabami njalo bazala amadodana lamadodakazi. U-Ohola yiSamariya, u-Oholibha kuyiJerusalema.

5 U-Ohola waqalisa ubuwule esesengowami; njalo wakhanuka izithandwa zakhe, ama-Asiriya, amabutho 6 agqoke okulifefe, ababusi kanye labalawuli bebutho, bonke babengamajaha amahle, kanye labagada amabhiza. 7 Wazinikela njengesifebe kubo bonke abaphakemeyo base-Asiriya njalo wazingcolisa ngezithombe zabo bonke abakhanukayo. 8 Kabudelanga ubufebe abuqalisa eGibhithe, lapho amajaha alala laye ebutsheni bakhe, ambambabamba ngaphambili, athululela lezinkanuko zawo phezu kwakhe.

9 Ngakho ngamnikela kuzithandwa zakhe, ama-Asiriya, ayewakhanuka. 10 Amnqunula, athatha amadodana lamadodakazi akhe yena ambulala ngenkemba. Waba yisiga phakathi kwabesifazane, wajeziswa.

11 Umnawakhe u-Oholibha wakubona lokhu, kodwa ngenkanuko lobufebe bakhe wayexhwale kakhulu kulodadewabo. 12 Laye wakhanuka ama-Asiriya, ababusi labalawuli bebutho, lamabutho agqoke okupheleleyo, labagadi bamabhiza, lawo wonke amajaha amahle. 13 Ngabona ukuthi laye wazingcolisa; bobabili bahamba ndlelanye.

14 Kodwa yena ubufebe bakhe bengezeleleka futhi. Wabona amadoda efanekisiwe emdulini, izithombe zamaKhaladiya ezifanekiswe ngokubomvu, 15 zilamabhanti ezinkalweni zazo njalo zilamaqhiye alengayo emakhanda azo; zonke zikhanya angathi yizikhulu zezinqola zempi zamaKhaladiya, inzalo yaseBhabhiloni. 16 Kwathi khonokho nje ebabona wahle wabafisa wasethuma isithunywa kubo eKhaladiya. 17 Ngakho amaBhabhiloni afika kuye, alala laye, njalo ezinkanukweni zawo amngcolisa. Emva kokuba esengcoliswe yiwo, wasuka kuwo enengekile. 18 Kwathi lapho esesenza ubufebe bakhe obala njalo eveza lobunqunu bakhe, ngasuka kuye nginengekile, njengoba ngangisukile kudadewabo. 19 Kodwa banda ngamandla ubuwule bakhe esekhumbula insuku zobutsha bakhe, lapho wayeyisifebe eGibhithe. 20 Khonale wakhanuka izithandwa zakhe, ezazilezitho zangaphambili ezazifana lezabobabhemi, zikhihliza okufana lokwamabhiza. 21 Ngakho walangazela isagweba sasebutsheni bakho, lapho okwathi useGibhithe isifuba lamabele akho kwabanjwabanjwa.

22 Ngakho-ke, Oholibha, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizakwenza izithandwa zakho zikuvukele, lezo owazitshiya unengekile, njalo ngizaziletha kuwe ukuba zimelane lawe zivela emaceleni wonke, 23 abaseBhabhiloni lamaKhaladiya wonke, amadoda asePhekhodi laseShowa kanye leKhowa, lama-Asiriya wonke elawo, amajaha amahle, wonke angababusi labalawuli bebutho, izinduna zezinqola zempi lamanye amadoda alezikhundla ezinkulu, bonke begade amabhiza. 24 Bazakuzakuhlasela ngezikhali, izinqola zempi lezinqola zokuthwala, njalo belexuku elikhulu labantu; bazaviva ukulwa lawe emaceleni wonke belamahawu amakhulu lamancane njalo belezingowane. Ngizakunikela kubo ukuba bakujezise, njalo bazakujezisa ngokumayelana lemithetho yabo. 25 Ngizakwenza intukuthelo yobukhwele bami imelane lawe, njalo bazakuphatha ngolaka. Bazaquma impumulo zenu lezindlebe zenu, njalo abenu labo abazasala bazabulawa ngenkemba. Bazathumba amadodana enu lamadodakazi, njalo abenu labo abazasala bazaqothulwa ngumlilo. 26 Njalo bazakuhlubula izigqoko zakho bathathe leziceciso zakho ezinhle. 27 Kanjalo-ke ngizaqeda isagweba lobufebe owabuqalisela eGibhithe. Kawuyikukhangela lezizinto uzikhanuke loba ukhumbule iGibhithe futhi.

28 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Sekuseduze ukuba ngikunikele kulabo abakuzondayo, kulabo owasuka kubo unengekile. 29 Bazakuphatha ngenzondo njalo bathumbe yonke into owayisebenzelayo. Bazakutshiya unqunu uze, njalo ihlazo lobufebe bakho lizavela obala. Isagweba sakho lobufebe 30 kwehlisele lokhu phezu kwakho, ngoba ufebe lezizwe, wazingcolisa wena ngokwakho ngezithombe zazo. 31 Ulandele indlela kadadewenu; ngakho ngizabeka inkezo yakhe esandleni sakho.

32 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Uzanatha inkezo kadadewenu,

inkezo enkulu ezikileyo futhi;

izaletha ukuhlekwa lokuklolodelwa,

ngoba ithwele lukhulu.

33 Uzakhulelwa yikudakwa losizi,

inkezo yokuchitheka lokuphundleka,

inkezo kadadewenu iSamariya.

34 Uzayinatha uyibhije;

uzayiphahlaza ibe yizicucu

ufucuze amabele akho.

Sengikhulumile, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

35 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Njengoba usungikhohliwe wangifuqela ngemva kwakho, kumele uthwale imivuzo yesagweba sakho kanye lobufebe bakho.”

36  UThixo wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, uzakwahlulela u-Ohola lo-Oholibha na? Ngakho melana labo ngezenzo zabo ezinengayo, 37 ngoba benze ubufebe njalo lezandla zabo zilegazi. Bafeba lezithombe zabo; banikela labantwana babo ababengizalele bona, njengokudla kuzo. 38 Njalo benze lokhu kimi: Ngasonaleso isikhathi bangcolisa indlu yami engcwele batshaphaza lamaSabatha ami. 39 Ngalo kanye usuku abanikela ngalo abantwana babo ezithombeni zabo, bangena endlini yami engcwele bayingcolisa. Lokho yikho abakwenzayo endlini yami.

40 Bathuma lesithunywa ebantwini ukuba beze bevela khatshana, kwathi sebefikile wabagezela, wacomba amehlo akho wasufaka leziceciso zakho. 41 Wahlala embhedeni omuhle, kuletafula elilungisiweyo phambi kwawo owawufake phezu kwayo impepha yami lamafutha ami.

42 Umsindo wexuku elalithokoza wawumzungezile; amaSebhiya ayelethwe evela enkangala kanye lamadoda avela exukwini elixokozelayo, njalo bafaka amasongo ezingalweni zowesifazane lodadewabo kanye lemiqhele emihle emakhanda abo. 43 Lapho-ke ngalowo owayesegugiswe yibufebe ngathi, ‘Khathesi kabamsebenzise njengewule, ngoba lokho yikho konke ayikho.’ 44 Balala laye. Njengabesilisa belala lesifebe, ngokunjalo balala lalabobafazi abalesagweba, u-Ohola lo-Oholibha. 45 Kodwa abantu abalungileyo bazabanika isijeziso sabesifazane abafebayo njalo bachithe legazi, ngoba bayizifebe njalo lezandla zabo zilegazi.

46 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Baletheleni ixuku limelane labo beselibanikela kukho ukwesaba lokuphangwa. 47 Ixuku lizabatshaya ngamatshe libajuqe ngezinkemba; lizabulala amadodana lamadodakazi abo litshise izindlu zabo ngomlilo.

48 Ngizakuqeda kanjalo ukuxhwala elizweni, ukuze bonke abesifazane baxwayiseke njalo bangenzi njengani. 49 Lizajeziselwa ukuxhwala kwenu njalo lithwale lemivuzo yezono zenu zokukhonza izithombe. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo Wobukhosi.”

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Imbiza Yokupheka

1 Ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye, ngenyanga yetshumi, ngosuku lwetshumi, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, bhala usuku lolu, usuku lolu lona ngokwalo, ngoba iNkosi yaseBhabhiloni isivimbezele iJerusalema ngalo kanye lolusuku. 3 Tshela indlu le ehlamukayo umfanekiso uthi kubo: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Beka imbiza yokupheka eziko;

ibeke phezu kwamaseko uthele amanzi phakathi kwayo.

4 Faka phakathi kwayo amaqatha enyama,

wonke amaqatha amahle, umlenze lesiphanga.

Igcwalise ngamathambo amahle;

5 thatha okukhethiweyo emhlambini.

Basela kakhulu ngenkuni usenzela amathambo;

ixhwathise

upheke amathambo phakathi kwayo.

6 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Maye kulo idolobho lokuchithwa kwegazi,

kuyo imbiza esithombile,

ukuthomba kwayo okungayikuphela!

Thulula imbiza

ukhuphe amaqhatha ngalinye ngalinye

kungekho inkatho.

7 Ngakho igazi elachithwa lidolobho leli liphakathi kwalo:

lalithululela edwaleni elize;

kalilithululelanga phansi

lapho umhlabathi owawungaligqibela khona.

8 Ukuze ngivuse intukuthelo njalo ngiphindisele,

ngabeka igazi lelo phezu kwedwala elize,

ukuze lingagqitshelwa.

9 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Maye kulo idolobho lokuchithwa kwegazi!

Lami futhi, ngizakwenza ibonda lenkuni eliphakemeyo.

10 Ngakho faka inkuni

uphembe umlilo.

Ipheke kuhle inyama,

uhlanganisa leziyoliso;

uyekele amathambo atshe.

11 Emva kwalokho beka imbiza engelalutho phezu kwamalahle

ize itshise lethusi layo livuthe

ukuze ukungcola kwayo kutshe kuphele

lokuthomba kwayo kutshe kuphele.

12 Isiphuthise imizamo yonke;

uqweqwe lokuthomba kwayo kalususwanga,

loba langomlilo.

13 Khathesi ukungcola kwakho yisigwebo. Ngoba ngizamile ukukuhlambulula kodwa ubungeke uhlanjululwe ekungcoleni kwakho, kawuyikuhlambuluka futhi ukukuthukuthelela kwami kuze kudede.

14 Mina Thixo sengikhulumile. Isikhathi sokuba ngenze sesifikile. Kangiyikuzithiba; kangiyikuba lesihawu, kumbe ngiyekethise. Uzakwahlulelwa mayelana lokuziphatha kwakho kanye lezenzo zakho, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

Ukufa KomkaHezekhiyeli

15 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 16 “Ndodana yomuntu, sekuseduze ukuthi ngokugalela okukodwa nje ngisuse kuwe intokozo yamehlo akho. Kodwa ungalili kumbe ukhale loba wehlise inyembezi. 17 Bubula uthule; ungalileli abafileyo. Bophela iqhiye yakho lamanyathela akho ezinyaweni zakho; ungambozi ingxenye yaphansi yobuso bakho loba udle ukudla komkhuba wabalilayo.”

18 Ngakho ngakhuluma labantu ekuseni, umkami wafa kusihlwa. Ekuseni kwakusisa ngenza njengokulaywa kwami.

19 Abantu basebengibuza besithi, “Kawuyikusitshela na ukuthi izinto lezi zilani lathi?”

20 Ngakho mina ngathi kubo, “Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 21 Tshono endlini ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Sekuseduze ukuthi ngingcolise indlu yami engcwele, inqaba eliziqhenya ngayo, intokozo yamehlo enu, into eliyithanda kakhulu. Amadodana lamadodakazi eliwatshiyileyo azabulawa ngenkemba. 22 Njalo lizakwenza njengoba ngenzile. Kaliyikumboza ingxenye yaphansi yobuso benu loba lidle ukudla komkhuba wabalilayo. 23 Lizafaka amaqhiye enu emakhanda enu lamanyathela enu ezinyaweni zenu. Kaliyikulila kumbe likhale kodwa lizacikizeka ngenxa yezono zenu njalo libubule phakathi kwenu. 24 UHezekhiyeli uzakuba yisibonakaliso kini; lizakwenza njengoba enzile. Nxa lokhu kusenzakala, lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo Wobukhosi.’

25 Njalo wena, ndodana yomuntu, ngosuku engizasusa ngalo inqaba yabo, intokozo yabo lodumo, injabulo yamehlo abo, isifiso senhliziyo yabo, kanye lamadodana lamadodakazi abo futhi, 26 ngalolosuku isiphepheli yiso esizalandisa izindaba. 27 Ngalesosikhathi umlomo wakho uzavuleka; uzakhuluma laye njalo kawuyikuthula futhi. Ngakho uzakuba yisibonakaliso kubo, njalo bazakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo.”

25

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana Lama-Amoni

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho umelane lama-Amoni, uphrofithe okubi ngawo. 3 Tshono kuwo uthi, ‘Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo Wobukhosi. Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngoba lina lathi “Aha!” ngendlu yami engcwele lapho yayingcolisiwe langelizwe lako-Israyeli lapho lalichithiwe kanye langabantu bakoJuda lapho babethunjiwe, 4 ngakho ngizalinikela ebantwini baseMpumalanga njengenotho yabo. Bazakwakha izihonqo zabo bamise amathente abo phakathi kwenu; bazakudla izithelo zenu banathe lochago lwenu. 5 Ngizakwenza iRabha ibe lidlelo lamakamela le-Amoni ibe yindawo yokuphumulela izimvu. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo. 6 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngoba liqakeze izandla zenu lagida langezinyawo zenu, lithokoza ngabo bonke ububi benhliziyo yenu ngelizwe lako-Israyeli, 7 ngakho ngizakwelula isandla sami ngimelane lani, ngilinikele ezizweni. Ngizaliqeda du phakathi kwezizwe, ngibuye ngilisuse emazweni enu. Ngizaliqothula, njalo lizakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo.’ ”

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana LeMowabi.

8 “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: ‘Ngenxa yokuthi iMowabi kanye leSeyiri athi, “Khangelani, indlu kaJuda isinjengezinye izizwe zonke,” 9 ngakho-ke ngizakwambula uhlangothi lweMowabi, kusukela emadolobheni asemingceleni yeBhethi-Jeshimothi, leBhali-Meyoni kanye leKhiriyathayimi, udumo lwelizwe. 10 Ngizanikela iMowabi ndawonye lama-Amoni ebantwini baseMpumalanga njengenotho, ukuze ama-Amoni angakhunjulwa phakathi kwezizwe; 11 njalo ngizaletha isijeziso eMowabi. Bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana Le-Edomi

12 “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: ‘Ngoba i-Edomi yaphindisela endlini kaJuda yasisiba lecala elikhulu ngokwenza njalo, 13 ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizakwelula isandla sami ngimelane le-Edomi ngibulale abantu bayo kanye lezifuyo. Ngizayichitha, njalo kusukela eThemani kusiya eDedani, bazabulawa ngenkemba. 14 Ngizaphindisela e-Edomi ngesandla sabantu bami u-Israyeli, njalo i-Edomi bazayiphatha mayelana lentukuthelo yami kanye lolaka lwami; bazayazi impindiselo yami, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana LeFilistiya

15 “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: ‘Ngoba amaFilistiya enza impindiselo njalo aphindisela ngolunya ezinhliziyweni zawo, njalo ngenzondo yasendulo afuna ukuchitha uJuda, 16 ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Sekuseduze ukuba ngelule ingalo yami ngimelane lamaFilistiya, njalo ngizaqothula amaKherethi ngichithe lalabo abaseleyo ngasolwandle. 17 Ngizakwenza impindiselo enkulu kubo njalo ngibajezise ekuthukutheleni kwami. Ngakho bazakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo, lapho sengiphindisela kubo.’ ”

26

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana leThire

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye, ngosuku lwakuqala lwenyanga, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, ngoba iThire itshilo kulo iJerusalema yathi, ‘Aha!’ Isango lokuya ezizweni lidilikile, leminyango isivulekele mina; njengoba khathesi selingamanxiwa ngizaphumelela, 3 ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngimelana lawe, wena Thire, njalo ngizakulethela izizwe ezinengi zimelane lawe njengolwandle luphosa amagagasi alo phezulu. 4 Zizadiliza imiduli yaseThire, ziwisele phansi imiphotshongo yalo; ngizaphala inkunkuma yalo ngilenze libe lidwala elingelalutho. 5 Elwandle lizakuba yindawo yokuchayela amambule enhlanzi, ngoba sengikhulumile, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Lizakuba yimpango yezizwe, 6 lemizana yalo ephakathi kwelizwe izachithwa ngenkemba. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi nginguThixo.

7 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizaletha uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, inkosi yamakhosi, evela enyakatho ukuba amelane leThire, ngamabhiza lezinqola zempi, ngabagadi bamabhiza kanye lebutho elikhulu. 8 Uzachitha imizana yakho phakathi kwelizwe ngenkemba; uzamisa izindawo zokuvimbezela, akhe idundulu kusiya phezulu emdulini wakho njalo akuphakamisele lamahawu amelane lawe. 9 Uzaqondisa imigqala yakhe yokudiliza emidulini yakho, abhidlize imiphotshongo yakho ngezikhali zakhe. 10 Amabhiza akhe azakuba manengi kakhulu okuzakwenza akwembese ngothuli. Imiduli yakho izanyikinyiswa ngumsindo wamabhiza empi, izinqola zokuthwala kanye lezinqola zempi lapho esengena emasangweni akho njengabantu abangena edolobheni elilemiduli efohliweyo. 11 Amasondo amabhiza akhe azanyathela zonke izitalada zakho; uzabulala abantu bakho ngenkemba; lezinsika zakho eziqinileyo zizawela phansi. 12 Bazaphanga inotho yakho bathumbe impahla yakho ethengiswayo; bazadiliza imiduli yakho babhidlize lezindlu zakho ezinhle njalo baphosele amatshe akho, lezigodo kanye lenkunkuma elwandle. 13 Ngizaqeda umsindo wezingoma zakho; lomculo wamachacho akho awuyikuzwakala futhi. 14 Ngizakwenza ube lidwala elize, njalo uzakuba yindawo yokuchayela amambule enhlanzi. Kawuyikwakhiwa futhi, ngoba mina Thixo sengikhulumile, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

15 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi kuyo iThire: Kambe amazwe angasolwandle kawayikunyikinyeka yini ngomsindo wokuwa kwakho, lapho abalimeleyo sebebubula njalo lokubulala sekusenzakala phakathi kwakho na? 16 Lapho-ke wonke amakhosana angasolwandle azakwehla ezihlalweni zawo zobukhosi akhuphe izembatho zawo njalo ahlubule lezembatho zawo ezicecisiweyo. Ephethwe yikwesaba, azahlala phansi, eqhaqhazela isikhathi sonke, ngokwesaba wena. 17 Lapho-ke azaqhinqa isililo ngawe athi kuwe:

‘Yeka ukuchitheka kwakho, wena dolobho lodumo,

ogcwele ngabantu basolwandle!

Wawulamandla elwandle

wena kanye labakhe kuwe;

waletha ukwesabeka kwakho

kubo bonke ababehlala khona.

18 Khathesi amazwe angasolwandle ayathuthumela

ngosuku lokuwa kwakho;

izihlenge zasolwandle

ziyakwesaba ukuwa kwakho.’

19 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Lapho ngikwenza ube lidolobho elichithekileyo, njengamadolobho angasahlali muntu, njalo lapho ngiletha inziki zolwandle phezu kwakho kuthi amanzi alo amanengi kakhulu akwembese, 20 lapho-ke ngizakuletha phansi lalabo abaya phansi egodini, ebantwini basendulo. Ngizakuhlalisa ngaphansi komhlaba, kunjengasemanxiweni endulo, lalabo abaya phansi egodini, njalo kawuyikuphenduka loba ube lendawo yakho elizweni labaphilayo. 21 Ngizakwenza ukucina kwakho kube ngokwesabekayo uhle utshabalale. Uzadingwa, kodwa ungatholakali futhi, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

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Ukulilela IThire

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khala isililo ngeThire, 3 uthi kuyo iThire esesangweni lasolwandle, yona engumthengiseli wabantu abanengi abangasolwandle, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Wena Thire uthi,

“Ngiphelele ngobuhle.”

4 Umbuso wakho wawuphakathi kolwandle;

abakhi bakho baphelelisa ubuhle bakho.

5 Wonke amapulanka akho

bawenza ngezihlahla zejanipha ezivela eSeniri;

bathatha umsedari eLebhanoni

ukuba bakwenzele insika.

6 Ngemi-okhi eyavela eBhashani

bakwenzela amaphini okugwedla izikepe;

ngezigodo zomsipresi ezavela ngasolwandle lwaseKhithimi

benza indawo yokuhamba kuyo, yendlalwe impondo zendlovu.

7 Iseyili lakho kwakuyilineni elihle elicecisiweyo elavela eGibhithe,

elaba yilona phawu lwakho;

amaseyili akho okusitha ilanga ayengawokuluhlaza lokuyibubende

okwavela ngasolwandle lwase-Elisha.

8 Amadoda aseSidoni le-Avadi ayengabagwedli bakho;

izazi zakho, wena Thire,

zazisemkhunjini njengabatshayeli bomkhumbi.

9 Izingcwethi ezindala zaseGebhali zaziphakathi komkhumbi

njengabalungisi bemikhumbi ukuba bagcike imiphetho yakho.

Yonke imikhumbi yasolwandle labatshayeli bayo

yeza ikanye lawe ukuzathenga impahla zakho.

10 Amadoda asePhezhiya, leLudi kanye lePhuthi

asebenza njengamabutho ebuthweni lakho.

Alengisa amahawu awo lezingowane emidulini yakho,

akulethela ubuhle obukhulu.

11 Amadoda ase-Avadi kanye leHelekhi

abakhona emidulini yakho ezinhlangothini zonke;

amadoda aseGamadi

ayesemiphotshongweni yakho.

Aphanyeka amahawu awo inxa zonke zemiduli yakho;

aphelelisa ubuhle bakho.

12 IThashishi yathengiselana lawe ngenxa yenotho yezimpahla zakho ezinengi; impahla yakho ethengiswayo bayithenga ngesiliva, insimbi, ithusi kanye lomnuso.

13 IJavani, leThubhali kanye leMesheki athengiselana lawe, athenga impahla zakho ngezigqili langezinto ezenziwe ngethusi.

14 Abantu baseBhethi Thogarima bathenga impahla zakho ngamabhiza omsebenzi, amabhiza empi kanye lezimbongolo.

15 Abantu baseRodesi bathengiselana lawe, njalo amazwe amanengi angasolwandle athenga kuwe, akubhadala ngempondo zendlovu langesihlahla esithiwa yi-ebhoni.

16 I-Aramu yathengiselana lawe ngenxa yezimpahla zakho ezinengi, impahla zakho ezithengiswayo bazithenga ngamatshe aligugu aluhlaza, amalembu alubende, umsebenzi ocecisiweyo, ilineni elihle, ikhorali langelitshe eliligugu elibomvu.

17 UJuda lo-Israyeli bathengiselana lawe; impahla zakho ezithengiswayo bazithenga ngengqoloyi eyavela eMinithi langokumnandi, uluju, amafutha kanye lenhlaka.

18 Ngenxa yezimpahla zakho ezinengi kanye lenotho enkulu yempahla, iDamaseko yathengiselana lawe ngewayini elivela eHelibhoni langewulu evela eZahari.

19 AbakoDani lamaGrikhi avela e-Uzali athenga impahla zakho; azithenga ngensimbi ekhandiweyo, langekhasiya kanye lekhalamusi.

20 IDedani yathengiselana lawe ngezingubo zezihlalo.

21 I-Arabhiya lazozonke izikhulu zaseKhedari babethenga kuwe; bathengiselana lawe ngezimvu, inqama kanye lembuzi.

22 Abathengi baseShebha labaseRahama bathengiselana lawe; impahla zakho bazithenga ngezinhlobo zonke ezinhle zeziyoliso langamatshe aligugu kanye legolide.

23 IHarani, leKhane le-Edeni kanye labathengi baseShebha, le-Asiriya kanye leKhilimadi bathengiselana lawe. 24 Endaweni yakho yokuthengiselana, bakuthengisela izembatho ezinhle, amalembu aluhlaza, imisebenzi ececisiweyo kanye lamajali alemibala eminengi lezintshaka eziphothiweyo njalo zilamafindo abotshwe aqina.

25 Imikhumbi yaseThashishi

isebenza ukuthwala impahla zakho.

Ugcwele impahla ezinzima

enzikini yolwandle.

26 Abagwedli bakho

bakusa elwandle olukhulu.

Kodwa umoya wasempumalanga uzakwephula ube

yiziqayiqa enzikini yolwandle.

27 Inotho yakho, okuthengiswayo kanye lempahla,

abatshayeli bakho, labaqondisi kanye labalungisi bemikhumbi,

abathengisi bakho lawo wonke amabutho akho,

labanye bonke abaphakathi komkhumbi

bazatshona enzikini yolwandle

ngosuku lokonakala komkhumbi.

28 Amazwe angaselwandle azanyikinyeka

lapho abahambisa umkhumbi bakho sebehlaba umkhosi.

29 Bonke abaphethe amaphini okugwedla

bazayitshiya imikhumbi yabo;

abatshayeli bayo kanye labaqondisi bayo bonke

bazakuma ekhunjini.

30 Bazaphakamisa amazwi abo

bakhale kabuhlungu ngawe;

bazathela uthuli emakhanda abo

bagiqike emlotheni.

31 Bazaphuca amakhanda abo ngenxa yakho

njalo bazagqoka amasaka.

Bazaqhinqa isililo ngawe

ngesililo esibuhlungu.

32 Lapho bekukhalela bekulilela

bazaqhinqa isililo ngawe bathi,

“Ngubani owake wathuliswa njengeThire,

elizungezwe lulwandle na?”

33 Ekuphumeni kwempahla yakho elwandle

wasuthisa izizwe ezinengi;

ngenotho yakho enengi langempahla yakho

wanothisa amakhosi omhlaba.

34 Khathesi usuphahlazwe lulwandle

ezinzikini zamanzi:

impahla yakho lenhlanganiso yakho yonke

kuzatshona phansi kanye lawe.

35 Bonke abahlala emazweni angasolwandle

balokwesaba ngawe;

amakhosi abo ayathuthumela ngokwesaba

lobuso bawo bunyukubaliswe luvalo.

36 Abathengi phakathi kwezizwe bayakuncifela;

usufike ekucineni okwesabekayo,

njalo kawuyikuba khona futhi.’ ”

28

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana Lenkosi YaseThire

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, tshono kumbusi waseThire uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Ngokuzigqaja kwenhliziyo yakho

uthi, “Ngingunkulunkulu;

ngihlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikankulunkulu

enzikini yezilwandle.”

Kodwa wena ungumuntu hatshi uNkulunkulu,

lanxa ucabanga ukuthi uhlakaniphe njengoNkulunkulu.

3 Kambe uhlakaniphile kuloDanyeli na?

Akulamfihlo esithekileyo kuwe na?

4 Ngenhlakanipho yakho lokuqedisisa

uzizuzele inotho

njalo wabuthela igolide lesiliva

eziphaleni zengcebo yakho.

5 Ngolwazi lwakho olukhulu ekuthengiseni

uyandisile inotho yakho,

njalo ngenxa yenotho yakho,

inhliziyo yakho isizigqaja.

6 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Njengoba ucabanga ukuthi uhlakaniphile,

uhlakaniphe njengoNkulunkulu,

7 ngizaletha abezizweni ukuba bamelane lawe,

izizwe ezilesihluku kakhulu;

zizahwatsha inkemba zazo zimelane lobuhle bakho

kanye lenhlakanipho,

zone lobuhle bakho obukhazimulayo.

8 Zizakwehlisela phansi egodini,

njalo uzakufa kabuhlungu

enzikini yezilwandle.

9 Lapho-ke uzakutsho na phambi kwalabo abakubulalayo ukuthi,

“Mina ngingunkulunkulu?”

Uzakuba ngumuntu nje, hatshi unkulunkulu,

ezandleni zalabo abakubulalayo.

10 Uzakufa ukufa kwabangasokanga

ezandleni zabezizweni.

Sengikhulumile, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

11 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 12 “Ndodana yomuntu, khala isililo ngenkosi yaseThire uthi kuyo: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Wawuyisibonelo sokuphelela

ugcwele inhlakanipho lobuhle obupheleleyo.

13 Wawuse-Edeni

isivande sikaNkulunkulu;

waceca ngawo wonke amatshe aligugu:

irubhi, lethophazi le-emeralidi,

ikhrisolithe, i-onikisi lejaspa,

isafire, ithukhwayizi lebherili.

Izibonakaliso zakho lezisekelo kwakwenziwe ngegolide;

kwalungiswa ngosuku owadalwa ngalo.

14 Wagcotshwa njengekherubhi elondlayo,

ngoba ngakumisela lokho.

Wawuphezu kwentaba engcwele kaNkulunkulu;

wahamba phakathi kwamatshe avutha umlilo.

15 Wawungelasici ezindleleni zakho

kusukela ngosuku owadalwa ngalo

ububi baze bafunyanwa kuwe.

16 Ngenxa yokuthengisa kwakho ezindaweni ezinengi

wagcwala udlakela,

wasusona.

Ngakho ngakususa njengehlazo entabeni kaNkulunkulu,

njalo ngakuxotsha, wena kherubhi elondlayo,

phakathi kwamatshe avutha umlilo.

17 Inhliziyo yakho yazigqaja

ngenxa yobuhle bakho,

njalo wonakalisa inhlakanipho yakho

ngenxa yobucwazicwazi bakho.

Ngakho ngakuphosela emhlabeni;

ngakwenza umbukiso phambi kwamakhosi.

18 Ngezono zakho ezinengi lokuthengisa lobuqili

usungcolise izindawo zakho ezingcwele.

Ngakho ngaphemba umlilo phakathi kwakho

wakutshisa wakuqeda,

njalo ngakwenza waba ngumlotha emhlabathini

phambi kwabo bonke ababekhangele.

19 Zonke izizwe ezazikwazi

zithithibele ngawe;

usufike ekucineni okwesabekayo

njalo kawuyikuba khona futhi.’ ”

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana LeSidoni

20 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 21 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho eSidoni; uphrofithe okubi ngalo 22 uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Ngimelana lawe, wena Sidoni,

njalo ngizathola udumo phakathi kwakho.

Bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo

lapho sengiletha isijeziso kulo

njalo ngizibonakalisa ngingongcwele phakathi kwalo.

23 Ngizathumela isifo kulo,

ngenze igazi ligeleze ezindleleni zalo.

Abafileyo bazakuba phakathi kwalo,

inkemba imelane lalo amacele wonke.

Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

24 Abantu bako-Israyeli kabasayikuba labomakhelwane abalenhliziyo ezimbi njalo abangameva abuhlungu lameva ahlabayo. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo Wobukhosi.

25 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Lapho sengiqoqa abantu bako-Israyeli ezizweni ababehlakazelwe kuzo, ngizazibonakalisa ngingongcwele phakathi kwabo phambi kwezizwe. Emva kwalokho bazahlala elizweni labo, engalinika inceku yami uJakhobe. 26 Bazahlala kulo bevikelekile njalo bazakwakha izindlu bahlanyele lezivini; bazahlala bevikelekile lapho sengiletha isijeziso kubo bonke omakhelwane babo ababaphatha kubi. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo.’ ”

29

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana LeGibhithe

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi, ngenyanga yetshumi ngosuku lwetshumi lambili, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho kuFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe uphrofithe okubi ngaye langelizwe lonke laseGibhithe. 3 Khuluma laye uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Ngimelane lawe, Faro nkosi yaseGibhithe,

wena silo esikhulu esilele phakathi kwezifula zaso.

Uthi, “INayili ngeyakho;

wazenzela yona.”

4 Kodwa ngizafaka iwuka emihlathini yakho

nginamathisele inhlanzi zezifula zakho, emaxolweni akho.

Ngizakukhuphela ngaphandle kwezifula zakho,

lenhlanzi zonke zinamathele emaxolweni akho.

5 Ngizakutshiya enkangala,

wena kanye lenhlanzi zonke zasezifuleni zakho.

Uzawela egcekeni egangeni

njalo ungabuthwa loba udojwe.

Ngizakunikela njengokudla

ezinyamazaneni zomhlaba lezinyoni zasemoyeni.

6 Lapho-ke bonke abahlala eGibhithe bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

Ube uludondolo lomhlanga lwendlu ka-Israyeli. 7 Kwathi bekubamba ngezandla zabo, wacezuka waqhaqha amahlombe abo; kwathi lapho beseyama kuwe wephuka lamaqolo abo aqhuzuka.

8 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizaletha inkemba imelane lawe ngibulale abantu bakho kanye lezifuyo zabo. 9 IGibhithe izakuba yinkangala echithekileyo. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

Ngoba wathi, “INayili ngeyakho; nguwe owayenzayo,” 10 ngakho ngimelana lawe kanye lezifula zakho, njalo ngizakwenza ilizwe laseGibhithe libe lunxiwa logwadule oluphundlekileyo kusukela eMigidoli kusiya e-Asiwani, kuze kuyefika emngceleni weKhushi. 11 Akulanyawo lomuntu loba olwenyamazana oluzadabula phakathi kwalo; akulamuntu ozahlala khona okweminyaka engamatshumi amane. 12 Ngizakwenza ilizwe laseGibhithe libe ngeliphundlekileyo phakathi kwamazwe achithekileyo, njalo amadolobho alo azaphundleka okweminyaka engamatshumi amane phakathi kwamadolobho angamanxiwa. AmaGibhithe ngizawachithela phakathi kwezizwe ngiwahlakazele emazweni.

13 Kodwa nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi amane ngizaqoqa amaGibhithe ezizweni ayehlakazelwe kuzo. 14 Ngizawabuyisela evela ekuthunjweni yiGibhithe, ePhathrosi, ilizwe labokhokho babo. Lapho bazakuba ngumbuso omncane. 15 Uzakuba ngumbuso omncane kakhulu emibusweni njalo kawuyikuziphakamisela phezulu kwezinye izizwe futhi. Ngizawenza ungabi lamandla ukuze ungabusi izizwe futhi. 16 IGibhithe kaliyikuba ngumthombo wethemba futhi wabantu bako-Israyeli kodwa lizakuba yisikhumbuzo sesono sabo sokuyafuna usizo kulo. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

Umvuzo KaNebhukhadineza

17 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa, ngenyanga yakuqala ngelanga lakuqala, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 18 “Ndodana yomuntu, uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni waqhuba ibutho lakhe ukuyakulwa impi enzima leThire, amakhanda wonke aphuculwa aphuceka, lamahlombe wonke aba buhlungu. Ikanti yena lebutho lakhe kabatholanga mvuzo empini ayikhokhela ekuhlaseleni iThire. 19 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: IGibhithe ngizalinikela kuNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, njalo uzathumba inotho yalo. Uzaliphundla aliphange ilizwe njengeholo lebutho lakhe. 20 Ngimnike iGibhithe njengomvuzo wemizamo yakhe ngoba yena lebutho lakhe lokho bakwenzela mina, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

21 Ngalolosuku ngizakwenza uphondo lukhulele indlu ka-Israyeli, njalo ngizavula umlomo wakho phakathi kwabo. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.”

30

Ukulilela IGibhithe

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, phrofetha uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Lilani lithi,

“Maye ngalolosuku!”

3 Ngoba usuku seluseduze,

usuku lukaThixo seluseduze

usuku lwamayezi,

isikhathi sokutshabalala kwezizwe.

4 Inkemba izakumelana leGibhithe,

losizi luzakwehlela phezu kukaKhushi.

Lapho ababuleweyo besiwa eGibhithe

inotho yalo izathunjwa

lezisekelo zalo zidilizelwe phansi.

5 IKhushi lePhuthi, iLudi le-Arabhiya yonke, iLibhiya kanye labantu belizwe lesivumelwano bazabulawa ngenkemba ndawonye leGibhithe.

6 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Abasekeli beGibhithe bazakufa,

lamandla alo aziqhenyayo azaphela.

Kusukela eMigidoli kusiya e-Asiwani

bazakuwa ngenkemba phakathi kwalo,

kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

7 Bazachitheka

phakathi kwamazwe achithekileyo,

njalo amadolobho abo

azakuba phakathi kwamadolobho adiliziweyo.

8 Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo,

lapho sengithungela iGibhithe ngomlilo

labasizi balo bonke sebeqothulwe.

9 Ngalolosuku izithunywa zizaphuma zisuka kimi ngemikhumbi ziyetshayisa iKhushi ngovalo, kuphele ukungazikhathazi kwalo. Bazakwehlelwa lusizi ngosuku lokutshabalala kweGibhithe, ngoba ngempela kuzafika.

10 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Ngizawaqeda amaxuku aseGibhithe

ngesandla sikaNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni.

11 Yena lebutho lakhe, abalolunya olukhulu phakathi kwezizwe,

bazalethwa ukuba bachithe ilizwe.

Bazahwatsha izinkemba zabo ukuba bamelane leGibhithe

bagcwalise ilizwe ngababuleweyo.

12 Ngizakomisa izifula zeNayili

lelizwe ngilithengisele abantu ababi;

ngesandla sabezizweni,

ngizalichitha ilizwe, lakho konke okukulo.

Mina Thixo sengikhulumile.

13 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Ngizachitha izithombe

ngiqede izifanekiso eMemfisi.

Akusayikuba khona inkosana eGibhithe,

njalo ngizaletha ukwesaba kulolonke ilizwe.

14 Ngizachitha iPhathrosi,

ngithungele iZowani ngomlilo,

besengiletha isijeziso phezu kweThebesi.

15 Ngizakwehlisela ulaka lwami phezu kwePhelusiyami,

inqaba yaseGibhithe,

ngiqede lamaxuku aseThebesi.

16 Ngizathungela iGibhithe ngomlilo;

iPhelusiyami izajanqula ngobuhlungu.

IThebesi izathunjwa ngesidumo esikhulu;

iMemfisi izakuba sosizini olumiyo.

17 Amajaha aseHeliyopholisi leBhubhastisi

azabulawa ngenkemba,

lamadolobho wona ngokwawo azathunjwa.

18 EThahiphanesi imini izakuba mnyama,

lapho ngisephula ijogwe leGibhithe;

khonale-ke amandla alo aziqhenyayo azaphela.

Azakwembeswa ngamayezi,

njalo imizi yalo izakuya ekuthunjweni.

19 Ngokunjalo ngizakwehlisela isijeziso phezu kweGibhithe,

njalo bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

20 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye, ngenyanga yakuqala ngosuku lwesikhombisa, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 21 “Ndodana yomuntu, sengiyephule ingalo kaFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe. Kayibotshwanga ukuba iphole kumbe ifakwe uhlaka ukuze iqine okwanele ukuthi iphathe inkemba. 22 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngimelana loFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe. Ngizazephula zombili izingalo zakhe, eqinileyo kanye leyephukileyo, ngenze inkemba iwe esandleni sakhe. 23 Ngizachithela amaGibhithe phakathi kwezizwe ngiwahlakazele emazweni. 24 Ngizaqinisa izingalo zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni ngifake inkemba yami ezandleni zayo, kodwa izingalo zikaFaro ngizazephula, njalo uzabubula phambi kwayo njengomuntu olimale okokufa. 25 Ngizaqinisa izingalo zenkosi yaseBhabhiloni, kodwa izingalo zikaFaro zizakuba buthakathaka. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo lapho sengifaka inkemba yami esandleni senkosi yaseBhabhiloni layo isiyizunguza imelane leGibhithe. 26 Ngizachithela amaGibhithe phakathi kwezizwe ngiwahlakazele emazweni futhi. Lapho-ke azakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.”

31

Umsedari ELebhanoni

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye, ngenyanga yesithathu ngosuku lwakuqala, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, tshono kuFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe lakumaxuku akhe uthi:

‘Ngubani ongalinganiswa lawe ngobucwazicwazi?

3 Cabanga i-Asiriya, eyake yaba ngumsedari eLebhanoni,

olamagatsha amahle embese ihlathi ngomthunzi;

wawumude uphezulu le,

isihloko sawo singaphezu kwamahlamvu avitshileyo.

4 Amanzi awondla,

imithombo etshonayo yawenza wakhula waba mude;

izifudlana zayo zageleza

emaceleni esidindi sawo sonke,

imisele yazo ayafika

kuzozonke izihlahla zeganga.

5 Wawuphakeme kanjalo umude

kulazo zonke izihlahla zeganga;

ingatsha zawo zanda,

ingatsha zawo zakhula zaba zinde

zendlalekile ngenxa yobunengi bamanzi.

6 Zonke izinyoni zasemoyeni

zakhela izidleke zazo ezingatsheni zawo,

zonke izinyamazana zeganga

zazalela ngaphansi kwezingatsha zawo;

zonke izizwe ezinkulu

zahlala emthunzini wawo.

7 Wawunkanyazela ngobuhle bawo,

ngezingatsha zawo ezendlalekileyo,

ngoba impande zawo zazitshona

phansi emanzini amanengi.

8 Imisedari esivandeni sikaNkulunkulu

yayingeke ilingane lawo,

kumbe izihlahla zemiphayini

zibe lezingatsha ezingafana lezawo,

akukho sihlahla esivandeni sikaNkulunkulu

esasingaba sihle njengawo.

9 Ngawenza waba muhle

ngezingatsha ezinengi,

wahawukelwa yizihlahla zonke zase-Edeni

esivandeni sikaNkulunkulu.

10 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngoba wawumude uphezulu le, isihloko sawo siphakamele ngaphezu kwezingatsha ezivitshileyo, njalo ngenxa yokuthi wawuziqhenya ngobude bawo, 11 ngawunikela kumbusi wezizwe ukuba awuphathe ngokufanele ububi bawo. Ngawulahlela eceleni, 12 njalo isizwe sasezizweni esilesihluku kulazo zonke sawucakazela phansi sawutshiya. Ingatsha zawo zawela phezu kwezintaba lasezigodini zonke, amagatsha awo ephukela ezindongeni zonke zelizwe. Zonke izizwe zasemhlabeni zasuka emthunzini wawo zawutshiya. 13 Zonke izinyoni zasemoyeni zahlala phezu kwesihlahla esiwileyo, lezinyamazana zonke zeganga zaziphakathi kwezingatsha zaso. 14 Ngakho kazikho ezinye izihlahla ngasemanzini ezizaphakama ngokuziqhenya phezulu le, zifikise izihloko zazo ngaphezu kwezingatsha. Kazikho ezinye izihlahla ezizuza amanzi kuhle kanjalo ezizake zifike phezulu kangako; zonke zimiselwe ukufa, emhlabeni ongaphansi, phakathi kwabantu abafayo, kanye lalabo abehlela egodini.

15 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngosuku owehliselwa ngalo engcwabeni, ngavala imithombo etshonayo ngokulilelwa kwawo, ngamisa izifudlana zawo, lamanzi awo amanengi avinjelwa. Ngenxa yawo ngembesa iLebhanoni ngomnyama, njalo zonke izihlahla zeganga zabuna. 16 Ngenza izizwe zathuthunyeliswa ngumdumo wokuwa kwawo lapha ngawehlisela phansi engcwabeni kanye lalabo abehlela phansi egodini. Lapho-ke zonke izihlahla zase-Edeni, ezikhethekileyo lezinhle kakhulu zaseLebhanoni, zonke izihlahla ezazithola amanzi kuhle, zaduduzeka ngaphansi komhlaba. 17 Labo ababehlala emthunzini wawo, ababevumelana lawo phakathi kwezizwe, basebehlele phansi engcwabeni kanye lawo, bahlangana lalabo ababulawa ngenkemba.

18 Yisiphi sezihlahla zase-Edeni esingafaniswa lawe ngobuhle langobucwazicwazi na? Ikanti lawe futhi uzakwehliselwa phansi ngaphansi komhlaba kanye lezihlahla zase-Edeni; uzalala phakathi kwabangasokanga, lalabo ababulawa ngenkemba.

Lo nguFaro kanye lamaxuku akhe wonke, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

32

Ukulilela UFaro

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili, ngenyanga yetshumi lambili ngosuku lokuqala, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khala isililo ngoFaro inkosi yaseGibhithe uthi kuye:

‘Wena unjengesilwane phakathi kwezizwe;

unjengesilo phakathi kolwandle,

uvubavuba amanzi ezifuleni zakho,

uchaphaze amanzi ngezinyawo zakho,

ungcolisa lezifula ngodaka.

3 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Ngoquqaba olukhulu lwabantu

ngizaphosela imbule lami phezu kwakho

njalo bazakudonsela phezulu ngomambule wami.

4 Ngizakuphosela emhlabathini

ngikudonsele egcekeni egangeni.

Ngizakwenza zonke izinyoni zasemoyeni zihlale phezu kwakho

lezinyamazana zonke zasemhlabeni zizitike kuwe.

5 Ngizachaya inyama yakho phezu kwezintaba

njalo ngigcwalise izigodi ngezidumbu zakho.

6 Ngizathambisa ilizwe ngegazi lakho

eligeleza indawo yonke kusiya ezintabeni,

lezindonga zizagcwala inyama yakho.

7 Lapho sengikucitsha, ngizakwembesa amazulu

ngenze izinkanyezi zawo zibe mnyama;

ngizakwembesa ilanga ngeyezi,

lenyanga ingabe isakhanyisa.

8 Zonke izibane ezikhanyisa emazulwini

ngizazenza zibe mnyama

elizweni lakho, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

9 Ngizakhathaza inhliziyo zabantu abanengi

lapho sengiletha ukuchithwa kwakho phakathi kwezizwe,

phakathi kwamazwe ongazange uwazi.

10 Ngizakwenza abantu abanengi bamangale ngawe,

lamakhosi abo azathuthumela ngokwesaba ngenxa yakho

lapho nginyikinya inkemba yami phambi kwawo.

Ngosuku lokuwa kwakho

lowo lalowo wabo uzaqhaqhazela

isikhathi sonke sokuphila kwakhe.

11 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

Inkemba yenkosi yaseBhabhiloni

izamelana lawe.

12 Ngizakwenza amaxuku akho abulawe

ngezinkemba zamadoda alamandla

alesihluku kakhulu phakathi kwezizwe zonke.

Azachoboza ukuziqhenya kweGibhithe,

njalo wonke amaxuku alo azanqotshwa.

13 Ngizabulala zonke inkomo zabo

ngaseduzane lamanzi amanengi

angaphindi adungwe lunyawo lomuntu futhi

kumbe angcoliswe ngamasondo enkomo ngodaka.

14 Lapho-ke ngizakwenza amanzi alo azinze

lezifula zalo zigeleze njengamafutha,

kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

15 Lapho iGibhithe sengilichitha

ngiphundla ilizwe lakho konke okukulo,

lapho sengibacakazela phansi bonke abahlala khona,

lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’

16 Lesi yisililo esizaculelwa iGibhithe. Amadodakazi ezizwe azasicula: azasiculela iGibhithe kanye lamaxuku alo wonke, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

17 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili, ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 18 “Ndodana yomuntu, lilela amaxuku aseGibhithe njalo wehlisele ngaphansi komhlaba kokubili lona iGibhithe kanye lamadodakazi ezizwe ezilamandla, lalabo abehlela phansi egodini. 19 Tshono kubo uthi, ‘Lina liyathandwa kakhulu kulabanye na? Yehlelani phansi lilale phakathi kwabangasokanga.’ 20 Bazafela phakathi kwalabo ababulawa ngenkemba. Inkemba isihwatshiwe; iGibhithe kalihudulwe lamaxuku alo wonke. 21 Abakhokheli abalamandla bazakutsho ngeGibhithe labamanyene layo bephakathi kwengcwaba bathi, ‘Sebehlele phansi njalo balele labangasokanga, lalabo ababulawa ngenkemba.’

22 I-Asiriya ikhona lebutho layo lonke; izungezwe ngamangcwaba abo bonke abayo ababuleweyo; bonke ababulawe ngenkemba. 23 Amangcwaba abo asekuzikeni kwegodi njalo ibutho layo lilele lihanqe ingcwaba layo. Bonke abandisa ukwesaba elizweni labaphilayo babulewe, bebulawa ngenkemba.

24 I-Elamu ikhona, lamaxuku ayo wonke azungeze ingcwaba layo. Bonke babulewe, bebulawa ngenkemba. Bonke abandisa ukwesaba elizweni labaphilayo behlela phansi ngaphansi komhlaba bengasokanga. Bathwele ihlazo labo belalabo abehlela phansi egodini. 25 Yenzelwa umbheda phakathi kwababuleweyo, lamaxuku ayo wonke ehanqe ingcwaba layo. Bonke kabasokanga, babulawa ngenkemba. Ngoba ukwesatshwa kwabo kwasekugcwele elizweni labaphilayo, bathwala ihlazo labo lalabo abehlela phansi egodini; babekwa phakathi kwababuleweyo.

26 IMesheki leThubhali akhona, lamaxuku awo wonke ezungeze amangcwaba awo. Wonke amaxuku kawasokanga, abulewe ngoba andisa ukwesatshwa kwawo elizweni labaphilayo. 27 Kanje kawalele lamanye amabutho angasokanga awafayo, wona ehlela phansi engcwabeni lezikhali zawo zempi, azinkemba zawo zabekwa ngaphansi kwamakhanda awo na? Isijeziso sezono zawo sahlala phezu kwamathambo awo, lanxa ukwesatshwa kwamabutho la kwagcwala elizweni labaphilayo.

28 Lawe futhi, wena Faro, uzakwephulwa njalo ulale phakathi kwabangasokanga, lalabo ababulawa ngenkemba.

29 I-Edomi ikhona, amakhosi ayo lamakhosana ayo wonke; phezu kwamandla abo, balaliswa lalabo ababulawa ngenkemba. Balele labangasokanga, lalabo abehlela phansi egodini.

30 Wonke amakhosana asenyakatho kanye lamaSidoni wonke bakhona; behlela phansi lababulawayo behlazekile lanxa kulokwesaba okwabangelwa ngamandla abo. Balele bengasokanga kanye lalabo ababulawa ngenkemba njalo bathwala ihlazo labo lalabo abehlela phansi egodini.

31 UFaro lebutho lakhe uzababona njalo uzaduduzeka ngamaxuku akhe wonke abulawa ngenkemba, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 32 Lanxa ngamenza wandisa ukwesaba elizweni labaphilayo, uFaro kanye lamaxuku akhe wonke, bazalaliswa phakathi kwabangasokanga, lalabo ababulawa ngenkemba, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

33

UHezekhiyeli Ungumlindi

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khuluma labantu bakini uthi kubo, ‘Lapho ngiletha inkemba ukumelana lelizwe, abantu balelolizwe bakhethe omunye wamadoda akibo bamenze abe ngumlindi, 3 abone inkemba isizamelana lelizwe abesetshaya icilongo exwayisa abantu, 4 lapho-ke nxa loba ngubani ozwa icilongo kodwa angasinaki isixwayiso njalo inkemba ifike imbulale, igazi lakhe lizakuba phezu kwekhanda lakhe. 5 Njengoba ukukhala kwecilongo ekuzwile kodwa kaze asinaka isixwayiso, igazi lakhe lizakuba phezu kwekhanda lakhe. Aluba ubesinakile isixwayiso, ubezazisindisa. 6 Kodwa nxa umlindi ebona inkemba isiza angatshayi icilongo axwayise abantu, njalo inkemba ifike ibulale omunye wabo, lowomuntu uzasuswa ngenxa yesono sakhe, kodwa mina ngizabeka umlandu wegazi lakhe kumlindi.’

7 Ndodana yomuntu, sengikwenze umlindi wendlu ka-Israyeli; ngakho zwana ilizwi engilikhulumayo ubanike isixwayiso esivela kimi. 8 Lapho ngisithi komubi, ‘Wena muntu omubi, uzakufa impela,’ njalo wena ungabe usakhuluma ukuba umyekelise izindlela zakhe, lowomuntu omubi uzafela izono zakhe, njalo mina ngikubeka umlandu wegazi lakhe. 9 Kodwa nxa umxwayisa umuntu omubi ukuba aphenduke ezindleleni zakhe kodwa angenzi njalo, uzafela izono zakhe, kodwa wena uzakuba uzisindisile.

10 Ndodana yomuntu, tshono kuyo indlu ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Nanku elikutshoyo ukuthi, “Iziphambeko zethu lezono ziyasisinda, njalo siyacikizeka ngenxa yazo. Pho singaphila njani na?” ’ 11 Tshono kubo uthi, ‘Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, kangithokozi ngokufa kwababi, kodwa ukuba baphenduke ezindleleni zabo baphile. Phendukani! Phendukani ezindleleni zenu ezimbi! Kungani umele ufe, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli?’

12 Ngakho-ke, ndodana yomuntu, tshono ebantwini bakini uthi, ‘Ukulunga komuntu olungileyo kakuyikumsindisa lapho engalaleli, njalo lobubi bomuntu omubi kabuyikumwisa lapho ephenduka kubo. Umuntu olungileyo, lapho esona, kasoke avunyelwe ukuphila ngenxa yokulunga kwakhe kwakuqala.’ 13 Nxa ngitshela umuntu olungileyo ukuthi impela uzaphila, kodwa abe esethemba ukulunga kwakhe enze okubi, akukho okwezinto ezilungileyo azenzayo okuzakhunjulwa; uzafela okubi asekwenzile. 14 Njalo nxa ngisithi emuntwini omubi, ‘Impela uzakufa,’ kodwa aphenduke ezonweni zakhe enze okufaneleyo lokulungileyo, 15 lapho ebuyisela lokho akuthatha kuyisibambiso salokho akwebolekisayo, abuyisele akwebayo, alandele izimiso ezinika ukuphila, angenzi okubi, uzaphila impela; kasoze afe. 16 Akukho lasinye sezono azenzayo esizakhunjulwa ngaye. Usenze okufaneleyo lokulungileyo; uzaphila impela.

17 Ikanti abantu bakini bathi, ‘Indlela kaThixo kayilunganga.’ Kodwa ngeyabo indlela engalunganga. 18 Nxa umuntu olungileyo eguquka ekulungeni kwakhe enze okubi, uzakufela lokho. 19 Njalo nxa umuntu omubi ephenduka ebubini bakhe enze okufaneleyo lokulungileyo, uzaphila ngenxa yokwenzanjalo. 20 Ikanti, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, uthi, ‘Indlela kaThixo kayilunganga.’ Kodwa mina ngizakwahlulela lowo lalowo wenu ngokufanele izindlela zakhe.”

Ukuwa KweJerusalema Kuyachasiswa

21 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili wokuthunjwa kwethu, ngenyanga yetshumi ngosuku lwesihlanu, umuntu owayebalekele eJerusalema wafika kimi wathi, “Idolobho selinqotshiwe!” 22 Kusihlwa umuntu lowo engakafiki, isandla sikaThixo sasiphezu kwami, njalo wavula umlomo wami umuntu lowo engakafiki ekuseni. Ngakho umlomo wami wawusuvuliwe njalo ngangingasathulanga.

23 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kimi lisithi: 24 “Ndodana yomuntu, abantu abahlala emanxiweni lawana elizweni lako-Israyeli bathi, ‘U-Abhrahama wayengumuntu oyedwa nje kuphela, ikanti ilizwe lalingelakhe. Kodwa thina sibanengi; impela ilizwe siliphiwe njengelifa lethu.’ 25 Ngakho tshono kubo uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Njengoba lisidla inyama ilokhu ilegazi lithembe izithombe zenu njalo lichithe legazi, kambe lingaba ngabanikazi belizwe na? 26 Lithembe inkemba yenu, lenza izinto ezenyanyekayo, njalo omunye lomunye wenu ungcolisa umfazi kamakhelwane wakhe. Kambe lingaba ngabanikazi belizwe na?’

27 Tshono lokhu kubo uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, labo abaseleyo emanxiweni bazabulawa ngenkemba, labo abangaphandle egangeni ngizabanikela ezinyamazaneni zeganga ukuba badliwe, njalo labo abasezinqabeni lasezimbalwini bazabulawa yisifo. 28 Ngizakwenza ilizwe libe lugwadule oluphundlekileyo, njalo ukuziqhenya kwamandla alo kuzaphela, lezintaba zako-Israyeli zizachitheka kuze kungabikhona odlula kuzo. 29 Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo, nxa sengenze ilizwe laba lugwadule oluphundlekileyo ngenxa yezinto ezenyanyekayo abazenzileyo.’

30 Okunjengawe, ndodana yomuntu, abantu bakini bakhulumisana ngawe emidulini laseminyango yezindlu besithi, omunye komunye, ‘Woza uzekuzwa ilizwi eselifike livela kuThixo.’ 31 Abantu bami bayafika kuwe, njengabajayele ukukwenza, bahlale phambi kwakho ukuba bezwe amazwi akho, kodwa akutshoyo kabakwenzi. Ngemilomo yabo batsho ukuzinikela, kodwa inhliziyo zabo zihawukela inzuzo engafanelanga. 32 Ngempela, kubo wena kawusilutho olungedlula umuntu ohlabela izingoma zothando ngelizwi elihle njalo esitshaya kuhle isiginci, ngoba amazwi akho bayawezwa, kodwa akutshoyo kabakwenzi.

33 Nxa konke lokhu sekugcwalisekile njalo impela kuzakwenzakala, lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi umphrofethi ubekhona phakathi kwabantu.”

34

Abelusi Lezimvu

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, phrofetha okubi ngabelusi bako-Israyeli; phrofetha uthi kubo: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Maye kini lina belusi bako-Israyeli elizikhathalelayo lina ngokwenu kuphela! Abelusi akumelanga bakhathalele umhlambi wezimvu na? 3 Lidla izankefu, ligqoke uboya njalo lihlabe ezinonileyo, kodwa imihlambi yenu kaliyelusi. 4 Ezibuthakathaka kaliziqinisanga kumbe lelapha ezigulayo loba labopha ezilimeleyo. Kalinqandanga eziphambukileyo loba ladinga ezilahlekileyo. Lizibuse ngochuku langesihluku. 5 Ngakho zahlakazeka ngoba kwakungelamelusi, njalo kwathi lapho sezihlakazekile zaba yikudla kwazo zonke izinyamazana zeganga. 6 Izimvu zami zantula phezu kwezintaba zonke laphezu kwamaqaqa wonke. Zazihlakazekele emhlabeni wonke, njalo kakho owazidingayo loba owazicingayo.

7 Ngakho, lina belusi, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo elithi: 8 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, ngoba umhlambi wami uswela umelusi ngakho usuphangiwe njalo usube yikudla kwezinyamazana zonke zeganga, njalo ngenxa yokuthi abelusi bami kabawudinganga umhlambi kodwa bazikhathalela bona ngokwabo kulomhlambi wami, 9 ngakho-ke lina belusi, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo elithi: 10 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngimelana labelusi njalo ngizababeka umlandu wezimvu zami. Ngizabasusa ekweluseni umhlambi, abelusi bangabe besaba lokudla. Ngizawuhluthuna umhlambi wami emilonyeni yabo, njalo kawuyikuba yikudla kwabo futhi.

11 Ngoba nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Mina ngokwami ngizadinga izimvu zami ngizeluse. 12 Njengomelusi eluse umhlambi wakhe ohlakazekileyo elawo, ngizazelusa kanjalo izimvu zami. Ngizazihlenga ezindaweni zonke ezahlakazekela kuzo ngosuku lwamayezi lomnyama. 13 Ngizazikhupha ezizweni ngizibuthe emazweni, njalo ngizazisa elizweni lazo uqobo. Ngizazidlisa phezu kwezintaba zako-Israyeli, ezihotsheni kanye lasemizaneni yonke eselizweni. 14 Ngizazelusela emadlelweni amahle, njalo iziqongo zezintaba zako-Israyeli zizakuba ngumhlaba wedlelo lazo. Khonapho zizalala phansi emhlabeni olidlelo elihle, njalo khonapho zizakudla edlelweni elivundileyo phezu kwezintaba zako-Israyeli. 15 Mina ngokwami ngizazelusa izimvu zami njalo ngizazilalisa phansi, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 16 Ngizadinga ezilahlekileyo nginqande eziphambukileyo. Ngizabopha ezilimeleyo ngiqinise ezibuthakathaka. Ezinonileyo leziqinileyo ngizazibulala. Umhlambi ngizawelusa ngokulunga.

17 Okunjengawe, mhlambi wami, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizakwahlulela phakathi kwenye imvu lenye kanye laphakathi kwenqama lembuzi. 18 Kwanele yini kini ukudla emadlelweni amahle na? Kambe kumele lize linyathele amanye amadlelo enu ngezinyawo zenu na? Kakwanelanga kini na ukunatha amanzi ahlanzekileyo? Kambe kumele lingcolise aseleyo ngezinyawo zenu na? 19 Umhlambi kumele udle elikunyatheleyo njalo unathe lokho elikungcolise ngezinyawo zenu na?

20 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi kuzo: Khangelani, mina ngokwami ngizakwahlulela phakathi kwezimvu ezinonileyo lezimvu ezicakileyo. 21 Ngoba liyafuqa ngemihlubulo langamahlombe, ligqubule zonke imbuzi ezibuthakathaka ngempondo zenu lize lizixotshele khatshana. 22 Ngizahlenga umhlambi wami, njalo kawuyikuphangwa futhi. Ngizakwahlulela phakathi kwenye imvu lenye. 23 Phezu kwazo ngizabeka umelusi oyedwa, inceku yami uDavida, uzazelusa; uzazelusa abe ngumelusi wazo. 24 Mina Thixo ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wazo, njalo inceku yami uDavida izakuba yinkosana phakathi kwazo. Mina Thixo sengikhulumile.

25 Ngizakwenza isivumelwano sokuthula lazo njalo ngixotshe izilo zeganga elizweni ukuze ziyehlala enkangala kuthi izimvu zihlale emahlathini zigcinakale. 26 Ngizazibusisa kanye lezindawo ezihanqe intaba yami. Ngizakwehlisa imikhizo ngesikhathi sayo; kuzakuba lemikhizo yesibusiso. 27 Izihlahla zeganga zizathela izithelo zazo njalo lomhlabathi uzathela izilimo zawo; abantu bazahlaliseka elizweni labo. Bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo, lapho sengisephula imigoqo yejogwe labo njalo ngibahlenga ezandleni zalabo ababenza izigqili. 28 Kabayikuphangwa yizizwe futhi, lezinyamazana zeganga kaziyikubadla. Bazahlala ngokuvikeleka, njalo kakho ozabenza besabe. 29 Ngizabanika ilizwe elidumileyo ngezilimo zalo, njalo kabayikuhlutshwa yindlala futhi elizweni loba bathwale ihlazo lezizwe. 30 Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina, UThixo uNkulunkulu wabo, ngilabo kanye lokuthi bona, indlu ka-Israyeli, bangabantu bami, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 31 Lina zimvu zami, zimvu zedlelo lami, lingabantu bami, njalo mina nginguNkulunkulu wenu, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

35

Isiphrofethi Nge-Edomi

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho eNtabeni iSeyiri; uphrofithe okubi ngayo 3 uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngimelane lawe, Ntaba Seyiri, njalo ngizakwelula isandla sami ukumelana lawe ngikwenze ube lugwadule oluphundlekileyo. 4 Ngizakwenza amadolobho akho abe ngamanxiwa lawe uzachithwa. Lapho-ke uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

5 Ngoba wagcina inzondo yasendulo wanikela ama-Israyeli enkembeni ngesikhathi sosizi lwawo, lapho isijeziso sawo sasesifike ekucineni, 6 ngakho-ke ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, ngizakunikela ekuchithekeni kwegazi njalo kuzakulandela. 7 Ngizakwenza iNtaba iSeyiri ibe lugwadule oluphundlekileyo, njalo ngiqede kuyo bonke abafika bahambe. 8 Ngizagcwalisa izintaba zakho ngababuleweyo; labo ababulawe ngenkemba bazawela phezu kwamaqaqa akho lasezigodini zakho kanye lasezindongeni zakho zonke. 9 Ngizakwenza uchitheke okwanininini; amadolobho akho kawayikuhlalwa muntu. Lapho-ke uzakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

10 Ngoba wena uthe, “Izizwe lezi ezimbili lamazwe la amabili kuzakuba ngokwethu njalo sizakuthatha,” lanxa mina Thixo ngangikhonapho. 11 Ngakho-ke ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, ngizakuphatha ngokufanele ukuthukuthela lobukhwele owakubonakalisayo ekubazondeni kwakho njalo ngizakwenza mina ngazakale phakathi kwabo lapho sengikwahlulela. 12 Lapho-ke uzakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo sengizizwile zonke izinto ezenyanyekayo owazitshoyo ngezintaba zako-Israyeli. Wathi, “Sezichithiwe njalo sezinikelwe kithi ukuba sizitshwabadele.” 13 Wazikhukhumeza kubi ngami njalo wakhuluma kubi ngami kungekho kuzibamba, njalo ngakuzwa lokho. 14 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Kuzakuthi umhlaba wonke uthokoze, mina ngizakwenza uphundleke. 15 Ngoba wena wathokoza lapho ilifa lendlu ka-Israyeli lichitheka, leyo yiyo indlela engizakuphatha ngayo. Uzaphundleka, wena Ntaba yeSeyiri, wena kanye le-Edomi yonke. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

36

Ithemba Lezintaba Zako-Israyeli

1 “Ndodana yomuntu, phrofetha kuzo izintaba zako-Israyeli uthi: ‘Lina zintaba zako-Israyeli, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo. 2 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Isitha satsho ngani sathi, “Awu! Iziqongo zasendulo sezibe yilifa lethu.” ’ 3 Ngakho-ke phrofetha uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngoba baliphanga njalo balixotsha bevela ezinhlangothini zonke laze laba yilifa lezinye izizwe lento yokunyeywa lokuchothozwa ngabantu, 4 ngakho-ke, lina zintaba zako-Israyeli, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo Wobukhosi: Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi kuzo izintaba lamaqaqa, ezindongeni lasezigodini, emanxiweni aphundlekileyo lasemadolobheni atshiyiweyo aphangwayo njalo ahlekwa ngezinye izizwe ezikuhanqileyo, 5 nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngokutshiseka kwami okukhulu sengikhulume ngimelana lezinye izizwe njalo lange-Edomi lonke, ngoba ngokuthaba langenzondo ezinhliziyweni zabo benza ilizwe lami elabo ukuze baphange amadlelo alo.’ 6 Ngakho phrofetha ngelizwe lako-Israyeli uthi kuzo izintaba lamaqaqa, indonga lezigodi: Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngikhuluma ngolaka lwami olulobukhwele ngoba lithwale isithuko sesizwe. 7 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngifunga izandla ziphakanyiselwe phezulu ukuthi izizwe ezilihanqileyo lazo zizathwala isithuko.

8 Kodwa lina, lina zintaba zako-Israyeli, lizaveza ingatsha lezithelo zabantu bami u-Israyeli, ngoba sebezakuza ekhaya masinyane nje. 9 Ngiyalinqinekela njalo ngizalikhangela ngomusa; lizalinywa lihlanyelwe, 10 njalo ngizakwandisa inani labantu phezu kwenu, lakuyo yonke indlu ka-Israyeli. Amadolobho kuzahlalwa kuwo futhi lamanxiwa avuselelwe. 11 Ngizakwandisa inani labantu lelezinyamazana phezu kwenu: njalo kuzazalana kwande. Ngizahlalisa abantu phezu kwenu njengakudala njalo ngizalenza liphumelele kakhulu kulakudala. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo. 12 Ngizakwenza abantu, abantu bami bako-Israyeli bahambe phezu kwenu. Bazalenza libe ngababo, njalo lizakuba yilifa labo; kaliyikubemuka abantwana babo futhi.

13 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngoba abantu bathi kini, ‘Lidla abantu lemuke isizwe senu abantwana baso, 14 ngakho-ke kaliyikudla abantu futhi loba lenze isizwe senu singabi labantwana, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 15 Angiyikulenza lizwe izibhinqo zezizwe, njalo kalisayikuthwala izithuko zabantu loba ngenze ukuba isizwe senu siwe, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.’ ”

Ukuvuselelwa Kuka-Israyeli Kuyaqiniswa

16 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi njalo lisithi: 17 “Ndodana yomuntu, abantu bako-Israyeli besahlala elizweni labo, balingcolisa ngendlela abaziphatha ngayo langezenzo zabo. Ukuziphatha kwabo kwakufana lokungcola kowesifazane kwanyanga zonke emehlweni ami. 18 Ngakho ngehlisela ulaka lwami phezu kwabo ngoba babechithe igazi elizweni njalo ngoba babelingcolisile ngezithombe zabo. 19 Ngabachithela phakathi kwezizwe, njalo bahlakazekela emazweni; ngabahlulela ngokufanele ukuziphatha kwabo kanye lezenzo zabo. 20 Loba ngaphi abaya khona phakathi kwezizwe balingcolisa ibizo lami elingcwele, ngoba kwathiwa ngabo, ‘Laba ngabantu bakaThixo, kodwa basuswa elizweni.’ 21 Nganqinekela ibizo lami elingcwele, elangcoliswa yindlu ka-Israyeli phakathi kwezizwe abaya kuzo.

22 Ngakho tshono endlini ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Akusingenxa yakho, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, ukuthi ngizakwenza izinto lezi, kodwa ngenxa yebizo lami elingcwele, osulingcolisile phakathi kwezizwe lapho oye khona. 23 Ngizabonakalisa ubungcwele bebizo elikhulu, eselingcolisiwe phakathi kwezizwe, ibizo osulingcolisile phakathi kwazo. Lapho-ke izizwe zizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi, lapho sengizibonakalisa ngingcwele ngawe phambi kwamehlo azo.

24 Ngoba ngizakususa ezizweni; ngizakuqoqa emazweni wonke ngikubuyisele elizweni lakho. 25 Ngizakuchela ngamanzi ahlanzekileyo, uzahlambuluka; ngizakuhlambulula kukho konke ukungcola kwakho kanye lakuzo zonke izithombe zakho. 26 Ngizakunika inhliziyo entsha ngifake lomoya omutsha phakathi kwakho; ngizasusa kuwe inhliziyo yakho yelitshe ngikunike inhliziyo yenyama. 27 Njalo ngizafaka uMoya wami phakathi kwakho ngikwenze ulandele izimiso zami njalo unanzelele ukugcina imithetho yami. 28 Lizahlala elizweni engalinika okhokho benu; lizakuba ngabantu bami, mina ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wenu. 29 Ngizalikhulula kukho konke ukungcola kwenu. Ngizabiza amabele ngiwenze abe manengi njalo angiyikuletha indlala kini. 30 Ngizakwandisa izithelo zezihlahla kanye lamabele emasimini, ukuze lingabi lehlazo futhi phakathi kwezizwe ngenxa yendlala. 31 Lapho-ke lizakhumbula izindlela zenu ezimbi kanye lezono zenu ezingalunganga, njalo lizazizonda lina ngokwenu ngenxa yezono kanye lezenzo zenu ezenyanyekayo. 32 Ngifuna ukuba likwazi ukuthi lokhu angikwenzeli lina, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Yangeka ube lenhloni ngenxa yokuziphatha kwakho, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli!

33 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngosuku engizakuhlambulula ngalo ezonweni zakho zonke, ngizahlalisa abantu emadolobheni akho, njalo lamanxiwa azavuselelwa. 34 Ilizwe eliphundlekileyo lizalinywa kulokuthi lihlale liphundlekile emehlweni abo bonke abadabula phakathi kwalo. 35 Bazakuthi, “Ilizwe leli elaselenziwe laba lugwadule selibe njengesivande se-Edeni; amadolobho ayesengamanxiwa, ephundlekile njalo echithekile, khathesi asevikelwe ngezinqaba njalo sekuhlala abantu kuwo.” 36 Lapho-ke izizwe ezilihanqileyo eziseleyo zizakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo sengikwakhe kutsha okwakudiliziwe njalo sengikuhlanyele kutsha okwakuphundlekile. Mina Thixo sengikhulumile njalo ngizakwenza lokhu.’

37 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizasivuma njalo isicelo sendlu ka-Israyeli ngibenzele lokhu: Ngizakwenza abantu bakibo babebanengi njengezimvu, 38 babebanengi njengemihlambi yemihlatshelo eJerusalema ngesikhathi semikhosi yalo emisiweyo. Ngokunjalo amadolobho achithekayo azagcwala ngamaxuku abantu. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.”

37

Isigodi Samathambo Omileyo

1 Isandla sikaThixo sasiphezu kwami, njalo wangikhuphela phandle ngoMoya kaThixo wangibeka phakathi kwesigodi; sasigcwele amathambo. 2 Wangisa emuva laphambili phakathi kwawo, njalo ngabona amathambo amanengi kakhulu phansi esigodini, amathambo ome kakhulu. 3 Wangibuza wathi, “Ndodana yomuntu, kambe amathambo la angaphila na?”

Mina ngathi, “Awu Thixo Wobukhosi, wena kuphela nguwe owaziyo.”

4 Wasesithi kimi, “Phrofetha emathanjeni la uthi kuwo, ‘Mathambo omileyo, zwanini ilizwi likaThixo! 5 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi emathanjeni la: Ngizakwenza umoya ungene phakathi kwenu, njalo lizakuba lokuphila. 6 Ngizaxhuma imisipha kini ngenze inyama ihlume phezu kwenu njalo ngibeke ijwabu phezu kwenu; ngizafaka umoya phakathi kwenu, njalo lizakuba lokuphila. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

7 Ngakho ngaphrofitha njengokulaywa kwami. Kwathi ngisaphrofitha, kwaba lomsindo, umsindo okhehlezelayo, njalo amathambo aqoqana ndawonye, ithambo ethanjeni. 8 Ngakhangela, imisipha lenyama kwavela phezu kwawo kwathi ijwabu lawembesa, kodwa kwakungelamoya phakathi kwawo.

9 Wasesithi kimi, “Phrofetha emoyeni, phrofetha, ndodana yomuntu, uthi kuwo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Woza, wena moya, uvela ezindaweni zonke, uphefumulele kubo ababulawayo, ukuba baphile.’ ” 10 Ngakho ngaphrofitha njengokungilaya kwakhe, umoya wasungena kuwo; aba lokuphila njalo ema ngenyawo zawo, kulixuku elikhulukazi.

11 Wasesithi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, amathambo la ayiyo yonke indlu ka-Israyeli. Bona bathi, ‘Amathambo ethu omile njalo ithemba lethu selitshabalele; sesihunundiwe.’ 12 Ngakho phrofetha uthi kubo: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Awu bantu bami, ngizavula amangcwaba enu ngilivuse kuwo; ngizalibuyisela elizweni lako-Israyeli. 13 Lapho-ke, lina bantu bami, lizakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo, lapho sengivula amangcwaba enu ngilivusa kuwo. 14 Ngizafaka uMoya wami phakathi kwenu njalo lizaphila, futhi ngizalihlalisa elizweni lenu. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo sengikhulumile, njalo sengikwenzile lokho, kutsho uThixo.’ ”

Isizwe Sinye Ngaphansi KweNkosinye

15 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 16 “Ndodana yomuntu, thatha uluthi lwesigodo, ulobe kulo ukuthi, ‘NgolukaJuda labako-Israyeli amanyane laye.’ Emva kwalokho thatha olunye njalo uluthi lwesigodo, ulobe kulo ukuthi, ‘Uluthi luka-Efrayimi, olukaJosefa kanye lendlu yonke ka-Israyeli emanyene laye.’ 17 Zihlanganise ndawonye zibe yiluthi olulodwa ukuze zibe luthilunye esandleni sakho.

18 Lapho abantu bakini bekubuza besithi, ‘Kawuyikusitshela na ukuthi utshoni ngalokhu?’ 19 uthi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizathatha uluthi lukaJosefa olusesandleni sika-Efrayimi lolwezizwana zako-Israyeli ezimanyene laye, ngiluhlanganise loluthi lukaJuda, ngizenze zibe yiluthi lunye lwesigodo, njalo zizakuba ngolulodwa esandleni sami.’ 20 Izinti olobe kuzo ziphathe phambi kwamehlo abo 21 uthi kubo, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngizakhupha ama-Israyeli ezizweni aya kuzo. Ngizawaqoqa ezindaweni zonke ngiwabuyisele elizweni lawo. 22 Ngizawenza abe yisizwe sinye elizweni, phezu kwezintaba zako-Israyeli. Kuzakuba lenkosi eyodwa phezu kwabo bonke njalo akuyikuba lezizwe ezimbili futhi kumbe behlukaniswe ukuba yimibuso emibili. 23 Kabasayikuzingcolisa ngezithombe zabo langezifanekiso zabo ezenyanyekayo loba ngezinye zeziphambeko zabo, ngoba ngizabasindisa kukho konke ukuhlehlela kwabo emuva esonweni, njalo ngizabahlambulula. Bazakuba ngabantu bami, mina ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo.

24 Inceku yami uDavida uzakuba yinkosi yabo, njalo bonke bazakuba lomelusi munye. Bazalandela imithetho yami njalo bananzelele ukugcina izimiso zami. 25 Bazahlala elizweni engalinika inceku yami uJakhobe, ilizwe lapho oyihlo ababehlala khona. Bona labantwana babo kanye labantwana babantwana babo bazahlala khona kokuphela, njalo uDavida inceku yami uzakuba yinkosana yabo kokuphela. 26 Ngizakwenza isivumelwano sokuthula labo; sizakuba yisivumelwano esingayikuphela. 27 Indawo yami yokuhlala izakuba kubo; ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo, njalo bona bazakuba ngabantu bami. 28 Lapho-ke izizwe zizakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo ngenza u-Israyeli abengcwele, nxa indlu yami engcwele iphakathi kwabo nini lanini.’ ”

38

Isiphrofethi Ngokumelana LoGogi

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lisithi: 2 “Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho bumelane loGogi, owaselizweni laseMagogi, inkosana enkulu yaseMesheki kanye laseThubhali; phrofetha kubi ngaye 3 uthi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngimelana lawe, wena Gogi, nkosana enkulu yaseMesheki kanye laseThubhali. 4 Ngizakutshibilikisa, ngifake amawuka emihlathini yakho ngikukhuphe lebutho lakho lonke, amabhiza akho, abagadi bamabhiza bakho behlome bephelele, lexuku elikhulukazi lilamahawu amancane lamakhulu, bonke benyikinya izinkemba zabo. 5 IPhezhiya, leKhushi kanye lePhuthi bazakuba belabo, bonke belamahawu lezingowane, 6 njalo leGomeri lamabutho ayo wonke, kanye leBhethi Thogarima ivela khatshana enyakatho lamabutho ayo wonke, izizwe ezinengi ezilawe.

7 Lunga; zilungisele, wena kanye lamaxuku wonke abuthene emaceleni akho wonke, uwalawule. 8 Emva kwensuku ezinengi uzabizelwa empini. Eminyakeni ezayo uzahlasela ilizwe eselisindile empini, elilabantu balo ababuthwa ezizweni ezinengi basiwa ezintabeni zako-Israyeli ezaziphundlekile okwesikhathi eside. Babekhutshiwe ezizweni, khathesi bonke bahlezi ekuvikelekeni. 9 Wena lamabutho akho wonke kanye lezizwe ezinengi ezilawe lizakuya khonale, liqhubeka njengesiphepho; lizakuba njengeyezi lisibekele ilizwe.

10 Lokhu yikho okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngalolosuku kuzafika imicabango engqondweni yakho njalo uzaceba isu elibi. 11 Uzakuthi, “Ngizahlasela ilizwe elilemizi engelamithangala; ngizahlasela abantu abalokuthula abanganakaneli lutho, bonke abahlezi bengelamithangala njalo bengelamasango lemigoqo. 12 Ngizaphanga njalo ngithumbe ngiphinde ngiguqulele isandla sami ekumeleni amanxiwa asahlaliswa abantu lasebantwini abaqoqwa ezizweni, abalezifuyo ezinengi lempahla, abahlala enkabeni yelizwe.” 13 IShebha leDedani kanye labathengisi bonke baseThashishi lemizi yalo yonke bazakuthi kuwe, “Lande ukuzaphanga na? Uqoqe amaxuku akho ukuba uthumbe, uthathe isiliva legolide, uthathe izifuyo kanye lempahla njalo uthumbe impango enengi na?” ’

14 Ngakho, ndodana yomuntu, phrofetha uthi kuGogi: ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngalolosuku, lapho abantu bami u-Israyeli sebehlala ekuvikelweni, kawuyikukubona na? 15 Uzakuza uvela endaweni yakho khatshana le enyakatho, wena kanye lezizwe ezinengi ezilawe, zonke zigade amabhiza, ixuku elikhulukazi, ibutho elilamandla. 16 Uzaqhubeka umelana labantu bami u-Israyeli njengeyezi elisibekele ilizwe. Ensukwini ezizayo, wena Gogi, ngizakwenza umelane lelizwe lami, ukuze izizwe zingazi lapho sengizibonakalisa ngingcwele ngawe phambi kwazo.

17 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Kanti kawusuwe yini engakhuluma ngawe ensukwini zakudala ngezinceku zami abaphrofethi bako-Israyeli na? Ngalesosikhathi baphrofetha iminyaka eminengi ukuthi ngangizakwenza umelane labo. 18 Nanku okuzakwenzakala ngalolosuku: Lapho uGogi esehlasela ilizwe lako-Israyeli ulaka lwami oluvuthayo luzavuka, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 19 Ngokutshiseka kwami langolaka lwami oluvuthayo ngithi ngalesosikhathi kuzakuba lokuzamazama komhlaba okukhulu elizweni lako-Israyeli. 20 Inhlanzi zasolwandle, izinyoni zasemoyeni, izinyamazana zeganga, zonke izidalwa ezihamba phansi, labantu bonke abasemhlabeni kuzathuthumela ngokuba khona kwami. Izintaba zizagenqulwa, amawa azabhidlika njalo lemiduli yonke izawela phansi. 21 Ngizalaya inkemba imelane loGogi kuzozonke izintaba zami, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Inkemba yomuntu ngamunye izamelana lomfowabo. 22 Ngizamahlulela ngesifo langokuchithwa kwegazi; ngizathululela phansi izihlambi zezulu, isiqhotho lesolufa etshisayo phezu kwakhe laphezu kwamabutho akhe kanye laphezu kwezizwe ezinengi ezilaye. 23 Ngalokho ngizabonakalisa ubukhulu bami lobungcwele bami, njalo ngizakwenza ngazakale phambi kwezizwe ezinengi. Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.’ ”

39

Impi KaGogi Iyatshabalaliswa

1 “Ndodana yomuntu, phrofetha kubi ngoGogi uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngimelana lawe, wena Gogi, nkosana enkulu yaseMesheki kanye laseThubhali. 2 Ngizakutshibilikisa ngikuhudule. Ngizakuthatha khatshana enyakatho ngikuse ekumelaneni lezintaba zako-Israyeli. 3 Lapho-ke ngizatshaya idandili lakho esandleni senxele ngenze imitshoko yakho iwe esandleni sakho sokudla. 4 Phezu kwezintaba zako-Israyeli uzakuwa, wena lamabutho akho kanye lezizwe ezilawe. Ngizakunikela kuzozonke izinhlobo zezinyoni ezidla ingcuba kanye lasezinyamazaneni zeganga. 5 Uzafela egangeni, ngoba sengikhulumile, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 6 Ngizathumela umlilo eMagogi lakulabo abahlezi ngokuvikeleka emazweni angasolwandle, njalo bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo.

7 Ngizakwenza ibizo lami elingcwele lazakale phakathi kwabantu bami u-Israyeli. Kangisayikuyekela ibizo lami elingcwele lingcoliswa futhi, lezizwe zizakwazi ukuthi mina Thixo ngingoNgcwele ka-Israyeli. 8 Kuyeza! Kuzakwenzakala impela, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. Lolu yilo usuku engakhuluma ngalo.

9 Lapho-ke labo abahlala emadolobheni ako-Israyeli bazaphuma basebenzise izikhali njengenkuni bazibase zitshe amahawu amancane lamakhulu, amadandili lemitshoko, izagila zempi kanye lemikhonto. Bazazisebenzisa ekubaseni umlilo iminyaka eyisikhombisa. 10 Akuyikusweleka ukuba batheze inkuni egangeni loba bazigamule emahlathini, ngoba bazabasa izikhali. Njalo bazaphanga labo ababaphangayo bathathele lalabo ababathathelayo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

11 Ngalolosuku uGogi ngizamupha indawo yokungcwabela ko-Israyeli, esigodini salabo abahamba besiya empumalanga beqonde elwandle. Sizavimba indlela yezihambi, ngoba uGogi lamaxuku akhe wonke bazangcwatshwa khonapho. Ngakho sizabizwa ngokuthi yisiGodi sikaHamoni Gogi.

12 Indlu ka-Israyeli izabangcwaba izinyanga eziyisikhombisa ukuze kuhlanjululwe ilizwe. 13 Abantu bonke belizwe bazabangcwaba, njalo usuku engizadunyiswa ngalo luzakuba lusuku olukhunjulwayo kubo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 14 Abantu bazakuba beqhatshwa ngezikhathi ukuba bahlambulule ilizwe. Abanye bazahamba ilizwe lonke njalo, phezu kwabo, abanye bazangcwaba labo abasala phezu komhlabathi.

Ekupheleni kweminyaka eyisikhombisa bazaqalisa ukudinga kwabo. 15 Behamba phakathi kwelizwe omunye wabo angabona ithambo lomuntu, uzamisa isibonakaliso phansi kwalo abagebhi bamangcwaba baze balimbele esiGodini sikaHamoni Gogi. 16 Idolobho elithiwa yiHamona lalo lizakuba khonapho. Ilizwe bazalihlambulula kanjalo.’

17 Ndodana yomuntu, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Memezela kuzozonke inhlobo zezinyoni lakuzo zonke izinyamazana zeganga uthi: ‘Buthanani livela ezindaweni zonke lize ndawonye emhlatshelweni engililungisela wona, umhlatshelo omkhulu phezu kwezintaba zako-Israyeli. Lapho lizakudla inyama linathe igazi. 18 Lizakudla inyama yamadoda alamandla linathe legazi lezikhulu zasemhlabeni kube angathi bebezinqama lamawundlu, imbuzi lenkunzi, konke kuyizifuyo ezinonisiweyo ezivela eBhashani. 19 Emhlatshelweni engililungisela wona, lizakudla amahwahwa lize lisuthisise njalo linathe legazi lize lidakwe. 20 Etafuleni lami lizakudla lisuthe amabhiza labagadi, amadoda alamandla kanye lamabutho ezinhlobo zonke,’ ” kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

21 “Ngizabonakalisa inkazimulo yami phakathi kwezizwe, njalo izizwe zonke zizasibona isijeziso engisilethayo lesandla engisibeka phezu kwabo. 22 Kusukela ngalolosuku kusiya phambili indlu ka-Israyeli izakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo. 23 Lezizwe zizakwazi ukuthi abantu bako-Israyeli bathunjwa ngenxa yesono sabo, ngoba ngabanikela ezitheni zabo, njalo bonke babulawa ngenkemba. 24 Ngabaphatha ngokufanele ukungcola kwabo kanye leziphambeko zabo, njalo ngabafihlela ubuso bami.

25 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Khathesi sengizambuyisa uJakhobe evela ekuthunjweni njalo ngizatshisekela ibizo lami elingcwele. 26 Bazalikhohlwa ihlazo labo lakho konke ukungathembeki abakwenza kimi lapho babehlezi bevikelekile elizweni labo engekho owayengabenza besabe. 27 Lapho sengibabuyisile bevela ezizweni njalo sengibaqoqile bevela emazweni ezitha zabo, ngizazibonakalisa ngingcwele ngabo phambi kwezizwe ezinengi. 28 Lapho-ke bazakwazi ukuthi mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo, ngoba lanxa ngabasa ekuthunjweni phakathi kwezizwe, ngizabaqoqela elizweni labo, ngingatshiyi lamunye emuva. 29 Kangisayikubafihlela ubuso bami futhi, ngoba ngizathululela uMoya wami phezu kwendlu ka-Israyeli, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

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Indawo YeThempeli Elitsha

1 Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lanhlanu wokuthunjwa kwethu, ekuqaliseni komnyaka, ngosuku lwetshumi lwenyanga, ngomnyaka wetshumi lane emva kokuthunjwa kwedolobho, ngalolosuku isandla sikaThixo sasiphezu kwami njalo wangithatha wangisa khona. 2 Ngemibono kaNkulunkulu wangisa elizweni lako-Israyeli wangibeka phezu kwentaba ende kakhulu, eceleni langaseningizimu kwayo kulezindlu ezazingathi lidolobho. 3 Wangisa khonapho, ngasengibona umuntu owayengathi lithusi, wayemi esangweni esandleni ephethe intambo yelineni loluthi lokulinganisa. 4 Umuntu lowo wathi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, khangela ngamehlo akho njalo uzwe ngezindlebe zakho, uqaphelisise konke engizakutshengisa khona, ngoba leso yiso isizatho osilethelwe lapha. Tshela indlu yako-Israyeli konke okubona lapha.”

Isango Lasempumalanga Eliya Egumeni Laphandle

5 Ngabona umduli uzingeleze ithempeli ngokupheleleyo. Ubude boluthi lokulinganisa olwaluphethwe ngumuntu lowo babuzingalo eziyisithupha, eyodwa kuyingalo lobubanzi besandla. Walinganisa umduli; ubuqatha bawo babululuthi lokulinganisa olulodwa lobude bululuthi olulodwa.

6 Emva kwalokho waya esangweni elikhangele empumalanga. Wakhwela ngezinyathelo zalo walinganisa umbundu wesango; wawululuthi olulodwa ukutshona kwawo. 7 Izindlwana zabalindi zaziluluthi olulodwa ubude loluthi olulodwa ububanzi; imiduli eyayiphumele emikhandlweni yezindlwana yayizingalo ezinhlanu ubuqatha. Umbundu wesango eduze lentuba ekhangele ithempeli wawuyingalo eyodwa ukutshona kwawo.

8 Wabuya walinganisa intuba yesango; 9 yayizingalo ezificaminwembili ukutshona kwalo lezinsika zalo zazizingalo ezimbili. Intuba yesango yayikhangele ethempelini.

10 Ngaphakathi kwesango langasempumalanga kwakulezindlwana ezintathu icele ngalinye; zontathu izilinganiso zazo zazifanana, lobuso bemiduli eyayiphumele phambili izilinganiso zabo amacele wonke zazifanana. 11 Wabuya walinganisa ububanzi bentuba yokuya esangweni; babuzingalo ezilitshumi lobude bayo buzingalo ezilitshumi lantathu. 12 Phambi kwendlwana ngayinye kwakulomduli owawuyingalo eyodwa ukuphakama kwawo, njalo izindlwana zizingalo eziyisithupha icele ngalinye. 13 Walinganisa isango kusukela phezu komduli ongemuva kwenye indlwana kusiya phezu kwenye emaqondana layo; ibanga lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu kusukela emnyango womunye umduli omncane kusiya komaqondana lawo. 14 Walinganisa elandela ubuso bemiduli ephumele phandle konke langaphakathi kwesango kwaba zingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha. Ukulinganisa kwakufike esangweni elikhangele iguma. 15 Ibanga kusukela ekungeneni kwesango kusiya ekucineni kwesango lalo lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu. 16 Phezu kwezindlwana lemiduli ephumele phandle ngaphakathi kwesango kwakulezikhadlanyana indawo yonke emdulini omncane, lalinjalo lentuba; izikhadlanyana indawana yonke zazikhangele ngaphakathi. Ubuso bemiduli ephumele phandle babuceciswe ngezihlahla zelala.

Iguma Langaphandle

17 Emva kwalokho wangisa egumeni elingaphandle. Lapho ngabona izindlu lendawo yokuhamba egandelweyo izingeleze iguma lonke; kwakulezindlu ezingamatshumi amathathu ezazisekele indawo egandelweyo. 18 Yayeyame amacele amasango njalo ububanzi bayo babulingana lobude bawo; le yayiyindawo engaphansi yokuhamba egandelweyo. 19 Wabuye walinganisa ibanga elisukela ngaphakathi kwesango langaphansi lisiyafika egumeni langaphakathi; lalizingalo ezilikhulu eceleni lasempumalanga kanye lasenyakatho.

Isango Lasenyakatho

20 Wabuya walinganisa ubude lobubanzi besango elikhangele enyakatho, elokuya egumeni laphandle. 21 Izikhala zalo ezintathu icele ngalinye, imiduli yalo ephumele phandle lentuba yalo kwakulingana lokwesango lakuqala. Kwakuzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ubude lezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ububanzi. 22 Izikhadlanyana zalo, intuba yalo kanye lemiceciso yezihlahla zelala, ubude lobubanzi bakho, kwakulingana lokwesango elikhangele empumalanga. Kwakungamanyathelo ayisikhombisa ukuya kulo, lilentuba yalo maqondana lawo. 23 Kwakulesango egumeni langaphakathi likhangele isango lasenyakatho, njengelalikhona empumalanga. Walinganisa esuka kwelinye isango kusiya kwelimaqondana lalo; kwakuzingalo ezilikhulu.

Isango Laseningizimu

24 Wabuya wangisa eceleni langaseningizimu ngabona isango elalikhangele eningizimu. Walinganisa izinsika zalo lentuba yalo, ubude lobubanzi bakho babulingana lobokunye. 25 Isango lentuba yalo kwakulezikhala ezincane indawo yonke njengezikhala zokunye. Lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ubude lezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ububanzi. 26 Kwakungamanyathelo ayisikhombisa ukuya kulo, intuba yalo imaqondana lawo; lalilemiceciso yesihlahla selala ebusweni bemiduli eyayiphumele phambili icele ngalinye. 27 Iguma langaphakathi lalo lalilesango elikhangele eningizimu, njalo walinganisa esuka kuleli isango kusiya esangweni langaphandle eceleni laseningizimu; lalizingalo ezilikhulu.

Amasango Okungena Egumeni Langaphakathi

28 Wabuya wangingenisa egumeni langaphakathi ngesango laseningizimu, waselinganisa isango laseningizimu; ubude lobubanzi balo babulingana lobamanye. 29 Izindlwana zalo, imiduli yalo ephumele phambili kanye lentuba yalo, ubude lobubanzi bakho babulingana lobokunye. Isango lentuba yalo kwakulezikhala indawo yonke. Lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ubude lamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ububanzi. 30 (Amangenelo amasango ayezingeleze iguma langaphakathi ayezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lezingalo ezinhlanu ukutshona.) 31 Intuba yalo yayikhangele iguma langaphandle; izihlahla zelala zazicecise izinsika zalo, njalo lamanyathelo ayisificaminwembili ayesiya kulo.

32 Wabuya wangisa egumeni langaphakathi, eceleni lasempumalanga, waselinganisa isango; ubude lobubanzi balo babulingana lobamanye. 33 Izindlwana zalo, imiduli yalo ephumele phambili kanye lentuba yalo, ubude lobubanzi bakho babulingana lobokunye. Isango lentuba yalo kwakulezikhala indawo yonke. Lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ubude balo lezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ububanzi balo. 34 Intuba yalo yayikhangele iguma langaphandle; izihlahla zelala zazicecise izinsika zalo amacele womabili, njalo amanyathelo ayisificaminwembili ayesiya kulo.

35 Wabuya wangisa esangweni lasenyakatho walilinganisa. Ubude lobubanzi balo babulingana lobamanye, 36 zinjalo lezindlwana zalo, imiduli yalo ephumele phambili kanye lentuba yalo, njalo yayilezikhala indawo yonke. Lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ubude balo lezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ububanzi balo. 37 Intuba yalo yayikhangele iguma langaphandle; izihlahla zelala zazicecise izinsika zalo amacele womabili, njalo amanyathelo ayisificaminwembili ayesiya kulo.

Izindlu Zokulungisela Imihlatshelo

38 Indlu eyayilomnyango yayiseduze lentuba kulelo lalelo isango langaphakathi, lapho iminikelo yokutshiswa eyayigeziselwa khona. 39 Entubeni lesango kwakulamatafula amabili icele ngalinye, lapho okwakuhlatshelwa khona iminikelo yokutshiswa, iminikelo yesono kanye leminikelo yecala. 40 Phansi komduli wangaphandle owengenelo lesango, eduze kwamanyathelo ekungeneni kwesango lasenyakatho kwakulamatafula amabili. 41 Ngakho kwakulamatafula amane kwelinye icele lesango lamane njalo kwelinye, amatafula ayisificamunwemunye esewonke, phezu kwawo yikho okwakuhlatshelwa khona imihlatshelo. 42 Kwakulamatafula amane futhi awamatshe abaziweyo awomnikelo wokutshiswa, lilinye liyingalo eyodwa lengxenye ubude, ingalo eyodwa lengxenye ububanzi kanye lengalo eyodwa ukuphakama kwalo. Izinto zokuhlaba umnikelo wokutshiswa leminye imihlatshelo zazibekwa phezu kwawo. 43 Njalo kwakulezingwegwe ezigwegwa inxa zonke, enye lenye ingangobubanzi besandla ubude bayo, zixhunyelwe emdulini indawo yonke. Amatafula ayengawenyama yeminikelo.

Izindlu ZabaPhristi

44 Ngaphandle kwesango langaphakathi, phakathi kweguma langaphakathi, kwakulezindlu ezimbili, enye iseceleni lesango lenyakatho njalo ikhangele eningizimu, enye njalo iseceleni lesango langaseningizimu njalo ikhangele enyakatho. 45 Wathi kimi, “Indlu ekhangele eningizimu ngeyabaphristi abaphethe ithempeli, 46 njalo indlu ekhangele enyakatho ngeyabaphristi abaphethe i-alithari. Laba bangamadodana kaZadokhi abayibona baLevi kuphela abangasondela phansi kukaThixo ukuba bamkhonze.”

47 Emva kwalokho walinganisa iguma: Lalilingana inxa zonke, lalizingalo ezilikhulu ubude lezingalo ezilikhulu ububanzi. I-alithari laliphansi kwethempeli.

IThempeli

48 Wabuya wangisa entubeni lethempeli waselinganisa izinsika zengenelo; zazizingalo ezinhlanu ububanzi amacele womabili. Ububanzi bentuba babuzingalo ezilitshumi lane njalo imiduli yayo ephumele phandle ububanzi bayo babuzingalo ezintathu amacele womabili. 49 Intuba lalizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ububanzi, lezingalo ezilitshumi lambili kusukela phambili kusiya emuva. Kulo kwakufikwa ngezinyathelo, njalo kwakulezisekelo emaceleni wonke ezinsika.

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1 Emva kwalokho umuntu lowo wangisa endaweni engcwele phandle walinganisa izinsika; ububanzi bezinsika babuzingalo eziyisithupha icele ngalinye. 2 Intuba yayizingalo ezilitshumi ububanzi bayo. Imiduli ephumele phambili eceleni ngalinye layo yayizingalo ezinhlanu ububanzi bayo. Walinganisa lendawo engcwele yaphandle; yayizingalo ezingamatshumi amane ubude bayo lezingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ububanzi.

3 Wangena endaweni engcwele yangaphakathi walinganisa izinsika zentuba; nganye zazizingalo ezimbili ububanzi. Intuba yayizingalo eziyisithupha ububanzi, lemiduli ephumele phambili eceleni ngalinye yayizingalo eziyisikhombisa ububanzi. 4 Walinganisa lobude bendawo engcwele yangaphakathi; babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili; lobubanzi bayo babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ngale kwendawo engcwele yangaphandle. Wathi kimi, “Le yindawo eNgcwele kakhulu.”

5 Emva kwalokho walinganisa umduli wethempeli; wawuyizingalo eziyisithupha ubuqatha, njalo enye lenye yezindlu zasemaceleni ezazihanqe ithempeli yayizingalo ezine ububanzi. 6 Izindlu zasemaceleni zazelekene ngezigaba ezintathu, enye phezu kwenye, amatshumi amathathu mzila munye. Kwakulezisekelo emdulini wonke wethempeli ezazisekela izindlu zasemaceleni ukuze izinsika zingakhelwa phakathi komduli wethempeli. 7 Izindlu zasemaceleni ezazizingelezele ithempeli zazibanzi phezulu kusukela kwenye indlu kusiya kwenye engaphezu kwayo. Izakhiwo ezazizingelezele ithempeli zazakhiwe zingamabanga akhwelayo esiya phezulu, okwenza izindlu zibe banzi nxa umuntu esiya phezulu. Kwakulamakhwelelo ayesuka ezindlini ezingaphansi esiya kweziphezulu edlula ezindlini eziphakathi.

8 Ngabona ukuthi ithempeli lalilombundu olizingelezileyo owawuyisonasisekelo sezindlu zasemaceleni. Wawulingana loluthi, uzingalo eziyisithupha ubude. 9 Umduli wangaphandle wezindlu zasemaceleni wawuzingalo ezinhlanu ubuqatha bawo. Indawo eligceke phakathi kwezindlu zasemaceleni zethempeli 10 lezindlu zabaphristi yayizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili ububanzi bayo inxa zonke zethempeli. 11 Kwakulentuba zokuya ezindlini zasemaceleni zivelela endaweni eligceke, elinye enyakatho lelinye eningizimu; njalo isisekelo esasixhumane lendawo eligceke sasizingalo ezinhlanu inxa zonke.

12 Indlu eyayikhangele iguma lethempeli eceleni lasentshonalanga yayizingalo ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa ububanzi bayo. Umduli wendlu leyo wawuzingalo ezinhlanu ubuqatha bawo indawo zonke, ubude bawo buzingalo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye munye.

13 Waselinganisa ithempeli; lalizingalo ezilikhulu ubude balo, leguma lethempeli lendlu kanye lemiduli yalo lakho kwakuzingalo ezilikhulu ubude. 14 Ububanzi beguma lethempeli ngasempumalanga, kanye langaphambi kwethempeli, babuzingalo ezilikhulu.

15 Waselinganisa ubude bendlu eyayikhangele iguma ngemva kwethempeli, kanye lemiduli yayo icele ngalinye; babuzingalo ezilikhulu.

Indawo engcwele yangaphandle, lendawo engcwele yangaphakathi lentuba elikhangele iguma, 16 kanye leminyango lamawindi amancane kanye lemiduli ezingeleze ezintathu zakhona, konke okuphambili laphaya kubalwa leminyango kwakuvalwe ngamapulanka. Iphansi, imiduli kusiya phezulu emawindini, kanye lamawindi kwakuvaliwe. 17 Indawo eyayiphezu kwangaphandle kwesango lendawo engcwele yangaphakathi kanye lasemidulini izibanga ezilinganayo inxa zonke zendawo engcwele engaphakathi lengaphandle 18 kwakulamakherubhi abaziweyo kanye lezihlahla zelala. Izihlahla zelala zazigabana lamakherubhi. Ikherubhi ngalinye lalilobuso obubili: 19 ubuso bomuntu obukhangele esihlahleni selala kwelinye icele, lobuso besilwane obukhangele esihlahleni selala ngakwelinye icele. Kwakubaziwe inxa zonke zethempeli. 20 Kusukela phansi kusiya ngaphezu kwesango, amakherubhi lezihlahla zelala kwakubaziwe emdulini wendawo engcwele yangaphandle.

21 Indawo engcwele yangaphandle yayilemigubazi emide ukuyaphezulu imifitshane ukunquma kwayo njalo leyaphambili kweNdawo eNgcwele kakhulu yayinjalo. 22 Kwakule-alithare lezigodo lizingalo ezimbili ukuphakama kwalo njalo lizingalo ezimbili ubude lobubanzi; izingosi zalo, lesidindi salo kanye lamacele alo kwakwenziwe ngezigodo. Umuntu lowo wathi kimi, “Leli litafula eliphambi kukaThixo.” 23 Kokubili indawo engcwele yangaphandle leNdawo eNgcwele kakhulu kwakulezivalo ezimbili. 24 Isivalo ngasinye sasilempiko ezimbili, impiko ezimbili ezivulekayo zisesivalweni sinye ngasinye. 25 Njalo ezivalweni zendawo engcwele yangaphandle kwakulamakherubhi abaziweyo kanye lezihlahla zelala njengokwakubazelwe emidulini, njalo kwakulophahla lwezigodo ngaphambi kwesango. 26 Emidulini yemaceleni yengenelo kwakulamawindi amancane alezihlahla zelala ezibazelwe kucele ngalinye. Izindlu zemaceleni zethempeli lazo zazilophahla.

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Izindlu ZabaPhristi

1 Umuntu lowo wangikhokhelela enyakatho egumeni langaphandle wangisa ezindlini eziqondane leguma lethempeli maqondana lomduli waphandle eceleni lasenyakatho. 2 Indlu elomnyango owawukhangele enyakatho yayizingalo ezilikhulu ubude lezingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ububanzi. 3 Kokubili ehlangothini izingalo ezingamatshumi amabili kusukela egumeni langaphakathi lasehlangothini oluqondane lendawo egandelweyo yeguma langaphandle, umduli wawukhangele umduli ezigabeni ezintathu. 4 Phambi kwezindlu kwakulendawo yokuhamba izingalo ezilitshumi ububanzi lezingalo ezilikhulu ubude. Iminyango yazo yayingenyakatho. 5 Izindlu zangaphezulu zazincane ngoba imikhandlu yayithethe indawo enengi kuzo kulezindlini ezingaphansi leziphakathi zesakhiwo. 6 Izindlu zaphezulu zazingelansika, njengamaguma ayelazo, ngakho iphansi lazo lalilincane kulalezo ezazisesitezi esingaphansi lesiphakathi. 7 Kwakulomduli wangaphandle owawusekelene lezindlu kanye leguma langaphandle; wawuquma ngaphambi kwezindlu okwezingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu. 8 Lanxa udwendwe lwezindlu eceleni elaliseduze leguma langaphandle lwaluzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu ubude, udwendwe olwaluseceleni eliseduze lendlu engcwele lwaluzingalo ezilikhulu ubude. 9 Izindlu zangaphansi zazilentuba ngasempumalanga lapho umuntu angena lakhona evela egumeni langaphandle.

10 Eceleni langaseningizimu kulandela ubude bomduli weguma langaphandle, kuxhume iguma lethempeli maqondana lomduli wangaphandle, kwakulezindlu 11 ezilendawo yokuhamba phambi kwazo. Lezi zazinjengezindlu ezingenyakatho; ubude lobubanzi bazo babulingana, zileminyango yokuphuma efananayo kanye lobukhulu. Njengeminyango yangenyakatho, 12 iminyango yezindlu zangaseningizimu layo yayinjalo. Kwakulomnyango ekuqaliseni kwendawo yokuhamba eyayisekelane lomduli owawuhambelana layo usiya empumalanga, okuyiwo umuntu owayengena ngawo ezindlini.

13 Wasesithi kimi, “Izindlu ezingenyakatho leziseningizimu ezikhangele iguma lethempeli yizindlu zabaphristi lapho abaphristi abasondela kuThixo abazadlela khona iminikelo engcwele kakhulu. Bazayibeka khonapho iminikelo engcwele kakhulu, iminikelo yamabele, iminikelo yesono kanye leminikelo yecala ngoba indawo ingcwele. 14 Abaphristi bangavele bangene endaweni engcwele, akumelanga baye egumeni langaphandle baze batshiye ngemuva izembatho abakhonza bezigqokile, ngoba lezi zingcwele. Kumele bagqoke ezinye izigqoko bengakayi eduze lezindawo ezingezabantu.”

15 Wathi eseqede ukulinganisa okwakuphakathi kwendawo yethempeli, wangisa phandle ngesango lasempumalanga walinganisa indawo yonke. 16 Walinganisa icele lasempumalanga ngoluthi lokulinganisa; lalizingalo ezingamakhulu amahlanu. 17 Walinganisa icele lasenyakatho; lalizingalo ezingamakhulu amahlanu ngoluthi lokulinganisa. 18 Walinganisa icele laseningizimu; lalizingalo ezingamakhulu amahlanu ngoluthi lokulinganisa. 19 Waphendukela eceleni langasentshonalanga walinganisa; lalizingalo ezingamakhulu amahlanu ngoluthi lokulinganisa. 20 Ngakho walinganisa indawo yamacele wonke amane. Yayilomduli owawuyizingelezele, izingalo ezingamakhulu amahlanu ubude lezingalo ezingamakhulu amahlanu ububanzi, ukwehlukanisa okungcwele kokwabantu bonke.

43

Inkazimulo KaThixo Ibuyela EThempelini

1 Emva kwalokho umuntu lowo wangisa esangweni elikhangele empumalanga, 2 ngabona inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli isiza ivela empumalanga. Ilizwi lakhe lalinjengokuhamba kwamanzi ageleza ngesiqubu esikhulu, lelizwe laselikhazimula ngenkazimulo yakhe. 3 Umbono engawubonayo wawunjengombono engangiwubone lapho wayezediliza idolobho njalo wawunjengombono engangiwubone ngasemfuleni iKhebhari, ngathi mbo phansi ngobuso. 4 Inkazimulo kaThixo yangena ethempelini ngesango elikhangele empumalanga. 5 UMoya wangiphakamisa wangisa egumeni langaphakathi, njalo inkazimulo kaThixo yagcwala ethempelini.

6 Kwathi umuntu lowo emi phansi kwami, ngezwa omunye engikhulumisa engaphakathi kwethempeli. 7 Wathi, “Ndodana yomuntu, le yindawo yesihlalo sami sobukhosi lendawo yokunyathela ngezinyawo zami. Lapha yikho engizahlala khona phakathi kwama-Israyeli kuze kube laphakade. Indlu ka-Israyeli kayisayikulingcolisa futhi ibizo lami, bona loba amakhosi abo, ngobuwule babo langezithombe ezingaphiliyo zamakhosi abo ezindaweni zawo eziphakemeyo. 8 Lapho babeka iminyango yabo phansi komnyango wami lemigubazi yabo eceleni kwemigubazi yami, kulomduli nje kuphela phakathi kwami labo, bangcolisa ibizo lami ngezenzo zabo ezinengekayo. Ngakho ngabaqeda ekuthukutheleni kwami. 9 Khathesi-ke kabasusele kude lami ubuwule babo kanye lezithombe zamakhosi abo ezingaphiliyo, njalo ngizahlala phakathi kwabo kuze kube laphakade.

10 Ndodana yomuntu, chazela abantu bako-Israyeli ngethempeli ukuze bayangeke ngezono zabo. Wothi bacabange ngokumele kwenziwe ngobunono, 11 njalo nxa belenhloni ngakho konke abakwenzayo, bazise ngesimo sethempeli, ukumiswa kwalo, izindawo zalo zokuphuma lezokungena, isimo salo sonke lezimiso zalo zonke kanye lemithetho yakhona. Bhala lokhu phansi phambi kwabo ukuze bathembeke kuso isifanekiso salo njalo balandele zonke izimiso zalo.

12 Nanku umthetho wethempeli: Wonke umango oseduze phezu kwentaba uzakuba ngcwele kakhulu. Lowo yiwo umthetho wethempeli.”

Ukuvuselelwa Kwe-alithari Elikhulu

13 “Lezi yizilinganiso ze-alithare ngezingalo, ingalo kuyingalo lobubanzi besandla: Isidindi salo sasiyingalo eyodwa ukuphakama kwaso lengalo eyodwa ububanzi, silomqolo ongangobubanzi besandla emphethweni waso. Njalo nampu ubude be-alithare ukuphakama kwalo: 14 Kusukela esidindini phansi kusiya elitsheni elingaphansi lizingalo ezimbili ukuphakama lezingalo ezimbili ububanzi, njalo kusukela elitsheni elincane kusiya elitsheni elikhulu lizingalo ezine ukuphakama lengalo eyodwa ububanzi. 15 Iziko le-alithari lizingalo ezine ukuphakama njalo impondo ezine zikhokhekele phezulu zisuka eziko. 16 Iziko le-alithari liyalingana amacele wonke, izingalo ezilitshumi lambili ubude lezingalo ezilitshumi lambili ububanzi. 17 Uhlangothi lwangaphezulu lalo luyalingana macele wonke, izingalo ezilitshumi lane ubude lobubanzi lulomphetho oyingxenye yengalo lesidindi esiyingalo eyodwa inxa zonke. Izinyathelo ze-alithare zikhangele empumalanga.”

18 Wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Le izakuba yimithetho yokunikela iminikelo yokutshiswa lokuchela igazi phezu kwe-alithari lapho selakhiwe: 19 Kumele unikele inkunzi eseseliguqa njengomnikelo wesono kubaphristi, abangabaLevi, abendlu kaZadokhi abasondela eduze ukuba bakhonze phambi kwami, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 20 Kumele uthathe elinye igazi ulifake empondweni ezine ze-alithare lasemagumbini amane elitshe langaphezulu lasemphethweni inxa zonke, ngokunjalo uhlambulule i-alithari njalo ulenzele inhlawulelo. 21 Kumele uthathe inkunzi yomnikelo wesono uyitshisele endaweni ekhethiweyo yethempeli ngaphandle kwendawo engcwele.

22 Ngosuku lwesibili kumele unikele imbuzi enduna engelasici ukuba ngumnikelo wesono, njalo le-alithari kumele lihlanjululwe njengokuhlanjululwa elakwenziwa ngenkunzi. 23 Lapho usuqedile ukulihlambulula, kumele unikele inkunzi eseseliguqa kanye lenqama evela emhlambini, kokubili kungelasici. 24 Kumele ukunikele phambi kukaThixo, njalo abaphristi kumele bavuvuzele itswayi phezu kwakho bakunikele njengomnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo.

25 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa kuzamele unikele imbuzi enduna nsuku zonke ukuba ngumnikelo wesono; njalo kumele unikele inkunzi eseseliguqa kanye lenqama evela emhlambini, kokubili kungelasici. 26 Okwensuku eziyisikhombisa bazakwenzela i-alithari inhlawulelo, balihlambulule, kanjalo balenze libengcwele. 27 Ekupheleni kwalezizinsuku, kusukela ngosuku lwesificaminwembili kusiya phambili, abaphristi kumele bethule iminikelo yakho yokutshiswa kanye leminikelo yobuzalwane e-alithareni. Lapho-ke ngizalamukela, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.”

44

Inkosana, AbaLevi, AbaPhristi

1 Emva kwalokho umuntu lowo wangibuyisela esangweni langaphandle lendlu engcwele, leli elikhangele empumalanga, njalo lalivaliwe. 2  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Isango leli kumele lihlale livaliwe. Akumelanga livulwe; akulamuntu ongangena ngalo. Kumele lihlale livaliwe ngoba uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, ungene ngalo. 3 Inkosana yona ngokwayo yiyo kuphela engahlala phakathi kwesango ukuba idle phambi kukaThixo. Kuzamele ingene ngendlela yengenelo lesango njalo iphume ngayonaleyo indlela.”

4 Indoda leyo yangisa phambi kwethempeli ngendlela yesango lasenyakatho. Ngakhangela ngabona inkazimulo kaThixo igcwele ethempelini likaThixo, ngathi mbo phansi ngobuso.

5  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, khangela ngokunanzelela, ulalelisise njalo uqaphele konke engikutshela khona mayelana lemithetho yonke eqondane lethempeli likaThixo. Qaphela intuba lethempeli layo yonke iminyango yokuphuma yendlu engcwele. 6 Tshono kuyo indlu ehlamukayo ka-Israyeli uthi, ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, kaziphele izenzo zakho ezinengayo! 7 Phezu kwazo zonke ezinye izenzo zakho ezinengayo ungenise abezizweni abangasokanga enhliziyweni lasenyameni endlini yami engcwele, ungcolisa ithempeli lami lapho unginika ukudla, amafutha legazi, njalo wephula isivumelwano sami. 8 Ekubeni wenze okumele ukwenze mayelana lezinto zami ezingcwele, wena wabeka abanye ukuba baphathe indlu yami engcwele. 9 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Akulamuntu wezizweni ongasokanga enhliziyweni lasenyameni ozangena endlini yami engcwele ngitsho labezizweni abahlala phakathi kwama-Israyeli.

10 AbaLevi abaya khatshana lami lapho u-Israyeli wayeduhile njalo sebehlanhlathekele ezithombeni zabo besuka kimi, kumele bathwale umvuzo wesono sabo. 11 Bangakhonza endlini yami engcwele, bephethe amasango ethempeli njalo bekhonza phakathi kwalo; bangahlabela abantu iminikelo leminikelo yokutshiswa njalo bame phambi kwabantu babasebenzele. 12 Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi babasebenzela phambi kwezithombe zabo benza indlu ka-Israyeli yawela esonweni, ngakho sengifunge ngesandla siphakanyisiwe ukuthi kumele bathwale umvuzo wesono sabo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 13 Akumelanga basondele eduze ukuba bangikhonze njengabaphristi loba basondele eduze kwaloba yiphi yezinto zami ezingcwele loba iminikelo yami engcwele kakhulu; kumele bathwale ihlazo lezenzo zabo ezinengayo. 14 Ikanti ngizabenza baphathe imisebenzi yasethempelini kanye lemisebenzi yonke okumele yenziwe phakathi kwalo.

15 Kodwa abaphristi, abangabaLevi njalo beyinzalo kaZadokhi abasebenza ngokuthembeka imisebenzi yasendlini yami engcwele lapho ama-Israyeli ayengihlamukele, kumele basondele eduze ukuba bakhonze phambi kwami; kumele bame phambi kwami ukuba banikele umhlatshelo wamafutha legazi, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 16 Bona kuphela kumele bangene endlini yami engcwele; bona kuphela kumele basondele phansi kwetafula lami ukuba bakhonze phambi kwami benze umsebenzi wami.

17 Lapho bengena emasangweni eguma langaphakathi kumele bagqoke izigqoko zelineni; akumelanga bagqoke isigqoko sewulu lapho bekhonza emasangweni eguma kumbe phakathi kwethempeli. 18 Kumele bagqoke amaqhiye elineni emakhanda abo lezigqoko zangaphansi zelineni ezinkalweni zabo. Akumelanga bagqoke into ezabaginqisa. 19 Lapho besiya phandle egumeni langaphandle lapho okulabantu khona, kumele bakhuphe izigqoko ababekhonza bezigqokile njalo kumele bazitshiye ezindlini ezingcwele, bagqoke ezinye izigqoko, ukuze bangangcwelisi abantu ngezembatho zabo.

20 Akumelanga baphuce amakhanda abo kumbe bayekele inwele zabo zikhula zisiba zinde; kodwa kumele bagcine inwele zabo zigundiwe. 21 Akulamphristi ozanatha iwayini lapho engena iguma langaphakathi. 22 Akumelanga bathathe abafelokazi loba abesifazane abehlukana labomkabo; kumele bathathe izintombi ezimsulwa kuphela ezenzalo yako-Israyeli loba abafelokazi babaphristi. 23 Kumele bafundise abantu bami umahluko phakathi kokungcwele lokwabantu bonke babatshengise indlela yokwehlukanisa phakathi kokungcolileyo lokuhlanzekileyo.

24 Lapho kulombango abaphristi bazasebenza njengabahluleli baqume mayelana lezimiso zami. Kumele bagcine imithetho yami lezimemezelo zami kuyo yonke imikhosi yami emisiweyo, njalo kumele bagcine amaSabatha ami engcwele.

25 Umphristi akumelanga azingcolise ngokuya phansi komuntu ofileyo; kodwa-ke nxa umuntu ofileyo ubenguyise loba unina, indodana yakhe kumbe indodakazi, umfowabo kumbe udadewabo ongendanga, lapho angazingcolisa. 26 Emva kokuba esehlanjululiwe, uzakuma insuku eziyisikhombisa. 27 Ngosuku azakuya ngalo egumeni langaphakathi lendlu engcwele ukuba enze inkonzo endlini engcwele, kumele azinikelele umnikelo wesono, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

28 Mina ngizakuba yilona lifa kuphela abaphristi abalalo. Akukho lifa ozabapha lona ko-Israyeli; mina ngizakuba yilifa labo. 29 Bazakudla iminikelo yamabele, iminikelo yesono leminikelo yecala; kanye lakho konke okuko-Israyeli okwahlukaniselwe uThixo kuzakuba ngokwabo. 30 Okuhle kakhulu kwazo zonke izithelo zakho zakuqala lokwezipho zenu ezikhethiweyo kuzakuba ngokwabaphristi. Kumele libaphe ingxenye yakuqala yempuphu yenu echoliweyo ukuze isibusiso sihlale endlini yenu. 31 Abaphristi akumelanga badle loba yini, inyoni kumbe inyamazana, etholakale ifile kumbe idlithizwe yizinyamazana zeganga.’ ”

45

Ukwabiwa Kwelizwe

1 “ ‘Lapho usaba ilizwe njengelifa kuzamela wethule kuThixo ingxenye yelizwe njengesifunda esingcwele, izingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili (20,000) ububanzi; umango wonke uzakuba ngcwele. 2 Kulokhu indawo ezingalo ezingamakhulu amahlanu (500) ubude lobubanzi izakuba ngeyendlu engcwele; kulezingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu eziyizingelezileyo yelizwe elingelalutho. 3 Esifundeni esingcwele linganisa ingxenye ezingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ububanzi. Phakathi kwayo kuzakuba lendlu engcwele, iNdawo eNgcwele kakhulu. 4 Izakuba yingxenye engcwele yelizwe ingeyabaphristi, abakhonzayo endlini engcwele njalo abasondela eduze ukuba bakhonze phambi kukaThixo. Izakuba yindawo yezindlu zabo kanye lendawo engcwele yendlu engcwele. 5 Umango ozingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ububanzi izakuba ngeyabaLevi, abakhonza ethempelini, njengesabelo sabo samadolobho okuhlala kuwo.

6 Kumele unike idolobho njengelifa lalo umango ozingalo eziyinkulungwane ezinhlanu (5,000) ububanzi lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezinhlanu (5,000) ubude, obambane lengxenye engcwele; uzakuba ngowayo yonke indlu ka-Israyeli.

7 Inkosana izathatha ilizwe eliphetha eceleni ngalinye lendawo eyisifunda esingcwele lelifa ledolobho. Lizaqhela lisiya entshonalanga lisuka eceleni langentshonalanga njalo liye empumalanga lisuka eceleni langasempumalanga, lilandele ubude kusukela emngceleni wentshonalanga kusiya kowempumalanga osekelane lowesabelo sabantu. 8 Ilizwe leli lizakuba yisabelo sayo ko-Israyeli. Njalo inkosana yami kayisayikuncindezela abantu bami kodwa izavumela indlu ka-Israyeli ukuba bathathe ilizwe mayelana lezizwana zabo.

9 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Eselikwenzile kwanele, lina makhosana ako-Israyeli! Yekelani udlakela lwenu lokuncindezela lenze okufaneleyo lokulungileyo. Khawulani ukuxotsha abantu bami ezindaweni zabo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 10 Kumele lisebenzise izikali eziqotho, ihefa eliqotho kanye lebhathi eliqotho. 11 Ihefa lebhathi kumele kulingane, ibhathi lilengxenye yetshumi yehomeri njalo lehefa ingxenye yehomeri; ihomeri lizakuba yisilinganiso esamukelekayo kukho kokubili. 12 Ishekeli lizakuba ngamagera angamatshumi amabili. Amashekeli angamatshumi amabili, lamashekeli angamatshumi amabili lanhlanu kanye lamashekeli alitshumi lanhlanu kuba limina elilodwa.

13 Lesi yisipho esiqakathekileyo okumele usinikele: Ingxenye yesithupha yehefa kuhomeri ngalinye lamabele lengxenye yesithupha yehefa kuhomeri ngalinye lebhali. 14 Ingxenye emisiweyo yamafutha, elinganiswa ngebhathi, iyingxenye yetshumi yebhathi kukhori ngalinye (elingamabhathi alitshumi loba ihomeri elilodwa, ngoba amabhathi alitshumi alingana lehomeri.) 15 Njalo imvu eyodwa kumele ithathwe emhlambini ngamunye wezingamakhulu amabili emadlelweni ako-Israyeli alamanzi amanengi. Lezi zizasetshenziswa eminikelweni yamabele, eminikelweni yokutshiswa kanye laseminikelweni yobuzalwane ukwenzela abantu inhlawulelo, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi. 16 Bonke abantu belizwe bazahlanganyela kulesisipho esiqakathekileyo ukuba sisetshenziswe yinkosana yako-Israyeli. 17 Kuzakuba ngumsebenzi wenkosana ukunika iminikelo yokutshiswa, iminikelo yamabele kanye leminikelo yokunathwayo emikhosini, ekuThwaseni kweziNyanga langamaSabatha, kuyo yonke imikhosi yako-Israyeli. Izanikela iminikelo yesono, iminikelo yamabele leminikelo yobuzalwane ukwenzela indlu ka-Israyeli inhlawulelo.

18 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Ngenyanga yakuqala ngosuku lwakuqala kumele uthathe inkunzi eliguqa engelasici uhlambulule indlu engcwele. 19 Umphristi kumele athathe elinye legazi lomnikelo wesono alifake emigubazini yethempeli, ezingosini ezine zelitshe langaphezulu le-alithari lasezinsikeni zesango leguma langaphakathi. 20 Kuzamele wenze khonokho ngosuku lwesikhombisa lwenyanga ukwenzela loba ngubani owenza isono kungasikho ngabomu loba ngenxa yokungazi; ngokunjalo uzakwenzela ithempeli inhlawulelo.

21 Ngenyanga yakuqala ngosuku lwetshumi lane kumele kube lomkhosi wePhasika, umkhosi ozathatha insuku eziyisikhombisa, ngalesosikhathi kumele udle isinkwa esingelamvubelo. 22 Ngalolosuku inkosana izanikela inkunzi njengomnikelo wesono izinikelela yona ngokwayo kanye labantu bonke belizwe. 23 Nsuku zonke phakathi kwensuku eziyisikhombisa zomkhosi kumele inikele inkunzi eziyisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa ezingelasici njengomnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo, lempongo yomnikelo wesono. 24 Kuzamela inikele njengomnikelo wamabele ihefa elilodwa lenkunzi ngayinye lehefa elilodwa lenqama ngayinye ndawonye lehini lamafutha elilodwa kuhefa ngalinye.

25 Phakathi kwensuku eziyisikhombisa zomkhosi oqalisa ngenyanga yesikhombisa ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu, kumele inikele okufanayo okomnikelo wesono, umnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo wamabele kanye lamafutha.’ ”

46

Eminye Imithetho Ehlukehlukeneyo

1 “ ‘Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Isango leguma langaphakathi elikhangele empumalanga kumele livalwe ngezinsuku eziyisithupha zokusebenza, kodwa ngosuku lweSabatha langosuku lokuThwasa kweNyanga kumele livulwe. 2 Inkosana izangena ngentuba lesango ivela phandle ibe isisima phansi kwensika yesango. Abaphristi kuzamele banikele umnikelo wayo wokutshiswa kanye leminikelo yayo yobuzalwane. Izakhonza ekungeneni kwesango ibe isiphuma, kodwa isango kaliyikuvalwa kuze kube kusihlwa. 3 NgamaSabatha lasekuThwaseni kweziNyanga abantu belizwe kumele bakhonze phambi kukaThixo ekungeneni kwalelosango. 4 Umnikelo wokutshiswa olethwa yinkosana kuThixo ngosuku lweSabatha uzakuba ngamazinyane amaduna ayisithupha kanye lenqama, konke kungelasici. 5 Umnikelo wamabele onikelwa lenqama uzakuba lihefa, njalo umnikelo wamabele onikelwa lamazinyane uzakuya ngokuthanda kwayo, kanye lehini lamafutha kuhefa ngalinye. 6 Ngosuku lokuThwasa kweNyanga kumele inikele inkunzi eliguqa, amazinyane ayisithupha kanye lenqama, konke kungelasici. 7 Kuzamele inike njengomnikelo wamabele ihefa elilodwa kanye lenkunzi, ihefa elilodwa kanye lenqama, kuthi lamazinyane kube yilokho ethande ukukunika, kanye lehini lamafutha kuhefa ngalinye. 8 Lapho inkosana ingena kuzamele ingene ngentuba lesango, njalo kumele iphume ngaleyondlela.

9 Lapho abantu belizwe besiza phambi kukaThixo emikhosini emisiweyo, loba ngubani ongena ngesango lenyakatho ukuzakhonza uzaphuma ngesango leningizimu; njalo loba ngubani ongena ngesango leningizimu uzaphuma ngesango lenyakatho. Kakho ozabuyela ngesango angene ngalo, kodwa lowo lalowo uzaphuma ngesango aqondane lalo. 10 Inkosana kumele ibe phakathi kwabo, ingene lapho bengena njalo iphume lapho bephuma. 11 Emadilini lasemikhosini emisiweyo, umnikelo wamabele kumele ube lihefa kanye lenkunzi, ihefa kanye lenqama, njalo lamazinyane kuzakuya ngokuthanda komuntu, kanye lehini lamafutha kuhefa ngalinye.

12 Lapho inkosana inika umnikelo ngokuzithandela kuThixo loba kungumnikelo wokutshiswa kumbe iminikelo yobuzalwane, kumele ivulelwe isango elikhangele empumalanga. Izanikela umnikelo wayo wokutshiswa kumbe umnikelo wayo wobuzalwane njengekwenzayo ngosuku lweSabatha. Emva kwalokho izaphuma, njalo emva kokuba isiphumile, isango lizavalwa.

13 Insuku zonke kuzamele unike izinyane elilomnyaka owodwa elingelasici ukuba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kuThixo; uzalinika nsuku zonke ekuseni. 14 Kuzamele unike kanye lalo nsuku zonke ekuseni umnikelo wamabele kuhlanganiswe ingxenye yesithupha yehefa lengxenye yesithathu yehini lamafutha ukuba athambise impuphu. Ukwethulwa kwalo umnikelo wamabele kuThixo kuyisimiso esingapheliyo. 15 Ngakho izinyane lomnikelo wamabele kanye lamafutha kuzanikwa nsuku zonke ekuseni kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa wansuku zonke.

16 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: Nxa inkosana inika enye yamadodana ayo isipho elifeni layo, sizakuba ngesezizukulwane zayo futhi; sizakuba yimpahla yazo ngokudla ilifa. 17 Kodwa-ke nxa inika esinye sezisebenzi zayo isipho elifeni layo, isisebenzi singasigcina kuze kube ngumnyaka wokukhululwa; lapho isipho sesibuyela kuyo inkosana. Ilifa layo lingathathwa ngamadodana ayo kuphela; ngelawo. 18 Inkosana akumelanga ithathe ilifa labantu, ibaxotsha empahleni yabo. Kumele inike amadodana ayo ilifa empahleni yayo, ukuze kungabikhona ebantwini bami owehlukaniswa lempahla yakhe.’ ”

19 Emva kwalokho umuntu lowo wangikhupha ngentuba eseceleni kwesango ukuya ezindlini ezingcwele ezikhangele enyakatho ezazingezabaphristi, wangitshengisa indawo ekucineni ngasentshonalanga. 20 Wathi kimi, “Le yindawo lapho abaphristi abazaphekela khona umnikelo wecala lomnikelo wesono bachochombise lomnikelo wamabele, ukuba kuxwaywe ukuya layo egumeni langaphandle kungcweliswe abantu.”

21 Wabuya wangisa egumeni langaphandle wangibhodisa ezingosini ezine, njalo engosini ngayinye ngabona elinye iguma. 22 Ezingosini ezine zeguma langaphandle kwakulamaguma ayebiyelwe, ezingalo ezingamatshumi amane ubude lezingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu ububanzi; wonke amaguma ezingosini ezine ayelingana. 23 Ngaphakathi kwalelo lalelo lamaguma amane kwakulesakhiwo samatshe, silezindawo ezakhelwe umlilo indawo yonke ngaphansi kwaso. 24 Wasesithi kimi, “Le yimikulu lapho labo abakhonzayo ethempelini abazaphekela khona imihlatshelo yabantu.”

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Umfula Ophuma EThempelini

1 Umuntu lowo wangibuyisela entubeni yethempeli, ngasengibona amanzi ephuma ngaphansi kwasekungeneni kwethempeli esiya empumalanga (ngoba ithempeli lalikhangele empumalanga.) Amanzi ayegelezela phansi evela ngaphansi kwecele langaseningizimu lethempeli, eningizimu kwe-alithari. 2 Wasengikhupha ngesango lenyakatho wangibhodisa ngaphandle engisa esangweni elikhangele empumalanga, njalo amanzi ayegeleza evela eceleni langaseningizimu.

3 Kwathi umuntu lowo esiya empumalanga ephethe isilinganiso ngesandla, walinganisa ingalo eziyinkulungwane wasengidabulisa phakathi kwamanzi ayetshona okufika enqagaleni. 4 Walinganisa ezinye izingalo eziyinkulungwane wasengidabulisa phakathi kwamanzi ayetshona okufika emadolweni. Walinganisa enye inkulungwane wasengidabulisa phakathi kwamanzi ayefika ekhalweni. 5 Walinganisa enye inkulungwane, kodwa khathesi kwasekungumfula engangingeke ngiwuchaphe ngoba amanzi ayesephakeme esetshona okuvumela ukuntsheza kuwo, umfula okungekho owayengawuchapha. 6 Wangibuza wathi, “Ndodana yomuntu, uyakubona lokhu na?”

Emva kwalokho wangibuyisela emuva ekhunjini lomfula. 7 Sengifike lapho ngabona izihlahla ezinengi kakhulu eceleni ngalinye lomfula. 8 Wasesithi kimi, “Amanzi la agelezela esigabeni sempumalanga njalo ehlela phansi e-Arabha lapho angena khona ulwandle. Lapho esengene elwandle amanzi azakuba mahle. 9 Uquqaba lwezidalwa eziphilayo luzahlala loba kungaphi lapho umfula ogelezela khona. Kuzakuba lenhlanzi ezinengi kakhulu, ngoba amanzi la agelezela khona njalo enza amanzi aletswayi abe mahle; ngakho lapho umfula ogelezela khona izinto zonke zizaphila. 10 Abagoli bezinhlanzi bazakuma besekele ulwandle; kusukela e-Eni-Gedi kusiya e-Eni Egilayimi kuzakuba lezindawo zokwendlala amambule. Inhlanzi zizakuba ngezezinhlobo ezinengi njengenhlanzi zoLwandle olukhulu. 11 Kodwa amaxhaphozi lamatete kawayikuba mahle. Azasala eyizindawo zetswayi. 12 Inhlobo zonke zezihlahla zezithelo zizakhula emakhunjini womabili omfula. Amahlamvu azo kawayikubuna, lezithelo zazo kazisoze ziphuthe. Zizathela nyanga zonke ngoba amanzi avela endlini engcwele agelezela kuzo. Izithelo zazo zizakuba yikudla kuthi amahlamvu azo abe ngawokwelapha.”

Imingcele Yelizwe

13 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi: “Le yimingcele ozakwehlukanisa ngayo ilizwe lokuba yilifa phakathi kwezizwana ezilitshumi lambili zako-Israyeli, kulezigaba ezimbili zikaJosefa. 14 Kumele ulehlukanise ngokulingana, ngoba ngafunga isandla siphakanyiselwe phezulu ukulinika okhokho benu, ilizwe leli lizakuba yilifa lenu.

15 Nanku okuzakuba ngumngcele welizwe:

Ngenhla usuke oLwandle Olukhulu ulandele umgwaqo iHethiloni udlule eLebho Hamathi usiya eZedadi, 16 eBherotha kanye laseSibhirayimi (esemngceleni ophakathi kweDamaseko leHamathi), uze uyefika eHazeri Hathikhoni, esemngceleni weHawurani. 17 Umngcele uzaqhubeka usuka elwandle usiya eHazari-Enani ulandela umngcele wangasenyakatho weDamaseko, umngcele weHamathi usenyakatho. Lo uzakuba ngumngcele wenyakatho.

18 Empumalanga umngcele uzahamba phakathi kweHawurani leDamaseko, ulandela iJodani phakathi kweGiliyadi lelizwe lako-Israyeli, uye elwandle lwasempumalanga uze uyefika eThamari. Lo uzakuba ngumngcele wasempumalanga.

19 Eningizimu uzahamba usuka eThamari uze uyefika emanzini aseMeribha Khadeshi, ube usulandela iSihotsha saseGibhithe usiyafika eLwandle Olukhulu. Lo uzakuba ngumngcele waseningizimu.

20 Entshonalanga uLwandle Olukhulu luzakuba ngumngcele kuze kube malungana leLebho Hamathi. Lo uzakuba ngumngcele wentshonalanga.

21 Lizakwahlukaniselana ilizwe leli phakathi kwenu mayelana lezizwana zako-Israyeli. 22 Kumele lilabe njengelifa lenu kanye labezizweni asebehlezi phakathi kwenu njalo abalabantwana. Kumele libathathe njengabantu bakini ko-Israyeli; kanye lani bazakwabelwa ilifa phakathi kwezizwana zako-Israyeli. 23 Loba kuphakathi kwasiphi isizwana owezizweni ahlale kuso, kumele limnike ilifa lakhe khonapho,” kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

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Ukwabiwa Kwelizwe

1 “Lezi yizizwana, zihlelwe ngamabizo:

Emngceleni wasenyakatho, uDani uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizalandela umgwaqo weHethiloni oya eLebho Hamathi; iHazari-Enani lasemngceleni weDamaseko wasenyakatho eduze leHamathi kuzakuba yingxenye yomngcele kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

2 U-Asheri uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe likaDani kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

3 UNafithali uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe lika-Asheri kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

4 UManase uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe likaNafithali kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

5 U-Efrayimi uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe likaManase kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

6 URubheni uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe lika-Efrayimi kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

7 UJuda uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe likaRubheni kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

8 Okungcelelana lelizwe likaJuda kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga kuzakuba yisigaba ozasethula njengesipho esiqakathekileyo. Sizakuba zingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ububanzi, njalo ubude baso kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga buzalingana lobesinye sezigaba zezizwana; indlu engcwele izakuba phakathi kwaso.

9 Isigaba esiqakathekileyo ozasipha uThixo sizakuba zingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ububanzi. 10 Lesi sizakuba yisigaba esingcwele sabaphristi. Sizakuba zingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude ngasenyakatho, ingalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ububanzi ngasentshonalanga, ingalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ububanzi ngasempumalanga kanye lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude ngaseningizimu. Phakathi enkabeni yaso kuzakuba lendlu engcwele kaThixo. 11 Lesi sizakuba ngesabaphristi abangcwelisiweyo, amaZadokhi, ababethembekile ekungikhonzeni njalo abangadukanga njengokwenziwa ngabaLevi ekudukeni kwama-Israyeli. 12 Sizakuba yisipho esiqakathekileyo kubo sivela esigabeni esingcwele selizwe, isigaba esingcwele kakhulu, esingcelelane lesigaba sabaLevi.

13 AbaLevi bazakuba lesabelo esizingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ububanzi njalo sisekelane lesabaphristi. Ubude baso sonke buzakuba zingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ububanzi baso buzingalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000). 14 Akumelanga basithengise loba bantshintshe ngokunye kwaso. Lesi ngesihle kakhulu selizwe njalo akumelanga siphiwe abanye abantu ngoba singcwele kuThixo.

15 Indawo eseleyo, ingalo eziyinkulungwane ezinhlanu (5,000) ububanzi lengalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) ubude, izasetshenziswa nguzulu wedolobho, ngeyezindlu lamadlelo. Idolobho lizakuba phakathi kwayo 16 njalo lizakuba lalezi izilinganiso: Icele lasenyakatho izingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500), icele laseningizimu izingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500), icele lasempumalanga izingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500), lecele lasentshonalanga izingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500). 17 Amadlelo edolobho azakuba zingalo ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu (250) ngasenyakatho, izingalo ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu (250) ngaseningizimu, izingalo ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu (250) ngasempumalanga, lezingalo ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu (250) ngasentshonalanga. 18 Indawo esalayo, engcelelane lesigaba esingcwele njalo ilandela ubude baso izakuba zingalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ngaseceleni lasempumalanga lezingalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi (10,000) ngaseceleni lasentshonalanga. Izithelo zayo zizakuba yikudla kwezisebenzi zedolobho. 19 Izisebenzi ezivela edolobheni eziyilimayo zizavela kuzozonke izizwana zako-Israyeli. 20 Isigaba sonke sizalingana inxa zonke, izingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) icele ngalinye. Njengesipho esiqakathekileyo uzaphawula isigaba esingcwele ndawonye lempahla yedolobho.

21 Okusalayo emaceleni womabili endawo eyisigaba esingcwele lempahla yedolobho kuzakuba ngokwenkosana. Kuzaqhubekela empumalanga kusukela ezingalweni eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) zesigaba esingcwele kusiya emngceleni wasempumalanga, kuphinde kuye entshonalanga kusukela kuzingalo eziyinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu (25,000) kusiya emngceleni wasentshonalanga. Izindawo lezi zombili ezilandela ubude bezigaba zezizwana zizakuba ngezenkosana, njalo isigaba esingcwele esilendawo engcwele yethempeli sizakuba phakathi kwazo. 22 Ngakho impahla yabaLevi lempahla yedolobho kuzakuba phakathi kwendawo engeyenkosana. Indawo yenkosana izakuba phakathi komngcele kaJuda lomngcele kaBhenjamini.

23 Izizwana eziseleyo:

UBhenjamini uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizaqhubeka sisukela eceleni lasempumalanga sisiya eceleni lasentshonalanga.

24 USimiyoni uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe likaBhenjamini kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

25 U-Isakhari uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe likaSimiyoni kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

26 UZebhuluni uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe lika-Isakhari kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

27 UGadi uzakuba lesigaba esisodwa; sizangcelezelana lelizwe likaZebhuluni kusukela empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga.

28 Umngcele wangaseningizimu kaGadi uzahamba eningizimu usuka eThamari emanzini aseMeribha Khadeshi, ubuye ulandele uMhotsha waseGibhithe uye eLwandle Olukhulu.

29 Leli yilizwe okumele ulabele izizwana zako-Israyeli njengelifa, njalo lezi zizakuba yizigaba zazo,” kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

Amasango Edolobho Elitsha

30 “Lezi zizakuba zintuba zedolobho zokuphuma:

Kusukela eceleni lenyakatho, elizingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500) ubude, 31 amasango amathathu eceleni langenyakatho azakuba lisango likaRubheni, isango likaJuda lesango likaLevi.

32 Eceleni langempumalanga, elizingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500) ubude, kuzakuba lamasango amathathu: isango likaJosefa, isango likaBhenjamini lesango likaDani.

33 Eceleni leningizimu, elizingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500), kuzakuba lamasango amathathu: isango likaSimiyoni, isango lika-Isakhari lesango likaZebhuluni.”

34 Eceleni langentshonalanga, elizingalo eziyinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu (4,500) ubude, kuzakuba lamasango amathathu: isango likaGadi, isango lika-Asheri lesango likaNafithali.

35 “Ubude obubhoda indawo yonke buzakuba zingalo eziyinkulungwane ezilitshumi lasitshiyagalombili (18,000).

Njalo ibizo ledolobho kusukela ngalesosikhathi kusiya phambili lizakuba: ‘uThixo ulapha.’ ”

UDanyeli

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UDanyeli

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Ukufundiswa KukaDanyeli EBhabhiloni

1 Ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kukaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakwaJuda, uNebhukhadineza inkosi yaseBhabhiloni wafika eJerusalema walihanqa. 2 UThixo wanikela uJehoyakhimi inkosi yakwaJuda ezandleni zakhe, kanye lezinye impahla zethempeli likaNkulunkulu. Konke wakuthwala wakusa ethempelini likankulunkulu wakhe eBhabhiloniya wakufaka endlini yenotho kankulunkulu wakhe.

3 Kwathi-ke inkosi yasilaya u-Ashiphenazi, induna yezikhulu zesigodlo sayo ukuthi alethe abanye bama-Israyeli besikhosini lasezikhulwini, 4 amajaha amizimba ingelasici, amahle, atshengisa ukufundiseka ezintweni zonke, azi okunengi, aphangisayo ukuzwisisa njalo abonakala efanele ukukhonza esigodlweni senkosi. Ayemele awafundise ulimi lezincwadi zamaBhabhiloni. 5 Inkosi yababela ukudla okukhethiweyo okwansuku zonke kanye lewayini kuthathwa kokwakulungiselwe inkosi. Babezafundiswa okweminyaka emithathu, kuthi ngemva kwalokho baqalise ukusebenza esigodlweni.

6 Phakathi kwalabo babekhona ababephuma koJuda: uDanyeli, loHananiya, loMishayeli kanye lo-Azariya. 7 Indunankulu yabanika amabizo amatsha: uDanyeli kwathiwa nguBhelitheshazari; uHananiya waba nguShadreki, uMishayeli waba nguMeshaki; u-Azariya waba ngu-Abhediniko.

8 Kodwa uDanyeli wazimisela ukuthi angazingcolisi ngokudla kwesikhosini lewayini lakhona, yikho wasecela kundunankulu imvumo yokuthi angazingcolisi kanjalo. 9 UNkulunkulu wayekwenzile ukuthi Indunankulu imthande njalo imhawukele uDanyeli, 10 kodwa wathi kuDanyeli, “Ngiyamesaba umhlekazi wami inkosi, onguye okumisileyo ukudla kwenu lokokunatha. Kambe akayikulibona yini selikhangeleka kubi kulamanye amajaha angontanga benu? Inkosi ingahle ingiqume ikhanda ngenxa yenu.”

11 UDanyeli wasesithi enxuseni elalibekwe yindunankulu phezu kwaboDanyeli, loHananiya, loMishayeli lo-Azariya, 12 “Ake uzilinge izinceku zakho okwensuku ezilitshumi nje: Ungasiphi lutho ngaphandle kwemibhida ukuba sidle yona lamanzi okunatha. 13 Lapho-ke ubusufananisa imizimba yethu laleyo eyamajaha adla ukudla kwesikhosini, ubususenza njengokubona kwakho ezincekwini zakho.” 14 Lakanye inxusa lakuvuma lokho labalinga okwensuku ezilitshumi.

15 Ekupheleni kwensuku ezilitshumi bakhangeleka bephila ngcono njalo bezimukile kulamajaha ayesidla ukudla kwesikhosini. 16 Yikho inxusa laselisusa ukudla kwabo kwekhethelo kanye lewayini ababelinatha labapha imibhida.

17 La amajaha amane uNkulunkulu wawanika ulwazi lokuzwisisa zonke izibhalo lemfundo. Njalo uDanyeli wayezwisisa imibono lamaphupho wonke ehlukeneyo.

18 Ekupheleni kwesikhathi esasibekwe yinkosi ukuthi balethwe, indunankulu yabethula kuNebhukhadineza. 19 Inkosi yakhuluma labo yafumana engekho olingana loDanyeli, loHananiya, loMishayeli kanye lo-Azariya; ngakho bangeniswa ukusebenzela inkosi. 20 Kuzozonke izindaba zokuhlakanipha lokuzwisisa inkosi eyababuza ngazo yabafumana bebedlula bonke omasalamusi lezangoma ngokuphindwe katshumi kuwo wonke umbuso wayo.

21 UDanyeli wahlala khona kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wokuqala weNkosi uKhurosi.

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Iphupho LikaNebhukhadineza

1 Ngomnyaka wesibili wokubusa kwakhe, uNebhukhadineza waphupha amaphupho; wahlupheka engqondweni, wehluleka lokulala. 2 Ngakho inkosi yasibiza omasalamusi, lezangoma, labavumisi lezingcazi zezinkanyezi ukuthi bamtshele lokho ayekuphuphile. Sebengenile bema phambi kwayo inkosi, 3 yathi kubo, “Ngibe lephupho elingihluphayo yikho ngifuna ukwazi ukuthi litshoni.”

4 Kwasekusithi ingcazi zezinkanyezi zayiphendula inkosi zikhuluma ngesi-Aramu zathi, “Bayethe, nkosi! Phila kuze kube nininini! Zitshele izinceku zakho iphupho lelo, thina sizalichaza.”

5 Inkosi yaziphendula ingcazi zezinkanyezi yathi, “Nanku esengikumisile: Nxa lingangitsheli ukuthi iphupho lami beliyini beselilichaza, ngizakuthi liqunywaqunywe iziqa, izindlu zenu zidilizwe zibe yinqwaba. 6 Kodwa lingangitshela iphupho kanye lengcazelo yalo ngizalipha izipho lemivuzo lodumo olukhulu. Ngakho ngitshelani iphupho libe selingichazela lona.”

7 Baphinda njalo baphendula bathi, “Inkosi kayizitshele izichaka zayo iphupho lelo, thina sizalichasisa.”

8 Inkosi yaphendula yathi, “Ngileqiniso ukuthi liqonde ukuchitha isikhathi ngoba libona ukuthi yilokhu esengikumisile ukuthi: 9 Nxa lingangitsheli iphupho lelo, sinye zwi isijeziso senu. Seliyengene ukuthi lingitshele inkohliso lamanyala, licabanga ukuthi kumbe izinto zizaguquka. Manje-ke ngitshelani iphupho lelo yikho ngizakwazi ukuthi lingangichasisela lona.”

10 Ingcazi zezinkanyezi zayiphendula inkosi zathi, “Kakulamuntu emhlabeni ongakwenza lokho okufunwa yinkosi! Kayikho inkosi, loba ingenkulu kanganani kumbe ilamandla anganani, eyake yafuna into enjalo laloba kubani oyenza amasalamusi, kumbe isangoma loba ingcazi yezinkanyezi. 11 Lokhu okufunwa yinkosi kunzima kakhulu. Kakho ongakwambulela inkosi ngaphandle kwabonkulunkulu, njalo kabahlali ebantwini.”

12 Lokhu kwayizondisa inkosi yabila ngolaka yahle yathi zonke izihlakaniphi zaseBhabhiloni kazibulawe. 13 Ngakho sakhutshwa isimemezelo sokuthi izazi kazibulawe, yikho kwathunywa amadoda ukuyadinga uDanyeli labakhula bakhe ukuthi babulawe.

14 Kwathi u-Ariyoki, indunankulu yamanxusa enkosi isiphumile ukuyabulala izihlakaniphi zaseBhabhiloni, uDanyeli wakhuluma laye ngokuhlakanipha langokunanzelela. 15 Wasibuza isikhulu lesi senkosi wathi, “Kungani inkosi ikhuphe isimemezelo esibuhlungu kangaka na?” U-Ariyoki waseyichaza indaba kuDanyeli. 16 Esekuzwile lokho uDanyeli waya enkosini wacela ukuba ake aphiwe isikhathi, ukuze ayichazele iphupho layo.

17 UDanyeli wabuyela endlini yakhe wayatshela abakhula bakhe oHananiya, loMishayeli lo-Azariya ngendaba leyo. 18 Wabakhuthaza ukuthi bacele umusa kuNkulunkulu wasezulwini ngale inkinga eyimfihlakalo, ukuze kuthi yena labakhula bakhe baphephe ekubulaweni kanye lazozonke izihlakaniphi zaseBhabhiloni. 19 Kwathi ebusuku inkinga leyo yambulelwa uDanyeli ngombono. UDanyeli wasemdumisa uNkulunkulu wasezulwini 20 wathi:

“Kalidunyiswe ibizo likaNkulunkulu nini lanini;

inhlakanipho lamandla kungokwakhe.

21 Uyaguqula izikhathi lezibanga;

uyawabeka amakhosi aphinde awaqethule.

Unika inhlakanipho kwabahlakaniphileyo

lolwazi kwabaqedisisayo.

22 Uveza obala izinto ezizikileyo lezifihlakeleyo;

uyakwazi okucatshe emnyameni,

lokukhanya kuhlala kuye.

23 Ngiyakubonga njalo ngiyakudumisa,

Oh Nkulunkulu wabokhokho bami:

Ungiphile inhlakanipho lamandla,

usungazisile mina lokho esikucelileyo kuwe,

ususazisile thina iphupho lenkosi.”

UDanyeli Uchasisa Iphupho

24 UDanyeli wasesiya ku-Ariyoki owayekhethwe yinkosi ukuba abulale izihlakaniphi zaseBhabhiloni, wathi kuye, “Ungazibulali izihlakaniphi zaseBhabhiloni. Ngisa enkosini, ngizayichasisela iphupho layo.”

25 U-Ariyoki wahle wasa uDanyeli enkosini wathi, “Sengiyifumene indoda kwabathunjiweyo bakwaJuda engayitshela inkosi ukuthi iphupho layo litshoni.”

26 Inkosi yambuza uDanyeli (njalo othiwa nguBhelitheshazari), “Kambe ungangitshela na engakubonayo ephutsheni lami uphinde ulichasise?”

27 Waphendula uDanyeli wathi, “Kasikho isihlakaniphi, noma isangoma, noma oyenza amasalamusi, noma isanuse esingayihlahlulela inkosi imfihlakalo eyidingayo, 28 kodwa ukhona uNkulunkulu ezulwini owambula zonke imfihlakalo. Utshengise inkosi uNebhukhadineza okuzakwenzakala ngezinsuku ezizayo. Iphupho lakho lemibono eyafika engqondweni yakho ulele embhedeni wakho yile:

29 Wathi ulele khonapho nkosi, ingqondo yakho yaphatha izinto ezisezakuza, kwathi umhlahluli wezinkinga wakubonisa okuzakwenzakala.” 30 Okwami yikuthi ngiyambulelwe imfihlakalo le, kungesukuthi yingoba ngilenhlakanipho eyeqa eyabanye abaphilayo, kodwa ukuze kuthi wena, Oh nkosi, uyazi ingcazelo njalo ukuze uzwisise okwakuphithikana engqondweni yakho.

31 Wathi uyakhangela, Oh nkosi, wabona kumi phambi kwakho isithombe esikhulukazi, inkalakatha yesithombe esikhazimulayo, sisesabeka ukukhangeleka kwaso. 32 Ikhanda lesithombe lalenziwe ngegolide elicengekileyo, isifuba saso lezingalo kubunjwe ngesiliva, isisu lemilenze kubunjwe ngethusi, 33 imibala ibunjwe ngensimbi, inyawo zaso zilengxenye yensimbi lenye ingxenye yebumba elitshisiweyo. 34 Wathi ulokhu usabukele, kwaqetshulwa ilitshe, kungesingazandla zamuntu. Lasigxoba isithombe ezinyaweni zaso zensimbi lebumba lazihlifiza. 35 Kwasekusithi insimbi, lebumba, lethusi, lesiliva kanye legolide kwachobozeka kwaba yizicucu kanyekanye kwaba njengomule esizeni ehlobo. Umoya waziphephula izicucu wazikhucula du. Kodwa ilitshe elagxoba isithombe laba yintaba enkulu yagcwala umhlaba wonke.

36 Leli bekuyilo iphupho, manje-ke sesizalichazela inkosi. 37 Wena, Oh nkosi uyinkosi yamakhosi. UNkulunkulu wasezulwini ukunikile umbuso, lamandla lobukhulu lodumo; 38 uluntu lonke ulunikele ezandleni zakho kanye lezinyamazana zeganga lezinyoni zemoyeni. Loba zihlala ngaphi, ukwenze wena waba ngumbusi wakho konke. Ulikhanda leliyana legolide.

39 Ngemva kwakho, kuzakuba khona omunye umbuso, ophansi kulowakho. Kuzalandela owesithathu owethusi ozabusa umhlaba wonke. 40 Ekucineni kuzakuba lombuso wesine oqinileyo njengensimbi ngoba insimbi iyephula ivodloze yonke into, yikho njengoba insimbi isephula izinto zibe yizicucu, kanjalo umbuso lowo uzayichoboza yonke eminye. 41 Njengoba ubonile ukuthi inyawo lamazwane bekulengxenye yebumba elitshisiweyo lengxenye yensimbi, yikho lo uzakuba ngumbuso odabuke phakathi; loba nje uzakuba lamanye amandla ensimbi phakathi kwawo, njengalokhu uyibonile insimbi ixubene lebumba. 42 Njengoba amazwane abelengxenye yensimbi, lengxenye yebumba, kanjalo umbuso lo uzakuba lamandla nganxanye, nganxanye ubucuzeke. 43 Njalo njengoba ubonile insimbi ixubene lebumba elitshisiweyo, kanjalo abantu bazakuba yinhlanganisela bahlale bengamanyananga, njengoba insimbi ingahlangani lebumba.

44 “Ngalesosikhathi samakhosi lawo uNkulunkulu wasezulwini uzabeka umbuso ongasoze wabhidlizwa lanini njalo ongasoze utshiyelwe abanye abantu. Uzayibhidliza yonke leyomibuso iphele, kodwa wona uzakuma laphakade.” 45 Le yiyo ingcazelo yombono welitshe elaqhekezwa entabeni, kungasingezandla zomuntu, ilitshe elaphahlaza insimbi, lethusi, lebumba, lesiliva kanye legolide kwaba yizicucu.

“UNkulunkulu omkhulu uyitshengisile inkosi okuzakwenzeka ngesikhathi esizayo. Iphupho liliqiniso lengcazelo iqondile.”

46 Inkosi uNebhukhadineza wazilahla wathi mbo phambi kukaDanyeli wamkhonza wakhupha ilizwi lokuthi kenzelwe umnikelo atshiselwe impepha njalo. 47 Inkosi yathi kuDanyeli, “Ngempela uNkulunkulu wakho nguNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu leNkosi yamakhosi lomambuleli wezimfihlakalo, ngoba ukwazile ukwambula imfihlakalo le.”

48 Inkosi yasibeka uDanyeli esikhundleni esiphezulu yelekelela ngezipho ezinengi kuye. Yamenza waba ngumbusi kulolonke ilizwe laseBhabhiloni njalo waba ngumphathi wazo zonke izazi zakhona. 49 Isicelwe nguDanyeli, yaphinde yabeka uShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko baba ngabaphathi beziqinti zelizwe laseBhabhiloni, kodwa yena uDanyeli wasala esigodlweni.

3

Isithombe Segolide Lesithando Somlilo

1 INkosi uNebhukhadineza yenza isithombe segolide, saphakama izingalo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lobubanzi obuzingalo eziyisificamunwemunye, yasimisa egcekeni laseDura elizweni laseBhabhiloni. 2 Yasibiza ababusi bezigaba, labalisa, ababusi bemikhono yelizwe, labeluleki, 3 labaphathizikhwama, labehluleli, labomantshi kanye lazozonke izikhulu zezigaba ukuza emkhosini wokubusisa isithombe leso ayesimisile, bema phambi kwaso.

4 Umlawuli womkhosi wasememezela kakhulu wathi, “Mahlabezulu, lani zizwe zonke kanye lani bantu bezindimi zonke, nanku elilaywa ukuthi likwenze: 5 Lingavele lizwe ukukhala kophondo, lomfece, lomhlanga, lomhubhe, lechacho, lezindweba layo yonke imihlobo yokuhlabela ngokukhalisa iziginci libokuthi mbo phansi lisikhonze isithombe segolide esimiswe yinkosi uNebhukhadineza. 6 Iloba ngubani ongayi kukhothama asikhonze uzahle aphoselwe esithandweni somlilo olavuzayo.”

7 Yikho, bonela ukuzwa ukukhala kophondo, lomfece, lomhlanga, lomhubhe, lechacho lemihlobo yonke yeziginci, bonke abantu, lezizwe labantu bezindimi zonke bathi mbo phansi bakhonza isithombe segolide inkosi uNebhukhadineza eyayisimisile.

8 Ngalesisikhathi ezinye izingcazi zezinkanyezi zeza zachothoza amaJuda. 9 Zathi enkosini uNebhukhadineza, “Bayethe nkosi, mana njalo! 10 Ukhuphile isimemezelo, wena nkosi, wathi wonke okuzwayo ukukhala kophondo, lomfece, lomhlanga, lomhubhe, lechacho lezindweba kanye lazozonke iziginci ezikhaliswayo kathi mbo phansi akhonze isithombe segolide, 11 lokuthi loba ngubani ongathi mbo phansi akhonze uzaphoselwa esithandweni somlilo olavuzayo. 12 Kodwa bakhona abanye amaJuda obabeke ukuphatha ilizwe laseBhabhiloni, uShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko, abangakhathali lutho ngawe, wena nkosi. Kababakhonzi onkulunkulu bakho njalo kabasikhonzi isithombe lesi osimisileyo.”

13 Wazonda wadla inja uNebhukhadineza, wasebiza oShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko. Yikho amadoda la alethwa phambi kwenkosi, 14 uNebhukhadineza wathi kubo, “Kuliqiniso yini, Shadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko, ukuthi kalibakhonzi onkulunkulu bami njalo kalisikhonzi isithombe segolide engisimisileyo? 15 Manje nxa lingezwa ukukhala kophondo, lomfece, lomhlanga, lomhubhe, lechacho, lezindweba layo yonke imihlobo yezikhaliswayo, nxa selizimisele ukuthi mbo phansi lisikhonze isifanekiso engasenzayo, kulungile. Kodwa nxa lingasikhonzi lizaphoselwa ngokuphangisa esithandweni somlilo ovuthayo. Pho nguphi unkulunkulu ozalilamulela esandleni sami na?”

16 OShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko bayiphendula inkosi bathi, “Nkosi Nebhukhadineza, kasidingi kuzilwela phambi kwakho ngale indaba. 17 Singaphoselwa esithandweni somlilo olavuzayo, uNkulunkulu esimkhonzayo ulamandla okusisindisa kuwo, njalo uzasilamulela esandleni sakho, wena nkosi. 18 Loba engasisindisi, sithanda ukuba ukwazi, wena nkosi, ukuthi sivele kasisoze sibakhonze onkulunkulu bakho kumbe sisidumise isifanekiso segolide leso osimisileyo.”

19 Lapho-ke uNebhukhadineza waphuphuma ngolaka kuShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko, wahle waguqula indlela aye esebaphatha ngayo. Walaya ukuthi isithando somlilo sibaselwe sitshise okuphindwe kasikhombisa kulenjayelo 20 waphinda walaya ukuthi abanye bamabutho angobambapheqe bempi yakhe bababophe oShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko babaphosele esithandweni somlilo olavuzayo. 21 Yikho amadoda la abotshwa elokhu egqoke amajazi awo, lamabhulugwe, amaqhiye kanye lezinye izigqoko zawo, aphoselwa esithandweni somlilo ovuthayo. 22 Umlayo wenkosi wawuthukuthele kakhulu lesithando somlilo sitshisa okokuthi amalangabi omlilo awabulala amanxusa ayefuqela oShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko, 23 kwathi amadoda la womathathu ayebotshwe nko awela phakathi kwesithando somlilo olavuzayo.

24 Khonapho inkosi uNebhukhadineza wathi lothu ngokumangala, wabuza abacebisi bakhe wathi, “Kanti angithi abemathathu amadoda esiwabophileyo sawaphosela emlilweni na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Liqiniso lelo, Oh nkosi.”

25 Wathi, “Khangelani! Ngibona amadoda amane ehambahamba phakathi komlilo, engabotshwanga njalo engalinyazwanga lutho, njalo owesine lowo ukhangeleka njengendodana yabonkulunkulu.”

26 UNebhukhadineza wasesondela emlonyeni wesithando somlilo olavuzayo wamemeza wathi, “Shadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko, zinceku zikaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke, phumani! Wozani lapha!”

Ngakho oShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko baphuma emlilweni, 27 kwathi ababusi bezigaba, labalisa, lababusi bemikhono yelizwe labeluleki besikhosini bababunganyela. Babona ukuthi umlilo wawungabalimazanga imizimba yabo, njalo kungahaqazekanga lalunye unwele lwamakhanda abo; izembatho zabo zingahangulekanga, njalo kunganuki mlilo kubo.

28 UNebhukhadineza wasesithi, “Kadunyiswe uNkulunkulu kaShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko, othume ingilosi yakhe wasindisa izinceku zakhe! Bathemba kuye badelela umlayo wenkosi njalo bazimisela ukunikela impilo zabo kulokuthi bakhonze loba badumise omunye uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kowabo uNkulunkulu. 29 Ngakho sengimisa isimemezelo ukuthi abantu loba ngabasiphi isizwe kumbe ulimi abakhuluma okubi ngoNkulunkulu kaShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko kabaqunywaqunywe izicucu, lezindlu zabo zenziwe izinqwaba zezibi, ngoba kakho omunye uNkulunkulu ongasindisa ngale indlela.”

30 Inkosi yase ibanika izikhundla eziphezulu oShadreki, loMeshaki lo-Abhediniko elizweni laseBhabhiloni.

4

Iphupho LikaNebhukhadineza Ngesihlahla

1 Inkosi uNebhukhadineza,

Ezizweni zonke lebantwini benhlanga zonke abahlala emhlabeni wonke:

Sengathi inganda kini inhlalakahle!

2 Kuyintokozo kimi ukulitshela ngezibonakaliso ezimangalisayo lezinkinga uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke angenzele zona.

3 Zinkulu kangakanani izibonakaliso zakhe,

zingakaya izimangaliso zakhe!

Umbuso wakhe ungumbuso ongelasiphelo;

umbuso wakhe umi kusukela kulesi kusiya kulesiyana isizukulwane.

4 Mina, Nebhukhadineza, ngangisekhaya esigodlweni sami, nganelisiwe njalo ngikhomba ngophakathi. 5 Ngehlelwa liphupho elangitshayisa uvalo. Ngathi ngilele embhedeni wami kwafika engqondweni yami izifanekiso lezibonakaliso ezangithuthumelisayo. 6 Ngasengilaya ukuthi zonke izihlakaniphi zaseBhabhiloni zilethwe phambi kwami ukuthi zingihlahlulele lelophupho. 7 Kwathi sebefikile omasalamusi, lezangoma, lezingcazi zezinkanyezi lezanuse ngazitshela lelophupho kodwa zehluleka ukungichasisela lona. 8 Ekucineni uDanyeli wafika kimi ngamtshela ngephupho lelo. (Uthiwa nguBhelitheshazari, ngokuphathelene lebizo likankulunkulu wami, njalo umoya wabonkulunkulu abangcwele uphakathi kwakhe.)

9 Ngathi kuye, Bhelitheshazari, nduna yabomasalamusi, ngiyazi ukuthi umoya wabonkulunkulu abangcwele uphakathi kwakho, njalo kakukho okuyinkinga kuwe. Nanti iphupho lami; ngihlahlulela lona. 10 Yile imibono eyangivelelayo ngilele embhedeni wami: Ngakhangela, ngabona kumi phambi kwami isihlahla phakathi komango. Ubude baso babule. 11 Isihlahla sakhula saba sikhulu saqina, isiqongo saso sakhotha umkhathi; sasibonakala lasemikhawulweni yomhlaba. 12 Amahlamvu aso ayebukeka, izithelo zaso zinengi kuso kukhona ukudla kwakho konke. Ngaphansi kwaso izinyamazana zeganga zafumana isiphephelo lezinyoni zemoyeni zazihlala emagatsheni aso; zonke izidalwa zisongiwa kuso.

13 Ezibonakalisweni ezeza ngilele embhedeni wami, ngakhangela, ngabona khonapho phambi kwami kulesithunywa, singongcwele, sisehla sisuka ezulwini. 14 Samemeza ngelizwi elikhulu sathi: Gamulelani phansi isihlahla licakaze amagatsha aso; liwaphundle amahlamvu aso lihlakaze izithelo zaso. Yekelani izinyamazana zibaleke ngaphansi kwaso kanye lezinyoni emagatsheni aso. 15 Kodwa akuthi isidindi saso kanye lempande zakhona kusale kugxumekile emhlabathini phakathi kotshani beganga, kubotshiwe ngensimbi langethusi.

Kagxanxwe ngamazolo avela phezulu, njalo kahlale lezinyamazana phakathi kwezihlahla zeganga. 16 Ingqondo yakhe kayiguqulwe isuke ebuntwini, aphiwe ingqondo yenyamazana, kuze kudlule iminyaka eyisikhombisa.

17 “ ‘Isinqumo lesi sibikwa yizithunywa, zona ezingcwele yizo ezimemezela lesi isigwebo, ukuze kuthi abaphilayo bazi ukuthi oPhezukonke unguThixo yemibuso yabantu njalo uyabanikela loba kukubani amfunayo futhi enze babuswe ngumuntukazana.’

18 Yilo iphupho engibe lalo mina inkosi uNebhukhadineza. Manje-ke Bhelitheshazari, ngitshela ukuthi litshoni, ngoba kasikho isihlakaniphi embusweni wami esingangihlahlulela lona. Kodwa wena ungakwenza, ngoba umoya wabonkulunkulu abangcwele uphakathi kwakho.”

UDanyeli Uchaza Iphupho

19 Yikho uDanyeli (njalo othiwa nguBhelitheshazari) wakhathazeka kakhulu okwesikhathi esithile, imicabango yakhe yamethusa. Yikho inkosi yasisithi, “Bhelitheshazari, ungethuswa liphupho lelo kumbe yincazelo yalo.”

UBhelitheshazari waphendula wathi, Nkosi yami, sengathi ngabe iphupho lelo liqonde labo abayizitha zakho lengcazelo yalo ikhomba labo abakuzondayo! 20 Isihlahla osibonileyo, esakhula saba sikhulu saqina, isiqongo saso sikhotha isibhakabhaka size sibonakale emhlabeni wonke, 21 silamahlamvu abukekayo lezithelo ezinengi, sisipha ukudla kukho konke, siphe isiphephelo izinyamazana zeganga, emagatsheni aso silezindawo zezidleke zezinyoni zemoyeni, 22 wena, Oh nkosi, uyilesosihlahla! Usube mkhulu waba lamandla; ubukhulu bakho sebandile sebuze buthinta isibhakabhaka, lombuso wakho usufinyelela ezindaweni ezikude ezomhlaba.

23 “Wena, Oh nkosi, wabona isithunywa, sona esingcwele, sisehla sivela ezulwini sisithi, ‘Sigamuleleni phansi isihlahla lisicakaze, kodwa litshiye isidindi, sibotshiwe ngensimbi langethusi, siphakathi kotshani beganga, impande zaso zisale emhlabathini. Kagxanxwe ngamazolo aphezulu; kaphile njengezinyamazana zeganga kuze kudlule iminyaka eyisikhombisa.’

24 Nansi ingcazelo, Oh nkosi, njalo lesi yisimiso soPhezukonke asimisele umhlekazi wami inkosi: 25 Uzaxotshwa ebantwini uyehlala lezinyamazana zeganga: uzakudla utshani njengezinkomo, ugxanxwe ngamazolo aphezulu. Kuzakudlula iminyaka eyisikhombisa uze uvume ukuthi oPhezukonke uyabusa phezu kwemibuso yabantu ayinika ingqe ngulowo amthandayo. 26 Umlayo wokutshiya isidindi kanye lezimpande zaso utsho ukuthi umbuso wakho uzabuyiselwa kuwe nxatshana usuvuma ukuthi iZulu liyabusa. 27 Ngakho-ke, Oh nkosi, kuhle ukuthi wamukele ukucebisa kwami: Yekela izono zakho wenze okulungileyo, lobubi bakho ube lomusa kwabancindezelweyo. Lapho-ke mhlawumbe ukuphumelela kwakho kungaqhubeka.”

Ukugcwaliseka Kwephupho

28 Konke lokhu kwenzakala enkosini uNebhukhadineza. 29 Sekudlule izinyanga ezilitshumi lambili, inkosi ihambahamba ephahleni lwesigodlo saseBhabhiloni, 30 yathi, “Kakusilo yini iBhabhiloni leli engalakha laba ngumuzi wobukhosi bami na?”

31 Kwathi amazwi la elokhu esesemlonyeni wakhe kwehla ilizwi livela ezulwini lathi, “Nanku osukunqunyelwe, nkosi Nebhukhadineza: Amandla akho obukhosi asesusiwe kuwe. 32 Uzaxotshwa ebantwini uyehlala lezinyamazana zeganga; uzakudla utshani njengezinkomo. Kuzadlula iminyaka eyisikhombisa uze uvume ukuthi oPhezukonke uyabusa phezu kwemibuso yabantu ayiphe ingqe ngubani ngokuthanda kwakhe.”

33 Masinyane nje okwakutshiwo ngoNebhukhadineza kwagcwaliseka. Waxotshwa ebantwini wadla utshani njengezinkomo. Umzimba wakhe wagxanxwa ngamazolo aphezulu, inwele zakhe zakhula njengezinsiba zengqungqulu, kwathi inzipho zakhe zaba njengenkumba zenyoni.

34 Ekupheleni kwalesosikhathi, mina, Nebhukhadineza, ngaphakamisela amehlo ami ezulwini, ingqondo yami yabuya. Ngasengimdumisa oPhezukonke; ngambabaza, ngambonga yena ohlezi kuze kube phakade.

Ubukhosi bakhe buyibukhosi baphakade;

umbuso wakhe umi kulesi lakulesiyana isizukulwane.

35 Imihlobo yonke yabantu bomhlaba

ibonakala ingesilutho.

Wenza njengokuthanda kwakhe

ezidalweni zasezulwini

lasebantwini abasemhlabeni.

Kakho ongasivimbela isandla sakhe

loba athi kuye: “Kanti wenzani na?”

36 Ngasonalesosikhathi ingqondo yami yabuya, udumo lwami lenkazimulo yami kwabuyiswa kimi ukusekela ubukhosi bombuso wami. Abeluleki bami lezikhulu zami bangidinga bangibuyisela esihlalweni sami sobukhosi, ngase ngisiba mkhulu kulakuqala. 37 Ngakho-ke mina, Nebhukhadineza, ngiyayidumisa njalo ngiyayibabaza, ngiyiphakamise iNkosi yezulu, ngoba konke ekwenzayo kuqondile futhi lezindlela zayo zonke zilungile. Njalo bonke abazigqajayo iyabathobisa.

5

Umbhalo Emdulini

1 Inkosi uBhelishazari wenzela izikhulu zakhe ezizinkulungwane idili elikhulu, wanatha lazo iwayini. 2 Kwathi uBhelishazari enatha iwayini lakhe walaya ukuthi kulethwe izitsha zegolide lezesiliva ezazithethwe nguyise uNebhukhadineza ethempelini eJerusalema, efuna ukuthi inkosi, lezikhulu zayo, labafazi bayo kanye labafazi bayo beceleni banathele kuzo. 3 Yikho baziletha izitsha zegolide ezazithethwe ethempelini likaNkulunkulu eJerusalema, kwasekusithi inkosi lezikhulu zayo kanye labafazi bayo beceleni banathela kuzo. 4 Bathi belinatha iwayini babelokhu bedumisa onkulunkulu begolide labesiliva, labethusi, labensimbi, labezigodo labamatshe.

5 Masinyane nje kwavela iminwe yesandla somuntu yaloba emdulini eduzane loluthi lwesibane esigodlweni. Inkosi yasibukela isandla siloba. 6 Ubuso bayo bahloba, yethuka amadolo ayo aze atshayana, imilenze yathamba yathi wohlo phansi.

7 Inkosi yamemeza yathi kakubizwe izangoma lezingcazi zezinkanyezi kanye lezanuse yasisithi kuwo la amadoda ayizihlakaniphi zaseBhabhiloni, “Loba ngubani ongabala umbhalo lo angitshele ukuthi utshoni uzagqokiswa eziyibubende agqiziswe iketane legolide entanyeni yakhe, njalo uzaphiwa isikhundla sesithathu sokuba ngumbusi kulelilizwe.”

8 Zasezingena zonke izihlakaniphi. Kodwa zehluleka ukuwubala umbhalo lokutshela inkosi ukuthi utshoni. 9 Ngakho inkosi uBhelishazari yathuthumela okwedlulayo, ubuso bayo bahloba. Izikhulu zayo zadideka.

10 Indlovukazi yathi isizwa amazwi enkosi lezikhulu zayo yeza yangena endlini yedili. Yathi, “Oh nkosi, mana njalo. Ungethuki! Ungaze wahloba kanjalo! 11 Kulomuntu embusweni wakho olomoya wabonkulunkulu abangcwele phakathi kwakhe. Ngesikhathi sikayihlo watshengisa ukuqonda, lokukhalipha lenhlakanipho okufana lokwabonkulunkulu. Uyihlo, inkosi uNebhukhadineza yambeka ukuba yinduna yabomasalamusi, lezangoma, lezingcazi zezinkanyezi lezanuse. 12 Indoda le, uDanyeli, inkosi eyayimbiza ngokuthi nguBhelitheshazari, wabonakala elengqondo evukileyo, lolwazi lokuzwisisa, njalo elamandla okuhumutsha amaphupho, lokuchaza amalibho kanye lokuhlahlula izinkinga ezinzima. Mbize uDanyeli, uzakutshela ukuthi umbhalo utshoni.”

13 Ngakho uDanyeli walethwa phambi kwenkosi, inkosi yathi kuye, “Wena unguye uDanyeli na, omunye wabathunjwa abalethwa ngubaba inkosi bevela koJuda? 14 Sengizwile ukuthi umoya wabonkulunkulu uphakathi kwakho lokuthi ulokuqonda, lokukhalipha lenhlakanipho eyinqaba. 15 Izihlakaniphi lezangoma zilethwe kimi ukuthi zingibalele umbhalo lo, zingitshele ukuthi utshoni, kodwa zehlulekile ukuwuchaza. 16 Manje sengizwile ukuthi wena ulamandla okutsho ingcazelo lokuhlahlula izinkinga ezinzima. Aluba ungawubala umbhalo lo uphinde ungitshele ukuthi utshoni, uzagqokiswa eziyibubende, ugqiziswe leketane legolide entanyeni yakho, uphinde ubekwe esikhundleni sokuba ngowesithathu ebukhulwini bombuso lo.”

17 UDanyeli wasephendula inkosi wathi, “Ungazigcinela lezozipho zakho, uphe leyomivuzo yakho omunye umuntu. Loba kunjalo ngizayibalela inkosi umbhalo lowo ngiyitshele ukuthi utshoni.

18 Yebo kambe nkosi, uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke wanika uyihlo uNebhukhadineza ubukhosi lobukhulu lodumo kanye lenkazimulo. 19 Ngenxa yesikhundla esiphezulu amnika sona, bonke abantu kanye lezizwe zonke labantu bendimi zonke babemqhuqha, bemesaba. Labo inkosi eyafuna ukubabulala, yababulala; labo eyafuna ukubaxolela, yabaxolela; labo eyafuna ukubakhweza ezikhundleni yabakhweza; kwathi labo eyafuna ukubayangisa, yabayangisa. 20 Kodwa kwathi lapho inhliziyo yayo isilobuqholo, isilukhuni ngokuzigqaja yethulwa esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi yaphucwa udumo lwayo. 21 Yaxotshwa ebantwini yaphiwa ingqondo yenyamazana; yahlala labobabhemi beganga, yadla utshani njengezinkomo; lomzimba wayo wagxanxwa ngamazolo omkhathi yaze yavuma ukuthi uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke nguye uThixo phezu kwemibuso yabantu, abeke phezu kwayo loba nguphi umbusi amthandayo.

22 Kodwa wena ndodana yayo, awu Bhelishazari, kawuzithobanga, lokuba ukwazi konke lokhu. 23 Endaweni yalokho, uzimisele ukumelana loThixo wezulu. Wathi kakuthathwe izitsha zethempeli layo zilethwe kuwe, kwasekusithi wena lezikhulu zakho, labafazi bakho kanye labafazi bakho beceleni lanathela iwayini kuzo. Wadumisa onkulunkulu besiliva legolide, abethusi, lensimbi, lezigodo lamatshe, abangaboniyo, labangezwayo labangaqedisisiyo. Kodwa kawumhloniphanga uNkulunkulu ophethe ukuphila kwakho kanye lezindlela zakho zonke esandleni sakhe. 24 Kungakho ethumele lesosandla esalobe lumbhalo.

25 Nanku umbhalo obulotshiwe:

mene, mene, thekheli, pharisini.

26 Nanku okutshiwo ngamagama la:

Mene: Nkulunkulu usezibalile insuku zokubusa kwakho, usekuqedile.

27  Thekheli: Usulinganisiwe esikalini wafunyanwa ulula.

28  Pharisini: Umbuso wakho usuhlukaniswe phakathi, wabelwa amaMede lamaPhezhiya.”

29 Kwathi ngomlayo kaBhelishazari uDanyeli wagqokiswa eziyibubende, wagqiziswa iketane legolide entanyeni yakhe, kwamenyezelwa ukuthi usengumbusi wesikhundla sobuthathu elizweni.

30 Ngabona lobobusuku uBhelishazari, inkosi yamaBhabhiloni wabulawa, 31 kwathi uDariyu umuMede wabuthatha ubukhosi eleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha lambili.

6

UDanyeli Emgodini Wezilwane

1 UDariyu wathanda ukubeka ababusi bezigaba abalikhulu lamatshumi amabili (120) ukuba babuse kulolonke ilizwe, 2 wabeka omongameli abathathu phezu kwabo, omunye wabo enguDanyeli. Ababusi bezigaba babesethula kubo konke ukuze inkosi ingalahlekelwa lutho. 3 UDanyeli waba yisilomo, wedlula abanye omongameli lababusi bezigaba ngokwenza kwakhe, inkosi yaze yafisa ukumbeka phezu kwelizwe lonke. 4 Ngenxa yalokho omongameli lababusi bezigaba badinga amabhada okumangalela uDanyeli ngendlela ayeqhuba ngayo kwezombuso, kodwa behluleka. Kabafumananga kungcola kuye ngoba wayethembekile futhi engasihaga lemali njalo engayekethisi lutho. 5 Ekucineni amadoda la athi, “Kasisoze safa salizuza izaba lokwethesa indoda le uDanyeli icala ngaphandle kwalokho okuphathelene lomthetho kaNkulunkulu wakhe.”

6 Ngakho omongameli lababusi bezigaba baya enkosini belixuku bafika bathi: “Oh nkosi Dariyu, mana njalo! 7 Omongameli besikhosini, labalisa, lababusi bezigaba, labeluleki lababusi bemikhono yelizwe bonke sebevumelene ukuthi inkosi kayikhuphe isimemezelo iwugcizelele umlayo othi noma ngubani okhuleka kuwuphi uNkulunkulu noma umuntu phakathi kwalezi insuku ezingamatshumi amathathu, ngaphandle kokukhuleka kuwe wena, Oh nkosi, uzaphoselwa emgodini wezilwane. 8 Manje, Oh nkosi, sikhuphe lesosimemezelo sibhalwe phansi ukuze singaguqulwa njengoba kunjalo ngemithetho yamaMede lamaPhezhiya engaguqulwayo.” 9 Ngakho inkosi uDariyu yawubhala phansi lowomthetho.

10 Kwathi uDanyeli esezwile ukuthi umthetho wawusukhutshiwe, waya ekhaya endlini yakhe ephezulu esitezi eyayilamawindi avulwe akhangela eJerusalema. Kathathu ngelanga wayezilahla phansi ngamadolo akhuleke, ebonga uNkulunkulu wakhe, njengalokho ayevele ekwenza mandulo. 11 Kwasekusithi amadoda la aqhubana elixuku afica uDanyeli ekhuleka ecela usizo kuNkulunkulu. 12 Asesiya enkosini ayakhuluma layo ngomthetho owaphuma esigodlweni, athi: “Kawukhuphanga isimemezelo yini sokuthi ngezinsuku ezilandelayo ezingamatshumi amathathu noma ngubani okhuleka komunye unkulunkulu noma umuntu ngaphandle kokukhuleka kuwe, Oh nkosi, uzaphoselwa emgodini wezilwane?”

Inkosi yaphendula yathi, “Lowomthetho umi njengemithetho yamaMede lamaPhezhiya, engeke iguqulwe.”

13 Asesithi enkosini, “UDanyeli, ongomunye wabathunjwa bakoJuda, kakunanzi, wena nkosi, kanye lomthetho owawubhala phansi. Ulokhu ekhuleka kathathu ngelanga.” 14 Kwathi inkosi isikuzwile lokho yakhathazeka kakhulu; yayizimisele ukukhulula uDanyeli, yenza yonke imizamo yokumsiza ilanga laze layatshona.

15 Amadoda lawo asehamba elixuku aya enkosini athi kuyo, “Khumbula, Oh nkosi, ukuthi ngomthetho wamaMede lamaPhezhiya kakulasimemezelo loba isimiso esikhutshwe yinkosi esingaguqulwa.”

16 Ngakho inkosi yasikhupha umlayo, basebemletha uDanyeli bamphosela emphandwini wezilwane. Inkosi yathi kuDanyeli, “Sengathi uNkulunkulu wakho omkhonzayo njalonjalo angakuhlenga!”

17 Kwalethwa ilitshe lafakwa emnyango womgodi, inkosi yasilinameka ngendandatho yayo yobukhosi langezindandatho zezikhulu zayo, ukuze umumo kaDanyeli ungaguqulwa. 18 Yikho inkosi yase ibuyela esigodlweni sayo yazila ukudla lokunatha ubusuku bonke. Yehluleka ukulala.

19 Kwathi emadabukakusa inkosi yavuka yaya emgodini wezilwane. 20 Ithe isifikile emgodini, yamemeza uDanyeli ngelizwi losizi yathi, “Danyeli, nceku kaNkulunkulu ophilayo, uNkulunkulu wakho omkhonza njalonjalo ukuphephisile yini ezilwaneni?”

21 UDanyeli waphendula wathi, “Oh nkosi, mana njalo! 22 UNkulunkulu wami uthume ingilosi yakhe yayivala imilomo yezilwane. Kazingilimazanga ngoba ngifunyanwe ngingelacala phambi kwakhe. Njalo kangikaze ngenze okubi kuwe, Oh nkosi.”

23 Inkosi yathaba yafa yakhupha umlayo wokuba uDanyeli akhutshulwe emgodini lowo. UDanyeli esekhutshiwe emgodini, kakubonakalanga nxeba kuye, ngoba wathemba kuNkulunkulu wakhe.

24 Inkosi yalaya ukuthi balethwe labo ababemangalele uDanyeli ngamanga baphoselwa emgodini wezilwane kanye labafazi babo labantwababo. Bathi bengakathinti phansi emgodini izilwane zabaqaga zabafohloza wonke amathambo abo.

25 Inkosi uDariyu yasilobela bonke abantu, lezizwe zonke lenhlanga zendimi zonke kulolonke ilizwe yathi:

“Sengathi impilo enhle inganda kini!

26 Ngimisa isimiso sokuthi kuzozonke izindawo zombuso wami, abantu kabesabe, bakhonze uNkulunkulu kaDanyeli.

Ngoba unguNkulunkulu ophilayo,

omiyo kuze kube phakade;

umbuso wakhe kawuyikubhidlizwa,

lobukhosi bakhe kabusoze buphele.

27 Uyakhulula, asindise;

wenza izibonakaliso lezimangaliso

emazulwini lasemhlabeni.

Umhlangulile uDanyeli

emandleni ezilwane.”

28 Ngakho uDanyeli waphumelela ngesikhathi sokubusa kukaDariyu lesokubusa kukaKhurosi umPhezhiya.

7

Iphupho LikaDanyeli Elezilo Ezine

1 Ngomnyaka wokuqala kaBhelishazari inkosi yaseBhabhiloni, uDanyeli waphupha iphupho, kwaphithika imibono engqondweni yakhe elele embhedeni wakhe. Wakubhala phansi okwakuqukethwe liphupho lakhe.

2 UDanyeli wathi: “Embonweni wami ebusuku ngakhangela ngabona phambi kwami imimoya emine yasezulwini iqubula ulwandle olukhulu. 3 Izilo ezine ezinkulu, yileso singafanani lezinye, zaqhamuka olwandle.

4 Esakuqala sasinjengesilwane, njalo silamaphiko engqungqulu. Ngabukela amaphiko aso aze akhutshwa, sasesiphakanyiswa emhlabathini sema ngezinyawo ezimbili njengomuntu, sasesiphiwa inhliziyo yomuntu.

5 Khonapho phambi kwami kwakujame isilo sesibili esasifana lebhele. Sasiphakanyisiwe kwelinye icele laso, njalo emlonyeni waso sasilezimbambo ezintathu emazinyweni aso. Satshelwa kwathiwa, ‘Sukuma udle inyama usuthe!’

6 Ngemva kwalokho ngakhangela ngabona phambi kwami esinye isilo esasikhangeleka njengengwe. Emhlane waso sasilamaphiko amane afana lawenyoni. Isilo lesi sasilamakhanda amane, saphiwa amandla okuba sibuse.”

7 Ngemva kwalokho, embonweni wami ebusuku ngakhangela, kwathi phambi kwami kwema isilo sesine esithuthumelisayo, sisesabeka njalo silamandla amakhulu. Sasilamazinyo ensimbi amakhulu; safohloza esikubambileyo sakudla, okuseleyo sakugxobela phansi. Sasingafanani lazozonke izilo zakuqala, sona silempondo ezilitshumi.

8 Ngisalokhu ngicabanga ngempondo lezo, khonapho phambi kwami kwaba lolunye uphondo oluncinyane olwama phakathi kwazo; kwathi ezintathu zempondo zakuqala zagunyulwa phambi kwalo. Uphondo lolu lwalulamehlo anjengamehlo omuntu lomlomo owawukhuluma okokuzikhukhumeza.

9 “Ngisakhangele,

kwabekwa izihlalo zobukhosi,

uSimakade wahlala kwesakhe.

Izigqoko zakhe zazimhlophe njengeqhwa;

inwele zekhanda lakhe zimhlophe njengoboya bezimvu.

Isihlalo sakhe sasilavuka umlilo,

lamavili aso wonke evutha umlilo.

10 Kwakugeleza umfula womlilo,

uthutsha ngaphambi kwakhe.

Izinkulungwane lezinkulungwane zazimkhonza;

izinkulungwane ezilitshumi

ziphindwe ngezinkulungwane ezilitshumi

zema phambi kwakhe.

Inkundla yokwahlulela yahlala phansi,

kwasekuvulwa izincwadi.”

11 Ngasengiqhubeka ngilokhu ngibukele ngenxa yamazwi okuzikhukhumeza ayekhulunywa luphondo. Ngala ngilokhu ngikhangele isilo saze sabulawa, isidumbu saso saphoselwa emlilweni ovuthayo. 12 (Leziyana ezinye izilo zase ziphuciwe ubukhulu bazo kodwa zavunyelwa ukuphila okwesikhathi esithile.)

13 Embonweni wami ebusuku ngakhangela kwabonakala khonapho phambi kwami lowo owayefana lendodana yomuntu esiza ngamayezi ezulu. Yasondela kuSimakade yasiwa phambi kwakhe. 14 Yaphiwa amandla lobukhosi lamandla okubusa; bonke abantu, lezizwe zonke labantu bendimi zonke bamkhonza. Ubukhosi bakhe yibukhosi obungapheliyo obungayikwedlula, lombuso wakhe kawusoze uchithwe.

Ingcazelo Yephupho

15 Mina Danyeli, ngakhathazeka emoyeni, lemibono eyayidlula engqondweni yami yangidabula. 16 Ngasondela komunye walabo ababemi khonapho ngambuza okuyikho okutshiwo yikho konke lokhu.

Yikho wangitshela wangipha ingcazelo yezinto lezi, wathi: 17 “Izilo ezine ezinkulu yimibuso emine ezaqhamuka emhlabeni. 18 Kodwa abangcwele bakhe oPhezukonke bazawemukela umbuso ube ngowabo lanininini, yebo, okwanini lanini.”

19 Ngase ngifisa ukwazi ingcazelo eqotho eyesilo sesine, esasingafanani lezinye njalo sisesabeka kakhulu, ngamazinyo aso ensimbi lenzipho zethusi, isilo esafohloza sadla esikubambileyo sagxobagxoba okuseleyo. 20 Ngafuna njalo ukwazi ngempondo ezilitshumi ekhanda laso langalolo olunye uphondo olwamilayo, okwathi ezinye ezintathu zawa phambi kwalo lolophondo olwabonakala kakhulu kulezinye, olwalulamehlo kanye lomlomo owawukhuluma ngokukloloda. 21 Ngilokhu ngibukele, uphondo lolu lwalusilwa luhlasela abangcwele lubehlula, 22 kwaze kwafika uMvelinqaki wabalamulela abangcwele bakhe oPhezukonke, kwafika isikhathi bawuthatha umbuso.

23 Wangipha ingcazelo le: Isilo sesine singumbuso wesine ozavela emhlabeni. Uzaba lomahluko kweminye yonke imibuso njalo uzawuthumba wonke umhlaba, uwugxobagxobe, uwufohloze. 24 Impondo ezilitshumi ngamakhosi alitshumi azavela kuwo lo umbuso. Ngemva kwawo kuzavela enye inkosi engafani lalayana awokuqala; izanqoba amakhosi amathathu. 25 Izakhuluma okubi ngoPhezukonke incindezele abangcwele bakhe izame ukuguqula izikhathi ezimisiweyo kanye lemithetho. Abangcwele bazanikelwa kuyo okwesikhathi esithile, izikhathi ezilengxenye yesikhathi.

26 Kodwa umthethwandaba uzahlala phansi, amandla ayo asuswe abhidlizwe okwanini lanini. 27 Lapho-ke ubukhosi, lamandla lobukhulu bemibuso leyo ngaphansi kwezulu lonke kuzaphiwa abangcwele, abantu bakhe oPhezukonke. Umbuso wakhe uzakuba ngumbuso ongapheliyo, njalo bonke ababusi bazamkhonza bamlalele.

28 “Lokhu yikho ukuphela kwendaba. Mina Danyeli ngakhathazeka kakhulu ngemicabango yami, ubuso bami bahloba, kodwa indaba le yaba yimfihlo yami.”

8

Umbono KaDanyeli Owenqama Lembuzi

1 Ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwenkosi uBhelishazari mina Danyeli ngaba lombono ohambelana lalowo owake wangifikela ngaphambili. 2 Embonweni wami ngazibona ngisenqabeni yaseSusa esigabeni sase-Elamu; embonweni ngangisekhunjini lomgelomfula u-Ulayi. 3 Ngakhangela, ngabona khonapho phambi kwami kwakulenqama elempondo ezimbili imi eceleni komgelo, impondo zazizinde. Olunye lwempondo lwalulude kulolunye kodwa muva lwakhula kakhulu. 4 Ngayibukela inqama ihlasela isiya entshonalanga, lenyakatho leningizimu. Kwakungelanyamazana eyayingamelana layo, kungekho njalo ongalamulela emandleni ayo. Yazenzela ngokuthanda kwayo yaba yinto enkulu.

5 Ngilokhu ngicabanga ngalokhu, masinyane kwathutsha imbuzi entshonalanga ilophondo oluqaphileyo phakathi kwamehlo ayo, idabula phakathi komhlaba wonke ingathintanga umhlabathi. 6 Yasondela enqameni yempondombili engayibona imi ekhunjini lomgelomfula yayihlasela ngolaka olukhulu. 7 Yayidumela inqama ngodlakela, yayigqubula yavikiza impondo zombili. Inqama yayingelamandla okumelana layo; impongo le yayilahla phansi inqama yayigxobagxoba, kungekho ongayilamulela emandleni ayo. 8 Impongo (imbuzi) yaba lamandla amakhulu, kodwa kwathi amandla ayo esemakhulu kangako uphondo lwayo olukhulu lwephuka, endaweni yalo kwakhula impondo ezine eziqaphileyo ezakhula zakhangela kuwo wonke amagumbi amane omkhathi.

9 Kolunye uphondo lwayo kwathutsha olunye uphondo olwaqalisa luluncinyane kodwa lwakhula ngamandla kusiya eningizimu, lasempumalanga laseLizweni Elihle. 10 Lwakhula lwaze lwafinyelela izinkanyezi zezulu, lwaphosela phansi emhlabeni ezinye izinkanyezi lwazigxobagxoba. 11 Lwaziphakamisa ngokuzikhukhumeza njengengomlawuli webutho likaThixo, lwamisa umhlatshelo walo wansuku zonke kuThixo lendawo yakhe yokukhonzela yangcoliswa. 12 Ngenxa yomvukela, ibutho likaThixo, kanye lomhlatshelo wansuku zonke kwanikelwa kulo. Lwaphumelela kukho konke olwalukwenza, iqiniso alabe lisatsho ulutho.

13 Ngasengisizwa ongcwele ekhuluma, omunye ongcwele wathi kuye, “Kuzathatha isikhathi esingakanani ukuze umbono lo ugcwaliseke, umbono omayelana lomhlatshelo wansuku zonke, lomvukela oletha incithakalo, lokukhalala indawo yokukhonzela, lezinkanyezi ezizagxotshwagxotshwa zinyawo zabantu bakaThixo?”

14 Wathi kimi, “Kuzathatha izikhathi zokuhlwa lezokusa ezizinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amathathu (2,300); lapho-ke indawo yokukhonzela izangcweliswa kutsha.”

Ingcazelo Yombono

15 Kwathi mina Danyeli ngilokhu ngiwubukele umbono lo, ngizama ukuwuzwisisa, kwema khonapho phambi kwami othile owayefana lomuntu. 16 Ngasengisizwa ilizwi lomuntu limemeza lisuka e-Ulayi lisithi, “Gabhriyeli, tshela umuntu lo ingcazelo yombono lo.”

17 Wathi esondela engangimi khona, ngezwa ngisesaba, ngawa ngithe thwitshi. Wathi kimi, “Ndodana yomuntu, qedisisa ukuthi umbono umayelana lesikhathi sokucina.”

18 Wathi esakhuluma lami, ngalala ubuthongo obunzima ngithe mbo phansi ngobuso. Wasengithinta, wangiphakamisa, wangimisa ngezinyawo zami.

19 Wathi, “Ngizakutshela okuzakwenzakala ngemuva, ngesikhathi esimisiweyo esokucina. 20 Inqama empondombili owayibonayo imele amakhosi eMede lePhezhiya. 21 Impongo eyisinephu yinkosi yeGrisi, lophondo olukhulu oluphakathi kwamehlo ayo yinkosi yakuqala. 22 Impondo ezine ezathatha indawo yalolo olwephukayo zimele imibuso emine ezaphuma esizweni sakhe kodwa kayiyikuba lamandla alingana lawaso.”

23 Lapho umbuso wabo ususiya ekucineni, abahlamuki nxa sebexhwale beqisa, inkosi elolunya, eliqili kakhulu, izavela. 24 Izaqina kakhulu kodwa kungasikho ngenxa yamandla ayo. Izakwenza umonakalo wokubhidliza okukhulu, iphumelele kukho konke ekwenzayo. Izawabhubhisa amaqhawe kanye labantu abangcwele. 25 Izakwandisa inkohlakalo, izibone yona isedlula bonke abanye. Bazakuthi besithi sebezinzile, izabhubhisa abanengi ibe isihlasela iNkosi yamakhosi. Ikanti yona izabhujiswa kodwa hatshi ngezandla zomuntu.

26 “Umbono owuphiweyo owezikhathi zokuhlwa lezokusa uliqiniso, kodwa ugcike umbono lo, ngoba uphathelane lesikhathi esizayo esikhatshana.”

27 Mina Danyeli, ngadinwa kakhulu ngalala ngingogulayo okwensuku ezimbalwa. Ngasengivuka ngaqhubeka ngomsebenzi wami wenkosi. Ngadideka ngombono lowo; wawungaphezu kwengqondo.

9

Umkhuleko KaDanyeli

1 Ngomnyaka wokuqala kaDariyu indodana ka-Ahasuweru (umuMede ngosendo), owenziwa umbusi phezu kombuso waseBhabhiloni 2 ngomnyaka wokuqala wokubusa kwakhe, mina Danyeli ngezwa emiBhalweni, mayelana lelizwi likaThixo elaphiwa uJeremiya umphrofethi, ukuthi incithakalo yeJerusalema yayizakuba khona okweminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa. 3 Yikho ngaphendukela eNkosini uNkulunkulu ngamncenga ngomkhuleko langokulabhela, langokuzila, ngigqoke amasaka ngazibhuqa emlotheni.

4 Ngakhuleka kuThixo uNkulunkulu wami ngafakaza ngathi:

“Oh Nkosi, Nkulunkulu omkhulu, owesabekayo, ogcina isivumelwano sakhe sothando lalabo bonke abamthandayo, abagcina imilayo yakhe: 5 senzile isono njalo senza okubi. Sisuke saxhwala, sahlamuka; siyifulathele imilayo yakho kanye lemithetho yakho. 6 Kasizilalelanga izinceku zakho abaphrofethi abakhuluma ngebizo lakho emakhosini ethu, lamakhosana ethu lakubobaba lakubo bonke abantu belizwe.

7 Nkosi, ulungile, kodwa lamuhla sembeswe ngehlazo, abantu bakoJuda labantu beJerusalema lo-Israyeli wonke, abaseduze labakude, kuwo wonke amazwe lapho osihlakazele khona ngenxa yokungathembeki kwethu kuwe. 8 Oh Thixo, thina lamakhosi ethu, lamakhosana ethu kanye labobaba sembeswe ngehlazo ngoba senzile isono kuwe. 9 INkosi uNkulunkulu wethu ilesihawu njalo iyathethelela loba thina siyihlamukele; 10 kasimlalelanga uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu, njalo kasiyigcinanga imithetho asipha yona ngezinceku zakhe abaphrofethi. 11 U-Israyeli wonke uwephule umthetho wakho wafulathela, esala ukukulalela.

Ngakho iziqalekiso lezahlulelo ezifungelwayo ezibhaliweyo eMthethweni kaMosi, inceku kaNkulunkulu, zithululelwe phezu kwethu, ngoba senzile isono kuwe. 12 Usuwagcwalisile amazwi okusilahla njalo alahla ababusi bethu ngokusehlisela incithakalo enkulu. Ngaphansi kwalo lonke izulu kakukaze kwenziwe ulutho olulingana lalokhu osekwenziwe eJerusalema. 13 Njengoba kulotshiwe eMthethweni kaMosi yonke le incithakalo yehlele kithi, ikanti kasicelanga umusa kaThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ngokufulathela izono zethu sifunisise iqiniso lakho. 14  UThixo kathikazanga ukwehlisela incithakalo phezu kwethu, ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ulungile kukho konke akwenzayo; kodwa kasimlalelanga.

15 Manje-ke, Nkosi Nkulunkulu wethu, owakhupha abantu bakho eGibhithe ngesandla esilamandla njalo owazenzela ibizo elimiyo kuze kube namhla, senzile isono, senzile okubi. 16 Nkosi, ngenxa yemisebenzi yakho yonke elungileyo, qambula ulaka lwakho lentukuthelo yakho kusuke eJerusalema, idolobho lakho, intaba yakho engcwele. Izono zethu lezinengiso zabobaba sezenze iJerusalema labantu bakho baba yinto yokuhlekisa kubo bonke abakhelene lathi.

17 Manje-ke, Nkulunkulu wethu, zwana imikhuleko lokulabhela kwenceku yakho. Ngenxa yebizo lakho, awu Nkosi, ake uhawukele indlu yakho engcwele esibhidlikile. 18 Beka indlebe yakho, Oh Nkulunkulu, uzwe; vula amehlo akho ubone incithakalo yedolobho elibizwa ngeBizo lakho. Kasilethi lezizicelo kuwe ngoba silungile, kodwa ngenxa yesihawu sakho esikhulu. 19 Nkosi, lalela! Nkosi, thethelela! Nkosi, lalela wenze! Ngenxa yebizo lakho, Oh Nkulunkulu wami, ungaphuzi, ngoba idolobho lakho labantu bakho kubizwa ngeBizo lakho.”

“Izikhombisa” Ezingamatshumi Ayisikhombisa

20 Ngathi ngikhuluma njalo ngikhuleka, ngivuma isono sami, lesono sabantu bakithi abako-Israyeli, ngiletha isikhalazo sami kuThixo uNkulunkulu wami ngentaba yakhe engcwele, 21 ngilokhu ngisakhuleka, uGabhriyeli, indoda engayibonayo embonweni wokuqala, weza kimi endiza kungesikhathi somhlatshelo wakusihlwa. 22 Wangilaya wathi kimi, “Danyeli, khathesi sengilande ukukupha ukuqonda lokuzwisisa. 23 Wonele ukuqalisa ukukhuleka impendulo yahle yaphiwa, eyiyo engizokutshela yona, ngoba uyaqakathekiswa kakhulu. Ngakho-ke, cabanga ngalo ilizwi, uwuzwisise umbono ukuthi:

24 Amatshumi ayisikhombisa ‘ezikhombisa’ (amaviki) asequnyelwe abantu bakini ledolobho lenu elingcwele ukuqedisa ukona, ukukhawula isono, ukuhlawulela ububi, ukuletha ukulunga okungapheliyo, ukuphetha umbono lesiphrofethi lokugcoba indawo engcwelengcwele.

25 Yazi njalo uzwisise lokhu: Kusukela ekukhutshweni kwesimemezelo sokuthi kuvuselelwe njalo kwakhiwe kutsha iJerusalema kuze kufike umbusi oGcotshiweyo kuzakuba lamaviki ‘ayizikhombisa’ eziyisikhombisa ‘lezikhombisa’ ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lambili. Lizakwakhiwa libe lemigwaqo lomgelo, kodwa kuyizikhathi zohlupho. 26 Ngemva ‘kwezikhombisa’ lezo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lambili oGcotshiweyo uzaqunywa afe engelalutho. Abantu bombusi ozakuza bazalibhidliza idolobho lendlu yenkonzo. Ukuphela kuzafika njengesikhukhula: Impi izaqhubeka kuze kube sekupheleni, sekumenyezelwe incithakalo. 27 Uzaqinisa isivumelwano labanengi ‘okwesikhombisa’ esisodwa. Phakathi ‘kwesikhombisa’ uzamisa imihlatshelo leminikelo. Kuzakuthi eceleni lethempeli uzabeka isinengiso esibanga incithakalo, kuze kuthi ukucina okumisiweyo kuchithelwe kuye.”

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Umbono KaDanyeli Owendoda

1 Ngomnyaka wesithathu kaKhurosi inkosi yasePhezhiya, kwafika kuDanyeli (owayebizwa ngokuthi nguBhelitheshazari) isambulelo. Umbiko waso wawuqinisile umayelana lempi enkulu. Ukuzwisiseka kombiko lowo kwamehlela ngombono.

2 Kulesosikhathi mina Danyeli ngalila okwamaviki amathathu. 3 Angizange ngikudle ukudla okuconsayo; inyama loba iwayini kakuzange kuzithinte izindebe zami; njalo kangizange ngisebenzise amagcobo lakanye kwaze kwaphela amaviki amathathu.

4 Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga yokuqala, ngathi ngimi ekhunjini lomfula omkhulu, iThigrisi, 5 ngakhangela ngabona khonapho phambi kwami kumi indoda igqoke ilineni, ilebhanti legolide elihle okhalweni lwayo. 6 Umzimba wayo wawufana lekhrisolathi, ubuso bayo bunjengombane, amehlo ayo enjengezibane ezivuthayo, izingalo zayo lemilenze yayo kufanana lokukhazimula kwethusi elilolongiweyo, lelizwi layo linjengomsindo wexuku labantu.

7 Mina Danyeli, yimi ngedwa engawubonayo umbono; amadoda ayelami kawubonanga, kodwa afikelwa yikwesaba okukhulu aze abaleka ayacatsha. 8 Ngakho ngasala ngedwa, ngiqhuzule amehlo ami kulo umbono omkhulu; ngaphela amandla, ubuso bami bahloba okokufa njalo sengiphelelwe. 9 Ngasengimuzwa ekhuluma, kwathi ngilokhu ngimlalele, ngehlelwa likhoza lobuthongo ngithe mbo phansi ngobuso.

10 Isandla sangithinta ngezwa sengiqhaqhazela ezandleni lemadolweni. 11 Wathi, “Danyeli, uyaqakathekiswa kakhulu, nanzelela amazwi esengizawakhuluma kuwe, usukume, ngoba manje ngithunywe kuwe.” Wathi esitsho lokhu kimi ngasukuma ngiqhaqhazela.

12 Waseqhubeka wathi, “Ungesabi, Danyeli. Kulokhu kwasukela mhla ubeka ingqondo yakho ukuzuza ukuzwisisa lokuzithoba phambi kukaNkulunkulu wakho, amazwi akho ezwakala, yikho ngilapha ngenxa yalokho. 13 Kodwa inkosi yombuso wasePhezhiya yangivimbela okwensuku ezingamatshumi amabili lanye. Kwasekusithi uMikhayeli, omunye wamakhosana amakhulu, weza ezongisiza, ngoba ngangivalelwe khonale yinkosi yasePhezhiya. 14 Manje ngilande ukuzakuchasisela lokho okuzakwenzakala ebantwini bakini esikhathini esizayo, ngoba umbono umayelana lesikhathi esizafika.”

15 Uthe esitsho lokhu kimi ngakhothamisela ubuso bami phansi ngehluleka ukukhuluma. 16 Kwasekusithi othile owayefana lomuntu wathinta izindebe zami, ngasengivula umlomo wami ngakhuluma. Ngathi kulowo owayemi phambi kwami, “Sengigajelwa yikudabuka kwenhliziyo ngenxa yombono, nkosi yami, njalo sengiphelelwe yikho konke. 17 Mina inceku yakho, ngingakhuluma kanjani lawe na, nkosi yami? Amandla ami kawasekho njalo sekusala ukuthi ngiphefumule.”

18 Waphinda njalo othile owayefana lomuntu wangithinta wangipha amandla. 19 Wathi, “Ungesabi, Oh muntu oqakathekiswayo kakhulu. Ukuthula! Qina manje; qina.”

Wathi ekhuluma lami ngaqina ngathi, “Khuluma, nkosi yami, njengoba usungiphile amandla.”

20 Ngakho wasesithi, “Uyakwazi nje ukuthi kungani ngize kuwe na? Masinyane ngizabuya ukuzakulwa lenkosi yasePhezhiya, kuthi ngingahamba, kuzakuza inkosi yaseGrisi; 21 kodwa ngizaqala ngikutshele okulotshiweyo eNcwadini yeQiniso. (Kakho ongelekelelayo ukumelana labo ngaphandle kukaMikhayeli inkosana yakho.

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1 Kwathi ngomnyaka wokuqala kaDariyu umuMede, ngazimisela ukuba ngime laye ngimsekele njalo ngimvikele.)”

Amakhosi Eningizimu Lenyakatho

2 “Manje-ke ngikutshela iqiniso: Kuzavela amanye amakhosi amathathu ePhezhiya, kulandele eyesine, ezanotha kakhulu okudlula amanye. Izakuthi ingazuza amandla ngenxa yenotho yayo izakhuthaza bonke abanye ukuxabana lombuso waseGrisi. 3 Besekuvela inkosi enkulu ezabusa ngamandla amakhulu, yenze njengokuthanda kwayo. 4 Isivelile, umbuso wayo uzachitheka uhlakazekele kuyo yonke yomine imimoya yezulu. Kawuzukuya ezizukulwaneni zayo, njalo kawusayikuba lamandla owawulawo ngoba umbuso wakhe uzaqutshunwa uphiwe abanye.

5 Inkosi yaseNingizimu izakuba lamandla, kodwa omunye wabalawuli bayo bebutho uzakuba lamandla kulayo abesebusa kowakhe umbuso elamandla amakhulu. 6 Ngemva kweminyaka ethile, bazasekelana njengabangane. Indodakazi yenkosi yaseNingizimu izakuya enkosini yaseNyakatho iyekwenza ubudlelwano, kodwa amandla ayo indodakazi kawayikuma, lenkosi leyo kanye lamandla ayo kakuba khona okwesikhathi eside. Ngalezonsuku indodakazi izadelwa, yona kanye lomndlunkulu wayo, loyise kanye lalowo owayeyisekela.

7 Kuzavela omunye owosendo lwayo ozathatha isikhundla sayo. Uzahlasela amabutho empi enkosi yaseNyakatho angene enqabeni yayo; uzakulwa lawo awehlule. 8 Uzathumba njalo onkulunkulu babo, lezithombe zabo zensimbi kanye lezitsha zabo eziligugu ezesiliva legolide azithwalele eGibhithe. Okweminyaka ethile uzake akhohlwe ngenkosi yaseNyakatho. 9 Kuzakuthi inkosi yaseNyakatho ihlasele umbuso wenkosi yaseNingizimu kodwa iphinde ihlehlele muva elizweni layo. 10 Amadodana ayo azalungisela impi aphake iviyo elikhulu lamabutho azathululeka njengesikhukhula sikazamcolo impi ize iyengena enqabeni yayo eyaseNingizimu.

11 Lapho-ke inkosi yaseNingizimu izaphuma ngokuthukuthela iyekulwa lenkosi yaseNyakatho, yona ezaphaka iviyo elikhulu lempi, kodwa izakwehlulwa. 12 Kuzakuthi nxa amabutho esethunjiwe, inkosi yaseNingizimu izazikhukhumeza, ibisibulala izinkulungwane ezinengi, kodwa kayiyikuhlala inqoba. 13 Ngoba inkosi yaseNyakatho izabutha elinye ibutho elikhulu kulelakuqala; kuthi ngemva kweminyaka embalwa izahlasela ngebutho elikhulukazi lihlome liphelele.

14 Kulezozikhathi banengi abazavukela inkosi yaseNingizimu. Izidlwangudlwangu phakathi kwabantu bakini zizahlamuka ukuze kugcwaliseke umbono, kodwa kaziyikuphumelela. 15 Inkosi yaseNyakatho izafika yakhe amadundulu okuvimbezela, ithumbe idolobho elivikelwe ngenqaba. Amabutho aseNingizimu azakwehluleka ukuzivikela; kanye lamaqhawe awo odumo kazukuba lamandla okuma. 16 Umhlaseli uzazenzela intando yakhe, kakho loyedwa ozakuba lamandla okumelana laye. Izazibeka iqine eLizweni Elihle ibe lamandla okulichithiza. 17 Izazimisela ukuza ngenkani yombuso wayo wonke yenze isivumelwano sokuvikelana lenkosi yaseNingizimu. Izamendisela indodakazi yayo ukuze iwuchithe umbuso, kodwa amacebo ayo lawo kawayikuphumelela, kawayikuyisiza. 18 Abeseguqukela ngasemazweni asemakhunjini olwandle awathumbe amanengi akhona, kodwa umlawuli wempi omunye uzamquma umsila amnqobe. 19 Ngemva kwalokhu izabuyela ezinqabeni zelizwe layo kodwa izakhubeka iwe, ingaphindi ibonakale futhi.

20 Ozathatha ubukhosi ngemva kwayo uzathuma umthelisi ukuze buqhubeke ubukhazikhazi basesikhosini. Kodwa kungeminyaka mingaki izaqethulwa, kungasikho ngodlakela kumbe empini.

21 Izalandelwa ngumuntu odelelekileyo ongelakho ukuhlonipheka kobukhosi. Uzawuhlasela umbuso ngesikhathi abantu bawo besithi sebezinzile, awuthumbe ngokuxabanisa abanye. 22 Kuzakuthi impi eyesabekayo ikhukhulwe phambi kwakhe; yona lenkosi yesivumelwano kuzabhujiswa. 23 Ngemva kokwenza isivumelwano layo uzakwenza inkohliso abesezuza ubukhosi encediswa lihlekana labantu. 24 Kuzakuthi lezozigodi ezilenotho enengi sezisithi zizinzile uzazihlasela aphumelele okungazange kwenziwe nguyise loba ngokhokho bakhe. Uzakwaba impango lenotho kubalandeli bakhe. Uzakwakha amacebo okubhidliza izinqaba kodwa okwesikhatshana nje.

25 Uzaphaka impi enkulu ukuze avuselele amandla akhe aqunge isibindi sokusukela inkosi yaseNingizimu. Inkosi yaseNingizimu izadumelana laye ngempi enkulu elamandla, kodwa kayizukuma ngenxa yamacebo azakwenziwa awokuyiqethula. 26 Labo abadla esiphaleni senkosi bazazama ukuyibulala; impi yakhe izakhukhulwa, kufe abanengi empini. 27 Amakhosi la amabili alenhliziyo ezigaya izibozi azahlala tafula linye aqambelane amanga, kodwa kungancedi lutho ngoba isiphetho sizajinge sifike ngesikhathi esimisiweyo. 28 Inkosi yaseNyakatho izabuyela elizweni layo ikhithika ngenotho, kodwa inhliziyo yayo izabe ilokozela isivumelwano esingcwele. Kukhona ezakwenza ngaso andubana ibuyele elizweni layo.

29 Ngesikhathi esimisiweyo izahlasela eNingizimu njalo, kodwa ngalesosikhathi impumela yakhona kayizukufana leyakuqala. 30 Imikhumbi evela emakhunjini olwandle lwasentshonalanga izamelana layo ihle iphele amandla. Izabuyela emuva iyebhodlisela ulaka lwayo phezu kwesivumelwano esingcwele. Izaphinda isekele labo abadela isivumelwano esingcwele.

31 Amabutho ayo ahlomileyo azasuka angcolise inqaba yethempeli, acinise umhlatshelo wansuku zonke. Yikho-ke abesemisa lawomanyala azaletha incithakalo. 32 Ngobuqili bayo izabaxhwalisa labo asebesephulile isivumelwano, kodwa labobantu abamaziyo uNkulunkulu wabo bazajamelana layo yehluleke.

33 Labo abahlakaniphileyo bazafundisa abanengi, lokuba nje okwesikhathi esithile bezakuwa ngenkemba, kumbe batshiswe, kumbe bathunjwe loba baphangwe. 34 Ekumeni kwabo bazazuza uncedo oluncinyane, kuthi abanengi abangazimiselanga bazihlanganise lezitha. 35 Abanye babahlakaniphileyo bazakhubeka, ukuze bacoliswe, bahlanjululwe njalo benziwe bahlanzeke kuze kufike isikhathi sokucina, ngoba sijinge sizafika ngesikhathi leso esimisiweyo.”

Inkosi Eziphakamisayo

36 “Inkosi izakwenza njengokuthanda kwayo. Izaziphakamisa njalo izikhukhumeze ngaphezu kwabonkulunkulu bonke ikhihlize izibozi ngoNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu. Izaphumelela kuze kugcwaliseke isikhathi sentukuthelo, ngoba lokho okumisiweyo kusamele kwenzeke. 37 Kayizukubananza onkulunkulu baboyise, kumbe lowo olangathwa ngabesifazane, njalo kayiyikunanza lawuphi unkulunkulu, kodwa izaziphakamisa ngaphezulu kwabo bonke. 38 Esikhundleni sabo izakhonza unkulunkulu wezinqaba, unkulunkulu owayengaziwa ngoyise izamkhonza ngegolide langesiliva langamatshe aligugu lezipho ezidulayo. 39 Izahlasela izinqaba eziqine okudlulayo incediswa ngunkulunkulu wezizweni njalo ibahloniphe kakhulu labo abayivumayo. Izababeka ukuba ngababusi babantu abanengi njalo umhlaba izawaba ngokuphiwa intengo.

40 Ngesikhathi sokucina inkosi yaseNingizimu izadumelana layo empini, lenkosi yaseNyakatho izatheleka layo ngezinqola zempi, lebutho, lamabhiza kanye langemikhumbi eminengi. Izahlasela amazwe amanengi iwakhukhule njengozamcolo. 41 Izahlasela njalo iLizwe Elihle. Azakuwa amazwe amanengi, kodwa i-Edomi leMowabi labakhokheli bako-Amoni bazaphepha esandleni sayo. 42 Izaqhelisa amandla ayo phezu kwamazwe amanengi; iGibhithe kayiyikuphunyuka. 43 Izahluthuna inotho legolide lesiliva layo yonke inotho yaseGibhithe, amaLibhiya lamaKhushi ayikhonze. 44 Kodwa imibiko evela empumalanga lasenyakatho izayethusa ibisiphuma ngolaka olukhulu ukuyabulala lokutshabalalisa abanengi. 45 Izamisa amathente ayo obukhosi phakathi kolwandle lentaba engcwele enhle. Kodwa kuzafika okwayo ukuphela, engasekho ongayisiza.”

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Ukuphela Kwesikhathi

1 “Ngalesosikhathi uMikhayeli, umbusi omkhulu olinda abantu bakini, uzavela. Kuzakuba khona isikhathi sokuhlukumezeka okungazange kube khona kulokhu kwadabuka izizwe kuze kube yiso. Kodwa kulesosikhathi abantu bakini bonke labo abalamabizo azafunyanwa elotshiwe encwadini bazahlengwa. 2 Izixuku lezixuku zabaleleyo othulini lomhlaba bazavuka; abanye baye ekuphileni okungapheliyo, abanye baye ehlazweni lokunengeka okungapheliyo. 3 Labo abahlakaniphileyo bazakhazimula njengokubenyezela kwamazulu, lalabo abaholela abanengi ekulungeni, bazakhazimula njengezinkanyezi okwanini lanini. 4 Kodwa wena Danyeli, vala ungcine amazwi omgoqwancwadi kuze kube yisikhathi sokucina. Abanengi bazakuya lapha lale ukwandisa ulwazi.”

5 Kwathi mina, Danyeli, ngakhangela, ngabona khonapho phambi kwami kumi abanye ababili, omunye ngakuleli ikhumbi lomfula lomunye ngakuleliyana ikhumbi. 6 Omunye wabo wathi emuntwini owayegqoke ilineni owayengaphezulu kwamanzi omfula, “Kuzakuba yisikhathi esingakanani zingakenzakali izinto lezi eziyisimanga na?”

7 Indoda eyayigqoke ilineni, eyayiphezulu kwamanzi omfula yaphakamisela isandla sayo sokunene lesandla sayo sokhohlo ezulwini, ngayizwa ifunga ngaye ohleziyo laphakade, isithi, “Kuzakuba ngokwesikhathi, izikhathi lengxenye yesikhathi. Lapho amandla abantu abangcwele eseze afohlozwa, zonke lezi izinto zizapheleliswa.”

8 Ngezwa, kodwa kangizwisisanga. Yikho ngabuza ngathi, “Nkosi yami, pho sizaba yini isiphetho sakho konke lokhu na?”

9 Waphendula wathi, “Zihambele, Danyeli, ngoba amazwi asevaliwe ananyekwa kuze kube sekucineni kwesikhathi. 10 Abanengi bazahlanjululwa, bangabi latshatha njalo bacolisiswe, kodwa abagangileyo bazaqhubeka begangile. Kakho kwababi ozazwisisa, kodwa labo abahlakaniphileyo bazazwisisa.”

11 Kusukela ngesikhathi kusaliswa umhlatshelo wansuku zonke, sekumiswe amanyala abanga incithakalo, kuzakuba lensuku eziyinkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye (1,290). 12 Ubusisiwe lowo okulindelayo njalo akufice ukucina kwensuku eziyinkulungwane lamakhulu amathathu alamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu (1,335).

13 “Kodwa wena, zihambele nje kuze kube sekucineni. Uzaphumula, besekusithi ekucineni kwensuku uzavuka ukuba wamukele elakho ilifa olabelweyo.”

UHosiya

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14

UHosiya

1

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuHosiya indodana kaBheri ngezinsuku zemibuso yabo-Uziya, loJothamu, lo-Ahazi loHezekhiya amakhosi akoJuda, kanye lasezinsukwini zokubusa kukaJerobhowamu indodana kaJowashi inkosi yako-Israyeli.

UmkaHoseya Labantwana

2 Kwathi uThixo eseqalise ukukhuluma ngoHosiya, uThixo wathi kuye, “Hamba uyethatha umfazi oyisifebe ubelabantwana bobufebe, ngoba ilizwe lilecala lobufebe obubi kakhulu ngokweduka kuThixo.” 3 Ngakho wathatha uGomeri indodakazi kaDibilayimi, njalo wathatha isisu wamzalela indodana.

4  UThixo wasesithi kuHoseya, “Methe ibizo uthi nguJezerili, ngoba masinyane nje ngizayijezisa indlu kaJehu ngenxa yesihluku sokubulala abantu abanengi eJezerili, njalo ngizawuqeda umbuso wako-Israyeli. 5 Ngalolosuku ngizakwephula idandili lika-Israyeli eSigodini saseJezerili.”

6 UGomeri wathatha isisu futhi, wazala indodakazi. UThixo wasesithi, “Muphe ibizo uthi nguLo-Ruhama, ngoba kangisoze ngibe lothando futhi endlini ka-Israyeli, ukuba ngibathethelele. 7 Kodwa ngizakuba lothando endlini kaJuda, njalo ngizabakhulula, kungayisikho ngedandili, inkemba kumbe impi, loba ngamabhiza langabagadi bamabhiza, kodwa ngoThixo uNkulunkulu wabo.”

8 UGomeri eselumule uLo-Ruhama ebeleni, waba lenye indodana. 9  UThixo wasesithi, “Muphe ibizo lokuthi nguLo-Ami, ngoba lina kalisibo bantu bami, lami kangisuye uNkulunkulu wenu.

10 Kodwa abako-Israyeli bazakuba njengetshebetshebe ekhunjini lolwandle elingeke lilinganiswe kumbe libalwe. Endaweni lapho okwakuthiwe khona kubo, ‘Kalisibo bantu bami,’ bazabizwa ngokuthi, ‘bantwana bakaNkulunkulu ophilayo.’ 11 Abantu bakoJuda labantu bako-Israyeli bazamanyana, njalo bazakhetha umkhokheli oyedwa baphume elizweni, ngoba luzakuba lukhulu usuku lukaJezerili.”

2

1 “Tshono kubafowenu uthi, ‘Bantu bami,’ ngabodadewenu uthi, ‘Bathandekayo bami.’ ”

U-Israyeli Uyajeziswa Abuye Abuyiselwe

2 “Mkhuze unyoko, mkhuze,

ngoba engasuye mkami,

lami kangisuye mkakhe.

Kasuse ukukhangeleka kobufebe ebusweni bakhe

kanye lokungathembeki phakathi kwamabele akhe.

3 Funa ngimhlubule abe nqunu,

ngimenze abeze njengamhla ezalwa;

ngizamenza abe njengenkangala,

ngimenze abe yilizwe elomileyo

ngimbulale ngokomela amanzi.

4 Kangiyikubonakalisa uthando lwami ebantwaneni bakhe,

ngoba bangabantwana bobufebe.

5 Unina ubeyisifebe,

njalo ubemule ngehlazo.

Wathi, ‘Ngizazilandela izithandwa zami,

ezingipha ukudla kwami lamanzi ami,

iwulu yami lamalembu ami,

amafutha ami lokunathwayo kwami.’

6 Ngakho-ke indlela yakhe ngizayivala ngamahlahla ameva;

ngizamhonqolozela ngomduli ukuze indlela yakhe angayifumani.

7 Uzaxotshana lezithandwa zakhe kodwa angazifici,

uzazidinga kodwa angazitholi.

Ngakho uzakuthi,

‘Ngizabuyela endodeni yami yakuqala,

ngoba ngalesosikhathi ngangingcono kulakhathesi.’

8 Kavumanga ukuthi yimi engamnika amabele,

lewayini elitsha lamafutha ngamnika isiliva esinengi legolide

abakusebenzisela uBhali.

9 Ngakho-ke ngizawathatha amabele ami lapho esevuthiwe,

lewayini lami elitsha lapho selilungile.

Ngizayithatha lewulu yami kanye lelineni lami,

okwakumiselwe ukuvala ubunqunu bakhe.

10 Ngakho khathesi ngizahlazulula ukuxhwala bakhe

emehlweni ezithandwa zakhe;

kakho ozamsusa ezandleni zami.

11 Ngizayiqeda yonke imikhosi yakhe yokuthokoza:

imikhosi yakhe yeminyaka yonke, ukuThwasa kweziNyanga,

insuku zakhe zamaSabatha,

yonke imikhosi yakhe emisiweyo.

12 Ngizatshabalalisa izivini zakhe lezihlahla zakhe zemikhiwa,

lokhu athi yinhlawulo yakhe evela kuzithandwa zakhe;

ngizazenza zibe liguswanyana

zidliwe yizinyamazana zeganga.

13 Ngizamjezisela insuku atshisela ngazo

oBhali impepha;

wazicecisa ngamasongo langamangqongqo,

walandela izithandwa zakhe,

kodwa mina wangikhohlwa,” kutsho uThixo.

14 “Ngakho sengizamhuga;

ngizamholela enkangala

ngikhulume laye kakuhle.

15 Lapho-ke ngizambuyisela izivini zakhe,

ngenze iSigodi sase-Akhori sibe ngumnyango wethemba.

Khonapho uzahlabelela njengasezinsukwini zobutsha bakhe,

njengamhla ephuma eGibhithe.

16 Ngalolosuku,” kutsho uThixo,

“lizangibiza ngokuthi ‘ndoda yami’;

kalisayikungibiza ngokuthi ‘nkosi yami.’

17 Ngizawasusa amabizo aboBhali ezindebeni zakhe;

amabizo abo akusayikukhulekwa ngawo futhi.

18 Ngalolosuku ngizabenzela isivumelwano

lezinyamazana zeganga lezinyoni zasemoyeni

kanye lezidalwa ezihuquzela emhlabathini.

Idandili lenkemba kanye lempi

ngizakuqeda elizweni

ukuze konke kulale phansi kuvikelekile.

19 Ngizakwendisela kimi kuze kube nininini;

ngizakwendisa ngokulunga langemfanelo,

ngothando langesihawu.

20 Ngizakwendisa ngokuthembeka,

njalo uzamamukela uThixo.

21 Ngalolosuku ngizasabela,”

kutsho uThixo,

“Ngizasabela emikhathini,

layo izasabela emhlabeni,

22 lomhlaba uzasabela emabeleni

lasewayinini elitsha kanye lasemafutheni,

lokhu kuzasabela kuJezerili.

23 Ngizazihlanyelela yena elizweni;

ngizabonakalisa uthando lwami

kulowo engambiza ngokuthi,

‘Akasi sithandwa sami.’

Ngizakuthi kulabo ababizwa ngokuthi,

‘Abangasibantu bami,’

‘Lingabantu bami’;

bona bazakuthi,

‘UnguNkulunkulu wethu.’ ”

3

Ukubuyisana KukaHoseya Lomkakhe

1  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Hamba, utshengisele uthando lwakho kumkakho futhi, lanxa nje ethandwa ngomunye njalo eyisifebekazi. Mthande njengoThixo ethanda abako-Israyeli, lanxa baphendukela kwabanye onkulunkulu njalo bethanda amakhekhe ezithelo ezonyisiweyo.”

2 Ngakho ngamthenga ngamashekeli esiliva alitshumi lanhlanu langokwakuphosa kube lihomeri leletheki lebhali. 3 Ngasengisithi kuye, “Uzahlala lami insuku ezinengi; akumelanga ube yisifebe loba wembathe lenye indoda, lami ngizahlala lawe.”

4 Ngoba abako-Israyeli bazahlala insuku ezinengi bengelankosi kumbe inkosana, bengelamhlatshelo kumbe amatshe angcwele, bengelasembatho semahlombe kumbe isithombe. 5 Muva abako-Israyeli bazaphenduka bamdinge uThixo uNkulunkulu wabo kanye loDavida inkosi yabo. Bazakuza kuThixo beqhaqhazela kanye lasezibusisweni zakhe ensukwini zokucina.

4

Icala Eletheswa Abako-Israyeli

1 Zwanini ilizwi likaThixo, lina bako-Israyeli

ngoba kulecala uThixo alethesa lina elihlala elizweni:

“Akulakwethembeka, akulathando, akukho ukumamukela

uNkulunkulu elizweni.

2 Kulokuthuka kuphela, lokuqamba amanga lokubulala,

lokuntshontsha kanye lobufebe;

benza ububi bonke,

njalo ukuchithwa kwegazi kulandela ukuchithwa kwegazi.

3 Ilizwe liyalila ngenxa yalokhu,

njalo bonke abahlala kulo bayacikizeka;

izinyamazana zeganga lezinyoni zasemoyeni

kanye lenhlanzi zasolwandle kuyafa.

4 Kodwa akungabi lamuntu omangalayo,

akungabi lomuntu owethesa omunye icala

ngoba abantu bakho bafana lalabo

abamangalela umphristi.

5 Liyakhubeka emini lebusuku,

labaphrofethi bakhubeka kanye lani.

Ngakho unyoko ngizamchitha,

6 abantu bami bachithwa yikungabi lolwazi.

Njengoba likwalile ukwazi,

lami ngiyalala njengabaphristi bami;

ngoba kaliwunakanga umthetho kaNkulunkulu wenu,

lami angiyikubanaka abantwana benu.

7 Ngokwanda kwabaphristi,

kwanda kanjalo lokona kwabo kimi,

benanisa uDumo lwabo ngento elihlazo.

8 Badla izono zabantu bami

bajabuliswe yikuxhwala kwabo.

9 Njalo kuzakuba kanje: Njengabantu, njengabaphristi.

Bonke ngizabajezisela izindlela zabo,

ngiphindisele kubo lezenzo zabo.

10 Bazakudla kodwa bangasuthi;

bazakwenza ubufebe kodwa bangandi,

ngoba bamdelile uThixo

ukuba bazinikele 11 ebufebeni,

lewayini elidala kanye lelitsha

elisusa ukuqedisisa kwabantu bami.

12 Badinga izeluleko esithombeni sesigodo

baphendulwe yiluthi lwesigodo.

Umoya wobufebe uyabedukisa;

kabathembekanga kuNkulunkulu wabo.

13 Banikela imihlatshelo ezingqongweni zezintaba

batshise iminikelo phezu kwamaqaqa,

ngaphansi komʼokhi, lomphophila kanye lomtherebhinti,

lapho okulomthunzi omnandi.

Ngakho amadodakazi enu enza ubuwule,

labomalukazana benu benze ubufebe.

14 Angiyikuwajezisa amadodakazi enu

lapho esenza ubuwule

loba omalukazana benu

lapho besenza ubufebe,

ngoba amadoda uqobo azwana lezifebe anikele

imihlatshelo lezifebe ezisezindaweni zokukhonzela

abantu abangelakuqedisisa bazabhubha.

15 Lanxa ufeba, we Israyeli,

uJuda kangabi lecala.

Lingayi eGiligali;

lingayi eBhethi-Aveni.

Njalo lingafungi lisithi,

‘Ngeqiniso njengoba uThixo ekhona!’

16 Abako-Israyeli bayiziqholo,

njengethokazi eliyisiqholo.

Pho uThixo angabelusela njani

emadlelweni njengezimvu na?

17 U-Efrayimi uhlangene lezithombe;

myekeleni enjalo!

18 Lalapho okunathwayo kwabo sekuphelile,

bayaqhubeka ngobufebe babo;

ababusi babo bazithanda kakhulu izindlela ezilihlazo.

19 Isavunguzane sizabakhukhula,

lemihlatshelo yabo izabalethela ihlazo.”

5

Ukwahlulela Okumelane Lo-Israyeli

1 “Zwanini lokhu, lina baphristi!

Lalelani, lina bako-Israyeli.

Lalela, wena ndlu yobukhosi!

Ukwahlulela lokhu kumelane lani:

Kade lingumjibila eMizipha,

umambule owendlalwe eThabhori.

2 Abahlamuki batshonile ekubulaleni,

ngizabalaya bonke.

3 Mina ngazi konke ngo-Efrayimi;

u-Israyeli kafihlakalanga kimi.

Efrayimi, khathesi ususenza ubufebe;

u-Israyeli uxhwalile.

4 Izenzo zabo kazibavumeli

ukubuyela kuNkulunkulu wabo.

Umoya wobufebe usezinhliziyweni zabo;

kabamamukeli uThixo.

5 Ukuzigqaja kuka-Israyeli kufakaza okubi ngaye;

abako-Israyeli, kanye laye u-Efrayimi,

bayakhubeka ezonweni zabo.

LoJuda laye ukhubeka labo

6 Lapho behamba lemihlambi yezimvu zabo leyenkomo

ukuyadinga uThixo,

kabayikumfumana;

uzisusile kubo.

7 Kabathembekanga kuThixo;

bazala abantwana ngokungemthetho.

Khathesi imikhosi yabo yokuThwasa Kwezinyanga

izabaqothula kanye lamasimu abo.

8 Khalisani icilongo eGibhiya,

lophondo eRama.

Hlabani umkhosi wempi eBhethi-Aveni;

khokhela, wena Bhenjamini.

9 U-Efrayimi uzachithwa

ngosuku lokwahlulela.

Phakathi kwezizwana zako-Israyeli

ngimemezela okuliqiniso.

10 Abakhokheli bakoJuda

banjengalabo abatshedisa amatshe omngcele.

Ngizathululela ulaka lwami phezu kwabo

njengesikhukhula samanzi.

11 U-Efrayimi uncindezelwe,

wanyathelwa ekwahluleleni,

ehlose ukulandela izithombe.

12 Mina nginjengenondo ku-Efrayimi,

njengokubola ebantwini bakoJuda.

13 Kwathi u-Efrayimi ebona umkhuhlane wakhe,

loJuda ebona izilonda zakhe,

u-Efrayimi waya e-Asiriya,

wathumela ilizwi loncedo enkosini enkulu.

Kodwa kayenelisi ukukwelapha,

kayenelisi ukwelapha izilonda zakho.

14 Ngoba ngizakuba njengesilwane ku-Efrayimi,

lanjengesilwane esikhulu kuJuda.

Ngizabadabudabula ngisuke ngihambe;

ngizabathwala ngihambe labo,

kungekho ozabahlenga.

15 Ngizabuyela endaweni yami

baze balivume icala labo.

Njalo bazabudinga ubuso bami;

esizini lwabo

bazangidinga impela.”

6

U-Israyeli Kaphenduki

1 “Wozani sibuyele kuThixo.

Usesidabule saba yizicucu

kodwa uzaselapha;

usilimazile

kodwa uzawabopha amanxeba ethu.

2 Emva kwensuku ezimbili uzasivuselela;

ngosuku lwesithathu uzasibuyisela

ukuze sihlale lapho akhona.

3 Kasimamukeleni uThixo;

kasiqiniseni ukumamukela.

Ngoqotho njengoba ilanga liphuma,

uzabonakala;

uzakuza kithi njengezulu lebusika,

lanjengezulu lentwasa elithambisa umhlaba.”

4 “Ngingenzani ngawe, Efrayimi na?

Ngingenzani ngawe, Juda na?

Uthando lwenu lunjengenkungu yekuseni,

lunjengamazolo ekuseni anyamalalayo.

5 Ngakho ngaliqumaquma ngabaphrofethi bami,

ngalibulala ngamazwi omlomo wami;

ukwahlulela kwami kwaphazima njengombane phezu kwenu.

6 Ngoba mina ngifuna isihawu, hatshi umhlatshelo,

lokwamukela uNkulunkulu kuleminikelo yokutshiswa.

7 Njengo-Adamu, sebesephule isivumelwano

babengathembekanga khonale.

8 IGiliyadi lidolobho labantu abaxhwalileyo.

Lingcolile ngezinyathelo zegazi

9 Njengezigebenga zicathamela umuntu,

zenzanjalo izigangi zabaphristi;

zibulala abantu emgwaqweni oya eShekhemu

zisenza izinto ezimbi.

10 Sengibone into etshaqisayo endlini ka-Israyeli.

U-Efrayimi uwela khonapho,

lo-Israyeli ungcolisiwe.

11 Lakuwe futhi Juda,

ukuvuna sekulungiselwe.

Lapho ngingabuyisela inotho yabantu bami.

7

1 Lapho engizakwelapha khona u-Israyeli,

izono zika-Efrayimi ziyadalulwa

lobubi beSamariya buyembulwa.

Benza inkohliso,

amasela agqekeza izindlu,

izigebenga ziyaphanga emigwaqweni

2 kodwa kabananzeleli

ukuthi mina ngiyazikhumbula zonke izenzo zabo ezimbi.

Izono zabo ziyabaminza;

zihlezi ziphambi kwami.

3 Bathokozisa inkosi ngobuxhwali babo,

lababusi ngamanga abo.

4 Bonke bayizifebe,

batshisa njengeziko

elimlilo walo akudingeki ukuba umpheki wezinkwa awukhwezele

kusukela ekuvoxeni inhlama ize ikhukhumale.

5 Ngosuku lomkhosi wenkosi yethu

ababusi bathukutheliswa liwayini,

inkosi izihlanganise labaklolodayo.

6 Inhliziyo zabo zinjengeziko,

inkosi bayilanda ngamacebo ensitha.

Ukufutheka kwabo kuyadeda ubusuku bonke;

ekuseni kuyavutha njengomlilo obhebhayo.

7 Bonke batshisa njengeziko;

batshwabadele ababusi babo.

Wonke amakhosi abo ayawa,

kayikho ekhuleka kimi.

8 U-Efrayimi uxubana lezizwe;

u-Efrayimi ulikhekhe eliyisicecedu elingaphendulwanga.

9 Abezizweni bacikiza amandla akhe,

kodwa yena kakunanzeleli.

Inwele zakhe sezilezimvu

kodwa yena kakunanzeleli.

10 Ubuqholo buka-Israyeli bufakaza okubi ngaye,

kodwa phezu kwakho konke lokhu

kabuyeli kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe

loba amdinge.

11 U-Efrayimi unjengejuba,

ukhohliseka lula kalangqondo

ucela usizo eGibhithe,

abuye alucele e-Asiriya.

12 Lapho sebehamba, ngizaphosa umambule wami phezu kwabo;

ngizabadonsela phansi njengezinyoni zasemoyeni.

Ngizabezwa behamba bonke,

ngizababamba.

13 Maye kubo

ngoba bedukile kimi!

Akube lencithakalo kubo

ngoba bangihlamukele!

Ngiyafisa ukubahlenga

kodwa bona bakhuluma amanga ngami.

14 Kabakhalazi kimi ngezinhliziyo zabo

kodwa bakhalela emibhedeni yabo.

Babuthanela amabele lewayini elitsha

kodwa mina basuka bangidele.

15 Ngabafundisa ngabaqinisa,

kodwa baceba okubi ngami.

16 Kabaphendukeli koPhezukonke

banjengedandili elisolekayo.

Abakhokheli babo bazabulawa ngenkemba

ngenxa yamazwi abo okweyisa.

Ngalokhu bazahlekwa

elizweni laseGibhithe.”

8

U-Israyeli Uzavuna Isavunguzane

1 “Faka icilongo ezindebeni zakho!

Ukhozi lungaphezu kwendlu kaThixo

ngoba abantu basephule isivumelwano sami

bahlamukela lomthetho wami.

2 U-Israyeli uyakhalaza kimi esithi,

‘Oh Nkulunkulu wethu, siyakwamukela!’

3 Kodwa u-Israyeli ukwalile okuhle;

isitha sizaxotshana laye.

4 Babeka amakhosi kungekho mvumo yami;

bakhetha ababusi kungekho mvumo yami.

Ngesiliva sabo langegolide,

bazenzela izithombe zibe yikubhujiswa kwabo.

5 Lahla isithombe sakho sethole, wena Samariya!

Ulaka lwami luyavutha ngawe.

Koze kube nini bengelamandla okuhlambuluka na?

6 Bavela ko-Israyeli!

Ithole leli labunjwa yingcwethi;

kalisuye Nkulunkulu.

Lizachobozwa libe yizicucu,

ithole lelo laseSamariya.

7 Bahlanyela umoya

bavune isavunguzane.

Ihlanga kalilasikhwebu;

kaliyikuthela ifulawa.

Aluba belingathela amabele,

abezizweni kade bezawamimiliza.

8 U-Israyeli useginyiwe;

khathesi phakathi kwezizwe

unjengento engelasizo.

9 Ngoba sebeye e-Asiriya

njengobabhemi weganga entula yedwa.

U-Efrayimi uzithengisile kuzithandwa.

10 Lanxa bezithengisile phakathi kwezizwe,

ngizabaqoqela ndawonye.

Bazaqalisa ukucikizeka

bengaphansi kwencindezelo yenkosi elamandla.

11 Lanxa u-Efrayimi wakha ama-alithare amanengi eminikelo yezono,

asebe ngama-alithare okwenza izono.

12 Ngabalobela izinto ezinengi zomthetho wami

kodwa bona bazithatha njengento engaziwayo.

13 Banikela imihlatshelo njengezipho kimi

babuye badle inyama yakhona,

kodwa uThixo kathokozi ngabo.

Khathesi usezakhumbula ukuxhwala kwabo

abajezisele izono zabo:

Bazabuyela eGibhithe.

14 U-Israyeli usemkhohliwe uMenzi wakhe

wakha izindlu zamakhosi;

uJuda usevikele amadolobho amanengi ngezinqaba.

Kodwa ngizathumela umlilo emadolobheni abo

ozaqothula izinqaba zabo.”

9

Isijeziso Sika-Israyeli

1 Ungathokozi, we Israyeli;

ungajabuli njengezinye izizwe.

Ngoba ube ungathembekanga kuNkulunkulu wakho;

uthanda umholo wesifebe

ezizeni zonke zokubhulela.

2 Iziza lezikhamelo zewayini kakuyikunika abantu ukudla;

iwayini elitsha lizabehlulekisa.

3 Kabayikuhlala elizweni likaThixo;

u-Efrayimi uzabuyela eGibhithe

adle ukudla okungcolileyo e-Asiriya.

4 Kabayikuthululela iminikelo yewayini kuThixo,

lemihlatshelo yabo kayiyikumthokozisa.

Imihlatshelo enje kubo izakuba njengesinkwa sabalilayo;

bonke abayidlayo bazangcola.

Ukudla lokhu kuzakuba ngokwabo;

akuyikufika ethempelini likaThixo.

5 Lizakwenzani ngosuku lwemikhosi yenu emisiweyo,

ngensuku zamadili kaThixo na?

6 Lanxa bengaphunyuka ekubhujisweni,

iGibhithe izababutha,

njalo iMemfisi izabangcwaba.

Ingcebo yabo yesiliva izathathwa yimbabazane,

njalo ameva azagcwala emathenteni abo.

7 Insuku zokujeziswa ziyeza,

insuku zokwahlulelwa sezifikile.

U-Israyeli kumele akwazi lokhu.

Ngoba izono zenu zinengi kakhulu

lenzondo yenu inkulu kakhulu,

umphrofethi ubalwa njengesiwula

umuntu oholwa ngomoya enziwe njengohlanya.

8 Umphrofethi, ekanye loNkulunkulu wami,

ungumuntu olinda u-Efrayimi,

kodwa imijibila imlindele kuzozonke izindlela zakhe,

kanye lenzondo endlini kaNkulunkulu.

9 Batshone baphelela ekonakaleni,

njengasezinsukwini zaseGibhiya.

UNkulunkulu uzakukhumbula ukuxhwala kwabo

abajezisele izono zabo.

10 “Ekufumaneni kwami u-Israyeli

kwakunjengokuthola amagrebisi enkangala;

ekuboneni kwami okhokho benu,

kwakunjengokubona izithelo zakuqala zomkhiwa.

Kodwa ekufikeni kwabo kuBhali-Pheyori,

bazinikela kulesosithombe esihlazisayo

benyanyeka njengaleyonto ababeyithanda.

11 Udumo luka-Efrayimi luzaphapha luhambe njengenyoni,

akuyikuba lokuzala, lokukhulelwa, lokuthatha izisu.

12 Loba bangaze bondle abantwana,

ngizabemuka bonke.

Maye kubo,

lapho sengibadelile!

13 Ngimbonile u-Efrayimi, njengeThire,

ebekwe endaweni enhle.

Kodwa u-Efrayimi uzakhuphela

abantwana bakhe phandle kobulalayo.”

14 Baphe, Oh Thixo

uzabaphani na?

Baphe izibeletho eziphunzayo

lamabele angelalutho.

15 “Ngenxa yokuxhwala kwabo konke eGiligali,

ngabazonda khonale.

Ngenxa yezenzo zabo eziyizono,

ngizabaxotsha endlini yami.

Kangisayikubathanda futhi;

bonke abakhokheli babo bangabahlamuki.

16 U-Efrayimi udlekile,

impande zabo zomile,

kabatheli zithelo.

Loba bengazala abantwana,

ngizayibulala inzalo yabo abayithandayo.”

17 UNkulunkulu wami ubalile

ngoba kabamlalelanga;

bazakuba zinzulane phakathi kwezizwe.

10

1 U-Israyeli wayelivini eliqhelayo,

wazizalela izithelo.

Ngokwanda kwezithelo zakhe

wakha ama-alithare amanengi;

kwathi ngokuphumelela kwelizwe lakhe

wahlobisa amatshe akhe akhonzwayo.

2 Inhliziyo zabo ziyakhohlisa,

khathesi kufanele bathwale icala labo.

UThixo uzawabhidliza ama-alithare abo,

uwachithile lamatshe abo, akhonzwayo.

3 Ngakho bazakuthi, “Thina kasilankosi

ngoba kasimhloniphanga uThixo.

Kodwa loba sasingaba lenkosi,

kuyini eyayingasenzela khona?”

4 Benza izithembiso ezinengi,

bafunge izifungo zamanga,

benze lezivumelwano;

ngakho amacala ayanda

njengokhula olubulalayo ensimini elinyiweyo.

5 Abantu abahlala eSamariya bayesaba

ngenxa yesithombe sethole saseBhethi-Aveni.

Abantu bakhona bazasililela

benzenjalo labaphristi bakhona abakhonza izithombe,

labo abathokozela ubuhle baso

ngoba sithethwe kubo ekuthunjweni.

6 Sizathwalelwa e-Asiriya

njengomthelo enkosini enkulu.

U-Efrayimi uzayangeka;

u-Israyeli uzakuba lenhloni ngezithombe zakhe zezigodo.

7 ISamariya lenkosi yakhona kuzabhujiswa

kuzakhukhulwa kuhambe njengogatshanyana phezu kwamanzi.

8 Izindawo zokukhonzela zobuxhwali zizachithwa,

kuyisono sika-Israyeli.

Ameva lokhula kuzakhula

kwembese ama-alithare abo.

Lapho-ke bazakuthi ezintabeni, “Sembeseni!”

Lakuwo amaqaqa bathi, “Welani phezu kwethu!”

9 “Kusukela ensukwini zaseGibhiya wenze isono, we Israyeli,

njalo ulokhu usele khonapho.

Kanje impi kayibaficanga yini

abenza okubi eGibhiya?

10 Lapho sengifuna, ngizabajezisa;

izizwe zizaqoqanela ukumelana labo

ukuba zibabophele isono sabo esiphindiweyo.

11 U-Efrayimi ulithokazi elifundisiweyo

elithanda ukubhula amabele;

ngakho ngizagaxa ijogwe

entanyeni yakhe enhle.

U-Efrayimi ngizamtshayela,

uJuda kumele alime

uJakhobe kumele abulale amagade.

12 Zihlanyeleleni ukulunga,

vunani isithelo sothando olungapheliyo,

liqeqebule lomhlabathi wenu ongalinywanga; ngoba

kuyisikhathi sokudinga uThixo,

aze abuye

athele ukulunga phezu kwenu.

13 Kodwa lina lihlanyele ukuxhwala,

livune ububi,

lidle isithelo senkohliso.

Njengoba lithembe amandla enu

lamabutho enu amanengi,

14 ukuhlokoma kwempi kuzakuba khona ebantwini bakini,

ngakho zonke izinqaba zenu zizabhidlizwa

njengalokhu uShalimani wabhidliza iBhethi-Abheli ngosuku lwempi,

lapho onina basakazelwa phansi labantwababo.

15 Kuzakwenzakala kanjalo lakuwe, wena Bhetheli,

ngoba ukuxhwala kwakho kukhulu.

Lapho lolosuku lusisa,

inkosi yako-Israyeli izachithwa okupheleleyo.”

11

Uthando LukaNkulunkulu Kwabako-Israyeli

1 “U-Israyeli esesengumntwana, ngangimthanda

njalo indodana yami ngayikhupha eGibhithe.

2 Kodwa kwathi lapho u-Israyeli ngimbiza kanengi

kwayikhona ehlehlela khatshana lami.

Banikela imihlatshelo kuboBhali,

batshisela lezifanekiso impepha.

3 Yimi engafundisa u-Efrayimi ukuhamba,

ngibabambe ngezingalo;

kodwa kababonanga

ukuthi yimi engabelaphayo.

4 Ngabakhokhela ngentambo zomusa woluntu,

ngezibopho zothando;

ngaba njengomuntu osusa

amajogwe entanyeni zabo,

ngakhothamela phansi ukuba angiphe ukudla.

5 Kabayikubuyela eGibhithe na,

njalo i-Asiriya kayiyikubabusa na

njengoba besala ukuphenduka?

6 Izinkemba zizaphazima emadolobheni abo,

zizachitha imigoqo yamasango abo

ziqede amacebo abo.

7 Abantu bami bazimisele ukungihlamukela.

Lanxa bekhuleka koPhezukonke

kasoze abaphakamise.

8 Ngingakukhalela kanjani, Efrayimi?

Ngingakunikela kanjani, Israyeli?

Ngingakuphatha kanjani njengo-Adima na?

Ngingakwenza kanjani, njengoZebhoyimi na?

Inhliziyo yami iguqukile phakathi kwami;

isihawu sami sonke siqubukile.

9 Kangiyikwenza okwentukuthelo yami eyesabekayo,

kumbe ngiphenduke ngimqothule u-Efrayimi.

Ngoba nginguNkulunkulu, hatshi umuntu,

oNgcwele phakathi kwenu.

Kangiyikuza ngolaka.

10 Bazamlandela uThixo;

uzabhonga njengesilwane.

Lapho esebhonga,

abantwana bakhe bazakuza beqhaqhazela bevela entshonalanga.

11 Bazakuza bevela eGibhithe

beqhaqhazela njengezinyoni

bevela e-Asiriya bephaphazela njengamajuba.

Ngizabahlalisa emakhaya abo,”

kutsho uThixo.

Isono Sika-Israyeli

12 “U-Efrayimi usengizingeleze ngamanga,

lendlu ka-Israyeli ngenkohliso.

LoJuda uluhlaza kuNkulunkulu,

kanye lakuye othembekileyo oNgcwele.”

12

1 U-Efrayimi udla umoya;

uxotshana lomoya wasempumalanga ilanga lonke

andise amanga lodlakela.

Wenza isivumelwano le-Asiriya,

athumele amafutha e-oliva eGibhithe.

2 Kulecala uThixo azalethesa uJuda;

uzajezisa uJakhobe mayelana lezindlela zakhe

aphindisele kuye mayelana lezenzo zakhe.

3 Esiswini wabamba isithende sikamfowabo;

eseyindoda wabindana loNkulunkulu.

4 Wabindana lengilosi wayehlula;

wakhala wacela umusa kuyo.

Wayifica eBhetheli

wakhuluma layo khonapho,

5  uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla,

uThixo yilo ibizo lakhe lodumo!

6 Kodwa kumele ubuyele kuNkulunkulu wakho;

ugcine uthando lokulunga,

umlindele kokuphela uNkulunkulu wakho.

7 Umthengisi usebenzisa izikali zenkohliso;

uthanda ukuqilibezela.

8 U-Efrayimi uyazincoma esithi,

“Nginothe kakhulu; sengiyisipatsha.

Ngenotho yami kabayikufumana ububi

loba isono kimi.”

9 “Mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu

owalikhupha eGibhithe;

ngizalenza lihlale emathenteni futhi,

njengasezinsukwini zemikhosi yenu emisiweyo.

10 Ngakhuluma labaphrofethi,

ngabatshengisa imibono eminengi

ngakhuluma imizekeliso ngabo.”

11 IGiliyadi ixhwalile na?

Abantu bakhona bakhohlakele!

EGiligali bayanikela umhlatshelo wenkunzi na?

Ama-alithare abo azakuba njengezinqwaba zamatshe

ensimini elinyiweyo.

12 UJakhobe wabalekela elizweni lase-Aramu;

u-Israyeli wasebenzela ukuthola umfazi,

njalo welusa izimvu ukuba amlobole.

13  UThixo wasebenzisa umphrofethi ekukhupheni u-Israyeli eGibhithe;

wamlondoloza ngomphrofethi.

14 Kodwa u-Efrayimi umthukuthelise kabuhlungu;

UThixo wakhe uzaliyekela liphezu kwakhe

icala lokuchitha kwakhe igazi

njalo uzaphindisela kuye ukudelela kwakhe.

13

Ulaka LukaThixo Ku-Israyeli

1 Lapho u-Efrayimi ekhuluma, abantu bathuthumela;

wabatshazwa ko-Israyeli.

Kodwa waba lecala lokukhonza uBhali wasesifa.

2 Khathesi benza izono njalonjalo;

bazenzela izithombe ngesiliva sabo,

izifanekiso ezenziwe ngokuhlakanipha,

zonke ziyimisebenzi yezingcitshi.

Ngabantu laba kuthiwa,

“Banikela imihlatshelo yabantu,

bange izithombe zamathole.”

3 Ngakho bazakuba njengenkungu yekuseni,

njengamazolo ekuseni anyamalalayo,

njengamakhoba asuka ezizeni,

njengentuthu iphuma ewindini.

4 “Kodwa mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

owalikhupha elizweni laseGibhithe.

Kaliyikwamukela omunye uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami,

hatshi omunye uMsindisi ngaphandle kwami.

5 Ngalilondoloza enkangala,

elizweni elilokutshisa okuvuthayo.

6 Lapho ngibapha ukudla, basutha;

sebesuthi, basuka bazigqaja;

basebengikhohlwa.

7 Ngizakwehlela phezu kwabo njengesilwane,

ngizacathama ngasendleleni njengengwe.

8 Njengebhele elithathelwe imidlwane yalo

ngizabahlasela ngibaqhaqhe.

Ngizabadla njengesilwane,

inyamazana yeganga izabadabula.

9 Uchithiwe, wena Israyeli,

ngoba umelane lami, umelane lomsizi wakho.

10 Ingaphi inkosi yakho, ukuba ikusize na?

Bangaphi ababusi bakho kuwo wonke amadolobho akho,

bona owathi ngabo,

‘Ngipha inkosi lababusi’?

11 Ngakho ngakunika inkosi ngithukuthele,

njalo ngolaka lwami ngayisusa.

12 Icala lika-Efrayimi ligciniwe,

izono zakhe zigcinwe emibhalweni.

13 Ufikelwa yibuhlungu obunjengowesifazane ehelelwa,

kodwa ungumntwana ongelalwazi;

lapho isikhathi sifika,

kabuyi ekuvulekeni kwesizalo.

14 Ngizabahlenga emandleni engcwaba;

ngizabasindisa ekufeni.

Zingaphi, we kufa izifo zakho?

Kungaphi, we ngcwaba, ukuchitha kwakho?

Kangiyikuba lesihawu,

15 lanxa ekhula phakathi kwabafowabo.

Umoya wasempumalanga ovela kuThixo uzafika,

uphephetha uvela enkangala;

intwasa yakhe izakwehluleka,

lemithombo yakhe itshe.

Indlu yakhe yokugcinela izaphangwa

yonke ingcebo yayo.

16 Abantu baseSamariya kuzamela balithwale icala labo,

ngoba bamhlamukele uNkulunkulu wabo.

Bazabulawa ngenkemba;

insane zabo zizasakazelwa phansi,

abesifazane babo abazithweleyo baqhaqhwe.”

14

Ukuphenduka Kuzaletha Izibusiso

1 Buyela, we Israyeli, kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakho.

Izono zakho yizo ezikuwisileyo!

2 Thatha amazwi

ubuyele kuThixo.

Uthi kuye,

“Sithethelele zonke izono zethu

njalo usamukele ngomusa

ukuba sinikele isithelo sezindebe zethu.

3 I-Asiriya ayingeke isikhulule;

kasiyikugada amabhiza empi.

Kasisoze siphinde sithi, ‘Onkulunkulu bethu’

kulokho okwenziwa yizandla zethu,

ngoba abazintandane bathola isihawu kuwe.”

4 “Ngizakwelapha ubuphakaphaka babo

ngibathande ngokukhululeka,

ngoba ukuthukuthela kwami sekusukile kubo.

5 Ngizakuba njengamazolo ku-Israyeli;

uzaqhakaza njengeluba.

Uzatshonisa impande zakhe

phansi njengomsedari waseLebhanoni;

6 amahlumela akhe amatsha azakhula.

Ubuhle bakhe buzakuba njengesihlahla se-oliva,

iphunga lakhe libe njengomsedari waseLebhanoni.

7 Abantu bazahlala njalo emthunzini wakhe.

Uzakhula kuhle njengamabele.

Uzaqhakaza njengevini,

lodumo lwakhe luzakuba njengolwewayini laseLebhanoni.

8 Awu Efrayimi, kuyini futhi engingakwenza ngezithombe?

Ngizamphendula ngimlondoloze.

Mina nginjengesihlahla sephayini esiluhlaza,

ukuthela kwakho izithelo kuvela kimi.”

9 Ngubani ohlakaniphileyo? Uzazibona lezizinto.

Ngubani oqedisisayo? Uzazizwisisisa.

Izindlela zikaThixo zilungile

abalungileyo bahamba kuzo,

kodwa abahlamuki bayakhubeka kuzo.

UJoweli

1

2

3

UJoweli

1

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuJoweli indodana kaPhethuweli.

Ukuhlasela Kwesikhongwane

2 Zwanini lokhu, lina badala;

lalelani lonke lina elihlala elizweni.

Into enjengale seyake yenzakala na ensukwini zenu

loba ensukwini zabokhokho benu?

3 Kutsheleni abantwabenu,

abantwabenu labo batshele ababantwababo,

abantwababo batshele isizukulwane esilandelayo.

4 Lokho okutshiywe ngumtshitshi wezintethe

kudliwe yisikhongwane;

okutshiywe yisikhongwane

kudliwe yibuyane;

okutshiywe yibuyane

kudliwe ngezinye intethe.

5 Vukani lina zidakwa likhale!

Lilani lonke lina banathi bewayini;

lilani ngenxa yewayini elitsha,

ngoba lihluthunwe ezindebeni zenu.

6 Isizwe sihlasele ilizwe lami,

silamandla asingeke sibalwe,

silamazinyo esilwane,

ingavula zesilwanekazi.

7 Sesitshabalalise izivini zami,

saqothula lezihlahla zami zemikhiwa.

Sebule amaxolo azo

sawaphosela khatshana,

ingatsha zazo zasala sezimhlophe nke.

8 Lilani njengentombi egqoke isaka

idabukele umyeni wobutsha bayo.

9 Umnikelo wamabele lomnikelo wokunathwa

kususiwe endlini kaThixo.

Abaphristi bayalila,

bona abakhonzayo phambi kukaThixo.

10 Amasimu atshabalele,

umhlabathi womile;

amabele onakele,

iwayini elitsha liphelile,

amafutha kawasekho.

11 Delani, lina balimi,

lilani, lina balimi bamavini;

bubulelani ingqoloyi lebhali,

ngoba isivuno sensimu sitshabalalisiwe.

12 Ivini lomile

lomkhiwa ubunile;

iphomegranathi, lelala lesihlahla sama-aphula,

zonke izihlahla zeganga, zomile.

Impela ukuthokoza kwabantu

kuphelile.

Isimemezelo Sokuphenduka

13 Vunulani amasaka, lina baphristi, likhale.

Lilani lina elikhonzayo phambi kwe-alithari.

Wozani, lilale lembethe amasaka ebusuku,

lina elikhonzayo phambi kukaNkulunkulu wami,

ngoba iminikelo yamabele leminikelo yokunathwayo igodliwe,

kayanikelwa endlini kaNkulunkulu wenu.

14 Memezelani ukuzila okungcwele;

bizani ibandla elingcwele.

Memani abadala

labo bonke abahlala elizweni,

baye endlini kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

likhale kuThixo.

15 Maye ngalolosuku!

Ngoba usuku lukaThixo seluseduze;

luzafika njengencithakalo evela kuSomandla.

16 Ukudla akuzange kuphele

phambi kwamehlo ethu,

lokuthokoza kanye lokuthaba

endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu na?

17 Inhlanyelo itshwabhene

ngaphansi kwamagade.

Izindlu zamabele zingamanxiwa,

iziphala zidiliziwe,

ngoba amabele kawasekho.

18 Yeka ukukhala kwezinkomo!

Imihlambi yenkomo iyaphithizela

ngoba kayilamadlelo;

lemihlambi yezimvu iyahlupheka.

19 Ngiyakhala kuwe Thixo,

ngoba umlilo usuqede amadlelo

lamalangabi asetshise zonke izihlahla zeganga.

20 Lezinyamazana zeganga zifuna wena;

izifula zamanzi sezicitshile njalo

lomlilo usuqede amadlelo.

2

Umtshitshi Wentethe

1 Vuthelani icilongo eZiyoni;

hlabani umkhosi entabeni yami engcwele.

Bonke abahlala elizweni kabathuthumele,

ngoba usuku lukaThixo luyeza.

Selusondele, selufikile,

2 usuku lomnyama lokudana,

usuku lwamayezi lobumnyama.

Njengokusa kusendlaleka phezu kwezintaba,

liyeza ibutho elikhulu elilamandla

elingazange libe khona endulo

kumbe libe khona eminyakeni ezayo.

3 Phambi kwabo umlilo uyatshisa,

ngemva kwabo amalangabi ayavutha.

Phambi kwabo ilizwe linjengensimu yase-Edeni

ngemva kwabo yinkangala elugwadule,

akukho okubaphunyukayo.

4 Bakhangeleka benjengamabhiza;

bamatha njengamabhiza empi.

5 Ngomsindo onjengowezinqola zempi,

beqa phezu kwezingqongo zezintaba,

njengamabibi omlilo etshisa inhlanga,

njengebutho elilamandla selilungele impi.

6 Ekubaboneni nje, izizwe zizwa ubuhlungu;

ubuso bonke buyadana.

7 Bahlasela njengamaqhawe;

bakhwele imiduli njengamabutho.

Bonke bahamba beludwendwe

bengaphambuki endleleni yabo.

8 Kabasunduzani;

lowo lalowo uhamba eqonde phambili.

Badabula phakathi kwezivikelo

kungekho kwehlukana kubo.

9 Baya ngesiqubu edolobheni;

bagijima besekele umduli.

Bayakhwela bangene ezindlini;

bangena ngamawindi njengamasela.

10 Umhlaba uyanyikinyeka phambi kwabo;

umkhathi uyaqhaqhazela,

ilanga lenyanga kube mnyama,

lezinkanyezi kazisakhanyisi.

11  UThixo uyakhwaza

phambi kwebutho lakhe;

amabutho akhe angeke abalwe,

njalo balamandla labo abalalela ukulaya kwakhe.

Usuku lukaThixo lukhulu;

luyesabeka.

Ngubani ongalumela na?

Guqulani Inhliziyo Zenu

12 “Lakhathesi,” kutsho uThixo,

“phendukelani kimi ngenhliziyo zenu zonke,

ngokuzila langokukhala lokulila.”

13 Dabulani inhliziyo zenu

hatshi izigqoko zenu.

Buyelani kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

ngoba ulomusa lesihawu,

uyaphuza ukuthukuthela, ulothando olukhulu,

njalo uyaxola ukuthumela umonakalo.

14 Ngubani owaziyo? Engxenye angaphenduka abe lesihawu

atshiye isibusiso,

iminikelo yamabele leminikelo yokunathwayo

kaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

15 Vuthelani icilongo eZiyoni,

memezelani ukuzila okungcwele,

bizani ibandla elingcwele.

16 Buthanisani abantu,

ngcwelisani ibandla;

hlanganisani abadala,

buthanisani abantwana

labo abamunyayo.

Umyeni katshiye indlu yakhe

lomlobokazi atshiye ikamelo lakhe.

17 Abaphristi abakhonzayo phambi kukaThixo,

kabakhale bephakathi laphakathi kwentuba le-alithari.

Kabathi, “Awu Thixo, zwela abantu bakho.

Ungenzi ilifa lakho libe yinto yokuhlekwa,

isiga phakathi kwezizwe.

Kungani phakathi kwezizwe kumele bathi,

‘Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wabo?’ ”

Impendulo KaThixo

18 Lapho-ke uThixo uzakuba lobukhwele ngelizwe lakhe

abe lesihawu ebantwini bakhe.

19  UThixo uzabaphendula athi:

“Ngiyalithumela amabele lewayini elitsha lamafutha,

okwaneleyo ukulisuthisa ngokugcweleyo;

angiyikuphinda futhi ukulenza

into yokuhlekisa ezizweni.

20 Ibutho lasenyakatho ngizalixotshela khatshana lani,

ngilifuqele elizweni elomileyo elilugwadule,

amaviyo alo aphambili esiya olwandle lwasempumalanga

lawo angemuva esiya olwandle lwasentshonalanga.

Iphunga lalo elibi lizakuya phezulu,

umnuko walo uzaphakama.”

Ngempela wenze izinto ezinkulu ezimangalisayo.

21 Ungesabi, wena lizwe;

thaba uthokoze.

Impela uThixo wenze izinto ezinkulu.

22 Lingesabi, lina zinyamazana zeganga,

ngoba amadlelo asesiba luhlaza.

Izihlahla sezithela izithelo zazo;

imikhiwa lemivini kuthela kakhulu.

23 Thabani, lina bantu baseZiyoni,

thokozani kuThixo uNkulunkulu wenu

ngoba ulinike izulu lekwindla

ngokulunga.

Ulilethela izulu elinengi

kanye lezulu lekwindla lelentwasa, njengakuqala.

24 Iziza zizagcwala amabele;

izikhamelo zizaphuphuma iwayini lamafutha.

25 “Ngizalihlawula okwaleyo minyaka lokho okwadliwa zintethe,

lesikhonyane lobuyane,

ezinye izintethe kanye lemitshitshi yezintethe,

ibutho lami elikhulu engalithumela kini.

26 Lizakuba lokudla okunengi lize lisuthe,

njalo lizadumisa ibizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

olenzele izimangaliso;

abantu bami kabayikuphinda bayangeke futhi.

27 Ngakho lizakwazi ukuthi ngiko-Israyeli,

lokuthi mina nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

kanye lokuthi kakho omunye;

abantu bami kabayikuphinda bayangeke futhi.”

Usuku LukaThixo

28 “Emva kwalokho,

ngizathululela uMoya wami kubo bonke abantu.

Amadodana lamadodakazi enu azaphrofitha,

izinsizwa zenu zizabona imibono,

lamaxhegu enu azaphupha amaphupho.

29 Lasezincekwini zami, ezesilisa lezesifazane,

ngizawuthulula uMoya wami ngalezonsuku.

30 Ngizabonakalisa izimangaliso emazulwini

lasemhlabeni,

igazi lomlilo lezikhatha zentuthu.

31 Ilanga lizaphendulwa libe yibumnyama

lenyanga ibeligazi

phambi kokuba kufike

usuku olukhulu lukaThixo, olwesabekayo.

32 Njalo wonke obiza

ibizo likaThixo uzasindiswa;

ngoba eNtabeni iZiyoni laseJerusalema

kuzakuba lokukhululwa,

njengoba uThixo etshilo,

iloba phakathi kwabasindileyo

labo ababizwa nguThixo.”

3

Izizwe Ziyahlulelwa

1 “Ngalezonsuku langalesosikhathi,

lapho sengibuyisela inotho kaJuda leJerusalema,

2 ngizaqoqa izizwe zonke

ngizehlisele eSigodini sikaJehoshafathi.

Lapho-ke ngizazahlulela

mayelana lelifa lami, abantu bami u-Israyeli

ngoba zahlakazela abantu bami phakathi kwezizwe,

zabelana ilizwe lami.

3 Zenza inkatho ngabantu bami,

zathenga izifebe ngabafana;

zathengisa amankazana ngewayini ukuze zinathe.

4 Manje-ke lisolani ngami, wena Thire loSidoni lani lonke zifunda zaseFilistiya? Liyangiphindisela ngolutho engilwenzileyo na? Nxa lingiphindisela, ngizaphanga ngibuyisele elakwenzayo phezu kwamakhanda enu ngokuphangisa. 5 Ngoba lathatha isiliva sami legolide lami lathwalela lenotho yami eligugu emathempelini enu. 6 Lathengisa abantu bakoJuda laseJerusalema kumaGrikhi, ukuze libase khatshana lelizwe labo.

7 Khangelani, ngizabavusa ezindaweni elabathengisa kuzo, njalo ngizabuyisela phezu kwamakhanda enu lokho elakwenzayo. 8 Ngizathengisa amadodana enu lamadodakazi enu ebantwini bakoJuda, njalo labo bazawathengisa kumaSabhini, isizwe esikhatshana.” UThixo usekhulumile.

9 Memezelani lokhu ezizweni lithi:

Lungiselani impi!

Vusani amabutho!

Wonke amadoda empi kasondele ahlasele.

10 Khandani amakhuba enu abe zinkemba

lemihedla yenu yokuthena izihlahla ibe yimikhonto.

Obuthakathaka kathi,

“Ngiqinile!”

11 Wozani ngokuphangisa, lonke lina zizwe zasezinhlangothini zonke,

libuthane khonapho.

Yehlisa amabutho akho, Oh Thixo!

12 “Izizwe kazivuswe;

kaziye eSigodini sikaJehoshafathi

ngoba ngizahlala khona

ukwehlulela izizwe zonke zasezinhlangothini zonke.

13 Hehethani ngesikela

ngoba okuvunwayo sekuvuthiwe.

Wozani, gxobani amavini,

ngoba isikhamelo sewayini sesigcwele

lezimbizakazi seziphuphuma,

bukhulu kangaka ububi bazo!

14 Amaxuku, amaxuku

esigodini sesinqumo!

Ngoba usuku lukaThixo luseduze

esigodini sezinqumo.

15 Ilanga lenyanga kuzakuba mnyama,

lezinkanyezi zingabe zisakhanya.

16  UThixo uzavungama eseZiyoni

aphinde akhwaze eseJerusalema;

umhlaba lomkhathi kuzagedezela.

Kodwa uThixo uzakuba yisiphephelo sabantu bakhe,

inqaba yabantu bako-Israyeli.”

Izibusiso Zabantu BakaNkulunkulu

17 “Ngakho lizakwazi ukuthi mina, uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu,

ngihlala eZiyoni, intaba yami engcwele.

IJerusalema izakuba ngcwele;

kayiyikuphinda ihlaselwe ngabezizweni futhi.

18 Ngalolosuku izintaba zizagobhoza iwayini elitsha,

lamaqaqa ageleze uchago;

zonke indonga zakoJuda zizageleza amanzi.

Umthombo uzantuntuza endlini kaThixo

uthambise isigodi saseShithima.

19 Kodwa iGibhithe izachithakala,

i-Edomi ibe yinkangala elugwadule,

ngenxa yodlakela olwenziwa ebantwini bakoJuda

lapho bachitha khona igazi elingelacala elizweni labo.

20 KoJuda kuzahlalwa khona kuze kube nininini

laseJerusalema kuzahlala izizukulwane zonke.

21 Umlandu wabo wegazi, engingakaxoli ngawo,

ngizabaxolela ngawo.”

UThixo uhlala eZiyoni!

U-Amosi

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

U-Amosi

1

1 La ngamazwi ka-Amosi, omunye wabelusi baseThekhowa, lokho akubonayo mayelana lo-Israyeli eminyakeni emibili ngaphambi kokuzamazama komhlaba, ngezinsuku u-Uziya eyinkosi yakoJuda loJerobhowamu indodana kaJowashi eyinkosi yako-Israyeli.

2 Wathi:

“UThixo uyavungama eseZiyoni,

idume iJerusalema;

amadlelo abelusi ayoma

lengqongo yeKhameli iyabuna.”

Ukwahlulelwa Kwabakhelene Lo-Israyeli

3 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zeDamaseko,

loba ngenxa yezine,

kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami.

Ngenxa yokuthi yatshaya iGiliyadi

ngemibhulo elamazinyo ensimbi,

4 ngizathumela umlilo endlini kaHazayeli

ozalobisa izinqaba zikaBheni-Hadadi.

5 Ngizabhidliza isango laseDamaseko;

ngizachitha inkosi ephakathi kweSigodi sase-Aveni

lalowo ophethe intonga yobukhosi eBhethi Edeni.

Abantu base-Aramu bazathunjwa

basiwe eKhiri,”

kutsho uThixo.

6 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zeGaza

loba ngenxa yezine,

kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami

ngenxa yokuthi yathumba abantu bezigaba zonke

yabathengisa e-Edomi,

7 ngizathumela umlilo emidulini yaseGaza

ozalobisa izinqaba zayo.

8 Ngizayichitha inkosi yase-Ashidodi

kanye lalowo ophatha intonga yobukhosi e-Ashikheloni.

Ngizaphendulela isandla sami ekuhlaseleni i-Ekroni

kuze kufe umFilistiya wokucina,”

kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

9 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zaseThire

loba ngenxa yezine, kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami.

Ngenxa yokuthi yabathengisela e-Edomi

bonke abantu bezigaba zonke ezathunjwayo

inganaki isivumelwano sobuzalwane,

10 ngizathumela umlilo emidulini yaseThire

ozalobisa izinqaba zayo.”

11 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zase-Edomi

loba ngenxa yezine, kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami.

Ngenxa yokuthi waxotshana lomfowabo ngenkemba,

enqabela isihawu sonke,

ngoba ulaka lwakhe lwavutha kokuphela

lentukuthelo yakhe yabhebha ingelakuthitshwa,

12 ngizathumela umlilo eThemani

ozalobisa izinqaba zaseBhozira.”

13 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zase-Amoni, loba langenxa yezine,

kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami.

Ngenxa yokuthi waqhaqha abesifazane abazithweleyo baseGiliyadi

ukuze aqhelise ilizwe lakhe,

14 ngizathungela imiduli yaseRaba ngomlilo

ozalobisa izinqaba zayo

kumenyezelwa izitsho zempi ngosuku lokulwa

kulomoya olamandla ngosuku lwesiphepho.

15 Inkosi yalo izathunjwa,

yona kanye lezikhulu zayo,”

kutsho uThixo.

2

1 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zaseMowabi

loba ngenxa yezine, kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami,

ngoba utshise amathambo enkosi yase-Edomi

aze afana lekalaga,

2 ngizathumela umlilo kuMowabi

ozalobisa izinqaba zaseKheriyothi.

UMowabi uzachitheka kulokuxokozela okukhulu

lokumenyezelwa kwezitsho zempi lokukhala kwecilongo.

3 Ngizaqothula ababusi bakhe

ngibulale zonke izikhulu zakhe kanye laye,”

kutsho uThixo.

4 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zikaJuda

loba ngenxa yezine, kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami,

ngoba bawalile umthetho kaThixo

kabaze bagcina lezimiso zakhe,

ngoba badukiswe ngonkulunkulu bamanga,

onkulunkulu abalandelwa ngokhokho babo.

5 Ngizathumela umlilo koJuda

ozalobisa izinqaba zaseJerusalema.”

Ukwahlulelwa Kuka-Israyeli

6 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Ngenxa yezono ezintathu zika-Israyeli

loba ngenxa yezine, kangiyikulunqanda ulaka lwami

ngoba bathengisa abalungileyo ngesiliva,

labaswelayo ngamanyathelo.

7 Banyathela phezu kwamakhanda abayanga

njengaphezu kothuli lomhlabathi

banqabele imfanelo yabancindezelweyo.

Uyise lendodana bembatha lentombi yinye

kanjalo bangcolise ibizo lami elingcwele.

8 Bacambalala phansi emaceleni ama-alithare wonke,

phezu kwezembatho ezithethwe ziyizibambiso.

Endlini kankulunkulu wabo

banatha iwayini elithethwe njengenhlawulo.

9 Ngachitha umʼAmori phambi kwabo,

lanxa wayemude njengemisedari

njalo eqine njengomʼokhi.

Ngachitha izithelo zakhe phezulu

kanye lempande zakhe ngaphansi.

10 Ngalikhupha eGibhithe

ngalikhokhela iminyaka engamatshumi amane enkangala

ukuba ngilinike ilizwe lama-Amori.

11 Ngakhupha labaphrofethi bephuma phakathi kwamadodana enu,

kanye lamaNaziri ephuma phakathi kwezinsizwa zenu.

Lokhu akuqotho na, bantu bako-Israyeli?”

kutsho uThixo.

12 “Kodwa lanathisa amaNaziri iwayini,

lalaya abaphrofethi ukuba bangaphrofethi.

13 Khathesi-ke mina ngizalichoboza

njengokuchoboza kwenqola ithwele amabele.

14 Olejubane kayikubaleka,

oqinileyo uzawaswela amandla akhe,

lebutho kaliyikusindisa impilo yalo.

15 Umtshoki akayikugxila,

ibutho elilejubane kaliyikuphunyuka

lomgadi webhiza kayikusindisa impilo yakhe.

16 Lebutho elilesibindi kakhulu,

ngalolosuku lizabaleka linqunu,”

kutsho uThixo.

3

Ofakazi Bokumelana Lo-Israyeli

1 Zwanini ilizwi elikhulunywe nguThixo ngani lina bantu bako-Israyeli Lomndeni wonke engawukhupha eGibhithe:

2 “Yini kuphela engalikhethayo

kuyo yonke imideni yasemhlabeni;

ngakho ngizalijezisela

zonke izono zenu.”

3 Ababili bayahamba bendawonye

ngaphandle kokuba bevumelene ukwenzanjalo na?

4 Isilwane siyabhonga ehlathini

kungelalutho esingalubamba na?

Siyabhonga esikhundleni saso

singabambanga lutho na?

5 Inyoni iyabanjwa emhlabathini

okungelamjibila othiywe khona na?

Umjibila uyathanca usuke emhlabathini

kungelalutho olubambayo na?

6 Lapho icilongo likhala edolobheni

abantu kabethuki na?

Lapho incithakalo isehlela idolobho

kayenziwanga nguThixo na?

7 Impela uThixo Wobukhosi kenzi lutho

engavezanga icebo

lakhe ezincekwini zakhe abaphrofethi.

8 Isilwane sibhongile,

ngubani ongayikwesaba na?

UThixo Wobukhosi usekhulumile

ngubani ongayekela ukuphrofitha na?

9 Memezelani ezinqabeni zase-Ashidodi

lasezinqabeni zaseGibhithe lithi:

“Buthanani phezu kwezintaba zaseSamariya;

libone isiyaluyalu esikhulu phakathi kwayo

lokuncindezela phakathi kwabantu bayo.”

10 “Kabakwazi ukwenza okulungileyo,” kutsho uThixo,

“bona ababuthelela impango

baphange lasezinqabeni zabo.”

11 Ngakho uThixo Wobukhosi uthi:

“Isitha sizachitha ilizwe;

sizadiliza izinqaba zenu,

siphange izinqaba zenu.”

12 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Njengomelusi ehlenga emlonyeni wesilwane

amathambo amabili kuphela omlenze loba isiqa sendlebe,

bazahlengwa kanjalo abako-Israyeli abahlala eSamariya

bethithibele ekucineni kwemibheda yabo,

kanye laseDamaseko phezu kwemibheda yabo yokuphumulela.”

13 “Zwanini lokhu lifakaze ngendlu kaJakhobe,” kutsho iNkosi, uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla.

14 “Ngosuku engizajezisela u-Israyeli izono zakhe

ngizabhidliza ama-alithare aseBhetheli;

impondo ze-alithare zizaqunywa

ziwele emhlabathini.

15 Ngizadiliza indlu yebusika kanye

lendlu yehlobo,

izindlu eziceciswe ngempondo zendlovu zizadilizwa

lezindlu ezinkulu zizabhidlizwa,”

kutsho uThixo.

4

U-Israyeli Kakabuyeli KuNkulunkulu

1 Zwanini ilizwi leli lina mankomokazi aseBhashani phezu kweNtaba iSamariya,

lina besifazane elincindezela abayanga lichoboze abaswelayo

beselisithi kubomkenu, “Siletheleni okunathwayo!”

2  UThixo Wobukhosi usefunge ngobungcwele bakhe wathi:

“Isikhathi sizafika impela

lapho elizathathwa khona ngewuka,

owokucina wenu ngewuka yenhlanzi.

3 Lizaphuma ngamunye

ngezikhala emdulini liqonde nta phandle,

njalo lizalahlelwa ngaphandle ngokuya eHamoni,”

kutsho uThixo.

4 “Hambani eBhetheli liyekwenza isono;

hambani eGiligali liyekwenza isono ngokudlulayo.

Lethani imihlatshelo yenu nsuku zonke ekuseni

lokwetshumi kwenu minyaka yonke emithathu.

5 Tshisani isinkwa esilemvubelo njengomnikelo wokubonga

lintele ngeminikelo yenu yokuzithandela

lizikhukhumeze ngayo, lina bako-Israyeli,

ngoba lokhu yikho elithanda ukukwenza,”

kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

6 “Ngalilethela indlala emadolobheni wonke

lokusweleka kokudla emadolobheni wonke,

kodwa kalibuyelanga kimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

7 “Ngagodla izulu futhi

kusasele inyanga ezintathu ukuba kuvunwe.

Izulu ngalinisa kwelinye idolobho

kodwa ngaligodla kwelinye.

Enye insimu yaba lezulu,

enye kayaze yaba lalo njalo yoma qha.

8 Abantu babhadazela besuka kwelinye idolobho besiya kwelinye befuna amanzi

kodwa kabawatholanga anele ukuba bakholwe,

ikanti kalibuyelanga kimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

9 “Ezikhathini ezinengi ngahlasela izivande zenu lezivini zenu,

ngizihlasela ngesona langengumane.

Izintethe zadla imikhiwa yenu lezihlahla zenu zama-oliva,

kodwa kalibuyelanga kimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

10 “Ngathumela izifo phakathi kwenu

njengengakwenza kweleGibhithe.

Ngabulala izinsizwa zenu ngenkemba

ndawonye lamabhiza enu athunjwayo.

Ngavimbanisa amakhala enu ngomnuko wezihonqo zenu,

kodwa kalibuyelanga kimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

11 “Ngachitha abanye benu

njengalokhu ngachitha iSodoma leGomora.

Lalinjengesikhuni esitshayo esihluthunwe emlilweni,

kodwa kalibuyelanga kimi,”

kutsho uThixo.

12 “Ngakho-ke engizakwenza kuwe Israyeli yilokhu,

njalo njengoba lokhu ngizakwenza kuwe,

zilungisele ukuhlangana loNkulunkulu wakho, wena Israyeli.”

13 Yena obumba izintaba,

udala umoya,

aveze lemicabango yakhe ebantwini,

yena oguqula ukusa kube ngumnyama,

anyathele lezindawo eziphakemeyo zomhlaba,

uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla yilo ibizo lakhe.

5

Isililo Lesimemezelo Sokuphenduka

1 Zwana ilizwi leli, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, isililo lesi engisenzayo ngani:

2 “Iwile iNtombi u-Israyeli,

kayiphindi ivuke futhi,

ideliwe elizweni layo,

kungekho ongayiphakamisela phezulu.”

3 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi:

“Idolobho lenu elikhupha inkulungwane eziqinileyo

lizasala labalikhulu kuphela;

idolobho elikhupha abalikhulu abaqinileyo lizasala

labalitshumi kuphela.”

4 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo endlini ka-Israyeli:

“Dingani mina, liphile;

5 lingadingi iBhetheli,

lingayi eGiligali,

lingayi eBherishebha.

Ngoba impela iGiligali izakuya ekuthunjweni,

leBhetheli izadliwa iphele nya.”

6 Dingani uThixo liphile

hlezi adabule phakathi kwendlu kaJosefa njengomlilo;

uzatshisa uqothule,

njalo iBhetheli kayiyikuba lomuntu ozawucitsha.

7 Lina eliguqula ukulunga kube yibuhlungu,

lilahlele ubuqotho emhlabathini.

8 Yena owenza iSilimela loMthala,

oguqula umnyama ube yikusa

enze imini ibe yibusuku obumnyama,

yena obiza amanzi olwandle,

awathele phezu kobuso belizwe,

uThixo yilo ibizo lakhe,

9 wehlisela incithakalo phezu kwenqaba atshabalalise

idolobho elivikelweyo.

10 Liyamzonda okhuzayo emthethwandaba limeyise

lalowo okhuluma iqiniso.

11 Linyathezela umyanga limncindezele

ukuba aliphe amabele.

Ngakho-ke, lanxa lakhe izindlu ezinkulukazi zamatshe

kaliyikuhlala kuzo;

lanxa lihlanyele izivini ezinhle,

iwayini lazo kaliyikulinatha.

12 Ngoba iziphambeko zenu ngiyazazi ukuthi zingaki

kanye lokuthi izono zenu zinkulu okunganani.

Lincindezela abalungileyo lamukele isivalamlomo,

njalo emithethwandaba linqabela abayanga imfanelo.

13 Ngakho ezikhathini ezinjalo umuntu ohlakaniphileyo uyazithulela,

ngoba izikhathi zimbi.

14 Dingani okuhle, hatshi okubi,

ukuze liphile.

Lapho-ke uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla uzakuba lani

njengoba lisithi ulani.

15 Zondani okubi lithande okuhle;

qinisani ukulunga emithethwandaba.

Mhlawumbe uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla uzakuba lomusa

kuzinsalela zakoJosefa.

16 Ngakho nanku okutshiwo yiNkosi, uThixo, uNkulunkulu uSomandla,

“Kuzakuba lokulila emigwaqweni yonke

lokukhala kabuhlungu ezinkundleni zonke zikazulu.

Abalimi bazabizwa ukuba bakhale,

labakhalayo ukuba balile.

17 Kuzakuba lokulila ezivinini zonke,

ngoba ngizadlula phakathi kwenu,”

kutsho uThixo.

Usuku LukaThixo

18 Maye kini lina elilangazelela

usuku lukaThixo!

Kungani lilangazelela lolosuku lukaThixo na?

Lolosuku luzakuba ngumnyama, hatshi ukukhanya.

19 Kuzafana lokuthi umuntu ubalekele isilwane

wahlangana lebhele,

njengangathi ungene endlini yakhe

wabambelela emdulini ngesandla

waselunywa yinyoka.

20 Usuku lukaThixo kaluyikuba ngumnyama na,

hatshi ukukhanya,

lumnyama bhuqe, kungekho nhlansi yokukhanya?

21 “Ngiyayizonda, ngiyayeyisa imikhosi yokholo lwenu;

angingeke ngiyimele imbuthano yenu.

22 Lanxa lingangilethela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo

yamabele kangiyikuyamukela.

Lanxa liletha iminikelo emihle kakhulu yobuzalwane,

lokunonisiweyo kangiyikuyinanza.

23 Sukani lomsindo wezingoma zenu!

Kangiyikuwulalela umculo wamachacho enu.

24 Kodwa ukulunga kakugeleze njengamanzi,

lobuqotho njengesifula esingatshiyo!

25 Kanje wake wangilethela imihlatshelo leminikelo

eminyakeni engamatshumi amane enkangala,

wena ndlu ka-Israyeli na?

26 Seliphakamise indawo yokukhonzela izithombe zenu,

isenabelo senkosi unkulunkulu wenu uSakhuthi,

lenkanyezi kankulunkulu wenu uKhayiwani,

elazenzela khona lina ngokwenu.

27 Ngakho ngizalisa ekuthunjweni ngale kweDamaseko,”

kutsho uThixo obizo lakhe nguNkulunkulu uSomandla.

6

Maye Kulabo Abangakhathaliyo

1 Maye kini lina elingakhathaliyo eZiyoni,

lakini elizizwa livikelekile eNtabeni iSamariya,

lina madoda adumileyo esizwe sokuqala,

abantu bako-Israyeli abaya kuso!

2 Yanini eKhaline liyikhangele;

lisuka lapho yanini eHamathi enkulu,

beselisehlela eGathi eseFilistiya.

Bangcono kulemibuso yenu emibili na?

Ilizwe labo likhulu kulelenu na?

3 Lisusa usuku olubi

lisondeze eduze ukubusa ngodlakela.

4 Lilala emibhedeni eyenziwa ngempondo zendlovu

licambalale phezu kwemibheda yenu yokuphumulela.

Lidla inyama yezimvu zekhethelo

leyamathole anonisiweyo.

5 Lihweba amachacho njengoDavida

kodwa engamachacho ezaba.

6 Linatha iwayini ligcwele inqayi,

ligcobe ngamagcobo amahle,

kodwa kalikhathazeki ngokuchitheka kukaJosefa.

7 Ngakho-ke lizakuba ngabanye bakuqala ekuthunjweni;

ukuzitika kwenu lokuhleka kuzaphela.

Inkosi Iyakwenyanya Ukuzigqaja Kuka-Israyeli

8  UThixo Wobukhosi uzifungele yena ngokwakhe, uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla uthi:

“Ngiyakwenyanya ukuzigqaja kukaJakhobe

njalo ngiyazizonda izinqaba zakhe;

ngizalinikela idolobho lakho

konke okukulo.”

9 Nxa amadoda alitshumi esele endlini eyodwa, lawo azakufa. 10 Njalo nxa isihlobo okumele sitshise izidumbu zifika ukuba sizisuse kuleyondlu besesibuza loba ngubani oyabe elokhu ecatshile khonapho, sithi, “Kulomunye olawe na?” Yena athi, “Hatshi,” lapho-ke uzakuthi, “Thula! Akumelanga sithinte ibizo likaThixo.”

11 Ngoba uThixo usekhuphe umlayo,

njalo uzaphahlaza indlukazi ibe yizihlephu

kuthi indlu encinyane ibe yizicucu.

12 Amabhiza ayagijima emadwaleni angamawa na?

Umuntu uyalima khonapho ngenkabi na?

Kodwa lina liphendule ukulunga kwaba yitshefu

lesithelo sokulunga saba yibuhlungu,

13 lina elithokoziswa yikunqotshwa kweLo-Debhari

beselisithi, “IKharinayimi kasiyithumbanga ngamandla ethu na?”

14 Ngoba uThixo uNkulunkulu uSomandla uthi,

“Ngizakuvusela isizwe, wena ndlu ka-Israyeli,

esizakuncindezela indawo yonke

kusukela eLebho Hamathi kusiyafika esigodini sase-Arabha.”

7

Intethe, Lomlilo Lentambo Yokuqondisa

1 Nanku engakutshengiswa nguThixo Wobukhosi: Wayelungisa imitshitshi yezintethe emva kokuvunwa kwesabelo senkosi khonapho amabele esibili esakhula. 2 Kwathi lapho ilizwe seziliphundlile, ngamemeza ngathi, “Thixo Wobukhosi, thethelela! UJakhobe angaphepha kanjani? Mncinyane kakhulu!”

3 Ngakho uthixo waxola.

“Akusoze kwenzakale” watsho uthixo.

4 Nanku engakutshengiswa nguThixo Wobukhosi: uThixo Wobukhosi wayememezela ukwehlulela ngomlilo; womisa ulwandle waqothula lelizwe. 5 Ngakho ngamemeza ngathi “Thixo Wobukhosi, ngiyakuncenga, ake ume! UJakhobe angaphepha kanjani na? Mncinyane kakhulu!”

6 Ngakho uThixo waxola.

“Lokhu lakho akuyikwenzakala,” kwatsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

7 Nanku angitshengisa khona: uThixo wayemi phansi komduli owawakhiwe waqonda nta ephethe intambo yokuqondisa ngesandla sakhe 8  UThixo wasengibuza esithi, “Kuyini okubonayo, Amosi?”

Ngaphendula ngathi, “Yintambo yokuqondisa.”

UThixo wasesithi, “Khangela, ngibeka intambo yokuqondisa phakathi kwabantu bami bako-Israyeli; kangisayikubaxolela futhi.

9 Izindawo eziphakemeyo zika-Isaka zizadilizwa

lezindawo ezingcwele zako-Israyeli zizachithwa;

indlu kaJerobhowamu ngizayihlasela ngenkemba yami.”

U-Amosi Lo-Amaziya

10 U-Amaziya umphristi waseBhetheli wathumela ilizwi kuJerobhowamu inkosi yako-Israyeli, wathi, “U-Amosi uceba okubi ngawe khona kanye phakathi kwako-Israyeli. Ilizwe lingeke limelane lawo wonke amazwi akhe. 11 Ngoba u-Amosi uthi:

‘UJerobhowamu uzakufa ngenkemba,

njalo impela u-Israyeli uzathunjwa,

asiwe khatshana kwelizwe lakibo.’ ”

12 U-Amaziya wasesithi ku-Amosi, “Phuma, wena mboni! Buyela elizweni lakoJuda, usebenzele ukudla kwakho khonale wenze lokuphrofetha kwakho khonale. 13 Ungaphrofithi futhi eBhetheli, ngoba le yindawo yenkosi kanye lethempeli lombuso.”

14 U-Amosi waphendula u-Amaziya wathi, “Mina ngangingasuye mphrofethi kumbe indodana yomphrofethi, kodwa ngangingumelusi, njalo ngigcina izihlahla zomkhiwa wesikhamore. 15 Kodwa uThixo wangithatha ekweluseni imihlambi yezimvu wathi kimi, ‘Hamba uyephrofetha ebantwini bami bako-Israyeli.’ 16 Ngakho-ke khathesi zwana ilizwi likaThixo. Wena uthi:

‘Ungaphrofethi kubi ngo-Israyeli,

njalo yekela ukutshumayela kubi ngendlela ka-Isaka.’

17 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

‘Umkakho uzakuba yisifebe edolobheni,

amadoda lamadodakazi akho azakufa ngenkemba.

Ilizwe lakho lizalinganiswa labiwe,

njalo wena ngokwakho uzafela elizweni lamaqaba.

Njalo impela u-Israyeli uzathunjwa

asiwe khatshana kwelizwe lakhe.’ ”

8

Isitsha Sezithelo Ezivuthiweyo

1 Nanku engakutshengiswa nguThixo Wobukhosi: isitsha esilezithelo ezivuthiweyo. 2 Wangibuza wathi, “Kuyini okubonayo, Amosi?”

Mina ngaphendula ngathi, “Yisitsha esilezithelo ezivuthiweyo.”

UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Isikhathi sabantu bami bako-Israyeli sesifikile; kangisabaxoleli futhi.

3 Ngalolosuku, izingoma zethempelini zizaphenduka zibe yikulila. Izidumbu ezinengi kakhulu zidaklazelwe indawo yonke! Thulani!” Kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi.

4 Zwanini lokhu, lina elincindezela abaswelayo njalo

lichitha labayanga elizweni,

5 lisithi,

“Ukuthwasa kweNyanga Entsha kuzaphela nini

ukuze sithengise amabele,

leSabatha lidlule

ukuze sithengise ingqoloyi na?”

Sinciphise isilinganiso,

sikhweze intengo

siqilibezele ngezilinganiso zenkohliso,

6 sithenge abayanga ngesiliva,

abaswelayo sibathenge ngamanyathelo,

sithengise lamakhoba ngengqoloyi.

7  UThixo ufungile ngokuziQhenya kukaJakhobe wathi, “Angisoze ngakhohliswa loba yini abayenzileyo.

8 Ilizwe kaliyikuthuthumela ngalokhu yini

labo bonke abahlala kulo kabayikulila na?

Ilizwe lonke lizaqubuka njengeNayili;

lizadungeka beselitshona phansi

njengomfula waseGibhithe.

9 Ngalolosuku,” kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi,

“ngizakwenza ilanga litshone emini,

ngenze emhlabeni kube mnyama emini ekhanyayo.

10 Ngizaphendula imikhosi yenu yokukhonza ibe yikulila

lokuhlabelela kwenu konke kube yikukhala.

Lonke ngizalenza ligqoke amasaka,

njalo liphuce amakhanda enu.

Lesosikhathi ngizasenza sifane lokulilela indodana eyiyo yodwa

lokuphela kwaso kube njengosuku olubuhlungu.

11 Insuku ziyeza, kutsho uThixo Wobukhosi,

lapho engizathumela khona indlala elizweni

hatshi indlala yokudla kumbe ukomela amanzi,

kodwa indlala yokuzwa amazwi kaThixo.

12 Abantu bazaphamazela besuka elwandle besiya elwandle,

njalo bazule kusukela enyakatho kusiya empumalanga,

bedinga ilizwi likaThixo,

kodwa kabayikulithola.

13 Ngalolosuku

izintombi ezinhle lezinsizwa eziqinileyo

zizaqaleka ngenxa yokoma.

14 Bona labo abafunga ngesono seSamariya,

loba bathi, ‘Ngeqiniso

njengoba unkulunkulu wakho ephila, wena Dani,’

loba bathi, ‘Ngeqiniso

njengoba unkulunkulu waseBherishebha ephila,’

bazakuwa, bangaphindi bavuke futhi.”

9

U-Israyeli Uzachithwa

1 Ngabona uThixo emi phansi kwe-alithari, wasesithi:

“Tshaya izihloko zensika

ukuze imibundu inyikinyeke.

Ziwisele phansi phezu kwamakhanda abantu bonke;

labo abazasala ngizababulala ngenkemba.

Kakho lamunye ozaphunyuka,

kakho ozabaleka.

2 Loba besimba baze bafike ekudepheni kwengcwaba,

isandla sami sizabathatha khonapho.

Loba bekhwela baye phezulu emazulwini,

bekhonapho ngizabehlisela phansi.

3 Loba becatsha engqongweni yeKhameli,

khonapho ngizabadinga ngibabambe.

Loba bengicatshela enzikini yolwandle,

khonapho ngizalaya inyoka ukuba ibalume.

4 Loba izitha zabo zingabasa ekuthunjweni,

khonale ngizalaya inkemba ukuba ibabulale.

Ngizagxilisa amehlo ami kubo

ngenxa yobubi hatshi ngobuhle.”

5 INkosi, uThixo uSomandla,

yena othinta umhlaba uncibilike,

kuthi bonke abahlezi kuwo bakhale,

ilizwe lonke liyaphakama njengoNayili

liphinde litshone phansi njengomfula waseGibhithe,

6 yena owakha indlu yakhe yobukhosi ephakemeyo emazulwini

njalo ubeka isisekelo sakhe phezu komhlaba,

ebiza amanzi olwandle

awathele phezu kobuso bomhlaba,

uThixo yilo ibizo lakhe.

7 “Lina ma-Israyeli,

kimi kalinjengamaKhushi na?”

kutsho uThixo.

“U-Israyeli kangimkhuphanga eGibhithe,

lamaFilistiya eKhafithori,

kanye lama-Aramu eKhiri na?

8 Impela amehlo kaThixo Wobukhosi

aphezu kombuso olesono.

Ngizawukhucula ebusweni bomhlaba

ikanti indlu kaJakhobe

angiyikuyichitha ngokupheleleyo,”

kutsho uThixo.

9 “Ngoba ngizakupha umlayo,

njalo ngizahlungula indlu ka-Israyeli

phakathi kwezizwe zonke

njengokuhlungulwa kwamabele ekhomaneni

njalo akukho hlamvu oluzawela phansi.

10 Izoni zonke phakathi kwabantu bami

zizakufa ngenkemba,

bonke labo abathi,

‘Umonakalo kawuyikusifica loba usihlangabeze.’ ”

Ukubuyiswa Kuka-Israyeli

11 “Ngalolosuku

ngizavusa ithente likaDavida elawayo.

Ngizavala izikhala zalo,

ngivuselele okwadilikayo kwalo,

ngilakhe njengelaliyikho khona,

12 ukuze bathathe insalela ye-Edomi

kanye lezizwe zonke ezizabizwa ngebizo lami,”

kutsho uThixo, ozazenza lezizinto.

13  UThixo uthi, “Zinsuku ziyeza,

lapho ovunayo ezaficwa ngolimayo,

lohlanyelayo aficwe ngokhama amavini.

Iwayini elitsha lizagobhoza ezintabeni,

njalo ligeleze emaqaqeni wonke.

14 Ngizababuyisela abantu bami

bako-Israyeli abathunjwayo.

Bazawakha kutsha amadolobho adilikayo bahlale kuwo.

Bazahlanyela izivini banathe iwayini lazo;

bazakwenza izivande badle izithelo zazo.

15 Ngizagxumeka u-Israyeli elizweni lakhe

angaphindi asitshunwe futhi

elizweni engimnike lona,”

kutsho uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.

U-Obhadaya

U-Obhadaya

1

1 Umbono Ka-Obhadaya.

Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo Wobukhosi nge-Edomi:

Sesizwe ilizwi elivela kuThixo:

Kuthunywe isithunywa ezizweni ukuba sithi,

“Phakamani, asihambeni silwe laye impi”:

2 “Khangela, ngizakwenza ube mncinyane phakathi kwezizwe;

uzakweyiswa kakhulu.

3 Ukuzigqaja kwenhliziyo yakho sekukukhohlisile,

wena ohlala ezingoxweni zamadwala wakhe

umuzi wakho eziqongweni,

wena ozitshela uthi,

‘Ngubani ongangiwisela phansi enhlabathini na?’

4 Lanxa uqonga njengengqungqulu

wakhe isidleke sakho phakathi kwezinkanyezi,

ngizakwethula khonale,”

kutsho uThixo.

5 “Nxa amasela efike kuwe,

nxa abaphangi ebusuku,

Awu, yeka ubukhulu bomonakalo okulindeleyo,

kabayikuntshontsha kuphela lokho okwanele abakufunayo na?

Nxa abavuni bamavini befike kuwe,

kabangeke batshiye amalutshwana na?

6 Kodwa yeka ukuphangwa okuzakwenziwa u-Esawu,

inotho yakhe efihliweyo izathunjwa!

7 Bonke abamanyane lawe bazakuxotshela emngceleni;

abangane bakho bazakukhohlisa bakunqobe;

labo abadla ukudla kwakho bazakuthiya ngomjibila,

kodwa wena kawuyikuwubona.

8 Ngalolosuku,” kutsho uThixo,

“kangiyikuwabhubhisa yini amadoda ahlakaniphileyo ase-Edomi,

amadoda aqedisisayo ezintabeni zako-Esawu na?

9 Amabutho akho, wena Themani, azathuthumela,

njalo bonke abasezintabeni zako-Esawu

bazacakazelwa phansi ekubulaweni kwabanengi.

10 Ngenxa yodlakela kumfowenu uJakhobe,

uzakwembeswa lihlazo;

uzachithwa nini lanini.

11 Ngosuku owema ngalo khatshana

mhla izihambi zithumba inotho yakhe

labezizweni bengena emasangweni akhe

bephosa inkatho ngeJerusalema,

wawunjengomunye wabo.

12 Akumelanga weyise umfowenu

ngosuku lokuhlupheka kwakhe,

loba uthokoze ngabantu bakoJuda

ngosuku lokubhujiswa kwabo,

loba uklamase kangaka

ngosuku lokuhlupheka kwabo.

13 Akumelanga ungene ngamasango abantu bami

ngosuku lomonakalo wabo,

loba ubeyise osizini lwabo

ngosuku lomonakalo wabo,

loba uthumbe inotho yabo

ngosuku lomonakalo wabo.

14 Akumelanga ume emahlukanandlela

ukuba ubulale ababalekayo babo,

loba unikele abaphephileyo babo

ngosuku lokuhlupheka kwabo.

15 Usuku lukaThixo selusondele

ezizweni zonke.

Njengalokho okwenzileyo,

yikho okuzakwenziwa kuwe;

izenzo zakho zizaphendukela

phezu kwekhanda lakho.

16 Njengokunatha elakwenzayo entabeni yami,

ngokunjalo izizwe zonke zizanatha njalonjalo;

zizanatha, zinathe kuze kube

angathi kazizange zivele zibe khona.

17 Kodwa phezu kweNtaba iZiyoni kuzakuba lokusindiswa;

kuzakuba ngcwele,

lendlu kaJakhobe izazuza ilifa layo.

18 Indlu kaJakhobe izakuba ngumlilo

lendlu kaJosefa ibe lilangabi;

indlu ka-Esawu izakuba libibi,

njalo bazayithungela ngomlilo ozayiqothula.

Akuyikuba khona abasilayo

endlini ka-Esawu.”

UThixo usekhulumile.

19 Abantu abavela eNegebi

bazathumba izintaba zako-Esawu,

labantu abavela emawatheni ezintaba

bazathumba ilizwe lamaFilistiya.

Bazathumba amasimu ako-Efrayimi lawaseSamariya,

loBhenjamini uzathumba iGiliyadi.

20 Lelibutho labako-Israyeli abathunjwayo abaseKhenani

lizalithatha ilizwe kusiyafika eZarefathi;

abathunjwa eJerusalema abaseSefaradi

bazathatha amadolobho aseNegebi.

21 Abakhululi bazakhwela iNtaba iZiyoni

ukuba babuse izintaba zako-Esawu.

Njalo umbuso uzakuba ngokaThixo.

UJona

1

2

3

4

UJona

1

UJona Ubalekela UThixo

1 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuJona indodana ka-Amithayi lathi: 2 “Hamba uye edolobheni elikhulu laseNiniva utshumayele ngokulisola kakhulu, ngoba ububi balo sebufinyelele kimi.”

3 Kodwa uJona wabalekela uThixo waqonda eThashishi. Wehla waya eJopha, lapho afica khona umkhumbi owawusiya kuleyondawo. Eseyikhuphile imali yokugada, wangena umkhumbi waqonda eThashishi yena ebalekela uThixo.

4  UThixo wathumela isiphepho elwandlwe, kwaphenquka isavunguzane esasingathi sizawubhidliza umkhumbi. 5 Bonke abagwedli bawo besaba, ngulowo lalowo wakhala kunkulunkulu wakhe. Baphosela imithwalo elwandle ukuze baphungule ubunzima bomkhumbi.

Kodwa uJona wayehlele endlwaneni engaphansi, emkhunjini, walala khona ubuthongo bukabhuka. 6 Induna yomkhumbi yaya kuye yathi, “Ungalala njani? Vuka ubize unkulunkulu wakho! Mhlawumbe yena uzasizwa ukuze singabhubhi.”

7 Abagwedli basebecebisana bathi, “Wozani, senze inkatho ukuze sibone ukuthi ngubani osibangele uhlupho lolu.” Bayenza inkatho, yadla uJona. 8 Basebembuza bathi, “Akusitshele, ngubani osibangele lonke lolu uhlupho na? Wenza msebenzi bani na? Uvela ngaphi? Ungowakuliphi ilizwe? Ungowasiphi isizwe na?”

9 Waphendula wathi, “NgingumHebheru, ngikhonza uThixo, uNkulunkulu wasezulwini, owenza ulwandle kanye lomhlabathi.”

10 Lokhu kwabethusa, babuza bathi, “Wenzeni pho?” (Babekwazi ukuthi ubalekela uThixo ngoba wayevele esebatshelile.)

11 Ulwandle lwaselulokhu luqubuka lusiya phambili ngamandla. Ngakho basebembuza bathi, “Senzeni kuwe ukuze ulwandle luthule singalimali na?”

12 Waphendula wathi, “Ngiqukulani lingiphosele elwandle, luzathula. Ngiyazi ukuthi kungumlandu wami okwenze isiphepho esikhulu kangaka sehlela phezu kwenu.”

13 Kodwa amadoda azama ngamandla ukugwedlela emuva emhlabathini. Kodwa behluleka ngoba ulwandle lwaselusidla amahabula okudlula kuqala. 14 Khonapho basebekhala kuThixo bathi, “Oh, Thixo, ungasiyekeli sife ngoba sibulele indoda le. Ungasibeki umlandu wokubulala umuntu ongelacala, ngoba wena, Oh Thixo, wenzile njengokufisa kwakho.” 15 Basebethatha uJona bamphosela olwandle, ulwandle lwase luthula ukugubhaza. 16 Lokhu kwenza amadoda lawo amesabe kakhulu uThixo, asesenza umhlatshelo kuThixo enza izifungo kuye.

Umkhuleko KaJona

17 Kodwa uThixo waletha inhlanzi enkulukazi yamginya uJona, uJona wahlala phakathi kwenhlanzi insuku ezintathu lobusuku obuthathu.

2

1 Ephakathi kwenhlanzi uJona wakhuleka kuThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe. 2 Wathi:

“Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngambiza uThixo,

wangiphendula.

Ngisekujuleni kwengcwaba ngacela uncedo,

wena wakulalela ukukhala kwami.

3 Wangiphosela ezinzikini,

phakathi emathunjini enlwandle,

amagagasi agubhazela emaceleni wonke;

wonke amagagasi akho

lezimpophoma zawo kwangisibekela.

4 Ngathi, ‘Sengixotshiwe

ebusweni bakho;

kodwa ngizakhangela njalo

ethempelini lakho elingcwele.’

5 Indonga zamanzi zaziqonde ukungimbokotha,

ngangihanqwe yinziki;

inkunkuma yotshani bolwandle yangithandela ekhanda.

6 Ngagalula ngatshona empandeni zezintaba;

umhlaba ongaphansi wangivalela okwaphakade.

Kodwa wena wayikhupha impilo yami egodini,

wena Thixo, Nkulunkulu wami.

7 Lapho impilo yami yayisincipha,

ngakhumbula wena, Thixo,

umkhuleko wami waphakamela kuwe,

ethempelini lakho elingcwele.

8 Labo ababambelela ezithombeni

ezingelamsebenzi balahlekelwa ngumusa ongaba ngowabo.

9 Kodwa mina, ngizakuthi ngihlabela ingoma yokubonga

ngenze umhlatshelo kuwe.

Engikufungileyo ngizakugcwalisa.

Insindiso ivela kuThixo.”

10  UThixo walaya inhlanzi, yona yase imhlanza uJona emhlabathini owomileyo.

3

UJona Uya ENiniva

1 Ilizwi likaThixo laselifika kuJona ngokwesibili lathi: 2 “Hamba uye edolobheni elikhulu laseNiniva uyotshumayela kulo ilizwi engikunika lona.”

3 UJona walilalela ilizwi likaThixo, waya eNineve. Phela iNiniva yayilidolobho elikhulu kakhulu, ukulethekela lonke kwakuthatha insuku ezintathu. 4 Ngelanga lokuqala, uJona wangena phakathi komuzi. Wamemezela wathi, “Kusele insuku ezingamatshumi amane kuphela ukuba iNiniva ichithwe.” 5 Abantu beNiniva babekholwa kuNkulunkulu. Bamemezela ukuthi kuzilwe ukudla, njalo bonke kusukela komkhulu kusiya komncinyane bavunula amasaka.

6 Ilizwi selifikile enkosini yaseNiniva, yasukuma esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi, yakhumula izembatho zayo zobukhosi, yazembathisa isaka yahlala phansi ebhuqwini. 7 Yase ikhupha isimemezelo eNiniva esithi:

“Ngomthetho wenkosi lezikhulu zayo:

Akungavunyelwa muntu kumbe inyamazana, imihlambi yenkomo loba eyezimvu ukuthi ithinte ulutho oludliwayo; makungavunyelwa kudle kumbe kunathe. 8 Kodwa akuthi umuntu loba yinyamazana kwembathe amasaka. Wonke umuntu kamemeze ngokukhawuleza kuNkulunkulu. Kabadele izindlela zabo zobubi lobudlwangudlwangu babo. 9 Ngubani okwaziyo na? Mhlawumbe uNkulunkulu angadeda kuthi ngesihawu sakhe aphenduke elakeni lwakhe olwesabekayo ukuze singabhubhi.”

10 Kwathi uNkulunkulu esebonile abakwenzayo ukuthi baguquka ezindleleni zabo zobubi, wabazwela isihawu kazabe esabehlisela incithakalo ayesonge ngayo.

4

Ukunengwa KukaJona Ngesihawu SikaThixo

1 Kodwa uJona wacaphuka kakhulu wazonda. 2 Wakhuleka kuThixo wathi, “Awu Thixo, kakusikho lokhu yini engakutshoyo ngisesekhaya? Yikho okwangenza ngaphangisa ukubalekela eThashishi. Ngangikwazi ukuthi unguNkulunkulu olomusa lesihawu, ophuza ukuthukuthela njalo ogcwele uthando, uNkulunkulu odedayo ongasoze ehlise ukuhlupheka. 3 Khathesi-ke Thixo, susa ukuphila kwami, ngoba kungcono kimi ukufa kulokuphila.”

4 Kodwa uThixo waphendula wathi, “Kambe ubona ulelungelo na lokuthi uzonde?”

5 UJona waphuma wayahlala endaweni ethile ngempumalanga kwedolobho. Wazenzela khonapho idunjana wahlala emthunzini walo walindela ukubona okwakuzakwenzakala edolobheni lelo. 6 Kwasekusithi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakhulisa isihlahla esilamahlamvu kuJona samenzela umthunzi ekhanda lakhe ukuze ahlaliseke. UJona wathaba kakhulu ngaleli ivini. 7 Kodwa emathathakusa ngelanga elilandelayo uNkulunkulu wathumela impehlane, eyaphehla isihlahla sacina sibuna. 8 Kwathi ilanga seliphumile uNkulunkulu wathumela umoya wempumalanga ohaqazayo, ilanga lavutha phezu kwekhanda likaJona waze waqaleka. Wafisa ukufa, wathi, “Kungcono kimi ukuthi ngife kulokuthi ngiphile.”

9 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kuJona, “Ulelungelo na lokuthi uzonde ngenxa yesihlahla?”

UJona wathi, “Yebo. Ngizonde kakhulu, kuthi kangife.”

10 Kodwa uThixo wathi, “Uyazihlupha ngesihlahla lesi loba ungazange usinakekele loba usikhulise. Lihlume ngobusuku laphinde lafa ngobusuku. 11 Kodwa iNiniva ilabantu abeqa izinkulungwane ezilikhulu elilamatshumi amabili abangehlukanisiyo isandla sabo sokudla kwesenxele, lenkomo ezinengi njalo. Bekungafanelanga yini na ukuthi ngilinqinekele idolobho elikhulu kangaka?”

UMikha

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

UMikha

1

1 Ilizwi likaThixo elafika kuMikha waseMoreshethi ensukwini zemibuso kaJothamu, loka-Ahazi loHezekhiya, amakhosi akoJuda, umbono awubonayo mayelana leSamariya leJerusalema.

2 Zwanini lonke lina bantu,

lalelani, awu wena mhlaba labo bonke abakuwo,

ukuze uThixo Wobukhosi afakaze ngawe ekulahla,

uThixo esethempelini lakhe elingcwele.

Ukwahlulelwa KweSamariya LeJerusalema

3 Khangelani! UThixo uyeza evela lapho ahlala khona;

wehlela phansi njalo enyathela ezindaweni eziphakemeyo zomhlaba.

4 Izintaba ziyancibilika ngaphansi kwakhe,

lezigodi ziyaqhekezeka phakathi

njengengcino phansi komlilo,

lanjengamanzi esehla ngamandla emthezukweni.

5 Konke lokhu kungenxa yokona kukaJakhobe,

ngenxa yezono zendlu ka-Israyeli.

Kuyini ukona kukaJakhobe na?

AkusiSamariya na?

Iyini indawo kaJuda ephakemeyo na?

AkusiJerusalema na?

6 “Ngakho iSamariya ngizayenza ibe yinqumbi yemfucuza,

indawo yokuhlanyela izivini.

Amatshe ayo ngizawathela esigodini

ngiphendle lezisekelo zayo.

7 Zonke izithombe zayo zizaphohlozwa;

zonke izipho zayo zasethempelini zizatshiswa ngomlilo;

ngizaphahlaza zonke izifanekiso zayo.

Njengoba yaqoqa izipho zayo

ngeholo lezifebe,

zizasetshenziswa njengeholo

lezifebe futhi.”

Ukukhala Lokulila

8 Ngenxa yalokhu ngizakhala ngilile;

ngizahamba ngezinyawo phansi njalo nginqunu.

Ngizahlaba umkhulungwane njengekhanka,

ngikhale njengesikhova.

9 Ngoba inxeba layo kalelapheki;

selifikile koJuda.

Selifike kulo kanye isango labantu bami,

kanye laseJerusalema uqobo.

10 Lingakukhulumi eGathi;

lingakhali lakancane.

Giqikani ethulini

eBhethi Ofira.

11 Dlulani linqunu njalo lilenhloni

lina elihlala eShafiri.

Labo abahlala eZawanani

kabayikuphuma.

IBhethi-Ezeli iphakathi kokulila;

ukuvikelwa kwayo kususiwe kini.

12 Labo abahlala eMarothi bayazijanqa ngobuhlungu,

belindele usizo

ngoba umonakalo uvele kuThixo,

wafika lasesangweni leJerusalema.

13 Lina elihlala eLakhishi,

bophelani amabhiza agijimayo enqoleni.

Yini elaba yisisusa sesono eNdodakazini yeZiyoni,

ngoba ukona kuka-Israyeli kwafunyanwa kini.

14 Ngakho-ke lizanika iMoreshethi Gathi

izipho zokwehlukana.

Idolobho lase-Akhizibhi lizabonakalisa inkohliso

emakhosini ako-Israyeli.

15 Ngizalilethela umnqobi

lina elihlala eMaresha.

Lowo olodumo luka-Israyeli

uzakuza e-Adulami.

16 Phucani amakhanda enu likhalela

abantwabenu elibathandayo;

ziphuceni libe njengelinqe

ngoba bazasuka kini baye ekuthunjweni.

2

Amacebo Abantu LakaNkulunkulu

1 Maye kulabo abaceba ububi,

kulabo abaceba ukwenza okubi emibhedeni yabo!

Ekudabukeni kokusa bayakwenza

ngoba kusemandleni abo ukukwenza.

2 Bahawukela amasimu bawathumbe,

kanye lezindlu, bazithathe.

Badlelezela umuntu ngomuzi wakhe,

lomuntu wakibo ngelifa lakhe.

3 Ngakho uThixo uthi:

“Ngiceba ukwenza umonakalo kulababantu,

elingeke liziphephise kuwo.

Kalisayikuhamba ngokuziqhenya,

ngoba kuzakuba yisikhathi sencithakalo.

4 Ngalolosuku abantu bazalihleka;

bazaliklolodela ngale ingoma yokulila bathi:

‘Thina sichithwe okupheleleyo;

ilifa labantu bami labiwe.

Uyangithathela!

Amasimu ethu uwanika abathengisi.’ ”

5 Ngakho-ke kawuzukuba laye ebandleni likaThixo

ozalabela ilizwe ngenkatho.

Abaphrofethi Bamanga

6 Abaphrofethi babo bathi, “Lingaphrofethi.

Lingaphrofethi ngalezizinto;

ihlazo kaliyikusehlela.”

7 Wena ndlu kaJakhobe, kufanele yini ukuba kuthiwe,

“UMoya kaThixo uzondile na?

Uyazenza izinto ezinje na?”

“Amazwi ami kawenzi okulungileyo

kuye ozindlela zakhe ziqondile na?

8 Okwamanje abantu bami sebehlamuke

njengesitha.

Lihlubula ingubo eligugu

kulabo abedlulayo linganakile,

njengabantu abavela empini.

9 Abesifazane babantu bami liyabaxotsha

emizini yabo emihle.

Lisusa isibusiso sami

kokuphela ebantwaneni babo.

10 Sukani lihambe!

Ngoba le akusindawo yenu yokuphumula,

ngoba ingcolile,

ichithekile, okungeke kulungiswe.

11 Nxa umqambi wamanga lomkhohlisi efika athi,

‘Ngizaliphrofethela iwayini elinengi lotshwala,’

uyabe engumphrofethi walababantu nje kuphela!”

Isithembiso Sokukhululwa

12 “Impela ngizalibutha lonke, wena Jakhobe;

impela ngizabaqoqela ndawonye abako-Israyeli abasalayo.

Ngizabaqoqela ndawonye njengezimvu esibayeni,

njengomhlambi wezimvu emadlelweni awo;

indawo ibe lokuphithizela kwabantu.

13 Lowo ozavula indlela uzahamba phambi kwabo;

bazafohla isango baphume.

Inkosi yabo izadlulela phambi kwabo,

uThixo abe phambi kwabo.”

3

Ukukhuzwa Kwabakhokheli Labaphrofethi

1 Lapho-ke mina ngathi,

“Lalelani lina bakhokheli bakoJakhobe,

lina babusi bendlu yako-Israyeli.

Ukulunga akumelanga likwazi na,

2 lina elizonda okuhle lithande okubi;

elixebula isikhumba ebantwini bami

lenyama emathanjeni abo;

3 lina elibadla inyama abantu bami,

lihlubule isikhumba sabo

lichoboze lamathambo abo abe yizicucu;

elibaqumaquma njengenyama yepani,

lanjengenyama yembiza?”

4 Lapho-ke bazakhala kuThixo,

kodwa kayikubaphendula.

Ngalesosikhathi uzabafihlela ubuso bakhe

ngenxa yobubi ababenzileyo.

5 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Okunjengabaphrofethi,

abedukisa abantu bami,

umuntu angabapha ukudla,

bamemezela ‘ukuthula’

nxa engabaphi balungisela

ukumhlasela ngempi.

6 Ngakho ubusuku buzakwehlela phezu kwenu, kungekho mibono,

kanye lomnyama, kungekho kuhlahlula.

Ilanga lizabatshonela abaphrofethi,

losuku luzakuba mnyama kubo.

7 Ababonisayo bazayangeka

labahlahluli babe lenhloni.

Bonke bazamboza ubuso babo

ngoba kungelampendulo evela kuNkulunkulu.”

8 Kodwa mina ngiphiwe amandla,

loMoya kaThixo,

lokulunga kanye lesibindi,

ukuba ngitshele uJakhobe ukona kwakhe

lo-Israyeli isono sakhe.

9 Zwanini lokhu lina bakhokheli bendlu kaJakhobe,

lani babusi bendlu ka-Israyeli,

eleyisa ukulunga

lihlanekele konke okuqondileyo;

10 elakha iZiyoni ngokuchitha igazi;

leJerusalema ngobubi.

11 Abakhokheli bayo bahlulela ngokufunjathiswa,

abaphristi bayo bafundisela inhlawulo,

labaphrofethi bayo baphrofithela imali;

ikanti bathembele kuThixo njalo bathi,

“Kanti uThixo kakho phakathi kwethu na?

Akulancithakalo engasehlela.”

12 Ngakho-ke ngenxa yenu,

iZiyoni izalinywa njengensimu,

iJerusalema izakuba yinqwaba yemfucuza,

intaba yethempeli ibe yindunduma eyande izixukwana.

4

INtaba KaThixo

1 Ngezinsuku zokucina

intaba yethempeli likaThixo izamiswa

njengenhloko phakathi kwezintaba;

izaphakanyiselwa phezu kwezintaba

njalo izizwe zizabekelela zisiya kuyo.

2 Izizwe ezinengi zizafika zithi,

“Wozani siye phezu kwentaba kaThixo,

siye ethempelini likaNkulunkulu kaJakhobe.

Uzasifundisa izindlela zakhe,

ukuze sihambe emikhondweni yakhe.”

Umthetho uzavela eZiyoni,

ilizwi likaThixo livele eJerusalema.

3 Uzakwahlulela phakathi kwezizwe ezinengi

alamule lezingxabano zezizwe ezilamandla ezindaweni ezikhatshana.

Bazakhanda izinkemba zabo zibe yimihlathi yamakhuba,

lemikhonto yabo ibe zingqamu zokuthena izihlahla.

Isizwe asiyikuhlomela isizwe ngenkemba

loba sifundele ukulwa impi futhi.

4 Umuntu wonke uzahlala ngaphansi kwesihlahla sakhe sevini

langaphansi kwesihlahla sakhe somkhiwa,

njalo kakho ozabenza besabe,

ngoba uThixo uSomandla usekhulumile.

5 Zonke izizwe zingahamba

ebizweni labonkulunkulu bazo;

thina sizahamba ebizweni likaThixo

uNkulunkulu wethu kuze kube laphakade.

Icebo LikaThixo

6 “Ngalolosuku,” kutsho uThixo,

“ngizabutha abaqhulayo;

ngizaqoqa abathunjwayo

lalabo engabehlisela usizi.

7 Ngizakwenza abaqhulayo babe yinsalela,

abaxotshwayo babe yisizwe esilamandla.

UThixo uzababusa eNtabeni iZiyoni,

kusukela ngalolosuku kuze kube nininini.

8 Wena nqaba yokulinda yomhlambi,

wena nqaba yeNdodakazi yeZiyoni,

umbuso wakuqala uzabuyiselwa kuwe;

ubukhosi buzakuza eNdodakazini yaseJerusalema.”

9 Kungani khathesi usukhala kakhulu,

kawulankosi na?

Umeluleki wakho usebhubhile na,

ukuba uphathwe yibuhlungu obunjengowesifazane ohelelwayo?

10 Janqula ngobuhlungu, wena Ndodakazi yeZiyoni,

njengowesifazane ohelelwayo,

ngoba khathesi sekumele usuke kulelidolobho

uyehlala egangeni.

Uzakuya eBhabhiloni;

lapho ozahlengwa khona.

Khonale uThixo uzakukhulula

ezandleni zezitha zakho.

11 Kodwa khathesi izizwe

ezinengi zikujamele.

Zithi, “Kangcoliswe,

lamehlo ethu kawahawukele iZiyoni!”

12 Kodwa kabayazi

imicabango kaThixo;

kabaliqedisisi icebo lakhe,

yena obabutha njengezixha zamabele esizeni.

13 “Sukuma ubhule, wena Ndodakazi yeZiyoni,

ngoba ngizakupha impondo zensimbi;

ngizakunika amasondo ethusi,

njalo uzachoboza izizwe ezinengi.”

Uzanikela kuThixo inzuzo yabo eyatholwa ngobuqili

inotho yabo kuThixo womhlaba wonke.

5

Umbusi Othenjisiweyo Ovela EBhethilehema

1 Hlomisa amabutho akho, wena dolobho lamabutho,

ngoba sesivinjezelwe.

Bazatshaya umbusi wako-Israyeli

esihlathini ngomqwayi.

2 “Kodwa wena Bhethilehema Efrathi,

lanxa umncinyane phakathi kwezizwana zakoJuda,

kuwe kuzavela

ozakuba ngumbusi wako-Israyeli,

omdabuko wakhe ngowasekadeni,

kusukela ezikhathini zendulo.”

3 Ngakho u-Israyeli uzadelwa

kuze kube yisikhathi sokuthi lowo ohelelwayo abelethe,

laba abafowabo bonke baphenduke

ukuzahlangana labako-Israyeli.

4 Uzakuma eluse umhlambi wakhe

ngamandla kaThixo,

ngobukhosi bebizo likaThixo uNkulunkulu wakhe.

Bazahlala ngokuvikeleka, ngoba lapho

udumo lwakhe luzafika emikhawulweni yomhlaba.

5 Uzakuba yikuthula kwabo.

Ukukhululwa Lokuchithwa

Lapho umʼAsiriya ehlasela ilizwe lethu

edabula phakathi kwezinqaba zethu,

sizamvusela abelusi abayisikhombisa,

kanye labakhokheli babantu abayisificaminwembili.

6 Bazabusa ilizwe lase-Asiriya ngenkemba,

ilizwe likaNimrodi behlome ngenkemba,

uzasikhulula kumʼAsiriya

lapho ehlasela ilizwe lethu

engena phakathi kwemingcele yethu.

7 Insalela zabakoJakhobe zizakuba

phakathi kwezizwe ezinengi

njengamazolo avela kuThixo,

lanjengemkhizo phezu kotshani,

okungalindeli muntu

kumbe kuhlalele abantu.

8 Insalela zabakoJakhobe zizakuba phakathi kwezizwe,

phakathi kwabantu abanengi,

njengesilwane phakathi kwezinyamazana zegusu,

lanjengeguqa lesilwane phakathi komhlambi wezimvu,

esidlithizayo sidabule ekuhambeni kwaso,

kungekho ongahlenga.

9 Isandla sakho sizaphakanyiselwa phezulu ngokunqoba izitha zakho,

njalo zonke izitha zakho zizachithwa.

10 “Ngalolosuku,” kutsho uThixo,

“ngizabhubhisa amabhiza enu phakathi kwenu

ngibhidlize lezinqola zenu zempi.

11 Ngizachitha amadolobho elizwe lenu

ngibhidlize lezinqaba zenu zonke.

12 Ngizachitha ubuthakathi benu

njalo kalisayikukhunkula futhi.

13 Ngizachitha izithombe zenu ezabazwayo

lamatshe enu okukhonza phakathi kwenu;

kalisayi kuwukhothamela futhi

umsebenzi wezandla zenu.

14 Ngizasiphula phakathi kwenu izinsika zenu zika-Ashera,

ngidilize lamadolobho enu.

15 Ngizaphindisela ngentukuthelo

langolaka ezizweni ezingangilalelanga.”

6

Icala Lika-Israyeli KuThixo

1 Lalelani okutshiwo nguThixo ukuthi:

“Sukumani lilandise indaba yenu phambi kwezintaba;

amaqaqa kawezwe lokho elikutshoyo.

2 Zwanini, lina zintaba, icala elethulwa nguThixo;

lalelani lina zisekelo zomhlaba ezingulaphakade.

Ngoba kulecala uThixo alibeka ebantwini bakhe,

wethesa u-Israyeli icala.

3 Bantu bami, ngenzeni kini na?

Ngilihluphe ngani na? Ngiphendulani.

4 Ngalikhupha eGibhithe

ngalikhulula elizweni lobugqili.

Ngathuma uMosi ukuba alikhokhele

kanye lo-Aroni loMiriyemu.

5 Bantu bami, khumbulani

izicebiso zikaBhalaki inkosi yaseMowabi

lokuthi uBhalamu indodana kaBheyori waphendula wathini.

Khumbulani uhambo lwenu kusukela eShithima kusiya eGiligali,

ukuze lazi imisebenzi elungileyo kaThixo.”

6 Kuyini engizakuza lakho phambi kukaThixo

ngikhothame phambi kukaNkulunkulu ophakemeyo na?

Ngizakuza phambi kwakhe ngilomnikelo wokutshiswa,

ngilamathole alomnyaka owodwa na?

7  UThixo angathokoziswa zinqama eziyizinkulungwane,

izinkulungwane ezilitshumi zemifula yamafutha na?

Ngizanikela izibulo lami ngenxa yokona kwami,

isithelo somzimba wami ngenxa yesono somphefumulo wami na?

8 Ukutshengisile wena muntu okuhle.

UThixo ufunani kuwe na?

Ukwenza okulungileyo lokuthanda umusa

kanye lokuhamba ngokuzithoba loNkulunkulu wakho.

Icala Lika-Israyeli Lesijeziso

9 Lalelani! UThixo umemezela kulo idolobho,

lokwesaba ibizo lakho kuyikuhlakanipha,

“Qaphelani umqwayi laLowo owubekileyo.

10 Wena ndlu yobubi, kufanele lakhathesi ngiyikhohlwe inotho yakho eyazuzwa ngobubi,

lehefa elinganelanga, eliqalekisiweyo na?

11 Ngizamkhulula yini ecaleni umuntu olezilinganiso zobuqili,

lesaka lezilinganiso zamanga na?

12 Abantu bakhona abanothileyo balochuku;

abantu bakhona ngabaqambi bamanga,

lezilimi zabo zikhuluma inkohliso.

13 Ngakho sengiqalisile ukukuchitha,

ukukuqothula ngenxa yezono zakho.

14 Uzakudla kodwa ungasuthi;

isisu sakho sizakuba silokhu singelalutho.

Uzabuthelela kodwa ungalondolozi lutho,

ngoba lokho okulondolozayo ngizakupha inkemba.

15 Uzalima kodwa ungavuni;

uzakhama ama-oliva kodwa amafutha awo ungawagcobi,

uzakhama amavini kodwa iwayini lawo ungalinathi.

16 Ugcinile imithetho ka-Omri

layo yonke imikhutshana yasendlini ka-Ahabi,

walandela lamasiko abo.

Ngakho-ke ngizakunikela ekubhujisweni,

labantu bakho ekubeni yinhlekisa;

uzathwala ihlazo lezizwe.”

7

Usizi Luka-Israyeli

1 Maye ngosizi lwami!

Nginjengomuntu obutha izithelo zehlobo

senginjengevini eselivunwe laphela;

akuselasixha samavini okudliwa,

kayisekho lemikhiwa yakuqala engiyikhanukayo.

2 Abathembekileyo babhujisiwe elizweni,

kakho lamunye umuntu olungileyo oseleyo.

Abantu bonke bacathamela ukuchitha igazi;

lowo lalowo uzingela umfowabo ngombule.

3 Izandla zombili zizingcitshi ekwenzeni okubi;

umbusi ufuna izipho ngamandla,

umahluleli wamukela isivalamlomo,

abalamandla babiza abakufisayo,

bonke baceba okubi bendawonye.

4 Ongcono wabo unjengesihlahla sameva,

oqotho kakhulu mubi kulothango lwameva.

Usuku uNkulunkulu alethekelela ngalo selufikile,

usuku lokukhala kophondo lwabalindi.

Manje sekuyisikhathi sokuphumputheka kwabo.

5 Ungamethembi umakhelwane;

ungagwabi ngomngane wakho.

Lalowo olala umgonile,

qaphela amazwi akho.

6 Ngoba indodana idumaza uyise,

indodakazi ivukela unina,

umalukazana avukele uninazala,

izitha zomuntu ngamalunga endlu yakhe.

7 Kodwa mina ngilindele uThixo ngethemba,

ngilindele uNkulunkulu uMsindisi wami;

uNkulunkulu wami uzangizwa.

U-Israyeli Uzavuka

8 Ungaklolodi wena sitha sami!

Lanxa ngiwile, ngizavuka.

Lanxa ngihlezi emnyameni,

uThixo uzakuba yikukhanya kwami.

9 Ngenxa yokuba ngonile kuye,

ngizalumela ulaka lukaThixo,

aze angincengele endabeni yami,

aveze ukungabi lacala kwami.

Uzangikhuphela phandle ekukhanyeni;

ngizabona ukulunga kwakhe.

10 Lapho-ke isitha sami sizakubona,

njalo sibanjwe zinhloni,

lowo owathi kimi,

“Ungaphi uThixo uNkulunkulu wakho?”

Lakhathesi uzagxotshwa

ngezinyawo njengodaka emigwaqweni.

11 Usuku lokwakhiwa kwemiduli yakho luzafika,

usuku lokuqhelisa imingcele yakho.

12 Ngalolosuku abantu bazakuza kuwe

bevela e-Asiriya lasemadolobheni aseGibhithe,

njalo kusukela eGibhithe kusiya kuYufrathe,

kusukela olwandle kusiya olwandle,

lakusukela entabeni kusiya entabeni.

13 Umhlaba uzachitheka ngenxa yabahlezi kuwo,

ngenxa yezenzo zabo.

Ukukhuleka Lokudumisa

14 Beluse abantu bakho ngentonga yakho,

umhlambi welifa lakho,

ohlala wodwa ehlathini

emadlelweni avundileyo.

Kawudle eBhashani laseGiliyadi

njengasezinsukwini zokuphuma.

15 “Njengasezinsukwini zokuphuma kwenu eGibhithe,

ngizabatshengisa izimangaliso zami.”

16 Izizwe zizabona ziyangeke,

zemukwe wonke amandla azo.

Zizabamba imilomo yazo ngezandla,

lezindlebe zazo zingabe zisezwa.

17 Zizakhotha uthuli njengenyoka,

njengezinanakazana ezihuquzela emhlabathini.

Zizakuza ziqhaqhazela ziphuma emihomeni yazo;

zizaphendukela kuThixo uNkulunkulu wethu ngokwesaba,

njalo lawe zizakwesaba.

18 Ngubani onguNkulunkulu njengawe,

oxolela izono athethelele iziphambeko

zensalela zelifa lakhe na?

Kawuthukutheli kokuphela

kodwa uthokoza ngokutshengisa isihawu.

19 Uzakuba lesihawu kithi futhi;

uzanyathela izono zethu ngezinyawo

uphosele bonke ububi bethu ezinzikini zolwandle.

20 Uzakuba qotho kuJakhobe,

ubonakalise isihawu sakho ku-Abhrahama,

njengokuthembisa kwakho ngesifungo kubokhokho bethu

ensukwini zasendulo.

UNahume

1

2

3

UNahume

1

1 Isiqalekiso ngeNiniva. Incwadi yombono kaNahume umʼElikhoshi.

Ulaka LukaThixo NgeNiniva

2  UThixo uNkulunkulu olobukhwele lophindiselayo;

uThixo uyaphindisela njalo ulolaka olukhulu.

UThixo uyaphindisela ezitheni zakhe

lolaka lwakhe lukhulu ezitheni zakhe.

3  UThixo uyaphuza ukuthukuthela njalo ulamandla amakhulu;

uThixo kayikumyekela olecala engajeziswanga.

Indlela yakhe iphakathi kwesivunguzane lesiphepho,

amayezi aluthuli lwezinyawo zakhe.

4 Ukhuza ulwandle alomise;

wenza yonke imifula itshe.

IBhashani leKhameli kuyabuna

lemiqhakazo yaseLebhanoni ibune.

5 Izintaba ziyanyikinyeka phambi kwakhe,

lamaqaqa ayancibilika.

Umhlaba uyagedezela ngobukhona bakhe,

umhlaba labo bonke abahlala kuwo.

6 Ngubani ongamelana lentukuthelo yakhe na?

Ngubani ongalumela ulaka lwakhe oluvuthayo na?

Ulaka lwakhe luthululeka njengomlilo;

amadwala ayaqhekezeka phambi kwakhe.

7  UThixo ulungile,

uyisiphephelo ezikhathini zokuhlupheka.

Uyabakhathalela abathembele kuye,

8 kodwa ngesikhukhula esikhulu

uzatshabalalisa iNiniva;

uzaxotshela izitha zakhe emnyameni.

9 Loba engamacebo bani abawenza ngoThixo,

uzawaqeda;

ukuhlupheka akuyikubuya kabili.

10 Bazathandeleka phakathi kwameva,

bedakwe liwayini labo;

bazaqothulwa njengenhlanga ezomileyo.

11 Wena Nineve, kuwe sekufike lowo

oceba okubi ngoThixo,

eluleke okubi.

12 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo:

“Lanxa belababambene labo njalo bebanengi,

bazaqothulwa banyamalale.

Lanxa ngikuhluphile, wena Juda,

kangisayikukuhlupha futhi.

13 Khathesi ngizakwephula ijogwe labo elisentanyeni yakho,

ngiqamule lamaketane akho.”

14  UThixo usekhuphe ilizwi ngawe Nineve elithi,

“Kawuyikuba lezizukulwane ezibizwa ngebizo lakho.

Ngizachitha izifanekiso ezibaziweyo lezithombe ezibunjiweyo

ezisethempelini labonkulunkulu bakho.

Ngizalungisa ingcwaba lakho,

ngoba ungcolile.”

15 Khangela ezintabeni le,

inyawo zalowo oletha izindaba ezinhle,

omemezela ukuthula!

Thakazelela imikhosi yakho we Juda,

ugcwalise lezifungo zakho.

Ababi kabasayikukuhlasela futhi;

bazachithwa ngokupheleleyo.

2

INiniva Izachitheka

1 Umhlaseli uyasondela kuwe, Nineve.

Vikela inqaba,

linda umgwaqo,

zilungiselele,

qoqa wonke amandla akho!

2  UThixo uzabuyisela ubuhle bukaJakhobe

njengobuhle buka-Israyeli,

lanxa abachithi bebaqothule

batshabalalisa lezivini zabo.

3 Amahawu amabutho akhe abomvu,

amabutho agqoke okubomvu gebhu.

Insimbi ezinqoleni zempi iyaphazima

ngosuku ezilungiselwe ngalo;

imikhonto yesihlahla sephayini iyazunguzwa.

4 Izinqola zempi zihlasela ngesiqubu emigwaqweni,

zisiya emuva laphambili ezigcawini.

Zinjengezibane ezikhanyisiweyo;

ziyaphaziphazima njengombane.

5 Ubiza amabutho akhe akhethiweyo

kodwa ayakhubeka endleleni yawo.

Agijimela emdulini wedolobho;

isivikelo silungiswe.

6 Amasango omfula ayavulwa,

indlu yobukhosi ibhidlike.

7 Kumiswe ukuthi idolobho lizathunjwa,

abantu balo basiwe ebugqilini.

Izintombi zalo eziyizigqili zikhala njengamajuba

zizitshaya amabele azo.

8 INiniva injengesiziba,

njalo amanzi aso ageleza ehamba.

Bayaklabalala besithi, “Mana! Mana!”

Kodwa kakho onyemukulayo.

9 Phangani isiliva!

Phangani igolide!

Umthapho kawupheli,

inotho evela eziphaleni zayo zonke!

10 Ibhuqiwe, iphangiwe, iphundliwe!

Inhliziyo ziphela amandla, amadolo ayaxega,

imizimba iyaqhaqhazela, ubuso bonke bunyukubele.

11 Khathesi-ke ungaphi umhome wezilwane,

lapho ezinikela khona abantwana bazo ukudla,

lapho okwaya khona isilwane lesilwanekazi,

kanye lemidlwane, kungekho lutho olwesatshwayo na?

12 Isilwane sibulalele imidlwane yaso okwaneleyo

sabambela lesilwanekazi saso okwenyama yokudliwa,

sagcwalisa isikhundla saso ngesikujimbileyo

lomhome waso ngenyama.

13 “Ngimelane lawe,”

kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

“Ngizazitshisa izinqola zakho zempi zibe yintuthu;

lenkemba izakudla izilwane zakho ezisakhulayo.

Kangiyikukutshiyela ongakubamba ukudle njengenyama emhlabeni.

Amazwi ezithunywa zakho

kawasayikuzwakala futhi.”

3

Maye Kuyo INiniva

1 Maye kulo idolobho legazi,

ligcwele amanga,

ligcwele ukuphanga,

kasweleki ohlutshwayo lanini!

2 Ukukhala kwezaswebhu,

ukugodlozela kwamavili,

ukumatha kwamabhiza

lokugedlezela kwezinqola zempi!

3 Ukuhlasela kwabagadi bamabhiza

ukuphazima kwezinkemba

lokubenyezela kwemikhonto.

Zinengi izinkubela,

izinqwaba zabafileyo,

izidumbu ezingabalwayo,

abantu abakhubeka ezidunjini,

4 konke ngenxa yenkanuko embi yesifebe,

siyakhanga, siyinkosikazi ephethe ubuthakathi,

esifaka izizwe ebugqilini ngobufebe baso

labantu ngobuthakathi baso.

5 “Ngimelana lawe,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

“Ngizakwembulela izidwaba zakho ebusweni bakho.

Ngizatshengisa izizwe ubunqunu bakho,

lemibuso ihlazo lakho.

6 Ngizakujikijela ngamanyala,

ngizakweyisa,

njalo ngikwenze ube ngumbukiso.

7 Bonke abakubonayo bazakubalekela bathi,

‘iNiniva isichithekile, ngubani ozayililela na?’

Ngingamthola ngaphi ongakududuza na?”

8 Wena ungcono na kuleThebesi

engaseNayili,

ehonqolozelwe ngamanzi?

Umfula wawuyisivikelo sayo,

amanzi engumduli wayo.

9 IKhushi leGibhithe kwakungamandla ayo angapheliyo.

IPhuthi leLibhiya kwakungabanye abancedisi bayo.

10 Kodwa yathunjwa

yaya ebugqilini.

Izingane zayo zapaklazwa zaba yizicucu

ekuqaliseni kwemigwaqo yonke.

Kwenziwa inkatho ngezikhulu zayo,

wonke amadoda aphakemeyo abotshwa ngamaketane.

11 Lawe futhi uzadakwa;

uzakuyacatsha

udinge ukuphephela esitheni sakho.

12 Zonke izinqola zakho zinjengezihlahla zemikhiwa

ezilezithelo zazo zakuqala ezivuthiweyo;

lapho zinyikinywa,

imikhiwa iwela emlonyeni womudli.

13 Khangela amabutho akho wonke,

ngawesifazane!

Amasango elizwe lakho

avulekele izitha zakho aba banzi;

umlilo uyiqedile imigoqo yawo.

14 Donsa amanzi ulungele ukuvimbezela,

qinisa inqaba zakho.

Voxa udaka,

nyathela ibumba,

lungisa okwakhiwe ngezitina.

15 Khonapho umlilo uzakuqeda;

inkemba izakucakazela phansi,

ikudle njengesikhongwane.

Zandise njengesikhongwane,

uzandise njengentethe.

16 Usulandisile inani labathengisi bakho.

Baze bedlula izinkanyezi zasemkhathini,

kodwa njengentethe baphundla ilizwe

basuke bahambe.

17 Abalindi bakho banjengentethe,

izikhulu zakho zinjengemitshitshi yentethe

ezihlala emidulini mhla kuqanda

kodwa ilanga lingaphuma ziyaphapha zihambe,

njalo kakho okwaziyo ukuthi ngaphi.

18 Wena nkosi yase-Asiriya, abelusi bakho bayawozela,

izikhulu zakho zilala phansi ziphumule.

Abantu bakho bahlakazekile ezintabeni

kungekho obaqoqayo.

19 Akukho okungapholisa amanxeba akho;

ukulimala kwakho ngokokufa.

Bonke abezwa izindaba ngawe

batshaya izandla ngokuwa kwakho,

ngoba ngubani ongafuthelwanga

yisihluku sakho esingapheliyo na?

UHabhakhukhi

1

2

3

UHabhakhukhi

1

1 Isiphrofethi esemukelwa nguHabhakhukhi umphrofethi.

Insolo KaHabhakhukhi

2 Koze kube nini, awu Thixo, ngicela usizo,

kodwa ungalaleli na?

Loba ngimemezela kuwe ngisithi, “Udlakela!”

kodwa ungangihlengi na?

3 Kungani ungitshengisa okungasimfanelo na?

Kungani ubekezelela okungalunganga na?

Ukuchitheka lodlakela kuphambi kwami; kulokulwa,

lengxabano yandile.

4 Ngakho umthetho usuthundubezekile,

lokulunga akusabi khona.

Ababi baminyezela abalungileyo

ukuze ukulunga konakaliswe.

Impendulo KaThixo

5 “Khangelani ezizweni libone

njalo limangale kakhulu.

Ngoba ensukwini zenu

ngizakwenza into elingasoze liyikholwe,

lanxa lingabe litsheliwe.

6 Sengivusa amaKhaladiya,

lesiya isizwe esilesihluku lamawala,

esitshaya sibhuqe umhlaba wonke,

sithumba izindawo zokuhlala ezingasizo zaso.

7 Bayisizwe esesabekayo lesitshayisa uvalo;

bangumthetho bona ngokwabo

njalo baziphakamisa udumo lwabo.

8 Amabhiza abo alesiqubu esedlula esamahlosi,

ayesabeka kulezimpisi kusihlwa.

Amabhiza abo empi amatha ephulukundlela,

abagadi bawo amabhiza bavela khatshana.

Bandiza njengamanqe ehwitha ukudla,

9 bonke beza belande udlakela.

Amaxuku abo aqhubekela phambili njengomoya wasenkangala

abuthe abathunjiweyo njengenhlabathi.

10 Baklolodela amakhosi,

bahleke ababusi usulu.

Wonke amadolobho avikelweyo bayawahleka;

bakha amadundulu ngenhlabathi bawathumbe lawo madolobho.

11 Emva kwalokho badlula ngesiqubu njengomoya baqhubeke,

abantu abalecala abamandla abo angunkulunkulu wabo.”

Insolo Yesibili KaHabhakhukhi

12 Awu Thixo, kawuveli phakade na?

Nkulunkulu wami, Ngcwele wami, kasiyikufa.

Awu Thixo, ubabekile ukuba bahlulele.

Awu Dwala, ubamisile ukuba bajezise.

13 Amehlo akho ahlanzeke kakhulu ukuba akhangele okubi;

awungeke ubekezelele okungalunganga.

Pho kungani ubekezelela abachithayo na?

Uthulelani lapho ababi

beqeda labo abalunge kakhulu kulabo na?

14 Wenze abantu bafana lenhlanzi olwandle,

njengezidalwa zasolwandle ezingelambusi.

15 Isitha esibi siyazikhupha zonke ngewuka,

siyazibamba ngembule laso,

sizibuthele embuleni laso elidonswayo;

ngalokho siyajabula sithokoze.

16 Ngakho-ke senzela imbule laso umhlatshelo,

sitshisele imbule laso elidonswayo

impepha ngoba ngenxa yembule laso

sithe pekle phakathi kwenotho,

sizitika ngokudla okumnandi.

17 Kuzamele siqhubeke sithulula umambule waso,

sitshabalalisa izizwe kungekho sihawu na?

2

1 Ngizakuma esilindweni sami

ngime phezu komthangala;

ngizakhangela ukuba ngibone ukuthi uzakuthini kimi,

lokuthi yimpendulo bani engizayitsho ngale insolo.

Impendulo KaThixo

2  UThixo waphendula wathi:

“Loba phansi isibonakaliso

usenze sicace ezicecedwini

ukuze isithunywa sigijime laso.

3 Ngoba isibonakaliso silindela isikhathi esimisiweyo;

sikhuluma ngesiphetho

njalo kasiyikuba ngamanga.

Lanxa siphuza, silindele;

sizafika impela

njalo kasiyikuphuza.

4 Khangela, uyazigqaja;

izifiso zakhe kazilunganga,

kodwa olungileyo uzaphila ngokholo lwakhe.

5 Impela iwayini liyamkhohlisa;

uyazikhukhumeza njalo kalakho ukuphumula.

Ngoba uyisihwaba njengengcwaba,

njalo kasuthi njengokufa,

ubuthelela izizwe zonke kuye

athumbe labantu bonke.

6 Bonke kabayikumchothoza na bamhleke besithi,

‘Maye kulowo obuthelela impahla zokwebiwa

azinothise ngobugebenga!

Koze kube nini lokhu kusenzakala na?’

7 Labo olezikwelede kubo kabayikukujuma na?

Kabayikuvuka bakuthuthumelise na?

Lapho-ke uzakuba yinto yabo yokuhlutshwa.

8 Ngoba sewaphanga izizwe ezinengi,

abantu abaseleyo bazakuphanga

ngoba wachitha igazi labantu;

watshabalalisa amazwe lamadolobho labo bonke abakuwo.

9 Maye kulowo obumba umbuso ngenzuzo embi

ukuba akhele isidleke sakhe phezulu

ukuba abalekele ukuwelwa yingozi!

10 Ucebe ukubhujiswa kwabantu abanengi,

wayangisa indlu yakho, walahlekelwa yikuphila kwakho.

11 Amatshe omduli azakhala

imijabo yamapulanka izasabela.

12 Maye kulowo owakha idolobho ngokuchitha igazi

akhe umuzi ngobudlwangudlwangu.

13  UThixo uSomandla kakumisanga na

ukuthi umsebenzi uzinkuni zomlilo nje kuphela,

lokuthi izizwe ziqeda amandla azo ngeze?

14 Ngoba umhlaba uzagcwala ngolwazi lodumo lukaThixo,

njengamanzi egcwalisa ulwandle.

15 Maye kulowo onika omakhelwane bakhe

okunathwayo ekuthulula

esigujini sewayini badakwe,

ukuze akhangele imizimba yabo enqunu.

16 Uzakuba lehlazo elikhulu endaweni yodumo.

Khathesi sekulithuba lakho! Natha uchayeke.

Inkezo yesandla sokunene kaThixo iyeza kuwe,

ihlazo lizamboza udumo lwakho.

17 Udlakela olwenze eLebhanoni luzakuqeda amandla,

lokubulala kwakho izinyamazana kuzakuthuthumelisa.

Ngoba uchithe igazi labantu;

uchithe amazwe lamadolobho labo bonke abakuwo.

18 Silosizo bani isithombe njengoba sibazwe ngumuntu?

Kumbe isifanekiso esifundisa amanga?

Ngoba lowo osenzayo uthemba isidalwa sakhe;

wenza izithombe ezingeke zikhulume.

19 Maye kulowo othi esigodweni, ‘Vuka uphile!’

loba athi elitsheni elingaphiliyo, ‘Phaphama!’

Linganika iseluleko na?

Lembeswe ngegolide langesiliva,

akulamphefumulo phakathi kwalo.”

20 Kodwa uThixo usethempelini lakhe elingcwele;

umhlaba wonke kawuthule phambi kwakhe.

3

Umkhuleko KaHabhakhukhi

1 Umkhuleko kaHabhakhukhi umphrofethi. NgeShigiyonothi.

2  Thixo, ngizwile ngodumo lwakho;

ngiyazesaba izenzo zakho, awu Thixo.

Zivuselele ensukwini zethu,

yenza zazakale esikhathini sethu;

ekuthukutheleni khumbula isihawu.

3 UNkulunkulu wavela eThemani,

oNgcwele wavela eNtabeni iPharani.

Inkazimulo yakhe yasibekela amazulu

lokudunyiswa kwakhe kwagcwala umhlaba wonke.

4 Ubucwazicwazi bakhe babunjengokuphuma kwelanga;

imisebe yaphazima esandleni sakhe

lapho amandla akhe ayefihlwe khona.

5 Isifo sahamba phambi kwakhe,

umkhuhlane walandela amanyathelo akhe.

6 Wasukuma, wanyikinya umhlaba;

wakhangela, waqhaqhazelisa izizwe.

Izintaba zasendulo zabhidlika

lamaqaqa akudala adilika.

Izindlela zakhe ngezanini lanini.

7 Ngabona amathente aseKhushani ephakathi kosizi,

lezindawo zokuhlala zaseMidiyani zisebuhlungwini.

8 Awu Thixo, imifula wawuyithukuthelele na?

Ulaka lwakho lwavuthela izifula na?

Ulwandle wawuluthukuthelele na

lapho ugade amabhiza akho

lezinqola zakho zempi ezinqobayo?

9 Idandili lakho ulembule,

ufune imitshoko eminengi.

Uqhekeze umhlaba ngemifula;

10 izintaba zakubona zajanqula,

izikhukhula zamanzi zedlula,

ulwandle lwahlokoma,

lwaphakamisela amagagasi alo phezulu.

11 Ilanga lenyanga kwema mpo emazulwini

ekubenyezeleni kwemitshoko yakho entwezayo,

ekuphazimeni kwemitshoko yakho ecazimulayo.

12 Wanyathela umhlaba ngolaka,

wabhula izizwe ngentukuthelo.

13 Waphuma ukuba ukhulule abantu bakho,

ukuba usindise ogcotshiweyo wakho.

Umkhokheli welizwe lobubi umchobozile,

wamebula kusukela ekhanda kusiya enyaweni.

14 Umhlabe ikhanda ngomkhonto wakhe

lapho amabutho akhe ephume ngesiqubu ukuba asihlakaze,

ethokoza kungani asezakudla

abahluphekayo abebecatshile.

15 Wanyathela ulwandle ngamabhiza akho,

uqubula amanzi amanengi.

16 Ngezwa, inhliziyo yami yatshaya,

izindebe zami zabikizeliswa ngumsindo;

amathambo ami angenwa yikubola,

imilenze yami yaqhaqhazela.

Kodwa ngizalindela ngesineke usuku lomonakalo

ukuba lufike esizweni esihlasela esethu.

17 Lanxa isihlahla somkhiwa singanunkuli

lamavini engekho emivinini;

lanxa ama-oliva engathelanga,

lamasimu engabanga lokudla,

lanxa kungelazimvu esibayeni

lenkomo zingekho ezibayeni,

18 kodwa ngizathokoza kuThixo,

ngizajabula kuNkulunkulu uMsindisi wami.

19  UThixo Wobukhosi ungamandla ami;

wenza inyawo zami zibe njengezempala,

ungenza ngihambe ezindaweni eziphakemeyo.

Ngeyomqondisi womculo. Ezigincini zami.

UZefaniya

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2

3

UZefaniya

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1 Ilizwi likaThixo elafika kuZefaniya indodana kaKhushi, indodana kaGedaliya, indodana ka-Amariya, indodana kaHezekhiya, ekubuseni kukaJosiya indodana ka-Amoni inkosi yakoJuda:

Isixwayiso Ngencithakalo Ezayo

2 “Ngizakhucula konke

ebusweni bomhlaba,”

kutsho uThixo.

3 “Ngizakhucula kokubili abantu lezinyamazana;

ngizakhucula izinyoni zasemoyeni

kanye lenhlanzi zasolwandle,

lezithombe ezenza ababi bakhubeke.

Lapho ngiqeda abantu

ebusweni bomhlaba,”

kutsho uThixo.

Ukumelana LoJuda

4 “Ngizakwelulela isandla sami koJuda

lakubo bonke abahlala eJerusalema.

Ngizaqeda konke okukaBhali okuseleyo kule indawo,

amabizo abahedeni labaphristi abakhonza izithombe

5 labo abakhothama phezu kwezindlu

bakhonze ixuku lezinkanyezi,

labo abakhothama bafunge ngoThixo,

abafunga langoMoleki futhi,

6 labo ababuyela emuva bedela ukulandela uThixo

njalo abangamdinganga uThixo loba babuze ngaye.

7 Thula phambi kukaThixo Wobukhosi,

ngoba usuku lukaThixo seluseduze.

UThixo uselungise umhlatshelo;

usebangcwelisile labo abanxusileyo.

8 Ngosuku lomhlatshelo kaThixo

ngizajezisa izikhulu

lamadodana amakhosi labo bonke

labo abagqoke

izigqoko zezizweni.

9 Ngalolosuku ngizabajezisa

bonke abaxwaya ukunyathela umbundu womnyango,

abagcwalisa ithempeli labonkulunkulu

babo ngodlakela langenkohliso.”

10  UThixo, uthi,

“Ngalolosuku ilizwi lokukhala

lizaqonga ngaseSangweni leNhlanzi,

ukulila kuvelela esiGabeni eSitsha

lomsindo omkhulu wokufohloza uvela emaqaqeni.

11 Lilani lina elihlala esigodini sokuthengisela saseMakhithashi,

bonke abathengisi benu bazaqedwa,

bonke abathengiselana ngesiliva bazabhujiswa.

12 Ngalesosikhathi ngizaphenya iJerusalema ngezibane

ngijezise labo abangakhathaliyo,

abanjengewayini elitshiywe phakathi kwensipho zalo,

abathi, ‘UThixo kayikwenza lutho,

oluhle loba olubi.’

13 Inotho yabo izaphangwa,

izindlu zabo zidilizwe.

Bazakwakha izindlu

kodwa bangahlali kuzo;

bazahlanyela izivini,

kodwa iwayini bangalinathi.”

14 Usuku olukhulu lukaThixo seluseduze,

njalo luza ngokuphangisa.

Lalelani! Ukukhala ngosuku lukaThixo

kuzakuba buhlungu, lokuklabalala kwebutho khonapho.

15 Lolosuku luzakuba lusuku lolaka,

usuku losizi lokudabuka;

usuku lokuhlupheka lokuchitheka,

usuku lomnyama lokudana,

usuku lwamayezi lobumnyama,

16 usuku lwecilongo lokuhlaba umkhosi wokulwa impi

lamadolobho avikelweyo

kanye lezinqaba zasemajikweni.

17 “Ngizaletha usizi ebantwini

njalo bazahamba njengeziphofu,

ngoba bonile kuThixo.

Igazi labo lizachithwa njengothuli

lezibilini zabo njengamanyala.

18 Isiliva sabo loba igolide labo

kakungeke kwenelise ukubasindisa

ngosuku lolaka lukaThixo.

Umhlaba wonke uzatshiswa emlilweni

womona wakhe

ngoba uzakwenza isiphetho ngokuphangisa

kubo bonke abahlala emhlabeni.”

2

IJuda LeJerusalema Yahlulelwa Kanye Lezinye Izizwe.

UJuda Ukhuthazwa Ukuthi Aphenduke

1 Buthanani ndawonye, buthanani ndawonye,

wena sizwe esiyangisayo,

2 isikhathi esimisiweyo singakafiki

losuku ludlule njengamakhoba,

ukuthukuthela okwesabekayo kukaThixo

kungakafiki kuwe,

usuku lolaka lukaThixo

lungakafiki kuwe.

3 Dingani uThixo, lonke lina abathobekileyo belizwe,

lina elenza lokho akulayayo.

Dingani ukulunga, dingani ukuthobeka;

mhlawumbe lingavikelwa

ngosuku lwentukuthelo kaThixo.

Ukumelana LeFilistiya

4 IGaza izadelwa

le-Ashikheloni isale isingamanxiwa.

Abantu base-Ashidodi bazaxotshwa emini,

le-Ekroni isitshulwe.

5 Maye kini lina elihlala ngasolwandle,

lina sizwe samaKherethi;

ilizwi likaThixo limelana lani,

wena Khenani, lizwe lamaFilistiya.

“Ngizakutshabalalisa,

njalo kakho ozasala.”

6 Ilizwe elingasolwandle

lizakuba yindawo yabelusi

lezibaya zezimvu.

7 Ilizwe lizakuba

ngelabaseleyo abendlu kaJuda;

bazathola amadlelo khona.

Kusihlwa bazalala phansi

ezindlini zase-Ashikheloni.

UThixo uNkulunkulu wabo uzabalondoloza;

uzabenza baphumelele futhi.

Ukumelana LeMowabi Le-Amoni

8 “Ngizizwile izithuko zeMowabi

lokuchothoza kwama-Amoni,

abathuka abantu bami

besongela lelizwe labo.

9 Ngakho ngeqiniso elinjengoba ngikhona,”

kutsho uThixo uSomandla,

uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

“impela iMowabi izakuba njengeSodoma,

ama-Amoni abe njengeGomora,

indawo yokhula lemigodi yetshwayi,

ilizwe elichithekileyo nini lanini.

Abaseleyo babantu bami bazabaphanga;

abaphephileyo babantu bami bazathatha ilizwe labo.”

10 Lokhu yikho abazakuthola kungumvuzo wokuzigqaja kwabo,

ngenxa yokuthuka lokuklolodela

abantu bakaThixo uSomandla.

11  UThixo uzakwesabeka kubo

lapho esetshabalalisa bonke onkulunkulu belizwe.

Izizwe ezisemakhunjini wonke zizamkhonza,

ngulowo elizweni lakhe.

UKumelana LeKhushi

12 “Lani futhi, lina maKhushi

lizabulawa ngenkemba yami.”

Ukumelana Le-Asiriya

13 Uzakwelulela isandla sakhe enyakatho

achithe i-Asiriya,

atshiye iNiniva itshabalele ngokupheleleyo

njalo yome njengenkangala.

14 Imihlambi yezimvu leyenkomo izalala phansi khonapho,

lezidalwa zezinhlobo zonke.

Isikhova senkangala lomandukulo

kuzahlala ensikeni zakhe.

Ukukhala kwazo kuzezwakala emawindini,

imfucuza izakuba eminyango,

imijabo yemisedari ichayeke.

15 Leli lidolobho elingakhathaliyo

elalizihlalele livikelekile.

Lazitshela lathi:

“Ngiyimi, kakho omunye ngaphandle kwami.”

Yeka ukuchitheka eseliyikho,

isikhundla sezinyamazana zeganga!

Bonke abadlula kulo bahleka usulu

balikhombe ngeminwe.

3

Ikusasa LeJerusalema

1 Maye kulo idolobho labancindezeli,

elihlamukayo lelingcolileyo!

2 Kalilaleli muntu,

kalivumi kukhuzwa.

Kalithembeli kuThixo,

kalisondeli kuNkulunkulu walo.

3 Izikhulu zalo

ziyizilwane ezibhongayo, ababusi balo

bazimpisi zakusihlwa,

ezingatshiyi lutho lwekuseni.

4 Abaphrofethi balo bayazazisa;

bangabantu bamacebo amabi.

Abaphristi balo bangcolisa indawo engcwele

bephule lomthetho.

5  UThixo phakathi kwalo ulungile;

kenzi okubi,

nsuku zonke ekuseni wenza ukulunga kwakhe

njalo kaphambanisi ukusa kwamalanga wonke,

ikanti abangalunganga kabalanhloni.

IJerusalema Yala Ukuphenduka

6 “Ngizichithile izizwe;

izinqaba zazo zidiliziwe.

Ngitshiye imigwaqo yazo ideliwe

kungekho odlula khona.

Amadolobho azo adiliziwe;

kakho ozasala kakho lamunye.

7 Ngathi kulo idolobho,

‘Impela uzangesaba

uvume ukukhuzwa!’

Lapho-ke indlu yalo yokuhlala yayingayikudilizwa

loba isijeziso sami sehlele phezu kwalo.

Kodwa babelokhu betshisekela izenzo zokuxhwala

kukho konke abakwenzayo.

8 Ngakho ngilindela,” kutsho uThixo,

“lolusuku engizasukuma ngalo ngifakaze.

Sengimise ukubuthanisa izizwe,

ngiqoqe imibuso,

ngehlisele ulaka lwami phezu kwabo

konke ukuthukuthela kwami okukhulu.

Umhlaba wonke uzaqothulwa

ngomlilo womona wentukuthelo yami.”

Ukuvuselelwa Kwensalela Yako-Israyeli

9 “Lapho-ke ngizahlambulula izindebe zezizwe,

ukuze zonke zikhuleke ebizweni likaThixo

zimkhonze zimanyane.

10 Kusukela ngaphetsheya kwemifula yaseKhushi

abakhonzi bami, abantu bami abahlakazekileyo,

bazangilethela iminikelo.

11 Ngalolosuku kaliyikuyangiswa

ngobubi bonke elabenza kimi,

ngoba ngizabasusa kulelidolobho

abathokoziswa yikuzigqaja kwabo.

Kaliyikuzikhukhumeza futhi

entabeni yami engcwele.

12 Kodwa ngizatshiya phakathi kwenu

abathambileyo labathobekileyo,

abathembele ebizweni likaThixo.

13 Kabayikwenza okubi;

kabayikuqamba amanga,

loba kube lenkohliso

emilonyeni yabo.

Bazakudla balale phansi,

kakho ozabenza besabe.”

14 Hlabela wena Ndodakazi yeZiyoni,

klabalala kakhulu, wena Israyeli!

Thaba uthokoze ngenhliziyo yakho yonke

wena ndodakazi yaseJerusalema!

15  UThixo usesisusile isijeziso sakho,

usesixotshile isitha sakho.

UThixo, iNkosi ka-Israyeli, ulawe;

akulangozi ozaphinda uyesabe futhi.

16 Ngalolosuku bazakuthi kulo iJerusalema,

“Ungesabi,

wena Ziyoni;

ungavumeli ukuba izandla zakho zibe buthakathaka.

17  UThixo uNkulunkulu wakho ulawe,

ulamandla okusindisa.

Uzathokoza kakhulu ngawe,

uzakududuza ngothando lwakhe,

uzakuthokozela ngokuhlabelela.”

18 “Insizi zemikhosi emisiweyo

ngizazisusa kuwe;

zingumthwalo lehlazo kuwe.

19 Ngalesosikhathi ngizababona

bonke abalincindezelayo;

ngizahlenga abaqhulayo

ngibuthe lalabo abahlakazwayo,

ngizabapha udumo lenhlonipho

kuwo wonke amazwe lapho abahlaziswa khona.

20 Ngalesosikhathi ngizalibutha;

ngalesosikhathi ngizalisa ekhaya.

Ngizalipha inhlonipho lodumo

phakathi kwezizwe zonke zasemhlabeni

lapho sengiliphumelelisa futhi

phambi kwamehlo enu uqobo,”

kutsho uThixo.

UHagayi

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UHagayi

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Inkuthazo Yokuba Kwakhiwe Indlu KaThixo

1 Ngomnyaka wesibili wenkosi uDariyu, ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga yesithupha, ilizwi likaThixo lafika ngomphrofethi uHagayi lisiya kuZerubhabheli, indodana kaSheyalithiyeli, umbusi wakoJuda, lakuJoshuwa, indodana kaJozadaki, umphristi omkhulu:

2 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: “Abantu laba bathi, ‘Isikhathi sokwakha indlu kaThixo kasikafiki.’ ”

3 Ngakho ilizwi likaThixo lafika ngomphrofethi uHagayi lisithi: 4 “Kuyisikhathi senu lina ngokwenu ukuba lihlale ezindlini zenu ezinhle, kodwa indlu le ilokhu ilunxiwa na?”

5 Khathesi nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: “Cabangani kuhle ngezindlela zenu. 6 Lihlanyele okunengi kodwa livuna okulutshwana. Liyadla, kodwa kalisuthi. Liyanatha, kodwa kalikholwa. Liyagqoka izigqoko, kodwa kalifudumali. Lihola imiholo liyifake esikhwameni esivuzayo.”

7 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: “Cabangani kuhle ngezindlela zenu. 8 Khwelani ezintabeni lehlise izigodo lakhe indlu ukuze ngithokoze ngayo njalo ngidunyiswe,” kutsho uThixo. 9 “Kade lilindele okunengi, kodwa khangelani, kusuke kwaba yingcosana. Elikulethe ekhaya, mina ngikuphephulele khatshana. Kungani na?” kutsho uThixo uSomandla. “Kungenxa yendlu yami elokhu ilunxiwa, ngesikhathi lina, omunye lomunye wenu, ebambeke ngendlu yakhe. 10 Ngakho-ke, ngenxa yenu amazulu asegodle amazolo lomhlaba amabele. 11 Ngilethe ukoma emasimini lasezintabeni, emabeleni, ewayinini elitsha, emafutheni lakukho konke okuvela emhlabathini, ebantwini lasenkomeni kanye lasemsebenzini wezandla zenu.”

12 Lapho-ke uZerubhabheli, indodana kaSheyalithiyeli, loJoshuwa, indodana kaJozadaki, umphristi omkhulu lensalela yonke yabantu balilalela ilizwi likaThixo uNkulunkulu wabo kanye lombiko kaHagayi umphrofethi ngoba wayethunywe nguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo. Abantu bamesaba uThixo.

13 Emva kwalokho, uHagayi isithunywa sikaThixo, wanika abantu ilizwi likaThixo leli: “Ngilani,” kutsho uThixo. 14 Ngakho uThixo waqubula umoya kaZerubhabheli indodana kaSheyalithiyeli, umbusi wakoJuda, lomoya kaJoshuwa indodana kaJozadaki, umphristi omkhulu, lomoya wensalela yabantu. Beza baqalisa ukusebenza endlini kaThixo uSomandla uNkulunkulu wabo, 15 ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga yesithupha ngomnyaka wesibili wenkosi uDariyu.

2

Inkazimulo Eyathenjiswayo Ngendlu Entsha

1 Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lanye lwenyanga yesikhombisa ilizwi likaThixo lafika ngoHagayi umphrofethi lisithi: 2 “Khuluma loZerubhabheli indodana kaSheyalithiyeli, umbusi wakoJuda, loJoshuwa indodana kaJozadaki, umphristi omkhulu kanye lensalela yabantu. Babuze uthi, 3 ‘Ngubani kini owasalayo owabona indlu le enkazimulweni yayo yakuqala na? Khathesi ikhangeleka injani kini na? Kayikhangeleki njengeze na? 4 Kodwa khathesi qina wena Zerubhabheli,’ kutsho uThixo. ‘Qina wena Joshuwa ndodana kaJozadaki, umphristi omkhulu. Qinani, lonke lina bantu belizwe,’ kutsho uThixo. ‘Lisebenze, ngoba ngilani,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla. 5 ‘Lokhu yikho engakuvumelana lani ekuphumeni kwenu eGibhithe. UMoya wami uhlala phakathi kwenu. Lingesabi.’

6 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: ‘Ngesikhatshana nje ngizaphinda nginyikinye amazulu lomhlaba, ulwandle lelizwe elomileyo. 7 Ngizanyikinya izizwe zonke, abathandwayo kuzozonke izizwe bazakuza, njalo indlu le ngizayigcwalisa ngenkazimulo,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla, 8 ‘Isiliva ngesami legolide ngelami,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla. 9 ‘Inkazimulo yale indlu yakhathesi izakuba nkulu kuleyendlu yakuqala,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla. ‘Njalo indawo le ngizayipha ukuthula,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla.”

Izibusiso Zabantu Abangcolisiweyo

10 Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga yesificamunwemunye, ngomnyaka wesibili kaDariyu, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuHagayi umphrofethi lisithi: 11 “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla uthi: ‘Buza abaphristi ukuthi umthetho uthini: 12 Nxa umuntu ethwele inyama engcwele ngomphetho wesigqoko sakhe, umphetho lowo uthinte isinkwa loba inyama ephekiweyo, iwayini, amafutha loba okunye ukudla, kuba ngcwele na?’ ”

Abaphristi baphendula bathi, “Hatshi.”

13 UHagayi wasesithi, “Nxa umuntu ongcoliswe yikuthinta isidumbu ethinta okunye kwalezizinto, kuyangcola na?”

“Ye,” kwaphendula abaphristi, “kuyangcola.”

14 UHagayi wasesithi, “ ‘Kunjalo-ke emehlweni ami ngabantu laba langesizwe lesi,’ kutsho uThixo. ‘Lokho abakwenzayo loba abakunikelayo lapho kungcolile.

15 Khathesi cabangani kuhle ngalokhu kusukela ngalolusuku kusiya phambili, khumbulani ukuthi izinto zazinjani kungakabekwa elinye ilitshe phezu kwelinye ethempelini likaThixo. 16 Kwakusithi lapho umuntu efika enqunjini yezilinganiso ezingamatshumi amabili, kwakulezilitshumi kuphela. Kuthi lapho umuntu eye efatshini lewayini ukuba akhe izilinganiso ezingamatshumi amahlanu, kwakulezingamatshumi amabili kuphela. 17 Wonke umsebenzi wezandla zenu ngawutshaya ngomkhuhlane, ngesikhwekhwe langesiqhotho, kodwa kaliphendukelanga kimi,’ kutsho uThixo. 18 ‘Kusukela lamhla kusiya phambili, kusukela ngalolusuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga yesificamunwemunye, cabangani kuhle ngosuku okwabekwa ngalo isisekelo sethempeli likaThixo. Cabangani kuhle: 19 Kuselenhlanyelo eseleyo esiphaleni na? Kuze kube khathesi, ivini lomkhiwa, iphomegranathi lesihlahla se-Oliva asikatheli izithelo.

Kusukela ngalolusuku kusiya phambili ngizalibusisa.’ ”

UZerubhabheli Lisongo Eliluphawu LukaThixo

20 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika ngokwesibili kuHagayi ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga lisithi: 21 “Tshela uZerubhabheli umbusi wakoJuda ukuthi ngizanyikinya amazulu lomhlaba. 22 Ngizagenqula izihlalo zobukhosi ngichithe amandla emibuso yezizweni. Ngizagenqula izinqola zempi labagadi bazo; amabhiza labagadi bawo bazakuwa, ngamunye ngenkemba yomfowabo.

23 ‘Ngalolosuku,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla, ‘ngizakuthatha wena nceku yami Zerubhabheli ndodana kaSheyalithiyeli,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘njalo ngizakwenza ube njengesongo eliluphawu lwami, ngoba sengikukhethile,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla.”

UZakhariya

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4

5

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UZakhariya

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Ubizo Lokubuyela KuThixo

1 Ngenyanga yesificaminwemibili yomnyaka wesibili kaDariyu, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kumphrofethi uZakhariya indodana kaBherekhiya, indodana ka-Ido lisithi:

2 “UThixo wazondiswa kakhulu ngokhokho benu. 3 Ngakho tshela abantu uthi: Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla: ‘Buyelani kimi,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla, ‘lami ngizabuya kini,’ utsho njalo uThixo uSomandla. 4 Lingabi njengabokhokho benu, okwatsho kubo abaphrofethi bamandulo, bathi: Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: ‘Phendukani ezindleleni zenu zobubi lezenzo zenu ezimbi.’ Kodwa kabafunanga ukulalela loba ukukunanza okwakutshiwo, kutsho uThixo. 5 Bangaphi manje okhokho benu na? Bona abaphrofethi kambe baphila okungapheliyo na? 6 Kodwa amazwi ami lemithetho yami engangilaye ngakho izinceku zami abaphrofethi kakuzange kuze kubafice yini okhokho benu?

Kwayikhona bephenduka besithi, ‘UThixo uSomandla wenzile kithi okufanele izindlela zethu lezenzo njengalokho amisa ukukwenza.’ ”

Indoda Iphakathi Kwezihlahla Zomethile

7 Ngelanga lamatshumi amabili lane ngenyanga yetshumi lanye, inyanga uShebhathi, ngomnyaka wesibili kaDariyu, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kumphrofethi uZakhariya indodana kaBherekhiya, indodana ka-Ido.

8 Ebusuku ngafikelwa ngumbono, khonapho phambi kwami kwakulendoda egade ibhiza elibomvu! Yayimi phakathi kwezihlahla zomethile edongeni. Ngemva kwayo kwakulamanye amabhiza, elibomvu, eliyinsundu lelimhlophe.

9 Ngayibuza ngathi, “Kuyini lokhu, nkosi yami na?”

Ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yaphendula yathi, “Ngizakutshengisa ukuthi kuyini.”

10 Kwasekusithi leyondoda eyayimi ezihlahleni zomethile yachaza yathi, “Laba yibo uThixo abathumileyo ukuba bahambe emhlabeni wonke.”

11 Basebebika engilosini kaThixo eyayimi phakathi kwezihlahla zomethile bathi, “Sesiwuhambile wonke umhlaba safumana ukuthi ilizwe lihlezi kuhle phakathi kokuthula.”

12 Ingilosi kaThixo yasisithi, “Thixo Somandla, koze kube nini ulokhu ugodla isihawu sakho phezu kweJerusalema lamadolobho akoJuda olokhu uwathukuthelele yonke iminyaka le engamatshumi ayisikhombisa?” 13 Ngakho uThixo wasekhuluma amazwi omusa, aduduzayo kuleyongilosi eyayikhuluma lami.

14 Kwasekusithi ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yathi, “Memezela leli ilizwi: Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla, uthi: ‘Ngilobukhwele ngeJerusalema leZiyoni, 15 kodwa ngizondile ngalezozizwe ezihlezi zanaba zaziba. Ngangithukuthele kancane kodwa zawengezelela lowo monakalo.’

16 Ngakho-ke nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: ‘Ngizabuya eJerusalema ngilomusa, khonapho indlu yami izakwakhiwa kutsha. Intambo yesilinganiso izakwelulwa eJerusalema,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

17 Memezela njalo uthi: Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla, uthi: ‘Amadolobho ami azaphinda njalo aphuphume ngenotho, njalo uThixo uzaphinda ayiduduze iZiyoni, ayikhethe iJerusalema.’ ”

Impondo Ezine Labakhandi Abane

18 Ngase ngiphakamisa amehlo ami, phambi kwami kwakulempondo ezine! 19 Ngabuza ingilosi leyo eyayikhuluma lami, ngathi, “Kuyini lokhu?”

Yaphendula yathi, “Lezi yizo impondo ezachitha uJuda, lo-Israyeli leJerusalema.”

20  UThixo wasengitshengisa abakhandi abane. 21 Ngabuza ngathi, “Laba bazekwenzani na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Lezi yimpondo ezachitha uJuda ukuze angabikhona ovusa ikhanda, kodwa abakhandi balande ukuxegisa amadolo abo, bazilahlele phansi impondo lezi ezezizwe ezaphakamisa impondo zazo phezu kwelizwe lakoJuda ukuchitha abantu balo.”

2

Indoda Elentambo Yokulinganisa

1 Ngaphakamisa amehlo, phambi kwami kwakulomuntu ophethe intambo yokulinganisa! 2 Ngabuza ngathi, “Uya ngaphi na?”

Wangiphendula wathi, “Ngiyalinganisa iJerusalema, ukubona ukuthi ibanzi njalo inde kanganani.”

3 Ingilosi leyo eyayikhuluma lami yasisuka, kweza enye ingilosi iyihlangabeza 4 yathi kuyo: “Gijima utshele ijaha leliyana uthi, ‘IJerusalema izakuba lidolobho elingelamiduli ngenxa yobunengi babantu lezifuyo phakathi kwalo. 5 Mina ngokwami ngizakuba ngumduli womlilo olizungezileyo,’ kutsho uThixo, ‘njalo ngizakuba yinkazimulo ngaphakathi kwalo.’

6 Wozani! Wozani! Balekani kulelolizwe lasenyakatho,” kutsho uThixo, “ngoba ngilichithachithile kuyo yonke imimoya yomine yezulu,” kutsho uThixo.

7 “Woza, yeyi wena Ziyoni! Balekani lina elihlala eNdodakazini yaseBhabhiloni!” 8 Ngoba lokhu kutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Ngemva kokuba Olodumo esengithumile ukumelana lezizwe eziliphangileyo ngoba loba ngubani oke alithinte lina uthinta igugu lakhe 9 ngempela ngizaphakamisela isandla sami kubo ukuze izigqili zabo zibaphange. Lapho-ke lizakwazi ukuthi uThixo uSomandla nguye ongithumileyo.

10 Memeza ujabule, we Ndodakazi yaseZiyoni. Ngoba ngiyeza, njalo ngizahlala phakathi kwenu,” kutsho uThixo. 11 “Izizwe ezinengi zizahlanganiswa loThixo ngalelolanga njalo zizakuba ngabantu bami. Ngizahlala phakathi kwenu njalo lizakwazi ukuthi uThixo uSomandla ungithumile kini. 12  UThixo uzamthatha uJuda njengelifa abe yisabelo sakhe elizweni elingcwele njalo uzaphinda ayikhethe iJerusalema. 13 Pholani lithule phambi kukaThixo, bantu lonke, ngoba uphakamile waphuma endaweni yakhe engcwele.”

3

Izembatho Ezihlanzekileyo ZomPhristi Omkhulu

1 Yase ingitshengisa uJoshuwa umphristi omkhulu emi phambi kwengilosi kaThixo, loSathane emi kwesokunene sakhe ephikisana laye. 2  UThixo wathi kuSathane, “UThixo uyakukhuza, Sathane! UThixo oyikhethileyo iJerusalema, uyakukhuza! Umuntu lo kasisikhuni esihwatshwe sibhebha na?”

3 UJoshuwa wema phambi kwengilosi egqoke ezingcolileyo. 4 Ingilosi yasisithi kulabo ababemi phambi kwayo, “Mkhululeni izigqoko lezi ezingcolileyo.”

Yasisithi kuJoshuwa, “Uyabona, sengisisusile isono sakho, yikho sengizakugqokisa izigqoko ezinhle kakhulu.”

5 Ngasengisithi, “Mthwaliseni iqhiye ehlanzekileyo ekhanda lakhe.” Basebemthwalisa iqhiye ehlanzekileyo ekhanda, bamgqokisa njalo, ingilosi kaThixo ilokhu imi khonapho.

6 Ingilosi kaThixo yasimupha umlayo lo uJoshuwa, yathi: 7 “Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla: ‘Nxa uzahamba ngezindlela zami ugcine izimiso zami, lapho-ke uzabusa indlu yami, uwaphathe lamaguma ami, njalo mina ngizakupha indawo phakathi kwalaba abemiyo lapha.

8 Lalela, wena mphristi omkhulu Joshuwa, kanye labakhula bakho abahlezi phambi kwakho, abangamadoda ayisitshengiselo sezinto ezizayo: Ngizaletha inceku yami iHlumela. 9 Uyabona, ilitshe engilimise phambi kukaJoshuwa! Kulamehlo ayisikhombisa phezu kwelitshe lilinye, njalo ngizagubha umbhalo kulo,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla, ‘njalo ngizasisusa isono salelilizwe ngelanga elilodwa zwi.

10 Ngalelolanga lowo lalowo wenu uzamema umakhelwane wakhe ukuthi ahlale ngaphansi kwevini lomkhiwa wakhe,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla.”

4

Uluthi Lwesibane Lwegolide Lezihlahla Ze-oliva Ezimbili

1 Ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yabuya njalo yazangivusa njengomuntu evuswa ebuthongweni. 2 Yangibuza yathi, “Ubonani na?”

Ngaphendula ngathi, “Ngibona uluthi lwesibane olwenziwe ngokugcweleyo ngegolide, lulomganu phezulu lezibane eziyisikhombisa lezimbobo zezibane eziyisikhombisa. 3 Njalo kulezihlahla zama-oliva ezimbili eduze kwalo, esinye ngakwesokunene komganu, esinye kwesokhohlo.”

4 Ngayibuza ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami, ngathi, “Kuyini lokhu, nkosi yami?”

5 Yaphendula yathi, “Kawukwazi ukuthi yizinto bani lezi?”

Ngathi, “Hatshi, nkosi yami.”

6 Yasisithi kimi, “Nanti ilizwi likaThixo kuZerubhabheli, ‘Hatshi ngempi kumbe ngamandla, kodwa ngoMoya wami,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

7 Uvele uyini, wena ntaba enkulu? KuZerubhabheli uzakuba ngumhlabathi owendlalekileyo. Khonapho usezaletha ilitshe lokuphetha abantu bememeza besithi, ‘Nkulunkulu libusise! Nkulunkulu libusise!’ ”

8 Kwasekufika ilizwi likaThixo kimi lisithi: 9 “Izandla zikaZerubhabheli zisibekile isisekelo saleli ithempeli; izandla zakhe zizaliqedisa ukulakha. Ngakho lizakwazi ukuthi uThixo uSomandla ungithumile kini.

10 Ngubani oludelelayo usuku lwezinto ezincane? Amehlo kaThixo ayisikhombisa agcwala umhlaba wonke jikelele azathokozelela ukubona intambo yokuqondisa esandleni sikaZerubhabheli?”

11 Ngasengiyibuza ingilosi, ngathi, “Lezi zihlahla ezimbili zama-oliva kwesokunene lakwesokhohlo phezu koluthi lwesibane ngezani?”

12 Ngayibuza futhi ngathi, “Amahlumela la amabili omʼoliva eceleni kwezinti ezimbili zegolide okumpompoza kuzo amafutha aligolide zona ziyini?”

13 Yaphendula yathi, “Kawuzazi ukuthi ziyini na?”

Ngathi, “Hatshi, nkosi yami.”

14 Yasisithi, “Laba yibo ababili abagcotshiweyo ukukhonza iNkosi yomhlaba wonke.”

5

Umqulu Wencwadi Ondizayo

1 Ngaphinde ngakhangela, phambi kwami kwakulomqulu wencwadi ondizayo!

2 Yangibuza yathi, “Ubonani na?”

Ngaphendula ngathi, “Ngibona umqulu wencwadi ondizayo, omude izingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu lobubanzi obulitshumi lanhlanu.”

3 Yasisithi kimi, “Lesi yisithuko esizakwehlela lonke ilizwe; ngoba ithi incwadi kwelinye icele layo, amasela wonke azaxotshwa elizweni, ibisisithi ngakwelinye icele, wonke lowo ofunga ngamanga uzaxotshwa elizweni. 4  UThixo uSomandla uthi, ‘Ngizayithumezela ingene endlini yesela lasendlini yalowo ofunga ngebizo lami. Umqulu lo uzahlala endlini yakhe, uchithize izigodo zayo kanye lamatshe.’ ”

Owesifazane Phakathi Kwesilulu

5 Ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yasisondela yathi kimi, “Vusa amehlo ubone ukuthi kuyini lokhuyana okuvelayo.”

6 Ngabuza ngathi, “Kuyini?”

Yaphendula yathi, “Yisilulu sokulinganisa.” Yengeza yathi, “Lobu yibubi babantu elizweni lonke leli.”

7 Kwasekusibukulwa isiciko sesilulu leso, kwabonakala phakathi kuhlezi owesifazane! 8 Yathi, “Lobu yibubi,” yasimfuqela phakathi esilulwini wavala ngesiciko emlonyeni wesilulu.

9 Ngasengikhangela, khonapho phambi kwami kwakulabesifazane ababili belempiko ezigcwele umoya! Babelempiko ezifana lezengabuzane, baphakamisa isilulu saba phakathi kwezulu lomhlaba.

10 Ngabuza ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami ngathi, “Basisa ngaphi isilulu lesi na?”

11 Yaphendula yathi, “Basisa elizweni laseBhabhiloni ukuyasakhela indlu khonale. Nxa isiphelile isilulu sizahlaliswa kuhle khonale endaweni yaso.”

6

Izinqola Zokulwa Ezine

1 Ngaphinde ngaphakamisa amehlo njalo phambi kwami kwakulezinqola zempi ezine ziqhamuka okhalweni lwezintaba ezimbili, izintaba zethusi! 2 Inqola yakuqala yayilamabhiza abomvu, eyesibili ilamnyama, 3 eyesithathu amhlophe, eyesine alamabala, wonke elamandla. 4 Ngayibuza ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami ngathi, “Kuyini lokhu, nkosi yami?”

5 Ingilosi yangiphendula yathi, “Le yimimoya emine yasezulwini, ephumayo ekumeni phambi kukaThixo womhlaba wonke. 6 Le elamabhiza amnyama iqonda elizweni elisenyakatho, eyawamhlophe iqonda entshonalanga, kuthi eyawamabala iqonda eningizimu.”

7 Kwathi lawomabhiza alamandla esephuma ayesadalala ezama ukuya kuwo wonke umhlaba. Yathi kuwo, “Hambani kuwo wonke umhlaba.” Lakanye aya kuwo wonke umhlaba.

8 Yase ingibiza yathi, “Uyabona, lawana aqonda elizweni elisenyakatho asenike uMoya wami ukuphumula elizweni lasenyakatho.”

Umqhele KaJoshuwa

9 Ilizwi likaThixo lafika kimi lathi: 10 “Thatha isiliva legolide kwabathunjiweyo uHelidayi loThobhiya loJedaya asebebuyile eBhabhiloni. Hamba ngalelolanga endlini kaJosiya indodana kaZefaniya. 11 Thatha isiliva legolide wenze umqhele uwethese umphristi omkhulu uJoshuwa indodana kaJozadaki. 12 Umtshele ukuthi nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: ‘Nansi indoda obizo layo liHlumela, njalo uzahluma endaweni yakhe akhe ithempeli likaThixo. 13 Nguye ozakwakha ithempeli likaThixo, njalo uzagqokiswa ubukhosi, futhi uzahlala esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. Njalo uzakuba ngumphristi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. Lokhu kokubili kuzahambelana kuhle.’ 14 Umqhele uzaphiwa uHelidayi, loThobhiya, loJedaya kanye loHeni indodana kaZefaniya njengesikhumbuzo ethempelini likaThixo. 15 Labo abasekudeni bazakuza bazakwelekelela ukwakha ithempeli likaThixo njalo lizakwazi ukuthi uthixo uSomandla ungithumile kini. Lokhu kuzakwenzeka nxa limlalela ngokukhuthala uThixo uNkulunkulu wenu.”

7

Ukwahlulela Kuhle Lesihawu, Kungesikuzila

1 Ngomnyaka wesine wenkosi uDariyu, ilizwi likaThixo lafika kuZakhariya ngelanga lesine lenyanga yesificamunye, inyanga ethiwa nguKhisilevu. 2 Abantu baseBhetheli babethume uShareza loRegemi-Meleki, kanye lamadoda asuka kubo ukuyancenga uThixo uSomandla 3 ngokucela abaphristi bendlu kaThixo uSomandla labaphrofethi ukuthi, “Ngilile yini njalo ngizile ukudla ngenyanga yesihlanu njengalokhu engihlala ngikwenza okweminyaka eminengi na?”

4 Laselifika ilizwi likaThixo uSomandla kimi lisithi: 5 “Buza bonke abantu belizwe kanye labaphristi uthi, ‘Lapho lalizila ukudla lilila ngenyanga yesihlanu leyesikhombisa okweminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa esidlule kambe lalizilela mina ngeqiniso na? 6 Njalo nxa lalisidla, linatha, angithi lalizikholisela lina na? 7 Kawasiwo yini la amazwi amenyezelwa nguThixo ngabaphrofethi bamandulo lapho iJerusalema lamadolobho aseduzane ayelokuthula ephumelela, leNegebi kanye lamaqaqa asentshonalanga kwakhiwe kuhle na?’ ”

8 Laphinde lafika njalo ilizwi likaThixo kuZakhariya lathi: 9 “Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: ‘Yahlulelani ngobuqotho; litshengise isihawu lozwelo omunye komunye. 10 Lingamcindezeli umfelokazi noma intandane, lowezizweni noma umyanga. Lingakhumbulelani okubi ezinhliziyweni zenu.’

11 Kodwa bala ukulalela; baqholoza bafulathela njalo bagcika indlebe zabo. 12 Benza inhliziyo zabo zaba lukhuni njengelitshe kabaze balalela umlayo loba amazwi kaThixo uSomandla ayewathumile ngoMoya ngabaphrofethi bamandulo. Yikho uThixo uSomandla wathukuthela kabuhlungu.

13 ‘Ngababiza, kodwa kabalalelanga; yikho labo sebememeza kangibalalelanga,’ kutsho uThixo uSomandla. 14 ‘Ngabachithachitha ngesivunguzane baya ezizweni zonke lapho ababa yizihambi khona. Ilizwe lasala selilihlane nje kungasahlaleki kulo futhi kungasedluleki khona. Balenza lajujuka kanjalo ilizwe elihle laba yinkangala.’ ”

8

Inkosi Ithembisa Ukubusisa IJerusalema

1 Lafika njalo kimi ilizwi likaThixo uSomandla.

2 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla: “Ngilobukhwele kabi ngeZiyoni; ngiyatsha ngobukhwele ngayo.”

3 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo: “Ngizabuyela eZiyoni ngihlale eJerusalema. Lapho-ke iJerusalema izathiwa nguMuzi weQiniso, lentaba kaThixo uSomandla izabizwa ngokuthi yiNtaba eNgcwele.”

4 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Kuzakwenzakala njalo ukuthi amaxhegu lezalukazi bahlale nje ezitaladini zeJerusalema, ngulowo lodondolo lwakhe esandleni ngenxa yokuluphala. 5 Izitalada zedolobho zizaphithizela abafana lamantombazana bezidlalela khona.”

6 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Kungabonakala njengesimanga kwabayinsalela yalababantu ngalesosikhathi, kodwa kambe kungabonakala njengesimanga kimi na?” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

7 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Ngizabasindisa abantu bami emazweni asempumalanga lasemazweni asentshonalanga. 8 Ngizababuyisela bayehlala eJerusalema; bazakuba ngabantu bami, lami ngizathembeka njalo ngibe lokulunga kubo njengoNkulunkulu wabo.”

9 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Lina okwamanje eliwezwayo amazwi la akhulunywa ngabaphrofethi ababekhona kubekwa isisekelo sendlu kaThixo uSomandla, qinisani izandla zenu ukuze ithempeli lakhiwe. 10 Mandulo kwesikhathi leso kwakungekho imbadalo ngomsebenzi womuntu loba owenyamazana. Umuntu loba engubani wayengazihambeli loba azenzele okwakhe ekhululekile ngenxa yezitha, ngoba abantu ngasengibaxabanise labomakhelwane babo. 11 Kodwa khathesi kangisayikwenza kulaba abayinsalela njengalokho engakwenzayo endulo,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

12 “Inhlanyelo izakhula kuhle, ivini lizakhupha izithelo zalo, umhlabathi uzakhulisa amabele, lamazulu azakwehlisa amazolo awo. Zonke lezizinto ngizazinika njengelifa kwabayinsalela yalababantu. 13 Njengoba beliyinto eqalekisiweyo phakathi kwezizwe, wena Juda lo-Israyeli, ngakho ngizalisindisa libe yisibusiso. Lingesabi, kodwa qinisani izandla zenu.”

14 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Kanjengalokhu ngasengimisile ukwehlisela umonakalo phezu kwenu angaze ngatshengisa uzwelo lapho okhokho benu bangizondisa,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla, 15 “yikho manje sengimisile ukwenza ubuhle njalo eJerusalema lakoJuda. Lingesabi. 16 Nanzi izinto okumele lizenze: Khulumani iqiniso omunye komunye, njalo lehlulelane ngeqiniso langokuqonda emithethwandaba yenu; 17 lingakheli umakhelwane wenu amacebo amabi, njalo lingaze lathanda ukufunga ngokungamanga. Konke lokhu ngiyakuzonda,” kutsho uThixo.

18 Ilizwi likaThixo uSomandla laphinda labuya kimi.

19 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla, uthi, “Amazilo awenyanga yesine, leyesihlanu, leyesikhombisa kanye leyetshumi azakuba yizikhathi zokuthokoza lokujabula, abe yimikhosi yokuthaba koJuda. Ngakho-ke thandani iqiniso lokuthula.”

20 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla: “Abantu abanengi lezakhamizi zamadolobho amanengi basezakuza, 21 njalo izakhamizi zedolobho leli zizakuya kwezakuleliyana zifike zithi, ‘Kasihambe khathesi lokhu siyoncenga uThixo, simfune uThixo uSomandla. Mina sengihamba.’ 22 Kuzakuthi abantu abanengi lezizwe ezilamandla zizakuza eJerusalema ukuzafuna uThixo uSomandla bezocela kuye.”

23 Nanku akutshoyo uThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Ngalezonsuku amadoda alitshumi aphuma kuzozonke izindimi lezizwe azagagadlela umphetho wengubo yomJuda oyedwa athi, ‘Wothi sihambe lawe ngoba sesizwile ukuthi uNkulunkulu ulani.’ ”

9

Ukwahlulelwa Kwezitha Zika-Israyeli Isiqalekiso

1 Isiphrofethi:

Ilizwi likaThixo liqophe ilizwe laseHadiraki

lize liyokweyama phezu kweDamaseko

ngoba amehlo abantu lawezizwana zonke zika-Israyeli

akuThixo

2 laphezu kweHamathi layo, engcelelane layo,

laphezu kweThire leSidoni, lokuba nje zilobungcitshi.

3 IThire isizakhele inqaba;

isibuthelele isiliva kwangathi luthuli;

legolide njengomhlabathi wemigwaqweni.

4 Kodwa uThixo uzayemuka inotho yayo

achithe lamandla ayo asolwandle,

kuthi yona iqedwe ngumlilo.

5 I-Ashikheloni izakubona lokho yesabe;

iGaza izathuthumela izwe ubuhlungu,

le-Ekroni layo, ngoba ithemba layo lizabuna.

IGaza izabhujelwa yinkosi yayo

le-Ashikheloni isale ingaselamuntu.

6 Abezizwe bazayithatha i-Ashidodi bahlale kuyo,

njalo ngizakuqeda ukuzigqaja kwamaFilistiya.

7 Ngizathatha igazi emilonyeni yabo,

okuyikudla okungavunyelwayo ngikukhuphe emazinyweni abo.

Labo abaseleyo bazakuba ngabakaNkulunkulu wethu

njalo babengabakhokheli koJuda,

le-Ekroni izakuba njengamaJebusi.

8 Kodwa ngizayivikela indlu yami

kulabo abangabaphangi.

Kakusayikuphinda kwenzeke ukuthi umncindezeli achithe abantu bami,

ngoba manje sengihlezi ngiqaphele.

Ukuza KweNkosi YaseZiyoni

9 Thokoza kakhulu, wena Ndodakazi yaseZiyoni!

Memeza, Ndodakazi yaseJerusalema!

Khangela, inkosi yakho iyeza kuwe,

iza ilungile ilensindiso,

imnene, ihamba igade ubabhemi,

iphezu kwenkonyane, inkonyane kababhemi.

10 Ngizazisusa izinqola zempi ko-Efrayimi

lamabhiza empi eJerusalema,

ledandili lempi lizakwephulwa.

Izamemezela ukuthula phakathi kwezizwe.

Umbuso wayo uzasukela elwandle usiya elwandle,

njalo kusukela eMfuleni kusiya emaphethelweni omhlaba.

11 Wena pho, ngenxa yegazi lesivumelwano lawe,

ngizakhulula izibotshwa zakho emgodini ongelamanzi.

12 Buyelani enqabeni yenu, lina zibotshwa ezilethemba;

sengihle ngibika ukuthi

ngizalibuyisela izibusiso ngokuphindwe kabili.

13 Ngizamgoba uJuda njengalokhu ngigoba idandili lami

besengigcwalisa ngo-Efrayimi.

Ngizawahlokoza amadodana akho, wena Ziyoni,

avukele amadodana akho, wena Grisi,

ngikwenze ube njengenkemba yebutho.

UThixo Uzaqhamuka

14 Kulapho-ke uThixo azaqhamuka ngaphezu kwabo;

umtshoko wakhe uzabenyezela njengonyezi.

UThixo Wobukhosi uzatshaya icilongo;

uzahaluzela ngeziphepho zaseningizimu,

15 njalo uThixo uSomandla uzabavikela.

Bazabhubhisa njalo banqobe ngamatshe ezavutha.

Bazanatha baklabalale njengabadakwe liwayini;

bazagcwala lona njengomganu

osetshenziswa kuchelwa amagumbi e-alithare.

16  UThixo uNkulunkulu wabo uzabasindisa ngalelolanga

njengoba bengumhlambi wezimvu zakhe.

Bazakhazimula elizweni lakhe

njengamatshe aligugu acecise umqhele.

17 Yeka ukukhanga kwabo lobuhle abazakuba yibobona!

Isivuno esihle sizatshwaphulula izinsizwa,

lewayini elitsha lithokozise izintombi.

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UThixo Uzamnakekela UJuda

1 Celani kuThixo izulu ngesikhathi sentwasahlobo;

nguye uThixo owenza amayezi aleziphepho.

Unika imikhizo yezulu ebantwini,

lezihlahla zeganga ebantwini bonke.

2 Izithombe zikhuluma inkohliso,

izangoma zibona imibono yamanga;

zikhuluma amaphupho amanga;

ziphe induduzo engesulutho.

Kungakho abantu bephumputheka njengezimvu

bahlupheke ngoba bengelamelusi.

3 “Ulaka lwami luyavutha kubelusi,

njalo ngizabajezisa abaholi;

ngoba uThixo uSomandla uzawunakekela

umhlambi wezimvu zakhe, indlu kaJuda,

abenze babe njengebhiza elilesithunzi empini.

4 Ilitshe lekhoneni lizavela kuJuda,

kuye kuzavela isikhonkwane sethente,

kuye kuzavela idandili lokulwa impi,

kuye kuzavela bonke ababusi.

5 Ndawonye bazakuba njengamaqhawe alamandla empini

enyathelela izitha zawo odakeni lwemigwaqo.

Bazakulwa ngoba uThixo ephakathi kwabo,

babanqobe abagadi bamabhiza.

6 Ngizayiqinisa indlu kaJuda,

ngisindise indlu kaJosefa.

Ngizababuyisa ngoba ngilesihawu kubo.

Bazakuba sengathi kangizange ngibakhalale,

ngoba nginguThixo uNkulunkulu wabo

njalo ngizabaphendula.

7 Abako-Efrayimi bazakuba njengamaqhawe,

lezinhliziyo zabo zizajabula kungathi banathe iwayini.

Abantwababo bazakubona lokho bathokoze;

inhliziyo zabo zizathokoza kuThixo.

8 Ngizabamema

ngibabuthe ndawonye.

Ngempela ngizabahlenga;

bazakuba banengi njengakuqala.

9 Lanxa ngibahlakazile phakathi kwezizwe,

kodwa bazangikhumbula khonale emazweni akude.

Bona kanye labantwababo bazaphila,

njalo bazabuya.

10 Ngizababuyisa basuke eGibhithe

ngibaqoqe e-Asiriya.

Ngizabaletha eGiliyadi leLebhanoni,

kuze kungasabi lendawo ebaneleyo.

11 Bazadabula phakathi kolwandle lokuhlupheka;

ulwandle oluphuphumayo luzadediswa

lezinziki zonke zeNayili zizakoma qha.

Ukuzikhukhumeza kwe-Asiriya kuzakwehliswa

lentonga yobukhosi yaseGibhithe izaphela.

12 Ngizabaqinisa kuThixo,

bona bazahamba ngebizo lakhe,”

kutsho uThixo.

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1 Vula iminyango yakho, wena Lebhanoni,

ukuze umlilo uqhunqise imisedari yakho!

2 Lila, wena sihlahla sephayini, ngoba imisedari isiwile;

ngoba izihlahla zobukhosi ziqhunqile!

Lilani, mi-okhi yaseBhashani;

igusu elivitshileyo selicakazelwe phansi!

3 Lalela ukulila kwabelusi;

amadlelo abo amahle asetshabalalisiwe!

Lalela ukubhonga kwezilwane;

ihlathi elihle leJodani liqhunqile!

Abelusi Ababili

4 Nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uNkulunkulu wami, uthi: “Sana emadlelweni umhlambi wezimvu zokuhlatshwa. 5 Abathengi bazo bayazihlaba bangajeziswa. Labo abazithengisayo bathi, ‘Makadunyiswe uThixo, senginothile!’ Abelusi bazo ngokwabo labo kabaziyekeli. 6 Ngoba kangisayikuba lozwelo ebantwini belizwe,” kutsho uThixo. “Ngulowo lalowo ngizamnikela kumakhelwane wakhe lenkosini yakhe. Bazalincindezela ilizwe, kodwa kangiyikubalamulela ezandleni zabo.”

7 Ngakho ngizafaka emadlelweni izimvu ezasezikhethelwe ukuya esilaheni, ikakhulu lezo ezaziphathwa kabuhlungu. Ngasengithatha ingwegwe ezimbili ngabiza enye ngokuthi nguThandeka kwathi enye ngathi nguNhlanganiso, ngasengizelusa izimvu. 8 Ngenyanga eyodwa ngaxotsha abelusi abathathu.

Izimvu zanengeka ngami, lami zangidina 9 ngathi, “Kangisayikuba ngumelusi wenu. Yekela efayo ife, lebhubhayo ibhubhe. Yekela lezo eziseleyo zidlane inyama yazo.”

10 Ngasengithatha ingwegwe yami ethiwa nguThandeka ngayephula, ngidiliza isivumelwano engangisenzile lezizwe zonke. 11 Sadilizwa ngalelolanga, yikho abadubekayo emhlambini ababengikhangele bakwazi ukuthi lokho kwakulilizwi likaThixo.

12 Ngabatshela ngathi, “Nxa libona kufanele, ngiphani iholo lami; nxa njalo kungenjalo, yekelani.” Yikho basebengiholisa inhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi amathathu.

13  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Iphosele kumbumbi,” imali engaka ababengilinganisele yona! Ngasengizithatha lezonhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi amathathu ngaziphosela kumbumbi wembiza endlini kaThixo.

14 Ngasengiqamula ingwegwe yami yesibili ethiwa nguNhlanganiso, ngiqamula ubuzalwane phakathi kukaJuda lo-Israyeli.

15  UThixo wasesithi kimi, “Thatha futhi izikhali zomelusi oyisithutha. 16 Ngoba ngizamisa umelusi welizwe leli ongezukunanza ngezilahlekileyo, angawadingi amazinyane, angawelaphi alimeleyo, angawaphi ukudla aphilayo, kodwa adle inyama yezinonileyo, adlithize lamangqina azo.

17 Maye kumelusi oyisithutha,

ohlamukela izifuyo!

Sengathi angadliwa yinkemba

igalele engalweni lelihlweni lakhe lakwesokunene!

Sengathi ingalo yakhe ingahle yome qha,

ilihlo lakhe langakwesokunene lihle life kokuphela!”

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Izitha ZeJerusalema Mazibhujiswe Isiqalekiso

1 Isiphrofethi: ilizwi likaThixo mayelana lo-Israyeli.

UThixo owachayayo amazulu, obeka isisekelo somhlaba, njalo owenza umphefumulo womuntu phakathi kwakhe, uthi: 2 “Ngizakwenza iJerusalema ibe njengenkezo ezadakisa bonke abantu abakhelene layo. UJuda uzavinjezelwa laye njengeJerusalema. 3 Ngalelolanga, lapho izizwe zonke zomhlaba sezihlangene ukulwa laye, ngizakwenza iJerusalema ibe lidwala elingagudlukiyo elezizwe zonke. Bonke abazama ukulitshedisa bazazilimaza. 4 Ngalelolanga ngizakwenza wonke amabhiza ethuke labagadi bawo bahlanye,” kutsho uThixo. “Indlu kaJuda ngizahlala ngiyiqaphele, kodwa ngizaphumputhekisa wonke amabhiza ezizwe. 5 Lapho abakhokheli bakoJuda bazakuthi ezinhliziyweni zabo, ‘Abantu baseJerusalema baqinile, ngoba uThixo uSomandla unguNkulunkulu wabo.’

6 Ngalelolanga ngizakwenza abakhokheli bakoJuda babe njengebhodo phezu kwezikhuni, njengobhaqa oluvuthayo phakathi kwezithungo. Bazathungela ngapha langapha kutshe bonke abantu abakhelene labo, kodwa iJerusalema izasala imi injalo endaweni yayo.

7  UThixo uzasindisa imizi yakoJuda kuqala ukuze udumo lwendlu kaDavida lolwezakhamizi zaseJerusalema lungabi lukhulu kulolukaJuda. 8 Ngalelolanga uThixo uzabavikela labo abahlala eJerusalema, kuze kuthi lobuthakathaka kakhulu phakathi kwabo uzakuba njengoDavida, lendlu kaDavida izakuba njengoNkulunkulu, njengeNgilosi kaThixo ihamba phambi kwabo. 9 Ngalelolanga ngizaphuma ngiyebhubhisa zonke izizwe ezihlasela iJerusalema.”

Ukulilela Lowo Abamgwazayo

10 “Ngizathululela phezu kwendlu kaDavida laphezu kwabakhileyo eJerusalema umoya womusa lobubele. Bazakhangela kimi, mina abamgwazayo, bangililele njengomuntu elilela umntanakhe ozelwe yedwa, bamkhalele kabuhlungu njengomuntu ekhalela indodana yakhe elizibulo. 11 Ngalelolanga isililo eJerusalema sizakuba sikhulu njengesililo sikaHadadi-Rimoni emagcekeni aseMegido. 12 Ilizwe lizalila, yilesosizwana sisodwa, labafazi babo bebodwa; isizwana sendlu kaDavida labafazi babo, isizwana sendlu kaNathani labafazi babo, 13 isizwana sendlu kaLevi labafazi babo, isizwana sikaShimeyi labafazi babo, 14 lazozonke izizwana labafazi bazo.”

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Ukuhlanjululwa Ezonweni

1 “Ngalelolanga umthombo uzavulelwa indlu kaDavida labakhileyo eJerusalema, ukubahlanza izono lokungcola.

2 Ngalelolanga ngizawasusa amabizo ezithombe elizweni ukuze zingakhunjulwa njalo,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla. “Ngizabasusa abaphrofethi kanye lomoya wokungcola phakathi kwelizwe. 3 Nxa ezabe elokhu ekhona ophrofethayo, uyise lonina abamzalayo bazakuthi kuye, ‘Kumele ufe ngoba usukhulume amanga ngegama likaThixo.’ Uzakuthi ephrofitha abazali bakhe ngokwabo bazamgwaza.

4 Ngalelolanga ngulowo lalowo umphrofethi uzaba lamanhloni ngombono wakhe wokuphrofetha. Akayikwembatha isivunulo somphrofethi esoboya ezama ukukhohlisa. 5 Uzakuthi, ‘Kangisuye umphrofethi, ngingumlimi; umhlabathi uyilapho okulokuphila kwami kusukela ebutsheni bami’ 6 Aluba ebuzwa kuthiwe, ‘Ngawani amanxeba la asemzimbeni wakho?’ Uzaphendula athi, ‘Ngamanxeba engawazuza endlini yabangane bami.’

Umelusi Utshayiwe, Izimvu Zahlakazwa

7 Vuka, wena nkemba, vukela umelusi wami,

uvukele umuntu osekhwapheni lami!”

kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

“Tshaya umelusi,

izimvu zizahlakazeka,

njalo ngizaphendula isandla sami ngitshaye ezincinyane.

8 Kulolonke ilizwe,” kutsho uThixo,

“ezimbili kwezintathu zizatshaywa zife;

kodwa ingxenye yesithathu izasala kulo.

9 Le ingxenye yesithathu ngizayifaka emlilweni;

ngizabancibilikisa ngibacenge njengesiliva

ngibahlolisise njengegolide.

Bazalibiza ibizo lami,

lami ngizabaphendula;

ngizakuthi, ‘Bangabantu bami,’

labo bazakuthi, ‘UThixo unguNkulunkulu wethu.’ ”

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UThixo Uyeza Njalo Uyabusa

1 Usuku lukaThixo luyeza mhla impango yenu izakwabiwa phakathi kwenu.

2 Ngizaqoqa zonke izizwe eJerusalema zilwe layo, idolobho lizathunjwa, izindlu ziguduzwe, abesifazane badlwengulwe. Ingxenye yedolobho izathunjwa isiwe ebugqilini, kodwa abaseleyo edolobheni kabayikubuthwa bathathwe. 3 Kuzakuthi kunjalo uThixo uzaphuma alwe lalezozizwe, njengokulwa kwakhe nxa kulilanga lempi. 4 Ngalelolanga inyawo zakhe zizakuma phezu kwentaba yama-Oliva, empumalanga kweJerusalema njalo intaba yama-Oliva izadabuka phakathi kusuka empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga, kudaleke isigodi esikhulu, ingxenye yentaba isudukele enyakatho, enye ingxenye yentaba iye enyakatho kuthi enye ingxenye isondele eningizimu. 5 Lizabaleka ngesigodi sami sentaba ngoba sihamba size siyofika e-Azeli. Lizabaleka njengalokho elakwenza libalekela ukuzamazama komhlaba ngezinsuku zika-Uziya inkosi yakoJuda. Lapho-ke uThixo uNkulunkulu wami uzakuza elabo bonke abangcwele bakhe.

6 Mhlalokho akuyikuba lokukhanya, kumbe ukuqanda loba ungqwaqwane. 7 Kuzakuba lusuku olungajayelekanga, olungelamini njalo olungelabusuku, usuku olwaziwa nguThixo. Ukuhlwa kungafika kuzavela ukukhanya.

8 Ngalolosuku amanzi aphilisayo azageleza esuka eJerusalema, ingxenye iyethela olwandle lwempumalanga kuthi eyinye ithele entshonalanga, ehlobo kanye lebusika.

9  UThixo uzakuba yinkosi kuwo wonke umhlaba. Ngalolosuku kuzakuba loThixo oyedwa, lebizo lakhe libe yilo lodwa ibizo.

10 Ilizwe lonke kusukela eGebha kusiya eRimoni eningizimu kweJerusalema lizakuba njenge-Arabha. Kodwa iJerusalema izaphakanyiswa ihlale isendaweni yayo, kusukela eNtubeni kaBhenjamini kusiya eNtubeni Yokuqala, eNtubeni yaseJikweni, njalo kusukela emphotshongweni kaHananeli kusiya esikhamelweni sewayini. 11 Kuzakuba yindawo ehlala abantu, kayisayikuphinde njalo ibhidlizwe lanini. IJerusalema izahlala ivikelekile.

12 Lesi yiso isifo uThixo azatshaya ngaso zonke izizwe ezalwa leJerusalema. Inyama yabo izabola bona belokhu besazihambela ngezinyawo zabo, amehlo abo azabolela ezingoxweni zawo, lezindimi zabo zizabolela emilonyeni yabo. 13 Ngalelolanga abantu bazakwehliselwa nguThixo ukwethuka okwesabekayo. Ngulowo uzaxhakalaza isandla somunye, bahlaselane. 14 UJuda laye uzakulwa eJerusalema. Inotho yazo zonke izizwe eziseduze izabuthwa, inqwaba yegolide lesiliva kanye lezigqoko. 15 Isifo esifana lalesi sizakwehlela amabhiza, imbongolo, amakamela labobabhemi lazozonke izinyamazana ezizabe zikulezozihonqo.

16 Kuzakuthi bonke abayinsalela kulezozizwe ezahlasela iJerusalema, bazakhuphuka umnyaka ngomnyaka ukuyakhonza Inkosi, uThixo uSomandla lokuthakazelela uMkhosi weziHonqo. 17 Nxa bezakuba khona abesinye isizwe emhlabeni abangayikuya eJerusalema ukuyakhonza Inkosi, uThixo uSomandla, labo kabayikunelwa lizulu. 18 Aluba abantu baseGibhithe bengayi ukuyakhonza, kabayikuzuza izulu. UThixo uzabehlisela isifo asehlisela lezozizwe ezingayiyo ukuyathakazelela uMkhosi weziHonqo. 19 Lesi sizakuba yisijeziso seGibhithe lesijeziso sazo zonke izizwe ezingayiyo ukuyathakazelela uMkhosi weziHonqo.

20 Ngalolosuku kuzalotshwa ukuthi “Kungcwele kuThixo” ezinsimbini ezikhencezayo zamabhiza, lezimbiza zokupheka endlini kaThixo zizakuba njengemiganu engcwele ephambi kwe-alithari. 21 Yiphi layiphi imbiza eJerusalema lakoJuda izaba ngcwele kuThixo uSomandla, njalo bonke abafikayo ukuza kwenza umhlatshelo bazathatha ezinye zezimbiza bapheke ngazo. Njalo ngalolosuku kakusayikuba lomKhenani endlini kaThixo uSomandla.

UMalaki

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UMalaki

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1 Isiphrofethi, Ilizwi likaThixo ku-Israyeli ngoMalaki.

U-Israyeli Uthandabuza Uthando LukaNkulunkulu

2 “Ngilithandile,” kutsho uThixo.

“Kodwa liyabuza lithi, ‘Usithande njani?’ ”

UThixo uthi, “U-Esawu wayengasimfowabo kaJakhobe na? Yebo uJakhobe ngimthandile, 3 kodwa u-Esawu ngimzondile, futhi ngenze izintaba zakhe zaba lugwadule lelifa lakhe ladliwa ngamakhanka asenkangala.”

4 U-Edomi angathi, “Kungaze kube sinyathezelwe phansi kodwa sizawavuselela amanxiwa.”

Kodwa nanku okutshiwo nguThixo uSomandla, uthi: “Bangakha, kodwa ngizadiliza. Bazakuthiwa Yilizwe Elibi, abantu abazahlala bethukuthelelwe nguThixo. 5 Lizakubona ngawenu amehlo lithi, ‘Umkhulu uThixo, angale kwemingcele yako-Israyeli!’ ”

Ukwephula Isivumelwano Ngemihlatshelo Engcolileyo

6 “Indodana iyamesaba uyise, lenceku iyayesaba inkosi yayo. Aluba nginguyihlo kungaphi pho ukwesatshwa kwami? Aluba ngiyinkosi kungaphi ukuhlonitshwa kwami na?” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

“Yini, hawu baphristi, eleyisa ibizo lami.

Kodwa lingabuza lithi, ‘Sileyise ngani ibizo lakho?’

7 Libeka ukudla okungcolileyo e-alithareni lami.

Kodwa lingabuza lithi, ‘Sikungcolise kanjani wena na?’

Ngokuthi itafula likaThixo liyeyiseka. 8 Nxa liletha izifuyo eziyiziphofu ukuba ngumhlatshelo, kambe kakukubi lokho na? Nxa lisenza umhlatshelo ngezifuyo eziyizilima loba ezilezifo, kakukubi lokho na? Ake lizame ukukunika umbusi wenu! Angalithabela lina na? Angalithanda kambe lina yini?” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

9 “Ngakho-ke ncengani uNkulunkulu ukuthi abe lobubele kithi. Ngeminikelo enjalo ephuma ezandleni zenu, kambe angalamukela?” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

10 “Oh, sekuze kungathi omunye wenu angavala iminyango yethempeli ukuze lingabi lilokhu libasa imililo engelamsebenzi e-alithareni lami! Kangithokozi ngani lina,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla, “njalo kangiyikwamukela umnikelo wezandla zenu. 11 Ibizo lami lizaba likhulu phakathi kwezizwe, kusukela ekuphumeni kwelanga kusiya ekutshoneni kwalo. Ezindaweni zonke impepha leminikelo ehlanzekileyo izalethwa ebizweni lami, ngoba ibizo lami lizakuba likhulu phakathi kwezizwe,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

12 “Kodwa liyalingcolisa ngoba lithi, ‘Itafula kaThixo ingcolisiwe,’ lokudla okukulo, ‘Kuyadeleleka.’ 13 Njalo lichila amakhala ngokweyisa lithi, ‘Kuyasidina thina lokhu!’ ” Kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

“Nxa liletha izifuyo ezilimeleyo kumbe ezigulayo lizozinikela zibe yimihlatshelo, lithi ngizemukele yini ezandleni zenu?” uyabuza uThixo. 14 “Uqalekisiwe umkhohlisi olenqama enhle emhlambini wakhe, athembise ukunikela ngayo, kodwa abesenikela ngesifuyo esilesici kuThixo. Ngoba ngiyinkosi enkulu,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla, “njalo ibizo lami kufanele lesatshwe phakathi kwezizwe.”

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Ukukhuzwa KwabaPhristi

1 “Manje-ke nanku owenu umlayo, lina baphristi. 2 Nxa lingalaleli, njalo nxa lingalungisi inhliziyo zenu ukuhlonipha ibizo lami,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla, “ngizaletha isiqalekiso phezu kwenu, njalo ngiziqalekise izibusiso zenu. Yebo, kuvele nje sengiziqalekisile ngoba kalizimiselanga ezinhliziyweni zenu ukungesaba.

3 Ngenxa yenu ngizabakhalimela abantwabenu; ngizalihuqa ebusweni ngomswane wemihlatshelo yemikhosi yenu lithathwe linjalo lisiya ekuthunjweni. 4 Ngalokho lizakwazi ukuthi ngilithumele lesi isixwayiso ukuze isivumelwano sami loLevi siqhubeke,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla. 5 “Isivumelwano sami wayelaso, isivumelwano sokuphila lokuthula, izinto engamupha zona; lokhu kwakuswela inhlonipho, lakanje wangihlonipha walesaba ibizo lami. 6 Imfundiso eqotho yayisemlonyeni wakhe njalo kakufunyanwanga lutho oluyinkohliso ezindebeni zakhe. Wahamba lami ngokuthula langobuqotho, waphendula abanengi ababesesonweni.

7 Ngoba izindebe zomphristi kumele zilonde ulwazi, abantu badinge kuye ukufundiswa ngoba uyisithunywa sikaThixo uSomandla. 8 Kodwa seliphambukile endleleni, kwathi njalo ngokufundisa kwenu lenza abanengi bakhubeka; lisephule isivumelwano loLevi,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla. 9 “Ngakho sengenze ukuthi leyiswe njalo liyangiswe phambi kwabantu bonke, ngoba kalilandelanga izindlela zami kodwa latshengisa ukubandlulula ekusebenziseni umthetho.”

Ukwephula Isivumelwano Ngokwehlukana

10 KasilaBaba munye thina sonke na? Kasidalwanga nguNkulunkulu munye na? Pho singcoliselani isivumelwano sabokhokho bethu na ngokungathembani thina ngokwethu?

11 UJuda ukhohlisile. Kwenziwe amanyala ko-Israyeli laseJerusalema: uJuda useyitshaphazile indlu engcwele uThixo ayithandayo, ngokutshada lendodakazi kankulunkulu wabezizwe. 12 Leyondoda ekwenzayo lokho, lokuba ingubani, sengathi uThixo angayisusa emathenteni kaJakhobe lanxa iletha iminikelo kuThixo uSomandla.

13 Enye into eliyenzayo nansi: Ligcwalisa i-alithari likaThixo ngezinyembezi. Liyakhala libubula ngoba kasayinanzi iminikelo yenu, njalo kasayamukeli ngokuthokoza ezandleni zenu. 14 Liyabuza lithi, “Kungani na?” Kungenxa yokuthi uThixo umi njengomfakazi phakathi kwakho lomfazi wobutsha bakho, ngoba umkhohlisile yena eyingxenye yakho, umfazi wesivumelwano sakho somtshado.

15  UThixo kabenzanga baba munye na? Enyameni lemphefumulweni bangabakhe. Kungani bemunye? Ngoba wayedinga inzalo ekholwayo kuNkulunkulu. Ngakho ziqaphele emphefumulweni wakho, ungaze wamkhohlisa umfazi wobutsha bakho.

16 “Ngiyakuzonda ukuchitha umtshado,” kutsho uThixo, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, uqhubeka esithi, “njalo ngiyayizonda indoda evala ngolaka kumkayo umkayo njengalokhu izivala ngesivunulo,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

Ngakho ziqaphele wena emphefumulweni wakho, ungaze wakhohlisa.

Ukwephula Isivumelwano Ngokungahluleli Kuhle

17 Selimdinile uThixo ngamazwi enu.

Lingabuza lithi, “Simdinise kanjani?”

Ngokuthi, “Bonke abenza ububi balungile emehlweni kaThixo, njalo uyathokoza ngabo,” loba ngokuthi, “Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wokwahlulela kuhle na?”

3

1 “Ngizathuma isithunywa sami esizangilungisela indlela. Kuzakuthi masinyane uThixo elimdingayo uzakuza ethempelini lakhe; isithunywa sesivumelwano, elisilangazelelayo sizakuza,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

2 Kodwa ngubani na ongalumela usuku lokuza kwaso? Ngubani ongema nxa eqhamuka na? Ngoba sizakuba njengomlilo womcengi wensimbi kumbe njengesepa yomgezisi. 3 Sizahlala njengomcengi lomhlambululi wesiliva; sizahlambulula abaLevi sibacenge njengesiliva legolide. Kulapho-ke uThixo azakuba lawo amadoda azaletha iminikelo ngokulunga, 4 kuthi-ke iminikelo kaJuda leyeJerusalema yamukeleke kuThixo, njengezinsukwini ezedlulayo, njengeminyakeni yekadeni.

5 “Ngakho ngizasondela kini ukuzakwahlulela. Ngizaphangisa ukufakaza okubi ngezangoma, ngeziphingi, labafungela amanga, lalabo abadlelezela izisebenzi ngomholo wazo, labo abancindezela abafelokazi lezintandane, abangahluleli kuhle abezizweni, kodwa abangangesabiyo mina,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

Ukwephula Isivumelwano Ngokugodla Okwetshumi

6 “Mina Thixo kangiguquki. Ngalokho lina, bazukulu bakaJakhobe, kalibhujiswanga. 7 Kulokhu kwasukela esikhathini sabokhokho benu laphambuka emilayweni yami kalaze layigcina. Buyani kimi, lami ngizabuya kini,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

“Kodwa liyabuza lithi, ‘Sibuyele kanjani na?’

8 Umuntu angamphanga uNkulunkulu na? Lina liyangiphanga.

Kodwa liyabuza lithi, ‘Sikuphanga kanjani na?’

Ngokwetshumi langeminikelo. 9 Liphiwe isiqalekiso, isizwe sakini sonke ngoba liyangiphanga. 10 Lethani konke okwetshumi esiphaleni ukuze kube lokudla endlini yami.” Uthi uThixo uSomandla, “Ngilingani kulokhu libone ingabe kangikuwavula amasango ezulu ngithulule izibusiso elizaze liswele ukuthi lizithele ngaphi. 11 Ngizaxotsha izibungu ukuze zingadli amabele enu, lamavini emasimini enu kawayikukhithiza izithelo zawo,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla. 12 “Lapho izizwe zonke zizakuthi libusisiwe, ngoba elenu lizakuba yilizwe elibukekayo,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

U-Israyeli Ukhuluma Kabuhlungu NgoThixo

13 Uthi uThixo, “Selikhuluma amazwi abuhlungu ngami.

Kodwa liyabuza lithi, ‘Kuyini okubi esikutshiloyo ngawe na?’

14 Lithe lina, ‘Kakusizi ngalutho ukukhonza uNkulunkulu. Sazuzani ngokulandela izimiso zakhe, saziphatha njengabalilayo phambi kukaThixo uSomandla na? 15 Kodwa manje isiqholo sithi singobusisiweyo. Ngeqiniso izigangi ziyaphumelela, kanye lalabo abamhwedelayo uNkulunkulu kabenziwa lutho.’ ”

Insalela Ethembekileyo

16 Kwathi labo ababemesaba uThixo bakhulumisana, uThixo walalela, wezwa. Umqulu wencwadi yesikhumbuzo walotshwa phambi kwakhe mayelana lalabo ababemesaba uThixo ababehlonipha ibizo lakhe.

17 Uthi uThixo uSomandla, “Bazakuba ngabami, ngosuku mhla ngibenza inotho yami eligugu. Ngizabayekela, njengoba indoda yayibe lesihawu ixolele indodana yayo eyincedisayo. 18 Njalo lizawubona umahluko phakathi kwabalungileyo lababi, phakathi kwalabo abamkhonzayo uNkulunkulu lalabo abangamkhonziyo.”

4

Usuku LukaThixo

1 “Ngeqiniso luyeza usuku; luzavutha njengesithando somlilo. Zonke iziqholo njalo zonke izixhwali zizakuba ngamabibi, njalo lolosuku oluzayo luzabathungela ngomlilo,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla. “Kakuyikusala mpande loba gatsha kubo. 2 Kodwa lina elilesabayo ibizo lami, ilanga lokulunga lizaphuma lilokusiliswa emaphikweni alo. Njalo lizaphuma liqolotshe njengamathole evulelwe esibayeni sawo. 3 Lapho-ke lizabanyathezela phansi ababi; bazakuba ngumlotha ngaphansi kwezinyawo zenu ngosuku lolo engizazenza ngalo lezizinto,” kutsho uThixo uSomandla.

4 “Khumbulani umthetho wenceku yami uMosi, izimiso kanye lemithetho engamupha yona eHorebhi ingeyawo wonke ama-Israyeli.

5 Khangelani, ngizalithumela umphrofethi u-Elija lungakafiki lolosuku olukhulu olwesabekayo lukaThixo. 6 Uzaguqulela inhliziyo zaboyise ebantwaneni babo, lezinhliziyo zabantwana ziguqukele kuboyise; kungenjalo ngizakuza ngilitshaye ilizwe ngesiqalekiso.”

UMatewu

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Ivangeli

LikaMatewu

1

Usendo LukaJesu Khristu

1 Umbhalo wosendo lukaJesu Khristu indodana kaDavida, indodana ka-Abhrahama:

2 U-Abhrahama wayenguyise ka-Isaka,

u-Isaka uyise kaJakhobe,

uJakhobe uyise kaJuda labafowabo,

3 uJuda uyise kaPherezi loZera, unina owayenguThamari,

uPherezi uyise kaHezironi,

uHezironi uyise kaRamu,

4 uRamu uyise ka-Aminadabi,

u-Aminadabi uyise kaNashoni,

uNahishoni uyise kaSalimoni,

5 uSalimoni uyise kaBhowazi, unina owayenguRahabi,

uBhowazi uyise ka-Obhedi, unina owayenguRuthe,

u-Obhedi uyise kaJese,

6 uJese uyise wenkosi uDavida.

UDavida wayenguyise kaSolomoni, unina owayeke waba ngumka-Uriya,

7 uSolomoni uyise kaRehobhowami,

uRehobhowami uyise ka-Abhija,

u-Abhija uyise ka-Asa,

8 u-Asa uyise kaJehoshafathi,

uJehoshafathi uyise kaJehoramu,

uJehoramu uyise ka-Uziya,

9 u-Uziya uyise kaJothamu,

uJothamu uyise ka-Ahazi,

u-Ahazi uyise kaHezekhiya,

10 uHezekhiya uyise kaManase,

uManase uyise ka-Amoni,

u-Amoni uyise kaJosiya,

11 uJosiya owayenguyise kaJekhoniya labafowabo ngesikhathi bethunjwe eBhabhiloni.

12 Emva kokuthunjwa eBhabhiloni:

uJekhoniya wayenguyise kaSheyalithiyeli,

uSheyalithiyeli uyise kaZerubhabheli,

13 uZerubhabheli uyise ka-Abhiyudi,

u-Abhiyudi uyise ka-Eliyakhimu,

u-Eliyakhimu uyise ka-Azori,

14 u-Azori uyise kaZadokhi,

uZadokhi uyise ka-Akhimu,

u-Akhimu uyise ka-Elihudi,

15 u-Elihudi uyise ka-Eliyazari,

u-Eliyazari uyise kaMathani,

uMathani uyise kaJakhobe,

16 uJakhobe uyise kaJosefa, umkaMariya, owazala uJesu obizwa ngokuthi nguKhristu.

17 Ngokunjalo-ke, kwakulezizukulwane ezilitshumi lane sezizonke kusukela ku-Abhrahama kusiya kuDavida, ezilitshumi lane kusukela kuDavida kusiya ekuthunjweni yiBhabhiloni njalo ezilitshumi lane kusukela ekuthunjweni kusiya kuKhristu.

Ukuzalwa KukaJesu Khristu

18 UJesu Khristu wazalwa kanje: Unina uMariya wayethembise ukuthi uzakwendela kuJosefa kodwa kwathi bengakahlangani wabonakala esezithwele kwenziwe ngoMoya oNgcwele. 19 Ngoba umkakhe uJosefa wayeyindoda elungileyo emthethweni, njalo engafuni ukumyangisa ebantwini, wacabanga ukumala ngasese.

20 Uthe esekucabangile lokhu, kwafika kuye ingilosi yeNkosi ephutsheni yathi, “Josefa ndodana kaDavida, ungesabi ukuthatha uMariya ukuba abe ngumkakho ngoba lokhu akhulelwe ngakho kuvela kuMoya oNgcwele. 21 Uzabeletha indodana ozayetha ibizo uthi nguJesu ngoba uzasindisa abantu bakhe ezonweni zabo.”

22 Konke lokhu kwenzakala ukuze kugcwaliseke okwatshiwo yiNkosi ngomphrofethi ukuthi: 23 “Intombi egcweleyo izakhulelwa izale indodana, bayibize ngokuthi ngu-Emanuweli”* (okutsho ukuthi, “uNkulunkulu ulathi”).

24 UJosefa esevukile ebuthongweni wenza lokho ingilosi yeNkosi eyayimlaye khona, wamthatha uMariya waba ngumkakhe. 25 Kodwa kazange embathe laye waze wabeletha indodana. Wayetha ibizo wathi nguJesu.

2

Izazi Zethekelela UKhristu

1 UJesu esezelwe eBhethilehema laseJudiya ngesikhathi sokubusa kwenkosi uHerodi, kwafika eJerusalema iZazi zivela empumalanga, 2 zabuza zathi, “Ungaphi lowo ozalelwe ukuba yinkosi yamaJuda na? Sibone inkanyezi yakhe empumalanga ngakho size ukuzamkhonza.”

3 Kwathi inkosi uHerodi isikuzwile lokhu yakhathazeka, kanye leJerusalema lonke. 4 Kwathi esebizele ndawonye abaphristi abakhulu bonke labafundisi bomthetho, wababuza ukuthi uKhristu wayezazalelwa ngaphi. 5 Baphendula bathi, “EBhethilehema laseJudiya, ngoba lokhu yikho okwalotshwa ngumphrofethi ukuthi:

6 ‘Kodwa wena Bhethilehema, elizweni lakoJuda,

kawumncinyane kulabo bonke ababusi bakoJuda;

ngoba kuzavela umbusi kuwe,

ozakuba ngumelusi wabantu bami bako-Israyeli.’*”

7 UHerodi wasezibiza iZazi ngasese wadingisisa kuzo isikhathi inkanyezi eyaphuma ngaso ngqe. 8 Wabathuma eBhethilehema wathi, “Hambani liyemdinga umntwana. Lingamfumana lingazise masinyane ukuze lami ngihambe ngiyemkhonza.”

9 Sezizwile okwatshiwo yinkosi, zasuka zahamba, inkanyezi leyo ezaziyibonile empumalanga yahamba phambi kwazo yaze yayakuma lapho umntwana ayekhona. 10 Zathi ziyibona inkanyezi zagcwala intokozo. 11 Zangena endlini zambona umntwana lonina uMariya, zakhothama zamkhonza. Zasezivula impahla zazo eziligugu zamkhunga ngezipho zegolide lempepha lemure. 12 Kwathi ngoba zixwayisiwe ephutsheni ukuthi zingabuyeli kuHerodi, zaqonda elizweni lakibo ngenye indlela.

Ukubalekela EGibhithe

13 Kwathi sezihambile, ingilosi yeNkosi yabonakala kuJosefa ngephupho. Yathi, “Vuka uthathe umntwana lonina libalekele eGibhithe. Lihlale khonale ngize ngilitshele ngoba uHerodi uzamdinga umntwana efuna ukumbulala.”

14 Ngakho wavuka wathatha umntwana lonina ebusuku waya eGibhithe 15 lapho abahlala khona uHerodi waze wafa. Ngakho kwagcwaliseka lokho iNkosi eyayikutshilo ngomphrofethi ukuthi, “Indodana yami ngayikhupha eGibhithe.”†

16 Kwathi ukuba uHerodi ananzelele ukuthi iZazi zazimphicile wazonda kakhulu, wasekhupha umlayo wokuthi kubulawe bonke abantwana abangabafana eBhethilehema lasemangweni wonke oseduze, bonke ababeleminyaka emibili kusehla, kuhambelana lesikhathi leso ayesitshelwe yiZazi. 17 Ngakho lokho okwakutshiwo ngumphrofethi uJeremiya kwagcwaliseka ukuthi:

18 “Ilizwi lizwakala eRama,

ukukhala lesililo esikhulu,

uRasheli ekhalela abantwana bakhe njalo

wala ukududuzwa,

ngoba kabasekho.”‡

Ukubuyela ENazaretha

19 UHerodi esefile, ingilosi yeNkosi yabonakala ngephupho kuJosefa eseGibhithe 20 yathi, “Sukuma uthathe umntwana lonina liye elizweni lako-Israyeli ngoba labo ababefuna ukubulala umntwana sebefile.”

21 Ngakho wasukuma wathatha umntwana lonina waya elizweni lako-Israyeli. 22 Kodwa wathi ngokuzwa ukuthi u-Akhelasi wayebusa eJudiya esikhundleni sikayise uHerodi wesaba ukuya khona. Kwathi esexwayisiwe ephutsheni wahamba wayahlala eGalile, 23 edolobheni elalithiwa yiNazaretha. Ngalokho kwagcwaliseka okwatshiwo ngabaphrofethi ukuthi: Uzabizwa ngokuthi ngoweNazaretha.

3

UJohane UMbhaphathizi Ulungisa Indlela

1 Ngalesosikhathi kwafika uJohane uMbhaphathizi etshumayela enkangala yaseJudiya 2 esithi, “Phendukani ngoba umbuso wezulu ususondele.” 3 Nguye lo okwakhulunywa ngaye ngumphrofethi u-Isaya kwathiwa:

“Ilizwi lomemezayo enkangala lithi,

‘Lungiselani iNkosi indlela,

yenzani izindlela zayo ziqonde.’*”

4 Izigqoko zikaJohane zazenziwe ngoboya bekamela, elebhanti lesikhumba okhalweni lwakhe. Ukudla kwakhe kwakuzintethe loluju lwenyosi zeganga. 5 Abantu baphuma baya kuye bevela eJerusalema lakulo lonke elaseJudiya lemangweni wonke waseJodani. 6 Bevuma izono zabo, babhaphathizwa nguye emfuleni uJodani.

7 Kodwa wathi ebona abaFarisi labaSadusi abanengi besiza lapho ayebhaphathizela khona wathi kubo, “Lina nzalo yezinyoka! Lilimukiswe ngubani ukuthi libalekele ulaka oluzayo na? 8 Thelani izithelo ezihambelana lokuphenduka. 9 Njalo lingacabangi ukuthi lingazitshela ukuthi, ‘Silo-Abhrahama ongubaba wethu.’ Mina ngilitshela ukuthi kuwonala amatshe uNkulunkulu angamenzela u-Abhrahama abantwana. 10 Ihloka selivele selisezimpandeni zezihlahla njalo zonke izihlahla ezingatheli izithelo ezinhle zizaganyulwa, ziphoselwe emlilweni.

11 Mina ngilibhaphathiza ngamanzi okutshengisa ukuphenduka. Kodwa ngemva kwami kuza olamandla kulami njalo kakungilingananga ukuthwala amanyathela akhe. Uzalibhaphathiza ngoMoya oNgcwele langomlilo. 12 Isitsha sakhe sokwela sisesandleni sakhe njalo uzathanyela isiza sakhe, abuthele amabele akhe wonke esiphaleni, kuthi amakhoba awatshise ngomlilo ongacitshekiyo.”

Ukubhaphathizwa KukaJesu

13 UJesu weza eJodani evela eGalile ukuba abhaphathizwe nguJohane. 14 Kodwa uJohane wazama ukwenqaba ngokuthi, “Yimi engidinga ukubhaphathizwa nguwe, kanti pho ungeza njani kimi?”

15 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Yekela kube njalo okwakhathesi ngoba kufanele ukuba sikwenze lokhu ukuze sigcwalise konke ukulunga.” Ngakho uJohane wasevuma.

16 Masinyane nje uJesu eqeda kubhaphathizwa waphuma emanzini. Khonokho nje izulu lavuleka, wasebona uMoya kaNkulunkulu usehla njengejuba njalo usehlela phezu kwakhe. 17 Ilizwi elavela ezulwini lathi, “Lo yiNdodana yami engiyithandayo; ngiyathokoza kakhulu ngayo.”

4

Ukulingwa KukaJesu ENkangala

1 UJesu wasekhokhelwa nguMoya wamusa enkangala ukuthi ayelingwa nguSathane. 2 Emva kokuzila ukudla okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane wayeselambile. 3 Umlingi weza kuye wathi, “Nxa uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu tshela amatshe la aphenduke abe yisinkwa.”

4 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kulotshiwe ukuthi: ‘Umuntu kayikuphila ngesinkwa kuphela kodwa ngelizwi lonke eliphuma emlonyeni kaNkulunkulu.’*”

5 USathane wasemthatha wamusa emzini ongcwele, wamisa engqongweni yethempeli. 6 Wathi kuye, “Nxa uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu, ziphosele phansi. Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

‘Uzalaya izingilosi zakhe ngawe,

zikuqage ngezandla zazo,

ukuze ungatshayeki ngonyawo lwakho elitsheni.’†”

7 UJesu wamphendula wathi, “Kulotshiwe ukuthi, ‘Ungayilingi iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho.’‡”

8 Waphinda njalo uSathane wamusa entabeni ephakemeyo kakhulu, wamtshengisa yonke imibuso yomhlaba lokucwebezela kwayo. 9 Wathi, “Ngizakunika konke lokhu nxa ungangikhothamela, ungikhonze.”

10 UJesu wathi kuye, “Suka kimi Sathane! Ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: ‘Khonza iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho njalo usebenzele yena yedwa.’§”

11 USathane wasemtshiya, izingilosi zabuya zazomkhonza.

UJesu Uqalisa Ukutshumayela

12 UJesu wathi esizwa ukuthi uJohane wayesevalelwe entolongweni, wabuyela eGalile. 13 Wasuka eNazaretha wayahlala eKhaphenawume eyayisokhunjini lomfula emangweni wakoZebhuluni lakoNafithali, 14 ukugcwalisa lokho okwatshiwo ngomphrofethi u-Isaya ukuthi:

15 “Lizwe likaZebhuluni lelizwe likaNafithali,

iNdlela eya oLwandle, phetsheya kweJodani,

iGalile yabeZizweni,

16 abantu ababehlezi emnyameni

sebebone ukukhanya okukhulu;

kulabo abahlezi elizweni lethunzi lokufa,

ukukhanya sekufikile.”*

17 Kusukela ngalesosikhathi uJesu waqalisa ukutshumayela esithi, “Phendukani ngoba umbuso wezulu ususondele.”

Ukubizwa Kwabafundi Bakuqala

18 Kwathi uJesu ehamba okhunjini loLwandle lwaseGalile wabona izelamani ezimbili, uSimoni owayethiwa nguPhethro lomfowabo u-Andreya. Babephosela umambule olwandle ngoba bengabagoli benhlanzi. 19 UJesu wathi, “Wozani lingilandele,†ngizalenza abagoli babantu.” 20 Masinyane nje batshiya omambule babo bamlandela.

21 Esuka lapho wabona ezinye izelamani ezimbili, uJakhobe indodana kaZebhediya lomfowabo uJohane. Babephakathi kwesikepe loyise uZebhediya, belungisa omambule babo. UJesu wababiza, 22 baphanga batshiya isikepe kanye loyise bamlandela.

UJesu Usilisa Abagulayo

23 UJesu wahamba kulolonke iGalile efundisa emasinagogweni abo, etshumayela izindaba ezinhle zombuso, esilisa zonke izifo lemikhuhlane ebantwini. 24 Udumo lwakhe lwagcwala kulolonke elase-Asiriya, abantu baletha kuye bonke ababegula belezifo ezehlukeneyo, labo ababesebuhlungwini obukhulu, ababephethwe ngamadimoni, ababelezithuthwane lababeyizilima, bonke wabasilisa. 25 Amaxuku amakhulu ayevela eGalile, eDekhapholisi, eJerusalema, eJudiya lasemangweni ongaphetsheya kweJodani amlandela.

5

Intshumayelo Yasentabeni

1 Kwathi ebona amaxuku wakhwela entabeni wahlala phansi. Abafundi bakhe beza kuye.

Izibusiso

2 Waseqalisa ukubafundisa esithi:

3  “Babusisiwe abampofu emoyeni

ngoba umbuso wezulu ungowabo.

4  Babusisiwe labo abakhalayo

ngoba bazakududuzwa.

5  Babusisiwe abathobekileyo

ngoba bazakuba zindlalifa zomhlaba.

6  Babusisiwe labo abalambela labomela ukulunga

ngoba bazakusuthiswa.

7  Babusisiwe abalesihawu

ngoba bazakuhawukelwa.

8  Babusisiwe abahlanzekileyo enhliziyweni

ngoba bazabona uNkulunkulu.

9  Babusisiwe abagcina ukuthula

ngoba bazathiwa ngamadodana kaNkulunkulu.

10  Babusisiwe abahlukunyezwayo ngenxa yokulunga,

ngoba umbuso wezulu ungowabo.

11  Libusisiwe lina nxa abantu belithuka, belihlukumeza njalo beligcona ngobubi bonke ngenxa yami. 12  Thokozani lijabule ngoba mkhulu umvuzo wenu ezulwini, njengoba bahlukunyezwa ngaleyondlela abaphrofethi ababephambi kwenu.”

Itswayi Lokukhanya

13  “Lina lilitswayi lomhlaba. Kodwa nxa itswayi lingalahlekelwa yibumunyu balo, lingavuselelwa njani na? Kaliselamsebenzi ngaphandle kokuthi lichithelwe phandle linyathelwe ngabantu.

14  Lina liyikukhanya kwezwe. Idolobho elakhelwe entabeni kalisitheki. 15  Njalo abantu kabalumathisi isibane basibeke ngaphansi kwesitsha. Kodwa basibeka phezu koluthi lwaso ukuze sikhanyisele bonke abasendlini. 16  Ngokunjalo, yenzani ukukhanya kwenu kukhanye phambi kwabantu ukuze babone izenzo zenu ezinhle baze badumise uYihlo osezulwini.”

Ukugcwalisa Umthetho

17  “Lingacabangi ukuthi ngilande ukuzadiliza uMthetho kumbe abaPhrofethi. Kangilandanga ukuzediliza kodwa ukuzogcwalisisa. 18  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi kuze kunyamalale izulu lomhlaba kakuyikususwa lutho eMthethweni, loba libadlana kumbe lichatshana elilotshiweyo, kuze kupheleliswe konke. 19  Loba ngubani owephula owodwa nje wale imilayo emincinyane, afundise abanye ukwenzanjalo uzathiwa mncinyane embusweni wezulu kodwa loba ngubani olandela njalo afundise imilayo le njengokuba, uzathiwa mkhulu embusweni wezulu. 20  Ngakho ngiyalitshela ukuthi ngaphandle kokuthi ukulunga kwenu kwedlule okwabaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho, ngempela kalizukuwungena umbuso wezulu.”

Ukubulala Umuntu

21  “Lezwa ukuthi kwathiwa kwabasendulo, ‘Ungabulali; lowo obulalayo uzakwahlulelwa.’* 22  Kodwa ngilitshela ngithi loba ngubani ozondela umfowabo loba udadewabo uzakwahlulelwa emthethwandaba. Njalo lowo othi kumfowabo loba kudadewabo, ‘Raca,’ okutsho ukuthi ‘Silimandini,’ uzathonisiswa emphakathini. Njalo lowo othi, ‘Wena siwula!’ uzakuba sengozini yomlilo wesihogo.

23  Ngakho-ke, nxa uletha isipho sakho e-alithareni ubusukhumbula ukuthi umfowenu kumbe udadewenu ulesikhwili lawe, 24  tshiya khonapho isipho sakho phambi kwe-alithari. Qala uyebuyisana laye umfowenu kumbe udadewenu andubana ubuye uzonikela umnikelo wakho.

25  Phangisa uqedelane lalowo okumangalelayo lisahamba lisiya emthethwandaba funa akunikele kumahluleli ozakunikela kumlindijele ukuthi akuphosele entolongweni. 26  Ngilitshela iqiniso, kawusoze uphume uze uhlawule kanye lohlamvana lokucina lwemali.”

Ukuphinga

27  “Lezwa ukuthi kwathiwa, ‘Ungaphingi.’† 28  Kodwa ngilitshela ukuthi lowo okhangela owesifazane amfise usephinge laye enhliziyweni yakhe. 29  Nxa ilihlo lakho lokunene likwenzisa isono, likopole, ulikhuphe ulilahlele khatshana. Kungcono kuwe ukuthi ulahlekelwe ngesisodwa isitho somzimba wakho kulokuthi umzimba wakho wonke uphoselwe esihogweni somlilo. 30  Njalo nxa isandla sakho sokunene sikwenzisa isono, siqume usiphosele khatshana. Kungcono kuwe ukuthi ulahlekelwe ngesisodwa isitho somzimba wakho kulokuthi umzimba wakho wonke uye esihogweni somlilo.”

Ukwehlukana

31  “Kwathiwa, ‘Lowo owehlukana lomkakhe kamuphe incwadi yokuquma umtshado.’‡ 32  Kodwa mina ngilitshela ngithi lowo ohlukana lomkakhe, ngaphandle kokuba ehlobongile, umenza afebe, njalo lowo othatha umfazi ohlukene lomkakhe uyaphinga.”

Izifungo

33  “Njalo selezwa ukuthi kwathiwa kwabendulo, ‘Ungephuli isifungo sakho kodwa gcwalisa izifungo zakho ozenzileyo eNkosini.’ 34  Kodwa mina ngithi, lingafungi loba sokutheni, kumbe ngezulu ngoba liyisihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu; 35  loba ngomhlaba ngoba uyisinyathelo sakhe loba ngeJerusalema ngoba lidolobho leNkosi enkulu. 36  Njalo ungafungi ngekhanda lakho ngoba ungeke wenze lalunye unwele lube mhlophe kumbe lube mnyama. 37  Okumele likutsho yikuthi ‘Yebo’ kumbe ‘Hatshi’; okunye okungasilokhu kuvela komubi.”

Ilihlo Ngelihlo

38  “Selezwa ukuthi kwathiwa, ‘Ilihlo ngelihlo njalo izinyo ngezinyo.’§ 39  Kodwa mina ngiyalitshela ngithi, lingamelani lomuntu omubi. Nxa omunye angakutshaya esihlathini sokunene, muphe njalo esinye isihlathi. 40  Njalo nxa omunye efuna ukukumangalela ukuze akuthathele isigqoko sakho, myekele athathe lejazi lakho njalo. 41  Nxa omunye ekubamba ngamandla ukuthi uhambe ikhilomitha elilodwa, hamba laye abe mabili. 42  Muphe lowo ocela kuwe njalo ungamfulatheli lowo ofuna ukweboleka kuwe.”

Ukuthanda Izitha

43  “Selezwa ukuthi kwathiwa, ‘Thanda umakhelwane wakho, uzonde isitha sakho.’* 44  Kodwa mina ngilitshela ukuthi, thandani izitha zenu, libakhulekele labo abalihlukuluzayo, 45  ukuze libe ngamadodana kaYihlo osezulwini. Wenza ilanga lakhe liphume kwababi labalungileyo njalo anise izulu kwabalungileyo lakwabangalunganga. 46  Nxa lithanda labo abalithandayo kuphela, lizazuza mvuzo bani na? Kabenzi njalo na labathelisi? 47  Nxa libingelela abafowenu bodwa, kuyini elikwenzayo okwedlula abanye na? Kabenzi lokho labahedeni na? 48  Ngakho wobani ngabapheleleyo njengalokhu uYihlo osezulwini ephelele.”

6

Ukupha Abaswelayo

1  “Qaphelani ukuthi lingenzi izenzo zokulunga phambi kwabantu ukuze balibone. Nxa lisenza njalo kaliyikuba lomvuzo ovela kuYihlo ezulwini.

2  Ngakho nxa lisipha abaswelayo, lingamemezeli indawo yonke njengokwenziwa ngabazenzisi emasinagogweni lasezitaladini ukuze badunyiswe ngabantu. Ngilitshela iqiniso, sebewemukele owabo umvuzo ngokugcweleyo. 3  Kodwa nxa lina lisipha abaswelayo isandla senu sokhohlo kasingakwazi lokho esikwenzayo esokunene, 4  ukuze ukupha kwenu kube sensitha. Ngakho uYihlo obona okwenziwa ensitha uzalipha umvuzo wenu.”

Umkhuleko

5  “Nxa likhuleka lingabi njengabazenzisi ngoba bona bathanda ukukhuleka bemi emasinagogweni lasemakhoneni ezitalada ukuze babonwe ngabantu. Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi sebewutholile owabo umvuzo ngokugcweleyo. 6  Nxa likhuleka, ngenani ezindlini zenu, livale iminyango beselikhuleka kuYihlo ongabonakaliyo. Ngakho uYihlo obona okwenziwa ensitha uzalipha umvuzo wenu. 7  Njalo nxa likhuleka lingenzi ubugabazi, linqongoloza njengabahedeni ngoba bacabanga ukuthi bazezwakala ngenxa yamazwi abo amanengi. 8  Lingabi njengabo ngoba uYihlo uyakwazi elikuswelayo loba lingakakuceli kuye.”

Umkhuleko WeNkosi

9  “Kumele likhuleke kanje:

‘Baba wethu osezulwini,

kalidunyiswe ibizo lakho,

10  umbuso wakho kawuze,

intando yakho kayenziwe emhlabeni

njengalokhu isenziwa ezulwini.

11  Siphe lamuhla isinkwa sethu sansukuzonke.

12  Njalo usithethelele izono zethu,

njengoba lathi sibathethelela abasonelayo.

13  Njalo ungasingenisi ekulingweni,

kodwa usisindise komubi.’

14  Ngoba nxa libathethelela abayabe belonile, uYihlo osezulwini laye uzalithethelela. 15  Kodwa nxa lingabathetheleli abantu izono zabo, uYihlo kayikulithethelela lani izono zenu.”

Ukuzila Ukudla

16  “Lapho lizila ukudla, lingabonakali linyukubele njengalokhu okwenziwa ngabazenzisi ngoba bakhangeleka bedanile ebusweni babo ukuze abantu babone ukuthi bazilile. Ngilitshela iqiniso ngithi sebewutholile owabo umvuzo ngokugcweleyo. 17  Kodwa lina nxa lizila, gcobani amafutha emakhanda enu, ligeze ubuso benu, 18  ukuze kungabonakali ebantwini ukuthi lizilile, kodwa kuYihlo kuphela ongabonakaliyo njalo yena obona okwenziwa ensitha uzalipha umvuzo wenu.”

Inotho Ezulwini

19  “Lingazibutheleli inotho emhlabeni lapho okubhubhisa khona inondo lokuthomba njalo lapho okugqekeza khona amasela. 20  Kodwa zibutheleleni inotho ezulwini lapho kungabhujiswa khona linondo lokuthomba njalo lapho okungagqekezi khona amasela. 21  Ngoba lapho okulenotho yakho khona kulapho inhliziyo yakho ezakuba khona.

22  Ilihlo liyisibane somzimba. Nxa amehlo akho elungile umzimba wakho wonke uzagcwala ukukhanya. 23  Kodwa nxa amehlo akho engahlambulukanga umzimba wakho wonke uzagcwala ubumnyama. Nxa ukukhanya okungaphakathi kwakho kungumnyama, pho mkhulu kanganani lowomnyama!

24  Kakulanceku engakhonza amakhosi amabili. Funa izonde enye kodwa ithande enye, kumbe izinikele kwenye yeyise enye. Lingezake likhonze uNkulunkulu lemali.”

Linganqineki

25  “Ngakho ngiyalitshela ukuthi lingakhathazeki ngokuphila kwenu, ukuthi lizakudlani loba lizanathani; kumbe ngemizimba yenu, ukuthi lizagqokani. Impilo kayiqakathekanga ukwedlula ukudla na, lomzimba ukwedlula izigqoko na? 26  Khangelani izinyoni zasemoyeni; kazihlanyeli, kazivuni kumbe ukubuthela eziphaleni kodwa uYihlo osezulwini uyazipha ukudla. Lina kaliqakathekanga ukwedlula zona na? 27  Ngubani kini othi ngokukhathazeka angezelele ihola elilodwa empilweni yakhe na?

28  Kanti lizihluphelani ngezigqoko na? Ake libone ukuthi amaluba eganga akhula njani. Kawasebenzi njalo aweluki. 29  Kodwa ngilitshela ukuthi laye uSolomoni ekucwebezeleni kwakhe kazange acece njengawo. 30  Nxa kuyiyo indlela uNkulunkulu ahlobisa ngayo utshani beganga, obukhona namuhla kodwa kusasa sebuphoselwa emlilweni, pho lina kazukuligqokisa ngcono yini, lina bokukholwa okuncinyane? 31  Ngakho lingazihluphi lisithi, ‘Sizakudlani?’ kumbe ‘Sizanathani?’ loba ‘Sizavunulani na?’ 32  Ngoba abezizweni bagijimela zonke lezizinto kodwa uYihlo osezulwini uyakwazi ukuthi liyazidinga. 33  Kodwa funani kuqala umbuso wakhe lokulunga kwakhe, kuzakuthi-ke zonke lezizinto liziphiwe lazo. 34  Ngakho lingazihluphi ngelakusasa ngoba ikusasa lizazinqinekela lona. Usuku lunye ngalunye lulenhlupho zalo oluzaneleyo.”

7

Ukwahlulela Abanye

1  “Lingahluleli funa lani lahlulelwe. 2  Ngoba ngaleyondlela elahlulela ngayo abanye lani lizakwahlulelwa ngayo, langalesosilinganiso elisisebenzisayo lani lizalinganiselwa ngaso.

3  Kungani ukhangela uvava lokhuni oluselihlweni lomfowenu unganqinekeli ukhuni olukwelakho ilihlo na? 4  Ungatsho kanjani kumfowenu ukuthi, ‘Wothi ngikukhuphe uvava oluselihlweni lakho,’ wena ulokhu ulokhuni kwelakho ilihlo? 5  Wena mzenzisi, qala ukhuphe ukhuni oluselihlweni lakho ukuze ubone kuhle nxa usukhupha uvava oluselihlweni lomfowenu.

6  Linganiki izinja okungcwele, lingaphoseli imiceciso ezingulubeni, ngoba lingakwenza lokhu zizayinyathela ngezinyawo ziphinde ziphenduke ziyidabudabule.”

Celani, Dingani, Qoqodani

7  “Celani lizaphiwa; dingani lizafumana; qoqodani lizavulelwa. 8  Ngoba wonke ocelayo uyaphiwa; odingayo uyafumana; lalowo oqoqodayo uzavulelwa umnyango.

9  Ngubani kini bobaba okuthi nxa indodana yakhe icela isinkwa ayiphe ilitshe na? 10  Loba ithi icela inhlanzi yena ayiphe inyoka? 11  Nxa lina elibabi likwazi ukupha abantwabenu izipho ezilungileyo, pho uYihlo osezulwini uzabapha kangakanani izipho ezinhle labo abacela kuye! 12  Kuzozonke izinto, yenzani kwabanye lokho elifuna bakwenze kini, ngoba lokhu yikho okugoqela uMthetho labaPhrofethi.”

Amasango Anciphileyo Labanzi

13  “Ngenani ngesango elincinyane ngoba isango elikhulu lendlela ebanzi iholela ekubhujisweni njalo abanengi bangena ngalo. 14  Kodwa isango elincinyane lendlela yalo encinyane iholela ekuphileni, njalo balutshwana abayifumanayo.”

Isihlahla Lezithelo Zaso

15  “Qaphelani abaphrofethi bamanga abeza kini bezigqokise isikhumba semvu kodwa ngaphakathi bezimpisi ezifohlozayo. 16  Lizabazi ngezithelo zabo. Abantu bayawakha na amavini esihlahleni sameva kumbe amakhiwane edolofiyeni na? 17  Kanjalo-ke, sonke isihlahla esihle sithela izithelo ezinhle kodwa isihlahla esibi sithela ezimbi. 18  Isihlahla esihle ngeke sithele izithelo ezimbi njalo lesihlahla esibi kasingethele izithelo ezinhle. 19  Zonke izihlahla ezingatheli izithelo ezinhle ziyaganyulwa ziphoselwe emlilweni. 20  Ngakho-ke, lizabazi ngezithelo zabo.”

Abafundi Bamanga Labeqiniso

21  “Kakusibo bonke abathi kimi, ‘Nkosi, Nkosi’ abazangena embusweni wezulu, kodwa ngulowo kuphela owenza intando kaBaba osezulwini. 22  Abanengi bazakuthi kimi ngalolosuku, ‘Nkosi, Nkosi, kasiphrofithanga ngebizo lakho, njalo ngebizo lakho sakhupha amadimoni, senza lezimangaliso na?’ 23  Lapho-ke, ngizabatshela kakuhle ngithi, ‘Ngivele kangilazi. Sudulukani kimi, lina benzi bobubi!’ ”

Umakhi Ohlakaniphileyo Loyisiwula

24  “Ngakho lowo owezwayo amazwi ami la awenze unjengendoda ehlakaniphileyo eyakhela indlu yayo edwaleni. 25  Latheleka izulu, izifula zagcwala, wavunguza umoya watshaya phezu kwaleyondlu; kodwa kayiwanga ngoba yayigxiliswe isisekelo sayo edwaleni. 26  Kodwa lowo owezwayo amazwi ami la angawenzi unjengendoda eyisiwula eyakhela indlu yayo etshebetshebeni. 27  Latheleka izulu, izifula zagcwala, umoya wavunguza watshaya phezu kwendlu leyo yawa yabhidlika.”

28 UJesu eseqedile ukukhuluma lezizinto, amaxuku abantu amangaliswa yikufundisa kwakhe, 29 ngoba wafundisa njengomuntu olamandla, hatshi njengabafundisi babo bomthetho.

8

Indoda Eyayilobulephero

1 Kwathi esehlile entabeni amaxuku abantu amlandela. 2 Indoda eyayilobulephero yeza yaguqa phambi kwakhe yathi, “Nkosi nxa uthanda ungangenza ngihlambuluke.”

3 UJesu welula isandla sakhe wayithinta wathi, “Ngiyathanda, hlambuluka!” Masinyane nje yasila ebulepherweni bayo. 4 UJesu wasesithi kuyo, “Zwana, ungatsheli muntu ngalokhu. Kodwa hamba uyeziveza kumphristi, unikele ngesipho esamiswa nguMosi njengobufakazi ebantwini.”

Ukholo LweNduna YeKhulu

5 UJesu esengenile eKhaphenawume, kwafika kuye induna yekhulu izocela uncedo. 6 Yathi, “Nkosi, inceku yami ilele phansi endlini, yome umhlubulo, isebuhlungwini obukhulu.”

7 UJesu wathi kuyo, “Ngizakuza ngizeyisilisa.”

8 Induna yekhulu yaphendula yathi, “Kakungilingananga ukuthi ungeza ungene ngaphansi kophahla lwami. Kodwa tshono ilizwi nje kuphela, inceku yami izasila. 9 Ngoba mina ngokwami ngingumuntu ongaphansi komthetho, ngilamabutho angaphansi kwami. Lo ngimtshela ngithi, ‘Hamba,’ ahambe; ngithi kuloyana, ‘Buya,’ lakanye abuye. Ngithi encekwini yami, ‘Yenza lokhu,’ ikwenze.”

10 UJesu wathi ekuzwa lokhu wamangala wathi kulabo ababemlandela, “Ngilitshela iqiniso, kangikamboni loyedwa ko-Israyeli olokukholwa okukhulu kangaka. 11  Ngithi kini abanengi bazavela empumalanga lentshonalanga, bahlale edilini lo-Abhrahama, lo-Isaka loJakhobe embusweni wezulu. 12  Kodwa abanini bombuso bazaxotshelwa phandle emnyameni lapho okuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla kwamazinyo.”

13 UJesu wasesithi enduneni yekhulu, “Hamba! Kuzakwenziwa njengalokhu ukholwa ukuthi kuzakwenziwa.” Inceku yayo yahle yasila ngalesosikhathi.

UJesu Usilisa Abanengi

14 Kwathi lapho uJesu esengenile endlini kaPhethro, wabona uninazala kaPhethro elele embhedeni ephethwe ngumkhuhlane woqhuqho. 15 Wamthinta esandleni umkhuhlane wahle waphuma kuye, wavuka waqala ukumphakela.

16 Sekuntambama abanengi ababelamadimoni balethwa kuye wayikhupha imimoya ngelizwi njalo wasilisa bonke abagulayo. 17 Lokhu kwakugcwalisa okwakhulunywa ngomphrofethi u-Isaya ukuthi:

“Wathatha ubuthakathaka bethu

wathwala izifo zethu.”*

Ubunzima Bokulandela UJesu

18 Wathi uJesu ebona amaxuku abantu abanengi bembuthanele, wathi akuchaphelwe ngaphetsheya ngakuleliyana icele lechibi. 19 Kwasekusiza kuye umfundisi womthetho wathi, “Mfundisi, ngizakulandela ungaze uye ngaphi.”

20 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Amakhanka alemilindi lezinyoni zemoyeni zilezidleke, kodwa iNdodana yoMuntu kayilandawo yokufihla ikhanda layo.”

21 Omunye umfundi wathi kuye, “Nkosi, akuthi ngiqale ngihambe ngiyengcwaba ubaba.”

22 Kodwa uJesu wamtshela wathi, “Ngilandela, uyekele abafileyo bangcwabe abafileyo babo.”

UJesu Uthulisa Isiphepho

23 UJesu wasengena esikepeni abafundi bakhe bamlandela. 24 Masinyane nje kwaphakama isiphepho esesabekayo echibini, amagagasi atshaya phezu kwesikepe. Kodwa uJesu wayelele. 25 Abafundi bahamba bayamvusa besithi, “Nkosi, sihlenge, Sesigalula!”

26 Waphendula wathi, “Lina bokukholwa okuncinyane, kungani lisesaba kangaka?” Wasephakama wawukhuza umoya kanye lamagagasi, kwasekuthula cwaka.

27 Amadoda amangala abuza athi, “Ngumuntu bani lo? Oze alalelwe ngumoya kanye lamagagasi!”

Ukusiliswa Kwamadoda Amabili Alamadimoni

28 Wathi ekufikeni kwakhe ngakwelinye icele emangweni wamaGadarini wahlangabezwa ngamadoda amabili ayelamadimoni eqhamuka emathuneni. Ayelodlakela, kungasadluli muntu ngaleyondlela. 29 Amemeza athi, “Ufunani kithi, Ndodana kaNkulunkulu? Uze lapha ukuzasihlupha singakafiki isikhathi esimisiweyo na?”

30 Bucwala kwawo umhlambi omkhulu wengulube wawusidla. 31 Amadimoni amncenga uJesu athi, “Nxa usikhupha, sithumele emhlambini wengulube.”

32 Wathi kuwo, “Hambani!” Aphuma ayangena engulubeni, umhlambi wonke waphaphatheka waqonda eliweni wangena echibini, wafela emanzini. 33 Labo ababezelusile baphaphatheka baqonda edolobheni bayabika konke lokhu, besitsho lalokho okwenzakala kulawomadoda ayelamadimoni. 34 Khonapho idolobho lonke laphuma ukuyahlangana loJesu. Bathi sebembonile bamncenga ukuba asuke emangweni wakibo.

9

UJesu Usilisa Umuntu Owome Umhlubulo

1 UJesu wangena esikepeni wachaphela ngasedolobheni lakibo. 2 Amanye amadoda aletha kuye indoda eyayome umhlubulo ilele ecansini. UJesu ebona ukholo lwawo wathi kweyome umhlubulo, “Woba lesibindi, ndodana; izono zakho sezithethelelwe.”

3 Bekuzwa lokho abanye abafundisi bomthetho bahleba bodwa bathi, “Umuntu lo uyahlambaza!”

4 Esazi imicabango yabo uJesu wathi kubo, “Kungani licabanga izinto ezimbi ezinhliziyweni zenu na? 5  Yikuphi okulula ukuthi, ‘Izono zakho sezithethelelwe’ kumbe ukuthi, ‘Sukuma uhambe’? 6  Kodwa ngifuna lazi ukuthi iNdodana yoMuntu ilamandla okuthethelela izono emhlabeni.” Wasesithi kweyome umhlubulo, “Sukuma uthathe icansi lakho uhambe uye ekhaya.” 7 Indoda yasukuma yaqonda ekhaya. 8 Ixuku labantu lathi likubona lokhu lesaba kakhulu; lamdumisa uNkulunkulu owayenike amandla la ebantwini.

Ukubizwa KukaMatewu

9 Kwathi uJesu eseqhubeka esuka lapho, wabona indoda eyayithiwa nguMatewu ihlezi endaweni yokuthelisa. UJesu wathi kuyo “Ngilandela,” uMatewu wahle wasukuma wamlandela.

10 Kwathi uJesu esidla endlini kaMatewu kweza abathelisi abanengi lezoni bonke bezokudla laye kanye labafundi bakhe. 11 Kuthe abaFarisi bekubona lokho babuza abafundi bakhe bathi, “Kungani umfundisi wenu esidla labathelisi lezoni na?”

12 UJesu wakuzwa lokho wathi, “Abaphilileyo kabayidingi inyanga kodwa idingwa ngabagulayo. 13  Kodwa hambani liyefunda ukuthi kutshoni lokhu ukuthi, ‘Ngoba ngifuna isihawu hatshi umhlatshelo.’*Ngoba kangilandanga ukubiza abalungileyo, kodwa izoni.”

UJesu Ubuzwa Ngokuzila

14 Kwasekufika abafundi bakaJohane bambuza bathi, “Kungani thina labaFarisi sizila kodwa abafundi bakho kabazili?”

15 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Izethekeli zomyeni zingalila kanjani esesekhona phakathi kwazo na? Sizafika isikhathi lapho umyeni ezasuswa kuzo; kulapho-ke ezizazila khona.

16  Kakho umuntu othungela isichibi selembu elitsha elingakafinyeli esigqokweni esidala, ngoba isichibi sizadonsa esigqokweni ukudabuka kuqhele ngamandla. 17  Futhi abantu kabatheli iwayini elitsha emigodleni emidala. Bangenzenjalo imigodla izadabuka, iwayini lichitheke lemigodla ihle iguge iphele. Kodwa, bathela iwayini elitsha emigodleni emitsha besekulondolozeka kuhle kokubili.”

Intombazana Efileyo Lomfazi Ogulayo

18 Wathi esakhuluma lokhu kwafika umbusi waguqa phambi kwakhe wathi, “Indodakazi yami isanda kufa. Kodwa ngicela uzebeka isandla sakho phezu kwayo, izaphila.” 19 UJesu wasuka wahamba laye kanye labafundi bakhe.

20 Khonokho owesifazane owayehlutshwa ngumopho okweminyaka elitshumi lambili weza ngemva kwakhe wabamba umphetho wesembatho sakhe. 21 Wazitshela wathi, “Nxa ngingathinta nje isembatho sakhe kodwa lokhu, ngizasila.”

22 UJesu wanyemukula wambona. Wathi kuye, “Mana isibindi ndodakazi, ukholo lwakho lukusilisile.” Lakanye owesifazane lowo wasila ngalesosikhathi.

23 UJesu wathi esengenile endlini yombusi wesinagogu wabona ababetshaya imihubhe kanye lexuku elalixokozela, 24 wathi kubo, “Phumani. Intombazana kayifanga kodwa ilele.” Kodwa bamhleka usulu. 25 Ixuku labantu selikhutshelwe phandle, wangena wayibamba ngesandla intombazana yaphakama. 26 Indaba yesehlakalo lesi yamemetheka kuwo wonke umango wakuleyondawo.

UJesu Usilisa Isiphofu Lesimungulu

27 Kwathi uJesu esuka lapho amadoda ayiziphofu amabili amlandela ememeza esithi, “Sihawukele, Ndodana kaDavida!”

28 Esengenile endlini iziphofu lezo zeza kuye wazibuza wathi, “Liyakholwa na ukuthi ngingakwenza lokhu?”

Zamphendula zathi, “Yebo Nkosi.”

29 Wasezithinta amehlo wathi kuzo, “Kuzakwenziwa kini njengokukholwa kwenu”; 30 zasiliswa zabona. UJesu waziqonqosela wathi, “Akungabi lomuntu ozakwazi ngalokhu.” 31 Kodwa zasuka lapho zafakaza ngaye indawo yonke yelizwe lelo.

32 Ekuphumeni kwalezoziphofu, kwalethwa kuJesu indoda eyayiledimoni iyisimungulu. 33 Kwathi idimoni selikhutshiwe indoda leyo eyayiyisimungulu yakhuluma. Ixuku labantu lamangala, abantu bathi, “Akukaze kubonakale okunje ko-Israyeli.”

34 Kodwa abaFarisi bathi, “Amadimoni uwakhupha ngenkosi yamadimoni.”

Izisebenzi Zimbalwa

35 UJesu wangena kuwo wonke amadolobho lemizi efundisa emasinagogweni abo, etshumayela izindaba ezinhle ezombuso njalo eselapha zonke izifo lemikhuhlane. 36 Wathi ebona amaxuku abantu wawazwela usizi ngoba ayehlukuluzekile njalo ephelelwe, enjengezimvu ezingelamelusi. 37 Wasesithi kubafundi bakhe, “Isivuno sinengi kodwa izisebenzi zimbalwa. 38  Ngakho celani iNkosi yokuvuna ukuba ithumele izisebenzi ensimini yokuvuna.”

10

UJesu Uthumela Abalitshumi Lambili

1 UJesu wabizela ndawonye abafundi bakhe abalitshumi lambili wabapha amandla okukhupha imimoya emibi lokusilisa zonke izifo lemikhuhlane.

2 Amabizo abafundi abalitshumi lambili ayeyila:

Owokuqala wayenguSimoni, othiwa nguPhethro lomfowabo u-Andreya;

uJakhobe indodana kaZebhediya loJohane umfowabo;

3 uFiliphu, uBhatholomewu;

uThomasi, uMatewu umthelisi;

uJakhobe indodana ka-Alifewu, uLabhewu osibongo sakhe sasinguThediyasi;

4 uSimoni umZilothi loJudasi Iskariyothi onguye owamnikelayo.

5 Laba abalitshumi lambili uJesu wabathuma, wabalaya wathi, “Lingayi phakathi kwabeZizwe futhi lingangeni lakuliphi idolobho lamaSamariya. 6  Kodwa hambani liyebutha izimvu ezilahlekileyo zako-Israyeli. 7  Ekuhambeni kwenu, litshumayele lelilizwi: ‘Umbuso wezulu ususondele.’ 8  Silisani abagulayo, livuse abafileyo, lihlambulule abalobulephero, likhuphe amadimoni. Lamukelisiwe kungelambadalo ngakho lani phanini kungelambadalo.

9  Lingaphathi igolide loba isiliva loba ithusi emixhakeni yamabhanti enu; 10  lingathwali izikhwama ekuhambeni kwenu loba isigqoko sokuntshintsha, loba amanye amanyathela kumbe olunye udondolo ngoba osebenzayo kufanele aphiwe okokuziphilisa. 11  Loba yiliphi idolobho kumbe umuzi elingena kuwo, dingani umuntu ofaneleyo ukuba lihlale endlini yakhe kokuphela lize lisuke khona. 12  Akuthi nxa lingena kulowomuzi, liwunxusele ukuthula. 13  Nxa lowomuzi ufanele, ukuthula kwenu akube kuwo, kodwa nxa lingemukelwa aginyeni amazwi enu okuthula. 14  Nxa engekho olamukelayo kumbe olalela amazwi enu, sukani kulowomuzi kumbe idolobho lithintithe uthuli ezinyaweni zenu. 15  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi, kuzakuba ngcono elizweni leSodoma leGomora ngelanga lokwahlulelwa kulokuzakwehlela lelodolobho.

16  Ngilithuma linjengezimvu phakathi kwempisi. Ngakho qaphani njengezinyoka kodwa libemsulwa njengamajuba. 17  Libalimuke abantu; bazalimangalela ezinkundleni zamacala, balibhaxabule emasinagogweni abo. 18  Ngenxa yami lizamiswa phambi kwababusi lamakhosi ukuze libe ngofakazi kubo lakwabeZizwe. 19  Kodwa nxa belibopha lingazihluphi ngokuthi lizakuthini lokuthi likutsho kanjani. Ngalesosikhathi lizakwambulelwa okumele likutsho, 20  ngoba akuzukuba yini elikhulumayo kodwa kuzakuba nguMoya kaYihlo ozabe ukhuluma ngani.

21  Umuntu uzanikela umfowabo ukuthi abulawe, loyise anikele umntanakhe; abantwana bazahlamukela abazali babo bababulale. 22  Bonke abantu bazalizonda ngenxa yebizo lami kodwa lowo oma aqine kuze kube sekupheleni uzasindiswa. 23  Nxa lihlukuluzwa endaweni ethile, balekelani kwenye. Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi kaliyikuqeda ukuwahambela wonke amadolobho ako-Israyeli iNdodana yoMuntu ingakafiki.

24  Umfundi ungaphansi kombalisi wakhe, lenceku ingaphansi kwenkosi yayo. 25  Kwenele kumfundi ukuba njengombalisi wakhe, lenceku ukuba njengenkosi yayo. Nxa umninimuzi kungathiwa nguBhelizebhubhi pho kuzathiwani ngabendlu yakhe na?

26  Ngakho lingabesabi. Ngoba kakukho okuthukuziweyo okungayi kubekwa obala, lokufihliweyo okungayikwaziwa. 27  Lokhu engilitshela khona emnyameni kukhulumeni ekukhanyeni kwemini, okunyenyezwa ezindlebeni zenu kumemezeleni lisophahleni lwezindlu. 28  Lingabesabi labo ababulala umzimba kodwa bengeke babulale umphefumulo. Kodwa yesabani lowo ongabhubhisa kokubili, umphefumulo lomzimba esihogweni. 29  Intaka ezimbili kazithengiswa ngendibilitshi na? Kodwa kayikho leyodwa yazo ewela phansi ingavunyelwanga nguYihlo. 30  Kwala zona inwele zamakhanda enu zibaliwe. 31  Ngakho lingesabi; liligugu elidlula intaka ezinengi.

32  Loba ngubani ongivuma phambi kwabantu lami ngizamvuma phambi kukaBaba ezulwini. 33  Kodwa lowo ongiphikayo phambi kwabantu lami ngizamphika phambi kukaBaba ezulwini.

34  Lingakhumbuli ukuthi ngilethe ukuthula emhlabeni. Kangilandanga ukuzeletha ukuthula kodwa inkemba. 35  Ngoba ngize ukuxabanisa

‘indoda loyise,

indodakazi lonina

umalukazana loninazala,

36  izitha zomuntu zizakuba ngabendlu yakhe.’*

37  Lowo othanda uyise loba unina kulami kangifanelanga; lowo othanda indodana yakhe loba indodakazi yakhe kulami kangifanelanga; 38  njalo lowo ongathathi isiphambano sakhe angilandele kangifanelanga. 39  Loba ngubani ozuza impilo yakhe izamlahlekela njalo lalowo olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami uzayizuza.

40  Lowo olamukelayo wamukela mina, lalowo owamukela mina wamukela lowo ongithumileyo. 41  Loba ngubani owamukele umphrofethi ngoba engumphrofethi uzazuza umvuzo womphrofethi njalo lalowo owamukela umuntu olungileyo ngoba engumuntu olungileyo uzakwamukela umvuzo womuntu olungileyo. 42  Njalo nxa ekhona onika iloba yinkezo yamanzi aqandayo komunye walaba abancinyane ongumfundi wami, ngilitshela iqiniso, lowomuntu akayikulahlekelwa ngumvuzo wakhe.”

11

UJesu LoJohane UMbhaphathizi

1 UJesu wathi eseqedile ukulaya abafundi bakhe abalitshumi lambili wasuka kuleyondawo ukuyafundisa lokutshumayela emadolobheni aseGalile.

2 UJohane esentolongweni wathi esizwa ukuthi uKhristu wayesenzani, wathuma abafundi bakhe 3 ukuba bayembuza bathi, “Unguye yini ozayo kumbe silindele omunye na?”

4 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Buyelani liyebikela uJohane lokhu elikuzwayo lelikubonayo ukuthi 5  Iziphofu zenziwa zibone, abaqhugezelayo bayahamba, abalobulephero bayahlanjululwa, izacuthe ziyezwa, abafileyo bayavuswa, levangeli liyatshunyayelwa kubayanga. 6  Ubusisiwe umuntu ongakhubekiyo ngenxa yami.”

7 Kwathi abafundi bakaJohane sebesuka, uJesu waqala ukukhuluma labantu ngoJohane esithi: “Laphuma lisiyabonani enkangala na? Umhlanga owazunguzwa ngumoya na? 8  Nxa kungayisikho, pho lalisiyabonani? Indoda eyayicecile na? Hatshi, labo abagqoka izigqoko ezinhle basezigodlweni zamakhosi. 9  Pho laphuma lisiyabonani na? Umphrofethi? Yebo, ngiyalitshela, odlula umphrofethi. 10  Lo nguye okulotshwe ngaye ukuthi:

‘Ngizathuma isithunywa sami phambi kwakho,

esizalungisa indlela yakho phambi kwakho.’*

11  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi, phakathi kwabo bonke abazelwe ngabesifazane akukaveli loyedwa omkhulu kuloJohane uMbhaphathizi ikanti lowo ongomncinyane kakhulu embusweni wezulu mkhulu kulaye. 12  Kusukela ensukwini zikaJohane uMbhaphathizi kuze kube khathesi, umbuso wezulu wala uqhubeka ngamandla ngoba abantu abalamandla bawubambile. 13  Ngoba bonke abaPhrofethi kanye loMthetho baphrofitha kwaze kwafika uJohane. 14  Ngakho nxa likwamukela lokhu, ungu-Elija okwathiwa uyeza. 15  Lowo olendlebe zokuzwa, kezwe.

16  Kambe ngingasifanisa lani isizukulwane lesi na? Banjengabantwana abahlezi emikambo bememeza abanye besithi:

17  ‘Salitshayela umhubhe,

kodwa kaligidanga;

salihlabelela ingoma yesililo

kodwa kalililanga.’

18  Ngoba uJohane wafika engadli njalo enganathi basebesithi, ‘Uledimoni,’ 19  INdodana yoMuntu yafika yadla, yanatha, bathi, ‘Nansi isidli lesidakwa, umngane wabathelisi lezoni.’ Kodwa, ukuhlakanipha kuziveza ukuthi kuqondile ngemisebenzi yakho.”

Maye Kuleyomizi Engaphendukanga

20 UJesu waseqalisa ukuwasola amadolobho lawo lapho izimangaliso zakhe ezinengi ezazenziwe khona ngoba kabazange baphenduke: 21  “Maye kuwe Khorazini! Maye kuwe Bhethisayida! Aluba izimangaliso lezo ezenziwa kuwe zazenziwe eThire leSidoni, ngabe kudala baphenduka begqoke izigqoko zamasaka, bazibhuqa lemlotheni. 22  Kodwa ngiyalitshela, kuzakuba ngcono eThire leSidoni ngosuku lokwahlulelwa kulalokho okuzalehlela lina. 23  Lawe Khaphenawume, kambe uzaphakanyiselwa emazulwini na? Hatshi, uzatshona phansi uye eHadesi. Ngoba aluba izimangaliso ezenziwa kuwe zazenziwe eSodoma ngabe ikhona lanamuhla. 24  Kodwa ngiyalitshela ukuthi kuzakuba ngcono elizweni leSodoma ngelanga lokwahlulelwa kulakuwe.”

Ukuphumula Kwabakhatheleyo

25 Ngalesosikhathi uJesu wathi, “Ngiyakubonga Baba, Nkosi yezulu lomhlaba ngoba uzifihlile lezizinto kwabahlakaniphileyo labafundileyo, wazambulela abantwana abancinyane. 26  Yebo Baba, lokhu kwaba yikuthanda kwakho.

27  Zonke izinto zethulwe kimi nguBaba. Kakho oyaziyo iNdodana ngaphandle kukaBaba, njalo kakho omaziyo uBaba ngaphandle kweNdodana lalabo iNdodana ekhethe ukuba imveze kubo.

28  Wozani kimi lina lonke elikhatheleyo lelisindwayo, ngizaliphumuza. 29  Zithwaliseni ijogwe lami, lifunde kimi, ngoba ngimnene futhi ngithobekile enhliziyweni njalo lizazuza ukuphumula kwemiphefumulo yenu. 30  Ngoba ijogwe lami lilula, lomthwalo wami kawusindi.”

12

INkosi YeSabatha

1 Ngalesosikhathi uJesu wadabula phakathi kwamasimu amabele kulilanga leSabatha. Abafundi bakhe basebelambile, basebekhwebula izikhwebu zamabele badla. 2 AbaFarisi bakubona lokhu, bathi kuye, “Khangela! Abafundi bakho benza okuphambene lomthetho ngeSabatha.”

3 Waphendula wathi, “Kalifundanga yini okwenziwa nguDavida lapho yena labakhula bakhe sebelambile? 4  Wangena endlini kaNkulunkulu, yena labakhula bakhe, badla isinkwa esingcwelisiweyo, into eyayingavunyelwa ngomthetho ukuba bayenze, kodwa ivunyelwe abaphristi kuphela. 5  Kumbe kalifundanga yini eMthethweni ukuthi ngeSabatha abaphristi ethempelini bayalungcolisa lolusuku kodwa kabalacala. 6  Ngiyalitshela ukuthi lowo omkhulu kulethempeli ukhona lapha. 7  Kube lalikwazile ukuthi amazwi la atshoni, ‘Ngifuna isihawu hatshi umhlatshelo’*belingasoze libalahle abangelacala. 8  Phela iNdodana yoMuntu iyiNkosi yeSabatha.”

9 Esuka lapho wayangena esinagogweni labo, 10 khonapho kulendoda eyayitshwabhene isandla. Kwathi ngoba bedinga indlela yokubeka uJesu icala bambuza bathi, “Kuyavunyelwa emthethweni ukusilisa ngeSabatha na?”

11 Wathi kubo, “Nxa omunye wenu engaba lemvu esuka iwele egodini ngeSabatha, kazukuyibamba ayikhuphe na? 12  Pho umuntu uligugu elinganani kulemvu! Yikho-ke, kusemthethweni ukwenza okuhle ngeSabatha.”

13 Wasesithi kuleyondoda, “Yelula isandla sakho.” Ngakho yaselula sahle sabuyela ngokupheleleyo, sesiqinile njengesinye. 14 Kodwa abaFarisi basuka lapho bayakwakha icebo lokuthi bangambulala njani uJesu.

Inceku KaNkulunkulu Ekhethiweyo

15 UJesu esekunanzelele lokho wasuka kuleyondawo. Abanengi bamlandela, wasilisa bonke abagulayo babo, 16 ebalaya ukuthi bangakhulumi ukuthi ungubani. 17 Lokhu kwakuyikugcwalisa lokho okwakukhulunywe ngumphrofethi u-Isaya ukuthi:

18 “Nansi inceku yami engiyikhethileyo,

yona engiyithandayo, engithokoza ngayo;

ngizabeka uMoya wami phezu kwayo,

izamemezela ukulunga phakathi kwezizwe.

19 Kayiyikuphika inkani loba imemeze;

kakho ozalizwa ilizwi layo emigwaqweni.

20 Umhlanga ofecekileyo kayiyikuwephula

lentambo yesibane ethunqayo kayiyikuyicima,

ize ilethe ukunqoba kokulunga.

21 Izizwe zizabeka ithemba lazo ebizweni layo.”†

UJesu LoBhelizebhubhi

22 Basebeletha kuye indoda eyayiledimoni, iyisiphofu njalo iyisimungulu. UJesu wayisilisa yakwazi ukukhuluma lokubona. 23 Bonke abantu bamangala bathi, “Kambe lo angabe eyiNdodana kaDavida na?”

24 Kodwa kwathi abaFarisi bekuzwa lokhu bathi, “Ngamandla kaBhelizebhubhi inkosi yamadimoni amenza enelise ukuxotsha amadimoni.”

25 UJesu wayeyazi imicabango yabo wasesithi kubo, “Loba yiwuphi umbuso odabuke phakathi kwawumi njalo idolobho kumbe indlu edabuke phakathi kayimi. 26  Nxa uSathane exotsha uSathane, wehlukene phakathi. Pho umbuso wakhe ungema kanjani? 27  Nxa ngikhupha amadimoni ngoBhelizebhubhi, pho abalandeli benu bawakhupha ngobani? Ngakho bazakuba ngabahluleli benu. 28  Kodwa nxa ngixotsha amadimoni ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu, kutsho ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu usufikile kini.

29  Umuntu angangena kanjani endlini yesiqhwaga aphange impahla zaso ngaphandle kokuba aqale asibophe isiqhwaga leso? Lapho-ke usengayiphanga indlu yaso.

30  Lowo ongemanga lami uphikisana lami, lalowo ongabuthi lami uyachithiza. 31  Ngakho ngiyalitshela ngithi imihlobo yonke yezono lezithuko izathethelelwa, kodwa ukuthuka uMoya akuyi kuthethelelwa. 32  Lowo okhuluma okubi ngeNdodana yoMuntu uzathethelelwa kodwa lowo othuka uMoya oNgcwele akayikuthethelelwa kulesisikhathi kumbe esizayo.

33  Ungenza isihlahla sibe sihle lezithelo zaso zizakuba zinhle loba ungenza isihlahla sibe sibi lezithelo zaso zizakuba zimbi ngoba isihlahla saziwa ngezithelo zaso. 34  Lina nzalo yezinyoka, lingakukhuluma kanjani okuhle lina libabi na? Ngoba lokho okusenhliziyweni yikho umlomo okukhulumayo. 35  Umuntu olungileyo uveza izinto ezinhle azigcine ngaphakathi kwakhe njalo lomuntu omubi ukhihliza izinto ezimbi azigcine ngaphakathi kwakhe. 36  Kodwa ngiyalitshela ukuthi umuntu munye ngamunye uzaziphendulela ngosuku lokwahlulelwa ngawo wonke amazwi ayize awakhulumayo. 37  Ngoba lizakhululwa ngamazwi enu njalo lizalahlwa ngamazwi enu.”

Isibonakaliso SikaJona

38 Abanye abaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho basebesithi kuye, “Mfundisi, sifuna ukubona isibonakaliso esivela kuwe.”

39 Waphendula wathi, “Isizukulwane esixhwalileyo lesiphingayo sicela isibonakaliso! Kodwa kasisoze sisiphiwe ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso somphrofethi uJona. 40  NjengoJona owahlala insuku ezintathu lobusuku obuthathu esiswini senhlanzi enkulu, kanjalo iNdodana yoMuntu izahlala insuku ezintathu lobusuku obuthathu phansi komhlabathi. 41  Abantu baseNiniva bazasukuma kanye lalesi sizukulwane ngosuku lokwahlulelwa basilahle ngoba bona baphenduka ekutshumayeleni kukaJona, kodwa khathesi lowo omkhulu kuloJona uselapha. 42  INdlovukazi yaseNingizimu izavuka mhla wokwahlulelwa kanye lalesi isizukulwane isilahle; ngoba yeza ivela emaphethelweni omhlaba izolalela uSolomoni; pho manje omkhulu kuloSolomoni usekhona.

43  Nxa umoya omubi uphuma emuntwini, uyazula enkangala udinga ukuphumula kodwa uyakuswela. 44  Ubususithi, ‘Ngizabuyela endlini engaphuma kuyo.’ Uthi ufika uthole leyondlu ingelamuntu, ithanyelwe yahlanzeka, konke kumi kuhle. 45  Ubusuhamba uyethatha eminye imimoya eyisikhombisa exhwale okudlula wona, ingene ihlale khona. Isiphetho salowomuntu sizakuba sibi kulasekuqaleni. Kuzakuba njalo kulesisizukulwane esixhwalileyo.”

Unina KaJesu Labafowabo

46 UJesu elokhu esakhuluma lamaxuku abantu, unina labafowabo babemi phandle befuna ukukhuluma laye. 47 Omunye wamtshela wathi, “Unyoko labafowenu bemi phandle, bafuna ukukhuluma lawe.”

48 Wamphendula wathi, “Ngubani umama njalo ngobani abangabafowethu na?” 49 Wakhomba abafundi bakhe wathi, “Nampa abangumama labangabafowethu. 50  Loba ngubani owenza intando kaBaba osezulwini ungumfowethu, ungudadewethu njalo ngumama.”

13

Umzekeliso Womhlanyeli

1 Ngalolosuku uJesu waphuma endlini wayahlala eceleni kwechibi. 2 Amaxuku abantu aminyezelana kuye waze wangena esikepeni wahlala kuso, abantu bonke bona babemi okhunjini. 3 Wasebatshela izinto ezinengi esebenzisa imizekeliso, wathi, “Umlimi waphuma wayahlanyela inhlanyelo yakhe. 4  Kwathi eyihaza inhlanyelo, eyinye yawela endleleni, izinyoni zafika zayidobha yonke. 5  Eyinye yawela okhetheni lapho okwakungela mhlabathi owaneleyo. Yaphanga yamila ngoba umhlabathi wawungatshoni. 6  Kodwa kwathi ilanga seliphumile yahanguleka yabuna ngoba yayingelampande. 7  Eyinye yawela phakathi kwameva, asuka akhula ayiminya inhlanyelo. 8  Eyinye inhlanyelo yawela emhlabathini omuhle lapho eyathela khona izithelo eziphindwe okungabalikhulu, kumbe okungamatshumi ayisithupha loba okungamatshumi amathathu ukudlula leyo eyayihlanyelwe. 9  Lowo olendlebe kezwe.”

10 Abafundi beza kuye bambuza bathi, “Kungani ukhuluma ebantwini ngemizekeliso na?”

11 Waphendula wathi, “Ulwazi lwemfihlakalo yombuso wezulu luphiwe lina hatshi bona. 12  Lowo olakho, uzaphiwa kwengezelelwe abesesiba lokunengi kakhulu. Lowo ongelakho, lalokho alakho uzakwemukwa. 13  Lokhu yikho okungenza ngikhulume kubo ngemizekeliso:

Ngoba loba bekhangele kababoni;

loba belalele kabezwa njalo kabaqedisisi.

14  Kubo isiphrofethi sika-Isaya siyagcwaliseka, esokuthi:

‘Lizahlala lisizwa kodwa lingaqedisisi;

lizahlala libona kodwa lingabonisisi.

15  Ngoba inhliziyo zalababantu sezaba lukhuni;

kabasezwa ngezindlebe zabo

njalo sebawavala amehlo abo.

Funa babone ngamehlo abo,

bezwe ngezindlebe zabo,

baqedisise ngezinhliziyo zabo,

baphenduke bese ngibasilisa.’*

16  Kodwa abusisiwe amehlo enu ngoba ayabona lezindlebe zenu ziyezwa. 17  Ngoba ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi abaphrofethi abanengi lamadoda alungileyo balangazela ukukubona lokhu elikubonayo kodwa kabakubonanga, lokuzwa lokhu elikuzwayo kodwa kabakuzwanga.

18  Lalelani-ke lizwe ukuthi utshoni umzekeliso womhlanyeli: 19  Nxa umuntu esizwa ilizwi ngombuso kodwa engabambisisi, omubi uyeza ahwithe lokho obekuhlanyelwe enhliziyweni yakhe. Yiyo le inhlanyelo eyahlanyelwa endleleni. 20  Inhlanyelo eyawela okhetheni ngumuntu olizwayo ilizwi aphange alamukele ngentokozo. 21  Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi kalampande, nxa okwesikhatshana kuphela. Nxa kufika uhlupho lokuhlukunyezwa ngenxa yelizwi uphanga akhubeke. 22  Inhlanyelo eyawela phakathi kwameva ngumuntu olizwayo ilizwi kodwa lisuke landelwe yizinhlupheko zale impilo lenkohliso yenotho, lingabe lisaba lezithelo. 23  Kodwa leyonhlanyelo eyawela emhlabathini ovundileyo ngumuntu olizwayo ilizwi alizwisise. Lo nguye othela izithelo ezinengi ngekhulu, ngamatshumi ayisithupha loba ngamatshumi amathathu okudlula lokho okwahlanyelwayo.”

Umzekeliso Wokhula

24 UJesu wabatshela omunye umzekeliso wathi, “Umbuso wezulu unjengomuntu owahlanyela inhlanyelo enhle ensimini yakhe. 25  Kodwa kwathi ngesikhathi wonke umuntu elele, isitha sakhe seza sahlanyela ukhula phakathi kwengqoloyi, sahamba. 26  Kwathi ingqoloyi isikhahlele yabumba izikhwebu, ukhula lalo lwavela.

27  Izinceku zomninisivini zeza kuye zathi, ‘Nkosi, kanti kawuhlanyelanga yini inhlanyelo enhle ensimini yakho na? Pho ukhula luvele ngaphi?’

28  Waphendula wathi, ‘Kwenziwe yisitha lokhu.’

Zambuza izinceku zathi, ‘Uyafuna yini ukuthi siyelusiphuna na?’

29  Waphendula wathi, ‘Hatshi, ngoba lizakuthi lisiphuna ukhula liqabuke selisiphuna amabele kanye lalo. 30  Kuyekeleni kukhule ndawonye kuze kube yisikhathi sokuvuna. Lapho-ke, ngizakuthi kubavuni, Qalani ngokuqoqa ukhula lilubophe izinyanda ukuba lutshiswe, beseliqoqa amabele liwalethe esiphaleni sami.’ ”

Umzekeliso Wentanga Yemastadi Lemvubelo

31 Wabatshela omunye umzekeliso wathi, “Umbuso wezulu ufana lentanga yemastadi eyathathwa ngenye indoda yayihlanyela ensimini yayo. 32  Lanxa incinyane kulentanga yenhlanyelo zonke, kodwa ithi ingakhula ibe yisihlahla esikhulu kulazo zonke, izinyoni zezulu zibuye, zithole ukuphumula ezingatsheni zaso.”

33 Waphinda wabatshela omunye umzekeliso wathi, “Umbuso wezulu ufana lemvubelo eyathathwa ngowesifazane wayixubanisa lempuphu enengi, yabila yagcwala inhlama yonke.”

34 UJesu wakhuluma zonke lezizinto exukwini labantu ngemizekeliso; kazange akhulume lutho kubo engasebenzisanga umzekeliso. 35 Ngakho kwagcwaliseka okwakhulunywa ngomphrofethi ukuthi:

“Ngizavula umlomo wami ngemizekeliso,

ngizakutsho izinto ezifihliweyo selokhu kwadatshulwa umhlaba.”†

Umzekeliso Wokhula Uyachasiswa

36 Wasesuka exukwini waya endlini. Abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi, “Sichazele umzekeliso wokhula ensimini.”

37 Waphendula wathi, “Lowo owahlanyela inhlanyelo enhle yiNdodana yoMuntu. 38  Insimu ngumhlaba njalo inhlanyelo enhle imele abantu bombuso. Ukhula lungabantu bomubi 39  njalo isitha esiluhlanyelayo nguSathane. Isivuno siyikuphela kwesikhathi njalo abavuni yizingilosi.

40  Njengalokhu ukhula lusitshunwa lutshiswe emlilweni, kuzakuba njalo ekupheleni kwesikhathi. 41  Indodana yoMuntu izathuma izingilosi zayo, zikhuphe konke okuyizikhubekiso embusweni wayo, labo bonke abenza ububi. 42  Zizabaphosela esihogweni somlilo ovuthayo okuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla kwamazinyo. 43  Lapho-ke, abalungileyo bazakhazimula njengelanga embusweni kaYise wabo. Lowo olendlebe, kezwe.”

Umzekeliso Wenotho Efihliweyo Lowephareli

44  “Umbuso wezulu unjengenotho efihliweyo esivandeni. Kwathi indoda isiyitholile yayifihla njalo, kwathi ngoba iphakathi kokuthokoza, yahamba yayathengisa konke eyayilakho yayathenga lesosivande.

45  Njalo umbuso wezulu ufana lomthengi edinga amaphareli amahle. 46  Kwathi esefumene elinye elalilentengo ephezulu wahamba wayathengisa konke ayelakho walithenga.”

Umzekeliso Womambule

47  “Futhi umbuso wezulu ufana lomambule owehliselwa phansi echibini wagola zonke inhlobo zezinhlanzi. 48  Wathi usugcwele, abagoli bezinhlanzi bawudonsela okhunjini. Basebehlala phansi, baqoqela ezitsheni zonke inhlanzi ezinhle kodwa ezimbi bazilahla. 49  Lokhu yikho okuzakwenzakala ekupheleni kwesikhathi. Izingilosi zizakuza zehlukanise ababi kwabalungileyo, 50  zibaphosele esihogweni somlilo ovuthayo, lapho okuzakuba khona lokukhala kanye lokugedla kwamazinyo.”

51 UJesu wababuza wathi, “Selizizwisisile zonke lezizinto na?”

Bathi, “Yebo.”

52 Wathi kubo, “Ngakho wonke umfundisi womthetho osephenduke waba ngumfundi wombuso wezulu unjengomnini wendlu okhupha esiphaleni sakhe amagugu amatsha lamadala.”

Umphrofethi Ongeladumo

53 UJesu eseqedile imizekeliso le wasuka lapho wahamba. 54 Wafika edolobheni lakibo waqalisa ukufundisa abantu esinagogweni labo, bamangala. Babuza bathi, “Indoda le yayithatha ngaphi inhlakanipho le lamandla la ayisimangaliso kangaka? 55 Kanti lo kayisiyo indodana yombazi na? Ibizo likanina kasuMariya na, labafowabo kakusiJakhobe, uJosefa, uSimoni loJudasi na? 56 Odadewabo kabakho lapha kanye lathi na? Pho indoda le yazizuza ngaphi izinto zonke lezi?” 57 Bakhubeka ngaye.

Kodwa uJesu wathi kubo, “Umphrofethi kaladumo edolobheni lakibo lasendlini yakwabo.”

58 Kasenzanga izimangaliso ezinengi khona ngenxa yokusilela kwabo ekukholweni.

14

UJohane Umbhaphathizi Uqunywa Ikhanda

1 Ngalesosikhathi uHerodi umbusi wezwa imibiko ngoJesu, 2 wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe, “Lo nguJohane uMbhaphathizi; usevukile kwabafileyo! Yikho izimangaliso zisenziwa nguye.”

3 UHerodi wayembophile uJohane, wamfaka insimbi, wamphosela entolongweni ngenxa kaHerodiyasi, umkamfowabo uFiliphu, 4 ngoba uJohane wayelokhu esithi kuye, “Kungaphandle komthetho ukuthi umthathe.” 5 UHerodi wayefuna ukumbulala uJohane kodwa wayesesaba abantu ngoba babesithi ungumphrofethi.

6 Ngelanga lesikhumbuzo sokuzalwa kukaHerodi indodakazi kaHerodiyasi yasinela izethekeli, yamjabulisa kakhulu uHerodi 7 waze wathembisa ngesifungo ukuyipha loba yini eyayingayicela. 8 Isicetshiswe ngunina yathi, “Ngipha ikhanda likaJohane uMbhaphathizi lisemganwini.” 9 Inkosi yadana kakhulu kodwa kwathi ngenxa yezifungo zayo langenxa yezethekeli zayo yalaya ukuba isicelo leso senziwe, 10 uJohane wahle waqunywa ikhanda entolongweni. 11 Ikhanda lakhe lalethwa lisemganwini laphiwa intombazana eyalithwalela kunina. 12 Abafundi bakaJohane beza bathatha isidumbu sakhe bayasingcwaba. Basebehamba bayatshela uJesu.

UJesu Upha Izinkulungwane Ezinhlanu Ukudla

13 UJesu wathi ekuzwa lokho okwenzakalayo wathi nyelele ngesikepe waya endaweni engelabantu. Amaxuku athi ekuzwa lokhu asuka emadolobheni amlandela ngenyawo. 14 UJesu uthe esehla esikepeni wabona ixuku labantu elikhulu walizwela usizi ngakho wasesilisa abagulayo babo.

15 Kwathi selithambeme abafundi beza kuye bathi, “Le yindawo ekhatshana kakhulu njalo sekuntambama. Wothi lababantu bahambe ukuze bayozithengela ukudla emizini.”

16 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kakudingeki ukuthi bahambe. Bapheni lina ukudla.”

17 Baphendula bathi, “Thina esilakho lapha yizinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili.”

18 Wathi, “Kuletheni lapha.” 19 Waselaya abantu ukuthi bahlale phansi phezu kotshani. Wathatha izinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili wakhangela ezulwini wabonga, wasehlephuna izinkwa. Waseziqhubela abafundi, bazinika abantu. 20 Bonke badla basutha, abafundi bakhe babutha okuseleyo bagcwalisa izitsha ezilitshumi lambili. 21 Inani lalabo abadlayo lalingaba ngamadoda azinkulungwane ezinhlanu kungabalwa abesifazane labantwana.

UJesu Uhamba Phezu Kwamanzi

22 Masinyane nje uJesu wathi abafundi bakhe bangene esikepeni bamandulele ngakwelinye iphetsheya, yena esavalelisana labantu. 23 Esebakhulule, waya ewatheni lwentaba ukuyakhuleka eyedwa. Sekuhlwile ngalobobusuku wayekhonale eyedwa, 24 kodwa isikepe sasesihambe umango ukusuka okhunjini, siyaluziswa ngamagagasi ngoba sasiphikisana lomoya.

25 Kwathi ngomlindo wesine ebusuku uJesu waya kubo ehamba phezu kwechibi. 26 Kwathi abafundi bembona ehamba phezu kwechibi besaba kakhulu. Bakhala ngokwesaba bathi, “Lithonga.”

27 Kodwa uJesu waphanga wathi kubo, “Manini isibindi! Yimi. Lingesabi.”

28 UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Nkosi, nxa kunguwe, tshono ukuba ngize kuwe phezu kwamanzi.”

29 Wathi, “Woza.”

Khonapho uPhethro wasephuma esikepeni, wahamba phezu kwamanzi weza kuJesu. 30 Kodwa wathi ebona umoya wesaba, kwathi eseqala ukutshona wakhala wathi, “Nkosi, akungisize!”

31 Khonokho uJesu welula isandla sakhe wambamba. Wathi kuye, “Wena olokholo oluncinyane, kungani uthandabuzile?”

32 Bonela ukungena esikepeni umoya wathula. 33 Kwathi labo ababesesikepeni bamkhonza bathi, “Ngempela uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu.”

34 Bathi sebechaphile, bafikela eGenesaretha. 35 Kwathi amadoda akuleyondawo semnanzelele uJesu athumela ilizwi kuwo wonke umango wakulelo dolobho. Abantu baletha bonke abagulayo babo kuye 36 bamncenga ukuthi avumele labo abagulayo ukuthi bathinte nje umphetho wesigqoko sakhe, kwathi bonke labo abamthintayo basiliswa.

15

Okuhlanzekileyo Lokungahlanzekanga

1 Ngalesosikhathi abanye abaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho beza kuJesu bevela eJerusalema bambuza bathi, 2 “Kungani abafundi bakho besephula isiko labadala na? Kabagezi izandla zabo bengakadli!”

3 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kungani lina lisephula umlayo kaNkulunkulu ngenxa yamasiko enu na? 4  Phela uNkulunkulu wathi, ‘Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko’*njalo ‘Lowo othuka uyise loba unina ufanele ukubulawa.’† 5  Kodwa lina lithi nxa umuntu esithi lokho obekungaba lusizo kuyise kumbe unina kuphawulelwe uNkulunkulu, 6  akasamelanga ahloniphe uyise lonina ngakho. Ngaleyondlela lichitha ilizwi likaNkulunkulu ngenxa yesiko lenu. 7  Lina bazenzisi! U-Isaya wayeqinisile aze aphrofithe ngani esithi:

8  ‘Lababantu bangidumisa ngezindebe zabo,

kodwa inhliziyo zabo zikhatshana lami.

9  Bangikhonza ngeze;

imfundiso yabo yimithetho yabantu.’‡”

10 UJesu wabizela ixuku labantu kuye wathi, “Lalelani lizwisise. 11  Lokho okungena emlonyeni womuntu ‘kakumngcolisi’ kodwa lokho okuphuma emlonyeni wakhe yikho ‘okumngcolisayo.’ ”

12 Abafundi basebesiza kuye bambuza bathi, “Uyakwazi yini ukuthi abaFarisi kubakhubile ukuzwa lokhu?”

13 Waphendula wathi, “Zonke izihlahla ezingahlanyelwanga nguBaba osezulwini zizasitshunwa lezimpande zazo. 14  Bayekeleni; ngabakhokheli abazimpumputhe. Nxa impumputhe ihola impumputhe zombili zizawela egodini.”

15 UPhethro wathi, “Sichasisele umzekeliso lowo.”

16 UJesu wababuza wathi, “Lilokhu lingelakuqedisisa na? 17  Kaliboni yini ukuthi noma yini engena emlonyeni iya esiswini besekuphuma emzimbeni? 18  Kodwa lezozinto eziphuma emlonyeni womuntu zivela enhliziyweni yizo ezenza umuntu angcole. 19  Ngoba enhliziyweni kuphuma imicabango emibi, ukubulala, ukufeba, ukuhlobonga, ubusela, ukufakaza amanga, ukunyeya lokuhlambaza. 20  Lokhu yikho okwenza umuntu angcole, kodwa ukudla ngezandla ezingagezwanga kakumenzi angcole.”

Ukholo Lowesifazane WaseKhenani

21 Esuka kuleyondawo uJesu waya emangweni waseThire leSidoni. 22 Umfazi ongumKhenani wakuleyondawo weza kuye ezokhala esithi, “Nkosi, Ndodana kaDavida, ake ungihawukele! Indodakazi yami ithwele nzima, ihlutshwa ngamadimoni.”

23 UJesu kazange amphendule. Ngakho abafundi bakhe beza kuye bamkhuthaza bathi, “Mxotshe, nangu uselokhu ememeza esilandela.”

24 Waphendula wathi, “Ngathunywa kuphela ezimvini ezilahlekileyo zako-Israyeli.”

25 Owesifazane lowo weza waguqa phambi kwakhe wathi, “Nkosi, ake ungisize.”

26 Waphendula uJesu wathi, “Kakulunganga ukuthatha isinkwa sabantwana usiphosele izinja.”

27 Owesifazane wathi, “Yebo Nkosi, angithi izinja ziyayidla imvuthu eziwa etafuleni yabaninizo.”

28 UJesu wasephendula wathi, “Nkosazana, ulokukholwa okukhulu! Isicelo sakho sesamukelwe.” Indodakazi yakhe yahle yasila ngalesosikhathi.

UJesu Usuthisa Izinkulungwane Ezine

29 UJesu wasuka lapho wehla egudlana loLwandle lwaseGalile. Wasekhwela entabeni wahlala phansi. 30 Kweza kuye amaxuku amakhulu abantu eletha abaqhulayo, iziphofu, izigoga, izimungulu labanye abanengi, bababeka phambi kwakhe; wabasilisa. 31 Abantu bamangala ukubona izimungulu sezikhuluma, izigoga sezitshwaphulukile, abaqhugezelayo sebezihambela leziphofu sezibona. Bamdumisa uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli.

32 UJesu wabiza abafundi bakhe wathi, “Ngibazwela usizi lababantu; sebehlale lami insuku ezintathu bengadlanga lutho. Angifuni kubakhulula belambile funa bayathe endleleni.”

33 Abafundi bakhe bamphendula bathi, “Singakuthatha ngaphi ukudla okwaneleyo endaweni ekhatshana kanje ukuba sisuthise ixuku elingaka na?”

34 UJesu wabuza wathi, “Lilezinkwa ezingaki?”

Bathi, “Eziyisikhombisa lenhlanzi ezincane ezimbalwa.”

35 Wasetshela ixuku labantu ukuba lihlale phansi. 36 Wasethatha lezozinkwa eziyisikhombisa lenhlanzi, kwathi esebongile, wazihlephula waziqhubela abafundi, labo bazinika abantu. 37 Bonke badla basutha. Ngemva kwalokho abafundi babutha imvuthu kwagcwala izitsha eziyisikhombisa. 38 Inani lalabo abadlayo lalizinkulungwane ezine kungabalwa abafazi labantwana. 39 UJesu eselikhulule ixuku labantu, wangena esikepeni waya emangweni waseMagadani.

16

Abafuna Isibonakaliso

1 AbaFarisi labaSadusi beza kuJesu bamlinga ngokumcela ukuthi abatshengise isibonakaliso esivela ezulwini.

2 Waphendula wathi, “Nxa kufika ukuhlwa lithi, ‘Umkhathi uzakuba muhle ngoba isibhakabhaka sibomvu,’ 3  ekuseni lithi, ‘Lamuhla kuzaqubuka isiphepho ngoba isibhakabhaka sibomvu njalo kugubuzele.’ Liyakwazi ukuchaza umumo womkhathi kodwa kalenelisi ukuchaza izibonakaliso zesikhathi. 4  Isizukulwane esixhwalileyo lesiphingayo sifuna isibonakaliso kodwa kasisoze sisiphiwe ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso sikaJona.” UJesu wasebatshiya wahamba.

Imvubelo YabaFarisi LabaSadusi

5 Bathi sebekhuphukele ngaphetsheya kwechibi, abafundi babekhohliwe ukuza lesinkwa. 6 UJesu wathi kubo, “Limukani. Liqaphele imvubelo yabaFarisi labaSadusi.”

7 Bakhulumisana ngalokhu bathi, “Kungenxa yokuba kasizanga lesinkwa.”

8 UJesu wakwazi abakukhulumayo wasebuza wathi, “Lina elilokholo oluncinyane, kungani likhulumisana ngokungabi lasinkwa na? 9  Lilokhu lingaqedisisi yini? Kalikhumbuli na izinkwa ezinhlanu ezasuthisa abantu abazinkulungwane ezinhlanu, lokuthi laqoqa izitsha ezingaki? 10  Kumbe izinkwa eziyisikhombisa ezasuthisa abantu abazinkulungwane ezine lokuthi laqoqa izitsha ezigcweleyo ezingaki? 11  Kungani lingezwisisi ukuthi bengingakhulumi lani ngesinkwa? Kodwa qaphelani imvubelo yabaFarisi labaSadusi.” 12 Basebezwisisa ukuthi wayengabatsheli ukuqaphela imvubelo esetshenziswa esinkweni kodwa ukunanzelela imfundiso yabaFarisi labaSadusi.

Ubufakazi BukaPhethro NgoKhristu

13 Kwathi uJesu esefike emangweni waseKhesariya Filiphi wabuza abafundi bakhe wathi, “Abantu bathi iNdodana yoMuntu ingubani na?”

14 Baphendula bathi, “Abanye bathi nguJohane uMbhaphathizi; abanye bathi ngu-Elija; abanye njalo bathi nguJeremiya loba omunye nje wabaphrofethi.”

15 Wabuza wathi, “Lina-ke, lithi ngingubani?”

16 USimoni Phethro waphendula wathi, “UnguKhristu iNdodana kaNkulunkulu ophilayo.”

17 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ubusisiwe wena Simoni, ndodana kaJona ngoba lokhu kawukwambulelwanga ngumuntu wegazi lenyama kodwa nguBaba osezulwini. 18  Ngakho ngiyakutshela ukuthi unguPhethro*njalo phezu kwalelidwala ngizakwakha ibandla lami, futhi amasango eHadesi akayikulehlula. 19  Ngizakupha izihluthulelo zombuso wezulu; loba yini oyibophayo emhlabeni izabotshwa lasezulwini njalo loba yini oyithukululayo emhlabeni izathukululwa lasezulwini.” 20 Waseqonqosela abafundi bakhe ukuba bangatsheli muntu ukuthi wayenguKhristu.

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokufa Kwakhe

21 Kusukela ngalesosikhathi uJesu waqalisa ukuchazela abafundi bakhe ukuthi kumele aye eJerusalema ayehlupheka ngezinto ezinengi ezandleni zabadala bebandla, abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho njalo lokuthi kumele abulawe, kuthi ngelanga lesithathu avuswe kwabafileyo.

22 UPhethro wamdonsela eceleni waqalisa ukumkhuza wathi, “Ngeke kwenzeke Nkosi! Lokhu kakusoze kwafa kwenzeka kuwe!”

23 UJesu waphendula wathi kuPhethro, “Suka emva kwami Sathane! Uyisikhubekiso kimi; engqondweni yakho kawulazo izinto zikaNkulunkulu kodwa ucabanga ezabantu.”

24 UJesu wasesithi kubafundi bakhe, “Nxa ekhona ofuna ukungilandela, kazidele athathe isiphambano sakhe angilandele. 25  Ngoba lowo ofuna ukusindisa impilo yakhe izamlahlekela kodwa lowo olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami uzayizuza. 26  Kuzamsiza ngani umuntu ukuzuza wonke umhlaba kodwa alahlekelwe ngumphefumulo wakhe na? Kambe umuntu angaphani esikhundleni sempilo yakhe na? 27  Phela iNdodana yoMuntu izakuza ngobukhosi bukaYise kanye lezingilosi zakhe, ibisisipha umvuzo emuntwini munye ngamunye ngalokho akwenzileyo.

28  Ngilitshela iqiniso, abanye abemiyo khonapha kabayikukuzwa ukufa bengakayiboni iNdodana yoMuntu isiza embusweni wayo.”

17

Ukukhazimuliswa KukaJesu

1 Ngemva kwensuku eziyisithupha, uJesu wathatha uPhethro, loJakhobe loJohane umfowabo kaJakhobe wakhwela labo entabeni ephakemeyo lapho ababa bodwa khona. 2 Bekhona lapho waguquka isimo emehlweni abo. Ubuso bakhe bakhazimula njengelanga lezigqoko zakhe zaba mhlophe njengokukhanya. 3 Khonokho kwasekubonakala uMosi lo-Elija bekhuluma loJesu.

4 UPhethro wathi kuJesu, “Nkosi, kuhle kithi ukuba lapha. Nxa uthanda ngizakwakha izihonqo ezintathu, esakho, esinye esikaMosi lesinye esika-Elija.”

5 Wathi elokhe esakhuluma, iyezi elikhazimulayo labagubuzela, ilizwi elavela eyezini lathi, “Le yiNdodana yami engiyithandayo; ngiyathokoza kakhulu ngayo. Ilaleleni!”

6 Abafundi bathi bekuzwa lokhu bathi mbo phansi ngobuso, besaba. 7 Kodwa uJesu weza wabathinta. Wathi, “Sukumani. Lingesabi.” 8 Bathi bevusa amehlo kabasabonanga muntu ngaphandle kukaJesu.

9 Bathi sebesehla entabeni, uJesu wabalaya wathi, “Lingatsheli muntu ngalokhu elikubonileyo iNdodana yoMuntu ize ivuswe kwabafileyo.”

10 Abafundi bambuza bathi, “Kungani pho abafundisi bomthetho besithi u-Elija kumele aqale afike?”

11 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngeqiniso, u-Elija uyeza azolungisa kutsha izinto zonke. 12  Kodwa ngiyalitshela ngithi u-Elija uvele sewafika njalo kabamazanga kodwa bazenzela kuye konke ababekufuna. INdodana yoMuntu bazayihlukuluza ngaleyondlela.” 13 Lapho-ke abafundi basebezwisisa ukuthi wayekhuluma labo ngoJohane uMbhaphathizi.

Ukusiliswa Komfana Owayeledimoni

14 Bathi sebefike exukwini labantu, indoda ethile yamqonda uJesu yaguqa phambi kwakhe. 15 Yathi, “Nkosi, ake uhawukele indodana yami. Ilezithuthwane njalo iyahlupheka kakhulu. Kanengi iwela emlilweni kumbe emanzini. 16 Ngiyilethile kubafundi bakho kodwa behlulekile ukuyisilisa.”

17 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Oh, lina sizukulwane esingakholwayo lesonakeleyo. Ngizahlala lani kuze kube nini na? Ngizalibekezelela kuze kube nini na? Mletheni lapha kimi umfana lowo.” 18 UJesu walikhuza idimoni laphuma emfaneni wahle wasila ngalesosikhathi.

19 Abafundi basebesiza kuJesu ngasese bambuza bathi, “Kungani sehlulekile ukulikhupha idimoni na?”

20 Waphendula wathi, “Ngoba ukholo lwenu luncinyane. Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi nxa lingaba lokukholwa loba kukuncinyane njengentanga yemastadi, lingathi entabeni le, ‘Suduluka lapha uye laphayana’ izasuduluka. Kakukho kini okungasoze kwenzeke. [ 21  Kodwa uhlobo olunje aluphumi ngaphandle kwangomkhuleko lokuzila ukudla.]”*

Ukuphrofitha Kwesibili KukaJesu Mayelana Lokufa Kwakhe

22 Bathi sebebuthene eGalile wathi kubo, “INdodana yoMuntu izanikelwa ezandleni zabantu. 23  Bazayibulala, kuthi ngosuku lwesithathu izavuswa kwabafileyo.” Abafundi badabuka kakhulu.

Umthelo WeThempeli

24 UJesu labafundi bakhe sebefikile eKhaphenawume, abaqoqi bomthelo wamadrakhima amabili beza kuPhethro babuza bathi, “Umfundisi wenu kawuhlawuli yini umthelo wethempeli?”

25 Wathi, “Yebo, uyawuthela.”

Kwathi uPhethro engena endlini, uJesu nguye owakhuluma kuqala, wabuza wathi, “Ucabangani kambe Simoni? Amakhosi omhlaba ayithatha kubani inkongozelo lemithelo, emadodaneni abo na loba kwabanye abantu?”

26 UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Kwabanye abantu.”

UJesu wasesithi kuye, “Ngakho-ke amadodana akhululekile. 27  Kodwa ukuze singabakhubi, yana echibini uphosele iwuka yakho khona. Ubothatha inhlanzi yokuqala ozayibamba, uvule umlomo wayo uzafumana khona uhlamvu lwemali engamadrakhima amane. Uyithathe ubaphe ibe ngumthelo wami lowenu.”

18

Omkhulu Kulabo Bonke Embusweni Wezulu

1 Ngalesosikhathi abafundi beza kuJesu babuza bathi, “Ngubani omkhulu kulabo bonke embusweni wezulu na?”

2 Wabiza umntwana omncinyane wamisa phakathi kwabo. 3 Wasesithi, “Ngiqinisile ngithi kini, ngaphandle kokuba liguquke libe njengabantwana abancinyane, kalisoze lafa langena embusweni wezulu. 4  Ngakho lowo ozithobayo njengomntwana lo nguye omkhulu kulabo bonke embusweni wezulu. 5  Njalo lowo owamukela umntwana omncane njengalo ebizweni lami wamukela mina.”

Ukukhubekisa

6  “Nxa umuntu ekhubekisa oyedwa walaba abancinyane abakholwa kimi ukuthi enze isono, kungabangcono kuye ukuthi kulengiswe entanyeni yakhe inkalakatha yembokodo yokuchola agaluliswe enzikini yolwandle. 7  Maye kuwo umhlaba ngenxa yezinto ezenza abantu benze isono! Izinto ezinjalo zivele ziyafika kodwa maye kulowomuntu ezifika ngaye! 8  Nxa isandla sakho loba unyawo lwakho kukwenzisa isono, kuqume ukulahle. Kungcono kuwe ukuba ungene ekuphileni uyingini kumbe ugogekile kulokuba lezandla zombili kumbe inyawo zombili uphoselwe emlilweni ongapheliyo. 9  Nxa ilihlo lakho likwenzisa isono, likopole ulilahle. Kungcono kuwe ukungena ekuphileni ulelihlo elilodwa kulokuba lamehlo amabili kodwa uphoselwe esihogweni somlilo.”

Umzekeliso Wemvu Elahlekileyo

10  “Nanzelelani ukuthi lingeyisi lamunye walaba abancinyane. Ngoba ngilitshela ukuthi izingilosi zabo zezulu zihlezi zibona ubuso bukaBaba ezulwini. [ 11  INdodana yoMuntu yalanda ukusindisa okwakulahlekile.]*

12  Kambe likhumbulani? Nxa indoda ilezimvu ezilikhulu, enye iqambuke kwezinye, kayiyikuzitshiya yini lezo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye ezintabeni iyedinga leyo eqambukileyo? 13  Ithi ingayithola, ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi, iyathokoza ngaleyo ukwedlula lezo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye ezingazange zilahleke. 14  Ngokufanayo, uYihlo osezulwini kafisi ukuthi lamunye walaba abancinyane abhubhe.”

Umfowenu Owenza Isono Kuwe

15  “Nxa umfowenu ekona, yana kuye umtshengise isiphambeko sakhe lilodwa lobabili. Nxa ekulalela usumzuzile umfowenu. 16  Kodwa nxa engakulaleli, biza omunye loba ababili ukuze ‘indaba yonke ivele obala ilabofakazi ababili loba abathathu.’† 17  Nxa esala ukubalalela, tshela ibandla, nxa esala ukulilalela lalo ibandla mthatheni njengomhedeni kumbe njengomthelisi.

18  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi, loba yini eliyibophayo emhlabeni izabotshwa lasezulwini njalo lokho elikuthukululayo emhlabeni kuzathukululwa lasezulwini.

19  Njalo ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi nxa ababili kini emhlabeni bevumelana loba ngalutho bani abalucelayo bazalwenzelwa nguBaba osezulwini. 20  Ngoba lapho okuhlangana khona ababili loba abathathu ngebizo lami, ngizabe ngikhona lami.”

Umzekeliso Wenceku Engelasihawu

21 UPhethro weza kuJesu wabuza wathi, “Nkosi, umfowethu loba udadewethu ngizamthethelela kangaki nxa elokhu engona na? Kuze kube kasikhombisa na?”

22 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngithi hatshi kasikhombisa kodwa okwezikhathi ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesikhombisa.

23  Ngakho umbuso wezulu unjengenkosi eyayifuna ukuqeda izikwelede zayo lezinceku zayo. 24  Yathi isiqalisa ukuthonisa kwalethwa kuyo indoda eyayilesikwelede samathalenta azinkulungwane ezilitshumi. 25  Kwathi ngoba ingelamandla okuhlawula inkosi yalaya ukuthi yona, umkayo, abantwana lakho konke eyayilakho kuthengiswe ukuze kuqedwe umlandu.

26  Inceku yaguqa phambi kwenkosi yayincenga yathi, ‘Ake ungibekezelele, ngizahlawula konke.’ 27  Inkosi yenceku leyo yayizwela usizi, yayithethelela, yawesula umlandu yayiyekela yahamba.

28  Kodwa leyo yonela ukuphuma, yafumana eyinye inceku eyayilesikwelede sayo samadenari alikhulu. Yayibamba ngomphimbo, yayiklinya, yathi ngolaka, ‘Hlawula isikwelede sami!’

29  Leyonceku layo yawa ngamadolo yayincenga yathi, ‘Ake ungibekezelele, ngizakuhlawula.’

30  Kodwa yona yala. Endaweni yalokho, yahamba yenza ukuba leyondoda iphoselwe entolongweni ize iqale ihlawule isikwelede. 31  Kwathi ezinye izinceku sezibonile okwakwenzakele, zathukuthela kakhulu zayaceba enkosini ngalokho okwenzakeleyo.

32  Inkosi yayibiza leyonceku, yathi, ‘Wena nceku embi. Ngikuthethelele, ngasesula sonke isikwelede sakho ngoba ungincengile. 33  Kungani pho ungazwelanga omunye wakho isihawu njengalokhu ngenzile kuwe?’ 34  Inkosi yayo yathukuthela kakhulu, yayinikela kubaphathi bejele ukuthi bayihlukuluze ize isihlawule sonke isikwelede.

35  Yiyo le indlela uBaba osezulwini azaphatha ngayo lowo lalowo wenu nxa lingathetheleli abazalwane kuphuma enhliziyweni.”

19

Ukuchitha Umtshado

1 UJesu eseqedile ukutsho lezizinto, wasuka eGalile waya emangweni waseJudiya ngaphetsheya kweJodani. 2 Walandelwa ngamaxuku amakhulu abantu, wabasilisa khona lapho.

3 Abanye abaFarisi beza kuye ukuzamlinga. Bambuza bathi, “Kusemthethweni yini ukuthi indoda ilahle umkayo loba kungasiphi isizatho?”

4 Waphendula wathi, “Kalikubalanga yini ukuthi ekuqaleni uMdali ‘wabenza baba ngowesilisa lowesifazane,’* 5  wathi, ‘Ngalesi isizatho indoda izatshiya uyise lonina ihlanganiswe lomkayo, kuthi laba ababili bazakuba nyamanye?’† 6  Ngakho kabasebabili, kodwa sebenyamanye. Ngakho, lokho uNkulunkulu asekuhlanganisile akungehlukaniswa muntu.”

7 Babuza bathi, “Kungani pho uMosi walaya ukuthi indoda imuphe umkayo incwadi yokuquma umtshado ibisimxotsha?”

8 UJesu waphendula wathi, “UMosi walivumela ukuthi lilahle omkenu ngobulukhuni bezinhliziyo zenu. Kodwa kwakungenjalo ekuqaleni. 9  Ngilitshela ukuthi lowo ohlukana lomkakhe, ngaphandle kokuba ehlobongile, athathe omunye umfazi, uyaphinga.”

10 Abafundi bathi kuye, “Nxa kumi kanjalo phakathi kwendoda lomkayo kungcono ukungathathi.”

11 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Akusibo bonke abangalemukela lelilizwi, kodwa labo kuphela abaliphiweyo. 12  Ngoba abanye bangabathenwa ngenxa yokuthi bazalwa benjalo, abanye benziwa ngabantu njalo abanye bakudela ukutshada ngenxa yombuso wezulu. Lowo ongakwamukela lokho kakwemukele.”

Abantwana Abancane LoJesu

13 Kwasekulethwa abantwana abancinyane kuJesu ukuba ababeke izandla lokubakhulekela. Kodwa abafundi babakhuza labo ababalethayo.

14 UJesu wathi, “Yekelani abantwana beze kimi, lingabavimbeli ngoba umbuso wezulu ungowabanjengalaba.” 15 Esebabekile izandla wasuka lapho wahamba.

Insizwa Enothileyo

16 Kweza enye insizwa kuJesu yabuza yathi, “Mfundisi, ngingenzani okulungileyo ukuze ngizuze ukuphila okungapheliyo na?”

17 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ungibuzelani ngokulungileyo na? Munye kuphela olungileyo. Nxa ufuna ukungena ekuphileni, landela imilayo.”

18 Insizwa yabuza yathi, “Yiphi na?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “ ‘Ungabulali, ungaphingi, ungatshontshi, ungafakazeli amanga, 19  hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko,’‡njalo ‘thanda umakhelwane wakho njengoba uzithanda wena.’§”

20 Insizwa yathi, “Yonke le ngiyigcinile. Pho ngisaswelani na?”

21 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Nxa ufuna ukuthi uphelele, thengisa yonke inotho yakho uphe abampofu, lapho-ke inotho yakho izakuba sezulwini. Ubusubuya ungilandele.”

22 Kwathi insizwa ikuzwa lokho, yasuka idanile ngoba yayilenotho enengi kakhulu.

23 UJesu wasesithi kubafundi bakhe, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi kunzima emuntwini onothileyo ukuthi angene embusweni wezulu. 24  Njalo ngiyalitshela ukuthi kungaba lula ukuthi ikamela lingene embotsheni yenalithi kulokuthi umuntu onothileyo angene embusweni kaNkulunkulu.”

25 Kwathi abafundi sebekuzwile lokhu bamangala kakhulu babuza bathi, “Pho ngubani ongasindiswa na?”

26 UJesu wabakhangela wathi, “Ngokwabantu, lokhu kakwenzeki kodwa ngoNkulunkulu zonke izinto ziyenzeka.”

27 UPhethro wamphendula wathi, “Sesitshiye konke ukuze sikulandele! Pho sizazuzani na?”

28 UJesu wathi kubo, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi, emhlabeni omutsha, lapho iNdodana yoMuntu isihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi, lina elingilandelayo lani lizahlala ezihlalweni zobukhosi ezilitshumi lambili, lahlulele izizwana ezilitshumi lambili zako-Israyeli. 29  Njalo bonke labo abatshiye izindlu zabo, loba abafowabo, loba odadewabo kumbe uyise loba unina kumbe abantwana loba amasimu ngenxa yami bazakwamukeliswa okwandiswe ngekhulu njalo bazakudla ilifa lokuphila okungapheliyo. 30  Kodwa abanengi abangabokuqala bazakuba ngabokucina njalo abanengi abangabokucina bazakuba ngabokuqala.”

20

Umzekeliso Wezisebenzi Esivinini

1  “Ngoba umbuso wezulu unjengomlimi owaphuma ekuseni kakhulu wayaqhatsha amadoda okusebenza esivinini sakhe. 2  Wathembisa ukubaholisa idenari okwalolosuku wasebathumela esivinini sakhe.

3  Waphuma njalo ngehola lesificamunwemunye ekuseni wabona abanye bezimele nje emsikeni bengenzi lutho. 4  Wabatshela wathi, ‘Lani hambani liyesebenza esivinini sami, ngizaliholisa okufaneleyo.’ 5  Ngakho bahamba.

Wabuye waphuma emini sekubanga ihola lesithathu emini wenza okufanayo. 6  Sekusondele ihola lesihlanu waphuma wafumana abanye bezimele nje khonapho. Wababuza wathi, ‘Kungani belilokhu limi lapha ilanga lonke lingenzi lutho na?’

7  Bamphendula bathi, ‘Ngoba kakho osiqhatshileyo.’

Wathi kubo, ‘Lani hambani liyesebenza esivinini sami.’

8  Kwathi sekuntambama, umninisivini wathi enduneni yezinceku, ‘Biza izinceku uziphe iholo lazo, uqalise ngabokucina usehla usiya kwabokuqala.’

9  Izinceku ezaqhatshwa sekubanga ihola lesihlanu ntambama zeza ngamunye zaphiwa idenari. 10  Kwathi sekufike labo abaqhatshwa kuqala balindela ukuphiwa okwedlulayo. Kodwa ngamunye wabo waphiwa idenari. 11  Bonela ukuyamukela baqalisa ukumsola umnininsimu besithi, 12  ‘Lababantu abaqhatshwe ekucineni basebenze ihola elilodwa kuphela kodwa usubalinganise lathi thina esithwale kanzima ngomsebenzi sitshiswa lilanga usuku lonke.’

13  Kodwa waphendula omunye wabo wathi, ‘Mnakwethu, angikudlelezeli ngalutho. Kawuvumanga yini ukusebenzela idenari? 14  Thatha umholo wakho uhambe. Mina ngithanda ukupha indoda leyo eqhatshwe muva okulingana lalokho engikunike khona. 15  Kangilalungelo na lokwenza loba yini engiyithandayo ngemali yami? Kumbe ulomhawu ngokuphana kwami na?’

16  Ngakho owokucina uzakuba ngowokuqala, lowokuqala abe ngowokucina.”

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokufa Kwakhe Njalo

17 Kwathi uJesu esesiya eJerusalema wathatha abafundi abalitshumi lambili wema labo eceleni wathi kubo, 18  “Sesisiya eJerusalema lapho iNdodana yoMuntu ezanikelwa khona kubaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho. Bazayigwebela ukufa, 19  bayinikele kwabeZizwe ukuba iyangiswe, itshaywe njalo ibethelwe. Ngosuku lwesithathu izavuswa kwabafileyo!”

Isicelo Somzali Wesifazane

20 Kwasekufika unina wamadodana kaZebhediya kuJesu elamadodana akhe waguqa phansi wacela ukuthi enzelwe umusa.

21 UJesu wabuza wathi, “Kuyini okufunayo?”

Yena wathi, “Tshono ukuthi omunye wala amadodana ami amabili uzahlala kwesokunene sakho kuthi omunye laye ahlale kwesokhohlo sakho embusweni wakho.”

22 UJesu wathi kubo, “Kalikwazi elikucelayo. Lingayinatha na inkezo engizayinatha?”

Bathi, “Yebo singayinatha.”

23 UJesu wathi kubo, “Yebo lizanatha kuyo inkezo yami kodwa ukuhlala kwesokunene kumbe kwesokhohlo kwami kakusikho kwami ukukuvumela. Izindawo lezi ngezalabo abazilungiselwe nguBaba.”

24 Kwathi abalitshumi bekuzwa lokhu bazithukuthelela lezozelamani. 25 UJesu wasebabizela ndawonye wathi, “Liyakwazi ukuthi ababusi beZizwe bazibusa kalukhuni, kuthi lezikhulu zazo zikhonye phezu kwazo. 26  Kakunjalo kini. Kodwa loba ngubani ofuna ukuba mkhulu phakathi kwenu kabe yinceku yenu, 27  lalowo ofuna ukuba ngowokuqala kabe yinceku yenu, 28  njengalokhu iNdodana yoMuntu ingezanga ukuzokhonzwa kodwa ukuzokhonza lokunikela impilo yayo njengenhlawulo yabanengi.”

Iziphofu Ezimbili Zenziwa Zibone

29 Kwathi uJesu labafundi bakhe sebesuka eJerikho ixuku elikhulu labantu lamlandela. 30 Amadoda amabili ayiziphofu ayehlezi eceleni komgwaqo athi esizwa ukuthi uJesu wayesedlula khonapho amemeza athi, “Nkosi, Ndodana kaDavida, sihawukele!”

31 Ixuku labantu lawakhuza lathi kawathule kodwa amemeza ngamandla athi, “Nkosi, Ndodana kaDavida, sihawukele!”

32 UJesu wema wawabiza, wawabuza wathi, “Lifuna ukuba ngilenzeleni?”

33 Aphendula athi, “Nkosi, sifuna ukuthi sibone.”

34 UJesu wawazwela isihawu wawathinta emehlweni. Masinyane nje ahle abona asemlandela.

21

UJesu Uza EJerusalema NjengeNkosi

1 Bathi sebesondela eJerusalema, bafika eBhethifage eNtabeni yama-Oliva, uJesu wathuma abafundi ababili, 2 wathi kubo, “Yanini emzini ophambi kwenu, khonapho lizabona inkonyane kababhemi lobabhemi ebotshelwe khonapho. Libakhulule libuye labo kimi. 3  Nxa kungaba lozalibuza, limtshele ukuthi iNkosi yiyo ebafunayo, uzahle abayekele bahambe masinyane.”

4 Lokhu kwenzeka ukuze kugcwaliseke okwakhulunywa ngomphrofethi ukuthi:

5 “Tshela iNdodakazi yaseZiyoni ukuthi,

‘Khangela, inkosi yakho iyeza kuwe,

imnene igade ubabhemi,

iphezu kwenkonyane, inkonyane kababhemi.’*”

6 Abafundi bahamba benza njengokulaywa kwabo nguJesu. 7 Baletha inkonyane kababhemi lobabhemi, bendlala amajazi abo phezu kwabobabhemi ukuze uJesu ahlale phezu kwawo. 8 Ixuku elikhulu lendlala amajazi alo endleleni, kukanti abanye bephula ingatsha ezihlahleni bazendlala endleleni. 9 Amaxuku ayehamba phambi kwakhe lalawo ayelandela amemeza athi,

“Hosana kuyo iNdodana kaDavida!”†

“Ubusisiwe lowo obuya ngebizo likaThixo!”

“Hosana ezulwini eliphezulu!”

10 Kwathi uJesu esengenile eJerusalema, umuzi wonke wanyakazela, abantu babuzana bathi, “Kanti ngubani lo?”

11 Amaxuku aphendula athi, “Lo nguJesu, umphrofethi waseNazaretha eGalile.”

UJesu EThempelini

12 UJesu wangena egumeni lethempeli wabaxotsha bonke ababethenga lababethengisa khona. Wagenqula amatafula alabo ababentshintshela abanye izimali lezihlalo zabathengisa amajuba. 13 Wathi kubo, “Kulotshiwe ukuthi, ‘Indlu yami izabizwa ngokuthi yindlu yokukhuleka,’‡kodwa lina seliyenza ‘ubhalu lwabaphangi.’§”

14 Iziphofu labaqhugezelayo beza kuye ethempelini wabasilisa. 15 Kodwa kwathi abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho bebona izimanga ayezenza labantwana bememeza egumeni lethempeli besithi, “Hosana kuyo iNdodana kaDavida,” banengeka.

16 Bambuza bathi, “Uyabezwa nje abantwana laba ukuthi bathini?”*

Waphendula uJesu wathi, “Yebo, kalikaze lifunde ukuthi,

‘Ezindebeni zabantwana lensane

wena Nkosi uyimisile indumiso’?”

17 Wasebatshiya waphuma edolobheni waya eBhethani lapho alala khona.

Isihlahla Somkhiwa Siyabuna

18 Ekuseni kakhulu esebuyela edolobheni wezwa eselambile. 19 Wabona isihlahla somkhiwa eceleni kwendlela, waqambukela kuso kodwa wathola kungelalutho kuso ngaphandle kwamahlamvu nje. Wasesithi kuso, “Ungaphindi uthele izithelo lanini!” Khonapho nje isihlahla sahle sabuna.

20 Abafundi bathi bekubona lokhu bamangala kakhulu. Babuza bathi, “Kwenzeke kanjani ukuthi isihlahla somkhiwa sibune masinyane kangaka?”

21 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ngithi nxa lilokukholwa njalo lingathandabuzi, kalisoze lenze okwenziwe kulesi isihlahla somkhiwa kuphela kodwa njalo lingathi kule intaba, ‘Suka, uziphosele olwandle,’ lakanye kuzenzeka. 22  Nxa likholwa, lizaphiwa loba yini eliyicelayo ngomkhuleko.”

Kubuzwa Ngemvelo Yamandla KaJesu

23 UJesu wangena ethempelini, kwathi elokhu efundisa abaphristi abakhulu labadala babantu beza kuye. Bambuza bathi, “Izinto lezi uzenza ngawaphi amandla na? Ngubani okunike amandla la?”

24 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lami ngizalibuza umbuzo owodwa. Lingangiphendula, ngizalitshela ukuthi ngizenza ngawaphi amandla lezizinto. 25  Ubhaphathizo lukaJohane lwavela ngaphi na? Lwavela ezulwini loba ebantwini na?”

Bangunguna bodwa ngalokho bathi, “Nxa singathi, ‘Lwavela ezulwini,’ uzakuthi, ‘Pho kungani lingazange limkholwe na?’ 26 Kodwa singathi, ‘Lwavela ebantwini,’ sesaba abantu ngoba bonke uJohane bamthatha njengomphrofethi.”

27 Ngakho bamphendula uJesu bathi, “Kasikwazi.”

Ngakho wasesithi, “Lami kangiyikulitshela ukuthi izinto lezi ngizenza ngamandla bani.”

Umzekeliso Wamadodana Amabili

28  “Likhumbulani kambe? Kwakulendoda eyayilamadodana amabili. Yaya kweyokuqala yathi, ‘Ndodana, lamuhla hamba uyesebenza esivinini.’

29  Yaphendula yathi, ‘Kangisoze ngiye mina,’ kodwa yaphinde yazisola yahamba.

30  Uyise wasesiya kwenye indodana watsho okufanayo. Yaphendula yathi, ‘Ngizahamba, baba,’ kodwa kayihambanga.

31  Yiphi phakathi kwawo womabili eyenza lokho okwakufunwa nguyise na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Ngeyakuqala.”

UJesu wathi kubo, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ngithi abathelisi lezifebe bazangena embusweni kaNkulunkulu kuqala kulani. 32  Ngoba uJohane weza kini ukuzalitshengisa indlela yokulunga kodwa kalimkholwanga ikanti abathelisi lezifebe bamkholwa. Kwathi lokuba selikubonile konke lokhu kalimkholwanga.”

Umzekeliso Wabalimi Esivinini

33  “Zwanini omunye umzekeliso: Kwakukhona umnini wesiqinti owahlanyela isivini. Wasihonqolozela ngomduli, wagebha isikhamelo sewayini phakathi, wasesakha isilindo. Waseqhatshisa isivini leso kubalimi wasuka wathatha uhambo. 34  Kuthe sekufika isikhathi sokuvuna wathuma izinceku zakhe kulabobalimi ukuyathatha izithelo.

35  Abalimi bazibamba izinceku zakhe; eyinye bayitshaya, eyinye bayibulala kwathi eyesithathu bayikhanda ngamatshe. 36  Wasethuma ezinye izinceku kubo, ezinengi kulezakuqala, njalo abalimi baziphatha ngendlela efanayo. 37  Ekucineni wasethumela indodana yakhe kubo. Wathi, ‘Bazayihlonipha indodana yami.’

38  Kodwa kwathi abalimi beyibona indodana batshelana bathi, ‘Lo yindlalifa. Wozani simbulale sithathe ilifa lakhe.’ 39  Ngakho bamdumela bamphosela ngaphandle kwesivini bambulala.

40  Ngakho-ke nxa umninisivini esesiza uzabathini abalimi labo na?”

41 Baphendula bathi, “Uzababonisa into yamehlo, abeseqhatshisa isivini sakhe kwabanye abalimi abazamnika ingxenye yakhe yezithelo ngesikhathi sokuvuna.”

42 UJesu wathi kubo, “Kalibalanga yini emibhalweni ukuthi:

‘Ilitshe elalahlwa ngabakhi

seliyilona ilitshe lensika;

iNkosi ikwenzile lokhu,

njalo kuyamangalisa emehlweni ethu?’†

43  Ngakho ngiyalitshela ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu lizawuthathelwa uphiwe abantu abazathela izithelo zawo. 44  Lowo ozawela phezu kwalelilitshe uzavadlaka kodwa lowo elizawela phezu kwakhe uzafihlizwa.”

45 Kwathi abaphristi abakhulu labaFarisi besizwa imizekeliso kaJesu, bakwazi ukuthi wayekhuluma ngabo. 46 Badinga indlela yokumbopha kodwa besaba ixuku labantu ngoba abantu bambona njengomphrofethi.

22

Umzekeliso Wedili Lomthimba

1 UJesu wakhuluma kubo njalo ngemizekeliso wathi: 2  “Umbuso wezulu unjengenkosi eyalungisela indodana yayo idili lomthimba. 3  Yathuma izinceku zayo kulabo ababenxusiwe edilini ukuba beze kodwa bala ukuza.

4  Yaphinda yathuma ezinye izinceku yathi, ‘Batsheleni labo abanxusiweyo ukuthi sengililungisile idili. Ngihlabe inkabi lenkomo ezinonisiweyo, konke sekulungile. Wozani edilini lomthimba.’

5  Kodwa kabakunanzanga lokho, bazihambela, omunye waya ensimini yakhe, omunye emsebenzini wakhe. 6  Abanye bazibamba izinceku zayo, bazihlukuluza bazibulala. 7  Inkosi yathukuthela. Yathumela impi yayo yababhuqa labobabulali yatshisa idolobho labo.

8  Yasisithi ezincekwini zayo, ‘Idili lomthimba selilungile kodwa labo engibanxusileyo bebengasafanele ukuza. 9  Hambani liye emahlanganweni ezindlela linxuse loba ngubani elimbonayo.’ 10  Ngakho izinceku zangena ezitaladini zabutha bonke abantu ezababonayo, abalungileyo lababi, indlu yomthimba yagcwala izethekeli.

11  Kodwa kwathi inkosi ingena ukuzabona izethekeli, yananzelela khonapho indoda eyeyingavunulanga izigqoko zomthimba. 12  Yabuza yathi, ‘Mngane, ungene njani lapha ungelazigqoko zomthimba?’ Indoda yatsha amathe.

13  Inkosi yasitshela izinceku zayo yathi, ‘Mbopheni izandla lezinyawo limphosele ngaphandle ebumnyameni, lapho okuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla kwamazinyo.’

14  Ngoba banengi ababiziweyo kodwa balutshwana abakhethiweyo.”

Ukuthela KuKhesari

15 Lapho-ke abaFarisi basuka baphuma bayaceba ukuthi bambambe ngamazwi akhe. 16 Bathuma abafundi babo kuye behamba lamaHerodiya. Bathi, “Mfundisi, siyazi ukuthi uyindoda eqotho lokuthi ufundisa indlela kaNkulunkulu ngokweqiniso. Kawusuye uthathekile ngoba kawulani lokuthi bangobani. 17 Sitshele-ke, uthini ngalokhu? Kusemthethweni na ukuthela kuKhesari kumbe hatshi?”

18 UJesu ngokwazi inhloso yabo embi wathi, “Lina bazenzisi, lenzani lizama ukungithiya na? 19  Ake lingitshengise uhlamvu lwemali okuthelwa ngayo.” Bamlethela idenari, 20 wasebabuza wathi, “Ngumfanekiso kabani lo? Njalo luphawu lukabani lolu?”

21 Baphendula bathi, “NgokukaKhesari.”

Wasesithi kubo, “Phanini uKhesari okungokukaKhesari loNkulunkulu okungokukaNkulunkulu.”

22 Bathi besizwa lokhu bamangala. Ngakho basuka kuye bahamba.

Ukuthathana Ekuvukeni Kwabafileyo

23 Ngalelolanga abaSadusi, abathi kakukho ukuvuka kwabafileyo, beza kuye belombuzo. 24 Bathi, “Mfundisi, uMosi wasitshela wathi, nxa indoda ingafa ingazalanga mntwana, umfowabo kamthathe umfelokazi amzalele abantwana. 25 Kwakulabafowabo abayisikhombisa phakathi kwethu. Wathatha owakuqala wasesifa, kwathi ngoba engazuzanga mntwana watshiyela umkakhe umfowabo. 26 Kwaphinda lokho kowesibili lowesithathu njalo kwaze kwaba ngowesikhombisa. 27 Ekucineni wafa lowomfazi. 28 Pho-ke, ekuvukeni kwabafileyo uzakuba ngumkabani phakathi kwabayisikhombisa njengoba bonke babemthethe?”

29 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Liyalahleka ngoba kaliyazi imibhalo lamandla kaNkulunkulu. 30  Ekuvukeni kwabafileyo abantu kabayikuthatha loba bendiswe; bazakuba njengezingilosi ezulwini. 31  Kodwa mayelana lokuvuka kwabafileyo, kalibalanga yini lokho uNkulunkulu akutsho kini ukuthi, 32  ‘NginguNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, uNkulunkulu ka-Isaka loNkulunkulu kaJakhobe’*? KasuNkulunkulu wabafileyo kodwa owabaphilayo.”

33 Kwathi amaxuku abantu esizwa lokhu amangaliswa yikufundisa kwakhe.

Umlayo Omkhulu Kulayo Yonke

34 AbaFarisi sebezwile ukuthi uJesu wayesebathulisile abaSadusi, bahlangana ndawonye. 35 Omunye wabo owayeyisazi somthetho wamlinga ngombuzo wathi, 36 “Mfundisi, yiwuphi umlayo omkhulu kulayo yonke eMthethweni?”

37 UJesu waphendula wathi, “ ‘Thanda iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke langengqondo yakho yonke.’† 38  Yiwo owokuqala njalo odlula yonke imilayo. 39  Owesibili unjengawo: ‘Thanda umakhelwane wakho njengoba uzithanda wena.’‡ 40  Wonke uMthetho labaPhrofethi kweyeme kuyonale imilayo emibili.”

UKhristu UyiNdodana Kabani?

41 Kwathi abaFarisi behlangene ndawonye uJesu wababuza wathi, 42 “Licabangani ngoKhristu? Uyindodana kabani?”

Baphendula bathi, “Yindodana kaDavida.”

43 Wathi kubo, “Kungani pho uDavida wathi ekhuluma ngoMoya umbiza athi ‘Nkosi’? Ngoba uthi,

44  ‘INkosi yathi eNkosini yami:

“Hlala ngakwesokunene sami

ngize ngibeke izitha zakho

ngaphansi kwenyawo zakho.” ’§

45  Pho, nxa uDavida esithi kuye, ‘Nkosi,’ angaba yindodana yakhe njani?” 46 Kakho loyedwa owaba lelizwi lokumphendula. Kwathi-ke kusukela ngalolosuku kakho owaqunga isibindi sokumbuza eminye imibuzo.

23

Izixwayiso Eziyisikhombisa

1 UJesu wasesithi emaxukwini abantu lakubafundi bakhe: 2  “Abafundisi bomthetho labaFarisi bahlezi esihlalweni sikaMosi. 3  Ngakho kumele libalalele lenze konke abalitshela khona. Kodwa lingakwenzi abakwenzayo, ngoba kabakulandeli lokho abakutshumayelayo. 4  Baqoqa imithwalo enzima bayetshate emahlombe abantu kodwa bona bengafuni lokulokotha bayithwale.

5  Konke abakwenzayo bakwenzela ukuba babonwe ngabantu, benza imicwatsho yabo yemibhalo ibe banzi lezintshaka zezigqoko zabo zibe zinde; 6  bathanda izindawo eziphezulu emadilini lezihlalo eziqakathekileyo emasinagogweni, 7  bathanda ukubingelelwa emisikeni lokuthi abantu bababize ngokuthi ‘Rabi.’

8  Kodwa lina nxa lingabizwa kuthiwe ‘Rabi,’ ngoba munye kuphela oyiNkosi yenu njalo lina lonke liyizinini. 9  Futhi lingabizi muntu emhlabeni ngokuthi ‘baba,’ ngoba liloYihlo oyedwa, yena osezulwini. 10  Njalo lingabizwa ngokuthi bafundisi, ngoba liloMfundisi oyedwa, uKhristu. 11  Omkhulu kulani lonke phakathi kwenu uzakuba yinceku yenu. 12  Ngoba lowo oziphakamisayo uzathotshiswa, lalowo ozithobayo uzaphakanyiswa.”

Inhlupheko Eziyikhombisa Kubafundisi Bomthetho LakubaFarisi

13  “Maye kini, bafundisi bomthetho lakubaFarisi, lina bazenzisi! Livalela abantu umbuso wezulu. Lina ngokwenu kalingeni liphinde livimbele labo abazama ukungena. [ 14  Maye kini bafundisi bomthetho lakini baFarisi, lina bazenzisi! Liphanga izindlu zabafelokazi, beselizenzisa lisenza imikhuleko emide, ngalokho lizakwamukeliswa ukulahlwa okukhulu.]*

15  Maye kini bafundisi bomthetho lakini baFarisi, lina bazenzisi! Lidabula ilizwe lihambe laphezu kolwandle lidinga ukuphendula oyedwa zwi, lithi selimzuzile limphendule abe yindodana yesihogweni okuphindwe kabili kulani.

16  Maye kini, baholi abayiziphofu! Lithi, ‘Nxa umuntu efunga ngethempeli kakutsho lutho; kodwa nxa umuntu efunga ngegolide lethempeli usezibophile ngesifungo sakhe.’ 17  Lina ziphofundini! Yikuphi okukhulu kulokunye: igolide kumbe ithempeli elenza igolide libengcwele? 18  Lithi njalo, ‘Nxa umuntu efunga nge-alithare, akusilutho; kodwa nxa umuntu efunga ngesipho esikulo usezibophile ngesifungo sakhe.’ 19  Lina ziphofu zabantu! Yikuphi okudlula okunye: isipho langabe i-alithari elenza isipho sibe ngcwele? 20  Ngakho lowo ofunga nge-alithare ufunga ngalo langakho konke okukulo. 21  Njalo lowo ofunga ngethempeli ufunga ngalo njalo langaye lowo ohlala kulo. 22  Njalo lalowo ofunga ngezulu ufunga ngesihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu langaye ohlezi phezu kwaso.

23  Maye kini, bafundisi bomthetho lakini baFarisi, bazenzisi! Linika okwetshumi okweziyoliso zenu, iminti ledili lekhamini. Kodwa liyekethise izinto ezimqoka emthethweni, eziyikulunga, isihawu kanye lokwethembeka. Bekufanele lithi likwenza lokhu lingawuyekethisanga umthetho. 24  Lina baholi abayiziphofu! Liyacenga ukukhupha ubuyane kodwa liginye ikamela.

25  Maye kini, bafundisi bomthetho lakini baFarisi, lina bazenzisi! Ligezisa inkezo lomganu ngaphandle kodwa ngaphakathi kugcwele ubuhwaba lokuzisuthisa. 26  MFarisi oyisiphofu! Qala uhlambulule ingaphakathi yenkezo lomganu, ukuze ingaphandle layo ihlambuluke.

27  Maye kini, bafundisi bomthetho lakini baFarisi, lina bazenzisi! Linjengamathuna aconjiweyo, akhanya ebukeka ngaphandle, kodwa ngaphakathi agcwele amathambo abantu abafileyo lakho konke okungcolileyo. 28  Kanjalo, ngaphandle libonakala ebantwini linjengabalungileyo, kodwa ngaphakathi ligcwele ukuzenzisa lobubi.

29  Maye kini, bafundisi bomthetho lakini baFarisi, lina bazenzisi! Lakhela abaphrofethi amathuna njalo licecise amathuna abalungileyo. 30  Beselisithi, ‘Ngabe saphila ngezinsuku zabokhokho bethu sasingeyikuhlanganyela labo ekuchitheni igazi labaphrofethi.’ 31  Ngalokho yini elipha ubufakazi bokuthi liyisizukulwane salabo ababulala abaphrofethi. 32  Nanko-ke, wohlani liqedise lesosono sabokhokho benu!

33  Lina zinyoka! Lina nzalo yezinhlangwana! Lizaphepha kanjani ukuba lilahlelwe esihogweni na? 34  Ngakho ngilithumela abaphrofethi lamadoda ahlakaniphileyo labafundisi. Abanye babo lizababulala libabethele; abanye lizababhaxabula emasinagogweni enu, lilandelelane labo kuleli laleliyana idolobho. 35  Ngakho-ke, lonke igazi elilungileyo elachithwayo emhlabeni kusukela egazini lika-Abheli owayelungile kusiya egazini likaZakhariya indodana kaBherekhiya elambulala phakathi laphakathi kwethempeli le-alithari lizakwehliselwa phezu kwenu. 36  Ngilitshela iqiniso, konke lokhu kuzakuba phezu kwalesi isizukulwane.

37  Jerusalema, Jerusalema, wena obulala abaphrofethi, ubakhande ngamatshe labo abathunywe kuwe, sekukanengi ngiloyisa ukuqoqa ndawonye abantwabakho, njengesikhukhukazi siqoqa amatsiyane aso ngaphansi kwamaphiko aso, kodwa wena wawungathandi. 38  Khangela, indlu yakho isitshiywe ilunxiwa. 39  Ngoba ngiyalitshela, kalisayikungibona futhi lize lithi, ‘Ubusisiwe lowo obuya ngebizo likaThixo.’†”

24

Ukubhidlizwa KweThempeli Lezibonakaliso Zokucina Kwesikhathi

1 UJesu wathi esuka ethempelini esehamba abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi kake ananzelele izakhiwo zalo. 2 Wathi, “Liyazibona na zonke lezizinto? Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi akulalitshe lapha elizasala liphezu kwelinye; wonke azabhidlizwa.”

3 Kwathi uJesu ehlezi eNtabeni yama-Oliva abafundi bakhe beza kuye ngasese bathi, “Sitshele, kuzakwenzakala nini lokhu na, njalo kuzakuba lesibonakaliso bani sokuza kwakho lokuphela kwesikhathi na?”

4 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Qaphelani ukuze lingakhohliswa muntu. 5  Ngoba abanengi bazakuza ngebizo lami besithi, ‘NginguKhristu,’ bakhohlise abanengi. 6  Lizakuzwa ngezimpi lamahungahunga azo, kodwa lingaze lethuka. Izinto ezinjalo zizakwenzeka, kodwa ukucina kulokhu kuseza. 7  Isizwe sizavukela isizwe, lombuso uvukele umbuso. Kuzakuba lendlala lokuzamazama komhlaba ezindaweni ezitshiyeneyo. 8  Konke lokhu kuyikuqalisa kobuhlungu bokuhelelwa.

9  Lapho lizanikelwa ukuba lihlutshwe njalo libulawe, futhi lizazondwa yizizwe zonke ngenxa yami. 10  Ngalesosikhathi abanengi bazadela ukukholwa banikelane njalo bazondane, 11  kuvele abaphrofethi bamanga abanengi abazakhohlisa abantu abanengi. 12  Ngenxa yokwanda kobubi, uthando lwabanengi luzaphola, 13  kodwa lowo oma aqine kuze kube sekupheleni uzasindiswa. 14  Njalo lelivangeli lombuso lizatshunyayelwa kuwo wonke umhlaba njengobufakazi kuzozonke izizwe, besekufika ukuphela.

15  Nxa libona kumi endaweni engcwele ‘amanyala aletha incithakalo,’*okwakhulunywa ngomphrofethi uDanyeli, ofundayo kezwisise. 16  Lapho-ke akuthi labo abaseJudiya babalekele ezintabeni. 17  Akungabikhona osophahleni lwendlu ozakwehla phansi ukuyathatha ulutho endlini. 18  Lowo osemasimini kangabuyeli ngekhaya ukuyathatha ijazi lakhe. 19  Yeka ubulukhuni obuzakuba khona ngalezonsuku kwabesifazane abakhulelweyo labangabadlezane! 20  Khulekelani ukuba ukuphaphatheka kwenu kungabi sebusika loba ngeSabatha. 21  Ngoba ngalesosikhathi kuzakuba lokuhlupheka okukhulu, okungazange kube khona kulokhu kwadabuka umhlaba kuze kube manje, njalo kakusoze kube khona futhi.

22  Aluba lezinsuku bezingaphungulwanga, kakho obezaphepha, kodwa ngenxa yabakhethiweyo lezinsuku zizaphungulwa. 23  Nxa ngalesosikhathi omunye esithi kini, ‘Khangela, nangu uKhristu!’ loba ‘Ulaphaya!’ lingakukholwa lokho. 24  Ngoba oKhristu bamanga labaphrofethi bamanga bazavela benze izibonakaliso lezimangaliso ezinkulu ukukhohlisa kanye labakhethiweyo, nxa lokho kungenzeka. 25  Zwanini, sengihle ngalitshela mandulo kwesikhathi.

26  Ngakho-ke, nxa umuntu elitshela esithi, ‘Nanguyana, laphayana egangeni,’ lingayi khona loba athi, ‘Nangu lapha ezindlini ezingaphakathi,’ lingaze lakukholwa lokho. 27  Ngoba njengombane osuka empumalanga uhle ubonakale lasentshonalanga, kuzakuba njalo ukufika kweNdodana yoMuntu. 28  Lapho okulesidumbu khona kulapho amanqe abuthana khona.

29  Masinyane ngemva kokuhlupheka kwalezonsuku,

‘ilanga lizafiphala

lenyanga kayiyikukhanya;

izinkanyezi zizakuwa esibhakabhakeni,

izisekelo zasezulwini zizazanyazanyiswa.’†

30  Kulesosikhathi isibonakaliso seNdodana yoMuntu sizavela emkhathini, kuthi zonke izizwe zomhlaba zilile. Zizabona iNdodana yoMuntu isiza ngamayezi esibhakabhakeni, ilamandla lobukhosi obukhulu. 31  Njalo izathumela izingilosi zayo zitshaya icilongo ngomsindo omkhulu, beseziqoqa abakhethiweyo bayo emagumbini womane omhlaba, kusukela ngapha kwamazulu kusiya ngale kwawo.

32  Manje-ke, fundani lesisifundo esihlahleni somkhiwa: Amahlumela aso angaqalisa ukuba buthakathaka lamahlamvu aso ahlume, lihle lazi ukuthi ihlobo selisondele. 33  Kanjalo-ke, nxa lingabona zonke lezizinto, lazi ukuthi sekusondele, khonapho emnyango. 34  Ngilitshela iqiniso, lesisizukulwane kasiyikudlula zize zenzakale zonke lezizinto. 35  Izulu lomhlaba kuzedlula, kodwa amazwi ami kawayikwedlula lanini.”

Usuku Lehola Kakwaziwa

36  “Kodwa kakho olwaziyo lolosuku lehola, loba izingilosi zasezulwini, kumbe iNdodana, kodwa uBaba kuphela. 37  Njengoba kwakunjalo ensukwini zikaNowa, kuzakuba njalo ekufikeni kweNdodana yoMuntu. 38  Ngoba ensukwini ezandulela uzamcolo, abantu babesidla, benatha, bethatha njalo besenda, kwaze kwafika usuku uNowa angena ngalo emkhunjini; 39  futhi babengazi lutho ngalokho okwakuzakwenzeka uzamcolo waze wafika wabatshabalalisa. Kuzakuba njalo ekufikeni kweNdodana yoMuntu. 40  Kuzakuthi amadoda emabili esensimini, eyodwa izathathwa, eyinye isale. 41  Kuzakuthi abesifazane bebabili bechola ngembokodo, oyedwa uzathathwa omunye asale.

42  Ngakho, lindani ngoba kalikwazi ukuthi iNkosi yenu izafika ngaluphi usuku. 43  Kodwa zwisisani lokhu: Kube umninindlu wayekwazile ukuthi isela lizafika ngasiphi isikhathi sobusuku ngabe walinda kaze avumela ukuthi indlu yakhe igqekezwe. 44  Ngakho lani hlalani lilindile, ngoba iNdodana yoMuntu izafika ngesikhathi leso elizabe lingayikhumbuleli sona.

45  Ngubani kambe oyinceku ethembekileyo lehlakaniphileyo umninimuzi ayibeke esikhundleni sokukhangela izisebenzi zalapha ekhaya ukuthi azinike ukudla kwazo ngesikhathi esifaneleyo? 46  Kuzakuba kuhle kuleyo nceku inkosi ezayifica isenza njalo ekuphendukeni kwayo. 47  Ngilitshela iqiniso, izakumbeka ukuthi aphathe yonke impahla yayo. 48  Kodwa cabanga mhlawumbe inceku leyo ikhohlakele njalo ingazitshela ithi, ‘Inkosi yami isesekhatshana ukubuya,’ 49  ibisiqalisa ukutshaya ezinye izinceku njalo lokudla inatha lezidakwa. 50  Inkosi yaleyonceku izabuya ngosuku engacatshangelwa khona langesikhathi inceku engasaziyo. 51  Izayiqumaquma, iyiphe indawo kanye labazenzisi, lapho okuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla kwamazinyo.”

25

Umzekeliso Wezintombi Ezilitshumi

1  “Kulesosikhathi umbuso wezulu uzakuba njengezintombi ezigcweleyo ezilitshumi ezathatha izibane zazo zaphuma ukuyahlangabeza umyeni. 2  Ezinhlanu zazo zaziyiziwula, ezinhlanu zihlakaniphile. 3  Eziyiziwula zathatha izibane zazo, kodwa kazithathanga amafutha. 4  Kodwa ezihlakaniphileyo zathwala imbodlela zamafutha kanye lezibane zazo. 5  Umyeni waphuza ukufika zonke zaze zawozela zajunywa yibuthongo.

6  Phakathi kobusuku kwamenyezelwa kwathiwa, ‘Nangu umyeni! Phumani limhlangabeze!’

7  Zasezivuka zonke izintombi zalumathisa izibane zazo. 8  Lezo ezaziyiziwula zathi kwezihlakaniphileyo, ‘Ake lisiphe lathi amanye amafutha enu; izibane zethu sezicitsha.’

9  Zaphendula ezihlakaniphileyo zathi, ‘Hatshi, kakulamafutha angasanela thina lani. Hambani liye kulabo abathengisa amafutha liyezithengela awenu.’

10  Kodwa kwathi besayathenga amafutha umyeni wafika. Izintombi ezazizilungiselele zangena laye edilini lomthimba. Umnyango wasuvalwa.

11  Ngemva kwesikhathi ezinye lazo zatsho sezifikile. Zathi, ‘Nkosi! Nkosi! Ake usivulele umnyango!’

12  Kodwa waphendula wathi, ‘Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi, kangilazi.’

13  Ngakho lindani ngoba kalilwazi usuku loba ihola.”

Umzekeliso Wamathalenta

14  “Njalo unjengendoda eyathatha uhambo, yabiza izinceku zayo yazigcinisa impahla yayo. 15  Oyedwa yamupha amathalenta amahlanu emali, omunye amabili omunye njalo ithalenta elilodwa, ngulowo kusiya ngamandla akhe. Yasisuka ingena uhambo lwayo. 16  Leyondoda eyayiphiwe amathalenta amahlanu yahle yasuka yayayisebenzisa leyomali yazuza amanye amahlanu. 17  Yenza njalo laleyo eyayiphiwe amabili, yazuza amanye amabili. 18  Kodwa indoda eyayiphiwe ithalenta elilodwa yasuka yemba igodi emhlabathini yayifihla imali yenkosi yayo.

19  Ngemva kwesikhathi eside umnini walezozinceku wabuya wafisa ukwazi ukuthi babehambise njani ngaleyomali. 20  Leyondoda eyayiphiwe amathalenta amahlanu yaletha amanye amahlanu. Yathi, ‘Nkosi, wangethemba ngamathalenta amahlanu. Khangela, sengizuze amanye amahlanu.’

21  Umnini wayo waphendula wathi, ‘Wenze kuhle, nceku elungileyo lethembekileyo! Uthembekile ezintweni ezilutshwane; ngizakugcinisa izinto ezinengi. Woza uzojabula kanye lenkosi yakho!’

22  Indoda eyayilamathalenta amabili layo yeza. Yathi, ‘Nkosi, wangethemba ngamathalenta amabili; khangela, sengizuze amanye amabili.’

23  Umniniyo waphendula wathi, ‘Wenze kuhle, nceku elungileyo lethembekileyo! Uthembekile ngezinto ezilutshwane; ngizakugcinisa izinto ezinengi. Woza uzojabula kanye lenkosi yakho!’

24  Kwasekusiza leyondoda eyayiphiwe ithalenta elilodwa. Yathi, ‘Nkosi, bengikwazi ukuthi uyindoda elukhuni, evuna lapho engahlanyelanga khona njalo ibuthe lapho engazange ihaze khona inhlanyelo. 25  Yikho ngesaba ngasuka ngayafihla ithalenta lakho emhlabathini. Khangela, nanku okungokwakho.’

26  Inkosi yaphendula yathi, ‘Wena nceku embi lelivila! Utsho ukuthi wazile ukuthi ngivuna lapho engingahlanyelanga khona njalo ngibuthe lapho engingahazanga khona inhlanyelo? 27  Kube imali yami uyifake ebhanga, ukuze kuthi ekubuyeni kwami ngiyizuze isizele.

28  Mthatheleni ithalenta lelo liliphe lowo olamathalenta alitshumi. 29  Ngoba lowo olakho uzaphiwa okunye njalo abesesiba lokunengi. Lowo ongelakho, lalokho alakho uzakwemukwa. 30  Manje-ke, iphoseni ngaphandle inceku engelamsebenzi, ebumnyameni lapho okuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla kwamazinyo.’ ”

Izimvu Lembuzi

31  “Nxa iNdodana yoMuntu isisiza ngenkazimulo yayo, ikanye lezingilosi zonke, izahlala esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi ilenkazimulo yasezulwini. 32  Zonke izizwe zizabuthaniswa phambi kwayo, ibe isisahlukanisa abantu omunye komunye njengomelusi esehlukanisa izimvu embuzini. 33  Izabeka izimvu ngasekwesokunene kwayo lembuzi ngakwesokhohlo.

34  Lapho-ke iNkosi izakuthi kulabo abangakwesokunene sayo, ‘Wozani, lina elibusiswe nguBaba; thathani ilifa lenu, umbuso owalungiselwa lina kusukela ekudalweni komhlaba. 35  Ngoba ngangilambile, langinika ulutho oludliwayo, ngangomile langipha okunathwayo, ngangiyisihambi langinxusela endlini, 36  ngangiswele izembatho langigqokisa, ngangigula langonga, ngangisentolongweni lazongibona.’

37  Abalungileyo bazamphendula bathi, ‘Nkosi, sakubona nini ulambile sakupha ukudla na, kumbe womile sakunathisa? 38  Sakubona nini uyisihambi sakunxusela endlini na, kumbe uswele izembatho sakugqokisa? 39  Sakubona nini ugula kumbe usentolongweni seza sazakubona na?’

40  INkosi izaphendula ithi, ‘Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi loba yini elayenzela loba ngomncinyane kanganani walaba abazalwane bami, lakwenzela mina.’

41  INkosi izakuthi kulabo abakwesokhohlo sayo, ‘Xekani kimi lina eliqalekisiweyo liye emlilweni ongapheliyo owalungiselwa uSathane lezingilosi zakhe. 42  Ngoba ngangilambile, kalingiphanga lutho lokudla, ngangomile kalingiphanga lutho lokunatha, 43  ngangiyisihambi kalinginxuselanga endlini, ngangiswele izembatho kalingigqokisanga, ngangigula njalo ngisentolongweni kalizange lingethekelele.’

44  Labo bazaphendula bathi, ‘Nkosi, sakubona nini ulambile kumbe womile kumbe uyisihambi kumbe ungelazigqoko kumbe ugula noma usentolongweni asaze sakunceda na?’

45  Izaphendula ithi, ‘Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi, loba kuyini elingakwenzelanga oyedwa nje omncinyane kulabo bonke walaba, kalikwenzelanga mina.’

46  Bazasuka baye ekujezisweni kwaphakade, kodwa abalungileyo baye ekuphileni okungapheliyo.”

26

Icebo Elibi NgoJesu

1 UJesu eseqedile ukukhuluma zonke lezi izinto, wathi kubafundi bakhe, 2  “Njengoba lisazi, sekusele insuku ezimbili ukuba iPhasika lifike, njalo iNdodana yoMuntu izanikelwa ukuba ibethelwe.”

3 Abaphristi abakhulu labadala babantu basebeqoqana egumeni lomphristi omkhulu owayethiwa nguKhayifasi, 4 baceba ukubopha uJesu ngasese bambulale. 5 Bathi, “Kakungabi ngesikhathi somkhosi funa kube lesiphithiphithi ebantwini.”

UJesu Uyagcotshwa EBhethani

6 Kwathi uJesu eseBhethani endlini yendoda eyayithiwa nguSimoni owayelobulephero, 7 kweza kuye owesifazane ephethe imbodlela yamakha adula kakhulu wawathela ekhanda likaJesu owayeyeme etafuleni.

8 Abafundi bathi bekubona lokho bacasuka. Basebebuza bathi, “Adlaliselwani kanje na? 9 Amakha la abengathengiswa ngemali ephezulu leyomali iphiwe abampofu.”

10 UJesu esekunanzelele lokhu wathi kubo, “Limkhathazelani owesifazane lo na? Wenze into enhle kimi. 11  Abampofu lizahlala lilabo kokuphela, kodwa kalisoze libe lami kokuphela. 12  Uthe ethululela amakha la emzimbeni wami ubesenzela ukungilungiselela ukungcwatshwa. 13  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi langaphi lapho okuzatshunyayelwa ivangeli leli emhlabeni wonke, lokhu akwenzileyo kuzakhulunywa, kube yisikhumbuzo ngaye.”

UJudasi Uvuma Ukunikela UJesu

14 Kwathi omunye wabalitshumi lambili, lowo owayethiwa nguJudasi Iskariyothi, waya kubaphristi abakhulu 15 wabuza wathi, “Lizangiphani nxa ngimnikela kini?” Base bembalela inhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi amathathu. 16 Kusukela khonapho uJudasi wadinga ithuba lokuba amnikele.

Isidlo SeNkosi

17 Ngosuku lokuqala loMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo abafundi beza kuJesu bambuza bathi, “Ufuna senzele ngaphi amalungiselelo okuthi udle iPhasika na?”

18 Waphendula wathi, “Ngenani edolobheni komunye umuntu limtshele lithi, ‘UMfundisi uthi: Isikhathi sami esimisiweyo sesiseduze. Ngizakudla iPhasika labafundi bami endlini yakho.’ ” 19 Ngakho abafundi benza njengokulayelwa kwabo nguJesu balungisa iPhasika.

20 Kwathi kusihlwa, uJesu wayehlezi eyeme etafuleni elabalitshumi lambili. 21 Kwathi besidla wathi, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi omunye wenu uzanginikela.”

22 Badana kakhulu basebesithi kuye ngamunye, “Pho kawutsho mina Nkosi?”

23 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lowo odle kanye lami emganwini uzanginikela. 24  INdodana yoMuntu kwenzakala kuyo njengoba kulotshiwe ngayo. Kodwa maye kulowomuntu ozanikela iNdodana yoMuntu! Bekungaba ngcono kuye ngabe wayengazalwanga.”

25 Wasesithi uJudasi, lowo owayezamnikela, “Pho kawutsho mina, Rabi?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Yebo, nguwe okutshoyo.”

26 Bathi besadla uJesu wathatha isinkwa wabonga, wasihlephula wasipha abafundi bakhe esithi, “Thathani lidle; lokhu kungumzimba wami.”

27 Wasethatha inkezo, esebongile, wabanika esithi, “Nathani kuyo, lonke. 28  Leli ligazi lami lesivumelwano, elichithelwe abanengi ekuthethelelweni kwezono. 29  Ngiyalitshela, angisayikuphinda nginathe okwesithelo sevini, kusukela manje kuze kube yilolosuku lapho engizakunatha khona kabutsha lani embusweni kaBaba.”

30 Bathi sebehlabele ihubo baphuma baya eNtabeni yama-Oliva.

UJesu Ubonisa Ngokuphika KukaPhethro

31 UJesu wasebatshela wathi, “Ngabona lobubusuku lizakwenyela ngami, ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

‘Ngizatshaya umelusi

izimvu zomhlambi zizahlakazeka.’*

32  Kodwa ngemva kokuba sengivukile kwabafileyo, ngizalandulela ukuya eGalile.”

33 UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Loba bonke bangaze benyele ngenxa yakho, mina kimi ngezake kwenzeke.”

34 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngikutshela iqiniso ukuthi ngabona lobubusuku, iqhude lingakakhali uzangiphika kathathu.”

35 Kodwa uPhethro wala wagomela wathi, “Loba kungenzeka ukuba ngife lawe, ngeke lanini ngikuphike.” Abanye abafundi labo batsho njalo.

EGetsemane

36 UJesu wasehamba labafundi bakhe endaweni eyayithiwa yiGetsemane, wasesithi kubo, “Hlalani lapha, mina ngisaya laphayana ukuyakhuleka.” 37  Wathatha uPhethro lamadodana kaZebhediya womabili wahamba labo, waseqala ukuhlulukelwa lokukhathazeka. 38 Wasesithi kubo, “Umphefumulo wami ugajelwa lusizi kuze kuthi ngife. Hlalani lapha lilinde lami.”

39 Wahamba ibanganyana, wazilahla phansi wathi mbo ngobuso wakhuleka wathi, “Baba, nxa kungenzeka, sengathi inkezo le ingasuswa kimi. Kodwa akungabi yintando yami, kodwa kube yintando yakho.”

40 Wasephenduka kubafundi bakhe wabafica belele. Wabuza uPhethro wathi, “Lina madoda kambe kulehlule ukulinda kanye lami okwehola elilodwa nje? 41  Lindani likhuleke ukuze lingaweli ekulingweni. Umoya uyathanda kodwa umzimba ubuthakathaka.”

42 Wahamba njalo okwesibili wakhuleka wathi, “Baba wami, nxa kungenzeki ukuthi linkezo isuswe ngaphandle kokuthi ngiyinathe, intando yakho mayenziwe.”

43 Wathi esebuya wabafica njalo sebelele, ngoba amehlo abo ayenzima. 44 Ngakho wasebatshiya waphinda wahamba njalo wayakhuleka okwesithathu ephinda into yinye.

45 Wasebuyela kubafundi wathi kubo, “Lilele, liyaphumula na? Khangelani, isikhathi sesisondele, iNdodana yoMuntu isizanikelwa ezandleni zezoni. 46  Phakamani! Kasihambeni! Nangu usesiza onginikelayo.”

Ukubotshwa KukaJesu

47 Wathi esakhuluma, uJudasi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili wafika. Wayehamba lexuku elikhulu lihlomile ngezinkemba lezinduku lithunywe ngabaphristi abakhulu labadala babantu. 48 Omnikelayo wayelungisile labo isiboniso wathi: “Lowo engizamanga nguye; mbopheni.” 49 UJudasi wahle waqonda kuJesu wathi, “Sabona, Rabi!” wamanga.

50 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Mfowethu, yenza lokho okulandileyo.”

Asesondela amadoda, amdumela uJesu ambopha. 51 Khonapho omunye wabaphelekezeli bakaJesu wakhokha inkemba yakhe wagadla encekwini yomphristi omkhulu, wayiquma indlebe.

52 UJesu wathi kuye, “Buyisela inkemba yakho endaweni yayo, ngoba bonke abakhokha inkemba bazakufa ngenkemba. 53  Ucabanga ukuthi ngingaze ngacela kuBaba, masinyane nje angiphe amaviyo alitshumi lambili ezingilosi? 54  Kodwa phela ibingagcwaliseka kanjani imibhalo ethi kumele kwenzeke ngale indlela na?”

55 Khonapho uJesu wathi exukwini labantu, “Kanti ngikhokhela umvukela yini lize lihlome ngezinkemba lezinduku ukuzangibamba na? Insuku zonke ngangihlala emagumeni ethempeli ngifundisa, kodwa kalingibophanga. 56  Kodwa lokhu kwenzeke ukuze kugcwaliseke imibhalo yabaphrofethi.” Khonapho abafundi bonke bamtshiya babaleka.

UJesu Phambi KweSanihedrini

57 Labo abambophayo uJesu bamusa kuKhayifasi, umphristi omkhulu, lapho okwasekubuthene khona abafundisi bomthetho labadala. 58 Kodwa uPhethro wayemlandela ehambela khatshana waze wayangena egumeni lomphristi omkhulu. Wangena wahlala phansi lamanxusa efuna ukubona okwakuzakwenzakala.

59 Abaphristi abakhulu leSanihedrini yonke babedinga ubufakazi bamanga ngoJesu ukuze bambulale. 60 Kodwa babuswela, lanxa abanengi ofakazi bamanga bavela.

Ekucineni ababili beza phambili 61 bathi, “Umfokazi lo wathi, ‘Ngilamandla okulidiliza ithempeli likaNkulunkulu ngiphinde ngilakhe kutsha ngezinsuku ezintathu.’ ”

62 Umphristi omkhulu wasesukuma wathi kuJesu, “Kawuyikuphendula na? Kuyini kanti lokhu okufakazwa ngamadoda la ngawe na?” 63 Kodwa uJesu wala elokhu ethule.

Umphristi omkhulu wathi kuye, “Ngiyakulaya, ngifunga ngoNkulunkulu ophilayo ngithi: Sitshele ingabe unguKhristu, iNdodana kaNkulunkulu.”

64 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Yebo, kunjengoba usitsho. Kodwa ngithi kini lonke: Ngesikhathi esizayo lizayibona iNdodana yoMuntu ihlezi kwesokunene sikaMninimandla isehla ngamayezi ezulwini.”

65 Khonapho umphristi omkhulu wadabula izigqoko zakhe wathi, “Uyahlambaza! Sisafunelani abanye ofakazi na? Khangelani, manje selikuzwile ukuhlambaza. 66 Lithini ngakho?”

Baphendula bathi, “Ufanele ukufa.”

67 Basebemkhafulela emehlweni njalo bamdutshuza ngenqindi. Abanye bamakala 68 bathi, “Phrofitha kithi, wena Khristu. Ngubani okutshayileyo?”

UPhethro Ulandula UJesu

69 UPhethro wayehlezi phandle egumeni, kwasekusiza kuye intombazana eyincekukazi yathi kuye, “Lawe njalo wawuloJesu waseGalile.”

70 Kodwa walandula phambi kwabo bonke. Wathi, “Angikwazi lokho okhuluma ngakho.”

71 Wasesuka ephuma entubeni lapho abonwa khona ngenye intombazana eyathi ebantwini khonapho, “Umfokazi lo wayeloJesu waseNazaretha.”

72 Walandula njalo efunga esithi, “Kangiyazi indoda leyo!”

73 Ngemva kwesikhatshana labo ababemi khonapho baya kuPhethro bathi, “Ngempela ungomunye wabo ngoba indlela okhuluma ngayo iyakuceba.”

74 Wasekhihliza iziqalekiso phezu kwakhe wafunga kubo wathi, “Angimazi mina lowomuntu!”

Masinyane iqhude lakhala. 75 UPhethro waselikhumbula ilizwi elakhulunywa nguJesu esithi: “Iqhude lingakakhali uzangilandula kathathu.” Waphumela ngaphandle wakhala kabuhlungu.

27

UJudasi Uyazibophela

1 Ekuseni ngovivi bonke abaphristi abakhulu labadala babantu benza isinqumo sokumbulala uJesu. 2 Bambopha, bamqhuba, bamnikela kuPhilathu umbusi.

3 Kwathi uJudasi, owayemnikele, esebona ukuthi uJesu wayesegwetshiwe, wadabuka ngokuzisola, wabuyisela inhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi amathathu kubaphristi abakhulu labadala. 4 Wathi, “Ngenze isono, ngoba nginikele igazi elingelacala.”

Baphendula bathi, “silani lalokho thina? Lokho kungumlandu wakho.”

5 Ngakho uJudasi wayiphosela ethempelini leyomali wahamba. Wasuka lapho wayazibophela.

6 Abaphristi abakhulu bazidobha inhlamvu zemali lezo bathi, “Kungaphandle komthetho ukufaka imali le esitsheni somnikelo ngoba yimali yegazi.” 7 Ngakho basebemisa ukuyisebenzisa ukuthenga isiqinti sombumbi sibe yindawo yamangcwaba abantu bezizweni. 8 Yikho yabizwa ngokuthi yiNsimu yeGazi kuze kube namuhla. 9 Kwasekugcwaliseka okwakhulunywa nguJeremiya umphrofethi ukuthi: “Bathatha inhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi amathathu, intengo eyamiswa ngaye ngabantu bako-Israyeli, 10 bazisebenzisa ukuthenga insimu yombumbi, njengokulaywa kwami yiNkosi.”*

UJesu Ephambi KukaPhilathu

11 Ngalesosikhathi uJesu wamiswa phambi kombusi, umbusi wasebuza wathi, “Uyinkosi yamaJuda na?”

“Njengoba usitsho,” kuphendula uJesu.

12 Wayesithi nxa ethonisiswa ngabaphristi abakhulu labadala angaze aphendula. 13 UPhilathu wasembuza wathi, “Awubuzwa yini ubufakazi abakwethesa bona?” 14 Kodwa uJesu wathula, kazaphendula lamlandu munye, okwamangalisa umbusi kakhulu.

15 Kwakungumkhuba wakhe umbusi ukuthi ngomkhosi akhulule isibotshwa esikhethwe lixuku labantu. 16 Ngalesosikhathi kwakulesibotshwa esasigange kubi, sithiwa nguJesu isibongo saso singuBharabhasi. 17 Kuthe abantu sebebuthene uPhilathu wababuza wathi, “Lifuna ngilikhululele wuphi na, uBharabhasi loba uJesu othiwa nguKhristu?” 18 Ngoba wayesazi ukuthi kwakungenxa yomhawu okwenza banikela uJesu kuye.

19 Kwathi uPhilathu esahlezi esihlalweni sakhe sokwahlulela, umkakhe wamthumela ilizwi wathi: “Ungayingeni indaba yomuntu lowo ongelacala, ngoba lamuhla ngihluphekile kakhulu ngaye emaphutsheni.”

20 Kodwa abaphristi abakhulu labadala bakhuthaza abantu ukuthi bacele uBharabhasi, bathi uJesu kabulawe.

21 Wabuza umbusi wathi, “Lifuna ngilikhululele wuphi phakathi kwalaba ababili na?”

Baphendula bathi, “UBharabhasi.”

22 UPhilathu wabuza wathi, “Pho ngenzeni ngoJesu othiwa nguKhristu?”

Bonke bamphendula bathi, “Mbethele!”

23 UPhilathu wabuza wathi, “Yindaba? Woneni?”

Kodwa bamemeza ngamandla bathi, “Mbethele!”

24 Kwathi uPhilathu esebona ukuthi akusela enye indlela, kwasekuzavuka isiyaluyalu, wathatha amanzi wageza izandla zakhe phambi kwexuku wathi, “Angilacala ngegazi lalumuntu. Ngumlandu wenu!”

25 Bonke abantu bamphendula bathi, “Yekela igazi lakhe libe phezu kwethu laphezu kwabantwabethu!”

26 Wasebakhululela uBharabhasi. Wathi uJesu katshaywe, wasemnikeza ukuba abethelwe.

Amabutho Aklolodela UJesu

27 Amabutho ombusi asemthatha uJesu amngenisa ePhritoriyamu, inkundla yombusi, wabuthanelwa liviyo lonke lamabutho. 28 Bamkhulula izigqoko zakhe bamgqokisa ijazi elibomvu, 29 basebeseluka umqhele wameva bamethesa wona. Bamphathisa intonga kwesokunene sakhe baguqa phambi kwakhe bamklolodela. Bathi, “Bayethe, Nkosi yamaJuda!” 30 Bamkhafulela, bamthathela lowomqwayi bamtshaya bemphindaphinda ekhanda. 31 Sebemklolodele, bamhlubula ijazi bamgqokisa ezakhe. Basebemqhuba besiya mbethela.

Ukubethelwa Kwakhe

32 Bathi sebephumela ngaphandle bahlangana lendoda yaseKhureni, ethiwa nguSimoni, bayibamba ngamandla ukuthi ithwale isiphambano. 33 Bafika endaweni ethiwa kuseGoligotha (okutsho ukuthi “Indawo yoKhakhayi”). 34 Khonapho uJesu bamupha iwayini ukuba anathe, lixutshaniswe lenyongo; kodwa wonela ukulinambitha wasesala ukulinatha. 35 Kwathi sebembethele behlukaniselana izigqoko zakhe ngokwenza inkatho. 36 Bahlala phansi bamlinda khonapho. 37 Phezu kwekhanda lakhe babeka umbhalo wecala lakhe owawusithi,

Lo nguJesu, iNkosi yamaJuda.

38 Izigebenga ezimbili zabethelwa kanye laye, esinye ngakwesokunene sakhe, esinye ngakwesokhohlo. 39 Labo ababesedlula lapho babemhlambaza, benikina amakhanda besithi, 40 “Wena ozadiliza ithempeli ulakhe ngezinsuku ezintathu, zisindise! Yehla esiphambanweni nxa uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu!” 41 Ngokunjalo abaphristi abakhulu, labafundisi bomthetho kanye labadala bamklolodela. 42 Bathi, “Wasindisa abanye, kodwa uyehluleka ukuzisindisa yena! UyiNkosi yako-Israyeli! Kehle manje esiphambanweni ukuze simkholwe. 43 Uthembele kuNkulunkulu. UNkulunkulu kamsindise phela manje nxa emfuna, ngoba wathi, ‘NgiyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu.’ ” 44 Ngaleyondlela izigebenga ezazibethelwe kanye laye lazo zamthethisa ngenhlamba.

Ukufa KukaJesu

45 Kusukela emini kwaze kwaba lihola lesithathu emini ubumnyama bembesa lonke ilizwe. 46 Ngehola lesithathu emini uJesu wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu wathi, “Eloyi, Eloyi, lamasabakithani?”† (okutsho ukuthi, “Nkulunkulu wami, Nkulunkulu wami, kungani usungidelile na?”).

47 Kwathi abanye kwababemi lapho bekuzwa lokho bathi, “Ubiza u-Elija.”

48 Masinyane omunye wabo wagijima wathatha isipontshi. Wasicwilisa phakathi kwewayini elimunyu, wasixhuma oluthini wasidlulisela kuJesu ukuthi anathe. 49 Abanengi bathi, “Myekele. Ake sibone ingabe u-Elija uzakuza azomsindisa.”

50 UJesu esephindile ukumemeza ngelizwi elikhulu, umoya wakhe waphuma.

51 Ngalesosikhathi ikhetheni lethempeli laqhekezeka kabili kusukela phezulu kusiya phansi. Umhlaba wazamazama lamatshe aqhekezeka. 52 Amathuna avuleka, izidumbu zabantu abanengi abangcwele abafayo zavuswa kwabafileyo. 53 Baphuma emathuneni, kwathi ngemva kokuvuka kukaJesu kwabafileyo baya edolobheni elingcwele bavela ebantwini abanengi.

54 Kwathi ukuba induna yekhulu kanye lalabo ababelinde uJesu bebona ukuzamazama komhlaba kanye lakho konke okwakwenzakele, besaba kakhulu, bababaza bathi, “Ngempela ubeyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu!”

55 Kwakulabesifazane abanengi, bebukele bebucwala. Babelandele uJesu besuka eGalile ukuthi banakekele izinswelo zakhe. 56 Phakathi kwabo kwakuloMariya Magadalini, loMariya unina kaJakhobe loJosefa kanye lonina wamadodana kaZebhediya.

Ukungcwatshwa KukaJesu

57 Kwathi ilanga selithambeme, kwafika indoda enothileyo yase-Arimathiya, eyayibizwa ngokuthi nguJosefa, yena owayesengumfundi kaJesu. 58 Waya kuPhilathu wayacela isidumbu sikaJesu, uPhilathu walaya ukuba asiphiwe. 59 UJosefa wasithatha isidumbu wasigoqela ngelembu elihlanzekileyo lelineni, 60 wayasibeka ethuneni lakhe elitsha ayeligubhe edwaleni. Wagiqela ilitshe elikhulu emlonyeni wethuna wasehamba. 61 UMariya Magadalini lomunye uMariya babehlezi khonapho malungana lethuna.

Abalindi Ethuneni

62 Ngosuku olulandelayo, oluza ngemva kosuku lokuLungisela, abaphristi abakhulu labaFarisi baya kuPhilathu. 63 Bathi, “Nkosi, siyakhumbula ukuthi esaphila umkhohlisi loyana wathi yena, ‘Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu ngizavuka kwabafileyo.’ 64 Ngakho yenza ukuthi ithuna lilindwe kuze kube lusuku lwesithathu. Engxenye abafundi bakhe bangeza bantshontshe isidumbu sakhe, batshele abantu ukuthi usevukile kwabafileyo. Inkohliso le ingabambi kakhulu kuleyakuqala.”

65 UPhilathu waphendula wathi, “Thathani abalindi. Hambani liyevikela ithuna njengokubona kwenu.” 66 Basebehamba ukuyalinda lokuqinisa ithuna ngokubeka uphawu phezu kwelitshe njalo bamisa abalindi.

28

Ukuvuka Ekufeni

1 Ngemva kweSabatha, ekuseni ngovivi losuku lokuqala lweviki, uMariya Magadalini lomunye uMariya baya ethuneni besiyakhangela.

2 Kwaba lokuzamazama komhlaba okukhulu ngoba ingilosi yeNkosi yehla ivela ezulwini, yaya ethuneni yaligiqela ilitshe eceleni yahlala phezu kwalo. 3 Ukubonakala kwayo kwakunjengombane, lezigqoko zayo zimhlophe nke njengongqwaqwane. 4 Abalindi besaba baze bathuthumela baba njengabafileyo.

5 Ingilosi yathi kwabesifazane, “Lingesabi, ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi lidinga uJesu obebethelwe. 6 Kakho lapha; usevukile kwabafileyo njengoba watsho. Wozani libone indawo abelele kuyo. 7 Hambani masinyane liyetshela abafundi bakhe lithi: ‘Usevukile kwabafileyo, uselandulele ukuya eGalile. Kulapho elizambona khona.’ Mina sengilitshelile manje.”

8 Ngakho abesifazane basuka ngokuphangisa ethuneni, besesaba kodwa begcwele intokozo, bagijima ukuyatshela abafundi bakhe. 9 Khonokho uJesu wahlangana labo. Wathi, “Salibonani.” Beza kuye, bamnamathela ngezandla ezinyaweni zakhe bamkhonza. 10 UJesu wasesithi kubo, “Lingesabi. Hambani liyetshela abafowethu ukuthi baye eGalile; kulapho abazangibona khona.”

Umbiko Wabalindi

11 Kwathi abesifazane sebehambile besendleleni, abanye babalindi bangena edolobheni bayabika kubaphristi abakhulu ngakho konke okwakwenzakele. 12 Kwathi abaphristi abakhulu sebehlangene labadala babopha icebo, bafumbathisa abalindi imali ezwayo, 13 babatshela bathi, “Libokuthi, ‘Abafundi bakhe beze ebusuku bamntshontsha thina silele.’ 14 Nxa lelilizwi lifika kumbusi, sizamsuthisa ukuze lani lingangeni enkathazweni.” 15 Ngakho amabutho ayithatha imali enza njengokulaywa kwawo. Yikho indaba le seyandiswa yakhula phakathi kwamaJuda kuze kube lamuhla.

Umlayo Omkhulu

16 Abafundi abalitshumi lanye basuka baya eGalile, baqonda entabeni uJesu ayethe baye kuyo. 17 Bathi ukumbona bamkhonza; kodwa abanye bathandabuza. 18 UJesu weza kubo wathi, “Wonke amandla ezulwini lasemhlabeni aphiwe mina. 19  Ngakho hambani lenze abafundi ezizweni zonke, libabhaphathize ebizweni likaBaba, leleNdodana lelikaMoya oNgcwele, 20  njalo libafundise ukulalela konke engililaye ngakho. Ngempela ngilani kokuphela, kuze kube sekupheleni kwesikhathi.”

* 1:23 1.23 U-Isaya 7.14

* 2:6 2.6 UMikha 5.2

† 2:15 2.15 UHosiya 11.1

‡ 2:18 2.18 UJeremiya 31.15

* 3:3 3.3 U-Isaya 40.3

* 4:4 4.4 UDutheronomi 8.3

† 4:6 4.6 AmaHubo 91.11-12

‡ 4:7 4.7 UDutheronomi 6.16

§ 4:10 4.10 UDutheronomi 6.13

* 4:16 4.16 U-Isaya 9.1-2

† 4:19 4.19 UJesu ebabiza ukuthi bamlandele, wayebabizela ukuthi bazidele, balingise impilo yakhe.

* 5:21 5.21 U-Eksodasi 20.13

† 5:27 5.27 U-Eksodasi 20.14

‡ 5:31 5.31 UDutheronomi 24.1

§ 5:38 5.38 U-Eksodasi 21.24; ULevi 24.20; UDutheronomi 19.21

* 5:43 5.43 ULevi 19.18

* 8:17 8.17 U-Isaya 53.4

* 9:13 9.13 UHosiya 6.6

* 10:36 10.36 UMikha 7.6

* 11:10 11.10 UMalaki 3.1

* 12:7 12.7 UHosiya 6.6

† 12:21 12.21 U-Isaya 42.1-4

* 13:15 13.15 U-Isaya 6.9-10

† 13:35 13.35 AmaHubo 78.2

* 15:4 15.4 U-Eksodasi 20.12; UDutheronomi 5.16

† 15:4 15.4 U-Eksodasi 21.17; ULevi 20.9

‡ 15:9 15.9 U-Isaya 29.13

* 16:18 16.18 Ibala lesiGrikhi elithi Phethro litsho idwala.

* 17:21 17.21 Imibhalo ekholekayo yekuqaleni lobunye ubufakazi bendulo kabulayo livesi UMakho 9.29.

* 18:11 18.11 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

† 18:16 18.16 UDutheronomi 19.15

* 19:4 19.4 UGenesisi 1.27

† 19:5 19.5 UGenesisi 2.24

‡ 19:19 19.19 U-Eksodasi 20.12-16; UDutheronomi 5.16-20

§ 19:19 19.19 ULevi 19.18

* 21:5 21.5 UZakhariya 9.9

† 21:9 21.9 AmaHubo 118.26

‡ 21:13 21.13 U-Isaya 56.7

§ 21:13 21.13 UJeremiya 7.11

* 21:16 21.16 AmaHubo 8.2

† 21:42 21.42 AmaHubo 118.22-23

* 22:32 22.32 U-Eksodasi 3.6

† 22:37 22.37 UDutheronomi 6.5

‡ 22:39 22.39 ULevi 19.18

§ 22:44 22.44 AmaHubo 110.1

* 23:14 23.14 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

† 23:39 23.39 AmaHubo 118.26

* 24:15 24.15 UDanyeli 9.27; 11.31; 12.11

† 24:29 24.29 U-Isaya 13.10; 34.4

* 26:31 26.31 UZakhariya 13.7

* 27:10 27.10 UZakhariya 11.12-13; UJeremiya 19.1-13; 32.6-9

† 27:46 27.46 AmaHubo 22.1

UMakho

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Ivangeli

LikaMakho

1

UJohane Umbhaphathizi Ulungisa Indlela

1 Ukuqala kwevangeli ngoJesu Khristu, indodana kaNkulunkulu. 2 Kulotshiwe kumphrofethi u-Isaya ukuthi:

“Ngizathuma isithunywa sami phambi kwakho,

esizalungisa indlela yakho”*:

3 “ilizwi lalowo omemezayo enkangala,

‘Lungiselani iNkosi indlela,

yenzeleni izindledlana eziqondileyo.’†”

4 Kwasekufika uJohane Umbhaphathizi, etshumayela emangweni wasenkangala ubhaphathizo lokuphenduka ukuze kuthethelelwe izono. 5 Umango wonke waseJudiya kanye labantu bonke baseJerusalema baphuma baya kuye. Bevuma izono zabo, babhaphathizwa nguye eMfuleni uJodani. 6 UJohane wayevunula izigqoko ezazenziwe ngoboya bekamela, elebhanti lesikhumba okhalweni lwakhe, esidla intethe loluju lwezinyosi zeganga. 7 Intshumayelo yakhe yayisithi: “Ngemva kwami kuzafika omunye ozaba lamandla kulami, imichilo yamanyathela akhe akungilingananga ukuthi ngikhothame ngiyithukulule. 8 Mina ngilibhaphathiza ngamanzi, kodwa yena uzalibhaphathiza ngoMoya oNgcwele.”

Ukubhaphathizwa Lokulingwa KukaJesu

9 Ngalesosikhathi uJesu weza evela eNazaretha eseGalile wabhaphathizwa nguJohane kuJodani. 10 UJesu ephuma emanzini wabona izulu livuleka uMoya usehlela phezu kwakhe unjengejuba. 11 Kwafika ilizwi livela ezulwini lathi: “Wena uyiNdodana yami engiyithandayo; ngiyathokoza kakhulu ngawe.”

12 Masinyane uMoya wamthumela enkangala, 13 wahlala khona enkangala insuku ezingamatshumi amane elingwa nguSathane. Wayehlala lezinyamazana zeganga, izingilosi zazomnakekela.

UJesu Uqala Ukutshumayela

14 UJohane esevalelwe entolongweni, uJesu waya eGalile ememezela izindaba ezinhle zikaNkulunkulu. 15 Wathi, “Isikhathi sesifikile. Umbuso kaNkulunkulu ususeduze. Phendukani likholwe izindaba ezinhle!”

Ukubizwa Kwabafundi Bokuqala

16 Kwathi uJesu ehambahamba okhunjini loLwandle lwaseGalile wabona uSimoni lomfowabo u-Andreya bephosa umambule olwandle ngoba babengabagoli benhlanzi. 17 Wathi kubo, “Wozani lingilandele, ngizalenza abagoli babantu.” 18 Bahle batshiya omambule babo bamlandela.

19 Wathi esehambile elinye ibanga wabona uJakhobe indodana kaZebhediya elomfowabo uJohane besesikepeni, belungisa omambule babo. 20 Wahle wababiza, batshiya uyise uZebhediya esikepeni kanye lezisebenzi bamlandela.

UJesu Ukhupha Umoya Omubi

21 Baya eKhaphenawume, kwathi iSabatha selifikile, uJesu waya esinagogeni waqalisa ukufundisa. 22 Abantu bamangaliswa yikufundisa kwakhe ngoba wayefundisa njengomuntu olamandla, hatshi njengabafundisi bomthetho. 23 Khonokho nje indoda eyayisesinagogeni labo eyayiphethwe ngumoya omubi yamemeza yathi, 24 “Ufunani kithi, Jesu waseNazaretha? Ulande ukuza sibhubhisa na? Ngiyakwazi ukuthi ungubani, ungoNgcwele kaNkulunkulu!”

25 UJesu wakhwaza wathi kuye “Thula! Phuma kuye!” 26 Umoya omubi wayidlukuza ngamandla indoda waphuma kuyo uklabalala.

27 Abantu bamangala baze babuzana bathi, “Kuyini lokhu? Yikufundisa okutsha njalo okulamandla! Ngoba ulaya imimoya emibi imlalele.” 28 Izindaba ngaye zamemetheka ngokuphangisa kuwo wonke umango waseGalile.

UJesu Usilisa Abanengi

29 Bonela ukusuka esinagogeni bahamba loJakhobe loJohane baya emzini kaSimoni lo-Andreya. 30 Uninazala kaSimoni wayelele phansi ephethwe ngumkhuhlane, basebetshela uJesu ngaye. 31 Ngakho wasesiya kuye, wambamba isandla wasemvusa. Umkhuhlane waphuma kuye, wahle waqalisa ukubaphakela.

32 Ngaleyontambama ilanga selitshonile abantu baletha kuJesu bonke abagulayo labaphethwe ngamadimoni. 33 Idolobho lonke lagcwala emnyango, 34 uJesu wasilisa abanengi ababelezifo ezehlukeneyo. Njalo wakhupha amadimoni amanengi, kodwa kaze awavumela amadimoni ukuthi akhulume ngoba ayemazi ukuthi ungubani.

UJesu Ukhuleka Ekusithekeni

35 Ekuseni kakhulu, kusesempondozankomo, uJesu wavuka, waphuma endlini waya endaweni esekusithekeni, lapho akhuleka khona. 36 USimoni labakhula bakhe bahamba ukuyamdinga, 37 sebembonile, bathi, “Abantu bonke bayakudinga!”

38 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kasiyeni kwenye indawo, emizini eseduze ukuze ngiyetshumayela lakhona. Yikho engakulandayo.” 39 Kanjalo walibhoda lonke elaseGalile etshumayela emasinagogweni abo njalo ekhupha amadimoni.

UJesu Usilisa Indoda Elobulephero

40 Kweza kuye indoda eyayilobulephero yamncenga iguqe phansi ngamadolo yathi, “Nxa uthanda ungangihlambulula.”

41 UJesu eyizwela isihawu welula isandla sakhe wayibamba indoda. Wathi, “Ngiyathanda. Hlanzeka!” 42 Masinyane ubulephero baphela, wahlambuluka.

43 UJesu wahle wathi kahambe, wamqonqosela wathi, 44  “Zwana, ungatsheli muntu ngalokhu. Kodwa hamba uyeziveza kumphristi ubusunikela umhlatshelo wokuhlanjululwa kwakho owamiswa nguMosi ukuze kube yibufakazi kubo.” 45 Kodwa wasuka wahle wavula isifuba sakhe wayisakaza indaba. Ngenxa yalokho uJesu wayengabe esangena obala edolobheni, kodwa wasehlala ngaphandle endaweni eziyinkangala. Loba kunjalo abantu babelokhu bethululeka besiza kuye beqhamuka inxa zonke.

2

UJesu Usilisa Umuntu Oyisilima

1 Ngemva kwezinsukwana, uJesu esengenile njalo eKhaphenawume, abantu bezwa ukuthi wayesebuyile ekhaya. 2 Bathi cwi ndawonye kwaze kwasweleka indawo langasemnyango, watshumayela ilizwi kubo. 3 Kwafika amadoda amane ethwele eyayome umhlubulo. 4 Kwathi ngoba bengafinyeleli kuJesu ngenxa yexuku, bavula isikhala ephahleni malungana loJesu, emva kokuphendla ngaso, behlisela umendlalo owawulele indoda eyome umhlubulo. 5 Kwathi uJesu ebona ukholo lwawo wathi endodeni eyome umhlubulo, “Ndodana, izono zakho sezithethelelwe.”

6 Khonapho kwakuhlezi abanye abafundisi bomthetho, benakana besithi, 7 “Umuntu lo ukhulumeleni kanjalo? Uyahlambaza! Ngubani ongathethelela izono ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu yedwa?”

8 Masinyane uJesu wakwazi emoyeni wakhe ukuthi yilokho ababekucabanga ezinhliziyweni zabo, wasesithi kubo, “Kungani linakana izinto ezinje ezinhliziyweni zenu? 9  Yikuphi okulula: ukuthi kowome umhlubulo: ‘Izono zakho sezithethelelwe,’ loba ukuthi, ‘Phakama, thatha icansi lakho uhambe’? 10  Kodwa ukuze lazi ukuthi iNdodana yoMuntu ilamandla emhlabeni ukuthethelela izono.” Wathi kowome umhlubulo, 11  “Ngiyakutshela, phakama, thatha icansi lakho uye ekhaya.” 12 Waphakama wathatha icansi lakhe waphuma wahamba bonke bemkhangele. Lokho kwamangalisa umuntu wonke, bamdumisa uNkulunkulu besithi, “Kasikaze sikubone okunje!”

Ukubizwa KukaLevi

13 UJesu waphinde wayahambahamba eduzane lechibi. Ixuku elikhulu labantu leza kuye, wasebafundisa. 14 Wathi elokhu ehambahamba wabona uLevi indodana ka-Alifewu ihlezi endaweni yokuthelisa. UJesu wathi kuye, “Ngilandela,” ULevi wasukuma wamlandela.

15 Kwathi uJesu esidla okwakusihlwa endlini kaLevi kwakulabathelisi abanengi “lezoni” zisidla laye kanye labafundi bakhe, ngoba babebanengi ababemlandela. 16 Kuthe abafundisi bomthetho ababe ngabaFarisi bembona esidla “lezoni” labathelisi babuza abafundi bakhe bathi, “Wenzelani ukudla labathelisi kanye ‘lezoni’?”

17 Wathi ekuzwa lokho uJesu wathi kubo, “Abaphilayo kabamdingi umelaphi, kodwa abagulayo bayamdinga. Kangilandanga ukuzobiza abalungileyo, kodwa izoni.”

UJesu Ubuzwa Ngokuzila

18 Ngalesosikhathi abafundi bakaJohane labaFarisi babezila. Abanye abantu beza babuza uJesu bathi, “Kungani abafundi bakaJohane labafundi babaFarisi bezila, kodwa abakho kabazili?”

19 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Izethekeli zomyeni zingazila kanjani eseselazo na? Zingeke, nxa elokhu eseselazo. 20  Kodwa sizafika isikhathi lapho umyeni ezasuswa kuzo, zizazila mhlalokho-ke.

21  Kakho othungela isichibi selembu elitsha esigqokweni esidala. Nxa ekwenza lokho, isichibi esitsha sizadonsa esidala, ukudabuka kuqhele ngamandla. 22  Njalo kakho othela iwayini elitsha emigodleni yezikhumba emidala. Angakwenza lokho iwayini lizaziqhekeza izikhumba kuthi iwayini kanye lemigodla leyo yezikhumba kuhle konakale. Hatshi, uthela iwayini elitsha emigodleni yezikhumba emitsha.”

INkosi YeSabatha

23 Ngelinye iSabatha uJesu wayedabula emasimini amabele, kwathi abafundi bakhe belokhu behamba bakha izikhwebu zamabele. 24 AbaFarisi bathi kuye, “Khangela, bakwenzelani ukwephula umthetho ngokwenza lokhu ngeSabatha na?”

25 Waphendula wathi, “Kalifundanga yini okwenziwa nguDavida labakhula bakhe lapho basebelambile sebeswele? 26  Ngezinsuku zika-Abhiyatha umphristi omkhulu wangena endlini kaNkulunkulu wadla isinkwa esingcwelisiweyo, esivunyelwe ukudliwa ngabaphristi kuphela. Futhi wasabela abakhula bakhe.”

27 Wasesithi kubo, “ISabatha lenzelwa abantu, hatshi ukuthi umuntu wenzelwa iSabatha. 28  Yikho iNdodana yoMuntu iyiNkosi njalo yeSabatha.”

3

UJesu Usilisa NgeSabatha

1 Ngesinye isikhathi uJesu wangena esinagogweni, kukhona lapho indoda elesandla esitshwabheneyo. 2 Abanye babo babedinga izaba lokubeka uJesu icala, yikho bamlinda ukubona ingabe wayezasilisa ngeSabatha. 3 UJesu wathi endodeni yesandla esitshwabheneyo, “Sukuma ume phambi kwabo bonke.”

4 UJesu wasebabuza wathi, “Kuyini okusemthethweni ngeSabatha; ukwenza okuhle loba ukwenza okubi, ukusindisa impilo kumbe ukubulala?” Kodwa bathula zwi.

5 Wabakhangela ngolaka, ehlutshwa yibuqholo bezinhliziyo zabo, wasesithi kuleyondoda, “Yelula isandla sakho.” Yaselula, isandla sesilunge saphelela. 6 AbaFarisi basebephuma bayacebisana lamaHerodiya ukuthi bangambulala njani uJesu.

Amaxuku Alandela UJesu

7 UJesu wasuka labafundi bakhe baya ngasechibini, ixuku elikhulu labalandela lisuka eGalile. 8 Bathi ngokuzwa konke ayekwenza abantu abanengi beza kuye besuka eJudiya, eJerusalema, e-Idumiya lemimangweni engaphetsheya kweJodani lezindaweni zeThire leSidoni. 9 Ngenxa yobunengi babantu watshela abafundi bakhe ukuba bamlungisele isikepe esincane ukuze angaminyezelwa ngabantu. 10 Phela wayesesilise abanengi, yikho labo ababelezifo babeminyezela befuna ukumthinta. 11 Kwakusithi imimoya emibi ingambona iguqe phambi kwakhe imemeze ithi, “UyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu.” 12 Kodwa wayiqonqosela ukuthi ingaze yakhuluma ukuthi ungubani.

Ukukhethwa Kwabapostoli Abalitshumi Lambili

13 UJesu wakhwela waya ewatheni lwentaba wabiza labo ayebafuna, beza kuye. 14 Wakhetha abalitshumi lambili ukuthi babelaye ukuze abathume ukuyatshumayela 15 lokuthi babelamandla okuxotsha amadimoni.

16 Yilaba abalitshumi lambili abakhethayo:

uSimoni (ametha ibizo wathi nguPhethro),

17 uJakhobe indodana kaZebhediya lomfowabo uJohane (laba wabetha ibizo wathi bango Bhowanegesi, okutsho ukuthi Amadodana Omdumo),

18 u-Andreya,

uFiliphu,

uBhatholomewu,

uMatewu,

uThomasi,

uJakhobe indodana ka-Alifewu,

uThediyasi,

uSimoni umZilothi

19 loJudasi Iskariyothi onguye owamnikelayo.

UJesu LoBhelizebhubhi

20 UJesu wangena kwenye indlu kwaphinda njalo kwabuthana kuye ixuku, yena labafundi bakhe baze behluleka ukudla. 21 Kwathi abendlu yangakwabo bekuzwa lokho bamlanda ukuyambuyisa ngoba bathi, “usephambene.”

22 Kwathi abafundi bomthetho abehla bevela eJerusalema bathi, “Ungenwe nguBhelizebhubhi! Ukhupha amadimoni ngenkosi yamadimoni.”

23 Ngakho uJesu wasebabiza wakhuluma labo ngemizekeliso wathi, “Kambe uSathane angamkhupha kanjani uSathane? 24  Nxa umbuso udabuke phakathi, uvukelana, lowombuso ngeke ume. 25  Nxa indlu ingabambananga, ivukelana, leyondlu ngeke ime. 26  Njalo nxa uSathane eziphikisa, edabuke phakathi, ngeke ame; useyatshabalala. 27  Ngempela, akakho ongangena endlini yesiqhwaga, abuthe impahla zaso ngaphandle kokuthi aqale asibophe lesosiqhwaga, andubana aphange indlu yaso. 28  Ngeqiniso ngithi kini, abantu bazakuthethelelwa zonke izono lokuhlambaza kwabo, 29  kodwa loba ngubani othuka uMoya oNgcwele akayikuthethelelwa; ulecala lesono saphakade.”

30 Wakutsho lokhu ngoba babesithi, “Ulomoya omubi.”

Unina KaJesu Labafowabo

31 Kwasekufika unina kaJesu labafowabo. Bema phandle bathuma omunye umuntu ukuyambiza. 32 Abantu abanengi babehlezi bemhanqile, basebemtshela bathi, “Unyoko labafowenu baphandle bayakudinga.”

33 Wabuza wathi, “Ngobani abangumama labafowethu na?”

34 Wasekhangela labo ababehlezi laye bemhanqile wathi, “Nampa abangumama labangabafowethu! 35  Loba ngubani owenza intando kaNkulunkulu ungumfowethu, ungudadewethu njalo ngumama.”

4

Umzekeliso Womhlanyeli

1 UJesu waphinda njalo wafundisa okhunjini lwesiziba. Ixuku labantu elaqoqana labuthana kuye laba likhulu kakhulu waze wangena esikepeni wahlala kuso siphakathi kwamanzi, kodwa abantu bonke bona bethe gwaqa okhunjini ekucineni kwamanzi. 2 Wabafundisa izinto ezinengi ngemizekeliso, ekufundiseni kwakhe wathi: 3  “Lalelani! Umlimi waphuma wayahlanyela inhlanyelo yakhe. 4  Kwathi eyihaza inhlanyelo, enye yawela endleleni, kwafika izinyoni zayidobha. 5  Eyinye yawela okhetheni lapho okwakungela mhlabathi owaneleyo. Yamila masinyane ngoba umhlabathi wawungatshoni. 6  Kodwa kwathi ilanga seliphumile, yahanguka yabuna ngoba yayingelampande. 7  Enye inhlanyelo yawela emeveni asuka akhula aminya leyonhlanyelo yaze yehluleka ukuthela izikhwebu. 8  Eyinye inhlanyelo yawela emhlabathini omuhle. Yamila, yakhula, yathela amabele yanda ngamatshumi amathathu, ayisithupha ngitsho langekhulu.”

9 UJesu wasesithi, “Lowo olendlebe zokuzwa kezwe.”

10 Kwathi eseyedwa, abalitshumi lambili labanye ababeseduze laye bambuza mayelana lemizekeliso leyo. 11 Wabatshela wathi, “Imfihlakalo yombuso kaNkulunkulu seliyambulelwe. Kodwa kulabo abangaphandle konke kukhulunywa ngemizekeliso 12  ukuze,

‘bazahlala bebona kokuphela

kodwa bengabonisisi, njalo bahlale besizwa

kodwa bengaqedisisi funa baphenduke bathethelelwe!’*”

13 UJesu wasesithi kubo, “Kaliwuzwisisi na umzekeliso lo? Pho lizawuzwa kanjani loba yiwuphi umzekeliso? 14  Umlimi uhlanyela ilizwi. 15  Abanye abantu bafana lenhlanyelo esendleleni okuhlanyelwe khona ilizwi. Bonela ukuthi balizwe uSathane uyafika alithathe ilizwi elihlanyelwe kubo. 16  Abanye, njengenhlanyelo eyahlanyelwa okhetheni bayalizwa ilizwi bahle balamukele ngentokozo. 17  Kodwa ngenxa yokuthi kabalampande bema okwesikhatshana kuphela. Kungafika uhlupho loba ukuhlukuluzwa komhlaba baphanga bawe. 18  Kunjalo abanye, njengenhlanyelo ehlanyelwe emeveni, bayalizwa ilizwi; 19  kodwa ukuphisekela izinto zalumhlaba, inkohliso yenotho kanye lezinkanuko zezinye izinto konke kuyeza kuliminyanise ilizwi, kulenze lingatheli. 20  Abanye, njengenhlanyelo ehlanyelwe emhlabathini omuhle, bayalizwa ilizwi, balamukele, bathele izithelo, bedlule okwakuhlanyelwe ngamatshumi amathathu, ayisithupha loba ngekhulu.”

Isibane Oluthini

21 Wathi kubo, “Uyalumathisa isibane usifake ngaphansi kwesitsha kumbe ngaphansi kombheda na? Kawusibeki oluthini lwaso yini? 22  Ngoba loba yini efihliweyo kumele yambulwe, lalokho okuthukuziweyo kumele kuvezwe obala. 23  Nxa ekhona olendlebe zokuzwa kezwe.”

24 Waqhubeka wathi, “Kuqapheliseni lokho elikuzwayo. Ngaleso isilinganiso elisisebenzisayo lizalinganiselwa ngaso kumbe kuze kwedlulise. 25  Lowo olakho uzakwengezelelwa; lowo ongelakho lalokho alakho uzakwemukwa.”

Umzekeliso Wenhlamvu Ekhulayo

26 Waphinda wathi, “Umbuso wezulu ufana lalokhu. Indoda ihaza inhlanyelo emhlabathini. 27  Ebusuku lemini ingabe ilele loba ikhangele inhlanyelo iyamila ikhule loba yona ingakwazi ukuthi kwenzeka njani. 28  Umhlabathi uyiwo wodwa uthela amabele, kuqala ikhaba kuze isikhwebu besekusiza inhlamvu ezikhwetshini. 29  Kuthi amabele angavuthwa iwavune ngesikela ngoba ukuvuna sekufikile.”

Umzekeliso Wentanga Yemastadi

30 Waphinde wathi, “Sizakuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu unjengani, kumbe sizasebenzisa umzekeliso bani ukuwuchaza? 31  Unjengentanga yemastadi encinyane kulazo zonke intanga ezihlanyelwa emhlabathini. 32  Kodwa nxa ihlanyeliwe iyakhula ibe yisihlahla esikhulu kulazo zonke esivandeni, sibe lengatsha ezinkulu ezihlalwa emthunzini waso yizinyoni zezulu.”

33 UJesu walikhuluma ilizwi kubo ngemizekeliso eminengi enjalo ukuze bazwisise. 34 Kazange atsho ulutho kubo engasebenzisanga umzekeliso. Kodwa nxa wayeyedwa labafundi bakhe wachaza konke.

UJesu Uthulisa Isiphepho

35 Ngalelolanga sekuntambama wathi kubafundi bakhe, “Kasihambeni sichaphele ngaphetsheya.” 36 Batshiya ixuku, bahamba laye esikepeni enjalo. Zazikhona njalo ezinye izikepe zihamba laye. 37 Kwaqubuka isiphepho esesabekayo, amagagasi atshaya esikepeni kwaze kwangathi sesitshona. 38 UJesu wayengemuva ezilalele emendlalweni obuthakathaka. Abafundi bamvusa bathi, “Awu, mfundisi kawunanzi yini nxa sigalula?”

39 Waphakama wawukhuza umoya wathi emagagasini, “Thulani lithi cwaka!” Ngakho umoya wadeda, kwasekuthula cwaka.

40 Wathi kubafundi bakhe, “Kungani lisesaba kangaka? Lilokhu lingakholwa na?”

41 Babethuthumela babuzana bathi, “Ungubani lo na? Kambe aze alalelwe ngumoya lamagagasi!”

5

Ukusiliswa Kwendoda Eyayilamadimoni

1 Bawela ichibi bafika emangweni wamaGerazini. 2 Kwathi uJesu ephuma esikepeni, kwaqhamuka indoda elomoya omubi ivela emathuneni yamhlangabeza. 3 Indoda le yayihlala emathuneni, kungaselamuntu ongayibopha loba langeketane. 4 Ngoba yayihlezi ibotshiwe izandla lenyawo, kodwa iqamule amaketane lezinsimbi ezinyaweni zayo. Kwakungekho muntu owayelamandla okuyinqoba. 5 Ubusuku lemini yayihlaba umkhosi isemathuneni lasezintabeni, izisike ngamatshe.

6 Yathi ibona uJesu esesebucwala, yagijima yafika yazilahla phansi ngamadolo phambi kwakhe. 7 Yaklabalala ngelizwi elikhulu yathi, “Ufunani ngami, Jesu, Ndodana kaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke? Ngegama likaNkulunkulu ungangihlukuluzi!” 8 Ngoba uJesu wayesethe kuyo, “Phuma kuyo indoda le, wena moya omubi!”

9 UJesu waseyibuza wathi, “Ungubani ibizo lakho?”

Yaphendula yathi, “Ibizo lami nguLigiyoni, ngoba sibanengi.” 10 Yamncenga uJesu futhifuthi ukuthi angabaxotshi kulowomango.

11 Umhlambi omkhulu wengulube wawusidla ewatheni lwentaba eduzane. 12 Amadimoni amncenga uJesu athi, “Sithumele ezingulubeni; sivumele singene kuzo.” 13 Wawavumela, omoya ababi baphuma bayangena ezingulubeni. Umhlambi wazo, owawungaba zinkulungwane ezimbili, wagijima usehlela eliweni lodonga wangena echibini wagalula.

14 Labo ababezelusile babaleka bayabika lokho edolobheni kanye lasemaphandleni, yikho abantu baqubuka bayabona lokho okwakwenzakele. 15 Bathi befika kuJesu bayibona indoda eyayikade ilamadimoni ngobunengi bawo, ihlezi khonapho, igqokile njalo ingqondo isibuyile, besaba kakhulu. 16 Labo ababekubonile kusenzakala batshela abantu okwenzakalayo endodeni eyayilamadimoni, balandisa njalo langezingulube. 17 Abantu basebemncenga uJesu ukuthi asuke emangweni wakibo.

18 Kwathi uJesu esengena esikepeni indoda leyo eyayikade ilamadimoni yamncenga ukuthi ahambe layo. 19 UJesu kayivumelanga, kodwa wathi kuyo, “Hamba ekhaya kwabakini ubatshele ukuba iNkosi ikwenzele okunganani, lokuthi ibe lesihawu kuwe.” 20 Ngakho indoda yasihamba yabatshela eDekhapholisi konke uJesu ayeyenzele khona. Bonke abantu bamangala.

Intombazana Efileyo Lomfazi Ogulayo

21 Kwathi lapho uJesu esewele njalo ngesikepe waya ngakuleliyana iphetsheya lechibi, kwabuthana kuye ixuku elikhulu ekhonapho eceleni kwechibi. 22 Kwasekufika omunye wabaphathi besinagogu okwakuthiwa nguJayirosi, wathi ebona uJesu wazilahla ezinyaweni zakhe. 23 Wamncenga kakhulu wathi, “Indodakazi yami encinyane iyafa. Ngicela ubuye uzobeka izandla zakho phezu kwayo ukuze isile njalo iphile.” 24 UJesu wahamba laye.

Ixuku elikhulu lamlandela laminyezela. 25 Kwakulowesifazane khonapho owayephethwe yikopha sekumhluphe iminyaka elitshumi lambili. 26 Wayesehlupheke kakhulu loba wayeselatshwa ngabelaphi, njalo esechithe konke ayelakho, kodwa ekubeni abe ngcono kwakusiya phambili. 27 Wathi esezwile ngoJesu, weza ngemva kwakhe phakathi kwexuku labantu wabamba isembatho sakhe, 28 ngoba wacabanga wathi, “Nxa ngingathinta izigqoko zakhe kodwa nje, ngizasila.” 29 Masinyane nje ukopha kwakhe kwaphela njalo wezwa emzimbeni wakhe ukuthi wayesekhululekile ekuhluphekeni kwakhe.

30 Khonokho uJesu wananzelela ukuthi amandla ayephumile kuye. Waphendukela exukwini labantu wabuza wathi, “Ngubani othinte izigqoko zami?”

31 Abafundi bakhe bamphendula bathi, “Lawe uyababona abantu beminyezelana kuwe, kodwa uyabuza uthi, ‘Ngubani ongithintileyo?’ ”

32 Kodwa uJesu wala elokhu ethalaza ukuze abone ukuthi ngubani okwenzileyo lokho. 33 Ngakho owesifazane owayekwazi okwasekwenzakele kuye weza wazilahla ezinyaweni zakhe eqhaqhazela ngokwesaba wahle wafakaza iqiniso. 34 Wathi kowesifazane, “Ndodakazi, ukholo lwakho lukusilisile. Hamba ngokuthula ukhululeke ekuhluphekeni kwakho.”

35 UJesu elokhu esakhuluma kweza amanye amadoda ephuma endlini kaJayirasi, umphathi wesinagogu. Athi, “Indodakazi yakho isifile. Kambe usamhluphelani umfundisi na?”

36 Akaze akunaka lokho ababekutsho uJesu, wasetshela induna yesinagogu wathi, “Ungesabi, kholwa nje kuphela.”

37 Kavumelanga muntu ukuba amlandele ngaphandle kukaPhethro, loJakhobe loJohane umfowabo kaJakhobe. 38 Bathi befika emzini wenduna yesinagogu uJesu wabona isiphithiphithi abantu bekhala benqongoloza. 39 Wangena wathi kubo, “Ngesani isiphithiphithi sonke lesi lomkhosi wonke lo? Umntwana kafanga, kodwa ulele.” 40 Kodwa bamhleka usulu.

Esebakhuphele phandle bonke wathatha uyise womntwana lonina kanye labafundi ayelabo wangena lapho umntwana ayekhona. 41 Wambamba ngesandla wathi kuye, “Thalitha khumi!” (okutsho ukuthi, “Ntombazana, ngithi kuwe, sukuma!”) 42 Masinyane intombazana yasukuma yahambahamba (wayemdala okweminyaka elitshumi lambili). Lokhu kwabamangalisa baphela amandla. 43 Wabaqonqosela wathi bangazisi muntu ngalokho, wasesithi kabamuphe ukudla untombazana.

6

Umphrofethi Ongeladumo

1 UJesu wasuka lapho waya edolobheni lakibo, ehamba labafundi bakhe. 2 Kwathi ngeSabatha wafundisa esinagogweni, abanengi abamuzwayo bamangala.

Babuzana bathi, “Indoda le yazithatha ngaphi izinto zonke lezi? Yinhlakanipho enganani le ayiphiwayo aze akwazi lokwenza imimangaliso! 3 Kanti angithi nguye yini umbazi lo? Kayisindodana kaMariya yini le, umnewabo kaJakhobe, loJosefa, loJuda loSimoni? Odadewabo angithi bakhona khonapha?” Lokho kwenza bamsola.

4 UJesu wathi kubo, “Umphrofethi kalalo udumo kuphela edolobheni lakibo, phakathi kwezihlobo zakhe lendlini yakwabo.” 5 Wayengeke enze izimangaliso khona, ngaphandle kokubeka izandla ebantwini abalutshwana abagulayo ukuba abasilise. 6 Njalo wamangaliswa yikusilela kwabo ekukholweni.

UJesu Uthumela Abalitshumi Lambili

UJesu wasenquma efundisa imizi ngemizi. 7 Wabiza abalitshumi lambili beza kuye, wabathumela ngababili wabapha amandla phezu kwemimoya emibi.

8 Imilayo yakhe yayiyile: “Lingathwali lutho kuloluhambo ngaphandle kwentonga, lingathwali isinkwa, isikhwama loba yimali emabhantini enu. 9  Ligqoke amanyathela kodwa lingathwali esinye isigqoko. 10  Lapho lingena endlini ethile, hlalani khona lize lisuke kulelodolobho. 11  Nxa indawo ethile ingalamukeli loba ingalilaleli, dlulani kuleyondawo lithintithe uthuli ezinyaweni zenu kube yibufakazi bokubalahla.”

12 Basuka bahamba betshumayela ukuthi abantu kabaphenduke. 13 Bakhupha amadimoni amanengi njalo bagcoba abantu abanengi abagulayo ngamafutha babasilisa.

UJohane Umbhaphathizi Uqunywa Ikhanda

14 Inkosi uHerodi yezwa ngalokhu, ngoba ibizo likaJesu laselisaziwa kakhulu. Abanye babesithi, “UJohane uMbhaphathizi uvukile kwabafileyo, yikho amandla amangalisayo esebenza kuye.”

15 Abanye bathi, “Ungu-Elija.”

Kwabuye njalo abanye bathi, “Ungumphrofethi, njengomunye wabaphrofethi basendulo.”

16 Kodwa kwathi uHerodi ekuzwa lokhu wathi, “UJohane, indoda engayiquma ikhanda usevukile kwabafileyo!”

17 Ngoba uHerodi yena ngokwakhe wayekhuphe ilizwi lokuthi uJohane abanjwe, wathi kabotshwe aphoselwe entolongweni. Wakwenza lokho ngenxa kaHerodiyasi, umfazi womfowabo uFiliphu ayesemthethe. 18 Ngoba uJohane wayelokhu esithi kuHerodi, “Kawuvunyelwa ukuthi uthathele umfowenu umfazi.” 19 Ngakho uHerodiyasi wahlala elesikhwili loJohane efuna ukumbulala. Kodwa waswela indlela yokumbulala, 20 ngoba uHerodi wayemesaba uJohane emvikela, ngokumazi ukuthi wayeyindoda elungileyo njalo engcwele. Nxa wayemuzwa uJohane, wayedideka kakhulu, kodwa ethanda ukumlalela.

21 Ekucineni lafika elingaliyo. Ngelanga lesikhumbuzo sokuzalwa kwakhe uHerodi wenza idili lezikhulu zakhe labalawuli bempi kanye labakhokheli abaziwayo eGalile. 22 Kuthe indodakazi kaHerodiyasi isifikile yagida kamnandi yathokozisa uHerodi lezethekeli zakhe edilini.

Inkosi yasisithi entombazaneni, “Ngicela loba yini, ngizakupha.” 23 Wamthembisa wafunga wathi, “Loba yini oyicelayo ngizakupha kungaze kube yingxenye yombuso wami.”

24 Yaphuma intombazana yayakuthi kunina, “Kambe ngiceleni?”

Waphendula wathi, “Ikhanda likaJohane uMbhaphathizi.”

25 Masinyane intombazana yatheleka enkosini isilesicelo leso, yathi: “Ngifuna ukuthi ungiphe khathesi nje ikhanda likaJohane uMbhaphathizi lisemganwini.”

26 Inkosi yakhathazeka kakhulu, kodwa ngenxa yezifungo zayo langenxa yezethekeli zayo kayithandanga ukusala isicelo. 27 Ngakho yahle yathumela umbulali ukuba alethe ikhanda likaJohane. Yahamba indoda yamquma ikhanda uJohane entolongweni, 28 yaliletha ikhanda lisemganwini. Yalethula entombazaneni, yona yalipha unina. 29 Bathi bekuzwa lokho abafundi bakaJohane beza bathatha isidumbu bayasingcwaba ethuneni.

UJesu Upha Izinkulungwane Ezinhlanu Ukudla

30 Abapostoli babuthana kuJesu bambikela konke ababekwenzile labakufundisayo. 31 Kwathi ngoba kwakufika abantu abanengi kakhulu abanye besuka baze baswele ithuba lokudla, wathi kubo, “Ngilandelani lodwa siye endaweni ethuleyo ukuze siphumule.”

32 Yikho bahamba bebodwa ngesikepe baya endaweni esithekileyo. 33 Kodwa abanengi abababonayo besuka babananzelela babaxhuma begijima ngezinyawo bevela kuwo wonke amadolobho babaqalela ukuyafika. 34 UJesu uthe esehla esikepeni wabona ixuku labantu elikhulu wabazwela usizi ngoba babenjengezimvu ezingelamelusi. Ngakho wasebafundisa izinto ezinengi.

35 Ngalesi isikhathi kwasekusemini kakhulu, ngakho abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi, “Le yindawo esesikhaleni, njalo sekusemini kakhulu. 36 Tshela abantu bahambe ukuze baziyele emadolobheni lasemizini bayezithengela abangakudla.”

37 Kodwa waphendula wathi, “Bapheni lina ukudla.”

Bathi kuye, “Lokho kungathatha umholo wendoda owenyanga eziyisificaminwembili! Uthi sihambe siyochitha imali engako sithenge isinkwa sibaphe badle?”

38 Wabuza wathi, “Lilezinkwa ezingaki na? Ake liyokhangela.”

Sebezibonile bathi, “Zinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili.”

39 UJesu wasebalaya ukuthi bahlalise bonke abantu phansi etshanini ngamaxuku. 40 Yikho bahlala phansi ngamaxuku alikhulu. Abanye ngamatshumi amahlanu. 41 Ethatha izinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili wakhangela ezulwini, wabonga, wasehlephuna izinkwa. Waseziqhubela abafundi bakhe ukuba bazabele abantu. Waphinda wabehlukanisela inhlanzi zombili. 42 Bonke badla basutha, 43 abafundi basebebutha imvuthu zezinkwa lenhlanzi bagcwalisa izitsha ezilitshumi lambili. 44 Abadlayo babengamadoda azinkulungwane ezinhlanu.

UJesu Uhamba Phezu Kwamanzi

45 Masinyane uJesu wenza ukuthi abafundi bakhe bangene esikepeni bahambe bamandulele eBhethisayida, yena esavalelisana labantu. 46 Esehlukene labo, waya ewatheni lwentaba ukuyakhuleka.

47 Kwathi sekuhlwile isikepe sasiphakathi laphakathi kwechibi, yena eyedwa emhlabathini. 48 Wabona abafundi begwedla ngamandla emagagasini ngoba umoya wawuphambana labo. Kwathi ngomlindo wesine ebusuku waya kubo ehamba phezu kwechibi. Wayengathi usesedlula kubo 49 kodwa bathi bembona ehamba phezu kwesiziba bacabanga ukuthi lithonga. Bahlaba umkhosi 50 ngoba bonke bambona besaba.

Masinyane wabakhulumisa wathi, “Manini isibindi! Yimi. Lingesabi.” 51 Wasengena kubo esikepeni umoya wahle wathula. Bamangala kakhulu, 52 ngoba babengazwisisanga ngezinkwa; inhliziyo zabo zazilukhuni.

53 Bathi sebechaphile, bafikela eGenesaretha bamisa khonapho. 54 Bonela ukuphuma esikepeni abantu bahle bamnanzelela uJesu. 55 Bagijima indawana yonke kulowomango bethwala abagulayo ngamacansi bebasa kuzozonke indawo ababemzwela khona. 56 Loba wayengaze aye ngaphi, emizini, emadolobheni loba emaphandleni, babeka abagulayo ezindaweni zokuthengisela. Bamncenga ukuthi abavumele bathinte nje umphetho wesigqoko sakhe, kwathi bonke labo abamthintayo basila.

7

Ukuhlanzeka Lokungahlanzeki

1 AbaFarisi labanye abafundisi bomthetho ababesuka eJerusalema babuthana kuJesu 2 babona abanye abafundi bakhe besidla ukudla ngezandla ezazingahlanzekanga, okutsho ukuthi zazingagezwanga. 3 (AbaFarisi labaJuda bonke kabadli bengagezanga izandla zabo ngokomthetho, belandela isiko labadala. 4 Nxa bevela emsikeni kabadli bengaqalanga bageza. Balandela amasiko amanengi, njengokugezisa amankomitsho, indiwo lamagedlela.)

5 Ngakho abaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho bambuza uJesu bathi, “Kungani abafundi bakho bengalandeli amasiko abadala kulokudla ukudla kwabo ngezandla ‘ezingahlanzekanga na’?”

6 Waphendula wathi, “U-Isaya wayeqinisile aze aphrofithe ngani lina bazenzisi; njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

‘Lababantu bangidumisa ngezindebe zabo,

kodwa inhliziyo zabo zikhatshana lami.

7  Bangikhonza ngeze;

imfundiso yabo yimithetho kuphela evela ebantwini.’*

8  Seliyekele imilayo kaNkulunkulu labambelela emasikweni abantu.”

9 Wasesithi kubo, “Lilendledlana yenu yokufuqela eceleni imilayo kaNkulunkulu ukuze lilandele amasiko enu! 10  Phela uMosi wathi, ‘Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko’†njalo, ‘Lowo othuka uyise loba unina kumele abulawe.’‡ 11  Kodwa lina lithi nxa umuntu esithi lokho obekungaba lusizo kuyise kumbe unina liKhobhani (okutsho ukuthi yisipho esabelwe uNkulunkulu), 12  beselisithi angamenzeli lutho uyise loba unina. 13  Ngaleyondlela lichitha ilizwi likaNkulunkulu ngamasiko enu eliwedlulisela kuzizukulwane zenu. Futhi lenza izinto ezinengi ezinjalo.”

14 UJesu waphinda wabiza ixuku labantu wathi, “Lalelani kimi lonke, lizwisise lokhu. 15  Kakulalutho olungaphandle komuntu olungamenza ‘angahlanzeki’ ngokungena kuye. Kodwa yilokho okuphuma phakathi komuntu okuyikho okumenza ‘angahlanzeki.’ [ 16  Nxa ekhona olendlebe zokuzwa kezwe.]”§

17 Esesukile exukwini labantu wangena endlini abafundi bakhe bambuza ngomzekeliso lo. 18 Wabuza wathi, “Kaliqedisisi ngani na? Kalikuboni yini ukuthi kakulalutho olungena emuntwini lusuka ngaphandle olungamenza ‘angahlanzeki’? 19  Ngoba kalungeni enhliziyweni yakhe kodwa luya esiswini sakhe luphinde luphume emzimbeni wakhe.” (Ngokutsho lokhu uJesu waphawula ukuthi konke ukudla kuhlanzekile.)

20 Waqhubeka wathi: “Okuphuma phakathi komuntu yikho okumngcolisayo. 21  Ngoba okusuka ngaphakathi, okusuka enhliziyweni, kuphuma imicabango emibi, ukuhlobonga, ubusela, ukubulala, ukufeba, 22  ubuhwaba, umona, ubuqili, ukuxhwala, umhawu, ukugcona, ubuqholo lobuthutha. 23  Zonke lezi izono ziphuma ngaphakathi zenze umuntu angcole.”

Ukholo lomfazi WomSirofenikhe

24 UJesu wasuka kuleyondawo waya emangweni waseThire. Wangena endlini kodwa kafunanga ukuthi kwaziwe; kodwa wayengeke azifihle ukuthi ukhona. 25 Owesifazane owayelendodakazi yakhe encinyane eyayilomoya omubi wonela ukuzwa ngaye weza wayazilahla ezinyaweni zakhe. 26 Umfazi lo wayengumGrikhi, owazalelwa eFenikhe yaseSiriya. Wancenga uJesu ukuthi akhuphe idimoni endodakazini yakhe.

27 Wamtshela wathi kuye, “Qala wekele abantwana badle basuthe, ngoba kakulunganga ukuthatha isinkwa sabantwana usiphosele izinja.”

28 Wathi owesifazane, “Yebo, Nkosi, kodwa izinja lazo ezingaphansi kwetafula ziyadla imvuthuluka.”

29 UJesu wamtshela wathi, “Ngenxa yempendulo enhle kangaka usungahamba; idimoni seliphumile endodakazini yakho.”

30 Owesifazane wabuyela ekhaya wafumana umntanakhe elele embhedeni, idimoni selihambile.

Ukusiliswa Kwendoda Eyisacuthe, Eyisimungulu

31 UJesu wasesuka endaweni yeThire wadabula eSidoni waze wayafika oLwandle lwaseGalile wehla waya emangweni waseDekhapholisi. 32 Khonale abantu bamlethela indoda eyayiyisacuthe isehluleka lokukhuluma, bamcela ukuthi abeke isandla sakhe phezu kwayo.

33 UJesu wayisusela eceleni kwexuku labantu wasefaka iminwe yakhe ezindlebeni zaleyondoda. Wasekhafula wathinta ulimi lwayo indoda. 34 Wakhangela ezulwini wakhokha umoya wathi kuyo, “Efifatha!” (okutsho ukuthi, “Vuleka!”). 35 Ngalokhu indlebe zendoda zavuleka, ulimi lwayo lwatshwaphuluka yahle yaqalisa ukukhuluma kuhle.

36 UJesu wabaqonqosela ukuthi bangatsheli muntu. Kodwa wathi ngokwenza njalo baqhubeka ngamandla befakaza ngakho. 37 Abantu bamangala baphela amandla. Bathi, “Konke asekwenzile kuhle. Uyenza futhi lezacuthe zizwe, lezimungulu zikhulume.”

8

UJesu Usuthisa Abazinkulungwane Ezine

1 Ngalezonsuku kwaphinde kwabuthana elinye ixuku labantu. Kwathi ngoba bengelalutho lokudla uJesu wabiza abafundi bakhe wathi kubo, 2  “Ngilosizi ngalaba abantu; sebebe lami okwensuku ezintathu, kodwa bengadli lutho. 3  Ngingababuyisela emakhaya belambile bazayatha endleleni ngoba abanye babo bavela khatshana.”

4 Abafundi bakhe baphendula bathi, “Kodwa kungaphi endaweni emi yodwa kanje umuntu angathola khona izinkwa ezanele ukubapha?”

5 UJesu wababuza wathi, “Lilezinkwa ezingaki na?”

Bathi, “Eziyisikhombisa.”

6 Wasetshela ixuku labantu ukuthi lihlale phansi. Wathi esezithethe izinkwa eziyisikhombisa njalo esebongile, wazihlephula waziqhubela abafundi bakhe ukuba baqhubele abantu. Lakanye benza khonokho. 7 Njalo babelenhlanzi ezincane ezimbalwa, wazikhulekela lazo wathi abafundi bazabele abantu. 8 Abantu badla basutha. Ngemva kwalokho abafundi badobha imvuthu kwagcwala izitsha eziyisikhombisa. 9 Ababekhona kwakungamadoda azinkulungwane ezine. Esebabuyisele emakhaya, 10 wangena esikepeni labafundi bakhe baya emangweni waseDalimanutha.

11 AbaFarisi beza baqalisa ukumbuza uJesu. Bamlinga ngokuthi kabatshengise isibonakaliso esivela ezulwini. 12 Wakhokha umoya ngamandla wathi, “Kungani isizukulwane lesi sicela isibonakaliso? Ngiqinisile ngithi kini, kakulasibonakaliso esizakuphiwa lesisizukulwane.” 13 Wasesuka kubo wabuyela esikepeni wachaphela ngakwelinye iphetsheya.

Imvubelo YabaFarisi LoHerodi

14 Abafundi bakhohlwa ukuza lesinkwa ngaphandle kwesisodwa ababelaso esikepeni. 15 UJesu wabaxwayisa wathi, “Limukani, liqaphele imvubelo yabaFarisi lekaHerodi.”

16 Bakhulumisana ngalokhu bathi, “Utsho ngoba singelasinkwa.”

17 UJesu wakunanzelela ababekukhuluma, wasebabuza wathi, “Kungani likhuluma ngokungabi lasinkwa na? Lilokhu lingaboni njalo lingazwisisi na? Inhliziyo zenu sezintunyile na? 18  Kungani lithi lilamehlo lehluleke ukubona, lilezindlebe lehluleke ukuzwa? Kalikhumbuli yini? 19  Ngize ngihlephunele abazinkulungwane ezinhlanu izinkwa ezinhlanu labutha izitsha ezingaki zemvuthu?”

Bathi, “Ezilitshumi lambili.”

20  “Ngize ngihlephunele abazinkulungwane ezine izinkwa eziyisikhombisa labutha imvuthu kwaba yizitsha ezingaki na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Eziyisikhombisa.”

21 Wasesithi kubo, “Lilokhu lingezwisisi yini?”

Ukusiliswa Kwesiphofu EBhethisayida

22 Bafika eBhethisayida, abanye abantu baletha indoda eyayiyisiphofu bancenga uJesu ukuba ayibeke izandla. 23 Wasithatha isiphofu leso wasibamba ngesandla wasiholela ngaphandle komuzi. Esekhafulele emehlweni aso wasibeka izandla uJesu wabuza wathi, “Kukhona okubonayo na?”

24 Sathalaza sathi, “Ngibona abantu; bakhangeleka njengezihlahla ezihambahambayo.”

25 UJesu waphinde wabeka izandla zakhe emehlweni ayo indoda leyo. Amehlo ayo avuleka, yabona kuhle, isibona zonke izinto kakuhle. 26 UJesu wayibuyisela ekhaya layo wathi, “Ungayi edolobheni ukuyakhuluma ngale indaba.”

Ubufakazi BukaPhethro NgoKhristu

27 UJesu labafundi bakhe baya emizini eduze leKhesariya Filiphi. Besendleleni wababuza wathi, “Kambe abantu bathi ngingubani?”

28 Baphendula bathi, “Abanye bathi unguJohane uMbhaphathizi; abanye bathi ungu-Elija; njalo abanye bathi ungomunye wabaphrofethi.”

29 Wasebabuza wathi, “Kodwa lina-ke? Lithi ngingubani?”

UPhethro waphendula wathi, “UnguKhristu.”

30 UJesu wabaqonqosela ukuthi bangatsheli muntu ngaye.

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokufa Kwakhe

31 Waqalisa ukubafundisa ngokuthi iNdodana yoMuntu imele ihlupheke kakhulu, yaliwe ngabadala bebandla, abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho, njalo lokuthi kumele ibulawe kuthi ngemva kwensuku ezintathu ivuke njalo. 32 Wakukhuluma kamhlophe lokho, uPhethro wamdonsela eceleni waqalisa ukumkhuza.

33 Kodwa waphenduka wakhangela abafundi bakhe, wasemkhuza uPhethro wathi, “Suka emuva kwami, Sathane! Kawunakani ngezinto zikaNkulunkulu, kodwa ngezinto zabantu.”

Indlela Yesiphambano

34 Wasebiza ixuku labantu kanye labafundi bakhe wathi, “Nxa umuntu efuna ukungilandela, kumele azidele athathe isiphambano sakhe angilandele. 35  Ngoba yilowo ofuna ukulondoloza impilo yakhe izamlahlekela, kodwa olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami kanye levangeli uzayilondoloza. 36  Kumsizani umuntu ukuzuza wonke umhlaba, kodwa alahlekelwe ngumphefumulo wakhe? 37  Loba, kuyini umuntu angakunika kube yinhlawulo yomphefumulo wakhe na? 38  Nxa umuntu eyangeka ngami kanye lamazwi ami kulesi isizukulwane esifebayo lesonayo, iNdodana yoMuntu izakuyangeka ngaye nxa isifika enkazimulweni kaYise lezingilosi ezingcwele.”

9

1 Wasesithi kubo, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi abanye abemiyo lapha kabayikukuzwa ukufa bengakawuboni umbuso kaNkulunkulu ufika ngamandla.”

Ukuguquka Isimo

2 Ngemva kwensuku eziyisithupha uJesu wathatha uPhethro, loJakhobe loJohane wakhwela labo entabeni ephakemeyo lapho ababa bodwa khona. Bekhona lapho waguquka isimo emehlweni abo. 3 Izigqoko zakhe zaba mhlophe njengokukhanya, zaba mhlophe okungazake kwenziwe muntu emhlabeni. 4 Khonapho kwabonakala u-Elija loMosi bekhuluma loJesu.

5 UPhethro wathi kuJesu, “Rabi, kumnandi kithi ukuba lapha. Kasakhe izihonqo ezintathu esakho, esinye esikaMosi lesinye esika-Elija.” 6 (Wayengazi ukuthi athini, babesesaba kakhulu.)

7 Kwabuya iyezi labagubuzela, ilizwi labuya livela eyezini lisithi, “Lo yiNdodana yami, engiyithandayo. Ilaleleni!”

8 Khonokho nje bathi bayakhangela kababe besabona muntu eduze kwabo ngaphandle kukaJesu.

9 Bathi sebesehla entabeni uJesu wabanika imilayo yokuthi bangatsheli muntu ngabakubonileyo iNdodana yoMuntu ize iqale ivuke kwabafileyo. 10 Indaba le bayigcina ezifubeni zabo, bebuzana ukuthi, “ukuvuka kwabafileyo” kwakusitshoni.

11 Bambuza bathi, “Kungani abafundisi bomthetho besithi u-Elija kumele afike kuqala?”

12 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngeqiniso u-Elija uza kuqala abuyisele izinto zonke esimeni sazo. Kungani pho kulotshiwe ukuthi iNdodana yoMuntu imele ihlupheke kakhulu yaliwe? 13  Kodwa ngiyalitshela, u-Elija usefikile, sebemenze konke ababekufisa kuye njengoba kulotshiwe ngaye.”

Ukusiliswa Komfana Olomoya Omubi

14 Bathi befika kwabanye abafundi babona bebuthanelwe ngabantu abanengi kulabafundisi bomthetho bephikisana labo. 15 Abantu bonke bonela ukubona uJesu bamangala kakhulu bamgijimela besiyambingelela.

16 Wabuza wathi, “Kuyini eliphikisana labo ngakho na?”

17 Kwaphendula indoda ethile exukwini yathi, “Mfundisi, ngikulethele indodana yami ilomoya oyenza ibe yisimungulu. 18 Uthi ungayibamba uyilahlele phansi. Isuka ibhubhudle amagwebu, igedle amazinyo, yome qha umzimba. Ngibacelile abafundi bakho ukuthi bawukhuphe umoya, kodwa behluleka.”

19 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Oh, lina sizukulwane esingakholwayo, ngizahlala lani kuze kube nini na? Ngilibekezelele kuze kube nini? Mletheni kimi umfana.”

20 Basebemletha kuye. Umoya wonela ukumbona uJesu wamlahla phansi umfana wazigiqagiqa ekhihliza amagwebu ngomlomo.

21 UJesu wabuza uyise womfana wathi, “Sekulesikhathi esingakanani enje umfana?”

Wathi, “Kusukela ebuntwaneni. 22 Kuhlezi kumphosela emlilweni loba emanzini kufuna ukumbulala. Kodwa nxa kukhona ongakwenza ake usihawukele usisize.”

23 UJesu wathi, “Uthi ‘engingakwenza?’ Yonke into iyeneliseka kulowo okholwayo.”

24 Masinyane uyise womfana wamemeza wathi, “Ngiyakholwa; ake ungisize ngehlule ukungakholwa kwami!”

25 UJesu esebona ukuthi ixuku laligijimela kuye wawukhuza umoya omubi wathi, “Wena moya oyisacuthe lesimungulu, ngiyakulaya mina, ngithi phuma kuye ungaphindi ungene kuye futhi.”

26 Umoya waklabalala, wamgiqa phansi umfana, waphuma emva kokumhlukuluza okukhulu. Umfana wathi daca, waba njengesidumbu, abanengi bathi, “Usefile.” 27 Kodwa uJesu wambamba ngesandla wamdonsa wamisa ngezinyawo wema.

28 UJesu esesukile wayangena endlini abafundi bakhe bambuza ngasese bathi, “Kungani sehlulekile ukuwuxotsha na?”

29 Waphendula wathi, “Lolu uhlobo luphuma ngomkhuleko kuphela.”

UJesu Ukhuluma Okwesibili Ngokufa Kwakhe

30 Basuka kuleyondawo badabula eGalile. UJesu kazange afune ukuthi kube khona owaziyo ukuthi babengaphi, 31 ngoba wayefundisa abafundi bakhe. Wathi kubo, “INdodana yoMuntu izanikelwa ezandleni zabantu. Bazayibulala, kuthi ngemva kwensuku ezintathu izavuka.” 32 Kodwa kabezwisisanga ukuthi wayesitshoni njalo besaba ukumbuza ngakho.

Ngubani Omkhulu Kulabo Bonke?

33 Bafika eKhaphenawume. Wathi esendlini wababuza wathi, “Beliphikisana ngani endleleni?” 34 Kodwa bathula zwi ngoba endleleni babephikisana ngokuthi ngubani omkhulu kulabanye bonke.

35 Wahlala phansi uJesu wabiza abalitshumi lambili wathi kubo, “Nxa ekhona ofuna ukuba ngowokuqala, kabe ngosekucineni, abe yisisebenzi sabo bonke.”

36 Wathatha umntwana omncinyane wamisa phakathi kwabo. Wamthatha wamanga wathi kubo, 37  “Yilowo owamukela oyedwa walababantwana abancinyane ebizweni lami wamukela mina; njalo lowo ongamukelayo kemukeli mina, kodwa wamukela lowo owangithumayo.”

Ongaphikisani Lathi Umi Lathi

38 UJohane wathi, “Mfundisi, sibone indoda ikhupha amadimoni ngebizo lakho, sayenqabela ngoba ingayisuye omunye wethu.”

39 UJesu wathi, “Lingamaleli. Kakho ongenza umangaliso ngebizo lami aphinde masinyane ajike akhulume okubi ngami, 40  ngoba lowo ongamelani lathi ukanye lathi. 41  Ngilitshela iqiniso, lowo olipha inkezo yamanzi ngebizo lami ngoba lingabakaKhristu ngempela akayikulahlekelwa ngumvuzo wakhe.”

Ukwenzisa Isono

42  “Nxa umuntu ekhubekisa oyedwa walaba abancinyane abakholwa kimi ukuba enze isono, bekungaba ngcono kuye ukuthi aphoselwe olwandle ebotshelwe ilitshe elikhulu entanyeni yakhe. 43  Nxa isandla sakho sikwenza wone, siqume. Kungcono kuwe ukuthi ungene ekuphileni ungungini kulokuya esihogweni ulezandla ezimbili, lapho umlilo wakhona ongacitshiyo, [ 44  lapho

‘impethu yakhona engafiyo

lomlilo wakhona ongacitshiyo.’]*

45  Njalo nxa unyawo lwakho lukwenzisa isono, luqume. Kungcono kuwe ukuthi ungene ekuphileni uyisilima kulokuthi ulenyawo ezimbili uphoselwe esihogweni, [ 46  lapho

‘impethu zakhona ezidlayo zingafi

lomlilo ongacitshiyo.’]†

47  Njalo nxa ilihlo lakho likwenza wone, likopole liphume. Kungcono kuwe ukungena embusweni kaNkulunkulu ulelihlo elilodwa kulokuba lamehlo amabili kodwa uphoselwe esihogweni, 48  lapho

‘impethu zakhona ezidlayo zingafi,

lomlilo ongacitshiyo.’‡

49  Umuntu wonke uzakuvuvuzelwa itswayi ngomlilo.

50  Itswayi lilungile, kodwa nxa lingalahlekelwa yibumunyu balo, ungalivuselela njani na? Wobani letswayi ngaphakathi kwenu, lihlalisane ngokuthula.”

10

Ukuchitha Umtshado

1 UJesu wasesuka kuleyondawo waya emangweni waseJudiya langaphetsheya kweJodani. Njalo kweza kuye amaxuku abantu, kwathi njengenjayelo yakhe wabafundisa.

2 Abanye abaFarisi beza bamlinga ngokumbuza bathi, “Kusemthethweni yini ukuthi indoda imale umfazi wayo na?”

3 Waphendula wathi, “UMosi walilaya wathini?”

4 Bathi, “UMosi wayivumela indoda ukuthi ibhale incwadi yokuquma umtshado ibisimxotsha.”

5 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kwakungenxa yokuthi zazilukhuni inhliziyo zenu okwenza uMosi walibhalela umthetho lo. 6  Kodwa ekuqaleni kwendalo uNkulunkulu ‘wabenza baba ngowesilisa lowesifazane.’* 7  ‘Ngalesisizatho indoda izatshiya uyise lonina imanyane lomfazi wayo, 8  kuthi labo bobabili babe nyamanye.’†Yikho kabasebabili, sebemunye. 9  Ngakho, lokho uNkulunkulu asekuhlanganisile akungehlukaniswa muntu.”

10 Bathi sebengenile endlini njalo, abafundi bambuza uJesu ngalokhu. 11 Waphendula wathi, “Loba ngubani olahla umfazi wakhe athathe omunye umfazi uyafeba kuye. 12  Laye nxa elahla indoda yakhe endele kwenye, uyafeba.”

Abantwana Abancinyane LoJesu

13 Abantu babeletha abantwana abancinyane kuJesu ukuze ababeke izandla, kodwa abafundi babakhuza. 14 UJesu wathi ekubona lokho wacaphuka. Wathi kubo, “Yekelani abantwana abancane beze kimi, lingabavaleli, ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu ungowabanjengalaba. 15  Ngiqinisile ngithi kini, lowo ongayikwemukela umbuso kaNkulunkulu njengomntwana omncane kayikungena kuwo.” 16 Wasebathatha abantwana ebaphatha, wababeka izandla wababusisa.

Ijaha Elalinothile

17 UJesu wathi esesuka ehamba, indoda yagijimela kuye yafika yazilahla ngamadolo phambi kwakhe. Yabuza yathi, “Mfundisi olungileyo, ngingenzani ukuze ngizuze ilifa lokuphila kwaphakade na?”

18 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ungibizelani ngokuthi ngilungile na? Kakho olungileyo ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu kuphela. 19  Uyayazi imilayo: ‘Ungabulali, ungafebi, ungebi, ungaphi ubufakazi bamanga, ungadlelezeli, hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko.’‡”

20 Wachaza wathi, “Mfundisi zonke lezi izinto ngiyazigcina kusukela ngisesengumfana.”

21 UJesu wamkhangela wamthanda. Wathi, “Usilela ngento eyodwa. Hamba uyethengisa konke olakho uphe abampofu, lapho-ke inotho yakho izakuba sezulwini. Ubusubuya ungilandele.”

22 Isizwa lokhu indoda yathelwa ngamanzi. Yasukuma yahamba isidanile ngoba yayinothile kakhulu.

23 UJesu wathalaza wasesithi kubafundi bakhe, “Koba nzima kakhulu ukuthi isinothi singene embusweni kaNkulunkulu!”

24 Abafundi bamangaliswa ngamazwi akhe lawo. Kodwa uJesu waphinda wathi, “Bantwana, kunzima kanganani ukungena embusweni kaNkulunkulu! 25  Kulula ukuba ikamela lingene embotsheni yenalithi kulokuba umuntu onothileyo angene embusweni kaNkulunkulu.”

26 Abafundi bamangala okwedlulayo, bathi omunye komunye, “Pho ngubani ongasindiswa na?”

27 UJesu wabakhangela wathi, “Ngokwabantu kakwenzeki, kodwa hatshi ngoNkulunkulu; zonke izinto ziyenzakala ngoNkulunkulu.”

28 UPhethro wathi kuye, “Sesitshiye konke ukuba sikulandele!”

29 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ngithi kakho osetshiye ikhaya kumbe abafowabo, loba odadewabo, kumbe unina loba uyise, loba umntwana kumbe amasimu ngenxa yami levangeli 30  ozakwehluleka ukwamukeliswa okuphindwe ngekhulu kuso lesi isikhathi samanje: amakhaya, abafowabo, odadewabo, onina, abantwana lamasimu, kwengezwe ukuhlukunyezwa, lasesikhathini esizayo, ukuphila kwaphakade. 31  Kodwa abanengi abangabokuqala bazakuba ngabokucina, abokucina babe ngabokuqala.”

UJesu Ufanisa Ukufa Kwakhe Njalo

32 Babesendleleni besiya eJerusalema, uJesu ekhokhele, abafundi bedidekile, kwathi labo ababelandela babesesaba. Waphinda njalo wathatha abalitshumi lambili wabadonsela eceleni wabatshela lokho okwakuzakwenzakala kuye. 33 Wathi, “Sesisiya eJerusalema, iNdodana yoMuntu izanikelwa kubaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho. Bazayigwebela ukufa bayinikele kwabeZizwe, 34  abazayiyangisa, bayikhafulele, bayitshaye njalo bayibulale. Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu izavuka.”

Isicelo SikaJakhobe LoJohane

35 Kwathi uJakhobe loJohane, amadodana kaZebhediya, beza kuye. Bathi, “Mfundisi, sifuna ukuthi usenzele loba yini esiyicelayo.”

36 Wababuza wathi, “Lifuna ukuthi ngilenzeleni?”

37 Baphendula bathi, “Wothi omunye wethu ahlale ngakwesokunene kwakho, kuthi omunye kwesokhohlo ebukhosini bakho.”

38 UJesu wathi, “Kalikwazi elikucelayo. Lingayinatha na inkezo engiyinathayo kumbe libhaphathizwe ngobhaphathizo engibhaphathizwa ngalo, na?”

39 Baphendula bathi, “Singakwenza.”

UJesu wathi kubo, “Lizayinatha inkezo engiyinathayo njalo libhaphathizwe ngobhaphathizo engibhaphathizwa ngalo, 40  kodwa ukuhlala kwesokunene kumbe kwesokhohlo kwami kakusikho kwami ukukuvumela. Izindawo lezi ngezalabo abazilungiselweyo.”

41 Kwathi abalitshumi bekuzwa lokhu bazondela uJakhobe loJohane. 42 UJesu wababizela ndawonye wathi, “Liyakwazi ukuthi labo abangababusi kwabeZizwe bababusa kalukhuni, lezinduna zabo ezinkulu zitshengisa amandla phezu kwabo. 43  Akunjalo kini. Kodwa lowo othanda ukuba mkhulu phakathi kwenu kumele abe yinceku yenu, 44  lalowo ofuna ukuba ngowokuqala kabe yisigqili senu lonke. 45  Ngoba leNdodana yoMuntu kayibuyelanga ukuzokhonzwa, kodwa ukuzokhonza lokunikela impilo yayo njengenhlawulo yabanengi.”

Isiphofu UBhatholomewu Uvulwa Amehlo

46 Basebefika eJerikho. Kwathi uJesu labafundi bakhe kanye lexuku elikhulu sebesuka edolobheni, indoda eyisiphofu, uBhathimewu (kutsho indodana kaThimewu) yayihlezi eceleni kwendlela icela. 47 Yathi isizwa ukuthi kwakunguJesu waseNazaretha yamemeza yathi, “Jesu, Ndodana kaDavida, ake ungihawukele!”

48 Abanengi bayikhuza bathi kayithule, kodwa yaqhubeka yamemeza ngamandla isithi, “Ndodana kaDavida, ake ungihawukele!”

49 UJesu wema wathi, “Mbizeni.”

Basebeyibiza indoda eyisiphofu bathi, “Thokoza ndoda! Phakama! Uyakubiza.” 50 Walahla ijazi lakhe phansi wasukuma weza kuJesu.

51 UJesu wambuza wathi, “Ufuna ngikwenzeleni na?”

Indoda eyisiphofu yathi, “Rabi, ngifuna ukuthi ngibone.”

52 UJesu wathi, “Hamba-ke, ukukholwa kwakho sekukusilisile.” Masinyane yahle yabona yasilandela uJesu endleleni.

11

Ukungena Ngobukhosi EJerusalema

1 Bathi sebesondele eJerusalema bafika eBhethifage leBhethani eNtabeni yama-Oliva. UJesu wathuma abafundi bakhe ababili 2 wathi kubo, “Yanini emzini ophambi kwenu, okuzakuthi nxa lingena kuwo lizabona inkonyane kababhemi engakaze igadwe muntu ibotshelwe khonapho. Ikhululeni liyilethe lapha. 3  Nxa kungaba lozalibuza ukuthi, ‘Likwenzeleni lokho na?’ limtshele ukuthi, ‘INkosi iyalifuna, izalibuyisa masinyane.’ ”

4 Bahamba bathola inkonyane kababhemi phandle maqondana lomnyango ibotshelwe. Bayikhulula, 5 abantu ababemi khonapho babuza bathi, “Lenzani, liyikhululelani inkonyane leyo na?” 6 Baphendula njengoba uJesu wayebatshelile, abantu basebebayekela bahamba. 7 Sebelilethile ithole kuJesu bendlala amajazi abo phezu kwalo uJesu waseligada. 8 Abantu abanengi bendlala amajazi abo endleleni, kukanti abanye bendlala ingatsha abaziqamula emasimini. 9 Labo ababehamba phambili lalabo ababelandela bamemeza besithi,

“Hosana!”*

“Ubusisiwe lowo obuya ngebizo leNkosi!”

10 “Ubusisiwe umbuso ozayo okababa wethu uDavida!”

“Hosana ezulwini eliphezulu!”

11 UJesu wangena eJerusalema waya ethempelini. Wathalaza wakhangela konke, kodwa kwathi ngoba kwasekuhlwile wehlela eBhethani labalitshumi lambili.

UJesu Uhlambulula IThempeli

12 Ngelanga elilandelayo bathi besuka eBhethani uJesu wayeselambile. 13 Wabona bucwadlana isihlahla somkhiwa sihlumile amahlamvu, wasondela ukuyabona ingabe sasilezithelo yini. Wafika wabona kungamahlamvu kuphela ngoba kwakungasiso isikhathi sezithelo zomkhiwa. 14 Wasesithi esihlahleni, “Akungabi lamuntu lanini ozaphinda adle izithelo zakho.” Abafundi bakhe bamuzwa esitsho lokho.

15 Bathi befika eJerusalema uJesu wangena egumeni lethempeli wafika wabaxotsha labo ababethenga lababethengisa khona. Wagenqula amatafula abantshintshi bezimali lezihlalo zababethengisa amajuba, 16 kaze avumela muntu ukungenisa okuthengiswayo ezindlini zethempeli. 17 Wathi esabafundisa wathi, “Kakulotshwanga yini ukuthi: ‘Indlu yami izabizwa ngokuthi yindlu yokukhuleka ezizweni zonke’†? Kodwa lina seliyenze ‘ubhalu lwabaphangi.’‡”

18 Abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho bakuzwa lokhu basebeqalisa ukudinga indlela yokumbulala, ngoba babemesaba ngoba ixuku lonke lalimangaliswa yikufundisa kwakhe.

19 Kusihlwa baphuma edolobheni.

Umkhiwa Obunileyo

20 Ekuseni babehambahamba basebebona isihlahla somkhiwa esasibunile kusukela empandeni. 21 UPhethro wakhumbula wasesithi kuJesu, “Rabi, khangela! Isihlahla somkhiwa owasiqalekisayo sibunile!”

22 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Woba lokholo kuNkulunkulu. 23  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi nxa omunye esithi entabeni le, ‘Suka, ziphosele olwandle,’ engelakuthandabuza enhliziyweni yakhe, kodwa ekholwa ukuthi lokho akutshoyo kuzakwenzakala, kuzakwenziwa kuye. 24  Ngakho ngiyalitshela ukuthi loba kuyini elikucelayo ngomkhuleko, kholwani ukuthi selikwamukele, sekuzakuba ngokwenu. 25  Njalo nxa lisima likhuleka, nxa lilesikhwili komunye, mthetheleleni, ukuze uYihlo ezulwini alithethelele izono zenu. [ 26  Kodwa nxa lingathetheleli, loYihlo osezulwini kazukulithethelela izono zenu.]”§

Amandla KaJesu Ayathandabuzisa

27 Bafika njalo eJerusalema, kwathi uJesu ezihambela emagumeni ethempeli kweza kuye abaphristi abakhulu, labafundisi bomthetho kanye labadala. 28 Bambuza bathi, “Konke lokhu ukwenza ngawaphi amandla na? Ngubani owakupha amandla okwenza lokhu?”

29 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngizalibuza umbuzo owodwa. Lingangiphendula ngizalitshela ukuthi ngizenza ngawaphi amandla lezizinto. 30  Ukubhaphathiza kukaJohane, kwakuvela ezulwini loba ebantwini? Ngitshelani!”

31 Bahlanganisa amakhanda bathi, Singathi, “ ‘Kwakuvela ezulwini,’ uzabuza athi, ‘Kungani lingazange limkholwe?’ 32 Kodwa singathi, ‘Kwakuvela ebantwini’ … ” (Besaba abantu ngoba bonke babesithi ngeqiniso uJohane wayengumphrofethi.)

33 Ngakho bamphendula uJesu bathi, “Kasikwazi.”

UJesu wathi, “Lami kangisalitsheli ukuthi izinto lezi ngizenza ngawaphi amandla.”

12

Umzekeliso Wabaqhatshi Besivini

1 Wasekhuluma kubo ngemizekeliso wathi, “Indoda yahlanyela isivini. Yakha umduli yasihonqolozela, yemba igodi lesihluzo yasisakha umphotshongo wesilindo. Yasiqhatshisa isivini kubalimi abathile yona yasuka yathatha uhambo. 2  Ngesikhathi sokuvuna yathuma isisebenzi kubaqhatshi besivini ukuthi siyothatha ingxenye yezithelo zesivuno. 3  Kodwa basidumela basitshaya basixotsha singaphathanga lutho. 4  Yathuma esinye isisebenzi kubo; leyondoda bayitshaya ekhanda bayiphatha kubi. 5  Yaphinde yathuma esinye njalo isisebenzi, leso bahle basigongoda basibulala. Yathuma ezinye ezinengi; ezinye zazo bazitshaya, ezinye bazibulala.

6  Kwasekusele oyedwa wokuthuma, indodana, ayeyithanda. Wayithuma ekucineni kwabo bonke esithi, ‘Bazayihlonipha indodana yami.’

7  Kodwa abaqhatshi besivini batshelana bathi, ‘Lo yindlalifa. Wozani, simbulale, ilifa libe ngelethu.’ 8  Ngakho bamthatha bambulala bamphosela ngaphandle kwesivini.

9  Kambe kuyini azakwenza umnini wesivini na? Uzakuza afike ababulale labo baqhatshi besivini, isivini leso asinike abanye abalimi. 10  Kalibalanga yini umbhalo lo othi:

‘Ilitshe elalahlwa ngabakhi

seliyilona ilitshe lekhoneni;

11  iNkosi ikwenzile lokhu,

kuyamangalisa emehlweni ethu’*?”

12 Basebedinga iqinga lokumbopha ngoba babesazi ukuthi wayekhulume umzekeliso lowo eqonde bona. Kodwa besaba ixuku labantu; basebemtshiya bahamba.

Ukuthela KuKhesari

13 Muva basebethumela abanye babaFarisi lamaHerodiya kuJesu ukuthi bambambe ngamazwi akhe. 14 Beza kuye bathi, “Mfundisi, siyakwazi ukuthi uyindoda eqotho. Kawuguqulwanga ngabantu ngoba kawulandeli ukuthi bangobani; kodwa ufundisa indlela kaNkulunkulu mayelana leqiniso. Kulungile yini ukuthela kuKhesari, kumbe hatshi? 15 Sithele yini kumbe hatshi?”

Kodwa uJesu wayekubona ukuzenzisa kwabo, wathi, “Lizamelani ukungithiya na? Ake lingiphe idenari ngibone.” 16 Baluletha uhlamvu lolo, wasebabuza wathi, “Ngumfanekiso kabani lo? Lombhalo ngokabani?”

Baphendula bathi, “NgokaKhesari.”

17 UJesu wasesithi kubo, “Phanini uKhesari okukaKhesari loNkulunkulu okungokukaNkulunkulu.”

Bamangala kakhulu ngaye.

Ukuthathana Lokuvuka Ekufeni

18 Kwasekusithi abaSadusi abathi kakukho ukuvuka kwabafileyo, beza kuye belombuzo. 19 Bathi, “Mfundisi, uMosi wasibhalela ukuthi nxa umfowabo wendoda angafa atshiye umfazi, kodwa bengelabantwana, leyondoda kayimthathe umfelokazi izalele umfowabo abantwana. 20 Manje-ke, kwakulabafowabo abayisikhombisa. Owokuqala wathatha wasesifa engazalanga. 21 Owesibili wamthatha umfelokazi waphinda laye wafa engelamntwana. Kwabanjalo lakowesithathu. 22 Iqiniso yikuthi kakho kubo bonke beyisikhombisa owaba labantwana. Ekucineni kwafa yena umfazi. 23 Ekuvukeni kwabafileyo uzakuba ngumkabani njengoba bonke boyisikhombisa babemthethe?”

24 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kalilahleki yini ngoba lingayazi imibhalo loba amandla kaNkulunkulu? 25  Nxa abafileyo sebevuka kabayikuthatha loba bende; bazakuba njengezingilosi ezulwini. 26  Mayelana lokuvuka kwabafileyo, kalibalanga yini encwadini kaMosi, emlandweni wesixuku esasibhebha umlilo ukuthi uNkulunkulu wathi kuye, ‘NginguNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, uNkulunkulu ka-Isaka loNkulunkulu kaJakhobe’†? 27  KasuNkulunkulu wabafileyo, kodwa owabaphilayo. Lilahlekile kakhulu!”

Umlayo Omkhulu Kulayo Yonke

28 Omunye wabafundisi bomthetho wafika wabezwa bephicana ngamazwi. Ngokubona ukuthi uJesu wayebaphe impendulo enhle, wabuza wathi, “Phakathi kwayo yonke imilayo yiwuphi oqakatheke okudlula yonke?”

29 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Oqakatheke kakhulu yilo: ‘Zwana, wena Israyeli, iNkosi uNkulunkulu wethu, iNkosi yinye. 30  Thanda iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke langengqondo yakho yonke langamandla akho wonke.’‡ 31  Owesibili yilo: ‘Thanda umakhelwane wakho njengoba uzithanda.’§Kawukho umlayo omkhulu kulale.”

32 Indoda yaphendula yathi, “Utsho kuhle, mfundisi. Uqondile nxa usithi uNkulunkulu munye, kakho omunye ngaphandle kwakhe. 33 Ukumthanda ngenhliziyo yakho yonke, ngokuzwisisa konke kwakho langamandla akho wonke, lokuthanda umakhelwane wakho njengoba uzithanda wena kuqakathekile kulayo yonke iminikelo yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo.”

34 UJesu wathi ebona ukuthi uphendule kuhle wathi kuye, “Kawukho khatshana kombuso kaNkulunkulu.” Kusukela kulesosikhathi kakusabanga khona owaba lesibindi sokumbuza eminye imibuzo.

UKhristu UyiNdodana Kabani

35 Kwathi uJesu efundisa emagumeni ethempeli wabuza wathi, “Kungani abafundisi bomthetho besithi uKhristu uyindodana kaDavida na? 36  UDavida yena ngokwakhe ekhuluma ngoMoya oNgcwele wathi:

‘INkosi yathi eNkosini yami:

“Hlala ngakwesokunene sami

ngize ngibeke izitha zakho

ngaphansi kwenyawo zakho.”*’

37  UDavida yena ngokwakhe umbiza athi ‘Nkosi.’ Pho-ke angaba yindodana yakhe kanjani?”

Ixuku labantu elikhulu lamlalela ngokuthokoza.

Ukulimukisa NgabaFundisi BoMthetho

38 Wathi elokhu efundisa, uJesu wathi, “Libananzelele abafundisi bomthetho. Bathanda ukuhambahamba becece ngezembatho ezinde eziphephezelayo lokube bebingelelwa emisikeni, 39  futhi bathatha izihlalo eziphakemeyo emasinagogweni lezindawo zabahlonitshwa emadilini. 40  Bahuquluza izindlu zabafelokazi njalo bazibonakalisa ngokwenza imikhuleko emide. Abantu abanjalo bazajeziswa kabuhlungu.”

Umnikelo Womfelokazi

41 UJesu wahlala phansi malungana lendawo yokunikela wakhangela inengi lifaka imali yalo esitsheni somnikelo ethempelini: Izikhulu ezinengi zazifaka imali ezwayo. 42 Kodwa kweza umfelokazi ongumyanga wafaka okuzinhlamvana kwethusi okubili okulingana lengxenyana yendibilitshi.

43 Esebizele kuye abafundi bakhe uJesu wathi kubo, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi umfelokazi lo ongumyanga ufake okunengi esitsheni somnikelo kulabo bonke. 44  Bona bonke baphe ngokwenotho yabo, kodwa yena, ebuyangeni bakhe ufake konke abelakho ukuthi kumphilise.”

13

Ukubhidlizwa KweThempeli Lezibonakaliso Zokucina Kwesikhathi

1 Wathi esuka ethempelini omunye wabafundi wathi kuye, “Khangela, Mfundisi! Amatshe anganani! Bona ubuhle bezindlu!”

2 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Liyazibona yini zonke lezi izindlu ezinkulu kangaka? Kakuyikusala litshe phezu kwelinye; wonke azaphoselwa phansi.”

3 Kwathi uJesu ehlezi eNtabeni yama-Oliva malungana lethempeli uPhethro, loJakhobe, loJohane lo-Andreya bambuza ngasese bathi, 4 “Sitshele, zizakwenzakala nini izinto lezi? Njalo kuzakuba lesibonelo bani ukuthi sezizagcwaliseka?”

5 UJesu wathi kubo: “Qaphelani ukuze lingakhohliswa muntu. 6  Banengi abazakuza ngebizo lami, besithi, ‘Nginguye,’ bakhohlise abanengi. 7  Nxa lisizwa ngezimpi lamahungahunga ngezimpi, lingaze lethuka. Lezozinto kumele zenzakale, kodwa ukucina kulokhu kuseza. 8  Isizwe sizavukela isizwe, lombuso uvukele umbuso. Kuzakuba lokuzamazama komhlaba ezindaweni ezinengi, lezindlala. Lezi ziyikuqala kokuhelelwa.

9  Libohlala liqaphele. Bazalimangalela ezinkundleni zamacala njalo balibhaxabule emasinagogweni abo. Ngenxa yami lizamiswa phambi kwababusi lamakhosi libe ngofakazi kubo. 10  Njalo ivangeli kufanele liqale litshunyayelwe ezizweni zonke. 11  Lapho libotshwa njalo lilethwa emthethwandaba lingaze lazihlupha ngokuthi lizakuthini phambi kwabo. Khulumani ingqe yini eliyiphiwa ngalesosikhathi, ngoba kakusini elikhulumayo, kodwa nguMoya oNgcwele.

12  Umfowabo uzanikela umfowabo ukuthi abulawe, loyise anikele umntanakhe. Abantwana bazahlamukela abazali babo bababulalise. 13  Bonke abantu bazalizonda ngenxa yami, kodwa lowo oma aqine kuze kube sekupheleni uzasindiswa.

14  Kodwa nxa libona ‘amanyala aletha incithakalo’*kumi lapho okungesikwakhona, ofundayo kezwisise, lapho-ke akuthi labo abaseJudiya babalekele ezintabeni. 15  Akungabikhona osephahleni lwendlu yakhe ozakwehla loba angene endlini ukuthatha ulutho. 16  Akungabi loyedwa osensimini ozabuyela emuva ukuyathatha ijazi lakhe. 17  Yeka ubulukhuni obuzakuba khona ngalezonsuku kwabesifazane abakhulelweyo labangabadlezane! 18  Khulekani ukuthi lokhu kungenzakali ebusika, 19  ngoba lezo zizakuba yizinsuku zokuhlukuluzeka okungakaze kube khona kwasekuqaleni, lapho uNkulunkulu adala umhlaba, kuze kube manje, njalo kakuzukubuye kube khona.

20  Nxa iNkosi yayingaziphungulanga lezinsuku, kwakungeyi kuphepha muntu. Kodwa ngenxa yabakhethiweyo, eyabakhethayo, iziphungulile. 21  Ngalesosikhathi nxa umuntu esithi kini, ‘Khangelani, nangu uKhristu!’ loba ‘Khangelani, nanguya,’ lingamkholwa. 22  Ngoba oKhristu bamanga labaphrofethi bamanga bazavela benze izibonakaliso lezimangaliso ukukhohlisa abakhethiweyo, nxa lokho kungenzeka. 23  Ngakho lilimuke; sengilitshelile konke ngaphambili.

24  Kodwa ngalezonsuku, kulandela lokho kuhlukuluzeka,

‘ilanga lizafiphala,

lenyanga kayiyikukhanya;

25  izinkanyezi zizakuwa esibhakabhakeni,

lezisekelo zasezulwini zizazanyazanyiswa.’†

26  Ngalesosikhathi abantu bazayibona iNdodana yoMuntu isiza emayezini ilamandla amakhulu lobukhosi. 27  Izathuma izingilosi zayo ziqoqe abakhethiweyo bayo kumagumbi womane omhlaba, kusukela emikhawulweni yomhlaba kusiya emikhawulweni yamazulu.

28  Manje-ke, fundani lesisifundo esihlahleni somkhiwa: Amahlumela aso angaqalisa ukuba buthakathaka lamahlamvu aso ahlume, lihle lazi ukuthi ihlobo selisondele. 29  Kanjalo-ke nxa lingabona lezizinto sezisenzakala, lazi ukuthi sekusondele, khonapho emnyango. 30  Ngilitshela iqiniso, lesisizukulwane kasiyikudlula zize zenzakale zonke lezizinto. 31  Izulu lomhlaba kuzedlula, kodwa amazwi ami kawayikwedlula lanini.”

Usuku Lesikhathi Kakwaziwa

32  “Kodwa kakho olwaziyo lolosuku lehola, loba izingilosi zasezulwini, kumbe iNdodana, kodwa uBaba kuphela. 33  Lindani! Qaphelani! Kalikwazi ukuthi sizafika nini lesosikhathi. 34  Kunjengomuntu ezathatha uhambo: utshiya indlu yakhe ayinikele izisebenzi zakhe ukuba ziyilinde, yileso sabelwe owaso umsebenzi, atshele lowo olinda emnyango ukuthi aqaphele.

35  Ngakho lindani ngoba kalikwazi ukuthi umninindlu uzabuya nini, mhlawumbe kusihlwa, kumbe phakathi kwamabili, loba inkukhu sezikhala kumbe emathathakusa. 36  Nxa efika masinyane, akangalifici lilele. 37  Engikutshoyo kini ngikutsho emuntwini wonke: ‘Lindani!’ ”

14

UJesu Uyagcotshwa EBhethani

1 Kwasekusele insuku ezimbili kuphela ukuba ufike uMkhosi wePhasika loMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo. Abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho babedinga indlela ecatshileyo yokubopha uJesu ukuze bambulale. 2 Kodwa bathi, “Kakungabi ngesikhathi somkhosi, funa abantu benze isiphithiphithi.”

3 Kwathi eseBhethani eyeme etafuleni emzini wendoda eyayithiwa nguSimoni owayelobulephero, owesifazane weza ephethe imbodlela yamakha adulayo kakhulu, enziwe ngenadi elipheleleyo. Wayivula imbodlela wathela amakha ekhanda likaJesu.

4 Abanye balabo ababekhona bacaphuka babuzana bathi, “Udlaliselani amakha la? 5 Abengathengiswa ngokudlula umholo womnyaka wonke imali leyo iphiwe abampofu.” Bamkhuza ngokumkhahlameza kakhulu.

6 UJesu wathi, “Myekeleni. Limkhathazelani kanti? Wenze into enhle kimi. 7  Abampofu lizahlala lilabo, yikho lingabasiza noma yisiphi isikhathi elisifunayo. Kodwa kalisoze libe lami kokuphela. 8  Wenze lokho abe lamandla okukwenza. Uthele amakha emzimbeni wami mandulo ukulungisela ukungcwatshwa kwami. 9  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi loba kungaphi okuzatshunyayelwa ivangeli emhlabeni wonke, lokho akwenzileyo kuzakhulunywa, kube yisikhumbuzo ngaye.”

10 Yikho uJudasi Iskariyothi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili waya kubaphristi abakhulu ukuyanikela uJesu kubo. 11 Bathokoza kakhulu bekuzwa lokhu, bathembisa ukumupha imali. Yikho walindela ithuba lokumnikela.

Isidlo SeNkosi

12 Ngelanga lokuqala loMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo, lapho kwakungumkhuba ukwenza umhlatshelo wezinyane lePhasika, abafundi bakaJesu bambuza bathi, “Ufuna ukuthi seyekwenza ngaphi amalungiselelo okuthi udle iPhasika na?”

13 Ngakho wathuma ababili kubafundi bakhe wabatshela wathi, “Yanini edolobheni, kuzakuthi indoda ezabe ithwele isigubhu samanzi izalihlangabeza. Ilandeleni. 14  Libokuthi kumninindlu ezangena kuyo, ‘UMfundisi uyabuza uthi: Ingaphi indlu yezethekeli lapho engingadlela khona iPhasika labafundi bami?’ 15  Izalitshengisa ikamelo laphezulu elikhulu, elilungisiweyo. Senzeleni amalungiselelo khonapho.”

16 Abafundi basuka baya edolobheni bafica izinto zimi njengoba uJesu wayetshilo. Yikho basebelungisela iPhasika.

17 Kwathi kusihlwa uJesu wafika labalitshumi lambili. 18 Bathi beyeme etafuleni besidla wathi kubo, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi omunye wenu uzanginikela, odla lami khonapha.”

19 Badana, bathi kuye ngamunye, “Pho kawutsho mina?”

20 Waphendula wathi, “Ngomunye wabalitshumi lambili, omunye otsheba lami isinkwa emganwini. 21  Indodana yoMuntu izahamba njengokulotshiweyo ngayo. Kodwa maye kuleyondoda enikela iNdodana yoMuntu! Kwakungaba ngcono kuyo aluba yayingazalwanga.”

22 Bathi belokhu besidla uJesu wathatha isinkwa, wabonga, wasihlephula, wasipha abafundi bakhe esithi, “Sithatheni; lo ngumzimba wami.”

23 Wasethatha inkezo, esebongile, wabanika, bonke banatha kuyo.

24 Wathi kubo, “Leli ligazi lami lesivumelwano, elichithelwa abanengi. 25  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi angisayikuphinda nginathe okwesithelo sevini njalo, kuze kube yilolosuku lapho engizakunatha khona kabutsha embusweni kaNkulunkulu.”

26 Bathi sebehlabele ihubo, baphuma baya eNtabeni yama-Oliva.

UJesu Ubonisa Ngokuphika KukaPhethro

27 UJesu wabatshela wathi, “Lonke lizachitheka, ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

‘Ngizatshaya umelusi,

izimvu zihlakazeke.’*

28  Kodwa ngemva kokuba sengivukile kwabafileyo, ngizalandulela ukuya eGalile.”

29 UPhethro walandula wathi, “Loba bonke bengahlakazeka, mina kangisoze ngikwenze.”

30 UJesu wamphendula wathi, “Ngikutshela iqiniso ukuthi lamuhla lokhu, ngobusuku balamuhla, iqhude lingakakhali kabili, wena ngokwakho uzangiphika kathathu.”

31 Kodwa uPhethro waphika wagomela wathi, “Loba kungabe ngifanele ngife lawe, kangisoze ngikuphike.” Bonke abanye labo batsho khona lokho.

EGetsemane

32 Baya endaweni eyayithiwa yiGetsemane, uJesu wathi kubafundi bakhe, “Hlalani lapha mina ngisayakhuleka.” 33 Wathatha uPhethro, uJakhobe loJohane wasuduluka labo, waseqala ukuhlulukelwa kakhulu lokukhathazeka. 34 Wathi kubo, “Umphefumulo wami udabukile kakhulu kuze kuthi ngife. Hlalani lapha lilinde.”

35 Wahamba ibanganyana, wazilahla phansi wakhuleka ukuthi aluba kungenzeka lelohola lingedlula kuye. 36 Wathi, “Abha, Baba, konke kuyeneliseka kuwe. Ake ususe inkezo le kimi. Kodwa kakungabi yintando yami, kodwa kube yintando yakho.”

37 Wasephenduka kubafundi bakhe wabafica belele. Wathi kuPhethro, “Simoni, ulele? Wehlulekile ukulinda ihola elilodwa kuphela? 38  Lindani likhuleke ukuze lingaweli ekulingweni. Umoya uyathanda, kodwa umzimba ubuthakathaka.”

39 Waphinda wahamba wayakhuleka umkhuleko munye. 40 Wathi ekubuyeni wabafica njalo sebelele, ngoba ubuthongo babubaphethe. Baswela ukuthi bathini kuye.

41 Esebuya okwesithathu wathi kubo, “Lilokhu lilele liphumula? Sekwanele! Isikhathi sesifikile. Khangelani, iNdodana yoMuntu isinikelwe ezandleni zezoni. 42  Phakamani! Kasihambeni! Nangu usesiza onginikelayo.”

Ukubotshwa KukaJesu

43 Esakhuluma, uJudasi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili, wafika. Wayehamba lexuku behlomile ngezinkemba lezinduku, bethunyiwe ngabaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho kanye labadala.

44 Umthengisi wayelungise isiboniso sokubatshengisa wathi: “Lowo engizamanga nguye; limbophe lihle lihambe laye elindiwe.” 45 UJudasi wahle waqonda kuJesu wathi, “Rabi!” wamanga. 46 Amadoda ahle amdumela uJesu ambopha. 47 Kwasekusithi omunye owayemi khonapho wakhokha inkemba yakhe wagalela inceku yomphristi omkhulu wayiquma indlebe yayo.

48 UJesu wathi, “Ngingumkhokheli womvukela yini, selingaze lize lihlomile ngezinkemba lezinduku ukuzangibamba? 49  Bengilani insuku zonke ngifundisa emagumeni ethempeli, kodwa kalingibophanga. Kodwa iMibhalo kufanele igcwaliseke.” 50 Khonokho bonke bamtshiya babaleka.

51 Ijaha elalingagqokanga lutho ngaphandle kwelembu lelineni lalimlandela uJesu. Balibamba, 52 kodwa labaleka laze latshiya isembatho salo.

Phambi KoMphakathi ISanihedrini

53 UJesu bamthatha bamusa kumphristi omkhulu, kwathi bonke abaphristi abakhulu, labadala labafundisi bomthetho babuthana ndawonye. 54 UPhethro wamlandela ehambela khatshana, waze wayangena egumeni lomphristi omkhulu. Wahlala khonapho labalindi esotha umlilo.

55 Abaphristi abakhulu leSanihedrini yonke babedinga ubufakazi obumlahlayo uJesu ukuze bambulale, kodwa babuswela. 56 Abanengi bafakaza amanga ngaye, kodwa amazwi abo kawavumelananga.

57 Kwasekusukuma abanye bethula lobu ubufakazi bamanga ngaye, bathi, 58 “Samuzwa esithi, ‘Ngizalibhidliza ithempeli leli, elakhiwe ngabantu ngakhe elinye ngezinsuku ezintathu, elizabe lingasakhiwanga ngumuntu.’ ” 59 Lakulokhu kabuvumelananga ubufakazi babo.

60 Umphristi omkhulu wasesukuma phambi kwabo wabuza uJesu wathi, “Kawuyikuphendula na? Kuyini kanti lokhu okufakazwa ngamadoda la ngawe na?” 61 Kodwa uJesu wala elokhu ethule njalo kazange aphendule.

Umphristi omkhulu waphinde wambuza wathi, “Unguye uKhristu, iNdodana yoBusisiweyo na?”

62 UJesu wathi, “Nginguye. Njalo lizayibona iNdodana yoMuntu ihlezi kwesokunene salowo Olamandla isehla ngamayezi ezulu.”

63 Umphristi omkhulu wadabula izigqoko zakhe wabuza wathi, “Sisabadingelani abanye ofakazi? 64 Selikuzwile ukuhlambaza. Lithini manje?”

Bonke bamlahla bathi ufanele ukufa. 65 Abanye basebeqalisa ukumkhafulela; bamvala amehlo ngokumbopha, bamdutshuza ngenqindi bathi, “Phrofitha!” Abalindi basebemthatha bayamtshaya.

UPhethro Ulandula UJesu

66 UPhethro wayengaphansi egumeni, enye yamantombazana ayeyizincekukazi zomphristi omkhulu yeza khonapho. 67 Yathi ibona uPhethro esotha umlilo yamkhangelisisa.

Yathi, “Lawe wawulomNazarini lowaya, uJesu.”

68 Walandula. Wathi, “Angikwazi njalo kangikuzwisisi lokho okhuluma ngakho.” Wahle waphuma waya esangweni.

69 Kuthe intombazana leyo isimbona khona lapho yathi kwababemi lapho, “Indoda le ingomunye wabo.” 70 Walandula njalo.

Ngemva kwesikhatshana ababemi lapho eduze kukaPhethro bathi, “Ngeqiniso ungomunye wabo, ngoba ungumGalile.”

71 Watshinga uPhethro, waziqalekisa wabuye wafunga kubo wathi, “Kangiyazi indoda le elikhuluma ngayo.”

72 Masinyane lakhala iqhude ngokwesibili. Khonapho uPhethro waselikhumbula ilizwi uJesu ayelitshilo kuye, ukuthi: “Iqhude lingakakhali kabili uzangiphika kathathu.” Ngakho waphihlika wakhala.

15

UJesu Ephambi KukaPhilathu

1 Ekuseni kakhulu abaphristi abakhulu, labadala, labafundisi bomthetho kanye leSanihedrini yonke bavumelana ngesinqumo sabo. Bambopha uJesu bamqhuba bayamethula kuPhilathu.

2 UPhilathu wambuza wathi, “Uyinkosi yamaJuda na?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Usukutshilo lokho.”

3 Abaphristi abakhulu bamethesa amacala amanengi. 4 Ngakho uPhilathu wambuza njalo wathi, “Kanti kungani ungaphenduli na? Khangela, bakubeka amacala amanengi.”

5 Kodwa uJesu wala elokhu ethule, uPhilathu wamangala.

6 Kwakungumkhuba ukuthi ngomkhosi kukhululwe isibotshwa esasizabe sicelwe ngabantu. 7 Indoda eyayithiwa nguBharabhasi yayisentolongweni kanye labahlamuki ababebulele abantu kulowomvukela. 8 Ixuku labantu leza kuPhilathu ukuthi abenzele leyo nhlalayenza.

9 “Lifuna ukuthi ngilikhululele inkosi yamaJuda na?” UPhilathu wabuza, 10 esazi ukuthi kwakungenxa yomhawu okwenza abaphristi abakhulu banikela uJesu kuye. 11 Kodwa abaphristi abakhulu badunga abantu babakhuthaza ukuthi bacele uPhilathu abakhululele uBharabhasi.

12 UPhilathu wasebabuza wathi, “Pho ngithini ngalo elimbiza ngokuthi uyinkosi yamaJuda na?”

13 Bamemeza bathi, “Mbethele!”

14 UPhilathu wabuza wathi, “Yindaba? Woneni?”

Kodwa bamemeza ngamandla bathi, “Mbethele!”

15 UPhilathu wasebakhululela uBharabhasi ngoba wayefuna ukusuthisa ixuku labantu. Wathi uJesu katshaywe, ngemva kwalokho wasebapha ukuba bambethele.

Amabutho Ahoza UJesu

16 Amabutho amqhuba uJesu amusa esigodlweni (kutshiwo iPhrethoriyamu) basebebiza iviyo lonke lamabutho laqoqana ndawonye. 17 Bamgqokisa ijazi eliyibubende, basebeseluka umqhele wameva bamethesa wona. 18 Basebememeza besithi kuye, “Bayethe, nkosi yamaJuda!” 19 Bamtshaya ekhanda ngomqwayi baphindaphinda, bamkhafulela. Baguqa phansi ngamadolo bamkhonza. 20 Sebemhozile, bamhlubula ijazi eliyibubende bamgqokisa ezakhe izigqoko. Basebephuma laye bamqhuba ukuba bayombethela.

Ukubethelwa

21 Indoda ethile yaseKhureni, eyayithiwa nguSimoni, uyise ka-Alekizanda loRufasi, wayezedlulela khonapho evela emaphandleni, basebembamba ngamandla ukuthi athwale isiphambano. 22 Baletha uJesu endaweni eyayithiwa yiGoligotha (okutsho ukuthi, “Indawo yoKhakhayi”). 23 Basebemupha iwayini elihlanganiswe lemure, kodwa wala ukulinatha. 24 Basebembethela. Bahlukanisa izigqoko zakhe basebesenza inkatho ukuze babone ukuthi ngulowo athathe kuphi.

25 Kwakulihola lesithathu isikhathi abambethela ngaso. 26 Umbhalo wecala lakhe wawusithi:

INkosi yamaJuda.

27 Babethela kanye laye abaphangi ababili, omunye kwesokunene sakhe, omunye kwesokhohlo. [ 28 Kwagcwaliseka umbhalo othi, “Wabalwa ndawonye lezephulamthetho.”]* 29 Labo ababedlula lapho babemthuka benikina amakhanda abo besithi, “Ehe! Wena ozadiliza ithempeli ulakhe ngezinsuku ezintathu, 30 yehla esiphambanweni uzisindise!” 31 Ngaleyondlela labaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho bamklolodela behlekisana ngaye phakathi kwabo. Bathi, “Wasindisa abanye, kodwa uyehluleka ukuzisindisa yena! 32 Ake kuthi uKhristu lo, iNkosi le yako-Israyeli, yehle esiphambanweni ukuze sibone, sikholwe.” Lalabo ayebethelwe kanye labo, labo babemhlambaza.

Ukufa KukaJesu

33 Ngehola lesithupha ubumnyama bembesa ilizwe lonke kwaze kwaba lihola lesificamunwemunye. 34 Kwathi ngehola lesithathu emini uJesu wakhala ngelizwi elikhulu wathi, “Eloyi, Eloyi, lamasabakithani?”† (okutsho ukuthi, “Nkulunkulu wami, Nkulunkulu wami, ungitshiyelani na?”).

35 Kwathi abanye balabo ababemi eduzane bekuzwa lokho bathi, “Zwanini, ubiza u-Elija.”

36 Enye indoda yagcwalisa uzipho ngewayini elimunyu, yaluxhumela oluthini, yasiluqhubela uJesu ukuthi anathe. Yasisithi, “Ake simyekele manje, kesibone ingabe u-Elija uzakuza azomehlisa.”

37 Ngomkhosi omkhulu, uJesu waphefumula okokucina.

38 Ikhetheni lethempeli ladabuka kabili lisuka phezulu kusiya phansi. 39 Kwathi induna yekhulu eyayimi khonapho phambi kukaJesu isizwa ukukhala kwakhe njalo ikubonile ukuthi ufe kanjani yathi, “Ngeqiniso indoda le ibe iyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu!”

40 Abanye abesifazane babebukele bebucwala. Phakathi kwabo kwakuloMariya Magadalini loMariya unina kaJakhobe omncinyane lokaJosefa loSalome. 41 Laba abesifazane babemlandele bemsebenzela eseGalile. Labanye abesifazane abanengi ababeze laye eJerusalema labo babekhona.

Ukungcwatshwa KukaJesu

42 Kwakulusuku lokuLungiselela (kutsho usuku olwandulela iSabatha). Kwathi sekuntambama 43 uJosefa wase-Arimathiya indoda elesithunzi eNkundleni, yona ngokwayo eyayilindele umbuso kaNkulunkulu, yaqunga isibindi yaya kuPhilathu yacela isidumbu sikaJesu. 44 UPhilathu wamangala ukuthi wayesefile. Wabiza induna yekhulu wayibuza ukuthi uJesu wayesefile yini. 45 Wathi esezwile ngenduna yekhulu ukuthi kwasekwenzakele, wamupha uJosefa isidumbu. 46 Ngakho uJosefa wasethenga amalembu elineni, wathatha isidumbu wasigoqela ngelineni wasibeka ethuneni elaligujwe edwaleni. Wasegiqela ilitshe emlonyeni wethuna. 47 UMariya Magadalini loMariya unina kaJosefa babona lapho abekwa khona.

16

Ukuvuka KukaJesu

1 Kwathi iSabatha seledlule, uMariya Magadalini, loMariya unina kaJakhobe loSalome bathenga amakha ukuze bayeqhola ngawo isidumbu sikaJesu. 2 Ekuseni kakhulu ngosuku lokuqala lweviki, ilanga liphuma basebesendleleni besiya ethuneni, 3 babuzana bathi, “Ngubani ozasigiqela ilitshe lisuke emlonyeni wethuna na?”

4 Kodwa bathi bayakhangela babona ilitshe, elalilikhulu kakhulu, seligiqelwe eceleni. 5 Bathi bengena ethuneni babona ijaha ligqoke isembatho esimhlophe lihlezi ngakwesokunene, bethuka kakhulu.

6 Lathi, “Lingaze lethuka. Lidinga uJesu umNazarini obebethelwe. Usevukile! Kakho lapha. Bonani, nansi indawo lapho bebembeke khona. 7 Kodwa hambani liyotshela abafundi bakhe loPhethro lithi, ‘Usehamba phambi kwenu ukuya eGalile. Lizambona khonale, njengoba walitshela.’ ”

8 Ngokuthuthumela langokudideka, abesifazane baphuma bebaleka ethuneni. Kabakhulumanga lutho lakubani ngoba babesesaba.*

[ 9 UJesu esevukile ekuseni ngelanga lokuqala evikini waqala wabonakala kuMariya Magadalini yena lowo ayekhuphe kuye amadimoni ayisikhombisa. 10 Yena wahamba wayabikela labo uJesu ayephile labo ababesesililweni sakhe. 11 Bathi besizwa ukuthi uJesu uyaphila lokuthi uMariya wayembonile, kabazange bakukholwe.

12 Ngemva kwalokho uJesu wabonakala ngesinye isimo kwababili babo abafica behamba kulelolizwe emaphandleni. 13 Labo babuyela bayabikela abanye, kodwa labo kabazange babakholwe.

14 Ngemva kwalokho uJesu wabonakala kwabalitshumi lanye besidla; wabakhuza ngokungakholwa kwabo langobulukhuni benhliziyo zabo bengabakholwa labo ababembonile ngemva kokuvuka kwakhe.

15 Wathi kubo, “Hambani emhlabeni wonke litshumayele ivangeli kukho konke okwadalwayo. 16  Loba ngubani okholwayo abhaphathizwe uzasindiswa, kodwa lowo ongakholwayo uzalahlwa. 17  Lezizibonakaliso zizabalandela labo abakholwayo: Ngebizo lami bazakhupha amadimoni; bazakhuluma ngendimi ezintsha; 18  bazadobha izinyoka ngezandla zabo; bazakuthi banganatha okubulalayo kungaze kwabalimaza lakancinyane; bazabeka izandla zabo phezu kwabantu abagulayo, basile.”

19 Ngemva kokuba iNkosi uJesu esekhulume labo, wenyukiselwa ezulwini, wahlala ngakwesokunene sikaNkulunkulu. 20 Abafundi bahamba bayatshumayela ezindaweni zonke iNkosi yasebenza labo yaqinisa ilizwi layo ngezibonakaliso ezazilisekela.]

* 1:2 1.2 UMalaki 3.1

† 1:3 1.3 U-Isaya 40.3

* 4:12 4.12 U-Isaya 6.9-10

* 7:7 7.7 U-Isaya 29.13

† 7:10 7.10 U-Eksodasi 20.12; UDutheronomi 5.16

‡ 7:10 7.10 U-Eksodasi 21.17; ULevi 20.9

§ 7:16 7.16 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

* 9:44 9.44 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

† 9:46 9.46 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

‡ 9:48 9.48 U-Isaya 66.24

* 10:6 10.6 UGenesisi 1.27

† 10:8 10.8 UGenesisi 2.24

‡ 10:19 10.19 U-Eksodasi 20.12-16; UDutheronomi 5.16-20

* 11:9 11.9 AmaHubo 118.25-26

† 11:17 11.17 U-Isaya 56.7

‡ 11:17 11.17 UJeremiya 7.11

§ 11:26 11.26 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

* 12:11 12.11 AmaHubo 118.22-23

† 12:26 12.26 U-Eksodasi 3.6

‡ 12:30 12.30 UDutheronomi 6.4-5

§ 12:31 12.31 ULevi 19.18

* 12:36 12.36 AmaHubo 110.1

* 13:14 13.14 UDanyeli 9.27; 11.31; 12.11

† 13:25 13.25 U-Isaya 13.10; 34.4

* 14:27 14.27 UZakhariya 13.7

* 15:28 15.28 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

† 15:34 15.34 AmaHubo 22.1

* 16:8 16.8 Eminye imibhalo iphetha ngovesi 8 lo 9 njalo umbhalo owodwa ulovesi 8 (kodwa weqa uvesi 9‑20): Ngakho baphanga babika zonke izeluleko lezo kuPhethro labanye ayelabo. Emva kwalokho uJesu ngokwakhe wabathuma ukuyatshumayela ivangeli elingcwele lelingapheliyo njalo elilensindiso yaphakade kusuka empumalanga kusiya entshonalanga. Amen.

ULukha

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Ivangeli

LikaLukha

1

Isingeniso

1 Banengi asebazimisela ukuqoqa umlando wezinto esezigcwalisekile phakathi kwethu, 2 njengokwedluliselwa kwazo kithi yilabo ababekhona ekuqaleni bengabafakazi lezinceku zelizwi. 3 Ngakho-ke, njengoba mina ngokwami sengichwayisisile konke kusukela ekuqaleni, lami ngikubone kufanele ukuthi ngikulobele umlando oqondileyo, komkhulu ohloniphekayo uTheyofelasi 4 ukuze wazi iqiniso lezinto lezo ozifundisiweyo.

Ukubikwa Kokuzalwa KukaJohane UMbhaphathizi

5 Ngesikhathi sikaHerodi inkosi yaseJudiya kwakulomphristi okwakuthiwa nguZakhariya, owaye ngowesigaba sika-Abhija, umkakhe u-Elizabethi laye wayengowosendo luka-Aroni. 6 Bobabili babelungile emehlweni kaNkulunkulu beyilandela yonke imilayo leziqondiso zeNkosi bengasoleki. 7 Kodwa babengelabantwana ngoba u-Elizabethi wayeyinyumba njalo bobabili basebeluphele.

8 Kwenzakala ukuthi isigaba sikaZakhariya siyiso esasimiselwe umsebenzi wethempeli ngalesosikhathi, 9 wadliwa yinkatho ngokomkhuba wobuphristi, ukuthi angene ethempelini leNkosi ayetshisa impepha. 10 Kwathi isikhathi sokutshisa impepha sesifikile, wonke amakholwa ayebuthene lapho ayekhuleka ephandle.

11 Kwasekubonakala kuye ingilosi yeNkosi imi ngakwesokunene kwe-alithari lempepha. 12 UZakhariya wathi eyibona wethuka wesaba kakhulu. 13 Kodwa ingilosi yathi kuye, “Ungesabi, Zakhariya; umkhuleko wakho usuzwakele. Umkakho u-Elizabethi uzakuzalela indodana kufanele uyinike ibizo elithiwa nguJohane. 14 Uzakuba yintokozo lenjabulo kuwe njalo abanengi bazathokoza ngenxa yokuzalwa kwakhe, 15 ngoba uzakuba mkhulu emehlweni eNkosi. Kakumelanga anathe iwayini lanini loba yini ebilisiweyo enathwayo, njalo uzagcwaliswa ngoMoya oNgcwele kusukela ekuzalweni kwakhe. 16 Uzaletha abantu bako-Israyeli abanengi eNkosini uNkulunkulu wabo. 17 Uzahamba phambili kweNkosi ngomoya langamandla ka-Elija, ukuguqulela inhliziyo zaboyise ebantwaneni babo labayiziqholo elwazini lwabalungileyo, ukuqondisa abantu abalungiselelwe iNkosi.”

18 UZakhariya wabuza ingilosi wathi, “Ngingaba leqiniso lakho njani lokho? Sengilixhegu njalo lomkami useluphele.”

19 Ingilosi yaphendula yathi, “NginguGabhuriyeli mina. Ngima phambi kukaNkulunkulu, ngithunywe ukuzokhuluma lawe ngikutshela ngalezi izindaba ezinhle. 20 Okwamanje uzakuba yisimungulu wehluleke ukukhuluma kuze kufike lolosuku okuzakwenzakala ngalo lokhu, ngoba kawuzange uwakholwe amazwi ami, wona azagcwaliseka ngesikhathi sawo esifaneleyo.”

21 Sonke lesisikhathi abantu babelokhu bemlindele uZakhariya sebemangele ukuthi kungani wayethethe isikhathi eside kangako ethempelini. 22 Waphuma esesehluleka ukukhuluma labo. Babona ukuthi wayebone umbono ethempelini ngoba wayelokhu eqhweba ngezandla, kodwa esehluleka ukukhuluma.

23 Izopha lakhe seliphelile wabuyela ekhaya. 24 Ngemva kwalokhu umkakhe u-Elizabethi wazithwala wasezifihla okwezinyanga ezinhlanu, 25 esithi, “INkosi ingenzele lokhu. Kulezi insuku ilutshengisile uthando Lwayo yasusa ihlazo lami ebantwini.”

Ukubikwa Kokuzalwa KukaJesu

26 Ngenyanga yesithupha yokuzithwala kuka-Elizabethi, uNkulunkulu wathuma ingilosi uGabhuriyeli eNazaretha, idolobho elaliseGalile, 27 ukuya entombini egcweleyo eyayithembise ukutshada lendoda eyayithiwa nguJosefa, owesizukulwane sikaDavida. Ibizo lentombi egcweleyo le kwakunguMariya. 28 Ingilosi yaya kuye yathi, “Sabona wena othole umusa kakhulukazi INkosi ilawe.”

29 Amazwi ayo amhlupha kakhulu uMariya wamangala ukuthi kanti kwakuyikubingelela bani lokhu. 30 Kodwa ingilosi yathi kuye, “Ungesabi Mariya, uthole umusa kuNkulunkulu. 31 Uzakhulelwa ubelethe indodana, uyethe ibizo uthi nguJesu. 32 Uzaba ngumuntu omkhulu abizwe ngokuthi yiNdodana yoPhezukonke. INkosi uNkulunkulu izamupha isihlalo sikayise uDavida, 33 njalo uzabusa phezu kwendlu kaJakhobe laphakade; umbuso wakhe kawuyikuphela.”

34 UMariya wayibuza ingilosi wathi, “Lokho kuzakwenzakala njani njengoba mina ngimsulwa ngingayazi indoda?”

35 Ingilosi yaphendula yathi, “UMoya oNgcwele uzakwehlela phezu kwakho, lamandla akhe oPhezukonke azakusibekela. Ngakho ongcwele ozazalwa uzathiwa yiNdodana kaNkulunkulu. 36 Lo-Elizabethi isihlobo sakho uzakuba lomntwana ekuluphaleni kwakhe, yena okwakuthiwa yinyumba usesenyangeni yakhe yesithupha. 37 Ngoba kakukho okwehlulayo kuNkulunkulu.”

38 UMariya waphendula wathi, “Ngiyincekukazi yeNkosi. Kakwenzeke kimi njengoba utshilo.” Ingilosi yasisuka kuye.

UMariya Wethekelela U-Elizabethi

39 Ngalesosikhathi uMariya waphanga wenza amalungiselelo waya edolobheni elizweni lamaqaqa eJudiya, 40 lapho angena khona emzini kaZakhariya wabingelela u-Elizabethi. 41 Kwathi u-Elizabethi esizwa ukubingelela kukaMariya, umntwana weqa esiswini sakhe, u-Elizabethi wagcwala ngoMoya oNgcwele. 42 Wakhuluma ngelizwi eliphezulu wathi, “Ubusisiwe wena phakathi kwabesifazane, njalo ubusisiwe umntwana ozamzala! 43 Kodwa kungani ngithole umusa ongaka mina, ukuba ngethekelelwe ngunina weNkosi yami? 44 Ngonele ukuzwa ukubingelela kwakho, umntwana osesiswini sami weqa ngentokozo. 45 Ubusisiwe lowo osekholiwe ukuthi lokho iNkosi ethe kuzakwenzeka kuye kuzagcwaliseka!”

Ingoma KaMariya

46 UMariya wathi:

“Umphefumulo wami uyayidumisa iNkosi

47 lomoya wami uyathokoza kuNkulunkulu uMsindisi wami,

48 ngoba ukunanzile

ukuzehlisa kwencekukazi yakhe.

Kusukela manje zonke izizukulwane zizakuthi ngibusisiwe,

49 ngoba uSomandla ungenzele izinto ezinkulu,

lingcwele ibizo lakhe.

50 Isihawu sakhe sifinyelela kulabo abamesabayo,

kulandela isizukulwane ngesizukulwane.

51 Uyenzile imisebenzi emikhulu ngengalo yakhe:

ubachithizile labo abaziqakisa ngemicabango yezinhliziyo zabo.

52 Uwethule amakhosi ezihlalweni zawo,

kodwa wabaphakamisa abantukazana.

53 Ubasuthisile abalambileyo ngezinto ezinhle,

kodwa abanothileyo ubaxotshe bengaphathanga lutho.

54 Uyisizile inceku yakhe u-Israyeli,

wakhumbula ukuba lesihawu

55 ku-Abhrahama lezizukulwane zakhe laphakade,

njengoba wakutsho kubokhokho bethu.”

56 UMariya wahlala lo-Elizabethi izinyanga ezazingaba ntathu wasebuyela ekhaya.

Ukuzalwa KukaJohane UMbhaphathizi

57 Kwathi isikhathi sika-Elizabethi sesiphelele esokubeletha wazala indodana. 58 Omakhelwane bakhe lezihlobo bezwa ukuthi iNkosi yayimzwele isihawu esikhulu bathokoza kanye laye.

59 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili beza ukuzasoka umntwana, bafuna ukuthi bamethe ibizo likayise uZakhariya, 60 kodwa unina wala wathi, “Hatshi! Kathiwe nguJohane.”

61 Bathi kuye, “Kakho ebantwini bakini olebizo lelo.”

62 Bakhuluma ngezandla kuyise bedinga ukuthi yena uthanda ukuthi umntwana aphiwe liphi ibizo. 63 Wacela isibhebhedu sokulobela, wamangalisa wonke umuntu ngoba waloba ukuthi, “Ibizo lakhe nguJohane.” 64 Masinyane umlomo wakhe wavuleka lolimi lwakhe lwatshwaphuluka, waqalisa ukukhuluma edumisa uNkulunkulu. 65 Omakhelwane bonke bamangala kakhulu, kwathi elizweni lonke lamaqaqa eJudiya abantu babekhuluma ngalezizinto. 66 Wonke owezwayo ngalokho wamangala ebuza esithi, “Kambe uzakuba yini umntwana lo?” Ngoba isandla seNkosi sasilaye.

Ingoma KaZakhariya

67 Uyise uZakhariya wagcwala ngoMoya oNgcwele waphrofitha wathi:

68 “Udumo kalube seNkosini, uNkulunkulu ka-Israyeli,

ngoba ubuyile ukuzahlenga abantu bakhe.

69 Iluphakamisile uphondo lwensindiso yethu

endlini yenceku yayo uDavida

70 (njengoba yatsho ngabaphrofethi bayo abangcwele ekadeni),

71 ukusindiswa ezitheni zethu

lesandleni sabo bonke abasizondayo,

72 ukuze atshengise isihawu kubokhokho bethu

lokukhumbula isivumelwano sakhe esingcwele,

73 isifungo asifunga kubaba wethu u-Abhrahama:

74 ukusikhulula esandleni sezitha zethu,

size siyikhonze singelakwesaba

75 ngobungcwele langokulunga phambi kwayo

ngazozonke insuku zethu.

76 Wena mntanami, uzathiwa ungumphrofethi woPhezukonke;

ngoba uzahamba phambili kweNkosi uyilungisele indlela,

77 ukunika abantu bayo ukwazi insindiso

ngokuthethelelwa kwezono zabo,

78 ngenxa yomusa kaNkulunkulu wethu,

ilanga liphuma lize kithi livela ezulwini,

79 likhanyise kulabo abahlezi ebumnyameni

lasethunzini lokufa,

ukukhokhelela inyawo zethu endleleni yokuthula.”

80 Umntwana wakhula waqina emoyeni; waphila enkangala waze wavela obala ku-Israyeli.

2

Ukuzalwa KukaJesu

1 Ngalezonsuku uKhesari Agastasi wakhupha isimemezelo sokuthi abantu babalwe kulolonke ilizwe lombuso wamaRoma. 2 (Lokhu kwakuyikubalwa kwabantu kokuqala okwenzakala uKhwirinu engumbusi wase-Asiriya.) 3 Wonke umuntu waya edolobheni lakibo wayabhalisa.

4 UJosefa laye wahamba esuka edolobheni leNazaretha eseGalile waya eJudiya, eBhethilehema idolobho likaDavida, ngoba wayengowendlu losendo lukaDavida. 5 Waya khona ukuyabhalisa eloMariya, owayesethembise ukwendela kuye, esekhulelwe. 6 Bathi bekhonale safika isikhathi sokubelethwa komntwana, 7 wazibula ngendodana. Wayigoqela ngamalembu, wayilalisa emkolweni wokudlela izifuyo ngoba babengelandawo endlini yezihambi.

Abelusi Lezingilosi

8 Kwakulabelusi ababehlala emlageni eduze kwalapho, belinda imihlambi yabo yezimvu ebusuku. 9 Ingilosi yeNkosi yabonakala kubo, inkazimulo yeNkosi yakhanya ibazingelezile, ngakho besaba kakhulu. 10 Kodwa ingilosi yathi kubo, “Lingesabi. Ngizolitshela izindaba ezinhle ezizaletha intokozo enkulu ebantwini bonke. 11 Lamuhla lizalelwe uMsindisi emzini kaDavida; unguKhristu iNkosi. 12 Lokhu kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kini: Lizathola umntwana egoqelwe ngamalembu elele emkolweni.”

13 Masinyane kwaqhamuka ixuku lebandla lasezulwini lengilosi lidumisa uNkulunkulu lisithi,

14 “Udumo kuNkulunkulu emazulwini aphezulu,

lokuthula emhlabeni kulabo abathole umusa kuye.”

15 Kwathi izingilosi sezibatshiyile zabuyela ezulwini, abelusi bakhulumisana bathi, “Kasihambeni siye eBhethilehema siyobona into le esiyenzakele, iNkosi esisitshele ngayo.”

16 Bahle basuka ngokuphangisa, bafica uMariya loJosefa losane olwalulele emkolweni wokudlela izifuyo. 17 Bathi sebembonile umntwana, batshela abanengi ngalokho ababekutshelwe mayelana lomntwana lo, 18 kwathi bonke abalizwayo bamangaliswa yilokho abakuzwa ngabelusi. 19 Kodwa uMariya wazenza igugu zonke lezizinto wazishicilela enhliziyweni yakhe. 20 Abelusi babuyela, bedumisa njalo bebabaza uNkulunkulu ngezinto zonke ababezizwile njalo bazibona, zaba yikho kanye ababekutsheliwe.

21 Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili, sekuyisikhathi sokuthi asokwe, wethiwa ibizo elithi nguJesu, ibizo ayelithiwe yingilosi engakabunjwa esiswini.

UJesu Uyethulwa EThempelini

22 Kwathi lapho sesiphelile isikhathi sabo sokuhlanjululwa ngokomthetho kaMosi, uJosefa loMariya bamusa eJerusalema ukuyamnikela eNkosini 23 (njengokulotshiweyo eMthethweni weNkosi ukuthi, “Lonke izibulo lesilisa kumele linikelwe eNkosini”*), 24 njalo kwenziwe umhlatshelo kulandelwa lokho okutshiwo nguMthetho weNkosi othi: “amajuba amabili loba inkwilimba ezisesezincane ezimbili.”†

25 Kwakukhona eJerusalema indoda eyayithiwa nguSimiyoni, yayilungile njalo ikholwa. Yayilindele ukududuzwa kuka-Israyeli, njalo uMoya oNgcwele wawuphezu kwayo. 26 Kwakwambuliwe kuye nguMoya oNgcwele ukuthi wayengayikufa engakaboni uKhristu weNkosi. 27 Waholwa nguMoya wangena emagumeni ethempeli. Kwathi abazali sebemlethile umntwana uJesu ukumenzela lokho okwakufunwa ngumkhuba woMthetho, 28 uSimiyoni wamgona ngezingalo zakhe wadumisa uNkulunkulu esithi:

29 “Thixo, Nkosi, njengoba wavele wathembisa,

manje-ke iyekele ihambe ngokuthula inceku yakho.

30 Ngoba amehlo ami aseyibonile insindiso yakho,

31 oyilungisileyo phambi kwezizwe zonke,

32 ukukhanya kokwambulela abeZizwe

lokwenkazimulo yabantu bakho bako-Israyeli.”

33 Oyise lonina womntwana bamangala kakhulu ngalokho okwakukhulunywa ngaye. 34 USimiyoni wasebabusisa, wathi kuMariya unina: “Umntwana lo umiselwe ukuwa lokuvuka kwabanengi ko-Israyeli, lokuba yisibonakaliso esizagconwa, 35 ukwenzela ukuthi imicabango yabanengi ivele obala. Njalo inkemba izawugwaza umphefumulo wakho lawe.”

36 Kwakukhona njalo umphrofethikazi, u-Ana, indodakazi kaFanuweli, owesizwana sika-Asheri. Wayesemdala kakhulu: wayephile lomkakhe okweminyaka eyisikhombisa ngemva kokwenda kwakhe, 37 wasesiba ngumfelokazi waze waba leminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lane. Kazange lanini asuke ethempelini kodwa wayekhonza ubusuku lemini, ezila njalo ekhuleka. 38 Wabuya kubo ngalesosikhathi wabonga kuNkulunkulu, wakhuluma ngomntwana kubo bonke ababelindele ukuhlengwa kweJerusalema.

39 Kwathi lapho uJosefa loMariya sebekwenzile konke okwakufuneka ngoMthetho weNkosi babuyela eGalile, edolobheni lakibo elaseNazaretha. 40 Umntwana wakhula, waqina; wagcwala inhlakanipho, njalo umusa kaNkulunkulu waba phezu kwakhe.

Umfana UJesu EseThempelini

41 Iminyaka yonke abazali bakhe baya eJerusalema belanda uMkhosi wePhasika. 42 Kwathi eseleminyaka elitshumi lambili baya emkhosini njengenjayelo. 43 Kwathi uMkhosi usuphelile, abazali bakhe sebebuyela ekhaya, umfana uJesu wasala eJerusalema, kodwa bona belibele. 44 Bazihambela ilanga lonke bona becabanga ukuthi ukhona edwendweni lwabo. Basebeqalisa ukumdinga phakathi kwezihlobo zabo labangane. 45 Bathi sebemswele babuyela eJerusalema bayamdinga. 46 Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu bamfumana emagumeni ethempeli ehlezi phakathi kwabafundisi elalele njalo ebabuza imibuzo. 47 Wonke umuntu owamuzwayo wamangala ngokuzwisisa kwakhe kanye lempendulo zakhe. 48 Abazali bakhe bathi bembona bamangala kakhulu. Unina wathi kuye, “Ndodana, kungani usinqinekisa kangaka? Uyihlo lami besesikhathazekile sikudinga.”

49 Yena wabuza wathi, “Belivele lingidingelani kanti? Belingazi yini ukuthi bekumele ngibe sendlini kaBaba?” 50 Kodwa kabazwisisanga lokho ayekutsho kubo.

51 Wasehamba labo eNazaretha wahlala ebalalela. Kodwa unina wazenza igugu zonke lezi izinto enhliziyweni yakhe. 52 UJesu wakhula ngenhlakanipho, langomzimba langokuthandwa nguNkulunkulu labantu.

3

UJohane UMbhaphathizi Ulungisa Indlela

1 Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanhlanu wokubusa kukaThibheriyasi Khesari ngesikhathi uPhontiyasi Philathu engumbusi eJudiya, uHerodi engumbusi eGalile, umfowabo uFiliphu engumbusi wase-Ithuriya leThrakhonithi, njalo loLisaniya engumbusi wase-Abhilene 2 ngesikhathi leso u-Anasi loKhayifasi bengabaphristi abakhulu, kwafika ilizwi likaNkulunkulu kuJohane indodana kaZakhariya esenkangala. 3 Wawuhamba wonke umango waseJodani, etshumayela ubhaphathizo lokuphenduka ukuze izono zithethelelwe. 4 Njengoba kulotshiwe encwadini yamazwi ka-Isaya umphrofethi:

“Ilizwi lalowo omemezayo enkangala,

‘Lungisani indlela kaThixo,

yenzani indlela zakhe ziqonde.

5 Zonke izigodi zizagcwaliswa,

izintaba zonke lamaqaqa kuzakwehliselwa phansi.

Izindlela zonke ezimazombe zizaqonda,

izindlela ezimakhilikithi zizakuba butshelezi.

6 Abantu bonke bazayibona insindiso kaNkulunkulu.’*”

7 UJohane wathi emaxukwini abantu ababuya ukuzobhaphathizwa nguye, “Lina nzalo yezinyoka! Lilimukiswe ngubani ukuthi libalekele ulaka oluzayo na? 8 Thelani izithelo ezihambelana lokuphenduka. Njalo lingaqali ukuzitshela ukuthi, ‘Silo-Abhrahama ongubaba wethu.’ Ngoba ngilitshela ukuthi kuwonala amatshe uNkulunkulu angamenzela u-Abhrahama abantwana. 9 Ihloka selivele selisezimpandeni zezihlahla, njalo zonke izihlahla ezingatheli izithelo ezilungileyo zizaganyulwa, ziphoselwe emlilweni.”

10 Abantu bambuza bathi, “Pho kumele senzeni?”

11 UJohane waphendula wathi, “Leyondoda elamajazi amabili kayimuphe ongelalo elinye lalowo olokudla kenze njalo.”

12 Labathelisi labo beza ukuzabhaphathizwa. Babuza bathi, “Mfundisi, kumele senzeni?”

13 Wabatshela wathi, “Lingathelisi ledlulise okufunekayo.”

14 Abanye abebutho bambuza bathi, “Thina-ke senzeni?”

Waphendula wathi, “Lingancindezeli ukuthi liphiwe imali njalo lingabeki muntu umlandu wamanga njalo lisuthiseke ngomholo wenu.”

15 Abantu babehlezi belindele njalo bonke babezibuza ezinhliziyweni zabo ingabe uJohane wayenguye yini uKhristu. 16 UJohane wabaphendula bonke wathi, “Mina ngilibhaphathiza ngamanzi. Kodwa yena olamandla kulami uyeza, akungilingananga ukuthukulula imichilo yamanyathela akhe. Uzalibhaphathiza ngoMoya oNgcwele langomlilo. 17 Isitsha sakhe sokwela sisesandleni sakhe ukuba athanyele isiza sakhe njalo abuthele amabele akhe esiphaleni, kodwa uzatshisa amakhoba ngomlilo ongacitshekiyo.” 18 Waphinda walaya abantu ngamanye amazwi amanengi njalo watshumayela kubo ivangeli.

19 Kodwa kwathi uJohane esekhuze uHerodi umbusi ngenxa kaHerodiyasi, umkamfowabo, langezinye izinto ezimbi ayezenzile, 20 uHerodi wakuhlanganisa lokhu konke: Wamvalela uJohane entolongweni.

Ukubhaphathizwa KukaJesu Lembali Yosendo Lwakhe

21 Kwathi bonke abantu bebhaphathizwa, loJesu laye wabhaphathizwa. Wathi ekhuleka izulu lavuleka 22 uMoya oNgcwele wehlela kuye elesimo sejuba. Kweza ilizwi livela ezulwini lathi: “Wena uyiNdodana yami engiyithandayo; ngiyathokoza kakhulu ngawe.”

23 UJesu wayeseleminyaka engaba ngamatshumi amathathu eqalisa umsebenzi wakhe wokutshumayela. Kwakukhunjulwa ukuthi uyindodana kaJosefa,

indodana kaHeli, 24 indodana kaMathathi,

indodana kaLevi, indodana kaMeliki,

indodana kaJanayi, indodana kaJosefa,

25 indodana kaMathathiyasi, indodana ka-Amosi,

indodana kaNahumi, indodana ka-Esili,

indodana kaNagayi, 26 indodana kaMahathi,

indodana kaMathathiyasi, indodana kaSemeyini,

indodana kaJoseki, indodana kaJoda,

27 indodana kaJohanani, indodana kaResa,

indodana kaZerubhabheli, indodana kaSheyalithiyeli,

indodana kaNeri, 28 indodana kaMeliki,

indodana ka-Adi, indodana kaKhosamu,

indodana ka-Elimadami, indodana ka-Eri,

29 indodana kaJoshuwa, indodana ka-Eliyezeri,

indodana kaJorimu, indodana kaMathathi,

indodana kaLevi, 30 indodana kaSimiyoni,

indodana kaJuda, indodana kaJosefa,

indodana kaJonami, indodana ka-Eliyakhimu,

31 indodana kaMeleya, indodana kaMena,

indodana kaMathatha, indodana kaNathani,

indodana kaDavida, 32 indodana kaJese,

indodana ka-Obhedi, indodana kaBhowazi,

indodana kaSalimoni, indodana kaNashoni,

33 indodana ka-Aminadabi, indodana kaRamu,

indodana kaHezironi, indodana kaPherezi,

indodana kaJuda, 34 indodana kaJakhobe,

indodana ka-Isaka, indodana ka-Abhrahama,

indodana kaThera, indodana kaNahori,

35 indodana kaSerugi, indodana kaRewu,

indodana kaPhelegi, indodana ka-Ebha,

indodana kaShela, 36 indodana kaKhayinani,

indodana ka-Ariphazadi, indodana kaShemu,

indodana kaNowa, indodana kaLameki,

37 indodana kaMethusela, indodana ka-Enoki,

indodana kaJaredi, indodana kaMahalaleli,

indodana kaKhenani, 38 indodana ka-Enoshi,

indodana kaSethi, indodana ka-Adamu,

indodana kaNkulunkulu.

4

Ukulingwa KukaJesu

1 UJesu egcwele uMoya oNgcwele wasuka evela eJodani wasekhokhelwa nguMoya wamusa enkangala, 2 lapho alingwa khona nguSathane okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane. Kadlanga lutho ngalezonsuku, ekupheleni kwazo, wayeselambile.

3 USathane wathi kuye, “Nxa uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu, tshela ilitshe leli ukuthi liphenduke libe yisinkwa.”

4 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kulotshiwe ukuthi: ‘Umuntu kaphili ngesinkwa kuphela.’*”

5 USathane wamholela endaweni ephakemeyo wamtshengisa ngesikhathi esifitshane yonke imibuso yomhlaba. 6 Wasesithi kuye, “Ngizakunika amandla lenkazimulo yayo yonke ngoba kuphiwe mina njalo ngingapha loba ngubani engifuna ukumupha. 7 Ungangikhonza konke kuzakuba ngokwakho.”

8 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kulotshiwe ukuthi: ‘Khonza iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho njalo usebenzele yena yedwa.’†”

9 USathane wamholela eJerusalema wayamisa engqongeni yethempeli. Wathi kuye “Nxa uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu, ziphosele phansi usuka lapha. 10 Kalokho kulotshiwe ukuthi:

‘Uzayala izingilosi zakhe ngawe

ukuthi zikulondoloze ngokunanzelela;

11 zizakuphakamisa ezandleni zazo,

ukuze ungatshayeki ngonyawo lwakho elitsheni.’‡”

12 UJesu waphendula wathi “Kuthiwa khona, ‘Ungayilingi iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho.’§”

13 Kwathi uSathane eseqedile ukumlinga konke wamtshiya walindela ukuzamlinga njalo ngesinye isikhathi.

UJesu Uyaliwa ENazaretha

14 UJesu wabuyela eGalile elamandla kaMoya, izindaba ngaye zanda kuwo wonke umango. 15 Wafundisa emasinagogweni abo, abantu bonke bamdumisa.

16 Waya eNazaretha lapho akhulela khona kwathi ngeSabatha waya esinagogweni njengenjayelo yakhe. Wasukuma wabala. 17 Umqulu womphrofethi u-Isaya wedluliselwa kuye. Wawutshombulula wafumana indawo okulotshwe khona kwathiwa:

18  “Umoya kaThixo uphezu kwami,

ngoba uThixo ungigcobile ukuba

ngitshumayele izindaba ezinhle kwabampofu.

Ungithumile ukuba ngimemezele ukukhululwa kwabathunjiweyo

lokusiliswa kweziphofu ukuthi zibone,

ukukhululwa kwabancindezelweyo,

19  lokumemezela umnyaka womusa kaThixo.”*

20 Wasewugoqa, wawubuyisela esikhonzini sebandla, wahlala phansi. Amehlo abo bonke esinagogweni athi nhlo kuye, 21 waseqalisa ngokuthi kubo, “Lamhla umbhalo usugcwalisekile lizizwela.”

22 Bonke bakhuluma kuhle ngaye bemangaliswa ngamazwi amnandi ayephuma emlonyeni wakhe. Babuzana besithi, “Kanti lo kasindodana kaJosefa na?”

23 UJesu wathi kubo, “Ngeqiniso lizasitsho kimi lesi isaga esithi: ‘Nyanga, zelaphe! Yenza lapha edolobheni lakini lokho esizwa kuthiwa wakwenza eKhaphenawume.’ ”

24 Waqhubeka wathi, “Ngiqinisile ngithi kakulamphrofethi oyamukelekayo edolobheni lakibo. 25  Ngiyaqinisa kini ukuthi babebanengi abafelokazi ko-Israyeli ngesikhathi sika-Elija, lapho umkhathi wavaleka okweminyaka emithathu elengxenye kwaba lendlala enzima elizweni lonke. 26  Kodwa u-Elija kazange athunywe lakoyedwa wabo, ngaphandle komfelokazi waseZarefathi emangweni waseSidoni. 27  Babebanengi ko-Israyeli ababelobulephero ngesikhathi sika-Elisha umphrofethi, kodwa munye kuphela phakathi kwabo owahlanjululwayo, uNamani waseSiriya.”

28 Bonke abantu ababesesinagogweni bathi bekuzwa lokhu bathukuthela kakhulu. 29 Basukuma, bamtshovela phandle kwedolobho bamusa eliweni loqaqa okwakwakhelwe kulo idolobho beqonde ukumsunduzela phansi edongeni. 30 Kodwa wasuka wahamba wadabula phakathi kwexuku labantu.

UJesu Ukhupha Umoya Omubi

31 Wasesiya eKhaphenawume, idolobho elaliseGalile, kwathi ngeSabatha wafundisa abantu. 32 Bamangaliswa yikufundisa kwakhe ngoba intshumayelo yakhe yayilesisindo.

33 Esinagogweni lapho kwakulendoda eyayiphethwe lidimoni, umoya ongcolileyo. Yaklabalala ngelizwi layo lonke yathi, 34 “Hamba khatshana! Ufunani kithi, Jesu waseNazaretha? Ulande ukuza sibhubhisa na? Ngiyakwazi ukuthi ungubani, ungoNgcwele kaNkulunkulu!”

35 UJesu wamkhuza wathi, “Thula! Phuma kuye!” Idimoni layilahla phansi indoda phambi kwabo bonke laphuma lingayilimazanga indoda.

36 Bonke abantu bamangala kakhulu bakhulumisana besithi, “Yikufundisa bani lokhu? Ulaya imimoya emibi ngegunya langamandla layo iphume!” 37 Zamemetheka izindaba ngaye kuwo wonke umango walapho.

UJesu Uphilisa Abanengi

38 UJesu wasuka esinagogweni waya emzini kaSimoni. Uninazala kaSimoni wayegula ebanjwe ngumkhuhlane woqhuqho onzima basebecela uJesu ukuthi amsize. 39 Wasekhothamela kuye wakhuza umkhuhlane lowo wahle waphuma kuye. Yena wathi lothu, waqalisa ukubaphakela.

40 Kwathi ilanga selitshona abantu baletha kuJesu bonke ababe lemikhuhlane eyehlukeneyo, wabasilisa ngokubeka izandla phezu kwalowo lalowo ngamunye. 41 Phezu kwalokho amadimoni aphuma kwabanengi ememeza esithi, “Wena uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu!” Kodwa wawakhuza kazawavumela ukuthi akhulume ngoba ayemazi ukuthi unguKhristu.

42 Emadabukakusa uJesu wasuka waya endaweni ethuleyo. Abantu babemdinga bathi sebefike lapho ayekhona, bazama ukumvimba ukuthi angabatshiyi. 43 Kodwa wathi, “Kumele ngitshumayele izindaba ezinhle zombuso kaNkulunkulu kwamanye amadolobho, ngoba yikho engakulandayo.” 44 Waqhubeka etshumayela emasinagogweni aseJudiya.

5

Ukubizwa Kwabafundi Bokuqala

1 Ngelinye ilanga uJesu emi eduze kweChibi laseGenezaretha abantu beminyezelana kuye belalela ilizwi likaNkulunkulu, 2 wabona ekhunjini lechibi izikepe ezimbili zitshiywe khonapho ngabagoli benhlanzi ababegezisa omambule babo. 3 Wangena kwesinye isikepe esasingesikaSimoni, wamcela ukuthi akathi gudlu asuke kancane okhunjini. Wasehlala phansi wafundisa abantu ehlezi esikepeni.

4 Eseqedile ukukhuluma wathi kuSimoni, “Gwedla ungene enzikini uphosele omambule bakho ukuze ubambe inhlanzi.”

5 USimoni waphendula wathi, “Nkosi, sisebenze gadalala ubusuku bonke, kodwa kasibambanga lutho. Kodwa njengoba usitsho njalo ngizabehlisa omambule.”

6 Kwathi sebenze njalo babamba inhlanzi ezaba zinengi kwaze kwaqalisa ukudabuka omambule. 7 Basebebiza abakhula babo kwesinye isikepe ukuthi bazobelekelela. Beza abakhula babo kwesinye isikepe ukuthi bazobelekelela. Beza bazigcwalisa zombili izikepe zathi phamu zaze zaqalisa ukutshona.

8 Kwathi uSimoni Phethro ekubona lokhu wazilahla phansi phambi kukaJesu wathi, “Suka kimi, Nkosi; ngingumuntu oyisoni!” 9 Ngoba yena labakhula bakhe babemangele ngenhlanzi ababezibambile, 10 kwamangalisa njalo uJakhobe loJohane amadodana kaZebhediya, ababe phathisana loSimoni.

UJesu wasesithi kuSimoni, “Ungesabi; kusukela manje usuzagola abantu.” 11 Basebedonsela izikepe zabo okhunjini batshiya konke bamlandela.

Indoda Eyayilobulephero

12 Kwathi uJesu ekwelinye lamadolobho kweza indoda eyayigcwele ubulephero. Yathi ibona uJesu yathi mbo phansi ngobuso yamncenga yathi, “Nkosi, nxa uthanda ungangihlambulula.”

13 UJesu welula isandla sakhe wayithinta indoda leyo. Wathi, “Ngiyathanda. Hlambuluka!” Masinyane nje ubulephero bahle baphela.

14 UJesu waseyilaya wathi, “Ungatsheli muntu kodwa hamba uyeziveza kumphristi ubusunikela umhlatshelo wokuhlanjululwa kwakho owamiswa nguMosi ukuze kube yibufakazi kubo.”

15 Kodwa udumo lwakhe lwanda ngamandla, yikho amaxuku abantu eza ukuzamuzwa lokusiliswa emikhuhlaneni yabo. 16 Kodwa kanengi uJesu wayesithi nyelele ayesithela ezindaweni ezithuleyo ayekhuleka.

UJesu Usilisa Umuntu Owome Umhlubulo

17 Ngelinye ilanga elokhu efundisa, kwakuhlezi khonapho abaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho ababephuma emizini yonke yaseGalile abanye bevela eJudiya laseJerusalema. Amandla eNkosi ayekhona kuye ukuze asilise abagulayo. 18 Kwafika amanye amadoda ethwele indoda eyayome umhlubulo ngecansi efuna ukungena laye endlini ambeke phambi kukaJesu. 19 Athi esehlulekile ngenxa yokuminyana kwabantu, akhwela ephahleni, amehlisela phansi ngesikhala amuthi qithi phakathi laphakathi kwabantu phambi kukaJesu.

20 Kwathi uJesu ebona ukholo lwawo wathi, “Mngane, izono zakho sezithethelelwe.”

21 AbaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho bakhonona bathi, “Ungubani yena lo umuntu okhuluma ehlambaza na? Ngubani ongathethelela izono ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu kuphela?”

22 UJesu wayekwazi abakucabangayo wasebuza wathi, “Kungani linakana izinto ezinje ezinhliziyweni zenu? 23  Yikuphi okulula: ukuthi, ‘Izono zakho sezithethelelwe,’ loba ukuthi, ‘Sukuma uhambe’? 24  Kodwa ukuze lazi ukuthi iNdodana yoMuntu ilamandla okuthethelela izono emhlabeni.” Wasesithi kuyo indoda eyome umhlubulo, “Sukuma, thatha icansi lakho uhambe uye ekhaya.” 25 Masinyane wathi lothu phambi kwabo, wabutha ayekade elele phezu kwakho waya ekhaya edumisa uNkulunkulu. 26 Wonke umuntu wamangala, badumisa uNkulunkulu. Bamangala kakhulu bathi, “Lamuhla sibone izimanga.”

Ukubizwa KukaLevi

27 Ngemva kwalokhu uJesu waphuma wasebona umthelisi owayethiwa nguLevi ehlezi endaweni yakhe yokuthelisa. UJesu wathi kuye, “Ngilandela,” 28 uLevi wasukuma watshiya konke wamlandela.

29 ULevi wasesenzela uJesu idili elikhulu endlini yakhe kukhona ixuku labathelisi labanye besidla labo. 30 Kodwa abaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho abeqembu labo basola kubafundi bakhe bathi, “Lenzelani ukudla linathe labathelisi kanye lezoni na?”

31 UJesu wabaphendula wathi, “Kakusibo abaphilayo abaswela umelaphi, kodwa ngabagulayo. 32  Kangilandanga ukubiza abulungileyo, kodwa ukubiza izoni ukuba ziphenduke.”

UJesu Ubuzwa Ngokuzila

33 Bathi kuye, “Abafundi bakaJohane bazila kanengi bekhuleka njalo labafundi babaFarisi labo benza njalo, kodwa abakho bahlala besidla, benatha.”

34 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kungenzeka yini ukuzilisa izethekeli zomyeni emthimbeni umyeni eseselazo na? 35  Kodwa sizafika isikhathi lapho umyeni ezasuswa kuzo; zizazila ngalezonsuku.”

36 Wabatshela umzekeliso lo: “Kakho odabula isichibi esigqokweni esitsha asithungele esigqokweni esidala. Angenzenjalo, uzakuba esesidabule isigqoko esitsha, ikanti isichibi sesitsha kasiyikufanela esidala. 37  Njalo kakho othela iwayini elitsha emigodleni yezikhumba emidala. Angenza njalo iwayini elitsha lizaziqhekeza izikhumba iwayini livuze kuthi lemigodla yezikhumba leyo ihle yonakale. 38  Hatshi, iwayini elitsha lithelwa emigodleni yezikhumba emitsha. 39  Njalo kakho othi eseqale wanatha iwayini elidala afune elitsha, ngoba uthi, ‘Elidala lingcono.’ ”

6

INkosi YeSabatha

1 Ngelinye iSabatha uJesu wayedabula emasimini alamabele, abafundi bakhe basebekhwebula izikhwebu zamabele, bakha bazihlikihlela ezandleni, badla inhlamvu zakhona. 2 Abanye abaFarisi babuza bathi, “Kungani lisenza okungaphandle komthetho ngeSabatha na?”

3 UJesu wabaphendula wathi, “Kalifundanga yini okwenziwa nguDavida lapho yena labakhula bakhe sebelambile? 4  Wangena endlini kaNkulunkulu wathatha isinkwa esingcwelisiweyo wadla lokho umthetho owawusithi kudliwe ngabaphristi kuphela. Futhi okunye wakupha abakhula bakhe.” 5 UJesu wasesithi kubo, “INdodana yoMuntu iyiNkosi yeSabatha.”

6 Ngelinye iSabatha waya esinagogweni wafundisa, khonapho kulendoda elesandla sokudla esitshwabheneyo. 7 AbaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho babedinga izaba lokubeka uJesu icala, yikho bamlinda ukubona ingabe wayezasilisa ngeSabatha. 8 Kodwa uJesu wakwazi ababekucabanga, wasesithi endodeni yesandla esitshwabheneyo, “Sukuma ume phambi kwabantu bonke.” Lakanye yasukuma yema khonapho.

9 UJesu wasesithi kubo, “Ngiyalibuza, kuyini okusemthethweni ngeSabatha: ukwenza okuhle loba ukwenza okubi, ukusindisa impilo kumbe ukuyibhubhisa?”

10 Wabakhangela wababhoda bonke, wasesithi endodeni leyo, “Yelula isandla sakho.” Yenza njalo, isandla sayo sasiliswa ngokupheleleyo. 11 Kodwa bazonda babheda basebecebisana ukuthi benzeni ngoJesu.

AbaPostoli Abalitshumi Lambili

12 Ngelinye ilanga uJesu waphuma waya ewatheni lwentaba esiya khuleka, waba khonale ubusuku bonke ekhuleka kuNkulunkulu. 13 Kwathi sokusile wasebiza abafundi bakhe wakhetha kubo abalitshumi lambili, wasebaphawula ngokuthi ngabapostoli:

14 uSimoni (owambiza ngokuthi Phethro), lomfowabo u-Andreya,

uJakhobe,

uJohane,

uFiliphu,

uBhatholomewu,

15 uMatewu,

uThomasi,

uJakhobe umfoka-Alifewu,

uSimoni owayethiwa ngumZilothi,

16 uJudasi umfokaJakhobe

loJudasi Iskariyothi, owaba ngumthengisi.

Izibusiso Lezixwayiso

17 Wehla labo bema esigcawini. Kwakubuthene ixuku elikhulu elabafundi bakhe njalo kulabantu abanengi bevela kulolonke elaseJudiya, leJerusalema lasemakhunjini olwandle eThire leSidoni, 18 ababeze ukuzamuzwa lokuzakwelatshwa izifo zabo. Labo ababehlutshwa yimimoya emibi basiliswa, 19 bonke abantu bazama ukumthinta ngoba amandla ayephuma kuye ayebasilisa bonke.

20 Wakhangela abafundi bakhe wathi:

“Libusisiwe lina elimpofu,

ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu ngowenu.

21  Libusisiwe lina elilambileyo manje,

ngoba lizasuthiswa.

Libusisiwe lina elililayo manje,

ngoba lizahleka.

22  Libusisiwe lina nxa abantu belizonda,

nxa belibandlulula njalo belichothoza,

bephika ibizo lenu besithi lingcolile,

ngenxa yeNdodana yoMuntu.

23  Thokozani ngalolosuku liqolotshe ngokuthokoza ngoba mkhulu umvuzo wenu ezulwini. Ngoba yiyo indlela okhokho babo abaphatha ngayo abaphrofethi.

24  Kodwa maye kini lina elinothileyo,

ngoba livele selikwamukele ukuhlala kuhle kwenu.

25  Maye kini lina elidla kamnandi manje,

ngoba lizalamba.

Maye kini lina elihlekayo manje,

ngoba lizakhala lilile.

26  Maye kini nxa bonke abantu belincoma,

ngoba yiyo indlela okhokho benu

abaphatha ngayo abaphrofethi bamanga.”

Ukuthanda Izitha

27  “Kodwa ngiyalitshela lina elingizwayo, ngithi: Thandani izitha zenu, lenze okuhle kwabalizondayo, 28  libusise labo abaliqalekisayo, libakhulekele labo abalihlukuluzayo. 29  Umuntu angakutshaya esihlathini, muphe esinye. Umuntu angakwemuka ijazi lakho ungamaleli ukuthatha leyembe. 30  Phanini loba ngubani ocela kini, njalo nxa umuntu ethatha ulutho lwakho ungaluthonisi. 31  Yenza kwabanye lokho ofuna ukuthi bakwenze kuwe.

32  Nxa lithanda labo abalithandayo kuphela, lizazuzani kulokho? Lezoni lazo ziyabathanda abazithandayo. 33  Njalo nxa lisenza okuhle kulabo abalungileyo kini, lizazuzani kulokho? Lezoni ziyakwenza lokho. 34  Njalo nxa liseboleka labo elizazuza imbadalo kubo, lizazuzani kulokho? Lezoni ziboleka izoni zilindele ukubhadalwa ngokugcweleyo. 35  Kodwa thandani izitha zenu, lizenzele okuhle, njalo lizeboleke lingalindeli lutho kuzo. Lapho-ke umvuzo wenu uzakuba mkhulu, njalo lizakuba ngamadodana akhe oPhezukonke, ngoba ulomusa kwabangabongiyo labayizigangi. 36  Wobani lesihawu njengoYihlo olesihawu.”

Ukwahlulela Abanye

37  “Lingahluleli ukuze lani lingahlulelwa. Lingamlahli omunye ukuze lani lingalahlwa. Thethelelani ukuze lani lithethelelwe. 38  Phanini, lani lizaphiwa. Kuzathiwa qithi kini kugcwaliswe phamu, kwagqitshwa, kwakhuhluzwa kwaze kwaphuphuma. Ngoba ngesilinganiso elisisebenzisayo, lani lizalinganiselwa ngaso.”

39 Waphinde wabatshela umzekeliso lo, “Isiphofu kambe singakhokhela isiphofu na? Kazizukuwela emgodini zombili na? 40  Umfundi ungaphansi kombalisi wakhe, kodwa wonke osefundiswe ngokupheleleyo usenjengombalisi wakhe.

41  Kungani ukhangela uvava lokhuni oluselihlweni lomfowenu, unganqinekeli ukhuni olukwelakho ilihlo na? 42  Ungatsho kanjani kumfowenu ukuthi, ‘Mfowethu, wothi ngikukhuphe uvava oluselihlweni lakho,’ kodwa wena usehluleka ukubona ukhuni oluselihlweni lakho na? Wena mzenzisi, qala ukhuphe ukhuni oluselihlweni lakho ukuze ubone kuhle nxa usukhupha uvava oluselihlweni lomfowenu.”

Isihlahla Lezithelo Zaso

43  “Kakulasihlahla esihle esithela izithelo ezimbi njalo lesihlahla esibi kasitheli izithelo ezinhle. 44  Isihlahla sinye ngasinye saziwa ngezithelo zaso. Abantu kabakhi umkhiwa ezihlahleni zameva loba amagrebisi esingeni. 45  Umuntu olungileyo uveza izinto ezinhle eziphuma kokuhle okugcinwe enhliziyweni yakhe, njalo lomuntu omubi uphihliza ububi obugcinwe enhliziyweni yakhe. Ngoba umlomo ukhuluma lokho okuphuphuma enhliziyweni.”

Omakhi Abahlakaniphileyo Labayiziwula

46  “Kungani lingibiza lisithi, ‘Nkosi, Nkosi,’ kodwa lingakwenzi engikutshoyo? 47  Lowo oza kimi ezwe amazwi ami akwenze akutshoyo, ngizalitshela ukuthi unjengani. 48  Unjengendoda eyakha indlu, yagebha yatshona phansi, yasibeka isisekelo sayo phezu kwedwala. Kwathi kufika isikhukhula, isiphepho sayitshaya indlu, kodwa asaze sayizamazamisa, ngoba yayakhiwe kuhle. 49  Kodwa lowo owezwayo amazwi ami, kodwa angakwenzi akutshoyo, unjengomuntu owakha indlu emhlabathini kungelasisekelo. Umsinga wonela ukuyitshaya leyondlu, yabhidlika yaphela du.”

7

Ukholo Lwenduna Yekhulu

1 Kwathi uJesu eseqedile ukukhuluma konke lokhu abantu labo besizwa wayangena eKhaphenawume. 2 Khonapho inceku yenduna yekhulu eyayiligugu kakhulu enkosini yayo, yayigula isibangwa lezibi. 3 Induna yekhulu yezwa ngoJesu yathuma kuye abanye abadala bamaJuda icela ukuba eze azosilisa inceku yayo. 4 Bafika kuJesu bamncenga kakhulu bathi, “Indoda le ifanele ukuthi uyenzele lokhu, 5 ngoba iyasithanda isizwe sakithi njalo yiyo eyakha isinagogu yethu.” 6 Ngakho uJesu wahamba labo.

Wayengasekhatshana lendlu lapho induna yekhulu yathuma abangane bayo ukuyakuthi kuye, “Nkosi, ungazihluphi, akungifanelanga mina ukuthi ungene ngaphansi kophahla lwami. 7 Yikho okwenze ngazibona ngingafanele ukuthi ngize kuwe. Kodwa tshono ilizwi nje inceku yami izasila. 8 Ngoba mina ngokwami ngingumuntu ongaphansi komthetho, ngilamabutho angaphansi kwami. Lo ngimtshela ngithi, ‘Hamba,’ ahambe; ngithi kuloyana, ‘Buya,’ lakanye abuye. Ngithi encekwini yami, ‘Yenza lokhu,’ ikwenze.”

9 UJesu wathi ekuzwa lokhu wamangala ngaye, wasephendukela exukwini labantu ababemlandela wathi, “Ngiyalitshela, kangikaluboni ukholo olukhulu kangaka kanye lako-Israyeli.” 10 Abantu ababethunyiwe babuyela endlini bafica inceku isiziphilela.

UJesu Uvusa Indodana Yomfelokazi

11 Kungakabi yisikhathi eside ngemva kwalokhu, uJesu waya edolobheni okwakuthiwa yiNayini, abafundi bakhe kanye lexuku labantu elikhulu babehamba laye. 12 Wathi esebanga entubeni yedolobho, khonapho umuntu ofileyo wayethwelwe ekhutshelwa ngaphandle. Indodana eyiyo yodwa kunina njalo unina engumfelokazi. Ixuku elikhulu labantu bedolobheni lalilaye. 13 Kwathi uJesu embona umfelokazi, wamhawukela wathi kuye, “Ungakhali.”

14 Wasesondela wathinta ithala elalilesidumbu, kwathi labo ababelithwele bema mpo. Wathi, “Jaha, ngithi kuwe, vuka!” 15 Indoda efileyo yavuka yahlala, yasikhuluma, uJesu wayinika unina.

16 Bonke bamangala kakhulu badumisa uNkulunkulu. Bathi, “Umphrofethi omkhulu usevelile phakathi kwethu. UNkulunkulu usefikile ukuzasiza abantu bakhe.” 17 Udumo lukaJesu lwamemetheka kulolonke elaseJudiya lemangweni wakhona.

UJesu LoJohane UMbhaphathizi

18 Abafundi bakaJohane bamtshela ngazozonke lezizinto. Wabiza ababili babo 19 wabathuma eNkosini ukuyabuza ukuthi, “Unguye yini ozayo, kumbe silindele omunye?”

20 Amadoda lawo athi efika kuJesu athi, “UJohane uMbhaphathizi usithumile kuwe ukuthi sizobuza sithi, ‘Unguye yini ozayo kumbe silindele omunye’?”

21 Ngalesosikhathi uJesu wasilisa abanengi ababelezifo, lemikhuhlane lemimoya emibi, wazivula amehlo iziphofu ezinengi. 22 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Buyelani liyebikela uJohane lokhu elikubonayo lelikuzwayo ukuthi iziphofu zenziwa zibone, abaqhugezelayo bayahamba, abalobulephero bayahlanjululwa, izacuthe ziyezwa, abafileyo bayavuswa, levangeli liyatshunyayelwa kubayanga. 23  Ubusisiwe lowomuntu ongakhubekiyo ngenxa yami.”

24 Sezihambile izithunywa zikaJohane uJesu waqala ukukhuluma labantu ngoJohane esithi: “Laphuma lisiyabonani enkangala na? Umhlanga owazunguzwa ngumoya na? 25  Nxa kwakungenjalo, pho lalisiyabonani? Indoda eyayicecile na? Hatshi, labo abagqoka izigqoko ezidulayo bazitike ngezinto ezinhle basezigodlweni. 26  Kodwa kanti kuyini elaphuma lisiyakubona? Umphrofethi yini? Yebo, ngiyalitshela, omkhulu kulomphrofethi. 27  Lo nguye okulotshwe ngaye ukuthi:

‘Ngizathuma isithunywa sami phambi kwakho,

esizalungisa indlela yakho phambi kwakho.’*

28  Ngiyalitshela ukuthi kubo abazalwa ngabesifazane kakho omkhulu kuloJohane; ikanti lowo omncinyane kakhulu embusweni kaNkulunkulu mkhulu kulaye.”

29 (Bonke abantu, kanye labathelisi, bathi sebewazwile amazwi kaJesu bavuma ukuthi indlela kaNkulunkulu yayilungile, ngoba babebhaphathizwe nguJohane. 30 Kodwa abaFarisi lezazi zomthetho bayala injongo kaNkulunkulu ngabo, ngoba babengabhaphathizwanga nguJohane.)

31 UJesu waqhubeka wathi, “Pho ngingabafanisa lani abantu besizukulwane lesi? Bafanana lani? 32  Banjengabantwana behlezi emkambo bememeza abanye besithi:

‘Salitshayela umhubhe,

kodwa kaligidanga,

salihlabelela ingoma yesililo,

kodwa kalililanga.’

33  Ngoba uJohane uMbhaphathizi weza engadli isinkwa njalo enganathi iwayini, lina lithi, ‘Uledimoni.’ 34  INdodana yoMuntu yafika yadla, yanatha, laselisithi, ‘Nansi isidli lesidakwa, umngane wabathelisi lezoni.’ 35  Kodwa ukuhlakanipha kuziveza ukuthi kuqondile ebantwaneni bakho bonke.”

UJesu Ugcotshwa Ngumfazi Oyisoni

36 Omunye wabaFarisi wanxusa uJesu ukuzakudla laye isidlo sakusihlwa, ngakho waya endlini yalowo mFarisi wahlala etafuleni. 37 Kwathi owesifazane othile owayephila impilo yesono kulelodolobho esezwile ukuthi uJesu wayesidla endlini yomFarisi weza ephethe imbodlela yamakha, 38 kwathi esemi ngemva kukaJesu ngasezinyaweni ekhala, wamanzisa inyawo zakhe ngezinyembezi. Wasezesula inyawo zikaJesu ngenwele zakhe, wazanga wasethela amakha kuzo.

39 Kwathi lowomFarisi owayemnxusile ekubona lokho wazitshela wathi, “Aluba indoda le ibingumphrofethi, ibizakwazi ukuthi ngubani oyibambabambayo lokuthi umfazi lo uyisoni.”

40 UJesu wamphendula wathi, “Simoni, kukhona engifuna ukukutshela khona.”

Wathi, “Ngitshela, mfundisi.”

41  “Amadoda amabili ayelesikwelede semali kumeboleki wemali. Oyedwa wayelesikwelede samadenari angamakhulu amahlanu, omunye esamatshumi amahlanu. 42  Bobabili babengelayo imali yokumbhadala, ngakho wasewesula umlandu wabo bobabili. Manje nguphi wabo ozamthanda okudlula omunye na?”

43 USimoni waphendula wathi, “Ngibona kungathi ngulowo owesulelwa isikwelede esikhulu.”

UJesu wathi, “Wahlulele kuhle.”

44 Wasephendukela kowesifazane wathi kuSimoni, “Uyambona na owesifazane lo? Ngifikile endlini yakho, kawungiphanga amanzi okugeza inyawo zami, kodwa yena uthambise inyawo zami ngezinyembezi zakhe, wazesula ngenwele zakhe. 45  Kawunganganga, kodwa owesifazane lo selokhu ngingenileyo lapha akemanga ukwanga inyawo zami. 46  Kawuthelanga amafutha ekhanda lami, kodwa yena uthele amakha ezinyaweni zami. 47  Yikho-ke ngiyakutshela ukuthi izono zakhe ezinengi sezithethelelwe, ngoba utshengise uthando olukhulu. Kodwa lowo othethelelwe okuncinyane uthanda kancinyane.”

48 UJesu wasesithi kowesifazane, “Izono zakho sezithethelelwe.”

49 Ezinye izethekeli zasezibuzana zisithi, “Ungubani kanti yena lo oze athethelele izono na?”

50 UJesu wasesithi kowesifazane, “Ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile; hamba ngokuthula.”

8

Umzekeliso Womhlanyeli

1 Ngemva kwalokho uJesu wahambahamba engena kuleli laleli idolobho lemizi, ememezela izindaba ezinhle zombuso kaNkulunkulu. Abalitshumi lambili babelaye, 2 kanye labesifazane ababesiliswe emimoyeni emibi lemikhuhlaneni: uMariya (owayethiwa nguMagadalini) okwakuphume kuye amadimoni ayisikhombisa; 3 uJowana umkaTshuza, umlawuli wendlu kaHerodi; uSusana labanye abanengi. Abesifazane laba babebasiza ngabakuswelayo.

4 Kwathi sekubuthana ixuku labantu elikhulu labantu besiza kuJesu beqhamuka emadolobheni atshiyeneyo wabatshela lo umzekeliso: 5  “Umlimi waphuma wayahlanyela. Wathi elokhu eyihaza inhlanyelo, eyinye yawela endleleni; yanyathelwa, izinyoni zemoyeni zayidobha. 6  Eyinye yawela edwaleni, yathi isathi iyakhula yabuna ngoba yayingelabumanzi. 7  Eyinye inhlanyelo yawela phakathi kwameva, akhula kanye layo ayiminyezela. 8  Eyinye inhlanyelo yawela emhlabathini ovundileyo. Yakhula yathela amabele, yanda ngekhulu.”

Wathi esetsho lokhu wamemeza wathi, “Lowo olendlebe zokuzwa, kezwe.”

9 Abafundi bakhe bambuza ukuthi umzekeliso lowo wawusitshoni. 10 Wathi, “Ulwazi lwemfihlo yombuso kaNkulunkulu seluphiwe lina, kodwa kwabanye ngikhuluma kubo ngemizekeliso, ukuze kuthi,

‘loba bekhangele, bangaboni;

loba besizwa, bengaqedisisi.’*

11  Nansi ingcazelo yomzekeliso: Inhlanyelo iyilizwi likaNkulunkulu. 12  Labo abasendleleni ngabalizwayo, kodwa uSathane eze alihluthune ilizwi ezinhliziyweni zabo, ukuze bangakholwa basindiswe. 13  Labo abasokhetheni ngabemukela ilizwi ngentokozo nxa belizwa, kodwa kabalampande. Bayakholwa okwesikhatshana, kodwa kuthi ngesikhathi sobunzima bawe. 14  Inhlanyelo eyawela emeveni imele labo abezwayo, kodwa baqhubeke ngeyabo indlela bakhanywe yizinhlupheko zempilo, inotho kanye lezikholisisayo, bangabe besakhula baphelele. 15  Kodwa inhlanyelo esemhlabathini ovundileyo imele labo abalenhliziyo enhle, elungileyo, abalizwayo ilizwi, baligcine bathi ngokubambelela bathele izithelo.”

Isibane Phezu Kwesiqobane

16  “Kakho olumathisa isibane asifihle ngaphansi kwesitsha kumbe asibeke ngaphansi kombheda. Kodwa usibeka esiqobaneni ukuze labo abangenayo babone ukukhanya. 17  Ngoba kakukho okufihliweyo okungayi kudazululwa, njalo akukho okuthukuziweyo okungayikwaziwa kumbe kuvezwe obala. 18  Ngakho nanzelelani ukuthi lilalela kanjani. Lowo olakho uzakwengezelelwa; lowo ongelakho lalokho athi ulakho uzakwemukwa.”

Unina KaJesu Labafowabo

19 Unina kaJesu labafowabo beza ukuzambona, kodwa behluleka ukufinyelela kuye ngenxa yokuminyana kwabantu. 20 Omunye wamtshela wathi, “Unyoko labafowenu bakulindele phandle, bafuna ukukubona.”

21 Waphendula wathi, “Umama labafowethu yilabo abalizwayo ilizwi likaNkulunkulu balenze.”

UJesu Uthulisa Isiphepho

22 Ngelinye ilanga uJesu wathi kubafundi bakhe, “Kasiyeni ngaphetsheya kwechibi.” Basebengena esikepeni bahamba. 23 Bathe belokhu behamba yena walala. Kwafika isiphepho echibini isikepe saqalisa ukugalula, baba sengozini embi.

24 Abafundi bahamba bayamvusa besithi, “Nkosi, Nkosi, sesigalula bo!”

Wavuka wawukhuza umoya kanye lamagagasi; isiphepho sadeda, kwasekuthula cwaka. 25 Wababuza abafundi bakhe, wathi, “Kungaphi ukukholwa kwenu?”

Babuzana ngokumangala lokwesaba bathi, “Kanti ungubani lo? Ukhuza kanye lomoya lamanzi kumlalele.”

Ukusiliswa Kwendoda Ephethwe Lidimoni

26 Bagwedla isikepe baya emangweni wamaGerazini, okungaphetsheya kwechibi kusuka eGalile. 27 Kwathi uJesu esehla okhunjini wahlangabezwa yindoda eyayiledimoni iqhamuka ngasedolobheni. Indoda le yayisilesikhathi eside ingavunuli zigqoko, ingahlali endlini, kodwa ihlala emathuneni. 28 Yathi ibona uJesu yahlaba umkhosi yazilahla ezinyaweni zakhe iklabalala ngelizwi elikhulu isithi, “Ufuna ukungenzani, Jesu, Ndodana kaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke? Ngiyakuncenga, ungaze wangihlukuluza!” 29 Ngoba uJesu wayeseyale umoya omubi ukuthi uphume kuleyondoda. Izikhathi ezinengi wawumbamba, kuthi loba ebotshwe ngamaketane ezandleni lezinyaweni njalo elindiwe, wayewaqamula amaketane idimoni limuse enkangala.

30 UJesu wambuza wathi, “Ungubani ibizo lakho?”

Waphendula wathi, “NginguLigiyoni,” ngoba amadimoni amanengi ayengene kuye. 31 Amncenga ukuthi angawalayi ukuthi ayewolokohlela emgodini ongelamkhawulo.

32 Umhlambi omkhulu wengulube wawusidla khonapho eceleni koqaqa. Amadimoni amncenga uJesu ukuthi awavumele ukuyangena engulubeni, laye wawavumela. 33 Amadimoni aphuma endodeni ayangena ezingulubeni, umhlambi wathi zimu usehlela eliweni lodonga wangena echibini wagalula.

34 Labo ababezelusile bonela ukubona okwasekwenzakele babaleka bayabika edolobheni lemangweni wakhona, 35 abantu basebeqonda khonale ukuyabona okwasekwenzakele. Bathi befika kuJesu bayifumana indoda okwakukhutshwe kuyo amadimoni ihlezi ezinyaweni zikaJesu, igqokile njalo ingqondo isibuyile; besaba kakhulu. 36 Labo ababebonile kusenzakala batshela abantu ukuthi indoda eyayiphethwe lidimoni yasiliswa njani. 37 Kwasekusithi bonke abantu bomango wamaGerazini bamcela uJesu ukuthi kasuke kubo ngoba babekhulelwa yikwesaba. Ngakho wangena esikepeni wahamba.

38 Indoda leyo eyakhutshwa amadimoni yamncenga ukuthi ahambe layo, kodwa uJesu wala wathi, 39  “Buyela ekhaya uyefakaza ukuthi uNkulunkulu ukwenzeleni.” Yikho indoda yahamba yafakaza kulolonke idolobho konke uJesu ayeyenzele khona.

Intombazana Efileyo Lowesifazane Ogulayo

40 Kwathi uJesu esebuyile wahlangabezwa lixuku labantu elikhulu, ngoba bonke babemlindele. 41 Indoda eyayithiwa nguJayirosi, umbusi wesinagogu, yeza yazilahla ezinyaweni zikaJesu, imncenga ukuthi eze endlini yayo 42 ngoba indodakazi yayo eyodwa zwi, intombazana eyayileminyaka elitshumi lambili, yayisifa.

Kwathi uJesu esesiya khona abantu baminyezela ingathi bazampatshaza. 43 Khonapho kwakulowesifazane owayeseleminyaka elitshumi lambili esopha kodwa kungekho owayengamelapha. 44 Weza ngemva kukaJesu wathinta umphetho wesembatho sakhe, masinyane nje ukopha kwahle kwaphela.

45 UJesu wabuza wathi, “Ngubani ongithintileyo?”

Kwathi ngoba bonke bephika uPhethro wathi, “Nkosi, abantu bayaminyezelana besondela kuwe.”

46 Kodwa uJesu wathi, “Ukhona ongithintileyo; ngiyazi ukuthi amandla aphumile kimi.”

47 Owesifazane esebone ukuthi uzacina eboniwe weza ethuthumela wazilahla ezinyaweni zakhe. Wachaza phambi kwabantu bonke ukuthi kungani wayemthintile uJesu lokuthi wasiliswa njani masinyane. 48 UJesu wasesithi kuye, “Ndodakazi, ukholo lwakho lukusilisile. Hamba ngokuthula.”

49 Kwathi uJesu elokhu esakhuluma omunye weza evela endlini kaJayirasi umphathi wesinagogu, wafika wathi, “Indodakazi yakho isifile. Ungabe usamhlupha umfundisi.”

50 UJesu wathi ekuzwa lokhu wathi kuJayirasi, “Ungesabi, kholwa nje kuphela, izasiliswa.”

51 Wathi esefikile endlini kaJayirasi, kavumelanga muntu ukuthi angene laye ngaphandle kukaPhethro, uJohane loJakhobe, kanye loyise womntwana lonina. 52 Ngalesosikhathi abantu bonke babeqhinqa isililo bekhalela intombazana. UJesu wathi kubo, “Thulani, lingakhali. Kafanga kodwa ulele.”

53 Bamhleka usulu uJesu ngoba besazi ukuthi intombazana yayisifile. 54 Kodwa wayibamba ngesandla wathi, “Mntanami, vuka!” 55 Umoya wayo wabuya, masinyane yasukuma yathi lothu! UJesu wasesithi kabamnike ukudla. 56 Abazali bakhe bamangala, kodwa wabalaya ukuthi bangatsheli muntu ngalokho okwakwenzakele.

9

UJesu Uthuma Abalitshumi Lambili

1 UJesu wabizela ndawonye abalitshumi lambili wabapha amandla lemvumo yokuthi baxotshe wonke amadimoni, belaphe lemikhuhlane, 2 njalo wasebathuma ukuyatshumayela umbuso kaNkulunkulu lokuphilisa abagulayo, 3 Wabatshela wathi, “Lingathwali lutho kuloluhambo, loba udondolo, isikhwama, loba isinkwa, imali loba isigqoko sokuntshintsha. 4  Loba yiphi indlu elingena kuyo, hlalani kuyo lize lisuke kulelodolobho. 5  Nxa abantu bengalemukeli, sukani kulelodolobho lithintithe uthuli ezinyaweni zenu, kube yibufakazi bokubalahla.” 6 Basebesuka bangena imizi ngemizi, betshumayela ivangeli njalo besilisa abantu ezindaweni zonke.

7 Ngalesosikhathi uHerodi umbusi wakuzwa konke lokho okwakusenzakala. Wakhathazeka kakhulu ngoba abanye babesithi uJohane wayesevusiwe kwabafileyo, 8 abanye labo bathi u-Elija wayebonakele, kanti abanye njalo bathi omunye wabaphrofethi bekadeni wayesevukile waphila. 9 Kodwa uHerodi wathi, “UJohane ngamquma ikhanda. Pho ungubani-ke lo engizwa izinto ezinje ngaye?” Wazama ukuthi ambone.

UJesu Unika Abantu Abazinkulungwane Ezinhlanu Ukudla

10 Abapostoli sebebuyile babika kuJesu ngakho konke ababekwenzile. Wasebathatha waya labo edolobheni elalithiwa yiBhethisayida beyibo bodwa, 11 kodwa amaxuku abantu ezwa ukuthi ukhonale basebemlandela. Wabemukela wabatshela ngombuso kaNkulunkulu, wasilisa labo ababekuswela ukusiliswa.

12 Emini abalitshumi lambili beza kuye bathi, “Wothi abantu bahambe ukuze baye emadolobheni lasemizini bayezidingela ukudla lezindawo zokulala ngoba lapha sisendaweni ekhatshana eyisikhala.”

13 Waphendula wathi, “Bapheni lina ukudla.”

Baphendula bathi, “Thina silezinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili kuphela, ngaphandle kokuthi sihambe siyothenga ukudla kwabantu bonke laba.” 14 (Kwakulamadoda angaba zinkulungwane ezinhlanu khonapho.)

Kodwa wathi kubafundi bakhe, “Bahlaliseni phansi ngamaxuku abantu abangamatshumi amahlanu ngalinye.” 15 Benza njalo abafundi, wonke umuntu wahlala phansi. 16 Ethatha izinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili wakhangela ezulwini, wabonga wazihlephula. Waseziqhubela abafundi ukuba bazabele abantu. 17 Bonke badla basutha, abafundi basebebutha bagcwalisa izitsha ezilitshumi lambili imvuthu ezasalayo.

UPhethro Uvuma Ukuthi UJesu NguKhristu

18 Ngesinye isikhathi uJesu wathi ekhuleka ekusithekeni, abafundi bakhe belaye, wabuza wathi, “Kanti abantu abanengi bathi ngingubani na?”

19 Baphendula bathi, “Abanye bathi unguJohane uMbhaphathizi; abanye bathi ungu-Elija; kuthi abanye njalo bathi ungomunye wabaphrofethi bekadeni osephila njalo.”

20 Wabuza bona wathi, “Pho lina-ke? Lithi ngingubani?”

Waphendula uPhethro wathi, “UnguKhristu kaNkulunkulu.”

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokufa Kwakhe

21 UJesu wabaqonqosela ukuthi lokhu bangakutsheli muntu. 22 Wasesithi, “iNdodana yoMuntu kumele ihlupheke kakhulu, yaliwe ngabadala bebandla, abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho, njalo lokuthi kumele ibulawe, kuthi ngelanga lesithathu ivuswe kwabafileyo.”

23 Wasesithi kubo bonke: “Nxa ekhona ofisa ukungilandela kufanele azidele athwale isiphambano sakhe insuku zonke angilandele. 24  Ngoba lowo ofisa ukulondoloza impilo yakhe izamlahlekela, kodwa lowo olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami uzayiphephisa. 25  Kumsizani umuntu ukuzuza wonke umhlaba, kodwa alahlekelwe loba ancitshwe ubunguye bakhe na? 26  Lowo oyangeka ngami kanye lamazwi ami, iNdodana yoMuntu izayangeka ngaye nxa isifikile ngenkazimulo yayo langenkazimulo kaYise lezingilosi ezingcwele.

27  Ngilitshela iqiniso ngithi abanye abemi khonapha kabayikukuzwa ukufa bengakawuboni umbuso kaNkulunkulu.”

Ukukhazimuliswa KukaJesu

28 Emva kwensuku eziyisificaminwembili uJesu ekukhulumile lokho, wathatha uPhethro loJohane loJakhobe waya entabeni ukuyakhuleka. 29 Wathi ekhuleka isimo sobuso bakhe saguquka lezigqoko zakhe zakhazimula njengokuphazima kombane. 30 Amadoda amabili, uMosi lo-Elija, 31 abonakala ecwebezela ngenkazimulo, ekhuluma loJesu. Babekhuluma ngokufa kwakhe okwasekusondele ukuthi kugcwaliseke eJerusalema. 32 UPhethro labakhula bakhe babe lobuthongo kakhulu, kodwa sebephapheme, bayibona inkazimulo yakhe lamadoda amabili ayemi laye. 33 Kwathi amadoda lawo esesuka kuJesu uPhethro wathi kuye, “Nkosi, kumnandi kithi ukuba lapha. Kasakhe izihonqo ezintathu, esakho, esinye esikaMosi lesinye esika-Elija.” (Wayengakwazi lokho ayekutsho.)

34 Wathi esakhuluma, iyezi labuya labagubuzela, baba lokwesaba ekungeneni kwabo eyezini. 35 Ilizwi labuya livela eyezini lisithi, “Le yiNdodana yami engiyikhethileyo; ilaleleni.” 36 Ilizwi selikhulumile, uJesu bambona eseyedwa. Abafundi bakugcina ezifubeni zabo lokhu kabaze batshela muntu ngalesosikhathi ngababekubonile.

Ukusiliswa Komfana Owayelomoya Omubi

37 Ngosuku olulandelayo sebehlile entabeni, wahlangabezwa lixuku labantu abanengi. 38 Enye indoda exukwini yamemeza yathi, “Mfundisi, ngiyakuncenga, khangela indodana yami yiyo yodwa umntwana engilaye. 39 Umoya uyamjuma abeseklabalala; uyamgiqa abhinqike abuye abhubhudle amagwebu emlonyeni. Usuhlezi udlala ngaye nje usufuna ukumbulala. 40 Bengicele abafundi bakho ukuthi bawuxotshe, kodwa behlulekile.”

41 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Oh, sizukulwane esingakholwayo, esixhwalileyo, ngihlale lani kuze kube nini ngilokhu ngilibekezelela na? Ilethe lapha indodana yakho.”

42 Kwathi lapho umfana elokhu esalethwa kuye idimoni lambhuqa phansi ebhinqika. Kodwa uJesu wawukhuza umoya omubi, wamsilisa umfana wambuyisela kuyise. 43 Bonke bamangala kakhulu ngobukhulu bukaNkulunkulu.

UJesu Ukhuluma Okwesibili Ngokufa Kwakhe

Kwathi wonke umuntu esamangele ngalokho uJesu ayekwenzile, wathi kubafundi bakhe, 44  “Likulalele kuhle lokhu esengizalitshela khona: Indodana yoMuntu izanikelwa ezandleni zabantu.” 45 Kodwa kabezwisisanga ukuthi lokhu kwakusitshoni. Kwakufihliwe kubo, yikho kabakubambisisanga, kodwa besaba ukumbuza ngakho.

Ngubani Ozabamkhulu Kulabanye?

46 Kwaba lokuphikisana kubafundi ngokuthi ngubani kubo owayezabamkhulu kulabanye. 47 UJesu eyazi imicabango yabo wathatha umntwana omncinyane wamisa eceleni kwakhe. 48 Wasesithi kubo, “Lowo owamukela lo umntwana omncane ngebizo lami wamukela mina, lalowo owamukela mina wamukela lowo ongithumileyo. Ngoba lowo onguye omncinyane kulani lonke phakathi kwenu lonke, nguye omkhulu kini lonke.”

49 UJohane wathi, “Nkosi, sibone indoda ikhupha amadimoni ngebizo lakho sazama ukuyenqaba ngoba ingayisuye omunye wethu.”

50 UJesu wathi, “Lingamaleli ngoba lowo ongamelani lani ukanye lani.”

Ukwaliwa ESamariya

51 Kwathi isikhathi sesisondele ukuthi athathwe aye ezulwini, uJesu wazimisela ukuthi aye eJerusalema. 52 Wasethuma izithunywa phambi kwakhe zaya eSamariya emzini othile ukumlungisela ukufika kwakhe; 53 kodwa abantu bakhona kabamemukelanga ngoba wayesedlulela eJerusalema. 54 Kwathi abafundi uJakhobe loJohane bekubona lokho bathi, “Nkosi, uyafuna na ukuthi sibize umlilo uvele ezulwini uzobabhubhisa?” 55 Kodwa uJesu waphenduka wabakhuza 56 Yikho yena labafundi bakhe basebesiya komunye umuzi.

Ubunzima Bokulandela UJesu

57 Bathi belokhu behamba endleleni, enye indoda yathi kuye, “Ngizakulandela loba ungaze uye ngaphi.”

58 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Amakhanka alemilindi lezinyoni zemoyeni zilezidleke, kodwa iNdodana yoMuntu kayilandawo yokufihla ikhanda layo.”

59 Wathi kwenye indoda, “Ngilandela.”

Kodwa indoda yaphendula yathi, “Nkosi, akuthi ngiqale ngihambe ngiyengcwaba ubaba wami.”

60 UJesu wathi kuyo, “Yekela abafileyo bangcwabe abafileyo babo, kodwa wena hamba uyememezela umbuso kaNkulunkulu.”

61 Kwathi omunye njalo wathi, “Ngizakulandela, Nkosi, kodwa akuthi kengiyevalelisa abakithi.”

62 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kakho othi angabamba ikhuba elima athalaze emuva owufaneleyo umsebenzi oqondane lombuso kaNkulunkulu.”

10

UJesu Uthumela Abangamatshumi Ayisikhombisa Lambili

1 Ngemva kwalokhu iNkosi yakhetha abanye abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili ukuba bamandulele baye kuwo wonke amadolobho lezindawo lezo ayesezazihambela. 2 Wabatshela wathi, “Isivuno sinengi, kodwa izisebenzi zimbalwa. Ngakho celani iNkosi yesivuno ukuthi ithumele izisebenzi ensimini yayo yokuvuna. 3  Hambani! Ngilithuma linjengamazinyane ezimvu phakathi kwempisi. 4  Lingathwali isikhwama kumbe umxhaka loba amanyathela; njalo lingabingeleli muntu endleleni.

5  Nxa lingena endlini, qalani lithi, ‘Ukuthula akube kule indlu.’ 6  Nxa kulomuntu woxolo lapho, ukuthula kwenu kakube kuye; nxa kungenjalo kuzabuyela kini. 7  Hlalani kuleyondlu, lidle njalo linathe loba yini abalinika khona ngoba osebenzayo ufanele aphiwe iholo lakhe. Linganqumi ngezindlu lihlala lapha lalapha.

8  Nxa lifika edolobheni lamukelwe khona, dlanini lokho elikuphiwayo. 9  Silisani abagulayo abayabe belapho, njalo libatshele ukuthi, ‘Umbuso kaNkulunkulu useduze kwenu.’ 10  Kodwa nxa lingafika edolobheni lingemukelwa, yanini emigwaqweni yalo lithi, 11  ‘Lalo uthuli lwedolobho lenu olunamathele ezinyaweni zethu siyaluthintithela kini. Kodwa yazini lokhu: Umbuso kaNkulunkulu ususeduze.’ 12  Ngiyalitshela, okweSodoma kuzakuba ngcono ngalelolanga kulokwalelodolobho.

13  Maye kuwe Khorazini! Maye kuwe Bhethisayida! Aluba izimangaliso lezo ezenziwa kuwe zazenziwe eThire leSidoni ngabe kudala baphenduka begqoke izigqoko zamasaka bazithela ngomlotha. 14  Kodwa kuzakuba ngcono okweThire leSidoni mhla wokwahlulela kulokuza kuwe. 15  Lawe, Khaphenawume, kambe uzaphakanyiselwa emazulwini na? Hatshi, uzatshona phansi uye eHadesi.

16  Lowo olalela lina ulalela mina; lowo olahla lina ulahla mina; kodwa lowo ongalayo wala yena owangithumayo.”

17 Abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili babuya bethokoza bathi, “Nkosi, lamadimoni ayasithobela ngebizo lakho.”

18 Waphendula wathi, “Ngimbonile uSathane esiwa njengombane esuka ezulwini. 19  Ngiliphile amandla okugxoba izinyoka lenkume lokunqoba wonke amandla esitha; kakukho okuzalilimaza. 20  Kodwa lingathatshiswa yikuthi imimoya iyazithoba kini, kodwa thokoziswani yikuthi amabizo enu alotshiwe ezulwini.”

21 Ngalesosikhathi uJesu egcwele intokozo ngoMoya oNgcwele wathi, “Ngiyakudumisa, Baba, Nkosi yasezulwini lasemhlabeni, ngoba uzifihlile lezizinto kwabahlakaniphileyo labafundileyo wazambula ebantwaneni abancinyane. Yebo, Baba, ngoba lokhu kwakuyikuthanda kwakho okuhle.

22  Zonke izinto zethulwe kimi nguBaba. Kakho owaziyo ukuthi ingubani iNdodana ngaphandle kukaBaba, njalo kakho omaziyo uBaba ukuthi ungubani ngaphandle kweNdodana lalabo iNdodana ekhethe ukuba imveze kubo.”

23 Wasephendukela kubafundi bakhe wathi kubo ngasese, “Abusisiwe amehlo abona lokhu elikubonayo lina. 24  Ngoba ngiqinisile ukuthi abaphrofethi abanengi lamakhosi babefisa ukubona lokhu elikubonayo, kodwa kabakubonanga, lokuzwa lokhu elikuzwayo, kodwa kabakuzwanga.”

Umzekeliso WomSamariya Olesihawu

25 Ngesinye isikhathi isazi somthetho saphakama samlinga uJesu. Sabuza sathi, “Mfundisi, ngingenzani ukuze ngizuze ilifa lempilo engapheliyo na?”

26 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kubhalweni emthethweni, uwufunda njani?”

27 Waphendula wathi, “ ‘Thanda iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke, langomphefumulo wakho wonke, langamandla akho wonke, njalo langengqondo yakho yonke’*; njalo, ‘Thanda umakhelwane wakho njengoba uzithanda wena.’†”

28 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Uphendule kuhle. Kwenze lokhu, uzaphila.”

29 Kodwa wayefuna ukuzigeza, wasebuza kuJesu, wathi, “Kanti ngubani ongumakhelwana wami na?”

30 UJesu waphendula ngokuthi: “Indoda yayihamba iphuma eJerusalema isiya eJerikho, yaqabuka isihlaselwa ngabaphangi. Bayihlubula izigqoko zayo, bayitshaya basebehamba, beyitshiya iqalekile. 31  Kwakulomphristi owayehamba ngaleyondlela, owathi eyibona indoda leyo waceza kwelinye icele. 32  Wenza njalo lomLevi, wafika kuleyondawo wayibona indoda wakhekheleza wedlula. 33  Kodwa umSamariya, wathi ezihambela wafika lapho indoda eyayikhona, wathi eyibona wayizwela usizi. 34  Waya kuyo, wabopha amanxeba ayo, wawathela amafutha lewayini. Waseyikhweza kubabhemi wakhe, wayisa endlini yezihambi, wayinakekela. 35  Ngosuku olulandelayo wakhupha inhlamvu ezimbili zamadenari wazinika umphathi wendawo. Wathi, ‘Mgcine, kuzakuthi nxa sengibuya ngizabhadala lezondleko eziyabe zisele.’

36  Ngubani pho kulaba abathathu ombona ukuthi wayengumakhelwane wendoda leyo eyahlaselwa ngabaphangi na?”

37 Isazi somthetho saphendula sathi, “Ngulowo owaba lesihawu kuyo.”

UJesu wamtshela wathi, “Hamba wenzenjalo.”

Ekhaya LaboMatha LoMariya

38 Kwathi uJesu labafundi bakhe besekuhambeni kwabo, wafika emzini okwakukhona owesifazane othiwa nguMatha, owamamukela ngesihle emzini wabo. 39 Wayelodadewabo owayethiwa nguMariya, owahlala ezinyaweni zeNkosi elalele lokho eyayikukhuluma. 40 Kodwa uMatha waphazanyiswa yikulungiselela konke okwakumele kwenziwe. Wabuya kuJesu wabuza wathi, “Nkosi, kawukhathali na ukuthi udadewethu ungitshiye ukuba ngenze ngedwa umsebenzi? Mtshele ukuthi angincedise!”

41 INkosi yaphendula yathi, “Matha, Matha, uhlutshwa njalo ukhathazeke ngezinto ezinengi, 42  kodwa kusweleka into eyodwa. UMariya ukhethe okungcono, okungasoze akwemukwe futhi.”

11

UJesu Ufundisa Ukukhuleka

1 Ngelinye ilanga uJesu wayekhuleka kwenye indawo. Wathi eseqedile, omunye wabafundi bakhe wathi kuye, “Nkosi, sifundise ukukhuleka, njengoJohane owafundisa abafundi bakhe.”

2 Wathi kubo, “Nxa likhuleka, alibokuthi:

‘Baba,*

kalidunyiswe ibizo lakho,

umbuso wakho kawuze.†

3  Siphe ukudla kwethu kwansukuzonke usuku ngosuku.

4  Sithethelele izono zethu,

njengoba lathi sibathethelela bonke abasonelayo.

Njalo ungasingenisi ekulingweni.’ ”

5 Wasesithi kubo, “Akesithi omunye wenu ulomngane, aye kuye phakathi kobusuku athi, ‘Mfowethu, akungeboleke izinkwa ezintathu, 6  kulomngane wami ophakathi kohambo ozofihla ikhanda kwami, kodwa kangilalutho engingamupha lona.’ 7  Besekusithi osendlini aphendule athi, ‘Ungangikhathazi. Umnyango usukhiyiwe njalo mina labantwabami sesilele. Ngingezake ngivuke ngikuphe loba yini.’ 8  Ngiyalitshela ukuthi loba ubengafuni ukuvuka amuphe isinkwa ngoba engumngane, kodwa ngenxa yokuphikelela kwendoda uzaze avuke amuphe konke akufunayo.

9  Ngakho ngithi kini: Celani lizaphiwa; dingani lizafumana; qoqodani lizavulelwa. 10  Ngoba wonke ocelayo uyaphiwa; lowo odingayo uyafumana; lalowo oqoqoda emnyango uzavulelwa.

11  Ngubani kini bobaba, okuthi nxa indodana yakhe icela inhlanzi yena ayiphe inyoka? 12  Loba icela iqanda ayiphe inkume na? 13  Nxa lina, elithi loba libabi likwazi ukupha abantwabenu izipho ezilungileyo, pho uYihlo osezulwini uzabapha ngokwengezwe kangakanani uMoya oNgcwele labo abacela kuye!”

UJesu LoBhelizebhubhi

14 UJesu wayexotsha idimoni elaliyisimungulu. Lathi idimoni seliphumile, indoda eyayiyisimungulu yakhuluma, ixuku labantu lamangala. 15 Kodwa abanye bathi, “Ukhupha amadimoni ngoBhelizebhubhi inkosi yamadimoni.” 16 Abanye bamlinga ngokumcela isibonakaliso esivela ezulwini.

17 UJesu wayeyazi imicabango yabo wasesithi kubo: “Umbuso ongabambananga uyadilika, lendlu engabambananga iyawa. 18  Nxa uSathane engabambananga, umbuso wakhe ungema kanjani na? Ngikutsho lokhu ngoba lithi mina ngikhupha amadimoni ngoBhelizebhubhi. 19  Nxa ngikhupha amadimoni ngoBhelizebhubhi, pho abalandeli benu bawakhupha ngobani? Ngakho, bazakuba ngabahluleli benu. 20  Kodwa nxa ngikhupha amadimoni ngomunwe kaNkulunkulu, kutsho ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu usufikile kini.

21  Nxa indoda eyisiqhwaga ihlome yaphelela, ilinde indlu yayo, impahla zayo zivikelekile. 22  Kodwa kungahlasela umuntu olamandla kulayo ayehlule, uyayemuka izikhali ebikade izithembile, abesezehlukanisela impango.

23  Lowo ongemanga lami uphikisana lami, lalowo ongabuthi lami uyachithiza.

24  Lapho umoya omubi uphuma emuntwini, uyazula enkangala udinga ukuphumula, kodwa nxa ungakuswela, uyathi ‘Ngizabuyela endlini engaphuma kuyo.’ 25  Uthi ufika, uthole leyondlu ithanyelwe yahlanzeka konke kumi kuhle. 26  Ubusuhamba uyethatha eminye imimoya eyisikhombisa exhwale ukwedlula wona, ingene ihlale khona. Isiphetho salowomuntu sizakuba sibi kulasekuqaleni.”

27 Kwathi uJesu elokhu esakhuluma lezizinto, owesifazane wamemeza exukwini wathi, “Ubusisiwe lowomama owakuzalayo wakondla.”

28 Waphendula wathi, “Kungenani, ababusisiweyo yilabo abalizwayo ilizwi likaNkulunkulu baliphile.”

Isibonakaliso SikaJona

29 Kwathi amaxuku esanda uJesu wathi, “Lesi yisizukulwane esixhwalileyo. Sidinga isibonakaliso kodwa kasisoze sisiphiwe ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso sikaJona. 30  NjengoJona owaba yisibonakaliso kwabaseNiniva, ngokunjalo iNdodana yoMuntu izakuba njalo kulesisizukulwane. 31  INdlovukazi yaseNingizimu izavuka ekwahlulelweni kanye labantu balesi sizukulwane ibalahle ngoba yeza ivela emaphethelweni omhlaba izokuzwa inhlakanipho kaSolomoni kodwa manje lowo omkhulu kuloSolomoni usekhona lapha. 32  Abantu baseNiniva bazasukuma kanye lalesi sizukulwane ngosuku lokwahlulelwa basilahle ngoba bona baphenduka ekutshumayeleni kukaJona, kodwa khathesi lowo omkhulu kuloJona uselapha.”

Isibane Somzimba

33  “Kakho olumathisa isibane abesesibeka ekusithekeni kumbe ngaphansi kwesitsha. Kodwa usibeka esiqobaneni ukuze labo abangenayo babone ukukhanya. 34  Ilihlo lakho liyisibane somzimba. Nxa amehlo akho elungile umzimba wakho wonke ugcwele ukukhanya. Kodwa nxa emabi, umzimba wakho lawo ugcwele ubumnyama. 35  Qaphelani-ke ukuthi ukukhanya okuphakathi kwenu kakusibumnyama. 36  Ngakho-ke, nxa umzimba wakho wonke ugcwele ukukhanya kungekho ingxenye esemnyameni, wonke uzagcwala ukukhanya njengokukhanya kwesibane kukukhanyisa.”

Izixwayiso KubaFarisi Lezazi Zomthetho

37 UJesu eseqedile ukukhuluma umFarisi othile wamnxusa ukuthi azokudla laye; wasehamba wayahlala etafuleni. 38 Kodwa umFarisi wananzelela ukuthi uJesu kaqalanga ngokugeza engakadli, kwamangalisa.

39 INkosi yathi kuye, “Lina baFarisi ligezisa inkezo lomganu ngaphandle kodwa ngaphakathi ligcwele ubuhwaba lobubi. 40  Lina bantu abayiziwula! Lowo owenza ingaphandle kenzanga lengaphakathi na? 41  Ngakho-ke, mayelana lokungaphakathi kwenu, wobani lomusa kwabampofu, lapho-ke konke kuzabe sekuhlanzekile kini.

42  Maye kini baFarisi, ngoba lipha uNkulunkulu okwetshumi kweminti, lazozonke izithelo zesivande senu, kodwa lidele ukwenza okulungileyo kanye lokuthanda uNkulunkulu. Kumele likwenze konke okulungileyo, ukuthanda uNkulunkulu lokukhipha lokwetshumi.

43  Maye kini baFarisi, ngoba lithanda izihlalo eziqakathekileyo emasinagogweni njalo lithanda lokubingelelwa ezindaweni zokuthengisela.

44  Maye kini, ngoba linjengamathuna angakhelwanga, abantu abahamba phezu kwawo bengazi ukuthi akhona.”

45 Omunye wezazi zomthetho wamphendula wathi, “Mfundisi, nxa usitsho njalo uyasithuka lathi.”

46 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lani zazi zomthetho, maye kini, ngoba lethesa abantu ngemithwalo abangeke bayithwale, ikanti lani livele kalithi thika lokuyithwala.

47  Maye kini, ngoba lakha amathuna abaphrofethi, bona ababulawa ngokhokho benu. 48  Lifakaza ukuthi liyakuvuma lokho okhokho benu abakwenzayo; bababulala abaphrofethi, lina-ke selisakha amangcwaba abo. 49  Ngenxa yalokhu, uNkulunkulu wathi, ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe, ‘Ngizabathumela abaphrofethi labapostoli, abanye bazababulala abanye babaphathe ngochuku.’ 50  Ngakho-ke, lesisizukulwana yiso esizathwala umlandu wegazi labaphrofethi bonke elachithwa kusukela ekudabukeni komhlaba, 51  kusukela egazini lika-Abheli kusiya egazini likaZakhariya owabulawa phakathi laphakathi kwe-alithari lendlu engcwele. Yebo, ngiyalitshela, isizukulwane lesi sizakwetheswa umlandu wakho konke.

52  Maye kini zazi zomthetho, ngoba seliyivalile intuba yolwazi. Lina ngokwenu kalingenanga, laphinda lavimbela labo abebefuna ukungena.”

53 UJesu wathi esesuka lapho, abaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho baqala ukuphikisana laye kubi, bemthela ngemibuzo, 54 bezama ukumgcona ngokunye ayengakutsho.

12

Izixwayiso Lenkuthazo

1 Ngalesosikhathi sekubuthene ixuku lezinkulungwane zabantu, sebenyathelana, uJesu waqala ukukhuluma kubafundi bakhe esithi, “Qaphelani imvubelo yabaFarisi, iyikuzenzisa. 2  Kakukho okufihliweyo okungayi kuvezwa obala, lokufihliweyo okungayikwaziwa. 3  Lokho okukhulume emnyameni kuzazwakala emini lithe bha, lalokho obukunyenyezela endlebeni ezindlini zangaphakathi kuzamenyezelwa phezu kophahla lwezindlu.

4  Ngiyalitshela bangane, lingabesabi labo ababulala umzimba kungabikhona okunye abangakwenza ngemva kwalokho. 5  Kodwa ngizalitshengisa lowo okumele limesabe: Mesabeni lowo, othi esebulele umzimba, abe lamandla okuwuphosela esihogweni. Yebo, ngithi mesabeni. 6  Intaka ezinhlanu kazithengiswa ngendibilitshi ezimbili na? Kodwa kayikho lanye yazo uNkulunkulu ayilibalayo. 7  Ngempela, inwele zekhanda lakho zibaliwe. Lingesabi; lina liligugu ukwedlula intaka ezinengi.

8  Ngiyalitshela, lowo ongivuma phambi kwabantu, iNdodana yoMuntu layo izamvuma phambi kwezingilosi zikaNkulunkulu. 9  Kodwa lowo ongiphikayo phambi kwabantu uzaphikwa phambi kwezingilosi zikaNkulunkulu. 10  Njalo wonke umuntu okhuluma okubi ngeNdodana yoMuntu uzathethelelwa kodwa lowo ohlambaza uMoya oNgcwele akayikuthethelelwa.

11  Nxa limiswa phambi kwamasinagogu, phambi kwababusi labaphathi, lingazihluphi ngokuthi lizazivikela lisithini kumbe ukuthi lizakuthini, 12  ngoba uMoya oNgcwele uzalifundisa ngalesosikhathi lokho elifanele likutsho.”

Umzekeliso Wesinothi Esiyisiwula

13 Omunye emphakathini wathi kuye, “Mfundisi, tshela umfowethu ukuthi angabele ilifa lami.”

14 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ndoda, ngibekwe ngubani ukuba ngumahluleli kumbe umlamuli wenu?” 15 Wasesithi kubo, “Qaphelani! Limukani inhlobo zonke zobuhaga; isiqokoqela sempilo yomuntu kasikho ebunengini benotho yakhe.”

16 Wasebatshela umzekeliso wathi, “Insimu yenye indoda eyayinothile yaba lenala eyesabekayo. 17  Yasinakana yathi, ‘Kambe ngenzeni? Angilandawo yokubeka amabele ami.’

18  Yasisithi, ‘Nanku engizakwenza. Ngizazidiliza iziphala zami ngakhe ezinkulu kulalezi, besengithela khona wonke amabele ami kanye lezinye impahla zami. 19  Ngizazitshela ngithi, “Usulezinto ezinengi ezinhle njalo ezizakwanela iminyaka eminengi. Kholisa impilo, udle, unathe uthokoze.” ’

20  Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kuye, ‘Wena siwula ndini! Ngalobubusuku impilo yakho izathathwa. Pho ngubani ozazuza lokhu obusuzilungisele khona na?’

21  Yikho lokhu okuzakwenzeka kulowo ozibekela inotho kodwa enganothanga kuNkulunkulu.”

Lingakhathazeki

22 UJesu wasesithi kubafundi bakhe: “Ngakho ngilitshela ukuthi lingakhathazeki ngokuphila kwenu, ukuthi lizakudlani kumbe ngomzimba wenu, ukuthi lizagqokani. 23  Impilo iyakudlula ukudla, lomzimba uyazedlula izembatho. 24  Khumbulani amawabayi, kawahlanyeli, kawavuni, kawalaso isiphala kodwa uNkulunkulu uyawapha ukudla. Manje lina liqakatheke okwedlula izinyoni! 25  Ngubani kini othi ngokukhathazeka angezelele ihola elilodwa empilweni yakhe na? 26  Njengoba lingeke liyenze linto encinyane kangaka, lizihluphelani na ngokunengi?

27  Ake libone ukuthi amaluba eganga akhula njani. Kawasebenzi njalo aweluki. Kodwa ngilitshela ukuthi laye uSolomoni ekucwebezeleni kwakhe kazange acece njengawo. 28  Nxa uNkulunkulu ececisa kanjalo utshani beganga, obukhona namuhla, kusasa sebuphoselwa emlilweni, kambe uzalicecisa kanganani na, lina bokukholwa okuncinyane! 29  Lingazihluphi ezinhliziyweni zenu ngokuthi lizakudlani kumbe lizanathani; lingakhathazeki ngalokho. 30  Ngoba umhlaba wabezizwe uxotshana lezinto ezinjalo, ikanti uYihlo uyazi ukuthi liyazidinga. 31  Kodwa funani umbuso wakhe, zonke lezizinto lizaziphiwa lazo.

32  Lingesabi, mhlambi omncane, ngoba uYihlo uthandile ukulipha umbuso. 33  Thengisani impahla yenu liphe abampofu. Zidingeleni izikhwama ezingagugiyo, inotho ezulwini engayikuphela, lapho okungasondeli khona isela loba impehlane engabhubhisi khona. 34  Ngoba lapho okulenotho yakho khona, inhliziyo yakho layo ilapho.”

Ukuhlala Ulindile

35  “Gqokani lilindele inkonzo lezibane zenu zihlale zibhebha 36  njengamadoda elindele inkosi yawo ukuba ibuye edilini lomthimba ukuze kuthi nxa ifika iqoqoda aphange ayivulele umnyango. 37  Kuzakuba kuhle kulezozinceku inkosi yazo ezazifica zilindile nxa ifika. Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi yona izagqokela ukubaphakela, bona bahlale etafuleni, yona ibaphakele. 38  Kuzakuba kuhle kulezozinceku inkosi yazo ezazifica zilindile loba ingabe ifika ngomlindo wesibili loba owesithathu ebusuku. 39  Kodwa zwisisani lokhu: Aluba umninindlu ubesazi ukuthi isela lizafika ngasiphi isikhathi ubengasoze ayekele indlu yakhe igqekezwe. 40  Lani hlalani lilindile ngoba iNdodana yoMuntu izafika ngesikhathi elingayilindelanga ngaso.”

41 UPhethro wabuza wathi, “Nkosi, umzekeliso lo uwuqondise kithi kumbe ebantwini bonke na?”

42 INkosi yaphendula yathi, “Ngubani kambe ongumphathi othembekileyo, ohlakaniphileyo, othi inkosi yakhe imbeke ukukhangela izisebenzi zayo ukuba aziphe isabelo sazo sokudla ngesikhathi esifaneleyo? 43  Kuzakuba kuhle kuleyo nceku inkosi ezayifica isenza njalo ekuphendukeni kwayo. 44  Ngilitshela iqiniso, izakumbeka ukuthi aphathe yonke impahla yayo. 45  Kodwa cabanga nxa inceku ingazitshela ithi, ‘Inkosi yami isiphuzile ukubuya,’ ibisiqalisa ukutshaya ezinye izisebenzi zesilisa lezesifazane, ibisisidla, inatha idakwe. 46  Inkosi yaleyonceku izabuya ngosuku engacatshangelwa khona langesikhathi inceku engasaziyo. Izayiqumaquma iyiphe indawo phakathi kwabangakholwayo.

47  Leyonceku ethi ikwazi okufunwa yinkosi yayo kodwa ingalindi kumbe ingalungisi lokho inkosi yayo ekufunayo izatshaywa okuzwayo. 48  Kodwa lowo ongaziyo njalo owenza izinto eziholela ekubhujisweni uzatshaywa mbijana. Kulowo ophiwe okunengi, kuzafuneka okunengi kuye; lakulowo ogciniswe okunengi, kuzafuneka okunengi kulalokho.”

Hatshi Ukuthula Kodwa Ukwehlukana

49  “Ngilande ukuzalumathisa umlilo emhlabeni, ngize ngifise ukuthi ngabe uvele usungunguma! 50  Kodwa ngiseselobhaphathizo okusamele ngilungene, kodwa ngikhathazekile kakhulu kuze kugcwaliseke lokho! 51  Licabanga ukuthi ngalanda ukuletha ukuthula emhlabeni na? Hatshi, zwanini, ngalanda ukuzehlukanisa. 52  Kusukela manje bazakuthi bebahlanu emulini behlukane, abathathu bexabana lababili, lababili bexabana labathathu. 53  Bazakwehlukana, uyise axabane lendodana, indodana ixabane loyise, unina lendodakazi, indodakazi ixabane lonina, uninazala axabane lomalukazana, umalukazana loninazala.”

Ukuzwisisa Izikhathi

54 Wathi exukwini labantu: “Lithi lingabona iyezi liqhamuka entshonalanga liphange lithi, ‘Izulu lizakuna,’ lakanye line. 55  Kuthi kungavunguza umoya weningizimu lithi, ‘Kuzatshisa,’ lakanye kube njalo. 56  Bazenzisi! Liyakwazi ukuchaza izibonakaliso zomhlaba lezomkhathi. Kungani pho lingakwazi ukuchaza isikhathi lesi esikuso na?

57  Kungani kanti lingaziboneli lina ngokwenu okuyikho okulungileyo na? 58  Nxa uhamba lalowo okumangalelayo lisiya kumahluleli, zama ngamandla ukuthi liqedelane lisesendleleni, funa akudonsele kumahluleli, lomahluleli abesekudlulisela enxuseni lona inxusa likuthele entolongweni. 59  Ngiyakutshela, kawusoze uphume uze uhlawule kanye lohlamvana lokucina lwemali.”

13

Phendukani Kumbe Libhubhe

1 Bakhona ababelapho ngalesosikhathi abatshela uJesu ngamaGalile uPhilathu axubanisa imihlatshelo yawo legazi lawo. 2 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kambe likhumbula ukuthi amaGalile lawo ayeyizoni kulamanye amaGalile ngoba ahlupheka kanjalo na? 3  Ngithi, hatshi! Kodwa, ngaphandle kokuba liphenduke lani lonke lizabhubha. 4  Kumbe labo abalitshumi lasificaminwembili abafayo baze bawelwe ngumphotshongo waseSilowami, licabanga ukuthi babonile okudlula bonke ababehlala eJerusalema na? 5  Ngithi, hatshi! Kodwa, ngaphandle kokuba liphenduke lani lonke lizabhubha.”

6 Wasebatshela umzekeliso lo wathi, “Indoda ethile yayilesihlahla somkhiwa uhlanyelwe esivinini sayo, yasisiyacinga izithelo kuwo, kodwa yaziswela. 7  Yasisithi kuleyondoda eyayigcina isivini, ‘Sekuyiminyaka emithathu ngilokhu ngisiza ngizofuna izithelo kulesisihlahla somkhiwa kodwa ngingatholi lutho. Sigamule! Senzani kambe siqeda ukudla emhlabathini?’

8  Indoda yaphendula yathi, ‘Nkosi, ake usiyekele nje okomnyaka owodwa, kengisihlakulele kuhle ngithele umvundiso. 9  Singathela ngomnyaka ozayo, kuzabe kulungile! Kodwa singangatheli, usungasigamula.’ ”

UJesu Usilisa Owesifazane Oyisilima NgeSabatha

10 Ngelinye iSabatha uJesu wayefundisa kwelinye isinagogu, 11 khonapho kulowesifazane owangenwa ngumoya wamenza waba yisilima okweminyaka elitshumi lasificaminwembili. Wayegogekile esehluleka ukuhlala aqonde. 12 Kwathi uJesu embona wambizela phambili wathi kuye, “Mama, usukhululwe ekugogekeni kwakho.” 13 Wasebeka izandla zakhe phezu kwakhe, masinyane nje owesifazane watshwaphuluka, waqonda, wasedumisa uNkulunkulu.

14 Umphathi wesinagogu wacunuka ngoba uJesu wayesilise ngeSabatha, wathi ebantwini, “Ziyisithupha insuku zokwenza umsebenzi. Ngakho libobuya lizosiliswa ngalezonsuku, hatshi ngeSabatha.”

15 INkosi yamphendula yathi, “Lina bazenzisi! Kalizikhululi yini lonke lapha izifuyo zenu ngeSabatha esibayeni liyezinathisa na? 16  Manje-ke, owesifazane lo oyindodakazi ka-Abhrahama, obebotshwe nguSathane okweminyaka eminengi, elitshumi lasificaminwembili, lithi kangakhululwa yini ngeSabatha kulokho obekumbophile?”

17 Wathi esekutshilo lokhu, bonke ababephikisana laye bayangeka, kodwa abantu babethokoza ngazozonke izinto ezimangalisayo ayezenza.

Umzekeliso Wentanga Yemastadi Lowemvubelo

18 UJesu wasebuza wathi, “Umbuso kaNkulunkulu ufana lani na? Kambe ngiwulinganise lani? 19  Unjengentanga yemastadi eyathathwa ngenye indoda yayihlanyela esivandeni sayo. Yamila yakhula yaba yisihlahla, izinyoni zemoyeni zahlala engatsheni zaso.”

20 Waphinda wabuza wathi, “Ngiwufanise lani umbuso kaNkulunkulu na? 21  Unjengemvubelo eyathathwa ngowesifazane wayixubanisa lempuphu enengi, yabila yagcwala inhlama yonke.”

Umnyango Omncinyane

22 UJesu wasehamba engena emadolobheni lemizini efundisa, ejonge ukuya eJerusalema. 23 Omunye wambuza wathi, “Nkosi, ngabalutshwana kuphela abazasindiswa na?”

Wathi kubo, 24  “Zamani ngamandla ukuthi lingene ngomnyango omncinyane, ngoba ngiyalitshela ukuthi abanengi bazazama ukungena kodwa bazakwehluleka. 25  Angavele aphakame umninindlu avale umnyango lizakuma phandle liqoqode lincenga lisithi, ‘Nkosi, sivulele umnyango.’

Kodwa uzaphendula athi, ‘Kangilazi, kangazi njalo ukuthi livela ngaphi.’

26  Lapho lizakuthi, ‘Sadla lawe, sanatha sonke, njalo wafundisa emigwaqweni yakithi.’

27  Kodwa uzaphendula athi, ‘Kangilazi, njalo kangikwazi ukuthi livela ngaphi. Sukani kimi, lonke lina benzi bobubi!’

28  Kuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla kwamazinyo nxa selibona u-Abhrahama, u-Isaka loJakhobe labo bonke abaphrofethi embusweni kaNkulunkulu, kodwa lina ngokwenu lilahlelwe phandle. 29  Abantu bazavela empumalanga lasentshonalanga kanye lasenhla laseningizimu, bathathe izindawo zabo edilini lombuso kaNkulunkulu. 30  Ngempela bakhona labo abangabokucina abazakuba ngabokuqala, labangabokuqala abazakuba ngabokucina.”

UJesu Uzwela IJerusalema Usizi

31 Ngalesosikhathi abanye abaFarisi beza kuJesu bathi kuye, “Suka lapha uye kwenye indawo. UHerodi ufuna ukukubulala.”

32 Waphendula wathi, “Hambani liyotshela ikhanka lelo lithi, ‘Ngizawaxotsha amadimoni, ngisilise abantu, lamuhla lakusasa langosuku lwesithathu ngize ngiyiphethe indima yami.’ 33  Loba kunjani kumele ngiqhubeke ngohambo lwami lamuhla lakusasa langelanga elilandelayo, ngoba ngempela kakho umphrofethi ongafela ngaphandle kweJerusalema!

34  Jerusalema, Jerusalema, wena obulala abaphrofethi, ubakhande ngamatshe labo abathunywe kuwe, sekukanengi ngiloyisa ukuqoqa ndawonye abantwabakho, njengesikhukhukazi siqoqa amatsiyane aso ngaphansi kwamaphiko aso, kodwa wawulokhu ungafuni! 35  Khangela, indlu yakho isitshiywe ilunxiwa. Ngiyalitshela, kalisayikungibona futhi lize lithi, ‘Ubusisiwe lowo obuya ngebizo leNkosi.’*”

14

UJesu Endlini YomFarisi

1 Ngelinye iSabatha uJesu wayakudla endlini yomFarisi owayedume kakhulu, babemkhangele kakhulu. 2 Phambi kwakhe khonapho kwakulendoda eyayilesifo sikambizankulu, esivuvukisa izitho. 3 UJesu wasebuza abaFarisi lezazi zomthetho wathi, “Kusemthethweni yini ukusilisa ngosuku lweSabatha kumbe hatshi?” 4 Kodwa bathula. Ngakho waseyibamba indoda leyo wayisilisa wathi kayihambe.

5 Wasebabuza wathi, “Nxa omunye wenu elendodana loba inkabi yakhe ewele emgodini ngeSabatha, kayikuphanga ayikhuphe masinyane na?” 6 Baswela ukuthi bathini.

7 Wananzelela ukuthi izethekeli zazikhetha izindawo eziqakathekileyo etafuleni wasebatshela umzekeliso wathi: 8  “Nxa omunye ekunxusa edilini lomthimba, ungaze wathatha indawo eqakathekileyo funa kunxuswe umuntu omkhulu kulawe. 9  Nxa kunjalo umalinxusa uzakuza athi kuwe, ‘Ake uxekele lo omunye isihlalo sakho.’ Uzabe usuyangekile ususiyahlala endaweni ephansi kakhulu. 10  Kodwa nxa unxusiwe, hlala endaweni ephansi kakhulu ukuze kuthi nxa umakunxusa efika kuwe athi, ‘Mngane, sukuma uye endaweni engcono.’ Lapho-ke, uzabe uphakanyisiwe phambi kwabo bonke abanxuswe kanye lawe. 11  Ngoba wonke umuntu oziphakamisayo uzakwehliswa, kuthi lowo ozehlisayo aphakanyiswe.”

12 UJesu wasesithi emanxuseni, “Nxa usenza idili emini loba kusihlwa unganxusi abangane bakho loba abafowenu kumbe izihlobo kumbe omakhelwane abanothileyo; ungenza njalo labo bangakunxusa, kuthi-ke lawe usuwenanisiwe. 13  Kodwa nxa usenza idili, nxusa abayanga, izilima, izigoga, iziphofu, 14  lapho uzabusiswa. Loba bengasoze bakwenanise lawe, uzakwenaniswa ekuvukeni kwabalungileyo.”

Umzekeliso Wedili Elikhulu

15 Kwathi omunye walabo abahlezi etafuleni laye esekuzwile lokhu, wathi kuJesu, “Ubusisiwe lowomuntu ozakudla edilini embusweni kaNkulunkulu.”

16 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Umuntu othile wayesenza idili elikhulu ngakho wanxusa abantu abanengi. 17  Sekuyisikhathi sedili wathuma isisebenzi sakhe ukuyatshela ababenxusiwe ukuthi, ‘Wozani, konke sekulungile.’

18  Kodwa bonke baqala ukuxolisa. Owokuqala wathi, ‘Ngisanda kuthenga isivande ngakho kusamele ngiyesibona. Ngicela ungixolisele.’

19  Omunye wathi, ‘Khathesi nje ngisanda kuthenga izipani ezinhlanu zenkabi, ungifica ngivele ngisendleleni yokuyazihlola. Ngicela ungixolisele.’

20  Omunye njalo wathi, ‘Ngisanda kutshada nje khathesi ngakho angingeke ngize.’

21  Inceku yabuya yakubika konke lokhu enkosini yayo. Inkosi yathukuthela yasilaya inceku yayo yathi, ‘Hamba khathesi, uye ezitaladini lemikotweni yedolobho umeme abayanga, abagogekileyo, iziphofu labaqhulayo.’

22  Inceku yathi, ‘Nkosi, lokho okulayileyo sokwenziwe kodwa indawo isesekhona.’

23  Inkosi yatshela inceku yayo yathi, ‘Hamba uye emigwaqweni lasezindleleni zemaphandleni uze labo ukuze indlu yami igcwale. 24  Ngiyalitshela kakho loyedwa walabo bantu ababenxusiwe ozalizwa idili lami.’ ”

Umvuzo Wokuba Ngumfundi

25 Abantu abanengi babehamba loJesu, wasephendukela kubo wathi: 26  “Nxa umuntu esiza kimi, kodwa engeke azonda uyise lonina, umkakhe labantwana, abafowabo labodadewabo, kanye lempilo yakhe uqobo, ngeke abe ngumfundi wami. 27  Lowo ongathwali isiphambano sakhe angilandele ngeke abe ngumfundi wami.

28  Akesithi omunye wenu afune ukwakha umphotshongo. Kambe kazukuqala ahlale phansi abalise indleko ukuze abone ingabe ulayo yini imali yokuwuqeda na? 29  Ngoba engakha isisekelo, kodwa ehluleke ukusiqeda, wonke okubonayo uzamhleka, 30  esithi, ‘Indoda le yaqalisa ukwakha, kodwa yehluleka ukuqeda.’

31  Kumbe sithi inkosi ilungisela ukuya empini isilwa lenye inkosi. Kayizukuqala ihlale phansi yini ihluzisise engqondweni ingabe yona ngamabutho ayo azinkulungwane ezilitshumi ingaqondana laleyo elezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili na? 32  Nxa ingeyikuma, izathuma amanxusa kuleyana isesekude icele uxolo. 33  Ngaleyondlela, loba ngubani phakathi kwenu ongadeli konke alakho ngeke abe ngumfundi wami.

34  Itswayi lilungile kodwa lingalahlekelwa yibumunyu balo, lingavuselelwa kanjani na? 35  Kaliwulungelanga lomhlabathi loba inqumbi yomvundiso kodwa liyalahlwa.

Lowo olendlebe zokuzwa, kezwe.”

15

Umzekeliso Wemvu Elahlekileyo

1 Ngalesosikhathi kwasekubuthana kuye abathelisi lezoni ukuzokuzwa imfundiso yakhe. 2 Kodwa abaFarisi labafundisi bomthetho bakhonona bathi, “Umuntu lo wemukela izoni adle lazo.”

3 UJesu wasebatshela umzekeliso lo, wathi: 4  “Ake kuthiwe omunye wenu ulezimvu ezilikhulu besekulahleka eyodwa kuzo. Kazukuzitshiya yini lezo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye khonale egangeni ayidinge leyo elahlekileyo aze ayithole na? 5  Kuthi lapho eseyitholile ayithwale emahlombe ngokuthokoza 6  aye layo ekhaya. Abesebiza abangane bakhe labomakhelwane athi, ‘Thokozani lami; sengiyitholile imvu yami ebilahlekile.’ 7  Ngilitshela ukuthi ngaleyondlela kuzakuba lokuthokoza ezulwini ngokuphenduka kwesoni esisodwa okudlula labobantu abalungileyo abangamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye abangakudingiyo ukuphenduka.”

Umzekeliso Wemali Elahlekileyo

8  “Kumbe kuthi owesifazane elenhlamvu zesiliva ezilitshumi kulahleke uhlamvu olulodwa. Kalumathisi yini isibane, athanyele endlini, adingisise kuhle aze aluthole na? 9  Kuthi eselutholile abize abangane bakhe labomakhelwane, athi kubo, ‘Thokozani lami; sengilutholile uhlamvu lwami lwesiliva obelulahlekile.’ 10  Ngiyalitshela ukuthi ngaleyondlela kulokuthokoza phambi kwezingilosi zikaNkulunkulu ngokuphenduka kwesoni esisodwa.”

Umzekeliso Wendodana Yolahleko

11 UJesu waqhubeka wathi: “Kwakukhona indoda eyayilamadodana amabili. 12  Encinyane yathi kuyise, ‘Baba, ngipha esami isabelo selifa.’ Ngakho uyise wabehlukanisela impahla yakhe bobabili.

13  Ngemva kwesikhatshana indodana encane yabutha konke okungokwayo yasuka yaya elizweni elikhatshana, yafika khonale yayichitha inotho yayo ngempilo yokuxhwala. 14  Isitshaye yachitha konke, kwaba lendlala enkulu kulolonke ilizwe, yasiswela kakhulu. 15  Yasisiyadinga umsebenzi komunye umuntu wakulelolizwe owayisa esiqintini sakhe ukuyagcina ingulube. 16  Yabona kungcono kuyo ukuthi ixotshe iphango ngokudla okwakudliwa zingulube, kodwa kayizange iphiwe lutho langubani.

17  Kwathi lapho ingqondo yayo isicabanga kuhle, yathi, ‘Kambe zingaki izinceku zikababa ezidla zizezitshiye kodwa nanku mina ngifa ngendlala! 18  Ngizasuka ngibuyele kubaba ngifike ngithi kuye: Baba, ngenze isono phambi kwezulu lakuwe. 19  Kangisafanelanga ukuthiwa ngiyindodana yakho; ngenza ngibe njengomunye wezinceku zakho.’ 20  Ngakho yaphakama yaya kuyise.

Kodwa yathi isesebucwala uyise wayibona wayizwela isihawu; wagijimela kuyo indodana yakhe, wayigona, wayanga.

21  Indodana yathi kuye, ‘Baba, ngenze isono phambi kwezulu lakuwe. Kangisafanelanga ukuthiwa ngiyindodana yakho.’

22  Kodwa uyise wathi ezincekwini zakhe, ‘Phangisani! Lethani isembatho esihle ukwedlula ezinye limgqokise. Lifake indandatho emunweni wakhe, limgqokise lamanyathela ezinyaweni zakhe. 23  Beseliletha ithole elinonisiweyo lilihlabe. Asenzeni idili sithokoze. 24  Ngoba indodana yami le yayisifile, kodwa isiphila njalo; yayilahlekile manje isifunyenwe.’ Waqalisa manje umkhosi wokujabula.

25  Sonke lesisikhathi indodana endala yayisensimini. Yathi isibanga endlini yezwa kuhlatshelelwa njalo kugidwa. 26  Yasibiza omunye wezinceku yambuza ukuthi kwakusenzakalani. 27  Waphendula wathi, ‘Umfowenu usebuyile, ngakho uyihlo usemhlabele ithole elinonisiweyo ngoba ubuye ephilile, ephelele.’

28  Umnewabo wazonda kakhulu, wala ukungena ngekhaya. Uyise wasephuma esiya kuye ukuyamncenga. 29  Kodwa waphendula uyise wathi, ‘Khangela! Iminyaka yonke le bengikusebenzela kanzima njalo kangizange ngeqe imilayo yakho. Kodwa kawuzange ungiphe lokulizinyane kodwa lokhu ukuthi lami kengithokoze labangane bami. 30  Kodwa lokhu kuthi nxa indodana yakho le esitshaye yathintitha inotho yakho lezifebe, isibuyile ekhaya uyihlabele ithole elinonisiweyo!’

31  Uyise wathi, ‘Ndodana yami, uhlezi ulami sonke isikhathi njalo konke engilakho ngokwakho. 32  Kodwa bekufanele sithokoze sijabule ngoba umfowenu lo wayesefile, manje usephila njalo; ubelahlekile, usefunyenwe.’ ”

16

Umzekeliso Womphathi Oliqili

1 UJesu watshela abafundi bakhe wathi, “Kwakulendoda eyayinothile ilomphathi owetheswa icala lokuthi wayechithachithe inotho yayo. 2  Yambiza yambuza yathi, ‘Kuyini lokhu engikuzwayo ngawe? Landisa kuhle ukuthi uhambisa njani izinto ngoba ungeke usaba ngumphathi njalo.’

3  Umphathi wazibuza wathi, ‘Ngizakuthini? Inkosi yami isingithathela umsebenzi wami. Kangilamandla okugebha, njalo ngilenhloni zokucela. 4  Ngiyazi engizakwenza ukuthi nxa ngilahlekelwa ngumsebenzi wami abantu bangamukele ezindlini zabo.’

5  Ngakho yasibiza labo ababelezikwelede enkosini yayo munye ngamunye yathi, kowokuqala, ‘Isikwelede sakho enkosini yami singakanani?’

6  Wathi, ‘Ngamalitha amafutha e-oliva azinkulungwane ezine.’

Umphathi wamtshela wathi, ‘Phangisa, thatha incwadi yakho yesikwelede ubhale izinkulungwane ezimbili.’

7  Yasibuza owesibili yathi, ‘Wena ulesikwelede esingakanani?’

Wathi, ‘Yimigodla yengqoloyi eyinkulungwane.’

Yamtshela yathi, ‘Thatha incwadi yakho yesikwelede ubhale amakhulu ayisificaminwembili.’

8  Inkosi yamncoma lowomphathi owayeliqili ngoba wayenze ukuhlakanipha. Ngoba abantu balumhlaba balezindledlana zabo zokuhlakanipha ekuphathaneni kwabo ukwedlula abantu bokukhanya. 9  Ngiyalitshela ngithi, sebenzisani inotho yomhlaba ukuzuza abangane ukuze kuthi nxa isiphelile lamukeleke ezindlini ezimi laphakade.

10  Lowo othembeke kokuncinyane uzakwethembeka njalo kokunengi, ikanti lowo ongathembekanga kokuncinyane angeke njalo athembeke kokunengi. 11  Ngakho-ke, nxa lingathembekanga ekuphatheni inotho yasemhlabeni, pho ngubani ongalithemba ngenotho yeqiniso na? 12  Njalo nxa belingathembekanga ngempahla yomunye umuntu, ngubani kambe ozalipha impahla ibe ngeyenu na?

13  Kakulanceku engakhonza amakhosi amabili. Funa izonde enye kodwa ithande enye, kumbe izinikele kwenye yeyise enye. Ngezake likhonze uNkulunkulu lemali ngokufanayo.”

14 AbaFarisi ababethanda imali bakuzwa konke lokhu, bamklolodela uJesu. 15 Wathi kubo, “Yini elizigezayo emehlweni abantu kodwa uNkulunkulu uyazazi inhliziyo zenu. Lokho okuligugu ebantwini kuyisinengiso kuNkulunkulu.”

Eyinye Imfundiso

16  “UMthetho labaPhrofethi kwatshunyayelwa kwaze kwaba yisikhathi sikaJohane. Kusukela kulesosikhathi izindaba ezinhle zombuso kaNkulunkulu ziyatshunyayelwa njalo bonke abantu bazifuqela kuwo. 17  Kungaba lula ukuthi izulu lomhlaba kunyamalale kulokuthi kucitshe ichatha loMthetho elilodwa nje.

18  Loba ngubani olahla umkakhe athathe omunye umfazi uyafeba njalo lendoda ethatha umfazi owalahlwayo iyafeba.”

Indoda Enothileyo LoLazaro

19  “Kwakulendoda enothileyo eyayigqoka izigqoko zombala oyibubende lezelembu lelineni, iphakathi kobutifitifi insuku zonke. 20  Entubeni yomuzi wayo kwakuhlezi isiceli esasithiwa nguLazaro, sigcwele izilonda emzimbeni, 21  siloyisa ukudla lokho okwakukhithika etafuleni yalesosicebi. Izinja zazifika zikhothe izilonda zaso.

22  Kwafika isikhathi lapho isiceli esafa khona, izingilosi zasithwala zasisa eceleni lika-Abhrahama. Lesicebi laso safa, sabekwa. 23  Esihogweni lapho esasisitsha khona; savusa ubuso sabona u-Abhrahama ekude le, kuloLazaro eceleni kwakhe. 24  Sasesimemeza sathi, ‘Baba Abhrahama, ake ungihawukele uthume uLazaro agxamuze umunwe wakhe emanzini athambise ulimi lwami, ngoba ngisebuhlungwini emlilweni lo.’

25  Kodwa u-Abhrahama waphendula wathi, ‘Ndodana, khumbula ukuthi ngesikhathi usaphila wazuza izinto zakho ezinhle kodwa uLazaro wemukela izinto ezimbi, khangela manje useduduzwa lapha, ikanti wena ususebuhlungwini. 26  Njalo ngaphandle kwakho konke lokhu, phakathi kwethu lawe kulodonga olukhulu, ukwenzela ukuthi labo abafisa ukuza ngapho besuka lapha behluleke, futhi kakho ongapho ongachaphela ngakithi.’

27  Saphendula sathi, ‘Nxa kunjalo-ke, ngiyakuncenga, baba, thuma uLazaro endlini kababa, 28  ngoba ngilabafowethu abahlanu. Ayebaxwayisa ukuze labo bangezi kule indawo yobuhlungu.’

29  U-Abhrahama waphendula wathi, ‘BaloMosi labaPhrofethi; kabalalele bona.’

30  Sathi, ‘Hatshi, baba Abhrahama, kodwa nxa kusuka umuntu kwabafileyo aye kubo bazaphenduka.’

31  Wathi kuso, ‘Nxa bengalaleli uMosi labaPhrofethi, kabasoze bavume loba omunye angaze avuke kwabafileyo.’ ”

17

Isono, Ukholo, Umlandu

1 UJesu wathi kubafundi bakhe: “Izinto ezenza abantu benze isono zizakuba khona kodwa maye kulowomuntu ezizafika ngaye. 2  Bekungaba ngcono kuye ukuphoselwa olwandle kubotshelwe imbokodo entanyeni yakhe kulokuba yena akhubekise omunye walaba abancinyane ukuthi enze isono. 3  Ngakho lina ziqapheleni.

Nxa umfowenu esenza isono, mkhuze, kuthi nxa ezisola, mthethelele. 4  Nxa engakonela kasikhombisa ngosuku lunye, ebuye kuwe kasikhombisa esithi, ‘Ngiyaxolisa,’ mthethelele.”

5 Abapostoli bathi eNkosini, “Yengeza ukholo lwethu!”

6 Waphendula wathi, “Nxa lilokukholwa loba kukuncinyane njengentanga yemastadi, lingathi kulesisihlahla somabhulosi, ‘Quphuka lapha uyowela olwandle,’ sizalilalela.

7  Kesithi omunye wenu ulesisebenzi, silima loba siselusa izimvu. Kambe kungenzeka yini ukuthi nxa isisebenzi singena sivela emasimini athi kuso, ‘Kulungile, hlala phansi udle’? 8  Kambe kayikuqala athi, ‘Lungisa ukudla kwami, ulungele ukungiphakela ngize ngidle, nginathe; ngemva kwalokho lawe usungadla, unathe’? 9  Angasibonga na isisebenzi ngoba senze lokho ebesikuyaliwe na? 10  Kunjalo lani nxa selenzile konke okuthiwe likwenze kufanele lithi, ‘Siyizinceku ezingafanelanga; sesenze kuphela lokho okungumlandu wethu.’ ”

UJesu Usilisa Abalitshumi Abalobulephero

11 Ngalesosikhathi eseqonde ukuya eJerusalema, uJesu wahamba ngendlela esemngceleni phakathi kweSamariya leGalile. 12 Wathi efika komunye umuzi, wahlangabezwa ngamadoda alitshumi ayelobulephero. Ema bucwala, 13 amemeza ngelizwi elikhulu athi, “Jesu, Nkosi, sihawukele!”

14 Wathi ewabona wathi kuwo, “Hambani liyoziveza kubaphristi.” Athi esahamba ahlambuluka.

15 Omunye wawo wathi ngokubona ukuthi usesilile waphenduka, edumisa uNkulunkulu ngelizwi elikhulu. 16 Wazilahla phansi ezinyaweni zikaJesu wambonga, yena wayengumSamariya.

17 UJesu wabuza wathi, “Kanti kabahlanjululwanga bonke abalitshumi yini? Bangaphi abanye abayisificamunwemunye na? 18  Ubengekho yini obengabuya azoletha udumo kuNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwalo owezizweni na?” 19 Wasesithi kuye, “Phakama uhambe; ukukholwa kwakho kukusilisile.”

Ukuza Kombuso KaNkulunkulu

20 Ngesinye isikhathi uJesu ebuzwe ngabaFarisi ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu wawuzafika nini, waphendula wathi, “Umbuso kaNkulunkulu kawuzi ngendlela yokucubungula kwenu ukuma kwezinto, 21  njalo abantu kabayikutsho bathi, ‘Nanku lapha,’ loba bathi, ‘Nanko laphaya,’ ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu uphakathi kwenu.”

22 Wasesithi kubafundi bakhe, “Siyeza isikhathi lapho elizaloyisa khona ukubona olunye lwezinsuku zeNdodana yoMuntu kodwa kalisoze lilubone. 23  Abantu bazalitshela bathi, ‘Nanguyana laphaya!’ kumbe, ‘Nangu lapha!’ Lingathatheki ngabo. 24  Ngoba ngosuku lwayo iNdodana yoMuntu izakuba njengombane ophazima ukhanyise umkhathi kusukela ngapha kusiyafika ngale. 25  Kodwa kumele iqale ihlupheke ezintweni ezinengi njalo ilahlwe yilesisizukulwane.

26  Njengoba kwakunjalo ensukwini zikaNowa, kuzakuba njalo ensukwini zeNdodana yoMuntu. 27  Abantu babesidla, benatha, bethathana njalo besendiselana kwaze kwafika usuku uNowa angena ngalo emkhunjini. Kwasekufika uzamcolo wababhubhisa bonke.

28  Kwakunjalo futhi ngezinsuku zikaLothi. Abantu babesidla, benatha, njalo bethenga, bethengisa, behlanyela njalo besakha. 29  Kodwa ngosuku uLothi aphuma ngalo eSodoma, umlilo lesalufa kwathululeka kuvela ezulwini kwababhubhisa bonke.

30  Kuzakuba njalo langosuku lapho iNdodana yoMuntu ifika. 31  Ngalolosuku kakho ozakuthi ephezulu ophahleni lwendlu yakhe, impahla zakhe ziphakathi, ehle ukuyazithatha. Njalo kakho osensimini ozakuyathatha loba yini. 32  Khumbulani umkaLothi! 33  Lowo ozama ukulondoloza impilo yakhe izamlahlekela, lalowo olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe uzayilondoloza. 34  Ngiyalitshela, kuzakuthi ngalobobusuku abantu bebabili embhedeni omunye uzathathwa, kodwa omunye atshiywe. 35  Abesifazane ababili bazabe bechola elitsheni ndawonye; omunye uzathathwa omunye atshiywe. [ 36  Ababili bazabe besensimini; oyedwa uzathathwa omunye atshiywe.]”*

37 Babuza bathi, “Ngaphi, Nkosi?”

Waphendula wathi, “Lapho okulesidumbu khona, kulapho okuqoqana khona amanqe.”

18

Umzekeliso Womfelokazi Ophikelelayo

1 UJesu wasetshela abafundi bakhe umzekeliso ukubatshengisa ukuthi kumele bakhuleke kokuphela bangadinwa. 2 Wathi, “Kwelinye idolobho kwakulomahluli owayengamesabi uNkulunkulu njalo engakhathaleli muntu. 3  Kwakukhona umfelokazi kulelodolobho owayehlezi esiza kuye kokuphela emncenga esithi, ‘Akungincede ngalowo engixabana laye.’

4  Okwesikhathi eside umahluli wayesala. Kodwa wacina esithi, ‘Loba ngingamesabi uNkulunkulu njalo ngingakhathali ngomuntu, 5  kodwa ngenxa yokuthi umfelokazi lo usengijinge kakhulu sengizamlungisela ukuthi angaze abuya anginenge ngoba elokhu engilanda!’ ”

6 Njalo iNkosi yasisithi, “Likuzwisise lokho okutshiwo ngumahluli ongalunganga. 7  Kambe uNkulunkulu kayikubalwela yini abakhethiweyo bakhe, abakhuleka kuye imini lobusuku? Uzabe elokhu ebanina yini? 8  Ngiyalitshela, uzabalwela, njalo masinyane. Kodwa, nxa iNdodana yoMuntu isifika, izakufumana ukukholwa emhlabeni na?”

Umzekeliso WomFarisi LoMthelisi

9 Kulabo ababezethemba ngokulunga kwabo beseyisa abanye, uJesu wakhuluma umzekeliso lo wathi: 10  “Amadoda amabili aya ethempelini ukuyakhuleka, omunye engumFarisi njalo omunye engumthelisi. 11  UmFarisi wasukuma wakhuleka ngalokho ayeyikho khona wathi: ‘Nkulunkulu, ngiyakubonga ukuthi kanginjengabanye abantu, izigebenga, izixhwali, izifebe njalo kangifani lomthelisi lo. 12  Ngizila kabili ngeviki njalo nginikela okwetshumi okwenzuzo yami yonke.’

13  Kodwa umthelisi wema bucwadlana laye. Wesaba lokukhangela ezulwini kodwa wazehlisa kakhulu wathi, ‘Nkulunkulu, woba lesihawu kimi, ngiyisoni.’

14  Ngiyalitshela ukuthi indoda le, hatshi leyana enye, yabuyela ekhaya isilungisiwe phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba lowo oziphakamisayo uzakwehliswa, lozehlisayo uzaphakanyiswa.”

Abantwana Abancinyane LoJesu

15 Abantu njalo babeletha abantwana kuJesu ukuthi ababeke izandla. Abafundi bonela ukukubona lokhu babakhuza. 16 Kodwa uJesu wabizela kuye abantwana wathi, “Yekelani abantwana beze kimi, lingabavimbeli ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu ungowabanjengalaba. 17  Ngiqinisile ngithi kini, lowo ongayikwemukela umbuso kaNkulunkulu njengomntwana omncane kayikungena kuwo.”

Umbusi Onothileyo

18 Umbusi othile wambuza wathi, “Mfundisi olungileyo, ngingenzani ukuze ngizuze ilifa lokuphila kwaphakade na?”

19 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ungibizelani ngokuthi ngilungile na? Kakho olungileyo ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu kuphela. 20  Uyayazi imilayo: ‘Ungafebi, ungabulali muntu, ungebi, ungaphi ubufakazi bamanga, hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko.’*”

21 Wathi umbusi, “Yonke le ngiyigcine kusukela ebutsheni bami.”

22 UJesu esekuzwile lokho wathi kuye, “Usasilele into eyodwa. Thengisa konke olakho uphe abampofu, lapho-ke inotho yakho izakuba sezulwini. Ubusubuya ungilandele.”

23 Wathi esezwe lokhu wadana kakhulu ngoba wayeyindoda eyayinothe kakhulu. 24 UJesu wamkhangela wathi, “Koba nzima kakhulu ukuthi isinothi singene embusweni kaNkulunkulu! 25  Ngempela kulula ukuthi ikamela lingene embotsheni yenalithi kulokuthi umuntu onothileyo awungene umbuso kaNkulunkulu.”

26 Labo abakuzwayo lokho babuza bathi, “Ngubani pho ongasindiswa?”

27 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lokho okungenzekiyo emandleni abantu kuyenzakala kwakaNkulunkulu.”

28 UPhethro wathi kuye, “Sesadela konke esasilakho sakulandela!”

29 UJesu wathi kubo, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi kakho osetshiye ikhaya loba umfazi kumbe abafowabo loba abazali kumbe abantwana ngenxa yombuso kaNkulunkulu 30  ozakwehluleka ukuzuza ngokuphindwe kanengi esikhathini samanje lesikhathini esizayo, ukuphila okungapheliyo.”

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokufa Kwakhe Njalo

31 UJesu wasebizela abalitshumi lambili eceleni wabatshela wathi, “Sesisiya eJerusalema lapho konke okulotshwe ngabaphrofethi ngeNdodana yoMuntu sekusiya gcwaliseka. 32  Izanikelwa kwabeZizwe. Bazayihoza, bayithuke, bayikhafulele, bayibhule njalo bayibulale. 33  Ngosuku lwesithathu izavuka.”

34 Abafundi kabazange bakuzwisise konke lokhu. Ingcazelo yakho yayifihlakele kubo yikho kabazanga ukuthi wayekhuluma ngani.

Isiceli Esiyisiphofu Senziwa Sibone

35 UJesu esebanga eJerikho kwakulendoda eyisiphofu eyisiceli ihlezi eceleni kwendlela icela. 36 Yathi isizwa kudlula ixuku labantu yabuza ukuthi kuyini okwakusenzakala. 37 Bayitshela bathi, “UJesu waseNazaretha uyedlula khonapha.”

38 Yamemeza yathi, “Jesu, Ndodana kaDavida, ake ungihawukele!”

39 Labo ababehamba phambili bayikhuza bathi kayithule, kodwa yona yasimemeza ngamandla yathi, “Ndodana kaDavida ake ungihawukele!”

40 UJesu wema wathi indoda leyo ilethwe kuye. Isifikile uJesu wayibuza wathi, 41  “Ufuna ukuthi ngikwenzeleni?”

Yaphendula yathi, “Nkosi, ngifuna ukuthi ngibone.”

42 UJesu wathi kuyo, “Kuzuze-ke ukubona; ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile.” 43 Masinyane yahle yabona, yasimlandela uJesu idumisa uNkulunkulu. Kwathi bonke abantu bekubona lokho, labo bamdumisa uNkulunkulu.

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UZakhewu Umthelisi

1 UJesu wangena eJerikho kodwa esedlula. 2 Kwakulendoda eyayithiwa nguZakhewu; wayeyinduna yabathelisi njalo enothile. 3 Wayefuna ukubona uJesu ukuthi wayengumuntu onjani, kodwa ngenxa yokuthi wayengumuntu omfitshane, wehluleka ngenxa yesiminyeminye. 4 Wasegijimela phambili, wakhwela phezu komkhiwa wesikhamore ukuze ambone njengoba uJesu wayesiza ngaleyondlela.

5 Kwathi uJesu esefikile kuleyondawo, wakhangela phezulu wathi kuye, “Zakhewu, yehla masinyane. Ngizakwethekelela endlini yakho lamuhla.” 6 Wasesehla uZakhewu masinyane wamamukela ngokuthokoza.

7 Bonke abantu bakubona lokhu bangunguna besithi, “Useyekuba yisethekeli sesoni.”

8 Kodwa uZakhewu wasukuma wathi eNkosini, “Khangela, Nkosi! Okwamanje senginika ingxenye yenotho yami kwabampofu njalo nxa ngike ngadlelezela omunye umuntu loba ngakuphi, ngizambhadala ngokuphindwe kane lokho engakuthathayo.”

9 UJesu wasesithi kuye, “Lamuhla insindiso isifikile kulindlu ngoba indoda le layo iyindodana ka-Abhrahama. 10  Ngoba iNdodana yoMuntu yalanda ukudinga lokusindisa lokho okwakulahlekile.”

Umzekeliso Wamamina Alitshumi

11 Bathi besalalele lokhu, wabatshela omunye umzekeliso, ngoba wayesesondele eJerusalema, abantu sebecabanga ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu wawusuzahle uvele masinyane. 12 Wathi, “Indoda ethile yasesikhosini ngokuzalwa yaya elizweni elikhatshana isiyagcotshwa ukuba yinkosi andubana iphenduke. 13  Yasibiza izinceku zayo ezilitshumi yazinika imali engamamina alitshumi. Yathi, ‘Isebenziseni imali le ngize ngiphenduke.’

14  Kodwa labobantu ayezababusa babemzonda lumuntu, bathumela izithunywa ukuthi zimlandele ziyekuthi, ‘Kasimfuni lumuntu ukuthi abe yinkosi yethu.’

15  Lanxa kunjalo wagcotshwa waba yinkosi, waphenduka ekhaya. Wasebiza izinceku lezo ayezinike imali ukuze ezwe ukuthi zazithole nzuzo bani ngayo.

16  Owokuqala weza wathi, ‘Nkosi, imali yakho isizele amanye amadola alitshumi.’

17  Inkosi yayo yathi, ‘Wenze kuhle, nceku yami elungileyo! Ngenxa yokuthi uthembekile entweni encinyane, usuzabusa amadolobho alitshumi.’

18  Owesibili weza wathi, ‘Nkosi, imali yakho isizele amanye amadola amahlanu.’

19  Inkosi yayo yaphendula yathi, ‘Busa phezu kwamadolobho amahlanu.’

20  Kwasekusiza enye inceku yathi, ‘Nkosi, nansi imali yakho; bengiyigoqele ngelembu. 21  Bengikwesaba wena ngoba uyindoda elukhuni. Ucupha lapho ongathelanga khona njalo ubuye uvune lapho ongahlanyelanga khona.’

22  Inkosi yayo yaphendula yathi, ‘Ngizakwahlulela ngamazwi akho wena nceku exhwalileyo! Angithi ubukwazi ukuthi ngingumuntu olukhuni, ocupha lapho angathelanga khona lovuna lapho angahlanyelanga khona? 23  Kungani pho ungabekanga imali yami ebhanga ukuze kuthi ekubuyeni kwami ngiyithathe isilenzuzo na?’

24  Yasisithi kwababemi khonapho, ‘Mthatheleni lelo alalo liliphe lowo olalitshumi.’

25  Basebesithi, ‘Nkosi, angithi uvele uselalitshumi?’

26  Yaphendula yathi, ‘Ngithi kini, lowo olakho uzaphiwa okunye okunengi kodwa lowo ongelalutho, lalokho alakho uzakwemukwa. 27  Kodwa izitha zami lezo ebezingafuni ukuthi ngizibuse, ziletheni lapha lizibulalele phambi kwami.’ ”

Ukungena Ngobukhosi EJerusalema

28 UJesu esezitshilo zonke lezizinto wahamba wabandulela eqonda eJerusalema. 29 Wathi esebanga eBhethifage kanye leBhethani entabeni eyayithiwa yiNtaba yama-Oliva wathuma abafundi bakhe ababili wathi kubo: 30  “Yanini emzini ophambi kwenu, lizakuthi lingena kuwo libone inkonyane kababhemi ibotshelwe khonapho, engakaze igadwe muntu. ‘Ikhululeni liyilethe lapha. 31  Nxa kungaba lozalibuza ukuthi, Liyikhululelani na?’ kumele lithi, ‘INkosi iyayifuna.’ ”

32 Labo ababethunyiwe bahamba njalo bathola kunjengoba ebetshilo. 33 Besayikhulula inkonyane kababhemi, abanini bayo bababuza bathi, “Liyikhululelani na?”

34 Baphendula bathi, “INkosi iyayifuna.”

35 Bayiletha kuJesu, baphosela amajazi abo phezu kwenkonyane, bagadisa uJesu phezu kwayo. 36 Wathi eseqhubeka, abantu bendlala amajazi abo endleleni.

37 Esefikile eduze kwalapho indlela eyehla khona isuka eNtabeni yama-Oliva abafundi lexuku lonke lasuka ngokuthokoza ladumisa uNkulunkulu ngamazwi amakhulu ngenxa yemimangaliso yonke ababeyibonile, bathi:

38 “Ibusisiwe inkosi ebuya ngebizo likaThixo!”*

“Ukuthula ezulwini lodumo kweliphezulu!”

39 Abanye abaFarisi exukwini bathi kuJesu, “Mfundisi, khuza abafundi bakho!”

40 Waphendula wathi, “Ngiyalitshela ngithi nxa bethula amatshe azamemeza.”

41 Wathi esebanga eJerusalema ekhangele idolobho, walikhalela 42 wathi, “Nxa wena, wena ngokwakho, ubukwazi namhla lokho obekungakulethela ukuthula kodwa okwamanje kufihliwe emehlweni akho. 43  Zizafika insuku kuwe lapho izitha zakho zizakwakha umthangala zikuhonqolozele njalo zikuphahle inxa zonke. 44  Zizakusakazela phansi emhlabathini, wena kanye labantwana abaphakathi kwemiduli yakho. Kaziyikutshiya lalinye ilitshe phezu kwelinye ngoba kawusinanzelelanga isikhathi sokuza kukaNkulunkulu kuwe.”

UJesu EThempelini

45 Wasengena ethempelini wadudula ababethengisa khona 46 esithi kubo, “Kubhaliwe ukuthi, ‘Indlu yami iyindlu yokukhuleka,’†kodwa lina seliyenze ubhalu lwabaphangi.”‡

47 Insuku zonke wayefundisa ethempelini. Kodwa abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho kanye labakhokheli ababephakathi kwabantu babezama ukumbulala. 48 Kodwa kabayizuzanga indlela yokukwenza lokho ngoba abantu bonke babewakholwa amazwi akhe.

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Ukuthandabuza Ngamandla KaJesu

1 Ngelinye ilanga kwathi efundisa abantu ethempelini, etshumayela ivangeli, abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho, kanye labadala bebandla beza kuye. 2 Bathi, “Ake usitshele ukuthi uwathatha ngaphi amandla okwenza lezizinto. Ngubani okunike amandla la?”

3 Waphendula wathi, “Lami ngizalibuza umbuzo. Ngitshelani, 4  ukubhaphathiza kukaJohane kwakuvela ezulwini loba ebantwini na?”

5 Bahlanganisa amakhanda bathi, “Singathi, ‘Kwakuvela ezulwini,’ uzabuza athi, ‘Kungani lingazange limkholwe?’ 6 Kodwa singathi, ‘Kwakuvela ebantwini,’ abantu bonke bazasikhanda ngamatshe ngoba bakholwa ukuthi uJohane wayengumphrofethi.”

7 Ngakho baphendula bathi, “Kasikwazi ukuthi kwakuvela ngaphi.”

8 UJesu wathi, “Lami kangizukulitshela ukuthi lezizinto ngizenza ngawaphi amandla.”

Umzekeliso Wabalimi Besivini

9 Waseqhubeka ngokutshela abantu umzekeliso lo wathi: “Indoda yahlanyela isivini yasiqhatshisa abanye abalimi, yasihamba okwesikhathi eside. 10  Ngesikhathi sokuvuna yathuma inceku yayo kubaqhatshi besivini ukuze bayiphe ingxenye yezithelo zesivini. Kodwa abalimi bayitshaya, bayixotsha ingaphathanga lutho. 11  Yathuma enye inceku kodwa laleyo bayitshaya bayiphatha kabuhlungu, bayixotsha ingaphathanga lutho. 12  Waphinda wathuma eyesithathu, bayilimaza bayiphosela phandle.

13  Umninisivini wasesithi, ‘Ngenzeni? Ngizathuma indodana yami engiyithandayo; mhlawumbe bazayihlonipha.’

14  Kodwa kwathi abaqhatshi besivini beyibona, bahlanganisa amakhanda ngaleyondaba. Bathi, ‘Le yindlalifa. Kasiyibulaleni, ilifa libe ngelethu.’ 15  Basebeyikhuphela ngaphandle kwesivini, bayibulala.

Kambe umninisivini uzabathini? 16  Uzakuza afike ababulale labo baqhatshi besivini, isivini leso asinike abanye abalimi.”

Abantu bathi bekuzwa lokhu bathi, “Sengathi lokhu kungaze kwafa kwenzeka!”

17 UJesu wabathi nhlo, wabuza wathi, “Pho kutshoni lokho okubhalwe ukuthi:

‘Ilitshe elalahlwa ngabakhi

seliyilona ilitshe lekhoneni?’*

18  Wonke owela phezu kwalelolitshe uzachobozeka abe yizicucu, kodwa lowo eliwela phezu kwakhe uzahlifizwa.”

19 Abafundisi bomthetho labaphristi abakhulu badinga indlela yokumbopha masinyane ngoba babesazi ukuthi wakhuluma umzekeliso lo eqonde bona. Kodwa babesesaba abantu.

Ukuthela KuKhesari

20 Bamthumela inhloli ezazizitshaya ezithembekileyo ukuze zimgolombe. Babefisa ukumbeka icala kokunye ayengakukhuluma ukuze bamedlulisele emandleni ombusi. 21 Ngakho inhloli zambuza zathi, “Mfundisi, siyazi ukuthi wena ukhuluma njalo ufundisa okuqondileyo lokuthi kawubandlululi kodwa ufundisa indlela kaNkulunkulu ngeqiniso elipheleleyo. 22 Kufanele yini ukuthi sithele imithelo kuKhesari loba hatshi?”

23 Wabubona ubuqili babo wathi kubo, 24  “Ngitshengisani idenari. Kulomfanekiso kabani lombhalo kabani kuyo?”

Baphendula bathi, “NgokaKhesari.”

25 Wathi kubo, “Ngakho nikani uKhesari okungokukaKhesari, linike uNkulunkulu okungokukaNkulunkulu.”

26 Behluleka ukumbamba ngalokho akutshoyo lapho obala. Sebemangaliswe yimpendulo yakhe bathula zwi.

Ukuvuka Kwabafileyo Lokwendiselana

27 Amanye amaSadusi athi kakukho ukuvuka kwabafileyo eza kuJesu elombuzo. 28 Athi, “Mfundisi, uMosi wasibhalela ukuthi nxa umfowabo wendoda angafa atshiye umfazi, kodwa bengelabantwana, umfowabo kumele amngene umfelokazi ukuze azalele umfowabo abantwana. 29 Manje kwakulabafowabo abayisikhombisa. Owokuqala wathatha umfazi kodwa wafa engelamntwana. 30 Owesibili 31 njalo lowesithathu laye wamthatha, bonke boyisikhombisa benza njalo bafa bengatshiyanga bantwana. 32 Ekucineni umfazi laye wafa. 33 Pho-ke, ekuvukeni kwabafileyo uzakuba ngumkabani njengoba bonke boyisikhombisa babemthethe?”

34 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Abantu balesisikhathi bayathatha njalo bayendiswa. 35  Kodwa labo abazabe befanele ukuba lengxenye kulesosikhathi lasekuvukeni kwabafileyo kabazukuthatha loba bendiswe, 36  njalo kabasayikufa ngoba sebenjengezingilosi. Bangabantwana bakaNkulunkulu, ngoba bengabantwana bokuvuka kwabafileyo. 37  Kodwa emlandweni wesixuku esasibhebha umlilo, uMosi laye wakuveza ukuthi abafileyo bayavuka, ngoba ubiza uThixo ngokuthi ‘uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, uNkulunkulu ka-Isaka, loNkulunkulu kaJakhobe.’† 38  KasuNkulunkulu wabafileyo, kodwa owabaphilayo, ngoba kuye bonke bayaphila.”

39 Baphendula abanye abafundisi bomthetho bathi, “Utsho kahle Mfundisi!” 40 Kasabanga khona owaba lesibindi sokumbuza eminye imibuzo.

UKhristu UyiNdodana Kabani Na?

41 UJesu wasesithi kubo, “Kungani besithi uKhristu uyiNdodana kaDavida na? 42  UDavida yena ngokwakhe uyakufakaza eNcwadini yamaHubo uthi:

‘INkosi yathi eNkosini yami:

“Hlala ngakwesokunene sami,

43  ngize ngenze izitha zakho

zibe yisinyathelo senyawo zakho.”‡’

44  UDavida umbiza athi ‘Nkosi.’ Pho angaba yindodana yakhe njani?”

Iseluleko Ngabafundisi Bomthetho

45 Kwathi bonke abantu besalalele, uJesu wathi kubafundi bakhe, 46  “Limukani abafundisi bomthetho. Bathanda ukuhambahamba becece ngezembatho ezinde eziphephezelayo njalo bathanda ukubingelelwa emisikeni, futhi bathatha izihlalo eziphakemeyo emasinagogweni lezindawo zabahlonitshwa emadilini. 47  Bahuquluza izindlu zabafelokazi njalo bazibonakalisa ngokwenza imikhuleko emide. Abantu abanjalo bazajeziswa kabuhlungu.”

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Umnikelo Womfelokazi

1 UJesu wathi ekhangela wabona izinothi zifaka iminikelo yazo esitsheni somnikelo. 2 Wabona njalo umfelokazi ongumyanga efaka okuzinhlamvana kwethusi okubili. 3 Wathi, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ngithi umfelokazi lo ongumyanga unikele okudlula bonke abanye. 4  Bonke lababantu banikele izipho zabo ngokwenotho yabo, kodwa yena ebuyangeni bakhe ufake konke abelakho.”

Ukubhidlizwa KweThempeli Lezibonakaliso Zokucina Kwesikhathi

5 Abanye abafundi bakhe babekhulukhuluma ngokubalazwa kwethempeli ngamatshe amahle langezipho ezazinikelwe kuNkulunkulu. Kodwa uJesu wathi, 6  “Mayelana lalokhu elikubona lapha, sizafika isikhathi lapho okungeyikutshiywa ilitshe phezu kwelinye; wonke azaphoselwa phansi.”

7 Babuza bathi, “Mfundisi, izinto lezi zizakwenzakala nini? Njalo sizakuba yini isibonakaliso sokuthi sezizakwenzeka na?”

8 Waphendula wathi, “Qaphelani lingakhohliswa. Ngoba abanengi bazakuza ngebizo lami besithi, ‘Nginguye,’ njalo bathi, ‘Isikhathi sesisondele.’ Lingabalandeli. 9  Nxa lisizwa ngezimpi lezikhukhulambuso, lingethuki. Lezizinto kuzamele zenzeke kuqala, kodwa isiphetho kasizukufika ngalesosikhathi.”

10 Wasesithi kubo: “Isizwe sizavukela isizwe, lombuso uvukele umbuso. 11  Kuzakuba lokuzamazama komhlaba okukhulu, indlala lezifo ezindaweni ezinengi, izehlakalo ezesabekayo lezibonakaliso ezinengi zivela emkhathini.

12  Kodwa kungakenzakali konke lokhu bazalibamba, balihlukuluze. Bazalinikela emasinagogweni baliphosele lasezintolongweni njalo lizamiswa phambi kwamakhosi lababusi ngenxa yebizo lami. 13  Lokhu kuzalenza libe ngofakazi kimi. 14  Kodwa bekani amaphaphu phansi, lingazihluphi ngokuthi lizazivikela lisithini. 15  Ngoba ngizalinika amazwi lokuhlakanipha ukuze angabikhona ezitheni zenu ozalehlula loba aliphikise. 16  Lizanikelwa ngabazali, ngabafowenu layizihlobo labangane njalo abanye benu bazalibulala. 17  Bonke abantu bazalizonda ngenxa yami. 18  Kodwa kakuyikubhubha lanwele olulodwa emakhanda enu. 19  Bekezelani, lizasindiswa.

20  Lingabona iJerusalema isihonqolozelwe yizimpi lizakwazi ukuthi incithakalo isisondele. 21  Lapho-ke akuthi labo abaseJudiya babalekele ezintabeni, abasedolobheni kabaphume, kuthi labo abasemaphandleni bangangeni edolobheni. 22  Ngoba lesi yisikhathi sokujeziswa ukugcwalisa konke okwalotshwayo. 23  Yeka ubulukhuni obuzakuba khona ngalezonsuku kwabesifazane abakhulelweyo labangabadlezane! Kuzakuba khona ukuhlukuluzeka okukhulu elizweni lolaka phezu kwabantu. 24  Bazakuwa ngenkemba babuthwe babe yizibotshwa zezizwe zonke. IJerusalema izagidagidwa ngabeZizwe kuze kugcwaliseke izikhathi zabeZizwe.

25  Kuzabakhona izibonakaliso elangeni, enyangeni lasezinkanyezini. Emhlabeni izizwe zizakuba phakathi kosizi lokudideka ngenxa yokuhuba lokukhaphaza kolwandle. 26  Abantu bazaphela amandla ngokwesaba, behlutshwa yilokho okuzayo emhlabeni, ngoba izisekelo zasezulwini zizazanyazanyiswa. 27  Ngalesosikhathi bazayibona iNdodana yoMuntu isiza ngeyezi ilamandla lenkazimulo enkulu. 28  Nxa lezizinto seziqala ukwenzakala manini liqine, liphakamise amakhanda enu, ngoba ukuhlengwa kwenu sekusondela.”

29 Wabatshela umfanekiso lo wathi, “Khangelani esihlahleni somkhiwa kanye lezinye zonke izihlahla. 30  Nxa zihluma lizazibonela lani njalo lazi ukuthi ihlobo selisondele. 31  Kanjalo-ke, nxa lingabona lezizinto sezisenzakala, lazi ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu ususondele.

32  Ngilitshela iqiniso, lesisizukulwane kasiyikudlula zize zenzakale zonke lezizinto. 33  Izulu lomhlaba kuzedlula, kodwa amazwi ami kawayikwedlula lanini.

34  Nanzelelani funa inhliziyo zenu zithundubale ngokuzitika lokudakwa lokunqineka ngezinto zalimpilo, ngoba lolosuku luzalijuma njengomjibila. 35  Ngoba luzafikela bonke labo abahlala kuwo wonke umhlaba. 36  Hlalani lilindile, likhulekele ukuthi liphephe kukho konke osekuzakwenzeka masinyane, lokuthi libe lamandla okuma phambi kweNdodana yoMuntu.”

37 Insuku zonke uJesu wayefundisa ethempelini kuthi kusihlwa aphume ayechitha ubusuku eqaqeni olwaluthiwa yiNtaba yama-Oliva, 38 njalo abantu bonke babesiza ekuseni kakhulu ukuzamuzwa ethempelini.

22

UJudasi Uvuma Ukunikela UJesu

1 UMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo owawubizwa ngokuthi liPhasika wawususondele, 2 njalo abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho babedinga enye indlela yokumsusa uJesu, ngoba babesesaba abantu. 3 USathane wasengena kuJudasi owayethiwa ngu-Iskariyothi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili. 4 UJudasi waya kubaphristi abakhulu lezikhulu zabavikeli bethempeli wabonisana labo ukuthi amnikele njani uJesu. 5 Bathokoza kakhulu, basebevuma ukumupha imali. 6 Wavuma, wasemelela ithuba lokunikela uJesu kubo ngesikhathi kungelaxuku labantu.

Isidlo Sokucina

7 Lwaselufika usuku lweSinkwa esingelaMvubelo okwakusenziwa ngalo umhlatshelo wewundlu lePhasika. 8 UJesu wathuma uPhethro loJohane wathi, “Hambani liyesilungisela ukuthi siyekudla iPhasika.”

9 Babuza bathi, “Ufuna siyelilungisela ngaphi?”

10 Waphendula wathi, “Lizakuthi nje lingena edolobheni, lizahlangana lendoda iphethe inkonxa yamanzi. Liyilandele kuleyondlu ezangena kuyo, 11  beselisithi kumninindlu, ‘Umfundisi uyabuza uthi: Ingaphi indlu yezethekeli, lapho engingadlela khona iPhasika labafundi bami?’ 12  Izalitshengisa ikamelo laphezulu elikhulu, elilungisiweyo. Yenzani amalungiselo khonapho.”

13 Bahamba bayafica izinto zimi njengokutshelwa kwabo nguJesu. Ngakho balilungisa iPhasika.

14 Kwathi isikhathi sesifikile uJesu wahlala etafuleni labapostoli bakhe. 15 Wasesithi kubo, “Bengitshiseka kakhulu ukudla iPhasika leli lani ngingakahlupheki. 16  Ngoba ngiyalitshela ukuthi kangisoze ngiphinde ngilidle njalo lize lizuze ukugcwaliseka embusweni kaNkulunkulu.”

17 Esethethe inkezo wabonga wasesithi, “Kuthatheni lokhu likwabelane. 18  Ngoba ngiyalitshela ukuthi angiyikuphinda nginathe okwesithelo sevini umbuso kaNkulunkulu uze ufike.”

19 Wasethatha isinkwa, wabonga wasesihlephuna wabapha, wathi, “Lo ngumzimba wami ophiwe lina; kwenzeni lokhu kube yisikhumbuzo sami.”

20 Ngaleyondlela, ngemva kokudla kwakusihlwa wathatha inkezo, esithi, “Inkezo le iyisivumelwano esitsha egazini lami, elichithelwa lina. 21  Kodwa isandla sakhe lowo ozanginikela sikanye lesami etafuleni. 22  INdodana yoMuntu izahamba njengoba kumisiwe, kodwa maye kulowomuntu oyinikelayo.” 23 Baqala ukubuzana ukuthi kambe ngabe ngubani kubo owayezakwenza lokhu.

24 Njalo kwaba lokuphikisana phakathi kwabo mayelana lokuthi ngubani kubo owayebonakala emkhulu kulabo bonke. 25 UJesu wathi kubo, “Amakhosi abeZizwe azitshengisela amandla awo kulabo ababusayo; leziphathamandla zakhona zibizwa ngokuthi Mcoli. 26  Kodwa akumelanga libe njalo. Endaweni yalokho, lowo omkhulu kulani lonke kabe njengomncinyane kini lonke, lalowo obusayo abe nguye okhonza abanye. 27  Kambe ngubani omkhulu kulomunye, lowo ohlezi etafuleni yokudla loba lowo ophakayo na? Kakusilowo osetafuleni na? Kodwa mina ngiphakathi kwenu njengalowo oliphakelayo. 28  Liyilabo abame lami ebunzimeni bami. 29  Ngakho ngiyalinika umbuso njengoba uBaba wanginika lami, 30  ukuze lidle njalo linathe etafuleni lami embusweni wami njalo lihlale ezihlalweni zobukhosi, lisahlulela izizwana zika-Israyeli ezilitshumi lambili.

31  Simoni, Simoni uSathane usecele ukulihlungula lonke njengengqoloyi. 32  Kodwa sengikukhulekele wena Simoni, ukuthi ukholo lwakho lungaze lwawela phansi. Ubokuthi nxa usuphendukile uqinise abafowenu.”

33 Kodwa waphendula wathi, “Nkosi, ngizimisele ukuhamba lawe entolongweni lasekufeni.”

34 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngiyakutshela, Phethro, ukuthi iqhude lingakakhali lamuhla, uzaphika kathathu ukuthi uyangazi.”

35 UJesu wasebabuza wathi, “Ngize ngilithume lingelamxhaka, loba isikhwama kumbe amanyathela, kukhona yini elake lakusilela?”

Baphendula bathi, “Akubanga lalutho.”

36 Wathi, kubo, “Kodwa manje nxa ulesikhwama semali, sithathe, kanye lomgodla; njalo nxa ungelankemba, thengisa isigqoko sakho uyithenge. 37  Kulotshiwe ukuthi, ‘Wabalwa ndawonye lezoni’*; njalo ngiyalitshela ukuthi lokhu kumele kugcwaliseke kimi. Yebo, lokho okubhaliweyo ngami sekufika ekugcwalisweni kwakho.”

38 Abafundi bathi, “Khangela, Nkosi, nanzi inkemba ezimbili.”

Waphendula uJesu wathi, “Kwanele.”

UJesu Ukhuleka ENtabeni Yama-Oliva

39 UJesu wahamba njengenjayelo waya eNtabeni yama-Oliva, abafundi bakhe bamlandela. 40 Esefikile kuleyondawo, wathi kubo, “Khulekani ukuze lingaweli ekulingweni.” 41 Watsheda kubo okwebanga lokuphosa ilitshe, waguqa phansi wakhuleka wathi, 42  “Baba, nxa uthanda susa inkezo le kimi; kodwa akungabi yintando yami, kodwa kwenziwe eyakho.” 43 Ingilosi yabonakala kuye ivela ezulwini yamqinisa. 44 Kwathi edabukile kakhulu, wakhuleka ngokutshiseka, izithukuthuku zakhe zangathi ligazi lithontela phansi.

45 Wathi esephakeme ekukhulekeni wabuyela kubafundi bakhe wabafica belele, bekhathele ngenxa yosizi. 46 Wababuza wathi, “Kungani lilele na? Vukani likhuleke ukuze lingaweli ekulingweni.”

UJesu Uyabotshwa

47 Kwathi elokhu esakhuluma kwafika ixuku labantu, indoda ethiwa nguJudasi omunye wabalitshumi lambili, wayebahola. Wasondela kuJesu ukumanga, 48 kodwa uJesu wambuza wathi, “Judasi, uyayinikela na iNdodana yoMuntu ngokuyanga?”

49 Kwathi abalandeli bakaJesu sebebona okwasekuzakwenzeka bathi, “Nkosi, sigalele yini ngenkemba zethu?” 50 Omunye wabo wayigalela inceku yomphristi omkhulu, wayiquma indlebe yayo yokunene.

51 Kodwa uJesu waphendula wathi, “Kakufuneki lokhu!” Waseyibamba indlebe yalowomuntu wamsilisa.

52 UJesu wasesithi kubaphristi abakhulu, lezikhulu zabalindi bethempeli kanye labadala bebandla ababemlandile, “Ngikhokhela umvukela yini lize liphethe izinkemba lenduku? 53  Zonke insuku bengilani emagumeni ethempeli, kodwa kalizange lingithinte. Kodwa lesi yisikhathi senu, lapho kubusa umnyama.”

UPhethro Ulandula UJesu

54 Bamdumela, bamusa endlini yomphristi omkhulu. UPhethro wayemlandela ebucwala. 55 Kodwa kwathi sebebase umlilo phakathi kweguma bahlala phansi ndawonye, uPhethro wahlala phansi labo. 56 Intombazana eyisisebenzi yambona ehlezi khonapho ekukhanyeni komlilo. Yamkhangelisisa yathi, “Indoda le yayilaye.”

57 Kodwa yena waphika wathi, “Ntombazana, kangimazi.”

58 Ngemva kwesikhatshana omunye wambona wathi, “Lawe ungomunye wabo.”

UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Ndoda, angisuye.”

59 Sekudlule phose ihola omunye wagcizelela wathi, “Ngeqiniso umuntu lo wayelaye, ngoba ungumGalile.”

60 Waphendula uPhethro wathi, “Ndoda, angikwazi okhuluma ngakho!” Elokhu esakhuluma, iqhude lakhala. 61 INkosi yatshibilika, yamkhangela yamuthi nhlo uPhethro. UPhethro waselikhumbula ilizwi iNkosi eyayilikhulumile kuye isithi: “Iqhude lingakakhali lamuhla, uzangiphika kathathu.” 62 Ngakho wasephumela ngaphandle wakhala kabuhlungu.

Amabutho Ahoza UJesu

63 Amadoda ayelinde uJesu aqalisa ukumhoza lokumtshaya. 64 Amvala amehlo athi kuye, “Phrofitha! Ngubani okutshayileyo?” 65 Amthuka ngezindlela ezinengi.

UJesu Phambi KukaPhilathu LoHerodi

66 Emadabukakusa inkundla yabakhokheli babantu, kanye labaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho yahlangana ndawonye, uJesu walethwa phambi kwabo. 67 Bathi, “Nxa unguKhristu sitshele.”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngingaze ngilitshele kalisoze lingikholwe, 68  njalo nxa bengingalibuza belingeke liphendule. 69  Kodwa kusukela khathesi iNdodana yoMuntu izahlala kwesokunene sikaNkulunkulu olamandla amakhulu.”

70 Bonke babuza bathi, “Kutsho ukuthi-ke uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Liqondile ukuthi ngiyiyo.”

71 Basebesithi, “Sisabudingelani obunye ubufakazi na? Sesikuzwe kuphuma kowakhe umlomo.”

23

1 Ibandla lonke laseliphakama lamqhuba lamusa kuPhilathu. 2 Basebemethesa icala besithi, “Indoda le siyifice ixhwalisa isizwe sakithi. Iphikisana lokuthela imithelo kuKhesari njalo izenza uKhristu, inkosi.”

3 Ngakho uPhilathu wasembuza uJesu wathi, “Uyinkosi yamaJuda na?”

“Kunjengoba usitsho,” waphendula uJesu.

4 UPhilathu wasebikela abaphristi abakhulu kanye lexuku labantu wathi, “Kangiboni lutho lokwethesa umuntu lo icala.”

5 Kodwa bagcizelela bathi, “Udunga abantu kulolonke elaseJudiya ngemfundiso yakhe. Waqalisa eGalile, usehambe wonke umango waze wazafika lapha.”

6 Esezwe lokhu uPhilathu wabuza ingabe indoda leyo yayingumGalile na. 7 Esezwile ukuthi uJesu wayengaphansi kombuso kaHerodi wamthumela kuHerodi owayeseJerusalema ngalesosikhathi.

8 UHerodi wathi embona uJesu wathaba kakhulu ngoba wayevele etshisekela ukumbona. Ethathela kulokho ayekuzwile ngaye, wayelindele ukumbona esenza omunye umangaliso. 9 Wamjinga ngemibuzo, kodwa uJesu akaze amphendula. 10 Abaphristi abakhulu labafundisi bomthetho labo babemi khonapho bemangalela ngokuthukuthela. 11 UHerodi lamabutho akhe basebemchothoza njalo bamhoza. Bamgqokisa isigqoko esihle, basebembuyisela kuPhilathu. 12 Ngalelolanga uHerodi loPhilathu babangabangane kodwa mandulo kwalokhu babeyizitha.

13 UPhilathu wabizela ndawonye abaphristi abakhulu lababusi kanye labantu 14 wathi kubo, “Lingilethele umuntu obekhuthaza abantu ukwenza umvukela. Sengimhlolile phambi kwenu, kodwa kangifumananga lutho kulokhu elimangalela khona. 15 LoHerodi kafumananga lutho, ngoba usemphendukisile kithi; njengoba libona, kenzanga lutho olufanele ukuthi abulawe. 16 Ngakho ngizamjezisa nje besengimkhulula.” [ 17 Kwakumele akhulule isibotshwa esisodwa esiyabe sikhethwe ngabantu mhla wedili.]*

18 Bamemeza ngalizwi linye bathi, “Msusele khatshana umuntu lo! Sikhululele uBharabhasi!” 19 (UBharabhasi wayephoselwe entolongweni ngenxa yokuvusa isiphithiphithi edolobheni langenxa yokubulala.)

20 Kwathi ngoba efuna ukumkhulula uJesu, uPhilathu waphinda wathi kabake bacabange njalo. 21 Kodwa baqhubeka bememeza besithi, “Mbethele! Mbethele!”

22 Waphinda wakhuluma labo okwesithathu wathi, “Ngani na? Umuntu lo wenze cala bani? Angiboni lutho kuye olungafanela isigwebo sokuthi abulawe. Ngakho-ke, ngizakuthi kajeziswe besengimkhulula.”

23 Kodwa baklabalala beqinisa ukuba kabethelwe, lakanye ukugcizelela kwabo kwaphumelela. 24 Ngakho uPhilathu wasemisa ukwemukela izifiso zabo. 25 Wayikhulula indoda leyo eyayiphoselwe entolongweni ngenxa yesiphithiphithi lokubulala, eyiyo abayicelayo, wanikela uJesu kubo ukuthi benze intando yabo.

Ukubethelwa Esiphambanweni

26 Bathi sebemqhuba babamba uSimoni waseKhureni owayesuka emaphandleni, bamethesa isiphambano bathi kasithwale ngemva kukaJesu. 27 Walandelwa ngabantu abanengi kakhulu, kanye labesifazane ababemkhalela bebubula. 28 UJesu wanyemukula wathi kubo, “Madodakazi aseJerusalema, lingangikhaleli; zikhaleleni lina kanye labantwabenu. 29  Ngoba sizafika isikhathi lapho elizakuthi, ‘Babusisiwe abafazi abazinyumba, lezibeletho ezingazange zithwale kanye lamabele angazange amunyise!’ 30  Lapho-ke

‘bazakuthi ezintabeni, “Sembeseni!”†

Lakuwo amaqaqa bathi, “Welani phezu kwethu!” ’

31  Ngoba nxa abantu bezenza lezizinto lapho isihlahla simanzi, kuzakwenzakalani pho nxa sesomile?”

32 Amanye amadoda amabili, onke ayeyizigebenga, lawo aqhutshwa kanye laye esiyabulawa. 33 Bathi sebefike endaweni ethiwa luKhakhayi bambethela esiphambanweni kanye lezigebenga lezo, omunye ngakwesokunene kwakhe, omunye ngakwesokhohlo. 34 UJesu wathi, “Baba, baxolele, ngoba kabakwazi abakwenzayo.” Njalo basebesabelana izigqoko zakhe ngokutshaya inkatho.

35 Abantu bema bakhangela, ababusi bona bamklolodela. Bathi, “Wasindisa abanye, laye kazisindise nxa enguKhristu kaNkulunkulu, oKhethiweyo.”

36 Amabutho lawo eza amklolodela. Amnika iwayini elimunyu 37 athi, “Nxa uyinkosi yamaJuda, zisindise.”

38 Kwakulombhalo wokwazisa ngaphezulu kwakhe owawusithi:

Lo yiNkosi yamaJuda.

39 Omunye wezigebenga owayelenga khonapho wamthuka wathi, “Kanti kayisuwe uKhristu? Zisindise wena kanye lathi!”

40 Kodwa esinye isigebenga samkhuza sathi, “Kawumesabi na uNkulunkulu, njengoba ulesigwebo sinye laye. 41 Thina sijeziswa ngokusifaneleyo ngoba sizuza lokho okufanele izenzo zethu. Kodwa umuntu lo kenzanga lutho olungalunganga.”

42 Wasesithi, “Jesu, ungikhumbule nxa ungafika embusweni wakho.”

43 UJesu wamphendula wathi, “Ngiyakutshela iqiniso ngithi, lamuhla uzakuba lami epharadise.”

Ukufa KukaJesu

44 Kwasekuyisikhathi esingaba lihola lesithupha, ubumnyama bembesa lonke ilizwe kwaze kwaba lihola lesificamunwemunye, 45 ngoba ilanga lema ukukhanya. Ikhetheni lethempeli ladabuka kabili. 46 UJesu wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu wathi, “Baba, ezandleni zakho nginikela umphefumulo wami.” Esekutshilo lokhu waphefumula okokucina.

47 Induna yekhulu isibonile okwenzakeleyo yadumisa uNkulunkulu yathi, “Ngeqiniso lo ubeyindoda elungileyo.” 48 Kwathi bonke abantu ababebuthene ukuzabona isiga lesi sebebonile okwakwenzakele, bababuhlungu, babalosizi, babuyela emizini yabo. 49 Kodwa bonke ababemazi, kanye labesifazane abamlandela besuka laye eGalile, bema bucwala babukela okwakusenzakala.

Ukungcwatshwa KukaJesu

50 Kwakukhona indoda eyayithiwa nguJosefa, elilunga loMphakathi, eyindoda elungileyo njalo eqondileyo, 51 owayengakuvumanga lokho abakuqumayo labakwenzayo. Yena wayevela edolobheni lakoJuda okwakuthiwa yi-Arimathiya, njalo wayelindele umbuso kaNkulunkulu. 52 Waya kuPhilathu wayacela isidumbu sikaJesu. 53 Wasesethula wasigoqela ngelembu lelineni, wasibeka ethuneni elaligujwe edwaleni lingakaze lilale muntu. 54 Kwakulusuku lokuLungiselela, iSabatha selizaqalisa.

55 Abesifazane ababebuye loJesu esuka eGalile bamlandela uJosefa balibona ithuna lokuthi isidumbu sakhe salaliswa njani kulo. 56 Basebebuyela ekhaya bayalungisa amagcobo lamakha. Kodwa baphumula ngeSabatha bethobela umlayo.

24

Ukuvuka KukaJesu

1 Ngosuku lokuqala lweviki ekuseni kakhulu abesifazane bathatha amakha ababewalungisile baya ethuneni. 2 Bafumana ilitshe ligiqiwe, lasuswa ethuneni, 3 kodwa bathi bengena kabaze basithola isidumbu seNkosi uJesu. 4 Bathi belokhu besathithibele ngakho, masinyane kwema eduze labo amadoda amabili egqoke izigqoko ezazikhazimula njengombane. 5 Bethuka abesifazane bathi mbo phansi ngobuso, kodwa amadoda lawo athi kubo, “Lidingelani ophilayo kwabafileyo na? 6 Kakho lapha; usevukile! Khumbulani ukuthi walitshelani eseselani eGalile: 7  ‘INdodana yoMuntu kumele inikelwe ezandleni zezoni, ibethelwe esiphambanweni kuthi ngosuku lwesithathu ivuswe njalo.’ ” 8 Basebewakhumbula amazwi akhe.

9 Kwathi sebebuyile bevela ethuneni, zonke lezizinto bazibikela abalitshumi lanye labanye bonke. 10 KwakunguMariya Magadalini, loJowana, loMariya unina kaJakhobe labanye ababelabo abatshela abapostoli ngalokhu. 11 Kodwa kababakholwanga abesifazane laba, ngoba amazwi abo ayengathi yikuwumana kubo. 12 Kodwa uPhethro wasukuma wagijimela ethuneni. Walunguza wabona amaqhele elineni ethe qekele wodwa, wasebuyela emangele ukuthi kambe kwakwenzakaleni.

Endleleni Eya E-Emawusi

13 Kwathi ngalelolanga ababili babo babehamba besiya emzini owawuthiwa yi-Emawusi, ongaba ngamakhilomitha alitshumi lanye usuka eJerusalema. 14 Babekhulumisana ngakho konke okwakwenzakele. 15 Bathi belokhu bekhuluma bebonisana ngazo lezizinto, uJesu yena ngokwakhe wabaxhuma wasehambisana labo; 16 kodwa abaze bamnanzelela ukuthi nguye.

17 Wababuza wathi, “Likhuluma ngani kanti lilokhu liphakathi kohambo lwenu?”

Bema mpo, ubuso babo bubunile. 18 Omunye wabo owayethiwa nguKlophasi wambuza wathi, “Kanti wena uyisihambi yini eJerusalema ukhanya ungazazi izinto ezenzakele kuzolezi insuku?”

19 Wabuza wathi, “Yizinto bani na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Mayelana ngoJesu waseNazaretha. Wayengumphrofethi; elomfutho ngokukhuluma langezenzo phambi kukaNkulunkulu lasebantwini bonke. 20 Abaphristi abakhulu lababusi bethu bamnikela ukuba agwetshelwe ukufa, basebembethela; 21 kodwa thina sasithembe ukuthi nguye owayezahlenga u-Israyeli. Futhi okunye yikuthi sekulusuku lwesithathu kulokhu kwenzakala konke lokhu. 22 Phezu kwalokhu, abanye besifazane bethu basimangalisile. Bahambe ethuneni ekuseni kakhulu lamuhla, 23 kodwa kabasifumananga isidumbu sakhe. Babuyile bazasitshela ukuthi babone umbono wezingilosi ezithe uyaphila. 24 Kwasekusithi abanye babakhula bethu baya ethuneni bathola kunjengokuba abesifazane betshilo, kodwa yena kabamtholanga.”

25 Wathi kubo, “Uthi liyizithutha ezinjani, njalo lilezinhliziyo ezithundubeleyo ekukholweni konke lokho okwakhulunywa ngabaphrofethi! 26  UKhristu wayengamelanga ahlupheke yini zonke lezi izinto andubana angene ebukhosini bakhe na?” 27 Wasesukela kuMosi kanye labaPhrofethi bonke wabachazela okwatshiwo emibhalweni mayelana laye.

28 Bathi sebebanga emzini lowo ababesiya kuwo uJesu wenza ingathi wayesedlula. 29 Kodwa bamncenga kakhulu bathi, “Hlala lathi ngoba sekusihlwa; usuku luphose selwedlule.” Wasengena ukuthi ayehlala labo.

30 Wathi esehlezi labo etafuleni wathatha isinkwa wabonga, wasesihlephuna wasebaqhubela. 31 Kwathi dlwe emehlweni abo, bamazi, yena wasenyamalala kubo. 32 Babuzana bathi, “Konje inhliziyo zethu bezingatshiseki yini lapho abe ekhuluma lathi endleleni esivulela imibhalo na?”

33 Bahle bathi lothu masinyane babuyela eJerusalema. Khonale bathola abalitshumi lanye kanye lalabo ababelabo bebuthene ndawonye 34 besithi, “Kuliqiniso! INkosi isivukile kwabafileyo yabonakala kuSimoni.” 35 Kwathi labo ababili balandisa ngalokho okwakwenzakele endleleni, lokuthi uJesu bamnanzelela njani lapho aze ahlephune isinkwa.

UJesu Ubonakala KubaFundi

36 Bathi belokhu besakhuluma ngakho lokhu, uJesu yena ngokwakhe wema phakathi kwabo wathi, “Ukuthula kakube kini.”

37 Bethuka besaba, bekhumbula ukuthi babebona ithonga 38 Wathi kubo, “Kungani lihluphekile, njalo kungani kulokuthandabuza ezingqondweni zenu? 39  Khangelani izandla zami lezinyawo zami. Yimi mina ngokwami! Ngithintani libone; ithonga kalilanyama lamathambo njengoba libona ukuthi mina ngilakho.”

40 Esetshilo lokhu wabatshengisa izandla lezinyawo zakhe. 41 Kwathi belokhu bengakholwa ngenxa yokuthaba lokumangala wababuza wathi, “Lilakho okokudla lapha na?” 42 Bamupha iqatha lenhlanzi exatshiweyo, 43 wayithatha wayidla phambi kwabo.

44 Wathi kubo, “Lokhu yikho engalitshela khona ngiseselani ukuthi: Konke kumele kugcwaliseke okwalotshwa ngami eMthethweni kaMosi labaPhrofethi lamaHubo.”

45 Wasebavula ingqondo zabo ukuze bakwazi ukuzwisisa imibhalo. 46 Wabatshela wathi, “Nanku okulotshiweyo: UKhristu uzahlupheka aphinde avuke kwabafileyo ngosuku lwesithathu, 47  njalo ukuphenduka lokuthethelelwa kwezono kuzatshunyayelwa ebizweni lakhe ezizweni zonke, kuqala eJerusalema. 48  Lingofakazi balezizinto. 49  Ngizalithumezela lokho uBaba akuthembisileyo; kodwa libohlala edolobheni lize liphiwe amandla avela phezulu.”

Ukwenyukela Ezulwini

50 Kwathi esebakhokhele waya labo eduze leBhethani waphakamisa izandla zakhe wababusisa. 51 Uthe elokhu esababusisa, wabatshiya, wenyukiselwa ezulwini. 52 Basebemkhonza, babuyela eJerusalema bethokoza kakhulu. 53 Bahlala kokuphela ethempelini bedumisa uNkulunkulu.

* 2:23 2.23 U-Eksodasi 13.2, 12

† 2:24 2.24 ULevi 12.8

* 3:6 3.6 U-Isaya 40.3-5

* 4:4 4.4 UDutheronomi 8.3

† 4:8 4.8 UDutheronomi 6.13

‡ 4:11 4.11 AmaHubo 91.11-12

§ 4:12 4.12 UDutheronomi 6.16

* 4:19 4.19 U-Isaya 61.1-2

* 7:27 7.27 UMalaki 3.1

* 8:10 8.10 U-Isaya 6.9

* 10:27 10.27 UDutheronomi 6.5

† 10:27 10.27 ULevi 19.18

* 11:2 11.2 Eminye imibhalo ithi Baba wethu osezulwini

† 11:2 11.2 Eminye imibhalo ithi kawuze. Intando yakho kayenziwe emhlabeni njengasezulwini.

* 13:35 13.35 AmaHubo 118.26

* 17:36 17.36 Livesi kayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

* 18:20 18.20 U-Eksodasi 20.12-16; UDutheronomi 5.16-20

* 19:38 19.38 AmaHubo 118.26

† 19:46 19.46 U-Isaya 56.7

‡ 19:46 19.46 UJeremiya 7.11

* 20:17 20.17 AmaHubo 118.22

† 20:37 20.37 U-Eksodasi 3.6

‡ 20:43 20.43 AmaHubo 110.1

* 22:37 22.37 U-Isaya 53.12

* 23:17 23.17 Livesi kayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

† 23:30 23.30 UHosiya 10.8

UJohane

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Ivangeli

LikaJohane

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ULizwi Waba Yinyama

1 Ekuqaleni wayekhona uLizwi, uLizwi wayeloNkulunkulu, njalo uLizwi wayenguNkulunkulu. 2 WayeloNkulunkulu ekuqaleni. 3 Izinto zonke zenziwa ngaye; ngaphandle kwakhe kube akukho okwenziwayo. 4 Kwakukhona ukuphila kuye, lokho kuphila kwakuyikukhanya kwabantu. 5 Ukukhanya kukhanya emnyameni, kodwa umnyama awukakuzwisisi.

6 Kwafika umuntu ethunywe nguNkulunkulu, ibizo lakhe wayenguJohane. 7 Weza njengomfakazi ezoqinisa mayelana lalokho kukhanya ukuze kuthi ngaye bonke abantu bakholwe. 8 Yena qobo lwakhe wayengesi lokho kukhanya; weza nje njengomfakazi wokukhanya lokho.

9 Ukukhanya okuliqiniso okunika ukukhanya emuntwini wonke kwakusiza emhlabeni. 10 Wayesemhlabeni, kodwa lanxa umhlaba wenziwa ngaye, umhlaba kawumazanga. 11 Weza kulokho okwakungokwakhe, kodwa khona kakumemukelanga. 12 Ikanti kulabo bonke abamamukelayo, kulabo abakholwayo ebizweni lakhe, wabapha ilungelo lokuba ngabantwana bakaNkulunkulu, 13 abantwana abangazalwanga ngokwemvelo, kumbe ngokukhetha komuntu, loba ngokufuna kwendoda kodwa bezelwe nguNkulunkulu.

14 ULizwi waba yinyama, wahlala phakathi kwethu. Siyibonile inkazimulo yakhe; inkazimulo yeNdodana eyiyo yodwa, eyavela kuYise, igcwele umusa leqiniso.

15 UJohane wafakaza ngayo. Wamemeza esithi, “Lo nguye engangikhuluma ngaye ngisithi, ‘Lowo oza ngemva kwami usengedlule ngoba wayevele ephambi kwami.’ ” 16 Ngenxa yokujula komusa wakhe sonke sesamukele umusa emuseni esasivele siwuphiwe. 17 Ngoba umthetho walethwa ngoMosi; umusa leqiniso kweza ngoJesu Khristu. 18 Kakho osewake wambona uNkulunkulu, kodwa iNdodana eyiyo yodwa, yona enguNkulunkulu njalo eseceleni eduze kukaYise, isimenze waziwa.

UJohane UMbhaphathizi Ulandula Ukuthi UnguKhristu

19 Lobu yibo ubufakazi bukaJohane lapho abakhokheli bamaJuda aseJerusalema abathuma khona abaphristi labaLevi ukuyambuza ukuthi wayengubani. 20 Kehlulekanga ukuzichaza, kodwa wazichaza ekhululekile wathi, “Kangisuye uKhristu.”

21 Bambuza bathi, “Pho ungubani na? Ungu-Elija yini?”

Wathi, “Kangisuye.”

“Ungumphrofethi na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Hatshi.”

22 Bacina ngokuthi, “Ungubani? Siphe impendulo esizayisa kulabo abasithumileyo. Uzibiza ngokuthi ungubani na?”

23 UJohane wabaphendula ngamazwi ka-Isaya umphrofethi wathi, “Ngiyilizwi lalowo omemezayo enkangala lisithi, ‘Lungiselani iNkosi indlela iqonde.’*”

24 Kwasekusithi abaFarisi ababethunyiwe 25 bambuza bathi, “Kungani pho ubhaphathiza nxa ungasuye uKhristu, kumbe u-Elija loba umphrofethi na?”

26 UJohane waphendula wathi, “Mina ngibhaphathiza ngamanzi, kodwa phakathi kwenu kumi elingamaziyo. 27 Nguye lowo ozayo ngemva kwami, mina engingafanelanga ukuthukulula imichilo yamanyathela akhe.”

28 Konke lokhu kwenzeka eBhethani ngaphetsheya kweJodani lapho uJohane ayebhaphathiza khona.

UJohane Ufakaza NgoJesu

29 Ngelanga elilandelayo uJohane wabona uJesu esiza kuye wathi, “Khangelani, nanti iWundlu likaNkulunkulu elisusa isono somhlaba! 30 Nguye lo engangimutsho ngize ngithi, ‘Umuntu ozayo ngemva kwami usengedlule ngoba wayevele ephambi kwami.’ 31 Mina ngokwami bengingamazi, kodwa okwenze ngeza ngibhaphathiza ngamanzi kwakuyikwenzela ukuthi abonakaliswe ku-Israyeli.”

32 UJohane waseletha lobubufakazi: “Ngabona uMoya esehla evela ezulwini enjengejuba wahlala phezu kwakhe. 33 Lami uqobo lwami ngangingamazi, kodwa lowo owangithumayo ukubhaphathiza ngamanzi wathi, ‘Lowomuntu ozabona uMoya usehla uhlala kuye nguye kanye ozabhaphathiza ngoMoya oNgcwele.’ 34 Sengibonile yikho sengifakaza ukuthi lo ungoKhethiweyo kaNkulunkulu.”

Abafundi Bokuqala BakaJesu

35 Ngelanga elilandelayo uJohane wayekhonapho, elabafundi bakhe ababili. 36 Wathi ebona uJesu esedlula lapho wathi, “Khangelani, nanti iWundlu likaNkulunkulu!”

37 Abafundi ababili labo bathi bekuzwa lokhu basebelandela uJesu. 38 UJesu wathi enyemukula wababona bemlandela, wababuza wathi, “Lifunani na?”

Bathi, “Rabi” (okutsho ukuthi “Mfundisi”), “uhlala ngaphi?”

39 Waphendula wathi, “Wozani, lizabona.”

Ngakho bahamba bayabona lapho ayehlala khona, batshona laye mhlalokho. Kwakungaba lihola letshumi.

40 U-Andreya, umfowabo kaSimoni Phethro wayengomunye wababili abezwayo okwakukhulunywa nguJohane njalo abayibo abalandela uJesu. 41 Into yokuqala ayenzayo u-Andreya yikudinga umfowabo uSimoni wamtshela wathi, “Sesimfumene uMesiya” (okutsho uKhristu). 42 Wasemletha kuJesu.

UJesu wamkhangela wathi, “UnguSimoni indodana kaJohane. Usuzathiwa unguKhefasi” (okuchasiswa ngokuthi, nguPhethro).

UJesu Ubiza UFiliphu LoNathaneli

43 Ngelanga elilandelayo uJesu wafuna ukusuka aye eGalile. Wabona uFiliphu wathi kuye, “Ngilandela.”

44 UFiliphu wayengowedolobheni lase-Bhethisayida, njengo-Andreya loPhethro. 45 UFiliphu wadinga uNathaneli wamtshela wathi, “Sesimfumene lowo uMosi aloba ngaye eMthethweni, njalo abaphrofethi labo abaloba ngaye, uJesu waseNazaretha, indodana kaJosefa.”

46 UNathaneli wabuza wathi, “ENazaretha! Kulolutho oluhle olungavela khona na?”

UFiliphu wathi, “Woza uzebona.”

47 Kwathi uJesu ebona uNathaneli eqhamuka laphaya wathi ngaye, “Nangu umʼIsrayeli oqotho, okungekho nkohliso kuye.”

48 UNathaneli wambuza wathi, “Ungazela ngaphi na?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngikubonile usahlezi ngaphansi kwesihlahla somkhiwa uFiliphu engakakubizi.”

49 UNathaneli wasefakaza wathi, “Rabi, uyindodana kaNkulunkulu; uyiNkosi ka-Israyeli.”

50 UJesu wathi, “Ukholwa ngoba ngithe ngikubone ngaphansi kwesihlahla somkhiwa. Usazobona izinto ezinkulu kulalokho.” 51 Waphinda wengeza wathi, “Ngikutshela iqiniso, uzabona izulu livuleka, lezingilosi zikaNkulunkulu zikhwela zisehlela eNdodaneni yoMuntu.”

2

UJesu Uphendula Amanzi Abe Liwayini

1 Ngosuku lwesithathu kwaba khona umthimba eKhana laseGalile. Unina kaJesu wayekhona, 2 loJesu labafundi bakhe labo babenxusiwe emthimbeni. 3 Kwathi iwayini seliphelile unina kaJesu wathi kuye, “Sebephelelwe liwayini.”

4 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Mama, mina lawe singena njani kulokho na? Isikhathi sami kasikafiki.”

5 Unina wasesithi ezincekwini, “Libokwenza loba kuyini azalitshela khona.”

6 Eduze kwalapho kwakumi imbiza zamatshe eziyisithupha, uhlobo lolo amaJuda ayelusebenzisa enkonzweni yokuzihlambulula, imbiza yinye ingagcwala amalitha alikhulu kusiya ekhulwini elilamatshumi amahlanu.

7 UJesu wathi ezincekwini, “Zigcwaliseni amanzi imbiza lezi”; ngakho bazigcwalisa zathi phamu.

8 Wasezitshela wathi, “Khanini-ke liphe umphathi wedili.”

Benza njalo, 9 umphathi wedili wahubula wawanambitha amanzi ayesephendulwe abaliwayini. Kakwazanga ukuthi lavela ngaphi, kodwa izinceku ezaziwakhile amanzi zazisazi. Wasebizela umyeni eceleni 10 wathi, “Wonke umuntu uletha iwayini elimnandi kuqala, kuthi nxa izethekeli sezinathe kakhulu abesekhupha elibi; kodwa wena ugodle elimnandi kuze kube khathesi.”

11 Lo waba ngumangaliso wakhe wokuqala, uJesu awenza eKhana laseGalile. Wabonakalisa kanjalo inkazimulo yakhe, abafundi bakhe basebebeka ukholo lwabo kuye.

12 Ngemva komthimba wasuka waya eKhaphenawume wayahlala insukwana ezimbalwa elonina, labafowabo labafundi bakhe.

UJesu Uhlambulula IThempeli

13 Kwasekuyisikhathi sePhasika lamaJuda eleminyaka yonke, uJesu wasesiya eJerusalema. 14 Emagumeni ethempeli wafumana abantu bethengisa inkomo, izimvu lamajuba, labanye behlezi ematafuleni bentshintsha izimali. 15 Waseseluka izintambo wenza isaswebhu wabadudula bonke emagumeni ethempeli, konke izimvu lenkomo; wayichithiza imali yabantshintshi bayo, wagenqula lamatafula abo. 16 Wathi kulabo ababethengisa amajuba, “Akhupheni lapha! Likuthatha ngaphi ukwenza indlu kaBaba umsika wokuthengiselana na?” 17 Abafundi bakhe bakhumbula ukuthi kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Ukunqinekela indlu yakho kuzangidla ngaphakathi.”*

18 Lapho amaJuda asemncindezela ngokuthi, “Ungasitshengisa simangaliso bani ukubonisa amandla akho okwenza zonke lezizinto?”

19 Wabaphendula uJesu wathi, “Dilizani ithempeli leli, kodwa mina ngizalimisa njalo ngezinsuku ezintathu.”

20 AmaJuda aphendula athi, “Sekuthethe iminyaka engamatshumi amane lesithupha ukwakha ithempeli leli, kodwa wena ungalivusa ngezinsuku ezintathu na?” 21 Kodwa ithempeli ayekhulume ngalo kwakungumzimba wakhe. 22 Ngemva kokuvuswa kwabafileyo abafundi bakhe bakukhumbula lokho ayekukhulumile. Ngakho bawukholwa uMbhalo kanye lamazwi uJesu awakhulumayo.

23 Kwathi ngesikhathi eseMkhosini wePhasika eJerusalema, abantu abanengi bayibona imimangaliso ayeyenza basebekholwa ebizweni lakhe. 24 Kodwa uJesu kazange azidele kubo, ngoba wayebazi bonke abantu. 25 Wayengabudingi ubufakazi bomuntu ngoba wayekwazi okungaphakathi komuntu munye ngamunye.

3

UJesu Ufundisa UNikhodimasi

1 Kwakulendoda engumFarisi eyayithiwa nguNikhodimasi, ililunga lomphakathi wamaJuda abusayo. 2 Yaya kuJesu ebusuku yathi, “Rabi, siyazi ukuthi ungumfundisi ovela kuNkulunkulu. Ngoba kakho obengayenza imimangaliso oyenzayo wena nxa uNkulunkulu engelaye.”

3 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngempela ngiqinisile ngithi kini, akakho ozawubona umbuso kaNkulunkulu ngaphandle kokuba azalwe kutsha.”

4 UNikhodimasi wathi, “Kanti umuntu angazalwa kanjani yena esemdala na? Ngeqiniso, angazake angene ngokwesibili esiswini sikanina ukuze azalwe!”

5 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngempela ngiqinisile ngithi, ngaphandle kokuthi umuntu azalwe ngamanzi langoMoya, angeke awungene umbuso kaNkulunkulu. 6  Inyama izala inyama, kodwa uMoya uzala umoya. 7  Ungamangaliswa yikuthi ngithi, ‘Kumele lizalwe kutsha.’ 8  Umoya uphephethela loba kungaphi lapho othanda khona. Ungakuzwa ukuvunguza kwawo, kodwa ungeke utsho ukuthi uvela ngaphi loba ukuthi uya ngaphi. Ngakho kunjalo emuntwini wonke ozelwe ngoMoya.”

9 UNikhodimasi wabuza wathi, “Lokhu kungenzeka kanjani na?”

10 UJesu wathi, “Ungumfundisi wako-Israyeli, pho kungani ungazwisisi izinto lezi na? 11  Ngiqinisile ngithi sikhuluma ngesikwaziyo njalo sifakaza ngesikubonileyo, kodwa lina bantu kalibamukeli ubufakazi bethu. 12  Ngikhulume kini ngezinto zalapha emhlabeni, kodwa kalikholwa; pho lizakholwa kanjani nxa ngingakhuluma ngokwasezulwini? 13  Kakho osewake waya ezulwini ngaphandle kwalowo owavela ezulwini, iNdodana yoMuntu. 14  NjengoMosi owaphakamisa inyoka enkangala, ngokunjalo iNdodana yoMuntu kumele iphakanyiswe, 15  ukuze kuthi lowo lalowo okholwa kuyo abe lokuphila okungapheliyo.”

16 UNkulunkulu walithanda ilizwe kangaka waze wanikela iNdodana yakhe eyiyo yodwa ukuze kuthi loba ngubani okholwa kuyo angabhubhi, kodwa abe lokuphila okungapheliyo. 17 Ngoba uNkulunkulu kathumanga iNdodana yakhe emhlabeni ukuze iwulahle umhlaba, kodwa ukuze umhlaba usindiswe ngayo. 18 Loba ngubani okholwa kuyo kalahlwa, kodwa ongakholwayo uvele uselahliwe ngoba kakholwanga ebizweni leNdodana eyiyo yodwa kaNkulunkulu. 19 Nanku ukuqunywa kwecala: Ukukhanya sekufikile emhlabeni, kodwa abantu bathanda ubumnyama kulokukhanya ngoba imisebenzi yabo yayimibi. 20 Wonke umuntu owenza ububi uyakuzonda ukukhanya, njalo kezi ekukhanyeni ngoba esesaba ukuthi izenzo zakhe zizabekwa obala. 21 Kodwa loba ngubani ophila ngeqiniso uyeza ekukhanyeni ukuze kubonakale kamhlophe ukuthi lokho akwenzileyo ukwenze ngoNkulunkulu.

Ubufakazi BukaJohane NgoJesu

22 Ngemva kwalokhu uJesu labafundi bakhe basuka baya emaphandleni aseJudiya lapho ahlala labo okwesikhathi esithile ebhaphathiza. 23 Ngalesosikhathi uJohane laye wayebhaphathiza e-Ayenoni eduze leSalimi ngoba kwakulamanzi amanengi njalo abantu babethululeka kokuphela bezobhaphathizwa. 24 (Lokhu kwakumandulo kokuphoselwa kukaJohane entolongweni.) 25 Kwavuka ukuphikisana phakathi kwabanye abafundi bakaJohane lomunye umJuda mayelana lomkhuba wokuzihlambulula. 26 Beza kuJohane bathi kuye, “Rabi, indoda leyana eyayilawe ngaphetsheya kweJodani; yona leyana owafakaza ngayo; iyabhaphathiza bonke abantu sebesiya kuyo.”

27 Waphendula uJohane wathi, “Umuntu wamukela kuphela lokho akuphiwayo kuvela ezulwini. 28 Lina ngokwenu lingakufakaza ukuthi ngathi, ‘Kangisuye uKhristu, kodwa ngithunyiwe ukumandulela.’ 29 Umtshakazi ngowomyeni. Umkhaphi womyeni uyamnakekela, amlalele, abelokuthokoza nxa esizwa ilizwi lomyeni. Lokho kuthokoza ngokwami njalo okwamanje sekuphelele. 30 Yena ufanele abemkhulu; mina kufanele kunciphe ukuqakatheka kwami.”

31 Lowo ovela phezulu ungaphezulu kwakho konke; lowo ovela emhlabeni ungowomhlaba, ukhuluma njengalowo ovela emhlabeni. Lowo ovela ezulwini ungaphezu kwakho konke. 32 Ufakaza ngalokho akubonileyo lakuzwileyo, kodwa kakho owamukela ubufakazi bakhe. 33 Lowomuntu obamukelayo usegcizelele ukuthi uNkulunkulu uqinisile. 34 Ngoba lowo uNkulunkulu amthumileyo ukhuluma amazwi kaNkulunkulu; yena uNkulunkulu umupha umoya kungelakulinganiswa. 35 UYise uyayithanda iNdodana njalo useyiphe amandla phezu kwezinto zonke. 36 Loba ngubani obeke ithemba lakhe eNdodaneni ulokuphila okungapheliyo, kodwa loba ngubani oyilahlayo iNdodana kazukuyibona leyompilo ngoba ulaka lukaNkulunkulu lohlala luphezu kwakhe.

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UJesu Ukhuluma Lomfazi WaseSamariya

1 UJesu wezwa ukuthi abaFarisi basebekuzwile ukuthi usebhaphathize abantu wabuye waba labafundi abanengi kuloJohane, 2 loba nje iqiniso kuyikuthi kwakungasuye uJesu owayebhaphathiza, kodwa kubhaphathiza abafundi bakhe. 3 Kwathi esekuzwile lokho, wasuka eJudiya wabuyela futhi eGalile.

4 Manje kwakumele adabule eSamariya. 5 Ngakho wafika emzini waseSamariya owawuthiwa yiSikhari, eduzane lesiqinti uJakhobe ayesinike indodana yakhe uJosefa. 6 Umthombo kaJakhobe wawukhonapho, uJesu wathi esediniwe ngohambo, wahlala phansi malungana lomthombo. Kwakusemini enkulu.

7 Kwathi umfazi waseSamariya efika ukuzakukha amanzi uJesu wathi kuye, “Ake unginathise.” 8 (Abafundi bakhe babeye emzini ukuyathenga ukudla.)

9 Umfazi waseSamariya wathi kuye, “UngumJuda, mina ngingumfazi waseSamariya. Pho ungacela kanjani ukuthi unathiswe yimi?” (Phela amaJuda kawadlelani lamaSamariya.)

10 UJesu wamphendula wathi, “Aluba ubusazi isipho sikaNkulunkulu lokuthi ungubani lowo ocela ukuthi umnathise, ngabe umcelile wakupha amanzi okuphila.”

11 Umfazi wathi, “Nkosi, wena kawulakho okokukhisa amanzi, futhi umthombo uyatshona. Ungawathatha ngaphi lawomanzi okuphila na? 12 Wena umkhulu na kulobaba uJakhobe owasipha umthombo lo laye wanatha kuwo kanye lamadodana akhe lezimvu zakhe kanye lezifuyo zakhe?”

13 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Wonke umuntu onatha amanzi la uzaphinda ome futhi, 14  kodwa lowo onatha amanzi engimnika wona, kasoze abuye ome lanini. Ngempela amanzi engimnika wona azakuba ngumfula ogelezela ekuphileni okungapheliyo.”

15 Umfazi wathi kuye, “Nkosi, ngipha lawomanzi ukuze ngingaphindi ngome, ngingabi ngilokhu ngisiza lapha ngizokukha amanzi.”

16 Wathi kowesifazane, “Hamba uyebiza umkakho uze laye lapha.”

17 Waphendula wathi, “Kangilandoda.”

UJesu wathi kuye, “Uqondile nxa usithi kawulandoda. 18  Iqiniso yikuthi usube lamadoda amahlanu, futhi indoda le olayo khathesi kayisiyakho. Lokho okutshiloyo kuliqiniso.”

19 Owesifazane wathi, “Nkosi, sengibona ukuthi ungumphrofethi. 20 Okhokho bethu babekhonza phezu kwentaba le, kodwa lina maJuda lithi indawo okumele sikhonzele kuyo iseJerusalema.”

21 UJesu wathi, “nkosazana, ngikholwa, siyeza isikhathi lapho elingezukumkhonza uBaba entabeni kumbe eJerusalema. 22  Lina maSamariya likhonza elingakwaziyo; thina sikhonza lokho esikwaziyo, ngoba insindiso ivela kumaJuda. 23  Kodwa siyeza isikhathi, yebo manje sesifikile lapho abakhonzi beqiniso bezamkhonza uBaba ngomoya langeqiniso, ngoba yibo abakhonzi abanjalo uBaba abadingayo. 24  UNkulunkulu ungumoya, labo abamkhonzayo kumele bamkhonze ngomoya langeqiniso.”

25 Owesifazane wathi, “Ngiyakwazi ukuthi uMesiya (othiwa nguKhristu) uyeza. Esefikile uzasichazela konke.”

26  UJesu wasesithi, “Mina engikhuluma lawe nginguye.”

Abafundi Bahlangana Njalo LoJesu

27 Ngalesosikhathi abafundi bakhe baphenduka, bamangala ukufumana uJesu ekhuluma lowesifazane. Kodwa kakho owabuzayo wathi, “Ufunani na?” kumbe athi, “Kungani ukhuluma lowesifazane na?”

28 Owesifazane watshiya inkonxa yakhe wabuyela emzini wakibo wathi ebantwini, 29 “Wozani lizobona indoda engitshele konke esengake ngakwenza. Kambe angaba nguye yini uKhristu?” 30 Baphuma emzini lowo baqonda kuye.

31 Kusenzakala konke lokhu abafundi bakhe bamncenga bathi, “Rabi, ake udle ulutho.”

32 Kodwa wathi kubo, “Ngilokudla engikudlayo elingakwaziyo lina.”

33 Abafundi babuzana bathi, “Kambe ngabe ukhona omlethele ukudla na?”

34 UJesu wathi, “Okwami ukudla yikwenza intando yalowo ongithumileyo lokuphelelisa umsebenzi wakhe. 35  Kanti angithi lithi, ‘Kusele izinyanga ezine ukuthi kufike isikhathi sokuvuna’? Ngithi vulani amehlo enu likhangele amasimu! Amabele aselungele ukuvunwa. 36  Khathesi lokhu, umvuni uvele usehle ezuza iholo lakhe, usebuthela amabele ekuphileni kwaphakade, ukuze umhlanyeli lomvuni bajabule ndawonye. 37  Ngakho ilizwi elithi, ‘Omunye uyahlanyela, omunye avune’ liliqiniso. 38  Ngalithuma ukuyavuna lokho elingakusebenzelanga. Abanye bawenzile umsebenzi onzima, lina selivune umvuzo womsebenzi wabo.”

AmaSamariya Amanengi Ayakholwa

39 AmaSamariya amanengi akulowomuzi akholwa kuye ngenxa yobufakazi bowesifazane owathi, “Ungitshele konke esengake ngakwenza.” 40 Ngakho amaSamariya esefike kuye amcela ukuthi ahlale labo, wasehlala insuku ezimbili. 41 Ngenxa yamazwi akhe abanengi baba ngamakholwa.

42 Bathi kowesifazane, “Kasisakholwa kuphela ngenxa yalokho okutshiloyo; manje sesizizwele thina ngokwethu, ngakho sesisazi ukuthi umuntu lo ngeqiniso unguMsindisi womhlaba.”

UJesu Usilisa Indodana Yesikhulu

43 Ngemva kwalezonsuku ezimbili, uJesu wasuka waya eGalile. 44 (Phela uJesu yena ngokwakhe wayetshilo ukuthi umphrofethi kalalo udumo elizweni lakibo.) 45 Wathi efika eGalile, amaGalile amamukela ngokumthakazelela. Ayekubonile konke lokho akwenzayo eJerusalema, eMkhosini wePhasika, ngoba lawo ayekhona khonale.

46 Wabuya njalo wethekelela eKhana laseGalile, lapho aphendula khona amanzi abaliwayini. Kwakukhona lapho isiphathamandla sasesikhosini esasigulelwa yindodana yaso eKhaphenawume. 47 Kwathi indoda leyo isizwile ukuthi uJesu wayesefikile eGalile evela eJudiya, yaya kuye yamncenga ukuthi eze azosilisa indodana yayo eyayisibangwa lezibi.

48 UJesu wasitshela wathi, “Ngaphandle kokuthi lina bantu libone izibonakaliso ezididayo lezimangaliso kalisoze lafa lakholwa.”

49 Sathi isiphathamandla sasesikhosini, “Nkosi, woza umntanami engakafi.”

50 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Usungahamba. Indodana yakho izaphila.”

Indoda yalikholwa ilizwi likaJesu yahamba. 51 Yathi ilokhu isesendleleni, izinceku zayo zayihlangabeza zayibikela ukuthi indodana yayo yayisiluleme. 52 Isibuzile ukuthi kwakuyisikhathi bani lapho indodana yayo eyasila ngaso, zathi kuyo, “Umkhuhlane uyixolele izolo ngehola lakuqala emini.”

53 Uyise wananzelela ukuthi leso yiso kanye isikhathi uJesu atsho kuye ukuthi, “Indodana yakho izaphila.” Ngakho yena kanye labendlu yakhe bonke bakholwa.

54 Lo kwakungumangaliso wesibili uJesu awenzayo esefikile eGalile evela eJudiya.

5

Ukusilisa Echibini

1 Emva kwesikhathi esithile uJesu waya eJerusalema emkhosini wamaJuda. 2 EJerusalema kukhona ichibi eduze lesango leZimvu, elithiwa ngesi-Aramu yiBhethisayida, elalihonqolozelwe ngensika ezinhlanu ezibiyelweyo. 3 Khonapho abantu abayizilima abanengi babandise ukuhlala khona, iziphofu, abaqhulayo, abome imihlubulo [belindele ukudungwa kwamanzi; 4 ngoba kwakusithi ngezikhathi ezithile ingilosi yeNkosi yayisehlela echibini, idungadunge amanzi besekusithi umuntu oqalayo ukungena emanzini ngemva kokudungeka kwawo asiliswe loba kuwuphi umkhuhlane owawumbambile].* 5 Omunye owayelapho wayeyisigoga okweminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lesificaminwembili. 6 Kwathi uJesu embona elele khonapho njalo esetsheliwe ukuthi kade abanjalo okwesikhathi eside, wambuza wathi, “Uyafuna na ukusila?”

7 Oyisilima waphendula wathi, “Nkosi, kangilamuntu wokungisiza angingenise echibini lapho amanzi edungwa. Ngithi lapho ngizama ukungena omunye angingenele kuqala.”

8 UJesu wasethi kuye, “Sukuma! Thatha icansi lakho uhambe.” 9 Khonokho nje indoda yasila; yathatha icansi layo yahamba.

Lokhu kwenzakala ngelanga leSabatha, 10 amaJuda asesithi endodeni eyayisilisiwe, “KuliSabatha; umthetho uyakwalela ukuthi uthwale icansi lakho.”

11 Kodwa yaphendula yathi, “Umuntu ongisilisileyo uthe, ‘Thatha icansi lakho uhambe.’ ”

12 Aseyibuza athi, “Ngubani yena lowo okutshele ukuthi uthathe icansi uhambe?”

13 Indoda leyo eyasiliswayo yayingafanisi lakufanisa ukuthi kambe ngabe wayengubani, ngoba uJesu wayesethe nyelele wangena phakathi kwabantu.

14 Emva kwalokho uJesu wayifumana ethempelini indoda leyo wathi kuyo, “Khangela-ke ususilile njalo. Khawula ukwenza isono funa okubi ukwedlula okokuqala kukwehlele.” 15 Indoda leyo yasuka yayatshela amaJuda ukuthi kwakunguJesu owayeyisilisile.

Ukuphila NgeNdodana

16 Ngakho amaJuda amkhahlameza uJesu ngoba wayesenza izinto lezi ngeSabatha. 17 UJesu wathi kubo, “UBaba uhlezi esemsebenzini wakhe kuze kube namuhla, lami njalo ngiyasebenza.” 18 Ngalesisizatho amaJuda azama kakhulu ukumbulala; wayengephuli iSabatha kuphela kodwa wayebiza uNkulunkulu ngokuthi nguYise, ezenza yena olingana loNkulunkulu.

19 UJesu wabanika impendulo le: “Ngiqinisile ngithi iNdodana ingeke yenze lutho ngokwayo; ingenza kuphela lokho ebona uYise ekwenza, ngoba loba kuyini uYise akwenzayo leNdodana iyakwenza. 20  Ngoba uYise uyayithanda iNdodana, uyitshengisa konke akwenzayo. Yebo, lizamangala ukuthi uzayitshengisa izinto ezinkulu kulalezi. 21  Njengalokhu uYise evusa abafileyo abaphe ukuphila, kanjalo iNdodana inika ukuphila kulabo ethanda ukubanika khona. 22  Okunye njalo, uYise kahluleli muntu, kodwa usebeke konke ukwahlulela ezandleni zeNdodana, 23  ukuze bonke bayidumise iNdodana njengalokhu bedumisa uYise. Lowo ongayidumisiyo iNdodana kamdumisi uYise oyithumileyo.

24  Ngiqinisile ngithi lowo owezwayo amazwi ami amkholwe lowo ongithumileyo ulokuphila okungapheliyo njalo kazukulahlwa; usechaphile wasuka ekufeni waya ekuphileni. 25  Ngiqinisile ngithi, isikhathi siyeza njalo sivele sesifikile lapho abafileyo bezalizwa ilizwi leNdodana kaNkulunkulu, kuthi bonke abezwayo baphile. 26  Njengoba uYise elokuphila kuye yena ngokwakhe, ngakho useyinikile iNdodana ukuba ibe lokuphila kuyo yona ngokwayo. 27  Njalo useyiphile amandla okwahlulela ngoba iyiNdodana yoMuntu.

28  Kakungalimangalisi lokhu ngoba siyeza isikhathi lapho bonke abasemathuneni abo bezalizwa ilizwi layo 29  baphume, labo abenze okuhle bazavuka baphile, lalabo abenze ububi bazavuka balahlwe. 30  Mina ngokwami ngingeke ngenze lutho; ngahlulela njengokutshelwa kwami, futhi ukwahlulela kwami kuqondile, ngoba kangidingi kuzithabisa, kodwa ukuthabisa lowo ongithumileyo.”

Ubufakazi NgoJesu

31  “Nxa ngizifakazela mina ngokwami ubufakazi bami kabuqinisekanga. 32  Ukhona omunye ofakaza kuhle ngami njalo ngiyazi ukuthi ubufakazi bakhe ngami buqinisekile.

33  Selike lathumela kuJohane yena walifakazela iqiniso. 34  Kakutsho ukuthi ngamukela ubufakazi bomuntu; kodwa ngikuthinta lokhu ukuze lisindiswe. 35  UJohane wayeyisibane esabhebhayo sanika ukukhanya, lakhetha ukuthokoza ngokukhanya kwakhe okwesikhatshana.

36  Ngilabo ubufakazi obulesisindo esikhulu kulobukaJohane. Ngoba umsebenzi uBaba anginike wona ukuba ngiwuqedise, wona engiwenzayo uyafakaza ukuthi uBaba ungithumile. 37  Njalo uBaba ongithumileyo usefakazile yena ngokwakhe ngami. Kalikaze lilizwe ilizwi lakhe kumbe libone isimo sakhe 38  njalo ilizwi lakhe kalihlali kini ngoba kalimkholwa lowo amthumileyo. 39  Liphenyisisa imibhalo liyihlola ngoba licabanga ukuthi ngayo lilakho ukuphila okungapheliyo. Yiyo le imibhalo efakaza ngami, 40  ikanti liyala ukuza kimi lizozuza ukuphila.

41  Kangilwamukeli udumo olusuka ebantwini, 42  kodwa ngiyalazi lina. Ngiyazi ukuthi kalilalo uthando lukaNkulunkulu ezinhliziyweni zenu. 43  Ngibuye ngebizo likaBaba kodwa kalingamukeli; kodwa nxa omunye efika ngebizo lakhe, lizamamukela. 44  Lingakholwa kanjani nxa lisamukela udumo elizipha lona kodwa lingenzi mizamo yokuzuza udumo oluvela kuNkulunkulu onguye yedwa na?

45  Kodwa lingacabangi ukuthi ngizalethesa icala phambi kukaBaba. Umangaleli wenu nguMosi, okukuye elibeke khona amathemba enu. 46  Kube lamkholwa uMosi, ngabe liyangikholwa ngoba wabhala ngami. 47  Kodwa njengoba lingakukholwa lokho akubhalayo, lizakukholwa kanjani lokho engikutshoyo na?”

6

UJesu Usuthisa Abazinkulungwane Ezinhlanu

1 Ngemva kwalokhu uJesu wachaphela ngaphetsheya koLwandle lwaseGalile (kutshiwo uLwandle lwaseThibheriyasi), 2 njalo walandelwa lixuku elikhulu labantu ngoba babona imimangaliso ayeyenzile kwababegula. 3 UJesu wasesiya eceleni kwentaba wahlala khona labafundi bakhe. 4 UMkhosi wePhasika wamaJuda wawususondele.

5 UJesu wathi uyakhangela wabona ixuku labantu elikhulu lisiza kuye, wathi kuFiliphu, “Singasithenga ngaphi isinkwa ukuze abantu laba badle?” 6 Wabuza lokhu emlinga nje kuphela ngoba wayevele esekwazi ayezakwenza.

7 UFiliphu wamphendula wathi, “Amadenari angamakhulu amabili ngeke athenge isinkwa esenela ukuthi umuntu munye nje azuze ucezwana!”

8 Omunye wabafundi bakhe, u-Andreya, umfowabo kaSimoni Phethro wakhuluma wathi, 9 “Nangu umfana olezinkwa zebhali ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili ezincinyane, kodwa zingafika ngaphi ebantwini abanengi kangaka na?”

10 UJesu wathi, “Hlalisani abantu phansi.” Kwakulotshani obunengi kuleyondawo, asehlala phansi (amadoda ubunengi bawo bungaba zinkulungwane ezinhlanu). 11 UJesu wasezithatha izinkwa, wakhuleka, wasezabela labo abasebehlezi phansi, wabapha njengokufuna kwabo. Wenza njalo langenhlanzi.

12 Kwathi bonke sebesuthi, wasesithi kubafundi bakhe, “Buthani imvuthu eziseleyo. Kakungalahlwa lutho.” 13 Ngakho bazibutha bagcwalisa izitsha ezilitshumi lambili ngemvuthu zezinkwa zebhali ezatshiywa yilabo ababedlile.

14 Abantu sebewubonile umangaliso awenzayo uJesu baqalisa ukuthi, “Ngeqiniso lo nguye uMphrofethi ozafika emhlabeni.” 15 UJesu esazi ukuthi babeqonde ukuzomenza inkosi ngenkani, wathi nyelele wabuyela entabeni yedwa.

UJesu Uhamba Phezu Kwamanzi

16 Kwathi kusihlwa abafundi behlela esizibeni, 17 lapho abawela khona isikepe bachapha isiziba baya eKhaphenawume. Ngalesosikhathi kwasekuhlwile, uJesu elokhu engakabuyi kubo. 18 Kwakuvunguza umoya omkhulu amanzi asequbuka kubi. 19 Sebegwedle okwamakhilomitha amahlanu loba ayisithupha bambona uJesu esiza esikepeni ehamba phezu kwamanzi; bethuka kakhulu. 20 Kodwa wathi kubo, “Yimi; lingesabi.” 21 Babefuna ukumngenisa esikepeni, kwathi masinyane isikepe sahle safika ekhunjini lapho ababeqonde khona.

22 Ngelanga elilandelayo ixuku labantu elalisele ekhunjini elinganeno lananzelela ukuthi kwakukade kulesikepe esisodwa, lokuthi uJesu kangenanga kuso kanye labafundi bakhe, kodwa babehambe bodwa. 23 Kwasekufika ezinye izikepe zivela eThibheriyasi zamiswa eduze lalapho abantu ababedlele khona isinkwa ngemva kokuba iNkosi isiqale yakhuleka. 24 Ixuku lonela ukunanzelela ukuthi uJesu kanye labafundi bakhe babengasekho lapho, bangena ezikepeni baya eKhaphenawume ukuyadinga uJesu.

UJesu Yisinkwa Sokuphila

25 Bathi sebemfumene ngaphetsheya kwechibi bambuza bathi, “Rabi, kanti ufike nini lapha?”

26 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngiqinisile ukuthi kalingidingi ngoba libone imimangaliso, kodwa ngoba lidle izinkwa lasutha. 27  Lingasebenzeli ukudla okubolayo, kodwa sebenzelani ukudla okuhlala okwempilo engapheliyo elizakuphiwa yiNdodana yoMuntu. UBaba uNkulunkulu usebeke kuyo uphawu lwakhe.”

28 Basebembuza bathi, “Kumele senzeni ukuze senze umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu na?”

29 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu yilo: ukukholwa kulowo amthumileyo.”

30 Basebembuza bathi, “Uzasitshengisa simangaliso bani esizasibona ukuze sikukholwe na? Kuyini ozakwenza? 31 Okhokho badla imana enkangala; njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: ‘Wabapha isinkwa sivela ezulwini ukuba badle.’*”

32 UJesu wathi kubo, “Ngiqinisile ngithi, kakusuye uMosi olinike isinkwa sivela ezulwini, kodwa nguBaba olinika isinkwa seqiniso sivela ezulwini. 33  Ngoba isinkwa sikaNkulunkulu singulowo owehla ezulwini anike ukuphila emhlabeni.”

34 Bathi, “Nkosi, kusukela manje siphe lesisinkwa sokuphila.”

35 UJesu wachaza wathi, “Ngiyisinkwa sokuphila. Lowo ozayo kimi kasoze afa alamba, lalowo okholwa kimi kasoze aphinde ome. 36  Kodwa njengoba ngilitshelile selingibonile, kodwa lokhe lingakholwa. 37  Konke lokho uBaba anginika khona kuzakuza kimi njalo lowo oza kimi kangisoze ngimlahle. 38  Ngoba ngehlile ezulwini, hatshi ukuzokwenza eyami intando kodwa ukwenza intando yalowo ongithumileyo. 39  Intando yakhe ongithumileyo yile, ukuthi ngingalahlekelwa langokukodwa kwalokho anginike khona, kodwa ngibavuse ngosuku lokucina. 40  Ngoba intando kaBaba iyikuthi bonke abakhangela eNdodaneni bakholwe kuyo bazakuba lokuphila okungapheliyo njalo ngizabavusa ngosuku lokucina.”

41 Esizwa lokhu amaJuda aqalisa ukukhonona ngaye ngoba wathi, “Ngiyisinkwa esehlayo sivela ezulwini.” 42 Athi, “Kanti kasuJesu lo indodana kaJosefa na? Oyise lonina kasibazi na? Pho angakutsho kanjani manje ukuthi, ‘Ngehla ngivela ezulwini’?”

43 UJesu wathi, “Yekelani ukukhonona phakathi kwenu. 44  Kakho ongeza kimi ngaphandle kokuthi uBaba ongithumileyo amsondeze, mina-ke ngizamvusa ngosuku lokucina. 45  Kulotshiwe kubaphrofethi ukuthi: ‘Bonke bazafundiswa nguNkulunkulu.’†Wonke lowo olalela uBaba afunde kuye uyeza kimi. 46  Kakho osewake wambona uBaba ngaphandle kwalowo ovela kuNkulunkulu; nguye kuphela ombonileyo uBaba. 47  Ngiqinisile ukuthi lowo okholwayo ulokuphila okungapheliyo. 48  Ngiyisinkwa sokuphila. 49  Okhokho benu bayidla imana enkangala, kodwa bafa. 50  Kodwa nansi isinkwa esehla sivela ezulwini, umuntu angasidla angabe esafa. 51  Ngiyisinkwa esiphilayo esehlela phansi sivela ezulwini. Nxa umuntu angasidla lesisinkwa, uzaphila laphakade. Lesosinkwa siyinyama yami engizayinikela ukuphila komhlaba.”

52 Lapho-ke, amaJuda aseqalisa ukuphikisana ngamandla esithi, “Umuntu lo angasipha kanjani inyama yakhe ukuba siyidle na?”

53 UJesu wathi kubo, “Ngiqinisile ngithi, ngaphandle kokuba lidle inyama yeNdodana yoMuntu, linathe igazi layo, kalilakuphila phakathi kwenu. 54  Lowo odla inyama yami njalo anathe igazi lami ulokuphila okungapheliyo njalo ngizamvusa ngosuku lokucina. 55  Ngoba inyama iyikhona kudla okuqotho legazi lami liyikunatha okuqotho. 56  Lowo odla inyama yami njalo anathe igazi lami uhlala kimi, lami kuye. 57  Njengoba uBaba ophilayo wangithuma njalo ngiphila ngenxa kaBaba, kanjalo lowo odla mina uzaphila ngenxa yami. 58  Lesi yiso isinkwa esehla sivela ezulwini. Okhokho benu badla imana, kodwa bafa, kodwa odla lesisinkwa uzaphila lanininini.” 59 Wakutsho lokhu efundisa esinagogweni eKhaphenawume.

Abafundi Abanengi Bahlamukela UJesu

60 Bathi bekuzwa lokhu abafundi bakhe abanengi bathi, “Le yimfundiso enzima. Kambe ngubani ongayamukela na?”

61 UJesu wathi ngokunanzelela ukuthi abafundi bakhe babekhonona ngalokhu wathi kubo, “Lokhu kuyalikhuba yini? 62  Kungaba njani pho nxa lingayibona iNdodana yoMuntu isenyuka ibuyela lapho eyayikhona ngaphambilini! 63  UMoya unika ukuphila; inyama kayisizi lutho. Amazwi engiwakhulume kini angumoya njalo ayikuphila. 64  Kodwa bakhona abanye benu abangakholwayo.” Ngoba uJesu wayevele esazi kusukela ekuqaleni ukuba yibaphi phakathi kwabo ababengakholwa lokuthi ngubani owayezamnikela. 65 Waqhubeka wathi, “Yikho ngalitshela ngathi kakho ongeza kimi ngaphandle kokuba ephiwe amandla nguBaba.”

66 Kusukela kulesosikhathi abafundi bakhe abanengi bamdela ababe besamlandela.

67 UJesu wabuza abalitshumi lambili wathi, “Lina kalifuni kudela lihambe na?”

68 USimoni Phethro wamphendula wathi, “Nkosi, sizakuya kubani na? Wena ulamazwi okuphila okungapheliyo. 69 Thina siyakholwa njalo siyazi ukuthi ungoNgcwele kaNkulunkulu.”

70 UJesu wasephendula wathi, “Kangilikhethanga yini, lina elilitshumi lambili na? Ikanti omunye wenu unguSathane!” 71 (Wayesitsho uJudasi, indodana kaSimoni Iskariyothi, owathi loba engomunye wabalitshumi lambili wamnikela.)

7

UJesu Uya Emkhosini WeziHonqo

1 Ngemva kwalokhu uJesu wahambahamba eGalile, kazathanda ukuya eJudiya ngoba amaJuda alapho ayefuna indlela yokumbulala. 2 Kwathi uMkhosi wamaJuda weziHonqo ususondele 3 abafowabo bakaJesu bathi kuye, “Sekumele usuke lapha uye eJudiya ukuze abafundi bakho babone imimangaliso oyenzayo. 4 Kakho umuntu othi efuna ukuba lodumo asebenzele ensitha. Njengoba usenza izinto lezi ziveze emhlabeni.” 5 Ngoba labafowabo babengakholwa kuye.

6 Ngakho uJesu wabatshela wathi, “Kasikafiki isikhathi sami salokho; kini loba yisiphi isikhathi sililungele. 7  Umhlaba ngeke ulizonde, kodwa mina uyangizonda ngoba ngiveza ukuthi lokho okwenzayo kubi. 8  Hambani lina emkhosini. Mina kangikayi emkhosini lowo ngoba kimi kasikafiki isikhathi esifaneleyo.” 9 Esetsho lokhu wazihlalela eGalile.

10 Kodwa ngemva kokuba abafowabo sebehambile emkhosini laye waya khona, hatshi obala kodwa wahamba ensitha. 11 Khonapho emkhosini amaJuda ayemlindele ebuza esithi, “Ingaphi indoda leyana?”

12 Phakathi kwamaxuku abantu kwakulokunyenyezelana ngaye. Abanye bathi, “Ungumuntu olungileyo.”

Abanye baphendula bathi, “Hatshi, ukhohlisa abantu.” 13 Kodwa kakho owakhuluma ngaye obala ngokwesaba amaJuda.

UJesu Ufundisa Emkhosini

14 Kwathi isikhathi somkhosi sesiphakathi laphakathi uJesu wasesiya egumeni lethempeli waqalisa ukufundisa. 15 AmaJuda amangala, abuza athi, “Indoda le yaluzuza kanjani ulwazi olungaka yona ingafundanga?”

16 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Imfundiso yami kayisiyami. Ivela kulowo ongithumileyo. 17  Nxa umuntu ekhetha ukwenza intando kaNkulunkulu uzabona ingabe imfundiso yami ivela kuNkulunkulu loba ngiyazikhulumela. 18  Lowo ozikhulumelayo wenzela ukuzizuzela udumo, kodwa lowo osebenzela udumo lwalowo omthumileyo ngumuntu weqiniso; kakulankohliso kuye. 19  UMosi kalinikanga yini umthetho? Kodwa kakho lamunye kini owugcinayo umthetho. Kungani lifuna ukungibulala na?”

20 Ixuku labantu laphendula lathi, “Ulamadimoni wena. Ngubani ofuna ukukubulala?”

21 UJesu wathi kubo, “Ngenza umangaliso owodwa lamangala kakhulu lonke. 22  Kodwa ngoba uMosi walipha ukusoka (loba iqiniso liyikuthi kakuvelanga kuMosi kodwa kubokhokho), liyamsoka umntwana ngeSabatha. 23  Manje-ke, nxa umntwana engasokwa ngeSabatha kungabi yikuwephula umthetho kaMosi, pho mina lingizondelani ngokuthi ngisilise umuntu ngokupheleleyo ngeSabatha na? 24  Khawulani ukusola ngokubona kwamehlo kodwa yahlulelani ngokuqondileyo.”

Impikiswano Ngokuthi UJesu Ungubani

25 Ngalesosikhathi abanye abantu baseJerusalema babuza bathi, “Kanti kasuye yini umuntu lo abafuna ukumbulala na? 26 Nangu phela ekhuluma egcekeni kodwa kabatsho lutho kuye. Kambe iziphathamandla zingabe sezibone ukuthi nguye uKhristu na? 27 Kodwa siyakwazi thina lapha indoda le edabuka khona; nxa uKhristu esefika, kakho ozakwazi lapho avela khona.”

28 Kwathi uJesu elokhu esafundisa egumeni lethempeli, wamemeza wathi, “Yebo, liyangazi njalo liyakwazi lapho engivela khona. Kangizibuyelanga lapha kodwa lowo ongithumileyo uqinisile. Kalimazi 29  kodwa mina ngiyamazi ngoba ngivela kuye, nguye ongithumileyo.”

30 Besizwa lokhu bazama ukumbamba kodwa kakho owambeka isandla ngoba isikhathi sakhe sasingakafiki. 31 Loba kunjalo, abanengi exukwini labantu bakholwa kuye. Bathi, “Nxa uKhristu angafika, kambe uzakwenza imimangaliso okwedlula umuntu lo?”

32 AbaFarisi bezwa abantu benyenyeza izinto ezinjalo ngaye. AbaFarisi labaphristi abakhulu basebethuma amanxusa ethempelini ukuba ayembopha.

33 UJesu wathi, “Ngilani okwesikhathi esifitshane, besengihamba ngisiya kuye ongithumileyo. 34  Lizangidinga kodwa lingangifumani; lalapho engikhona lingeke lifike.”

35 AmaJuda abuzana athi, “Umuntu lo ufuna ukuya ngaphi lapho esingeke samfumana khona na? Uzakuya ebantwini bakithi abahlakazekileyo abahlala phakathi kwamaGrikhi, afundise amaGrikhi na? 36 Ubesitshoni esithi, ‘Lizangidinga, kodwa lingangifumani,’ njalo wathi, ‘Lapho engikhona lingeke lifike’?”

37 Ngelanga lokucina elaliqakatheke kakhulu emkhosini, uJesu wasukuma wakhuluma ngelizwi elikhulu wathi, “Nxa ekhona owomileyo keze kimi azonatha. 38  Loba ngubani okholwa kimi njengoba uMbhalo utshilo, imifula yamanzi aphilayo izageleza ngaphakathi kwakhe.” 39 Ngalokhu wayesitsho uMoya, okwakuzakuthi labo abakholwa kuye bamamukele ngesikhathi esizayo. Kuze kube yilesosikhathi uMoya wawungakathelwa ebantwini, njengoba uJesu wayengakakhazimuliswa.

40 Sebewazwile amazwi akhe abanye bathi, “Ngeqiniso umuntu lo nguye umphrofethi.”

41 Abanye bathi, “Nguye uKhristu.”

Abanye njalo babuza bathi, “Kungenzeka kanjani ukuthi uKhristu avele eGalile na? 42 UMbhalo kawutsho yini ukuthi uKhristu uzavela kusendo lukaDavida, eBhethilehema, umuzi lapho uDavida ayehlala khona.” 43 Kanjalo abantu badabukana phakathi ngenxa kaJesu. 44 Abanye babefuna ukumbamba, kodwa kakho owambeka isandla.

Ukungakholwa Kwabakhokheli BamaJuda

45 Amanxusa ethempelini acina esebuyela kubaphristi abakhulu labaFarisi athi, “Kungani lingezanga laye?”

46 Amanxusa afakaza athi, “Kakho osewake wakhuluma njengaloyamuntu.”

47 AbaFarisi bakhwaza bathi, “Litsho ukuthi lani uselikhohlisile? 48 Ukhona na kubabusi loba kubaFarisi osebeke ithemba lakhe kuye? 49 Hatshi! Kodwa inkunkuma yabantu le engazilutho ngezomthetho, iqalekisiwe.”

50 UNikhodimasi owayeye kuJesu mandulo, owayengomunye wabo wabuza wathi, 51 “Kanti umthetho wakithi uyamlahla na umuntu engaqalanga wabuzwa ukuthi yena uthini ngokwakhe?”

52 Baphendula bathi, “Lawe uvela eGalile yini? Ake ukudingisise, uzabona ukuthi kakulamphrofethi ongaphuma eGalile.”*

[ 53 Ngakho bonke basuka baya emizini yabo.

8

1 Kodwa uJesu waya eNtabeni yama-Oliva.

2 Kwathi kusisa wabonakala njalo emagumeni ethempeli, abantu bonke babuthana kuye, wahlala phansi wabafundisa. 3 Abafundisi bomthetho labaFarisi baletha owesifazane owayebanjwe ephinga. Bamisa phambi kwabantu 4 bathi kuJesu, “Mfundisi, owesifazane lo ukhandwe efeba. 5 EMthethweni uMosi wasilaya ukuthi abesifazane abanjalo kabakhandwe ngamatshe. Manje wena uthini?” 6 Umbuzo lo wawungumjibila wabo ukuze bazuze izaba lokumbeka icala.

Kodwa uJesu wakhothama waseloba phansi ngomunwe. 7 Kwathi ngoba belokhu bephikelela ngokumbuza wabakhangela wathi kubo, “Nxa ekhona phakathi kwenu ongelasono kaqale ukumkhanda ngamatshe.” 8 Waphinda wakhothama waloba phansi emhlabathini.

9 Esetshonjalo labo abezwayo baqala ukuthi nyelele munye ngamunye bahamba, kwaqala ngabadala bakhona, kwaze kwasala uJesu yedwa lowesifazane lowo elokhu emi khonapho. 10 UJesu wamkhangela wambuza wathi, “Mama, kanti sebeye ngaphi? Kasekho yini okwethesa icala?”

11 Owesifazane wathi, “Kabasekho, nkosi.”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lami-ke, kangikulahli, zihambele, kodwa ungaphindi wenze isono futhi.”]

Ubuqotho Bobufakazi BukaJesu

12 Kwathi uJesu esekhuluma ebantwini njalo wathi, “Ngiyikukhanya komhlaba. Loba ngubani ongilandelayo kasoze ahambe ebumnyameni lanini kodwa uzakuba lokukhanya kokuphila.”

13 AbaFarisi bahle bamqaga bathi, “Nanko-ke, wena uyazifakazela; ubufakazi bakho kabulaqiniso.”

14 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Loba ngizifakazela mina, ubufakazi bami buqinisile ngoba ngiyakwazi lapho engavela khona lalapho engiyakhona. Kodwa lina kumnyama nje kini ukuthi ngivela ngaphi lokuthi ngiya ngaphi. 15  Lina lahlulela ngendlela yabantu; mina kangahluleli muntu. 16  Kodwa ngithi nxa ngingehlulela, izinqumo zami zilungile ngoba kangingedwa. Ngimi loBaba ongithumileyo. 17  Emthethweni wenu kulotshiwe ukuthi ubufakazi babantu ababili buqinisile. 18  Yimi ngokwami engizifakazelayo; omunye umfakazi nguBaba ongithumileyo.”

19 Basebembuza bathi, “Ungaphi uyihlo?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kalingazi mina kanye loBaba. Aluba belingazi, belizamazi loBaba njalo.” 20 Wawakhuluma amazwi la efundisa egumeni lethempeli eduze lalapho okwakubekwa khona iminikelo. Kodwa kakho owambambayo ngoba isikhathi sakhe sasingakafiki.

Imibuzo NgoJesu

21 Waphinda njalo uJesu wathi kubo, “Ngiyasuka lapha, futhi lizangidinga, kodwa lizafela esonweni senu. Lapho engiyakhona alingeke lize khona.”

22 AmaJuda asebuzana athi, “Uzazibulala yini? Yikho yini esithi, ‘Lapho engiyakhona lingeke lize khona’?”

23 Kodwa waqhubeka wathi, “Lina lingabalapha phansi; mina ngivela phezulu. Lingabomhlaba; mina kangisiwalo umhlaba. 24  Ngilitshelile ukuthi lizafela ezonweni zenu; nxa lingakholwa ukuthi nginguye engithi nginguye, ngempela lizafela ezonweni zenu.”

25 Bambuza bathi, “Uvele ungubani?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Khonokho ebengivele ngikutsho sonke lesisikhathi. 26  Kunengi engingalahlulela ngakho. Kodwa lowo ongithumileyo uthembekile njalo lokho engikuzwileyo kusuka kuye ngikutshela umhlaba.”

27 Kabazange bazwisise ukuthi wayebatshela ngoYise. 28 Ngakho uJesu wasesithi, “Lapho seliyiphakamisile iNdodana yoMuntu lizakwazi ukuthi ngingubani lokuthi kangenzi lutho ngokwami kodwa ngikhuluma kuphela lokho uBaba angifundise khona. 29  Lowo ongithumileyo ulami; kangitshiyanga ngingedwa ngoba ngihlezi ngisenza lokho okumthokozisayo.” 30 Wathi esakhuluma lokhu abanengi bakholwa kuye.

Abantwana Baka-Abhrahama

31 UJesu wathi kumaJuda amkholwayo, “Nxa libambelela emfundisweni yami lingabafundi bami ngempela. 32  Ngakho lizalazi iqiniso, njalo iqiniso lizalikhulula.”

33 Amphendula athi, “Siyinzalo ka-Abhrahama futhi kasizange lanini sibe yizigqili zamuntu. Ukutsho kanjani pho ukuthi sizakhululwa?”

34 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngiqinisile ngithi wonke owenza isono uyisigqili sesono. 35  Phela isigqili kasilandawo emiyo emulini, kodwa oyindodana ungowakhona lanininini. 36  Ngakho-ke, nxa iNdodana ilikhulula, lizakhululeka ngempela. 37  Ngiyakwazi ukuthi lingabosendo luka-Abhrahama. Kodwa selizimisele ukungibulala ngoba ilizwi lami kalilandawo kini. 38  Ngilitshela lokho engikubone phambi kukaBaba kodwa lina lenza lokho elikuzwileyo ngoyihlo.”

39 Aphendula athi, “U-Abhrahama nguye ubaba.”

UJesu wathi, “Aluba belingabantwana baka-Abhrahama ngabe lenza izinto ezenziwa nguye u-Abhrahama. 40  Kodwa kunje nje lizimisele ukungibulala, mina muntu oselitshele iqiniso engilizwileyo livela kuNkulunkulu. U-Abhrahama kazenzanga izinto ezinjalo. 41  Lenza izinto ezenziwa ngowenu uyihlo.”

Amvukela athi, “Kasisibantwana abazuzwa ngobufebe thina. UBaba esilaye kuphela nguNkulunkulu ngokwakhe.”

Abantwana BakaSathane

42 UJesu wathi kuwo, “Kube uNkulunkulu ubenguYihlo, belizangithanda ngoba ngavela kuNkulunkulu, okwamanje sengilapha. Kangizibuyelanga kodwa uNkulunkulu wangithuma. 43  Kungani lingaluzwisisi ulimi engilukhulumayo na? Ngoba liyehluleka ukuzwa engikutshoyo. 44  Lingabakayihlo uSathane ngakho lifuna ukusenza isifiso sikayihlo. Wavele waba ngumbulali mdabuko wakhe, kemanga eqinisweni ngoba uvele engelalo iqiniso. Uthi nxa ewaqamba amanga, akhulume ulimi lomdabuko wakhe ngoba ungusomangase loyise wamanga. 45  Kodwa kalingikholwa ngoba ngilitshela iqiniso! 46  Ukhona na kini ongaveza ukuthi ngilecala lesono? Nxa ngikhuluma iqiniso kungani lingangikholwa na? 47  Lowo ongokaNkulunkulu uyakuzwa lokho uNkulunkulu akutshoyo. Isizatho sokuthi lingezwa yikuthi kalisibo bakaNkulunkulu.”

UJesu Akutshoyo Ngaye

48 AmaJuda aphendula athi, “Siyalahleka yini nxa sisithi ungumSamariya njalo ulamadimoni?”

49 UJesu wathi, “Kangiladimoni mina, kodwa ngidumisa uBaba ikanti lina liyangigcona. 50  Kangizidingeli udumo mina kodwa ukhona olufunayo, yena ungumahluleli. 51  Ngiyaqinisa ngithi, nxa umuntu egcina ilizwi lami kasoze akubone ukufa lanini.”

52 Esizwa lokhu amaJuda ababaza athi, “Khathesi sesisazi ukuthi uledimoni! U-Abhrahama wafa kanye labo abaphrofethi kodwa wena uthi nxa umuntu egcina ilizwi lakho kasoze akuzwe ukufa lanini. 53 Wena umkhulu kulobaba u-Abhrahama na? Wafa, kanye labo abaphrofethi. Wena uzenza bani na?”

54 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Nxa ngizidumisa mina ngokwami, luyize udumo lwami. UBaba, elithi unguNkulunkulu wenu nguye ongidumisayo. 55  Lanxa lina lingamazi, mina ngiyamazi. Ngabe ngithe kangimazi, bengizabe ngingumqambi wamanga njengani kodwa ngiyamazi njalo ngiyaligcina ilizwi lakhe. 56  Uyihlo u-Abhrahama wathakazelela umnakano wokulubona usuku lwami; walubona wathokoza.”

57 AmaJuda athi kuye, “Kawukafikisi iminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu obudala, kodwa uthi usumbonile u-Abhrahama!”

58 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi u-Abhrahama engakazalwa, mina ngasengikhona!” 59 Besizwa lokhu badobha amatshe befuna ukumkhanda kodwa uJesu wasithela, waphunyuka wasuka emagumeni ethempeli.

9

UJesu Usilisa Indoda Eyazalwa Iyisiphofu

1 UJesu wathi elokhu ehamba wabona indoda eyayiyisiphofu kusukela ekuzalweni kwayo. 2 Abafundi bakhe bambuza bathi, “Rabi, ngubani owenza isono, indoda le loba abazali bayo ukuze izalwe iyisiphofu na?”

3 UJesu wathi, “Kakusikho ukuthi abazali bayo loba yona indoda le yenza isono kodwa lokhu kwenzakala ukuze umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu ubonakaliswe empilweni yayo. 4  Nxa kulokhu kusemini kumele siwenze umsebenzi wakhe ongithumileyo. Ubusuku buyeza lapho kungelamuntu ongasebenza khona. 5  Nxa ngisesemhlabeni, ngiyikukhanya komhlaba.”

6 Esekutshilo lokhu wakhafulela emhlabathini, wavuba udaka ngamathe walunameka emehlweni endoda. 7 Wayitshela wathi, “Hamba uyegeza esizibeni saseSilowami” (ibizo leli litsho ukuthi “Ukuthunywa”). Ngakho indoda yahamba yayageza, yabuyela ekhaya isibona.

8 Omakhelwane bayo lalabo abahlezi beyibona icela babuza bathi, “Kakusiyo yini indoda le eyayihlala icela?”

9 Abanye baqinisa ukuthi kwakuyiyo. Abanye bathi, “Hatshi, lo ufana layo nje kuphela.”

Kodwa yona yagcizelela yathi, “Ngiyiyo leyondoda.”

10 Bamjinga ngemibuzo bathi, “Pho amehlo akho avuleke kanjani?”

11 Waphendula wathi, “Indoda abayithi nguJesu ivube udaka yalunameka emehlweni ami. Ingitshele yathi kangiye eSilowami ngiyegeza. Ngakho ngiyile ngayageza, ngasengibona.”

12 Bayibuza bathi, “Ingaphi leyondoda?”

Wathi, “Kangazi.”

AbaFarisi Badingisisa Ngalokho Kusiliswa

13 Indoda leyo eyayikade iyisiphofu yalethwa kubaFarisi. 14 Usuku uJesu enza ngalo udaka wavula amehlo endoda leyo lwaluyiSabatha. 15 AbaFarisi baphinde bayibuzisisa ukuthi kwenziwani ukuze ibone. Indoda yaphendula yathi, “Uninde udaka emehlweni ami, ngageza, manje sengibona.”

16 Abanye abaFarisi bathi, “Umuntu lo kaveli kuNkulunkulu ngoba kaligcini iSabatha.”

Kodwa abanye babuza bathi, “Isoni singayenza kanjani imimangaliso enje na?” Kanjalo adabukana.

17 Bacina sebephendukela endodeni eyayiyisiphofu njalo bathi, “Wena uthini ngaye? Ngamehlo akho awavulileyo.”

Indoda yaphendula yathi, “Ungumphrofethi.”

18 AmaJuda kawazange akholwe ukuthi indoda le yayikade iyisiphofu lokuthi yayisiyenziwe yabona kwaze kwabizwa abazali bayo. 19 Bababuza bathi, “Lo yindodana yenu yini? Nguye lo elithi wazalwa eyisiphofu? Sekwenzeke kanjani ukuthi khathesi usebona?”

20 Abazali baphendula bathi, “Thina sazi ukuthi uyindodana yethu, njalo siyakwazi ukuthi wazalwa eyisiphofu. 21 Kodwa ukuthi khathesi usebona lokuthi amehlo akhe avulwe ngubani kasikwazi. Mbuzeni. Usekhulile; uzazikhulumela.” 22 Abazali bakhe bakutsho lokhu ngoba babesesaba amaJuda, ngoba amaJuda ayesevele aquma ukuthi loba ngubani owayezakuthi uJesu nguKhristu wayezaxotshwa esinagogweni. 23 Yikho abazali bakhe bathi, “Usekhulile; mbuzeni yena.”

24 Aphinda ayibiza okwesibili indoda eyayiyisiphofu athi, “Nika udumo kuNkulunkulu. Siyakwazi ukuthi umuntu lo uyisoni.”

25 Yaphendula yathi, “Ukuthi uyisoni kumbe hatshi kangikwazi. Mina kunye engikwaziyo. Bengiyisiphofu kodwa manje sengibona!”

26 Aseyibuza athi, “Wenzeni kuwe na? Uwavule njani amehlo akho?”

27 Yaphendula yathi, “Sengilitshelile kodwa kalifunanga ukuzwa. Lifunelani ukukuzwa njalo? Lani lifuna ukuba ngabafundi bakhe na?”

28 Khonapho asemthuka esithi, “Ungumfundi walumuntu! Thina singabafundi bakaMosi! 29 Siyakwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu wakhuluma kuMosi, kodwa umfokazi lo kasimazi lokuthi uvela ngaphi.”

30 Indoda yaphendula yathi, “Manje lokhu kuyamangalisa! Kalimazi lapho avela khona kodwa uwavulile amehlo ami. 31 Siyakwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu kazilaleli izoni. Ulalela umuntu olobunkulunkulu, owenza intando yakhe. 32 Kakho osewake wezwa ngokuvulwa kwamehlo omuntu owazalwa eyisiphofu. 33 Aluba umuntu lo ubengaveli kuNkulunkulu ubengasoze enze lutho.”

34 Aphendula lokhu ngokuthi, “Wazalwa ucwile nya esonweni; ngeke sifundiswe nguwe thina!” Asemxotshela phandle.

Ubuphofu KokwakoMoya

35 UJesu wakuzwa ukuthi ayemxotshele phandle, wathi esembonile wathi kuye, “Uyakholwa eNdodaneni yoMuntu na?”

36 Indoda yabuza yathi, “Ingubani na, nkosi? Ngitshela ukuze ngikholwe kuyo.”

37 UJesu wathi, “Khathesi usuyibonile; iqiniso yikuthi yiyo le ekhuluma lawe.”

38 Indoda yasisithi, “Nkosi, ngiyakholwa,” yasimkhonza.

39 UJesu wathi, “Ngeza lapha emhlabeni ukuzakwahlulela, ukuze iziphofu zibone kuthi labo ababonayo babonakale beyiziphofu.”

40 Abanye abaFarisi ababelaye bamuzwa uJesu esitsho lokhu babuza bathi, “Uthini? Lathi siyiziphofu yini?”

41 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kube beliyiziphofu ngabe kalilamlandu wesono. Kodwa umlandu wenu umi ngoba lizenza abakwaziyo abakwenzayo.”

10

Umelusi Olungileyo Lomhlambi Wakhe

1  “Ngikhuluma iqiniso ukuthi umuntu ongangeni ngesango esibayeni sezimvu kodwa akhwele kwenye indawo ulisela lomphangi. 2  Umuntu ongena ngesango nguye umelusi wezimvu. 3  Umlindi wesango uyamvulela, lezimvu ziyalilalela ilizwi lakhe. Izimvu zakhe uzibiza ngamabizo azikhokhele. 4  Nxa esezivulele zonke ezakhe, uhamba phambi kwazo, izimvu zakhe zimlandele ngoba ziyalazi ilizwi lakhe. 5  Kodwa kazisoze zilandele owemzini; iqiniso yikuthi zizambalekela ngoba kazilazi ilizwi lowemzini.” 6 UJesu wasebenzisa umzekeliso lo kodwa kabakuzwisisanga lokho ayebatshela khona.

7 Ngakho uJesu waphinda wathi, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi mina ngiyilo isango lezimvu. 8  Bonke asebake bafika phambi kwami babengamasela labaphangi kodwa izimvu kazibalalelanga. 9  Mina ngiyilo isango; loba ngubani ongena ngami uzasindiswa. Uzangena, aphume, afumane idlelo. 10  Isela lilanda ukweba lokubulala lokubhubhisa kuphela; mina ngilande ukuze zibe lokuphila, zibe lakho ngokugcweleyo.

11  Ngingumelusi olungileyo. Umelusi olungileyo unikela ukuphila kwakhe izimvu zakhe. 12  Oqhatshiweyo kasuye umelusi ongumnini wezimvu. Yikho nxa ebona iganyana lisiza, uyazitshiya izimvu abaleke. Iganyana beseliwuhlasela umhlambi liwuhlakaze. 13  Umuntu lo ubaleka ngoba eyisiqhatshwa, kazikhathaleli izimvu.

14  Mina ngingumelusi olungileyo; ngiyazazi izimvu zami njalo lezimvu zami ziyangazi 15  njengoba uBaba engazi lami ngiyamazi, nginikela ukuphila kwami ezimvini zami. 16  Ngilazo ezinye izimvu ezingasizo zalumhlambi. Lazo kumele ngizilethe. Lazo futhi zizalilalela ilizwi lami ukuze kube lomhlambi owodwa lomelusi oyedwa. 17  Isizatho sokuba uBaba angithande yikuthi ngiyayinikela impilo yami, ngizaphinde ngiyithathe futhi. 18  Kakho ongithathela yona kodwa ngiyinikela ngokufisa kwami. Ngilalo ilungelo lokuyinikela lelungelo lokuphinde ngiyithathe. Umlayo lo ngawamukela uvela kuBaba.”

19 Amazwi aphinda enza amaJuda adabuka phakathi. 20 Amanengi kuwo athi, “Uledimoni, uyawumana njalo uyahlanya. Limlalelelani?”

21 Kodwa amanye athi, “La kayisiwo mazwi omuntu oledimoni. Idimoni lingawavula njani amehlo esiphofu?”

Ukungakholwa KwamaJuda

22 Kwafika uMkhosi Wokuzinikela eJerusalema. Kwakusebusika, 23 uJesu esemagumeni ethempeli ezihambela eKhulusini likaSolomoni. 24 AmaJuda ayembuthanele athi kuye, “Kuzaze kube nini ulokhu usitshiya silengile na? Nxa unguye uKhristu, sitshele kuhle.”

25 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngalitshela kodwa kalikholwa. Imimangaliso engiyenzayo ngebizo likaBaba iyangifakazela, 26  kodwa kalikholwa ngoba kalisizo zimvu zami. 27  Ezami izimvu ziyalilalela ilizwi lami; ngiyazazi lazo ziyangilandela. 28  Ngizipha ukuphila okungapheliyo, kazisoze zabhubha; kakho ongazihlwitha esandleni sikaBaba. 29  UBaba wami yena ongiphe zona mkhulu kulakho konke, kakho ongazihlwitha esandleni sikaBaba 30  Mina loBaba simunye.”

31 Aphinda njalo amaJuda adobha amatshe ukuba amkhande, 32 kodwa uJesu wathi kuwo, “Ngilitshengisile imimangaliso emikhulu eminengi evela kuBaba. Yiwuphi phakathi kwayo elingikhandela wona ngamatshe?”

33 “Kasikukhandeli misebenzi emihle oyenzileyo kodwa sikukhandela ukuhlambaza, ngoba wena, umuntu nje, uzenza uNkulunkulu.”

34 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kakulotshwanga yini eMthethweni wenu ukuthi, ‘Ngitshilo ukuthi “lingonkulunkulu?”*’ 35  Nxa wababiza ngokuthi ‘ngonkulunkulu,’ bona labo ilizwi elafika kubo, njalo uMbhalo kawephulwa 36  pho-ke kungathiwani kulowo uBaba amkhethileyo ukuba ngowakhe wamthumela emhlabeni na? Kungani pho lingibeka icala lokuhlambaza ngoba ngithe ngiyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu? 37  Lingangikholwa ngaphandle kokuba ngenze okwenziwa nguBaba. 38  Kodwa nxa ngikwenza, lanxa lingangikholwa, kholwani ubufakazi bemimangaliso ukuze lifunde njalo lizwisise ukuthi uBaba ukimi, lami ngikuBaba.” 39 Baphinda njalo bazama ukumbamba kodwa waphunyuka.

40 UJesu wabuyela ngaphetsheya kweJodani kuleyondawo lapho uJohane ayebhaphathizela khona ensukwini ezedlulayo. Wahlala khona, 41 abantu abanengi beza kuye. Bathi, “Lanxa uJohane engazange enze umangaliso, kodwa konke lokho uJohane akutshoyo ngomuntu lo kwakuliqiniso.” 42 Kuleyondawo abanengi bakholwa kuJesu.

11

Ukufa KukaLazaro

1 Kwakulendoda eyayithiwa nguLazaro eyayigula. YayingeyaseBhethani, umuzi okwakuhlala khona uMariya lodadewabo uMatha. 2 (UMariya lo olomnewabo uLazaro owayephethwe ngumkhuhlane nguye owathela amakha ezinyaweni zeNkosi wazesula ngenwele zakhe.) 3 Ngakho odadewabo laba bathumela ilizwi kuJesu bathi, “Nkosi, lowo omthandayo uyagula.”

4 UJesu esekuzwile lokhu wathi, “Ukugula lokhu kakuzukucina ngokufa. Kodwa kungokodumo lukaNkulunkulu ukuze iNdodana kaNkulunkulu idunyiswe ngakho.” 5 UJesu wayemthanda uMatha lodadewabo kanye loLazaro. 6 Kodwa loba esezwile ukuthi uLazaro wayegula wazihlalela khona lapho ayekhona okwezinye insuku ezimbili. 7 Wasesithi kubafundi bakhe, “Kasibuyeleni eJudiya.”

8 Bathi, “Oh, Rabi, muvana nje amaJuda ake azama ukukukhanda ngamatshe kodwa wena usubuyela khona futhi?”

9 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kakusikho yini ukuthi kulamahola alitshumi lambili okukhanyisa kwelanga na? Umuntu ohamba emini kayikukhubeka ngoba ebona ngokukhanya kwalapha emhlabeni. 10  Ukhubeka nxa ehamba ebusuku ngoba kalakho ukukhanya.”

11 Esekutshilo lokhu wasebatshela wathi, “Umngane wethu uLazaro uselele kodwa ngiya khonale ukuyamvusa.”

12 Abafundi bakhe baphendula bathi, “Nkosi, nxa kuvuma ukuthi alale, uzabangcono.” 13 UJesu wayekhuluma ngokufa kwakhe kodwa abafundi bakhe babesithi kumbe utsho ukulala okujayelekileyo.

14 Wasebatshela ephumela egcekeni wathi, “ULazaro usefile, 15  kodwa ukuze lina likholwe, ngiyathaba ukuthi bengingekho lapho. Kodwa kasiyeni khona.”

16 UThomasi (othiwa nguDidimasi) wathi kwabanye abafundi, “Lathi kasihambeni ukuze siyekufa laye.”

UJesu Ududuza Odadewabo BakaLazaro

17 Ekufikeni kwakhe uJesu uLazaro wayesehlale ethuneni okwensuku ezine. 18 EBhethani kwakungaphansi kwamakhilomitha amathathu usuka eJerusalema, 19 yikho amaJuda amanengi ayebuyile ukuzakhalela uMatha loMariya ngokulahlekelwa kwabo ngumnewabo. 20 Kwathi uMatha esizwa ukuthi uJesu wayesiza, waphuma wamhlangabeza kodwa uMariya wasala ngekhaya.

21 UMatha wathi kuJesu, “Nkosi, aluba ubukhonapha ngabe umnewethu kafanga. 22 Kodwa ngiyazi ukuthi lamanje uNkulunkulu uzakunika loba yini oyicelayo.”

23 UJesu wathi kuye, “Umfowenu uzavuka njalo.”

24 UMatha waphendula wathi, “Ngiyazi ukuthi uzavuka futhi ekuvukeni kwabafileyo ngosuku lokucina.”

25 UJesu wathi kuye, “Mina ngiyikuvuka kwabafileyo lokuphila. Lowo okholwa kimi uzaphila loba engafa; 26  njalo lowo ophilayo ekholwa kimi kasoze afa lanini. Uyakukholwa lokhu na?”

27 Waphendula wathi, “Yebo Nkosi, ngiyakholwa ukuthi unguye uKhristu, iNdodana kaNkulunkulu, ozabuya emhlabeni.”

28 Esekutshilo lokho wabuyela ngekhaya wabizela udadewabo uMariya eceleni wathi, “UMfundisi usekhona, uyakucela.” 29 UMariya wathi ekuzwa lokhu wasuka masinyane waya kuJesu. 30 UJesu wayelokhu engakangeni phakathi komuzi elokhu elapho ayehlangane khona loMatha. 31 Kwathi amaJuda ayeloMariya endlini emduduza esebonile ukuthi wasukuma masinyane njani ephuma, amlandela ecabanga ukuthi mhlawumbe wayesiya ethuneni ukuyakhalela khona.

32 UMariya wonela ukufika lapho uJesu ayekhona, wambona, wazilahla phansi ezinyaweni zakhe wathi, “Nkosi, kube ubukhona lapha, umnewethu ngabe kafanga.”

33 UJesu embona ekhala kanye lamaJuda ayemlandele wadabuka kakhulu emoyeni, wakhathazeka. 34  Wabuza wathi, “Limbeke ngaphi na?”

Baphendula bathi, “Woza uzobona Nkosi.”

35 UJesu wakhala.

36 AmaJuda asesithi, “Liyabona ukuthi wayemthanda njani!”

37 Kodwa amanye awo athi, “Kanti yena lo owavula amehlo endoda eyayiyisiphofu wehlulekile ukwenza ukuthi umuntu lo angafi na?”

UJesu Uvusa ULazaro Kwabafileyo

38 UJesu waphinda njalo wadabuka, wasondela ethuneni. Ithuna lalilubhalu, kulelitshe elalivale intuba. 39 Wathi, “Lisuseni ilitshe.”

UMatha, udadewabo wendoda efileyo wathi, “Nkosi, khathesi sekulephunga elibi ngoba selensuku ezine simbekile.”

40 UJesu wasesithi, “Kangikutshelanga ukuthi nxa ukholwa uzabona inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu na?”

41 Ngakho balisusa ilitshe. UJesu wasekhangela phezulu wathi, “Baba ngiyakubonga ukuthi ungizwile. 42  Mina bengisazi ukuthi uhlala ungizwa, kodwa ngikutshela lokhu ngisenzela abantu abemi lapha ukuze bakholwe ukuthi ungithumile.”

43 Esekutshilo lokhu uJesu wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu wathi, “Lazaro, phuma!” 44 Umuyi waphuma, izandla lenyawo zakhe zithandelwe ngamaqhele elineni, kulelinye ilembu elalembese ubuso bakhe.

UJesu wathi kubo, “Khuphani izivunulo zokungcwaba limyekele ahambe.”

Icebo Lokubulala UJesu

45 Ngakho amaJuda amanengi ayeze ukuzakhalela uMariya esekubonile uJesu akwenzayo, amkholwa. 46 Kodwa amanye aya kubaFarisi bayabatshela lokho okwakwenziwe nguJesu. 47 Abaphristi abakhulu labaFarisi basebebiza umhlangano weSanihedrini.

Babuzana bathi, “Kanti sivele senzani? Nangu phela umuntu lo esenza imimangaliso eminengi. 48 Singamyekela aqhubeke ngalindlela, wonke umuntu uzakholwa kuye njalo amaRoma azakuza athathe indawo yethu lesizwe sethu.”

49 Kwasekusithi omunye wabo owayethiwa nguKhayifasi, owayengumphristi omkhulu ngalowomnyaka, wakhuluma wathi, “Kalazi lutho! 50 Kalikuboni lina ukuthi kungcono ukuba umuntu oyedwa afele abantu kulokuthi kubhubhe isizwe sonke.”

51 Lokhu kazikhulumelanga yena ngokwakhe, kodwa njengomphristi omkhulu kwabanye ngalowomnyaka waphrofitha ukuthi uJesu wayezafela isizwe samaJuda, 52 kungasisizwe leso sodwa, kodwa labantwana bakaNkulunkulu abahlakazekileyo ukuze balethwe ndawonye, benziwe babemunye. 53 Kusukela ngalesosikhathi bakha amacebo okumbulala.

54 Ngakho uJesu wayengasahambahambi obala phakathi kwamaJuda. Wasuka lapho waya emangweni owawuseduze kwenkangala, emzini owawuthiwa yi-Efrayimu, lapho ahlala khona labafundi bakhe.

55 Kwathi sekuzakuba yisikhathi sePhasika lamaJuda, abanengi baqubuka elizweni baya eJerusalema ukuyahlanjululwa ngokomkhuba kungakabi yiPhasika. 56 Babelokhu bethalaza befuna uJesu, kwathi bemi egumeni lethempeli babuzana bathi, “Licabangani? Ukuthi angaphutha yini emkhosini?” 57 Kodwa abaphristi abakhulu labaFarisi basebelayele ukuthi nxa ekhona owayekwazi ukuthi uJesu wayengaphi, ahle abike ukuze bambophe.

12

UJesu Uyagcotshwa EBhethani

1 Kwasekusele insuku eziyisithupha ukuthi kufike iPhasika, uJesu waya eBhethani, lapho okwakuhlala khona uLazaro owayevuswe kwabafileyo nguJesu. 2 Kwaphekwa ukudla kwakusihlwa kuhlonitshwa yena uJesu. UMatha nguye owayedidizela, uLazaro ehlezi labanye etafuleni loJesu. 3 UMariya wasethatha amafutha enadi acengekileyo njalo adulayo kakhulu, ayengaba yingxenye yelitha, wawathela ezinyaweni zikaJesu wasezesula ngenwele zakhe. Indlu yagcwala ngephunga elimnandi lamakha lawo.

4 Kodwa omunye wabafundi bakhe, uJudasi Iskariyothi owayezamnikela wasola wathi, 5 “Kungani amakha la engathengiswanga imali yaphiwa abampofu? Intengo yawo ibinganela umholo womnyaka wonke.” 6 Kakutshongo lokhu ngoba ebanakekela abampofu, kodwa ngoba elisela; njengomgcinisikhwama wayandise ukuzisiza ngalokho okwakufakwa phakathi kwaso.

7 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Myekele. Kwakuqondwe ukuthi amakha la awabekele usuku lokungcwatshwa kwami. 8  Lizahlala lilabo abampofu phakathi kwenu kodwa mina kaliyikuhlala lilami.”

9 Ngalesosikhathi ixuku elikhulu lamaJuda lezwa ukuthi uJesu wayelapho, leza lingalandanga yena kuphela kodwa lokuthi libone uLazaro ayemvuse kwabafileyo. 10 Ngakho abaphristi abakhulu benza amacebo okuba bambulale laye uLazaro, 11 ngoba ngenxa yakhe amaJuda amanengi ayesiya kuJesu ebeka ukholo lwawo kuye.

Ukungena Ngobukhosi

12 Ngosuku olulandelayo ixuku elikhulu elalize emkhosini lezwa ukuthi uJesu wayesendleleni esiza eJerusalema. 13 Lathatha amagatsha elala laphuma ukuyamhlangabeza, limemeza lisithi,

“Hosana!”*

“Ubusisiwe lowo obuya ngebizo likaThixo!”

“Ubusisiwe oyiNkosi ka-Israyeli!”

14 UJesu wathola inkonyane kababhemi wayigada njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

15 “Ungesabi, Oh Ndodakazi yeZiyoni;

khangela, inkosi yakho iyeza,

ihlezi phezu kwenkonyane kababhemi.”†

16 Kuqala abafundi bakhe kabakuzwisisanga konke lokhu. Kwaze kwaba ngemva kokuba uJesu esekhazimulisiwe lapho abananzelela khona ukuba izinto lezi zazilotshwe ngaye lokuthi babezenzile kuye lezozinto.

17 Ngalesosikhathi ixuku elalilaye mhla ebiza uLazaro ethuneni wabuye wamvusa ekufeni laqhubeka lilifakaza ilizwi. 18 Abantu abanengi bahamba ukuyamhlangabeza ngoba basebezwile ukuthi wayewenzile umangaliso lo. 19 AbaFarisi bakhulumisana besithi, “Liyabona, into le izasitshiya esikhaleni. Khangelani ukuthi umhlaba wonke usuthe zalezale kuye!”

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokufa Kwakhe

20 Kwakukhona amaGrikhi phakathi kwalabo abayakhonza emkhosini. 21 Beza kuFiliphu owayevela eBhethisayida eGalile lesicelo esithi, “Nkosi, sifuna ukubona uJesu.” 22 UFiliphu wayatshela u-Andreya; u-Andreya loFiliphu basebemtshela uJesu.

23 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Sesifikile isikhathi sokuba iNdodana yoMuntu ikhazimuliswe. 24  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi ngaphandle kokuthi uhlamvu lwengqoloyi luwele emhlabathini lufe, lusala lulokhu luluhlamvu olulodwa. Kodwa lungaze lufe luthela inhlamvu ezinengi. 25  Umuntu othanda impilo yakhe izamlahlekela ikanti umuntu ozonda impilo yakhe kulo umhlaba uzayilondolozela ingunaphakade. 26  Lowo ongikhonzayo kumele angilandele, lalapho engikhona lesikhonzi sami sikhona. UBaba uzamdumisa lowo ongikhonzayo.

27  Khathesi inhliziyo yami ikhathazekile. Kambe ngingatsho na ngithi, ‘Baba, ngihlenga singafiki lesosikhathi’? Hatshi, kwakungenxa yalesisizatho ukuze ngingene kulesisikhathi. 28  Baba, khazimulisa ibizo lakho!”

Kwasekufika ilizwi livela ezulwini lisithi, “Sengilikhazimulisile, ngizaphinda ngilikhazimulise.” 29 Ixuku labantu elalilapho elalizwayo ilizwi lathi kube lomdumo wezulu; abanye bathi ingilosi yayikhulume laye.

30 UJesu wathi, “Ilizwi leli belingelokusiza lina, hayi mina. 31  Manje sekuyisikhathi sokwahlulela kulo umhlaba; manje inkosi yalo umhlaba isizaxotshwa. 32  Kodwa mina nxa sengiphakanyisiwe ngisuswa emhlabeni, ngizabadonsela kimi bonke abantu.” 33 Wakutsho lokhu eveza ukuthi wayezakufa ukufa okunjani.

34 Ixuku labhoboka lathi, “Sezwa eMthethweni ukuthi uKhristu uzahlala kokuphela, pho ukutsho kanjani ukuthi, ‘INdodana yoMuntu imele iphakanyiswe na’? Ingubani yona ‘iNdodana yoMuntu’ le?”

35 UJesu wabatshela wathi, “Lizakuba lakho ukukhanya okwesikhatshana esithile. Hambani liseselakho ukukhanya, ubumnyama bungakaligubuzeli. Umuntu ophumputha emnyameni kakwazi lapho aya khona. 36  Bekani ithemba lenu ekukhanyeni liseselakho ukuze libe ngamadodana okukhanya.” Wathi eseqedile ukukhuluma uJesu wasuka kubo wayazifihla.

Ukukholwa Lokungakholwa KwamaJuda

37 Lanxa uJesu wayeseyenze yonke imimangaliso le emehlweni abo babelokhu bengakholwa kuye. 38 Lokhu kwakugcwalisa ilizwi lika-Isaya umphrofethi elithi:

“Nkosi, ngubani olikholiweyo ilizwi lethu na,

njalo amandla eNkosi ambulelwe ubani na?”‡

39 Ngalesisizatho babengeke bakholwa ngoba u-Isaya uyatsho komunye umbhalo ukuthi:

40 “Uwafiphazile amehlo abo

wathundubeza inhliziyo zabo

ukuze bangaboni ngamehlo abo

njalo bangezwisisi ngenhliziyo zabo,

loba baphenduke, ukuze ngibasilise.”§

41 U-Isaya wakutsho lokhu ngoba wayibona inkazimulo kaJesu njalo wayekhuluma ngaye.

42 Kodwa loba kunjalo, abanengi labanye abakhokheli bakholwa kuye. Kodwa ngenxa yabaFarisi kabalufakazanga ukholo lwabo besesaba ukuthi bazaxotshwa esinagogweni; 43 ngoba babethanda ukubukwa ngabantu okwedlula ukubukwa okuvela kuNkulunkulu.

44 UJesu wasememeza wathi, “Nxa umuntu ekholwa kimi, kakholwa kimi kuphela kodwa kuye lowo ongithumileyo. 45  Nxa ekhangela mina ubona yena lowo ongithumileyo. 46  Ngibuye emhlabeni ngiyikukhanya ukuze angabikhona okholwa kimi ozahlala ebumnyameni.

47  Nxa umuntu ewezwa amazwi ami kodwa angawagcini, angimahluleli mina. Phela kangilandanga ukuzowahlulela umhlaba kodwa ukuzowusindisa. 48  Ukhona umahluleli walowo ongalayo, ongawemukeliyo amazwi ami; lawomazwi engawakhulumayo uqobo azamlahla ngosuku lokucina. 49  Ngoba kangizikhulumelanga ngokwentando yami kodwa uBaba owangithumayo wangilaya ukuthi ngithini lokuthi ngikutsho kanjani. 50  Ngiyazi ukuthi umlayo wakhe uholela ekuphileni kwaphakade. Ngakho loba kuyini engikutshoyo yikho lokho uBaba angitshele khona ukuthi ngikutsho.”

13

UJesu Ugezisa Inyawo Zabafundi Bakhe

1 Kwakuyisikhathi lapho uMkhosi wePhasika ususondele. UJesu wayekwazi ukuthi isikhathi sokuthi asuke kulumhlaba aye kuYise sasesisondele. Wayehlezi ebathanda abakhe abasemhlabeni, lesi kwasekuyisikhathi sokubatshengisa ukujula kothando lwakhe.

2 Kwathi kudliwa ukudla kwakusihlwa, uSathane wayevele esemtshutshisile uJudasi Iskariyothi, indodana kaSimoni, ukuthi anikele uJesu. 3 UJesu wayekwazi ukuthi uYise wayenikele zonke izinto emandleni akhe, lokuthi yena wayevela kuNkulunkulu njalo wayebuyela kuNkulunkulu, 4 ngakho wasukuma ekudleni, wakhulula isembatho saphezulu, wabophela ithawulo ekhalweni lwakhe. 5 Ngemva kwalokho, wathela amanzi enditshini waseqalisa ukugezisa inyawo zabafundi bakhe, wazesula ngethawulo leyo ayezibophe ngayo.

6 Wafika kuSimoni Phethro owathi kuye, “Nkosi, kambe wena nguwe ongagezisa inyawo zami na?”

7 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kawukuzwisisi lokhu engikwenzayo khathesi kodwa uzakuzwisisa ngesikhathi esizayo.”

8 UPhethro wathi, “Hatshi, kawusoze lanini ugezise inyawo zami.”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Nxa ngingakugezisi kawulabudlelwano lami.”

9 UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Nkosi, nxa kunjalo, kakungabi zinyawo zami zodwa kodwa lezandla zami kanye lekhanda lami!”

10 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lowo ogeze umzimba udinga ukugeza inyawo zakhe kuphela, ngoba umzimba wakhe wonke uhlanzekile. Njalo lina lihlanzekile loba nje kungayisini lonke elihlanzekileyo.” 11 Ngoba wayemazi lowo owayezamnikela, yikho wathi kakusibo bonke ababehlanzekile.

12 Eseqedile ukubagezisa inyawo, wagqoka isembatho saphezulu wasebuyela endaweni yakhe. Wababuza wathi, “Liyakuzwisisa na esengilenzele khona? 13  Lingibiza lithi ‘Mfundisi’ lokuthi ‘Nkosi,’ lisitsho liqondile, ngoba ngiyikho lokho. 14  Manje-ke njengoba mina, iNkosi yenu loMfundisi, sengigezise inyawo zenu, lani kumele ligezisane inyawo. 15  Sengilenzele isibonelo ukuthi lenze njengoba ngilenzele mina. 16  Ngempela ngiqinisile ngithi kini kakulanceku enkulu kulenkosi yayo, njalo isithunywa kasisikhulu kulalowo osithumileyo. 17  Lingaze lizazi lezizinto lizabusiswa nxa lizenza.”

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokunikelwa Kwakhe

18  “Kangikhulumi ngani lonke; ngiyabazi labo esengibakhethile. Kodwa lokhu kuyikugcwalisa umbhalo othi: ‘Lowo obesidla lami isinkwa usengihlamukele.’*

19  Ngilazisa khathesi kungakenzakali, ukwenzela ukuthi lapho sekusenzakala, likholwe ukuthi ngiNguye. 20  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi lowo owamukela loba ngubani engimthumayo wamukela mina njalo lowo owamukela mina wamukela lowo ongithumileyo.”

21 UJesu esatsho lokhu wakhathazeka kakhulu wafakaza wathi, “Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi omunye wenu uzanginikela.”

22 Abafundi bakhe bakhangelana bedidekile ukuthi kambe angabe esitsho wuphi kubo. 23 Omunye wabo owayethandwa nguJesu wayeyeme etafuleni eduzane laye. 24 USimoni Phethro wasemqhweba lowomfundi wathi kuye, “Mbuze ukuthi utsho bani.”

25 Waseseyama kuJesu wambuza wathi, “Nkosi, ngubani?”

26 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kungulowo engizamupha ucezu lwesinkwa nxa sengisitshebile emganwini.” Kwathi esesitshebile isinkwa wasiqhubela uJudasi Iskariyothi, indodana kaSimoni. 27 Wonela ukusithatha isinkwa uJudasi uSathane wasengena kuye.

UJesu wathi kuye, “Lokho osufuna ukukwenza, kwenze masinyane.” 28 Kodwa kakho etafuleni owazwisisayo ukuthi kungani uJesu watsho njalo kuye. 29 Ngenxa yokuthi uJudasi nguye owayephatha imali, abanye bacabanga ukuthi uJesu wayemtshela ukuthi athenge lokho okwakuzafuneka emkhosini kumbe ukuthi anike okuthile kwabampofu. 30 Wonela ukuthi athathe isinkwa waphuma. Kwasekusebusuku.

UJesu Ukhuluma Ngokuphikwa Kwakhe NguPhethro

31 Esehambile uJesu wathi, “Khathesi iNdodana yoMuntu isikhazimulisiwe njalo uNkulunkulu ukhazimulisiwe kuyo. 32  Nxa uNkulunkulu ekhazimulisiwe kuyo, uNkulunkulu laye uzayikhazimulisa iNdodana kuye njalo uzayikhazimulisa masinyane.

33  Bantwabami, ngizakuba lani okwesikhatshana esincane. Lizangidinga kodwa njengoba ngawatshela amaJuda, lani sengilitshela khathesi ukuthi: Lapho engiyakhona, alingeke lifike.

34  Ngilinika umlayo omutsha: Thandanani. Kumele lithandane njengoba lami ngilithandile. 35  Bonke abantu bazakwazi ukuthi lingabafundi bami nxa lithandana.”

36 USimoni Phethro wambuza wathi, “Nkosi, kanti uya ngaphi na?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lapho engiyakhona ungazake ungilandele khathesi kodwa uzangilandela ngesikhathi esizayo.”

37 Wabuza uPhethro wathi, “Nkosi, kungani ngingahle ngikulandele khathesi? Ngizanikela ukuphila kwami kuwe.”

38 UJesu wasemphendula wathi, “Kambe uzinikele ukuphila kwakho ngenxa yami? Ngiqinisile ngithi uzangiphika kathathu iqhude lingakakhali!”

14

UJesu Ududuza Abafundi Bakhe

1  “Inhliziyo zenu kazingakhathazeki. Kholwani kuNkulunkulu; likholwe lakimi. 2  Emzini kaBaba kulezindlu ezinengi; aluba kwakungenjalo ngabe ngalitshela. Ngiya khona ukuyalilungisela indawo. 3  Njalo nxa sengiyile ukulilungisela indawo ngizabuya ngizolithatha ukuthi libe lami, ukuze libe lami lapho engikhona. 4  Liyayazi indlela eya lapho engiyakhona.”

UJesu Yindlela Eya KuBaba

5 UThomasi wathi kuye, “Nkosi, kasikwazi lapho oya khona, pho singayazi kanjani indlela na?”

6 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Mina ngiyiyo indlela njalo ngiliqiniso lokuphila. Kakho oza kuBaba ngaphandle kwami. 7  Aluba belingazi ngempela, belizamazi loBaba. Kusukela khathesi, selimazi njalo selimbonile.”

8 UFiliphu wathi, “Nkosi, sitshengise uBaba ngoba yikho lokho okuzasanelisa.”

9 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lokhe ungangazi na Filiphu, emva kwesikhathi eside kangaka ngilani? Lowo ongibonileyo usembonile uBaba. Ungatsho kanjani ukuthi, ‘Sitshengise uBaba’? 10  Kawukholwa yini ukuthi ngikuBaba lokuthi uBaba ukimi? Amazwi engiwakhulumayo kini akusiwami. Kodwa nguBaba ophila kimi owenzayo umsebenzi wakhe. 11  Kholwani kimi nxa ngisithi ngikuBaba loBaba ukimi; loba ukukholwa ubufakazi bemimangaliso ngokwayo nje zwi. 12  Ngiqinisile ukuthi lowo okholwa kimi uzakwenza lokho ebengikwenza. Uzakwenza izinto ezinkulu kulalezi ngoba ngiya kuBaba. 13  Njalo ngizakwenza noma yini eliyicelayo ngebizo lami ukuze iNdodana ilethe inkazimulo kuBaba. 14  Lingacela noma yini ngebizo lami, ngizakwenza.”

UJesu Uthembisa UMoya ONgcwele

15  “Nxa lingithanda, gcinani imilayo yami. 16  Ngizacela kuBaba ukuthi alinike omunye umeli ukuthi alisize abe lani kuze kube laphakade, 17  uMoya weqiniso. Ilizwe ngeke limamukele ngoba kalimboni njalo kalimazi. Kodwa lina liyamazi ngoba uhlala lani njalo uzakuba lani. 18  Kangisoze ngilitshiye lizintandane, ngizabuya kini. 19  Kakusekhatshana ukuthi umhlaba ungabe usangibona njalo kodwa lina lizangibona. Ngenxa yokuthi ngiyaphila, lani lizaphila futhi. 20  Ngalolosuku lizakunanzelela ukuthi ngikuBaba, lina likimi, lami ngikini. 21  Lowo olayo imilayo yami, ayigcine, nguye ongithandayo. Lowo ongithandayo uzathandwa nguBaba njalo lami ngizamthanda ngiziveze kuye.”

22 Ngakho uJudasi (hatshi uJudasi Iskariyothi) wathi, “Kodwa Nkosi, kungani ujonge ukuziveza kithi, hatshi emhlabeni na?”

23 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lowo ongithandayo uzalalela imfundiso yami. UBaba uzamthanda njalo sizakuza kuye sakhe umuzi wethu kanye laye. 24  Lowo ongangithandiyo kayikulalela imfundiso yami. Amazwi la eliwezwayo kayisiwo wami, ngakaBaba ongithumileyo.

25  Konke lokhu ngikukhulume ngiseselani. 26  Kodwa uMeli, uMoya ONgcwele, uBaba azamthumela ebizweni lami, uzalifundisa zonke izinto njalo uzalikhumbuza konke engikukhulume kini. 27  Ukuthula ngikutshiya kini; ukuthula kwami ngilinika khona. Kangiliniki njengokunika komhlaba. Lingakhathazeki ezinhliziyweni zenu njalo lingesabi.

28  Langizwa ngisithi, ‘Ngiyahamba njalo ngizabuya kini.’ Kube belingithanda, ngabe liyathokoza ukuthi ngiya kuBaba, ngoba uBaba mkhulu kulami. 29  Sengilitshelile manje kungakenzakali ukuze kuthi nxa sekusenzakala likholwe. 30  Kangisayikukhuluma okunengi kini ngoba inkosi yalo umhlaba isisiza. Kayilamandla phezu kwami, 31  kodwa umhlaba umele wazi ukuthi ngiyamthanda uBaba lokuthi ngenza khona kanye uBaba angilaye khona.

Wozani manje; kasisukeni lapha.”

15

Ivini Lamagatsha

1  “Mina ngilivini eliqotho, uBaba ungumlimi. 2  Zonke ingatsha ezingatheli izithelo uyaziquma, kuthi zonke ingatsha ezithelayo uyazithena kuhle ukuze zithele kakhulu. 3  Lina selihlambulukile ngenxa yelizwi esengilikhulume kini. 4  Hlalani kimi, lami ngizahlala kini. Kalukho ugatsha olungathela izithelo ngokwalo kodwa kumele luhlale lusevinini. Lani lingeke lithele izithelo ngaphandle kokuthi lihlale kimi.

5  Mina ngilivini; lina lizingatsha. Nxa umuntu ehlala kimi lami kuye, uzathela izithelo ezinengi; ngaphandle kwami kakukho elingakwenza. 6  Nxa lingahlali kimi, lizabe lifana logatsha olulahliweyo lwabuna; ingatsha ezinjalo ziyathezwa, zibaswe besezisitsha. 7  Nxa lihlala kimi lamazwi ami ehlala kini, celani loba yini eliyifunayo, lizayiphiwa. 8  Lokhu kungokwenkazimulo kaBaba ukuze lithele izithelo ezinengi, lizitshengisa ukuthi lingabafundi bami.

9  Njengoba uBaba engithanda, lami ngilithande ngendlela angithanda ngayo. Ngakho-ke, hlalani ethandweni lwami. 10  Nxa ligcina imilayo yami, lizahlala lisethandweni lwami, njengoba lami ngilalele imilayo kaBaba ngihlala ngisethandweni lwakhe. 11  Ngilitshele lokhu ukuze ukuthokoza kwami kube kini lokuthi ukuthokoza kwenu kuphelele. 12  Umlayo wami yilo: Thandanani njengoba ngilithandile lani. 13  Kakho olothando olukhulu kulonikela ukuphila kwakhe ngenxa yabangane bakhe. 14  Lingabangane bami nxa lisenza lokho engililaya khona. 15  Kangisalibizi ngokuthi liyizinceku ngoba inceku kayiwazisisi umsebenzi wenkosi yayo. Kodwa ngithe kini lingabangane ngoba konke engakufunda kuBaba ngilazisile. 16  Kalingikhethanga, kodwa yimi engalikhethayo, ngalibeka ukuze liyethela izithelo, izithelo ezizahlala isikhathi eside ukuze kuthi konke elikucela ngebizo lami uBaba alinike khona. 17  Nanku umlayo wami: Thandanani.”

Umhlaba Uzonda Abafundi

18  “Nxa umhlaba ulizonda, khumbulani ukuthi wangizonda kuqala. 19  Ngabe belingabomhlaba, ubuzalithanda njengabantu bawo. Njengoba kunje, kalisibo abomhlaba, kodwa ngilikhethe lisemhlabeni. Yikho umhlaba ulizonda. 20  Khumbulani amazwi engawakhuluma kini ngisithi: ‘Kakulanceku enkulu kuleNkosi yayo.’*Nxa bangihlukuluza, lani bazalihlukuluza. Nxa balalela imfundiso yami, bazayilalela leyenu. 21  Bazaliphatha ngaleyondlela ngenxa yebizo lami, ngoba kabamazi lowo ongithumileyo. 22  Aluba bengingezanga ngakhuluma kubo bebengayikuba lomlandu wesono. Kodwa manje kabaselaxolo ngesono sabo. 23  Lowo ozonda mina uzonda loBaba. 24  Aluba angenzanga umangaliso ongenziwanga ngomunye wabo phakathi kwabo, babengayikuba lomlandu wesono. Kodwa khathesi sebeyibonile imimangaliso le, kodwa baphinde bangizonde mina kanye loBaba. 25  Kodwa lokhu kwenzeka ukuze kugcwalise okulotshiweyo eMthethweni wabo ukuthi: ‘Bangizonda kungelasizatho.’ ”†

Umsebenzi KaMoya OyiNgcwele

26  “Angaze afike uMeli engizamthumela kini evela kuBaba, uMoya weqiniso ophuma kuBaba, uzafakaza ngami; 27  lani kumele lifakaze, ngoba laba lami kusukela ekuqaleni.”

16

1  “Ngilitshela konke lokhu ukuze ukholo lwenu lunganyikinyeki. 2  Bazalixotsha esinagogweni; ngempela siyeza isikhathi lapho abazalibulala khona bezitshela ukuthi benzela uNkulunkulu into enhle. 3  Bazakwenza lokhu ngoba kabamazanga uBaba loba mina. 4  Ngilitshela lokhu ukuze kuthi isikhathi lesi sifika likhumbule ukuthi ngalixwayisa ngaso. Kangilitshelanga lokhu ekuqaleni ngoba ngangilani.”

Umsebenzi KaMoya ONgcwele

5  “Kodwa khathesi sengisiya kuye ongithumileyo. Kakho kini ongibuzayo ukuthi, ‘Uya ngaphi na?’ 6  Kodwa ngenxa yokuba sengizitshilo lezizinto, selihlulukelwe. 7  Ngilitshela iqiniso ngithi: Kulungele lina ukuba ngihambe. Ngaphandle kokuthi ngihambe, uMeli akayikuza kini; kodwa nxa ngihamba, ngizamthuma kini. 8  Lapho efika uzatshengisa umhlaba ukuthi ulahlekile ngesono, ngokulunga langokwahlulelwa: 9  ngokwesono, ngoba abantu kabakholwa kimi; 10  ngokulunga, ngoba ngiya kuBaba, lapho elingasayi kungibona khona njalo; 11  langokwahlulelwa, ngoba umbusi walo umhlaba usemiselwe ukulahlwa.

12  Kusasekunengi engingakutsho kini, kodwa kungalisinda. 13  Kodwa yena uMoya weqiniso nxa esefikile uzalikhokhelela kulolonke iqiniso. Kazukuzikhulumela yena; uzakhuluma lokho akuzwayo kuphela, njalo uzalitshela lokho okusazobuya. 14  Uzaletha inkazimulo kini ngokuthatha kulokho okungokwami akwenze kwazakale kini. 15  Konke okungokukaBaba ngokwami. Yikho ngithe uMoya uzathatha kokungokwami akwenze kwazakale kini.”

Usizi Lwabafundi Luzakuba Yintokozo

16 UJesu waqhubeka esithi, “Ngesikhatshana aliyi kungibona, kodwa ngemva kwesikhatshana lizangibona.”

17 Abanye babafundi bakhe bakhulumisana bathi, “Utshoni ngokuthi, ‘Ngemva kwesikhatshana kalisayikungibona,’ njalo athi, ‘Kuthi ngemva kwesikhatshana lizangibona njalo, Ngoba ngiya kuBaba’ na?” 18 Babelokhu bebuza besithi, “Utshoni nxa esithi ‘isikhatshana’? Kasikuzwisisi lokho akutshoyo.”

19 UJesu wabona ukuthi babefuna ukumbuza ngalokhu, wasesithi kubo, “Liyabuzana ukuthi bengisitshoni ngize ngithi, ‘Ngemva kwesikhatshana kalisayikungibona’? 20  Ngilitshela iqiniso ukuthi lizakhala lilile kodwa umhlaba wona uthokoza. Lizakuba losizi, kodwa usizi lwenu luzakuba yintokozo. 21  Owesifazane nxa ebeletha uzwa ubuhlungu ngoba isikhathi sakhe sesifikile; kodwa nxa umntwana esezelwe uyabukhohlwa ubuhlungu lobo ngenxa yentokozo yokuthi sekuzelwe umntwana emhlabeni. 22  Kunjalo lakini: Manje yisikhathi senu sosizi, kodwa ngizaphinda ngilibone beselithokoza, njalo kakho ozaphinda alemuke intokozo yenu. 23  Ngalolosuku kaliyi kungibuza lutho. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini, uBaba wami uzalinika loba yini eliyicela ngebizo lami. 24  Kuze kube manje kalikaceli lutho ngebizo lami. Celani, lizakwamukeliswa, ukuze ukuthokoza kwenu kuphelele.

25  Lanxa bengikhuluma ngemizekeliso, siyeza isikhathi lapho ngingasayikukhuluma ngaleyondlela, kodwa engizalitshela khona kamhlophe ngoBaba. 26  Ngalelolanga lizacela ngebizo lami. Kangitsho ukuthi ngizalicelela kuBaba. 27  Hatshi, uBaba yena ngokwakhe uyalithanda ngoba lingithandile, lakukholwa ukuthi ngavela kuNkulunkulu. 28  Ngavela kuBaba ngangena emhlabeni; okwamanje sengiwutshiya umhlaba sengibuyela kuBaba.”

29 Abafundi bakaJesu basebesithi, “Khathesi usukhuluma kamhlophe ungasazekelisi. 30 Khathesi sesibona ukuthi uyazazi izinto zonke lokuthi kakudingeki ukuthi ubuzwe imibuzo. Lokhu kwenza ukuthi sikholwe ukuba wavela kuNkulunkulu.”

31 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Khathesi selikholwa na? 32  Kodwa siyeza isikhathi, sesifikile, lapho elizachitheka khona, ngulowo aye ngakibo. Lizangitshiya ngedwa lonke. Ikanti kangingedwa ngoba uBaba ulami.

33  Ngilitshele izinto lezi ukuze libe lokuthula kimi. Kulumhlaba lizahlupheka. Kodwa wobani lesibindi! Sengiwunqobile umhlaba.”

17

UJesu Uyazikhulekela

1 UJesu esekutshilo lokhu, wakhangela ezulwini wakhuleka wathi:

“Baba, isikhathi sesifikile. Khazimulisa iNdodana yakho, ukuze iNdodana yakho ikukhazimulise. 2  Ngoba wayinika amandla phezu kwabantu bonke ukuthi ibaphe ukuphila okungapheliyo kubo bonke labo obanike yona. 3  Manje-ke yilokhu ukuphila okungapheliyo: ukuthi bakwazi wena, onguwe wedwa uNkulunkulu weqiniso, loJesu Khristu omthumileyo. 4  Sengikulethele inkazimulo emhlabeni ngokuphelelisa umsebenzi owanginika wona ukuthi ngiwenze. 5  Manje, Baba, akungikhazimulise phambi kwakho ngaleyonkazimulo esasilayo sobabili umhlaba ungakabi khona.”

UJesu Ukhulekela Abafundi Bakhe

6  “Ngikuvezile kulabo owangipha bona emhlabeni. Babengabakho; wangipha bona njalo labo balilalele ilizwi lakho. 7  Khathesi sebesazi ukuthi konke lokho onginike khona kuvela kuwe. 8  Ngoba ngabanika amazwi owanginika wona bawemukela. Bakwazi ngeqiniso ukuthi ngavela kuwe njalo bakholwa ukuthi ungithumile. 9  Ngikhulekela bona. Kangikhulekeli umhlaba kodwa labo onginike bona ngoba bangabakho. 10  Konke engilakho ngokwakho, lakho konke olakho ngokwami. Lenkazimulo isikimi ngabo. 11  Kangisayikuhlala emhlabeni kusukela khathesi ngoba sengisiza kuwe, kodwa bona balokhu besemhlabeni. Baba Ongcwele, bavikele ngamandla ebizo lakho, ibizo owanginika lona ukuze babemunye njengalokhu thina simunye. 12  Ngesikhathi ngiphakathi kwabo ngabavikela, ngabagcina bephephile ngalelobizo owanginika lona. Kakulahlekanga loyedwa ngaphandle koyedwa owayefanele ukubhubha ukuze kugcwaliseke uMbhalo.

13  Sengisiza kuwe manje, kodwa ngiyazitsho lezizinto ngisesemhlabeni ukuze babe lentokozo yami ngokugcweleyo ngaphakathi kwabo. 14  Ngibaphile ilizwi lakho ngakho umhlaba usubazonda ngoba bengaseyibo bomhlaba njengoba lami ngingasuye womhlaba. 15  Umkhuleko wami kawusi wokuthi ubasuse emhlabeni, kodwa ukuthi ubavikele komubi. 16  Kabasibo bomhlaba, njengoba lami ngingasiwawo. 17  Bangcwelise ngalo iqiniso; ilizwi lakho liliqiniso. 18  Njengalokhu wangithuma emhlabeni, lami ngibathumile emhlabeni. 19  Ngenxa yabo ngiyazingcwelisa ukuze labo bangcweliswe ngobuqotho.”

UJesu Ukhulekela Wonke Amakholwa

20  “Umkhuleko wami kawusiwabo bodwa. Ngikhulekela njalo labo abazakholwa kimi ngenxa yobufakazi babo, 21  ukuthi bonke babemunye Baba njengoba wena ukimi lami ngikuwe. Sengathi labo bangaba kithi ukuze umhlaba ukholwe ukuthi ungithumile. 22  Ngibaphile inkazimulo owangipha yona ukuze babemunye njengalokhu thina simunye: 23  mina ngibe kubo lawe ukimi. Sengathi bangaba lokumanyana okupheleleyo ukutshengisa umhlaba ukuthi ungithumile njalo ubathandile njengalokhu ungithandile lami.

24  Baba, ngifuna ukuthi labo ongiphe bona babe lami lapho engikhona njalo bayibone inkazimulo yami, inkazimulo onginike yona ngoba wangithanda umhlaba ungakadalwa.

25  Baba olungileyo, loba umhlaba ungakwazi, mina ngiyakwazi, njalo bayakwazi ukuthi ungithumile. 26  Ngikuvezile wena kubo njalo ngizaqhubeka ukwenza ukuthi waziwe ukuze kuthi uthando olalo kimi lube ngolwabo njalo lokuthi mina ngokwami ngibe kubo.”

18

UJesu Uyabotshwa

1 Wathi eseqedile ukukhuleka, uJesu wasuka kanye labafundi bakhe bakhuphuka iSigodi seKhidroni. Ngaphetsheya kwakulensimu yama-Oliva lapho angena khona labafundi bakhe.

2 UJudasi owamnikelayo wayeyazi leyondawo ngoba uJesu wayehlezi esiyahlangana khona labafundi bakhe. 3 Ngakho uJudasi weza ensimini leyo, ehola ixuku lamanxusa kanye lezinye izikhulu ezazivela kubaphristi abakhulu labaFarisi. Babephethe izibane lezikhali.

4 UJesu esazi konke okwakuzakwenzakala kuye waya phambili wababuza wathi, “Lifuna bani na?”

5 Baphendula bathi, “uJesu waseNazaretha.”

UJesu wathi, “Nginguye.” (UJudasi, umthengisi wayemi khonapho labo.) 6 UJesu esethe, “Nginguye,” batsheda bawela phansi.

7 Wababuza njalo wathi, “Lifuna bani na?”

Bathi, “UJesu waseNazaretha.”

8 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngilitshelile ngathi nginguye. Nxa lidinga mina, yekelani amadoda la azihambele.” 9 Lokhu kwenzakala ukuze amazwi awakhulumayo athi: “Kangilahlekelwanga lamunye walabo ongiphe bona agcwaliseke.”*

10 Kwasekusithi uSimoni Phethro owayelenkemba, wayikhokha wagalela inceku yomphristi omkhulu, wayiquma indlebe yayo yakwesokunene. (Ibizo lenceku leyo lalinguMalikhusi.)

11 UJesu wamkhalimela uPhethro wathi, “Beka khatshana inkemba yakho! Ngingayinathi inkezo uBaba asengiphe yona na?”

UJesu Usiwa Ku-Anasi

12 Kwasekusithi iqembu lamanxusa lomlawuli walo kanye lezikhulu zamaJuda bambamba uJesu. Bambopha, 13 bamusa ku-Anasi kuqala owayenguyisezala kaKhayifasi owayengumphristi omkhulu ngalowomnyaka. 14 UKhayifasi nguye owayecebise amaJuda ukuthi kwakuzaba kuhle ukuthi indoda eyodwa ifele abantu.

Ukuphika Kwakuqala KukaPhethro

15 USimoni Phethro lomunye umfundi babemlandela uJesu. Kwathi ngoba lowomfundi wayesaziwa ngumphristi omkhulu wangena loJesu egumeni lomphristi omkhulu, 16 kodwa uPhethro yena walinda ngaphandle komnyango. Lowomfundi owayesaziwa ngumphristi omkhulu wabuya wakhuluma lentombazana eyayilindile khonapho, wasengenisa uPhethro.

17 Intombazana eyayilinde emnyango yambuza uPhethro yathi, “Konje wena lawe ungomunye wabafundi bendoda le?”

Waphendula wathi, “Kangisuye.”

18 Kwakuqanda, ngakho izinceku lezikhulu zazimi zisotha umlilo ezaziwubasile. UPhethro laye wayemi lazo esotha umlilo.

Umphristi Omkhulu Uthetha Icala LikaJesu

19 Ngalesosikhathi umphristi omkhulu wayebuzabuza uJesu mayelana labafundi bakhe langemfundiso yakhe.

20 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Ngikhulume obala kuwo umhlaba. Kokuphela ngangifundisa emasinagogweni kumbe ethempelini lapho amaJuda onke abuthana khona. Kangikhulumanga lutho ensitha. 21  Libuzelani mina? Buzani labo abangizwayo. Ngiqinisile bayakwazi engakukhulumayo.”

22 UJesu esetshonjalo, omunye wezikhulu ezaziseduze kwakhe wamhlankala ebusweni, wambuza wathi, “Yiyo indlela yokuphendula umphristi omkhulu leyo na?”

23 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Nxa ngikhulume okungafanelanga kutsho. Kodwa nxa ngikhulume iqiniso, ungitshayelani na?” 24 U-Anasi wasemedlulisela kuKhayifasi umphristi omkhulu elokhu ebotshiwe.

Ukuphika KukaPhethro Kwesibili Lokwesithathu

25 USimoni Phethro wayelokhu emi esotha umlilo, abanye bambuza bathi, “Kakusiqiniso yini ukuthi ungomunye wabafundi bakhe na?”

Waphika wathi, “Kangisuye.”

26 Omunye wezinceku zomphristi omkhulu, owayeyisihlobo sendoda eyaqunywa indlebe nguPhethro yamqonda yathi, “Kangikubonanga yini ulaye esivandeni sama-oliva na?” 27 UPhethro waphika njalo, khonokho nje iqhude lakhala.

UJesu Phambi KukaPhilathu

28 AmaJuda asemthatha uJesu kuKhayifasi amusa esigodlweni sombusi ongumRoma. Khonapho kwasekusempondozankomo njalo ukuze angazingcolisi ngokwenkonzo yawo amaJuda kawangenanga esigodlweni; ayefuna ukuthi akulungele ukudla iPhasika. 29 Ngakho uPhilathu waphuma weza kuwo wawabuza wathi, “Limbeka cala bani lumuntu na?”

30 Aphendula athi, “Kube ubengesiso isikliwi besingasoze simlethe kuwe.”

31 UPhilathu wathi, “Mthatheni lina limahlulele ngokomthetho wenu.”

AmaJuda atshinga athi, “Phela thina kasilawo amandla okuquma umuntu.” 32 Lokhu kwenzakala ukuze amazwi uJesu ayewakhulumile ngendlela ayezakufa ngayo agcwaliseke.

33 UPhilathu wasengena njalo esigodlweni, wabiza uJesu wambuza wathi, “Wena uyinkosi yamaJuda na?”

34 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Lowo ngumcabango wakho yini kumbe kulabanye abake bakhuluma lawe ngami?”

35 UPhilathu waphendula wathi, “Ucabanga ukuthi ngingumJuda na? Ngabantu bakini labaphristi abakhulu abakulethe lapha kimi. Kanti uvele woneni?”

36 UJesu wathi, “Umbuso wami kawusi walumhlaba. Aluba kwakunjalo izinceku zami bezizakulwa ukwenqabela ukuthi ngingabotshwa ngamaJuda. Kodwa hatshi, umbuso wami uvela kwenye indawo.”

37 UPhilathu wathi, “Ngakho uyinkosi phela?”

UJesu waphendula wathi, “Uqondile ukuthi ngiyinkosi. Ngeqiniso ngazalelwa lokho njalo ngalanda khona emhlabeni, ukuzafakaza iqiniso. Bonke abemi eqinisweni bayangilalela.”

38 UPhilathu wabuza wathi, “Yiliphi iqiniso?” Esekutshilo lokhu waphinda waphuma waya kumaJuda wathi, “Angifumani lutho lokumbeka icala. 39 Kodwa kungumkhuba wenu ukuthi ngilikhululele esinye isibotshwa ngesikhathi sePhasika. Lifuna ukuthi ngilikhululele inkosi yamaJuda na?”

40 Amemeza athi, “Hatshi, hayi lo! Siphe uBharabhasi!” UBharabhasi wayephatheke ekukhokheleni umvukela.

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UJesu Ugwetshelwa Ukubethelwa

1 UPhilathu wasemthatha uJesu wathi katshaywe ngemvubu. 2 Amabutho eluka umqhele wameva awubeka ekhanda lakhe. Amgqokisa isigqoko esiyibubende 3 aya kuye aphindaphinda ememeza esithi, “Bayethe! Nkosi yamaJuda!”

4 UPhilathu waphinda waphuma wathi kumaJuda, “Khangelani, sengimkhupha ngimlethe kini ngilazisa ukuthi kangifumani sizatho sokumethesa icala.” 5 Kwathi uJesu ephuma egqoke umqhele wameva, egqoke isigqoko esiyibubende, uPhilathu wathi kubo, “Iboneni-ke, nansi indoda!”

6 Abaphristi abakhulu lezikhulu zabo bonela ukumbona bamemeza bathi, “Mbethele! Mbethele!”

Kodwa uPhilathu waphendula wathi, “Mthatheni limbethele lina. Mina, kangifumani sizatho sokumethesa icala.”

7 AmaJuda aphikelela athi, “Thina silomthetho, ngakho mayelana lalowomthetho kumele afe ngoba uzithi uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu.”

8 UPhilathu wathi ekuzwa lokhu wesaba kakhulu, 9 wasebuyela esigodlweni. Wabuza uJesu wathi, “Ungowangaphi wena?” Kodwa uJesu kamphendulanga. 10 UPhilathu wathi, “Kawufuni kukhuluma lami? Awuboni yini ukuthi mina ngilamandla okukukhulula lawokukubethela?”

11 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Kawulawo amandla phezu kwami ongawaphiwanga evela phezulu. Ngakho-ke, lowo onginikele kuwe ulecala lesono esikhulu kakhulu.”

12 Kusukela lapho uPhilathu wazama ukukhulula uJesu, kodwa amaJuda aqhubeka ememeza esithi, “Nxa uyekela umuntu lo ahambe, kawulabungane loKhesari. Lowo ozitshaya inkosi uphikisana loKhesari.”

13 UPhilathu esezwe lokhu, wamletha phandle uJesu, yena wasehlala esihlalweni sakhe sokwahlulela endaweni eyayithiwa yisiGcawu Esigandelwe Ngamatshe (okuthiwa ngesiHebheru yiGabatha). 14 Kwakulusuku lokuLungisela iViki yePhasika, ngehola lesithupha.

UPhilathu wathi kumaJuda, “Nansi inkosi yenu.”

15 Kodwa amemeza athi, “Msuse! Msuse! Mbethele!”

UPhilathu wabuza wathi, “Ngibethele inkosi yenu na?”

Abaphristi abakhulu bamphendula bathi, “Kasilankosi ngaphandle kukaKhesari.”

16 Ekucineni uPhilathu wamnikela kubo ukuba abethelwe.

Ukubethelwa KukaJesu

Ngakho amabutho amthatha uJesu. 17 Wathwala isiphambano, wasuka waya endaweni yoKhakhayi (okuthiwa ngesiHebheru yiGoligotha). 18 Bambethela khona lapho kanye labanye ababili, ngapha langapha kwakhe, uJesu waba phakathi.

19 UPhilathu waloba umbhalo wananyathiselwa esiphambanweni. Wawubhalwe ukuthi:

UJesu waseNazaretha, iNkosi yamaJuda.

20 AmaJuda amanengi awufunda umbhalo lowo ngoba lapho uJesu ayebethelwe khona kwakuseduze ledolobho, umbhalo lowo wawulotshwe ngesiHebheru, ngesiLathini langesiGrikhi. 21 Abaphristi abakhulu bamaJuda basola kuPhilathu bathi, “Ungalobi uthi ‘INkosi yamaJuda,’ kodwa umuntu lo wayezibiza ngokuthi uyinkosi yamaJuda.”

22 UPhilathu waphendula wathi, “Esengikulobile, sengikulobile.”

23 Kwathi amabutho esembethele uJesu, athatha izigqoko zakhe azabelana, zaba zingxenye ezine, zilingene ibutho linye ngalinye, kwasala isigqoko sangaphansi. Sona sasingelamthungo, silukwe sonke kusukela phezulu kusiya phansi.

24 Bacebisana bathi, “Kasingasidabuli. Kasikhetheni ngenkatho ukuthi sibe ngesikabani.”*

Lokhu kwenzakala ukuze kugcwaliseke umbhalo owathi:

“Babelana izembatho zami

benza inkatho ngezigqoko zami.”

Yikho lokhu amabutho akwenzayo.

25 Eduze kwesiphambano sakhe uJesu kwakumi unina, udadewabo kanina, uMariya umkaKlopasi loMariya Magadalini. 26 UJesu wathi ebona unina lapho lomfundi ayemthanda emi lapho eduze, wathi kunina, “Mama, nansi indodana yakho,” 27 wathi kumfundi, “Nangu unyoko.” Kusukela kulesosikhathi umfundi lowo wamthatha unina wamusa ekhaya lakhe.

Ukufa KukaJesu

28 Ngemva kwalesosikhathi, uJesu esesazi ukuthi konke kwasekuphelele njalo ukuze umbhalo ugcwaliseke, wathi, “Ngomile.” 29 Kwakubekwe imbodlela yewayini yeviniga khonapho, basebegxamuza kuyo uzipho baluxhuma eluthini lwesihlahlakazana sehisophi, baluphakamisela endebeni zikaJesu. 30 Esenathile wathi, “Sekuphelile.” Esetshonjalo wagobisa ikhanda lakhe wafa.

31 Lolo kwakulusuku lokuLungiselela, ngosuku olulandelayo kwakuzakuba liSabatha eliqakathekileyo. Ngenxa yokuthi amaJuda ayengafuni izidumbu zisale eziphambanweni ngeSabatha, acela uPhilathu ukuthi kwephulwe amalunga emilenze lezidumbu zethulwe. 32 Yikho amabutho eza ephula imilenze yendoda yakuqala eyayibethelwe loJesu, aphinda lakweyinye. 33 Kodwa athi efika kuJesu ebona ukuthi wayevele esefile, kawasazephulanga izitho zakhe. 34 Endaweni yalokho elinye ibutho lamciba uJesu ngomkhonto ohlangothini, kwantshaza igazi lamanzi. 35 Umuntu owakubonayo usebulethile ubufakazi, njalo ubufakazi bakhe buliqiniso. Uyazi ukuthi ukhuluma iqiniso njalo ufakazela ukuthi lani libe lokukholwa. 36 Lezizinto zenzakala ukuze kugcwaliseke umbhalo othi: “Kalikho lalinye ithambo lakhe elizakwephulwa,”† 37 lomunye umbhalo uthi, “Bazakhangela kulowo abamgwazayo.”‡

Ukungcwatshwa KukaJesu

38 Ngemva kwalokho, uJosefa wase-Arimathiya wacela isidumbu sikaJesu kuPhilathu. UJosefa lo wayengumfundi kaJesu kodwa wayekufihla ngoba wayesesaba amaJuda. Eselemvumo kaPhilathu weza wasithatha isidumbu. 39 Wayephathiswa nguNikhodimasi, indoda leyana eyayike yeza kuJesu ebusuku. UNikhodimasi weza lamakha emure lenhlaba engaba lesisindo samaphawundi angamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu. 40 Bobabili bathatha isidumbu sikaJesu basigcoba ngalawomakha njalo basigoqela ngamaqhele elineni. Lokhu kwakungumkhuba wamaJuda wokungcwaba. 41 Endaweni lapho uJesu abethelwa khona kwakulesivande, esivandeni kulethuna elitsha okwakungakaze kungcwatshwe muntu kulo. 42 Ngenxa yokuthi kwakulusuku lokulungiselela lwamaJuda njalo ngenxa yokuthi ithuna laliseduze, bamngcwaba khonapho uJesu.

20

Ithuna Elingelalutho

1 Ekuseni kakhulu ngosuku lokuqala lweviki, kulokhu kusemnyama, uMariya Magadalini waya ethuneni wafumana ukuthi ilitshe laselisusiwe emlonyeni wethuna. 2 Ngakho wafika egijima kuSimoni Phethro elomunye umfundi, lowo uJesu ayemthanda, wathi, “Sebeyithethe iNkosi ethuneni, kodwa kasazi ukuthi bayise ngaphi!”

3 Yikho uPhethro lalowomfundi omunye baqonda ethuneni. 4 Bobabili babegijima, kodwa lowo omunye umfundi wamtshiya uPhethro wayafika kuqala ethuneni. 5 Wakhothama walunguza phakathi wabona amaqhele elineni ekhonapho, kodwa kangenanga. 6 Khonokho uSimoni Phethro owayengemuva kwakhe wafika wangena ethuneni. Wawabona amaqhele elineni ethe qekele khonapho, 7 kanye lelembu lokungcwaba elalithandele ikhanda likaJesu. Ilembu lelo laseligoqiwe lodwa lingekho kwawelineni. 8 Ekucineni lowo omunye umfundi owayefike kuqala ethuneni laye wangena. Wabona, wakholwa. 9 (Babelokhu bengezwisisi emibhalweni ukuthi uJesu wayemele avuke kwabafileyo.) 10 Abafundi basebebuyela emizini yabo.

UJesu Ubonakala KuMariya Magadalena

11 Kodwa uMariya wasala emi ngaphandle kwethuna ekhala. Wathi elokhu ekhala wakhothama walunguza ethuneni 12 wabona izingilosi ezimbili zigqoke okumhlophe zihlezi lapho isidumbu sikaJesu sasikade sikhona, enye ngasemakhanda, enye ngasezinyaweni.

13 Zambuza zathi, “Mama, ukhalelani na?”

Wathi, “Bayisusile iNkosi yami, kangazi ukuthi bayibeke ngaphi.” 14 Wasephenduka wabona uJesu emi khonapho, kodwa kananzelelanga ukuthi kwakunguJesu.

15 Wathi, “Mama, ukhalelani na? Ufuna ubani na?”

UMariya wayesithi kumbe ngumlimi, wasesithi, “Nkosi, nxa kunguwe omthetheyo, ngitshela ukuthi umbeke ngaphi ukuze ngiyemthatha.”

16 UJesu wathi, “Mariya.”

Waphendukela kuye wamemeza ngesiHebheru wathi, “Rabhoni!” (okutsho ukuthi “Mfundisi”).

17 UJesu wathi, “Ungangibambi, ngoba kangikabuyeli kuBaba. Kodwa hamba kubafowethu ubatshele uthi, ‘Sengibuyela kuBaba njalo uYihlo, kuNkulunkulu wami, uNkulunkulu wenu.’ ”

18 UMariya Magadalini waya kubafundi elombiko othi, “ngiyibonile iNkosi!” Njalo wabatshela ukuthi wayekutshilo lokhu kuye.

UJesu Uziveza Kubafundi

19 Kusihlwa ngalolosuku lokuqala lweviki, abafundi babendawonye behluthulele iminyango ngoba besesaba amaJuda, uJesu wafika wema phakathi kwabo wathi, “Ukuthula kakube kini!” 20 Esekutshilo lokhu wabatshengisa izandla zakhe lohlangothi lwakhe. Abafundi bathaba kakhulu beyibona iNkosi.

21 UJesu waphinda wathi, “Ukuthula kakube kini! Njengoba uBaba engithumile, lami ngiyalithuma.” 22 Esitsho lokho wabaphefumulela wathi, “Yamukelani uMoya oNgcwele. 23  Nxa lithethelela loba ngubani izono zakhe, zizathethelelwa lezenu, kodwa nxa lingathetheleli ezabanye kazisoze zithethelelwe lezenu.”

UJesu Uziveza KuThomasi

24 UThomasi (othiwa nguDidimasi), omunye wabalitshumi lambili, wayengekho kwabanye abafundi uJesu aze afike. 25 Kwathi lapho abanye abafundi bemtshela bathi “sesiyibonile iNkosi,” wathandabuza wathi, “Ngaphandle kokuthi ngibone amanxeba ezipikili ezandleni zakhe ngibeke umunwe wami emanxebeni ezipikili, ngifake isandla sami ehlangothini lwakhe, kangisoze ngikholwe.”

26 Sekudlule iviki abafundi bakhe babesendlini njalo, loThomasi elabo. Njengoba iminyango yayihluthulelwe uJesu wafika wema phakathi kwabo wathi, “Ukuthula kakube kini!” 27 Wasesithi kuThomasi, “Faka umunwe wakho lapha; bona izandla zami. Yelula isandla sakho usibeke ehlangothini lwami. Yekela ukuthandabuza ukholwe.”

28 UThomasi wathi kuye, “Nkosi yami, Nkulunkulu wami!”

29 UJesu wasemtshela wathi, “Usukholiwe ngoba usungibonile; babusisiwe labo abathi bengabonanga, kodwa sebekholiwe.”

Injongo YeVangeli LikaJohane

30 UJesu wenza eminye imimangaliso eminengi abafundi bakhe bekhangele, kodwa engabhalwanga kule incwadi. 31 Kodwa le ibhaliwe ukuze likholwe ukuthi uJesu unguKhristu, iNdodana kaNkulunkulu, njalo ukuze kuthi ngokukholwa libe lokuphila ngebizo lakhe.

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UJesu Lomangaliso Wokubamba Inhlanzi

1 Ngemva kwesikhathi uJesu waphinda waziveza kubafundi bakhe oLwandle lwaseThibheriyasi. Kwenzakala kanje: 2 USimoni Phethro, loThomasi (othiwa nguDidimasi) loNathaneli waseKhana eseGalile, lamadodana kaZebhediya labanye abafundi ababili babendawonye. 3 USimoni Phethro wabatshela wathi, “Ngisayagola inhlanzi” bona bathi, “Sizahamba lawe.” Ngakho baphuma bayangena esikepeni kodwa kababambanga lutho ngalobobusuku.

4 Ekuseni kakhulu uJesu wema ekhunjini kodwa abafundi kabananzelelanga ukuthi kwakunguJesu.

5 Wabamemeza wathi, “Bangane, lilokhu lingabambanga nhlanzi yini?”

Baphendula bathi, “Hatshi.”

6 Wathi, “Phoselani umambule wenu ngakwesokunene kwesikepe lizagola khona.” Bathe sebenze njalo behluleka ukudonsa umambule ngenxa yobunengi benhlanzi.

7 Lowomfundi owayethandwa nguJesu wathi kuPhethro, “YiNkosi!” USimoni Phethro wonela ukuzwa esithi, “YiNkosi,” wazembathisa ngesigqoko sakhe sejazi (ngoba wayesikhulule) weqela emanzini. 8 Abanye abafundi balandela ngesikepe bedonsa umambule ugcwele inhlanzi ngoba babengakhatshana lasokhunjini, kwakungaba yizinyathelo ezilikhulu. 9 Ekufikeni kwabo okhunjini babona umlilo wamalahle uvutha kulenhlanzi phezulu kanye lesinkwa.

10 UJesu wathi kubo, “Lethani ezinye inhlanzi elizibambileyo.” 11 USimoni Phethro wagada esikepeni, wadonsela umambule okhunjini. Wawugcwele inhlanzi ezinkulu, zilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lantathu (153), kodwa loba zinengi kangaka umambule kawudabukanga. 12 UJesu wathi kubo, “Wozani lizokudla.” Kakho kubafundi owaqunga isibindi sokumbuza ukuthi, “Ungubani wena?” Bakwazi ukuthi yiNkosi. 13 UJesu weza, wathatha isinkwa wabanika, wenza njalo langenhlanzi. 14 Lesi kwasekuyisikhathi sesithathu uJesu ezibonakalisa kubafundi bakhe ngemva kokuvuswa kwabafileyo.

UJesu Ukhuthaza UPhethro

15 Sebeqedile ukudla, uJesu wathi kuSimoni Phethro, “Simoni, ndodana kaJohane, ungithanda ngeqiniso na okudlula laba abanye?”

Wathi, “Yebo, Nkosi, uyakwazi ukuthi ngiyakuthanda.”

UJesu wathi, “Phana amawundlu ami ukudla.”

16 UJesu waphinda wathi, “Simoni, ndodana kaJohane, uyangithanda ngeqiniso na?”

Waphendula wathi, “Yebo, Nkosi, uyakwazi ukuthi ngiyakuthanda.”

UJesu wathi, “Gcina izimvu zami.”

17 Wasesithi kuye okwesithathu, “Simoni, ndodana kaJohane, uyangithanda na?”

UPhethro wadabuka ngoba uJesu wambuza okwesithathu wathi, “Uyangithanda na?” Wathi, “Nkosi, uyazazi izinto zonke; uyakwazi ukuthi ngiyakuthanda.”

UJesu wathi, “Phana izimvu zami ukudla. 18  Ngikutshela iqiniso ngithi, usesemutsha wawuzigqokisa, uziyele lapho othanda khona; kodwa nxa usuluphele, uzakwelula izandla zakho, ugqokiswe ngomunye, akuhole akuse lapho ongafuni ukuya khona.” 19 UJesu wakutsho lokhu ebonisa indlela yokufa uPhethro ayezadumisa uNkulunkulu ngayo. Wasesithi kuye, “Ngilandela!”

20 UPhethro wanyemukula wabona umfundi uJesu ayemthanda ebalandela. (Nguye lowo oweyama kuJesu esidlweni, owabuzayo wathi, “Nkosi, ngubani ozakuthengisa?”) 21 UPhethro wathi embona wathi, “Nkosi, kanti lo-ke?”

22 UJesu waphendula wathi, “Nxa ngifuna ukuthi asale ephila ngize ngibuye kulani lawe lokho? Wena kumele ungilandele.” 23 Ngenxa yalokhu, kwaba lehungahunga phakathi kwabazalwane lokuthi umfundi lo wayengezukufa. Kodwa uJesu katshongo ukuthi wayengezukufa; wathi nje kuphela, “Nxa ngifuna ukuthi asale ephila ngize ngibuye, kulani lawe lokho?”

24 Lo nguye umfundi ozifakazayo lezizinto, onguye owazibhala phansi. Siyazi ukuthi ubufakazi bakhe buqotho.

25 UJesu wenza ezinye izinto ezinengi njalo. Aluba zonke zazingabhalwa phansi, ngibona ingathi lomhlaba wonke wawuzaswela indawo yezincwadi ezazingabhalwa.

* 1:23 1.23 U-Isaya 40.3

* 2:17 2.17 AmaHubo 69.9

* 5:4 5.4 Livesi kayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

* 6:31 6.31 U-Eksodasi 16.4; UNehemiya 9.15; AmaHubo 78.24-25

† 6:45 6.45 U-Isaya 54.13

* 7:52 7.52 Ingwalo ezaqalayo kanye labanye ofakazi kabala UJohane 7.53 – 8.11. Ingwalo ezimbalwa zigoqela indinyana lezi, kungaba yingxenye yazo kumbe ngokugcweleyo UJohane 7.36, UJohane 21.25, ULukha 21.38 kumbe ULukha 24.53.

* 10:34 10.34 AmaHubo 82.6

* 12:13 12.13 AmaHubo 118.25-26

† 12:15 12.15 UZakhariya 9.9

‡ 12:38 12.38 U-Isaya 53.1

§ 12:40 12.40 U-Isaya 6.10

* 13:18 13.18 AmaHubo 41.9

* 15:20 15.20 UJohane 13.16

† 15:25 15.25 AmaHubo 35.19; 69.4

* 18:9 18.9 UJohane 6.39

* 19:24 19.24 AmaHubo 22.18

† 19:36 19.36 U-Eksodasi 12.46; AmaNani 9.12; AmaHubo 34.20

‡ 19:37 19.37 UZakhariya 12.10

Imisebenzi

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Imisebenzi YabaPostoli

1

UJesu Wenyukiselwa Ezulwini

1 Encwadini yami yakuqala, Theyofelasi, ngalandisa ngakho konke uJesu akwenzayo lakufundisayo 2 kwaze kwafika usuku enyukiswa ngalo esiya ezulwini, esenike izeluleko ngoMoya oNgcwele kubapostoli ayebakhethile. 3 Ngemva kokuhlupheka kwakhe, waziveza kubo, wabapha iziqiniseko ezinengi njengobufakazi bokuthi wayephila. Wabonakala kubo okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane, ekhuluma ngombuso kaNkulunkulu. 4 Wathi esidla labo ngelinye ilanga wabalaya wathi, “Lingasuki eJerusalema, lilindele isipho esathenjiswa nguBaba, elangizwa ngikhuluma ngaso. 5  Ngoba uJohane wabhaphathiza ngamanzi, kodwa ngemva kwensuku ezimbalwa lizabhaphathizwa ngoMoya oNgcwele.”

6 Basebesithi gwaqa ndawonye bambuza bathi, “Nkosi, khathesi usuzabuyisela umbuso ko-Israyeli na?”

7 Wathi kubo: “Kakusikho kwenu ukwazi izikhathi loba insuku uBaba azimisileyo ngamandla akhe. 8  Kodwa lina lizakwamukela amandla nxa uMoya oNgcwele esefikile kini, njalo lizakuba ngofakazi bami eJerusalema lakulo lonke eleJudiya laseSamariya kanye lasemikhawulweni yomhlaba.”

9 Esekutshilo lokhu, wenyukiswa phambi kwamehlo abo, iyezi lamfihla, abazabe besambona.

10 Babejolozele esibhakabhakeni ngesikhathi esenyuka, masinyazana nje kwema amadoda amabili eduze kwabo egqoke okumhlophe. 11 Athi kubo, “Madoda aseGalile, limeleni lapha lijolozele esibhakabhakeni na? UJesu lo osethethwe kini wasiwa ezulwini uzabuya ngayonale indlela elimbone esenyuka ngayo esiya ezulwini.”

UMathiyasi Ukhethelwa Ukuba Sesikhundleni SikaJudasi

12 Basebebuyela eJerusalema besuka eNtabeni yama-Oliva, okungumango ongaba likhilomitha kusuka edolobheni. 13 Ekufikeni kwabo bakhuphukela endlini ephezulu lapho ababehlala khona. Ababelapho babebalisa:

uPhethro, uJohane, uJakhobe lo-Andreya;

uFiliphu loThomasi;

uBhatholomewu loMatewu;

uJakhobe indodana ka-Alifewu, uSimoni umZilothi, loJudasi indodana kaJakhobe.

14 Bonke laba bahlangana kokuphela bekhuleka, bendawonye labesifazane loMariya unina kaJesu kanye labafowabo bakaJesu.

15 Ngalezonsuku uPhethro wasukuma phakathi kwamakholwa (ixuku elalingafika ikhulu elilamatshumi amabili) 16 wathi, “Bazalwane, uMbhalo kwakumele ugcwaliseke, lokho okwakhulunywa nguMoya oNgcwele endulo ngomlomo kaDavida mayelana loJudasi owaba ngumkhokheli walabo ababopha uJesu. 17 Wayengomunye wenani lethu njalo waba lengxenye emsebenzini wethu wobuvangeli.”

18 (Ngomvuzo awuzuzayo ngenxa yobubi bakhe, uJudasi wathenga isiqinti; khonapho wawa ngekhanda, isidumbu sakhe sadubuka, amathumbu akhe wonke agcwala phansi. 19 Bonke eJerusalema bezwa ngalokho, yikho babiza isiqinti leso ngolimi lwabo bathi yi-Akhelidama, okutsho iSiqinti seGazi.)

20 UPhethro wathi, “Ngoba kulotshiwe encwadini yamaHubo ukuthi:

‘Sengathi indawo yakhe ingaba ngamanxiwa;

kungabi lamuntu ozahlala kuyo,’*

njalo,

‘Kakube lomunye ozathatha isikhundla sakhe sobukhokheli.’†

21 Ngakho kufanele ukuba sikhethe omunye wamadoda abekade elathi isikhathi sonke iNkosi uJesu isesephakathi kwethu, 22 kusukela ekubhaphathizweni kwakhe nguJohane kuze kufike esikhathini lapho uJesu athathwa khona kithi. Ukuze omunye wabo laba abe ngufakazi kanye lathi ngokuvuka kwakhe kwabafileyo.”

23 Ngakho basebemisa amadoda amabili, uJosefa owayethiwa nguBhasabhasi (esaziwa njalo ngokuthi nguJustusi) loMathiyasi. 24 Basebekhuleka bathi, “Nkosi, uyayazi inhliziyo yomuntu munye ngamunye. Sitshengise ukuthi nguphi phakathi kwalaba ababili omkhethileyo 25 ukuba athathe lesisikhundla sobupostoli, uJudasi asitshiyayo esiya lapho ayefanele khona.” 26 Basebesenza inkatho, yadla uMathiyasi, wasesengezwa kubapostoli abalitshumi lanye.

2

UMoya ONgcwele Uyehla NgePhentekhosti

1 Kwathi kufika usuku lwePhentekhosti, bonke babendawonye. 2 Masinyane nje kwabakhona umsindo onjengokuvunguza komoya wesiphepho wehla uvela ezulwini, wagcwala indlu yonke ababehlezi kuyo. 3 Babona okwakungathi zinlimi ezingamalangabi omlilo ezehlukana zahlala komunye lomunye wabo. 4 Bonke bagcwaliswa ngoMoya oNgcwele, basebeqalisa ukukhuluma ezinye izindimi njengokwaneliswa kwabo nguMoya.

5 Ngalesosikhathi kwakuhlala amaJuda ayemesaba uNkulunkulu eJerusalema, evela kuyo yonke imibuso yomhlaba. 6 Athi ngokuzwa umsindo lo, kwabuthana ixuku labantu bemangele ngoba omunye lomunye wabezwa bekhuluma ngolimi lwakhe. 7 Ngokumangala okukhulu babuza bathi, “Kanti bonke laba abakhulumayo kabasimaGalile na? 8 Pho kungani omunye lomunye wethu ebezwa bekhuluma ngolimi lwethu na? 9 AmaPhathiya, amaMede, ama-Elamu; izakhamizi zaseMesophothamiya, lezeJudiya leKhaphadokhiya, lePhontusi le-Ezhiya, 10 leFirigiya lePhamfiliya, leGibhithe lezingxenye zeLibhiya eduze leKhureni; izethekeli ezivela eRoma 11 (amaJuda lamakholwa aphendukele enkolweni yesiJuda); amaKhrethe lama-Arabhu, sibezwa befakaza izimangaliso zikaNkulunkulu ngendimi zethu!” 12 Babedidekile bengelankani, babuzana bathi, “Kutshoni lokhu?”

13 Kodwa abanye benza inhlekisa ngabo bathi, “Banathe iwayini enengi bedlulisa.”

UPhethro Ukhuluma Phakathi Kwexuku Labantu

14 UPhethro wasesukuma labalitshumi lanye, waphakamisa ilizwi lakhe wakhuluma emphakathini wathi, “Bantu bakithi elingamaJuda, lani lonke eliseJerusalema, kahleni ngilichasisele lokhu; lalelisisani lokhu engikutshoyo. 15 Amadoda la kawadakwanga njengokucabanga kwenu. Kuseselihola lesificamunwemunye nje ekuseni! 16 Hatshi, lokhu yikho okwakhulunywa ngumphrofethi uJoweli ukuthi:

17 ‘Ngezinsuku zokucina, uNkulunkulu uthi,

Ngizathululela uMoya wami kubo bonke abantu.

Amadodana lamadodakazi enu azaphrofitha,

izinsizwa zenu zizabona imibono,

lamaxhegu enu azaphupha amaphupho.

18 Lasezincekwini zami, ezesilisa lezesifazane,

ngizawuthulula uMoya wami ngalezonsuku,

njalo bazaphrofitha.

19 Ngizatshengisa izimanga ezulwini phezulu,

lezibonakaliso emhlabeni phansi,

igazi lomlilo lezikhatha zentuthu.

20 Ilanga lizaphendulwa libe yibumnyama,

lenyanga ibeligazi

phambi kokuba kufike usuku olukhulu lukaThixo, olukhazimulayo.

21 Njalo wonke obiza

ibizo likaThixo uzasindiswa.’*

22 Bantu bako-Israyeli, lalelani lokhu: UJesu waseNazaretha wayeyindoda eyamiswa nguNkulunkulu kini, ngezimangaliso lezibonakaliso uNkulunkulu azenzayo phakathi kwenu ngaye, njengoba lina ngokwenu lisazi. 23 Umuntu lo wanikelwa kini ngecebo likaNkulunkulu ayelimisile langolwazi lokuzayo; njalo lina lincediswa ngabantu ababi,† lambulala ngokumbethela esiphambanweni. 24 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo, wamkhulula ebuhlungwini bokufa ngoba ukufa kwakungelamandla okumncindezela. 25 UDavida wathi ngaye:

‘Ngayibona iNkosi iphambi kwami kokuphela.

Njengoba isesandleni sami sokunene,

angiyi kunyikinywa.

26 Ngakho inhliziyo yami iyathaba

lolimi lwami luyathokoza;

umzimba wami lawo uzahlala ulethemba,

27 ngoba kawuzukungidela ukuba ngiye endaweni yabafileyo,

njalo kawusoze wekele ongcwele wakho

ukuthi abone ukubola.

28 Ungazisile izindlela zempilo;

uzangigcwalisa ngentokozo phambi kwakho.’‡

29 Bazalwane, ngilitshela ngilesibindi ukuthi ukhokho uDavida wafa wangcwatshwa, njalo ithuna lakhe likhona khonapha kuze kube lamuhla. 30 Kodwa wayengumphrofethi, ekwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayemthembisile ngesifungo ukuthi wayezabeka omunye wesizukulwane sakhe esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. 31 Ngoba ebona okwakuphambili, wakhuluma ngokuvuka kukaKhristu kwabafileyo, ukuthi kazange atshiywe endaweni yabafileyo njalo umzimba wakhe kawukubonanga ukubola. 32 UNkulunkulu usemvusile uJesu lo waphila, thina sonke singofakazi balokho. 33 Njengoba esekhutshulelwe ngakwesokunene sikaNkulunkulu, usamukele kuYise uMoya oNgcwele owathenjiswayo njalo usekuthulule lokho elikubonayo lelikuzwayo khathesi. 34 Ngoba uDavida kenyukanga ukuya ezulwini, kodwa wathi,

‘INkosi yathi eNkosini yami:

“Hlala ngakwesokunene sami

35 ngize ngenze izitha zakho

zibe yisinyathelo senyawo zakho.”§’

36 Ngakho-ke, u-Israyeli wonke kaqiniseke ngalokhu: uNkulunkulu usenze uJesu lo elambethelayo waba yiNkosi loKhristu.”

37 Abantu bathi bekuzwa lokhu bathinteka kakhulu ezinhliziyweni, bathi kuPhethro labanye abapostoli, “Bazalwane, senze njani na?”

38 UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Phendukani libhaphathizwe lonke, ebizweni likaJesu Khristu ukuze lithethelelwe izono zenu. Njalo lizakwamukela isipho soMoya oNgcwele. 39 Isithembiso ngesenu labantwabenu labo bonke abakude, lesabo bonke iNkosi uNkulunkulu wethu ezababiza.”

40 Wabaxwayisa langamanye amazwi amanengi; njalo wabancenga wathi, “Zisindiseni kulesisizukulwane esonakeleyo.” 41 Labo abalemukelayo ilizwi lakhe babhaphathizwa, kwengezwa enanini labo mhlalokho abangaba zinkulungwane ezintathu.

Ubudlelwano Bamakholwa

42 Bayikhuthalela imfundiso yabapostoli kanye lokudlelana, lokuhlephuna isinkwa lokukhuleka. 43 Wonke umuntu wagcwala ukwesaba ngezimanga lezibonakaliso ezenziwa ngabapostoli. 44 Wonke amakholwa ayendawonye, ehlanganyela kukho konke. 45 Athengisa izinto zawo lempahla zawo anika loba ngubani oswelayo. 46 Insuku zonke aqhubeka ehlangana emagumeni ethempeli njalo ehlephuna isinkwa emakhaya awo esidla ndawonye ngezinhliziyo ezimhlophe lezithobekileyo, 47 edumisa uNkulunkulu njalo ethakazelelwa ngabantu bonke. Njalo iNkosi yengeza inani lawo insuku zonke ngalabo abasebesindisiwe.

3

UPhethro Usilisa Isiceli Esigogekileyo

1 Ngelinye ilanga uPhethro loJohane babesiya ethempelini ngesikhathi sokukhuleka, ngehola lesithathu emini. 2 Indoda eyayigogekile kusukele ekuzalweni kwayo, yayithwalwa isiwe esangweni lethempeli elalibizwa ngokuthi liSango Elihle, lapho eyayibekwa khona nsuku zonke ukuthi icele kulabo ababengena emagumeni ethempeli. 3 Yathi ibona uPhethro loJohane bengena yabacela imali. 4 UPhethro loJohane bayijolozela. UPhethro wasesithi, “Sikhangela!” 5 Ngakho indoda yabakhangela, ithembe ukuthi izazuza ulutho kubo.

6 UPhethro wasesithi, “Isiliva kumbe igolide kangilakho, kodwa engilakho ngiyakunika. Ebizweni likaJesu Khristu waseNazaretha, sukuma uhambe.” 7 Wambamba ngesandla sokudla wamsukumisa, masinyane nje inyawo lenqagala zakhe kwaqina. 8 Wathi lothu ngezinyawo zakhe wahle wahamba. Wasehamba labo ethempelini, ezihambela, eseqa njalo edumisa uNkulunkulu. 9 Kwathi abantu bonke bembona ehamba edumisa uNkulunkulu, 10 bamnanzelela ukuthi nguye owayehlala ecela esangweni lethempeli lelo, bamangala baphela amandla ngalokho okwakwenzakele kuye.

UPhethro Ukhuluma Lababukeleyo

11 Isiceli sisathe sece kuPhethro loJohane, bonke abantu bamangala beza kubo begijima endaweni eyayithiwa liKhulusi likaSolomoni. 12 UPhethro wathi ekubona lokhu wathi kubo, “Bantu bako-Israyeli, kungani kulimangalisa lokhu na? Kungani lisijolozela sengathi ngamandla ethu loba ukholo lwethu okwenze umuntu lo wahamba na? 13 UNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, lo-Isaka loJakhobe, uNkulunkulu wabokhokho bethu useyikhazimulisile inceku yakhe uJesu. Lamnikela ukuba abulawe, lamphika phambi kukaPhilathu, loba yena wayesemise ukuthi amyekele ahambe. 14 Lamphika oNgcwele njalo oLungileyo, lacela ukuthi likhululelwe umbulali. 15 Lambulala umsunguli wokuphila, kodwa uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo. Singofakazi bakho lokhu. 16 Ngokukholwa ebizweni likaJesu, indoda le eliyibonayo, eliyaziyo, yenziwe yaqina. Kungenxa yebizo likaJesu lokukholwa okuza ngaye okulethe ukusila okupheleleyo kuyo njengoba lonke libona.

17 Manje-ke bazalwane, ngiyazi ukuthi lakwenza ngokungazi, njengoba labakhokheli benu labo babengazi. 18 Kodwa yiyo indlela uNkulunkulu agcwalisa ngayo lokho ayekutshilo ngaphambilini ngabo bonke abaphrofethi, esithi uKhristu wakhe wayezahlupheka. 19 Ngakho phendukani, libuyele kuNkulunkulu ukuze izono zenu zesulwe, ukuze kufike izikhathi zokuhlambulula okuvela eNkosini, 20 lokuthi ithumele uKhristu omiselwe lina, yena uJesu. 21 Kumele ahlale ezulwini kuze kufike isikhathi lapho uNkulunkulu azaqondisa konke ngaso, njengokuthembisa kwakhe endulo ngabaphrofethi bakhe abangcwele. 22 Ngoba uMosi wathi, ‘INkosi uNkulunkulu wenu uzalivusela umphrofethi phakathi kwabafowenu njengami; libokulalela konke alitshela khona. 23 Loba ngubani ongayikumlalela uzakususwa ngokupheleleyo ebantwini bakibo.’*

24 Ngempela, bonke abaphrofethi kusukela kuSamuyeli, bonke abaphrofethi baphrofitha ngazo insuku lezi. 25 Lina lizindlalifa zabo abaphrofethi kanye lesivumelwano uNkulunkulu asenza labokhokho benu. Wathi ku-Abhrahama, ‘Bonke abantu bomhlaba bazabusiswa ngesizukulwane sakho.’† 26 Kuthe uNkulunkulu eseyimisile inceku yakhe, wayithumela kuqala kini ukuba ilibusise ngokuphendula omunye lomunye wenu ezindleleni zenu zobubi.”

4

UPhethro LoJohane Phambi KweSanihedrini

1 Abaphristi lomlawuli wabalindi bethempeli kanye lamaSadusi beza kuPhethro loJohane belokhu besakhuluma labantu. 2 Bakhathazeka kakhulu ngoba abapostoli babefundisa abantu betshumayela ukuthi kuJesu kulokuvuka kwabafileyo. 3 Babamba uPhethro loJohane, kwathi ngenxa yokuthi kwasekuntambama, babafaka entolongweni kwaze kwaba kusasa. 4 Kodwa abanengi abalizwayo ilizwi bakholwa, inani lamadoda lakhula okungaba zinkulungwane ezinhlanu.

5 Ngosuku olulandelayo ababusi, abadala, labafundisi bomthetho babuthana eJerusalema. 6 U-Anasi umphristi omkhulu, uKhayifasi, uJohane, u-Alekizanda labanye abendlu yomphristi omkhulu. 7 Bathi uPhethro loJohane balethwe, baqala ukubathonisa besithi, “Lokhu likwenze ngamandla bani kumbe ngaliphi ibizo na?”

8 UPhethro egcwele uMoya oNgcwele wathi kubo, “Babusi labadala babantu! 9 Nxa sibekwa umlandu lamuhla ngesenzo somusa owenzelwe indoda ebiyisigoga, besesibuzwa ukuthi isiliswe njani, 10 yazini lokhu, lina kanye labo bonke abantu bako-Israyeli; kungenxa yamandla kaJesu Khristu waseNazaretha elambethelayo kodwa uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo, yiwo enza indoda le ime phambi kwenu isilile ngokupheleleyo. 11 Yena uyilo

‘ilitshe lina abakhi elalilahlayo,

khathesi seliyilona ilitshe lekhoneni.’*

12 Kakho omunye okulensindiso kuye; phela kalikho elinye ibizo ngaphansi kwezulu elaphiwa abantu ukuthi sisindiswe ngalo.”

13 Bathi ngokubona isibindi sikaPhethro loJohane njalo benanzelela ukuthi ngabantu makhaza, ababengafundanga, batsha amathe, bakunanzelela ukuthi amadoda la ake aphila loJesu. 14 Kodwa njengoba babeyibona indoda eyayisilisiwe imi khonapho labo, baswela ukuthi bangathini. 15 Ngakho kwathiwa kabasuke emphakathini weSanihedrini, umphakathi wasala uhlanganisa amakhanda. 16 Babuzana bathi, “Kambe senzeni ngamadoda la? Bonke abahlala eJerusalema bayakwazi ukuthi benze umangaliso obabazekayo, lathi asingeke sikulandule lokho. 17 Kodwa ukuze into le siyimise ukuthi ingasabalali phakathi kwabantu, kasibaqonqoseleni ukuthi bangaphindi bakhulume lakubani ngebizo leli.”

18 Basebebabiza njalo, babalaya ukuthi bangaqali ukukhuluma loba ukufundisa ngebizo likaJesu. 19 Kodwa uPhethro loJohane baphendula bathi, “Yikuphi okuqondileyo emehlweni kaNkulunkulu ukulalela lina kumbe ukulalela uNkulunkulu? Kwahluleleni lokho. 20 Thina ngokwethu asingeke siyekele ukukhuluma ngalokho esikubonileyo lesikuzwileyo.”

21 Sebebaqonqosele njalo babakhulula. Baswela ukuthi babengabajezisa njani, ngoba abantu bonke babemdumisa uNkulunkulu ngalokho okwakwenzakele. 22 Ngoba leyondoda eyasiliswa ngesimanga yayileminyaka engamatshumi amane ubudala.

Umkhuleko Wamakholwa

23 Ekukhululweni kwabo uPhethro loJohane babuyela ebantwini bakibo, bababikela konke okwakukhulunywe kibo ngabaphristi abakhulu labadala. 24 Sebekuzwile lokhu, baphakamisa amazwi abo bonke bakhuleka kuNkulunkulu. Bathi, “Thixo Nkosi, wena wenza amazulu lomhlaba, lolwandle lakho konke okukuwo. 25 Wena wakhuluma ngoMoya oNgcwele ngomlomo wenceku yakho, ubaba wethu uDavida wathi:

‘Kungani izizwe zixokozela,

labantu besakha amacebo ngeze?

26 Amakhosi omhlaba ayahloma ajame

lababusi bahlangana ndawonye

bemelana loThixo

lalowo Ogcotshiweyo wakhe.’†

27 Ngempela uHerodi loPhontiyasi Philathu bahlangana labeZizwe kanye labantu bako-Israyeli baceba ngenceku yakho engcwele, uJesu owamgcobayo. 28 Benza lokho okwakumiswe ngaphambilini ngamandla akho layintando yakho ukuthi kwakuzakwenzakala. 29 Ngakho, Nkosi, zwana ukusonga kwabo, uphe izinceku zakho amandla ukuthi zilikhulume ilizwi lakho ngesibindi esikhulu. 30 Yelula isandla sakho ukusilisa lokwenza imimangaliso lezimanga ngebizo lenceku yakho engcwele uJesu.”

31 Sebekhulekile, indawo ababekuyo yazamazama. Bonke bagcwaliswa ngoMoya oNgcwele, balikhuluma ngesibindi ilizwi likaNkulunkulu.

Amakholwa Ayahlanganyela Kuyo Yonke Impahla Yawo

32 Wonke amakholwa ayenhliziyo nye njalo engqondo nye. Kakho owathi okwakhe ngokwakhe yedwa kodwa babelana konke ababelakho. 33 Abapostoli baqhubeka ukufakaza ngamandla amakhulu ngokuvuka kweNkosi uJesu kwabafileyo, bonke babusiseka kakhulu. 34 Kakho owayeswela phakathi kwabo. Kwakusithi izikhathi ngezikhathi labo ababe leziqinti loba izindlu bazithengise balethe imali abathengise ngayo 35 bayethule ebapostolini, yabelwe loba ngubani ngokuswela kwakhe.

36 UJosefa, umLevi waseSiphrasi, abapostoli ababembiza ngokuthi nguBhanabhasi (okutsho ukuthi, iNdodana yeNkuthazo), 37 wathengisa isivande sakhe waletha imali wayethula phambi kwabapostoli.

5

U-Ananiya LoSafira

1 Indoda eyayithiwa ngu-Ananiya ilomkayo uSafira labo bathengisa isiqinti sabo. 2 Wavumelana lomkakhe ukuthi afihle enye imali ibe ngeyabo, kwathi enye wayethula kubapostoli.

3 UPhethro wasesithi, “Ananiya, kungani uSathane esegabhele inhliziyo yakho usuze uqamba amanga kuMoya oNgcwele, wazigcinela ingxenye yemali eliyizuzileyo ngesiqinti senu na? 4 Kanti besingesisenu yini singakathengiswa? Njalo lapho sesithengisiwe, imali ibingaqondananga lani na? Kuyini okubangele ukuthi ucabange ukwenza into enje na? Kawuqambelanga muntu lawo manga, kodwa uwaqambele uNkulunkulu.”

5 U-Ananiya wonela ukukuzwa lokhu, wawela phansi wafa. Bonke abezwa ngalesisehlakalo bangenwa yikwesaba okukhulu. 6 Kwasekungena amajaha agoqela isidumbu sakhe amthwalela phandle, ayamngcwaba.

7 Ngemva kwamahola amathathu umkakhe laye wangena engazi okwasekwenzakele. 8 UPhethro wambuza wathi, “Ake ungitshele, yiyo yini le intengo eliyizuzileyo wena lo-Ananiya esiqintini senu?”

Wathi, “Yebo, yiyo intengo yaso.”

9 UPhethro wathi kuye, “Kungani livumelane ukulinga uMoya weNkosi na? Lalela! Yizisinde zamadoda asengcwabe umkakho esezisemnyango, bazakuthwala lawe futhi.”

10 Khonokho wasakazeka phansi eduze kukaPhethro, wafa. Asengena amajaha yena esefile, amthwala aphuma laye ayamngcwaba malungana lomkakhe. 11 Ibandla lonke lafikelwa yikwesaba okukhulu kanye labo bonke abazizwayo lezizehlakalo.

AbaPostoli Basilisa Abanengi

12 Abapostoli benza imimangaliso lezimanga ezinengi ebantwini. Amakholwa wonke ayevame ukuhlangana ndawonye eKhulusini likaSolomoni. 13 Kakho omunye owaqunga isibindi wahlangana labo, lanxa kunjalo babalodumo ebantwini. 14 Lanxa kunjalo, amadoda labafazi abanengi bakholwa eNkosini, bengezelela ubunengi babo. 15 Kwathi ngenxa yalokho, abantu baletha abagulayo ezitaladini, babalalisa emibhedeni lemacansini ukuze isithunzi sikaPhethro sisithe abanye babo lapho esedlula kuphela nje. 16 Amaxuku abantu abuthana eqhamuka emizini eyayiseduze kweJerusalema, eletha abagulayo lalabo ababehlukuluzwa yimimoya emibi, bonke basiliswa.

Ukuhlukuluzwa Kwabapostoli

17 Kwasekusithi umphristi omkhulu kanye leqembu lakhe elalingelexuku labaSadusi bangenwa ngumhawu. 18 Bababopha abapostoli babaphosela entolongweni yomuntu wonke. 19 Kodwa ebusuku ingilosi yeNkosi yavula iminyango yentolongo yabakhupha. 20 Yathi, “Hambani liyekuma emagumeni ethempeli, litshele abantu lonke ilizwi lempilo entsha.”

21 Kwathi emadabukakusa bahle bangena emagumeni ethempeli, bafundisa abantu njengokutshelwa kwabo.

Ekufikeni komphristi omkhulu leqembu lakhe bahle babiza iSanihedrini; inkundla yonke yabadala bako-Israyeli bathumela ilizwi entolongweni lokuthi kulethwe abapostoli, 22 kodwa izithunywa zathi zifika entolongweni zafumana bengasekho. Ngakho zasezibuyela zayabika zathi, 23 “Sifumane intolongo ivalwe kuhle labalindi bemi eminyango; kodwa sithe siyivula kasibonanga muntu phakathi.” 24 Induna yabalindi bethempeli kanye labaphristi abakhulu bathi bekuzwa lokhu batsha amathe, bamangala ukuthi into le yayikhombani.

25 Kwasekufika omunye umuntu wathi, “Zwanini! Amadoda eliwaphosele entolongweni emi emagumeni ethempeli afundisa abantu.” 26 Besizwa lokho, induna yahle yasuka lamanxusa ayo bayabuya labapostoli. Kabasebenzisanga udlakela ngoba besesaba ukuthi abantu babengabakhanda ngamatshe.

27 Sebebalethile abapostoli, babamisa phambi kweSanihedrini ukuthi bathonisiswe ngumphristi omkhulu. 28 Wathi, “Saliqonqosela ukuthi lingafundisi ngebizo leli. Kodwa seligcwalise iJerusalema ngemfundiso yenu njalo lizimisele ukusethesa umlandu ngegazi lomuntu lo.”

29 UPhethro labanye abapostoli baphendula bathi, “Kumele silalele uNkulunkulu kulokulalela abantu! 30 UNkulunkulu wabokhokho bethu wamvusa uJesu kwabafileyo, yena elalimbulele ngokumlengisa esiphambanweni. 31 UNkulunkulu wamphakamisela kwesokunene sakhe waba yiNkosana loMsindisi ukuze anike ukuphenduka lokuthethelelwa kwezono ku-Israyeli. 32 Thina singofakazi balezizinto, njengaye uMoya oNgcwele, uNkulunkulu amnike kulabo abamlalelayo.”

33 Bathi bekuzwa lokhu bathukuthela kakhulu, bafuna ukuthi babulawe. 34 Kodwa umFarisi owayethiwa nguGamaliyeli, engumfundisi womthetho, ehlonitshwa ngabantu bonke, wasukuma wema phambi kweSanihedrini wathi amadoda lawo ake amiswe phandle kancane. 35 Wasesithi emphakathini weSanihedrini, “Madoda ako-Israyeli, cabangani kuhle ngalokhu elifuna ukukwenza emadodeni la. 36 Ngesikhathi esadlulayo kwafika uThewuda ezitshaya umuntu oqakathekileyo, wahuga amadoda angaba ngamakhulu amane. Wabulawa, bonke abalandeli bakhe bahlakazeka, konke kwaphelela emoyeni. 37 Ngemva kwakhe, uJudasi umGalile laye wavela ngezinsuku zokubalwa kwabantu, wakhokhela ixuku labantu ukuba lihlamuke. Laye wabulawa, labalandeli bakhe bonke bahlakazeka. 38 Ngakho, mayelana lalindaba yamanje ngixwayisa lokhu: Bayekeleni abantu laba! Kabahambe! Ngoba nxa inhloso yabo kumbe umkhankaso wabo uvela ebantwini, uzakuba yize. 39 Kodwa nxa uvela kuNkulunkulu, kalisoze libe lamandla okubamisa lababantu; lizazifumana seliphikisana loNkulunkulu.”

40 Inkulumo yakhe bayamukela. Bababiza abapostoli bangeniswa kwathiwa kabatshaywe. Basebeqonqoselwa ukuthi bangaqali ukukhuluma ngebizo likaJesu, basebekhululwa.

41 Abapostoli basuka eSanihedrini bethokoza ngoba basebebonakalisile ukuthi bangalimela ihlazo lokulihluphekela iBizo. 42 Insuku ngensuku, emagumeni ethempeli, njalo behamba bengena indlu ngendlu, kabazange bame ukufundisa lokutshumayela izindaba ezinhle ukuthi uJesu unguKhristu.

6

Ukukhethwa Kwabayisikhombisa

1 Ngalezonsuku inani labafundi lisanda, amaJuda esiGrikhi ayephakathi kwabo akhonona kulabo ababengamaHebheru ngoba abafelokazi babo babengananzwa nxa kusabiwa ukudla ngezinsuku zonke. 2 Ngakho abalitshumi lambili bahlanganisa bonke abafundi ndawonye bathi, “Kuyabe kungalunganga kithi ukuthi siyekethise ukutshumayela ilizwi likaNkulunkulu silibale ngokulungiselana ukudla. 3 Bazalwane, khethani amadoda ayisikhombisa phakathi kwenu aziwayo ukuthi agcwele uMoya lokuhlakanipha. Umlandu lo sizawubekela wona 4 thina siqinise ukukhuleka lokutshumayela ilizwi.”

5 Umbono lo walithokozisa ixuku lonke. Bakhetha uStefane, indoda eyayigcwele ukukholwa loMoya oNgcwele; uFiliphu, uPhrokhorusi, uNikhanori, uThimoni, uPhamenasi loNikholasi wase-Antiyokhi, ikholwa elaphendukela enkolweni yesiJuda. 6 Amadoda la ethulwa kubapostoli, abakhuleka bawabeka izandla.

7 Ngakho ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lamemetheka. Inani labafundi eJerusalema landa ngokuphangisa, kwathi lenani elikhulu labaphristi layilandela inkolo.

UStefane Uyabotshwa

8 Kwathi uStefane, indoda eyayigcwele umusa kaNkulunkulu, lamandla, yenza izimanga lemimangaliso phakathi kwabantu. 9 Kwasekuvela umona usuka emalungeni eSinagogu yabaKhululekileyo (njengokubizwa kwakhona) bengamaJuda aseKhureni le-Alekizandriya kanye lasemikhonweni yaseSilisiya le-Ezhiya. Abantu laba basuka basebephikisana loStefane, 10 kodwa behluleka ukumelana lenhlakanipho yakhe kumbe uMoya ayekhuluma ngawo.

11 Basebefunza abanye abantu amazwi ngasese ukuthi bathi, “Simzwile uStefane ekhuluma amazwi ahlambaza uMosi kanye loNkulunkulu.”

12 Ngaleyondlela badungulula abantu labadala kanye labafundisi bomthetho. Bambopha uStefane bamletha phambi kweSanihedrini. 13 Baveza ofakazi bamanga abafakaza bathi, “Indoda le kayikhawuli ukukhuluma kubi ngendawo engcwele langomthetho. 14 Ngoba sesimuzwe esithi uJesu lo waseNazaretha uzayibhidliza indawo le njalo aguqule imikhuba uMosi asipha yona.”

15 Bonke ababehlezi phakathi kweSanihedrini bamnanzelela uStefane babona ukuthi ubuso bakhe babufana lobuso bengilosi.

7

Inkulumo KaStefane ESanihedrini

1 Ngakho umphristi omkhulu wasembuza wathi, “Ukumangalelwa konke lokhu kuliqiniso na?”

2 Kulokhu waphendula wathi: “Bafowethu labobaba ake lingilalele! UNkulunkulu wenkazimulo waziveza kubaba wethu u-Abhrahama esahlala eMesophothamiya, engakahlali eHarani. 3 UNkulunkulu wathi, ‘Tshiya ilizwe lakini labantu bakini uye elizweni engizakutshengisa lona.’*

4 Ngakho wasuka elizweni lamaKhaladiya wayahlala eHarani. Ngemva kokufa kukayise, uNkulunkulu wamletha kuleli ilizwe lapho eselihlala khona manje. 5 Kamuphanga lifa lapha loba nje isiqintshana somhlabathi. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wamthembisa ukuthi yena lezizukulwane zakhe ngemva kwakhe babezalizuza ilizwe lelo libe ngelabo, loba nje ngalesosikhathi u-Abhrahama wayengelamntwana. 6 UNkulunkulu wakhuluma laye kanje: ‘Izizukulwane zakho zizakuba ngabezizweni elizweni elingayisilo lazo okweminyaka engamakhulu amane, njalo zizagqilazwa, zihlukuluzwe. 7 Ngizasijezisa lesosizwe esibagqilazayo,’† kusitsho uNkulunkulu, ‘emva kwalokho bazaphuma kulelolizwe bangikhonze kuyonale indawo.’ 8 Wasenika u-Abhrahama isivumelwano sokusoka. U-Abhrahama waba nguyise ka-Isaka, wamsoka ngemva kwensuku eziyisificaminwembili ezelwe. Ngemva kwalokho u-Isaka waba nguyise kaJakhobe, uJakhobe yena waba nguyise wabokhokho abalitshumi lambili.

9 Ngenxa yokuthi okhokho babalomhawu ngoJosefa, bamthengisela eGibhithe njengesigqili. Kodwa uNkulunkulu waba laye 10 wamephula kuzozonke inhlupho zakhe. Wanika uJosefa inhlakanipho, wamenza wathandwa nguFaro, inkosi yaseGibhithe. Yona yasimenza umbusi eGibhithe lakuso sonke isigodlo sakhe.

11 Indlala yasihlasela lonke elaseGibhithe leleKhenani, kwaba lobunzima obukhulu ngoba okhokho bethu bakuswela ukudla. 12 UJakhobe esezwile ukuthi amabele ayekhona eGibhithe, wathuma okhokho bethu ekuhambeni kwabo kwakuqala. 13 Sebesiya khona okwesibili, uJosefa wabatshela abanewabo ukuthi wayengubani, njalo uFaro waziswa ngabakibo kaJosefa. 14 Ngemva kwalokho uJosefa wasebiza uyise uJakhobe ukuthi eze labendlu yakhe bonke, kungabantu abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu sebebonke. 15 Ngakho uJakhobe wasesehlela kweleGibhithe lapho afela khona yena kanye labokhokho bethu. 16 Izidumbu zabo zabuyiswa eShekhemu zabekwa ethuneni elathengwa ngu-Abhrahama emadodaneni kaHamori eShekhemu ngemali ethile.

17 Kwathi isikhathi sesisondele esokuthi uNkulunkulu agcwalise isithembiso sakhe ku-Abhrahama, inani labantu bakithi eGibhithe landa ngamandla. 18 Kwasekusiba ‘lenye inkosi eyayingazi lutho ngoJosefa yaba ngumbusi eGibhithe.’‡ 19 Yaba lesihluku ebantwini bakithi, yancindezela okhokho bethu ngokubabamba ngamandla ukuthi balahlele khatshana insane zabo ezisanda kuzalwa ukuthi zife.

20 Ngalesosikhathi uMosi wazalwa, njalo engasumntwana makhaza. Okwezinyanga ezintathu wondliwa endlini kayise. 21 Kwathi esebekwe phandle, indodakazi kaFaro yamthatha yamkhulisa njengomntanayo. 22 UMosi wafundiswa kuyo yonke inhlakanipho yamaGibhithe, eligagu lokukhuluma lokwenza.

23 Kwathi uMosi eseleminyaka engamatshumi amane obudala, wacabanga ukuya kwethekelela abantu bakibo, abako-Israyeli. 24 Wabona omunye wabo ehlukuluzwa ngumGibhithe, ngakho wayamlamulela, wenanisa ngokubulala umGibhithe lowo. 25 UMosi wakhumbula ukuthi abantu bakibo babezakunanzelela ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayemsebenzisa ukuthi abakhulule, kodwa kabakunanzelelanga. 26 Ngosuku olulandelayo uMosi wawela phezu kwabako-Israyeli ababili ababesilwa. Wazama ukubalamula ngokuthi, ‘Madoda, liyizinini; kungani lihlukuluzana kangaka na?’

27 Kodwa leyondoda eyayihlukuluza eyinye, yamfuqela eceleni uMosi yathi, ‘Ngubani okwenze umbusi lomahluli phezu kwethu? 28 Ufuna ukungibulala njengomGibhithe ombuleleyo izolo?’§ 29 UMosi wathi ekuzwa lokho wabalekela eMidiyani, lapho ahlala khona njengesizwe, wazala khona amadodana amabili.

30 Sekwedlule iminyaka engamatshumi amane, ingilosi yavela kuMosi iselangabini lesixuku esibhebhayo enkangala eduze kweNtaba iSinayi. 31 Wathi ekubona lokhu wamangala kakhulu ngalowombono. Wathi uyasondela ukuthi abonisise, wezwa ilizwi likaThixo lisithi: 32 ‘NginguNkulunkulu waboyihlo, uNkulunkulu ka-Abhrahama, lo-Isaka loJakhobe.’* UMosi wathuthumela ngokwesaba wehluleka ukukhangela.

33 INkosi yasisithi kuye, ‘Khupha amanyathela akho, ngoba indawo omi kuyo ingumhlabathi ongcwele. 34 Ngempela sengikubonile ukuhlukuluzeka kwabantu bami eGibhithe. Sengikuzwile ukububula kwabo, ngakho sengibuyile phansi lapha ukuzebakhulula. Manje-ke zwana, ngizakubuyisela eGibhithe.’†

35 Nguye kanye uMosi lo ababemalile ngamazwi athi, ‘Ngubani okwenze umbusi lomahluli na?’ Wathunyelwa ukuba ngumbusi lomkhululi nguNkulunkulu mathupha, ngengilosi eyabonakala kuye isesixukwini. 36 Wabakhokhela baphuma elizweni laseGibhithe, wenza izimanga lemimangaliso eGibhithe lasolwandle olubomvu kanye lasenkangala okweminyaka engamatshumi amane enkangala.

37 Nguye lo uMosi owatshela abako-Israyeli wathi, ‘UNkulunkulu wenu uzalivusela umphrofethi phakathi kwabafowenu njengami.’‡ 38 Wayephakathi kwebandla enkangala, elabokhokho bethu njalo elayo ingilosi eyakhuluma kuye eNtabeni yaseSinayi; njalo wemukela amazwi okuphila ukuthi awedlulisele kithi.

39 Kodwa okhokho bethu bala ukumlalela. Bamala, kwathi ezinhliziyweni zabo babuyela eGibhithe. 40 Batshela u-Aroni bathi, ‘Yenza onkulunkulu abazasikhokhela. UMosi lo owasikhupha eGibhithe asisakwazi ukuthi usedliwe yini!’§ 41 Yiso lesosikhathi abenza ngaso isithombe esasilesimo sethole. Baletha imihlatshelo kulo, benza umkhosi wokuthakazelela lokho okwenziwa yizandla zabo. 42 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wabafulathela, wabakhalala ukuba bakhonze ilanga, inyanga lezinkanyezi. Lokhu kuvumelana lalokho okulotshiweyo encwadini yabaphrofethi ukuthi:

‘Wena ndlu ka-Israyeli,

langilethela na imihlatshelo leminikelo

ngeminyaka engamatshumi amane enkangala?

43 Hatshi, lathwala isikhonzelo sikaMoleki

lenkanyezi kankulunkulu wenu uRefani,

izithombe elazenzayo ukuthi lizikhonze.

Ngakho-ke, ngizalixotshela ekuthunjweni’* ngale kweBhabhiloni.

44 Okhokho bethu babelalo ithabanikeli lobufakazi enkangala. Lalenziwe njengokuqondiswa kukaMosi nguNkulunkulu elandela isimo ayesibonile. 45 Sebelamukele ithala okhokho bethu bengaphansi kukaJoshuwa beza lalo ekuthumbeni kwabo izizwe. Lahlala elizweni kwaze kwaba yisikhathi sikaDavida, 46 owathandwa nguNkulunkulu, wacela ukuthi alungisele uNkulunkulu kaJakhobe indawo yokuhlala. 47 Kodwa kwaba nguSolomoni owamakhelayo leyondlu.

48 Lanxa kunjalo, oPhezukonke kahlali ezindlini ezakhiwe ngabantu. Njengoba esitsho umphrofethi ukuthi:

49 ‘Izulu liyisihlalo sami sobukhosi,

lomhlaba uyisenabelo sami.

Lizangakhela ndlu bani?

kutsho iNkosi.

Kambe izaba ngaphi indawo yami yokuphumula na?

50 Izinto zonke lezi kazenziwanga yisandla sami na?’†

51 Lina ziqholo zabantu, abanhliziyo lezindlebe ezingasokanga! Lifuze oyihlo: Lihlezi lijamelene loMoya oNgcwele! 52 Kambe kwake kwabakhona umphrofethi oyihlo abangazange bamhlukuluze na? Baze bababulala lalabo abaphrofetha ngokuza koLungileyo. Khathesi selimnikele lambulala, 53 lina eseliwemukele umthetho oweza ngezingilosi kodwa kaliwulandelanga.”

UStefane Ukhandwa Ngamatshe

54 Amalunga eSanihedrini esekuzwile lokhu azonda, afuthelana, amgedlela amazinyo. 55 Kodwa uStefane egcwele uMoya oNgcwele wakhangela ezulwini wabona inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu loJesu emi esandleni sokunene sikaNkulunkulu. 56 Wathi, “Khangelani, ngibona izulu livuliwe leNdodana yoMuntu imi esandleni sokunene sikaNkulunkulu.”

57 Besizwa lokhu bagcika indlebe zabo, baklabalala, bamdumela 58 bamhudulela phandle kwedolobho, bamkhanda ngamatshe. Ofakazi babeka izigqoko zabo phambi kwejaha elalithiwa nguSawuli.

59 Kwathi belokhu bemkhanda uStefane wakhuleka wathi, “Nkosi Jesu, yamukela umoya wami.” 60 Wathi vutshalala ngamadolo phansi wamemeza wathi, “Nkosi, ungababekeli mlandu ngalesisono.” Kuthe esetsho lokho, walala.

8

1 LoSawuli wayekhona evumelana lokubulawa kwakhe.

Ukuhlukuluzwa Lokuhlakazeka Kwebandla

Ngalelolanga kwaqalisa isiphithiphithi esibi sokuhlukuluza ibandla eJerusalema, kwathi bonke ngaphandle kwabapostoli bahlakazeka kulolonke iJudiya leSamariya. 2 Abantu abakholwa kuNkulunkulu bamngcwaba uStefane bamlilela kabuhlungu. 3 Kodwa uSawuli waqalisa ukulichitha ibandla. Wahamba engena izindlu ngezindlu ephuthuma abesilisa labesifazane esiyabaphosela entolongweni.

UFiliphu EseSamariya

4 Labo ababehlakazekile balitshumayela ilizwi loba kungaphi abaya khona. 5 UFiliphu wehlela edolobheni elithile eSamariya watshumayela ngoKhristu khonale. 6 Kwathi amaxuku abantu emuzwa uFiliphu njalo ebona izibonakaliso ayezenza bonke bakulalelisisa lokho ayekukhuluma. 7 Omoya ababi baphuma ebantwini abanengi beklabalala njalo abanengi ababome imihlubulo labayizilima basiliswa. 8 Ngakho kwaba lentokozo enkulu kulelodolobho.

USimoni Umenzi Wamasalamusi

9 Okwesikhathi esithile indoda eyayithiwa nguSimoni yayisenza amasalamusi edolobheni lelo yamangalisa bonke abantu baseSamariya. Wayezikhukhumeza ezitshaya umuntu omkhulu, 10 njalo bonke abantu, abaphakemeyo labantukazana bambuthanela bababaza bathi, “Indoda le kuqondile ibizwa ngokuthi ingaMandla amakhulu kaNkulunkulu.” 11 Bamlandela ngoba wayebamangalisile okwesikhathi eside ngamasalamusi akhe. 12 Kodwa kwathi sebekholwe uFiliphu etshumayela izindaba ezinhle zombuso kaNkulunkulu kanye lebizo likaJesu Khristu, babhaphathizwa, abesilisa labesifazane. 13 USimoni laye ngokwakhe wakholwa wabhaphathizwa. Walandela uFiliphu zonke indawo, emangaliswa yizibonakaliso ezinkulu lemimangaliso ayibonayo.

14 Kwathi abapostoli eJerusalema sebezwile ukuthi iSamariya yase ilamukele ilizwi likaNkulunkulu, bathuma uPhethro loJohane kubo. 15 Sebefikile babakhulekela ukuthi bemukele uMoya oNgcwele, 16 ngoba uMoya oNgcwele wawulokhu ungakehleli lakubani kubo; babebhaphathizelwe ebizweni leNkosi uJesu kuphela. 17 Ngakho uPhethro loJohane bababeka izandla, basebewemukela uMoya oNgcwele.

18 Kwathi uSimoni ebona ukuthi uMoya wawuphiwa ngokubekwa izandla ngabapostoli wabahuga ngemali 19 esithi, “Ngiphani lami lawomandla ukuze kuthi wonke lowo engimbeka izandla azuze uMoya oNgcwele.”

20 UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Sengathi imali yakho ingabhubha kanye lawe ngoba ucabanga ukuthi ungasithenga isipho sikaNkulunkulu ngemali! 21 Kawulangxenye loba isabelo kulinkonzo ngoba inhliziyo yakho kayilunganga phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 22 Phenduka kulobububi ukhuleke eNkosini. Mhlawumbe izakuthethelela ngokuba lomcabango onje enhliziyweni yakho. 23 Ngoba ngiyabona ukuthi ugcwalelene ngomona njalo ugqilazwe yisono.”

24 USimoni wasephendula wathi, “Ngikhulekelani eNkosini ukuze ngingehlelwa laloba yikuphi lwalokho okutshiloyo.”

25 Kwathi sebefakazile njalo balitshumayela ilizwi leNkosi, uPhethro loJohane babuyela eJerusalema, bahamba betshumayela ivangeli emizini eminengi yaseSamariya.

UFiliphu LomTopiya

26 Ingilosi yeNkosi yathi kuFiliphu, “Yehlela ezansi emgwaqweni, umgwaqo wenkangala, osuka eJerusalema usiya eGaza.” 27 Ngakho wasesuka, kwathi endleleni leyo wahlangana lomTopiya ongumthenwa, eyisikhulu esiqakathekileyo esasiphethe ingcebo kaKhandaki, indlovukazi yamaTopiya. Indoda le yayikade iye eJerusalema ukuyakhonza, 28 isisendleleni yokubuyela ekhaya ihlezi enqoleni yayo ibala incwadi ka-Isaya umphrofethi. 29 UMoya watshela uFiliphu wathi, “Hamba usondele enqoleni leyana walele eduze kwayo.”

30 UFiliphu wasegijimela kuyo inqola wezwa indoda leyo ibala u-Isaya umphrofethi. UFiliphu wayibuza wathi, “Uyakuzwisisa yini lokho okubalayo?”

31 Yathi, “Ngingakuzwisisa kanjani kungekho muntu ongichazelayo na?” Yasicela uFiliphu ukuthi agade azohlala layo.

32 Indoda engumthenwa yayibala indima yombhalo ethi:

“Waqhutshwa njengemvu isiwa esilaheni,

njengezinyane lemvu elithula zwi phambi komgundi,

kanjalo kazange awuvule umlomo wakhe.

33 Ekugconweni kwakhe wancitshwa ukwahlulelwa okulungileyo.

Ngubani ongakhuluma ngezizukulwane zakhe na?

Ngoba ukuphila kwakhe kwasuswa emhlabeni.”*

34 Indoda engumthenwa yabuza uFiliphu yathi, “Ake ungitshele bakithi, umphrofethi ukhuluma ngobani, yena ngokwakhe kumbe ngomunye umuntu?” 35 UFiliphu wahle waqalisa ngaleyondima yoMbhalo, wayitshela izindaba ezinhle ngoJesu.

36 Bathi belokhu behamba ngomgwaqo bafika lapho okwakulamanzi khona, indoda engumthenwa yathi, “Khangela, nanka amanzi. Kulani ukuthi ngihle ngibhaphathizwe na?” [ 37 UFiliphu wathi, “Nxa ukholwa ngenhliziyo yakho yonke ungabhaphathizwa.” Isikhulu saphendula sathi, “Ngiyakholwa ukuthi uJesu Khristu uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu.”]† 38 Isikhulu sathi inqola kayimiswe. Ngakho bobabili, uFiliphu lendoda engumthenwa baya emanzini uFiliphu wayibhaphathiza. 39 Bathi bephuma emanzini uMoya weNkosi wahle wamthatha uFiliphu, indoda engumthenwa ayabe isambona njalo, kodwa yaqhubeka ngendlela yayo ithokoza. 40 Kodwa uFiliphu wabonakala e-Azotha, walidabula ilizwe etshumayela ivangeli kuyo yonke imizi waze wayafika eKhesariya.

9

Ukuphenduka KukaSawuli

1 Kusenjalo, uSawuli wayelokhu esonga ngomvamvithi ukubulala abafundi beNkosi. Waya kuMphristi omkhulu 2 wayacela izincwadi zokuya emasinagogweni aseDamaseko, ukuze kuthi nxa engafumana khonale labo abangabeNdlela, abesilisa loba abesifazane, abalethe eJerusalema beyizibotshwa. 3 Wathi esebanga eDamaseko ngohambo lwakhe, masinyane kwaphazima ukukhanya kuvela ezulwini kwamzingelezela. 4 Wawela phansi, wezwa ilizwi lisithi kuye, “Sawuli, Sawuli, ungihlukuluzelani na?”

5 USawuli wabuza wathi, “Ungubani, Nkosi?”

Ilizwi lathi, “NginguJesu omhlukuluzayo. 6  Manje phakama uye edolobheni lapho ozatshelwa khona omele ukwenze.”

7 Amadoda ayehamba loSawuli ema lapho esetshe amathe; balizwa ilizwi, kodwa kababonanga muntu. 8 USawuli wavuka phansi, kodwa wathi evula amehlo akhe wayengasaboni lutho. Ngakho bamhola ngesandla bangena laye eDamaseko. 9 Waba yisiphofu okwensuku ezintathu, engadli njalo enganathi lutho.

10 EDamaseko kwakulomfundi owayethiwa ngu-Ananiya. INkosi yambiza ngombono yathi, “Ananiya!”

Waphendula wathi, “Yebo, Nkosi.”

11 INkosi yamtshela yathi, “Hamba uye endlini kaJudasi eMgwaqweni oQondileyo, ubuze khona ngendoda yaseThasasi ethiwa nguSawuli, ngoba iyakhuleka. 12  Usebelombono wabona indoda ethiwa ngu-Ananiya ifika imbeka izandla ibuyisa ukubona kwakhe.”

13 U-Ananiya waphendula wathi, “Nkosi sengiyizwile indumela yalumuntu mayelana lokubi konke akwenzayo ebantwini bakho eJerusalema. 14 Uze lapha ngamandla awaphiwe ngabaphristi abakhulu ukuzabopha bonke ababiza ibizo lakho.”

15 Kodwa iNkosi yathi ku-Ananiya, “Hamba! Indoda le iyisitsha sami engisikhethileyo ukuthwala ibizo lami phambi kwabeZizwe lamakhosi abo laphambi kwabantu bako-Israyeli. 16  Ngizamtshengisa ukuthi uzahlupheka kanganani ngenxa yebizo lami.”

17 U-Ananiya wasehamba esiya kuleyondlu wafika wangena. Wabeka izandla zakhe phezu kukaSawuli wathi, “Mzalwane, Sawuli, iNkosi uJesu obonakale kuwe endleleni usiza lapha ungithumile ukuze ukwazi ukubona njalo futhi ugcwaliswe ngoMoya oNgcwele.” 18 Masinyane, kwakhithika okwakungathi zinkwethu emehlweni kaSawuli, wasebona njalo. Wasukuma wabhaphathizwa, 19 kwathi esedlile, wathola amandla.

USawuli EseDamaseko LaseJerusalema

USawuli wahlala insuku ezithile labafundi eDamaseko. 20 Waseqalisa ukutshumayela emasinagogweni ukuthi uJesu uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu. 21 Bonke labo abamuzwayo bamangala babuza bathi, “Kasuye yini umuntu lo owenza isihluku eJerusalema kulabo abalibizayo lelibizo na? Njalo kabuyanga yini lapha ukuzabathatha beyizibotshwa abese kubaphristi abakhulu na?” 22 Kodwa uSawuli wasebenza ngamandla amakhulu wadidekisa amaJuda ayehlala eDamaseko ngokubonisa kamhlophe ukuthi uJesu unguKhristu.

23 Sekudlule insuku ezinengi amaJuda abumba icebo lokumbulala, 24 kodwa uSawuli walizwa icebo labo. Emini lebusuku bamlindela emasinagogweni edolobho ukuze bambulale. 25 Kodwa abalandeli bakhe bamthatha ebusuku bamehlisa ngesilulu esikhaleni esasisemdulini.

26 Wathi esefikile eJerusalema wazama ukuhlangana labafundi, kodwa bonke babemesaba, bengakholwa ukuthi ngempela wayesengumfundi. 27 Kodwa uBhanabhasi wamthatha wamusa kubapostoli. Wabatshela ngokuthi uSawuli wayibona njani iNkosi esendleleni esiya eDamaseko lokuthi watshumayela njani ngesibindi ngebizo likaJesu. 28 USawuli wasehlala labo, wazihambela ekhululekile eJerusalema, ekhuluma ngesibindi ngebizo leNkosi. 29 Wakhuluma njalo waphikisana lamaJuda esiGrikhi, kodwa azama ukumbulala. 30 Kwathi abazalwane bekuzwa lokhu, bambalekisela eKhesariya bafika bamedlulisela eThasasi.

31 Ngalesosikhathi ibandla kulolonke elaseJudiya leGalile leSamariya laba lesikhathi esihle sokuthula. Laqina, njalo ngokukhuthazwa nguMoya oNgcwele landa ngobunengi, lahlala liyesaba iNkosi.

U-Eniyasi LoDokhasi

32 Kwathi uPhethro ebhoda phakathi kwelizwe wayakwethekelela abangcwele eLida. 33 Wafumana khonale indoda eyayithiwa ngu-Eniyasi, eyayiyisigulane esome umhlubulo sihlezi silele okweminyaka eyisificaminwembili. 34 UPhethro wathi kuye, “Eniyasi, uJesu Khristu uyakusilisa. Vuka uthathe icansi lakho.” Masinyane u-Eniyasi wasukuma. 35 Bonke labo ababehlala eLida laseSharoni bambona baphendukela eNkosini.

36 EJopha kwakulomfundi owayethiwa nguThabitha (ngesiGrikhi ibizo lakhe nguDokhasi), owayehlala esenza okuhle esiza abaswelayo. 37 Ngalesosikhathi wagula wafa, isidumbu sakhe sageziswa, sabekwa endlini ephezulu. 38 ILida yayiseduze kweJopha; yikho abafundi sebezwile ukuthi uPhethro wayeseLida, bathuma amadoda amabili kuye bamncenga bathi, “Sicela ukuthi uze ngokuphangisa!”

39 UPhethro wahamba labo, wathi ekufikeni kwakhe wasiwa endlini ephezulu. Bonke abafelokazi bema bemhanqile, bekhala, bemtshengisa izembatho lezinye izigqoko ezazithungwe nguDokhasi esaphila.

40 UPhethro wabakhupha bonke endlini; waseguqa ngamadolo wakhuleka. Wasephendukela esidunjini sowesifazane wathi, “Thabitha, vuka!” Owesifazane wasevula amehlo akhe, wathi ebona uPhethro wahlala. 41 Wambamba ngesandla wamsukumisa. Wasebiza amakholwa labafelokazi wamethula kubo esephila. 42 Lokhu kwasuka kwaziwa kulolonke iJopha, abantu abanengi bakholwa eNkosini. 43 UPhethro wahlala okwesikhathi eJopha loSimoni umtshuki wezikhumba.

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UKhoneliyasi Unxusa UPhethro

1 EKhesariya kwakulendoda eyayithiwa nguKhoneliyasi, yayingumlawuli webutho lekhulu elalithiwa liViyo lase-Ithaliya. 2 Yena lendlu yakhe yonke babekhonza njalo bemesaba uNkulunkulu. Wayenika ngesihle labo abaswelayo njalo ekhuleka kuNkulunkulu kokuphela. 3 Ngelinye ilanga, sokungaba lihola lesithathu emini waba lombono. Wabona kamhlophe ingilosi kaNkulunkulu, eyeza kuye yathi, “Khoneliyasi!”

4 UKhoneliyasi wayiqhuzulela amehlo ngokwesaba. Wabuza wathi, “Kuyini, Nkosi?”

Ingilosi yaphendula yathi, “Imikhuleko yakho lezipho zakho kwabaswelayo sekufinyelele kuNkulunkulu kwaba yisikhumbuzo. 5 Ngakho-ke, thumela amadoda eJopha ayebuya lendoda ethiwa nguSimoni owaziwa ngokuthi nguPhethro. 6 Ihlala loSimoni ongumtshuki wezikhumba, olendlu okhunjini lolwandle.”

7 Ingilosi eyakhuluma laye isihambile, uKhoneliyasi wabiza izinceku zakhe ezimbili kanye loyedwa owayengumncedisi webutho owayeyindoda ekhonzayo. 8 Wabatshela konke okwakwenzakele, wasebathuma eJopha.

Umbono KaPhethro

9 Sekungaba phakathi laphakathi kwemini sebebanga edolobheni, uPhethro wakhwela ophahleni ukuyakhuleka. 10 Wezwa eselambile esefuna ulutho lokudla, kwathi ukudla kusalungiswa wehlelwa yisiyeziphupho. 11 Wabona izulu livulekile, kusehliselwa emhlabeni ulutho olwalunjengelembu elikhulu libanjwe ngamagumbi alo womane. 12 Lalithwele yonke imihlobo yezinyamazana ezilenyawo ezine, kanye lezinanakazana ezihuquzelayo emhlabeni lezinyoni zemoyeni. 13 Ilizwi laselimtshela lathi, “Vuka Phethro. Hlaba udle.”

14 UPhethro waphendula wathi, “Hatshi, Nkosi! Kangikaze ngidle lutho olungahlanzekanga lolungcolileyo.”

15 Laphinda ilizwi lakhuluma okwesibili kuye lathi, “Ungabokuthi ulutho oseluhlanjululwe nguNkulunkulu kaluhlanzekanga.”

16 Lokhu kwenzakala kathathu, kwasekusithi masinyane ilembu labuyiselwa ezulwini.

17 Kwathi uPhethro esamangele ngokuthi umbono lowo wawusitshoni, amadoda ayethunywe nguKhoneliyasi ayibona indlu kaSimoni, ema entubeni. 18 Akhuleka abuza ingabe uSimoni owayethiwa nguPhethro wayehlala khonapho yini.

19 Kwathi uPhethro elokhu esacabanga ngombono, uMoya wathi kuye, “Simoni, kulamadoda amathathu akudingayo. 20 Ngakho-ke, phakama wehlele phansi. Ungathandabuzi ukuhamba lawo, ngoba ngiwathumile.”

21 UPhethro wehla wathi emadodeni lawo, “Nginguye lowo elimdingayo. Lilandeni?”

22 Amadoda aphendula athi, “Sivela kuKhoneliyasi umlawuli wekhulu lamabutho. Ungumuntu olungileyo owesaba uNkulunkulu, ohlonitshwa yibo bonke abangamaJuda. Ingilosi engcwele imtshele ukuthi kakulethe endlini yakhe ukuze ezwe lokho ongabe uyakutsho.” 23 UPhethro wasewangenisa endlini amadoda lawo njengezethekeli zakhe.

UPhethro Endlini KaKhoneliyasi

Ngosuku olulandelayo uPhethro wasuka labo, kwathi labanye abazalwane beJopha bahamba laye. 24 Ngelanga elilandelayo wafika eKhesariya. UKhoneliyasi wayesebalindele esebize izihlobo zakhe labangane abaseduze. 25 Kuthe uPhethro engena, uKhoneliyasi wamhlangabeza, wazilahla phansi ezinyaweni zakhe ngenhlonipho. 26 Kodwa uPhethro wamsukumisa. Wathi, “Sukuma, mina ngingumuntu nje.”

27 UPhethro wangena endlini elokhu ekhuluma laye, wafumana ixuku labantu elikhulu. 28 Wathi kubo, “Liyakwazi ukuthi kungaphandle komthetho wethu ukuthi umJuda ahlanganyele loweZizwe loba ukuthi amethekelele. Kodwa uNkulunkulu usengitshengisile ukuthi kangingakutsho ukuthi omunye umuntu kahlanzekanga loba ungcolile. 29 Yikho kuthe lapho ngibizwa lapha, ngahle ngeza ngingazange ngibalise lokhu lalokhuyana. Sengibuza-ke manje, ungibizelani?”

30 UKhoneliyasi waphendula wathi, “Ensukwini ezintathu ezedluleyo bengisendlini yami ngikhuleka ngasonalesi isikhathi, ngehola lesithathu emini. Masinyane indoda ebigqoke izigqoko ezikhazimulayo yema phambi kwami, 31 yathi, ‘Khoneliyasi, uNkulunkulu usewuzwile umkhuleko wakho wakhumbula lezipho zakho kwabaswelayo. 32 Thumela ilizwi eJopha ubize uSimoni owaziwa ngokuthi nguPhethro. Wethekelele emzini kaSimoni umtshuki wezikhumba, ohlala malungana lolwandle.’ 33 Yikho ngihle ngathuma abantu kuwe ngokuphangisa, kwaba kuhle ukuthi lawe uze. Manje sonke sesikhona lapha phambi kukaNkulunkulu ukuthi sizwe konke iNkosi ekuyale ukuthi usitshele khona.”

34 UPhethro waseqalisa ukukhuluma wathi: “Sengibona khathesi ukuthi ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu kalabandlululo, 35 kodwa wamukela abantu benhlanga zonke abamesabayo, abenza okulungileyo. 36 Yilo leli ilizwi uNkulunkulu alithumela ebantwini bako-Israyeli, elikhuluma ngezindaba ezinhle zokuthula ngoJesu Khristu oyiNkosi yabo bonke. 37 Liyakwazi osekwenzakele kulolonke elaseJudiya, kusukela eGalile ngemva kobhaphathizo olwatshunyayelwa nguJohane, 38 ukuthi uNkulunkulu wamgcoba kanjani uJesu waseNazaretha ngoMoya oNgcwele langamandla, lokuthi wahamba izindawana zonke esenza ubuhle njalo esilisa bonke ababesemandleni omubi, ngoba uNkulunkulu wayelaye.

39 Singofakazi bakho konke akwenzayo elizweni lamaJuda laseJerusalema. Bambulala ngokumlengisa esiphambanweni, 40 kodwa uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo ngosuku lwesithathu, wakwenza ukuthi abonakale. 41 Kabonwanga ngabantu bonke, kodwa ngofakazi uNkulunkulu ayevele esebakhethile, yithi thina esadla sanatha laye ngemva kokuvuka kwakhe kwabafileyo. 42 Wasilaya ukuba sitshumayele ebantwini bonke njalo sifakaze ukuthi unguye uNkulunkulu ambekayo ukuba ngumahluleli wabaphilayo labafileyo. 43 Bonke abaphrofethi bafakaza ngaye ukuthi bonke abakholwa kuye baphiwa ukuthethelelwa kwezono ngebizo lakhe.”

44 UPhethro elokhu esakhuluma amazwi la uMoya oNgcwele wehlela kubo bonke abalizwayo ilizwi. 45 AmaJuda, amakholwa asokiweyo ayeze loPhethro amangaliswa yikuthi uMoya oNgcwele wawuthululelwe lakwabeZizwe. 46 Ngoba babezwa bekhuluma ngendimi bedumisa uNkulunkulu.

UPhethro wasesithi, 47 “Kambe ukhona yini umuntu ongalela abantu laba ukuba babhaphathizwe ngamanzi na? Sebemukele uMoya oNgcwele njengathi.” 48 Wasesithi kababhaphathizwe ebizweni likaJesu Khristu. Basebecela uPhethro ukuthi ahlale labo okwensukwana ezithile.

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UPhethro Uchaza Ukwenza Kwakhe

1 Abapostoli labazalwane kulolonke elaseJudiya bezwa ukuthi abeZizwe labo basebelamukele ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. 2 Yikho kwathi uPhethro esebuyele eJerusalema, amaJuda, amakholwa asokileyo, amsola 3 athi, “Wangena endlini yabantu abangasokanga wadla labo.”

4 UPhethro wabalondela konke kusukela ekuqaleni, wakuchasisa njengokwenzakala kwakho, wathi, 5 “Ngangisedolobheni laseJopha ngikhuleka, ngehlelwa yisiyeziphupho ngaba lombono. Ngabona ulutho olwalunjengelembu elikhulu lisehliselwa phansi ngamagumbi alo womane livela ezulwini, lehlela phansi lapho engangikhona. 6 Ngakhangela phakathi kwalo ngabona izinyamazana zomhlaba zezinyawo ezine, izilo zeganga, izinanakazana ezihuquzelayo lezinyoni zemoyeni. 7 Ngasengisizwa ilizwi lingitshela lisithi, ‘Vuka Phethro. Hlaba udle.’

8 Ngaphendula ngathi, ‘Hatshi bo, Nkosi! Kowami umlomo kakukaze kungene ulutho olungahlanzekanga loba olungcolileyo.’

9 Ilizwi lakhuluma okwesibili livela ezulwini lathi, ‘Ungabokuthi ulutho oseluhlanjululwe nguNkulunkulu kaluhlanzekanga.’ 10 Lokhu kwenzakala kathathu, konke kwase kubuyiselwa njalo ezulwini.

11 Ngalesosikhathi amadoda amathathu ayethunywe kimi evela eKhesariya afika endlini engangihlala kuyo. 12 UMoya wangitshela ukuthi ngingathandabuzi ukuhamba lawo. Laba abazalwane abayisithupha labo bahamba lami sayangena endlini yendoda leyo. 13 Yasitshela ukuthi yabona ingilosi endlini yayo isithi, ‘Thumela eJopha ubize uSimoni owaziwa ngokuthi nguPhethro. 14 Uzakulethela ilizwi eliyilo elizakusindisa wena kanye lendlu yakho.’

15 Kwathi ngiqalisa nje ukukhuluma, uMoya oNgcwele wehlela phezu kwabo njengoba wehlela kithi ekuqaleni. 16 Ngakho ngasengikhumbula okwatshiwo yiNkosi isithi, ‘UJohane wabhaphathiza ngamanzi, kodwa lina lizabhaphathizwa ngoMoya oNgcwele.’ 17 Ngakho-ke, nxa uNkulunkulu wabanika sona lesosipho asinika sona thina esakholwa eNkosini uJesu Khristu, ngangingubani mina engangingakhumbula ukuthi ngingamelana loNkulunkulu na?”

18 Bathi sebekuzwile lokhu, kababe besaba lansolo, badumisa uNkulunkulu besithi, “Ngakho-ke, uNkulunkulu usebanikile labo abeZizwe ukuphendukela ekuphileni.”

Ibandla E-Antiyokhi

19 Kwathi labo ababehlakazekile ngenxa yokuhlukunyezwa okwaqala ngokufa kukaStefane bahamba baze bayafika eFenikhiya, leSiphrasi le-Antiyokhi betshumayela ilizwi kumaJuda kuphela. 20 Kodwa abanye babo, amadoda ayevela eSiphrasi laseKhureni, aya e-Antiyokhi atshumayela lakumaGrikhi, ebatshela ngezindaba ezinhle ngeNkosi uJesu. 21 INkosi yaba labo, ngakho abantu abanengi bakholwa baphendukela eNkosini.

22 Ibandla eliseJerusalema lakuzwa lokhu laselithumela uBhanabhasi e-Antiyokhi. 23 Ekufikeni kwakhe wazibona izithelo zomusa kaNkulunkulu, wathokoza njalo wabakhuthaza bonke ukuthi baqhubeke ngobuqotho eNkosini ngezinhliziyo zabo zonke. 24 Wayeyindoda elungileyo, egcwele uMoya oNgcwele lokukholwa. Abantu abanengi kakhulu balethwa eNkosini.

25 UBhanabhasi wasesiya eThasasi ukuyadinga uSawuli. 26 Esemfumene wahamba laye e-Antiyokhi. Ngakho okomnyaka wonke uBhanabhasi loSawuli babehlangana lebandla befundisa abantu abanengi kakhulu. Abafundi baqalisa ukubizwa ngokuthi ngamaKhristu e-Antiyokhi.

27 Ngalesosikhathi abanye abaphrofethi bafika e-Antiyokhi bevela eJerusalema. 28 Omunye wabo owayethiwa ngu-Agabhasi wasukuma eholwa nguMoya wabonisa ukuthi kwakuzakuba lendlala embi eyayizakubakhona kulolonke ilizwe lombuso wamaRoma. (Lokhu kwenzakala ngesikhathi sokubusa kukaKlawudiyasi.) 29 Abafundi bazimisela ukunika usizo kubazalwane ababehlala eJudiya, ngulowo enika ngokwenelisa kwakhe. 30 Bakwenza lokhu, bathumeza izipho zabo ebadaleni ngoBhanabhasi loSawuli.

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Umangaliso Wokuphuma KukaPhethro Entolongweni

1 Kungaba yisikhathi lapho iNkosi uHerodi eyabopha khona abanye ababe ngabebandla eqonde ukubahlukumeza. 2 Wabulalisa uJakhobe umfowabo kaJohane ngenkemba. 3 Wathi esebone ukuthi lokho kwakuwathabisa amaJuda, wabopha loPhethro njalo. Lokho kwenzakala ngezinsuku zoMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo. 4 Esembophile wamphosela entolongweni, wamnikela ukuba alindwe ngamaviyo amane amabutho, ngalinye lilamabutho amane. UHerodi wayefuna ukuthi ngemva kwePhasika amkhuphele obala athonisiswe phambi kwabantu.

5 Ngakho uPhethro wagcinwa entolongweni, kodwa ibandla lamkhulekela njalonjalo kuNkulunkulu.

6 Ngobusuku obandulela ukuthonisiswa kukaPhethro nguHerodi, uPhethro wayelele ephahlwe ngamabutho amabili, ebotshwe ngamaketane amabili, kumi abalindi emnyango wentolongo. 7 Masinyane ingilosi yeNkosi yavela, kwabakhona ukukhanya kulelokamela lentolongo. Yathinta uPhethro ohlangothini, yamvusa yathi, “Phangisa, vuka!” Amaketane akhithika ezingalweni zikaPhethro.

8 Ingilosi yasisithi kuye, “Gqoka, ufake lamanyathela akho.” UPhethro wenzenjalo. Ingilosi yamtshela yathi, “Yembatha ijazi lakho ungilandele.” 9 UPhethro wayilandela ngaphandle kwentolongo, kodwa wayedidekile engakwazi ukuthi lokho ingilosi eyayikwenza kwakusenzakala ngempela; wayekhumbula ukuthi ubona umbono. 10 Bedlula kubalindi, owokuqala lowesibili bafika esangweni lensimbi elaliphumela edolobheni. Lazivulekela baphuma. Kwathi sebehambe baphutsha umgwaqo wedolobho, ingilosi yamtshiya.

11 Kwayikhona uPhethro enanzelela, wathi, “Khathesi sengisazi kungelakuthandabuza ukuthi iNkosi ithume ingilosi yayo yangihlenga ezibotshweni zikaHerodi lakukho konke obekufiswa ngamaJuda.”

12 Sekumkhanyele kuhle lokhu, waqonda endlini kaMariya unina kaJohane, owayethiwa nguMakho njalo, khona lapho abantu abanengi babebuthene bekhuleka. 13 UPhethro waqoqoda entubeni yangaphandle, kwathi incekukazi eyayithiwa nguRoda yayabuza ukuthi ngubani owayesemnyango. 14 Isilizwile ilizwi likaPhethro yathaba kakhulu, yagijimela phakathi ingasawuvulanga, yabika yathi, “UPhethro usemnyango!”

15 Bathi, “Uyahlanya wena.” Kwathi ngoba wala elokhu ephikelela ukuthi liqiniso, bathi, “Kutsho ukuthi yingilosi yakhe.”

16 Kodwa uPhethro wala elokhu eqoqoda, bathi bevula umnyango bambona, bamangala kakhulu. 17 UPhethro wabatshengisa ngesandla ukuthi bathule, wasebalandisela ukuthi iNkosi imkhuphe kanjani entolongweni. Wathi, “Libotshela uJakhobe labazalwane ngalokhu.” Wasesuka waya kwenye indawo.

18 Ekuseni kwaba lokunyakazela okukhulu phakathi kwabebutho. Babuza bathi, “Kambe ngabe uPhethro wenzenjani?” 19 Kwathi uHerodi esemthungathe waze wabeka phansi, wathonisisa abalindi wasesithi kababulawe.

Ukufa KukaHerodi

UHerodi wasuka eJudiya waya eKhesariya wayahlala khona okwesikhathi esithile. 20 Wayekade exabana labantu beThire labeSidoni; basebehlangana ndawonye bacela ukukhuluma laye. Sebezuze ukusekelwa nguBhlastu inceku ethembekileyo enkosini, bacela ukuthula ngoba ukudla kwabo babekuthola elizweni lenkosi.

21 Ngosuku olumisiweyo, uHerodi wagqoka izigqoko zobukhosi wahlala esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi, wasekhuluma ebantwini. 22 Bamemeza bathi, “Leli yilizwi likaNkulunkulu, hatshi elomuntu.” 23 Masinyane nje, ngenxa yokuthi uHerodi wayengamkhonzi uNkulunkulu, ingilosi yeNkosi yamtshaya yamlahla phansi, wadliwa zimpethu wafa.

24 Kodwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu laqhubeka likhula njalo lisanda.

UBhanabhasi loSawuli Bayabuyela

25 Kwathi uBhanabhasi loSawuli sebewuqedile umlandu wabo, babuyela besuka eJerusalema, bahamba loJohane, owayethiwa nguMakho.

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1 Ebandleni elalise-Antiyokhi kwakulabaphrofethi labafundisi: uBhanabhasi, loSimiyoni owayethiwa nguNigeri, loLusiya waseKhureni, loManayeni (owayekhuliswe loHerodi umbusi) kanye loSawuli. 2 Kwathi beyikhonza iNkosi njalo bezilile uMoya oNgcwele wathi, “Ngahlukaniselani uBhanabhasi loSawuli baye emsebenzini engibabizele wona.” 3 Ngakho bathi sebezilile njalo sebekhulekile, bababeka izandla babakhupha.

Kuyiwa ESiphrasi

4 Bonke bobabili baholwa nguMoya oNgcwele, behlela eSelusiya lapho abawela khona ngomkhumbi baya eSiphrasi. 5 Bathi sebefikile eSalami, balitshumayela ilizwi likaNkulunkulu emasinagogweni amaJuda. UJohane wayelabo engumsizi wabo.

6 Basibhoda sonke isihlenge baze bafika ePhafosi. Khonapho bafumana umJuda oyisanuse, njalo engumphrofethi wamanga owayethiwa nguBha-Jesu, 7 wayeyinceku kasibalukhulu, uSegiyasi Phawuli. Usibalukhulu lowo, indoda ekhaliphileyo, yathumela ukuthi kubizwe uBhanabhasi loSawuli ngoba wayefuna ukuzwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. 8 Kodwa u-Elima isanuse (phela yikho ibizo lakhe elikutshoyo) waphikisana labo wazama ukuphambula usibalukhulu ekukholweni. 9 Kwasekusithi uSawuli, owayethiwa njalo nguPhawuli, egcwele uMoya oNgcwele, wamjolozela u-Elima wathi, 10 “Wena ungumntakaSathane lesitha sakho konke okulungileyo! Ugcwele zonke inhlobo zenkohliso lokudlelezela. Kawuyikufa wakhawula yini ukuhlinikeza izindlela eziqondileyo? 11 Khathesi-ke, isandla seNkosi sizakutshaya. Uzakuba yimpumputhe, awuzukubona ukukhanya kwelanga okwesikhathi esithile.”

Masinyane wehlelwa yinkungu lomnyama, waphumputha, waswela umuntu wokumhola ngesandla. 12 Kwathi usibalukhulu esekubonile lokho okwakwenzakele wakholwa, ngoba wamangaliswa yimfundiso ngeNkosi.

E-Antiyokhi YasePhisidiya

13 Besuka ePhafosi uPhawuli labaphelekezeli bakhe bawela ngomkhumbi baya ePhega esePhamfiliya lapho uJohane abatshiya khona esebuyela eJerusalema. 14 Besuka ePhega baya e-Antiyokhi yasePhisidiya. NgeSabatha bangena esinagogweni bahlala phansi. 15 Sekubaliwe eMthethweni labaPhrofethi, abaphathi besinagogu bedlulisela ilizwi kubo lisithi, “Bazalwane, nxa lilelizwi lokukhuthaza abantu, khulumani.”

16 UPhawuli wasukuma welekelela ngesandla wathi, “Madoda ako-Israyeli kanye lani abeZizwe elimesabayo uNkulunkulu, ngilalelani! 17 UNkulunkulu wabantu bako-Israyeli wakhetha okhokho bethu wenza abantu baphumelela ngesikhathi behlezi eGibhithe. Ngamandla amakhulu wabakhupha kulelolizwe 18 wababekezelela ekuhambeni kwabo okweminyaka engamatshumi amane besenkangala. 19 Wachitha izizwe eziyisikhombisa eKhenani wanika ilizwe lazo abantu bakhe laba yilifa labo. 20 Konke lokho kwathatha iminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu (450).

Ngemva kwalokhu uNkulunkulu wababekela abahluleli kwaze kwaba yisikhathi sikaSamuyeli umphrofethi. 21 Abantu bacela inkosi, wabanika uSawuli indodana kaKhishi, owesizwana sikaBhenjamini, wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amane. 22 Ngemva kokuba esemsusile uSawuli, wabeka uDavida waba yinkosi. Wafakaza ngaye wathi, ‘Sengifumane uDavida indodana kaJese, indoda ethandwa yinhliziyo yami; uzakwenza konke engifuna ukuba akwenze.’

23 Esizukulwaneni salindoda uNkulunkulu uselethe ko-Israyeli uMsindisi uJesu njengokuthembisa kwakhe. 24 Mandulo kokufika kukaJesu, uJohane watshumayela ukuphenduka lokubhaphathizwa kubo bonke abantu bako-Israyeli. 25 UJohane esewuphetha umsebenzi wakhe wathi, ‘Licabanga ukuthi ngingubani na? Kangisuye lowo. Hatshi, kodwa uyeza ngemva kwami, omanyathela akhe akungilingananga ukuthi ngiwathukulule.’

26 Bazalwane, bantwana baka-Abhrahama lani beZizwe elimesabayo uNkulunkulu, lelilizwi lensindiso selithunyelwe kithi. 27 Abantu baseJerusalema kanye lababusi babo kabamamukelanga uJesu, ikanti kwathi ngokumlahla bagcwalisa amazwi abaphrofethi afundwayo ngamaSabatha wonke. 28 Lokuba bengazange bafumane ubufakazi obuqondileyo ukuthi agwetshelwe ukubulawa, bacela uPhilathu ukuthi abulawe. 29 Bathi sebekwenzile konke lokho okwakulotshwe ngaye, bamethula esiphambanweni bamlalisa ethuneni. 30 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo, 31 Wabonwa okwensuku ezinengi yilabo abahamba laye besuka eGalile besiya eJerusalema. Manje yibo asebe ngofakazi ebantwini bakithi.

32 Silitshela izindaba ezinhle ukuthi: Lokho uNkulunkulu akuthembisa okhokho bethu 33 usesigcwalisele khona, thina abantwababo, ngokumvusa uJesu kwabafileyo. Njengalokhu kulotshiwe eHubeni lesibili ukuthi:

‘UyiNdodana yami;

lamhla sengibe nguYihlo.’*

34 Lokho ukuthi uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo, engasoze abole lanini, kucacisiwe emazwini la:

‘Ngizakunika izibusiso ezingcwele eziqinisekileyo ezathenjiswa uDavida.’†

35 Kanjalo kulotshiwe kwenye indawo ukuthi:

‘Kawusoze wekele oNgcwele wakho abone ukubola.’‡

36 Ngoba kwathi uDavida eseyifezile injongo kaNkulunkulu ngalesosikhathi aphila kuso, walala; wangcwatshwa labokhokho bakhe, umzimba wakhe wabola. 37 Kodwa lowo uNkulunkulu amvusayo kwabafileyo kazange akubone ukubola.

38 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane bami, ngithanda ukuba lazi ukuthi ngoJesu ukuthethelelwa kwezono kuyatshunyayelwa kini. 39 Ngaye bonke abakholwayo sebehlanjululwe ezonweni zonke abebengeke bahlanjululwe kuzo ngomthetho kaMosi. 40 Qaphelani ukuthi lokho okwakhulunywa ngabaphrofethi kungenzakali kini, ukuthi:

41 ‘Khangelani, lina bachothozi,

mangalani libhubhe,

ngoba ensukwini zenu ngizakwenza into

elingasoze liyikholwe

lanxa kube lalingakutshelwa ngubani.’§”

42 Kwathi uPhawuli loBhanabhasi sebesuka esinagogweni abantu babacela ukuthi babuye bazokhuluma njalo ngalezizinto ngeSabatha elilandelayo. 43 Abantu sebechithekile amaJuda amanengi lamakholwa ayephendukele enkolweni yesiJuda balandela uPhawuli loBhanabhasi, bona bakhuluma labo bebakhuthaza ukuthi baqhubeke bebambelele emuseni kaNkulunkulu.

44 NgeSabatha elilandelayo phose lonke idolobho labuthana ukuzakuzwa ilizwi leNkosi. 45 Kwathi amaJuda ebona amaxuku abantu, aba lomona, akhuluma ehlambaza lokho okwakutshiwo nguPhawuli.

46 UPhawuli loBhanabhasi basebewaphendula ngesibindi bathi, “Bekumele silikhulume kini ilizwi likaNkulunkulu kuqala. Kodwa njengoba lililahla ngoba lizibona lina lingakufanelanga ukuphila okungapheliyo, khathesi sesiphendukela kwabeZizwe. 47 Phela nanku iNkosi esisiyale khona yathi:

‘Sengilenze isibane sabeZizwe,

ukuthi lilethe insindiso emikhawulweni yomhlaba.’*”

48 Kwathi abeZizwe bekuzwa lokhu bathaba, balidumisa ilizwi leNkosi; kwathi bonke ababemiselwe ukuphila okungapheliyo bakholwa.

49 Ilizwi leNkosi landa umango wonke. 50 Kodwa amaJuda athela umoya omubi kwabesifazane abahlonitshwayo ababekholwa lamadoda ayengabakhokheli bedolobho. Akhwezela ukuhlukuluzwa kukaPhawuli loBhanabhasi, abaxotsha emangweni wakibo. 51 Ngakho bathintitha uthuli ezinyaweni zabo njengesixwayiso, baqonda e-Ikhoniyamu. 52 Abafundi bagcwala ngentokozo langoMoya oNgcwele.

14

E-Ikhoniyamu

1 E-Ikhoniyamu uPhawuli loBhanabhasi baya esinagogweni yamaJuda njengenjayelo yabo. Khonapho bakhuluma kwazwela kwaze kwathi amaJuda amanengi lamaGrikhi akholwa. 2 Kodwa amaJuda ayengafuni ukukholwa adunga abeZizwe, abathela umoya omubi ngabazalwane. 3 UPhawuli loBhanabhasi bahlala isikhathi eside khona lapho bekhulumela iNkosi ngesibindi. INkosi yaqinisa ilizwi lomusa wayo ngokubapha amandla okwenza imimangaliso lezimanga. 4 Abantu bedolobho lelo badabukana phakathi; abanye bema lamaJuda, kwathi abanye basekela abapostoli. 5 AbeZizwe lamaJuda ndawonye labakhokheli babo bakha icebo lokubahlukumeza lokubakhanda ngamatshe. 6 Kodwa balizwa icebo lelo basebebalekela emadolobheni aseLikhawoniya, eListra leDebhe lasemangweni yakhona, 7 lapho abaqhubeka khona ukutshumayela izindaba ezinhle.

EListra LaseDebhe

8 EListra kwakulendoda eyayiyisigoga ikwazi ukuhlala kuphela, ilokhu yazalwayo ingakaze ihambe. 9 Yamlalela uPhawuli lapho ekhuluma. UPhawuli wayijolozela wabona ukuthi yayikholwa ukuba ingasiliswa 10 wasememeza wathi, “Sukuma ngezinyawo zakho!” Ngalokho indoda yathi lothu yahle yahamba.

11 Kwathi ixuku labantu selikubonile okwakwenziwe nguPhawuli, lamemeza ngolimi lwesiLikhawoniya lathi, “Onkulunkulu sebehlele kithi belesimo sabantu!” 12 UBhanabhasi bambiza bathi nguZewusi, uPhawuli bathi nguHemesi ngoba nguye owayekhokhela ekukhulumeni. 13 Umphristi kaZewusi owayelethempeli eduze ngaphandle kwedolobho, waletha inkunzi lemigaxo emasangweni edolobho ngoba yena kanye lexuku labantu babefuna ukwenza imihlatshelo kubo.

14 Kodwa kwathi abapostoli, uBhanabhasi loPhawuli bekuzwa lokhu, badabula izigqoko zabo bazithela phakathi kwabantu bememeza besithi: 15 “Madoda, likwenzelani lokhu? Lathi singabantu njengani. Sililethela izindaba ezinhle, silitshela ukuthi litshiye izinto lezi eziyize liye kuNkulunkulu ophilayo owenza amazulu lomhlaba, lolwandle lakho konke okukuwo. 16 Endulo waziyekela izizwe zonke zahamba ngezindlela zazo. 17 Ikanti kazange ekele ukuzifakazela: Utshengisile umusa ngokulipha izulu laphezulu lamabele ngesikhathi sawo; ulipha ukudla okunengi njalo agcwalise inhliziyo zenu ngentokozo.” 18 Loba sebetsho lamazwi baba lobunzima ukuthi bekelise abantu bonke ukuba babenzele umhlatshelo.

19 Kwasekufika amaJuda evela e-Antiyokhi lase-Ikhoniyamu afika adunga abantu. UPhawuli bamkhanda ngamatshe bamhudulela ngaphandle kwedolobho, becabanga ukuthi wayesefile. 20 Kodwa ngemva kokuba abafundi sebembuthanele, waphaphama wabuyela edolobheni. Ngosuku olulandelayo yena loBhanabhasi basuka baya eDebhe.

Babuyela E-Antiyokhi Ese-Asiriya

21 Bazitshumayela izindaba ezinhle kulelodolobho bazuza inani elikhulu labafundi. Basebebuyela eListra, le-Ikhoniyamu le-Antiyokhi 22 beqinisa abafundi njalo bebakhuthaza ukuthi babambelele ekukholweni. Bathi, “Kufanele sedlule ezinhlungwini ezinengi ukuze singene embusweni kaNkulunkulu.” 23 UPhawuli loBhanabhasi babakhethela abadala kulelo lalelo bandla, babanikela eNkosini ngomkhuleko langokuzila ngoba bebeke ithemba labo kuyo iNkosi. 24 Sebehambe bedlula ePhisidiya, bafika ePhamfiliya, 25 kwathi sebetshumayele ilizwi ePhega basebesiya e-Athaliya.

26 Besuka e-Athaliya bawela ngomkhumbi babuyela e-Antiyokhi, lapho ababenikelwe khona emuseni kaNkulunkulu ukwenza umsebenzi lowo abasebewufezile. 27 Ekufikeni kwabo khona, balihlanganisa ndawonye ibandla balibikela konke lokho uNkulunkulu ayekwenzile ngabo, lokuthi wayesevulele abeZizwe umnyango wokukholwa. 28 Bahlala khona isikhathi eside labafundi.

15

Umhlangano Omkhulu EJerusalema

1 Amadoda athile eza e-Antiyokhi evela eJudiya, afika afundisa abazalwane esithi: “Ngaphandle kokuthi lisokwe ngendlela yomkhuba eyafundiswa nguMosi lingeke lisindiswe.” 2 Lokhu kwenza uPhawuli loBhanabhasi baphikisana labo kakhulu. Ngakho uPhawuli loBhanabhasi bakhethwa kanye lamanye amakholwa ukuthi baye eJerusalema ukuyabona abapostoli labadala ngaloludaba. 3 Ibandla labavalelisa. Bathi bedabula eFenikhiya leSamariya balandisa ngokuthi abeZizwe basebephendukile. Indaba le yathokozisa bonke abazalwane. 4 Bafika eJerusalema bemukelwa kuhle libandla langabapostoli labadala, bababikela konke uNkulunkulu ayekwenzile ngabo.

5 Kwasekusithi amanye amakholwa ayengawoluhlu lwabaFarisi asukuma athi, “AbeZizwe kumele basokwe njalo batshelwe ukuthi balandele umthetho kaMosi.”

6 Abapostoli labadala bahlangana bakhuluma ngalindaba. 7 Ngemva kokuphikisana okukhulu uPhethro wasukuma wakhuluma kubo wathi: “Bazalwane, liyakwazi ukuthi esikhathini esedluleyo uNkulunkulu wangikhetha phakathi kwenu ukuthi abeZizwe bezwe kwezami izindebe ilizwi levangeli bakholwe. 8 UNkulunkulu owazi inhliziyo watshengisa ukuthi uyabemukela ngokubapha uMoya oNgcwele, njengalokhu akwenzayo kithi. 9 Kenzanga umahluko phakathi kwethu labo, ngoba wahlanza inhliziyo zabo ngokukholwa. 10 Pho-ke lizamelani ukulinga uNkulunkulu ngokwethesa abafundi beZizweni ijogwe thina labokhokho bethu esehluleka ukulithwala? 11 Hatshi! Sikholwa ukuthi sisindiswa ngomusa weNkosi uJesu, njengabo labo.”

12 Wonke umhlangano wathula zwi balalela uBhanabhasi loPhawuli belandisa ngemimangaliso lezimanga uNkulunkulu ayezenzile kwabeZizwe ngabo. 13 Bathi sebeqedile uJakhobe wakhuluma wathi: “Bazalwane, ake lingilalele. 14 USimoni usesilandisele ngokuthi ekuqaleni uNkulunkulu watshengisa njani ukunakekela kwakhe abeZizwe ngokukhetha phakathi kwabo abantu ukuba babe ngabakhe. 15 Amazwi abaphrofethi ayavumelana lalokhu, njengalokhu kulotshiwe ukuthi:

16 ‘Ngemva kwalokhu ngizabuya

ngakhe kutsha indlu kaDavida ewileyo.

Amanxiwa ayo ngizawavuselela,

njalo ngizayimisa kutsha,

17 ukwenzela ukuthi lonke uluntu luyidinge iNkosi,

kanye labeZizwe abaziwa ngebizo lami,

kutsho iNkosi eyenza lezizinto’*:

18 ezivele zisaziwa kusukela endulo.

19 Ngokubona kwami, kakumelanga sikwenze kube lukhuni kwabeZizwe abaphendukela kuNkulunkulu. 20 Esikhundleni salokho, kasibalobeleni sibatshele ukuthi baxwaye ukudla okungcoliswe yizithombe, lokuhlobonga, lenyama yenyamazana ekhanyiweyo lobubende. 21 Phela uMosi sekwatshunyayelwa ngaye kuwo wonke amadolobho kusukela ekuqaleni njalo kufundwa ngaye emasinagogweni amaSabatha wonke.”

Incwadi Yomhlangano Omkhulu Kumakholwa AbeZizwe

22 Abapostoli labadala kanye lebandla lonke bamisa ukukhetha abanye babo ukuthi babathume e-Antiyokhi loPhawuli loBhanabhasi. Bakhetha uJudasi owayethiwa nguBhasabhasi, loSayilasi, la engamadoda amabili ayengabakhokheli kubazalwane. 23 Babaphathisa incwadi le:

Abapostoli labadala, abazalwane benu,

KwabeZizwe abakholwayo e-Antiyokhi, lase-Asiriya laseSilisiya:

Siyalibingelela.

24 Sesizwile ukuthi bakhona abasuka kithi bengelamvumo yethu bafika balidunga, bedida ingqondo zenu ngalokho ababekutsho. 25 Ngakho sivumelene sonke ukukhetha amadoda athile ukuthi siwathumele kini labangane bethu abathandekayo, uBhanabhasi loPhawuli, 26 amadoda adele impilo zawo ngenxa yebizo leNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu. 27 Ngakho sithumela uJudasi loSayilasi ukugcwalisa ngomlomo lokhu esikulobayo. 28 Kubonakale kufanele kuMoya oNgcwele lakithi ukuthi singalethesi omthwalo omkhulu ngaphandle kwezimiso lezi: 29 Xwayani ukudla okunikelwe ezithombeni, ububende, inyama yenyamazana ekhanyiweyo kanye lokuhlobonga. Lizabe lenze kuhle nxa lizixwaya lezizinto.

Salani kuhle.

30 Bawavalelisa amadoda ahamba aya e-Antiyokhi, lapho afika ahlanganisa ibandla ndawonye ethula incwadi. 31 Abantu bayibala bathokoza ngenxa yamazwi ayo akhuthazayo. 32 UJudasi loSayilasi, bona ngokwabo ababengabaphrofethi, bakhuluma okunengi ukukhuthaza lokuqinisa abazalwane. 33 Sebehlale isikhathi esithile khonapho, abazalwane babavalelisa ngesibusiso sokuthula sebebuyela kulabo ababathumayo. [ 34 Kodwa uSayilasi wakhetha ukusala khona.]† 35 Kodwa uPhawuli loBhanabhasi basala e-Antiyokhi, lapho bona kanye labanye abanengi bafundisa njalo batshumayela ilizwi leNkosi.

Ukungavumelani KukaPhawuli LoBhanabhasi

36 Emva kwesikhatshanyana uPhawuli wathi kuBhanabhasi, “Kasibuyele emuva siyebona abazalwane emadolobheni wonke esitshumayele khona ilizwi leNkosi ukuthi baqhuba njani.” 37 UBhanabhasi wayefuna ukuthi bahambe loJohane, owayethiwa nguMakho, 38 kodwa uPhawuli wakubona kungafanele ukuhamba laye ngoba wayeke wabafulathela besePhamfiliya kaze aqhubeka labo emsebenzini. 39 Baphikisana kakubi baze bacina betshiyana. UBhanabhasi wamthatha uMakho bawelela eSiphrasi, 40 kodwa uPhawuli wakhetha ukuhamba loSayilasi, basuka bebekwe ngabazalwane emuseni weNkosi. 41 Wahamba phakathi kwe-Asiriya leSilisiya eqinisa amabandla.

16

UThimothi Usebenza LoPhawuli LoSayilasi

1 Wafika eDebhe wedlulela eListra lapho okwakuhlala khona umfundi owayethiwa nguThimothi, olonina owaye ngumJudakazi, elikholwa, kodwa uyise engumGrikhi. 2 Abazalwane baseListra lase-Ikhoniyamu babemncoma. 3 UPhawuli wayefuna ukuhamba laye, ngakho wasemsoka ngenxa yamaJuda akuleyondawo ngoba bonke babekwazi ukuthi uyise wayengumGrikhi. 4 Ekuhambeni kwabo kulelo lalelodolobho, babezethula izinqumo ezenziwa ngabapostoli labadala eJerusalema ukuze abantu bazilandele. 5 Ngakho amabandla aqiniswa ekukholweni abantu banda mihla yonke.

Umbono KaPhawuli Ngendoda YeMasedoniya

6 UPhawuli labaphelekezeli bakhe bayibhoda yonke imango yaseFirigiya laseGalathiya, uMoya oNgcwele esemalele ukuthi atshumayele ilizwi edolobheni lase-Ezhiya. 7 Bathi sebefike emngceleni waseMisiya, bazama ukungena eBhithiniya, kodwa uMoya kaJesu kawubavumelanga. 8 Ngakho bedlula eceleni kweMisiya behlela eTrowasi. 9 Ebusuku uPhawuli wehlelwa ngumbono wendoda yaseMasedoniya imi imncenga isithi, “Woza eMasedoniya uzosisiza.” 10 UPhawuli esebone umbono lowo, sahle salungisa masinyane ukuthi siye eMasedoniya, sibona ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayesibizile ukuba sitshumayele ivangeli kubo.

Ukuphenduka KukaLidiya EFiliphi

11 Sasuka eTrowasi sawela ulwandle santsheza saqonda eSamathrake, ngosuku olulandelayo sedlulela eNiyapholi. 12 Sesisuka lapho saya eFiliphi, elaliyilona idolobho elikhulu lesiqinti seMasedoniya eyayibuswa ngamaRoma. Sahlala lapho okwensuku ezinengi.

13 NgeSabatha saphumela ngaphandle kwamasango omuzi saya emfuleni sifuna indawo yokukhuleka. Sahlala phansi saqalisa ukukhuluma labesifazane ababebuthene khonapho. 14 Omunye walabo ababelalele ngowesifazane owayethiwa nguLidiya, umthengisi welembu eliyibubende evela edolobheni laseThiyathira, ekhonza uNkulunkulu. INkosi yayivula inhliziyo yakhe ukuba emukele ilizwi likaPhawuli. 15 Kwathi yena kanye labendlu yakhe sebebhaphathiziwe, wasinxusela emzini wakhe. Wathi, “Nxa lingemukela njengekholwa eNkosini, wozani lizohlala endlini yami.” Wasincenga savuma.

UPhawuli LoSayilasi Entolongweni

16 Ngelinye ilanga sathi sisiya endaweni yokukhuleka sahlangana lentombazana eyayiyisigqili, ilomoya wobungoma. Yayizuzela abanini bayo imali enengi ngalokho kuhlahlula. 17 Intombazana le yalandela uPhawuli lathi sonke imemeza isithi, “Amadoda la ayizinceku zikaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke, alitshela indlela yokusindiswa.” 18 Yakwenza lokhu okwensuku ezinengi. Ekucineni uPhawuli kwamcaphula lokho waphenduka wathi kuwo umoya, “Ngiyakulaya ngebizo likaJesu Khristu ukuthi uphume kuyo!” Umoya wahle waphuma kuyo khonapho.

19 Abanikazi bentombazana bathi ngokunanzelela ukuthi ithemba labo lokuzuza imali laselinyamalele, bababamba, uPhawuli loSayilasi babadonsela enkundleni yokuthengisa ukuba bayeqondana leziphathamandla. 20 Babamisa phambi kwabomantshi bathi, “Amadoda la angamaJuda asedunge idolobho lakithi 21 ngokukhuthaza imikhuba engaphandle komthetho ukuthi thina amaRoma siyamukele kumbe siyilandele.”

22 Ixuku layingenela indaba yokuhlasela uPhawuli loSayilasi, ngakho omantshi bathi kabakhululwe izigqoko batshaywe. 23 Sebebatshaye kabuhlungu babaphosela entolongweni kwathiwa umlindijele abakhangele aqinisise. 24 Esezwe lowomlayo wabafuqela endlini yentolongo ephakathi wababopha inyawo, wazibophela ensikeni.

25 Sekungaba phakathi kwamabili ebusuku uPhawuli loSayilasi bakhuleka bahlabela amahubo kuNkulunkulu, ezinye izibotshwa zibalalele. 26 Masinyane kwaba lokuzamazama komhlaba kwaze kwanyikinyeka lezisekelo zentolongo. Izivalo zentolongo zathi gwabu zavuleka, amaketane ezibotshwa athukuluka. 27 Umlindijele waphaphama, wathi ngokubona iminyango yentolongo ivulekile, wakhokha inkemba yakhe esefuna ukuzibulala ngoba ekhumbula ukuthi izibotshwa zasezibalekile. 28 Kodwa uPhawuli wamemeza wathi, “Ungazilimazi bo! Sikhona sonke!”

29 Umlindijele wathi kakulethwe izibane, wangena wazilahla phambi kukaPhawuli loSayilasi eqhaqhazela. 30 Wasebakhuphela phandle wababuza wathi, “Madoda, ngenzeni ukuze ngisindiswe na?”

31 Baphendula bathi, “Kholwa eNkosini uJesu, uzasindiswa; wena kanye lendlu yakho.” 32 Basebemtshumayeza ngelizwi leNkosi kanye labanye abendlu yakhe. 33 Ngalelohola lebusuku umlindijele wabathatha wabagezisa imvimvinya zabo; kwasekusithi khonokho nje yena labendlu yakhe bahle babhaphathizwa. 34 Umlindijele wahamba labo endlini yakhe, wabapha ukudla. Indlu yakhe yonke yaba lokuthokoza ngoba basebekholwa kuNkulunkulu.

35 Kwathi sokusile, omantshi bathuma amanxusa abo kumlindijele lomlayo othi: “Bakhulule abantu labo.” 36 Umlindijele watshela uPhawuli wathi, “Omantshi sebethe wena loSayilasi likhululwe. Selingahamba. Lihambe ngokuthula.”

37 Kodwa uPhawuli wathi emanxuseni: “Basibhaxabule phambi kwabantu singazange sithonisiswe thina singamaRoma agcweleyo, basiphosela entolongweni. Kanti manje sebefuna ukusikhupha ngasese na? Hatshi! Kababuye bona ngokwabo bazesikhupha.”

38 Amanxusa akubika lokhu kubomantshi abathi ngokuzwa ukuthi uPhawuli loSayilasi babengamaRoma agcweleyo, bethuka. 39 Beza ukuzabancenga, babakhupha entolongweni, babacela ukuthi basuke kulelodolobho. 40 UPhawuli loSayilasi sebephumile entolongweni baya endlini kaLidiya lapho abahlangana khona labazalwane babaqinisa. Basebesuka bahamba.

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EThesalonika

1 Bathi sebedlule e-Amfipholi le-Apholoniya, bafika eThesalonika lapho okwakulesinagogu yamaJuda khona. 2 Njengenjayelo yakhe uPhawuli waya esinagogweni, kwathi ngamaSabatha amathathu wabonisana labo ngeMibhalo, 3 echaza njalo eveza obala ukuthi uKhristu wayemele ahlupheke njalo avuke kwabafileyo. Wathi, “UJesu lo engitshumayela ngaye kini unguye uKhristu.” 4 Amanye amaJuda akukholwa lokho asehlanganyelana loPhawuli loSayilasi, njengalokho okwenziwa linani elikhulu lamaGrikhi abesaba uNkulunkulu, kugoqela lehlekanyana labesifazane abahloniphekayo.

5 Kodwa amaJuda aba lomona; ngakho asehuga izixhwali endaweni yokuthengisa, abalixuku elithile asevusa umsindo edolobheni. Aphuthumela endlini kaJasoni edinga uPhawuli loSayilasi efuna ukubaletha phambi kukazulu. 6 Kodwa kwathi sebebaswele basebedonsela uJasoni labanye abazalwane abathile kubaphathi bedolobho bememeza besithi: “Amadoda la abekade edala uhlupho emhlabeni wonke manje aseze lapha, 7 uJasoni yena wawemukela endlini yakhe. Bonke bahlinikeza imithetho kaKhesari besithi kulenye inkosi ethiwa nguJesu.” 8 Bathi bekuzwa lokhu abantu labaphathi bedolobho bazonda kakhulu. 9 Kwasekuthiwa uJasoni labanye bakhe kabakhuphe isibambiso ngemali ethile, kwayikhona bekhululwa ukuthi bahambe.

EBheriya

10 Konela ukuthi kuhlwe abazalwane babasusa uPhawuli loSayilasi babasa eBheriya. Ekufikeni kwabo khona baya esinagogweni yamaJuda. 11 AmaJuda eBheriya wona ayelesimilo esingcono kulaleso esamaThesalonika, ngoba alemukela ilizwi ngomfutho omkhulu njalo ayihlola iMibhalo insuku zonke ukuze abone ukuthi lokho uPhawuli ayekutsho kwakuliqiniso na. 12 AmaJuda amanengi akholwa, kanye labesifazane abanengi bamaGrikhi abahloniphekayo lamadoda amanengi amaGrikhi.

13 Kwathi amaJuda aseThesalonika esezwile ukuthi uPhawuli wayesetshumayela ilizwi likaNkulunkulu eBheriya, aya khona futhi, athela abantu umoya omubi abadunga. 14 Abazalwane bahle bathumela uPhawuli ngasokhunjini lolwandle, kodwa uSayilasi loThimothi basala eBheriya. 15 Amadoda ayephelekezela uPhawuli amtshiya e-Athene asebuyela lomlayezo wokuthi uSayilasi loThimothi bamlandele ngokuphangisa.

E-Athene

16 UPhawuli esabamelele e-Athene, wakhathazeka kakhulu ngokubona ukuthi idolobho lelo laligcwele izithombe. 17 Ngakho wabonisana lamaJuda kanye lamaGrikhi ayemesaba uNkulunkulu esinagogweni lasendaweni yokuthengisa zonke insuku lalabo ababekhonapho. 18 Ixuku lezazi zama-Ephikhuri lamaStoyikhi laphikisana laye. Abanye babo babuza bathi, “Uwumani lolu luzama ukuthini kanti?” Abanye bathi, “Kungathi utshumayela ngonkulunkulu bezizweni.” Bakutsho lokhu ngoba uPhawuli wayetshumayela izindaba ezinhle ngoJesu langokuvuka kwabafileyo. 19 Basebehamba laye enkundleni ye-Ariyophagasi, bafika bathi kuye, “Ake usitshele ukuthi imfundiso le entsha oyethulayo iyini. 20 Uletha ezindlebeni zethu imibono engajayelekanga, ngakho sifuna ukwazi ukuthi itshoni.” 21 (Wonke ama-Atheni labezizwe ababehlala khona babechitha isikhathi sabo bengenzi lutho ngaphandle kokukhuluma lokulalela imibono emitsha.)

22 UPhawuli wasukuma enkundleni ye-Ariyophagasi wathi, “Madoda ase-Atheni! Ngiyabona ukuthi kukho konke lingabantu abakhonzayo. 23 Ngoba ngithe ngihambahamba, ngabona izithombe zenu, ngaze ngafumana i-alithari elilombhalo othi:

Kunkulunkulu Ongaziwayo.

Manje-ke lokho elikukhonza njengolutho olungaziwayo yikho engizakutshumayela kini.

24 UNkulunkulu owenza umhlaba lakho konke okukuwo uyiNkosi yezulu lomhlaba, njalo kahlali emathempelini akhiwe ngezandla. 25 Njalo kancediswa yizandla zabantu ingathi kukhona akuswelayo, ngoba yena ngokwakhe upha bonke abantu impilo, umphefumulo lokunye konke. 26 Ngomuntu oyedwa wenza zonke izizwe zabantu, ukuthi zakhe emhlabeni wonke; njalo wamisa izikhathi abazilungiselweyo lazo kanye izindawo abamele bahlale kuzo. 27 UNkulunkulu wakwenza lokhu ukuze abantu bamdinge lokuthi mhlawumbe bamfinyelele bamfumane, loba nje uvele engakhatshana komunye lomunye wethu. 28 ‘Ngoba siphila kuye, sihambe ngaye njalo sipheleliswe nguye.’ Njengokutsho kwezinye izimbongi zakini ukuthi, ‘Singabantwabakhe.’

29 Ngakho-ke njengoba singabantwana bakaNkulunkulu, kasingacabangini ukuthi ubuNkulunkulu bunjengegolide, loba isiliva kumbe ilitshe; umfanekiso obunjwe ngobungcitshi bomuntu. 30 Endulo uNkulunkulu kakunakanga ukungazi lokhu, kodwa khathesi uselaya bonke abantu ezindaweni zonke ukuba baphenduke. 31 Ngoba uselumisile usuku lapho azakwahlulela khona umhlaba ngokulunga ngaye umuntu amkhethileyo. Usebuvezile ubufakazi balokhu kubo bonke abantu ngokumvusa kwabafileyo.”

32 Bathi besizwa ngokuvuka kwabafileyo, abanye babo bamklolodela, kodwa abanye bathi, “Sifuna ukuphinda sikuzwe ukhuluma ngale indaba njalo.” 33 Ngalokho-ke, uPhawuli wasesuka enkundleni. 34 Abantu abathile baba ngabalandeli bakaPhawuli, bakholwa. Phakathi kwabo kwakuloDiyonisiyu owayelilunga le-Ariyophagasi, njalo lowesifazane okwakuthiwa nguDamari kanye labanye abalinani elithile.

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EKhorinte

1 Ngemva kwalokho uPhawuli wasuka e-Athene waya eKhorinte. 2 Khonapho wahlangana lomJuda owayethiwa ngu-Akhwila, owasePhontusi ngomdabuko, owayesanda kufika lapho evele e-Ithali lomkakhe uPhrisila ngoba uKlawudiyasi wayekhuphe isinqumo sokuthi amaJuda wonke aphume eRoma. UPhawuli wahamba wayababona, 3 kwathi ngoba engumenzi wamathente njengabo wasehlala labo, wasebenza labo. 4 NgamaSabatha wonke wayesiya esinagogweni ebonisana lamaJuda lamaGrikhi ezama ukuwaphendula.

5 Kwathi uSayilasi loThimothi sebefikile bevela eMasedoniya, uPhawuli wasenikela isikhathi sakhe sonke ekutshumayeleni kuphela efakaza kumaJuda ukuthi uJesu wayenguKhristu. 6 Kodwa kwathi lapho amaJuda emphikisa njalo emchothoza, wathintitha izembatho zakhe phambi kwawo wathi, “Igazi lenu kalibe phezu kwamakhanda enu! Mina sengiwenzile owami umlandu. Kusukela manje sengisiya kwabeZizwe.”

7 UPhawuli wasesuka esinagogweni waya endlini eseceleni, eyayingekaThithu Justusi, owayekhonza uNkulunkulu. 8 UKhrispasi, umphathi wesinagogu, kanye lendlu yakhe yonke bakholwa eNkosini; kwathi labanengi bamaKhorinte abamuzwayo bakholwa, babhaphathizwa.

9 Ngobunye ubusuku iNkosi yakhuluma kuPhawuli ngombono yathi: “Ungesabi; qhubeka utshumayela, ungathuli. 10  Ngoba mina ngilawe, kakho ozakuhlasela akulimaze, ngoba ngilabantu abanengi kulelidolobho.” 11 Ngakho uPhawuli wahlala khona okomnyaka olengxenye, ebafundisa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu.

12 UGaliyo esangusibalukhulu wase-Akhayiya, amaJuda eKhorinte amanyana ahlasela uPhawuli, amletha emthethwandaba, 13 amangalela esithi, “Indoda le idonsela abantu ekukhonzeni uNkulunkulu ngezindlela eziphambene lomthetho.”

14 Kwathi uPhawuli esathi uyakhuluma, uGaliyo wathi kumaJuda, “Kube lina maJuda libika ngokona okuthile loba icala lokuganga okubi, bekufanele ukuthi ngililalele. 15 Kodwa njengoba kuphathelane ngezinto zamazwi lamabizo, langomthetho wenu; kulungiseni lina. Mina kangiyikuba ngumahluleli wezinto ezinjalo.” 16 Wasesithi kabaxotshwe enkantolo. 17 Bonke basebephendukela uSosithene, umphathi wesinagogu, bamtshaya phambi kwenkantolo. Kodwa uGaliyo kazange athi thiki lakancane.

UPhrisila Lo-Akhwila Lo-Apholo

18 UPhawuli waphinda wahlala njalo okwesikhathi esithile eKhorinte. Wasetshiya abazalwane waya e-Asiriya, ephelekezelwa nguPhrisila lo-Akhwila. Engakaweli ulwandle waqala wagela inwele zakhe eKhenkireya ngenxa yesifungo ayesenzile. 19 Bafika e-Efesu lapho uPhawuli atshiya khona uPhrisila lo-Akhwila. Yena waya esinagogweni wayabonisana lamaJuda. 20 Bamcela ukuthi ahlale okwesikhathi eside kodwa wala. 21 Wathi esesuka wathembisa wathi, “Ngizaphenduka nxa kuyintando kaNkulunkulu.” Wasewela ulwandle esuka e-Efesu. 22 Wakhuphukela eKhesariya wahamba wayabingelela ibandla eJerusalema, wasesehlela e-Antiyokhi.

23 UPhawuli eseke wahlala e-Antiyokhi wasuka lapho wabhoda indawo ngendawo kuwo wonke umango waseGalathiya lowaseFirigiya eqinisa bonke abafundi.

24 Kusenjalo, umJuda owayethiwa ngu-Apholo, owe-Alekizandriya ngomdabuko, weza e-Efesu. Wayeyindoda efundileyo, elolwazi olukhulu ngeMibhalo. 25 Yayifundisiwe ngendlela yeNkosi, ikhuluma ngomfutho njalo ifundisa okuqondileyo ngoJesu, isazi ngobhaphathizo lukaJohane kuphela. 26 Yakhuluma ngesibindi esinagogweni. Kwathi uPhrisila lo-Akhwila beyizwa, bayinxusa emzini wabo, bayichazela ngokugcweleyo indlela kaNkulunkulu.

27 U-Apholo wayefuna ukuya e-Akhayiya, abazalwane basebemkhuthaza, babhalela abafundi khonale ukuthi bamamukele. Wathi efika khona waba luncedo olukhulu kulabo ababekholwe beholwa ngumusa. 28 Ngoba watshukana lamaJuda ewaphikisa enkundleni, ebonisa obala eMibhalweni ukuthi uJesu wayenguKhristu.

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UPhawuli E-Efesu

1 Kwathi u-Apholo eseKhorinte uPhawuli wathatha indlela ehamba phakathi kwelizwe waze wayafika e-Efesu. Khonapho wafumana abafundi abathile, 2 wababuza wathi, “Lamamukela na uMoya oNgcwele ngesikhathi liqalisa ukukholwa?”

Baphendula bathi, “Hatshi, kasizwanga lokuzwa ukuthi kuloMoya oNgcwele.”

3 Ngakho uPhawuli wasebuza wathi, “Pho lathola luphi ubhaphathizo?”

Baphendula bathi, “Ubhaphathizo lukaJohane.”

4 UPhawuli wathi, “Ubhaphathizo lukaJohane lwalulubhaphathizo lokuphenduka. Watshela abantu ukuthi bakholwe kulowo owayezakuza ngemva kwakhe, esitsho ukuthi kuJesu.” 5 Sebekuzwile lokhu babhaphathizelwa ebizweni leNkosi uJesu. 6 UPhawuli esebeke izandla zakhe phezu kwabo uMoya oNgcwele wehlela kubo, bakhuluma ngendimi njalo baphrofitha. 7 Babengamadoda ayengaba litshumi lambili bebonke.

8 UPhawuli wangena esinagogweni wakhuluma ngesibindi khona okwezinyanga ezintathu, echaza okusuthisayo ngombuso kaNkulunkulu. 9 Kodwa abanye babo baba yiziqholo; bala ukukholwa, bakhuluma kubi obala ngeNdlela. Ngakho uPhawuli wabatshiya. Wathatha abafundi wasuka wayahlangana labo baxoxisana nsuku zonke esikolweni sikaThiranu. 10 Lokhu kwaqhubeka okweminyaka emibili, kwaze kwathi wonke amaJuda lamaGrikhi ayehlala kulesosifunda sase-Ezhiya alizwa ilizwi leNkosi.

11 UNkulunkulu wenza imimangaliso engajayelekanga ngoPhawuli, 12 izifinyo lamathawulo okwakuthintiswe kuye kwakusiwa kwabagulayo bahle basile emikhuhlaneni yabo lemimoya emibi iphume kubo.

13 Amanye amaJuda ayebhoda exotsha imimoya emibi azama ukubiza ibizo leNkosi uJesu kulabo ababelamadimoni. Ayesithi, “Ngebizo likaJesu uPhawuli atshumayela ngaye, ngikulaya ukuthi uphume.” 14 Ababesenza lokhu ngamadodana ayisikhombisa kaSkeva umphristi omkhulu wamaJuda. 15 Kwelinye ilanga umoya omubi waphendula wathi, “UJesu ngiyamazi, loPhawuli ngiyamazi, kodwa lina lingobani na?” 16 Kwasekusithi indoda eyayilomoya omubi yabeqela, yabehlula bonke. Yabatshaya okuzwayo baze baphuma endlini bebaleka benqunu njalo besopha igazi.

17 Kwathi lokhu sekuzwakele kumaJuda lamaGrikhi ayehlala e-Efesu, onke ethuka ngokwesaba, ibizo leNkosi uJesu laselihlonitshwa kakhulu. 18 Abanengi balabo abasebekholwa beza baphumela egcekeni, bevuma iziphambeko zabo. 19 Abanengi ababehlahlula baletha ndawonye imiqulu yabo bayitshisa obala. Bathi sebehlolile izindleko zaleyomiqulu kwabonakala kungaba ngamadrakhima azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu. 20 Ngaleyondlela ilizwi leNkosi landa kabanzi njalo lakhula laba lamandla.

21 Ngemva kwakho konke lokhu sekwenzakele, uPhawuli wazimisela ukuya eJerusalema, ezadlula eMasedoniya lase-Akhayiya. Wathi, “Nxa sengike ngaya khona, kuzamele ngethekelele laseRoma.” 22 Wathuma ababili abasizi bakhe eMasedoniya, uThimothi lo-Erastu, yena esasele okwesikhatshana esifundeni sase-Ezhiya.

Isiyaluyalu E-Efesu

23 Ngalesosikhathi kwaba lokudungeka okukhulu ngeNdlela. 24 Umkhandi wesiliva owayethiwa nguDemetriyasi owayesenza izikhonzelo zokukhonzela u-Athemisi ngesiliva, wayengenisa imali ezwayo kubakhandi. 25 Wababizela ndawonye kanye lezinye izisebenzi zemisebenzi efananayo wathi kubo, “Madoda, liyakwazi ukuthi sizuza imali enengi ngomsebenzi lo. 26 Liyabona njalo liyezwa ukuthi uPhawuli lo usenze abantu abanengi bakholwa njalo uzadukisa abantu abanengi lapha e-Efesu lakuso sonke isifunda sase-Ezhiya. Uthi yena onkulunkulu ababunjwe ngumuntu kabasibo onkulunkulu lakancinyane. 27 Kulengozi-ke yokuthi kakuyikuba ngumsebenzi wethu kuphela ozalahlekelwa libizo lawo elihle, kodwa lethempeli likankulunkulukazi omkhulu u-Athemisi lizadunyazwa, laye unkulunkulukazi ngokwakhe, yena okhonzwa kusosonke isifunda sase-Ezhiya lasemhlabeni wonke, uzakwemukwa ubukhosi bakhe.”

28 Bathi bekuzwa lokhu bafuthelana ngokuzonda, bahle bamemeza besithi, “Mkhulu u-Athemisi wama-Efesu!” 29 Masinyane nje idolobho lonke laphithizela. Abantu badumela uGayiyasi lo-Aristakhasi ababe ngabaphelekezeli bakaPhawuli, bengabeMasedoniya, babahudulela enkundleni yemidlalo bonke bayakuthi cwi khona. 30 UPhawuli wayefuna ukuzithela emphakathini, kodwa abafundi bamalela. 31 Labanye abaphathi besifunda, ababengabangane bakaPhawuli, labo bamthumela ilizwi bathi angaqali ukuyavela enkundleni yemidlalo.

32 Kwakungasaqondakali enkundleni: Abanye babeklabalala besitsho lokhu, abanye labo besitsho okunye. Abantu abanengi babevele bengazi lokuthi babelandeni lapho. 33 AmaJuda afuqela u-Alekizanda phambili esithi kawakhulumele. Waphakamisa isandla ukuwathulisa ukuze achasise kuhle indaba ebantwini. 34 Kodwa athi ngokunanzelela ukuthi wayengumJuda, onke ahlaba umkhosi kanyekanye okwaphose kwathatha amahola amabili, besithi, “Mkhulu u-Athemisi wama-Efesu!”

35 Unobhala wedolobho walithulisa ixuku wathi, “Madoda ase-Efesu, akusikho yini ukuthi umhlaba wonke uyakwazi ukuthi idolobho lase-Efesu yilo elingumlondolozi wethempeli lika-Athemisi omkhulu, kanye lomfanekiso wakhe owehla uvela ezulwini? 36 Pho-ke njengoba lokhu kuyinto engaphikiswayo, thulani lingenzi izinto zamawala. 37 Selilethe amadoda la lapha, kodwa wona engagqekezanga emathempelini kumbe athuka unkulunkulukazi wethu. 38 Ngakho nxa uDemetriyasi lalabo akhanda labo belensolo loba ngobani, imithethwandaba ivuliwe, njalo labahluleli bakhona. Bangamangala. 39 Nxa kukhona njalo okunye elifuna ukukutsho, kakuyethoniswa ngomthetho enkundleni. 40 Njengoba kunje nje sisengozini yokubekwa icala lokuvusa isiyaluyalu ngenxa yezehlakalo zalamuhla. Kungenzeka lokho sizakwehluleka ukuchaza imbangela yalesisiphithiphithi, ngoba ngempela kungekho sizatho.” 41 Eqeda kukhuluma lokhu, wawuchitha umhlangano.

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Udlula EMasedoniya LaseGrisi

1 Kwathi umsindo usuphelile uPhawuli wabiza abafundi, wathi esebaqinisile wabavalelisa waqonda eMasedoniya. 2 Wahamba wadabula kulowomango, ekhuluma amazwi amanengi okukhuthaza abantu, wacina esefike eGrisi 3 lapho ahlala khona okwezinyanga ezintathu. AmaJuda abumba icebo ngaye eselungele ukuwela aye e-Asiriya yikho wacabanga ukuthi abuyele ngendlela yaseMasedoniya. 4 Wayephelekezelwa nguSophatha indodana kaPhirusi waseBheriya, lo-Aristakhasi, loSekhundu waseThesalonika, loGayiyasi waseDebhe, loThimothi laye, kwasekusiba nguThikhikhasi loThrofimasi abesifunda sase-Ezhiya. 5 Amadoda la asandulela ayasimelela eTrowasi. 6 Kodwa sawela ulwandle sisuka eFiliphi ngemva koMkhosi weSinkwa esingelaMvubelo, kwathi ngemva kwensuku ezinhlanu sahlangana labanye eTrowasi lapho esahlala khona insuku eziyisikhombisa.

UYuthikhasi Uvuswa Ekufeni ETrowasi

7 Ngosuku lokuqala lweviki sahlangana ukuhlephuna isinkwa. UPhawuli watshumayela ebantwini, kwathi ngoba efuna ukusuka kusisa, wakhuluma kwaze kwaba phakathi kobusuku. 8 Endlini ephezulu lapho esasihlanganele khona kwakulezibane ezinengi. 9 Kwakulejaha elalithiwa nguYuthikhasi lihlezi ewindini, labanjwa yibuthongo uPhawuli elokhu ekhuluma engaqedi. Lathi selijumekile, lawela phansi lisuka esitezi sesithathu labuthwa selifile. 10 UPhawuli wehla, wazilahla phezu kwejaha lelo waligona wathi, “Lingethuki, liyaphila!” 11 Wasebuyela phezulu esitezi wahlephuna isinkwa wadla. Esekhulume kwaze kwasa, wasuka. 12 Abantu balisa ekhaya ijaha liphila, bona baduduzeka kakhulu.

UPhawuli Uvalelisa Abadala Base-Efesu

13 Sathungamela ukuya emkhunjini sagwedla sisiya e-Asosi lapho esasizathatha khona uPhawuli awele lathi. Lokhu wayekulungiselele ngoba wayezahamba ngenyawo esiya khonale. 14 Wathi ngokuhlangana lathi e-Asosi samngenisa saqonda eMithilene. 15 Ngosuku olulandelayo sawela sisuka lapho sayafika eKhiyosi. Kwathi ngosuku olulandelayo sachaphela eSamosi, ngosuku olulandelayo sayafika eMilethusi. 16 UPhawuli wayezimisele ukuwela edlule eceleni kwe-Efesu engafuni ukuchitha isikhathi esifundeni sase-Ezhiya, ngoba wayejahe ukuyafika eJerusalema, nxa kusenzeka kube ngosuku lwePhentekhosti.

17 EseMilethusi uPhawuli wathumela ilizwi e-Efesu ebiza abadala bebandla. 18 Sebefikile wathi kubo, “Liyakwazi ukuthi ngaphila njani ngesikhathi sonke ngilani, kusukela ngosuku engafika ngalo esifundeni sase-Ezhiya. 19 Ngayikhonza iNkosi ngokuzithoba okukhulu langezinyembezi, loba ngangilingwa kabuhlungu ngamacebo amaJuda. 20 Liyakwazi ukuthi kangizange ngithikaze ukutshumayela loba yikuphi obekungaba luncedo kini kodwa ngalifundisa obala njalo ngingena izindlu ngezindlu. 21 Ngitshumayele kumaJuda lakumaGrikhi ukuthi kumele baphendukele kuNkulunkulu ngokuphenduka, bakholwe eNkosini yethu uJesu.

22 Okwamanje ngiqhutshwa nguMoya ukuthi ngiye eJerusalema loba ngingazi ukuthi kuzakwenzakalani kimi khonale. 23 Ngazi kuphela ukuthi kuwo wonke amadolobho uMoya oNgcwele ungixwayisa ukuthi ukubotshwa lobunzima kungimelele. 24 Kodwa eyami impilo ngiyibona ingasilutho kimi, injongo yami emqoka yikuqeda loluhambo lokufeza lumsebenzi engiwuphiwe yiNkosi uJesu, umsebenzi wokufakaza ivangeli lomusa kaNkulunkulu.

25 Khathesi ngiyazi ukuthi kakho kini engihambe ngitshumayela khona umbuso ozaphinda angibone futhi. 26 Ngakho ngiyafakaza kini lamuhla ukuthi kangilacala ngegazi labantu bonke. 27 Ngoba kangingabazanga ukutshumayela kini yonke intando kaNkulunkulu. 28 Zigcineni lina kanye lawo wonke umhlambi uMoya oNgcwele olenze laba ngabathungameli. Wobani ngabelusi bebandla likaNkulunkulu, owalithenga ngegazi lakhe. 29 Ngiyazi ukuthi nxa sengisukile lapha, impisi eziphangayo zizakuza phakathi kwenu ziwungenele umhlambi. 30 Laphakathi kwenu kuzavela abantu abazalihlanekela iqiniso ukuze abanye abafundi babalandele. 31 Ngakho lihlale liqaphele! Khumbulani ukuthi okweminyaka emithathu kangizange ngiphumule ukuxwayisa omunye lomunye wenu ubusuku lemini ngezinyembezi.

32 Khathesi ngilinikela kuNkulunkulu laselizwini lomusa wakhe elilamandla okulakha lokulipha ilifa phakathi kwabo bonke abangcwelisiweyo. 33 Kangihawukelanga siliva samuntu, loba igolide kumbe izembatho. 34 Lina ngokwenu liyakwazi ukuthi izandla zami lezi zagcwalisa zonke izinswelo zami lezabakhula bami. 35 Kukho konke engakwenzayo ngalibonisa ukuthi ngalindlela yokusebenza nzima kumele sisize ababuthakathaka, sikhumbula amazwi eNkosi uJesu athi, ‘Kubusiseke kakhulu ukupha ukwedlula ukwamukela.’ ”

36 Esekutshilo lokhu waguqa phansi kanye labo bonke, wakhuleka. 37 Bonke bakhala lapho bemgona lokumanga. 38 Okwabadanisa kakhulu kwaba yilizwi lakhe lokuthi babengasayikuphinde babubone njalo ubuso bakhe. Basebemphelekezela emkhunjini.

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Ukuya EJerusalema

1 Sathi sesizehlukanise kubo ngobuhlungu, sawela ulwandle saqonda nta eKhosi. Ngosuku olulandelayo saya eRodi, sasuka khona saya ePhathara. 2 Safumana umkhumbi owawuchaphela eFenikhiya, sangena kuwo, sahamba. 3 Sayithi tshazi iSiphrasi, sedlula ngeningizimu kwayo, saya e-Asiriya. Sakhuphukela eThire lapho umkhumbi wethu wawuzakwethula khona umthwalo wawo. 4 Safumana abafundi khona, sahlala labo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Baholwa nguMoya ukuthi bamncenge uPhawuli ukuthi angayi eJerusalema. 5 Kodwa isikhathi sethu sesifikile, sasuka saqhubeka ngohambo lwethu. Bonke abafundi lamakhosikazi abo kanye labantwana basiphelekezela basikhupha edolobheni, safika okhunjini saguqa sakhuleka. 6 Sesivalelisene, sangena emkhunjini, bona babuyela emakhaya.

7 Saqhubeka ngohambo lwethu sisuka eThire sayakhuphukela ePhetholemayi, lapho sabingelela abazalwane, sahlala labo usuku lonke. 8 Sasuka ngelanga elilandelayo safika eKhesariya sayahlala endlini kaFiliphu umvangeli, engomunye wabayisiKhombisa. 9 Wayelamadodakazi amane angendanga njalo ephrofitha.

10 Sesihlale insuku ezimbalwa kwafika umphrofethi owayethiwa ngu-Agabhasi evela eJudiya. 11 Weza kithi, wathatha ibhanti likaPhawuli, wazibopha izandla lezinyawo zakhe ngalo, wathi, “UMoya oNgcwele uthi, ‘Ngayonale indlela amaJuda aseJerusalema azabopha umninibhanti leli abesemnikela kwabeZizwe.’ ”

12 Sathi sikuzwa lokhu sonke labantu bakhonapho sancengana loPhawuli ukuthi angayi eJerusalema. 13 UPhawuli waphendula wathi, “Likhalelani lingidabula inhliziyo yami na? Kangilungelanga ukubotshwa kuphela, kodwa lokufa eJerusalema ngifela ibizo leNkosi uJesu.” 14 Kwathi ngoba engancengeki sadela sathi, “Mayenzeke intando yeNkosi.”

15 Ngemva kwalokhu, salungisa sasesisiya eJerusalema. 16 Abafundi abathile abaseKhesariya basiphelekezela basisa emzini kaMnasoni lapho esasizahlala khona. Wayeyindoda edabuka eSiphrasi, engomunye wabafundi bakuqala.

Ukufika KukaPhawuli EJerusalema

17 Ekufikeni kwethu eJerusalema abazalwane basamukela ngokuthokoza. 18 Ngosuku olulandelayo uPhawuli lathi sonke sahamba ukuyabona uJakhobe, bonke abadala babekhona. 19 UPhawuli wababingelela, wabika ngokugcweleyo konke uNkulunkulu ayekwenzile kwabeZizwe ngokusebenza kwakhe.

20 Bathi sebekuzwile lokhu bamdumisa uNkulunkulu. Ngakho basebesithi kuPhawuli, “Uyabona mzalwane ukuthi izinkulungwane ezinengi zamaJuda sezikholiwe njalo wonke atshisekela umlayo. 21 Sebetshelwe ukuthi wena ufundisa wonke amaJuda ahlala phakathi kwabeZizwe ukuthi afulathele uMosi, ubatshela ukuthi angasoki abantwababo lokuthi angalandeli amasiko ethu. 22 Pho senzeni? Ngeqiniso bazakuzwa ukuthi usufikile, 23 ngakho yenza lokhu esikutshela khona. Kulamadoda amane phakathi kwethu asenze isifungo. 24 Hamba lawo amadoda la, ubambisane lawo emkhutsheni wokuzihlambulula, uwabhadalele izindleko zawo zakhona ukuze aphuce amakhanda awo. Ngakho umuntu wonke uzakwazi ukuthi akulaqiniso kulimibiko ngawe, kodwa babone ukuthi wena ngokwakho uphila ngokulandela umlayo. 25 AbeZizwe bona abakholwayo sesibalobele ngesinqumo sethu ukuthi kabaxwaye ukudla okunikelwe ezithombeni, bangadli ububende, lenyama yenyamazana ekhanyiweyo lokuhlobonga.”

26 Ngosuku olulandelayo uPhawuli wawathatha lawomadoda wayazihlambulula kanye lawo. Wasesiya ethempelini ukuyakwazisa ngosuku lokuphela kwensuku zokuhlambulula lokuthi umnikelo walowo lalowo wabo wawuzakwenziwa nini.

UPhawuli Uyabotshwa

27 Kwathi lezinsuku eziyisikhombisa sezizaphela, amaJuda athile esifunda sase-Ezhiya abona uPhawuli ethempelini. Alidunga lonke ixuku ambamba 28 ehlaba umkhosi esithi, “Madoda ako-Israyeli; sibambiseni! Yiyo le indoda efundisa abantu bonke ezindaweni zonke okuphambene labantu bakithi lomlayo wakithi kanye lendawo le. Ngaphandle kwalokho, usengenise amaGrikhi emagumeni ethempeli wangcolisa indawo le eNgcwele.” 29 (Mandulo babebone uThrofimasi wase-Efesu edolobheni eloPhawuli basebekhumbula ukuthi uPhawuli wayeze laye emagumeni ethempeli.)

30 Idolobho lonke laphithizela, abantu beza begijima beqhamuka inxa zonke. Bamdumela uPhawuli bamhudula bemsusa ethempelini, amasango alo ahle avalwa. 31 Bathi besazama ukumbulala, umbiko wafika kumlawuli wamabutho amaRoma ukuthi idolobho lonke laseJerusalema laseliphithizela. 32 Khonokho nje wathatha abanye abaphathi kanye lamabutho wagijimela esiphithiphithini leso. Kwathi labo ababevusa uthuli bebona umlawuli lamabutho akhe bema ukutshaya uPhawuli.

33 Umlawuli weza wafika wambopha wathi kabotshwe ngamaketane amabili. Wasembuza ukuthi wayengubani lokuthi wayoneni. 34 Abathile exukwini bamemeza lokhu, abanye bamemeza okunye, kwasekusithi ngoba umlawuli engalizwa iqiniso ngenxa yokuxokozela waselaya ukuthi uPhawuli kasiwe enkambeni yamabutho. 35 Esefikile ezinyathelweni zokuqansela endlini, abantu baphithizela ngamandla waze wathwalwa ngamabutho. 36 Ixuku elalilandela laphikelela limemeza lisithi, “Msusele amanqe!”

UPhawuli Ukhuluma Lexuku Labantu

37 Amabutho esathi amngenisa ngaphakathi, uPhawuli wacela kumlawuli wathi, “Ngingaba lelizwi lawe na?”

Yena waphendula wathi, “Uyasikhuluma yini isiGrikhi? 38 Kawusuye yini umGibhithe owaqala umvukela, wakhokhela izinkulungwane ezine zamathekulambuso enkangala?”

39 UPhawuli waphendula wathi, “NgingumJuda waseThasasi eSilisiya, isakhamuzi sedolobho elihloniphekayo. Ngicela ukuthi kengikhulume labantu laba.”

40 Esethole imvumo kumlawuli, uPhawuli wema ezinyathelweni zokuqansela endlini wathulisa ixuku ngesandla. Kwathi bonke sebethule wakhuluma kubo ngesiHebheru wathi,

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1 “Bazalwane labobaba, manje lalelani lizwe ukuzivikela kwami.”

2 Bathi bemuzwa ekhuluma kubo ngesiHebheru bathula zwi.

UPhawuli wasesithi, 3 “Mina ngingumJuda owazalelwa eThasasi eseSilisiya, kodwa ngakhulela kulonaleli idolobho. Ngafunda ngaphansi kukaGamaliyeli, ngafundiswa okugcweleyo ngomlayo wabokhokho, lami ngakhuthalela uNkulunkulu njengani lamuhla. 4 Ngabahlukuluza abalandeli bale iNdlela baze bafa, ngibopha abesilisa labesifazane ngibaphosela entolongweni, 5 into engafakazwa ngumphristi omkhulu kanye lenkundla. Ngaze ngathola izincwadi kubo zisiya kubazalwane babo eDamaseko, ngaya khona ngifuna ukubaletha labobantu beyizibotshwa eJerusalema ukuthi bazojeziswa.

6 Kwathi sekungaba yimini enkulu sengisondela eDamaseko, masinyane kwaphazima ukukhanya kuvela ezulwini kwangizingelezela. 7 Ngawela phansi, ngezwa ilizwi lisithi kimi, ‘Sawuli! Sawuli! Ungihlukuluzelani na?’

8 Ngabuza ngathi, ‘Ungubani, Nkosi?’

Waphendula wathi, ‘NginguJesu waseNazaretha omhlukuluzayo.’ 9 Ababengiphelekezela bakubona ukukhanya, kodwa kabalizwanga ilizwi lalowo owayekhuluma lami.

10 Ngabuza ngathi, ‘Kumele ngenzeni Nkosi?’

INkosi yathi, ‘Phakama uye eDamaseko. Khonale uzatshelwa konke osumiselwe ukuthi ukwenze.’ 11 Abaphelekezeli bami bangihola ngesandla bangisa eDamaseko ngoba inkazimulo yokukhanya yayingenze ngaba yisiphofu.

12 Indoda eyayithiwa ngu-Ananiya yeza yazangibona. Yayingumlandeli omkhulu womlayo njalo ihlonitshwa kakhulu yiwo wonke amaJuda ayehlala khona. 13 Wema eceleni kwami wathi, ‘Mzalwane Sawuli, bona njalo!’ Ngalesosikhathi ngahle ngazuza amandla okumbona.

14 Wasesithi, ‘UNkulunkulu wabokhokho bethu usekukhethile ukuthi uyazi intando yakhe lokuthi umbone oLungileyo lokuba uzwe amazwi aphuma emlonyeni wakhe. 15 Uzakuba ngufakazi wakhe ebantwini bonke ngalokho okubonileyo lokuzwileyo. 16 Pho usalindeni? Sukuma ubhaphathizwe, ugeze izono zakho, ubiza ibizo lakhe.’

17 Ngithe sengibuyile eJerusalema ngikhuleka ethempelini, ngafikelwa yisiyeziphupho, 18 ngabona iNkosi ikhuluma isithi kimi, ‘Phangisa! Suka masinyane eJerusalema ngoba kabayikubamukela ubufakazi bakho ngami.’

19 Ngaphendula ngathi, ‘Nkosi, lababantu bayakwazi ukuthi nganginquma lamasinagogu ngibabopha njalo ngibatshaya labo abakholwa kuwe. 20 Lalapho kuchithwa igazi lomfakazi wakho uStefane ngangimi khonapho ngivumelana labo njalo ngilinde izigqoko zalabo ababembulala.’

21 INkosi yasisithi kimi, ‘Hamba; ngizakuthumela kude kwabeZizwe.’ ”

UPhawuli UngumRoma

22 Abantu bamlalela uPhawuli sonke isikhathi, kodwa esetsho lokhu bavungama bamemeza bathi, “Kasuswe emhlabeni lo umuntu! Kamelanga aphile!”

23 Bathi sebeklabalala, behlubula amajazi abo, njalo bephosa uthuli emoyeni, 24 umlawuli wamabutho walaya ukuthi uPhawuli kangeniswe enkambeni yamabutho. Wayala ukuthi atshaywe njalo abuzisiswe ukuthi kungani abantu bemvukela kanje. 25 Bathi sebemlalisa phansi ukuthi bambhaxabule bembophile, uPhawuli wathi kumphathi wekhulu owayemi khonapho, “Kusemthethweni yini ukuthi utshaye umuntu ongumRoma ongetheswanga cala na?”

26 Umphathi wekhulu esekuzwile lokho wayabikela umlawuli wamabutho wathi, “Usuzathini manje? Indoda le ingumRoma.”

27 Umlawuli wamabutho waya kuPhawuli wambuza wathi, “Ake ungitshele, kanti ungumRoma na?”

Wathi, “Yebo, nginguye.”

28 Umlawuli wamabutho wasesithi, “Mina ngahlawula imali ukuthi ngithole ilungelo lokuba ngumRoma.”

UPhawuli waphendula wathi, “Kodwa mina nginguye ngokuzalwa.”

29 Labo abasebelungele ukumbuzisisa bahle batshedela emuva masinyane. Umlawuli webutho ngokwakhe wethuka esenanzelela ukuthi wayebophe uPhawuli, umRoma, ngamaketane.

Phambi KweSanihedrini

30 Ngosuku olulandelayo, njengoba umlawuli wamabutho wayefuna ukwazi isibili ukuthi kungani uPhawuli wayebekwa icala ngamaJuda, wamkhulula walaya abaphristi abakhulu leSanihedrini yonke ukuthi bahlangane. Wasemletha uPhawuli wamisa phambi kwabo.

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1 UPhawuli wawujolozela umphakathi weSanihedrini wathi, “Bazalwane, sengiwugcwalisile umlandu wami kuNkulunkulu ngenhliziyo eqotho kuze kube lamuhla.” 2 Umphristi omkhulu, u-Ananiya, kwamcunula lokhu, watshela labo ababemi eduze kukaPhawuli ukuthi bamukule umlomo. 3 UPhawuli wathi kuye, “UNkulunkulu uzakumukula, wena mduli oconjwe ngekalaga emhlophe! Lapha uhlalele ukungahlulela ngomthetho, ikanti wena ngokwakho uyaweqa umthetho ngokulaya ukuthi ngitshaywe!”

4 Labo ababemi eduze kukaPhawuli bathi, “Ulesibindi sokuthuka umphristi omkhulu kaNkulunkulu wena?”

5 UPhawuli waphendula wathi, “Bazalwane, bengingazi ukuthi ungumphristi omkhulu; ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: ‘Ungakhulumi okubi ngombusi wabantu bakini.’*”

6 UPhawuli wayesazi ukuthi abanye babo babe ngamaSadusi, abanye bengabaFarisi, wasememeza phakathi kweSanihedrini wathi, “Bazalwane, mina ngingumFarisi, indodana yomFarisi. Ngithoniselwa ukuthi ngilethemba lokuvuka kwabafileyo.” 7 Wathi ngokutsho lokhu, kwavuka umsindo phakathi kwabaFarisi lamaSadusi, umphakathi wasudabukana phakathi. 8 (AmaSadusi athi kakulakuvuka ekufeni, lokuthi kakulazingilosi loba imimoya, kodwa abaFarisi bayakuvuma konke lokho ukuthi kukhona.)

9 Kwaba lokuxokozela okukhulu, kwathi abanye abafundisi bomthetho ababe ngabaFarisi basukuma bayidaza inkani. Bathi, “Kasiboni lutho olubi ngendoda le. Mhlawumbe umoya kumbe ingilosi ikhulume kuye ke?” 10 Yavutha inkani umlawuli webutho waze wesaba ukuthi uPhawuli sebengamdabudabula. Waselaya amabutho ukuthi ahle amsuse kubo ngamandla amlethe enkambeni yamabutho.

11 Ngobusuku obulandelayo iNkosi yema eduze kukaPhawuli yathi, “Iba lesibindi! Njengoba usufakaze ngami eJerusalema, kusamele njalo uyofakaza eRoma.”

Icebo Lokubulala UPhawuli

12 Ngosuku olulandelayo amaJuda abumba icebo njalo enza isifungo sokuthi kawayikudla kumbe anathe engakambulali uPhawuli. 13 Kwakungamadoda edlula amatshumi amane ayehambisana lalelocebo. 14 Baya kubaphristi abakhulu labadala bathi, “Sesifunge ijoyi lokuthi kasiyikudla lutho size simbulale uPhawuli. 15 Ngakho-ke lina leSanihedrini khalazani kumlawuli webutho ukuthi amlethe kini ngenhloso yokuthi lifuna ubufakazi obugcweleyo ngecala lakhe. Thina sesilungisile ukuthi simbulale engakafiki lapha.”

16 Kodwa kwathi ukuba indodana kadadewabo kaPhawuli isilizwile lelicebo, yaya enkambeni yamabutho yayamtshela uPhawuli.

17 UPhawuli wasebiza omunye umphathi wekhulu wathi, “Hamba lejaha leli kumlawuli wamabutho; kukhona elifuna ukukutsho kuye.” 18 Ngakho wasemusa kumlawuli.

Umphathi wekhulu wathi, “Isibotshwa esinguPhawuli singibizile sangicela ukuthi ngilethe ijaha leli kuwe ngoba kukhona elifuna ukukutshela khona.”

19 Umlawuli wamthatha lowojaha, wambamba ngesandla waya laye eceleni, wambuza wathi, “Kuyini ofuna ukungitshela khona?”

20 Wathi: “AmaJuda asevumelene ukuthi akucele wena ukuthi ulethe uPhawuli phambi kweSanihedrini kusasa ngenhloso yokuthi afuna ingcazelo epheleleyo mayelana laye. 21 Ungabavumeli ngoba abeqa amatshumi amane bawo bazamcathamela. Asenze isifungo sokuthi angadli njalo anganathi engakabulali uPhawuli. Kunje nje sebelungile, sebelindele imvumo yakho ngesicelo sabo.”

22 Umlawuli wathi kahambe umfana, wamqonqosela wathi, “Ungatsheli muntu ukuthi usungazisile ngalokhu.”

UPhawuli Udluliselwa EKhesariya

23 Wasebiza abaphathi bebutho ababili wabalaya wathi, “Lungisani ixuku lamabutho angamakhulu amabili, abagadi bamabhiza abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa labangamakhulu amabili abahlome ngemikhonto ukuthi baye eKhesariya lamuhla ebusuku ngehola lesithathu. 24 Lilungisele loPhawuli amabhiza ukuze asiwe kuMbusi uFelikhe evikelekile.”

25 Wabhala incwadi kanje:

26 Klawudiyasi Lisiya,

Kumhlekazi, uMbusi uFelikhe:

Ngiyabingelela.

27 Indoda le yabanjwa ngamaJuda, okwathi esezama ukuyibulala ngafika lamabutho ami sayilamulela ngoba ngasengizwile ukuthi ingumRoma. 28 Ngadinga ukwazi ukuthi ayesithi yoneni, yikho ngayiletha phambi kweSanihedrini yawo. 29 Ngezwa ukuthi icala layo laliphathelene lomlayo wawo, kodwa kwasweleka icala elingafanela ukufa loba ukugwetshelwa entolongweni. 30 Ngithe sengilunywe indlebe ngecebo lokuyibulala ngahle ngayedlulisela kuwe. Ngiphinde ngatshela omayimangalela ukuthi bazokwethula kuwe abamangalela ngakho.

31 Ngakho amabutho azilandela lezo ziqondiso amthatha uPhawuli ebusuku ayamfikisa e-Antiphatri. 32 Ngosuku olulandelayo amabutho amtshiya leqembu labagade amabhiza ukuthi liqhubeke laye, bona babuyela enkambeni. 33 Kwathi abamabhiza sebefikile eKhesariya bayethula incwadi kumbusi loPhawuli laye bamnikela kuye. 34 Umbusi wayibala incwadi wambuza ukuthi wayedabuka kusiphi isifunda. Esezwile ukuthi wayengoweSilisiya, 35 Wathi, “Icala lakho ngizalihlola nxa labo abakumangalelayo sebefikile lapha.” Waselaya ukuthi uPhawuli agcinwe elindiwe esigodlweni sikaHerodi.

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Icala Lithethwa NguFelikhe

1 Ngemva kwensuku ezinhlanu umphristi omkhulu u-Ananiya wehlela eKhesariya labadala abathile kanye lomeli owayethiwa nguThethula, bafika beneka ukumangalela kwabo uPhawuli kumbusi. 2 UPhawuli esebiziwe, uThethula walethula icala kuFelikhe wathi: “Mhlekazi! Ngaphansi kombuso wakho sesikholise isikhathi sokuthula eside, ikanti lombono wakho usulethe intuthuko kulesisizwe. 3 Yonke indawo, ngazozonke izindlela, mhlekazi omuhle Felikhe, siyakwamukela konke lokhu ngokubonga okukhulu. 4 Kodwa ukuthi ngingakuchitheli isikhathi, ngiyakucela ukuthi uke usizwe kancinyane esikutshoyo.

5 Indoda le siyifumane ukuthi iluhlupho, ivusa isiphithiphithi phakathi kwamaJuda kuwo wonke umhlaba. Ingumholi wequla lamaNazarini 6 futhi yazama njalo ukungcolisa ithempeli; yikho sayibamba. Sasifuna ukumahlulela ngokomlayo wethu. [ 7 Kodwa umlawuli uLisiya weza wazamthatha ngodlakela ezandleni zethu, wathi obamangalelayo kabeze phambi kwakhe].* 8 Ngokumhlola wena ngokwakho uzalibona iqiniso ngazozonke lezizinto esimangalela ngazo.”

9 AmaJuda lawo ayingenela indaba eqinisa ukuthi lezizinto zaziliqiniso.

10 Kwathi umbusi esemphile ithuba lokuthi akhulume uPhawuli waphendula wathi: “Ngiyazi ukuthi usube ngumahluli walesisizwe okweminyaka eminengi; ngakho ngizivikela ngesibindi langentokozo. 11 Ungalithola iqiniso lokuthi kakudluli insuku ezilitshumi lambili ngiyile eJerusalema ukuyakhonza. 12 Abangimangalelayo kabazange bangifumane ngiphikisana lomuntu ethempelini, loba ngitshotshozela amaxuku emasinagogweni kumbe ngaphi edolobheni. 13 Bangezake balethe ubufakazi kuwe balezizinto abangimangalela ngazo. 14 Kodwa ngiyavuma ukuthi ngikhonza uNkulunkulu wabokhokho bethu, njengomlandeli weNdlela abayibiza ngokuthi ngumvukela. Ngiyakukholwa konke okuvumelana loMlayo lokubhaliweyo kubaphrofethi, 15 njalo ngilethemba elifana lelamadoda la kuNkulunkulu, ukuthi kuzakuba lokuvuka kwabafileyo, abalungileyo lababi. 16 Ngakho ngiyazama kokuphela ukuba isazela sami sihlale sihlanzekile phambi kukaNkulunkulu laphambi kwabantu.

17 Ngemva kweminyaka eminengi ngingekho, ngeza eJerusalema ukuletha izipho zabaswelayo ebantwini bakithi lokwethula iminikelo. 18 Ngangihlanzekile ngokomkhuba baze bangifumane ethempelini ngisenza lokhu. Kwakungelaxuku labantu elalilami, kumbe ukuthi ngangiphazamisa ngokuthile. 19 Kodwa kukhona amaJuda athile avela esifundeni sase-Ezhiya, okufanele ukuthi ngabe akhona lapha phambi kwakho, angethese icala nxa kukhona akusolayo ngami. 20 Kumbe wonala akhona kawachaze ukuthi licala bani alifumanayo kimi mhlazana ngimi eSanihedrini, 21 ngaphandle kwalokhu kodwa engakumemezayo ngimi phambi kwawo ukuthi: ‘Kungenxa yokuvuka kwabafileyo okwenza ngithonisiswe phambi kwenu lamuhla.’ ”

22 Ngakho uFelikhe, owayesazi kakhulu ngeNdlela walimisa icala. Wathi, “Kuzakuthi nxa uLisiya umlawuli angafika ngizaliquma icala lenu.” 23 Walaya umphathi wekhulu ukuthi agcine uPhawuli elindiwe kodwa amvumele ukukhululeka okuthile kanye labangane bakhe ukuthi bamuphe lokho akuswelayo.

24 Ngemva kwensuku ezinengi uFelikhe wafika lomkakhe uDrusila owaye ngumJudakazi. Wathi kakubizwe uPhawuli, wamlalela echaza ngokukholwa kuJesu Khristu. 25 UPhawuli wathi esebalisa ngokulunga, langokuzithiba langokwahlulelwa okuzayo uFelikhe wesaba wathi, “Sekwanele okwamanje! Usungahamba. Kungaze kulunge njalo ngizakubiza.” 26 Yena wayecabanga ukuthi uPhawuli uzamupha imali yokumfumbathisa, yikho wayembiza futhifuthi ekhuluma laye.

27 Isidlule iminyaka emibili, uFelikhe walandelwa esikhundleni nguPhokhiyu Festasi, kodwa ngoba uFelikhe wayefuna ukuthabisa amaJuda, watshiya uPhawuli elokhu esentolongweni.

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Ukuthonisiswa Phambi KukaFestasi

1 Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu efikile esifundeni uFestasi, wasuka eKhesariya waya eJerusalema 2 lapho abaphristi abakhulu labakhokheli bamaJuda bema phambi kwakhe beneka amacala kaPhawuli. 3 Bamcela ngokuphangisa uFestasi, ukuba abenzele umusa, abalethele uPhawuli eJerusalema, ngoba babeceba ukumcathamela bambulale endleleni. 4 UFestasi waphendula wathi, “UPhawuli uvalelwe eKhesariya, njalo mina ngokwami Ngiya khona masinyane. 5 Akuthi abanye abakhokheli bakini bahambe lami bafike bamethese amacala khonale, nxa kukhona akonileyo.”

6 Esehlale insuku eziyisificaminwembili loba ezilitshumi labo, wehlela eKhesariya, kwathi ngosuku olulandelayo wangenisa inkundla wathi kalethwe uPhawuli phambi kwakhe. 7 Esefikile uPhawuli amaJuda ayebuyile evela eJerusalema ambuthanela, ethula amacala amanengi esabekayo ngaye, kodwa engelabufakazi ngawo.

8 UPhawuli wasezivikela wathi, “Angenzanga lutho oluphikisa umlayo wamaJuda kumbe ukudumaza ithempeli, kumbe oluphikisa uKhesari.”

9 UFestasi wayefuna ukwenzela amaJuda umusa, wathi kuPhawuli, “Uyavuma na ukuya eJerusalema ukuthi ngiyekuthonisela khona amacala la?”

10 Waphendula uPhawuli wathi, “Khathesi sengisiyakuma phambi kwenkundla kaKhesari, lapho engifanele ukuthonisiswa khona. Kangonanga lutho kumaJuda, njengoba lawe usazi kakuhle. 11 Kodwa, nxa ngilecala lokwenza loba yini efanele ukufa kangali ukubulawa. Kodwa nxa lawomacala engiwetheswa ngamaJuda la engasiqiniso, kakho olelungelo lokunginikela kuwo. Ngilidlulisela kuKhesari!”

12 UFestasi esehlanganise amakhanda lomphakathi wakhe, wathi, “Usulidlulisele kuKhesari. Uzakuya-ke kuKhesari!”

UFestasi Ubonisana LeNkosi U-Agripha

13 Sekuyizinsuku ezimbalwa ngemva kwalokho iNkosi u-Agripha loBhenikhe bafika eKhesariya ukuyaqinisa ubudlelwano laye uFestasi. 14 Njengoba babezachitha insuku ezinengi khona, uFestasi wakhuluma leNkosi ngendaba kaPhawuli. Wathi, “Kulendoda lapha eyatshiywa nguFelikhe iyisibotshwa. 15 Ngathi ngiseJerusalema, abaphristi abakhulu labadala bamaJuda bayimangalela ngamacala athile, bacela ukuthi ibulawe.

16 Ngabatshela ukuthi kakusimkhuba wamaRoma ukunikela umuntu engakahlanganiswa labamangaleli bakhe, waphiwa ithuba lokuzivikela kulawo macala abambeka wona. 17 Bathi sebefikile lapha behamba lami, ngahle ngalingenisa icala, kodwa inkundla ngayihlanganisa ngosuku olulandelayo, ngathi indoda leyo kayingeniswe. 18 Sebephakamile ukuba bakhulume, kabasambekanga lawomacala engangiwakhumbula. 19 Kodwa, kulezinto ezithile ababephikisana ngazo laye mayelana lenkolo yabo langenye indoda eyafayo ethiwa nguJesu, uPhawuli athi yena iyaphila. 20 Ngisuke ngadideka ukuthi ngizicubungule njani izindaba ezinjalo; yikho ngimbuzile ukuthi angavuma yini ukuya eJerusalema ayethonisiswa khona ngamacala la. 21 Kuthe uPhawuli esethe ucela icala lakhe limiswe liyoqunywa nguMbusi oMkhulu, ngathi kagcinwe entolongweni ngize ngimdlulisele kuKhesari.”

22 U-Agripha wasesithi kuFestasi, “Ngifuna ukuthi kengiyizwe mina ngokwami indoda leyo.”

Waphendula wathi, “Uzayizwa kusasa.”

UPhawuli Phambi Kuka-Agripha

23 Kusisa u-Agripha loBhenikhe bafika ngodumo olukhulu bangena emthethwandaba lezikhulu zakhona ezaziwayo kanye labakhokheli bedolobho. UFestasi wathi uPhawuli kalethwe. 24 UFestasi wasesithi, “Nkosi Agripha, lani lonke elikhona lathi lapha, liyayibona indoda le! Sonke isizwe samaJuda eJerusalema lakhona lapha eKhesariya senza isikhalazo kimi bememeza ukuthi kayisafanelanga ukuthi ibe ilokhu iphila. 25 Ngafumana ukuthi kwakungelalutho alwenzayo olufanele ukufa, kodwa ngenxa yokuthi wacela ukudluliselwa kuMbusi oMkhulu, ngakhetha ukuthi ngimdlulisele eRoma. 26 Kodwa kakulalutho olubambekayo engizalulobela uMhlekazi ngaye. Ngakho sengimlethe lapha phambi kwenu lonke, ikakhulu phambi kwakho wena Nkosi Agripha, ukuze kuthi ngemva kokumhlola hlezi ngithole ulutho engingaluloba. 27 Ngibona kungaba liphutha elikhulu ukuthumela isibotshwa ngingacacanga ngamacala esiwetheswayo.”

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1 U-Agripha wasesithi kuPhawuli, “Ulemvumo yokuzikhulumela.”

Ngakho uPhawuli wasephakamisa isandla sakhe waqalisa ukuzivikela, wathi, 2 “Nkosi Agripha, ngizibona ngilenhlanhla ukuma phambi kwakho lamuhla ngisethula ukuzivikela kwami kuwo wonke amacala engiwetheswa ngamaJuda, 3 ikakhulu njengoba wena uwazi amasiko amaJuda kanye lokuphikisana kwawo. Ngakho ngiyakucela ukuthi ungilalele ngokubekezela.

4 AmaJuda wonke ayayazi impilo engiyiphilileyo kusukela ebuntwaneni bami, ekuqaleni kokuphila kwami elizweni lakithi njalo laseJerusalema. 5 Sebengazi okwesikhathi eside njalo bangafakaza nxa bethanda, ukuthi ngenhlelo zenkolo yethu eqinileyo, ngangiphila ngingumFarisi. 6 Manje sekungenxa yethemba lami kulokho uNkulunkulu akuthembisa okhokho bethu okwenza ngithonisiswe lamuhla. 7 Lesi yiso isithembiso esilindelwe yizizwana zakithi ezilitshumi lambili ukuthi zizasibona sigcwaliseka zilokhu zimkhonza uNkulunkulu ngokutshiseka emini lebusuku. Mhlekazi, kungenxa yalo lelithemba engimangalelwa lona ngamaJuda. 8 Kungenzakala kanjani ukuthi phakathi kwenu kube yinto engakholekiyo ukuthi uNkulunkulu uyabavusa abafileyo na?

9 Lami ngokwami ngangizimisele ukuthi ngenze yonke imizamo yokuphikisana lebizo likaJesu waseNazaretha. 10 Lakanye yikho lokho engakwenzayo eJerusalema. Ngaphiwa amandla ngabaphristi abakhulu ngaphosela abanengi abangcwele entolongweni, kwathi ekubulaweni kwabo lami ngasekela ukubalahla. 11 Izikhathi ezinengi ngangihamba nginquma lamasinagogu ngisithi kabajeziswe, ngazama njalo ukubabamba ngamandla ukuthi bahlambaze uJesu. Ngathi ngihlanyiswa yikubazonda ngaya lakwamanye amadolobho asezizweni ukuyabahlukuluza khona.

12 Kolunye uhambo lwami ngalubangisa eDamaseko ngilamandla lomlayo engawuphiwa ngabaphristi abakhulu. 13 Kwathi sekungaba yimini enkulu ngisendleleni Mhlekazi Agripha, ngabona ukukhanya kuvela ezulwini, kukhazimula ukwedlula ilanga, kungizingelezele kanye labakhula bami. 14 Sonke sawela phansi, ngezwa ilizwi lisithi kimi, ngesiHebheru, ‘Sawuli, Sawuli ungihlukuluzelani na? Kubuhlungu kuwe ukukhahlela izinciji.’

15 Ngasengibuza ngathi, ‘Ungubani, Nkosi?’

INkosi yaphendula yathi, ‘NginguJesu omhlukuluzayo. 16  Phakama khathesi ume ngezinyawo zakho. Ngizibonise kuwe ukuthi ngikukhethe ukuba yinceku njalo ube ngufakazi walokho osukubonile ngami, lalokho engisazakutshengisa khona. 17  Ngizakuphephisa ebantwini bakini lakwabeZizwe. Ngikuthuma 18  ukuthi uvule amehlo abo, ubaphendule basuke ebumnyameni baye ekukhanyeni, njalo basuke emandleni kaSathane baye kuNkulunkulu ukuze bemukele ukuthethelelwa kwezono lendawo phakathi kwalabo abangcweliswe ngokukholwa kimi.’

19 Ngakho-ke, Nkosi Agripha, kangiqholozelanga umbono ovela ezulwini. 20 Ngaqala ngaba seDamaseko, kwalandela abaseJerusalema laseJudiya lonke, kwalandela labeZizwe labo, ngatshumayela ukuthi kumele baphenduke babuyele kuNkulunkulu njalo babonise ukuphenduka kwabo ngezenzo zabo. 21 Kungaleso isizatho okwenza amaJuda angibamba ngisemagumeni ethempeli azama ukungibulala. 22 Kodwa uNkulunkulu ungiphephisile kuze kube namuhla, yikho ngimi lapha ngifakaza kwabancinyane labakhulu ngokufananayo. Kakulalutho engilutshoyo ngaphezu kwalokho abaphrofethi loMosi abathi kuzakwenzakala, 23 ukuthi uKhristu wayezahlupheka, njalo njengowokuqala ukuvuka kwabafileyo, atshumayele ukukhanya ebantwini bakibo lakwabeZizwe.”

24 Khonapho uFestasi wasemphazamisa esazivikela wathi, “Phawuli, usangene ingqondo! Ukufunda kwakho okukhulu sekukuphambanise ingqondo.”

25 Waphendula uPhawuli wathi, “Kangihlanyi, Mhlekazi omkhulu Festasi. Engikutshoyo kuliqiniso njalo kulengqondo. 26 Inkosi izijayele lezizinto yikho ngikhuluma kuyo ngikhululekile. Ngiyakholwa ukuthi kakukho lokukodwa kukho okuyeqileyo inkosi, ngoba kakwenziwanga ejikweni ngokucatshelana. 27 Nkosi Agripha, uyabakholwa na abaphrofethi? Ngiyazi ukuthi uyabakholwa.”

28 U-Agripha wasesithi kuPhawuli, “Kambe ucabanga ukuthi ngesikhatshana esifitshane kangaka ungangiphendula ngibe ngumKhristu?”

29 UPhawuli waphendula wathi, “Singaba sisifitshane loba sibeside, ngiyakhuleka kuNkulunkulu ukuthi kakungabi nguwe kuphela kodwa bonke abangizwayo lamuhla bangaba yilokho engiyikho khona, ngaphandle kwala amaketane.”

30 Inkosi yaphakama kanye lombusi loBhenikhe lalabo ababehlezi labo. 31 Baphuma endlini, bathi sebekhuluma bodwa, bathi, “Indoda le kakulalutho elwenzayo olufanele ukufa loba ukuvalelwa entolongweni.”

32 U-Agripha wathi kuFestasi, “Indoda le ibizakhululwa kube ibingedluliselanga icala layo kuKhesari.”

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UPhawuli Uya ERoma

1 Sekumisiwe ukuthi sizakuya e-Ithali, uPhawuli kanye lezinye izibotshwa banikelwa ezandleni zomphathi wekhulu owayethiwa nguJuliyasi owaye ngoweButho leSikhosini. 2 Sagada umkhumbi e-Adramithiya owawusulungele ukuya emathekwini asemakhunjini esifunda sase-Ezhiya, sahle salungena ulwandle. Sasilo-Aristakhasi, owayesuka eThesalonika.

3 Kusisa sakhuphukela eSidoni; uJuliyasi watshengisa umusa kuPhawuli, wamvumela ukuthi aye kubangane bakhe bamenzele lokho ayengabe ekuswela. 4 Sesisuka lapho saluqonda ulwandle njalo sagudla ethunzini laseSiphrasi ngoba ukuvunguza komoya kwakuphambana lathi. 5 Sathi sesiwele sadabula ulwandle olubanzi malungana lasokhunjini lweSilisiya lePhamfiliya, sakhuphukela eMira eseLikhiya. 6 Khonapho umphathi wekhulu wafumana umkhumbi wase-Alekizandriya uwelela e-Ithali, wasingenisa kuwo. 7 Sahamba sitotoba okwensuku ezinengi, sathwala nzima ukuyafika eKhinidu. Kwathi ngoba umoya usivalela ukuthi sihambe ngendlela yethu, sawela sayagudla ethunzini laseKhrethe, malungana leSalimoni. 8 Sahamba siceza okhunjini kanzima, safika endaweni ethiwa kuseMathekumahle, eduze ledolobho laseLaseya.

9 Sasesilahlekelwe yisikhathi esinengi kakhulu, lokuhamba olwandle kwasekuyingozi kabi ngoba ngalesisikhathi kwasekungemva kwesikhathi sokuzila. Yikho uPhawuli wabaxwayisa wathi, 10 “Madoda, ngibona ukuthi uhambo lolu luzakuba lengozi lomonakalo omkhulu, kubhidlike umkhumbi lempahla, lempilo zethu lathi.” 11 Kodwa umphathi wekhulu, esikhundleni sokulalela lokho okwakutshiwo nguPhawuli, walandela iseluleko somtshayeli womkhumbi kanye lomnikazi wawo. 12 Njengoba itheku lalingelihle ukuthi simise khona ebusika, abanengi bakhetha ukuthi siqhubeke ngohambo, bethemba ukuthi sizafika eFenikhe simise khona ebusika lobo. Leli kwakulitheku eliseKhrethe, elalikhangele eningizimu yentshonalanga njalo lenyakatho yentshonalanga.

Isiphepho

13 Kwathi ngokuphephetha komoya opholileyo waseningizimu, banakana ukuthi basebekutholile ababekudinga; ngakho bawukhulula umkhumbi wawela ugudle iKhrethe. 14 Masinyazana nje, umoya olamandla esivunguvungu owawuthiwa “yiNhlampumalanga” wavunguza usuka esihlengeni. 15 Umkhumbi watshaywa yilesosiphepho wehluleka ukuqondana lomoya; ngakho wasehlula sasesindenda nje siwulandela. 16 Sathi lapho sidlula ekusithekeni kwesihlenge esincane esithiwa yiKhawuda, kwasekusala lokuthi simise kuhle isikepe sokuphephela siqonde. 17 Kwathi amadoda esesidonsele phezulu emkhunjini, basebethandela izintambo bebopha umkhumbi ngokwawo ukuze uqine wonke. Bathi ngoba besesaba ukuthi bazatshayeka emhlabathini wetshebetshebe laseSithisi, behlisa iseyili bayekela umkhumbi wazindendela nje. 18 Isiphepho sasizunguza kabuhlungu kwaze kwathi ngosuku olulandelayo saqalisa ukujikela umthwalo olwandle. 19 Ngosuku lwesithathu baphosela phandle ngezabo izandla izintambo lezinye impahla zokuhambisa umkhumbi. 20 Kwathi sekuyizinsuku ezinengi singaliboni ilanga loba izinkanyezi, kodwa isiphepho silokhu sisidla ubhedu, saphelelwa lithemba lokuthi sizaphepha.

21 Amadoda ayesehlale isikhathi eside engadlanga, uPhawuli wasesima phambi kwabo, wathi, “Madoda, ngabe lingilalele sangasuki eKhrethe; ngabe kalizifakanga phakathi kwale inhlekenhleke lokulahlekelwa lokhu. 22 Kodwa manje ngiyalikhuthaza ukuthi lime isibindi, ngoba kakukho lamunye wenu ozakufa; ngumkhumbi kuphela ozabhidlika. 23 Izolo ebusuku ingilosi kaNkulunkulu engingowakhe mina njalo lengimkhonzayo ime phambi kwami 24 yathi, ‘Ungesabi, Phawuli. Kumele uyethonisiswa nguKhesari; njalo uNkulunkulu usebe lomusa wokukunika impilo zabo bonke owela labo.’ 25 Ngakho manini isibindi, madoda, ngoba ngiyamethemba uNkulunkulu ukuthi kuzakwenzakala njengokungitshela kwakhe. 26 Kodwa phela sisezake sitshayeke phansi sikhaphazelwe esihlengeni esithile.”

Ukubhidlika Komkhumbi

27 Ngobusuku betshumi lane sasilokhu siyaluziswa oLwandle lwe-Adriyathi, lapho okwathi phakathi kobusuku abaqhubi bomkhumbi bezwa kungathi basebesondela emhlabathini. 28 Baphosa izintambo zokulinganisa bafumana ukuthi amanzi ayezike okwezingalo ezilikhulu elilamatshumi amabili. Ngemva kwesikhatshana baphinda baziphosa njalo bafumana izingalo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye ukuzika. 29 Bathi ngoba besesaba ukuthi sasizasakazeka ematsheni basebesehlisa insika zokumisa umkhumbi ngemuva bekhalela ukuthi kuse. 30 Abaqhubi bomkhumbi bazama ukunyenya babaleke emkhunjini ngokwehlisela isikepe sokusinda olwandle bezenza abafuna ukuyakwehlisa ezinye insika ngaphambili komkhumbi. 31 UPhawuli wasesithi kumphathi wekhulu lasemabuthweni, “Nxa amadoda la engahlali emkhunjini, ngeke lisinde.” 32 Ngakho amabutho asequma izintambo ezazibambe isikepe sokusinda asiyekela sayagxumukela emanzini.

33 Sekubanga emathathakusa, uPhawuli wabakhuthaza bonke ukuthi badle. Wathi, “Okwensuku ezilitshumi lane ezidluleyo belihlezi libambe amaphaphu enu; lisehluleka lokudla; kalizange lidle lutho. 34 Okwamanje ngilicela ukuthi lidle. Kumele lidle ukuze liphile. Kakho loyedwa wenu ozalahlekelwa lalunwele ekhanda lakhe.” 35 Esekutshilo lokhu, wathatha isinkwa wabonga kuNkulunkulu phambi kwabo bonke. Wasesihlephuna wadla. 36 Bonke baqunga isibindi basebesidla labo. 37 Sisonke sasingabantu abangamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesithupha (276) emkhunjini. 38 Bathi sebedlile basutha, baphungula ukusindwa komkhumbi ngokuchithela amabele olwandle.

39 Kwathi sokusile kabawunanzelelanga umhlabathi, kodwa babona itheku elaligcwele itshebetshebe, basebezimisela ukuthi umkhumbi bayewumisa khona nxa kuvuma. 40 Baquma insika bazitshiya zicwila olwandle, baphinda banyomula lezintambo ezazibambe okokugwedlisa. Basebephakamisa iseyili yaphambili beyiqondisa emoyeni, basebeqonda ekhunjini. 41 Kodwa umkhumbi watshayelela esidulini setshebetshebe olwandle wahle wabhajwa. Isihloko sawo sathi ngxi phansi asabe sisanyikinyeka, ingemuva yona yahlakazeka itshaywa ngamagagasi.

42 Amabutho asesithi kungcono abulale izibotshwa ukuze kungabikhona esizantsheza sibaleke. 43 Kodwa umphathi wekhulu wayefuna ukuvikela impilo kaPhawuli, yikho wabalela ukuthi bakwenze lokho abasebekumisile. Walaya labo ababelamandla okuntsheza ukuba bazithele olwandle bona kuqala baqonde emhlabathini. 44 Inengi lalizandenda ngamapulanka liye khona loba ngasiqa bani somkhumbi. Ngale indlela wonke umuntu wafika emhlabathini ephephile.

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Emhlabathini EMalitha

1 Sathi sesiphephile safika emhlabathini, sezwa ukuthi isihlenge leso sasithiwa yiMalitha. 2 Abantu bakhona basiphatha ngomusa ongajayelekanga. Basemukela kuhle sonke, basibasela umlilo wekhanka ngoba izulu lalisina njalo kumakhaza. 3 UPhawuli watheza umnyaba wenkuni, wathi ebasela kwaphuma inhlangwana isixotshwa ngumlilo yahle yamthandela esandleni. 4 Abahlali besihlengeni bathi bebona inyoka ilenga esandleni sakhe bakhulumisana besithi, “Indoda le iyisigebenga; ngoba loba isindile olwandle, unkulunkulukazi uKulunga kayivumelanga ukuthi iphile.” 5 Kodwa uPhawuli wayithintitha inyoka wayilabhulela emlilweni yena akaze alimala lakancane. 6 Abantu babelinde okwesikhathi eside bengaboni lutho olubi lusenzakala kuye, baguqula imicabango yabo basebesithi ungunkulunkulu.

7 Eduze kwalapho kwakulepulazi likaPhabhiliyasi, owayeyisikhulu esiphethe isihlenge. Wasemukela ngesihle emzini wakhe, wasihlalisa khona okwensuku ezintathu esiphethe kuhle. 8 Uyise wayegula elele phansi ephethwe luqhuqho lesihudo. UPhawuli wayambona, kwathi esekhulekile, wambeka izandla wamsilisa. 9 Kwathi sekwenzakele lokhu, bonke abagulayo esihlengeni beza basiliswa. 10 Basidumisa ngezipho ezinengi, kwasekusithi sesilungela ukuwela basilungisela umphako owaneleyo.

Ukufika ERoma

11 Ngemva kwezinyanga ezintathu sangena olwandle sigade umkhumbi owawuchithe ubusika khona lapho. Wawungumkhumbi wase-Alekizandriya owawulophawu lwamakhanda amaphahla abonkulunkulu uKhasto loPholukhi. 12 Sakhuphukela eSirakhusi sahlala khona okwensuku ezintathu. 13 Sesisuka lapho sawela sayafika eRegiyumi. Ngakusasa kwaphephetha umoya weningizimu, kwathi ngelanga elilandelayo sayafika ePhuthewoli. 14 Lapho safumana abazalwane abasicela ukuthi sihlale khona okweviki silabo. Sasesifika eRoma. 15 Abazalwane balapho basebezwile ukuthi siyeza, ngakho bahamba baze bayafika eNkundleni yase-Aphiya laseziNkantini eziNtathu besihlangabeza. Wathi ebabona lababantu uPhawuli wabonga uNkulunkulu njalo waqiniswa. 16 Sithe sesifikile eRoma, uPhawuli wavunyelwa ukuhlala yedwa, elindwe ngelilodwa ibutho.

UPhawuli Utshumayela ERoma Elindiwe

17 Ngemva kwensuku ezintathu uPhawuli wabiza abakhokheli bamaJuda. Bathi sebehlangene wathi kubo, “Bazalwane bami, loba ngingenzanga lutho olubi ebantwini bakithi kumbe olwephula imikhuba yabokhokho bethu, ngabotshwa eJerusalema nganikelwa kwabaseRoma. 18 Wona esengihlolile afisa ukungikhulula ngoba ngangingelacala loba elakuphi ukuganga okwakungafanela ukufa. 19 Kodwa kwathi ngoba amaJuda ekwala lokho ngabona sekufanele ukuthi ngikhalaze kuKhesari; kungayisikho ukuthi ngasengimangalela abantu bakithi. 20 Ngalesisizatho ngicelile ukuthi ngilibone, ngikhulume lani. Kungenxa yethemba lika-Israyeli okwenza ngibotshwe ngale iketane.”

21 Baphendula bathi, “Kasitholanga zincwadi ezivela eJudiya mayelana lawe, njalo kakho umzalwane ovela khonale oke wabika kumbe wakhuluma ulutho olubi ngawe. 22 Kodwa sifuna ukuzwa imibono yakho, ngoba siyakwazi ukuthi ezindaweni zonke abantu bakhuluma kubi ngaloluhlelo lwenkolo.”

23 Balungiselela ukuhlangana loPhawuli ngelanga elithile elalibekiwe, njalo kweza abantu abanengi endaweni ayehlala kuyo. Kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwaba ntambama echaza umbuso kaNkulunkulu njalo efakaza ngokuseMthethweni kaMosi lakubaPhrofethi. Wazama njalo ukubazisa ngoJesu 24 Abanye basuthiseka ngalokhu ayekutsho, kodwa abanye kabazange bakholwe. 25 Baphikisana bona bodwa basebesuka ngemva kokuba uPhawuli esephethe inkulumo yakhe ngokuthi, “Nxa uMoya oNgcwele wakhuluma iqiniso kubokhokho benu aze ukhulume ngomphrofethi u-Isaya ukuthi:

26 ‘Hamba kulababantu uyekuthi,

“Lizahlala lisizwa kokuphela, kodwa lingaqedisisi;

lizahlala libona kokuphela kodwa lingabonisisi.”

27 Ngoba inhliziyo yalababantu isibuthundu;

kabasezwa ngezindlebe zabo,

njalo sebevale amehlo abo;

ngoba bangaqabuka bebona ngamehlo abo,

bezwe ngezindlebe zabo,

baqedisise ngezinhliziyo zabo,

baphenduke, lami ngibasilise.’*

28 Ngakho ngithanda ukuthi lazi ukuba insindiso kaNkulunkulu isithunyelwe kwabeZizwe, njalo bona bazalalela!” [ 29 Ngemva kwalokhu, amaJuda asuka, ephikisana wodwa kakhulu.]†

30 UPhawuli wahlala khona okweminyaka emibili egcweleyo, ehlala endlini yakhe ayeloje kuyo, njalo esemukela ngesihle bonke ababesiza bezombona. 31 Watshumayela ngombuso kaNkulunkulu, wafundisa ngeNkosi uJesu Khristu ngesibindi njalo engaphazanyiswa muntu.

* 1:20 1.20 AmaHubo 69.25

† 1:20 1.20 AmaHubo 109.8

* 2:21 2.21 UJoweli 2.28-32

† 2:23 2.23 kumbe ngabantu abangelamthetho (okutsho abaZizwe)

‡ 2:28 2.28 AmaHubo 16.8-11

§ 2:35 2.35 AmaHubo 110.1

* 3:23 3.23 UDutheronomi 18.15, 18, 19

† 3:25 3.25 UGenesisi 22.18; 26.4

* 4:11 4.11 AmaHubo 118.22

† 4:26 4.26 AmaHubo 2.1-2

* 7:3 7.3 UGenesisi 12.1

† 7:7 7.7 UGenesisi 15.13-14

‡ 7:18 7.18 U-Eksodasi 1.8

§ 7:28 7.28 U-Eksodasi 2.14

* 7:32 7.32 U-Eksodasi 3.6

† 7:34 7.34 U-Eksodasi 3.5, 7, 8, 10

‡ 7:37 7.37 UDutheronomi 18.15

§ 7:40 7.40 U-Eksodasi 32.1

* 7:43 7.43 U-Amosi 5.25-27

† 7:50 7.50 U-Isaya 66.1-2

* 8:33 8.33 U-Isaya 53.7-8

† 8:37 8.37 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

* 13:33 13.33 AmaHubo 2.7

† 13:34 13.34 U-Isaya 55.3

‡ 13:35 13.35 AmaHubo 16.10

§ 13:41 13.41 UHabhakhukhi 1.5

* 13:47 13.47 U-Isaya 49.6

* 15:17 15.17 U-Amosi 9.11-12

† 15:34 15.34 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

* 23:5 23.5 U-Eksodasi 22.28

* 24:7 24.7 Livesi ayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

* 28:27 28.27 U-Isaya 6.9-10

† 28:29 28.29 Livesi kayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

AbaseRoma

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Incwadi kaPhawuli

KwabaseRoma

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1 UPhawuli, inceku kaKhristu uJesu, owabizelwa ukuba ngumpostoli njalo wahlukaniselwa ivangeli likaNkulunkulu, 2 ivangeli alithembisa ngaphambilini ngabaphrofethi bakhe emibhalweni engcwele 3 mayelana leNdodana yakhe, yona okuthi ngokwemvelo yayo yoluntu yayiyinzalo kaDavida, 4 njalo ngoMoya wobungcwele yabonakaliswa ngamandla ukuthi iyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu ngokuvuka kwayo kwabafileyo; uJesu Khristu iNkosi yethu. 5 Ngaye samukela umusa lobupostoli ukuba sinxusele abantu beZizwe bonke ekulaleleni okuza ngokukholwa ngenxa yebizo lakhe. 6 Lani futhi lingabanye babeZizweni ababizelwe ukuba babe ngabakaJesu Khristu.

7 Kubo bonke abaseRoma abathandwa nguNkulunkulu njalo ababizelwe ukuba ngabangcwele bakhe:

Umusa lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba laseNkosini uJesu Khristu kakube kini.

UPhawuli Ufisa Ukwethekelela ERoma

8 Kuqala ngibonga uNkulunkulu wami ngoJesu Khristu ngilibongela lani, ngoba ukukholwa kwenu kubikwa umhlaba wonke. 9 UNkulunkulu engimkhonza ngenhliziyo yami yonke ngokutshumayela ivangeli leNdodana yakhe, ungufakazi wami ekuthini ngilikhumbula kokuphela 10 emikhulekweni yami izikhathi zonke; njalo ngiyakhuleka khathesi ukuthi sengathi ekucineni ngentando kaNkulunkulu ngivulelwe indlela yokuza kini.

11 Ngiyafisa ukulibona ukuze ngilinike isipho somoya sokuliqinisa, 12 okuyikuthi ngokufananayo lina lami siqiniswe lukholo lomunye wethu. 13 Kangifuni ukuba lingaze lazi, bazalwane, ukuthi sengaceba kanengi ukuba ngize kini (kodwa ngisehluleka ukwenzanjalo kuze kube khathesi) ukuze ngibe lesivuno phakathi kwenu, njengalokhu engakwenzayo kwabanye abeZizweni.

14 Ngilomlandu kumaGrikhi lakwabangasiwo, kwabahlakaniphileyo labayiziwula. 15 Yikho-nje ngitshisekela ukutshumayela ivangeli lakini eliseRoma.

16 Kangilanhloni ngevangeli, ngoba lingamandla kaNkulunkulu okusindiswa kwabo bonke abakholwayo: kuqala amaJuda, kulandele abeZizwe. 17 Ngoba ukulunga okuvela kuNkulunkulu kubonakaliswa evangelini, ukulunga okungokukholwa kusukela ekuqaleni kusiya ekucineni, njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Abalungileyo bazaphila ngokukholwa.”*

Ulaka LukaNkulunkulu Ebantwini

18 Ulaka lukaNkulunkulu luyabonakaliswa luvela ezulwini kulabo abangalunganga kanye lobubi babantu abancindezela iqiniso ngobubi babo, 19 kalokho okungazakala ngoNkulunkulu kusobala kubo, ngoba uNkulunkulu ekwenze kwabasobala kubo. 20 Ngoba kusukela ekudalweni komhlaba isimo sikaNkulunkulu esingabonakaliyo, amandla akhe angapheliyo kanye lobuNkulunkulu bakhe, sekubonakele ngokusobala, kuzwisiseka ngokwenziweyo, ukuze abantu bangabi lasizatho sokuzigeza.

21 Ngoba lanxa uNkulunkulu babemazi, kabamdumisanga njengoNkulunkulu loba bambonge, kodwa imicabango yabo yaba yize lezinhliziyo zabo eziyiziwula zaba mnyama. 22 Lanxa bazenza abahlakaniphileyo baba yizithutha 23 benana inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ongafiyo ngemfanekiso eyenziwa yafana labantu abalakho ukufa lezinyoni lezinyamazana kanye lezinanakazana ezihuquzelayo.

24 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wabanikela esonweni sezinkanuko zezinhliziyo zabo zobufebe ngokwenza imzimba yabo ihlazo phakathi kwabo. 25 Benana iqiniso likaNkulunkulu ngamanga, badumisa bekhonza izinto ezadalwayo kuloMdali odunyiswa kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni.

26 Ngenxa yalokhu, uNkulunkulu wabanikela ezinkanukweni ezilihlazo. Labesifazane bakibo benana imvelo yobudlelwano bemacansini ngokungasikho kwemvelo. 27 Ngokufanayo abesilisa labo badela ukuphathana kwemvelo labesifazane batshiseka ngokukhanukana. Abesilisa benza izenzo ezilihlazo lamanye amadoda, bazilethela isijeziso esifanele ukuxhwala kwabo.

28 Phezu kwalokho, njengoba bengazange bacabange ukuthi kufanele bagcine ukumazi uNkulunkulu, wabanikela engqondweni yokuxhwala, ukuba benze okungamelanga kwenziwe. 29 Sebegcwele ngokonakala konke, ububi, ubuhaga kanye lokuxhwala. Bagcwele umhawu, lokubulala, lengxabano, lenkohliso kanye lolunya. Bangabanyeyayo, 30 labahlebi, labazonda uNkulunkulu, leziqholo, labazigqajayo kanye labazikhukhumezayo; baqala izindlela zokwenza okubi; badelela abazali babo; 31 kabaqedisisi, kabathembekanga, kabalathando njalo kabalamusa. 32 Lanxa besazi isimiso esilungileyo sikaNkulunkulu sokuthi labo abenza izinto ezinje bafanele ukufa, kabaqhubeki nje kuphela besenza zona kanye lezizinto, kodwa bayavumelana njalo lalabo abazenzayo.

2

Ukwahlulela Okulungileyo KukaNkulunkulu

1 Ngakho-ke, kawulasizatho sokuzigeza wena owahlulela omunye, ngoba loba kungaphi owahlulela khona omunye, uyazigweba wena ngokwakho, ngoba wena owahlulelayo wenza izinto ezifanayo. 2 Siyakwazi ukuthi ukubahlulela kwakhe uNkulunkulu labo abenza izinto ezinje kweyame eqinisweni. 3 Ngakho lapho-ke, wena muntu nje, ubahlulela, kodwa usenza izinto ezifanayo, ucabanga ukuthi uzakubalekela ukwahlulela kukaNkulunkulu na? 4 Kumbe njalo weyisa ubukhulu bomusa wakhe, ukubekezela kanye lesineke sakhe, ungananzeleli ukuthi umusa kaNkulunkulu ujonge ukukusa ekuphendukeni na?

5 Kodwa ngenxa yobuqholo bakho lenhliziyo yakho engaphendukiyo, uziqoqela ulaka oluzakuhlupha ngosuku lolaka lukaNkulunkulu, lapho okuzabonakaliswa khona ukwahlulela kwakhe okulungileyo. 6 UNkulunkulu “uzakupha umvuzo emuntwini munye ngamunye ngokuhambelana lalokho akwenzileyo.”* 7 Kulabo abaphikelela besenza okuhle bedinga inkazimulo, udumo kanye lokungabhubhi, uzakubanika ukuphila okulaphakade. 8 Kodwa labo abazinqinekelayo labala iqiniso balandele ububi, kuzakuba lolaka lokuthukuthela. 9 Kuzakuba lokuhlupheka losizi emuntwini wonke owenza okubi, kuqala kumJuda kulandele koweZizweni, 10 kodwa inkazimulo, udumo kanye lokuthula kuye wonke owenza okulungileyo, kuqala kumJuda kulandele koweZizweni. 11 Ngoba uNkulunkulu kalabandlululo.

12 Bonke abenza isono ngaphandle komthetho bazabhubha ngaphandle komthetho, njalo bonke abenza isono ngaphansi komthetho bazakwahlulelwa ngomthetho. 13 Ngoba akusilabo abezwa umthetho abalungileyo emehlweni kaNkulunkulu, kodwa yilabo abalalela umthetho okuzathiwa balungile. 14 (Ngempela, nxa abeZizwe, abangelawo umthetho, besenza ngokwemvelo izinto ezifunwa ngumthetho, bangumthetho bona ngokwabo, lanxa bengelawo umthetho, 15 njengoba bebonakalisa ukuthi okufunwa ngumthetho kulotshiwe ezinhliziyweni zabo, izazela zabo ziyafakaza, imicabango yabo ibasola iphinde ibavikele.) 16 Lokhu kuzakwenzakala ngosuku uNkulunkulu azakwahlulela imfihlo zabantu ngoJesu Khristu, njengokutsho kwevangeli lami.

AmaJuda LoMthetho

17 Khathesi-ke wena, nxa uzibiza ngokuthi ungumJuda; nxa uthembe umthetho njalo uzincoma ngobudlelwane bakho loNkulunkulu; 18 nxa uyazi intando yakhe njalo uvumela okuhle ngoba ufundiswe ngumthetho; 19 nxa ukholwa ukuthi ungumkhokheli weziphofu, ukukhanya kwalabo abasemnyameni, 20 umeluleki wezithutha, lomfundisi wezingane, ngoba kwezomthetho uhlanganisa ulwazi leqiniso, 21 ngakho wena ofundisa abanye, kambe lawe kawuzifundisi na? Wena otshumayela ngokungebi, uyeba na? 22 Wena othi abantu bangafebi, uyafeba na? Wena owenyanya izithombe, uyawaphanga amathempeli na? 23 Wena ozincoma ngomthetho, uNkulunkulu uyamdelela ngokwephula umthetho na? 24 Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi, “Ibizo likaNkulunkulu lihlanjaziwe phakathi kwabeZizwe ngenxa yakho.”†

25 Ukusoka kuligugu nxa ugcina umthetho, kodwa nxa usephula umthetho, usufana lokuthi kawusokanga. 26 Nxa labo abangasokanga begcina imfanelo zomthetho, kabayikukhangelwa njengabasokileyo na? 27 Lowo ongasokanga ngokwenyama, kodwa elalela umthetho, uzakulahla wena, okuthi lanxa ulomlayo olotshiweyo njalo usokile, ungumephuli womthetho.

28 Umuntu kasumJuda nxa enguye emehlweni kuphela, loba esokile emehlweni lenyameni kuphela. 29 Hatshi, umuntu ungumJuda nxa enguye ngaphakathi, lokusoka yikusoka kwenhliziyo, ngoMoya, hatshi ngomlayo. Ukubongwa komuntu onjalo akuveli ebantwini, kodwa kuNkulunkulu.

3

Ukuthembeka KukaNkulunkulu

1 Pho yibungcono bani obukhona ekubeni ngumJuda, loba ligugu bani elikhona ekusokeni na? 2 Kukhulu ngezindlela zonke. Okokuqala amaJuda aphathiswe wona kanye amazwi kaNkulunkulu.

3 Kuba njani nxa abanye babo babengathembekanga? Ukungathembeki kwabo kungachitha ukuthembeka kukaNkulunkulu na? 4 Akunjalo! UNkulunkulu kabe qotho, umuntu wonke abe ngumqambi wamanga. Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Ukuze ubonakaliswe ukuthi uqondile lapho ukhuluma,

njalo unqobe lapho usahlulela.”*

5 Kodwa nxa ukungalungi kwethu kusenza ukulunga kukaNkulunkulu kucace kakhulu, thina sizakuthini na? UNkulunkulu kalunganga ngokwehlisela ulaka lwakhe phezu kwethu na? (Mina ngikhuluma njengokubona komuntu.) 6 Ngempela akunjalo. Aluba kwakunjalo, uNkulunkulu ubengawahlulela kanjani umhlaba na? 7 Omunye angaphikisa athi, “Nxa amanga ami ekhulisa ubuqotho bukaNkulunkulu ngalokho andise udumo lwakhe, kungani lokhe ngilahlwa njengesoni na?” 8 Kungani singathi njengoba sigconwa kuthiwa sitsho njalo futhi abanye bathi “Kasenzeni okubi ukuze kuvele okulungileyo na?” Ukulahlwa kwabo kufanele.

Kakho Olungileyo

9 Pho sizaphetha ngokuthini na? Kambe sesingcono na? Hatshi akunjalo! Sesitshilo ukuthi umJuda loweZizwe bangokufanayo ngaphansi kwamandla esono. 10 Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Kakho olungileyo, kakho loyedwa;

11 kakho ozwisisayo,

kakho odinga uNkulunkulu.

12 Bonke baphambukile,

bonke kabasasizi ngalutho;

kakho owenza okuhle,

kakho loyedwa.”†

13 “Imiphimbo yabo ingamangcwaba avulekileyo;

inlimi zabo zisebenza ukukhohlisa.”‡

“Ubuhlungu bezinhlangwana busezindebeni zabo.”§

14 “Imilomo yabo igcwele ukuthuka lentukuthelo.”*

15 “Inyawo zabo zilesiqubu ekuchitheni igazi;

16 incithakalo losizi kuphawula izindlela zabo,

17 indlela yokuthula kabayazi.”†

18 “Ukumesaba uNkulunkulu akukho emehlweni abo.”‡

19 Siyakwazi ukuthi loba kuyini okutshiwo ngumthetho, ukutsho kulabo abangaphansi komthetho, ukuze imilomo yonke ithuliswe lomhlaba wonke ube lomlandu kuNkulunkulu. 20 Ngakho-ke, kakho okuzathiwa ulungile emehlweni akhe ngokugcina umthetho; kodwa ngomthetho siba lakho ukwazi isono.

Ukulunga Ngokukholwa

21 Kodwa khathesi ukulunga okuvela kuNkulunkulu, ngaphandle komthetho, sekwazisiwe, njalo kwafakazelwa nguMthetho labaphrofethi. 22 Ukulunga lokhu okuvela kuNkulunkulu kufika kubo bonke abakholwa kuJesu Khristu. Akulamehluko phakathi komJuda loweZizwe, 23 ngoba bonke bonile njalo bayasilela enkazimulweni kaNkulunkulu, 24 njalo bakhululwa ngomusa wakhe kudlula ngensindiso eyeza ngoKhristu uJesu. 25 UNkulunkulu wambeka njengomhlatshelo wenhlawulo, ngokukholwa egazini lakhe. Wenza lokhu ukuze abonakalise ukulunga kwakhe, ngoba ngokubekezela kwakhe wayekela izono ezenziwe ngaphambilini kungekho kujeziswa, 26 wakwenzela ukubonakalisa ukulunga kwakhe ngalesisikhathi, ukuze abe ngolungileyo njalo onguye obenza babe ngabalungileyo labo abakholwa kuJesu.

27 Pho kungaphi ukuzincoma? Kutshiywe ngaphandle. Ngasimiso bani na? Esokugcina umthetho na? Hatshi, kodwa ngesokukholwa. 28 Ngoba siyaqinisa ukuthi umuntu ulungiswa yikukholwa langaphandle kokugcina umthetho. 29 UNkulunkulu unguNkulunkulu wamaJuda kuphela na? KasuNkulunkulu wabeZizwe njalo na? Yebo, ungowabeZizwe futhi, 30 njengoba uNkulunkulu emunye kuphela, ozalungisa abasokileyo ngokukholwa labangasokanga ngalokho kukholwa okufanayo. 31 Pho, siyawuchitha umthetho ngalokhu kukholwa na? Hatshi, akunjalo! Kodwa, okuyikho yikuthi umthetho siyawusekela.

4

U-Abhrahama Walungiswa Ngokukholwa

1 Pho sizakuthi kuyini u-Abhrahama, ukhokho wethu, akufumanayo ngokwenyama kule indaba na? 2 Nxa, ngempela, u-Abhrahama walungisiswa ngemisebenzi, wayelakho okokuzincoma ngakho, kodwa hatshi phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 3 Kanje umbhalo uthini na? Uthi, “U-Abhrahama wakholwa uNkulunkulu, njalo kwabalwa kuye njengokulunga.”*

4 Nxa umuntu esebenza, umholo wakhe kawubalwa kuye njengesipho, kodwa njengomlandu. 5 Ikanti emuntwini ongasebenziyo kodwa ethemba uNkulunkulu owenza ababi balunge, ukukholwa kwakhe kubalwa njengokulunga. 6 UDavida utsho okufanayo lapho ekhuluma ngokubusiseka komuntu uNkulunkulu ambalela ukulunga ngaphandle kwemisebenzi, esithi:

7 “Babusisiwe labo

oziphambeko zabo zithethelelwe,

ozono zabo zisibekelwe.

8 Ubusisiwe lowo

ongasoze abalelwe isono sakhe yiNkosi.”†

9 Ukubusiseka lokhu ngokwabasokileyo kuphela, kumbe njalo lakwabangasokanga na? Kade sisithi ukukholwa kuka-Abhrahama kwabalwa kuye njengokulunga. 10 Kwabalelwa kusiphi isimo na? Kwakungemva kokuba esesokile, loba ngaphambilini na? 11 Wamukela isibonakaliso sokusoka, uphawu lokulunga abalalo ngokulunga engakasoki. Ngakho-ke, unguyise wabo bonke abakholwayo, kodwa bengasokanga, ukuze ukulunga kubalelwe kubo. 12 Njalo unguyise wabasokileyo futhi, abangasokanga nje kuphela, kodwa abahamba ezinyathelweni zokholo ubaba u-Abhrahama ayelalo engakasoki.

13 Akuzanga ngomthetho ukuthi u-Abhrahama lenzalo yakhe amukele isithembiso sokuthi uzakuba yindlalifa yomhlaba, kodwa kweza ngokulunga okuza ngokukholwa. 14 Ngoba nxa labo abaphila ngomthetho bezindlalifa, ukukholwa kakulasizo lesithembiso siyize, 15 ngoba umthetho uletha ulaka. Njalo lapho okungelamthetho khona akukho ukona.

16 Ngakho, isithembiso siza ngokukholwa, ukuze sifike ngomusa njalo siqiniseke kuyo yonke inzalo ka-Abhrahama, hatshi kulabo abangabomthetho kuphela, kodwa njalo lakulabo abangabokholo luka-Abhrahama. Ungubaba wethu sonke. 17 Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi, “Sengikwenze waba nguyise wezizwe ezinengi.”‡ Ungubaba emehlweni kaNkulunkulu akholwa kuye, yena onika abafileyo ukuphila njalo enze izinto ebezingekho zibe khona.

18 Kungekho themba, u-Abhrahama ngethemba wakholwa waba nguyise wezizwe ezinengi, njengoba kwakutshiwo kuye ukuthi, “Izakuba njalo inzalo yakho.”§ 19 Engekethisanga ekukholweni kwakhe, wamelana lobuqotho bokuthi umzimba wakhe wawusufana lofileyo, njengoba wayeseleminyaka ephosa ibe likhulu ubudala kanye lokuthi isibeletho sikaSara laso sasesifile. 20 Waqiniswa ekukholweni kwakhe, wapha udumo kuNkulunkulu, 21 ekholwe ngokupheleleyo ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayelamandla okwenza lokho ayekuthembisile. 22 Yikho-nje “kwabalelwa kuye njengokulunga.”* 23 Amazwi athi “kwabalelwa kuye” kawalotshelwanga yena yedwa, 24 kodwa lathi futhi, uNkulunkulu azabalela ukulunga kwethu, thina esikholwa kuye, yena owavusa uJesu iNkosi yethu kwabafileyo. 25 Wanikelwa ekufeni ngenxa yezono zethu njalo wavuselwa ekuphileni ukuze silungisiswe.

5

Ukuthula Lethemba

1 Ngakho-ke, njengoba silungisiswe ngokukholwa, silokuthula kuNkulunkulu ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, 2 esifinyelele ngaye umusa esimi kuwo khathesi ngokukholwa. Njalo siyathokoza ngethemba enkazimulweni kaNkulunkulu. 3 Akunjalo kuphela, kodwa siyathokoza njalo ezinhluphekweni zethu, ngoba siyakwazi ukuthi ukuhlupheka kudala ukuqinisela; 4 ukuqinisela, ubuntu; lobuntu, ithemba. 5 Njalo ithemba kalisidanisi, ngoba uNkulunkulu usethululele uthando lwakhe ezinhliziyweni zethu ngoMoya oNgcwele, asinike yena.

6 Liyabona, ngesikhathi esifaneleyo, lapho sisesebuthakathaka, uKhristu wafela abangakholwa kuNkulunkulu. 7 Kulivelakancane ukuthi umuntu afele umuntu olungileyo, lanxa kungaba lolesibindi sokufela umuntu olungileyo. 8 Kodwa uNkulunkulu ubonakalisa uthando lwakhe kithi ngalokhu: Siseseyizoni, uKhristu wasifela.

9 Njengoba khathesi sesilungisiswe ligazi lakhe, pho sizasindiswa kakhulu kangakanani olakeni lukaNkulunkulu ngaye! 10 Ngoba ngesikhathi sisaseyizitha zikaNkulunkulu, sabuyiselwa kuye ngokufa kweNdodana yakhe, kuzakuba kukhulu kangakanani, sesibuyiselwe, sahlengwa ngokuphila kwakhe! 11 Lokhu akunjalo nje kuphela, kodwa siyathokoza njalo kuNkulunkulu ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, khathesi esesithole ngaye ukubuyisana.

Ukufa Ngo-Adamu, Ukuphila NgoKhristu

12 Ngakho-ke, njengalokhu isono sangena emhlabeni ngomuntu oyedwa, lokufa ngesono, njalo ngale indlela ukufa kwafika ebantwini bonke, ngoba bonke bona.

13 Ngeqiniso isono saba khona emhlabeni umthetho ungakaphawulwa, kodwa isono kasibalelwa emuntwini umthetho ungekho. 14 Lanxa kunjalo, ukufa kwabusa kusukela ngesikhathi sika-Adamu kusiya esikhathini sikaMosi, kanye lakulabo abangazange benze isono ngokweqa umlayo, njengokwenziwa ngu-Adamu, owayengumfanekiso walowo owayezakuza.

15 Kodwa isipho kasifani lesiphambeko. Ngoba nxa abanengi bafa ngesiphambeko salowomuntu oyedwa, umusa kaNkulunkulu kanye lesipho eseza ngomusa walowomuntu oyedwa, uJesu Khristu, kwaphuphuma kakhulu okungakanani kwabanengi! 16 Njalo, isipho sikaNkulunkulu kasifani lalokho okudalwa yisono salowomuntu oyedwa. Ukwahlulela kwalandela isono esisodwa kwaletha ukulahlwa, kodwa isipho salandela iziphambeko ezinengi saletha ukulungisiswa. 17 Ngoba nxa ngesiphambeko salowomuntu oyedwa, ukufa kwabusa ngalowomuntu oyedwa, labo abamukela umusa omnengi kaNkulunkulu kanye lesipho sokulunga bazabusa kakhulu okungakanani ekuphileni ngalowomuntu oyedwa uJesu Khristu.

18 Ngakho-ke, njengoba okwalandela isiphambeko esisodwa kwaba yikulahlwa kwabantu bonke, ngokunjalo isenzo sokulunga esisodwa saletha ukulungisiswa lokuphila kwabantu bonke. 19 Ngoba ngokungalaleli kwalowomuntu oyedwa abanengi baba yizoni, ngokunjalo futhi ukulalela kwalowomuntu oyedwa abanengi bazakwenziwa abalungileyo.

20 Umthetho wabekwa ukuze isiphambeko sande. Kodwa lapho okwanda khona isono, umusa wanda kakhulukazi, 21 ukuze kuthi njengoba isono sabusa ekufeni, kuthi ngokunjalo umusa lawo ubuse ngokulunga ukuba ulethe ukuphila okungapheliyo ngoJesu Khristu iNkosi yethu.

6

Ukufa Esonweni, Ukuphila KuKhristu

1 Ngakho, sizakuthini na? Sizaqhubeka sisenza isono ukuze umusa wande na? 2 Akunjalo! Safa ngenxa yesono; pho singaphila kanjani kuso futhi na? 3 Kumbe njalo kalazi yini ukuthi sonke thina esabhaphathizelwa kuJesu Khristu sabhaphathizelwa ekufeni kwakhe na? 4 Ngakho sangcwatshwa laye ngokubhaphathizelwa ekufeni, ukuze kuthi njengoba uKhristu wavuswa kwabafileyo ngobukhosi bukaYise, lathi siphile ukuphila okutsha.

5 Nxa sihlanganiswe laye kanje ekufeni kwakhe, ngempela sizahlanganiswa laye futhi ekuvukeni kwakhe. 6 Ngoba siyakwazi ukuthi ubuntu bethu obudala babethelwa laye ukuze umzimba wesono ulahlwe, khona singezukuba yizigqili zesono futhi, 7 ngoba lowo osefile usekhululwe esonweni.

8 Nxa safa loKhristu, siyakholwa ukuthi sizaphila laye. 9 Ngoba siyazi ukuthi njengoba uKhristu wavuswa kwabafileyo, angeke afe futhi; ukufa akuselawo amandla phezu kwakhe. 10 Ukufa akufayo wakufela bonke kanye ngenxa yesono; kodwa ukuphila akuphilayo, ukuphilela uNkulunkulu.

11 Ngokufanayo, zibaleni njengabafileyo esonweni, kodwa abaphilayo kuNkulunkulu ngoKhristu uJesu. 12 Ngakho lingavumeli isono ukuba sibuse imizimba yenu efayo ukuba livumele izinkanuko zaso ezimbi. 13 Linganikeli izitho zemizimba yenu esonweni njengezikhali zobubi, kodwa zinikeleni kuNkulunkulu njengabavuswe kwabafileyo balethwa ekuphileni; linikele izitho zemizimba yenu kuye njengezikhali zokulunga. 14 Ngoba isono kasiyikuba ngumbusi wenu, ngoba lina kalikho ngaphansi komthetho, kodwa ngaphansi komusa.

Izigqili Zokulunga

15 Pho-ke, sizakwenza isono ngoba kasikho ngaphansi komthetho, kodwa ngaphansi komusa na? Akunjalo! 16 Kalazi yini ukuthi nxa lizinikela komunye umuntu ukuba njengezigqili ezilaleyo, liyizigqili kulowo elimlalelayo, langabe liyizigqili zesono, okuholela ekufeni, loba ezokulalela, okuholela ekulungeni na? 17 Kodwa-ke, kabongwe uNkulunkulu ngokuthi lanxa laliyizigqili zesono, layilalela ngezinhliziyo ezipheleleyo indlela yemfundiso elabekwa kuyo. 18 Lakhululwa esonweni laselisiba yizigqili zokulunga.

19 Lokhu ngikubeka ngamazwi abantu ngoba libuthakathaka ngokwemvelo yobuntu benu. Njengoba lalinikela izitho zemizimba yenu njengezigqili emanyaleni lekuxhwaleni okwandayo, ngakho khathesi zinikeleni njengezigqili ekulungeni okuholela ebungcweleni. 20 Lapho laliyizigqili zesono, lalikhululekile emandleni okulunga. 21 Ngumvuzo bani elawutholayo ngalesosikhathi ezintweni eseliyangeka ngazo khathesi? Lezozinto ziphetha ngokufa! 22 Kodwa njengoba khathesi selikhululwe esonweni laba yizigqili kuNkulunkulu, umvuzo eliwutholayo uholela ebungcweleni, lesiphetho yikuphila okungapheliyo. 23 Ngoba inhlawulo yesono yikufa, kodwa isipho sikaNkulunkulu siyikuphila okungapheliyo kuJesu Khristu iNkosi yethu.

7

Ukukhululwa Emthethweni, Ukubotshwa KuKhristu

1 Kalazi yini bazalwane, ngoba ngikhuluma ebantwini abawaziyo umthetho, ukuthi umthetho ulamandla phezu komuntu nxa esaphila kuphela na? 2 Njengesibonelo, ngomthetho owesifazane owendileyo ubotshelwe kumkakhe nxa esaphila, kodwa umkakhe angafa, uyakhululwa emthethweni wokuthathana. 3 Kungakho-ke, angendela kwenye indoda umkakhe esaphila uthiwa yisifebe. Kodwa umkakhe angafa, uyakhululwa kulowomthetho angabi yisifebe, lanxa esesendela kwenye indoda.

4 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane bami, lani lafela emthethweni ngomzimba kaKhristu, ukuze libe ngabomunye, kuye owavuswa kwabafileyo, ukuze sithele izithelo kuNkulunkulu. 5 Ngoba sisabuswa yimvelo elesono, izinkanuko zesono ezavuswa ngumthetho zazisebenza emzimbeni yethu, okwenza sathelela ukufa izithelo. 6 Kodwa khathesi, ngokufela kulokho okwake kwasibopha, sesikhululiwe emthethweni ukuze sikhonze ngendlela entsha yoMoya hatshi ngendlela endala yezimiso ezilotshiweyo.

Umthetho Lesono

7 Ngakho sizakuthini na? Umthetho uyisono na? Ngempela kawusiso! Ngeqiniso mina ngangingasoze ngazi ukuthi isono siyini kungesiwo umthetho. Ngoba ngangingayikwazi ukuthi ukuhawukela ngempela kuyini aluba umthetho ungatshongo ukuthi, “Ungahawukeli.”* 8 Kodwa isono, sathatha ithuba elalethwa ngumlayo, saveza kimi inhlobo zonke zenkanuko yokuhawukela. Ngoba ngaphandle komthetho, isono sifile. 9 Mina ngake ngaphila ngaphandle komthetho; kodwa kwathi ekufikeni komlayo, isono savuka saphila, mina ngafa. 10 Ngathola ukuthi umlayo lowo owawuhlose ukuletha ukuphila waletha ukufa. 11 Ngoba isono sathatha ithuba elalethwa ngumlayo, sangikhohlisa, kwathi ngomthetho sangibulala. 12 Ngakho-ke, umthetho ungcwele, lomlayo ungcwele, ulungile njalo muhle.

13 Kanti lokho okuhle kube yikufa kimi na? Akunjalo! Kodwa ukuze isono sibonakale siyisono, saletha ukufa kimi ngalokho okwakukuhle, ukuze kuthi ngomlayo isono sibe yisono esipheleleyo.

14 Siyakwazi ukuthi umthetho ungokomoya; kodwa mina ngingowenyama, ngathengiswa esonweni njengesigqili. 15 Engikwenzayo angikuzwisisi. Ngoba lokho engifuna ukukwenza angikwenzi, kodwa lokho engikuzondayo ngiyakwenza. 16 Ngakho nxa ngisenza lokho engingafuni kukwenza, ngiyavuma ukuthi umthetho ulungile. 17 Njengoba kunje, akuseyimi uqobo okwenzayo, kodwa isono esihlala kimi. 18 Ngiyakwazi ukuthi akulalutho oluhle oluhlala kimi, okutsho imvelo yami elesono. Ngoba ngilesifiso sokwenza okuhle, kodwa angingeke ngikufeze. 19 Ngoba engikwenzayo akusikho okuhle engifuna ukukwenza; hatshi, okubi engingafuniyo ukukwenza, lokhu ngiqhubeka ngikwenza. 20 Nxa ngisenza engingafuni kukwenza, akuseyimi okwenzayo, kodwa yisono esihlala kimi esikwenzayo.

21 Ngakho ngithola umthetho lo usebenza ukuthi: Lapho ngifuna ukwenza okuhle, okubi kulami khonapho. 22 Ngoba ebuntwini bami bangaphakathi ngiyathokoza ngomthetho kaNkulunkulu; 23 kodwa ngibona omunye umthetho usebenza ezithweni zami, usilwa lomthetho wengqondo yami ungenza ngibe yisibotshwa somthetho wesono osebenzayo ezithweni zami. 24 Yeka isinothongwana esengiyiso sona. Ngubani ozangihlenga kulo umzimba wokufa? 25 Kabongwe uNkulunkulu ngoJesu Khristu iNkosi yethu!

Ngakho-ke, mina engqondweni yami ngiyisigqili somthetho kaNkulunkulu, kodwa ngokwemvelo yami yesono ngiyisigqili somthetho wesono.

8

Ukuphila NgoMoya

1 Ngakho, khathesi akusekho ukulahlwa kulabo abakuKhristu uJesu, 2 ngoba ngoKhristu uJesu umthetho woMoya wokuphila wangikhulula emthethweni wesono lokufa. 3 Ngoba lokho umthetho owawungelamandla okukwenza ngoba waxegiswa yimvelo elesono, uNkulunkulu wakwenza ngokuthuma iNdodana yakhe ngesimo somuntu olesono ukuba ibe ngumnikelo wesono. Ngakho isono yasilahla emuntwini olesono, 4 ukuze izimiso ezilungileyo zomthetho zipheleliswe kithi, thina esingaphili ngokwemvelo yesono, kodwa ngokoMoya.

5 Labo abaphila ngokwemvelo yesono ingqondo zabo zigxile kulokho okufiswa yileyomvelo, kodwa labo abaphila ngokwakoMoya ingqondo zabo zigxile kulokho okufiswa nguMoya. 6 Ingqondo yomuntu olesono yikufa, kodwa ingqondo ebuswa nguMoya yikuphila lokuthula; 7 ingqondo yimvelo yesono iyamzonda uNkulunkulu. Kayiwuvumi umthetho kaNkulunkulu, njalo ayingeke yenze njalo. 8 Labo ababuswa yimvelo yesono abangeke bamthokozise uNkulunkulu.

9 Kodwa lina kalibuswa yimvelo yesono, kodwa nguMoya, nxa uMoya kaNkulunkulu ehlala kini. Njalo nxa umuntu engelaye uMoya kaKhristu, kasuye kaKhristu. 10 Kodwa nxa uKhristu ekini, umzimba wenu ufile ngenxa yesono, kodwa umoya wenu uyaphila ngenxa yokulunga. 11 Njalo nxa uMoya walowo owavusa uKhristu kwabafileyo ehlala kini, yena owavusa uKhristu kwabafileyo, imizimba yenu efayo uzayinika ukuphila ngoMoya wakhe ohlala kini.

12 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane, silomlandu, kodwa kawungabi yimvelo yesono ukuba siphile ngokwawo. 13 Ngoba nxa liphila ngokwemvelo yesono, lizakufa; kodwa nxa kungoMoya libulala izenzo ezimbi zomzimba, lizaphila, 14 ngoba labo abakhokhelwa nguMoya kaNkulunkulu bangamadodana kaNkulunkulu. 15 Ngoba kalamukelanga umoya olenza libe yizigqili, ukuze liphile ngokwesaba, kodwa lamukela uMoya wobundodana. Njalo siyamemeza ngawo sithi, “Abha, Baba.” 16 UMoya uqobo uyafakaza lomoya wethu ukuthi thina singabantwana bakaNkulunkulu. 17 Ngakho, nxa singabantwana, sizindlalifa, izindlalifa zikaNkulunkulu lezindlalifa kanye loKhristu, nxa sihlanganyela laye impela ezinhluphekweni zakhe ukuze sihlanganyele laye njalo enkazimulweni yakhe.

Inhlupheko Zakhathesi Lenkazimulo Ezayo

18 Ngikholwa ukuthi inhlupheko zethu zakhathesi kazifanelanga ukulinganiswa lenkazimulo ezabonakaliswa kithi. 19 Indalo ilindile ngokulangazelela okukhulu ukuba abantwana bakaNkulunkulu babonakaliswe. 20 Ngoba indalo ihlezi ihlukuluzekile, kungasintando yayo, kodwa kungentando yalowo oyihlukuluzayo, ngethemba 21 lokuthi indalo yona ngokwayo izakhululwa ebugqilini bokonakala ilethwe enkululekweni elenkazimulo yabantwana bakaNkulunkulu.

22 Siyakwazi ukuthi indalo yonke ibubula njengosebuhlungwini bokuhelelwa kuze kube khathesi. 23 Akunjalo kuphela, kodwa lathi uqobo esilezithelo zakuqala zikaMoya, siyabubula ngaphakathi silindile ngokutshiseka ukwamukelwa njengamadodana, ukuhlengwa kwemizimba yethu. 24 Ngoba ngalelithemba sasindiswa. Kodwa ithemba elibonakalayo kalisilothemba. Ngubani othemba lokho avele eselakho na? 25 Kodwa nxa sithemba lokho esingakabi lakho, siyakulindela ngokubekezela.

26 Ngokufananayo, uMoya uyasisiza ebuthakathakeni bethu. Kasikwazi okumele sikukhulekele, kodwa uMoya uqobo uyasinxusela ububula okungeke kuchazwe ngamazwi. 27 Njalo yena lowo ohlola inhliziyo zethu uyayazi ingqondo kaMoya, ngoba uMoya uyabanxusela abangcwele ngokwentando kaNkulunkulu.

28 Njalo siyakwazi ukuthi ezintweni zonke uNkulunkulu usebenzela okuhle kulabo abamthandayo, ababizwe ngokwenjongo yakhe. 29 Ngoba labo uNkulunkulu abazi ngaphambilini wabamisela ukuba babe lesimo esifana leseNdodana yakhe, ukuze abe lizibulo phakathi kwabazalwane abanengi. 30 Labo abamiselayo, wababiza; labo ababizayo, wabenza balunga; labo abenza balunga, wabanika inkazimulo.

Okwedlula Abanqobi

31 Pho sizakuthini ngalokhu na? Nxa uNkulunkulu elathi ngubani ongamelana lathi na? 32 Yena ongayigodlanga iNdodana yakhe, kodwa wayinikelela thina sonke, angayekela kanjani ukusipha ngesihle izinto zonke kanye layo na? 33 Ngubani ozababeka icala labo abakhethwe nguNkulunkulu na? NguNkulunkulu olungisayo. 34 Ungubani lowo olahlayo? UKhristu Jesu owafayo, okudlula lokho, owavuswayo waphila, usesandleni sokunene sikaNkulunkulu njalo laye uyasinxusela. 35 Ngubani ozasehlukanisa lothando lukaKhristu na? Yikuhlupheka kumbe ukudubeka loba ukuhlukuluzwa kumbe indlala loba ukuhamba ze loba ingozi kumbe inkemba na? 36 Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Ngenxa yakho, sikhangelane lokufa ilanga lonke;

sithathwa njengezimvu ezizahlatshwa.”*

37 Hatshi, kuzozonke lezizinto singaphezu kokuba ngabanqobi ngaye owasithandayo. 38 Ngoba ngiyakholwa ukuthi loba yikufa kumbe ukuphila, loba yizingilosi kumbe amadimoni, loba khathesi kumbe isikhathi esizayo, loba kungamandla bani, 39 loba kuyikuphakama kumbe ukuzika, loba olunye ulutho kukho konke okudaliweyo, akuyikusehlukanisa lothando lukaNkulunkulu olukuKhristu uJesu iNkosi yethu.

9

Ukukhathazeka KukaPhawuli Ngo-Israyeli

1 Ngikhuluma iqiniso ngikuKhristu, kangiqambi manga, isazela sami siyakufakaza lokhu ngoMoya oNgcwele, 2 Ngilosizi olukhulu lobuhlungu obungapheliyo enhliziyweni yami. 3 Ngoba ngangifisa ukuba ngabe mina uqobo ngiyaqalekiswa ngisuswe kuKhristu ngenxa yabazalwane bami, labo abohlanga lwami ngokwenyama, 4 abantu bako-Israyeli. Okwabo yikwamukelwa njengamadodana, ngeyabo inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu, lesivumelwano, lokwamukela umthetho, lenkonzo yasethempelini kanye lezithembiso. 5 Okhokho ngababo, njalo lusukela kubo usendo lwenyama lukaKhristu, onguNkulunkulu ophezu kwakho konke, odunyiswa kokuphela! Ameni.

Ukukhetha Kobukhosi KukaNkulunkulu

6 Akunjengokuthi ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lehluleka. Ngoba akusibo bonke abayinzalo ka-Israyeli abangama-Israyeli. 7 Njalo ngoba yinzalo yakhe akusibo bonke abangabantwana baka-Abhrahama. Kodwa-ke, “Isizukulwane sakho sizabalwa ngo-Isaka.”* 8 Ngamanye amazwi, akusibantwana benyama abangabantwana bakaNkulunkulu, kodwa ngabantwana besithembiso ababalwa njengenzalo ka-Abhrahama. 9 Ngoba isithembiso satshiwo kanje: “Ngesikhathi esimisiweyo ngizaphenduka, njalo uSara uzakuba lendodana.”†

10 Akusilokho kuphela, kodwa abantwana bakaRabheka bazalwa sikhathi sinye ngubaba wethu u-Isaka. 11 Kodwa amaphahla engakazalwa loba ukwenza ulutho oluhle kumbe olubi, ukuba inhloso kaNkulunkulu yokukhetha iqhubeke; 12 hatshi ngemisebenzi kodwa ngaye obizayo, watshelwa ukuthi, “Omdala uzakhonza omncinyane.”‡ 13 Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi, “UJakhobe ngamthanda, kodwa u-Esawu ngamzonda.”§

14 Pho sizakuthini na? UNkulunkulu kalunganga na? Akunjalo! 15 Ngoba uthi kuMosi:

“Ngizakuba lesihawu kulowo engilesihawu kuye,

njalo ngizakuba lozwelo kulowo engilozwelo kuye.”*

16 Ngakho-ke, akuyi ngesifiso somuntu loba umzamo wakhe, kodwa ngesihawu sikaNkulunkulu. 17 Ngoba umbhalo uthi kuFaro, “Ngakuphakamisela injongo yonale kanye, ukuze ngibonakalise amandla ami kuwe lokuthi ibizo lami litshunyayelwe emhlabeni wonke.”† 18 Ngakho uNkulunkulu ulesihawu kulowo athanda ukuba lesihawu kuye, njalo umenza abe lukhuni lowo athanda ukumenza abe lukhuni.

19 Omunye wenu uzakuthi kimi: “Pho kungani uNkulunkulu esisola? Ngoba ngubani ongamelana lentando yakhe na?” 20 Kodwa ungubani wena, ungumuntu, ukuba uphendule uNkulunkulu na? Kambe okubunjiweyo kungatsho yini kulowo owakubumbayo kuthi, “Kungani wangenza ngabanje na?”‡ 21 Umbumbi kalalo yini ilungelo lokuba ngengxenye yebumba efanayo enze okunye okubunjiweyo okomsebenzi omuhle lokomsebenzi ojayelekileyo na?

22 Kwakungaba njani-ke nxa uNkulunkulu wakhetha ukutshengisa ukubekezela okukhulu ezidalweni zentukuthelo yakhe ezazimiselwe ukubhujiswa etshengisa ulaka lwakhe lokwenza amandla akhe aziwe. 23 Kube kunjani nxa wenza lokhu ukuze enze ubuhle benkazimulo yakhe bazakale ezintweni zesihawu sakhe, azilungisela inkazimulo ngaphambilini, 24 kanye lathi asibizayo, hatshi kumaJuda kuphela, kodwa lakwabeZizweni? 25 Njengoba esitsho kuHosiya ukuthi:

“Ngizababiza ngokuthi ‘ngabantu bami,’§

labo Abangasibantu bami;

njalo ngizambiza ‘sithandwa sami,’

lowo ongasiso isithandwa sami,”

26 njalo,

“Kuzakwenzakala ukuba kuyo kanye indawo lapho okwathiwa kubo,

‘Kalisibo bantu bami,’*

bazabizwa ngokuthi

‘ngabantwana bakaNkulunkulu ophilayo.’ ”

27 U-Isaya uyamemezela ngo-Israyeli esithi:

“Lanxa inani labako-Israyeli linjengetshebetshebe ngasolwandle,

kuzasindiswa insalela kuphela.

28 Ngoba iNkosi izasifeza

isigwebo sayo emhlabeni ngesiqubu langokuphelelisa.”†

29 Kunjengoba u-Isaya watsho mandulo ukuthi:

“Aluba iNkosi uSomandla

wayengasitshiyelanga inzalo,

sasizakuba njengeSodoma,

sasizafana leGomora.”‡

Ukungakholwa Kuka-Israyeli

30 Pho sizakuthini na? Sithi abeZizweni abangakudinganga ukulunga, sebekutholile, ukulunga okungokukholwa; 31 kodwa u-Israyeli owalandela umthetho wokulunga, kakutholanga. 32 Kungani na? Ngoba kabawulandelanga ngokukholwa, kodwa kwakungemisebenzi. Bakhubeka elitsheni elikhubayo. 33 Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Khangelani, ngibeka eZiyoni ilitshe elikhubekisa abantu

ledwala elibenza bawe,

njalo lowo okholwa kuye kazukuyangiswa.”§

10

1 Bazalwane, isifiso senhliziyo yami lomkhuleko wami kuNkulunkulu ngabako-Israyeli yikuba basindiswe. 2 Ngoba ngingafakaza ngabo ukuthi batshisekela uNkulunkulu, kodwa ukutshiseka kwabo akugxilanga ekwazini. 3 Njengoba ukulunga okuvela kuNkulunkulu bengakwazanga bafuna ukumisa okwabo, kabavumanga ukuzibeka ngaphansi kokulunga kukaNkulunkulu. 4 UKhristu uyisiphetho somthetho ukuze kube lokulunga kubo bonke abakholwayo.

5 UMosi ukuchaza ngale indlela ukulunga okungomthetho: “Umuntu owenza izinto lezi uzaphila ngazo.”* 6 Kodwa ukulunga okungokukholwa kuthi: “Ungabokutsho enhliziyweni yakho ukuthi, ‘Ngubani ozakwenyukela ezulwini na?’†” (okuyikuthi, ukwehlisa uKhristu) 7 “loba, ‘Ngubani ozakwehlela ekuzikeni kolwandle na?’‡” (okuyikuthi, ukuvusa uKhristu kwabafileyo). 8 Kodwa kuthini na? “Ilizwi liseduze lawe, lisemlonyeni wakho lasenhliziyweni yakho,”§ lokho yikuthi, ilizwi lokukholwa esilitshumayelayo: 9 nxa uvuma ngomlomo wakho usithi, “UJesu uyiNkosi,” njalo ukholwa enhliziyweni yakho ukuthi uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo, uzasindiswa. 10 Ngoba ukholwa ngenhliziyo yakho njalo ulungiswa ngayo, njalo kungomlomo wakho ovuma ngawo usindiswe. 11 Njengoba uMbhalo usithi, “Loba ngubani okholwa kuye akayikuyangiswa.”* 12 Ngoba kawukho umahluko phakathi komJuda loweZizwe, iNkosi yinye iyiNkosi yabo bonke njalo iyababusisa kakhulu bonke abakhuleka kuyo, 13 ngoba, “Wonke obiza ibizo likaThixo uzasindiswa.”†

14 Pho, bangakhuleka kanjani kulowo abangakholwa kuye? Njalo bangakholwa njani kulowo abangakaze bezwe ngaye na? Njalo bangezwa njani kungekho otshumayela kubo na? 15 Njalo bangatshumayela njani ngaphandle kokuba bethunyiwe na? Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi, “Yeka ubuhle bezinyawo zalabo abaletha izindaba ezinhle!”‡

16 Kodwa akusibo bonke abako-Israyeli abazamukelayo izindaba ezinhle. Ngoba u-Isaya uthi, “Nkosi, ngubani olikholiweyo ilizwi lethu na?”§ 17 Ngakho-ke, ukukholwa kuvela ekuzweni ilizwi, lelizwi lizwakala ngelizwi likaKhristu. 18 Kodwa ngiyabuza ngithi: Kabezwanga na? Impela bezwa ukuthi:

“Ilizwi labo liphumile laya kuwo wonke umhlaba,

amazwi abo emikhawulweni yomhlaba.”*

19 Ngiyabuza njalo ngithi: U-Israyeli kaqedisisanga na? Kuqala uMosi uthi,

“Mina ngizalenza libe lomona kulabo abangasiso sizwe;

ngizalenza lithukuthelele isizwe esingelakho ukuqedisisa.”†

20 Lo-Isaya ukhuluma ngesibindi uthi,

“Ngatholwa yilabo ababengangidingi;

ngazibonakalisa kulabo abangangicelanga.”‡

21 Kodwa mayelana lo-Israyeli uthi,

“Ilanga lonke ngelulele izandla zami

ebantwini abangalaleliyo labayiziqholo futhi.”§

11

Insalela Yako-Israyeli

1 Lapho-ke ngiyabuza ngithi: Kanti uNkulunkulu wabalahla yini abantu bakhe? Hatshi akunjalo! Mina uqobo ngingumʼIsrayeli inzalo ka-Abhrahama, owesizwana sikaBhenjamini. 2 UNkulunkulu kabalahlanga abantu bakhe abazi kuqala. Kalikwazi yini ukuthi uMbhalo uthini esahlukwaneni ngo-Elija, ukuthi wakhalaza njani kuNkulunkulu esola u-Israyeli esithi: 3 “Nkosi, bababulele abaphrofethi bakho, badiliza lama-alithare akho; yimi ngedwa engiseleyo, njalo bafuna ukungibulala?”* 4 Impendulo kaNkulunkulu kuye yathini na? Yathi, “Ngizigodlele mina ngokwami abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa abangamkhothamelanga uBhali.”† 5 Ngakho futhi, ngalesisikhathi kulensalela ezakhethwa ngomusa. 6 Njalo nxa kungomusa, ngakho akuseyikho ngemisebenzi; nxa kwakunjalo, umusa wawungeke ube usaba ngumusa.

7 Pho-ke? Lokho u-Israyeli akufuna ngokuzimisela kakuzuzanga, kodwa abakhethiweyo bakuthola. Abanye baba lukhuni, 8 njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“UNkulunkulu wabanika umoya wokozela,

lamehlo ukuze bangaboni,

lendlebe ukuze bangezwa,

kuze kube lamhla.”‡

9 Njalo uDavida uthi:

“Sengathi itafula yabo ingaba ngumjibila lesifu,

isikhubekiso kanye lesijeziso kubo.

10 Sengathi amehlo abo angafiphala ukuze bangaboni,

lamaqolo abo akhokhobe kokuphela.”§

Amagatsha Axhunyelelweyo

11 Ngiyabuza njalo ngithi: Kambe bangabe bakhubeka bawa okungangokuthi kakuselakuphepha na? Akunjalo! Kodwa ngenxa yesiphambeko sabo, ukusindiswa sekufikile kwabeZizwe ukuba kwenze u-Israyeli abe lomona. 12 Kodwa nxa isiphambeko sabo sisitsho inotho emhlabeni, lencithakalo yabo isitsho inotho kwabeZizwe, inkulu kangakanani inotho elethwa yikuphelela kwabo!

13 Ngikhuluma lani lina abeZizwe. Njengoba ngingumpostoli wabezizwe, ngikhulisa inkonzo yami 14 ngethemba lokuthi mhlawumbe ngingavusa umona ebantwini bakithi ngisilise abanye babo. 15 Ngoba nxa ukulahlwa kwabo kuyikubuyisana komhlaba, ukwamukelwa kwabo kuzakuba yini na ngaphandle kokuphila okuvela kwabafileyo? 16 Nxa ingxenye yenhlama enikelwe njengezithelo zakuqala ingcwele, injalo yonke enye; nxa impande zingcwele, zinjalo lezingatsha.

17 Nxa ezinye ingatsha zephulwe, njalo wena, lanxa ulihlumela lomʼoliva weganga, usuxhunyelelwe phakathi kwezinye njalo usuhlanganyela emhluzini okhulisayo ovela empandeni zomʼoliva, 18 ungazincomi ngalezongatsha. Nxa ukwenza, cabanga ngalokhu: Impande kakusuwe oyithwalayo, kodwa impande yiyo ekuthweleyo. 19 Lapho-ke lina lizakuthi, “Ingatsha zephulwa ukuze mina ngixhunyelelwe.” 20 Yebo. Kodwa zephulwa ngenxa yokungakholwa, kodwa lina limi ngokukholwa. Lingazikhukhumezi, kodwa yesabani. 21 Ngoba nxa uNkulunkulu engaziyekelanga ingatsha zemvelo, lani kasoze aliyekele.

22 Ngakho cabangani ngesisa njalo lobulukhuni bukaNkulunkulu: ubulukhuni kulabo abawayo, kodwa isisa kini, nxa liqhubeka esiseni sakhe. Kungenjalo, lani lizaqunywa. 23 Njalo nxa bengaphikeleli ngokungakholwa, bazaxhunyelelwa, ngoba uNkulunkulu uyenelisa ukubaxhumelela futhi. 24 Phezu kwalokho, nxa laliqunywe esihlahleni somʼoliva weganga ngemvelo, kwathi ngokuphambene lemvelo laxhunyelelwa esihlahleni se-oliva esilinywayo, pho kuzakuba lula kakhulu okunjani kulezi, ingatsha zemvelo, ukuba zixhunyelelwe esihlahleni sazo se-oliva.

U-Israyeli Wonke Uzasindiswa

25 Bazalwane, kangifuni ukuthi lingaze lazi ngale imfihlakalo, ukuze lingazikhukhumezi: U-Israyeli useyibonile ingxenye yokuba lukhuni inani elipheleleyo labeZizwe lize lingene. 26 Ngokunjalo u-Israyeli wonke uzasindiswa, njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Umkhululi uzafika eZiyoni:

uzasusa kuJakhobe ukungakholwa.

27 Lesi yisivumelwano sami labo

lapho ngizisusa izono zabo.”*

28 Mayelana levangeli, bayizitha ngenxa yenu; kodwa mayelana lokukhetha, bayathandwa ngenxa yabokhokho, 29 ngoba izipho zikaNkulunkulu lokubiza kwakhe akuguquleki. 30 Njengoba lina elake ladelela uNkulunkulu khathesi selamukele umusa ngenxa yokudelela kwabo, 31 ngokunjalo labo, ngenxa yomusa kaNkulunkulu kini, kabasalaleli ukuze labo khathesi bamukele umusa. 32 Ngoba uNkulunkulu ubophele abantu bonke ekudeleleni ukuze abe lomusa kubo bonke.

Ihubo Lokubonga

33 Yeka ukuzika kwenotho yenhlakanipho kanye lokwazi kukaNkulunkulu!

Yeka ukwahlulela kwakhe okungeke kuhlolwe,

kanye lezindlela zakhe ezingeke zilandelwe!

34 “Ngubani owake wayazi ingqondo yeNkosi na?

Loba owake waba ngumcebisi wayo na?”†

35 “Ngubani owake wanika uNkulunkulu

ulutho ukuba uNkulunkulu aluhlawule na?”‡

36 Ngoba izinto zonke zivela kuye langaye njalo futhi zikuye.

Udumo kalube kuye kuze kube laphakade! Ameni.

12

Imihlatshelo Ephilayo

1 Ngakho-ke, ngiyalincenga bazalwane, ngenxa yomusa kaNkulunkulu, ukuba linikele imizimba yenu njengemihlatshelo ephilayo, engcwele lemthokozisayo uNkulunkulu, okuyikukhonza kwenu ngomoya. 2 Lingavumi futhi ukulingisa umhlaba lo, kodwa liguqulwe ingqondo zenu zibe zintsha. Lapho-ke lizakwenelisa ukuhlola lokwamukela lokho okuyintando kaNkulunkulu, intando yakhe elungileyo, ethokozisayo lepheleleyo.

Inkonzo Yokuzehlisa Emzimbeni KaKhristu

3 Ngoba ngomusa engiwuphiweyo ngithi kini lonke: Lingacabangi ngokuzazisa kakhulu ukwedlula okufaneleyo, kodwa lizicabangele ngokuqonda, ngokuhambelana lesilinganiso sokukholwa uNkulunkulu aliphe khona. 4 Njengalokhu omunye lomunye wethu elomzimba owodwa olezitho ezinengi, njalo izitho lezi zonke kazenzi msebenzi munye, 5 Ngokunjalo kuKhristu thina abanengi sibumba umzimba owodwa, njalo ilunga linye ngalinye ngelawamanye wonke. 6 Silezipho ezehlukeneyo, kusiya ngomusa esawuphiwayo. Nxa isipho somuntu siyikuphrofitha, kasisebenzise ngokulingana lokukholwa kwakhe. 7 Nxa siyikukhonza, kakhonze: nxa siyikufundisa, kafundise; 8 nxa singesokukhuthaza, kakhuthaze; nxa siyikupha, kasiphe ngothando; nxa siyibukhokheli, kabuse ngokukhuthala; nxa siyikubonakalisa umusa, kakwenze ngokuthokoza.

Uthando

9 Uthando kumele lube qotho. Zondani okubi libambelele kokulungileyo. 10 Zimiseleni omunye komunye ngothando lobuzalwane. Hloniphanani okudlula ukuzihlonipha kwenu. 11 Lingaphelelwa yikutshiseka, kodwa gcinani ukutshiseka kwenu komoya, likhonza iNkosi. 12 Thokozani ekwethembeni, libekezele ekuhlukuluzweni, libambelele ekukhulekeni. 13 Bapheni abantu bakaNkulunkulu abaswelayo. Zejwayezeni ukuphana.

14 Babusiseni labo abalihluphayo; busisani lingaqalekisi. 15 Thokozani lalabo abathokozayo, lilile lalabo abalilayo. 16 Hlalisanani ngokuzwana. Lingazigqaji, kodwa lihlanganyele labantukazana. Lingazikhukhumezi.

17 Lingaphindiseli muntu okubi ngokubi. Nanzelelani ukwenza okulungileyo phambi kwabantu bonke. 18 Nxa kusenzakala, kusiya mayelana lokubona kwenu, hlalani ngokuthula labantu bonke. 19 Lingaphindiseli, bangane bami abathandekayo, kodwa litshiyele ulaka lukaNkulunkulu ithuba, ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Ukuphindisela ngokwami; ngizabuyisela,”* kutsho iNkosi. 20 Esikhundleni salokho:

“Nxa isitha sakho silambile, siphe ukudla;

nxa somile, sinikeni okunathwayo.

Ngokwenza lokhu, lokhela amalahle avuthayo ekhanda laso.”†

21 Linganqotshwa ngokubi, kodwa nqobani ububi ngobuhle.

13

Ukuzithoba Kubabusi

1 Umuntu wonke kumele azithobe kulabo ababusayo, ngoba akukho mbuso ngaphandle kwalowo obekwe nguNkulunkulu. Imibuso ekhona ibekwe nguNkulunkulu. 2 Ngakho, lowo ovukela umbuso uvukela okumiswe nguNkulunkulu, njalo labo abenza njalo bazilethela ukwahlulelwa. 3 Ngoba ababusi kabesabeki kulabo abenza okulungileyo, kodwa kulabo abenza okubi. Liyafuna ukukhululeka ekwesabeni lowo obusayo na? Ngakho yenzani okulungileyo yena uzalincoma. 4 Ngoba yena uyinceku kaNkulunkulu yokulenzela okuhle. Kodwa nxa lisenza okubi, yesabani, ngoba inkemba kayiphatheli ize. Uyinceku kaNkulunkulu, umeli wentukuthelo ukuba ehlisele isijeziso kowenza okubi. 5 Ngakho, kuyaswelakala ukuzithoba kubabusi, hatshi kuphela ngenxa yokujeziswa okungenzakala, kodwa langenxa yesazela.

6 Ngenxa yalokhu futhi yikho-nje lithela imithelo, ngoba ababusi bazinceku zikaNkulunkulu, ezinikela isikhathi sazo sonke ekubuseni. 7 Phanini abantu bonke okungokwabo: Nxa ungathelanga, thela imithelo, nxa kuyikuqoqwa kwemali, iqoqeni. Nxa kuyikwesaba, yesabani. Nxa kuyikuhlonipha, hloniphani; nxa kuyikudumisa, dumisani.

Uthando Lugcwalisa Umthetho

8 Lingayekeli umlandu ungahlawulwanga, ngaphandle kokuqhubeka komlandu wokuthandana, ngoba lowo othanda umuntu wakibo usewugcwalisile umthetho. 9 Imilayo ethi, “Ungafebi, Ungabulali, Ungebi, Ungahawukeli”* kanye leminye imilayo engabe ikhona ihlanganiswa ngumthetho lo othi: “Thanda umakhelwane wakho njengoba uzithanda.”† 10 Uthando kalwenzi ngozi kumakhelwane. Ngakho uthando luyikugcwaliswa komthetho.

Usuku Selusondele

11 Njalo yenzani lokhu liqedisisa isikhathi sakhathesi. Isikhathi sesifikile ukuba livuke ebuthongweni benu, ngoba ukusindiswa kwethu khathesi sekuseduze kakhulu kulekuqaleni kwethu ukukholwa. 12 Ubusuku sebuzadlula; ukusa sekusondele. Ngakho kasilahleni imisebenzi yobumnyama sigqoke isivikelo sokukhanya. 13 Kasiziphatheni kuhle, njengasemini, hatshi emadilini okuminza lokudakwa, hatshi ekuhlobongeni lentokozo yobugangi, hatshi ngokuxabana langomona. 14 Kodwa zigqokiseni iNkosi uJesu Khristu, njalo lingacabangi ngokuthokozisa inkanuko yemvelo yenu yokona.

14

Ababuthakathaka Labalamandla

1 Mamukeleni lowo okholo lwakhe lubuthakathaka, kungekho kwahlulela ezindabeni eziphikisekayo. 2 Omunye umuntu ukholo lwakhe luyamvumela ukuba adle izinto zonke, kodwa omunye umuntu olokholo olubuthakathaka, udla imbhida kuphela. 3 Umuntu odla izinto zonke akumelanga eyise lowo ongadli konke, lomuntu ongadli konke akumelanga asole umuntu odla konke, ngoba uNkulunkulu umamukele. 4 Ungubani wena ukuba wahlulele inceku yomunye? Ukuma lokuwa kwayo ngokwenkosi yayo. Izakuma, ngoba iNkosi ilamandla okuyimisa.

5 Omunye umuntu ubona olunye usuku lungcwele kakhulu kulolunye; omunye umuntu ubona insuku zonke zifanana. Umuntu ngamunye kumele akholwe ngokupheleleyo engqondweni yakhe. 6 Lowo obona olunye usuku njengoluqakathekileyo, wenzela iNkosi. Lowo odla inyama, udlela iNkosi, ngoba uyambonga uNkulunkulu; njalo lowo oyekelayo, wenzela iNkosi, njalo uyambonga uNkulunkulu. 7 Ngoba kakho phakathi kwethu oziphilela yena yedwa njalo kakho phakathi kwethu ozifelayo yena yedwa. 8 Nxa siphila, siphilela iNkosi; njalo nxa sisifa, sifela eNkosini. Ngakho, loba siphila kumbe sisifa, singabeNkosi.

9 Ngenxa yasonalesi isizatho, uKhristu wafa, wabuya waphila ukuze abe yiNkosi yabafileyo labaphilayo. 10 Pho wena, kungani usahlulela umzalwane wakho na? Loba kungani useyisa umzalwane wakho na? Ngoba sonke sizakuma phambi kwesihlalo sikaNkulunkulu sokwahlulela. 11 Kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“ ‘Ngeqiniso njengoba ngikhona, ngiphila,’* kutsho UThixo,

‘amadolo wonke azaguqa phambi kwami;

ulimi lunye ngalunye luzavuma kuNkulunkulu.’ ”

12 Ngakho-ke, omunye lomunye wethu uzabika akwenzayo kuNkulunkulu.

13 Ngakho kasiyekeleni ukwahlulelana. Esikhundleni salokho zimisele engqondweni yakho ukuba ungabeki isikhubekiso kumbe umgoqo endleleni yomzalwane wakho. 14 Njengalowo oseNkosini uJesu, ngiyakholwa ngokupheleleyo ukuthi akulakudla okungcolileyo khona ngokwakho. Kodwa nxa umuntu ecabanga ukuba ulutho lungcolile, ngakho kuye lungcolile. 15 Nxa umfowenu ekhathazeka ngenxa yalokho okudlayo, kawusenzi okothando. Ungachithi umfowenu owafelwa nguKhristu ngokudla kwakho. 16 Ungavumi ukuba lokho wena ocabanga ukuthi kuhle kuthiwe kubi. 17 Ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu kawusindaba yokudla lokunatha, kodwa ngowokulunga, lokuthula kanye lokuthokoza kuMoya oNgcwele, 18 ngoba lowo okhonza uKhristu ngale indlela uthokozisa uNkulunkulu abukwe langabantu.

19 Ngakho kasenzeni imizamo yonke yokwenza okusilethela ukuthula lokusizana ekuphilisaneni koluntu. 20 Ungachithi umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu ngenxa yokudla. Ukudla konke kuhlanzekile, kodwa kubi ukuthi umuntu adle ulutho olwenza omunye akhubeke. 21 Kungcono ukungadli inyama lokunganathi iwayini loba ukungenzi lutho oluzawisa umfowenu.

22 Ngakho loba kuyini okukholwayo ngalezizinto akube phakathi kwakho loNkulunkulu. Ubusisiwe umuntu ongazisoliyo ngalokho akukholwayo. 23 Kodwa umuntu olokuthandabuza uyalahlwa nxa esidla, ngoba ukudla kwakhe akuveli ekukholweni; njalo konke okungaveli ekukholweni kuyisono.

15

1 Thina esilamandla sifanele ukubekezelela ukwehluleka kwababuthakathaka, hatshi ukuba sizithokozise. 2 Lowo lalowo wethu kumele athokozise umakhelwane wakhe ngokuhle kuye, ukuze amakhe. 3 Ngoba loKhristu kazithokozisanga, kodwa njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Ukuthuka kwalabo abalithukayo kwehlele phezu kwami.”* 4 Ngoba konke okwalotshwa kudala kwalotshelwa ukusifundisa, ukuze kuthi ngokubekezela langokukhuthazwa yimibhalo sibe lethemba.

5 Sengathi uNkulunkulu onika ukubekezela lenkuthazo angalipha umoya wokumanyana phakathi kwenu lapho lilingisa uKhristu Jesu, 6 ukuze kuthi Nganhliziyonye langomlomo munye lidumise uNkulunkulu loYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu.

7 Ngakho yamukelani omunye lomunye njengalokhu uKhristu walamukela, ukuze kudunyiswe uNkulunkulu. 8 Ngoba ngiyalazisa ukuthi uKhristu waba yinceku yamaJuda emele iqiniso likaNkulunkulu, ukuba aqinise izithembiso ezenziwa kubokhokho, 9 ukuze abezizwe badumise uNkulunkulu ngenxa yomusa wakhe, njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Ngenxa yalesisizatho ngizakudumisa phakathi kwabeZizwe,

ngizahlabela amahubo ebizweni lakho.”†

10 Njalo, kuthi,

“Thokozani, lina beZizwe, labantu bakhe.”‡

11 Njalo,

“Dumisani iNkosi, lonke lina beZizwe,

lihlabelele indumiso kuyo, lonke lina bantu.”§

12 Njalo, u-Isaya uthi,

“Impande kaJese izavela,

lowo ozavuka ukuba abuse izizwe;

abeZizwe bazathembela kuye.”*

13 Sengathi uNkulunkulu wethemba angaligcwalisa ngentokozo enkulu langokuthula ekumethembeni kwenu, ukuze libe lethemba elikhaphakayo ngamandla kaMoya oNgcwele.

UPhawuli Isikhonzi KwabeZizweni

14 Mina ngokwami ngiyakholwa bazalwane bami, ukuthi lina ngokwenu ligcwele ukulunga, lilokwazi okupheleleyo njalo liyenelisa ukufundisana. 15 Ngililobele ngesibindi mayelana leminye imicijo, njengokungathi ngilikhumbuza yona futhi, ngenxa yomusa uNkulunkulu angiphe wona 16 ukuba yisikhonzi sikaKhristu uJesu kwabeZizwe ngilomlandu wobuphristi wokutshumayela ivangeli likaNkulunkulu ukuze abeZizwe babe ngumnikelo owamukelekayo kuNkulunkulu, ongcweliswe nguMoya oNgcwele.

17 Ngakho ngiyaziqhenya kuKhristu uJesu emsebenzini wami kuNkulunkulu. 18 Kangiyikuba lesibindi sokukhuluma ngolunye ulutho ngaphandle kwalokho uKhristu asekufeze ngami ekukhokheleni abeZizwe ukuba balalele uNkulunkulu ngalokhu engakutshoyo lengakwenzayo, 19 ngamandla ezibonakaliso lezimangaliso, langamandla kaMoya kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho indlela yonke kusukela eJerusalema kusiya e-Ilirikhumu, sengilitshumayele ngokugcweleyo ivangeli likaKhristu. 20 Bekuhlezi kuyisifiso sami ukutshumayela ivangeli lapho uKhristu ayengaziwa khona, ukuze ngingakhi phezu kwesisekelo somunye. 21 Ikanti kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Labo abangatshelwanga ngaye bazabona,

lalabo abangakezwa bazaqedisisa.”†

22 Yikho-nje kade ngixakeka ekubeni ngize kini.

Icebo LikaPhawuli Lokwethekelela ERoma

23 Kodwa khathesi njengoba kungaselandawo engingasebenza kuyo kulezizigaba, njalo njengoba bengifisa okweminyaka eminengi ukulibona, 24 ngiceba ukwenzanjalo lapho sengisiya eSpeyini. Ngithemba ngizalibona ngisedlula lokuba lingisize ngohambo lwami lokuya khonale, emva kokuba sengithokoze ukuba lani okwesikhatshana. 25 Kodwa khathesi ngisendleleni yokuya eJerusalema emsebenzini wabantu beNkosi khonale. 26 Ngoba abeMasedoniya labe-Akhayiya kwabathokozisa ukusiza abayanga phakathi kwabantu beNkosi eJerusalema. 27 Kwabathokozisa ukwenza lokho, njalo impela balomlandu walokho kubo. Ngoba nxa abeZizwe bahlanganyela ezibusisweni zakomoya zamaJuda, balomlandu kumaJuda wokuhlanganyela lawo ezibusisweni zokwenyama. 28 Ngakho emva kokuqeda umsebenzi lo, njalo sengibe leqiniso ukuthi sebesamukele isithelo lesi, ngizakuya eSpeyini njalo ngilethekelele ohanjweni lwami. 29 Ngiyakwazi ukuthi lapho ngisiza kini, ngizakuza ngilesibusiso esigcweleyo sikaKhristu.

30 Ngiyalincenga bazalwane, ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu langothando lukaMoya, ukuba lihlanganyele lami ekutshikatshikeni kwami ngokungikhulekela kuNkulunkulu. 31 Khulekelani ukuba ngihlengwe kwabangakholwayo eJudiya lokuthi umsebenzi wami eJerusalema wamukeleke ebantwini beNkosi khonale, 32 ukuze ngize kini ngentokozo kuthi ngentando kaNkulunkulu ngivuselelwe kanye lani. 33 UNkulunkulu wokuthula kabe lani lonke. Ameni.

16

Ukubingelela Kwakhe

1 Ngimethula kini udadewethu uFebhi, isikhonzikazi sebandla eKhenkireya. 2 Ngiyalicela ukuba limamukele eNkosini ngendlela efanele abangcwele njalo limsize ngakho konke angakuswela kini, ngoba laye ubelosizo olukhulu ebantwini abanengi, lakimi.

3 Bingelelani uPhrisila lo-Akhwila, abayizisebenzi kanye lami kuKhristu uJesu. 4 Babeka impilo yabo engozini ngenxa yami. Akusimi kuphela, kodwa wonke amabandla abeZizwe ayababonga kakhulu.

5 Bingelelani lebandla elihlanganela endlini yabo.

Bingelelani umngane wami othandekayo u-Ephenethasi, owaba ngowokuqala ukuphendukela kuKhristu esiqintini sase-Ezhiya.

6 Bingelelani uMariya owalisebenzela kanzima.

7 Bingelelani u-Andronikhasi loJuniyasi, izihlobo zami ezazisentolongweni kanye lami. Badumile phakathi kwabapostoli, njalo babekuKhristu mina ngingakabi khona.

8 Bingelelani u-Ampiliyathasi, engimthandayo eNkosini.

9 Bingelelani u-Abhanusi, oyisisebenzi kanye lathi kuKhristu, lomngane wami othandekayo uStakhisi.

10 Bingelelani u-Aphele, owahlolwayo wamukelwa kuKhristu.

Bingelelani labo abangabendlu ka-Aristobhulasi.

11 Bingelelani uHerodiyoni, isihlobo sami.

Bingelelani labo abasemzini kaNakhisu abaseNkosini.

12 Bingelelani uTrayifina loTrifosa, abesifazane labo abasebenza kakhulu eNkosini.

Bingelelani umngane wami othandekayo, uPhesisi, omunye owesifazane osesebenze kakhulukazi eNkosini.

13 Bingelelani uRufasi, okhethiweyo eNkosini, lonina, obengumama lakimi.

14 Bingelelani u-Asinkrithasi, loFilegoni, loHemesi, loPhathirobhasi, uHemasi kanye labazalwane abalabo.

15 Bingelelani uFilologu, loJuliya, loNerusi lodadewabo, kanye lo-Olimpasi labo bonke abangcwele abalabo.

16 Bingelelanani ngokwangana okungcwele.

Wonke amabandla kaKhristu ayalibingelela.

17 Ngiyalincenga, bazalwane, ukuba libaqaphele labo abadala ukwehlukana bebeka izikhubekiso endleleni yenu, okuphambene lemfundiso elayifundayo. Baxwayeni. 18 Ngoba abantu abanjalo kabakhonzi Nkosi yethu uKhristu, kodwa izinkanuko zabo. Ngenkulumo emnandi langobuqili bakhohlisa ingqondo zabantu abayiziphukuphuku. 19 Abantu bonke sebezwile ngokulalela kwenu, ngakho ngilokuthokoza okukhulu ngani; kodwa ngifuna ukuba lihlakaniphele okuhle, njalo libemsulwa kokubi.

20 UNkulunkulu wokuthula uzamchoboza masinyane uSathane ngaphansi kwezinyawo zenu.

Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu kawube lani.

21 UThimothi, engisebenza laye, uyalibingelela, loLukhiyu, loJasoni kanye loSosiphatha, izihlobo zami.

22 Mina Thethiyasi, engilobe incwadi le, ngiyalibingelela eNkosini.

23 UGayiyasi, osiphatho sakhe esihle siyangijabulisa mina kanye lebandla lonke lapha, uyalibingelela.

U-Erastu, ongumqondisi wemisebenzi yabantu bonke wedolobho, lomzalwane wethu uKhwathu bayalibingelela.

[ 24 Sengathi umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu ungaba lani lonke. Ameni.]*

25 Kuye olamandla okuliqinisa ngevangeli lami langentshumayelo kaJesu Khristu, mayelana lokwambulwa kwemfihlakalo eyayifihlakele okweminyakanyaka eyedlulayo, 26 kodwa khathesi yambulwe yaziswa ngemibhalo yabaphrofethi ngokulaya kukaNkulunkulu waphakade, ukuze abaZizwe bonke bamlalele ngokukholwa, 27 kuNkulunkulu onguye yedwa olenhlakanipho, udumo kalube kuye ingunaphakade ngoJesu Khristu! Ameni.

* 1:17 1.17 UHabhakhukhi 2.4

* 2:6 2.6 AmaHubo 62.12; Izaga 24.12

† 2:24 2.24 U-Isaya 52.5; UHezekhiyeli 36.22

* 3:4 3.4 AmaHubo 51.4

† 3:12 3.12 AmaHubo 14.1-3; 53.1-3; UMtshumayeli 7.20

‡ 3:13 3.13 AmaHubo 5.9

§ 3:13 3.13 AmaHubo 140.3

* 3:14 3.14 AmaHubo 10.7

† 3:17 3.17 U-Isaya 59.7-8

‡ 3:18 3.18 AmaHubo 36.1

* 4:3 4.3 UGenesisi 15.6

† 4:8 4.8 AmaHubo 32.1-2

‡ 4:17 4.17 UGenesisi 17.5

§ 4:18 4.18 UGenesisi 15.5

* 4:22 4.22 UGenesisi 15.6

* 7:7 7.7 U-Eksodasi 20.17; UDutheronomi 5.21

* 8:36 8.36 AmaHubo 44.22

* 9:7 9.7 UGenesisi 21.12

† 9:9 9.9 UGenesisi 18.10, 14

‡ 9:12 9.12 UGenesisi 25.23

§ 9:13 9.13 UMalaki 1.2-3

* 9:15 9.15 U-Eksodasi 33.19

† 9:17 9.17 U-Eksodasi 9.16

‡ 9:20 9.20 U-Isaya 29.16; 45.9

§ 9:25 9.25 UHosiya 2.23

* 9:26 9.26 UHosiya 1.10

† 9:28 9.28 U-Isaya 10.22-23

‡ 9:29 9.29 U-Isaya 1.9

§ 9:33 9.33 U-Isaya 8.14; 28.16

* 10:5 10.5 ULevi 18.5

† 10:6 10.6 UDutheronomi 30.12

‡ 10:7 10.7 UDutheronomi 30.13

§ 10:8 10.8 UDutheronomi 30.14

* 10:11 10.11 U-Isaya 28.16

† 10:13 10.13 UJoweli 2.32

‡ 10:15 10.15 U-Isaya 52.7

§ 10:16 10.16 U-Isaya 53.1

* 10:18 10.18 AmaHubo 19.4

† 10:19 10.19 UDutheronomi 32.21

‡ 10:20 10.20 U-Isaya 65.1

§ 10:21 10.21 U-Isaya 65.2

* 11:3 11.3 1 Amakhosi 19.10, 14

† 11:4 11.4 1 Amakhosi 19.18

‡ 11:8 11.8 UDutheronomi 29.4; U-Isaya 29.10

§ 11:10 11.10 AmaHubo 69.22-23

* 11:27 11.27 U-Isaya 59.20-21; 27.9; UJeremiya 31.33-34

† 11:34 11.34 U-Isaya 40.13

‡ 11:35 11.35 UJobe 41.11

* 12:19 12.19 UDutheronomi 32.35

† 12:20 12.20 Izaga 25.21-22

* 13:9 13.9 U-Eksodasi 20.13-15, 17; UDutheronomi 5.17-19, 21

† 13:9 13.9 ULevi 19.18

* 14:11 14.11 U-Isaya 45.23

* 15:3 15.3 AmaHubo 69.9

† 15:9 15.9 2 USamuyeli 22.50; AmaHubo 18.49

‡ 15:10 15.10 UDutheronomi 32.43

§ 15:11 15.11 AmaHubo 117.1

* 15:12 15.12 U-Isaya 11.10

† 15:21 15.21 U-Isaya 52.15

* 16:24 16.24 Livesi kayikho kwamanye amaBhayibhili esiLungu.

1 AbaseKhorinte

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Incwadi KaPhawuli Yakuqala

KwabaseKhorinte

1

1 UPhawuli, obizelwe ukuba ngumpostoli kaJesu Khristu ngentando kaNkulunkulu, kanye lomzalwane wethu uSosithene.

2 Ebandleni likaNkulunkulu eKhorinte, kulabo abangcweliswe kuJesu Khristu babizelwa ukuba ngabangcwele bakhe kanye labo bonke abasezindaweni zonke abakhuleka ebizweni leNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, iNkosi yabo leyethu:

3 Umusa lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba leNkosini uJesu Khristu kakube kini.

Ukubonga

4 Ngihlezi ngimbonga kokuphela uNkulunkulu wami ngani, ngenxa yomusa wakhe eliwuphiweyo kuJesu Khristu. 5 Ngoba kuye linothiswe ngezindlela zonke, ekukhulumeni kwenu konke lasekwazini konke, 6 ngoba ubufakazi bethu ngoKhristu baqiniswa kini. 7 Ngakho kalisileli lakusiphi isipho somoya lapho lilindele ngokutshiseka ukuba iNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu ibonakaliswe. 8 Izaligcina liqinile kuze kube sekupheleni ukuze lingabi lasici ngosuku lweNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu. 9 UNkulunkulu olibizele ekuhlanganyeleni leNdodana yakhe uJesu Khristu iNkosi yethu, uthembekile.

Ukudabukana Ebandleni Ngenxa Yabathungameli

10 Ngiyalincenga bazalwane, ngebizo leNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, ukuba lonke livumelane ukuze kungabi lokwehlukana phakathi kwenu kanye lokuthi libe ngabamanyeneyo engqondweni lasemcabangweni. 11 Bazalwane bami, abanye abendlu yakoKlowe bangitshele ukuthi kulezingxabano phakathi kwenu. 12 Engikutshoyo yilokhu: Omunye wenu uthi, “Mina ngilandela uPhawuli”; omunye uthi, “Mina ngilandela u-Apholo”; omunye uthi, “Mina ngilandela uKhefasi”; omunye laye uthi, “Mina ngilandela uKhristu.”

13 Kambe uKhristu wehlukene na? UPhawuli wake wabethelwa ngenxa yenu na? Labhaphathizwa ngebizo likaPhawuli na? 14 Ngibonga uNkulunkulu ngokuthi kangibhaphathizanga lamunye wenu ngaphandle kukaKhrispasi loGayiyasi, 15 ngakho kakho ongathi labhaphathizwa ngebizo lami. 16 (Yebo ngabhaphathiza abendlu KaStefane, ngaphandle kwalokho angikhumbuli ngibhaphathiza omunye.) 17 Ngoba uKhristu kangithumanga ukuba ngibhaphathize kodwa ukuba ngitshumayele ivangeli, hatshi ngamazwi enhlakanipho yabantu, funa isiphambano silahlekelwe ngamandla aso.

UKhristu Owabethelwayo UyiNhlakanipho LaMandla KaNkulunkulu

18 Ngoba ilizwi lesiphambano liyibuthutha kulabo ababhubhayo, kodwa kithi abasindisiweyo lingamandla kaNkulunkulu. 19 Ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Ngizachitha inhlakanipho yabahlakaniphileyo;

ukwazi kwezazi ngizakunqunda.”*

20 Ungaphi umuntu ohlakaniphileyo na? Singaphi isifundiswa somthetho na? Singaphi isazi salesisikhathi na? UNkulunkulu kenzanga ukuhlakanipha kwasemhlabeni kwaba yibuthutha na? 21 Ngoba ekuhlakanipheni kukaNkulunkulu, umhlaba ngokuhlakanipha kwawo kawumazanga, uNkulunkulu wathokoza ngobuthutha balokho okwatshunyayelwayo ukuze kusindise abakholwayo 22 AmaJuda afuna izibonakaliso lezimangaliso lamaGrikhi adinga ukuhlakanipha, 23 kodwa thina sitshumayela uKhristu owabethelwayo: isikhubekiso kumaJuda lobuthutha kwabeZizwe, 24 kodwa kulabo ababizwe nguNkulunkulu, amaJuda lamaGrikhi, uKhristu ungamandla lokuhlakanipha kukaNkulunkulu. 25 Ngoba ubuthutha bukaNkulunkulu buhlakaniphile kulokuhlakanipha komuntu, lobuthakathaka bukaNkulunkulu bulamandla kulamandla omuntu.

26 Bazalwane, khumbulani ngalokho elaliyikho ekubizweni kwenu. Kababanengi phakathi kwenu ababehlakaniphile ngesilinganiso sabantu; kababanengi ababelamandla; kababanengi ababezalwa yizikhulu. 27 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wakhetha izinto zasemhlabeni eziyizithutha ukuba ayangise izihlakaniphi; uNkulunkulu wakhetha izinto zasemhlabeni ezibuthakathaka ukuba ayangise abalamandla. 28 Wakhetha izinto zalo umhlaba eziphansi lezinto ezeyisekayo kanye lezinto ezingekho ukuba achithe okukhona, 29 ukuze kungabi lamuntu ozazincoma phambi kwakhe. 30 Ngenxa yakhe lina likuKhristu uJesu, yena osebe yikuhlakanipha okuvela kuNkulunkulu esenzela thina, okuyikulunga kwethu, ubungcwele lokusindiswa. 31 Ngakho-ke, njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Lowo ozincomayo kazincome eNkosini.”†

2

1 Ekufikeni kwami kini bazalwane, kangifikanga lobugabazi bokukhuluma kumbe ukuhlakanipha okukhulu lapho ngitshumayela kini ubufakazi ngoNkulunkulu. 2 Ngoba ngazimisela ukungazi lutho ngiseselani ngaphandle kukaJesu Khristu yena owabethelwayo. 3 Ngafika kini ngibuthakathaka, ngisesaba njalo ngithuthumela kakhulu. 4 Ilizwi lami lentshumayelo yami akubanga ngamazwi okuhlakanipha lahugayo, kodwa kubonakalisa amandla kaMoya, 5 ukuze ukukholwa kwenu kungeyami ekuhlakanipheni kwabantu, kodwa emandleni kaNkulunkulu.

Ukuhlakanipha Okuvela KuMoya

6 Kodwa siyalikhuluma ilizwi lokuhlakanipha kulabo asebekhulile, belo kungasikho kuhlakanipha kwalesisikhathi loba okwababusi balesisikhathi, asebezakuba yize. 7 Hatshi, sikhuluma ngokuhlakanipha kukaNkulunkulu okufihlakeleyo, ukuhlakanipha obekukade uNkulunkulu akumisela inkazimulo yethu isikhathi singakaqalisi. 8 Kakho kubabusi balesisikhathi owakuzwisisayo ngoba aluba kwakube njalo, babengasoze bayibethele iNkosi yenkazimulo. 9 Kodwa kunjengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Akulalihlo eselibonile,

akulandlebe esizwile;

njalo akulangqondo yomuntu esicabangile

ngalokho uNkulunkulu akulungisele labo abamthandayo,”*

10 kodwa uNkulunkulu ukuvezile kithi ngoMoya.

UMoya uyazihlolisisa izinto zonke, kanye lezinto ezizikileyo zikaNkulunkulu. 11 Kambe ngubani phakathi kwabantu oyaziyo imicabango yomuntu ngaphandle komoya walowomuntu ongaphakathi kwakhe na? Ngokufanayo, kakho oyaziyo imicabango kaNkulunkulu ngaphandle kukaMoya kaNkulunkulu. 12 Kasamukelanga umoya wasemhlabeni, kodwa uMoya ovela kuNkulunkulu ukuze siqedisise ngalokho uNkulunkulu asiphe khona ngesihle. 13 Lokhu yikho esikukhulumayo, hatshi ngamazwi esawafundiswa yikuhlakanipha kwabantu kodwa ngamazwi esawafundiswa nguMoya. 14 Umuntu ongelaMoya kazamukeli izinto ezivela kuMoya kaNkulunkulu ngoba kuye ziyibuthutha njalo angeke aziqedisise ngoba zibonakaliswa ngomoya. 15 Umuntu womoya uyazahlulela izinto zonke kodwa yena ngokwakhe akukho muntu ongamahlulela, 16 ngoba,

“Ngubani owake wayazi ingqondo yeNkosi

ukuba ayeluleke na?”†

Kodwa thina silengqondo kaKhristu.

3

Ibandla Labathungameli Balo

1 Bazalwane, ngangingeke ngikhulume lani njengabaphila ngomoya, kodwa njengabomhlaba, insane nje kuKhristu. 2 Ngalinika uchago, hatshi ukudla okuqinileyo, ngoba lalingakakulungeli. Impela lilokhu lingakakulungeli. 3 Lilokhu lingabomhlaba. Kalokho njengoba kulomona lokuxabana phakathi kwenu, kambe kalisibo bomhlaba na? Kalenzi njengabantu nje na? 4 Ngoba nxa omunye esithi, “Mina ngilandela uPhawuli,” omunye laye athi, “Mina ngilandela u-Apholo,” kambe kalisibantu nje na?

5 Kanti u-Apholo uvele uyini na? LoPhawuli uyini na? Bazinceku nje kuphela lina elakholwa ngazo, njengoba iNkosi imisele omunye lomunye umsebenzi wakhe. 6 Mina ngahlanyela inhlanyelo, u-Apholo wayithelela, kodwa nguNkulunkulu owayikhulisayo. 7 Ngakho lowo ohlanyelayo, loba othelelayo, akasilutho, kodwa nguNkulunkulu kuphela owenza izinto zikhule. 8 Umuntu ohlanyelayo lomuntu othelelayo banhlosonye, njalo lowo lalowo uzanikwa umvuzo wakhe njengokusebenza kwakhe. 9 Ngoba thina siyizisebenzi emsebenzini kaNkulunkulu; lina liyinsimu kaNkulunkulu, isakhiwo sikaNkulunkulu.

10 Ngomusa uNkulunkulu angipha wona, ngabeka isisekelo njengengcitshi yomakhi, njalo abanye bakha phezu kwaso. Kodwa omunye lomunye kumele ananzelele ukuthi wakha njani. 11 Ngoba kakho ongabeka esinye isisekelo ngaphandle kwaleso esivele sesibekiwe, esinguJesu Khristu. 12 Nxa umuntu esakhela phezu kwalesisisekelo ngegolide, ngesiliva, ngamatshe adulayo, ngezigodo, ngotshani loba ngamahlanga, 13 umsebenzi wakhe uzabonakaliswa unjalo, ngoba usuku luzawubeka ekukhanyeni. Uzavezwa obala ngomlilo, njalo umlilo uzahlola umsebenzi womuntu ngamunye ukuthi unjani. 14 Nxa lokho okwakhiweyo kuzasala kukhona, umakhi uzakwamukela umvuzo wakhe. 15 Kodwa nxa kusitsha kuphele du, umakhi uzalahlekelwa kodwa yena ngokwakhe uzaphepha, loba nje kunjengomuntu ophunyuka edabula phakathi kwamalangabi.

16 Kanti kalazi yini ukuthi lina ngokwenu lilithempeli likaNkulunkulu kanye lokuthi uMoya kaNkulunkulu uhlala phakathi kwenu? 17 Nxa umuntu echitha ithempeli likaNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu uzamchitha ngoba ithempeli likaNkulunkulu lingcwele njalo lina lonke liyilelothempeli.

18 Lingazikhohlisi. Nxa omunye wenu ecabanga ukuthi uhlakaniphile ngokwesilinganiso salesisikhathi kabe yisithutha ukuze ahlakaniphe. 19 Ngoba ukuhlakanipha kwalo umhlaba kuyibuthutha phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Ubamba abahlakaniphileyo ebuqilini babo,”* 20 lokuthi, “UThixo uyakwazi ukuthi imicabango yabahlakaniphileyo iyize nje.”† 21 Ngakho, Akungabikhona ukuzincoma ngabathungameli abangabantu. Izinto zonke ngezenu, 22 loba nguPhawuli kumbe u-Apholo loba uKhefasi kumbe umhlaba loba ukuphila kumbe ukufa loba kukhathesi kumbe kwelizayo, konke ngokwenu, 23 njalo lina lingabakaKhristu, loKhristu ungokaNkulunkulu.

4

AbaPostoli Beqiniso

1 Ngakho abantu kumele basibone njengezisebenzi zikaKhristu lanjengalabo abagciniswe izinto ezifihlakeleyo zikaNkulunkulu. 2 Kuyadingeka ukuthi labo abagcinisiweyo babonakalise ukuthi bathembekile. 3 Kanginaki kakhulu nxa ngahlulelwe yini loba omunye umthethwandaba wabantu; impela, kangizahluleli lami. 4 Isazela sami simsulwa, kodwa lokho kakungenzi ngingabi lacala. INkosi yiyo engahlulelayo. 5 Ngakho-ke, lingahluleli lutho isikhathi esimisiweyo singakafiki; manini iNkosi ize ifike. Yona izakubeka ekukhanyeni okufihlwe emnyameni, njalo izaziveza obala injongo zezinhliziyo zabantu. Ngalesosikhathi omunye lomunye uzakwamukela ukubongwa kwakhe kuNkulunkulu.

6 Bazalwane, izinto lezi ngizisebenzisile kimi laku-Apholo ngenxa yenu ukuze lifunde kithi okutshiwo yisitsho esithi, “Lingenzi okudlula okulotshiweyo.” Lapho-ke, kaliyikuzigqaja ngomunye umuntu komunye. 7 Kambe ngubani olenza lehluke omunye komunye na? Kuyini elilakho elingakwamukelanga na? Njalo nxa lakwamukela, pho kungani lizincoma kungathi alikwamukelanga?

8 Livele selilakho konke elikufunayo! Selinothile! Selibe ngamakhosi, njalo ngaphandle kwethu! Yeka ukufisa kwami ukuthi ngabe laba ngamakhosi ukuze lathi sibe ngamakhosi kanye lani! 9 Ngoba kini kukhanya angathi thina abapostoli uNkulunkulu usibeke embukisweni ekucineni kodwendwe, njengalabo abagwetshelwe ukufa enkundleni. Senziwe umbukiso emhlabeni wonke, ezingilosini kanye lasebantwini. 10 Thina siyizithutha ngenxa kaKhristu, kodwa lina lihlakaniphe kangaka kuKhristu! Thina sibuthakathaka lina lilamandla! Liyahlonitshwa, thina siyadelelwa. 11 Kuze kube yilesisikhathi, siyalamba njalo some, simanikiniki, siyahlukuluzwa ngolunya, kasilamakhaya. 12 Sisebenza nzima ngezandla zethu. Nxa siqalekiswa, thina siyabusisa; lapho sihlukuluzwa, thina siyaqinisela; 13 lapho sinyeywa, siphendula kuhle. Kuze kube yilesisikhathi sesibe ngamanyala omhlaba, izibi zomhlaba.

Ukuncenga Lokuxwayisa KukaPhawuli

14 Kangilobi lokhu ukuba ngiliyangise kodwa ukulixwayisa njengabantwabami abathandekayo. 15 Lanxa lilabondli abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi kuKhristu, kalilabo oyihlo abanengi, ngoba kuJesu Khristu ngaba nguyihlo ngevangeli. 16 Ngakho ngiyalicela ukuba lenze njengami. 17 Ngenxa yalesisizatho, ngilithumela uThimothi, indodana yami ethandekayo, ethembekileyo eNkosini. Uzalikhumbuza indlela yokuphila kwami kuJesu Khristu, evumelana lalokho engikufundisayo ezindaweni zonke, emabandleni wonke.

18 Abanye benu sebezikhukhumeza, kungazathi kangizi kini. 19 Kodwa ngizakuza kini masinyane, nxa iNkosi ithanda, njalo lapho-ke angizukudinga kuphela ukwazi ukuthi lababantu abazikhukhumezayo bakhulumani, kodwa ukuba balamandla anjani. 20 Ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu kawusindaba yokukhuluma kodwa eyamandla. 21 Likhetha kuphi? Ngize kini lomqwayi wokuliqondisa, kumbe ngothando kanye lomoya othobekileyo na?

5

Ukuphatha Umzalwane Oxhwalileyo!

1 Kuyabikwa impela ukuthi kulokuhlobonga phakathi kwenu njalo obohlobo olungenzakaliyo laphakathi kwabangakholwayo: Umuntu uthatha umkayise. 2 Njalo lina liyazigqaja! Kwakungamelanga libe buhlungu kakhulu yini limsuse enhlanganweni yenu umuntu owenze lokhu na? 3 Lanxa mina ngingekho mathupha, ngilani emoyeni. Njengomunye olani endaweni enje, sengimahlulele lowo owenze lokhu ebizweni lenkosi yethu uJesu. 4 Lapho libuthene ebizweni leNkosi yethu uJesu ngilani ngomoya, lamandla eNkosi yethu uJesu akhona, 5 umuntu lo mnikeleni kuSathane ukuze umzimba wakhe wesono uchithwe lomoya wakhe usindiswe ngosuku lweNkosi.

6 Ukuzincoma kwenu akulunganga. Kalikwazi yini ukuthi imvubelo encane ibilisa inhlama yonke? 7 Susani imvubelo endala ukuze libe yinhlama entsha engelamvubelo, njengoba linjalo impela. Ngoba uKhristu, iwundlu lethu lePhasika, lihlatshiwe. 8 Ngakho, kasigcineni uMkhosi, hatshi kulemvubelo endala, imvubelo yenzondo lobubi, kodwa lesinkwa esingelamvubelo, isinkwa sobuqotho leqiniso.

9 Ngalilobela encwadini yami ukuba lingahlanganyeli labantu abayizixhwali ngobufebe, 10 ngingatsho abantu bakulo umhlaba abagangileyo, loba abayizihwaba lamaqili, loba abakhonza izithombe. Nxa kunjalo kuzamele liwutshiye umhlaba lo. 11 Kodwa khathesi ngililobela ukuba lingahlanganyeli lomuntu ozibiza ngokuthi ngumzalwane, kodwa exhwalile, eyisifebe, isihwaba, umkhonzi wezithombe loba onyeyayo, isidakwa loba iqili. Umuntu onjalo lingalokothi lidle laye.

12 Kungumlandu wami na ukuba ngahlulele abangaphandle kwebandla? Akumelanga lahlulele labo abaphakathi na? 13 UNkulunkulu uzakwahlulela labo abangaphandle. “Mxotsheni umuntu omubi phakathi kwenu.”*

6

Ukumangalelana Phakathi Kwabakholwayo

1 Nxa owakini elombango lomunye uyahamba ayemangalela kwabangakholwayo endaweni yokuya kwabakholwayo na? 2 Kalazi yini ukuthi abantu bakaNkulunkulu bazakwahlulela umhlaba na? Nxa lizakwahlulela umhlaba, kalenelisi ukwahlulela amacala amancane na? 3 Kalazi yini ukuthi sizakwahlulela izingilosi? Pho sizakwehlulwa yini ukwahlulela izindaba zalimpilo! 4 Ngakho-ke, nxa lilemibango yezindaba ezinje, lidinga ukwahlulelwa ngabantu abalempilo ezisolekayo ebandleni na? 5 Ngitsho lokhu ukuze libelenhloni. Kungenzakala yini ukuthi akulamuntu phakathi kwenu ohlakaniphe okwaneleyo ukuba ahlulele umbango phakathi kwabazalwane na? 6 Kodwa esikhundleni salokho, omunye umzalwane uya emthethweni ukuyamangalela omunye, njalo lokhu ekwenza phambi kwabangakholwayo!

7 Khona lokhu ukuthi impela kulokumangalelana phakathi kwenu kutsho ukuba selehlulwe ngokupheleleyo. Kakungcono yini ukwamukela ukoniwa? Kakungcono yini ukwamukela ukuqilibezelwa? 8 Esikhundleni salokho, lina ngokwenu liyaqilibezela njalo lone, futhi lokhu likwenza kubazalwane benu. 9 Kalazi yini ukuthi abonayo kabayikuba zindlalifa zombuso kaNkulunkulu? Lingakhohliswa. Akulazifebe ezixhwalileyo loba abakhonza izithombe kumbe iziphingi loba izitabane 10 kumbe amasela loba izihwaba kumbe izidakwa loba abanyeyayo kumbe amaqili azakudla ilifa lombuso kaNkulunkulu. 11 Njalo lokho yikho abanye benu ababeyikho. Kodwa selageziswa, selangcweliswa, selalungiswa ngebizo leNkosi uJesu Khristu langoMoya kaNkulunkulu wethu.

Ukuhlobonga

12 Lithi “Ngilelungelo lokwenza loba yini,” kodwa akusikho konke okusizayo. “Ngilelungelo lokwenza loba yini” kodwa angiyikubuswa lutho. 13 Lithi “Ukudla kwesisu lesisu sokudla, kodwa uNkulunkulu uzakuchitha kokubili.” Umzimba kawusiwokuhlobonga, kodwa ngoweNkosi, leNkosi ngeyomzimba. 14 Ngamandla akhe uNkulunkulu wayivusa kwabafileyo iNkosi, lathi futhi uzasivusa. 15 Kalazi yini ukuthi imizimba yenu iyizitho zikaKhristu uqobo na? Kambe ngingathatha izitho zikaKhristu ngizihlanganise lesiphingi na? Hatshi! 16 Kalazi yini ukuthi lowo ozihlanganise lesiphingi uba munye laso emzimbeni? Ngoba kuthiwa, “Labo ababili bazakuba nyamanye.”* 17 Kodwa lowo ozihlanganisa leNkosi munye layo emoyeni.

18 Balekelani ukuhlobonga. Zonke ezinye izono umuntu azenzayo zingaphandle komzimba wakhe, kodwa lowo owenza isono sobufebe wenza isono emzimbeni wakhe. 19 Kalazi yini ukuthi umzimba wenu ulithempeli likaMoya oNgcwele, ophakathi kwenu, elamamukela kuNkulunkulu na? Kalisibo benu, 20 lathengwa ngentengo. Ngakho-ke, dumisani uNkulunkulu ngemizimba yenu.

7

Okuphathelane Lokuthathana

1 Mayelana lezindaba elaloba ngazo: “Kuhle ukuba indoda ingabi lobudlelwano bemacansini lowesifazane.” 2 Kodwa njengoba kulokuhlobonga okungaka, indoda yinye kumele ibe lobudlelwano bemacansini lomkayo, lomfazi munye abe lendoda yakhe. 3 Indoda kumele igcwalise umlandu wayo wokuthathana kumkayo, kube njalo lomfazi endodeni yakhe. 4 Umfazi kalamandla ngomzimba wakhe kodwa uwunikela kumkakhe. Ngokufanayo, lendoda kayilamandla ngomzimba wayo kodwa iwunikela kumkayo. 5 Lingancitshani ngaphandle kokuba kungokokuvumelana njalo okwesikhatshana, ukuze lizinikele ekukhulekeni. Libuye lihlangane futhi ukuze uSathane angalilingi ngenxa yokusilela kokuzithiba kwenu. 6 Lokhu ngikutsho njengokuvumela, hatshi njengomlayo. 7 Sengathi ngabe lonke linjengami. Kodwa umuntu ngamunye ulesipho sakhe esivela kuNkulunkulu, omunye ulalesi isipho, omunye laye ulalesiyana.

8 Kwabangendanga labafelokazi ngithi: Kuhle kubo ukuba bahlale bengendanga, njengami. 9 Kodwa nxa bengeke bazithiba, kabende, ngoba ukwenda kungcono kulokutshiseka ngokufisa.

10 Abathatheneyo ngibapha umlayo lo (hatshi mina, kodwa iNkosi): Umfazi akumelanga ehlukane lendoda yakhe. 11 Kodwa nxa ekwenzile, kahlale engendanga loba abuyisane lendoda yakhe. Lendoda akumelanga imlahle umkayo.

12 Kwabanye ngithi (mina, hatshi iNkosi): Nxa umzalwane elomfazi ongasilokholwa kodwa evuma ukuhlala laye, akumelanga amlahle. 13 Njalo nxa owesifazane elendoda engakholwayo ivuma ukuhlala laye, akumelanga ayilahle. 14 Ngoba indoda engakholwayo isingcweliswe ngomkayo, lomfazi ongakholwayo usengcweliswe ngendoda yakhe ekholwayo. Kungenjalo ngabe abantwana benu bangcolile, kodwa okwamanje bangcwele.

15 Kodwa nxa ongakholwayo etshiya, myekeleni enze njalo. Owesilisa kumbe owesifazane okholwayo phakathi kabotshelwanga phakathi komumo onje; uNkulunkulu usibizele ukuhlala ngokuthula. 16 Wazi njani, mfazi, mhlawumbe uzasindisa indoda yakho? Loba, wazi njani ndoda, mhlawumbe uzasindisa umkakho?

Mayelana Lokuguquka Kwesimo

17 Lanxa kunjalo, lowo lalowo ekuphileni kumele agcine leyondawo iNkosi emuphe yona njalo abizelwe kuyo nguNkulunkulu. Lo ngumlayo engiwubeka emabandleni wonke. 18 Indoda yayivele isisokile ekubizweni kwayo na? Kayingabi ngengasokanga. Indoda yayingasokanga ekubizweni kwayo na? Akumelanga isokwe. 19 Ukusoka lokungasoki konke kuyize. Ukugcina imilayo kaNkulunkulu yikho okuqakathekileyo. 20 Lowo lalowo kahlale kulesosimo ayekuso ekubizweni kwakhe nguNkulunkulu.

21 Wawuyisigqili na ekubizweni kwakho? Kakungakukhathazi, lanxa ungathola ukukhululeka kwakho, yenza njalo. 22 Ngoba lowo owayeyisigqili ekubizweni kwakhe yiNkosi, ungokhululekileyo weNkosi; ngokufanayo, lowo owayekhululekile ekubizweni kwakhe uyisigqili sikaKhristu. 23 Lathengwa ngentengo; kalingabi yizigqili zabantu. 24 Bazalwane, umuntu munye ngamunye, njengolomlandu kuNkulunkulu, kumele ahlale ekulesosimo uNkulunkulu ambizela kuso.

Mayelana Labangendanga Kumbe Abangathathanga

25 Mayelana lezintombi ezigcweleyo: Kangilamlayo ovela eNkosini, kodwa ngahlulela njengothembekileyo ngomusa weNkosi. 26 Ngenxa yokukhathazeka kwakhathesi, ngicabanga ukuthi kuhle kini ukuba lihlale linjengoba linjalo. 27 Uthethe na? Ungadingi ukwehlukana. Kawuthathanga na? Ungathathi. 28 Kodwa nxa uthatha, kawenzanga sono njalo nxa intombi egcweleyo isenda kayonanga. Kodwa labo abathathanayo bazabona inhlupho ezinengi kulokhukuphila, njalo ngifuna ukuliphephisa kulokhu.

29 Engikutshoyo, bazalwane, yikuthi isikhathi sifitshane. Kusukela khathesi kusiya phambili labo abalabafazi kabaphile kungathi kabalabo: 30 labo abakhalayo, kube sengathi kabakhali; labathokozayo babe njengabangathokoziyo; labo abathenga ulutho, kube sengathi kalusilo lwabo ukuba balugcine; 31 labo abasebenzisa izinto zasemhlabeni, kube sengathi kabathathekanga kuzo. Ngoba umhlaba lo kulesisimo sawo sakhathesi uyedlula.

32 Ngifuna ukuba linganqineki. Umuntu ongathathanga unqinekela izindaba zeNkosi, ukuba angayithokozisa kanjani iNkosi. 33 Kodwa umuntu othetheyo unqinekela izindaba zalo umhlaba, ukuba angamthokozisa kanjani umkakhe, 34 lezifiso zakhe zehlukene phakathi. Umfazi ongendanga loba intombi egcweleyo inqinekela izindaba zeNkosi: Isifiso sayo yikuzinikela eNkosini ngakho kokubili umzimba lomoya. Kodwa umfazi owendileyo unqinekela izindaba zalo umhlaba, ukuba angamthokozisa kanjani umkakhe. 35 Ngitsho lokhu ukuba kube lusizo kini, hatshi ukulivimbela. Ngifuna ukuba liphile ngendlela eqondileyo ngokuzinikela okupheleleyo eNkosini.

36 Nxa umuntu ecabanga ukuthi uziphatha ngokungafanelanga entombini egcweleyo athandana layo, esilokhu isiba ndala, njalo esizwa kusithi kufanele athathe, kenze njengokuthanda kwakhe. Kenzi sono. Kumele bathathane. 37 Kodwa umuntu osenze isinqumo engqondweni yakhe engancindezelwanga kodwa elamandla okuzibamba esifisweni sakhe, njalo osemise engqondweni yakhe ukungayithathi intombi leyo, umuntu lo laye wenza into eqondileyo. 38 Ngakho-ke, lowo othatha intombi egcweleyo wenza okuqondileyo, kodwa lowo ongayithathiyo wenza okungcono kakhulu.

39 Owesifazane ubotshelwe endodeni yakhe nxa isaphila. Kodwa indoda yakhe ingafa, ukhululekile ukwendela kwenye ayithandayo, kodwa kumele ibe seNkosini. 40 Ngokubona kwami, uyathokoza kakhulu nxa ehlala enjalo, njalo ngiyakholwa ukuthi ngiloMoya kaNkulunkulu.

8

Okuphathelane Lokudla Okunikelwe Ezithombeni

1 Mayelana lokudla okunikelwe ezithombeni: Siyakwazi ukuthi sonke silolwazi. Ulwazi luyakhukhumeza, kodwa uthando luyakha. 2 Umuntu ocabanga ukuthi wazi ulutho kakazi lutho njengoba efanele ukwazi. 3 Kodwa umuntu othanda uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu uyamazi lowomuntu.

4 Ngakho-ke, mayelana lokudla okunikelwe ezithombeni: Siyakwazi ukuthi “Isithombe kasisilutho emhlabeni” kanye lokuthi “UNkulunkulu munye kuphela kakho omunye.” 5 Ngoba lanxa kulabonkulunkulu abatshiwoyo, langabe ezulwini loba emhlabeni (njengoba impela kulabonkulunkulu abanengi lamakhosi amanengi), 6 kodwa kithi kuloNkulunkulu oyedwa kuphela, uYise, okwavela kuye izinto zonke njalo okunguye esimphilelayo; njalo kuleNkosi eyodwa kuphela, uJesu Khristu, izinto zonke zeza ngaye njalo esiphila ngaye.

7 Kodwa akusimuntu wonke okwaziyo lokhu. Abanye abantu balokhu bejayele izithombe kuze kuthi lapho besidla ukudla okunjalo, bacabange ukuthi kunikelwe esithombeni njalo njengoba isazela sabo sibuthakathaka, siyangcoliswa. 8 Kodwa ukudla akusisondezi eduzane loNkulunkulu; kasilahlekelwa yilutho nxa singadli, njalo kasizuzi lutho nxa sisidla.

9 Kodwa qaphelani ukuba ukusebenza kwamalungelo enu akubi yisikhubekiso kwababuthakathaka. 10 Ngoba nxa umuntu olesazela esibuthakathaka ebona lina elilalolulwazi lisidla ethempelini lesithombe, kambe kazukuba lesibindi sokudla okunikelwe ezithombeni na? 11 Ngakho umzalwane lo, uKhristu amfelayo, uchithwa yikwazi kwenu. 12 Nxa lisenza isono kubazalwane benu kanje lilimaza isazela sabo esibuthakathaka, lenza isono kuKhristu. 13 Ngakho-ke, nxa engikudlayo kusenza umzalwane wami awele esonweni, angiyikudla inyama futhi, ukuze ngingamwisi.

9

Amalungelo KaPhawuli NjengomPostoli

1 Kangikhululekanga na? Kangisumpostoli na? Kanje kangimbonanga uJesu iNkosi yethu na? Kalisizithelo zomsebenzi wami eNkosini na? 2 Lanxa ngingasuye umpostoli kwabanye, impela nginguye kini! Ngoba lina liluphawu lobupostoli bami eNkosini.

3 Lokhu kuyisivikelo sami kulabo abazangahlulela. 4 Kasilalungelo lokudla lokunatha na? 5 Kambe silelungelo bani lokuthatha owesifazane okholwayo owendileyo sihambe laye njengokwenziwa ngabanye abapostoli labafowabo beNkosi kanye loKhefasi na? 6 Kumbe yimi loBhanabhasi kuphela esingelalo ilungelo lokusebenzela impilo?

7 Ngubani osebenza njengebutho ngendleko zakhe na? Ngubani olima isivini angadli izithelo zaso na? Ngubani owelusa umhlambi anganathi uchago lwawo na? 8 Lokhu ngikutsho ngokwengqondo yabantu na? Umthetho kawutsho okufanayo na? 9 Ngoba kulotshiwe emthethweni kaMosi ukuthi: “Inkabi ungayifaki isayeke nxa ibhula amabele.”* UNkulunkulu ukhathazeka ngenkabi na? 10 Impela uyasikhulumela lokhu; akunjalo na? Yebo, lokhu kwalotshelwa thina, ngoba nxa umlimi elima lobhulayo ebhula kumele benzenjalo belethemba lokwabelana isivuno. 11 Nxa sahlanyela inhlanyelo yakomoya kini, kambe kunengi kakhulu yini nxa sivuna isivuno sempahla kini na? 12 Nxa abanye belaleli ilungelo losizo oluvela kini, thina akumelanga sibe lalo kakhulu na?

Kodwa thina kasilisebenzisanga ilungelo leli. Esikhundleni salokho sibekezelele konke kulokuthi sivimbele ivangeli likaKhristu.

13 Kalazi yini ukuthi abasebenza ethempelini bathola ukudla kwabo ethempelini, lokuthi labo abakhonza e-alithareni babelana lokho okunikelwe e-alithareni na? 14 Ngokufanayo iNkosi ilaye ukuthi labo abatshumayela ivangeli kumele bathole ukuphila kwabo evangelini.

15 Kodwa mina angisebenzisanga lalinye lala amalungelo. Njalo kangilobi lokhu ngethemba lokuthi lizangenzela izinto ezinjalo. Ngingakhetha ukufa kulokuthi umuntu angemuke ukuzincoma lokhu. 16 Ikanti lapho ngitshumayela ivangeli, angingeke ngizincome ngoba kumele ngitshumayele! Maye kimi nxa ngingatshumayeli ivangeli! 17 Nxa ngitshumayela ngokuzithandela, ngithola umvuzo; nxa ngingazithandeli, ngifeza umlandu obekwe kimi. 18 Pho umvuzo wami uyini na? Uyilokhu nje: ukuthi lapho ngitshumayela ivangeli, ngilitshumayela kungekho mbadalo, kalokho ngingasebenzisi malungelo ami ekulitshumayeleni.

Ukusebenzisa KukaPhawuli Amalungelo Akhe

19 Lanxa ngikhululekile ngingasuye womunye umuntu, ngizenza isigqili ebantwini bonke, ukuze ngizuze abanengi nxa kusenzeka. 20 KumaJuda ngaba njengomJuda, ukuba ngizuze amaJuda. Kulabo abangaphansi komthetho ngaba njengongaphansi komthetho (lanxa nje mina ngingekho ngaphansi komthetho), ukuba ngizuze labo abangaphansi komthetho. 21 Kulabo abangelamthetho ngaba njengongelamthetho (lanxa ngingakhululekanga emthethweni kaNkulunkulu ngingaphansi komthetho kaKhristu), ukuba ngizuze labo abangelamthetho. 22 Kwababuthakathaka ngababuthakathaka, ukuba ngizuze ababuthakathaka. Sengibe yizinto zonke ebantwini bonke ukuze kuthi ngazozonke izindlela ezingenzakala ngisilise abanye. 23 Ngenza konke lokhu ngenxa yevangeli, ukuze lami ngihlanganyele ezibusisweni zalo.

Indingeko Yokuziphatha

24 Kalazi yini ukuthi emncintiswaneni wokugijima abagijimi bayagijima bonke, kodwa ngoyedwa kuphela othola umvuzo? Gijimani ngendlela ezakwenza ukuthi lithole umvuzo. 25 Umuntu wonke oncintisayo emidlalweni uba sekufundisweni okulukhuni. Bakwenzela ukuzuza umqhele wamaluba ongasoze uhlale isikhathi eside, kodwa thina sikwenzela ukuba sithole umqhele ozahlala ukhona kuze kube laphakade. 26 Ngakho kangigijimi njengomuntu ogijima engahlose lutho; kangilwi njengomuntu obindana lomoya. 27 Hatshi, ngitshaya umzimba wami ngiwenze isigqili sami ukuze kuthi lapho sengitshumayele kwabanye, mina uqobo ngingemukwa ilungelo lokuthola umvuzo.

10

Izixwayiso Ezivela Emlandweni Ka-Israyeli

1 Ngoba, bazalwane, kangifuni ukuthi lingalazi iqiniso lokuthi okhokho babengaphansi kweyezi kanye lokuthi bonke badabula phakathi kolwandle. 2 Bonke babhaphathizelwa kuMosi eyezini kanye lasolwandle. 3 Bonke badla kudla kunye komoya 4 banatha okunathwayo kunye komoya, ngoba banatha edwaleni lomoya elalihamba labo, njalo lelodwala lalinguKhristu. 5 Kodwa uNkulunkulu kathokozanga ngenengi labo, ngakho imizimba yabo yahlakazwa enkangala.

6 Lezizinto zenzakala njengezibonelo, ukuba zisinqabele ekubekeni inhliziyo zethu ezintweni ezimbi njengalokhu abakwenzayo. 7 Lingakhonzi izithombe, njengokwenziwa ngabanye babo; njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Abantu bahlala phansi badla, banatha, basukuma bagida.”* 8 Akumelanga sihlobonge njengokwenziwa ngabanye babo, njalo ngosuku olulodwa kwafa abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lantathu. 9 Akumelanga silinge uKhristu njengokwenziwa ngabanye babo, babulawa zinyoka. 10 Lingakhononi, njengokwenziwa ngabanye babo, babulawa yingilosi ebhubhisayo.

11 Izinto lezi zenzakala kubo njengezibonelo njalo zalotshwa njengezixwayiso kithi, osekufike kubo ukugcwaliseka kwezikhathi. 12 Ngakho nxa licabanga ukuthi limi liqinile, qaphelani ukuba lingawi. 13 Akulazilingo ezilehleleyo ngaphandle kokwejayelekileyo ebantwini. Njalo uNkulunkulu uthembekile; akayikuvumela ukuba lilingwe ngokwedlula lokho elingakumela. Kodwa lapho lilingwa, uzalinika indlela yokuphunyuka ukuze limelane lakho.

AmaDili Ezithombe Lesidlo SeNkosi

14 Ngakho-ke, bangane bami abathandekayo, balekelani ukukhonza izithombe. 15 Ngikhuluma labantu abalengqondo; zenzeleni esenu isinqumo ngalokho engikutshoyo. 16 Konje inkezo yokubonga esiyibongelayo kayisikuhlanganyela egazini likaKhristu na? Lesinkwa esisihlephunayo kasisisokuhlanganyela emzimbeni kaKhristu na? 17 Njengoba kulesinkwa sinye, thina abanengi, singumzimba munye, ngoba sonke sihlanganyela lesosinkwa sinye.

18 Khumbulani abantu bako-Israyeli: Kakusikho yini ukuthi labo abadla imihlatshelo balokuhlanganyela e-alithareni na? 19 Pho ngitsho ukuthi umhlatshelo onikelwe esithombeni uyilutho, loba ukuthi isithombe siyilutho na? 20 Hatshi, kodwa imihlatshelo yabangakholwayo inikelwa emadimonini hatshi kuNkulunkulu, njalo kangifuni ukuba libe ngabahlanganyela lamadimoni. 21 Kalingeke linathe inkezo yeNkosi lenkezo yamadimoni njalo, alingeke libe lokuhlanganyela etafuleni yeNkosi lasetafuleni yamadimoni. 22 Sizama ukuvusa umona weNkosi na? Kambe silamandla kulayo na?

Inkululeko Yekholwa

23 “Ngilelungelo lokwenza loba yini,” kodwa akusizinto zonke ezilosizo. “Ngilelungelo lokwenza loba yini,” kodwa akusizinto zonke ezakhayo. 24 Akulamuntu omele azidingele okuhle, kodwa okuhle kwabanye.

25 Dlanini konke okuthengiswa lapho okuthengiswa khona inyama kungekho kubuza imibuzo yesazela, 26 ngoba, “Umhlaba ngokaThixo, lakho konke okukuwo.”†

27 Nxa omunye wabangakholwayo elibizela ukudla njalo lifuna ukuhamba, dlanini loba kuyini okubekwe phambi kwenu kungekho kubuza imibuzo yesazela. 28 Kodwa nxa omunye esithi kini, “Lokhu kunikelwe njengomhlatshelo,” lokho-ke lingakudli, ngenxa yomuntu lowo olitshelileyo langenxa yesazela, 29 ngitsho isazela salowomuntu, hatshi esenu. Kungani ukukhululeka kwami kumele kwahlulelwe ngesazela somunye na? 30 Nxa ngihlanganyela ekudleni ngokubonga, kungani ngisolwa ngolutho engilubongela iNkosi na?

31 Ngakho ingabe liyadla kumbe liyanatha, loba kuyikuphi elikwenzayo, kwenzeleni udumo lukaNkulunkulu. 32 Lingakhubekisi muntu, loba kungamaJuda, amaGrikhi loba ibandla likaNkulunkulu, 33 lalapho ngizama ukuthokozisa abantu bonke ngezindlela zonke. Ngoba kangidingi okuhle kwami, kodwa okuhle kwabanengi, ukuze basindiswe.

11

1 Landelani isibonelo sami, njengalokhu lami ngilandela isibonelo sikaKhristu.

Imfanelo Ekukhonzeni

2 Ngiyalibonga ngokungikhumbula ezintweni zonke langokubambelela emfundisweni njengokuyethula kwami kini. 3 Kodwa ngifuna ukuba likwazi ukuthi inhloko yamadoda wonke nguKhristu, lenhloko yowesifazane yindoda, lenhloko kaKhristu nguNkulunkulu. 4 Yonke indoda ekhuleka loba iphrofithe ikhanda layo limboziwe ihlayaza ikhanda layo. 5 Lowesifazane wonke okhuleka loba aphrofithe ikhanda lakhe lingembozwanga uhlayaza ikhanda lakhe, kufana lokuthi ikhanda lakhe liphuciwe. 6 Nxa owesifazane engambozi ikhanda lakhe, angagela inwele zakhe; kodwa nxa kulihlazo ukuthi owesifazane agele loba aphuce inwele zakhe, kumele alimboze ikhanda lakhe.

7 Indoda akumelanga imboze ikhanda layo, ngoba ingumfanekiso lodumo lukaNkulunkulu kodwa owesifazane uludumo lwendoda. 8 Ngoba indoda kayivelanga kowesifazane kodwa owesifazane wavela endodeni 9 njalo indoda kayidalelwanga owesifazane kodwa owesifazane wadalelwa indoda. 10 Ngakho-ke, njalo ngenxa yezingilosi, owesifazane kumele abe lophawu lwamandla ekhanda lakhe. 11 Kodwa eNkosini, owesifazane weyeme endodeni, lendoda yeyeme kowesifazane. 12 Ngoba njengoba owesifazane wavela endodeni, ngokunjalo indoda layo izalwa ngowesifazane. Kodwa izinto zonke zivela kuNkulunkulu.

13 Zahluleleni ngokwenu: Kulungile yini ukuba owesifazane akhuleke kuNkulunkulu ikhanda lakhe lingembozwanga? 14 Imvelo yezinto uqobo kayilifundisi yini ukuba nxa owesilisa elenwele ezinde, kulihlazo kuye, 15 kodwa owesifazane nxa elenwele ezinde, kuludumo lwakhe? Ngoba waphiwa inwele ezinde njengesimbozo. 16 Nxa umuntu efuna ukuba lenkani ngalokho, kasilawo omunye umkhuba, lamabandla kaNkulunkulu kawalawo.

Ukuqondisa Ukungaphathwa Kuhle Kwesidlo SeNkosi

17 Kuziqondiso ezilandelayo angilincomi, ngoba imihlangano yenu yenza ububi obunengi kulobuhle. 18 Okokuqala, ngizwa kuthiwa nxa libuthene njengebandla, kulokwahlukana phakathi kwenu, njalo ngiphosa ngikholwe. 19 Akuthandabuzeki ukuthi kufanele kube lokungavumelani phakathi kwenu ukuba kubonakale ukuthi yibaphi abenu abamukelwe nguNkulunkulu. 20 Lapho libuthene, akusiSidlo seNkosi elisidlayo, 21 ngoba ekudleni kwenu, lowo lalowo wenu uyaqhubeka engamelelanga omunye. Omunye usala elambile, omunye adakwe. 22 Kanti kalilamakhaya yini okudlela lokunathela kuwo? Kumbe liyaleyisa yini ibandla likaNkulunkulu lidumaza lalabo abangelalutho na? Ngizakuthini kini na? Ngingalincoma ngenxa yalokhu na? Impela hatshi!

23 Ngoba eNkosini ngamukela lokho lami engakudlulisela kini ukuthi: INkosi uJesu, ngalobobusuku eyanikelwa ngabo, yathatha isinkwa, 24 kwathi isibongile, yasihlephuna yathi, “Lokhu kungumzimba wami, ongowenu; yenzani lokhu njengesikhumbuzo sami.” 25 Ngokunjalo, emva kokudla yathatha inkezo, yathi, “Inkezo le iyisivumelwano esitsha egazini lami; yenzani lokhu izikhathi zonke lapho liyinatha, njengesikhumbuzo sami.” 26 Ngoba lapho lisidla isinkwa lesi linatha lenkezo le, litshumayela ukufa kweNkosi ize ibuye.

27 Ngakho-ke, lowo odla isinkwa loba anathe inkezo yenkosi ngokungafanelanga uzakuba lecala lokwenza isono ngomzimba langegazi leNkosi. 28 Umuntu kumele azihlole phambi kokuba adle isinkwa loba anathe inkezo. 29 Ngoba lowo odlayo anathe engawukholwa umzimba kaKhristu udla anathe ukwahlulelwa kwakhe. 30 Yikho-nje abanengi phakathi kwenu bebuthakathaka begula, njalo labanye benu sebelele. 31 Kodwa nxa sizahlulela kasiyikwahlulelwa. 32 Lapho sisahlulelwa yiNkosi, siyajeziswa ukuze singalahlwa lomhlaba.

33 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane bami, nxa libuthene ukuba lidle, kumele lidle ndawonye. 34 Nxa omunye elambile, kabokudla ekhaya, ukuze kuthi lapho selibuthene kungabi lokwahlulelwa.

Ekufikeni kwami ngizalipha ezinye iziqondiso.

12

Izipho Zikamoya

1 Mayelana lezipho zikamoya, bazalwane, kangifuni ukuba lingaze lazi. 2 Liyakwazi ukuthi ngesikhathi lingakabi ngabakholwayo, ngezinye indlela laholelwa njalo ledukiselwa ezithombeni eziyizimungulu. 3 Ngakho ngiyalitshela ukuthi kakho okhuluma ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu othi, “UJesu kathukwe,” njalo kakho ongathi, “UJesu yiNkosi,” ngaphandle kokuba kungoMoya oNgcwele.

4 Kulenhlobo ezehlukeneyo zezipho zikamoya kodwa uMoya munye. 5 Kulezindlela ezehlukeneyo zokukhonza, kodwa iNkosi yinye. 6 Kulezindlela ezehlukeneyo zokukhonza kodwa uNkulunkulu munye njalo uzisebenza zonke ebantwini bonke.

7 Emuntwini ngamunye ukubonakaliswa kukaMoya kwenzelwa ukusiza umuntu wonke. 8 Omunye ngoMoya uphiwa amandla okukhuluma ngokuhlakanipha, omunye amandla okukhuluma ngokwazi ngaye uMoya munye lowo, 9 omunye uphiwa ukukholwa ngoMoya munye lowo, omunye uphiwa izipho zokusilisa ngawona lowo Moya munye, 10 omunye uphiwa amandla okwenza izimangaliso, omunye uphiwa ukuphrofitha, omunye uphiwa amandla okuhlola omoya, omunye njalo aphiwe ukuchasisa izindimi. 11 Konke lokhu kungumsebenzi kaMoya munye, njalo ukupha umuntu ngamunye, njengokuthanda kwakhe.

Umzimba Munye, Izitho Ezinengi

12 Umzimba munye lanxa ubunjwe ngezitho ezinengi; njalo lanxa izitho zawo zonke zinengi, zibumba umzimba owodwa. Kunjalo ngoKhristu. 13 Ngoba sonke sabhaphathizwa ngoMoya munye kulowomzimba munye, loba singamaJuda kumbe abeZizwe, izigqili loba abakhululekileyo, sonke saphiwa uMoya munye ukuba siwunathe. 14 Umzimba kawenziwanga ngesitho esisodwa kodwa ezinengi.

15 Nxa unyawo lungathi, “Njengoba ngingasisandla, kangisingxenye yomzimba,” ngalesosizatho alungeke lwekele ukuba yingxenye yomzimba. 16 Njalo nxa indlebe ingathi, “Njengoba ngingasilihlo, kangisingxenye yomzimba,” ngalesosizatho ayingeke yekele ukuba yingxenye yomzimba. 17 Aluba umzimba wonke wawulilihlo, pho ukuzwa kwakuzakuba ngaphi na? Aluba umzimba wonke wawuyindlebe, pho kwakuzanukwa ngani na? 18 Kodwa okuyikho yikuthi uNkulunkulu wabeka izitho zomzimba, zonke, njengayefune ukuba zibe yikho khona. 19 Aluba zonke zaziyisitho sinye, pho umzimba wawuzakuba ngaphi na? 20 Njengoba kunjalo, kulezitho ezinengi, kodwa umzimba munye.

21 Ilihlo alingeke lithi esandleni, “Kangikudingi!” Lekhanda alingeke lithi enyaweni, “Kangikudingi!” 22 Kodwa, lezozitho zomzimba ezikhanya zibuthakathaka ziyadingeka, 23 lezitho thina esicabanga ukuthi kazihlonipheki kakhulu siziphatha ngokuhlonipha okuthize. 24 Izitho ezihloniphisayo siziphatha ngokuhlonipha kakhulu. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wahlanganisa izitho zomzimba njalo usenike udumo olukhulu kulezozitho ezazingelalo, 25 ukuze kungabi lokwehlukana emzimbeni, kodwa ukuba izitho zawo zibe lokuzwelana okufananayo. 26 Nxa esinye isitho sibongwa, izitho zonke zithokoza laso.

27 Lina lingumzimba kaKhristu njalo omunye lomunye wenu uyingxenye yawo. 28 Ebandleni uNkulunkulu wabeka abapostoli kuqala kulabo bonke, okwesibili abaphrofethi, okwesithathu abafundisi, kwaba labenza izimangaliso, lalabo abalezipho zokusilisa, abalezokusiza abanye, abalezipho zokuthungamela, kanye lalabo abakhuluma inhlobo zezindimi ezehlukeneyo. 29 Bonke bangabapostoli na? Bonke bangabaphrofethi na? Bonke bangabafundisi na? Bonke bayazenza izimangaliso na? 30 Bonke balezipho zokusilisa na? Bonke bakhuluma ngendimi na? Bonke bayachasisa na? 31 Kodwa zifuneni ngokutshiseka izipho ezinkulu.

Uthando Lubalulekile

Khathesi-ke ngizalitshengisa indlela eyiyo enhle kakhulu.

13

1 Loba ngikhuluma ngendimi zabantu lezezingilosi, kodwa ngingelalo uthando, ngiyinsimbi nje ekhalayo loba izenge elincencethayo. 2 Loba ngilesipho sokuphrofitha, ngingaqedisisa imfihlakalo zonke kanye lokwazi konke, njalo nxa ngilokukholwa okungasusa izintaba, kodwa ngingelalo uthando, kangisilutho. 3 Loba nginganika abayanga konke engilakho nginikele lomzimba wami emalangabini, kodwa ngingelalo uthando, kangizuzi lutho.

4 Uthando luyabekezela, uthando lulomusa. Kalulamona, kaluzincomi, kaluzigqaji. 5 Kalusisosiqholo, kaluzifuneli okwalo, kaluphangisi ukuthukuthela, kalubambeli zikhwili. 6 Uthando kaluthokozeli okubi, kodwa luthokozela iqiniso. 7 Luhlezi luvikela, luhlezi lukholwa, luhlezi lusethemba, luhlezi lubekezela.

8 Uthando kalupheli. Kodwa lapho okuleziphrofethi khona, zizaphela, lapho okulezindimi khona, zizathuliswa; lapho okulokwazi khona, kuzakwedlula. 9 Ngoba sazi ingxenye, njalo siphrofitha ingxenye, 10 kodwa lapho ukuphelela kufika, ukungapheleli kuyanyamalala. 11 Ngisesengumntwana, ngakhuluma njengomntwana, ngacabanga njengomntwana, nganakana njengomntwana. Sengiyindoda, ngaziyekela izindlela zobuntwana. 12 Khathesi sibona kalufifi esibukweni; sizabuye sibone ubuso ngobuso. Khathesi ngazi ingxenye; ngizabuye ngazi okupheleleyo, njengoba lami ngisaziwa ngokupheleleyo.

13 Okuthathu lokhu kuma kunjalo: ukukholwa, ithemba lothando. Kodwa okukhulu kwalokhu luthando.

14

Izipho Zokuphrofitha Lezezindimi

1 Landelani indlela yothando lizifune ngokutshiseka izipho zikamoya ikakhulu isipho sokuphrofitha. 2 Ngoba okhuluma ngendimi kakhulumi ebantwini kodwa kuNkulunkulu. Impela kakho obezwayo, bakhuluma imfihlakalo ngoMoya. 3 Kodwa umuntu wonke ophrofithayo ukhuluma ebantwini ukuba abaqinise, abakhuthaze njalo abaduduze. 4 Lowo okhuluma ngolimi oluthile uyazakha kodwa lowo ophrofithayo wakha ibandla. 5 Ngifisa ukuba lonke likhulume ngendimi kodwa ikakhulu ukuba liphrofithe. Ophrofithayo mkhulu kulalowo okhuluma ngendimi, ngaphandle kokuba echasisa, ukuze ibandla lakheke.

6 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane, nxa ngifika kini ngikhulume ngendimi, ngilosizo bani kini, ngaphandle kokuba ngililethele ukwambulwa okuthile loba ukwazi loba isiphrofethi kumbe imfundiso, na? 7 Lezizinto ezingaphiliyo ezenza umsindo njengomhubhe loba ichacho, umuntu angalazi njani iculo elikhaliswayo ngaphandle kokuba kulomahluko empawini zomculo? 8 Njalo nxa icilongo lisitsho umbiko ongacacanga, ngubani ozalungela impi na? 9 Kunjalo-ke lakini. Nxa lingakhulumi amazwi azwakalayo ngolimi lwenu, umuntu uzakwazi njani elikutshoyo? Lizakuba likhuluma lomoya nje. 10 Akuthandabuzwa ukuthi kulenhlobonhlobo zezindimi emhlabeni kodwa zonke zilomutsho. 11 Nxa ngingakuzwa okutshiwo ngomunye, ngingowezizweni kulowo okhulumayo, laye ngowezizweni kimi. 12 Kunjalo-ke lakini. Njengoba litshisekela izipho zikamoya, zamani ukwenza okuhle kakhulu ngezipho ezakha ibandla.

13 Ngakho-ke, umuntu okhuluma ngendimi kumele akhulekele ukuba achasise lokho akutshoyo. 14 Ngoba nxa ngikhuleka ngendimi, umoya wami uyakhuleka kodwa ingqondo yami kayilazithelo. 15 Pho ngenzeni na? Ngizakhuleka ngomoya wami njalo ngizakhuleka langengqondo yami; ngizahlabela ngomoya wami njalo ngizahlabela langengqondo yami. 16 Nxa libonga uNkulunkulu ngomoya wenu, angatsho kanjani ozithola esephakathi kwalabo abangazwisisiyo ukuthi, “Ameni” ekubongeni kwenu, yena engakwazi elikutshoyo na? 17 Lingabe libonga kuhle sibili kodwa omunye umuntu kabusisekanga.

18 Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu ngoba mina ngikhuluma ngendimi ukudlula lina lonke. 19 Kodwa ebandleni ngithanda ukukhuluma amazwi amahlanu azwakalayo ngifundisa abanye kulamazwi azinkulungwane ezilitshumi ngendimi.

20 Bazalwane, yekelani ukucabanga njengabantwana. Mayelana lobubi, wobani zingane kodwa ekucabangeni kwenu wobani ngabadala. 21 Emthethweni kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Ngabantu bezindimi ezingaziwayo

langezindebe zabezizweni

ngizakhuluma lalababantu,

kodwa loba kunjalo kabayikungilalela,

kutsho iNkosi.”*

22 Ngakho-ke, izindimi ziyisibonakaliso, hatshi kwabakholwayo, kodwa kwabangakholwayo; kodwa ukuphrofitha ngokwabakholwayo hatshi abangakholwayo. 23 Ngakho nxa ibandla lonke libuthene umuntu wonke akhulume ngendimi, kuthi abanye abangezwayo loba abangakholwayo bangene, kambe kabazukuthi ingqondo zenu ziphambene na? 24 Kodwa nxa ongakholwayo loba omunye ongaqedisisiyo engena lapho abantu bonke bephrofitha, uzavunyiswa yibo bonke ukuthi uyisoni njalo ahlulelwe yibo bonke, 25 lezimfihlo zenhliziyo yakhe zizavezwa obala. Ngakho uzakhothamela phansi akhonze uNkulunkulu esithi, “UNkulunkulu impela uphakathi kwenu!”

Ukukhonza Okuhlelwe Kuhle

26 Pho sizakuthini, bazalwane? Lapho libuthana ndawonye, umuntu wonke ulehubo loba ilizwi lokufundisa, lokwambula, lezindimi, loba ukuchasisa. Konke lokhu kumele kwenziwe ukuze ibandla lakheke. 27 Nxa omunye ekhuluma ngendimi, ababili loba kungabangadluli abathathu, kumele kukhulume oyedwa ngasikhathi sinye, njalo omunye kumele achasise. 28 Nxa kungelamchasisi, okhulumayo kumele athule ebandleni, azikhulumele yedwa, kuye lakuNkulunkulu.

29 Kumele kukhulume abaphrofethi ababili loba abathathu, kuthi abanye bakuhlolisise ngokunanzelela okutshiwoyo. 30 Njalo nxa ukwambulelwa kufika komunye ohlezi phansi, okhulume kuqala kumele athule. 31 Ngoba lonke lingaphrofitha lintshintshana ukuze umuntu wonke afundiswe njalo akhuthazwe. 32 Imimoya yabaphrofethi iphathwa ngabaphrofethi. 33 Ngoba uNkulunkulu kasuye Nkulunkulu wengxabangxoza kodwa ungowokuthula. Njengasemabandleni wonke abantu beNkosi.

34 Abesifazane kumele bathule emabandleni. Kabavunyelwa ukukhuluma kodwa kumele bazithobe njengokutsho komthetho. 35 Nxa befuna ukubuza ngolutho oluthile, kumele babuze omkabo emakhaya ngoba kulihlazo ukuthi owesifazane akhulume ebandleni.

36 Konje ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lavela kini na? Kumbe lafika kini kuphela? 37 Nxa umuntu ecabanga ukuthi ungumphrofethi loba ukuthi ulesipho sikaMoya, kavume ukuthi lokhu engililobela khona kungumlayo weNkosi. 38 Nxa lokhu engakunaki, laye akayikunakwa.

39 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane bami, tshisekelani ukuphrofitha njalo lingenqabeli ukukhuluma ngendimi. 40 Kodwa izinto zonke kumele zenziwe ngendlela efaneleyo lehlelwe kuhle.

15

Ukuvuka KukaKhristu Ekufeni

1 Bazalwane, ngithanda ukulikhumbuza ngevangeli engalitshumayela kini, elalamukelayo njalo eselimi ngalo. 2 Ngalelivangeli liyasindiswa, nxa libambelela elizwini engalitshumayela kini. Nxa kungenjalo, selikholwe ize.

3 Ngoba engakwamukelayo lami ngakudlulisela kini njengokuqakatheke kakhulu: ukuthi uKhristu wafela izono zethu mayelana lemibhalo, 4 lokuthi wangcwatshwa, lokuthi wavuswa kwabafileyo ngosuku lwesithathu njengokutsho kwemibhalo, 5 kanye lokuthi wabonakala kuKhefasi, wasebonakala kwabalitshumi lambili. 6 Emva kwalokho wabonakala kubazalwane abadlula amakhulu amahlanu sikhathi sinye, inengi labo lilokhu lisaphila, lanxa abanye sebalala. 7 Wabuya wabonakala kuJakhobe, wasebonakala kubapostoli bonke, 8 kwathi ekucineni wabonakala kimi futhi, njengalowo ozelwe ngendlela engajayelekanga.

9 Ngoba mina ngingomncane kubapostoli njalo kangifanelanga lokuthiwa ngingumpostoli ngoba ngahlukuluza ibandla likaNkulunkulu. 10 Kodwa ngenxa yomusa kaNkulunkulu ngiyilokhu engiyikho njalo umusa wakhe kawubanga yize kimi. Hatshi, mina ngasebenza kakhulu kulabo bonke, kungayisimi belo kodwa kungumusa kaNkulunkulu owawukimi. 11 Ngakho langabe kwakuyimi loba kuyibo, lokhu yikho esikutshumayelayo njalo lokhu yikho elakukholwayo.

Ukuvuka Kwabafileyo

12 Kodwa nxa kutshunyayelwa ukuthi uKhristu wavuswa kwabafileyo, pho bangakutsho kanjani abanye benu ukuthi akukho ukuvuka kwabafileyo na? 13 Nxa kungekho ukuvuka kwabafileyo, loKhristu kavuswanga phela. 14 Njalo nxa uKhristu engavuswanga, ukutshumayela kwethu akusizi lutho njalo lunjalo lokholo lwenu. 15 Phezu kwalokho, singatholakala singofakazi bamanga ngoNkulunkulu ngoba sifakaze ngoNkulunkulu ukuthi wavusa uKhristu kwabafileyo. Kodwa kamvusanga nxa ngempela abafileyo bengayi kuvuswa. 16 Nxa abafileyo bengayi kuvuswa, ngakho loKhristu kavuswanga. 17 Nxa uKhristu engavuswanga kwabafileyo ukholo lwenu luyize; lilokhu lisezonweni zenu. 18 Lalabo abafa bekuKhristu balahlekile phela. 19 Nxa sithembele kuKhristu kulokhukuphila kuphela, sizazwelwa usizi kakhulu kulabantu bonke.

20 Kodwa ngempela uKhristu wavuswa kwabafileyo, izithelo zakuqala zalabo asebelele. 21 Ngoba njengoba ukufa kweza ngomuntu, ukuvuka kwabafileyo lakho kuza ngomuntu. 22 Ngoba njengoba ku-Adamu bonke besifa, ngokunjalo kuKhristu bonke bazaphiliswa. 23 Kodwa yilowo lalowo ngethuba lakhe: UKhristu, oyizithelo zakuqala; kuzakuthi ekubuyeni kwakhe, kuvuke labo abangabakhe. 24 Lapho-ke isiphetho sizafika esenikela umbuso kaNkulunkulu uBaba emva kokuba esechithe imibuso yonke, ubukhosi kanye lamandla. 25 Ngoba kumele abuse uNkulunkulu aze azibeke zonke izitha zakhe ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe. 26 Isitha sokucina esizachithwa, yikufa. 27 Ngoba uNkulunkulu “usebeke izinto zonke ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe.”* Kodwa nxa kuthiwa “izinto zonke” sezibekwe ngaphansi kwakhe, kusobala ukuthi lokhu akugoqeli uNkulunkulu yena ngokwakhe, owabeka izinto zonke ngaphansi kukaKhristu. 28 Lapho esekwenzile lokhu, iNdodana uqobo izakuba ngaphansi kwakhe yena owabeka izinto zonke ngaphansi kwakhe, ukuze uNkulunkulu abe yikho konke, kukho konke.

29 Nxa kungelakuvuka ekufeni, pho bazakwenzani labo ababhaphathizelwe abafileyo na? Nxa abafileyo bengavuswa, pho kungani abantu bebhaphathizwa ngenxa yabo na? 30 Thina-ke, sizifakelani engozini isikhathi sonke na? 31 Mina ngifa nsuku zonke, ngitsho khonokho bazalwane, ngeqiniso engiziqhenya ngalo ngani kuKhristu uJesu iNkosi yethu. 32 Nxa ngalwa lezilo zeganga e-Efesu ngenxa yabantu, ngazuzani na? Nxa abafileyo bengavuswa,

“Kasidleni sinathe,

ngoba kusasa sizakufa.”†

33 Lingedukiswa: “Abangane ababi bayasona isimilo esihle.” 34 Khumbulani ngengqondo zenu njengokumele likwenze, licine ukwenza izono; ngoba kulabanye abangamaziyo uNkulunkulu, ngitsho lokhu ukuze libelenhloni.

Umzimba Wokuvuswa Ekufeni

35 Kodwa omunye angabuza athi, “Abafileyo bavuswa njani na? Bazabuya belemizimba enjani na?” 36 Yeka ubuwula! Elikuhlanyelayo akuphili ngaphandle kokuba kufe. 37 Lapho lihlanyela, kalihlanyeli umzimba ozakuba khona kodwa inhlanyelo nje, mhlawumbe eyengqoloyi loba okunye lakho. 38 Kodwa uNkulunkulu uyinika umzimba njengokuthanda kwakhe njalo uhlobo ngalunye lwenhlanyelo ulunika umzimba walo. 39 Inyama yonke kayifanani: Abantu balohlobo lunye lwenyama, izinyamazana zilolunye, izinyoni olunye lenhlanzi olunye. 40 Njalo kulezidalwa zasezulwini lezidalwa zasemhlabeni; kodwa inkazimulo yezidalwa zasezulwini ingolunye uhlobo, lenkazimulo yezidalwa zasemhlabeni ingolunye. 41 Ilanga lilolunye uhlobo lwenkazimulo, inyanga olunye lezinkanyezi olunye; njalo inkanyezi iyehluka kwenye inkanyezi ngokukhazimula.

42 Kuzakuba njalo-ke ngokuvuka kwabafileyo. Umzimba ohlanyelwayo uyabola, uvuswa ungasaboli; 43 uhlanyelwa useyiswa, uvuswe ngenkazimulo; uhlanyelwa ubuthakathaka, 44 uvuswe usungumzimba olamandla.

Nxa kulomzimba wemvelo, ukhona njalo lomzimba womoya. 45 Ngakho kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Umuntu wakuqala u-Adamu waba yisidalwa esiphilayo”‡; kodwa u-Adamu wokucina waba ngumoya ophilisayo. 46 Owomoya kafikanga kuqala, kodwa owemvelo, emva kwalokho kwafika owomoya. 47 Umuntu wakuqala wayenziwe ngothuli lomhlabathi; umuntu wesibili wavela ezulwini. 48 Njengoba wayenjalo umuntu wasemhlabeni, banjalo lalabo abangabomhlaba; njalo njengoba enjalo umuntu ovela ezulwini, banjalo labo abangabasezulwini. 49 Njalo njengoba silesimo somuntu wasemhlabeni, ngokunjalo sizakuba lesimo somuntu ovela ezulwini.

50 Bazalwane, ngithi kini inyama legazi akungeke kudle ilifa lombuso kaNkulunkulu, lokubolayo akulidli ilifa lokungaboliyo. 51 Lalelani, ngilitshela imfihlakalo: Kasiyikufa sonke, kodwa sonke sizaguqulwa, 52 ngesikhatshana, ngokucwayiza kwelihlo, ngecilongo lokucina. Ngoba icilongo lizakhala, abafileyo bazavuswa bengabolanga, njalo sizaguqulwa. 53 Ngoba okubolayo kumele kuzigqokise ngokungaboliyo, lokufayo ngokungafiyo. 54 Nxa okubolayo sekugqokiswe okungaboliyo, lokufayo okungafiyo, kuzagcwaliseka isitsho esilotshiweyo esithi: “Ukufa kuginyiwe ekunqobeni.”§

55 “Kungaphi, we kufa, ukunqoba kwakho?

Lungaphi udonsi lwakho, we kufa?”*

56 Udonsi lokufa yisono, lamandla esono ngumthetho. 57 Kodwa kabongwe uNkulunkulu! Uyasinika ukunqoba ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu.

58 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane bami abathandekayo, manini liqine. Akungabi lalutho olulinyikinyayo. Zinikeleni ngokupheleleyo emsebenzini weNkosi izikhathi zonke ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi ukusebenza kwenu eNkosini akusilo ize.

16

Umnikelo Onikelelwa Abantu BakaNkulunkulu

1 Mayelana lomnikelo onikelelwa abantu bakaNkulunkulu: Yenzani lokhu engatshela amabandla aseGalathiya ukuba akwenze. 2 Ngosuku lwakuqala maviki wonke, yilowo lalowo wenu kabeke eceleni imali ethile kusiya mayelana leholo lakhe, ayigcine, ukuze kuthi ekufikeni kwami kungabi lokuqoqa okwenziwayo. 3 Ngakho-ke, ekufikeni kwami ngizabapha izincwadi zokubaveza labobantu elibakhethileyo ngibathume eJerusalema lesipho senu. 4 Kungabonakala kufanele ukuba ngihambe labo, bazangiphelekezela.

Izicelo ZikaPhawuli

5 Sengidlule eMasedoniya ngizakuza kini, ngoba ngizadlula eMasedoniya. 6 Mhlawumbe ngizahlala lani okwesikhatshana, mhlawumbe ubusika bonke, ukuze lingisize ohanjweni lwami, ezindaweni zonke engiya kuzo. 7 Kangifisi ukulibona khathesi ngilethekelela okwesikhatshana nje; ngithemba ngizahlala lani okwesikhathi esithile, nxa iNkosi ivuma. 8 Kodwa ngizahlala e-Efesu kuze kufike iPhentekhosti, 9 ngoba ngivulelwe umnyango omkhulu womsebenzi ophumelelayo, njalo banengi abangiphikisayo.

10 UThimothi angafika, libone ukuthi akulalutho alwesabayo eseselani ngoba uqhubeka ngomsebenzi weNkosi njengami. 11 Ngakho akungabi lomuntu owalayo ukumamukela. Medluliseni ngokuthula ukuze abuye kimi. Ngimlindele kanye labazalwane.

12 Mayelana lomzalwane wethu u-Apholo: Ngamncenga kakhulu ukuba eze kini labazalwane. Ubengafisi ukuhamba khathesi kodwa uzahamba lapho eselethuba.

13 Lindani; qinani ekukholweni kwenu; libe ngabantu abalesibindi, wobani lamandla. 14 Yenzani konke ngothando.

15 Liyakwazi ukuthi abendlu KaStefane baba ngamakholwa akuqala e-Akhayiya njalo sebazinikela emsebenzini wabantu beNkosi. Ngiyalincenga, bazalwane, 16 ukuba lizinikele kwabanjengalaba lakubo bonke abahlanganyela emsebenzini basebenze khona. 17 Ngathokoza ekufikeni kukaStefane loFothunathu kanye lo-Akhayikhu ngoba balethe obekusilela kuvela kini. 18 Ngoba bavuselela umoya wami kanye lowenu. Abantu abanjalo bafanele ukuqakathekiswa.

Ukuvalelisa

19 Amabandla asesifundeni sase-Ezhiya ayalibingelela.

U-Akhwila loPhrisila ngokuthokoza eNkosini bayalibingelela kakhulu, lenza njalo lebandla elihlanganela endlini yabo.

20 Bonke abazalwane abalapha bayalibingelela.

Bingelelanani ngokwangana okungcwele.

21 Mina, Phawuli, ngiloba ukubingelela lokhu ngesami isandla.

22 Nxa umuntu engayithandi iNkosi, kehlelwe yisithuko. Woza, awu Nkosi!

23 Umusa weNkosi uJesu kawube lani.

24 Uthando lwami kini lonke kuKhristu uJesu. Ameni.

* 1:19 1.19 U-Isaya 29.14

† 1:31 1.31 UJeremiya 9.24

* 2:9 2.9 U-Isaya 64.4

† 2:16 2.16 U-Isaya 40.13

* 3:19 3.19 UJobe 5.13

† 3:20 3.20 AmaHubo 94.11

* 5:13 5.13 UDutheronomi 17.7; 19.19; 21.21; 22.21, 24; 24.7

* 6:16 6.16 UGenesisi 2.24

* 9:9 9.9 UDutheronomi 25.4

* 10:7 10.7 U-Eksodasi 32.6

† 10:26 10.26 AmaHubo 24.1

* 14:21 14.21 U-Isaya 28.11-12

* 15:27 15.27 AmaHubo 8.6

† 15:32 15.32 U-Isaya 22.13

‡ 15:45 15.45 UGenesisi 2.7

§ 15:54 15.54 U-Isaya 25.8

* 15:55 15.55 UHosiya 13.14

2 AbaseKhorinte

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Incwadi KaPhawuli Yesibili

KwabaseKhorinte

1

1 UPhawuli, umpostoli kaKhristu uJesu ngentando kaNkulunkulu, loThimothi umzalwane wethu.

Ebandleni likaNkulunkulu eKhorinte, kanye lakubangcwele bonke kulolonke elase-Akhayiya:

2 Umusa lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu leNkosini uJesu Khristu kakube kini.

UNkulunkulu Wenduduzo Yonke

3 Makabongwe uNkulunkulu uYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, uBaba wesihawu loNkulunkulu wenduduzo yonke, 4 osiduduzayo kuzozonke inhlupheko zethu ukuze lathi siduduze abasekuhluphekeni ngenduduzo esiduduzwe ngayo nguNkulunkulu. 5 Njengoba inhlupheko zikaKhristu zigelezela ekuphileni kwethu, ngakho ngokunjalo futhi induduzo yethu iyaphuphuma ngoKhristu. 6 Nxa sihlupheka, kungenxa yenduduzo lokusindiswa kwenu; nxa siduduzekile, kungenxa yokududuzwa kwenu okulenza liqinisele ekubekezeleleni zona lezo zinhlupheko ezisihluphayo. 7 Ithemba lethu ngani liqinile ngoba siyakwazi ukuthi njengoba lahlanganyela ekuhluphekeni kwethu, ngokunjalo liyahlanganyela ekududuzweni kwethu.

8 Kasithandi, bazalwane, ukuba libe ngabangaziyo ngobunzima esabuzwayo esabelweni sase-Ezhiya. Sasilokuncindezeleka okukhulu, okungaphezu kwamandla ethu okuqinisela, saze saphelelwa lalithemba lokuphila. 9 Impela isigwebo sokufa sasizwa ezinhliziyweni zethu. Kodwa lokhu kwenzakala ukuze singazithembi thina ngokwethu kodwa uNkulunkulu, ovusa abafileyo. 10 Wasihlenga engozini ebulalayo, njalo uzasikhulula. Ithemba lethu silibeke kuye ukuba uzaqhubeka esihlenga, 11 lapho lisisiza ngemikhuleko yenu. Abanengi bazasibongela ngomusa omangalisayo esiwuphiweyo kuyimpendulo yemikhuleko yabanengi.

UPhawuli Uguqula Amalungiselelo

12 Thina sizincoma ngokuthi izazela zethu ziyafakaza ukuthi siziphathe kuhle emhlabeni, ikakhulu phakathi kobudlelwano bethu lani, ngobungcwele langobuqotho obuvela kuNkulunkulu. Lokhu kasikwenzanga sigxile ekuhlakanipheni kwasemhlabeni, kodwa ngomusa kaNkulunkulu. 13 Ngoba kasililobeli ngolutho elingeke lilubale loba liluqedisise. Njalo ngiyathemba ukuthi, 14 njengoba seliqedisisa okunye ngathi, lizaqedisisa ngokupheleleyo lizincome ngathi njengoba lathi sizazincoma ngani ngosuku lweNkosi uJesu.

15 Ngoba ngangilethemba kulokhu, ngangifuna ukwethekelela lina kuqala ukuze lisizakale kabili. 16 Ngangifuna ukulethekelela ekuyeni kwami eMasedoniya, ngedlule kini futhi sengivela eMasedoniya, beselingithuma-ke eJudiya. 17 Ngakunakana ngingabaza yini lokhu? Kumbe ngenza amalungiselelo ami ngendlela yasemhlabeni okokuthi ngasikhathi sinye ngithi, “Yebo, yebo,” ngibuye ngithi, “Hatshi, hatshi,” na?

18 Kodwa ngeqiniso njengoba uNkulunkulu ethembekile, ilizwi lethu kini kalisikuthi “Yebo,” lokuthi, “Hatshi.” 19 Ngoba iNdodana kaNkulunkulu, uJesu Khristu, eyatshunyayelwa kini yimi, uSayilasi kanye loThimothi, yayingasi “Yebo” lo “Hatshi,” kodwa kuyo kokuphela kwakungu “Yebo.” 20 Ngoba lanxa zizinengi kangakanani izithembiso uNkulunkulu azenzileyo zingu “Yebo” kuKhristu. Ngakho ngaye ibizo elithi “Ameni” litshiwo yithi sidumisa uNkulunkulu. 21 Njalo nguNkulunkulu owenza thina kanye lani siqine kuKhristu. Wasigcoba, 22 wasibeka uphawu lwakhe lokuba ngabakhe, wabeka loMoya wakhe ezinhliziyweni zethu njengesibambiso, esipha isiqiniseko sokuzayo.

23 Ngibiza uNkulunkulu njengomfakazi wami ukuthi kangibuyanga eKhorinte ukuze ngingalikhathazi. 24 Akusikuthi silibamba ngamandla ekukholweni kwenu kodwa sisebenza lani ukuze lithokoze, ngoba liqiniswa lukholo.

2

1 Ngakho ngenza isinqumo engqondweni yami ukuba ngingenzi olunye uhambo olubuhlungu lokuza kini. 2 Ngoba nxa ngilibangela usizi, ngubani omunye ozangithokozisa ngaphandle kwenu lina esengilibangele usizi? 3 Ngaloba ngokunjalo ukuze kuthi ekufikeni kwami ngingadaniswa yilabo obekumele bangithokozise. Ngalethemba lonke, ukuba lonke lizathokoza kanye lami. 4 Ngoba ngalilobela ngokukhathazeka okukhulu lobuhlungu benhliziyo njalo langezinyembezi ezinengi, hatshi ukuba ngilizwise ubuhlungu kodwa ukuba ngilazise ngokuzika kothando lwami kini.

Ukuthethelelwa kwesoni

5 Nxa kukhona obange usizi, kalubanganga kimi kangako, kodwa ngenye indlela ulubange kini lonke, ukuze kungedlulisi amalawulo. 6 Isijeziso asinikwe ngabanengi simlingene. 7 Esikhundleni salokhu, kumele limthethelele njalo limduduze, ukuze angagajelwa lusizi olukhulu. 8 Ngakho ngiyalincenga ukuba liluqinise futhi uthando lwenu kuye. 9 Isizatho sokulilobela kwakuyikuba ngibone ukuthi lingamelana lobunzima njalo lilalele ezintweni zonke. 10 Nxa lithethelela omunye umuntu, lami ngiyamthethelela. Njalo lokho esengikuthethelele, nxa kwakukhona okwakumele kuthethelelwe, ngithethelele phambi kukaKhristu ngenxa yenu, 11 ukuze uSathane angasiqilibezeli. Ngoba amacebo akhe siyawazi.

Izisebenzi Zesivumelwano Esitsha

12 Ekuyeni kwami eTrowasi ukuyatshumayela ivangeli likaKhristu njalo ngathola ukuthi iNkosi yayingivulele umnyango, 13 ngangilokhe ngingelakho ukuthula emoyeni wami ngoba ngingamtholanga umzalwane wami uThithu khonale. Ngakho ngavalelisa ngasengisedlulela eMasedoniya.

14 Kodwa-ke, kabongwe uNkulunkulu, yena osikhokhelela kokuphela njengabathunjiweyo ekunqobeni kukaKhristu njalo esenza sithele iphunga elimnandi lokumazi ezindaweni zonke. 15 Ngoba kuNkulunkulu siliphunga elimnandi likaKhristu phakathi kwalabo abasindiswayo lalabo ababhubhayo. 16 Komunye siliphunga elibi lokufa; komunye siliphunga elimnandi lokuphila. Ngubani olingene umsebenzi lo na? 17 Thina kasihambi sithengisa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu njengabanengi. Kodwa kuKhristu siyakhuluma phambi kukaNkulunkulu ngobuqotho, njengabantu abathunywe nguNkulunkulu.

3

1 Kanti sesiqala futhi ukuzethula na? Kumbe njengabanye abantu kumele sibe lezincwadi zokusikhulumela kini kumbe ezivela kini na? 2 Lina ngokwenu liyizincwadi zethu ezibhalwe ezinhliziyweni zethu, ezaziwayo lezifundwa ngumuntu wonke. 3 Liyabonakalisa ukuba liyincwadi evela kuKhristu, isithelo sokutshumayela kwethu, engabhalwanga nge-inki kodwa ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu ophilayo, hatshi ezibhebhedwini zamatshe kodwa ezibhebhedwini zezinhliziyo zabantu.

4 Ithemba elinjengaleli ngelethu ngoKhristu phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 5 Kungayisikho ukuthi siyenelisa ukwahlulela konke esikwenzayo kodwa ukwenelisa kwethu kuvela kuNkulunkulu. 6 Usiphe amandla okuba zinceku zesivumelwano esitsha, kungayisiso sokulotshiweyo kodwa esikaMoya; ngoba okulotshiweyo kuyabulala kodwa uMoya uletha ukuphila.

Inkazimulo Yesivumelwano Esitsha

7 Nxa imfundiso eyaletha ukufa eyayibhalwe ngamabala elitsheni, yeza lenkazimulo, ukuze abako-Israyeli bangabukhangeli kokuphela ubuso bukaMosi ngenxa yenkazimulo yabo, lanxa nje yayisifiphala, 8 kambe imfundiso kaMoya kayiyikuba lenkazimulo enkulu na? 9 Nxa imfundiso elahla abantu ilenkazimulo, pho inkulu kangakanani inkazimulo yemfundiso eletha ukulunga. 10 Ngoba okwakulenkazimulo khathesi akuselayo inkazimulo kuqathaniswa lenkazimulo enkulu. 11 Njalo nxa okwakufiphala kwaletha inkazimulo, pho inkulu kangakanani inkazimulo yalokho okungulaphakade!

12 Ngakho, njengoba silethemba elinje, silesibindi. 13 Thina kasinjengoMosi owamboza ubuso bakhe ukuze abako-Israyeli bangabukhangeli lapho inkazimulo yayisifiphala. 14 Kodwa ingqondo zabo zathundubezwa, ngoba kuze kube lamhla lesosembeso sisala sikhona lapho isivumelwano esidala sibalwa. Kasisuswanga ngoba sisuswa ngoKhristu kuphela. 15 Langalolosuku nxa kubalwa umlayo kaMosi, isembeso sembesa inhliziyo zabo. 16 Kodwa nxa umuntu ephendukela eNkosini, “isembeso siyasuswa.” 17 INkosi inguMoya njalo lapho okuloMoya weNkosi khona, kulokukhululeka. 18 Njalo thina, sonke esibonakalisa inkazimulo yeNkosi ngobuso obungembeswanga, siguqulelwa ekufananeni layo ngenkazimulo ekhula kokuphela, evela eNkosini, enguMoya.

4

Ubuthakathaka Bakhathesi Lokuvuswa Kwabafileyo

1 Ngakho, njengoba ngomusa kaNkulunkulu silale imfundiso, kasiphelelwa lithemba. 2 Kodwa-ke sizilahlile izindlela zangasese lezilihlazo; kasisebenzisi buqili loba ukuhlanekela ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Kodwa ngokubeka iqiniso obala, sizinikela kunembeza womuntu wonke phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 3 Lanxa ivangeli lethu lembesiwe, lembeswe kulabo ababhubhayo. 4 Unkulunkulu walesisikhathi usephumputhekise ingqondo zabangakholwayo, ukuze bangakuboni ukukhanya kwevangeli lenkazimulo kaKhristu, ongumfanekiso kaNkulunkulu. 5 Ngoba kasizitshumayeli thina ngokwethu, kodwa uJesu Khristu njengeNkosi, njalo thina njengezinceku zenu ngenxa kaJesu. 6 Ngoba uNkulunkulu owathi, “Ukukhanya kakube khona emnyameni,”* wenza ukukhanya kwakhe kwakhanya ezinhliziyweni zethu ukuba asiphe ukukhanya kokwazi inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ebusweni bukaJesu Khristu.

7 Kodwa inotho le silayo ezimbizeni zebumba ukubonakalisa ukuthi amandla amakhulukazi la avela kuNkulunkulu hatshi kithi. 8 Sincindezelwe kalukhuni enhlangothini zonke kodwa kasifihlizeki; sididekile kodwa kasilahlanga ithemba; 9 siyahlukuluzwa kodwa kasidelwanga; sitshayelelwa phansi kodwa kasibhujiswanga. 10 Sikuthwele njalonje emzimbeni yethu ukufa kukaJesu, ukuze ukuphila kukaJesu lakho kubonakaliswe emizimbeni yethu. 11 Ngoba thina abaphilayo sihlezi sinikelwa ekufeni ngenxa kaJesu, ukuze ukuphila kwakhe kubonakaliswe emizimbeni yethu efayo. 12 Ngakho ukufa kuyasebenza kithi kodwa ukuphila kuyasebenza kini.

13 Kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Ngakholwa; ngakho ngasengikhuluma.”† Ngalowomoya wokukholwa lathi siyakholwa, yingakho siyakhuluma, 14 ngoba siyakwazi ukuthi lowo owavusa iNkosi uJesu kwabafileyo lathi uzasivusa loJesu asethule kanye lani phambi kwakhe. 15 Konke lokhu ngokokusiza lina, ukuze kuthi umusa ofika ebantwini abanengi ungenza ukubonga kwande ukuze kudunyiswe uNkulunkulu.

16 Ngakho-ke, kasililahli ithemba. Lanxa ngaphandle sicikizeka kodwa ngaphakathi senziwa sibe batsha insuku zonke. 17 Ngoba ukukhanya kwethu lezinhlupheko zethu zesikhatshana zisilethela inkazimulo elaphakade, enkulu kulazo zonke. 18 Ngakho amehlo ethu kasiwakhangelisanga kokubonakalayo, kodwa kokungabonakaliyo, ngoba okubonakalayo kuyedlula, kodwa okungabonakaliyo kuyahlala laphakade.

5

Ukulindela Umzimba Omutsha

1 Siyakwazi ukuthi nxa ithente lethu lasemhlabeni lidilizwa, silesakhiwo esivela kuNkulunkulu, indlu yaphakade ezulwini, engakhiwanga ngezandla zabantu. 2 Okwakhathesi siyabubula, sifisa ukwembeswa ngekhaya lethu lasezulwini, 3 ngoba nxa sesembesiwe kasiyikutholakala sinqunu. 4 Ngoba nxa sisesekuleli ithente, siyabubula njalo siyasindwa ngoba kasifisi ukwembulwa kodwa ukwembeswa ngekhaya lethu lasezulwini ukuze okufayo kuginywe yikuphila. 5 UNkulunkulu nguye owasidala ngenxa yale injongo njalo wasinika uMoya njengesibambiso, eqinisa okuzayo.

6 Ngakho sihlezi silethemba njalo siyakwazi ukuthi nxa sisesekhaya emzimbeni, sikhatshana leNkosi. 7 Ngoba siphila ngokukholwa hatshi ngokubona. 8 Ngithi silethemba njalo ngingakhetha ukuba khatshana lomzimba ngisekhaya kanye leNkosi. 9 Ngakho sikwenza kube yinjongo yethu ukuyithokozisa, langabe sisekhaya emzimbeni loba kude lawo. 10 Ngoba sonke kumele sime phambi kwesihlalo sokwahlulela sikaKhristu ukuze lowo lalowo amukele okumfaneleyo, okwezinto azenzayo esemzimbeni, langabe ngezinhle loba ezimbi.

Imfundiso Yokubuyisana

11 Ngakho njengoba sikwazi ukuthi ukwesaba iNkosi kuyini, siyazama ukubancenga abantu. Lokhu thina esiyikho kusobala kuNkulunkulu njalo ngithemba kusobala lakuzazela zenu. 12 Kasizami ukuzibika kini futhi kodwa silinika ithuba lokuba lizigqaje ngathi, ukuze lenelise ukubaphendula labo abazigqaja ngokubonakalayo endaweni yalokho okusenhliziyweni. 13 Nxa sesiphambene ingqondo, kungenxa yokwenzela kwethu uNkulunkulu; nxa siphelele engqondweni, senzela lina. 14 Ngoba uthando lukaKhristu luyasifuqa, ngoba siyakholwa ukuba oyedwa wafela bonke, ngakho bonke bafa. 15 Wafela abantu bonke ukuze abaphilayo bangaziphileli bona ngokwabo kodwa lowo owabafelayo wavuswa njalo.

16 Ngakho-ke, kusukela khathesi kusiya phambili kasikhangeli muntu ngengqondo yasemhlabeni. Lanxa sake sakhangela uKhristu ngale indlela, kasisakwenzi. 17 Ngakho-ke, nxa umuntu ekuKhristu, uyisidalwa esitsha; okudala akusekho, sekufike okutsha. 18 Konke lokhu kuvela kuNkulunkulu owasibuyisela kuye ngoKhristu wasinika imfundiso yokubuyisana: 19 ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayebuyisa umhlaba kuye ngoKhristu, abantu engababaleli izono zabo. Njalo usesinike ilizwi lokubuyisana. 20 Ngokunjalo, singabameli bakaKhristu, ngokungathi uNkulunkulu wenza isikhalazo sakhe ngathi. Siyalincenga simele uKhristu sithi: Buyisanani loNkulunkulu. 21 UNkulunkulu wamenza waba yisono owayengelasono ngenxa yethu ukuze kuthi kuye sibe yikulunga kukaNkulunkulu.

6

1 Njengezisebenzi zikaNkulunkulu siyalincenga ukuba lingamukeli umusa kaNkulunkulu ngeze. 2 Ngoba uthi:

“Ngesikhathi esifaneleyo kimi ngalizwa,

langosuku lokusindiswa ngalisiza.”*

Zwanini, khathesi sekuyisikhathi esifaneleyo, khathesi lusuku lokusindiswa.

Inhlupheko ZikaPhawuli

3 Kasibeki zikhubekiso endleleni yomuntu ukuze imfundiso yethu ingasolwa. 4 Kodwa, njengezinceku zikaNkulunkulu sizethula ngazozonke izindlela: ngokubekezela okukhulu; ekuhluphekeni, ebunzimeni kanye lasezinsizini; 5 ekutshayweni, ekuvalelweni entolongweni laseziphithiphithini; ukusebenza nzima, ukungalali ebusuku kanye lendlala; 6 ukuhlambuluka, ukuqedisisa, ukubekezela kanye lomusa, ngoMoya oNgcwele langothando oluqotho, 7 ngokukhuluma iqiniso langamandla kaNkulunkulu; ngezikhali zokulunga esandleni sokudla lesenxele; 8 ngodumo langehlazo, ukukhulunyelwa kubi lokukhulunyelwa kuhle; siqotho, kodwa sikhangelwa njengabakhohlisi; 9 siyaziwa kodwa sikhangelwa njengabangaziwayo, abafayo, kodwa siqhubeka siphila; siyatshaywa kodwa kasibulawa, 10 sisosizini kodwa sihlezi sijabula; simpofu kodwa sinothisa abanengi; kasilalutho kodwa silezinto zonke.

11 Sikhulume kini sikhululekile, maKhorinte, sazivula ngokupheleleyo inhliziyo zethu kini. 12 Kasilugodli uthando lwethu kini kodwa lina liyalugodla olwenu kithi. 13 Okungaba yikuphana okuhle, ngikhuluma njengasebantwaneni bami, lani zivuleni ngokupheleleyo inhliziyo zenu kithi.

Lingadlelani Labangakholwayo

14 Lingahlanganyeli labangakholwayo. Ngoba ukulunga lobubi kulokuhambelana bani na? Loba yibudlelwano bani obungaba khona phakathi kokukhanya lobumnyama na? 15 Yikuzwana bani okukhona phakathi kukaKhristu loBheliyali na? Yikuhambelana bani okholwayo alakho longakholwayo na? 16 Yisivumelwano bani esikhona phakathi kwethempeli likaNkulunkulu lezithombe na? Ngoba thina silithempeli likaNkulunkulu ophilayo. Njengoba uNkulunkulu wathi:

“Ngizahlala labo

ngihambe phakathi kwabo

njalo ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo

bona babengabantu bami.”†

17 Ngakho,

“phumani kubo

lehlukane labo,

kutsho iNkosi.

Lingathinti lutho olungcolileyo,

mina ngizalemukela.”‡

18 Njalo,

“mina, ngizakuba nguYihlo,

lina lizakuba ngamadodana lamadodakazi ami,

kutsho iNkosi uSomandla.”§

7

1 Njengoba silezithembiso lezi, bazalwane abathandekayo, kasizihlambululeni ezintweni zonke ezingcolisa umzimba lomoya, siphelelise ubungcwele ngokwesaba uNkulunkulu.

Intokozo KaPhawuli

2 Sivuleleni inhliziyo zenu. Kasonelanga muntu, kasixhwalisanga muntu, kasenzanga nzuzo ngomuntu. 3 Kangitsho lokhu ukuba ngililahle; ngitshilo ngaphambilini ukuthi likhona ezinhliziyweni zethu okungenza siphile kumbe sife lani. 4 Ngilethemba elikhulu ngani; ngiyazigqaja kakhulu ngani. Ngiduduzekile kakhulu; kuzozonke inhlupho zethu intokozo yami kayilamikhawulo.

5 Ngoba ekufikeni kwethu eMasedoniya, umzimba wethu lo wawungelakuphumula kodwa sasikhathazwa ezindaweni zonke, ingxabano ngaphandle, lokwesaba ngaphakathi. 6 Kodwa uNkulunkulu oduduza abadanileyo wasiduduza ngokufika kukaThithu, 7 kungayisikho ngokufika kwakhe nje kuphela kodwa langokumduduza kwenu. Wasitshela ngokungikhumbula kwenu, usizi lwenu olukhulu, lokutshiseka kwenu likhathazeka ngami, ukuthokoza kwami kwaze kwaba kukhulu kakhulu.

8 Lanxa ngalibangela usizi ngencwadi yami, angizisoli ngayo. Lanxa ngazisola ngayo, ngiyabona ukuba incwadi yami yalikhuba, kodwa okwesikhatshana nje, 9 ikanti khathesi ngiyathokoza, hatshi ngoba ladaniswa kodwa ngoba usizi lwenu lwalenza laphenduka. Ngoba laba lusizi njengokujonga kukaNkulunkulu njalo thina kasizange sililimaze langayiphi indlela. 10 Usizi lokwesaba uNkulunkulu luletha ukuphenduka okuholela ekusindisweni kungatshiyi nsolo, kodwa usizi lwasemhlabeni luletha ukufa. 11 Khangelani ukuba usizi lokwesaba uNkulunkulu lolu selufezeni kini: ukutshisekela okungaka, lokufisa okungaka ukuba lizigeze, lentukuthelo engaka, lokwethuka okungaka ekuboneni ukulunga kusenziwa. Kukho konke libonakalise ukuthi lina limsulwa kule indaba. 12 Ngakho lanxa ngalilobela, ngangingajonganga owonayo loba lowo owonelwayo kodwa ukuba phambi kukaNkulunkulu lizibonele ngokwenu ukuthi lizimisele kangakanani kithi. 13 Konke lokhu thina kuyasikhuthaza.

Phezu kokukhuthazwa kwethu, sijabuliswa ikakhulu yikubona uThithu ethokoza ngoba lonke lasiza ngokwenza ukuthi umoya wakhe ube lokuthula. 14 Ngangizincomile kuye ngani njalo kalingiyangisanga. Kodwa njengoba konke esakutshoyo kini kwakuliqiniso, ngakho ukuzincoma kwethu kuThithu ngani lakho kubonakale kuliqiniso. 15 Njalo ukulithanda kwakhe kukhulu kakhulu lapho ekhumbula ukuthi lonke lalilalela, limamukela ngokwesaba langokuthuthumela. 16 Ngiyathokoza ngoba ngilethemba elipheleleyo ngani.

8

Ukuphana Kwabantu BeNkosi

1 Bazalwane, sithanda ukuba lazi ngomusa uNkulunkulu awunike amabandla aseMasedoniya. 2 Ekulingweni kwawo okunzima kakhulu lokuthokoza kwawo okukhulu kanye lobuyanga bawo bokucina kugcwele ukuphana okumangalisayo. 3 Ngoba ngiyafakaza ukuthi anikela okunengi njengayengakwanelisa, kanye lokudlula amandla awo. Bona ngokwabo, 4 basincenga ngokuphangisa ukuba babe lethuba lokuhlanganyela kulokhukusebenzela abantu beNkosi. 5 Kabenzanga njengesasikulindele kodwa bazinikela eNkosini kuqala, muva bazinikela kithi kuvumelana lentando kaNkulunkulu. 6 Ngakho-ke, samncenga uThithu, njengoba wayeseqalisile ngaphambilini, ukuba lawo awuqede umsebenzi womusa lo kini. 7 Kodwa njengoba lisenza kuhle ezintweni zonke, ekukholweni, ekukhulumeni, ekwazini, ekuzimiseleni okupheleleyo kanye lakukho ukusithanda kwenu, bonani ukuthi liyaqhubeka futhi kulumusa wokuphana.

8 Angilibekeli mlayo kodwa ngifuna ukuhlola ubuqotho bothando lwenu ngokuluqathanisa lokuzimisela kwabanye. 9 Ngoba liyawazi umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu ukuthi lanxa wayenothile kodwa waba ngumyanga ngenxa yenu, ukuze kuthi ngobuyanga bakhe lina linothe.

10 Njalo nansi iseluleko sami mayelana lalokho okuhle kakhulu kini kule indaba: Nyakenye libe ngabokuqala kungayisikho ekupheni nje kuphela kodwa lekubeni lesifiso sokwenza njalo. 11 Khathesi-ke uqediseni umsebenzi ukuze ukutshiseka kokufuna kwenu ukwenza kungalingana lokuwuqeda kwenu, kusiya ngalokho elilakho. 12 Ngoba nxa isifiso sikhona, isipho siyamukeleka kusiya ngalokho umuntu alakho hatshi ngalokho angelakho.

13 Isifiso sethu akusikuthi abanye bakhululwe lina lilokhu lincindezelekile kodwa ukuba kube lokulingana. 14 Ngenala yenu yalesisikhathi lizabanika abakuswelayo, ukuze kuthi labo ngenala yabo baliphe elikuswelayo. Lapho-ke kuzakuba lokulingana, 15 njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Lowo owabutha okunengi kabanga lokunengi kakhulu, lalowo owabutha okulutshwana kabanga lokulutshwana kakhulu.”*

UThithu Uthunywa EKhorinte

16 Kabongwe uNkulunkulu owabeka enhliziyweni kaThithu ukukhathazeka kunye engilakho ngani. 17 Ngoba uThithu kamukelanga isicelo sethu nje kuphela kodwa uyeza kini ngokutshiseka okukhulu njalo ngokuzithuma kwakhe. 18 Njalo kanye laye sithuma umzalwane obatshazwa ngamabandla wonke ngenxa yomsebenzi wakhe wokutshumayela ivangeli. 19 Phezu kwalokho, wakhethwa ngamabandla ukuba asiphelekezele sithwele umnikelo esiwuphetheyo ukuze sidumise iNkosi uqobo lokuba sibonakalise ukutshisekela kwethu ukusiza. 20 Sifuna ukuxwaya insolo ngendlela esiphatha ngayo lesisipho sokuphana. 21 Ngoba siyalwisa kakhulu ukuba senze okulungileyo, kungasikho emehlweni eNkosi kuphela, kodwa lasemehlweni abantu.

22 Phezu kwalokho, sithuma kanye labo umzalwane wethu ohlezi ebonakalisa kithi ngezindlela ezinengi ukuthi ukhuthele, ikakhulu khathesi ngenxa yethemba lakhe elikhulu kini. 23 UThithu yena-ke ungohlanganyela lami loyisisebenzi kanye lami phakathi kwenu; abazalwane bethu bona-ke bangabameli bamabandla lodumo kuKhristu. 24 Ngakho-ke, tshengisani abantu laba ubufakazi bothando lwenu kanye lesisusa sokuzigqaja kwethu ngani, ukuze amabandla wonke alubone.

9

1 Akudingeki ukuba ngililobele mayelana lalokhukusebenzela abantu beNkosi. 2 Ngoba ngiyakwazi ukutshisekela kwenu ukuba lisize njalo kade ngizincoma ngakho kwabaseMasedoniya, ngibatshela ukuthi kusukela nyakenye lina e-Akhayiya belizimisele ukunikela; njalo ukutshiseka kwenu kukhuthaze inengi labo ukuba baphathise. 3 Kodwa ngithuma abazalwane ukuze ukuzincoma kwethu ngani ngale indaba kungabi yize kodwa ukuba libe ngabalungiseleleyo, njengoba ngatsho ukuthi lizakuba lilungiselele. 4 Ngoba nxa abanye baseMasedoniya besiza lami, bengathola lingalungiselanga, singayangeka ngokulethemba ebesilakho. 5 Ngakho ngibone kufanele ukukhuthaza abazalwane ukuba balethekelele mandulo baqedise amalungiselelo esipho esihle elasithembisa sona. Ngalesosikhathi sizakuba sesilungile njengesipho esihle hatshi esinikelwe ngomona.

Ukuhlanyela Okunengi

6 Khumbulani lokhu: Lowo ohlanyela okunengi uvuna okunengi. 7 Umuntu ngamunye kanike lokho amise ukukunikela enhliziyweni yakhe, kungabi ngokudonda loba ukubanjwa ngamandla ngoba uNkulunkulu uthanda onikela ngokuthokoza. 8 Njalo uNkulunkulu ulamandla okwenza umusa wande kini ukuze kuthi ezintweni zonke ngezikhathi zonke, lilakho konke elikuswelayo, lizakuba lokunengi kuyo yonke imisebenzi emihle. 9 Njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Uchithele izipho zakhe kubayanga ezindaweni zonke;

ukulunga kwakhe kumi laphakade.”*

10 Lowo onika umhlanyeli inhlanyelo lesinkwa sokudla uzanika njalo aqhelise isiphala senu senhlanyelo, andise lesivuno sokulunga kwenu. 11 Lizanothiswa ngezindlela zonke ukuze liphane ngezikhathi zonke, kuthi ngathi ukupha kwenu kulethe ukubongwa kukaNkulunkulu.

12 Umsebenzi lo eliwenzayo kawuqedi zinswelo zabantu bakaNkulunkulu kuphela kodwa ugcwele amazwi amanengi okubonga uNkulunkulu. 13 Ngenxa yomsebenzi eselizibonakalise ngawo, abantu bazamdumisa uNkulunkulu ngenxa yokulalela lokuvuma kwenu ivangeli likaKhristu, kanye lomusa wenu ekwabelananeni labo kanye labanye futhi. 14 Ekulikhulekeleni kwabo, inhliziyo zabo zizakuba kini ngenxa yomusa ongelamkhawulo uNkulunkulu alinike wona. 15 Kabongwe uNkulunkulu ngenxa yesipho esingeke sichazwe.

10

UPhawuli Uvikela Imfundiso Yakhe

1 Ngenxa yokuthobeka lobumnene bukaKhristu ngiyalincenga, mina Phawuli “owethukayo” nxa ngilani ubuso ngobuso kodwa ngilesibindi nxa ngikude! 2 Ngiyalicela ukuthi ekufikeni kwami kungaze kwadingeka ukuba ngize ngibe lesibindi njengalokhu engikhangelele ukuba laso mayelana labanye abantu abacabanga ukuthi siphila ngokwezilinganiso zomhlaba lo. 3 Ngoba lanxa sihlala emhlabeni, kasilwi mpi njengokwenziwa ngumhlaba. 4 Izikhali esilwa ngazo akusizo zikhali zasemhlabeni. Kodwa zilamandla kaNkulunkulu okudiliza izinqaba. 5 Sichitha inkani lokuzazisa konke okuzibekayo kumelane lokwazi uNkulunkulu njalo siyayithumba yonke imicabango ukuba siyenze ibe ngemlalelayo uKhristu. 6 Njalo sizakuba silungele ukujezisa zonke izenzo zokungalaleli nxa ukulalela kwenu kungaphelela.

7 Lina likhangela kuphela lokho okubonakalayo. Nxa umuntu ekholwa ukuthi ungokaKhristu, kakhumbule njalo ukuthi lathi singabakaKhristu njengaye. 8 Ngoba lanxa ngizincoma kancane ngamandla iNkosi eyasinika wona ukuba lakhiwe kulokuba lichithwe, angiyikuyangeka ngakho. 9 Kangifuni ukuba kube sengathi ngiyalethusela ngezincwadi zami. 10 Ngoba abanye bathi, “Izincwadi zakhe zilesisindo lomfutho kodwa yena uqobo uyeyiseka lakukhulumayo kufana leze.” 11 Abantu abanjalo kumele bakwazi ukuthi lokho okukhanya siyikho ezincwadini zethu nxa singekho, sizakuba yikho kanye ngezenzo zethu nxa sesikhona.

12 Kasenelisi ukuzilinganisa loba ukuziqathanisa labanye abazibabazayo. Nxa bezilinganisa bona ngokwabo babuye baziqathanise bona ngokwabo, kabahlakaniphanga. 13 Kodwa thina kasizincomi kudlule imikhawulo efaneleyo. Kodwa ukuzincoma kwethu sikukhawulisa ebangeni uNkulunkulu asibekele lona, ibanga elifikayo lakini. 14 Kasedlulisi malawulo ekuzincomeni kwethu, njengokuba kungenzakala lapho kungabe kasizanga kini, ngoba safinyelela ukuzafika kini levangeli likaKhristu. 15 Njalo kasedluli mikhawulo yethu ngokuzincoma ngomsebenzi owenziwe ngabanye. Ithemba lethu yikuthi lapho ukukholwa kwenu kuqhubeka kukhula, indawo yethu yokusebenza phakathi kwenu izaqhela kakhulu, 16 sitshumayele ivangeli ezigabeni ezingale kwenu. Ngoba kasifuni kuzincoma ngomsebenzi ovele usuyenziwe endaweni yomunye umuntu. 17 Kodwa, “Lowo ozincomayo kazincome eNkosini.”* 18 Ngoba akusimuntu ozibabazayo onguye ovunywayo, kodwa umuntu onconywa yiNkosi.

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UPhawuli LabaPostoli Bamanga

1 Ngithemba lizabekezelela okuncane kobuthutha bami; kodwa livele selikwenza lokho. 2 Mina ngilobukhwele ngani ngobukhwele bokukholwa. Ngathembisa ukulendisela endodeni eyodwa, uKhristu, ukuze ngilethule kuyo liyintombi egcweleyo. 3 Kodwa ngiyesaba ukuthi njengo-Eva owakhohliswa yibuqili benyoka, ingqondo zenu zingaphanjulwa kancane ekuzinikeleni kwenu kuKhristu okuqotho lokungelasici. 4 Ngoba nxa umuntu angafika kini atshumayele uJesu ongasuye esamtshumayelayo thina, loba nxa lisamukela umoya ohlukene lalowo elawamukelayo, loba ivangeli elehlukileyo kulelo elalivumayo, likubekezelele lula kakhulu.

5 Kodwa kangicabangi ukuthi ngiyeyiseka okokucina kulabo “bapostoli abaphezulu.” 6 Ngingaba yisikhulumi esingafundiswanga kodwa ulwazi ngilalo. Lokhu sesikwenze kwacaca ngokupheleleyo kini ngezindlela zonke. 7 Kambe kwakuyisono yini ukuba ngizehlise ukuze ngiliphakamise ngokutshumayela ivangeli likaNkulunkulu kungekho mbadalo na? 8 Ngaphanga amanye amabandla ngokwamukela usizo kuwo ukuze ngilisebenzele. 9 Njalo lalapho ngikini kulolutho engangilufuna, kangibanga ngumthwalo lakubani ngoba abazalwane ababesuka eMasedoniya bangipha engangikuswela. Ngizithibile ekubeni ngumthwalo kini langayiphi indlela njalo ngizaqhubeka ngisenza njalo. 10 Ngeqiniso elinjengoba iqiniso likaKhristu likhona kimi, akulamuntu ezigabeni zase-Akhayiya ozangalisa ukuzincoma kwami lokhu. 11 Kungani na? Ngoba angilithandi na? UNkulunkulu uyakwazi ukuthi ngiyalithanda!

12 Njalo ngizaqhubeka ngisenza lokhu engikwenzayo ukuze amacebo alabo abafuna ithuba lokuba bakhangelwe njengabalingana lathi ezintweni abazincoma ngazo abe liphutha. 13 Ngoba abantu abanjalo bangabapostoli bamanga, izisebenzi ezikhohlisayo, ezizenza abapostoli bakaKhristu. 14 Akumangalisi ngoba loSathane uqobo uzenza ingilosi yokukhanya. 15 Ngakho akumangalisi nxa izinceku zakhe zizenza izinceku zokulunga. Isiphetho sazo sizakuba ngokufanele izenzo zazo.

UPhawuli Uyazincoma Ngokuhlupheka Kwakhe

16 Ngiyaphinda ngithi: Akungabi lamuntu ongithatha njengesithutha. Kodwa nxa lisenza njalo, ngamukelani ngendlela elingamukela ngayo isithutha ukuze ngizincome kancane. 17 Ngalokhu kuzincoma kwami ngesibindi, angikhulumi njengeNkosi kodwa njengesithutha. 18 Njengoba abanengi bezincoma ngendlela eyenziwa ngumhlaba, lami-ke ngizazincoma. 19 Labekezelela izithutha ngentokozo ngoba lihlakaniphe kangaka! 20 Ngeqiniso, lina libekezelela loba ngubani oligqilazayo loba ethola inzuzo ngani loba ezisiza ngani loba ezikhukhumeza loba elimakala ngempama ebusweni. 21 Ngivuma ngilenhloni ukuthi thina sasibuthakathaka kakhulu kulokho!

Lokho omunye umuntu angaba lesibindi sokuzincoma ngakho, ngikhuluma njengesithutha, lami ngilesibindi sokuzincoma ngakho. 22 BangamaHebheru na? Lami nginguye. Bangama-Israyeli na? Lami nginguye. Bayinzalo ka-Abhrahama na? Lami ngiyiyo. 23 Bazinceku zikaKhristu na? (Sengiphambene ingqondo ukuba ngikhulume kanje.) Mina ngedlula lokho. Sengisebenze nzima, ngibe sentolongweni kanengi, ngabhaxabulwa kakhulukazi, ngabekwa engozini yokufa njalonjalo. 24 Kahlanu ngatshaywa ngamaJuda imvimvinya ezingamatshumi amathathu lesificamunwemunye. 25 Kathathu ngatshaywa ngemiqwayi, kanye ngatshaywa ngamatshe, ngafelwa ngumkhumbi kathathu, ngachitha ubusuku losuku ngindenda olwandle, 26 kade ngihlezi ngingohambayo njalonje. Ngike ngaba sezingozini zemifula, ezingozini zezigebenga, ezingozini zabantu bakithi, ezingozini zabeZizweni, ezingozini edolobheni, ezingozini emaphandleni, ezingozini elwandle; lasezingozini zabazalwane bamanga. 27 Ngasebenza nzima, ngatshikatshika njalo kanengi ngingalali; ngezwa indlala lokoma, ngaswela lokudla kanengi; ngagodola njalo ngahamba nqunu. 28 Langaphandle kwezinye zonke izinto; ngibhekane lokuncindezelwa yikukhathazeka kwami ngamabandla wonke. 29 Ngubani obuthakathaka, mina ngingabuzwa lobo buthakathaka na? Ngubani oholelwa esonweni, ngingatshi ngaphakathi kwami na?

30 Nxa kumele ngizincome, ngizazincoma ngezinto ezibonakalisa ubuthakathaka bami. 31 UNkulunkulu uYise weNkosi uJesu, ozadunyiswa okungulaphakade, uyakwazi ukuthi kangiqambi manga. 32 EDamaseko umbusi ongaphansi kweNkosi u-Aretha walaya ukuba idolobho laseDamaseko lilindwe ukuze ngibotshwe. 33 Kodwa ngehliswa ngesilulu ewindini elalisemdulini, ngaphunyuka ezandleni zakhe.

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Umbono KaPhawuli Lameva Akhe

1 Kumele ngiqhubeke ngizincoma. Lanxa kungelalutho oluzuzwayo, mina ngizaqhubeka ngemibono langezambulo ezivela eNkosini. 2 Mina ngazi umuntu okuKhristu okwathi ngeminyaka elitshumi lane eyedlulayo wathathwa wasiwa ezulwini lesithathu. Langabe kwakuphakathi komzimba loba ngaphandle komzimba kangikwazi, kwazi uNkulunkulu. 3 Mina ngazi ukuthi umuntu lo loba phakathi komzimba kumbe ngaphandle komzimba, kangikwazi, kodwa uNkulunkulu uyazi, 4 wahlwithwa wasiwa ePharadise. Wezwa izinto ezingakhulumekiyo, izinto umuntu angavunyelwa ukuzitsho. 5 Ngazincoma ngomuntu onjalo, kodwa mina angiyikuzincoma, ngaphandle kwangobuthakathaka bami. 6 Lanxa ngingakhetha ukuzincoma, ngiyabe ngingesisithutha ngoba ngiyabe ngikhuluma iqiniso. Kodwa ngiyazibamba ukuze kungabikhona ozacabanga okunengi ngami kulalokho okufanele engikwenzayo loba engikutshoyo. 7 Ukuze ngenqabele ukuzikhukhumeza ngenxa yalezizambulo ezinkulu kakhulukazi, ngahlatshwa ngameva emzimbeni wami, ayisithunywa sikaSathane, ukuba angihluphe. 8 Ngalabhela eNkosini kathathu ukuba iwasuse kimi. 9 Kodwa yathi kimi, “Umusa wami ukwanele ngoba amandla ami apheleliswa ebuthakathakeni.” Ngakho ngizazincoma kakhulu-ke ngokuthokoza ngobuthakathaka bami, ukuze amandla kaKhristu ahlale phezu kwami. 10 Yikho-nje, ngenxa kaKhristu, ngithokozela ubuthakathaka, izithuko, inhlupho, ukuhlukuluzwa lokukhathazeka. Ngoba nxa ngibuthakathaka, kulapho-ke ngilamandla.

Ukunqineka KukaPhawuli NgabaseKhorinte

11 Sengenze ubuthutha, kodwa yini elingingenise kubo. Kade kufanele nginconywe yini ngoba kangiphansi okokucina “kubapostoli abaphezulu,” lanxa nje ngingasilutho. 12 Izinto eziphawula umpostoli zigoqela izibonakaliso, izimanga kanye lezimangaliso ezenziwa phakathi kwenu ngokubekezela okukhulu. 13 Laliphansi okunjani kulamanye amabandla, ngaphandle kokuthi angizange ngibe ngumthwalo kini. Ngithethelelani kulokhu!

14 Khathesi sengilungele ukuba ngilethekelele okwesithathu njalo angiyikuba ngumthwalo kini ngoba engikufunayo akusimpahla yenu kodwa lina. Ikanti belo abantwana akumelanga banakekele abazali babo kodwa abazali yibo okumele banakekele abantwababo. 15 Ngakho ngizathokozela kakhulu ukuchitha konke engilakho ngenxa yenu lami futhi ngizinikele. Ngingalithanda kakhulu, lina lizangithanda kancane na? 16 Loba kunjalo, mina angibanga ngumthwalo kini. Kodwa mina njengomuntu ohlakaniphileyo, ngalibamba ngobuqili! 17 Ngaliqilibezela yini ngomunye wabantu engabathuma kini na? 18 Ngacela uThithu ukuba eze kini njalo ngathuma lomzalwane wethu kunye laye. UThithu kazange aliqilibezele, waliqilibezela na? Kasisebenzanga ngamoya munye salandela indlela yinye na?

19 Isikhathi sonke lesi kade licabanga ukuthi besizivikela kini na? Kade sikhuluma phambi kukaNkulunkulu njengabakuKhristu; njalo konke esikwenzayo, bazalwane abathandekayo, ngokokuliqinisa. 20 Ngoba ngiyesaba ukuthi ekufikeni kwami angiyikulifica liyilokho engifuna libe yikho, mhlawumbe lani lingangifumani ngiyilokho elifuna ngibe yikho. Ngiyesaba ukuthi kungaba khona ukuxabana, umona, ukuthukuthela, imibango, isinyeyo, ukuhleba, ukuzikhukhumeza kanye lokuphithizela. 21 Ngiyesaba ukuthi ekufikeni kwami futhi uNkulunkulu wami uzangithoba phambi kwenu njalo ngizakuba lusizi ngabanengi abenze izono ngaphambilini njalo bengaphendukanga kulokho kungcola, isono sokufeba kanye lamanyala abangena kuwo.

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Izixwayiso Zokucina

1 Ukuza kwami kini lokhu kuzakuba ngokwesithathu. “Izindaba zonke kumele ziqiniswe yibufakazi babantu ababili loba abathathu.”* 2 Ngavela ngalixwayisa lapho ngilani okwesibili. Ngiyakuphinda njalo ngingekho: Ekubuyeni kwami futhi angiyikubayekela labo abenza izono ngaphambilini loba nguphi wabanye, 3 njengoba lifuna ubufakazi bokuthi uKhristu ukhuluma ngami. Yena kabuthakathaka ekuliphatheni kwakhe kodwa ulamandla phakathi kwenu. 4 Ngoba ngeqiniso, wabethelwa ebuthakathakeni, ikanti uyaphila ngamandla kaNkulunkulu. Ngokufanayo, sibuthakathaka kuye, ikanti ngamandla kaNkulunkulu sizaphila laye ukuba silisebenzele.

5 Zihloleni ukuba libone ingabe lisekukholweni, zihloleni. Kaliboni yini ukuthi uKhristu uJesu uphakathi kwenu, ngaphandle nje kokuba lehluleke ekuhlolweni? 6 Ngithemba ukuba lizafumana ukuthi thina kasisibo abehlulekileyo ekuhlolweni. 7 Siyakhuleka kuNkulunkulu ukuba lingenzi lutho olubi. Kungayisikho ukuba abantu babone ukuthi sifanele kodwa ukuba lina lenze okulungileyo lanxa singakhanya singabehlulekileyo. 8 Ngoba asingeke senze lutho oluphambene leqiniso kodwa olweqiniso kuphela. 9 Siyathokoza lapho singabe sibuthakathaka kodwa lina liqinile njalo umkhuleko wethu ngowokuba lipheleliswe. 10 Yikho-nje ngiloba izinto lezi ngingekho ukuze kuthi ekufikeni kwami ngingabi lukhuni ekusebenziseni kwami amandla, amandla okulakha engiwaphiwe yiNkosi hatshi ukulidiliza.

Ukuvalelisa

11 Okokucina, bazalwane, salani kuhle. Funani ukuphelela, lilalele isicelo sami, libe ngqondo yinye, lihlale ngokuthula. UNkulunkulu wothando lokuthula uzakuba lani.

12 Bingelelanani ngokwangana okungcwele.

13 Abantu bakaNkulunkulu bonke bayalibingelela.

14 Sengathi umusa weNkosi uJesu Khristu, uthando lukaNkulunkulu lokuhlanganyela kukaMoya oNgcwele kungaba lani lonke.

* 4:6 4.6 UGenesisi 1.3

† 4:13 4.13 AmaHubo 116.10

* 6:2 6.2 U-Isaya 49.8

† 6:16 6.16 ULevi 26.12; UJeremiya 32.38; UHezekhiyeli 37.27

‡ 6:17 6.17 U-Isaya 52.11; UHezekhiyeli 20.34, 41

§ 6:18 6.18 2 USamuyeli 7.14; 7.8

* 8:15 8.15 U-Eksodasi 16.18

* 9:9 9.9 AmaHubo 112.9

* 10:17 10.17 UJeremiya 9.24

* 13:1 13.1 UDutheronomi 19.15

AbaseGalathiya

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Incwadi KaPhawuli

KwabaseGalathiya

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1 UPhawuli umpostoli ongathunywanga evela ebantwini loba ngumuntu, kodwa nguJesu Khristu loNkulunkulu uBaba, owamvusayo kwabafileyo, 2 labo bonke abazalwane abalami.

Emabandleni aseGalathiya:

3 Umusa lokuthula akube kini kuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu leNkosini uJesu Khristu, 4 owazinikela ngenxa yezono zethu ukuthi asihlenge kulesisikhathi esibi, ngenxa yentando kaNkulunkulu uBaba wethu, 5 udumo kalube kuye kuze kube laphakade. Ameni.

Kalikho Elinye Ivangeli

6 Ngiyamangala ukuthi limdela masinya kangaka lowo owalibiza ngomusa kaKhristu njalo liphendukela evangelini elehlukileyo, 7 elingasivangeli langempela ngitsho. Kusobala abanye abantu bayaliphambanisa njalo bazama ukungcolisa ivangeli likaKhristu. 8 Kodwa lanxa thina loba ingilosi evela ezulwini ingatshumayela elinye ivangeli ngaphandle kwalelo esalitshumayela kini, kasilahlwe kuze kube nini lanini! 9 Njengoba sesivele sitshilo, lakhathesi ngiyatsho futhi ngithi: Lanxa kungaba ngubani otshumayela kini elinye ivangeli ngaphandle kwalelo elalamukelayo, kaqalekiswe nguNkulunkulu!

10 Kambe sengizama ukuzuza ukwamukelwa ngabantu loba nguNkulunkulu na? Kumbe njalo ngizama ukuthokozisa abantu na? Aluba lokhe ngizama ukuthokozisa abantu, bengingayikuba yinceku kaKhristu.

Ukubizwa KukaPhawuli NguNkulunkulu

11 Ngithanda ukuthi lazi bazalwane, ukuthi ivangeli engalitshumayelayo kaliveli ebantwini. 12 Kangilamukelanga emuntwini njalo kangilifundiswanga; kodwa ngalamukela ngokwambulelwa nguJesu Khristu.

13 Selizwile ngokuhamba kwami kwakuqala enkolweni yesiJuda, ukuthi ngalihlukuluza ngaliphatha ngochuku ibandla likaNkulunkulu njalo ngazama lokulichitha. 14 Ngangisiya phambili ngokholo lwesiJuda ukwedlula amaJuda amanengi ayintanga yami njalo ngangitshisekela imikhuba yabokhokho bami kakhulu. 15 Kodwa kwathi uNkulunkulu owangiphawula ngisesesiswini sikamama engibiza ngomusa wakhe, wathokoza 16 ukuthi aveze iNdodana yakhe kimi, ukuze ngitshumayele phakathi kwabeZizwe, kangibuzanga muntu. 17 Angizange ngiye eJerusalema ukuyabona labo ababengabapostoli ngingakabi nguye, kodwa ngahle ngaya e-Arabhiya. Emva kwalokho ngabuyela eDamaseko.

18 Emva kweminyaka emithathu, ngaya eJerusalema ukuze ngijayelane loKhefasi, ngahlala laye insuku ezilitshumi lanhlanu. 19 Kangibonanga lamunye wabanye abapostoli ngaphandle kukaJakhobe umfowabo weNkosi kuphela. 20 Ngikugcizelela kini lokhu phambi kukaNkulunkulu ukuthi lokhu engililobela khona akusimanga.

21 Ngasengisuka ngaya e-Asiriya kanye laseSilisiya. 22 Mina ngokwami ngangingaziwa emabandleni aseJudiya akuKhristu. 23 Ayesizwa umbiko nje kuphela usithi: “Umuntu owayesihlukuluza kuqala khathesi usetshumayela ukholo ake wazama ukuluchitha.” 24 Amdumisa uNkulunkulu ngenxa yami.

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UPhawuli Wamukelwa NgabaPostoli

1 Emva kweminyaka elitshumi lane ngaya eJerusalema futhi, ngalesisikhathi ngangiloBhanabhasi. Ngathatha loThithu futhi. 2 Ngaya khona njengokwambulelwa ngethula phambi kwabo ivangeli engilitshumayela kwabeZizweni. Kodwa lokhu ngakwenza ngasese kulabo ababekhanya bengabakhokheli. Ngangifuna ukuba lesiqiniseko sokuthi angigijimeli ize. 3 Ikanti loThithu owayelami kazange abanjwe ngamandla ukuba asoke lanxa wayengumGrikhi. 4 Indaba le yavela ngoba abanye abazalwane bamanga basebengene phakathi kwethu ukuba bahlole ukukhululeka esilakho kuKhristu uJesu ukuze basenze izigqili. 5 Kasibavumelanga lakancane ukuze iqiniso levangeli lihlale likhona kini.

6 Labo ababeqakathekiswa, loba beyilokho ababeyikho khona akwenzi mahluko kimi; uNkulunkulu kahluleli ngokubonakala ngaphandle, labobantu kabengezanga lutho elizwini lami. 7 Esikhundleni salokho babona ukuthi ngangiphiwe umsebenzi wokutshumayela ivangeli kwabeZizweni njengoPhethro owaphiwa umsebenzi wokutshumayela ivangeli kwabasokiweyo. 8 Ngoba uNkulunkulu, owayesebenza kuPhethro njengompostoli kwabasokiweyo, wayesebenza kimi futhi ekutshumayeleni kwami njengompostoli kwabeZizweni. 9 UJakhobe, loKhefasi kanye loJohane, abadume njengensika, banika mina loBhanabhasi ilungelo lokuhlanganyela labo lapho sebebone umusa engawuphiwayo. Bavuma ukuthi siye kwabeZizweni, bona baye kwabasokiweyo. 10 Abakucelayo kuphela nje yikuthi siqhubeke sikhumbula abayanga, yona kanye into engangitshisekela ukuyenza.

UPhawuli Uphikisa UPhethro

11 Ekufikeni kukaKhefasi e-Antiyokhi ngamphikisa sikhangelene ngoba wayesoleka. 12 Ngaphambilini kwafika abantu abathile bevela kuJakhobe owayevame ukudla labeZizweni. Kodwa sebefikile waqalisa ukuhlehlela emuva, wazehlukanisa labeZizweni ngoba wayesesaba ababengabeqembu lokusoka. 13 Amanye amaJuda lawo ahlanganyela laye kulokhukuzenzisa kwakhe, kwaze kwathi ngenxa yokuzenzisa kwawo uBhanabhasi waholelwa ekulahlekeni.

14 Kwathi lapho ngibona ukuba babengenzi okuhambelana leqiniso levangeli, ngathi kuKhefasi phambi kwabo bonke, “Wena ungumJuda kodwa uphila njengoweZizweni hatshi njengomJuda. Pho kwenzeka njani ukuba ubambe ngamandla abeZizweni ukuba balandele imikhuba yamaJuda na?

15 Thina esingamaJuda ngokuzalwa hatshi ‘izoni zeZizweni’ 16 siyakwazi ukuthi umuntu kalungisiswa yikugcina umthetho kodwa yikukholwa kuJesu Khristu. Ngakho-ke, lathi futhi, sibeke ukukholwa kwethu kuKhristu uJesu ukuba silungiswe yikukholwa kuKhristu hatshi ngokugcina umthetho ngoba kakho ozalungisiswa ngokugcina umthetho.

17 Kodwa nxa sisafuna ukulungisiswa kuKhristu, kube sokubonakala ukuthi thina ngokwethu siyizoni, lokho kutsho ukuthi uKhristu usekela isono na? Akunjalo lakancane! 18 Nxa ngikwakha kutsha lokho engakudilizayo, ngibonakalisa ukuthi ngiyisaphulamthetho.

19 Ngoba ngomthetho ngafa emthethweni ukuze ngiphilele uNkulunkulu. 20 Sengibethelwe kanye loKhristu, akuseyimi engiphilayo, kodwa uKhristu uphila phakathi kwami. Ukuphila engikuphila emzimbeni, ngikuphila ngokukholwa eNdodaneni kaNkulunkulu, eyangithandayo njalo yazinikela ngenxa yami. 21 Kangiwudeli umusa kaNkulunkulu ngoba nxa ukulunga kuzuzwa ngomthetho, uKhristu wafela ize.”

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Ukukholwa Kumbe Ukugcinwa Komthetho

1 Lina maGalathiya ayizithutha! Ngubani oliloyileyo? Phambi kwamehlo enu uJesu Khristu wabonakaliswa obala ebethelwe. 2 Mina ngifuna ukwazi into eyodwa nje kini: UMoya lamamukela ngokugcina umthetho loba ngokukholwa lokho elakuzwayo na? 3 Kanti liyizithutha kangaka? Emva kokuqalisa ngoMoya, khathesi selizama ukuzuza ukuphelela ngemizamo yabantu na? 4 Kanti lihlupheke kangaka lihluphekela ize na, nxa impela kwakungokweze? 5 Kanti uNkulunkulu ulinika uMoya wakhe abuye enze izimangaliso phakathi kwenu ngoba ligcina umthetho loba ngoba likholwa lokho elakuzwayo na? 6 Khumbulani u-Abhrahama: “Wamkholwa uNkulunkulu, kwabalelwa kuye njengokulunga.”*

7 Ngakho zwisisani ukuthi labo abakholwayo bangabantwana baka-Abhrahama. 8 Umbhalo wabona ngaphambili ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayezalungisa abeZizweni ngokukholwa, wahle wamemezela ivangeli ngaphambili ku-Abhrahama esithi: “Zonke izizwe zizabusiswa ngawe.”† 9 Ngakho labo abalokholo babusiswa kanye lo-Abhrahama, umuntu wokholo.

10 Bonke abathembe umthetho bangaphansi kwesiqalekiso ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Uqalekisiwe umuntu wonke ongaqhubeki esenza konke okulotshwe eNcwadini yoMthetho.”‡ 11 Kusobala ukuthi akakho olungisiswa ngomthetho phambi kukaNkulunkulu ngoba, “Abalungileyo bazaphila ngokukholwa.”§ 12 Umthetho kaweyamanga ekukholweni; kodwa, “Umuntu owenza izinto lezi uzaphila ngazo.”* 13 UKhristu wasihlenga esiqalekisweni somthetho ngokuba yisiqalekiso ngenxa yethu, ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Uqalekisiwe umuntu wonke olengiswa esihlahleni.”† 14 Wasihlenga ukuze isibusiso esaphiwa u-Abhrahama sifike kwabeZizweni ngoKhristu uJesu, ukuze samukele isithembiso sikaMoya ngokukholwa.

Umthetho Lesithembiso

15 Bazalwane, ake ngithathe isibonelo sokuphila kwansukuzonke. Njengoba engekho ongabeka eceleni loba engeze kusivumelwano sabantu esenziwe ngemfanelo, kunjalo-ke lakule indaba. 16 Izithembiso zatshiwo ku-Abhrahama lakunzalo yakhe. Umbhalo kawuthi “kwabenzalo,”‡ usitsho abantu abanengi, kodwa uthi, “lakunzalo yakho,” usitsho umuntu oyedwa, lowo kunguKhristu. 17 Engikutshoyo yilokhu: Umthetho owabekwa eminyakeni engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu (430) muva, kawusibeki eceleni isivumelwano esamiswa ngaphambili nguNkulunkulu ngalokho wesule isithembiso. 18 Ngoba nxa ilifa leyame emthethweni, ngalokho kaliseyamanga esithembisweni; kodwa uNkulunkulu ngomusa wakhe, walinika u-Abhrahama ngesithembiso.

19 Pho, yayiyini-ke injongo yomthetho? Wengezelelwa ngenxa yeziphambeko kwaze kwafika iNzalo eyayitshiwo yisithembiso. Umthetho wenziwa wasebenza ngezingilosi lomeli. 20 Kodwa umeli kameli icele elilodwa; kodwa uNkulunkulu munye.

21 Kambe ngalokho umthetho uphambene lezithembiso zikaNkulunkulu na? Akunjalo lakancane! Ngoba nxa kwakubekwe umthetho onika ukuphila, ukulunga impela kwakuzavela ngomthetho. 22 Kodwa umbhalo uvalele konke ngaphansi kwesono, ukwenzela ukuthi okwakuthenjisiwe, kuphiwa ngokukholwa kuJesu Khristu, sokungaphiwa labo abakholwayo.

Abantwana BakaNkulunkulu

23 Ukholo§ lolu lungakabi khona sasiyizibotshwa zomthetho, sivalelwe ukholo olwaluzakuza luze lubonakaliswe. 24 Ngakho umthetho waphiwa amandla okusiholela kuKhristu ukuba silungisiswe ngokukholwa. 25 Khathesi-ke njengoba ukholo selukhona, kasisekho ngaphansi kwamandla omthetho.

26 Lonke lingabantwana bakaNkulunkulu ngokukholwa kuKhristu uJesu 27 ngoba lonke lina elabhaphathizelwa kuKhristu selizembathise ngoKhristu. 28 AkulamJuda loba oweZizweni, isigqili loba okhululekileyo, owesilisa loba owesifazane, ngoba lonke limunye kuKhristu uJesu. 29 Nxa lingabakaKhristu, ngalokho liyinzalo ka-Abhrahama, lezindlalifa njengokutsho kwesithembiso.

4

1 Engikutshoyo yikuthi nxa indlalifa isesengumntwana, kayehlukananga lesigqili lanxa nje ingumnikazi welifa lonke. 2 Ingaphansi kwabaphathi lababambeli kuze kufike isikhathi esabekwa nguyise. 3 Ngokunjalo lathi ngesikhathi sisesengabantwana sasiyizigqili ngaphansi kwempi yemimoya yalumhlaba. 4 Kodwa kwathi lapho isikhathi sesifike ngokupheleleyo, uNkulunkulu wathuma iNdodana yakhe, yazalwa ngowesifazane, izalwa ngaphansi komthetho, 5 ukuba ihlenge abangaphansi komthetho, ukuze sithole amalungelo apheleleyo amadodana atholakeleyo. 6 Njengokuba lingamadodana, uNkulunkulu wathumela uMoya weNdodana yakhe enhliziyweni zenu, omemezayo usithi, “Abha, Baba.” 7 Ngakho kawuseyiso isigqili kodwa indodana kaNkulunkulu; njalo njengoba usuyindodana, uNkulunkulu usekwenze waba yindlalifa futhi.

Ukuphatheka KukaPhawuli NgamaGalathiya

8 Ekuqaleni, lingakamazi uNkulunkulu laliyizigqili zalabo abangayisibo onkulunkulu ngemvelo. 9 Kodwa khathesi uNkulunkulu selimazi, loba ngithi uNkulunkulu uselazi, pho kungani libuyela emuva empini yemimoya yalumhlaba ebuthakathaka leyize na? Liyafisa ukuthi ligqilazwe yiyo njalo na? 10 Lina ligcina insuku ezithile lezinyanga, izikhathi zomnyaka kanye leminyaka! 11 Ngiyalesabela, ukuthi ngenye indlela sengichithe imizamo yami kini.

12 Ngiyalincenga bazalwane, wobani njengami, ngoba lami ngaba njengani. Kalingenzelanga lutho olubi. 13 Njengoba lisazi, ngatshumayela ivangeli kini kuqala ngenxa yomkhuhlane. 14 Lanxa isimo somzimba wami sasiyisilingo kini, kalizange lingeyise kumbe lingihleke. Kodwa langamukela sengathi ngangiyingilosi kaNkulunkulu, sengathi nganginguKhristu uJesu yena ngokwakhe. 15 Intokozo yenu yonke isiyengaphi na? Ngingafakaza ukuthi aluba lalingenzanjalo, lalingakopola amehlo enu linginike wona. 16 Khathesi sengibe yisitha senu ngokulitshela iqiniso na?

17 Labobantu batshisekela ukulenza abazalwane babo, kodwa hatshi ngobuhle. Abakufunayo yikulehlukanisa lathi ukuze litshisekele bona. 18 Ukutshiseka kulungile nxa injongo inhle, lokuba kube njalo kokuphela, hatshi kuphela nxa ngilani. 19 Bantwabami abathandekayo, lina engilomhelo ngani futhi uKhristu aze abunjwe phakathi kwenu, 20 ngiyafisa kakhulu ukuba lani khathesi ngiguqule isimo sami, ngoba ngikhathazekile ngani!

UHagari LoSara

21 Ngitshelani lina elifuna ukuba ngaphansi komthetho, kalikwazi yini ukuthi umthetho uthini? 22 Ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi u-Abhrahama wayelamadodana amabili, enye ingeyesigqilikazi lenye ingeyowesifazane okhululekileyo. 23 Indodana yakhe yesigqilikazi yazalwa ngokwenyama; kodwa indodana yakhe yowesifazane okhululekileyo yazalwa kulandela isithembiso.

24 Izinto lezi zingathathwa njengomzekeliso; ngoba abesifazane ababili bamele izivumelwano ezimbili. Esinye isivumelwano sivela eNtabeni yeSinayi e-Arabhiya njalo sizala abantwana abazakuba yizigqili: Lo nguHagari. 25 UHagari umele iNtaba yeSinayi e-Arabhiya njalo uhambelana ledolobho lakhathesi eleJerusalema, ngoba lisebugqilini kanye labantwana balo. 26 Kodwa iJerusalema ephezulu ikhululekile, njalo ingumama wethu. 27 Ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi:

“Thokoza mfazi oyinyumba,

wena ongazange uzale umntwana;

umemeze ngenjabulo ukhale kakhulu,

wena ongakaze uhelelwe;

ngoba abantwana bomfazi olahliweyo banengi

kulabalowo olendoda.”*

28 Ngakho lina bazalwane, njengo-Isaka, lingabantwana besithembiso. 29 Ngalesosikhathi indodana eyazalwa ngokwenyama yahlukuluza indodana eyazalwa ngamandla kaMoya. Kunjalo lakhathesi. 30 Kodwa umbhalo uthini na? Uthi: “Susa isigqilikazi lendodana yaso, ngoba indodana yesigqilikazi kayiyikwabelana ilifa lendodana yowesifazane okhululekileyo.”† 31 Ngakho, bazalwane, thina kasisibo bantwana besigqilikazi, kodwa abowesifazane okhululekileyo.

5

Ukukhululeka KuKhristu

1 UKhristu wasikhululela ukuthi sibe lenkululeko. Ngakho manini liqine, lingavumeli ukuthi libotshelwe futhi ejogeni lobugqili.

2 Qaphelani amazwi ami! Mina Phawuli, ngiyalitshela ukuthi lingavuma ukusoka, uKhristu kayikuba lusizo kini. 3 Njalo ngiyaqinisa ebantwini bonke abavumayo ukusoka ukuthi balomlandu wokulalela umthetho wonke. 4 Lina elizama ukulungisiswa ngomthetho selehlukaniswe loKhristu; selehlukane lomusa. 5 Kodwa ngokukholwa siholwa nguMoya silindele ithemba lokulunga ngokutshiseka. 6 Ngoba kuKhristu uJesu ukusoka loba ukungasoki akulasizo. Into kuphela eyiyo eqakathekileyo yikukholwa okuzibonakalisa ngothando.

7 Kade lihamba kuhle. Ngubani olikhuphe ekulandeleni iqiniso na? 8 Ukuncenga okunjalo kakuveli kulowo olibizayo. 9 “Imvubelo encinyazana ibilisa inhlama yonke.” 10 Ngiyathemba eNkosini ukuthi kaliyikwamukela omunye umnakano. Lowo olibeka phakathi kwenyakanyaka uzajeziswa, loba engubani. 11 Bazalwane, nxa ngisatshumayela ngokusoka, pho kungani ngilokhu ngihlukuluzwa? Nxa kunjalo isikhubekiso sesiphambano sesisusiwe. 12 Labo abahluphayo, ngifisa ukuthi ngabe bayaqhubeka bazithene!

Ukuphila NgoMoya

13 Lina bazalwane bami, labizelwa ukuthi likhululeke. Kodwa lingasebenzisi inkululeko yenu ukuthokozisa inyama*; kodwa sizanani omunye lomunye lizehlisa ngothando. 14 Umthetho wonke uhlanganiswa ngumlayo owodwa othi: “Thanda umakhelwane wakho njengoba uzithanda.”† 15 Nxa liqhubeka lilumana lokudlanana, qaphelani hlezi liqedane du.

16 Ngakho ngithi philani ngoMoya, kaliyikuthokozisa izinkanuko zenu zenyama. 17 Ngoba imvelo yesono ikhanuka okuphambene loMoya, loMoya ufuna okuphambene lemvelo yesono. Kuyaphikisana ukuze lingenzi elikuthandayo. 18 Kodwa nxa likhokhelwa nguMoya, kalikho ngaphansi komthetho.

19 Izenzo zenyama zisobala: ukuhlobonga, lokungesabi ukujeziswa, lokuxhwala; 20 ukukhonza izithombe lobuthakathi; inzondo lokuxabana, umona lentukuthelo, lobuhwaba, ukungezwani lokungavumelani 21 lomhawu; ukudakwa lokuzitika ngamanyala kanye lokunye okunjalo. Ngiyalixwayisa, njengoba lami ngaphila phakathi kwakho ukuthi abaphila kanje kabayikulidla ilifa lombuso kaNkulunkulu.

22 Kodwa izithelo zikaMoya luthando, lokuthokoza, lokuthula, lokubekezela, lomusa, lokulunga, lokuthembeka, 23 lobumnene kanye lokuzithiba. Ezintweni ezinje akulamthetho. 24 Labo abangabakaKhristu uJesu sebayibethela esiphambanweni imvelo yabo yesono lokufutheka kwayo kanye lezinkanuko. 25 Njengoba siphila ngoMoya, kasenzeni okuhambelana loMoya. 26 Kasingazikhukhumezi, singaqalani kumbe senzelane umona.

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Ukwenza Okulungileyo Kubo Bonke

1 Bazalwane, nxa umuntu ethunjwe yisono esithile lina eliphila ngokoMoya kumele limbuyise kakuhle. Kodwa lizinanzelele ukuthi lani futhi lingalingwa. 2 Thwalani imithwalo yomunye lomunye, ngalokho lizagcwalisa umthetho kaKhristu. 3 Nxa umuntu ezitshaya ulutho yena engasilutho, uyazikhohlisa. 4 Umuntu munye ngamunye kahlole izenzo zakhe. Ngalokho angaziqhenya, kungekho ukuziqathanisa lomunye, 5 ngoba lowo lalowo kumele athwale umthwalo wakhe. 6 Loba ngubani othola ukufundiswa ngelizwi umele abelane zonke izinto ezinhle lalowo omfundisayo.

7 Lingakhohliswa: UNkulunkulu kahlekwa. Umuntu uvuna lokho akuhlanyelayo. 8 Lowo ohlanyela ukuthokozisa inyama yakhe, kuleyonyama uzavuna ukuchitheka; lowo ohlanyela ukuthokozisa uMoya, kuMoya uzavuna ukuphila okulaphakade. 9 Kasingadinwa yikwenza okuhle ngoba ngesikhathi esifaneleyo sizavuna isivuno nxa singadeli. 10 Ngakho-ke, njengokuba silethuba kasenzeni okulungileyo ebantwini bonke ikakhulu kulabo abangabemuli yabakholwayo.

Hatshi Ukusoka Kodwa Indalo Entsha

11 Khangelani ukuthi makhulu kanganani amabala engiwasebenzisayo lapho ngililobela ngesami isandla!

12 Labo abafuna ukubukwa enyameni bazama ukulincindezela ukuba lisoke. Isizatho sokuba benze lokhu yikuba babalekele ukuhlukuluzelwa isiphambano sikaKhristu kuphela. 13 Lalabo abasokileyo kabawulaleli umthetho kodwa bafuna ukuba lisoke ukuze bazincome ngemizimba yenu. 14 Mina kangingazincomi lanini ngaphandle kwangesiphambano seNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, umhlaba wonke owabethelwa ngaso kimi, lami njalo emhlabeni. 15 Ukusoka loba ukungasoki akutsho lutho; okuqakathekileyo yikudalwa kutsha. 16 Ukuthula lesihawu kubo bonke abalandela umthetho lo, kanye laku-Israyeli kaNkulunkulu.

17 Okokucina, akungabi lamuntu ongibangela uhlupho, ngoba emzimbeni wami ngilempawu zikaJesu.

18 Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu kawube lomoya wenu bazalwane. Ameni.

* 3:6 3.6 UGenesisi 15.6

† 3:8 3.8 UGenesisi 12.3; 18.18; 22.18

‡ 3:10 3.10 UDutheronomi 27.26

§ 3:11 3.11 UHabhakhukhi 2.4

* 3:12 3.12 ULevi 18.5

† 3:13 3.13 UDutheronomi 21.23

‡ 3:16 3.16 UGenesisi 12.7; 13.15; 24.7

§ 3:23 3.23 ukukholwa kuJesu Khristu

* 4:27 4.27 U-Isaya 54.1

† 4:30 4.30 UGenesisi 21.10

* 5:13 5.13 ibala elithi inyama ngesiGrikhi litsho imvelo yesono okuyindlela yokona koluntu okuphambene lokwenza intando kaMoya; lelibala litholakala lakuvesi 16, 17, 19 lo 24 kanye laku 6.8.

† 5:14 5.14 ULevi 19.18

Abase-Efesu

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2

3

4

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Incwadi KaPhawuli

Kwabase-Efesu

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1 UPhawuli, umpostoli kaKhristu uJesu ngentando kaNkulunkulu,

Lakwabangcwele bakaNkulunkulu abase-Efesu, abathembekileyo kuKhristu uJesu:

2 Umusa lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba leNkosini uJesu Khristu kakube kini.

Izibusiso ZikaMoya KuKhristu

3 Udumo kalube kuNkulunkulu uYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, osibusise ebukhosini basezulwini ngezibusiso zonke zakomoya kuKhristu. 4 Ngoba wasikhetha umhlaba ungakadalwa ukuthi sibe ngcwele lokuthi singabi lasici ebusweni bakhe. Ngothando 5 wasimisela ukuba senziwe amadodana akhe ngoJesu Khristu, ngokwentokozo yakhe kanye lentando yakhe, 6 ukuze kudunyiswe umusa wakhe omangalisayo asiphe wona ngesihle kuLowo amthandayo. 7 Kuye silokuhlengwa ngegazi lakhe lokuthethelelwa kwezono ngokwenotho yomusa kaNkulunkulu 8 awuthululele phezu kwethu ngenhlakanipho yonke langokuqedisisa. 9 Wasazisa imfihlakalo yentando yakhe mayelana lentokozo yakhe elungileyo ayiceba kuKhristu, 10 ukuba kuhlanganiswe ndawonye zonke izinto ezisezulwini lasemhlabeni ngaphansi kwenhloko yinye enguKhristu.

11 Sakhethwa kuye,* simiselwe lokho ngokwecebo lakhe yena osebenza izinto zonke ngokuvumelana lenjongo yentando yakhe, 12 ukuze kuthi thina esaba ngabokuqala ukubeka ithemba lethu kuKhristu sibe ngabokubonga udumo lwakhe. 13 Lani labalwa kanye loKhristu lapho selizwe ilizwi leqiniso, levangeli lokusindiswa kwenu. Selikholwe kuye, labekwa uphawu, uMoya oNgcwele owathenjiswayo, 14 oyisibambiso esiyisiqiniselo selifa lethu kuze kufike ukuhlengwa kwalabo abangabakaNkulunkulu ukuba kudunyiswe udumo lwakhe.

Ukubonga Lokukhuleka

15 Ngenxa yalokhu, sekulokhu ngezwa ngokukholwa kwenu eNkosini uJesu kanye lothando lwenu kubo bonke abantu bakaNkulunkulu abangcwele, 16 angikaze ngiyekele ukulibongela lokulikhumbula emikhulekweni yami. 17 Ngiyaqhubeka ngicela ukuba uNkulunkulu weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, uYise oyinkazimulo, alinike uMoya wokuhlakanipha lokwambulelwa ukuze limazi ngcono. 18 Ngikhulekela njalo lokuthi amehlo ezinhliziyo zenu akhanyiselwe ukuze lilazi ithemba alibizela kulo, inotho yelifa lakhe elimangalisayo kwabangcwele, 19 lamandla akhe amakhulu angelakulinganiswa kithi thina esikholwayo. Amandla lawo afana lokusebenza kwamandla akhe amakhulu 20 awasebenzisa evusa uKhristu kwabafileyo, emhlalisa esandleni sakhe sokunene ebukhosini basezulwini 21 phezu kokubusa konke lobukhosi, amandla kanye lombuso, lamabizo wonke angatshiwo, kungayisikho kwalesisikhathi kuphela kodwa lakuleso esizayo. 22 UNkulunkulu wabeka izinto zonke ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe wamkhetha ukuba abe yinhloko yezinto zonke zebandla, 23 lona elingumzimba wakhe, ukuphelela kwakhe yena ophelelisa izinto zonke ngezindlela zonke.

2

Senziwa Saba Ngabaphilayo KuKhristu

1 Lina lalifile eziphambekweni lasezonweni zenu, 2 elaliphila kuzo ngesikhathi lisalandela izindlela zalo umhlaba lezombusi wombuso wasemoyeni, umoya osebenzayo lakhathesi kulabo abangalaleliyo. 3 Lathi sonke sake saphila phakathi kwabo ekuqaleni, sithokozisa izinkanuko zemvelo yethu yesono, silandela lezifiso kanye lemicabango yazo. Njengabanye, ngokwemvelo sasifanele ulaka. 4 Kodwa ngenxa yothando lwakhe olukhulu kithi, uNkulunkulu olesihawu esikhulu, 5 wasenza saba ngabaphilayo loKhristu lanxa sasifile eziphambekweni, ngomusa selisindisiwe. 6 UNkulunkulu wasivusa ekufeni kanye loKhristu wasihlalisa laye ebukhosini basezulwini kuKhristu uJesu 7 ukuze kuthi ezikhathini ezizayo atshengise inotho yomusa wakhe engeke ilinganiswe, ebalulwe yibubele bakhe kithi kuKhristu uJesu. 8 Ngoba ngomusa lisindisiwe, kungokukholwa njalo lokhu akuveli kini, kuyisipho sikaNkulunkulu, 9 hatshi ngemisebenzi, ukuze kungabi lozazincoma. 10 Ngoba siyibuciko bukaNkulunkulu, sidalelwe kuKhristu uJesu ukuba senze imisebenzi emihle, uNkulunkulu ayilungisa ngaphambili ukuba siyenze.

UmJuda LoweZizweni Babuyiswa NgoKhristu

11 Ngakho, khumbulani ukuthi kuqala lina elingabeZizweni ngokuzalwa njalo elibizwa ngokuthi “ngabangasokanga” yilabo abazibiza ngokuthi “ngabokusoka” (lokho okwenziwa emzimbeni ngezandla zabantu), 12 khumbulani ukuthi ngalesosikhathi lalehlukene loKhristu, lingabalelwa enzalweni yako-Israyeli njalo lingabezizweni kusivumelwano sesithembiso, lingelathemba njalo lingelaye uNkulunkulu emhlabeni. 13 Kodwa khathesi kuKhristu uJesu lina elake laba khatshana le selisondezwe eduzane ngegazi likaKhristu.

14 Ngoba yena uqobo uyikuthula kwethu, yena owenza ababili baba munye, wadiliza uthango olungumduli wobutha owehlukanisayo, 15 ngokuchitha emzimbeni wakhe umthetho lemilayo yawo kanye lezimiso. Injongo yakhe yayingeyokudala phakathi kwakhe umuntu oyedwa njalo omutsha ngabantu ababili, ngalokho enze ukuthula, 16 kuthi kulo umzimba munye kube lokubuyisana kwayo yomibili kuNkulunkulu ngesiphambano, achitha ngaso ubutha bayo. 17 Weza wazatshumayela ukuthula kini elalikhatshana lokuthula kulabo ababeseduzane. 18 Ngoba ngaye sobabili siyafinyelela kuYise ngoMoya munye.

19 Ngalokho-ke, kaliseyibo bezizweni lezihambi, kodwa seliyinzalo yakithi labantu bakaNkulunkulu, kanye lamalunga abendlu kaNkulunkulu, 20 lakhelwe phezu kwesisekelo sabapostoli labaphrofethi, uKhristu uJesu yena uqobo eyilitshe elikhulu lekhoneni. 21 Indlu yonke ihlanganiselwe kuye njalo ikhula ukuze ibe lithempeli elingcwele eNkosini. 22 Lani futhi lakhelwa ndawonye kuye ukuze libe yindawo yokuhlala uNkulunkulu ahlala kuyo ngoMoya wakhe.

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Icebo LikaNkulunkulu Elimangalisayo NgabeZizweni

1 Ngenxa yalesisizatho, mina Phawuli, isibotshwa sikaKhristu uJesu ngenxa yenu lina bantu beZizweni.

2 Ngeqiniso selizwile ngokuphathwa komusa kaNkulunkulu engawuphiwayo ngenxa yenu, 3 ukuthi ngaziswa imfihlakalo ngokwambulelwa njengoba sengabhala ngamafitshane. 4 Nxa libala lokhu lizenelisa ukuzwisisa umbono wami ngemfihlakalo kaKhristu, 5 engazange yaziswe abantu kwezinye izizukulwane njengoba khathesi isiveziwe nguMoya kubapostoli abangcwele bakaNkulunkulu lakubaphrofethi. 6 Imfihlakalo le iyikuthi ngevangeli abeZizweni bazindlalifa bekanye labako-Israyeli, amalunga omzimba munye ndawonye, labahlanganyeli kuso isithembiso kuKhristu uJesu.

7 Mina ngaba yinceku yevangeli leli ngesipho somusa kaNkulunkulu engasiphiwa ngokusebenza kwamandla akhe. 8 Lanxa ngimncane kulabancane bonke babantu bakaNkulunkulu, umusa lo ngawunikwa: ukuba ngitshumayele kwabeZizweni inotho kaKhristu engacubungulekiyo, 9 njalo ngikubeke obala ukuphatha kwami imfihlakalo le eyayifihliwe okweminyaka eminengi eyedlulayo kuNkulunkulu, owadala izinto zonke. 10 Injongo yakhe yayiyikuthi ibandla lazise ababusi leziphathamandla zemibuso yasezulwini ngenhlakanipho emangalisayo kaNkulunkulu, 11 ngokwenhloso yakhe engulaphakade ayifeza kuKhristu uJesu iNkosi yethu. 12 Kuye langokukholwa kuye singasondela kuNkulunkulu ngokukhululeka langesibindi. 13 Ngakho, ngiyalicela ukuba lingalahli ithemba ngenxa yokulihluphekela kwami, okuludumo kini.

Ukukhulekela Abase-Efesu

14 Ngenxa yalokhu ngiyaguqa phambi kukaBaba, 15 lapho yonke imuli yamakholwa asezulwini lasemhlabeni ethola khona ibizo layo. 16 Ngikhulekela ukuthi ngenotho yobukhosi bakhe aliqinise ngamandla ngoMoya wakhe ezinhliziyweni zenu 17 ukuze uKhristu ahlale ezinhliziyweni zenu ngokukholwa. Ngikhulekela ukuba ligxile njalo liqine othandweni, 18 libe lamandla kanye labangcwele beNkosi bonke ukuba liqedisise ububanzi lobude lokujula kanye lokuzika kothando lukaKhristu, 19 lokuba lilwazi uthando lolu oludlula ukwazi ukuze ligcwaliswe ngesilinganiso sokugcwala okupheleleyo kukaNkulunkulu.

20 Ngakho-ke, kuye lowo oyenza okukhulu kakhulu kulalokho esikucelayo kumbe esikucabangayo, ngokwamandla akhe asebenza phakathi kwethu, 21 udumo kalube kuye ebandleni lakuKhristu uJesu kuzizukulwane zonke kuze kube nini lanini! Ameni.

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Ukumanyana Emzimbeni KaKhristu

1 Njengesibotshwa seNkosi, ngiyalincenga ukuba liphile impilo efanele ubizo elalwamukelayo. 2 Wobani ngabathobekileyo labamnene ngokupheleleyo; bekezelani, libekezelelane omunye komunye ethandweni. 3 Zamani ngamandla wonke ukugcina ukumanyana kukaMoya ngesibopho sokuthula. 4 Kulomzimba munye loMoya munye; njengalokhu labizelwa ethembeni linye ekubizweni kwenu, 5 iNkosi yinye, lokholo lunye, ubhaphathizo lunye; 6 uNkulunkulu munye uYise wabo bonke, ophezu kwabo bonke njalo okubo bonke.

7 Kodwa yilowo lalowo wethu waphiwa umusa ngokwaba kukaKhristu. 8 Yikho-nje umbhalo usithi:

“Ekwenyukeleni kwakhe phezulu,

wahola abathunjiweyo abanengi

njalo wanika izipho ebantwini bakhe.”*

9 (Ukuthi “wenyuka” kutshoni ngaphandle kokuthi njalo wehlela lezigabeni zangaphansi komhlaba na? 10 Yena lowo owehlela phansi nguye kanye owenyukela phezulu kakhulu kulamazulu wonke ukuze agcwale izindawo zonke emhlabeni lasezulwini.) 11 UKhristu nguye owanika abanye ukuba babe ngabapostoli, abanye babe ngabaphrofethi, abanye babe ngabavangeli, abanye babe ngabaphathi labanye babe ngabafundisi, 12 ukuba balungisele abantu bakaNkulunkulu imisebenzi yenkonzo, ukuze umzimba kaKhristu wakhiwe 13 sonke size sifinyelele ekumanyaneni, ekukholweni lasekwazini iNdodana kaNkulunkulu sikhule ngokupheleleyo, sithole isilinganiso sokuphelela okufunyanwa kuKhristu.

14 Ngakho kasisayikuba zingane, siphoswa emuva laphambili ngamagagasi, siphetshulwa lapha lalaphaya yimimoya yonke yemfundiso kanye lokuhlakanipha lobuqili babantu ngamazwi abo enkohliso. 15 Kodwa-ke, sikhuluma iqiniso ngothando, sizakhula ezintweni zonke kuye yena oyiNhloko, yena enguKhristu. 16 Kusukela kuye umzimba wonke ohlanganiswe wabanjaniswa yimisipha yonke ewusekelayo uyakhula uzakhe ngothando, isitho sinye ngasinye sisenza umsebenzi waso.

Izeluleko Zokuphila KomKhristu

17 Ngakho-ke, ngilitshela lokhu, ngikugcizelela eNkosini, ukuba akumelanga liphile njengabeZizweni emicabangweni yabo eyize. 18 Kubamnyama ekuqedisiseni kwabo njalo behlukene lokuphila kukaNkulunkulu ngenxa yokungazi kwabo okungenxa yobulukhuni bezinhliziyo zabo. 19 Sebelahlekelwe ngunembeza wonke, sebezinikele ekuthokoziseni inyama ukuze benze inhlobo zonke zokuxhwala, inkanuko iqhubeka ifuna okunengi.

20 Kodwa lina uKhristu kalimazanga ngaleyondlela. 21 Impela lezwa njalo lafundiswa ngaye ngokweqiniso elikuJesu. 22 Lafundiswa mayelana lendlela yenu yakuqala yokuphila ukuba lilahle uqobo lwenu oludala, olonakaliswa yizinkanuko zalo zenkohliso; 23 ukuba lenziwe libe batsha esimeni sengqondo zenu; 24 lifake uqobo lomzimba olutsha, oludalelwe ukuba njengoNkulunkulu ekulungeni okuqotho lobungcwele.

25 Ngakho-ke, yilowo lalowo wenu kumele alahle amanga akhulume iqiniso kumakhelwane wakhe ngoba sonke siyizitho zomzimba munye. 26 “Ekuthukutheleni kwenu lingoni”†: Ilanga kalingatshoni lilokhu lithukuthele 27 njalo lingamniki indawo yokugxila uSathane. 28 Lowo obekade entshontsha kangantshontshi futhi kodwa kumele asebenze, enze ulutho oluhle ngezandla zakhe ukuze abe langakwabela abaswelayo.

29 Akungabi lenkulumo embi ephuma emilonyeni yenu kodwa okusizayo ekwakheni abanye ngokwezinswelo zabo, ukuba kusize labo abalalelayo. 30 Njalo lingamdabukisi uMoya oNgcwele kaNkulunkulu elabekwa ngaye uphawu lwelanga lokuhlengwa. 31 Susani yonke inzondo, ulaka lokuthukuthela, ingxabano lesinyeyo, kanye lobubi bonke. 32 Wobani lomusa kanye lozwelo komunye lomunye wenu njalo lithethelelane njengalokhu uNkulunkulu walithethelela ngoKhristu.

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1 Ngakho-ke, wobani ngabalingiseli bakaNkulunkulu njengabantwana abathandwa kakhulu 2 liphile impilo yothando, njengalokhu uKhristu wasithanda wazinikela ngenxa yethu njengomnikelo olephunga elimnandi lomhlatshelo kaNkulunkulu.

3 Kodwa phakathi kwenu Akungabikhona umthonselanyana wokuhlobonga loba uhlobo luphi lokungcola kumbe ubuhwaba ngoba lezizinto kazifanelanga ebantwini abangcwele bakaNkulunkulu. 4 Njalo akumelanga kube lenhlamba lenkulumo zobuthutha loba ubuphoxo khona okuyizinto ezingafanelanga kodwa kakube lokubonga. 5 Ngoba kuliqiniso ukuthi: Akulamuntu oyisixhwali, ongcolileyo loba oyisihwaba, umuntu onjalo ukhonza izithombe, olelifa embusweni kaKhristu lokaNkulunkulu. 6 Lingavumi ukukhohliswa ngumuntu ngamazwi ayize ngoba ngenxa yezinto ezinje ulaka lukaNkulunkulu lwehlela phezu kwalabo abangalaleliyo. 7 Ngakho lingahlanganyeli labo.

8 Ngoba lake laba yibumnyama kodwa khathesi seliyikukhanya eNkosini. Philani njengabantwana bokukhanya 9 (ngoba izithelo zokukhanya zikhona kubo bonke ubuhle lokulunga kanye leqiniso) 10 lidinge okuthokozisa iNkosi. 11 Lingahlanganyeli ezenzweni zobumnyama ezingelazithelo kodwa zichayeni sobala. 12 Ngoba kulihlazo lokukutsho nje okwenziwa yizigangi ensitha. 13 Kodwa konke okuvezwe obala yikukhanya kuyabonakala, 14 ngoba yikukhanya okwenza izinto zonke zibonakale. Yikho-nje kuthiwa:

“Phaphama, wena oleleyo,

vuka kwabafileyo,

uKhristu uzakhanya kuwe.”

15 Ngakho-ke, qaphelani kakhulu ukuba liphila njani, kungabi njengezithutha kodwa njengabahlakaniphileyo, 16 liwasebenzise ngokupheleleyo amathuba wonke ngoba insuku zimbi. 17 Ngakho-ke, lingabi yiziwula kodwa qedisisani ukuthi intando kaThixo iyini. 18 Lingadakwa liwayini okuthungamela ekoneni. Kodwa gcwaliswani ngoMoya, 19 likhulumisana omunye komunye ngamahubo, amaculo kanye lezingoma zakoMoya. Hlabelani lenzele iNkosi imiculo ezinhliziyweni zenu 20 limbonge kokuphela uNkulunkulu uBaba kukho konke, ngebizo leNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu.

Izeluleko Ezimulini ZamaKhristu

21 Zehliseni omunye komunye lihlonipha uKhristu.

22 Bafazi, zehliseni kubomkenu njengaseNkosini. 23 Ngoba indoda yinhloko yomfazi njengoKhristu eyinhloko yebandla elingumzimba wakhe, yena onguMsindisi walo. 24 Ngakho njengebandla lizehlisa kuKhristu ngokunjalo abesifazane kumele bazehlise kubomkabo ezintweni zonke.

25 Madoda thandani omkenu njengoKhristu owathanda ibandla wazinikela ngenxa yalo 26 ukuba alenze libengcwele, elihlambulula ngokuligezisa ngamanzi esebenzisa ilizwi, 27 kanye lokulethula kuye njengebandla elilenkazimulo, elingelasici loba ukuba mxhilibane kumbe esinye nje isici kodwa lingcwele njalo lingelacala. 28 Ngokunjalo, amadoda kumele athande omkawo njengemizimba yawo. Lowo othanda umkakhe uyazithanda yena ngokwakhe. 29 Belo, kakho owake wazonda umzimba wakhe kodwa uwunika ukudla awulondoloze njengokwenziwa nguKhristu ebandleni, 30 ngoba thina siyizitho zomzimba wakhe. 31 “Ngenxa yalokhu indoda izatshiya uyise lonina ihlanganiswe lomkayo njalo ababili laba bazakuba nyamanye.”* 32 Le yimfihlakalo enkulu kodwa mina ngikhuluma ngoKhristu lebandla. 33 Kodwa omunye lomunye wenu laye kathande umkakhe njengoba ezithanda, lomfazi kumele ahloniphe indoda yakhe.

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Abantwana Labazali

1 Bantwana lalelani abazali benu eNkosini ngoba lokhu kulungile. 2 “Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko,” okungumlayo wakuqala olesithembiso, 3 “ukuze kukulungele lokuba ube lempilo ende emhlabeni.”*

4 Bobaba†, lingabathukuthelisi abantwana benu kodwa bondleni ngokufundisa langokulaya kweNkosi.

Izigqili Lamakhosi

5 Zisebenzi, lalelani amakhosi enu asemhlabeni ngenhlonipho langokwesaba, langobuqotho benhliziyo, ngendlela elingalalela ngayo uKhristu. 6 Lingawalaleli ukuba liwathokozise nje kuphela nxa elikhangele kodwa njengezisebenzi zikaKhristu, lisenza intando kaNkulunkulu kuvela ezinhliziyweni zenu. 7 Sebenzani ngenhliziyo yonke kube sengathi lisebenzela iNkosi hatshi abantu 8 ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi iNkosi izakupha umuntu wonke umvuzo ngenxa yokuhle akwenzayo loba eyisigqili kumbe ekhululekile.

9 Lani makhosi phathani izigqili zenu ngendlela efanayo. Lingazisongeli njengoba likwazi ukuthi lowo oyiNkosi yazo leyenu usezulwini njalo akukho ubandlululo kuye.

Isihlangu SikaNkulunkulu

10 Ekucineni, qinani eNkosini lasemandleni ayo amakhulu. 11 Fakani isihlangu esipheleleyo sikaNkulunkulu ukuze lenelise ukumelana lamacebo kaSathane. 12 Ngoba kasilwi lenyama legazi kodwa silwa lababusi, lemibuso kanye lamandla omhlaba lo ogcwele ubumnyama, silwe njalo lamabutho emimoya emibi emibusweni yasemazulwini. 13 Ngakho-ke, fakani isihlangu esipheleleyo sikaNkulunkulu ukuze kuthi lapho usuku lobubi lufika libe lamandla okuma kuthi lalapho selenze konke, lime. 14 Manini liqine, ibhanti leqiniso libotshelwe ngensimbi ezinkalweni zenu, lesihlangu sasesifubeni sokulunga sisendaweni yaso, 15 lezinyawo zenu zigqokiswe zalungiselelwa ngokuvela evangelini lokuthula. 16 Phezu kwakho konke lokhu, thathani ihawu lokukholwa elizacitsha ngalo yonke imitshoko yomubi evuthayo. 17 Thathani ingowane yokusindiswa lenkemba kaMoya eyilizwi likaNkulunkulu.

18 Khulekani ngoMoya ezikhathini zonke ngezinhlobo zonke zemikhuleko lezicelo. Lilalokhu emicabangweni, qaphelani liqhubeke kokuphela libakhulekela bonke abantu beNkosi abangcwele. 19 Lami lingikhulekele ukuba kokuphela lapho ngivula umlomo wami, ngiphiwe amazwi ukuze ngitshumayele ngesibindi imfihlakalo yevangeli, 20 engingumeli walo ngibotshwe ngamaketane. Khulekani ukuba ngilitshumayele ngesibindi njengokumele ngikwenze.

Ukuvalelisa

21 UThikhikhasi umzalwane othandekayo loyinceku ethembekileyo eNkosini uzalitshela konke ukuze lani lazi ukuba nginjani kanye lengikwenzayo. 22 Ngimthuma kini ngenjongo yokuthi likwazi ukuthi sinjani lokuthi alikhuthaze.

23 Ukuthula kakube kubazalwane, lothando lokukholwa okuvela kuNkulunkulu uYise laseNkosini uJesu Khristu.

24 Umusa kawube kubo bonke abayithandayo iNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu ngothando olungapheliyo.

* 1:11 1.11 kumbe saba zindlalifa

* 4:8 4.8 AmaHubo 68.18

† 4:26 4.26 AmaHubo 4.4

* 5:31 5.31 UGenesisi 2.24

* 6:3 6.3 UDutheronomi 5.16

† 6:4 6.4 Kumbe Bazali

AbaseFiliphi

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2

3

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Incwadi KaPhawuli

KwabaseFiliphi

1

1 UPhawuli loThimothi, inceku zikaKhristu uJesu,

Lakubo bonke abangcwele kuKhristu uJesu eFiliphi kanye lababonisi labadikoni:

2 Umusa lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba leNkosini uJesu Khristu kakube kini.

Ukubonga Lokukhuleka

3 Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu wami izikhathi zonke lapho ngilikhumbula. 4 Emikhulekweni yami yonke ngilikhulekela lonke, ngihlezi ngikhuleka ngokuthokoza 5 ngenxa yokuhlanganyela kwenu evangelini kusukela ngosuku lwakuqala kuze kube khathesi, 6 ngilethemba lokuthi lowo owaqalisa umsebenzi omuhle kini uzawuqhubekisela phambili kuze kube lusuku lukaKhristu uJesu.

7 Kuqondile ukuthi ngicabange ngokunjalo ngenxa yenu lonke, njengoba ngilani enhliziyweni yami njalo lanxa ngibotshiwe kumbe ngivikela ivangeli loba ngiliqinisa, lonke lihlanganyela lami emuseni kaNkulunkulu. 8 UNkulunkulu angafakaza ukuthi lonke ngilifiselani ngothando lukaKhristu uJesu.

9 Umkhuleko wami ngowokuthi uthando lwenu lwande kokuphela ekwazini lasekuzikeni kokuqedisisa 10 ukuze lenelise ukubona okuhle njalo lihlambuluke lingabi lasici kuze kube lusuku lukaKhristu, 11 ligcwele izithelo zokulunga ezibuya ngoJesu Khristu ekudunyisweni lasekubongweni kukaNkulunkulu.

Ukubotshwa KukaPhawuli Kuqhubekelisa Ivangeli Phambili

12 Bazalwane, ngifuna ukuba lazi ukuthi okwenzakale kimi kusizile impela ekuqhubekeliseni ivangeli phambili. 13 Ngalokho, sekube sobala kubo bonke abalindi besigodlo lakwabanye bonke ukuthi ngibotshelwe uKhristu. 14 Ngenxa yokubotshwa kwami, abazalwane abanengi sebelethemba eNkosini njalo sebelesibindi esikhulu sokutshumayela ilizwi likaNkulunkulu bengelakwesaba.

15 Kuliqiniso ukuthi abanye batshumayela uKhristu ngenxa yomona lombango kodwa abanye ngenxa yesifiso esihle. 16 Laba benza lokhu ngothando bekwazi ukuthi ngifakwe lapha ukuba ngivikele ivangeli. 17 Abakuqala batshumayela ngoKhristu ngokuzikhukhumeza, bengeqotho, becabanga ukuthi bangangidalela uhlupho ngisekubotshweni. 18 Kodwa-ke, kusizani pho? Into eqakathekileyo yikuthi ngezindlela zonke, ingabe kuyinjongo engalunganga loba eyeqiniso, uKhristu uyatshunyayelwa. Njalo ngenxa yalokhu mina ngiyathokoza.

Yebo, ngizaqhubeka ngithokoza, 19 ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi ngemikhuleko yenu langosizo lukaMoya kaJesu Khristu, okwenzakale kimi kuzaletha ukukhululwa kwami. 20 Ngokutshiseka ngilindele njalo ngithemba ukuthi angiyikuyangeka langayiphi indlela, kodwa ngizakuba lesibindi esaneleyo ukuze kuthi khathesi njengenjwayelo uKhristu uzakudunyiswa emzimbeni wami, loba ngokuphila kumbe ngokufa. 21 Ngoba kimi, ukuphila kunguKhristu lokufa kuyinzuzo. 22 Nxa ngingaqhubeka ngiphila emzimbeni, lokhu kuzakutsho umsebenzi olezithelo kimi. Kodwa-ke, kuyini engizakukhetha? Angazi! 23 Ngiphakathi kwakho kokubili: Ngifisa ukusuka ngibe loKhristu, okungcono kakhulu; 24 Kodwa kuyasweleka kakhulu kini ukuba ngibe ngilokhu ngiphila kulumzimba. 25 Sengikholwe lokhu, ngiyakwazi ukuthi ngizakuba khona, njalo ngizaqhubeka ngilani lonke ngenxa yokuthuthuka kwenu lokuthokoza ekukholweni, 26 ukuze kuthi ngokuba lani kwami futhi, ukuthokoza kwenu kuKhristu uJesu kuzakwanda ngenxa yami.

Impilo Efanele Ivangeli

27 Loba kusenzakalani, lina ziphatheni ngendlela efanele ivangeli likaKhristu. Ngakho, langabe ngiyeza ukuzalibona loba ngizwe nje kuphela ngani ngingekho, ngizakwazi ukuba liqinile ngaMoya munye, lilwela ukholo lwevangeli njengomuntu munye, 28 kungekho kwethuswa langayiphi indlela yilabo abaliphikisayo. Lokhu kuyisibonakaliso kubo ukuthi bazachithwa, kodwa lina lizasindiswa nguNkulunkulu. 29 Ngoba kunikelwe kini ngenxa kaKhristu kungasikukholwa kuye kuphela, kodwa lokumhluphekela, 30 njengoba lilwisa hlupho lunye elabona ngilalo, lakhathesi liyezwa ukuba ngilokhu ngilalo.

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Ukulingisela Ukuthobeka KukaKhristu

1 Nxa kukhona okukhuthazayo ngokuhlangana loKhristu, nxa kulenduduzo evela ethandweni lwakhe, nxa kulobudlelwano loMoya, nxa kulozwelo lesihawu, 2 phelelisani intokozo yami ngokuba ngqondo nye, lilothando lunye, limunye emoyeni njalo linjongo yinye. 3 Lingenzi lutho ngokuzikhukhumeza loba ukuziphakamisa okuyize. Kodwa ngokuthobeka khangelani abanye njengabangcono kulani 4 lingazikhathaleli izifiso zenu lodwa kodwa likhathalele lezifiso zabanye.

5 Ekuphilisaneni kwenu, isimo sengqondo yenu kumele sifanane lesikaKhristu uJesu,

6 Yena okwathi ngemvelo enguNkulunkulu,

kacabanganga ukulingana loNkulunkulu

kuyilutho olungafinyelelwa,

7 kodwa wazithoba,

wathatha isimo senceku,

yena elesimo somuntu.

8 Wathi ebunjwe wabonakala njengomuntu,

wazehlisa

walalela kwaze kwaba sekufeni,

ukufa kwasesiphambanweni!

9 Ngakho-ke, uNkulunkulu wamphakamisela endaweni ephezulu kakhulu,

wamnika ibizo elingaphezu kwamabizo wonke,

10 ukuba amadolo wonke aguqe ebizweni likaJesu,

ezulwini lasemhlabeni kanye langaphansi komhlaba,

11 lezindimi zonke zivume ukuthi uJesu Khristu uyiNkosi,

kube ludumo lukaNkulunkulu uYise.

Ukucwebezela Njengezinkanyezi

12 Ngakho-ke, bangane bami abathandekayo, njengoba lihlezi lilalela kungayisikho ukuthi ngikhona kuphela kodwa ikakhulu nxa ngingekho, qhubekani lisebenzela ukusindiswa kwenu ngokwesaba langokuthuthumela 13 ngoba nguNkulunkulu osebenzayo phakathi kwenu ukuba lifune njalo lenze okumthokozisayo.

14 Yenzani konke kungela kusola kumbe ukuphikisana 15 ukuze libe ngabantwana bakaNkulunkulu abangelasici labahlambulukileyo, abamsulwa phakathi kwesizukulwane esonakeleyo lesixhwalileyo, lina elicwebezela phakathi kwaso liletha ukukhanya emhlabeni 16 ligagadlela ilizwi lokuphila. Ngalokho ngizazincoma ngosuku lukaKhristu ukuthi kangigijimelanga kumbe ngasebenzela ize. 17 Kodwa lanxa ngithululwa njengomnikelo wokunathwa phezu komhlatshelo lenkonzo evela ekukholweni kwenu, ngiyathaba ngithokoza lani lonke. 18 Ngakho-ke, lani njalo thabani lithokoze lami.

UThimothi Lo-Ephafrodithusi

19 Ngiyethemba eNkosini uJesu ukuba ngizathuma uThimothi kini masinyane ukuba lami ngithokoze lapho ngisamukela izindaba ngani. 20 Kangilaye omunye onjengaye, othakazelela inhlalakahle yenu ngobuqotho. 21 Ngoba abantu bonke bazifunela okwabo, hatshi okukaJesu Khristu. 22 Kodwa lina liyakwazi ukuthi uThimothi usezifakazele ngoba njengendodana eloyise usesebenze lami emsebenzini wevangeli. 23 Ngakho-ke, ngithemba ngizamthuma masinyane lapho sengibonile ukuba izinto zingihambela njani. 24 Njalo ngiyathemba eNkosini ukuthi lami uqobo ngizakuza masinyane.

25 Kodwa ngibona kufanele ukuthi ngimthume kini futhi u-Ephafrodithusi, umzalwane wami, obambisane lami umsebenzi lolibutho kanye lami, oyisithunywa senu futhi, elamthumayo ukuthi angisize ngendingeko zami. 26 Ngoba uyalilangatha lonke njalo ukhathazekile njengoba lezwa ukuthi wayegula. 27 Ngempela wayegula njalo waphose wafa. Kodwa uNkulunkulu waba lesihawu kuye, kungayisikho kuye kuphela kodwa lakimi ukuba angiphephise osizini phezu kosizi. 28 Ngakho-ke, ngitshisekela kakhulu ukumthuma ukuze kuthi lapho limbona futhi lithokoze lami ngikhathazeke okunganeno. 29 Mamukeleni eNkosini ngokuthokoza okukhulu njalo libahloniphe abantu abanjengaye 30 ngoba waphosa wafela umsebenzi kaKhristu, wafaka impilo yakhe engozini ukuze angiphe usizo elingangiphanga lona.

3

Akulathemba Emzimbeni

1 Okokucina, bazalwane, thokozani eNkosini! Akusihlupho kimi ukulilobela ngezinto ezifanayo futhi ngoba lokho kuyisivikelo kini. 2 Qaphelani izinja lezo, abantu labo abenza okubi lalabo abalimaza umzimba. 3 Ngoba thina yithi abokusokwa, thina esikhonza uNkulunkulu ngoMoya wakhe, esiziqhenya ngoKhristu uJesu njalo esingabeki ithemba kokwenyama 4 lanxa nje mina ngokwami ngilezizatho zethemba elinjalo.

Nxa kulomuntu ocabanga ukuthi ulezizatho zokuthemba okwenyama, mina ngilezinengi: 5 ngasokwa ngosuku lwesificaminwembili, ngingowako-Israyeli, owesizwana sakoBhenjamini, umHebheru wamaHebheru; ngokomthetho, ngingumFarisi; 6 ngokutshiseka, ngahlukuluza ibandla; ngokulunga okugxile emthethweni, angilacala.

7 Kodwa loba kuyini okwakuyinzuzo kimi khathesi ngikubala njengokulahlekelwa ngenxa kaKhristu. 8 Phezu kwalokho, konke ngikubona kuyize lapho kulinganiswa lobukhulu obumangalisayo bokwazi uKhristu Jesu iNkosi yami esengilahlekelwe yizinto zonke ngenxa yakhe. Ngikubona kuyimfucuza ukuze ngizuze uKhristu 9 njalo ngitholakale kuye, ngingelakulunga okungokwami okuvelela emthethweni, kodwa lokho kungenxa yokukholwa kuKhristu, ukulunga okuvela kuNkulunkulu njalo okungokukholwa. 10 Ngifuna ukumazi uKhristu lamandla okuvuka kwakhe ekufeni lobudlelwano bokuhlanganyela ekuhluphekeni kwakhe, ngibe njengaye ekufeni, 11 ukuze ngenye indlela, ngithole ukuvuka kwabafileyo.

12 Akusikuthi sengikuzuzile konke lokhu loba ukuthi sengiphelelisiwe kodwa ngilwisa ukuba ngibambe lokho uKhristu Jesu angibambela khona. 13 Bazalwane, angikazibali njengosekubambile lokho. Kodwa yinye into engiyenzayo, ngiyakukhohlwa okusemuva ngizama ngamandla ukufinyelela kokuphambili, 14 ngilwisa ukuthi ngiyefinyelela ekucineni ukuba ngithole umvuzo uNkulunkulu angibizela wona ezulwini ngoKhristu uJesu.

Ukulingisa Isibonelo SikaPhawuli

15 Sonke thina esesiphelele kumele sikhangele izinto ngengqondo enjalo. Nxa kokunye licabanga ngokwehlukileyo, lalokho uNkulunkulu uzakwenza kucace kini. 16 Kuphela nje kasiqhubekeni ngalokho esesikuzuzile.

17 Bazalwane, hlanganyelani labanye ekulandeleni isibonelo sami, libananzelele labo abaphila ngokwesibonelo esalitshengisa sona. 18 Ngoba, njengoba ngangihlala ngilitshela kuqala lakhathesi ngiyatsho futhi langezinyembezi ukuthi abanengi baphila njengezitha zesiphambano sikaKhristu. 19 Isiphetho sabo yikubhubha, unkulunkulu wabo yisisu sabo, lodumo lwabo lusehlazweni labo. Ingqondo yabo isezintweni zasemhlabeni. 20 Kodwa elethu ikhaya lisezulwini. Njalo simlindele ngokutshiseka uMsindisi evela khonale, iNkosi uJesu Khristu, 21 yena okuzakuthi ngamandla amenza abeke izinto zonke ngaphansi kwakhe, uzaguqula imizimba yethu elesimo esiphansi ibe njengomzimba wakhe olenkazimulo.

4

Isicelo Sokuma Ngesibindi Lokubambana

1 Ngakho-ke bazalwane bami, lina engilithandayo lengilikhumbulayo, liyintokozo yami lomqhele wami, kumele liqine kanjalo eNkosini bangane abathandekayo!

2 Ngiyamncenga uYuwodiya loSintikhe ukuba bavumelane eNkosini. 3 Ngiyakucela mhlobo wami oqotho, siza abesifazane labo abasebenza lami kanzima ngenxa yevangeli, kanye loKlementi labanye engisebenza labo, abalamabizo abo asencwadini yokuphila.

Ukukhuthaza Kokucina

4 Thokozani eNkosini kokuphela. Ngiyatsho futhi ngithi: Thokozani! 5 Ukuthobeka kwenu kakubonakale kubo bonke. INkosi isiseduze. 6 Lingakhathazeki kodwa ngazo zonke izikhathi bikani izicelo zenu kuNkulunkulu ngokukhuleka, ngokuncenga langokubonga. 7 Ukuthula kukaNkulunkulu okudlula ukuqedisisa konke kuzabusa inhliziyo zenu lezingqondo zenu kuKhristu uJesu.

8 Okokucina bazalwane, konke okuliqiniso, lokulesithunzi, lokulungileyo, lokuhlambulukileyo, lokuhle, lokubukekayo, nxa ulutho luluhle kakhulu loba lubongeka, cabangani ngezinto ezinje. 9 Loba kuyini elikufundileyo loba elikwamukeleyo loba elikuzwileyo kuvela kimi, loba elikubonileyo kimi, kwenzeni. UNkulunkulu wokuthula uzakuba lani.

Ukubonga Izipho Zabo

10 Ngiyathokoza kakhulu eNkosini ngokuthi khathesi selize lavuselela ukungikhathalela kwenu. Impela kade likhathazeka kodwa lingelalo ithuba lokukubonakalisa. 11 Kangitsho lokhu ngenxa yokuthi ngiyaswela ngoba sengafunda ukwaneliseka kuyo yonke imimo. 12 Ngiyakwazi ukuba ukuswela kuyini njalo ngiyakwazi ukuba kuyini ukuba lokunengi. Sengafunda imfihlo yokwaneliseka kuzozonke izimo, langabe ngiyasutha loba ngilambile, loba ngilokunengi kumbe ngiswela. 13 Ngingazenza zonke izinto ngaye onginika amandla.

14 Kodwa kwakukuhle ukuthi lihlanganyele lami ekuhluphekeni kwami. 15 Phezu kwalokho, lina bantu baseFiliphi liyakwazi ukuthi ensukwini elaqala ngazo ukwazi ivangeli ngesikhathi ngisuka eMasedoniya, akukho lalinye ibandla elahlanganyela lami endabeni yokupha lokwamukela ngaphandle kwenu kuphela; 16 ngoba langesikhathi ngiseThesalonika langithumela usizo kanengi lapho ngidinga uncedo. 17 Akusikuthi ngifuna isipho kodwa ngifuna okuzakuba yinzuzo kini. 18 Sengamukele umvuzo ogcweleyo lodlulisileyo; ngiphiwe okwaneleyo njengoba khathesi sengamukele ku-Ephafrodithusi izipho elazithumelayo. Zingumnikelo wephunga elimnandi, umhlatshelo owamukelekayo lothokozisa uNkulunkulu. 19 UNkulunkulu wami uzakugcwalisa konke ukuswela kwenu ngenkazimulo yenotho yakhe kuKhristu uJesu.

20 Udumo kalube kuNkulunkulu uBaba kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni.

Ukuvalelisa

21 Bingelelani bonke abangcwele abakuKhristu.

Abazalwane abalami bayalibingelela.

22 Abangcwele bonke bayalibingelela, ikakhulu labo abangabendlu kaKhesari.

23 Umusa weNkosi uJesu Khristu kawube lomoya wenu.

AbaseKholose

1

2

3

4

Incwadi KaPhawuli

KwabaseKholose

1

1 UPhawuli, umpostoli kaKhristu uJesu ngentando kaNkulunkulu, loThimothi umzalwane wethu,

2 Lakubazalwane abangcwele labathembekileyo kuKhristu abaseKholose:

Umusa lokuthula kakube kini kuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu.

Ukubonga Lokukhuleka

3 Sihlezi simbonga kokuphela uNkulunkulu, uBaba weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, nxa silikhulekela, 4 ngoba sizwile ngokukholwa kwenu kuKhristu uJesu langothando elithanda ngalo abangcwele bonke. 5 Ukukholwa lothando okuvela ethembeni eligcinelwe lina ezulwini, eselezwa ngalo elizwini leqiniso, elilivangeli 6 eselifikile kini. Emhlabeni wonke ivangeli leli lithela izithelo njalo liyakhula njengebelikwenza phakathi kwenu kusukela ngelanga elalizwa ngalo lawuqedisisa umusa kaNkulunkulu ngawo wonke amaqiniso alo. 7 Lalifundiswa ngu-Ephafrasi oyinceku ethandekayo, ongumfundisi othembekileyo kaKhristu emele thina, 8 owasitshela ngothando lwenu kuMoya.

9 Ngenxa yalokhu, kusukela mhla sisizwa ngani kasizange siyekele ukulikhulekela sicela uNkulunkulu ukuthi aligcwalise ngokwazi intando yakhe ngakho konke ukuhlakanipha koMoya kanye lokuqedisisa. 10 Sikhulekela ukuba liphile impilo efanele iNkosi lokuba liyithokozise ngezindlela zonke, lithele izithelo kuyo yonke imisebenzi emihle, ukwazi kwenu uNkulunkulu kukhule, 11 liqiniswa ngamandla wonke mayelana lamandla akhe amangalisayo ukuze libe lokubekezela kanye lesineke esikhulu, kuthi njalo ngokuthokoza 12 limbonge ngentokozo uYise owalenza lafanela ukuhlanganyela elifeni labangcwele bakhe embusweni wokukhanya. 13 Ngoba wasihlenga embusweni wobumnyama wasiletha embusweni weNdodana yakhe ayithandayo, 14 okukuyo ukuhlengwa kwethu lokuthethelelwa kwezono.

Ukuphakama KukaKhristu

15 Indodana ingumfanekiso kaNkulunkulu ongabonakaliyo, izibulo kukho konke okwadalwayo. 16 Ngoba izinto zonke zadalwa ngayo: izinto ezisezulwini lezisemhlabeni, ezibonakalayo lezingabonakaliyo loba kuyizihlalo zobukhosi kumbe amandla loba ababusi kumbe abaphathi; izinto zonke zadalwa ngayo zidalelwa yona. 17 Yona iphambi kwezinto zonke njalo kuyo izinto zonke zibambene. 18 Iyinhloko yomzimba okulibandla; iyikuqala lezibulo elivela kwabafileyo ukuze yona ibe ngeyokuqala ezintweni zonke. 19 Ngoba uNkulunkulu wathokoza ukuba ukuphelela kwakhe kube kuyo 20 lokuthi ngayo abuyisane lezinto zonke, loba kuyizinto ezisemhlabeni kumbe izinto ezisezulwini ngokwenza ukuthula ngegazi layo elachithwa esiphambanweni.

21 Lina lake laba ngabehlukane loNkulunkulu, liyizitha ezingqondweni zenu ngenxa yokuziphatha kwenu okubi. 22 Kodwa khathesi uselibuyisile ngomzimba kaKhristu uqobo lwawo ngokufa ukuze alethule lingcwele ebusweni bakhe, lingelasici njalo limsulwa. 23 Nxa liqhubeka ngokukholwa kwenu ligxile njalo liqinile, lingasuki ethembeni eliliphiwa ngevangeli. Leli yilo ivangeli elalizwayo eselitshunyayelwe kuzozonke izidalwa ngaphansi kwezulu, mina Phawuli esengibe yinceku yalo.

Ukusebenzela Ibandla KukaPhawuli

24 Khathesi ngiyathokoza ngokulihluphekela kwami njalo ngiyagcwalisa emzimbeni okulokhu kusasilela mayelana lezinhlupheko zikaKhristu ngenxa yomzimba wakhe olibandla. 25 Sengaba yinceku yalo ngomsebenzi uNkulunkulu anginika wona ukuba ngililethele ilizwi likaNkulunkulu liphelele, 26 ebeliyimfihlakalo ebifihlakele okweminyakanyaka kanye lezizukulwane ezedluleyo kodwa khathesi isibekwe obala kwabangcwele beNkosi. 27 UNkulunkulu wathanda ukubazisa phakathi kwabeZizweni inotho emangalisayo yemfihlakalo le, enguKhristu phakathi kwenu, ithemba lenkazimulo.

28 Sitshumayela yena, seluleke njalo sifundise abantu bonke ngenhlakanipho yonke ukuze bonke sibalethe kuKhristu bephelele. 29 Ngisebenza nzima ukuba lokhu kufezeke, ngilwisa ngawo wonke amandla uKhristu asebenza ngawo phakathi kwami.

2

1 Ngifuna ukuba lazi ukuthi ngilizamela kakhulu okunganani lina labaseLodikheya, kanye labo bonke abangakangiboni mathupha. 2 Injongo yami yikuthi bakhuthazeke ezinhliziyweni njalo bamanyane ethandweni ukuze babe lenotho egcweleyo yokuqedisisa okupheleleyo, ukuze bayazi imfihlakalo kaNkulunkulu kubalisa uKhristu, 3 okufihlwe kuye yonke ingcebo yokuhlakanipha lokwazi. 4 Ngilitshela lokhu ukuze kungabikhona olikhohlisayo ngamazwi amnandi. 5 Ngoba lanxa ngingekho kini ngomzimba ngilani ngomoya njalo ngithokozela ukubona ubuntu benu lokuqina kokholo lwenu kuKhristu.

Ukuphelela Kokuphila KuKhristu

6 Ngakho-ke, njengoba uKhristu Jesu lamamukela njengeNkosi, qhubekani liphila kuye, 7 ligxile njalo lakhelwe kuye, liqine ekukholweni njengokufundiswa kwenu, liphuphuma ngokubonga.

8 Qaphelani kungabikhona olithumbayo ngenhlakanipho eyize lekhohlisayo, eyeyame emdabukweni wabantu lakuzimiso zemvelo yakulo umhlaba kungesikho kuKhristu.

9 Ngoba bonke ubuNkulunkulu buhlezi kuKhristu ngesimo somzimba 10 njalo lina lilakho lokhu kuphelela kuKhristu oyinhloko yamandla wonke kanye lokubusa konke. 11 Lasokelwa kuye ngokususwa kwemvelo yenu yesono, kungayisikho ngokusoka okwenziwa ngezandla zabantu kodwa ngokulahla umzimba wenyama, lokhu kuyikusoka okwenziwa nguKhristu 12 ngokungcwatshwa laye ngobhaphathizo labuye lavuswa kanye laye ngokukholwa kwenu emandleni kaNkulunkulu owamvusa kwabafileyo.

13 Ngesikhathi lifile ezonweni zenu lokungasoki kwemvelo yenu yesono, uNkulunkulu walenza laba ngabaphilayo kanye loKhristu. Wasithethelela zonke izono zethu 14 ngokwesula yonke imithetho elotshiweyo lezimiso zayo eyayimelane lathi njalo isivimbela. Wayisusa, wayibethela esiphambanweni. 15 Kwathi eselahlise imibuso lababusi izikhali, wenza umbukiso oyinhlekisa ngabo, wabanqoba ngesiphambano.

Ukukhululeka Emthethweni Yabantu

16 Ngakho-ke, lingavumeli umuntu elahlulela ngalokho elikudlayo loba elikunathayo loba ngokuphathelane lomkhosi wokholo, ukuthokozela ukuthwasa kwenyanga loba usuku lweSabatha. 17 Lezizinto ziyisithunzi nje sezinto ezazizakuza kodwa ubuqotho butholakala kuKhristu. 18 Lingavumeli umuntu othokoziswa yikuzithoba kwamanga lokukhonza izingilosi eliphuthisa umvuzo wenu. Umuntu onjalo ubalisa ngokupheleleyo konke akubonileyo, kuthi ingqondo yakhe engayisiyo yomoya imkhukhumeze ngemicabango eyize. 19 Usehlukane lenhloko yomzimba wonke wona ohlanganiswa ndawonye yimisipha lemithambo, okhula ngokuthanda kukaNkulunkulu.

20 Njengoba lafa loKhristu ezimisweni zalo umhlaba, kungani liphila sengathi lilokhu lingabawo, lizibeka ngaphansi kwemithetho yawo yokuthi, 21 “Ungabambi! Unganambithi! Ungathinti!”? 22 Konke lokhu kumiselwe ukuqedwa yikusetshenziswa ngoba kweyame phezu kwemilayo yabantu lemfundiso yabo. 23 Impela izimiso ezinje zibonakala njengenhlakanipho, ngenkonzo yazo yokuzenzela, ukuzithoba kwamanga lokuphatha umzimba kabuhlungu kodwa kazilalo usizo lokuzithiba ezinkanukweni zomzimba.

3

Imilayo Yokuphila Okungcwele

1 Ngakho-ke njengoba livuswe kanye loKhristu, bekani inhliziyo zenu ezintweni eziphezulu lapho uKhristu ahlezi khona esandleni sokunene sikaNkulunkulu. 2 Bekani ingqondo zenu ezintweni eziphezulu hatshi ezintweni zasemhlabeni. 3 Ngoba lafa, ukuphila kwenu khathesi kufihlwe loKhristu kuNkulunkulu. 4 Lapho uKhristu oyikuphila kwenu, ebonakala, lani futhi lizabonakala laye enkazimulweni.

5 Ngakho-ke, kubulaleni konke okungokwemvelo yenu yasemhlabeni: okubalisa ukuhlobonga, ukungcola, inkanuko, izifiso ezimbi, ubuhwaba lokukhonza izithombe. 6 Ngenxa yalezizinto, ulaka lukaNkulunkulu luyeza. 7 Lalijayele ukuhamba kulezizindlela empilweni elake layiphila. 8 Kodwa khathesi zilahleni zonke izinto ezinjengalezi: ulaka, ukuthukuthela, inzondo, ukunyeya lenkulumo ebolileyo. 9 Lingaqambelani amanga njengoba selihlubule uqobo lwenu oludala lezenzo zalo 10 lembatha uqobo lwenu olutsha olwenziwa lube lutsha ekwazini ngomfanekiso kaMdali walo. 11 Lapha akula oweZizwe loba umJuda, osokileyo loba ongasokanga, iqaba, umSikhethiya, isigqili loba okhululekileyo kodwa uKhristu uyikho konke njalo ukubo bonke.

12 Ngakho, njengabantu bakaNkulunkulu abakhethiweyo, abangcwele labathandwa kakhulu, zembeseni ngesihawu, umusa, ukuzithoba, ubumnene kanye lokubekezela. 13 Bekezelelanani, lithethelelane loba kuyinsolo bani omunye angaba layo ngomunye. Thethelelani njengoba iNkosi yalithethelela. 14 Phezu kwakho konke lokhu yembathani uthando olukubophela ndawonye konke lokhu, kube yikumanyana okupheleleyo.

15 Ukuthula kukaKhristu kakubuse ezinhliziyweni zenu ngoba njengezitho zomzimba munye labizelwa ukuthula. Njalo bongani. 16 Ilizwi likaKhristu kalihlale phakathi kwenu ngokupheleleyo lapho lifundisana njalo liselulekana ngenhlakanipho yonke, ngamahubo, amaculo kanye lezingoma zakoMoya, lihlabelele lilokubonga uNkulunkulu ezinhliziyweni zenu. 17 Njalo kukho konke elikwenzayo, ngelizwi loba ngesenzo, konke kwenzeni ngebizo leNkosi uJesu, libonge uNkulunkulu uYise ngaye.

Imilayo Yemizi YamaKhristu

18 Bafazi, zehliseni kubomkenu njengokufanele eNkosini.

19 Madoda, thandani omkenu njalo lingabi lesihluku kubo.

20 Bantwana, lalelani abazali benu ezintweni zonke ngoba lokhu kuyayithokozisa iNkosi.

21 Bazali, lingabathukuthelisi abantwana benu hlezi badumazeke.

22 Zigqili, lalelani amakhosi enu omhlaba ezintweni zonke; likwenze hatshi ngoba elikhangele loba ukuthi alithande kodwa ngobuqotho bezinhliziyo langokuhlonipha iNkosi. 23 Konke elikwenzayo kusebenzeni ngenhliziyo yenu yonke njengokusebenzela iNkosi hatshi abantu, 24 njengoba lisazi ukuthi lizathola ilifa eNkosini njengomvuzo. YiNkosi uKhristu elimkhonzayo. 25 Loba ngubani oyenza okubi uzaphindiselwa ngobubi bakhe njalo akula kubandlulula.

4

1 Makhosi, nikani izigqili zenu okulungileyo lokufaneleyo ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi lani lileNkosi ezulwini.

Ezinye Iziqondiso

2 Zinikeleni ekukhulekeni ngokuqaphela langokubonga. 3 Lisikhulekele lathi futhi ukuba uNkulunkulu avulele ilizwi lethu umnyango ukuze sitshumayele imfihlakalo kaKhristu engayibotshelwayo. 4 Khulekelani ukuba ngiyitshumayele ngokucaca okufanele ngikwenze. 5 Hlakaniphani kulokho elikwenzayo kwabangaphandle lisebenzisa amathuba wonke ngokugcweleyo. 6 Ingxoxo yenu kayihlale igcwele umusa, ifakwe itswayi ukuze likwazi ukuphendula umuntu wonke.

Ukuvalelisa

7 UThikhikhasi uzalitshela izindaba zonke ngami. Ungumzalwane othandekayo, umfundisi othembekileyo loyinceku eNkosini. 8 Ngimthuma kini ngenjongo enxwanele ukuthi lazi ngomumo wethu lokuthi akhuthaze inhliziyo zenu. 9 Ubuya lo-Onesimasi, umzalwane wethu othembekileyo lothandekayo njalo ongomunye wenu. Bazalitshela konke okwenzakala lapha.

10 U-Aristakhasi engibotshwe laye loMakho umzawakhe kaBhanabhasi bayalibingelela. (Selamukela iziqondiso ngaye; angabuya kini limamukele.)

11 UJesu othiwa nguJustusi laye uyalibingelela. Laba yibo kuphela abangamaJuda kulabo engisebenzela umbuso kaNkulunkulu labo njalo sebebonakalise ukuthi bayinduduzo kimi.

12 U-Ephafrasi ongomunye wenu lenceku kaKhristu uJesu uyalibingelela. Uhlezi elikhulekela kakhulu ukuba liqine kuyo yonke intando kaNkulunkulu liphelele njalo lithembile. 13 Ngiyamfakazela ukuthi uyalisebenzela kakhulu lina kanye lalabo abaseLodikheya leHiyerapholisi.

14 Umngane wethu othandekayo uLukha ongudokotela, loDemasi bayalibingelela.

15 Ngibingelelelani abazalwane abaseLodikheya loNimfa kanye lebandla endlini yakhe.

16 Emva kokuba incwadi le seliyifundelwe, bonani ukuthi iyafundwa lasebandleni laseLodikheya lokuthi lani libale incwadi evela eLodikheya.

17 Tshelani u-Akhiphasi lithi: “Bona ukuba uyawuqeda umsebenzi owamukele eNkosini.”

18 Mina Phawuli, ngiloba ukuvalelisa lokhu ngesami isandla. Khumbulani ukubotshwa kwami. Umusa kawube lani.

1 AbaseThesalonika

1

2

3

4

5

Incwadi KaPhawuli Yakuqala

KwabaseThesalonika

1

1 UPhawuli, uSayilasi kanye loThimothi,

Lebandleni labaseThesalonika abakuNkulunkulu uBaba leNkosini uJesu Khristu:

Umusa lokuthula kakube kini.

Ukubongela Ukholo LwabaseThesalonika

2 Sihlala silibongela lonke kuNkulunkulu njalo silibeka emikhulekweni yethu. 3 Siyawukhumbula kokuphela phambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu uBaba umsebenzi wenu ongenxa yokukholwa lokusebenza kwenu okufuqwa luthando kanye lokubekezela kwenu okuqiniswa yikwethemba eNkosini uJesu Khristu.

4 Bazalwane abathandwa nguNkulunkulu, siyakwazi ukuthi ulikhethile 5 ngoba ivangeli lethu lafika kini hatshi ngamazwi nje kuphela kodwa langamandla loMoya oNgcwele kanye lokukholwa okujulileyo. Liyakwazi ukuba sahlala njani phakathi kwenu ngenxa yenu. 6 Lina laba ngabasilingisayo thina kanye leNkosi ngoba lalamukela ilizwi esikhathini esinzima ngokuthokoza okuvela kuMoya oNgcwele. 7 Ngakho-ke, laba yisibonelo kuwo wonke amakholwa eMasedoniya kanye le-Akhayiya. 8 Ilizwi leNkosi lezwakala livela kini hatshi eMasedoniya lase-Akhayiya kuphela kodwa ukukholwa kwenu kuNkulunkulu sekusaziwa ezindaweni zonke. Ngakho-ke, akudingeki ukuba sikhulume ngakho 9 ngoba bona ngokwabo bayabika ukuthi lasamukela njani. Bayatsho ngokuphendukela kwenu kuNkulunkulu lidela ukukhonza izithombe ukuba likhonze uNkulunkulu ophilayo loqotho 10 lilindele leNdodana yakhe evela ezulwini, ayivusayo kwabafileyo, uJesu osihlenga elakeni oluzayo.

2

Inkonzo KaPhawuli KwabaseThesalonika

1 Liyakwazi bazalwane ukuthi ukuza kwethu kini akubanga liphutha. 2 Sike sahlupheka ngaphambili njalo sathukwa eFiliphi njengoba lisazi kodwa ngosizo lukaNkulunkulu wethu saba lesibindi sokulitshela ivangeli lakhe lanxa nje kwakulobunzima obukhulu. 3 Ngoba isicelo esisenzayo kasiveli ekuphosiseni loba enjongweni engcolileyo njalo kasizami kulikhohlisa. 4 Kodwa sikhuluma njengabantu abavunywe nguNkulunkulu ukuba siphathiswe ivangeli. Kasizami kuthokozisa abantu kodwa uNkulunkulu, yena ohlola inhliziyo zethu. 5 Liyakwazi ukuthi kasizange sisebenzise inkohliso loba isisitho ukuba sifihle ubuhwaba njalo uNkulunkulu ungufakazi wethu. 6 Kasifuni dumo oluvela ebantwini loba kini kumbe omunye laye.

Njengabapostoli bakaKhristu sasingaba ngumthwalo kini 7 kodwa saba mnene kini njengomama esondla abantwana bakhe abancinyane. 8 Salithanda kakhulu, sathokoza ukuhlanganyela lani kungayisikho evangelini likaNkulunkulu kuphela kodwa lasekuphileni kwethu ngoba lina laselithandeka kakhulu kithi. 9 Impela liyakhumbula bazalwane, ukusebenza nzima lokuhlupheka kwethu; sasebenza ebusuku lemini ukuze singabi ngumthwalo lakubani lapho sitshumayela ivangeli likaNkulunkulu kini. 10 Lingofakazi kanye loNkulunkulu bokuthi sasingcwele, silungile njalo singasoleki phakathi kwenu lina elalikholwa. 11 Ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi ngamunye wenu saliphatha njengobaba ephatha abantwana bakhe, 12 siliqinisa, siliduduza kanye lokulikhuthaza ukuthi liphile impilo efanele uNkulunkulu yena olibizela embusweni wakhe lasenkazimulweni.

13 Njalo uNkulunkulu siyambonga kokuphela ngoba ekwamukeleni kwenu ilizwi likaNkulunkulu elalizwa ngathi, lalamukela hatshi njengelizwi labantu kodwa njengoba linjalo impela, ilizwi likaNkulunkulu, elisebenzayo kini lina abakholwayo. 14 Ngoba lina bazalwane laba ngabalingisi bamabandla kaNkulunkulu eJudiya akuKhristu uJesu; abantu belizwe lakini balihluphela izinto ezifana lalezo amabandla lawo azihlutshelwa ngamaJuda, 15 abulala iNkosi uJesu labaphrofethi, thina asixotsha. Ayamdabukisa uNkulunkulu njalo ayizitha zabantu bonke 16 ekuzameni kwawo ukusinqabela ukukhuluma labeZizweni ukuba basindiswe. Ngalokho-ke, bandisa izono zabo kakhulu. Ulaka lukaNkulunkulu seluze lwehlela phezu kwabo.

UPhawuli Ulangazelela Ukubona AbaseThesalonika

17 Kodwa-ke, bazalwane, ekuhlukanisweni kwethu kini okwesikhatshana (uqobo lwethu, hatshi umcabango), kwathi ngokulangazelela okukhulu senza imizamo yonke ukuba silibone. 18 Ngoba sasifuna ukuza kini, impela mina Phawuli ngazama kanengi kodwa uSathane wasivimbela. 19 Ngoba liyini ithemba lethu, intokozo yethu loba umqhele esizazincoma ngawo phambi kweNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu ekufikeni kwakhe na? Akusini na? 20 Ngempela lina liludumo lwethu lentokozo yethu.

3

1 Ngakho-ke, kwathi singasenelisi ukukumela sabona kungcono ukuba sisale sodwa e-Athene. 2 Sathuma uThimothi ongumzalwane wethu lesisebenzi kanye lathi kuNkulunkulu ekutshumayeleni ivangeli likaKhristu, ukuliqinisa lokulikhuthaza ekukholweni kwenu 3 ukuze angabikhona ongayikuhlaliseka ngenxa yalezizilingo. Liyakwazi kakuhle ukuthi samiselwa zona. 4 Ngeqiniso, siseselani sasihlala silitshela ukuthi sizahlukuluzwa. Kwabanjalo njengoba lisazi kakuhle. 5 Ngenxa yalokhu, kwathi ngingasanelisi ukukumela ngathumela ukuba ngazi ngokholo lwenu. Ngangisesaba ukuthi engxenye umlingi uselilingile lemizamo yethu kayisizanga.

Umbiko KaThimothi Okhuthazayo

6 Kodwa uThimothi usanda kufika kithi khathesi evela kini njalo ulethe izindaba ezinhle ngokholo lwenu kanye lothando lwenu. Usitshele ukuthi lihlala lilemikhumbulo emihle ngathi kanye lokuthi lifisa ukusibona njengoba lathi sifisa ukulibona. 7 Ngakho bazalwane, kulolonke usizi lwethu kanye lokuhlukuluzwa kwethu, sakhuthazeka ngani ngenxa yokukholwa kwenu. 8 Ngoba khathesi sesiphila ngempela, njengoba liqinile eNkosini. 9 Singalibongela njani ngokwaneleyo kuNkulunkulu sibuyisela yonke intokozo esilayo phambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu ngenxa yenu na? 10 Ebusuku lemini siyakhuleka ngokuzimisela ukuba silibone futhi silinike okusilelayo ekukholweni kwenu.

11 Sengathi uNkulunkulu wethu loBaba uqobo kanye leNkosi yethu uJesu angasivulela indlela yokuza kini. 12 Sengathi iNkosi ingandisa uthando lwenu kuthi olomunye lomunye luphumelele komunye kanye lasemuntwini wonke njengokwenziwa ngolwethu kini. 13 Kaziqinise inhliziyo zenu ukuze lingasoleki njalo libengcwele phambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu loBaba ekufikeni kweNkosi yethu uJesu labangcwele bayo bonke.

4

Ukuphilela Ukuthokozisa UNkulunkulu

1 Okokucina bazalwane, salifundisa ukuba liphile njani ukuze limthokozise uNkulunkulu njengoba impela liphila. Siyalicela njalo silincenga ngeNkosi uJesu ukuba lokhu likwenze kokuphela. 2 Liyayazi imilayo esalinika yona ngokulaya kweNkosi uJesu.

3 Kuyintando kaNkulunkulu ukuba libengcwele: ukuba lixwaye ukuhlobonga; 4 ukuba omunye lomunye wenu afunde ukuthiba umzimba wakhe ngendlela engcwele lehloniphekayo 5 hatshi ngomfutho wenkanuko njengabezizweni abangamaziyo uNkulunkulu. 6 Njalo kulokhu akukho okumele onele umzalwane wakhe kumbe amzuzele khonapho ekuthini ngumzalwane. INkosi izabajezisa bonke abenza izono ezinje njengoba sesavela salitshela njalo salixwayisa ngazo. 7 Ngoba uNkulunkulu kasibizelanga ukuba sibe ngabangcolileyo kodwa ukuba siphile impilo engcwele. 8 Ngakho-ke, lowo owalayo umlayo lo kalimuntu kodwa uNkulunkulu, yena olinika uMoya wakhe oNgcwele.

9 Mayelana lothando lobuzalwane, akudingeki ukuba sililobele ngoba lina uqobo lafundiswa nguNkulunkulu ukuba lithandane. 10 Njalo ngempela, liyabathanda abazalwane bonke kulolonke elaseMasedoniya. Kodwa siyalincenga bazalwane ukuthi lenzenjalo kokuphela. 11 Akube yisifiso senu ukuphila impilo yokuthula lokukhathalela umsebenzi wenu kanye lokusebenza ngezandla zenu njengoba salitshela 12 ukuze ukuphila kwenu kwansukuzonke kubukwe ngabangaphandle njalo lingathembeli komunye umuntu.

Ukuza KweNkosi

13 Bazalwane, kasifuni ukuba libe ngabangaziyo ngalabo abalalayo loba lidabuke njengabanye abantu abangelalo ithemba. 14 Siyakholwa ukuthi uJesu wafa wabuya wavuka njalo ngalokho siyakholwa ukuthi uNkulunkulu uzabavusa kanye loJesu labo asebelele kuye. 15 Ngelizwi leNkosi siyalitshela ukuthi thina esisaphila, esasalayo iNkosi ize ifike, kasiyikubaqalela impela labo asebelele. 16 Ngoba iNkosi uqobo izakwehla ivela ezulwini ngelizwi elikhulu, ngelizwi lengilosi enkulu langokumemeza kwecilongo likaNkulunkulu, kuthi abafileyo kuKhristu bavuke kuqala. 17 Emva kwalokho, thina esisaphila njalo sisele sizahlwithwa kanye labo emayezini ukuba sihlangabeze iNkosi emoyeni. Ngakho sizahlala leNkosi kuze kube nininini. 18 Ngakho-ke, khuthazanani ngala amazwi.

5

Usuku LweNkosi

1 Bazalwane, mayelana lezikhathi lezinsuku akudingeki ukuba sililobele 2 ngoba likwazi kahle ukuthi usuku lweNkosi luzafika njengesela ebusuku. 3 Abantu besathi, “Ukuthula lokuvikeleka,” incithakalo izakwehlela phezu kwabo ngokujuma njengomhelo kowesifazane ozithweleyo njalo kabayikuphunyuka.

4 Kodwa lina bazalwane, kalikho emnyameni ukuba lolusuku lulijume njengesela. 5 Lonke lingamadodana okukhanya lamadodana emini. Kasisibo bobusuku loba abobumnyama. 6 Ngakho-ke, kasingafani labanye abaleleyo kodwa kasiphaphameni njalo sizithibe. 7 Ngoba labo abalalayo balala ebusuku, lalabo abadakwayo badakwa ebusuku. 8 Kodwa njengoba singabemini, kasizithibeni, sembathe ukukholwa lothando njengesihlangu sesifuba, lethemba lokusindiswa njengengowane. 9 Ngoba uNkulunkulu kasimiselanga ulaka kodwa ukuba sithole ukusindiswa ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu. 10 Wasifela ukuze loba sikhangele kumbe silele, siphile laye. 11 Ngakho-ke, qinisanani njalo lakhane njengoba likwenza.

Iziqondiso Zokucina

12 Siyalicela bazalwane, ukuba libahloniphe labo abasebenza nzima phakathi kwenu, abalikhathalelayo eNkosini njalo beliqondisa futhi. 13 Bahlonipheni kakhulu ngothando ngenxa yomsebenzi wabo. Hlalisanani ngokuthula. 14 Njalo siyalincenga bazalwane, baxwayiseni labo abangamavila, likhuthaze abadele inhliziyo, lisize ababuthakathaka njalo libekezelele umuntu wonke. 15 Qaphelani kungabikhona ophindisela okubi ngokubi kodwa lihlale lizama ukwenzelana okuhle kanye lakwabanye abantu.

16 Thokozani kokuphela, 17 likhuleke kokuphela 18 njalo libonge konke okulehlelayo ngoba lokhu kuyintando kaNkulunkulu ngani kuKhristu uJesu.

19 Lingawucitshi umlilo kaMoya; 20 lingazeyisi iziphrofethi 21 kodwa zihloleni zonke; libambelele kokulungileyo, 22 lixwaye konke okubi.

23 Sengathi uNkulunkulu uqobo, uNkulunkulu wokuthula angalenza libengcwele ngokupheleleyo. Sengathi umoya wenu wonke lomphefumulo kanye lomzimba kungalondolozwa kungelasici ekufikeni kweNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu. 24 Lowo olibizayo uthembekile njalo uzakukwenza lokho.

25 Lisikhulekele bazalwane.

26 Bingelelani abazalwane bonke ngokwangana okungcwele.

27 Ngiyalilaya phambi kweNkosi ukuba incwadi le ibalelwe abazalwane bonke.

28 Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu kawube lani.

2 AbaseThesalonika

1

2

3

Incwadi KaPhawuli Yesibili

KwabaseThesalonika

1

1 UPhawuli, loSayilasi kanye loThimothi,

Lebandleni leThesalonika kuNkulunkulu uBaba laseNkosini uJesu Khristu:

2 Umusa lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba leNkosini uJesu Khristu kakube kini.

Ukubonga Lokukhuleka

3 Kumele sibonge uNkulunkulu kokuphela ngenxa yenu bazalwane njengoba kufanele ngoba ukholo lwenu lukhula kokuphela lothando elilalo komunye lomunye wenu luyanda. 4 Ngakho-ke, phakathi kwamabandla kaNkulunkulu thina siyazincoma ngokuqinisela kwenu lokukholwa phakathi kwakho konke lokhu ukuhlukuluzwa kanye lokuhlupheka elikubekezelelayo.

5 Konke lokhu kuyibufakazi bokuthi ukwahlulela kukaNkulunkulu kulungile njalo lizabalwa njengabafanele umbuso kaNkulunkulu eliwuhluphekelayo. 6 UNkulunkulu ulungile: Uzaphindisela inhlupho kulabo abalihluphayo, 7 alinike kanye lathi ukuhlaliseka lina elihlutshwayo. Lokhu kuzakwenzakala lapho iNkosi uJesu isibonakaliswa ezulwini phakathi komlilo ovuthayo ilezingilosi zayo ezilamandla. 8 Izabajezisa labo abangamaziyo uNkulunkulu labangalilaleliyo ivangeli leNkosi yethu uJesu. 9 Bazajeziswa ngokubhujiswa okulaphakade, bavalelwe ngaphandle kobukhona beNkosi lasenkazimulweni yamandla ayo 10 ngosuku ezafika ngalo ukuba idunyiswe ngabantu bayo abangcwele lokuba ibatshazwe phakathi kwabo bonke abakholwayo. Lokhu kugoqela lani ngoba labukholwa ubufakazi bethu kini.

11 Nxa sikhumbula lokhu, sihlala silikhulekela kokuphela ukuthi uNkulunkulu wethu alibale njengabafanele ukubizwa nguye njalo kuthi ngamandla akhe afeze injongo yenu elungileyo lakho konke ukwenza kwenu okuthunganyelwa yikukholwa kwenu. 12 Sikhulekela lokhu ukuze ibizo leNkosi yethu uJesu lidunyiswe kini, lani kuyo, ngokomusa kaNkulunkulu wethu loweNkosi uJesu Khristu.

2

Umuntu Ongelamthetho

1 Mayelana lokuza kweNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu lokubuthana kwethu kuyo, siyalicela bazalwane 2 ukuthi lingaphangi likhathazeke kumbe lethuswe ngeyinye imfundiso loba isiphrofethi kumbe ilizwi eliphuma emlonyeni loba incwadi okungathiwa ivela kithi kuthiwa usuku lweNkosi selufikile. 3 Lingavumeli muntu elikhohlisa langayiphi indlela ngoba lolosuku kaluyikufika umvukela uze wenzakale, lomuntu ongelamthetho abonakaliswe yena omiselwe ukubhujiswa. 4 Uzaphikisa, azikhukhumeze ezintweni zonke ezibiza uNkulunkulu loba ezikhonzwayo, aze azihlalise ethempelini likaNkulunkulu, amemezele ukuthi yena unguNkulunkulu.

5 Kalisakhumbuli yini ukuthi ngisesekini ngangijayele ukulitshela izinto lezi? 6 Khathesi selikwazi okumvimbelayo ukuze abonakaliswe ngesikhathi esifaneleyo. 7 Ngoba amandla afihlakeleyo okungabi lamthetho asesebenza kodwa lowo owavimbelayo khathesi uzaqhubeka esenza njalo aze asuswe endleleni. 8 Lapho-ke, lowo ongelamthetho uzabonakaliswa, lowo iNkosi uJesu ezamchitha ngomoya womlomo wayo, imqede ngenkazimulo yokufika kwayo. 9 Ukufika kwalowo ongelamthetho kuzakuya ngendlela yemisebenzi kaSathane. Uzasebenzisa inhlobo zonke zokubonakalisa amandla ngezibonakaliso lezimanga zamanga 10 kanye lezinhlobo zonke zobubi obukhohlisa ababhubhayo. Babhubha ngoba bala ukuthanda iqiniso ukuba basindiswe. 11 Ngenxa yalokhu, uNkulunkulu ubehlisela inkohliso elamandla ukuba bakholwe amanga 12 ukuze balahlwe bonke abangalikholwanga iqiniso kodwa bathokoziswa yibubi.

Qinani

13 Kodwa kufanele sibonge uNkulunkulu kokuphela ngenxa yenu, bazalwane abathandwa yiNkosi, ngoba uNkulunkulu walikhetha kusukela ekuqaleni ukuba lisindiswe ngomsebenzi ongcwele kaMoya langokukholwa eqinisweni. 14 Walibizela kulokhu ngevangeli lethu ukuze lihlanganyele enkazimulweni yeNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu.

15 Ngakho-ke bazalwane, qinani libambelele ezifundweni esalinika zona, kungaba ngelizwi lomlomo loba ngencwadi.

16 Sengathi iNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu uqobo kanye loNkulunkulu uBaba owasithandayo kwathi ngomusa wakhe wasinika induduzo engapheliyo lethemba elihle 17 angakhuthaza inhliziyo zenu njalo aliqinise kuzozonke izenzo ezinhle lasemazwini amahle.

3

Ukucela Umkhuleko

1 Okokucina bazalwane, sikhulekeleni ukuba ilizwi leNkosi liqhubeke ngokuphangisa njalo lihlonitshwe njengalokhu okwenzeka kini. 2 Khulekani njalo ukuba sikhululwe ebantwini abaxhwalileyo lababi ngoba akusimuntu wonke okholwayo. 3 Kodwa iNkosi ithembekile, izaliqinisa ilivikele komubi. 4 Silethemba eNkosini ukuba lenza izinto esalilaya zona njalo lizaqhubeka lizenza. 5 Sengathi iNkosi ingaqondisa inhliziyo zenu ethandweni lukaNkulunkulu lasekubekezeleni kukaKhristu.

Isixwayiso Ngokuvilapha

6 Ebizweni leNkosi uJesu Khristu, siyalilaya bazalwane ukuba libaxwaye bonke abazalwane abangamavila, abangaphili ngokwemfundiso elayamukela kithi. 7 Ngoba lina ngokwenu liyakwazi ukuba kufanele lisilandele njani isibonelo sethu. Sasingavilaphi lapho siseselani 8 njalo kasidlanga kudla komuntu singakuhlawulelanga. Kodwa sasebenza ebusuku lemini, sisebenza nzima njalo sitshikatshika ukuze singabi ngumthwalo lakubani phakathi kwenu. 9 Lokhu sakwenza kungayisikho ukuthi kasilalungelo losizo olunjalo kodwa ukuba sizenze sibe yisibonelo kini ukuba lisilandele. 10 Ngoba langesikhathi silani salinika umlayo othi: “Nxa umuntu engafuni ukusebenza, kangadli.”

11 Sizwa kuthiwa abanye phakathi kwenu bayavilapha. Kabenzi lutho, bangenela izindaba zabanye. 12 Ebizweni leNkosi uJesu Khristu, siyabalaya njalo sibakhuthaza abantu abanjalo ukuba bazimisele, basebenzele ukudla abakudlayo. 13 Lina bazalwane, lingadinwa yikwenza okuhle.

14 Qaphelani iloba ngubani ongalaleli imilayo yethu ekule incwadi. Lingadlelani laye ukuze ayangeke. 15 Lingamthathi njengesitha kodwa mxwayiseni njengomzalwane.

Ukuvalelisa

16 Sengathi iNkosi yokuthula uqobo ingalinika ukuthula ngezikhathi zonke njalo ngezindlela zonke. INkosi kayibe lani lonke.

17 Mina Phawuli ngiloba ukuvalelisa lokhu ngesami isandla, okuyilo uphawu oluphawulayo kuzozonke izincwadi zami. Ngiloba kanje.

18 Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu kawube lani lonke.

1 UThimothi

1

2

3

4

5

6

Incwadi KaPhawuli Yakuqala

KuThimothi

1

1 Mina Phawuli, umpostoli kaKhristu uJesu ngokulaya kukaNkulunkulu uMsindisi wethu lokukaKhristu uJesu ithemba lethu,

2 KuThimothi indodana yami eqotho ekukholweni ngithi:

Umusa lesihawu kanye lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba lakuKhristu uJesu iNkosi yethu kakube kuwe.

Isixwayiso Ngabafundisi Bomthetho Abafundisa Inkohliso

3 Njengoba ngakukhuthaza ekuyeni kwami eMasedoniya, hlala khonapho e-Efesu ukuze ulaye abantu abathile ukuba bangafundisi imfundiso yamanga futhi 4 loba ukuchitha isikhathi ngezinganekwane langezimbali zensendo ezingapheliyo. Lokhu kubanga ukuphikisana hatshi umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu wokukholwa. 5 Inhloso yalo umlayo luthando oluvela enhliziyweni emhlophe, lesazela esihle lokholo oluqotho. 6 Abanye sebedukile kulokhu baphendukela ekukhulumeni okuyize. 7 Bafuna ukuba ngabafundisi bomthetho kodwa kabakwazi abakhuluma ngakho loba lokhu abakuqinisa kangaka ngesibindi.

8 Siyakwazi ukuthi umthetho ulungile nxa umuntu ewusebenzisa kuhle. 9 Siyakwazi lokuthi umthetho kawenzelwanga abantu abalungileyo kodwa wenzelwa abeqa imithetho labahlamuki, abangamaziyo uNkulunkulu labayizoni, abangalunganga labangakholwayo; wenzelwa ababulala oyise labonina, lababulali, 10 lezifebe, izitabane, abathengisa izigqili labaqamba amanga kanye labafakazela amanga kanye lokunye okuphambene lemfundiso eqotho 11 evumelana levangeli elilenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu obusisekileyo, enginika lona.

Umusa WeNkosi KuPhawuli

12 Ngiyambonga uKhristu uJesu iNkosi yethu onginike amandla, wangibona ngithembekile njalo wangibeka emsebenzini wakhe. 13 Lanxa ngake ngaba ngumhlambazi, lomhlukuluzi, lesidlwangudlwangu, ngenzelwa isihawu ngoba ngakwenza ngokungazi langokungakholwa. 14 Umusa weNkosi wathululelwa phezu kwami ngokwanda okukhulu, ndawonye lokukholwa kanye lothando olukuKhristu uJesu.

15 Nansi isitsho esiqotho esifanele ukwamukelwa esithi: UKhristu uJesu weza emhlabeni ukuba asindise izoni, mina ngingesibi kakhulu kulazo. 16 Kodwa ngenxa yalesosizatho ngenzelwa isihawu ukuze kuthi ngami isoni esibi kakhulu uJesu Khristu abonakalise ukubekezela kwakhe okungelamkhawulo njengesibonelo kulabo abakholwa kuye bamukele lokuphila okungapheliyo. 17 Manje kuyo iNkosi yaphakade engafiyo, engabonakaliyo, uNkulunkulu yedwa, udumo lenkazimulo akube kuye kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni.

Icala LikaThimothi Liyavuselelwa

18 Thimothi ndodana yami, ngikunika umlayo lo ekulondolozeni iziphrofethi ezake zenziwa ngawe ukuze uthi ngokuzikhumbula ulwe ukulwa okuhle, 19 ubambelele ekukholweni lesazeleni esihle. Abanye bakwalile lokhu, ngakho-ke, babhidliza ukukholwa kwabo. 20 Phakathi kwabo kuloHimeniyasi lo-Alekizanda esengibanikele kuSathane ukuba bafundiswe ukungahlambazi uNkulunkulu.

2

Imilayo Ngokukhonza

1 Ngakho-ke, phezu kwakho konke ngiyakhuthaza ukuba izicelo, lemikhuleko, lokukhulekela abanye kanye lokubonga kwenzelwe abantu bonke, 2 amakhosi labo bonke abaphethe amandla ukuze sihlale ngokuthula empilweni enhle kukho konke ukumesaba uNkulunkulu lobungcwele. 3 Lokhu kuhle njalo kuyamthokozisa uNkulunkulu uMsindisi wethu 4 ofuna ukuba abantu bonke basindiswe njalo balazi iqiniso. 5 Ngoba uNkulunkulu munye njalo lomeli munye phakathi kukaNkulunkulu labantu, umuntu uKhristu Jesu, 6 owazinikela njengenhlawulo yabantu bonke, ubufakazi obanikwa ngesikhathi sabo esifaneleyo. 7 Ngenxa yalokhu mina ngakhethelwa ukuba ngumanduleli lompostoli njalo ngikhuluma iqiniso kangiqambi manga kanye lomfundisi wokholo oluqotho kwabeZizweni.

8 Ngakho ngifuna amadoda ezindaweni zonke aphakamise izandla zawo ezingcwele ekhuleka kungela kuthukuthela kumbe ukuphikisana. 9 Ngifuna ukuba abesifazane bagqoke ngokuzothileyo, okuhle lokufaneleyo, kungabi ngenwele ezelukiweyo loba igolide loba amangqongqo loba izigqoko ezidulayo 10 kodwa ngezenzo ezinhle ezifanele abesifazane abathi bayamkhonza uNkulunkulu.

11 Owesifazane kumele afunde ethule langokuzithoba okupheleleyo. 12 Kangivumeli ukuba owesifazane afundise loba ukuba lamandla phezu kowesilisa; kumele athule. 13 Ngoba u-Adamu wabunjwa kuqala; kwalandela u-Eva. 14 Njalo u-Adamu kasuye owakhohliswayo; ngowesifazane owakhohliswayo wasesiba yisoni. 15 Kodwa abesifazane bazasindiswa ngokuzala abantwana nxa beqhubeka ngokukholwa, ngothando kanye lobungcwele ngokufaneleyo.

3

Abathungameli Lamadikoni

1 Nansi isitsho esiqotho esithi: Lowo ofuna ukuba ngumthungameli ufisa umsebenzi olesithunzi. 2 Umthungameli akumelanga abengosolekayo njalo kumele abeyindoda elomfazi oyedwa, ezithibayo, elamandla okuzibamba, ehloniphekayo, ephatha kuhle izihambi, eyenelisa ukufundisa, 3 engayisiso sidakwa, engeladlakela kodwa emnene, engathandi ingxabano, engathandi imali. 4 Kayibe ngephatha kuhle umuzi wayo njalo ibone ukuba abantwana bayo bayayilalela ngenhlonipho efaneleyo. 5 (Nxa umuntu engakwazi ukuphatha umuzi wakhe angaliphatha njani ibandla likaNkulunkulu na?) 6 Akumelanga kube ngosanda kuphenduka hlezi azikhukhumeze abe ngaphansi kokwahlulelwa kunye loSathane. 7 Njalo kumele abe ngodume ngokuhle kwabangaphandle ukuze angaweli ehlazweni lasemjibileni kaSathane.

8 Ngokunjalo, amadikoni lawo kumele kube ngabantu abahloniphekayo, abaqotho, abanganathi iwayini elinengi, abangadingi inzuzo ngobuqili. 9 Kumele babambelele eqinisweni elizikileyo kanye lasekukholweni ngesazela esihlanzekileyo. 10 Kumele baqale bahlolwe; nxa kungekho lutho olubi ngabo, kabasebenze njengamadikoni.

11 Ngokunjalo, labomkabo kumele babe ngabesifazane abahloniphekayo, abangahlebiyo kodwa abazithibayo labathembekileyo ezintweni zonke.

12 Umdikoni kabe lomfazi oyedwa kuphela njalo ophatha kuhle abantwana bakhe kanye labendlu yakhe. 13 Labo abasebenze kuhle bazuza isithunzi lesithembiso esikhulu ekukholweni kwabo kuKhristu uJesu.

Izizatho Zeziqondiso ZikaPhawuli

14 Lanxa ngikhangelele ukuza kuwe masinyane, ngikulobela iziqondiso lezi ukuze kuthi 15 nxa ngibambeka, ukwazi ukuthi abantu kumele baziphathe njani endlini kaNkulunkulu elibandla likaNkulunkulu ophilayo, insika lesisekelo seqiniso. 16 Kungekho kuthandabuza imfihlakalo yokwesaba uNkulunkulu inkulu:

Wabonakaliswa emzimbeni,

wafakazelwa nguMoya,

wabonwa yizingilosi,

watshunyayelwa phakathi kwezizwe,

umhlaba wakholwa kuye,

wenyukiselwa phezulu ngenkazimulo.

4

Iziqondiso KuThimothi

1 Umoya utsho ngokucacileyo ukuthi ngezikhathi zokucina abanye bazalahla ukukholwa balandele imimoya ekhohlisayo lezinto ezifundiswa ngamadimoni. 2 Ukufundisa okunjalo kuza labaqambi bamanga abangabazenzisi abalezazela ezingathi zahaqazwa ngensimbi etshisayo. 3 Balela abantu ukuba bathathane njalo babalaye ukuba bazile ukudla okuthize, uNkulunkulu akudalela ukuthi kwamukelwe ngokubonga yilabo abakholwayo labalaziyo iqiniso. 4 Ngoba konke uNkulunkulu akudalayo kulungile njalo akulalutho okumele lulahlwe nxa lusamukelwa ngokubonga 5 ngoba kungcweliswe yilizwi likaNkulunkulu lomkhuleko.

6 Nxa lezizinto uziphawula kubazalwane, uzakuba ngumfundisi omuhle kaKhristu uJesu, owondliwe phakathi kwamaqiniso okukholwa lemfundiso enhle oyilandelayo. 7 Ungazinaki izinganekwane ezikhohlakeleyo kanye lezindaba eziyize kodwa wena zifundise ukumesaba uNkulunkulu. 8 Ngoba imisebenzi yokuqinisa umzimba ilosizo oluthile kodwa ukwesaba uNkulunkulu kulosizo ezintweni zonke, kulesithembiso ekuphileni kwakhathesi lasekuphileni okuzayo. 9 Lesi yisitsho esiqotho okumele samukelwe ngokupheleleyo 10 njalo lokhu siyakusebenzela sikutshikatshikele ngoba ithemba lethu silibeke kuNkulunkulu ophilayo, onguMsindisi wabantu bonke, ikakhulu owalabo abakholwayo.

11 Laya njalo ufundise ngalezizinto. 12 Ungavumeli muntu ukuba akweyise ngenxa yokuthi usasemutsha kodwa woba yisibonelo kwabakholwayo ngokukhuluma, ngokuphila, ngothando, ngokukholwa kanye langokuhlambuluka. 13 Zinikele ekufundeleni uzulu imibhalo, ekutshumayeleni kanye lasekufundiseni ngize ngifike. 14 Ungasideli isipho sakho owasiphiwa ngelizwi lesiphrofethi ngesikhathi ibandla labadala libeka izandla zalo phezu kwakho.

15 Khuthalela izinto lezi; zinikele ngokupheleleyo kuzo ukuze umuntu wonke abone ukuqhubeka kwakho. 16 Qaphela kakhulu ukuphila kwakho kanye lemfundiso. Bambelela kuzo ngoba nxa usenza njalo uzazisindisa wena ngokwakho kanye labakuzwayo.

5

Izeluleko Ngabafelokazi Labadala Kanye Lezigqili

1 Ungamkhuzi ngolaka umuntu omdala kodwa mncenge ngokungathi nguyihlo. Amajaha aphathe njengabafowenu, 2 abesifazane abadala njengonyoko, abesifazane abatsha njengodadewenu ngokuhlambuluka okupheleleyo.

3 Woba lonanzelelo olufaneleyo kubafelokazi abaswelayo kakhulu. 4 Kodwa nxa umfelokazi elabantwana kumbe abazukulu, kumele bafunde kuqala kulakho konke ukusebenzisa ukholo lwabo ngokukhathalela abendlu yakwabo langokusiza abazali babo labazali babazali babo ngoba lokhu kuyamthokozisa uNkulunkulu. 5 Umfelokazi oswelayo kakhulu njalo esele eyedwa ubeka ithemba lakhe kuNkulunkulu njalo uqhubeka ebusuku lemini ekhuleka ecela usizo kuNkulunkulu. 6 Kodwa umfelokazi ophilela intokozo ufile lanxa esaphila. 7 Banike labo abantu izeluleko lezi ukuze angabikhona ongasoleka. 8 Nxa umuntu enganakekeli izihlobo zakhe ikakhulu abendlu yakwabo, uselulahlile ukholo lwakhe njalo mubi kakhulu kulongakholwayo.

9 Akulamfelokazi ozabekwa eluhlwini lwabafelokazi ngaphandle kokuba eseleminyaka edlula engamatshumi ayisithupha, obengokade ethembekile kumkakhe 10 njalo edumile ngezenzo zakhe ezinhle, ezinjengokondla abantwana, lokuphatha kuhle izihambi, lokugezisa inyawo zabangcwele, lokusiza abahluphekayo kanye lokuzinikela kuzozonke izenzo ezinhle.

11 Abafelokazi abasesebatsha ungababeki eluhlwini olunjalo. Ngoba lapho izinkanuko zabo zomzimba sezikhulela ukuzinikela kwabo kuKhristu bafuna ukwenda. 12 Ngalokho-ke, bazilethela ukwahlulelwa phezu kwabo ngoba bephule isithembiso sabo sokuqala. 13 Langaphandle kwalokho, basuka babe lomkhuba wokuvilapha batshone benquma ngemizi. Njalo kababi ngamavila nje kuphela kodwa bangabanyeyayo labathandi bezindaba zabanye besitsho izinto okungafanelanga bazitsho. 14 Ngakho, abafelokazi abasesebatsha ngibacebisa ukuba bende, babelabantwana, baphathe izindlu zabo njalo banganiki isitha ithuba lokuba kube lokuhleba. 15 Abanye bavele sebedukile balandela uSathane.

16 Nxa umuntu okholwayo elabafelokazi emzini wakhe, kumele abasize hatshi ukuyekela besinda ibandla ukuze ibandla lisize abafelokazi abaswela kakhulu.

17 Abadala abaqhuba kuhle imisebenzi yebandla bafanele ukuhlonitshwa okuphindiweyo ikakhulu labo abasebenza ukutshumayela lokufundisa. 18 Ngoba umbhalo uthi: “Inkabi ungayifaki isayeke nxa ibhula amabele,”* njalo uthi, “Isisebenzi sifanele umholo waso.”† 19 Ungalamukeli icala eletheswa umuntu omdala ngaphandle kokuba limangalwa ngabafakazi ababili loba abathathu. 20 Abenza izono kumele bakhuzwe phambi kwabantu ukuze labanye baxwayiseke. 21 Ngiyakulaya phambi kukaNkulunkulu loKhristu uJesu lezingilosi ezikhethiweyo ukuba ugcine iziqondiso lezi kungekho bandlululo njalo ungenzi lutho ngokukhetha.

22 Ungaphangisi ukubeka izandla emuntwini njalo ungahlanganyeli ezonweni zabanye. Zigcine uhlambulukile.

23 Yekela ukunatha amanzi kuphela kodwa sebenzisa lewayini elincinyane ngenxa yesisu sakho lokuhlala kwakho ugula.

24 Izono zabanye abantu zisobala, zifika endaweni yokwahlulela kuqala kulabo; kodwa abanye ezabo izono zilandela ngemva kwabo. 25 Ngokufanayo, izenzo ezinhle zisobala njalo lalezo ezingenjalo azingeke zihlale zifihliwe.

6

1 Bonke abangaphansi kwejogwe lobugqili kumele bakhangele amakhosi abo ngokuthi afanele ukuhlonitshwa ukuze ibizo likaNkulunkulu kanye lokufundisa kwethu kungadunyazwa. 2 Labo abalamakhosi akholwayo kabangawadeleli ngoba angabazalwane. Kodwa kabawasebenzele ngcono kakhulu ngoba labo abasizakala ngokubasebenzela kwabo ngabakholwayo labathandekayo kubo.

Abafundisi Bamanga Lokuthanda Imali

Lezi yizinto okumele uzifundise njalo uzigcizelele. 3 Nxa umuntu efundisa imfundiso yamanga njalo engawuvumi umlayo oqotho weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu lemfundiso yokwesaba uNkulunkulu, 4 uyazikhukhumeza njalo akulalutho aluzwisisayo. Ulezifiso ezimbi enkanini lasekuphikisaneni ngamazwi okudala umona, lombango, lezinkulumo ezilimazayo, ukucabangelana okubi 5 kanye lokuxabana kokuphela kwabantu abalengqondo ezixhwalileyo, asebalahlekelwa liqiniso labacabanga ukuthi ukulalela uNkulunkulu kuyindlela yokuzuza imali.

6 Kodwa-ke, ukulalela uNkulunkulu ngokusuthiseka kuyinzuzo enkulu. 7 Ngoba akulalutho esalulethayo emhlabeni njalo akulalutho esingasuka lalo kuwo. 8 Kodwa nxa silokudla lezigqoko kumele sisuthiseke ngalokho. 9 Abantu abafuna ukunotha bawela ezilingweni lasemijibileni lasezinkanukweni ezinengi zobuthutha ezilimazayo leziwisela abantu ekufeni lasekubhujisweni. 10 Ngoba ukuthanda imali kuyimpande yezinhlobo zonke zobubi. Abanye abantu ngokutshisekela imali baphambuka ekukholweni bazibangele insizi ezinengi.

UPhawuli Ulaya UThimothi

11 Kodwa wena muntu kaNkulunkulu, kubalekele konke lokhu ufune ukulunga lokulalela uNkulunkulu, lokukholwa, lothando, lokubekezela kanye lobumnene. 12 Ilwa ukulwa okuhle kokukholwa. Bambelela ekuphileni okulaphakade owabizelwa kukho ekuvumeni kwakho okuhle owakwenza kulabafakazi abanengi. 13 Phambi kukaNkulunkulu onika izinto zonke ukuphila laphambi kukaKhristu uJesu owathi efakaza phambi kukaPhontiyasi Philathu wenza ukuvuma okuhle, ngiyakulaya 14 ukuba ugcine umlayo lo kungelasici loba ukusoleka kuze kube sekubonakaleni kweNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu, 15 okuzalethwa nguNkulunkulu ngesikhathi sakhe, uNkulunkulu obusisekileyo njalo onguye uMbusi kuphela, iNkosi yamakhosi loMbusi wababusi, 16 onguye kuphela ongafiyo lohlala ekukhanyeni okungafinyelelekiyo, okungekho owake wambona loba ongambona. Udumo lamandla akube kuye kuze kube laphakade. Ameni.

17 Balaye labo abanothileyo kulo umhlaba wakhathesi ukuba bangazikhukhumezi loba babeke ithemba labo enothweni engathembekanga kodwa ukuba babeke ithemba labo kuNkulunkulu osinika kakhulu konke okwentokozo yethu. 18 Balaye ukuba benze okuhle, bande ngezenzo ezinhle, baphane njalo bathande ukwaba okungokwabo. 19 Ngalokhu-ke, bazazibekela inotho njengesisekelo esiqinileyo sesizukulwane esizayo ukuze babambe ukuphila okuyikuphila okuqotho.

20 Thimothi, londoloza lokho okuphathisiweyo. Xwaya inkulumo zokweyisa uNkulunkulu, lemibono ephikisana leqiniso ebizwa ngokuthi lulwazi, 21 njalo abanye sebekuvumile, bathi ngokwenza njalo baphambuka ekukholweni.

Umusa kawube kuwe.

* 5:18 5.18 UDutheronomi 25.4

† 5:18 5.18 ULukha 10.7

2 UThimothi

1

2

3

4

Incwadi KaPhawuli Yesibili

KuThimothi

1

1 Mina Phawuli, umpostoli kaKhristu uJesu ngentando kaNkulunkulu, mayelana lesithembiso sokuphila okukuKhristu uJesu,

2 KuThimothi, indodana yami ethandekayo ngithi:

Umusa lesihawu kanye lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba lakuKhristu uJesu iNkosi yethu.

Ukubonga

3 Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu engimkhonzayo njengokwenziwa ngokhokho bami ngesazela esimsulwa lapho ngikukhumbula kokuphela emikhulekweni yami ebusuku lemini. 4 Lapho ngikhumbula inyembezi zakho, ngifisa ukukubona ukuze ngibe lokuthokoza okukhulu. 5 Ngikhunjuzwe ngokukholwa kwakho okuqotho okwaqala kugogo wakho uLoyisi lakunyoko uYunisi njalo ngiyathemba ukuba khathesi kukhona lakuwe futhi.

Inkuthazo Yokuthembeka KuPhawuli Levangelini

6 Ngenxa yalokhu ngiyakukhumbuza ukuba sihlale sivutha isipho sikaNkulunkulu owasamukela ngokubekwa kwezandla zami phezu kwakho. 7 Ngoba uNkulunkulu kasiphanga umoya wobugwala kodwa umoya wamandla, lowothando kanye lowokuzithiba. 8 Ngakho-ke, ungabi lenhloni ukufakaza ngeNkosi yethu loba ube lenhloni ngami isibotshwa sayo. Kodwa hlanganyela lami ekuhluphekeleni ivangeli ngamandla kaNkulunkulu 9 owasisindisayo, wasibizela ekuphileni okungcwele kungayisikho kuthi kukhona esakwenzayo kodwa ngenxa yenjongo yakhe langomusa wakhe. Umusa lo sawunikwa ngoKhristu uJesu ngaphambi kokuqala kwesikhathi 10 kodwa khathesi usubonakaliswe ngokubonakala koMsindisi wethu uKhristu Jesu, osechithe ukufa waletha ekukhanyeni ukuphila lokungafi ngevangeli. 11 Njalo ivangeli leli mina ngabekwa ukuba yisithunywa lompostoli kanye lomfundisi walo. 12 Yikho-nje ngihlupheka njengoba nginje. Kodwa kangilanhloni ngoba ngiyamazi engikholwa kuye njalo ngiyakholwa ukuthi ulamandla okulondoloza lokho engikubeke kuye ngalolosuku.

13 Lokho owakuzwa ngami kugcine njengesibonelo semfundiso epheleleyo, ngokukholwa langothando kuKhristu uJesu. 14 Londoloza isibambiso osiphathisiweyo usilondoloze ngosizo lukaMoya oNgcwele ohlala phakathi kwethu.

Izibonelo Zokuthembeka Lokungathembeki

15 Uyakwazi ukuthi abantu bonke esabelweni sase-Ezhiya sebangidela, kubalwa loFigelusi kanye loHemogenesi.

16 Sengathi iNkosi ingaba lomusa kwabendlu ka-Onesiforosi ngoba wayehlala engivuselela njalo wayengelanhloni ngezibopho zami. 17 Kodwa kwathi eseRoma wangidinga kakhulu waze wangithola. 18 Sengathi iNkosi ingenza ukuba athole umusa eNkosini ngalolosuku! Uyakwazi kakuhle ukuba wangisiza ngezindlela ezinengi kangakanani e-Efesu.

2

Isikhalazo Siyavuselelwa

1 Ngakho-ke, wena ndodana yami, qina emuseni okuKhristu uJesu. 2 Izinto owangizwa ngizitsho phambi kwabafakazi abanengi ziphathise abantu abathembekileyo abazafanela ukuba labo bafundise abanye. 3 Hlanganyelana lathi ebunzimeni njengebutho likaKhristu uJesu elifaneleyo. 4 Kakho osebenza njengebutho ongenela ezindabeni zabangasibo bebutho kodwa ufuna ukuthokozisa umlawuli wakhe. 5 Ngokufanayo, nxa umuntu encintisa njengomdlali kawutholi umqhele wokunqoba ngaphandle kokuba encintisa ngokusemthethweni. 6 Umlimi osebenza kakhulu kumele kube nguye oqala ukuthola isabelo sezilimo. 7 Nakana ngalokho engikutshoyo ngoba iNkosi izakupha umbono kukho konke lokhu.

8 Khumbula uJesu Khristu owavuka kwabafileyo, wadabuka kuDavida. Leli yilo ivangeli lami 9 engilihluphekelayo ngize ngibotshwe ngamaketane njengesigangi. Kodwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu kalibotshwanga. 10 Ngakho-ke, ngibekezelela konke ngenxa yabakhethiweyo ukuze labo bazuze ukusindiswa okukuKhristu uJesu lenkazimulo engapheliyo.

11 Nansi isitsho esiqotho:

Nxa safa laye

sizaphila laye futhi;

12 nxa sibekezela

sizabusa laye futhi.

Nxa simphika,

laye futhi uzasiphika;

13 nxa singelalo ithemba

yena uzaqhubeka ethembekile,

ngoba angeke azidele.

Isisebenzi Esivunywe NguNkulunkulu

14 Qhubeka ubakhumbuza abantu bakaNkulunkulu ngalezizinto. Baxwayise phambi kukaNkulunkulu ngokuxabana ngamazwi; akulasizo, kuchitha labo abalaleleyo. 15 Yenza ubungcono bakho ukuba uzethule kuNkulunkulu njengohloliweyo, isisebenzi esingadingi ukuba sibe lenhloni njalo esiliphatha kuhle ilizwi leqiniso. 16 Xwaya inkulumo zokweyisa uNkulunkulu ngoba abazikholisayo baqhubeka kokuphela besiba ngabangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu. 17 Imfundiso yabo izaqhela njengesilonda esibhibhidlayo. Phakathi kwabo kuloHimeniyasi loFilethosi, 18 abaphambukayo eqinisweni. Bathi ukuvuka kwabafileyo sekwenzakala njalo bachitha ukukholwa kwabanye. 19 Noma kunjalo isisekelo sikaNkulunkulu esiqinileyo sigxilile, sibekwe uphawu lombhalo othi: “UThixo uyabazi labo abangabakhe,”* lokuthi, “Bonke abalivumayo ibizo likaThixo kumele badele ububi.”

20 Endlini enkulukazi akulazitsha zegolide lezesiliva nje kuphela kodwa lezezigodo kanye lezebumba; ezinye ngezemisebenzi encomekayo njalo ezinye ngezokusebenzisa nje. 21 Nxa umuntu ezihlambulula kokulihlazo, uzasetshenziswa emisebenzini encomekayo, angcweliswe, abe luncedo eNkosini yakhe njalo elungele ukwenza loba yiwuphi umsebenzi omuhle.

22 Xwaya izinkanuko ezimbi zobutsha ufune ukulunga, lokukholwa, lothando kanye lokuthula, ukanye lalabo abakhuleka eNkosini ngezinhliziyo ezimhlophe. 23 Xwaya ukuphikisana kobuthutha lobuwula ngoba uyakwazi ukuthi kudala ingxabano. 24 Inceku yeNkosi kumele ixwaye ingxabano; kodwa kumele ibe lomusa ebantwini bonke, yenelise ukufundisa, ingabi lenzondo. 25 Abaphikisayo kumele belulekwe kuhle, ngethemba lokuthi uNkulunkulu uzabaguqula inhliziyo baholelwe ekwazini iqiniso 26 lokuthi baphaphame, baphunyuke emjibileni kaSathane obathumbele ukuba benze intando yakhe.

3

Ukweyisa UNkulunkulu Ensukwini Zokucina

1 Kodwa nanzelela lokhu: Ensukwini zokucina kuzakuba lezikhathi ezinzima. 2 Abantu bazakuba ngabazithandayo, labathanda imali, labazikhukhumezayo, labazigqajayo, labathukayo, labangalaleli abazali babo, labangabongiyo, labangcolileyo, 3 labangelathando, labangathetheleliyo, labahlebayo, labangazikhuziyo, labalesihluku, labangakuthandiyo okuhle, 4 labalamacebo amabi, labacaphuka ngeze, labaziphakamisayo, labathanda injabulo kulokuthanda uNkulunkulu, 5 belesimo sokukholwa kuNkulunkulu kodwa belandula amandla okukholwa. Ungahlanganyeli labo.

6 Yibo laba abanyenyela emakhaya bazuze amandla phezu kwabesifazane ababuthakathaka, abasindwa yizono njalo bebuswa zinhlobo zonke zezinkanuko ezimbi, 7 behlezi befunda kodwa besehluleka ukufinyelela elwazini lweqiniso. 8 NjengoJanesi loJambiresi abaphikisa uMosi, ngokunjalo abantu laba baphikisa iqiniso. Abantu bengqondo ezonakeleyo, abalahliweyo ngokokholo. 9 Kodwa kabayikufika ndawo ngoba njengokwalawo madoda, ubuthutha babo buzakuba sobala ebantwini bonke.

UPhawuli Ulaya UThimothi

10 Kodwa wena wazi konke ngemfundiso yami, lempilo yami, lenjongo yami, lokukholwa, lokubekezela, lothando, lokuqinisela, 11 lokuhlukuluzwa, inhlupheko zonke engahlangana lazo e-Antiyokhi, lase-Ikhoniyamu, laseListra kanye lokuhlukuluzeka engangena phakathi kwakho. Kodwa iNkosi yangihlenga kukho konke lokhu. 12 Ngempela umuntu wonke othanda ukuphila impilo yokulalela uNkulunkulu kuKhristu uJesu uzahlukuluzwa, 13 kukanti abantu ababi labakhohlisi bazakonakala ngokudlulisayo, bekhohlisa labo bekhohliswa. 14 Kodwa wena qhubeka ngalokho okufundileyo njalo wakukholwa ngoba uyabazi labo okufunde kubo, 15 lokuthi kusukela ebuntwaneni wayazi njani imibhalo eNgcwele engakwenza uhlakaniphele ukusindiswa ngokukholwa kuKhristu uJesu. 16 IMibhalo yonke yaphefumulelwa nguNkulunkulu njalo ilosizo ekufundiseni, lokukhuza, lokuqondisa, lokufundisa ngokulunga, 17 ukuze umuntu kaNkulunkulu ayilungisele ngokupheleleyo yonke imisebenzi emihle.

4

1 Phambi kukaNkulunkulu loKhristu uJesu ozathonisisa abaphilayo labafileyo njalo mayelana lokubonakala kwakhe kanye lombuso wakhe ngikunika lumlayo: 2 Tshumayela iLizwi; lungiselela isikhathi esifaneleyo lesikhathi esingafanelanga; lungisa, ukhuze njalo ukhuthaze ngokubekezelela okukhulu langokulaya ngokunanzelela. 3 Ngoba isikhathi sizafika lapho abantu abangayikuyivuma khona imfundiso eqotho. Kodwa ukuze basuthise izinkanuko zabo, bazaziqoqela abafundisi abanengi ukuba batsho lokho indlebe zabo ezilumela ukukuzwa. 4 Indlebe zabo bazazisusa eqinisweni baphambukele ezinganekwaneni. 5 Kodwa wena lulamisa ikhanda kuzozonke izehlakalo, ubekezele ebunzimeni, wenze umsebenzi womvangeli, uyifeze yonke imisebenzi yenkonzo yakho.

6 Ngoba mina sengilungele ukuthululwa njengomnikelo onathwayo njalo lesikhathi sokusuka kwami sesifikile. 7 Ngilwile ukulwa okuhle, sengiliqedile ibanga lami lokukholwa ngikulondolozile. 8 Khathesi ngigcinelwe umqhele wokulunga iNkosi uMahluleli olungileyo ezanginika wona ngalelolanga njalo kungayisimi kuphela kodwa kubo bonke abatshisekela ukubonakala kwayo.

Amazwi Aqondene Laye

9 Zama ngamandla akho wonke ukuba uze kimi ngokuphangisa 10 ngoba uDemasi ngenxa yokuthi ubethanda umhlaba lo, usengibalekele waya eThesalonika. UKhrisensi useye eGalathiya, uThithu waya eDalmathiya. 11 ULukha nguye kuphela olami. Thatha uMakho ubuye laye ngoba ulusizo kakhulu enkonzweni yami. 12 UThikhikhasi ngamthuma e-Efesu. 13 Lapho usubuya ubuye lejazi engalitshiya kuKhaphusi eTrowasi lengwalo zami ikakhulu leziyana ezemibhalo elotshwe ezikhumbeni.

14 U-Alekizanda umkhandi wensimbi wenza okubi kakhulu kimi. INkosi izaphindisela kuye lokhu akwenzileyo. 15 Lawe futhi kumele umqaphele ngoba ilizwi lethu waliphikisa kakhulu.

16 Ekuzivikeleni kwami kwakuqala kakho owangisekelayo kodwa abantu bonke bangihlamukela. Kabangabi lamlandu ngalokho. 17 Kodwa iNkosi yema phansi kwami yangipha amandla ukuze kuthi ngami ilizwi litshunyayelwe ngokupheleleyo njalo labeZizweni bonke balizwe. Ngempela ngasindiswa emlonyeni wesilwane. 18 INkosi izangihlenga kukho konke ukuhlaselwa okubi ingilethe kungekho bubi embusweni wayo wasezulwini. Udumo kalube kuyo kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni.

Ukuvalelisa

19 Bingelela uPhrisila lo-Akhwila kanye labendlu ka-Onesiforosi.

20 U-Erastusi wasala eKhorinte, kwathi uThrofimasi ngamtshiya egula eMilethusi. 21 Zama ngamandla akho wonke ukuba ufike lapha ubusika bungakafiki.

UYubhulasi, loPhudeni, loLino, loKlawudiya kanye labazalwane bonke bayakubingelela.

22 INkosi kayibe lomoya wakho. Umusa kawube lawe.

* 2:19 2.19 AmaNani 16.5

UThithu

1

2

3

KuThithu

1

1 Mina Phawuli inceku kaNkulunkulu lompostoli kaJesu Khristu wokukholwa kwabakhethiweyo bakaNkulunkulu lokwazi iqiniso eliholela ekwesabeni uNkulunkulu, 2 ukukholwa lokwazi okweyame ethembeni lokuphila okulaphakade okwathenjiswa ekudatshulweni komhlaba nguNkulunkulu 3 njalo ngesikhathi sakhe esimisiweyo wabonakalisa ilizwi lakhe ngentshumayelo engayiphathiswa ngomlayo kaNkulunkulu uMsindisi wethu,

4 KuThithu indodana yami ngokukholwa kwethu sonke ngithi:

Umusa lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba lakuKhristu uJesu uMsindisi wethu.

Ukubeka Abadala Bebandla Abathanda Okuhle

5 Engakutshiyela khona eKhrethe yikuthi uqondise lokho okwasala kungaphelanga njalo ubeke abadala bebandla emizini yonke njengokukulaya kwami. 6 Umdala webandla kumele abe ngongasolekiyo, indoda elomfazi oyedwa, indoda elabantwana abakholwayo njalo abangelacala lobudlwangudlwangu loba ukwedelela. 7 Njengoba umthungameli ephathiswe umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu, kumele angabi lasici, angazikhukhumezi, ongazondi masinyane, ongasisosidakwa, ongathandi ukulwa, ongadingi inzuzo ngobuqili. 8 Kodwa kumele abe ngophatha kuhle izihambi, othanda okuhle, ozikhuzayo, oqondileyo, ongcwele lozithibayo. 9 Kumele abambelele elizwini eliqotho njengokufundiswa kwalo ukuze akhuthaze abanye ngemfundiso eqotho njalo amelane lalabo abayiphikisayo.

Ukukhuza Abehluleka Ukwenza Okuhle

10 Ngoba banengi abantu abahlamukayo, abakhulumayo nje kanye labakhohlisi ikakhulu abeqembu lokusoka. 11 Kumele bathuliswe ngoba bachitha imizi epheleleyo ngokufundisa izinto okungamelanga bazifundise besenzela ukuthola inzuzo ngobuqili lenkohliso. 12 Omunye wabaphrofethi babo wathi, “AbaseKhrethe ngabantu bamanga, izilo ezimbi, izihwaba ezingamavila.” 13 Ubufakazi lobu buliqiniso. Ngakho-ke, bakhuze ngamandla ukuze baqine ekukholweni 14 bangalaleli izinganekwane zamaJuda loba imilayo yalabo abadela iqiniso. 15 Kwabahlambulukileyo izinto zonke zihlambulukile kodwa kulabo abaxhwalileyo njalo bengakholwa akulalutho oluhlambulukileyo. Ngempela, ingqondo lezazela zabo konke kuxhwalile. 16 Bathi uNkulunkulu bayamazi kodwa ngezenzo zabo bayamphika. Bayenyanyeka, bayadelela njalo kabafanelanga ukwenza loba kuyini okuhle.

2

Ukwenza Okuhle Ngenxa Yevangeli

1 Kumele ufundise okuvumelana lemfundiso eqotho. 2 Fundisa amadoda amadala ukuzithiba, afanele ukuhlonitshwa, azikhuze, njalo aqine ekukholweni, ethandweni kanye lasekubekezeleni.

3 Ngokunjalo, fundisa abesifazane abadala ukuba babe ngabahloniphayo ekuphileni kwabo, bangabi ngabahlebayo kumbe ababuswa liwayini kodwa ukuba bafundise okulungileyo. 4 Ngakho-ke, bangafundisa abesifazane abatsha ukuba bathande omkabo labantwana babo 5 ukuba bazikhuze njalo bahlambuluke, lokuba bakhuthale emakhaya, lokuba lomusa, lokuba bazehlise ngaphansi kwabomkabo ukuze kungabikhona ogcona ilizwi likaNkulunkulu.

6 Ngokunjalo, khuthaza abesilisa abatsha ukuba bazikhuze. 7 Kukho konke babekele isibonelo ngokwenza okuhle. Ekufundiseni kwakho tshengisa ubuqotho lokuzimisela 8 kanye lokukhuluma okulengqondo okungeke kusolwe ukuze kuthi labo abakuphikisayo bayangeke ngoba bengelalutho olubi abangalutsho ngathi.

9 Fundisa izisebenzi ukuba zizehlisele ngaphansi kwamakhosi azo ezintweni zonke, zizame ukuwathokozisa, zingawaphenduli, 10 zingawantshontsheli, kodwa zibonakalise ukuthi zingathembeka okupheleleyo ukuze kuthi ngakho konke zenze imfundiso ngoNkulunkulu uMsindisi wethu ibe ngebukekayo.

11 Ngoba umusa kaNkulunkulu oletha insindiso usubonakele ebantwini bonke. 12 Uyasifundisa ukuthi “Hayi” ekweyiseni uNkulunkulu lasezinkanukweni zasemhlabeni njalo siphile ngokuzikhuza, ngokuqonda empilweni yokulalela uNkulunkulu ngesikhathi samanje, 13 lapho sisalindele ithemba elibusisiweyo lokubonakala ngenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu wethu omkhulu longuMsindisi uJesu Khristu 14 owazinikela ngenxa yethu ukuba asihlenge ebubini bonke kanye lokuthi azihlambululele abantu abangabakhe, abatshisekela ukwenza okuhle.

15 Ngakho lezi yizinto okumele uzifundise. Khuthaza njalo ukhuze ngamandla wonke. Ungavumeli muntu ukuthi akweyise.

3

Lisindisiwe Ukuze Lenze Okuhle

1 Khumbuza abantu ukuba bazehlisele ngaphansi kwababusi, labaphathi, lokuba balalele, lokuba balungele ukwenza loba kuyini okuhle, 2 lokunganyeyi muntu, lokuba lokuthula kanye lozwelo, kanye lokubonakalisa ukuzithoba okuqotho ebantwini bonke.

3 Ngesinye isikhathi lathi sake saba yiziwula, singalaleli, sikhohliswa njalo sithunjwe zinhlobo zonke zenkanuko kanye lenjabulo. Saphila phakathi kwenzondo lomhawu, sizondwa njalo sizondana. 4 Kodwa kwathi umusa lothando lukaNkulunkulu uMsindisi wethu sekubonakele, 5 wasisindisa, hatshi ngenxa yezinto ezilungileyo esasizenzile kodwa ngenxa yesihawu sakhe. Wasisindisa ngokugeziswa kokuzalwa kutsha kanye lokuvuselelwa nguMoya oNgcwele 6 amthela kakhulu phezu kwethu ngoJesu Khristu uMsindisi wethu 7 ukuze kuthi sesilungiswe ngumusa wakhe, sibe zindlalifa silethemba lokuphila okulaphakade. 8 Leli yilizwi eliqotho. Njalo ngithanda ukuba izinto lezi uzigcizelele ukuze kuthi labo abathembele kuNkulunkulu bananzelele ukuzinikela ekwenzeni okuhle. Izinto lezi zinhle kakhulu njalo zilosizo ebantwini bonke.

9 Kodwa xwaya impikiswano yobuwula lezindaba zosendo kanye lemibango lengxabano mayelana lomthetho ngoba lokhu akulasizo njalo kuyize. 10 Umuntu oxabanisayo mlaye kanye, uphinde umlaye okwesibili. Emva kwalokho mxwaye. 11 Ungaba leqiniso ukuthi umuntu onjalo uxhwalile njalo uyisoni; nguye ozilahlayo yena ngokwakhe.

Amazwi Okucina

12 Ngingaze ngithumele u-Athemasi kumbe uThikhikhasi kuwe, kumele uzame ngamandla akho wonke ukuza kimi eNikhopholisi ngoba sengizimisele ukuhlala khona ebusika. 13 Yenza konke ongakwenza ukuba usize uZenasi igqwetha kanye lo-Apholo ohanjweni lwabo ubone ukuba balakho konke abakuswelayo.

14 Abantu bakithi kumele bafunde ukuzinikela ekwenzeni okuhle ukuze bagcwalise izinswelo zansuku zonke njalo bangaphili impilo eyize.

15 Bonke abalami bayakubingelela.

Bingelela labo abasithandayo ekukholweni.

Umusa kawube lani lonke.

UFilimoni

UFilimoni

1

1 Mina Phawuli, isibotshwa sikaKhristu uJesu, loThimothi umzalwane wethu,

KuFilimoni umngane wethu othandekayo loyisisebenzi kanye lathi, 2 ku-Afiya udadewethu, ku-Akhiphasi olibutho kanye lathi, lasebandleni elihlanganela ekhaya lakho ngithi:

3 Umusa kawube kuwe kanye lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba leNkosini uJesu Khristu.

Ukubonga Lokukhuleka

4 Ngihlezi ngimbonga kokuphela uNkulunkulu wami lapho ngikukhumbula emikhulekweni yami 5 ngoba ngiyezwa ngothando lwakho lokukholwa eNkosini uJesu kanye lothando lwakho kubo bonke abangcwele. 6 Ngikhulekela ukuba ukuhlanganyela kwakho kanye lathi ekukholweni kube lomfutho ngokujula ekuqedisiseni kwakho konke ukulunga esikwabelana ngenxa kaKhristu. 7 Uthando lwakho lungiphe ukuthokoza okukhulu lokududuzeka ngoba wena, mzalwane, uvuselele inhliziyo zabangcwele.

Isikhalazo SikaPhawuli Ngo-Onesimasi

8 Ngakho-ke, lanxa kuKhristu ngingaba lesibindi ngikulaye ukuba wenze lokho okumele ukwenze 9 kodwa ngiyakuncenga ngenxa yothando. Ngakho-ke, mina Phawuli, umuntu omdala khathesi oyisibotshwa sikaKhristu uJesu futhi, 10 ngiyakuncenga ngenxa yendodana yami u-Onesimasi owaba yindodana yami ngibotshiwe. 11 Kuqala wayengelasizo kuwe kodwa khathesi uselusizo kuwe lakimi.

12 Ngimthuma kuwe yena othandwe yinhliziyo yami. 13 Kade ngingathanda ukuhlala laye ukuze athathe indawo yakho yokungisiza ngisabotshelwe ivangeli. 14 Kodwa angithandanga ukwenza lutho kungelamvumo yakho ukuze kuthi loba ngumusa owenzayo ube ngowokuzithandela hatshi ukubanjwa ngamandla. 15 Mhlawumbe isizatho sokwehlukaniswa lawe okwesikhatshana sasiyikuthi ube laye futhi kokuphela 16 engaseyiso sigqili kodwa esengcono kulesigqili njengomzalwane othandekayo. Uyathandeka kimi kodwa uthandeka kakhulu kuwe njengomunye wakho lanjengomzalwane eNkosini.

17 Ngakho-ke, nxa ungithatha njengohlanganyela lawe, mamukele ngendlela obuzangamukela ngayo. 18 Nxa kulokubi akwenze kuwe kumbe elesikwelede kuwe, kubalele kimi. 19 Mina Phawuli, ngiloba lokhu ngesandla sami. Ngizahlawula ngingabali ukuthi lawe ulomlandu kimi wena ngokwakho. 20 Ngiyafisa, mzalwane, ukuba ngithole usizo oluthile kuwe eNkosini; uvuselele inhliziyo yami kuKhristu. 21 Ngileqiniso ngokulalela kwakho, ngikulobela ngisazi ukuthi uzakwenza okudlula engikucelayo.

22 Okunye njalo yilokhu: Ngilungisela indlu yezihambi ngoba ngithemba ukuba ngizabuyiselwa kuwe ngenxa yemikhuleko yakho.

23 U-Ephafrasi oyisibotshwa kanye lami ngenxa kaKhristu uJesu, uyakubingelela.

24 UMakho, lo-Aristakhasi, loDemasi kanye loLukha abayizisebenzi kanye lami bayakubingelela.

25 Umusa weNkosi uJesu Khristu kawube lomoya wakho.

AmaHebheru

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

KumaHebheru

1

ILizwi Lika Nkulunkulu Lokucina: INdodana Yakhe

1 Kudala uNkulunkulu wakhuluma kubokhokho kanenginengi ngabaphrofethi langezindlela ezehlukeneyo 2 kodwa ngalezizinsuku zokucina ukhulume kithi ngeNdodana yakhe, ayibeka ukuba yindlalifa yezinto zonke, yona adala ngayo izulu lomhlaba. 3 INdodana iyikubenyezela kwenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu kanye lomfanekiso wokuba nguye kwakhe uqobo, iqinisa izinto zonke ngelizwi layo elilamandla. Emva kokuba isikufezile ukuhlanjululwa kwezono, yahlala phansi esandleni sokunene sobukhosi ezulwini. 4 Ngakho yaba ngaphezu kwezingilosi ngoba ibizo eyalithola njengelifa lilikhulu kulelazo.

INdodana Ingaphezulu Kwezingilosi

5 Ngoba kukuyiphi ingilosi uNkulunkulu ake wathi kuyo:

“Wena uyiNdodana yami;

lamhla sengibe nguYihlo”*?

Kumbe njalo wathi,

“Ngizakuba nguYise,

yona izakuba yiNdodana yami”†?

6 Njalo, lapho uNkulunkulu eletha izibulo lakhe emhlabeni, uthi:

“Zonke izingilosi zikaNkulunkulu kazimkhonze.”‡

7 Lapho ekhuluma ngezingilosi uthi,

“Wenza izingilosi zakhe zibe yimimoya,

izinceku zakhe zibe ngamalangabi omlilo.”§

8 Kodwa ngeNdodana uthi,

“Isihlalo sakho sobukhosi, Oh Nkulunkulu,

sizakuma nini lanini,

intonga yokwahlulela okulungileyo

izakuba yintonga yombuso wakho.

9 Ukuthandile ukulunga wazonda ububi;

ngakho uNkulunkulu,

uNkulunkulu wakho

usekubeke ngaphezu kwabakhula bakho

ngokukugcoba ngamafutha entokozo.”*

10 Njalo uthi,

“Ekuqaleni, Oh Nkosi, wabeka izisekelo zomhlaba,

lamazulu angumsebenzi wezandla zakho.

11 Kuzabhubha kodwa wena uzasala;

konke kuzaguga njengesigqoko.

12 Uzakugoqa njengesembatho;

kuzantshintshwa njengesigqoko.

Kodwa wena uhlala unjalo,

leminyaka yakho kayiyikuphela.”†

13 Kukuyiphi ingilosi uNkulunkulu ake wathi kuyo:

“Hlala ngakwesokunene sami;

ngize ngenze izitha zakho

zibe yisinyathelo senyawo zakho”‡?

14 Izingilosi kazisimimoya esebenzayo yini, ethunywe ukukhonza labo abazakudla ilifa lokusindiswa na?

2

Isixwayiso Sokuba Kunanzelelwe

1 Ngakho kufanele siqaphelelisise lokho esikuzwileyo ukuze singaduki. 2 Ngoba nxa ilizwi elakhulunywa yizingilosi liqinisa njalo konke ukona lokungalaleli kuthole isijeziso sakho esifaneleyo, 3 pho thina sizaphepha njani nxa singanaki insindiso enkulu kangaka na? Lokhu kusindiswa okwabikwa kuqala yiNkosi, kwafakazwa kithi yilabo abayizwayo. 4 LoNkulunkulu wakufakaza ngezibonakaliso langezimangaliso ezithile, langezipho zikaMoya oNgcwele ezabiwa ngokwentando yakhe.

UJesu Wenziwa Waba Njengabafowabo

5 Akusikho ezingilosini abeka khona ngaphansi kwazo ilizwe elizayo esikhuluma ngalo. 6 Kodwa ikhona indawo lapho omunye ofakaza khona esithi:

“Uyini umuntu osungaze uzihluphe ngaye na,

loba indodana yomuntu ukuba uyinanze na?

7 Wamenza waba mncinyazana kulezingilosi;

wamethesa umqhele wodumo lobukhosi,

8 wabeka lezinto zonke ngaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe.”*

Ekubekeni izinto zonke ngaphansi kwakhe uNkulunkulu katshiyanga lutho olungekho ngaphansi kwakhe. Kodwa khathesi kasiboni zinto zonke zingaphansi kwakhe. 9 Kodwa sibona yena, owenziwa waba ngaphansanyana kwezingilosi okwesikhatshana, uJesu, ebekwa umqhele wobukhosi lodumo ngoba wavuma ukufa ukuze kuthi ngomusa kaNkulunkulu ezwe ukufa ngenxa yabantu bonke.

10 Ekuletheni amadodana amanengi enkazimulweni, kwakufanele ukuba uNkulunkulu, yena owenza zonke izinto njalo zabakhona ngenxa yakhe, enze umsunguli wokusindiswa kwabo aphelele ngokuhlupheka kwakhe. 11 Ngoba lowo owenza abantu babengcwele kanye lalabo abenziwe baba ngcwele ngabendlunye. Ngakho uJesu kakumyangisi ukuba athi bangabafowabo. 12 Uthi,

“Ngizamemezela ibizo lakho kubafowethu;

ngizahlabelela udumo lwakho phambi kwebandla.”†

13 Njalo uthi,

“Ngizabeka ithemba lami kuye.”‡

Uphinda athi,

“Mina ngilapha, kanye labantwana uNkulunkulu angiphe bona.”§

14 Njengoba abantwana belomzimba legazi, laye wahlanganyela ebuntwini babo ukuze kuthi ngokufa kwakhe amchithe lowo ophethe amandla okufa okutsho uSathane, 15 abakhulule ababesebugqilini impilo yabo yonke ngenxa yokwesaba kwabo ukufa. 16 Ngoba impela akusizo ingilosi azisizayo kodwa inzalo ka-Abhrahama. 17 Ngenxa yalokhu kwakumele enziwe afane labafowabo kukho konke ukuze abe ngumphristi omkhulu olesihawu lothembekileyo enkonzweni kaNkulunkulu, lokuba abeyinhlawulo yezono zabantu. 18 Njengoba laye wahlupheka lapho elingwa, uyenelisa ukubasiza abalingwayo.

3

UJesu Ungaphezu KukaMosi

1 Ngakho-ke, bafowethu abangcwele, abahlanganyela ekubizweni ezulwini, bekani imicabango yenu kuJesu, umpostoli lomphristi omkhulu esimvumayo. 2 Wathembeka kulowo owambekayo, njengoMosi owayethembekile kuyo yonke indlu kaNkulunkulu. 3 UJesu ufunyenwe efanele udumo olukhulu kuloMosi njengomakhi wendlu elodumo olukhulu kulendlu yona ngokwayo. 4 Ngoba yileyo laleyondlu yakhiwa ngumuntu othize kodwa uNkulunkulu ungumakhi wezinto zonke. 5 “UMosi wayethembekile njengenceku kuyo yonke indlu kaNkulunkulu,”* efakaza lokho okwakuzatshiwo ensukwini ezizayo. 6 Kodwa uKhristu uthembekile njengendodana endlini kaNkulunkulu. Njalo thina siyindlu yakhe nxa sibambelela ngesibindi langethemba lethu esizincoma ngakho.

Isixwayiso Ngokungakholwa

7 Ngakho, njengoba uMoya oNgcwele esithi:

“Lamuhla nxa lisizwa ilizwi lakhe,

8 lingazenzi zibe lukhuni inhliziyo zenu,

njengelakwenza ekuhlamukeni,

ngesikhathi sokulingwa enkangala,

9 lapho okhokho benu abangihlola khona bangilinga,

babona engakwenzayo okweminyaka engamatshumi amane.

10 Yikho-nje ngasithukuthelela isizukulwane leso,

njalo ngathi, ‘Inhliziyo zabo zihlezi ziduka,

njalo kabazazanga izindlela zami.’

11 Ngakho ngamemezela ngesifungo ekuthukutheleni kwami ngathi,

‘Kabayikungena ekuphumuleni kwami.’†”

12 Bonani bazalwane ukuthi kakho omunye wenu olenhliziyo yokona lokungakholwa, ephambukayo kuNkulunkulu ophilayo. 13 Kodwa khuthazanani insuku zonke kusabizwa ngokuthi lamuhla, ukuze angabikhona owenu oba lukhuni ngenxa yokukhohliswa yisono. 14 Ngoba sesingabahlanganyelayo kuKhristu nxa sibambelele ngokuqina kuze kuphele ithemba esasilalo kuqala. 15 Njengoba kutshiwo ukuthi:

“Lamuhla nxa lisizwa ilizwi lakhe,

lingazenzi zibe lukhuni inhliziyo zenu

njengelakwenzayo ekuhlamukeni.”‡

16 Babengobani labo abezwayo basebehlamuka na? Akusibo yini bonke labo uMosi abakhupha eGibhithe na? 17 Njalo ngobani ayebathukuthelele okweminyaka engamatshumi amane na? Akusibo yini labo abonayo, abazidumbu zabo zawela enkangala na? 18 Ngobani uNkulunkulu abafungela ukuthi kabayikungena ekuphumuleni kwakhe nxa kungayisibo labo abangalalelanga na? 19 Ngakho siyabona ukuthi babengeke bangene ngenxa yokungakholwa kwabo.

4

Ukuphumula Kwabantu BakaNkulunkulu NgeSabatha

1 Ngakho-ke, njengoba isithembiso sokungena ekuphumuleni kwakhe silokhu sikhona, kasiqapheleni ukuba kakho phakathi kwenu otholakala engafinyeleli kuso. 2 Ngoba ivangeli latshunyayelwa kithi njengakubo; kodwa ilizwi abalizwayo lalingelasizo kubo ngoba labo abalizwayo kabalihlanganisanga lokholo. 3 Thina esakholwayo siyangena kulokho kuphumula njengoba uNkulunkulu etshilo ukuthi:

“Ngakho ngamemezela ngesifungo

ekuthukutheleni kwami ngathi,

‘Kabayikungena ekuphumuleni kwami.’*”

Kodwa umsebenzi wakhe wapheleliswa ekudalweni komhlaba. 4 Ngoba kwenye indawo ukhulume ngosuku lwesikhombisa ngala amazwi athi: “Ngakho ngosuku lwesikhombisa uNkulunkulu waphumula kuwo wonke umsebenzi wakhe.”† 5 Njalo endimeni engaphezulu uthi, “Kabayikungena ekuphumuleni kwami.”‡

6 Kulokhu kunjalo ukuthi abanye bazangena kulokho kuphumula, lalabo ivangeli elatshunyayelwa kubo kuqala kabangenanga ngenxa yokungalaleli kwabo. 7 Ngakho uNkulunkulu wabuya wamisa olunye usuku, elubiza ngokuthi Lamuhla, lapho kwathi emva kwesikhathi eside wakhuluma ngoDavida, njengokwakutshiwo mandulo ukuthi:

“Lamuhla nxa lisizwa ilizwi lakhe,

lingazenzi zibe lukhuni inhliziyo zenu.”§

8 Ngoba aluba uJoshuwa wayebanikile ukuphumula, ngabe uNkulunkulu kakhulumanga muva ngolunye usuku. 9 Ngakho kulokhu kukhona ukuphumula kweSabatha kwabantu bakaNkulunkulu; 10 ngoba loba ngubani ongena ekuphumuleni kukaNkulunkulu uyaphumula lakowakhe umsebenzi njengokwenziwa nguNkulunkulu kowakhe. 11 Ngakho-ke, kasenzeni imizamo yonke ukuba singene kulokho ukuphumula, ukuze angabikhona ozawiswa yikulandela isibonelo sakhe sokungalaleli.

12 Ilizwi likaNkulunkulu liyaphila njalo liyasebenza. Libukhali kulenkemba esika inxa zombili, ingena ize yehlukanise umphefumulo lomoya, amalunga lomnkantsho; lahlulela imicabango lomumo wenhliziyo. 13 Kukho konke okudaliweyo akulalutho olufihlakeleyo emehlweni kaNkulunkulu. Konke kwambuliwe kwabekwa obala phambi kwamehlo akhe yena okumele sizibike kuye.

UJesu UmPhristi Omkhulu

14 Ngakho-ke, njengoba silomphristi omkhulu kakhulu osengene emazulwini, uJesu iNdodana kaNkulunkulu, kasibambeleleni kakhulu okholweni esiluvumayo. 15 Ngoba kasilamphristi omkhulu onganelisiyo ukusizwela ebuthakathakeni bethu kodwa silaye oseke walingwa ngezindlela zonke njengathi kodwa akazange one. 16 Kasisondeleni esihlalweni sobukhosi somusa ngesibindi ukuze samukele isihawu njalo sithole umusa wokusisiza ezikhathini zokuswela kwethu.

5

1 Wonke umphristi omkhulu ukhethwa ebantwini abekwe ukuba abamele ezindabeni ezimayelana loNkulunkulu, ukunikela izipho lemihlatshelo yezono. 2 Ulakho ukubaphatha ngesineke labo abangaziyo abadukayo, njengoba laye uqobo ephethwe yikuba buthakathaka. 3 Yikho-nje kumele anikele imihlatshelo yezono zakhe kanye leyezono zabantu. 4 Kakho ozethesa udumo lolu phezu kwakhe; kumele abizwe nguNkulunkulu njengo-Aroni.

5 Ngakho loKhristu kazethesanga udumo lokuba ngumphristi omkhulu. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kuye,

“Wena uyiNdodana yami;

lamuhla sengibe nguYihlo.”*

6 Njalo kwenye indawo uthi,

“Wena ungumphristi kuze kube nini lanini,

emkhondweni kaMelikhizedekhi.”†

7 Ngensuku zokuphila kukaJesu emhlabeni, wakhuleka wacela ngokukhala kakhulu langezinyembezi kuye lowo owayengamphephisa ekufeni njalo wezwakala ngenxa yokuzehlisa kwakhe okuhloniphekayo. 8 Lanxa wayeyindodana wafunda ukulalela kulokhu ahlupheka ngakho, 9 kwathi lapho esephelelisiwe, waba ngumthombo wokusindiswa okulaphakade wabo bonke abamlalelayo 10 wasekhethwa nguNkulunkulu ukuba abe ngumphristi omkhulu, emkhondweni kaMelikhizedekhi.

Isixwayiso Ngokuhlamuka

11 Kunengi esingakutsho ngalokho kodwa kunzima ukuchaza ngoba liyaphuza ukufunda. 12 Ngeqiniso, lanxa ngalesisikhathi lifanele ukuba ngabafundisayo, liswela omunye ukuba alifundise amaqiniso okuqala elizwi likaNkulunkulu. Lifuna uchago, hatshi ukudla okuqinileyo! 13 Lowo ophila ngochago, ulokhu elusane, kayazi imfundiso emayelana lokulunga. 14 Kodwa ukudla okuqinileyo ngokwabakhulileyo asebazifundisa ukwehlukanisa okuhle kokubi.

6

1 Ngakho kasiyekeleni imfundiso elula ngoKhristu siqhubeke siye ekukhuleni. Kasingasibeki futhi isisekelo sokuphenduka ezenzweni eziholela ekufeni, lezokukholwa kuNkulunkulu, 2 lemfundiso ngemibhaphathizo, lokubekwa kwezandla, lokuvuka kwabafileyo kanye lokwahlulelwa okulaphakade. 3 Njalo nxa uNkulunkulu evuma sizakwenza njalo.

4 Akwenzakali kulabo asebake bakhanyiselwa, asebenambithe isipho sasezulwini, asebehlanganyele kuMoya oNgcwele, 5 asebenambithe ubumnandi belizwi likaNkulunkulu kanye lamandla esikhathi esizayo, 6 njalo nxa behlamuka ukuba babuyiselwe ekuphendukeni ngoba ekulahlekelweni kwabo bayayibethela futhi esiphambanweni iNdodana kaNkulunkulu beyethesa ihlazo phambi kwabantu bonke. 7 Umhlabathi onatha izulu elihlezi lisina phezu kwawo loveza isilimo esilusizo kulabo abawulimayo uthola isibusiso sikaNkulunkulu. 8 Kodwa umhlabathi oveza ameva lokhula kawulasizo njalo usengozini yokuqalekiswa. Ekucineni uzatshiswa.

9 Kodwa lanxa sikhuluma kanje bazalwane abathandekayo, silethemba lezinto ezingcono ngani, izinto ezilokwenza lokusindiswa. 10 UNkulunkulu ulungile, kasoke awukhohlwe umsebenzi wenu lothando elamtshengisa lona njengoba lasiza abantu bakhe njalo liyaqhubeka libasiza. 11 Sifuna omunye lomunye wenu abonakalise ukukhuthala lokhu kuze kube sekupheleni ukuze ithemba lenu liqiniseke. 12 Kasifuni ukuba libe ngamavila kodwa ukuba lilingisele labo okwathi ngokukholwa langokubekezela bathola ilifa lalokhu okwakuthenjisiwe.

Ubuqotho Besithembiso SikaNkulunkulu

13 Lapho uNkulunkulu esenza isithembiso sakhe ku-Abhrahama, njengoba wayengekho omkhulu ayengafunga ngaye, wafunga ngaye yena ngokwakhe 14 esithi, “Ngempela ngizakubusisa njalo ngikuphe inzalo enengi.”* 15 Ngakho emva kokulinda ngokubekezela, u-Abhrahama wathola okwakuthenjisiwe.

16 Abantu bafunga ngomunye omkhulu kulabo njalo isifungo siqinisa lokho okutshiwoyo siqede lokuphikisana konke. 17 Njengoba uNkulunkulu wathanda ukuba enze ukungaguquki kwesimo senhloso yakhe kube sobala kuzindlalifa zalokho okwathenjiswayo, wakuqinisa ngesifungo. 18 UNkulunkulu wenza lokhu ukuze kuthi ngezinto ezimbili ezingaguqulekiyo, uNkulunkulu angeke aqambe amanga ngazo, thina esibaleke sabambelela ethembeni esiliphiwayo sikhuthazeke kakhulu. 19 Silethemba leli njengensika yemiphefumulo yethu, eliqinileyo njalo eligxilileyo. Lingena endaweni engcwele yangaphakathi ngemva kwamakhetheni 20 lapho uJesu owahamba phambi kwethu angena khona ngenxa yethu. Usebe ngumphristi omkhulu emkhondweni kaMelikhizedekhi kuze kube nini lanini.

7

UMelikhizedekhi Umphristi

1 UMelikhizedekhi lo wayeyinkosi yaseSalemu lomphristi kaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke. Wahlangabeza u-Abhrahama evela kwehlula amakhosi, wambusisa, 2 u-Abhrahama wamnika okwetshumi kwakho konke. Okwakuqala, ibizo elithi Melikhizedekhi litsho ukuthi “Nkosi yokulunga”; lokuthi futhi, “Nkosi yaseSalemu” kutsho ukuthi “Nkosi yokuthula.” 3 Engelayise loba unina, engelamdabuko, engelakuqala kwensuku loba ukuphela kokuphila njengeNdodana kaNkulunkulu uhlezi engumphristi nini lanini.

4 Ake licabange ukuthi wayemkhulu kangakanani: Lokhokho u-Abhrahama wamnika okwetshumi kwempango! 5 Khathesi umthetho ufuna abenzalo kaLevi ababa ngabaphristi ukuba baqoqe okwetshumi ebantwini, lokhu kutsho abafowabo lanxa abafowabo beyinzalo ka-Abhrahama. 6 Umuntu lo kazange alonde umdabuko wakhe usukela kuLevi kodwa waqoqa okwetshumi ku-Abhrahama njalo wambusisa yena lowo owayelezithembiso. 7 Kakulakuthandabuza ukuthi umuntu omncinyane ubusiswa ngomkhulu. 8 Kwesinye isehlakalo, okwetshumi kuthathwa ngabantu abafayo kodwa kwesinye isehlakalo kube ngulowo okuthiwe uyaphila. 9 Umuntu angatsho lokuthi uLevi oqoqa okwetshumi, wanikela okwetshumi ngo-Abhrahama 10 ngoba lapho uMelikhizedekhi ehlangabeza u-Abhrahama uLevi wayelokhu esesemzimbeni kakhokho wakhe.

UJesu NjengoMelikhizedekhi

11 Nxa ukuphelela kwakungatholakala ngobuphristi babaLevi njalo ngempela umthetho owaphiwa abantu wasungula lobobuphristi, pho kungani kwakulokhu kudingeka ukuba omunye umphristi abuye evela emkhondweni kaMelikhizedekhi, engasiwemkhondweni ka-Aroni na? 12 Ngoba lapho kulokuguqulwa kobuphristi, kufanele kube lokuguqulwa komthetho futhi. 13 Yena lowo okutshiwo lezizinto ngaye ngowesinye isizwana njalo kakho owalesosizwana owake wakhonza e-alithareni. 14 Ngoba kusobala ukuba iNkosi yethu yadabuka koJuda njalo mayelana lalesosizwana uMosi katshongo lutho ngabaphristi. 15 Njalo lokhu esesikutshilo kucace kakhulu nxa omunye umphristi onjengoMelikhizedekhi evela, 16 omunye obe ngumphristi kungayisikho komthetho ngokosendo lwakhe kodwa ngokumayelana lamandla okuphila okungeke kuchithwe. 17 Ngoba kumenyezelwe ukuthi:

“Wena ungumphristi kuze kube nini lanini,

emkhondweni kaMelikhizedekhi.”*

18 Umthetho wakuqala ubekwe eceleni ngoba wawubuthakathaka njalo ungelasizo 19 (ngoba umthetho kawenzanga lutho olupheleleyo) ngakho kulethwa ithemba elitsha esisondela ngalo kuNkulunkulu.

20 Njalo kwakungayisikho ngaphandle kwesifungo! Abanye babangabaphristi kungekho sifungo, 21 kodwa yena waba ngumphristi ngesifungo lapho uNkulunkulu athi kuye:

“INkosi ifungile

njalo kayiyikuguqula ingqondo yayo:

‘Wena ungumphristi kuze kube nini lanini.’†”

22 Ngenxa yesifungo lesi, uJesu usebe yisiqiniselo sesivumelwano esingcono.

23 Abaphristi labo sebebanengi njengoba babevinjelwa yikufa ukuba baqhubeke besezikhundleni; 24 kodwa uJesu uphila kuze kube laphakade, ulobuphristi obuyisimakade. 25 Ngakho ulamandla okubasindisa ngokupheleleyo labo abeza kuNkulunkulu ngaye ngoba uhlezi ephilela ukubancengela.

26 Umphristi omkhulu onjalo wagcwalisa izinswelo zethu, ongongcwele, ongelasici, lohlanzekileyo, lowehlukaniswe lezoni, lophakanyiselwe ngaphezu kwamazulu. 27 Hatshi njengabanye abaphristi abakhulu, yena kadingi kunikela imihlatshelo insuku zonke, kuqala eyezono zakhe, kulandele owezono zabantu. Wabenzela umhlatshelo wezono zabo kwaba kanye kuphela lapho ezinikela. 28 Ngoba umthetho ubeka abantu ababuthakathaka ukuba ngabaphristi abakhulu kodwa isifungo eseza emva komthetho sabeka iNdodana eyenziwe yaba ngepheleleyo kuze kube nininini.

8

Umphristi Omkhulu Wesivumelwano Esitsha

1 Isiqokoqela salokho esikutshoyo yilesi: Silaye umphristi omkhulu onjalo, owahlala phansi esandleni sokunene kwesihlalo sobukhosi soMkhulu ezulwini, 2 okhonzayo endaweni engcwele, ithabanikeli eliqotho elamiswa yiNkosi hatshi ngabantu.

3 Umphristi omkhulu ngamunye ubekelwe ukunikela izipho lemihlatshelo, ngakho kwakufanele ukuba lalo abe lolutho alunikelayo. 4 Aluba wayesemhlabeni wayengayikuba ngumphristi ngoba bevele bekhona abantu abanikela izipho eziphawulwa ngumthetho. 5 Bakhonza endaweni engcwele engumfanekiso lesithunzi salokho okusezulwini. Yikho-nje uMosi waxwayiswa lapho esezakwakha ithabanikeli ngokuthi: “Qaphela ukuba wenze konke njengalokhu owakutshengiswa entabeni.”* 6 Kodwa inkonzo uJesu ayemukeleyo ingcono kuleyabo njengesivumelwano yena angumeli waso singcono kulesidala njalo sakhelwe phezu kwezithembiso ezingcono.

7 Ngoba aluba kwakungelalutho olungalunganga kusivumelwano sakuqala leso, akulasizatho esasingadingelwa esinye. 8 Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathola isici ebantwini wasesithi:

“Isikhathi siyeza, kutsho iNkosi,

lapho engizakwenza khona isivumelwano esitsha

lendlu ka-Israyeli

kanye lendlu kaJuda.

9 Kasiyikufana lesivumelwano

engasenza labokhokho babo

lapho engababamba khona ngesandla

ukuba ngibakhuphe eGibhithe,

ngoba kabaqhubekanga bethembekile esivumelwaneni sami,

ngasengibadela,

kutsho iNkosi.

10 Nansi isivumelwano engizasenza lendlu ka-Israyeli,

ngemva kwalesosikhathi, kutsho iNkosi.

Ngizabeka imithetho yami ezingqondweni zabo,

ngiyilobe ezinhliziyweni zabo.

Ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo,

bona babengabantu bami.

11 Umuntu kasayikufundisa umakhelwane wakhe,

kumbe umfowabo, esithi, ‘Yazi iNkosi,’

ngoba bonke bazangazi,

kusukela komncinyane wabo kusiya komkhulu.

12 Ngoba ngizabathethelela ububi babo,

njalo angiyikukhumbula izono zabo futhi.”†

13 Ngokuthi isivumelwano lesi “sitsha” wenze esakuqala sangasasebenzi; futhi okungasasebenzi lokugugileyo kuzanyamalala masinyane.

9

Inkonzo Ethabanikeleni Lasemhlabeni

1 Isivumelwano sakuqala sasilezimiso zokukhonza kanye lendawo engcwele yasemhlabeni. 2 Kwakhiwa ithabanikeli. Ekamelweni lalo lakuqala kwakuloluthi lwesibane, letafula kanye lesinkwa esingcwelisiweyo; lokhu kwakubizwa ngokuthi yiNdawo eNgcwele. 3 Ngemva kwekhetheni lesibili kwakulekamelo elalithiwa yiNdawo eNgcwelengcwele, 4 eyayile-alithare lokutshisela impepha elalihuqwe ngegolide kanye lomtshokotsho wesivumelwano owawuhuqwe ngegolide. Umtshokotsho wakhona wawulembizanyana yemana, lentonga ka-Aroni eyahlumayo kanye lezibhebhedu zamatshe esivumelwano. 5 Phezu komtshokotsho kwakulamakherubhi eNkazimulo enze ithunzi phezu kwendawo yomhlatshelo. Kodwa khathesi asingeke silandise okugcweleyo ngalezozinto.

6 Kwathi konke sekulungisiwe kanje, abaphristi bangena njalonjalo ekamelweni langaphandle ukuba benze inkonzo yabo. 7 Kodwa umphristi omkhulu nguye kuphela owayengena ekamelweni langaphakathi kanye ngomnyaka, njalo kungeke kwenzeke engelagazi alinikelela yena kanye lezono abantu abazenza bengazi. 8 UMoya oNgcwele wayetshengisa ngalokho ukuthi indlela eya eNdaweni eNgcwelengcwele yayingabonakaliswa nxa ithabanikeli lakuqala lilokhu likhona. 9 Lokhu kungumfanekiso walesisikhathi, okubonakalisa ukuthi izipho lemihlatshelo okwakunikelwa kwakunganelisi ukuhlambulula izazela zabakhonzayo. 10 Kuyindaba yokudla lokunatha kuphela kanye lemikhuba eyehlukeneyo yokugeza imilayo yangaphandle komzimba esebenza kuze kufike isikhathi sezimiso ezintsha.

Igazi LikaKhristu

11 Kwathi lapho uKhristu esefikile njengomphristi omkhulu wezinto ezinhle esezikhona, wadabula phakathi kwethabanikeli elikhulu elipheleleyo elingenziwanga ngabantu, okuyikuthi, kalisingxenye yale indalo. 12 Kangenanga ngokusebenzisa igazi lembuzi loba elamathole; kodwa wangena kanye kuphela eNdaweni eNgcwelengcwele ngegazi lakhe, esethole ukuhlengwa okulaphakade. 13 Igazi lembuzi lelenkunzi lemilotha yamathokazi okufafazwa ebantwini abangahlambulukanga ngokomkhuba kuyabangcwelisa ukuba babe ngabahlambulukileyo ngaphandle. 14 Pho igazi likaKhristu, owazinikela engelasici kuNkulunkulu ngomoya olaphakade, lizazihlambulula kakhulu okungakanani izazela zethu emisebenzini edonsela ekufeni, ukuze sikhonze uNkulunkulu ophilayo!

15 Ngenxa yalokhu uKhristu ungumeli wesivumelwano esitsha ukuze kuthi labo ababiziweyo bathole ilifa elingapheliyo elathenjiswayo njengoba sewafa njengenhlawulo ukuba abakhulule ezonweni abazenzayo esivumelwaneni sakuqala.

16 Mayelana lentando yokwaba ilifa, kuyadingakala ukuba kufakazwe ukufa kwalowo owakwenzayo, 17 ngoba intando yokwaba ilifa isebenza kuphela lapho kukhona ofileyo; kayisebenzi nxa lowo owayenzayo elokhu esaphila. 18 Yikho-nje lesivumelwano sakuqala kasifezwanga kungekho gazi. 19 Kwathi uMosi esememezele imilayo yonke yomthetho ebantwini bonke, wathatha igazi lamathole lelempongo ndawonye lamanzi, lewulu ebomvu kanye lezingatsha zehisophi, wachela umqulu kanye labantu bonke. 20 Wathi, “Leli ligazi lesivumelwano uNkulunkulu alaye ukuba lisigcine.”* 21 Ngendlela efanayo wachela ithabanikeli ngegazi kanye lezinto zonke ezisetshenziswayo emikhosini yalo. 22 Ngempela umthetho uphose ufune ukuba izinto zonke zihlanjululwe ngegazi, njalo kungekho kuchithwa kwegazi akukho ukuthethelela.

23 Ngakho kwakufanele ukuba imifanekiso yezinto zasezulwini zihlanjululwe ngemihlatshelo le kodwa izinto zasezulwini uqobo kube ngemihlatshelo engcono kulale. 24 Ngoba uKhristu kangenanga endaweni engcwele eyenziwa ngabantu eyayingumfanekiso waleyo eqotho kuphela; yena wangena ezulwini uqobo, ukuba asimele phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 25 Kangenanga ezulwini ukuba azinikele njalonjalo, njengomphristi omkhulu engena eNdaweni eNgcwelengcwele minyaka yonke legazi elingayisilo lakhe. 26 Ngakho uKhristu wayezahlupheka kanengi kusukela ekudalweni komhlaba. Kodwa khathesi usebonakale kanye kuphela ekupheleni kwezikhathi ukuba asuse isono ngomhlatshelo onguye. 27 Njengalokhu umuntu wamiselwa ukufa kanye, kuthi emva kwalokho abhekane lokwahlulelwa, 28 ngokunjalo uKhristu wanikelwa kanye ukuba asuse izono zabantu abanengi; njalo uzabonakala okwesibili, hatshi ukuthwala isono, kodwa ukuletha ukusindiswa kulabo abamlindeleyo.

10

Umhlatshelo KaKhristu Kanye Kuphela

1 Umthetho uyisithunzi nje sezinto ezinhle ezizayo kodwa hatshi lokho okuyikho uqobo. Ngenxa yemihlatshelo efanayo ephindwaphindwa kokuphela iminyaka leminyaka ayingeke ibenze baphelele labo abasondela ekukhonzeni. 2 Aluba wawusanelisa, imihlatshelo yayingayikuyekelwa ukunikelwa na? Ngoba abakhonzayo babezahlanjululwa kube kanye kuphela, njalo babengasayikuzizwa belecala lezono zabo. 3 Kodwa imihlatshelo iyisikhumbuzo sezono zeminyaka yonke, 4 ngoba akwenzakali ukuba igazi lenkunzi lelembuzi lisuse izono.

5 Ngakho-ke, uKhristu esefikile emhlabeni wathi:

“Umhlatshelo lomnikelo kawukufunanga,

kodwa wena wangilungisela umzimba;

6 kawuthokozanga

ngeminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yesono.

7 Ngasengisithi, ‘Ngilapha,

kulotshiwe ngami emqulwini,

ngilande ukuzokwenza intando yakho,

Oh Nkulunkulu.’*”

8 Kuqala wathi, “Imihlatshelo leminikelo, iminikelo yokutshiswa kanye leminikelo yesono kawuyifunanga, njalo kayikuthokozisanga” (lanxa umthetho usithi kayenziwe). 9 Wabuya wathi, “Ngilapha, ngilande ukuzokwenza intando yakho.” Ususa okokuqala ukuze amise okwesibili. 10 Njalo ngaleyontando senziwe saba ngcwele ngomhlatshelo womzimba kaJesu Khristu kanye kuphela.

11 Insuku zonke umphristi uyema enze imisebenzi yakhe yenkonzo, anikele njalonjalo imihlatshelo minye, engeke isuse izono. 12 Kodwa kwathi umphristi lo esenikelele izikhathi zonke umhlatshelo owodwa wezono, wahlala phansi esandleni sokunene sikaNkulunkulu. 13 Kusukela ngalesosikhathi ulindele izitha zakhe ukuba zibe yisenabelo sakhe, 14 ngoba ngomhlatshelo owodwa usephelelise nini lanini labo abenziwayo ukuba ngcwele.

15 LoMoya oNgcwele uyafakaza kithi ngalokho. Kuqala uthi:

16 “Lesi yisivumelwano engizasenza labo

emva kwalesosikhathi, kutsho iNkosi.

Ngizafaka imithetho yami ezinhliziyweni zabo

ngiyilobe lasezingqondweni zabo.”†

17 Wabuya wengeza wathi:

“Izono zabo lezenzo zokungabi lomthetho,

angiyikukhumbula futhi.”‡

18 Nxa lezi sezithethelelwe, kawusekho umhlatshelo wesono.

Inkuthazo Yokubekezela

19 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane, njengoba silethemba lokungena eNdaweni eNgcwelengcwele ngegazi likaJesu, 20 ngendlela entsha ephilayo, esiyivulelwe ekhethenini, okuyikuthi umzimba wakhe, 21 njalo njengoba silomphristi omkhulu ophethe indlu kaNkulunkulu, 22 kasisondeleni kuNkulunkulu ngezinhliziyo eziqotho ngethemba elipheleleyo lokholo; sibe lezinhliziyo ezicheliweyo ukuba sihlanjululwe isazela secala lemizimba yethu igeziswe ngamanzi ahlanzekileyo. 23 Kasibambeleleni ngokuqina kulo ithemba esilikholwayo, ngoba lowo owathembisayo uthembekile. 24 Njalo kasicabangeni ukuba singakhuthazana njani ethandweni lasezenzweni ezinhle. 25 Kasingakudeli ukuhlangana, njengalokhu abanye abajayele ukukwenza kodwa kasikhuthazaneni ikakhulu njengoba sibona uSuku lusondela.

26 Nxa siqhubeka sisenza izono ngabomu emva kokuba iqiniso sesilazi, kawusekho umhlatshelo wezono, 27 kodwa umlindelo owesabekayo wokwahlulelwa kuphela kanye lomlilo ovuthayo ozaqothula izitha zikaNkulunkulu. 28 Owawalayo umthetho kaMosi wafa kungela sihawu ngobufakazi babafakazi ababili kumbe abathathu. 29 Pho licabanga ukuthi ufanele ukujeziswa kakhulu kangakanani umuntu owanyathela iNdodana kaNkulunkulu ngaphansi konyawo, ophathe igazi lesivumelwano elamenza waba ngcwele njengento engangcwele, lohlambaza uMoya womusa na? 30 Ngoba thina siyamazi lowo owathi, “Ukuphindisela ngokwami; ngizabuyisela,”§ njalo wathi, “INkosi izakwahlulela abantu bayo.”* 31 Kuyinto eyesabekayo ukuwela ezandleni zikaNkulunkulu ophilayo.

32 Khumbulani insuku zakuqala leziyana emva kokuba selamukele ukukhanya, lapho elaqinisela khona ebunzimeni obukhulu phakathi kokuhlupheka. 33 Ngezinye izikhathi lenziwa umbukiso wokuhlanjazwa lokuhlukuluzwa; kwathi ngezinye izikhathi lamanyana lalabo ababephathwa kanjalo. 34 Laba lozwelo kulabo ababesentolongweni, lamukela ngentokozo ukuthunjwa kwempahla yenu, ngoba lalikwazi ukuthi lina lilempahla engcono engapheliyo. 35 Ngakho lingalilahli ithemba lenu; lizavuzwa ngokunengi.

36 Kuyadingeka ukuba libekezele ukuze kuthi lapho seliyenzile intando kaNkulunkulu, lamukele lokho akuthembisayo. 37 Ngoba,

“Ngesikhatshana nje,

lowo ozayo uzafika

njalo kasoze aphuze.”

38 Kodwa,

“Olungileyo wami uzaphila ngokukholwa.

Angahlehlela emuva,

kangiyikuthokoza ngaye.”†

39 Kodwa thina kasisibo balabo abahlehlela emuva babhujiswe, kodwa labo abakholwayo basindiswe.

11

Imisebenzi Yokukholwa

1 Ukukholwa yikuba leqiniso lalokhu esikulindeleyo njalo kuqinisekile ngalokho esingakuboniyo. 2 Lokhu yikho abendulo abanconywa ngakho.

3 Ngokukholwa siyezwisisa ukuthi izulu lomhlaba kwadalwa ngokulaya kukaNkulunkulu, ngoba okubonakalayo kakwenziwanga ngalokho okwakubonakala.

4 Ngokukholwa u-Abheli wanikela kuNkulunkulu umnikelo omuhle kulokaKhayini. Ngokukholwa wanconywa njengomuntu olungileyo, ngesikhathi uNkulunkulu ekhuluma kuhle ngeminikelo yakhe. Njalo ngokukholwa ulokhu ekhuluma, lanxa sewafa.

5 Ngokukholwa u-Enoki wasuswa kulumhlaba ephila ukuze angakuzwa ukufa: “Kabonakalanga ngoba uNkulunkulu wayesemthethe.”* Engakathathwa, wayenconywe njengowayethokozise uNkulunkulu. 6 Kungelakukholwa akweneliseki ukumthokozisa uNkulunkulu ngoba oza kuye kumele akholwe ukuthi ukhona lokuthi uyabanika umvuzo labo abamdinga ngobuqotho.

7 Ngokukholwa uNowa esexwayisiwe ngezinto ezazingakabonakali, ngokwesaba okungcwele wakha umkhumbi ukuba ahlenge abendlu yakhe. Ngokukholwa kwakhe wawulahla umhlaba waba yindlalifa yokulunga okuza ngokukholwa.

8 Ngokukholwa u-Abhrahama esebizelwe ukuba aye endaweni ayezayamukela muva njengelifa lakhe, walalela wahamba, lanxa wayengakwazi lapho ayesiya khona. 9 Ngokukholwa wahlala elizweni lesithembiso njengesihambi, elizweni elingayisilo lakibo; wahlala emathenteni, njengokwenziwa ngu-Isaka loJakhobe, ababezindlalifa zalelolizwe lesithembiso kanye laye. 10 Ngoba wayelindele idolobho elilezisekelo, elimcandi walo lomakhi walo nguNkulunkulu. 11 Ngokukholwa, lanxa u-Abhrahama wayeseluphele loSara eyinyumba, wanikwa amandla okuba lomntwana ngoba wambona njengothembekileyo lowo owayenze isithembiso. 12 Ngakho-ke, kusukela kulumuntu oyedwa, owayefana lofileyo, kwavela inzalo enengi njengezinkanyezi emkhathini njalo engeke ibalwe njengenhlabathi ekhunjini lolwandle.

13 Abantu bonke laba bafa belokhu bephila ngokukholwa. Kabazamukelanga izinto ezathenjiswayo; bazibona nje kuphela bazithakazelela zikude. Njalo bavuma ukuthi bona babeyizizwe lezihambi emhlabeni. 14 Abantu abakhuluma izinto ezinje babonakalisa ukuthi bafuna ilizwe elingelabo. 15 Aluba babecabanga ngelizwe abasuka kulo, babezakuba lethuba lokubuyela. 16 Kodwa-ke bona babefuna ilizwe elingcono, lona elisezulwini. Ngakho uNkulunkulu akumyangisi ukubizwa ngokuthi unguNkulunkulu wabo, ngoba usebalungisele idolobho.

17 Ngokukholwa, kwathi u-Abhrahama ehlolwa nguNkulunkulu, wanikela u-Isaka njengomhlatshelo. Yena owayamukele izithembiso wayeseseduze ukuba anikele indodana yakhe eyodwa njalo eyiyo kuphela, 18 lanxa uNkulunkulu wayethe kuye, “isizukulwane sakho sizabalwa ngo-Isaka.”† 19 U-Abhrahama wanakana ukuthi uNkulunkulu wayengabavusa abafileyo, njalo nxa kuzekeliswa, wamamukela u-Isaka evela ekufeni.

20 Ngokukholwa u-Isaka wabusisa uJakhobe lo-Esawu ngekusasa labo.

21 Ngokukholwa uJakhobe, esesifa wawabusisa wonke amadodana kaJosefa, wasekhonza eyame phezu kwentonga yakhe.

22 Ngokukholwa uJosefa, isiphetho sakhe sesisondele, walandisa ngokuphuma kwabako-Israyeli eGibhithe njalo walayezela ngamathambo akhe.

23 Ngokukholwa abazali bakaMosi bamfihla izinyanga ezintathu emva kokuzalwa kwakhe, ngoba babona ukuthi wayengasumntwana nje ojayelekileyo, njalo babengawesabi umthetho wenkosi.

24 Ngokukholwa uMosi esekhulile, wala ukuba aziwe njengendodana yendodakazi kaFaro. 25 Wakhetha ukuphathwa kubi kanye labantu bakaNkulunkulu kulokuba akholise injabulo yesono okwesikhathi esifitshane. 26 Wakhetha ihlazo ngenxa kaKhristu njengegugu elikhulu kulenotho yaseGibhithe ngoba wayekhangelele umvuzo phambili. 27 Ngokukholwa wasuka eGibhithe, engalwesabi ulaka lwenkosi; wabekezela ngoba wambona lowo ongabonakaliyo. 28 Ngokukholwa wagcina iPhasika lokuchelwa kwegazi, ukuze umbulali wamazibulo angawathinti amazibulo ako-Israyeli.

29 Ngokukholwa abantu badabula phakathi koLwandle oluBomvu njengasemhlabathini owomileyo, kodwa kwathi amaGibhithe ezama ukwenzanjalo agalula.

30 Ngokukholwa imiduli yaseJerikho yadilika emva kokuba abantu beyibhode okwensuku eziyisikhombisa.

31 Ngokukholwa uRahabi isifebe, ngoba wamukela inhloli, kabulawanga kanye lalabo ababengalaleli.

32 Kuyini okunye engingakutsho? Kangilasikhathi sokulandisa ngoGidiyoni, loBharakhi, loSamsoni, loJeftha, loDavida, loSamuyeli kanye labaphrofethi, 33 abanqoba imibuso ngokukholwa benza okulungileyo njalo bathola okwakuthenjisiwe; bona abavala imilomo yezilwane, 34 bacitsha ukuvutha kwamalangabi, baphepha lasebukhalini benkemba; ubuthakathaka babo baphenduka baba ngamandla; njalo baba lamandla empini bawachitha amabutho ezizweni. 35 Abesifazane bamukela abafayo babo sebevuselwe ekuphileni futhi. Abanye bahlukuluzwa njalo bala ukukhululwa, ukuze bathole ukuvuka ekufeni okuhle. 36 Abanye bahozwa batshaywa, kwathi abanye babotshwa ngamaketane bafakwa entolongweni. 37 Batshaywa ngamatshe, baqunywa ngesaha baba yiziqa ezimbili; babulawa ngenkemba. Bahamba begqoke izikhumba zezimvu lezikhumba zembuzi, beswela, behlukuluzwa, bephathwa kubi, 38 umhlaba kubo wawungabafanele. Bantula enkangala lasezintabeni lasezimbalwini kanye lasemilindini emhlabathini.

39 Bonke laba banconywa ngokukholwa kwabo, kodwa kakho phakathi kwabo owathola okwakuthenjisiwe. 40 Thina uNkulunkulu wayesimisele okuhle ukuze kuthi sebe kanye lathi bapheleliswe.

12

1 Ngakho-ke, njengoba sihanqwe lixuku elikhulu kangaka labafakazi, kasikulahleni konke okusivimbelayo kanye lesono esisibopha lula njalo kasigijimeni ngokubekezela kulo umjaho ophawulelwe thina. 2 Kasikhangeleni kuJesu, uMqalisi loMphelelisi wokukholwa kwethu, okwathi ngentokozo eyayibekwe phambi kwakhe wabekezelela isiphambano, engananzi ihlazo laso, wahlala phansi esandleni sokunene sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu. 3 Cabangani ngaye owabekezelela ukuphikiswa okungaka ngabantu abayizoni ukuze lingabi buthakathaka lilahle ithemba.

UNkulunkulu Ulaya Abantwana Bakhe

4 Ekulweni kwenu lesono, kalimelananga laso kwaze kwaba sebangeni lokuchitha igazi lenu. 5 Njalo selilikhohliwe lelizwi lokulikhuthaza elikhuluma kini njengamadodana elithi:

“Ndodana yami, ungeyisi ukulaya kweNkosi.

Njalo ungalahli ithemba lapho ikukhuza,

6 ngoba uThixo ulaya labo abathandayo,

abuye ajezise bonke abamukela njengendodana.”*

7 Bekezelelani ukuhlupheka njengokulaywa; uNkulunkulu uliphatha njengabantwana bakhe. Kambe yibaphi abantwana abangalaywa nguyise na? 8 Nxa lingalaywa (umuntu wonke uyalaywa), liyabe lingabantwana abazalwa ngokungekho emthethweni njalo abangasiwo amadodana lamadodakazi uqobo. 9 Phezu kwalokho, sonke sake saba labobaba abasilayayo njalo sabahlonipha ngenxa yalokho. Pho kufanele sizehlise kakhulu okungakanani kuBaba wemimoya yethu njalo siphile! 10 Obaba basilaya okwesikhatshana ngababekubona kukuhle, kodwa uNkulunkulu usilaya ukuba sisizakale, ukuba sihlanganyele ebungcweleni bakhe. 11 Akukho kulaywa okukhanya kukuhle ngalesosikhathi, kodwa kubuhlungu. Kodwa muva, kuletha isivuno sokulunga lokuthula kulabo abafundiswa yikho.

12 Ngakho-ke, qinisani izingalo zenu ezibuthakathaka lamadolo enu axegayo. 13 “Lungiselani inyawo zenu izindlela ezibekekileyo,”† ukuze abaqhulayo bangagogeki, kodwa basiliswe.

Isixwayiso Ngokwala UNkulunkulu

14 Zamani kakhulu ukuhlalisana ngokuthula labantu bonke lokuba ngcwele; kungekho bungcwele kakho ozayibona iNkosi. 15 Bonani ukuthi kakho oswela umusa kaNkulunkulu kanye lokuthi akulampande ebabayo ekhulayo ukuba idale uhlupho ingcolise abanengi. 16 Bonani ukuthi kakho oyisifebe, loba ongakhonzi uNkulunkulu njengo-Esawu okwathi ngenxa yokudla kunye wathengisa amalungelo elifa lakhe okuba lizibulo. 17 Muva, njengoba lisazi, lapho esefuna ukuzuza isibusiso lesi waliwa. Wayengeke enze kube lokuguquka kwengqondo, lanxa wafuna isibusiso leso ngezinyembezi.

Intaba Yokwesaba Lentokozo

18 Kalizanga entabeni engathintwayo njalo ebhebha umlilo; ebumnyameni lasekufiphaleni lesiphepho; 19 ekukhaleni kwecilongo loba ilizwi elinjalo elikhulumayo, okwenza labo abalizwayo bacela ukuba kungabi lelizwi elikhulunywa kubo futhi, 20 ngoba babengeke bakumele ukulaywa okwakusithi: “Lenyamazana ingathinta intaba, kumele itshaywe ngamatshe.”‡ 21 Okwabonwayo kwakusesabeka kakhulu uMosi waze wathi, “Ngiyathuthumela ngenxa yokwesaba.”§

22 Kodwa lina lize eNtabeni iZiyoni, iJerusalema lasezulwini, umuzi kaNkulunkulu ophilayo. Lize kuzinkulungwane lezinkulungwane zezingilosi ezihlangane ngentokozo 23 ebandleni lezibulo, ezimabizo azo alotshiwe ezulwini. Lize kuNkulunkulu, umahluleli wabantu bonke, emimoyeni yabantu abalungileyo abaphelelisiweyo, 24 kuJesu umeli wesivumelwano esitsha, lasegazini elicheliweyo elikhuluma ilizwi elihle kulegazi lika-Abheli.

25 Bonani ukuthi kalimenqabeli lowo okhulumayo. Nxa bengaphephanga lapho benqabela lowo owabaxwayisa emhlabeni, koba kuncane kangakanani kithi, nxa sidela lowo osixwayisa ezulwini na? 26 Ngalesosikhathi ilizwi lakhe lanyikinya umhlaba, kodwa khathesi usethembisile wathi: “Ngizaphinda njalo futhi nginyikinye, hatshi umhlaba kuphela, kodwa lamazulu futhi.”* 27 Amazwi la “njalo futhi” atsho ukususwa kwalokho okunganyikinyiswa, okuyikuthi izinto ezadalwayo, ukuze kuthi lokho okungeke kunyikinyiswe kusale.

28 Ngakho-ke, njengoba sisamukela umbuso ongeke unyikinywe, kasibongeni njalo sikhonze uNkulunkulu ngokufaneleyo ngenhlonipho langokwesaba, 29 ngoba “uNkulunkulu wethu ungumlilo oqothulayo.”†

13

Izixwayiso Zokucina

1 Qhubekani lithandana njengabazalwane. 2 Lingakhohlwa ukwamukela izihambi ngoba ngokwenza njalo abanye abantu bamukela izingilosi bengazi. 3 Khumbulani abasentolongweni ngokungathi lani liyizibotshwa kanye labo, kanye lalabo abaphethwe kubi ngokungathi lani uqobo liyahlupheka.

4 Ukuthathana kumele kuhlonitshwe ngumuntu wonke, kuthi lomendlalo wokuthathana uhlale uhlambulukile ngoba uNkulunkulu uzakwahlulela isifebe labo bonke abahlobongayo. 5 Ekuphileni kwenu xwayani ukuthanda imali lisuthiseke ngalokho elilakho, ngoba uNkulunkulu wathi:

“Kangisoze ngilitshiye;

kangisoze ngilidele.”*

6 Ngakho siyatsho ngethemba sithi:

“INkosi ingumsizi wami; kangiyikwesaba.

Umuntu angenzani kimi na?”†

7 Khumbulani abakhokheli benu, abakhuluma ilizwi likaNkulunkulu kini. Cabangani okwavela endleleni yokuphila kwabo lilingisele ukukholwa kwabo. 8 UJesu Khristu uyafana izolo lanamhla kanye laphakade.

9 Lingathatheki ngazozonke inhlobo zemfundiso engaziwayo. Kuhle ukuba inhliziyo zethu ziqiniswe ngumusa, hatshi yikudla komkhuba okungelasizo kulabo abakudlayo. 10 Thina sile-alithare lapho labo abakhonza ethabanikeleni bengelalungelo lokudlela kulo.

11 Umphristi omkhulu uletha igazi lezifuyo eNdaweni eNgcwelengcwele njengomnikelo wesono kodwa izidumbu zazo ziyatshiswa ngaphandle kwezihonqo. 12 Ngokunjalo uJesu laye wahlupheka ngaphandle kwesango ledolobho ukuba enze abantu bakhe babengcwele ngegazi lakhe. 13 Ngakho-ke, kasiyeni kuye ngaphandle kwezihonqo silehlazo alithwalayo. 14 Ngoba lapha kasiladolobho elimiyo njalo, kodwa sidinga idolobho elizayo.

15 Ngakho, ngoJesu kasinikeleni njalonjalo kuNkulunkulu umhlatshelo wokubonga, isithelo sezindebe ezivuma ibizo lakhe. 16 Njalo lingakhohlwa ukwenza okulungileyo kanye lokwabela abanye ngoba uNkulunkulu uyathokoza ngemihlatshelo enje.

17 Lalelani abakhokheli benu njalo lithobele amandla abo. Bayalilinda njengabantu okumele balandise ngani. Balaleleni ukuze umsebenzi wabo uthokozise njalo ungasindi ngoba lokho akungeke kube lusizo kini.

18 Sikhulekeleni. Sileqiniso ukuthi silesazela esihle njalo sifisa ukuhlala ngobuqotho ngezindlela zonke. 19 Ikakhulu ngiyalincenga ukuba likhuleke ukuze ngibuyiselwe kini masinyane.

Izibusiso Lokuvalelisa

20 Sengathi uNkulunkulu wokuthula, owavusa iNkosi yethu uJesu kwabafileyo ngegazi lesivumelwano esingapheliyo, lowoMalusi omkhulu wezimvu, 21 angalihlomisa ngakho konke okulungele ukwenza intando yakhe, njalo sengathi angasebenza phakathi kwethu lokho okumthokozisayo ngoJesu Khristu, udumo kalube kuye kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni.

22 Bazalwane, ngiyalincenga ukuba libekezelele ilizwi lami lokuqonqosela kwami ngoba ngililobele incwadi emfitshane nje.

23 Ngithanda ukuba likwazi ukuthi umzalwane wethu uThimothi usekhululwe. Angafika masinyane ngizakuza laye sizelibona.

24 Bingelelani bonke abakhokheli benu kanye labantu bakaNkulunkulu bonke.

Abavela e-Ithali bayalibingelela.

25 Umusa kawube lani lonke.

* 1:5 1.5 AmaHubo 2.7

† 1:5 1.5 2 USamuyeli 7.14; 1 ImiLando 17.13

‡ 1:6 1.6 UDutheronomi 32.43

§ 1:7 1.7 AmaHubo 104.4

* 1:9 1.9 AmaHubo 45.6-7

† 1:12 1.12 AmaHubo 102.25-27

‡ 1:13 1.13 AmaHubo 110.1

* 2:8 2.8 AmaHubo 8.4-6

† 2:12 2.12 AmaHubo 22.22

‡ 2:13 2.13 U-Isaya 8.17

§ 2:13 2.13 U-Isaya 8.18

* 3:5 3.5 AmaNani 12.7

† 3:11 3.11 AmaHubo 95.7-11

‡ 3:15 3.15 AmaHubo 95.7-8

* 4:3 4.3 AmaHubo 95.11

† 4:4 4.4 UGenesisi 2.2

‡ 4:5 4.5 AmaHubo 95.11

§ 4:7 4.7 AmaHubo 95.7-8

* 5:5 5.5 AmaHubo 2.7

† 5:6 5.6 AmaHubo 110.4

* 6:14 6.14 UGenesisi 22.17

* 7:17 7.17 AmaHubo 110.4

† 7:21 7.21 AmaHubo 110.4

* 8:5 8.5 U-Eksodasi 25.40

† 8:12 8.12 UJeremiya 31.31-34

* 9:20 9.20 U-Eksodasi 24.8

* 10:7 10.7 AmaHubo 40.6-8

† 10:16 10.16 UJeremiya 31.33

‡ 10:17 10.17 UJeremiya 31.34

§ 10:30 10.30 UDutheronomi 32.35

* 10:30 10.30 UDutheronomi 32.36; AmaHubo 135.14

† 10:38 10.38 UHabhakhukhi 2.3-4

* 11:5 11.5 UGenesisi 5.24

† 11:18 11.18 UGenesisi 21.12

* 12:6 12.6 Izaga 3.11-12

† 12:13 12.13 Izaga 4.26

‡ 12:20 12.20 U-Eksodasi 19.12-13

§ 12:21 12.21 UDutheronomi 9.19

* 12:26 12.26 UHagayi 2.6

† 12:29 12.29 UDutheronomi 4.24

* 13:5 13.5 UDutheronomi 31.6

† 13:6 13.6 AmaHubo 118.6-7

UJakhobe

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UJakhobe

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1 UJakhobe inceku kaNkulunkulu leyeNkosi uJesu Khristu,

Kuzo izizwana ezilitshumi lambili ezihlakazekele phakathi kwezizwe:

Ngiyalibingelela.

Ukuhlolwa Lezilingo

2 Bazalwane bami, lapho lisehlelwa yizilingo ezitshiyeneyo, kubaleni njengentokozo epheleleyo 3 ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi ukuhlolwa kokholo lwenu kukhulisa ukubekezela. 4 Ukubekezela kufanele kuwuqede umsebenzi wakho ukuze lina likhule njalo liphelele, lingasileli ngalutho. 5 Nxa omunye wenu eswela ukuhlakanipha kumele acele kuNkulunkulu onika bonke ngesihle engadinganga sici, ngempela uzakuphiwa. 6 Kodwa lapho ecela kumele akholwe angathandabuzi ngoba othandabuzayo unjengegagasi lolwandle eliphetshulwa ngumoya uliphose. 7 Umuntu lowo akumelanga acabange ukuthi kulolutho azaluthola eNkosini; 8 ungumuntu ongqondombili, kazinzanga kukho konke akwenzayo.

9 Umzalwane olesimo esiphansi kumele aziqhenye ngesikhundla sakhe esiphezulu. 10 Kodwa lowo onothileyo kumele aziqhenye ngesikhundla sakhe esiphansi, ngoba uzadlula njengeluba leganga. 11 Ngoba ilanga liphuma litshisa okuhangulayo libunise ihlumela, umqhakazo walo uwohloke lobuhle balo buphele. Ngokufanayo umuntu onothileyo uzanyamalala elokhu esawenza umsebenzi wakhe.

12 Ubusisiwe umuntu oqiniselayo ekulingweni, ngoba lapho esephumelele ekuhlolweni, uzaphiwa umqhele wokuphila, ukuphila uNkulunkulu akuthembisa labo abamthandayo.

13 Ekulingweni, kakho okumele athi, “UNkulunkulu uyangilinga.” Ngoba uNkulunkulu angeke alingwe yibubi, futhi kalingi muntu; 14 kodwa lowo lalowo ulingwa yinkanuko yakhe embi, lapho edonselwa kude ehugwa. 15 Ngakho-ke, nxa inkanuko isidaliwe izala isono; njalo isono lapho sesikhulile okugcweleyo, sizala ukufa.

16 Lingakhohliswa bazalwane bami abathandekayo. 17 Zonke izipho ezinhle lezipheleleyo zivela phezulu, zehlele phansi zivela kuYise wezibane zasezulwini, ongaguqukiyo njalo ongelathunzi lokuphenduka. 18 Wakhetha ukusizala ngelizwi leqiniso ukuze sibe luhlobo lwezithelo zakuqala kukho konke akudalayo.

Ukulalela Lokwenza

19 Bazalwane bami abathandekayo, qaphelani lokhu: Umuntu wonke kumele aphange alalele, aphuze ukukhuluma, njalo aphuze lokuthukuthela 20 ngoba ukuthukuthela komuntu kakulethi ukuphila okulungileyo okufiswa nguNkulunkulu. 21 Ngakho-ke, lahlani amanyala wonke lobubi obande kangaka, lilamukele ngokuthobeka ilizwi elahlanyelwa kini, elingalisindisa.

22 Lingalaleli ilizwi nje kuphela, beselizikhohlisa ngalokho. Yenzani lokho elikutshoyo. 23 Loba ngubani olalela ilizwi kodwa angaze enza elikutshoyo unjengomuntu okhangela ubuso bakhe esibukweni 24 kuthi esezibukile asuke ahle akhohlwe ukuthi unjani. 25 Kodwa umuntu owukhangela ngenjongo umthetho opheleleyo oletha ukukhululeka, njalo aqhubeke esenza lokhu engakhohlwa asekuzwile, kodwa ekwenza, uzabusiswa kulokho akwenzayo.

26 Nxa umuntu ecabanga ukuthi uyakholwa kodwa engabambi ulimi lwakhe okuqinileyo, uyazikhohlisa njalo lokholo lwakhe luyize. 27 Ukukholwa okwamukelwa nguNkulunkulu uBaba okuhlambulukileyo njalo kungelasici yilokhu: ukugcina izintandane labafelokazi ekuhluphekeni kwabo, kanye lokuzigcina thina ngokwethu ekungcolisweni ngumhlaba.

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Ukubandlulula Akuvunyelwa

1 Bazalwane bami, njengabakholwayo eNkosini yethu elenkazimulo uJesu Khristu, lingabandlululi. 2 Kasithi umuntu ufika emhlanganweni wenu egqize indandatho yegolide, egqoke lezigqoko ezinhle, besekungena umyanga egqoke izigqoko ezinithizelayo. 3 Nxa limnaka kakhulu lowo ogqoke izigqoko ezinhle lithi kuye, “Nansi isihlalo esingcono,” kodwa kongumyanga lithi, “Wena mana laphayana,” kumbe lithi, “Hlala phansi eduze kwezinyawo zami,” 4 Kambe kalibandlululanga njalo laba ngabahluleli abalemicabango emibi na?

5 Lalelani, bazalwane bami abathandekayo: Kanti uNkulunkulu kabakhethanga yini labo abangabayanga emehlweni omhlaba ukuba babengabanothileyo ekukholweni kanye lokudla ilifa lombuso awuthembisa labo abamthandayo na? 6 Kodwa lina libathukile abayanga. Abanothileyo akusibo yini abadinga inzuzo ngani? Akusibo yini abalihudulela emithethwandaba? 7 Akusibo yini abahlambaza ibizo lobukhosi elalowo lina elingabakhe na?

8 Nxa liwugcina sibili umthetho wobukhosi otholakala eMbhalweni othi, “Thanda umakhelwane wakho njengalokhu uzithanda,”* lenza okulungileyo. 9 Kodwa nxa libandlulula lenza isono njalo lilahlwa ngumthetho njengabephuli bomthetho. 10 Ngoba loba ngubani ogcina umthetho wonke, kodwa akhubeke endaweni eyodwa, ulecala lokuwephula wonke. 11 Ngoba yena owathi, “Ungafebi,”† wathi futhi, “Ungabulali.”‡ Nxa ungafebi, kodwa ubulala, usube yisaphulamthetho.

12 Khulumani njalo lenze njengalabo abazakwahlulelwa ngumthetho onika ukukhululeka, 13 ngoba ukwahlulela okungelasihawu kuzakuba kulowo obengelasihawu. Isihawu sinqoba ukwahlulela!

Ukukholwa Lezenzo

14 Kusizani bazalwane bami, nxa umuntu esithi ulokholo kodwa engelazenzo? Ukholo olunjalo lungamsindisa na? 15 Kasithi umfowenu loba udadewenu kalazigqoko lokudla kwansukuzonke. 16 Nxa omunye wenu esithi kuye, “Hamba, ngikufisela okuhle; hlala ufudumala njalo usutha,” kodwa angenzi lutho ngalezi zinswelo zakhe zomzimba, kusizani na? 17 Ngokunjalo, ukukholwa nje kuphela, nxa kungelamisebenzi kufile.

18 Kodwa omunye uzakuthi, “Wena ulokukholwa; mina ngilezenzo.”

Ngitshengisa ukukholwa kwakho kungelazenzo, njalo mina ngizakutshengisa ukukholwa kwami ngalokho engikwenzayo. 19 Uyakholwa ukuthi kuloNkulunkulu oyedwa. Kulungile! Lamadimoni ayakukholwa lokhu njalo ayathuthumela.

20 Wena ndoda eyisiwula, ufuna ubufakazi bokuthi ukukholwa okungelamisebenzi kuyize na? 21 Kanje ukhokho wethu u-Abhrahama kabalwanga njengolungileyo ngenxa yalokhu akwenzayo lapho anikela indodana yakhe u-Isaka e-alithareni na? 22 Liyabona ukuthi ukukholwa kwakhe lezenzo zakhe kwakusebenza ndawonye, njalo ukukholwa kwakhe kwapheleliswa yilokho akwenzayo. 23 Njalo umbhalo wagcwaliseka othi, “U-Abhrahama wakholwa uNkulunkulu, njalo kwabalwa kuye njengokulunga,”§ njalo wabizwa ngokuthi ngumngane kaNkulunkulu. 24 Liyabona ukuthi umuntu ulungiswa yilokho akwenzayo hatshi ngokukholwa kuphela.

25 Ngokunjalo, loRahabi isifebe konje kabalwanga njengolungileyo ngalokho akwenzayo lapho anika inhloli indawo yokulala wabuya wazikhupha ngenye indlela na? 26 Njengoba umzimba ongelamoya ufile, ngokunjalo ukukholwa okungelamisebenzi kufile.

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Ukuthambisa Ulimi

1 Bazalwane bami, abanengi benu akumelanga babe ngabafundisi ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi thina esifundisayo sizakwahlulelwa kalukhunikazi. 2 Sonke siyakhubeka ngezindlela ezinengi. Nxa umuntu engakaze abelesici kulokho akutshoyo, ungumuntu opheleleyo, oyenelisayo ukuwubamba wonke umzimba wakhe.

3 Lapho sifaka amatomu emilonyeni yamabhiza ukuba asilalele, ibhiza singaliphendula lonke. 4 Kumbe lithathe imikhumbi njengesibonelo. Lanxa imikhulu kangaka njalo iqhutshwa ngumoya olamandla, iqondiswa ngophinyana oluncane loba kungaphi lapho umtshayeli afuna ukuya khona. 5 Ngokufanayo ulimi luyisitho esincane somzimba kodwa luyazincoma kakhulu. Cabangani ngehlathi elikhulu elithungelwa yinhlansi encane yomlilo. 6 Ulimi lalo lungumlilo, umhlaba wobubi phakathi kwezitho zomzimba. Lungcolisa lonke uqobo lomuntu, luyithungele ngomlilo yonke impilo yakhe, lalo luthungelwe yisihogo somlilo.

7 Zonke inhlobo zezinyamazana, izinyoni, lezihuquzelayo kanye lezidalwa zasolwandle ziyathanjiswa njalo sezathanjiswa ngumuntu, 8 kodwa akulamuntu ongathambisa ulimi, luyibubi obuyaluzelayo, lugcwele itshefu ebulalayo.

9 Ngolimi siyayibonga iNkosi uBaba, njalo ngalo sithuka abantu abenziwa ngomfanekiso kaNkulunkulu. 10 Emlonyeni munye kuphuma ukubonga lokuthuka. Bazalwane bami, lokhu akufanelanga. 11 Kambe amanzi amnandi lamanzi aletswayi angagobhoza mthombo munye na? 12 Bazalwane bami, umkhiwa ungathela ama-oliva na, kumbe ivini lithele imikhiwa na? Lomthombo oletswayi awungeke ukhuphe amanzi amnandi.

Imihlobo Emibili Yokuhlakanipha

13 Ngubani ohlakaniphileyo loqedisisayo phakathi kwenu na? Kakubonakalise ngokuphila kwakhe kuhle, langezenzo ezenziwa ngokuzithoba okuvela ekuhlakanipheni. 14 Kodwa nxa ligcine umhawu lokulangazela kobukhwele ezinhliziyweni zenu, lingazincomi ngakho kumbe liphike iqiniso. 15 “Ukuhlakanipha” okunjalo kakwehli kuvela ezulwini, kodwa ngokwasemhlabeni, akusikomoya, ngokwamadimoni. 16 Ngoba lapho okulomhawu khona lokutshisekela kokuzisuthisa kulapho okutholakala khona ingxabangxoza kanye lezenzo zonke ezimbi.

17 Kodwa ukuhlakanipha okuvela ezulwini kuqala ngokuhlambuluka; besekuthanda ukuthula, kulozwelo, kuyazehlisa, kugcwele isihawu lezithelo ezinhle, kakukhethi njalo kuqotho. 18 Abalamuli abahlanyela ukuthula bathola isivuno sokulunga.

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Zehliseni KuNkulunkulu

1 Kuyini okubangela ukulwa lengxabano phakathi kwenu na? Kakuveli ezinkanukweni zenu ezilwayo phakathi kwenu na? 2 Lifuna ulutho oluthile, kodwa kalilutholi. Liyabulala njalo lihawukele kodwa kalingeke likuthole lokho elikufunayo. Liyaxabana lilwe. Kalilalutho ngoba kaliceli kuNkulunkulu. 3 Lapho licela, kaliphiwa ngoba licela ngenjongo embi, ukuba lichithe lokho elikuzuzayo enjabulweni yenu.

4 Lina zifebe zabantu, kalikwazi yini ukuthi ubungane lomhlaba kuyikuzonda uNkulunkulu na? Umuntu okhetha ukuba ngumngane womhlaba uba yisitha sikaNkulunkulu. 5 Kumbe licabanga ukuthi umbhalo utsho kungelasizatho ukuthi umoya awenza ukuba uhlale phakathi kwethu ugebela ebukhweleni? 6 Kodwa yena usinika umusa owengeziweyo. Yikho-nje umbhalo usithi:

“UNkulunkulu umelana labazigqajayo,

kodwa abe lomusa kwabathobekileyo.”*

7 Ngakho-ke, zehliseni kuNkulunkulu. Menqabeleni uSathane, uzalibalekela. 8 Sondelani phansi kukaNkulunkulu laye uzasondela kini. Gezani izandla zenu lina zoni, lihlambulule lezinhliziyo zenu, lina abangqondombili. 9 Dabukani, lilile, likhale. Guqulani ukuhleka kwenu kube yikukhala, kuthi ukuthokoza kwenu kube yikudana. 10 Zithobeni phambi kweNkosi, izaliphakamisa.

11 Bazalwane, lingachothozani. Umuntu okhuluma kubi ngomzalwane wakhe, loba amahlulele, ukhuluma kubi ngomthetho awahlulele. Lapho lisahlulela umthetho, kaliwugcini kodwa liyawahlulela. 12 KuloMenzi wemithetho loMahluleli oyedwa kuphela, lowo olamandla okusindisa lokubhubhisa. Kodwa lina lingobani ukuba lahlulele omakhelwane benu na?

Ukuzincoma Ngekusasa

13 Lalelani lina elithi, “Lamhla loba kusasa sizakuya kuleli loba kuleliyana idolobho, siqede umnyaka khona, senze imisebenzi sizuze imali.” 14 Kungani ngoba phela kalikwazi okuzakwenzakala kusasa. Ukuphila kwenu kuyini na? Liyinkungu ebonakala okwesikhatshana ibe isinyamalala. 15 Kodwa kumele lithi, “Nxa kuyintando yeNkosi sizaphila senze lokhu loba lokhuyana.” 16 Okwakhathesi liyazincoma lizikhukhumeza. Konke ukuzincoma okunje kubi. 17 Ngakho-ke, loba ngubani okwaziyo okulungileyo okumele akwenze kodwa angakwenzi, wenza isono.

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Isixwayiso Kubancindezeli Abanothileyo

1 Lalelani lina bantu abanothileyo, khalani lilile ngenxa yosizi oluzayo phezu kwenu. 2 Inotho yenu isibolile, lezigqoko zenu sezidliwe linondo. 3 Isiliva legolide lenu sekuthombile. Ukuthomba kwakho kuzafakaza kubi ngani, kudle inyama yemizimba yenu njengomlilo. Libuthelele inotho ensukwini zokucina. 4 Khangelani! Imiholo elingayibhadalanga izisebenzi ezavuna amasimu enu iyalikhalela. Ukukhala kwabavuni sekufikile ezindlebeni zeNkosi uSomandla. 5 Emhlabeni lihlale ngentokozo langokuminza. Selikhuluphele ngenxa yokuhlaba imihla ngemihla. 6 Libagwebile lababulala abantu abamsulwa, ababengamelani lani.

Ukubekezela Phakathi Kokuhlupheka

7 Ngakho, bazalwane, bekezelani iNkosi ize ifike. Khangelani ukuthi umlimi uyilindela njani insimu ukuba ithele izilimo zayo eziligugu kanye lokuthi ukubekezelela njani ukuna kwezulu lentwasa. 8 Lani futhi, bekezelani liqine ngoba ukufika kweNkosi sekusondele. 9 Lingasolani bazalwane hlezi lahlulelwe. UMahluleli umi emnyango!

10 Bazalwane, njengesibonelo sokubekezela ekuhluphekeni, khumbulani abaphrofethi abakhuluma ngebizo leNkosi. 11 Njengoba lisazi, labo ababekezelayo sibabala njengababusisiweyo. Selezwa ngokubekezela kukaJobe njalo selikubonile okwalethwa yiNkosi ekucineni. INkosi igcwele isihawu esikhulu lomusa.

12 Phezu kwakho konke, bazalwane bami, lingafungi, kungaba ngezulu loba ngomhlaba kumbe ngolunye ulutho. “U-Yebo” wenu kabe nguyebo, lo “Hatshi” wenu abenguhatshi, hlezi lilahlwe.

Umkhuleko Wokukholwa

13 Ukhona phakathi kwenu ohluphekayo na? Kakhuleke. Ukhona othokozayo na? Kahlabele izingoma zokudumisa. 14 Ukhona kini ogulayo na? Kumele abize abadala bebandla bamkhulekele njalo bamgcobe ngamafutha ebizweni leNkosi. 15 Umkhuleko owenziwe ngokukholwa uzakwenza lowomuntu ogulayo asile; iNkosi izamvusa. Nxa enze isono, uzathethelelwa. 16 Ngakho-ke, vumani izono zenu omunye komunye njalo likhulekelane ukuze lisiliswe. Umkhuleko womuntu olungileyo ulamandla njalo uyasebenza.

17 U-Elija wayengumuntu njengathi. Wakhuleka ngokutshiseka ukuba izulu lingani, lakanye kalinanga elizweni iminyaka emithathu lengxenye. 18 Wakhuleka futhi, amazulu aletha izulu, kwathi umhlaba lawo wathela izilimo zawo.

19 Bazalwane bami, nxa omunye wenu ephambuka eqinisweni, omunye ambuyisele, 20 khumbulani lokhu: Lowo onqanda isoni ekoneni kwaso uzasisindisa ekufeni, agubuzele izono ezinengi.

* 2:8 2.8 ULevi 19.18

† 2:11 2.11 U-Eksodasi 20.14; UDutheronomi 5.18

‡ 2:11 2.11 U-Eksodasi 20.13; UDutheronomi 5.17

§ 2:23 2.23 UGenesisi 15.6

* 4:6 4.6 Izaga 3.34

1 UPhethro

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Incwadi Yakuqala

KaPhethro

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1 UPhethro, umpostoli kaJesu Khristu,

Kwabakhethiweyo bakaNkulunkulu, lasezihambini emhlabeni labahlakazekileyo kulolonke elasePhontusi, laseGalathiya, laseKhaphadokhiya, lase-Ezhiya kanye laseBhithiniya, 2 abakhethwe ngokumayelana lokwazi mandulo kukaNkulunkulu uBaba, ngomsebenzi ongcwelisayo kaMoya, ngokulalela uJesu Khristu langokuchelwa ngegazi lakhe:

Umusa lokuthula kakube ngokwenu ngokwandileyo.

Ukudumisa UNkulunkulu Ngenxa Yethemba Eliphilayo

3 Udumo kalube kuNkulunkulu uYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu! Ngenxa yesihawu sakhe esikhulu usinike ukuzalwa kutsha ethembeni eliphilayo ngokuvuka kwabafileyo kukaJesu Khristu, 4 kanye laselifeni elingasoze libole, lonakale loba libune njalo eliligcinelweyo ezulwini. 5 Ngokukholwa livikelwe ngamandla kaNkulunkulu kuze kufike ukusindiswa okulungiselwe ukubonakaliswa ngesikhathi sokucina. 6 Liyathokoza kakhulu ngalokhu lanxa like lahlupheka okwesikhatshana ngezinsizi zezinhlobo zonke zezilingo. 7 Zifikile ukuze ukukholwa kwenu okulinganisiweyo, okuqakatheke kakhulu kulegolide, elonakalayo lanxa licengwe ngomlilo kubonakaliswe kuqotho njalo kulethe ukubonga, lenkazimulo kanye lodumo lapho uJesu Khristu esebonakaliswa. 8 Lanxa lingambonanga, liyamthanda; njalo lanxa lingamboni khathesi, liyakholwa kuye njalo ligcwele intokozo engakhulumekiyo lemangalisayo, 9 ngoba lamukela umvuzo wokukholwa kwenu, ukusindiswa kwemiphefumulo yenu.

10 Mayelana lokusindiswa lokhu, abaphrofethi abakhuluma ngomusa owawuzakuza kini, badingisisa ngesineke esikhulu, 11 bezama ukwazi isikhathi lomumo okwakutshiwo nguMoya kaKhristu owayekubo lapho atsho mandulo ngezinhlupheko zikaKhristu lenkazimulo eyayizalandela. 12 Kwabonakaliswa kubo ukuthi bona babengazisebenzeli kodwa besebenzela lina lapho babekhuluma ngezinto khathesi eselizitshelwe yilabo abatshumayele ivangeli kini ngoMoya oNgcwele owathunywa evela ezulwini. Lezingilosi ziyafisa ukuzibona lezizinto.

Wobani Ngcwele

13 Ngakho-ke, lungiselani ingqondo zenu okungenziwa; zithibeni; bekani ithemba lenu ngokupheleleyo emuseni elizawuthola lapho uJesu Khristu esebonakaliswa. 14 Njengabantwana abalalelayo lingavumeli izinkanuko ezimbi elalilazo lingakazi. 15 Kodwa njengoba lowo owalibizayo engcwele, ngakho wobani ngcwele kukho konke elikwenzayo; 16 ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Wobani ngcwele ngoba mina ngingcwele.”*

17 Njengoba likhuleka kuYihlo owahlulela imisebenzi yomuntu ngamunye kungekho bandlululo, philani impilo yenu lapha njengezihambi ngokuhlonipha. 18 Ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi kalihlengwanga ngezinto ezifayo ezinjengegolide lesiliva endleleni yokuphila eyize elakutshiyelwa ngokhokho benu, 19 kodwa ngegazi eliligugu likaKhristu imvana engelacala loba isici. 20 Wakhethwa umhlaba ungakadalwa, kodwa wabonakaliswa ngalezi izikhathi zokucina ngenxa yenu. 21 Ngaye liyakholwa kuNkulunkulu, owamvusa kwabafileyo wamnika inkazimulo, ngakho ukukholwa kwenu lethemba kukuNkulunkulu.

22 Njengoba khathesi selizihlambulule ngokulalela iqiniso ukuze libe lothando oluqotho kubazalwane benu, thandanani kakhulu, kusuka enhliziyweni. 23 Ngoba selizelwe kutsha, kungasikho ngenhlanyelo ebolayo, kodwa ngengaboliyo, ngelizwi eliphilayo eliqinileyo likaNkulunkulu. 24 Ngoba,

“Abantu bonke banjengotshani,

bonke ubukhosi babo bunjengamaluba eganga;

utshani buyabuna njalo amaluba ayakhithika,

25 kodwa ilizwi leNkosi limi kuze kube nini lanini.”†

Njalo leli yilo ilizwi elatshunyayelwa kini.

2

1 Ngakho-ke, lahlani ububi bonke lenkohliso yonke, lokuzenzisa, lomona, kanye lesinyeyo senhlobo zonke. 2 Njengabantwana abasanda kuzalwa, funani uchago lwakomoya oluhlambukileyo, ukuze likhuliswe yilo ekusindisweni kwenu, 3 njengoba selibonile ukuthi iNkosi ilungile.

ILitshe Eliphilayo Kanye Labantu Abakhethiweyo

4 Lapho lisiza kuye, iLitshe eliphilayo, elalahlwa ngabantu, kodwa elakhethwa nguNkulunkulu njalo liligugu kuye, 5 lani futhi, njengamatshe aphilayo lakhiwa laba yindlu yakomoya ukuba libe ngabaphristi abangcwele, linikela imihlatshelo yakomoya eyamukelekayo kuNkulunkulu ngoJesu Khristu. 6 Ngoba emibhalweni kuthiwa:

“Khangelani, ngibeka ilitshe eZiyoni,

ilitshe lekhoneni elikhethiweyo eliligugu,

njalo lowo okholwa kuye

akayikuyangiswa.”*

7 Kini lina abakholwayo, ilitshe leli liligugu. Kodwa kulabo abangakholwayo,

“Ilitshe elalahlwa ngabakhi

seliyilona ilitshe lekhoneni,”†

8 njalo,

“Ilitshe elikhubekisa abantu

ledwala elibenza bawe.”‡

Bayakhubeka ngoba badelela ilizwi okuyikho njalo abakumiselweyo.

9 Kodwa lina lingabantu abakhethiweyo, ubuphristi bobukhosi, isizwe esingcwele, abantu abangabakaNkulunkulu, ukuba limemezele indumiso yakhe yena owalibiza lisemnyameni ukuba lize ekukhanyeni kwakhe okumangalisayo. 10 Lake langabi ngabantu, kodwa khathesi selingabantu bakaNkulunkulu; lake laswela isihawu; kodwa khathesi selithole isihawu.

Ukuphila Ngokulunga Emphakathini Ongakholwayo

11 Bangane abathandekayo, ngiyalincenga, njengabezizweni lezihambi emhlabeni ukuba lizile izinkanuko zesono ezilwa lemiphefumulo yenu. 12 Philani impilo elungileyo phakathi kwabangakholwayo ukuze kuthi lanxa besithi lenza okubi, babone izenzo zenu ezilungileyo badumise uNkulunkulu mhla esiza kithi.

Ukuzehlisa Kubabusi Lasemakhosini

13 Zehliseni ngenxa yeNkosi emibusweni yonke ebekwe phakathi kwabantu: loba enkosini, njengamandla amakhulu, 14 loba kubabusi abathunywe yiyo ukuba bajezise labo abenza okubi kanye lokubonga labo abenza okulungileyo. 15 Ngoba kuyintando kaNkulunkulu ukuthi ngokwenza okulungileyo lizaqeda inkulumo yokungazi yabantu abayiziwula. 16 Philani njengabantu abakhululekileyo, kodwa lingasebenzisi inkululeko yenu njengezaba lokufihla ububi; philani njengezinceku zikaNkulunkulu. 17 Tshengisani inhlonipho eqondileyo kwabanye. Thandani izimuli zabazalwane, lihloniphe umuntu wonke, mesabeni uNkulunkulu, lihloniphe umbusi.

18 Zigqili, zehliseni emakhosini enu ngenhlonipho yonke, hatshi kuphela kulawo alungileyo lalozwelo, kodwa lakulawo alolaka. 19 Ngoba kuyabongeka nxa umuntu eqinisela ebuhlungwini bokuhlupheka okungafanelanga ngoba uyazi ngoNkulunkulu. 20 Kodwa kuba ludumo njani kini nxa litshayelwa ukwenza okungalunganga njalo likubekezelela? Kodwa nxa lihlukuluzelwa ukwenza okuhle njalo likubekezelela, lokhu kuyancomeka phambi kukaNkulunkulu. 21 Labizelwa lokhu, ngoba uKhristu walihluphekela, walitshiyela isibonelo ukuba lilandele ezinyathelweni zakhe.

22 “Yena kenzanga sono,

njalo akukho nkohliso eyatholakala emlonyeni wakhe.”§

23 Kwathi bemthethisa, yena kaphindiselanga; lapho ehlupheka, kazange asonge. Kodwa wathembeka kulowo owahlulela ngokulunga. 24 “Yena ngokwakhe wathwala izono zethu”* emzimbeni wakhe esiphambanweni ukuze siphephe ezonweni njalo siphilele ukulunga; “lisilisiwe ngamanxeba akhe.”† 25 Ngoba “lina lalinjengezimvu ezilahlekileyo,”‡ kodwa khathesi selibuyele kuMalusi loMbonisi wemiphefumulo yenu.

3

Abesifazane Labomkabo

1 Ngokunjalo, bafazi zehliseni kubomkenu ukuze kuthi lanxa abanye babo bengalikholwa ilizwi, baphenduke ngokuziphatha kwabomkabo kungekho kukhuluma, 2 lapho bebona ukuhlanzeka lenhlonipho yokuphila kwenu. 3 Ubuhle benu kabungaveli ekuziceciseni kwangaphandle, okunjengenwele ezelukiweyo lokugqiza izigqizo zegolide kanye lokugqoka izigqoko ezinhle. 4 Kodwa kumele bube ngobangaphakathi kwenu, ubuhle obungapheliyo bomoya omnene lothuleyo, oligugu elikhulu emehlweni kaNkulunkulu. 5 Ngoba le yiyo indlela abesifazane abangcwele bakudala ababethembe uNkulunkulu bejayele ukuzicola ngayo. Babezehlisa kubomkabo, 6 njengoSara owalalela u-Abhrahama wambiza ngokuthi yinkosi yakhe. Lingamadodakazi kaSara nxa lisenza okulungileyo njalo lingavumeli ukwesaba.

7 Ngokufanayo, madoda ekuphileni kwenu labomkenu wobani lozwelo, libaphathe ngenhlonipho njengababuthakathaka labazindlalifa kanye lani zesipho sokuphila esomusa, ukuze kungabi lalutho oluzavimbela imikhuleko yenu.

Ukuhluphekela Ukwenza Okulungileyo

8 Okokucina lonke hlalisanani ngokuthula; wobani lozwelo, lithandane njengabazalwane, libe lesihawu kanye lokuthobeka. 9 Lingaphindiseli okubi ngokubi loba inhlamba ngenhlamba, kodwa ngesibusiso, ngoba labizelwa ukuze lizuze ilifa lokubusiswa. 10 Ngoba,

“Lowo othanda ukuphila

abone lensuku ezinhle

kumele anqande ulimi lwakhe kokubi

lezindebe zakhe ekukhulumeni inkohliso.

11 Kumele batshiye ububi benze okulungileyo;

kumele bafune ukuthula njalo bakunxwanele.

12 Ngoba amehlo kaThixo akhangele abalungileyo

lezindlebe zakhe ziyezwa, imikhuleko yabo,

kodwa ubuso bukaJehova bumelana lalabo abenza okubi.”*

13 Ngubani ozalilimaza nxa litshisekela ukwenza okulungileyo na? 14 Kodwa lanxa lingahlupheka ngenxa yokulungileyo, libusisekile. “Lingakwesabi lokho abakwesabayo; kalingethuswa.”† 15 Kodwa yamukelani uKhristu ezinhliziyweni zenu njengeNkosi engcwele. Hlalani lilungele ukuphendula loba ngubani olibuza isizatho ngethemba elilalo. 16 Kodwa lokhu kwenzeni ngobumnene langenhlonipho, lilesazela esihle, ukuze kuthi labo abakhuluma okubi ngokuziphatha kwenu okuhle kuKhristu bayangeke ngokuhlambaza kwabo. 17 Ngoba kungcono nxa kuyintando kaNkulunkulu, ukuhlupheka ngenxa yokwenza okulungileyo kulokwenza okubi. 18 Ngoba uKhristu wafela izono zenu kwaba kanye, olungileyo efela abangalunganga, ukuze alise kuNkulunkulu. Wabulawa emzimbeni, kodwa wavuswa nguMoya, 19 wahamba ngaye wayatshumayela emimoyeni eyayisentolongweni yona 20 engalalelanga kudala lapho uNkulunkulu alinda khona ngokubekezela ensukwini zikaNowa umkhumbi usakhiwa. Phakathi kwawo abantu abalutshwana nje kuphela, abayisificaminwembili bebonke, basindiswa ngamanzi, 21 njalo amanzi la afanekisa umbhaphathizo osusilisa lani futhi, kungayisikho kususa ingcekeza emzimbeni kodwa kuyisibambiso sesazela esihle kuNkulunkulu. Siyalisilisa ngokuvuka kwabafileyo kukaJesu Khristu, 22 oseye ezulwini njalo usesandleni sokunene sikaNkulunkulu, lezingilosi, leziphathamandla kanye lezikhulu ekuzehliseni kuye.

4

Ukuphilela UNkulunkulu

1 Ngakho, njengoba uKhristu wahlupheka emzimbeni wakhe, lani hlomani ngesimo esifanayo, ngoba lowo owahluphekayo emzimbeni wakhe usehlule isono. 2 Ngakho-ke, ukuphila kwakhe kwasemhlabeni okuseleyo kakuphileli izinkanuko ezimbi zabantu, kodwa intando kaNkulunkulu. 3 Ngoba selichithe isikhathi esaneleyo ngaphambili lisenza lokho abahedeni abakhetha ukukwenza, impilo yobudlova, inkanuko, lokudakwa, ukuzitika, ukuzivusa amadlabuzane kanye lezithombe eziyisinengiso. 4 Bakubona kumangalisa ukuthi kalibhudlukeli kanye labo kusikhukhula sinye sencithakalo, njalo bayalithuka kakhulu. 5 Kodwa kuzamela baziphendulele kuye olungele ukwahlulela abaphilayo kanye labafileyo. 6 Ngoba lesi yiso isizatho esenza kwatshunyayelwa ivangeli lakulabo khathesi asebefile, ukuze bahlulelwe ngokwabantu ngokomzimba, kodwa baphile ngokukaNkulunkulu ngokomoya.

7 Ukuphela kwezinto zonke sekusondele. Ngakho-ke, kumele liqedisise njalo lizithibe ukuze likhuleke. 8 Phezu kwakho konke, thandanani ngokupheleleyo, ngoba uthando lugqibela izono ezinengi. 9 Yamukelanani emakhaya enu kungekho kukhonona. 10 Lowo lalowo kumele asebenzise loba yisiphi isipho somoya asamukelayo ekusizeni abanye, njengenceku ezithembekileyo zomusa kaNkulunkulu ngesimo sawo olezimo ezehlukeneyo. 11 Nxa umuntu ekhuluma, kumele akhulume njengokhuluma amazwi kaNkulunkulu wona ngokwawo. Nxa umuntu ekhonza, kumele akhonze ngamandla awaphiwa nguNkulunkulu, ukuze kuthi ezintweni zonke uNkulunkulu adunyiswe ngoJesu Khristu. Udumo lamandla kakube kuye kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni.

Ukuhlupheka Ngenxa Yokuba NgumKhristu

12 Bangane bami abathandekayo, lingamangaliswa yibuhlungu besilingo elibuzwayo, kungathi kwenzakala into engaziwayo kini. 13 Kodwa thokozani ngokuthi liyahlanganyela ekuhluphekeni kukaKhristu, ukuze lithokoze kakhulu lapho inkazimulo yakhe isibonakaliswa. 14 Nxa lithukwa ngenxa yebizo likaKhristu, libusisiwe, ngoba uMoya wenkazimulo lokaNkulunkulu uhlezi phezu kwenu. 15 Nxa lihlupheka, akungabi njengombulali loba isela kumbe olunye uhlobo lwesigebenga loba lanjengongenelayo ezindabeni zabanikazi. 16 Kodwa-ke, nxa lihlupheka njengomKhristu, lingayangeki, kodwa dumisani uNkulunkulu ngebizo lakhe. 17 Ngoba kuyisikhathi sokuthi ukwahlulela kuqalise ngabendlu kaNkulunkulu; njalo nxa kuqalisa ngathi, isiphetho sizakuba yini kulabo abangalaleli ivangeli likaNkulunkulu na? 18 Njalo,

“Nxa kunzima ukuba abalungileyo basindiswe,

pho kuzakuba njani kwabangakholwayo labayizoni na?”*

19 Ngakho-ke, labo abahlupheka ngokwentando kaNkulunkulu kumele bazinikele kuMdali wabo othembekileyo njalo baqhubeke besenza okulungileyo.

5

Ebadaleni Lemhlambini

1 Ebadaleni abaphakathi kwenu, ngiyakhalaza njengomunye wabadala, ufakazi wezinhlupheko zikaKhristu lomunye laye ozahlanganyela enkazimulweni ezabonakaliswa: 2 Wobani ngabelusi bomhlambi kaNkulunkulu eliwugcinayo, lisebenze njengababonisi, kungasikubanjwa ngamandla, kodwa ngenxa yokuthanda kwenu, njengoba uNkulunkulu efuna ukuba libe njalo; lingelamhawu wemali, kodwa lifisa ukusiza; 3 hatshi ukubusa ababekwe ezandleni zenu, kodwa liyisibonelo emhlambini. 4 Lapho uMalusi oMkhulu evela, lizakwamukela umqhele wenkazimulo engayikufiphala.

5 Majaha, ngokunjalo zehliseni ebadaleni. Lonke zembathiseni ngokuthobeka omunye komunye, ngoba,

“UNkulunkulu umelana labazigqajayo,

kodwa abe lomusa kwabathobekileyo.”*

6 Ngakho-ke, zithobeni ngaphansi kwesandla sikaNkulunkulu esilamandla, ukuze aliphakamise ngesikhathi esifaneleyo. 7 Yethulani kuye konke ukukhathazeka kwenu ngoba yena uyalikhathalela.

8 Zithibeni, liqaphele. Isitha senu uSathane, siyazulazula njengesilwane esibhongayo sidinga esingamudla. 9 Menqabeni, liqine ekukholweni ngoba liyakwazi ukuthi abazalwane benu emhlabeni wonke baphakathi kwalezo zinhlupheko.

10 Njalo uNkulunkulu womusa wonke, yena owalibizela enkazimulweni kaKhristu engulaphakade, emva kokuba lihlupheke okwesikhatshana, yena uqobo uzalivuselela alenze libe lamandla, liqine njalo lithembeke. 11 Amandla kawabe kuye kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni.

Ukuvalelisa

12 Ngosizo lukaSayilasi, engimthanda njengomzalwane othembekileyo, ngililobele ngamafitshane ngilikhuthaza njalo ngifakaza ukuthi lo ngumusa oqotho kaNkulunkulu. Bambelelani kuwo.

13 Lowo oseBhabhiloni, owakhethwa kanye lani, uyalibingelela, loMakho indodana yami iyalibingelela.

14 Bingelelanani ngokwangana kothando.

Ukuthula kakube kini lonke elikuKhristu.

* 1:16 1.16 ULevi 11.44-45; 19.2

† 1:25 1.25 U-Isaya 40.6-8

* 2:6 2.6 U-Isaya 28.16

† 2:7 2.7 AmaHubo 118.22

‡ 2:8 2.8 U-Isaya 8.14

§ 2:22 2.22 U-Isaya 53.9

* 2:24 2.24 U-Isaya 53.5

† 2:24 2.24 U-Isaya 53.5

‡ 2:25 2.25 U-Isaya 53.6

* 3:12 3.12 AmaHubo 34.12-16

† 3:14 3.14 U-Isaya 8.12

* 4:18 4.18 Izaga 11.31

* 5:5 5.5 Izaga 3.34

2 UPhethro

1

2

3

Incwadi Yesibili

KaPhethro

1

1 USimoni Phethro, inceku lompostoli kaJesu Khristu,

Kulabo abamukele ukholo oluligugu njengolwethu ngokulunga kukaNkulunkulu wethu loMsindisi uJesu Khristu:

2 Umusa lokuthula kakube ngokwenu ngokwandileyo ngokumazi uNkulunkulu loJesu iNkosi yethu.

Ukwenza Ukubizwa Lokukhethwa Komuntu Kuqiniseke

3 Amandla akhe obuNkulunkulu asesinike konke esikudingayo ekuphileni kanye lokumesaba uNkulunkulu ngokumazi kwethu yena owasibiza ngenkazimulo yakhe langokulunga. 4 Ngalokhu-ke usesinike izithembiso zakhe ezinkulu kakhulu eziligugu, ukuze kuthi ngazo lihlanganyele esimeni sobuNkulunkulu njalo liphephe ekonakaleni kwasemhlabeni okubangelwa yizinkanuko ezimbi.

5 Ngenxa yalesisizatho, yenzani imizamo yonke ukuba lengeze ukulunga ekukholweni kwenu; lekulungeni lengeze ukwazi; 6 ekwazini lengeze ukuzithiba; ekuzithibeni lengeze ukubekezela; ekubekezeleni lengeze ukumesaba uNkulunkulu; 7 ekumesabeni uNkulunkulu lengeze umusa wobuzalwane; lasemuseni wobuzalwane lengeze uthando. 8 Ngoba nxa lilalezizinto ngokwanda kwazo, zizalinqanda ekubeni ngabangafezi lutho labangelazithelo ekwazini kwenu iNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu. 9 Kodwa nxa umuntu engelazo ubona kalufifi njalo uyisiphofu, ekhohlwa ukuthi usehlanjululwe ezonweni zakhe zakudala.

10 Ngakho-ke, bazalwane bami, tshisekelani kakhulu ukwenza ukubizwa lokukhethwa kwenu kuqiniseke. Ngoba nxa lisenza lezizinto kalizukuwa, 11 njalo lizakwamukelwa ngokupheleleyo embusweni olaphakade weNkosi loMsindisi wethu uJesu Khristu.

Isiphrofethi SoMbhalo

12 Ngakho ngizahlala ngilikhumbuza lezizinto, lanxa lizazi njalo liqinile ngokupheleleyo eqinisweni eselilalo. 13 Ngibona kufanele ukuba ngilikhumbuze nxa ngisaphila kulelithente lomzimba lo, 14 ngoba ngiyakwazi ukuthi ngizaphanga ngilibeke eceleni, njengoba iNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu isikwenze kwabasobala kimi. 15 Njalo ngizakwenza imizamo yonke ukubona ukuthi emva kokusuka kwami lizahlala lizikhumbula lezizinto.

16 Sasingalandeli izinganekwane ezaqaliswa ngokuhlakanipha lapho silitshela ngamandla langokuza kweNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu kodwa sasingofakazi bobukhosi bakhe. 17 Ngoba wamukela udumo lenkazimulo kuNkulunkulu uBaba lapho ilizwi lifika kuye livela eNkazimulweni yoBukhosi, lisithi, “Le yiNdodana yami engiyithandayo; ngiyathokoza kakhulu ngayo.”* 18 Thina ngokwethu salizwa ilizwi lelo elavela ezulwini silaye phezu kwentaba engcwele.

19 Njalo ilizwi labaphrofethi seliqiniswe kakhulu, futhi kuzakuba kuhle kini ukuba lilinake njengesibane esikhanyise endaweni emnyama, kuze kuse lendonsakusa ize iphume ezinhliziyweni zenu. 20 Phezu kwakho konke, kumele liqedisise ukuthi akukho siphrofethi soMbhalo esavela ngokuchasisa okungokomphrofethi. 21 Ngoba isiphrofethi kasizange sivele entandweni yomuntu, kodwa abantu bakhuluma kuvela kuNkulunkulu beholwa nguMoya oNgcwele.

2

Abafundisi Bamanga Lokubhujiswa Kwabo

1 Kodwa phakathi kwabantu kwakulabaphrofethi bamanga futhi, njengoba kuzakuba labafundisi bamanga phakathi kwenu. Ngasese bazangenisa inkolo yamanga echithayo, baze bamphike loThixo iNkosi yobukhosi eyabathengayo, bazilethele ukubhujiswa ngokuphangisa. 2 Abanengi bazalandela izindlela zabo ezilihlazo benze lendlela yeqiniso idumazeke. 3 Ngobugovu babo abafundisi laba bazakwenza inzuzo ngani ngezinganekwane zokuzibumbela. Ukulahlwa kwabo kubengamile, lokubhujiswa kwabo akuzange kukhohlakale.

4 Ngoba nxa uNkulunkulu engaziyekelanga izingilosi ekwenzeni kwazo isono, kodwa wazisa egehena, wazifaka emigodini emnyama ukuba zigcinelwe ukwahlulelwa. 5 Nxa engayekelanga umhlaba wasendulo lapho aletha khona uzamcolo ebantwini bawo ababengamesabi uNkulunkulu, kodwa wamvikela uNowa, umtshumayeli wokulunga, labanye abayisikhombisa. 6 Nxa watshabalalisa amadolobho aseSodoma leGomora ngokuwatshisa aba ngumlotha, wawenza aba yisibonelo salokho okuzakwenzakala kwabangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu. 7 Njalo nxa wahlenga uLothi, umuntu olungileyo, owayekhathazekile ngokuphila okungcolileyo kwabantu ababengelamthetho 8 (ngoba lowomuntu olungileyo, wayehlala phakathi kwabo insuku zonke, ehlutshwa emoyeni yizenzo zabo ezimbi ayezibona layezizwa). 9 Nxa lokhu kunjalo, uThixo uyakwazi ukuhlenga abantu abamesabayo ekulingweni kanye lokugcinela abangalunganga usuku lokwahlulela, eqhubeka ngokujeziswa kwabo. 10 Lokhu kuliqiniso ikakhulu kulabo abalandela izinkanuko ezonakeleyo zenyama njalo beseyisa umthetho.

Ngesibindi lokuzikhukhumeza, abantu laba kabakwesabi ukuhlambaza izidalwa zasezulwini; 11 ikanti lezingilosi, lanxa ziqinile njalo zilamandla amakhulu, kazizethesi macala ngokuhlambaza izidalwa ezinjalo phambi kukaThixo. 12 Kodwa abantu laba bahlambaza ngezindaba abangaziqedisisiyo. Banjengezinyamazana ezinganakaniyo, izidalwa ezibuswa yimvelo, ezazalelwa ukubanjwa lokubulawa kuphela, labo njalo njengezilo bazabhubha.

13 Bazaphindiselwa ngokubi ngenxa yokubi abakwenzileyo. Umcabango wabo ngenjabulo yikuminza emini libalele. Bayizixhwali lezoni, bezitika enjabulweni yabo besidla lani edilini. 14 Ngamehlo agcwele ubufebe kabayekeli ukwenza isono; baxhwalisa abangaqinanga; bazingcitshi zobugovu, inzalo eqalekisiweyo! 15 Bayitshiyile indlela eqondileyo, baduka belandela indlela kaBhalamu indodana kaBheyori owayethanda inzuzo yobubi. 16 Kodwa wakhuzwa ngezenzo zakhe ezimbi ngubabhemi, inyamazana eyisimungulu, eyakhuluma ngelizwi lomuntu yanqanda ukuphambana komphrofethi.

17 Abantu laba bayimithombo engelamanzi lenkungu eqhutshwa yisiphepho. Ubumnyama obukhulu bugcinelwe bona. 18 Ngoba bakhuluma amazwi okuzikhukhumeza ayize, njalo ngokulangatha izinkanuko zemizimba yabantu elesono, bahuga abantu abasanda kuphunyuka kulabo abahlala ekoneni. 19 Babathembisa inkululeko, bona beyizigqili zobuxhwali, ngoba umuntu uyisigqili salokho okumbusayo. 20 Nxa bebalekele ukonakala komhlaba ngokwazi iNkosi yethu loMsindisi uJesu Khristu baphinde bahitsheleke kukho behlulwe, isiphetho sabo sibi njalo siyesabeka kulasekuqaliseni kwabo. 21 Kwakuzakuba ngcono kubo ukungayazi indlela yokulunga, kulokuthi sebeyazi bafulathele imilayo engcwele ababeyiphiwe. 22 Izaga ziqinisile ngabo ukuthi: “Inja iyawabuyelela amahlanzo ayo,”* njalo ukuthi, “Ingulube egezisiweyo iyabuyela iyezibhixa edakeni.”

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USuku LukaThixo

1 Bangane abathandekayo, le yincwadi yami yesibili kini. Ngizilobe zombili njengezikhumbuzo ukuba ngivuselele kini ukucabanga kuhle. 2 Ngithanda ukuba likhumbule amazwi akhulunywa kudala ngabaphrofethi abangcwele lomlayo owaphiwa yiNkosi loMsindisi ngabapostoli benu.

3 Phezu kwakho konke, kumele liqedisise ukuthi ngezinsuku zokucina kuzafika abaklolodayo baklolode belandela izinkanuko zabo ezimbi. 4 Bazakuthi, “Kungaphi ‘ukuza’ lokhu akuthembisayo? Selokhu obaba bafayo, konke kuqhubeka njengokwakuvele kusenzakala kusukela ekuqaleni kwendalo.” 5 Kodwa bakhohlwa ngabomo ukuthi endulo ngelizwi likaNkulunkulu amazulu abakhona lomhlaba wavela emanzini njalo ngamanzi. 6 Ngamanzi futhi umhlaba wakulezozinsuku wakhukhulwa wachitheka. 7 Ngelizwi elifanayo amazulu akhathesi kanye lomhlaba kugcinelwe umlilo, kulindele usuku lokwahlulelwa lokubhujiswa kwabantu abangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu.

8 Kodwa, bangane abathandekayo, lingakhohlwa into le eyodwa ukuthi: KuThixo usuku lunjengeminyaka eyinkulungwane leminyaka eyinkulungwane injengosuku olulodwa. 9 INkosi kayiphuzi ukugcwalisa isithembiso sayo, njengoba abanye bekuqedisisa njengokuphuza. Iyalibekezelela, ingafuni ukuba lamunye abhubhe, kodwa ukuba umuntu wonke aphenduke.

10 Kodwa usuku lweNkosi luzafika njengesela. Amazulu azanyamalala ngokuhlokoma; imimoya izaqothulwa ngomlilo, lomhlaba lakho konke okukuwo kuzatshabalaliswa.

11 Njengoba izinto zonke zizachithwa ngale indlela, lina kumele libe ngabantu abanjani na? Kumele liphile impilo engcwele leyokumesaba uNkulunkulu 12 lisalindele usuku lwakhe liphangisise ukufika kwalo. Lolosuku luzaletha ukuchithwa kwamazulu ngomlilo, njalo imimoya izancibilikiswa yikutshisa. 13 Kodwa mayelana lesithembiso sakhe silindele izulu elitsha lomhlaba omutsha, ikhaya lokulunga.

14 Ngakho-ke, bangane abathandekayo, njengoba lokhu likulindele, yenzani imizamo yonke ukuba litholakale lingelasici, lingelacala njalo lihlalisane laye ngokuthula. 15 Khumbulani ukuthi ukubekezela kweNkosi yethu kutsho ukusindisa, njengalokhu umzalwane wethu othandekayo uPhawuli walilobela ngenhlakanipho uNkulunkulu amupha yona. 16 Uloba ngendlela efanayo kuzozonke izincwadi zakhe, ekhuluma lezizindaba kuzo. Izincwadi zakhe zimumethe ezinye izinto okunzima ukuzizwisisa, okuthi abantu abangaziyo labangaqinanga bazihlanekele, njengabakwenzayo kweminye iMibhalo, okuzaletha ukubhujiswa kwabo.

17 Ngakho-ke, bangane abathandekayo, njengoba selike lenqatshelwa, qaphelani ukuze lingedukiswa yibubi babantu abangelamthetho beselisiwa ezindaweni zenu eziqinileyo. 18 Kodwa khulani emuseni lasekwazini iNkosi yethu loMsindisi uJesu Khristu.

Inkazimulo kayibe kuye khathesi lanininini! Ameni.

* 1:17 1.17 UMatewu 17.5; UMakho 9.7; ULukha 9.35

* 2:22 2.22 Izaga 26.11

1 UJohane

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Incwadi Yakuqala

KaJohane

1

ILizwi Lokuphila

1 Lokho okwakukhona kusukela ekuqaleni, esesikuzwile, esesikubone ngamehlo ethu, esesikukhangele lezandla zethu zakuthinta, lokhu siyakutshumayela mayelana leLizwi lokuphila. 2 Ukuphila kwabonakala; sikubonile njalo siyakufakaza, njalo sitshumayela kini ukuphila okulaphakade okwakukhona kuBaba njalo sekubonakele kithi. 3 Sitshumayela kini esikubonileyo lesikuzwileyo ukuze lani libe lokuhlanganyela lathi. Ukuhlanganyela kwethu kuloBaba kanye leNdodana yakhe, uJesu Khristu. 4 Siloba lokhu ukuze ukuthokoza kwethu kuphelele.

Ukuhamba Ekukhanyeni

5 Leli yilizwi esilizwe kuye esilitshumayela kini elokuthi: UNkulunkulu uyikukhanya; kuye akukho ubumnyama. 6 Nxa sisithi silokuhlanganyela laye, kodwa sihamba ebumnyameni, siqamba amanga, njalo leqiniso kasilenzi. 7 Kodwa nxa sihamba ekukhanyeni, njengoba esekukhanyeni, silokuhlanganyela omunye lomunye legazi likaJesu iNdodana yakhe liyasihlambulula ezonweni zonke.

8 Nxa sisithi kasilasono, siyazikhohlisa njalo kasilaqiniso. 9 Nxa sivuma izono zethu, yena uthembekile njalo ulungile, uzasithethelela izono zethu, asihlambulule kukho konke ukungalungi kwethu. 10 Nxa sisithi akulasono esasenzayo, simenza abe ngumqambi wamanga, njalo ilizwi lakhe kalilandawo kithi.

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1 Bantwabami abathandekayo, ngililobela incwadi le ukuze lingenzi izono. Kodwa nxa umuntu enze isono, silaye osimelayo kuBaba esivikela yena uJesu Khristu oLungileyo. 2 Ungumhlatshelo wenhlawulo yezono zethu, kungasizono zethu kuphela kodwa lezono zomhlaba wonke.

Uthando Lenzondo Yabazalwane

3 Siba leqiniso ukuthi siyamazi nxa silalela imilayo yakhe. 4 Umuntu othi, “Ngiyamazi,” kodwa angagcini imilayo yakhe uqamba amanga, leqiniso kalalo. 5 Kodwa nxa umuntu elalela ilizwi lakhe, uthando lukaNkulunkulu luyapheleliswa sibili kuye. Yikho esikwazi ngakho ukuthi sikuye: 6 Lowo othi uhlala kuye kumele aphile njengokwenziwa nguJesu.

7 Bangane abathandekayo, kangililobeli umlayo omutsha, kodwa omdala, elalilawo kusukela ekuqaleni. Umlayo lo omdala uyilizwi elalizwayo. 8 Ikanti ngililobela umlayo omutsha; iqiniso lawo libonakala kuye lakini, ngoba ubumnyama buyedlula lokukhanya kweqiniso sekukhanya.

9 Lowo othi usekukhanyeni kodwa ezonda umzalwane wakhe ulokhu esebumnyameni. 10 Othanda umzalwane wakhe uhlala ekukhanyeni njalo akulalutho kuye olungamenza akhubeke. 11 Kodwa lowo ozonda umzalwane wakhe usebumnyameni njalo uyazula ebumnyameni. Kakwazi lapho aya khona ngoba ubumnyama sebumenze waba yisiphofu.

Izizatho Zokuloba

12 Ngiyalilobela bantwana abathandekayo,

ngoba izono zenu zithethelelwe ngenxa yebizo lakhe.

13 Ngiyalilobela bobaba,

ngoba selimazi yena okhona kusukela ekuqaleni.

Ngiyalilobela majaha,

ngoba limnqobile omubi.

14 Ngiyalilobela, bantwana abathandekayo,

ngoba liyamazi uBaba.

Ngiyalilobela bobaba,

ngoba selimazi yena okhona kusukela ekuqaleni.

Ngiyalilobela majaha,

ngoba lilamandla

lelizwi likaNkulunkulu lihlala kini,

njalo limnqobile omubi.

Lingawuthandi Umhlaba

15 Lingawuthandi umhlaba loba olunye ulutho olusemhlabeni. Nxa umuntu ethanda umhlaba, uthando lukaBaba kalukho kuye. 16 Ngoba izinto zonke ezisemhlabeni, izinkanuko zabantu abalezono, ukulangazela kwamehlo abo kanye lokuzigqaja ngempahla akuveli kuBaba, kodwa emhlabeni. 17 Umhlaba lezinkanuko zawo kuyadlula, kodwa umuntu owenza intando kaNkulunkulu uphila kuze kube nininini.

Isixwayiso Ngabaphika UKhristu

18 Bantwana abathandekayo, lesi yisikhathi sokucina; njalo njengoba lizwile ukuthi umphikuKhristu uyeza, lakhathesi abanengi abaphika uKhristu sebekhona. Yikho esikwazi ngakho ukuthi lesi yisikhathi sokucina. 19 Baphuma besuka kithi, kodwa impela babengasibo bakithi. Ngoba aluba babengabakithi, babezahlala lathi; kodwa ukusuka kwabo kwatshengisa ukuthi kakho kubo owayengowakithi.

20 Kodwa lina ligcotshwe ngoNgcwele, njalo lonke liyalazi iqiniso.* 21 Kangililobeli ngoba iqiniso kalilazi, kodwa ngoba liyalazi langenxa yokuthi akulamanga aphuma eqinisweni. 22 Umqambi wamanga ngubani? Ngumuntu ophikayo ukuthi uJesu unguKhristu. Umuntu onjalo ngumphikuKhristu, uphika uYise leNdodana. 23 Kakho ophika iNdodana oloYise; lowo owamukela iNdodana uloYise futhi.

24 Bonani ukuthi lokho elakuzwayo kusukela ekuqaleni kuyahlala kini. Nxa kuhlala, lani lizahlala likhona eNdodaneni lakuYise. 25 Njalo nanku asithembisa khona, ukuphila okulaphakade.

26 Ngililobela ngalezizinto mayelana lalabo abazama ukulidukisa. 27 Ukugcotshwa kwenu elakwamukela kuye, kuhlezi kukini, njalo kalisweli muntu wokulifundisa. Kodwa njengoba ukugcoba kwakhe kulifundisa izinto zonke njalo njengoba ukugcoba lokho kuqotho, akusinkohliso njengoba kulifundisile, hlalani likuye.

Abantwana BakaNkulunkulu

28 Ngakho-ke, bantwana abathandekayo, qhubekani likuye ukuze kuthi lapho esebonakala sibe lesibindi njalo singabi lenhloni phambi kwakhe ekufikeni kwakhe.

29 Nxa likwazi ukuthi ulungile, liyakwazi ukuthi umuntu wonke oyenza okulungileyo uzelwe ngaye.

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1 Yeka ubukhulu bothando uBaba asinika lona, ukuba sibizwe ngokuthi singabantwana bakaNkulunkulu! Njalo lokho yikho esiyikho! Okwenza umhlaba thina ungasazi yikuthi laye kawumazanga. 2 Bangane abathandekayo, khathesi singabantwana bakaNkulunkulu, njalo lokho esizakuba yikho akukaziwa. Kodwa siyakwazi ukuthi lapho ebonakala sizakuba njengaye ngoba sizambona njengoba enjalo. 3 Wonke umuntu olethemba leli ngaphakathi kwakhe uyazihlambulula njengoba laye ehlambulukile.

4 Umuntu wonke owenza izono wephula umthetho; ngempela isono yikungabi lomthetho. 5 Kodwa liyakwazi ukuthi wabonakala ukuze asuse izono zethu. Njalo kuye akulasono. 6 Kakho ohlala kuye oqhubeka esona. Kakho oqhubeka esona owambonayo kumbe omaziyo.

7 Bantwana abathandekayo, lingavumeli muntu eledukisa. Lowo oyenza okulungileyo ulungile, njengoba laye elungile. 8 Lowo owonayo ngokaSathane ngoba uSathane wona kusukela ekuqaleni. INdodana kaNkulunkulu yabonakala ukuze ichithe imisebenzi kaSathane. 9 Kakho ozelwe ngokukaNkulunkulu ozaqhubeka esona, ngoba inhlanyelo kaNkulunkulu ihlala ikubo, abasoze baqhubeke besona ngoba bazelwe nguNkulunkulu. 10 Sibazi ngalokhu ukuthi abantwana bakaNkulunkulu ngobani kanye lokuthi abangabantwana bakaSathane ngobani. Lowo ongenzi okulungileyo kasuye mntakaNkulunkulu, loba lowo ongamthandiyo umfowabo lodadewabo.

Thandanani

11 Leli yilizwi elalizwa kusukela ekuqaleni: Kumele sithandane. 12 Lingabi njengoKhayini, owayengokaSathane wasebulala umfowabo. Wambulalelani na? Ngoba ezakhe izenzo zazizimbi ezomfowabo zilungile. 13 Lingamangali bazalwane bami nxa umhlaba ulizonda. 14 Siyakwazi ukuthi sesidlulile ekufeni saya ekuphileni, ngoba siyabathanda abazalwane bethu. Lowo ongathandiyo ulokhu esekufeni. 15 Lowo ozonda umzalwane wakhe ungumbulali, njalo liyakwazi ukuthi akulambulali olokuphila okungapheliyo kuye.

16 Nanku esazi ngakho ukuthi uthando luyini: UJesu Khristu wadela ukuphila kwakhe ngenxa yethu. Lathi kufanele sidele ukuphila kwethu ngenxa yabazalwane bethu. 17 Nxa umuntu enothile abone umzalwane wakhe oswelayo, kodwa angabi lesihawu kuye, uthando lukaNkulunkulu lungaba kuye kanjani na? 18 Bantwana abathandekayo, kasingathandi ngamazwi loba ulimi kuphela kodwa ngezenzo langeqiniso.

19 Ngalokhu sazi kanje ukuthi singabeqiniso lokuthi sizibeka njani inhliziyo zethu ekuphumuleni phambi kwakhe 20 lapho inhliziyo zethu zisilahla. Ngoba uNkulunkulu mkhulu kakhulu kulezinhliziyo zethu njalo wazi izinto zonke. 21 Bazalwane abathandekayo, nxa inhliziyo zethu zingasilahli, silesibindi phambi kukaNkulunkulu 22 njalo samukela kuye konke esikucelayo ngoba siyayilalela imilayo yakhe senze okumthokozisayo. 23 Nanku umlayo wakhe: ukukholwa ebizweni leNdodana yakhe, uJesu Khristu, lokuthandana njengokusilaya kwakhe. 24 Labo abalalela imilayo yakhe bahlala kuye, laye kubo. Njalo sikwazi ngalokhu ukuthi uhlala kithi: Sikwazi ngoMoya asinika yena.

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Hlolani Omoya

1 Bazalwane abathandekayo, lingaze labakholwa omoya bonke, kodwa bahloleni omoya ukuba libone bangabe bevela kuNkulunkulu na ngoba abaphrofethi bamanga abanengi sebekhona emhlabeni. 2 Lingamazi kanje uMoya kaNkulunkulu: Umoya wonke ovumayo ukuthi uJesu Khristu weza esenyameni uvela kuNkulunkulu, 3 kodwa wonke umoya ongamvumiyo uJesu kawuveli kuNkulunkulu. Lowo ngumoya womphikuKhristu, elezwa ukuthi uyeza njalo osukhona khathesi emhlabeni.

4 Lina, bantwana abathandekayo, lingabakaNkulunkulu njalo selibanqobile ngoba lowo okini mkhulu kulalowo osemhlabeni. 5 Bona bangabasemhlabeni, ngakho bakhuluma ngokwengqondo yasemhlabeni njalo umhlaba uyabalalela. 6 Thina singabakaNkulunkulu njalo lowo omaziyo uNkulunkulu uyasilalela, kodwa lowo ongasuye kaNkulunkulu kasilaleli. Simbona ngalokhu uMoya weqiniso lomoya wamanga.

Uthando LukaNkulunkulu Lolwethu

7 Bangane abathandekayo kasithandaneni, ngoba uthando luvela kuNkulunkulu. Umuntu wonke othandayo uzelwe ngoNkulunkulu njalo uyamazi uNkulunkulu. 8 Lowo ongathandiyo kamazi uNkulunkulu, ngoba uNkulunkulu uluthando. 9 UNkulunkulu walubonakalisa kanje uthando lwakhe kithi: Wathumela emhlabeni iNdodana yakhe eyiyo yodwa ukuba siphile ngayo. 10 Lolu luthando: kungayisikuthi sasimthanda uNkulunkulu kodwa ukuthi yena wasithanda wathumela iNdodana yakhe njengomhlatshelo wenhlawulo yezono zethu. 11 Bangane abathandekayo, njengoba uNkulunkulu wasithanda kangaka, lathi kumele sithandane. 12 Kakho owake wabona uNkulunkulu; kodwa nxa sithandana, uNkulunkulu uhlala kithi lothando lwakhe luyapheleliswa kithi.

13 Sikwazi ngalokhu ukuthi sihlala kuye laye uhlala kithi ngoba usinike okukaMoya wakhe. 14 Sibonile njalo siyafakaza ukuthi uBaba uyithumele iNdodana yakhe ukuba ibe nguMsindisi womhlaba. 15 Nxa umuntu evuma ukuthi uJesu uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu uhlala kuye laye kuNkulunkulu. 16 Ngakho siyazi njalo sithembe uthando uNkulunkulu alalo kithi.

UNkulunkulu uluthando. Ohlala ethandweni, uhlala kuNkulunkulu, loNkulunkulu kuye. 17 Uthando luyapheleliswa kithi ukuze sibe lesibindi ngosuku lokwahlulelwa, ngoba kulumhlaba lathi sinjengaye. 18 Ethandweni akulakwesaba. Uthando olupheleleyo luyaxotsha ukwesaba, ngoba ukwesaba kukhumbuza isijeziso. Umuntu owesabayo kapheleliswa ethandweni.

19 Siyathanda ngoba yena wasithanda kuqala. 20 Nxa umuntu esithi, “Mina ngiyamthanda uNkulunkulu,” kodwa ezonda umfowabo, ulamanga. Ngoba umuntu ongamthandiyo umfowabo ambonayo, angeke amthande uNkulunkulu angakaze ambone. 21 Njalo wasinika umlayo lo: Lowo othanda uNkulunkulu kumele athande lomfowabo.

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Ukukholwa ENdodaneni KaNkulunkulu

1 Umuntu wonke okholwayo ukuthi uJesu nguKhristu uzelwe nguNkulunkulu, njalo umuntu wonke othanda uBaba uyamthanda lomtanakhe. 2 Sikwazi ngalokhu ukuthi siyabathanda abantwana bakaNkulunkulu: ngokuthanda uNkulunkulu sigcina imilayo yakhe. 3 Ukuthanda uNkulunkulu yilokhu: ukulalela imilayo yakhe. Njalo imilayo yakhe kayinzima, 4 ngoba umuntu wonke ozelwe nguNkulunkulu uwunqobile umhlaba. Lokhu yikunqoba okwehlule umhlaba, okuyikukholwa kwethu. 5 Ngubani lowo onqoba umhlaba? Ngulowo kuphela okholwayo ukuthi uJesu uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu.

6 Lo nguye oweza ngamanzi langegazi, uJesu Khristu kabuyanga ngamanzi kuphela, kodwa ngamanzi langegazi. Njalo nguMoya ofakazayo, ngoba uMoya uliqiniso. 7 Ngoba bathathu abafakazayo*: 8 uMoya, lamanzi kanye legazi; njalo bobathathu laba bayavumelana. 9 Siyabamukela ubufakazi babantu, kodwa ubufakazi bukaNkulunkulu bukhulu ngoba yibufakazi bukaNkulunkulu abunikayo ngeNdodana yakhe. 10 Lowo okholwayo eNdodaneni kaNkulunkulu ulobufakazi lobu enhliziyweni yakhe. Lowo ongamkholwayo uNkulunkulu umenze waba ngolamanga ngoba engabukholwanga ubufakazi uNkulunkulu abunike ngeNdodana yakhe. 11 Ubufakazi lobo yilobu: UNkulunkulu usinike ukuphila okulaphakade njalo lokhu kuphila kuseNdodaneni yakhe. 12 Lowo oleNdodana yakhe ulokuphila; lowo ongelayo iNdodana kaNkulunkulu kalakho ukuphila.

Amazwi Okucina

13 Ngililobela lezizinto lina abakholwayo ebizweni leNdodana kaNkulunkulu ukuze lazi ukuthi lilokuphila okulaphakade. 14 Silesiqiniselo lesi ekusondeleni kuNkulunkulu: ukuthi nxa sicela ulutho ngokwentando yakhe, uyasizwa. 15 Nxa sisazi ukuthi uyasizwa loba kuyini esikucelayo siyakwazi ukuthi sesilakho esikucele kuye.

16 Lapho umuntu ebona umzalwane wakhe esenza isono esingakhokheleli ekufeni, kumele akhuleke, uNkulunkulu uzamnika ukuphila. Ngitsho kulabo abasono sabo kasikhokheleli ekufeni. Kulesono esikhokhelela ekufeni. Kangitsho ukuthi akhuleke ngaleso. 17 Konke ukwenza okubi kuyisono, njalo kulesono esingakhokheleli ekufeni.

18 Siyakwazi ukuthi umuntu ozelwe nguNkulunkulu kaqhubeki esenza izono; lowo owazalwa nguNkulunkulu uyamvikela, loSathane kamthinti. 19 Siyakwazi ukuthi singabantwana bakaNkulunkulu kanye lokuthi umhlaba wonke ungaphansi kwamandla omubi. 20 Siyakwazi lokuthi iNdodana kaNkulunkulu yeza yasinika ukuqedisisa, ukuze siyazi yona eqotho. Njalo sikuye yena oqotho kanye laseNdodaneni yakhe uJesu Khristu. Yena unguNkulunkulu oqotho kanye lokuphila okulaphakade.

21 Bantwana abathandekayo, xwayani izithombe.

* 2:20 2.20 Eminye imibhalo ithi njalo liyazazi zonke izinto

* 5:7 5.7 Imibhalo yeVulgate yamuva bayafakaza ezulwini: uBaba, uLizwi loMoya oyiNgcwele, njalo laba bobathathu bamunye. 8 Njalo bathathu abafakaza emhlabeni: (okungatholakali emibhalweni yesiGrikhi eyayikhona kusiya ekuqaleni kwesentshuri yetshumi lane)

2 UJohane

Incwadi Yesibili

KaJohane

1

1 Mina omdala,

Ngilobela inkosikazi ekhethiweyo labantwana bayo, engibathandayo eqinisweni, kungayisimi kuphela, kodwa labo bonke abalaziyo iqiniso, 2 ngenxa yeqiniso elikhona kithi njalo elizakuba lathi kuze kube nininini:

3 Umusa, lesihawu kanye lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba lakuJesu Khristu, iNdodana kaBaba, kuzakuba lathi ngeqiniso langothando.

4 Kungithokozise kakhulu ukufumana abanye babantwana benu bephila ngeqiniso njengokulaywa kwethu nguBaba. 5 Khathesi-ke, nkosikazi ethandekayo, ngikulobela umlayo omutsha, kodwa esasilawo kusukela ekuqaleni. Ngicela ukuba sithandane. 6 Uthando yilolu: ukuba siphile ngokulalela imilayo yakhe. Njengoba uzwile kusukela ekuqaleni, umlayo wakhe yikuthi uphile impilo yothando.

7 Ngitsho lokhu ngoba abakhohlisi abanengi abangavumiyo ukuthi uJesu Khristu weza engumuntu sebekhona emhlabeni. Lowomuntu onjalo ungumkhohlisi lomphikuKhristu. 8 Qaphelani ukuba lingalahlekelwa yilokho elakusebenzelayo, kodwa ukuba liphiwe umvuzo ngokupheleleyo. 9 Lowo odlulela phambili angabe esaqhubeka ngemfundiso kaKhristu kalaye uNkulunkulu; lowo oqhubekayo ngemfundiso uloBaba leNdodana. 10 Nxa umuntu esiza kini engalethi imfundiso le, lingamngenisi ezindlini zenu njalo lingamamukeli. 11 Lowo omamukelayo uyahlanganyela emisebenzini yakhe emibi.

12 Ngilokunengi engingalilobela khona, kodwa angifuni ukusebenzisa iphepha le-inki. Kodwa ngithemba ukuthi ngizalethekelela ngikhulume lani sikhangelene ukuze intokozo yethu iphelele.

13 Abantwana bakadadewenu okhethiweyo bayakubingelela.

3 UJohane

Incwadi Yesithathu

KaJohane

1

1 Mina omdala,

Ngilobela umngane wami othandekayo uGayiyasi, engimthanda ngeqiniso.

2 Mngane wami othandekayo, ngiyakhuleka ukuba ube lempilo enhle lokuthi konke kukuhambele kuhle njengalokhu umphefumulo wakho uphila kuhle. 3 Kwangithokozisa kakhulu ukuba labanye abazalwane abafika bafakaza ngokuthembeka kwakho eqinisweni kanye lokuthi uyaqhubeka uphila ngeqiniso. 4 Angilakuthokoza okukhulu okudlula ukuzwa ukuthi abantwabami baphila ngokweqiniso.

5 Mngane othandekayo, uthembekile kulokho okwenzela abazalwane, lanxa nje kuwe bengabemzini. 6 Sebetshele ibandla ngothando lwakho. Ngicela ubathume ngendlela edumisa uNkulunkulu. 7 Baphuma ngenxa yeBizo, abaze bathola usizo kwabangakholwayo. 8 Ngakho kufanele sitshengise ukuphana ebantwini abanjalo ukuze sisebenzele ndawonye iqiniso.

9 Ngalobela ebandleni kodwa uDiyothrefasi othanda ubukhulu akasoze asemukela. 10 Ngakho-ke, ngingeza ngizakukhangelisisa lokhu akwenzayo, ekhuluma kakubi ngathi. Kasuthiseki ngalokho, uyala ukwamukela abazalwane. Labafuna ukwenzanjalo uyabalela abaxotshe ebandleni.

11 Bangane abathandekayo, lingalingiseli okubi, kodwa lingisani okuhle. Lowo oyenza okuhle ngokaNkulunkulu. Lowo oyenza okubi kakamboni uNkulunkulu. 12 UDemetriyasi unconywa ngabantu bonke kanye laliqiniso uqobo. Lathi sikhuluma okuhle ngaye njalo liyakwazi ukuthi ubufakazi bethu buliqiniso.

13 Ngilokunengi engingalilobela khona, kodwa angifuni ukusebenzisa usiba le-inki. 14 Ngithemba ukuthi ngizalibona masinyane lapho esizakhuluma khona ubuso ngobuso.

15 Ukuthula kakube kini.

Abangane abalapha bayalibingelela. Bingelela abangane abangapho munye ngamunye.

UJuda

UJuda

1

1 UJuda, inceku kaJesu Khristu lomfowabo kaJakhobe,

Kulabo ababiziweyo, abathandwa nguNkulunkulu uBaba belondolozwa nguJesu Khristu:

2 Isihawu, lokuthula kanye lothando kakube ngokwenu ngokwandileyo.

Isono Lokubhubha Kwabantu Abangalunganga

3 Bangane abathandekayo, lanxa kade ngitshisekela kakhulu ukulilobela mayelana lensindiso esilayo, kodwa ngibone kufanele ukuthi ngilobele ukulikhuthaza ukuba lilwele ukholo lolu olwaphiwa abangcwele bakaNkulunkulu 4 Ngoba abantu abathile abokulahlwa kwabo okwalotshwa ngakho endulo sebengene phakathi kwenu ngasese. Bangabantu abangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu abaguqulela umusa kaNkulunkulu ukuthi ubeyimvumo yokuganga bamphike loJesu Khristu onguye kuphela iNkosi yethu Yobukhosi.

5 Lanxa likwazi konke lokhu, ngithanda ukulikhumbuza ukuthi iNkosi yakhupha abantu bayo eGibhithe, kodwa muva yababhubhisa labo abangakholwanga. 6 Lezingilosi ezingagcinanga izikhundla zazo zamandla, kodwa zadela ikhaya lazo, lezi wazigcina ebumnyameni, zibotshwe ngamaketane angaqamukiyo zilindele ukwahlulelwa ngoSuku olukhulu. 7 Ngokunjalo, iSodoma leGomora lamadolobho aseduzane azinikela ekuxhwaleni kobufebe lokonakala. Ayisibonelo salabo abezwa isijeziso somlilo waphakade.

8 Ngokunjalo, ngamandla okuphupha kwabo lababantu abangalunganga bangcolisa imizimba yabo, baphike ubukhokheli, bachothoze lezidalwa zasezulwini. 9 Kodwa lengilosi enkulu uMikhayeli lapho ephikisana loSathane ngesidumbu sikaMosi kazange alokothe ukumthuka ngenhlamba, kodwa wathi, “INkosi kayikukhuze!” 10 Kodwa abantu laba bakhuluma behlambaza lokho abangakuzwisisiyo; njalo lezozinto abazizwisisayo ngokwemvelo njengezinyamazana ezingacabangiyo, lezi yizo kanye izinto ezizababhubhisa.

11 Maye kubo! Balandela indlela kaKhayini; baphuthuma inzuzo besona njengoBhalamu; babhujiswa emvukeleni kaKhora.

12 Abantu laba bayisinengiso emadilini enu abantu abathetheneyo besidla lani bengelanhloni lakancane, abelusi abazitika ngokudla bona bodwa. Bangamayezi angelazulu, aphetshulwa ngumoya; izihlahla zasekwindla ezingelazithelo njalo ezisitshuniweyo, ezife kabili. 13 Bangamagagasi olwandle alamandla, bebhubhudla ihlazo labo; izinkanyezi ezintulayo, ezilobumnyama obukhulu obugcinelwe zona kuze kube nininini.

14 U-Enoki, owesikhombisa kusukela ku-Adamu waphrofitha ngabantu laba wathi: “Khangelani, iNkosi iza lezinkulungwane lezinye izinkulungwane zabangcwele bayo 15 ukwahlulela abantu bonke, lokubalahla ngenxa yamacala abawenzayo ebubini babo, langenxa yamazwi wonke okudelela, izoni ezingamesabiyo uNkulunkulu ezawakhuluma ngaye.” 16 Abantu laba bangabakhononi labachothozi; balandela izinkanuko zabo ezimbi; bayazikhukhumeza, bancome abanye ngamanga ukuze bazitholele inzuzo.

Isimemezelo Sokubekezela

17 Kodwa-ke, bangane abathandekayo, khumbulani okwatshiwo ngaphambilini ngabapostoli beNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu. 18 Bathi kini, “Ngezikhathi zokucina kuzakuba labaklolodayo, belandela izinkanuko zabo zokungalungi.” 19 Laba yibo abantu abalehlukanisayo, abalandela isazela semvelo nje bengelawo uMoya.

20 Kodwa lina, bangane abathandekayo, zakheni ekukholweni kwenu okungcwele kakhulu likhuleke kuMoya oNgcwele, 21 lizigcine lisothandweni lukaNkulunkulu lisalindele isihawu seNkosi yethu uJesu Khristu ukuba ilingenise ekuphileni okulaphakade.

22 Yibani lesihawu kulabo abathandabuzayo; 23 lenyule abanye emlilweni libasilise; kwabanye bonakalisani isihawu, kuhlangene lokwesaba, lizonde lezigqoko ezingcoliswe yimizimba exhwalileyo.

Ihubo Lokubonga

24 Kuye olamandla okuligcina ukuba lingawi, lokulibeka phambi kwenkazimulo yobukhona bakhe kungelasici njalo ngentokozo enkulu, 25 kuye yedwa uNkulunkulu onguMsindisi wethu, kakube lodumo, ubukhosi kanye lamandla ngoJesu Khristu iNkosi yethu, mandulo kwezikhathi zonke, khathesi kanye lanininini! Ameni.

Isambulo

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22

Isambulo

1

Isandulelo

1 Isambulo esivela kuJesu Khristu, asiphiwa nguNkulunkulu ukuba atshengise izinceku zakhe okufanele kwenzakale masinyane. Wakwenza kwazakala ngokuthuma ingilosi yakhe encekwini yakhe uJohane 2 ofakaza konke akubonayo, lona ilizwi likaNkulunkulu kanye lobufakazi bukaJesu Khristu. 3 Ubusisiwe lowo ofunda amazwi alesisiphrofethi njalo babusisiwe lalabo abakuzwayo bakugcine ezinhliziyweni okulotshwe kuso ngoba isikhathi sesisondele.

Ukubingelela Lehubo Lokubonga

4 Johane,

Emabandleni ayisikhombisa esifundeni sase-Ezhiya:

Umusa lokuthula kakube kini okuvela kuye okhona, lowayekhona, lozakubakhona, lokuvela kubomoya abayisikhombisa phambi kwesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi, 5 lokuvela kuJesu Khristu, ongufakazi othembekileyo, izibulo kwabafileyo, lombusi wamakhosi asemhlabeni.

Kuye osithandayo lowasikhululayo ezonweni zethu ngegazi lakhe, 6 njalo osenze saba ngumbuso labaphristi ukuba sisebenzele uNkulunkulu wakhe loYise, kakube kuye udumo lamandla kuze kube nininini! Ameni.

7 “Khangelani uyeza ngamayezi,

amehlo wonke azakumbona,

lalabo abamgwazayo”*;

labantu bonke abasemhlabeni “bazalila ngenxa yakhe.”†

Kuzakuba njalo! Ameni.

8 “Ngingu-Alfa lo-Omega,” kutsho iNkosi uNkulunkulu, “okhona, lowayekhona, lozakubakhona, uSomandla.”

Umbono KaJohane NgoKhristu

9 Mina Johane, umzalwane wenu lomkhula wenu ekuhluphekeni lasembusweni kanye lekubekezeleni ngesineke okungokwethu kuJesu, ngangisesihlengeni sasePhathimosi ngenxa yelizwi likaNkulunkulu lobufakazi bukaJesu. 10 NgoSuku lweNkosi ngangenwa nguMoya kwathi ngemva kwami ngezwa ilizwi elikhulu kungathi licilongo, 11 elathi: “Loba emqulwini lokhu okubonayo uwuthumele emabandleni ayisikhombisa: kwelase-Efesu, lelaseSimina, lelasePhegamami, lelaseThiyathira, lelaseSadisi, lelaseFiladelifiya kanye lelaseLodikheya.”

12 Ngatshibilika ukuze ngimbone lowo owayekhuluma lami. Sengiphendukile ngabona izinti zezibane zegolide eziyisikhombisa, 13 njalo phakathi kwezinti zezibane kwakulomuntu owayenjengendodana yomuntu,‡ egqoke isembatho esasifika phansi ezinyaweni zakhe, ibhanti legolide libophe isifuba sakhe. 14 Ikhanda lakhe lezinwele zakhe kwakumhlophe njengotshinda, kumhlophe nke njengongqwaqwane, lamehlo akhe ayenjengomlilo ovuthayo. 15 Inyawo zakhe zazinjengethusi elikhazimulayo emvuthweni, ilizwi lakhe linjengokuhuba kwamanzi agelezayo. 16 Esandleni sakhe sokunene wayephethe izinkanyezi eziyisikhombisa, emlonyeni wakhe kwaphuma insingo. Ubuso bakhe babunjengelanga likhanyisa ngenkazimulo yalo yonke.

17 Kwathi ngimbona ngawela ezinyaweni zakhe njengofileyo. Wabeka isandla sakhe sokunene phezu kwami, wathi: “Ungesabi. Mina ngiyisiQalo lesiPhetho. 18  NgingoPhilayo; ngangifile njalo khangela ngiyaphila kuze kube nininini! Njalo ngiphethe izihluthulelo zokufa kanye leHadesi.

19  Ngakho-ke, loba lokhu okubonileyo, okukhona khathesi kanye lokuzakwenzakala muva. 20  Imfihlakalo yezinkanyezi eziyisikhombisa ozibone esandleni sami sokunene kanye lezinti zezibane zegolide eziyisikhombisa yile: Izinkanyezi eziyisikhombisa yizingilosi zamabandla ayisikhombisa, izinti zezibane ngamabandla ayisikhombisa.”

2

Ebandleni Lase-Efesu

1  “Ingilosi yebandla lase-Efesu ilobele uthi:

La ngamazwi akhe lowo ophethe izinkanyezi eziyisikhombisa esandleni sakhe sokunene ehamba phakathi kwezinti zezibane zegolide eziyisikhombisa.

2  Ngiyazazi izenzo zakho lokusebenza kwakho nzima kanye lokubekezela kwakho. Ngiyakwazi ukuthi awungeke ubabekezelele abantu abaxhwalileyo lokuthi ubahlolile labo abathi bangabapostoli, kodwa bengayisibo, njalo wabafumana bengabalamanga. 3  Ubekezele waqinisela ebunzimeni ngenxa yebizo lami, kawaze wadinwa. 4  Kodwa ngilale insolo ngawe: Usuludelile uthando lwakho obulalo kuqala. 5  Khumbula isiqongo owe kuso! Phenduka wenze izinto owawuzenza kuqala. Nxa ungaphenduki, ngizakuza kuwe, ngisuse uluthi lwakho lwesibane endaweni yalo. 6  Kodwa ulalokhu okuhle ngawe: Uyayizonda imikhuba yamaNikholayitha, engiyizondayo lami. 7  Lowo olendlebe, akezwe okutshiwo nguMoya emabandleni. Lowo onqobayo ngizamnika ilungelo lokudla esihlahleni sokuphila esisepharadise kaNkulunkulu.”

Ebandleni LaseSimina

8  “Ingilosi yebandla laseSimina ilobele uthi:

La ngamazwi akhe yena oyisiQalo lesiPhetho, owafayo wabuya wavuka.

9  Ngiyazazi inhlupheko zakho kanye lobuyanga bakho, kanti-ke unothile! Ngiyakwazi ukuhlambaza kwalabo abathi bangamaJuda bengayisiwo, kodwa beyisinagogu kaSathane. 10  Ungazesabi inhlupheko esezizakwehlela. Ngiyakutshela ukuthi uSathane uzabeka abanye benu entolongweni ukuba alilinge njalo lizahlukuluzwa okwensuku ezilitshumi. Thembeka, lanxa kuselungeni lokufa, mina ngizakupha umqhele wokuphila. 11  Lowo olendlebe, akezwe okutshiwo nguMoya emabandleni. Lowo onqobayo kasoze alinyazwe lakancane yikufa kwesibili.”

Ebandleni LasePhegamumi

12  “Ingilosi yebandla lasePhegamami ilobele uthi:

La ngamazwi akhe lowo ophethe insingo.

13  Ngiyakwazi lapho ohlala khona, lapho uSathane alesihlalo sakhe. Ikanti wena uqhubeke uqotho ebizweni lami. Kawukuphikanga ukukholwa kwakho kimi, lasezinsukwini zika-Antiphasi, ufakazi wami othembekileyo, owabulawayo edolobheni lakini, lapho uSathane ahlala khona. 14  Kodwa-ke, kulezinto ezimbalwa engilensolo ngazo kuwe: Kulabantu khonapho ababambelele emfundisweni kaBhalamu, owafundisa uBhalaki ukuhugela abako-Israyeli ekwenzeni isono ngokudla ukudla okwakunikelwe ezithombeni kanye langokuxhwala kobufebe. 15  Njalo ulabanye ababambelele emfundisweni yamaNikholayitha. 16  Ngakho-ke, phenduka! Hlezi ngize kuwe ngilwe labo ngenkemba yomlomo wami. 17  Lowo olendlebe, akezwe okutshiwo nguMoya emabandleni. Lowo onqobayo, ngizamupha enye yemana efihliweyo. Ngizamupha lelitshe elimhlophe okulotshwe kulo ibizo elitsha, elaziwa ngulowo kuphela olamukelayo.”

Ebandleni LaseThiyathira

18  “Ingilosi yebandla laseThiyathira ilobele uthi:

La ngamazwi eNdodana kaNkulunkulu, emehlo ayo anjengomlilo ovuthayo lezinyawo zayo zinjengethusi elikhazimulayo.

19  Ngiyayazi imisebenzi yakho, uthando lokholo lwakho, kanye lokuthi khathesi ususenza okunengi kulakuqala. 20  Kodwa-ke, ngilale insolo ngawe: Uyambekezelela owesifazane lowana uJezebheli, ozibiza ngokuthi ngumphrofethikazi. Ngemfundiso yakhe udukisela izinceku zami ekuxhwaleni kobufebe lekudleni ukudla okunikelwe ezithombeni. 21  Ngimnike isikhathi ukuba aphenduke ekuxhwaleni kwakhe, kodwa kafuni. 22  Ngakho ngizamphosela phezu kombheda wokuhlupheka, njalo labo afeba labo ngizabenza bahlupheke kakhulu, ngaphandle kokuba baphenduke ezindleleni zakhe. 23  Abantwabakhe ngizabatshaya bafe. Ngakho-ke, amabandla wonke azakwazi ukuthi mina nginguye ohlola inhliziyo lezingqondo njalo ngizavuza omunye lomunye wenu ngemisebenzi yenu. 24  Manje-ke, ngithi kwabanye benu eThiyathira, kini elingabambelelanga emfundisweni yakhe njalo lingafundanga okuthiwa zimfihlo ezizikileyo zikaSathane, ‘Kangiyikulethesa omunye umthwalo, 25  lina bambelelani kuphela kulokho elilakho ngize ngifike.’ 26  Lowo onqobayo esenza intando yami kuze kube sekupheleni ngizamnika amandla phezu kwezizwe, 27  ‘Uzazibusa ngentonga yensimbi; aziphahlaze zibe yizicucu njengokwenziwa ngebumba,’*njengalokhu ngiphiwe amandla avela kuBaba. 28  Ngizamupha lendonsakusa. 29  Lowo olendlebe, akezwe okutshiwo nguMoya emabandleni.”

3

Ebandleni LaseSadisi

1  “Ingilosi yebandla laseSadisi ilobele uthi:

La ngamazwi akhe lowo ophethe omoya abayisikhombisa bakaNkulunkulu kanye lezinkanyezi eziyisikhombisa.

Ngiyazazi izenzo zakho; ulodumo lokuba ngophilayo, kodwa ufile. 2  Vuka! Qinisa okuseleyo osekuseduze lokufa, ngoba izenzo zakho angizifumananga ziphelele emehlweni kaNkulunkulu. 3  Ngakho, khumbula okwamukeleyo lokuzwileyo; kulalele, uphenduke. Kodwa nxa ungavuki, ngizakuza njengesela njalo kawusoze wazi ukuthi ngizafika kuwe ngasiphi isikhathi. 4  Kodwa ulabantu abalutshwana eSadisi abangangcolisanga izigqoko zabo. Bazahamba lami begqoke ezimhlophe, ngoba bazifanele. 5  Lowo onqobayo uzagqoka ezimhlophe njengabo. Ibizo lakhe kangisoze ngilesule encwadini yokuphila, kodwa ibizo lakhe ngizalivuma phambi kukaBaba lezingilosi zakhe. 6  Lowo olendlebe, akezwe okutshiwo nguMoya emabandleni.”

Ebandleni LaseFiladelifiya

7  “Ingilosi yebandla laseFiladelifiya ilobele uthi:

La ngamazwi akhe lowo ongcwele loqotho, ophethe isihluthulelo sikaDavida. Akuvulileyo kakho ongakuvala; lakuvalileyo kakho ongakuvula.

8  Ngiyazazi izenzo zakho. Khangela phambi kwakho sengibeke umnyango okungelamuntu ongawuvala. Ngiyakwazi ukuthi ulamandla amancinyane, kodwa ilizwi lami uligcinile njalo ibizo lami kawuliphikanga. 9  Ngizakwenza labo abangabesinagogu likaSathane, abathi bangamaJuda bona bengayisiwo, kodwa beqamba amanga beze kuwe bawele phansi ngasezinyaweni zakho bavume ukuthi ngikuthandile. 10  Njengoba ugcine umlayo wami ukuba ubekezele ngesineke, lami ngizakugcina esikhathini sokulingwa esizafika emhlabeni wonke ukuhlola labo abahlala emhlabeni. 11  Ngiyeza masinyane. Bambelela kulokho olakho, ukuze kungabikhona othatha umqhele wakho. 12  Lowo onqobayo ngizamenza abe yinsika ethempelini likaNkulunkulu. Kasoze asuke kulo futhi. Ngizaloba phezu kwakhe ibizo likaNkulunkulu wami kanye lebizo ledolobho likaNkulunkulu wami, iJerusalema elitsha, elehlela phansi liphuma ezulwini livela kuNkulunkulu wami; njalo ngizaloba phezu kwakhe lebizo lami elitsha. 13  Lowo olendlebe, akezwe okutshiwo nguMoya emabandleni.”

Ibandla LaseLodikheya

14  “Ingilosi yebandla laseLodikheya ilobele uthi:

La ngamazwi ka-Ameni, ufakazi othembekileyo loqotho, umbusi wendalo kaNkulunkulu.

15  Ngiyazazi izenzo zakho, ukuthi kawuqandi njalo kawutshisi. Ngifisa ukuthi ngabe uyilokhu loba lokhuyana. 16  Ngakho-ke, njengoba ubuthukuthuku, ungatshisi njalo ungaqandi, sekuseduze ukuba ngikukhafule emlonyeni wami. 17  Wena uthi, ‘Nginothile; sengazuza inotho njalo kangisweli lutho.’ Kodwa kawunanzeleli ukuthi uyahlupheka, ulusizi, ungumyanga, uyisiphofu njalo unqunu. 18  Ngiyakucebisa ukuba uthenge kimi igolide elihlanjululwe emlilweni ukuze unothe; ugqoke izigqoko ezimhlophe ukuze uvale ubunqunu bakho obulihlazo, lamafutha okugcoba amehlo akho ukuze ubone. 19  Labo engibathandayo ngiyabakhuza ngibajezise. Ngakho-ke, woba lokutshiseka uphenduke. 20  Mina ngilapha! Ngimi emnyango ngiqoqoda. Nxa kukhona ozwa ilizwi lami avule umnyango, ngizangena ngidle laye, laye adle lami. 21  Lowo onqobayo, ngizamnika ilungelo lokuhlala lami esihlalweni sami sobukhosi, njengoba lami nganqoba ngasengihlala loBaba esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. 22  Lowo olendlebe, akezwe okutshiwo nguMoya emabandleni.”

4

Isihlalo Sobukhosi Ezulwini

1 Emva kwalokhu ngakhangela, ngabona umnyango phambi kwami uvulekile ezulwini. Ilizwi engangilizwe kuqala lingikhulumisa kungathi licilongo lathi, “Woza lapha ngikutshengise okuzakwenzakala emva kwalokhu.” 2 Khonokho nje ngahle ngehlelwa nguMoya, kwathi phambi kwami ngabona isihlalo sobukhosi ezulwini kulomuntu owayehlezi kuso. 3 Lowo owayehlezi lapho wayefana lejaspa lekhaneliya. Umchilowamakhosikazi owawufana le-emeralidi wawuzingeleze isihlalo sobukhosi. 4 Kwakulezinye izihlalo zobukhosi ezingamatshumi amabili lane ezazizingelezele isihlalo sobukhosi leso, kuzo kuhlezi abadala abangamatshumi amabili lane. Babegqoke okumhlophe njalo belemiqhele yegolide emakhanda abo. 5 Esihlalweni sobukhosi kwaba lokuphazima kombane, lokundindizela kanye lokukhwaza kwezulu. Phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi kwakuvutha izibane eziyisikhombisa. Lezi zazingomoya abayisikhombisa bakaNkulunkulu. 6 Phambi kwesihlalo futhi kwakulokungani lulwandle lwengilazi, kucwebezela njengelitshe elikhazimulayo.

Phakathi, emaceleni wonke esihlalo sobukhosi, kwakulezidalwa ezine eziphilayo, zilamehlo phambili langemuva. 7 Isidalwa sakuqala esiphilayo sasinjengesilwane, esesibili sinjengenkabi, esesithathu sasilobuso obunjengobomuntu, esesine sasinjengokhozi oluphaphayo. 8 Esinye lesinye salezozidalwa eziphilayo sasilempiko eziyisithupha njalo sigcwele amehlo amacele wonke, kanye langaphansi kwempiko. Emini lebusuku kazizange zithule ukuthi:

“ ‘Ingcwele, Ingcwele, Ingcwele,

iNkosi uNkulunkulu uSomandla,’*

owayekhona, okhona, njalo ozabuya.”

9 Kuthi lapho izidalwa eziphilayo zimdumisa, zimhlonipha njalo zimbonga lowo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi njalo ophila kuze kube nininini, 10 abadala abangamatshumi amabili lane bawela phansi phambi kwakhe ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi, bamkhonza yena ophila kuze kube nininini. Babeka imiqhele yabo phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi bathi:

11 “Ufanele, Nkosi yethu loNkulunkulu wethu,

ukwamukela udumo lenhlonipho kanye lamandla,

ngoba wena wadala izinto zonke,

njalo zadalwa ngentando yakho,

njalo zilabo ubukhona bazo.”

5

Umqulu LeWundlu

1 Esandleni sokunene salowo owayehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi ngabona umqulu ulombhalo emaceleni womabili ungcinwe ngempawu eziyisikhombisa. 2 Ngabuya ngabona ingilosi elamandla imemeza ngelizwi eliphakemeyo isithi, “Ngubani ofanele ukuqhaqha impawu avule umqulu na?” 3 Kodwa kakho ezulwini loba emhlabeni loba ngaphansi komhlaba owayengawuvula umqulu kumbe akhangele phakathi kwawo. 4 Ngakhala, ngakhala ngoba kakho owatholakala efanele ukuwuvula umqulu loba ukukhangela phakathi kwawo. 5 Omunye wabadala wathi kimi, “Ungakhali! Khangela, iNgonyama yesizwe sakoJuda, iMpande kaDavida, sinqobile. Sizakwanelisa ukuwuvula umqulu lezimpawu zawo eziyisikhombisa.”

6 Ngabona iWundlu, kukhanya angathi lalibulewe, limi phakathi laphakathi kwesihlalo sobukhosi, lizingelezwe yizidalwa eziphilayo ezine labadala. Lalilempondo eziyisikhombisa lamehlo ayisikhombisa, okungomoya abayisikhombisa bakaNkulunkulu abathunywe emhlabeni wonke. 7 Leza lathatha umqulu esandleni sokunene salowo owayehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi. 8 Esewuthethe, izidalwa ezine eziphilayo labadala abangamatshumi amabili lane bawela phansi phambi kweWundlu. Omunye lomunye wabo wayelechacho njalo babephethe imiganu yegolide igcwele impepha, eyimikhuleko yabangcwele. 9 Bahlabela ingoma entsha besithi:

“Wena ufanele ukuwuthatha umqulu

lokuvula impawu zawo,

ngoba wahlatshwa,

kwathi ngegazi lakho wahlengela uNkulunkulu

abantu bezizwana zonke lezindimi labantu kanye lezizwe.

10 Usubenze baba ngumbuso labaphristi ukuba bakhonze uNkulunkulu wethu,

njalo bazabusa emhlabeni.”

11 Ngakhangela ngasengisizwa amazwi ezingilosi ezinengi, ezaziyizinkulungwane lezinkulungwane, lezinkulungwane ezilitshumi ziphindwe okuzinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Zazizingeleze isihlalo sobukhosi lezidalwa eziphilayo kanye labadala. 12 Zahlabela ngamazwi aphezulu zisithi:

“Lifanele iWundlu, elahlatshwayo,

ukwamukela amandla lenotho lenhlakanipho lokuqina

lodumo lenkazimulo kanye lokudunyiswa!”

13 Ngezwa izidalwa zonke ezulwini lasemhlabeni langaphansi komhlaba lasolwandle lakho konke okukukho, kuhlabela kusithi:

“Kuye ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi lakulo iWundlu

kakube lenhlonipho lodumo lenkazimulo kanye lamandla kuze

kube nininini!”

14 Izidalwa ezine eziphilayo zathi, “Ameni,” kwathi abadala bawela phansi bakhonza.

6

Impawu

1 Ngakhangela iWundlu livula uphawu lwakuqala kweziyisikhombisa. Ngasengisizwa esinye sezidalwa ezine eziphilayo sisithi, ngelizwi elinjengomdumo wezulu, “Woza!” 2 Ngakhangela, khonapho phambi kwami kwakulebhiza elimhlophe! Umgadi walo wayephethe idandili njalo waphiwa umqhele, wasuka wahamba njengomnqobi ehlose ukunqoba.

3 Kwathi iWundlu selivula uphawu lwesibili, ngezwa isidalwa sesibili esiphilayo sisithi, “Woza!” 4 Kwaphuma elinye ibhiza; libomvu okomlilo. Umgadi walo wanikwa amandla okususa ukuthula emhlabeni lokuthi abantu babulalane. Waphiwa inkemba enkulu.

5 Kwathi iWundlu livula uphawu lwesithathu, ngezwa isidalwa sesithathu esiphilayo sisithi, “Woza!” Ngakhangela, khonapho phambi kwami kwakulebhiza elimnyama! Umgadi walo wayephethe isikali sokulinganisa. 6 Ngasengisizwa okwakungathi yilizwi phakathi kwezidalwa ezine eziphilayo lisithi, “Ikhilogramu elilodwa lamabele umholo wosuku, lamakhilogramu amathathu ebhali umholo wosuku njalo ungoni amafutha lewayini!”

7 Kwathi iWundlu livula uphawu lwesine, ngezwa ilizwi lesidalwa sesine esiphilayo lisithi, “Woza!” 8 Ngakhangela, khonapho phambi kwami kwakulebhiza eliliganu! Umgadi walo wayethiwa nguKufa, leHadesi lalimlandela eduzane emva kwakhe. Babephiwe amandla phezu kwengxenye yesine yomhlaba ukuba babulale ngenkemba langendlala langezifo kanye langezilo zeganga zasemhlabeni.

9 Kwathi livula uphawu lwesihlanu ngabona ngaphansi kwe-alithari imiphefumulo yalabo ababebulewe ngenxa yelizwi likaNkulunkulu lobufakazi abema ngabo. 10 Yamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu yathi, “Koze kube nini, Thixo wobukhosi, engcwele leqotho ukuze wahlulele abasemhlabeni uphindisele igazi lethu na?” 11 Lapho-ke omunye lomunye wayo waphiwa isembatho esimhlophe ukuba alinde okwesikhatshana, inani lezinceku ezingabakhula bayo labazalwane ababezabulawa njengayo lize liphelele.

12 Ngakhangela lapho livula uphawu lwesithupha. Kwaba lokuzamazama okukhulu komhlaba. Ilanga laphenduka laba mnyama tshu njengesigqoko samasaka esenziwe ngoboya bembuzi, inyanga yonke yaphenduka yaba bomvu okwegazi, 13 izinkanyezi emkhathini zawela emhlabeni njengemikhiwa yamuva ikhithika esihlahleni somkhiwa lapho sinyikinywa ngumoya olamandla. 14 Umkhathi wahlehla wagoqeka njengomqulu, kwathi izintaba zonke lezihlenge kwasuswa ezindaweni zakho.

15 Amakhosi omhlaba lamakhosana lezinduna zamabutho lezinothi labalamandla lezigqili zonke kanye labantu bonke abakhululekileyo bacatsha ezimbalwini kanye lasemadwaleni ezintaba. 16 Babiza izintaba lamadwala besithi, “Welani phezu kwethu lisifihle ebusweni balowo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi kanye lasolakeni lweWundlu! 17 Ngoba usuku olukhulu lolaka lwabo selufikile, pho ngubani ongema na?”

7

Abazinkulungwane Ezilikhulu Lamatshumi Amane Lane Bafakwa Uphawu

1 Emva kwalokhu ngabona izingilosi ezine zimi emagumbini womane omhlaba, zivimbele imimoya emine yomhlaba zisenqabela loba yiwuphi umoya ukuvunguza elizweni loba olwandle loba kwesinye isihlahla. 2 Ngabuya ngabona enye ingilosi isiza ivela empumalanga, ilophawu lukaNkulunkulu ophilayo. Yamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu ezingilosini ezine ezaziphiwe amandla okulimaza umhlaba lolwandle, isithi: 3 “Lingawulimazi umhlaba loba ulwandle loba izihlahla size sibeke uphawu emabunzini ezinceku zikaNkulunkulu wethu.” 4 Ngasengisizwa inani lalabo ababekwa uphawu: Abazinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amane lane (144,000) abezizwana zonke zako-Israyeli.

5 Abesizwana sakoJuda abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000) bafakwa uphawu,

abesizwana sakoRubheni abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

abesizwana sakoGadi abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

6 abesizwana sako-Asheri abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

abesizwana sakoNafithali abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

abesizwana sakoManase abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

7 abesizwana sakoSimiyoni abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

abesizwana sakoLevi abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

abesizwana sako-Isakhari abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

8 abesizwana sakoZebhuluni abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

abesizwana sakoJosefa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000),

abesizwana sikaBhenjamini abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili (12,000).

Ixuku Elikhulukazi Elabembethe Ezimhlophe

9 Emva kwalokhu ngakhangela khonapho phambi kwami kwakulexuku elikhulukazi elingela kubalwa livela ezizweni zonke lezizwaneni lasebantwini kanye lasezindimini zonke limi phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi laphambi kweWundlu. Babegqoke izembatho ezimhlophe bephethe ingatsha zelala ngezandla zabo. 10 Bamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu besithi:

“Ukusindisa ngokukaNkulunkulu wethu,

ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi,

kanye lokweWundlu.”

11 Izingilosi zonke zazimi zizingeleze isihlalo sobukhosi njalo zizingeleze abadala kanye lezidalwa ezine eziphilayo. Zathi mbo phansi ngobuso bazo phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi zakhonza uNkulunkulu 12 zisithi:

“Ameni!

Udumo lobukhosi

lokuhlakanipha lokubongwa lokuhlonitshwa

lamandla kanye lokuqina

kakube kuNkulunkulu wethu nini lanini.

Ameni!”

13 Emva kwalokho omunye wabadala wangibuza wathi, “Laba abezembatho ezimhlophe ngobani, njalo bavele ngaphi?”

14 Ngaphendula ngathi, “Nkosi, uyakwazi.”

Wasesithi, “Laba yibo abaphume ekuhluphekeni okukhulu; bagezise izembatho zabo egazini leWundlu bazenza zaba mhlophe. 15 Ngakho-ke,

baphambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu

bemkhonza emini lebusuku ethempelini lakhe;

njalo yena ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi

uzakubavikela ngobukhona bakhe.

16 ‘Kabasoze balambe futhi;

njalo kabasoze bome futhi.

Ilanga kalisayikuhlaba phezu kwabo’*

loba ukutshisa okuhangulayo.

17 Ngoba iWundlu elingaphakathi kwesihlalo sobukhosi lizakuba ngumelusi wabo;

lizabaholela emithonjeni yamanzi okuphila.

‘UNkulunkulu uzazesula zonke

inyembezi emehlweni abo.’†”‡

8

Uphawu Lwesikhombisa Lomganu Wegolide Wokutshisela Impepha

1 Kwathi lapho iWundlu livula uphawu lwesikhombisa kwaba lokuthula ezulwini okwesikhathi esasingaba yingxenye yehola.

2 Ngasengibona izingilosi eziyisikhombisa ezima phambi kukaNkulunkulu ziphiwa amacilongo ayisikhombisa.

3 Enye ingilosi eyayilomganu wegolide wokutshisela impepha yeza yema ngase-alithareni. Yanikwa impepha enengi ukuba iyinikele lemikhuleko yabangcwele bonke e-alithareni legolide phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi. 4 Intuthu yempepha kanye lemikhuleko yabangcwele kwaya phezulu phambi kukaNkulunkulu kusuka esandleni sengilosi leyo. 5 Ingilosi yasithatha umganu wokutshisela impepha yawugcwalisa ngomlilo osuka e-alithareni yasiwuphosela emhlabeni kwasekusiba lokukhwaza kwezulu lokundindizela lokuphazima kombane kanye lokuzamazama komhlaba.

Amacilongo

6 Izingilosi eziyisikhombisa ezazilamacilongo ayisikhombisa zalungisela ukuwakhalisa.

7 Ingilosi yokuqala yakhalisa icilongo layo kwasekusiba lesiqhotho lomlilo kuhlangene legazi kwasekuphoselwa phansi emhlabeni. Ingxenye yesithathu yomhlaba yatsha lotshani bonke obuluhlaza batsha.

8 Ingilosi yesibili yakhalisa icilongo layo, kwathi ulutho olwalunjengentaba enkulu olwalubhebha, lwaphoselwa olwandle. Ingxenye yesithathu yolwandle yaphenduka yaba ligazi, 9 kwathi ingxenye yesithathu yezidalwa eziphilayo olwandle yafa, kwathi lengxenye yesithathu yemikhumbi yatshabalaliswa.

10 Ingilosi yesithathu yakhalisa icilongo layo, kwathi inkanyezi enkulukazi eyayivutha njengesibane yawa ivela emkhathini yawela phezu kwengxenye yesithathu yemifula lasemithonjeni yamanzi, 11 ibizo lenkanyezi leyo nguMhlonyane. Ingxenye yesithathu yamanzi yaphenduka yababa, abantu abanengi bafa ngenxa yamanzi ayesebaba.

12 Ingilosi yesine yakhalisa icilongo layo, kwathi ingxenye yesithathu yelanga yatshaywa, lengxenye yesithathu yenyanga kanye lengxenye yesithathu yezinkanyezi, okwenza ingxenye yesithathu yalokhu yaphenduka yaba mnyama. Ingxenye yesithathu yemini yayingelakukhanya, kanye lengxenye yesithathu yobusuku.

13 Kwathi ngilokhu ngikhangele ngezwa ingqungqulu iphapha emkhathini imemeza ngelizwi elikhulu isithi, “Maye! Maye! Maye kwabahlezi emhlabeni ngenxa yokukhala kwamacilongo asezakhaliswa ngezinye izingilosi ezintathu!”

9

1 Ingilosi yesihlanu yakhalisa icilongo layo ngasengibona inkanyezi eyavela emkhathini iwela emhlabeni. Inkanyezi leyo yayiphiwe isihluthulelo soMgodi ongelamkhawulo. 2 Isivule umgodi ongelamkhawulo kwaphuma kuwo izikhatha zentuthu ezazifana leziphuma esihogweni somlilo esikhulukazi. Ilanga lomkhathi kwaba mnyama ngenxa yezikhatha lezi ezaphuma emgodini ongelamkhawulo. 3 Entuthwini leyo kwaphuma izintethe zehlela phansi emhlabeni ziphiwe amandla anjengawezinkume zasemhlabeni. 4 Zazitshelwe ukuthi zingalimazi tshani basemhlabeni loba olunye ulutho olwamilayo loba isihlahla, kodwa kuphela labobantu ababengelalo uphawu lukaNkulunkulu emabunzini abo. 5 Zazingaphiwanga amandla okubabulala, kodwa ukubazwisa ubuhlungu okwezinyanga ezinhlanu. Ubuhlungu ababuzwayo babufana lobuhlungu benkume lapho intinyela umuntu. 6 Ngalezonsuku abantu bazadinga ukufa, kodwa bazakuswela; bazafisa ukufa, kodwa ukufa kuzababalekela.

7 Izintethe lezo zazifana lamabhiza alungele impi. Emakhanda azo zazigqoke ulutho olwalunjengemiqhele yegolide, ubuso bazo babufana lobuso babantu. 8 Uboya bazo babunjengenwele zabesifazane, amazinyo azo enjengamazinyo esilwane. 9 Zazilezivikelo zesifuba ezinjengezivikelo zensimbi njalo umdumo wempiko zazo wawunjengomdumo wamabhiza amanengi lezinqola zempi zigijimela empini. 10 Zazilemisila elobuhlungu njengezinkume, njalo emisileni yazo zazilamandla okuzwisa abantu ubuhlungu okwezinyanga ezinhlanu. 11 Inkosi yazo ezazilayo yingilosi yoMgodi ongelamkhawulo, ebizo layo ngesiHebheru lalingu-Abhadoni, ngesiGrikhi lingu-Apholiyoni (okuyikuthi, uMtshabalalisi).

12 Uhlupho lwakuqala selwedlule; ezinye inhlupho ezimbili zisazobuya.

13 Ingilosi yesithupha yakhalisa icilongo layo ngasengisizwa ilizwi livela empondweni ze-alithare legolide eliphambi kukaNkulunkulu. 14 Lathi engilosini yesithupha eyayiphethe icilongo, “Khulula izingilosi ezine ezibotshiweyo emfuleni omkhulu uYufrathe.” 15 Ngakho izingilosi ezine lezo ezazigcinwe zilindele lesisikhathi losuku lenyanga kanye lomnyaka zakhululelwa ukubulala ingxenye yesithathu yoluntu. 16 Inani lamabutho ayegade amabhiza laliyizigidi ezingamakhulu amabili. Ngalizwa inani lawo.

17 Amabhiza labagadi engakubona embonweni wami kwakukhanya kunje: Inqaba zabo zesifuba zazibomvu okomlilo, ziluhlazanyana njalo zilithanga njengesolufa. Amakhanda amabhiza ayenjengamakhanda ezilwane njalo emilonyeni yawo kwaphuma umlilo lentuthu kanye lesolufa. 18 Ingxenye yesithathu yoluntu yabulawa yizifo ezintathu zomlilo lentuthu kanye lesolufa okwaphuma emilonyeni yawo. 19 Amandla amabhiza ayesemilonyeni yawo lasemisileni yawo ngoba imisila yawo yayinjengezinyoka ilamakhanda elimaza ngawo.

20 Abanengi boluntu ababengabulawanga yizifo lezi kabazange baphenduke emisebenzini yezandla zabo; kabayekelanga ukukhonza amadimoni lezithombe zegolide lezesiliva lezethusi, lezamatshe kanye lezezigodo, izithombe ezingeke zibone loba zizwe loba zihambe. 21 Njalo kabaphendukanga ezenzweni zabo zokubulala, lasebuthakathini babo, ekuxhwaleni kwabo kobufebe loba ebuseleni babo.

10

Ingilosi Lomqulu Omncane

1 Ngabuya ngabona enye ingilosi elamandla isehla ivela ezulwini. Yayembethe iyezi kulomchilo wamakhosikazi ngaphezu kwekhanda layo; ubuso bayo babunjengelanga; imilenze yayo injengensika zomlilo. 2 Yayiphethe umqulu omncane, uvulekile usezandleni zayo. Yagxilisa unyawo lwayo lokwesokunene olwandle kwathi unyawo lwayo lwesokunxele lwaba semhlabathini 3 njalo yamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu njengokubhonga kwesilwane. Ekumemezeni kwayo imidumo eyisikhombisa yakhuluma. 4 Kwathi imidumo eyisikhombisa ikhuluma ngasengilungele ukuloba kodwa ngezwa ilizwi elavela ezulwini lisithi, “Vala lokho okutshiwo yimidumo eyisikhombisa njalo ungakulobi.”

5 Ingilosi engangiyibone imi olwandle lasemhlabathini yaphakamisela isandla sayo sokunene ezulwini. 6 Yafunga ngaye ophilayo kuze kube nini lanini, owadala amazulu lakho konke okukuwo, lomhlaba lakho konke okukuwo lolwandle lakho konke okukulo, yathi, “Kakusayikuba khona ukuphuza futhi! 7 Kodwa ngezinsuku lapho ingilosi yesikhombisa isizakhalisa icilongo layo imfihlakalo kaNkulunkulu izafezeka njengokutsho kwakhe ezincekwini zakhe abaphrofethi.”

8 Ilizwi engangilizwe livela ezulwini lakhuluma lami futhi lathi: “Hamba uyethatha umqulu ovulekileyo esandleni sengilosi emi olwandle lasemhlabathini.”

9 Ngakho ngaya kuleyongilosi ngacela ukuba ingiphe lowomqulu omncane. Yathi kimi, “Uthathe uwudle. Uzaqubula isisu sakho ngokubaba, kodwa emlonyeni wakho uzakuba mnandi njengoluju.”* 10 Ngawuthatha umqulu omncane esandleni sengilosi ngawudla. Emlonyeni wami wanambitheka mnandi njengoluju, kodwa sengiwudlile isisu sami saqubuka, sababa. 11 Ngasengitshelwa ukuthi, “Kumele uphrofithe futhi ngabantu abanengi, langezizwe, langezindimi kanye langamakhosi.”

11

Ofakazi Ababili

1 Ngaphiwa umhlanga njengomqwayi wokulinganisa, ngasengitshelwa ukuthi, “Hamba uyelinganisa ithempeli likaNkulunkulu le-alithari, ubale labakhonza khona. 2 Kodwa utshiye iguma langaphandle ungalilinganisi ngoba liphiwe abeZizweni. Bazanyathela idolobho elingcwele izinyanga ezingamatshumi amane lambili (42). 3 Ofakazi bami ababili ngizabanika amandla njalo bazaphrofitha insuku eziyinkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisithupha (1,260), begqoke izigqoko zamasaka.” 4 Laba “bayizihlahla ezimbili zama-oliva”* lezinti ezimbili zezibane “ezimi phambi kweNkosi yomhlaba.” 5 Umuntu angazama ukuzilimaza, kuphuma umlilo emilonyeni yazo uqothule izitha zazo. Le yiyo indlela umuntu ofuna ukuzilimaza afa ngayo. 6 Abantu laba balamandla okuvala umkhathi ukuba izulu lingani lapho bephrofitha njalo balamandla okuphendula amanzi abe ligazi lawokutshaya umhlaba ngezinhlobo zonke zezifo kanengi njengokuthanda kwabo.

7 Kuzakuthi lapho sebeqedile ukufakaza kwabo isilo esiphuma eMgodini ongelamkhawulo sizabahlasela sibehlule sibabulale. 8 Izidumbu zabo zizalala emgwaqweni wedolobho elikhulu okuthi ngokufaniswa libizwe ngokuthi yiSodoma leGibhithe lapho leNkosi yabo eyabethelwa khona esiphambanweni. 9 Okwensuku ezintathu lengxenye yosuku abantu abavela emihlotsheni yonke yabantu lasezizwaneni zonke lasezindimini zonke kanye lasezizweni zonke bazakhangela izidumbu zabo bale ukuba zingcwatshwe. 10 Abantu basemhlabeni bazazikhangela ngokuthokoza bazijabulise ngokuthumela izipho ngoba abaphrofethi ababili laba babebahluphile abahlala emhlabeni.

11 Kodwa emva kwalezonsuku ezintathu lengxenye yosuku umoya wokuphila owavela kuNkulunkulu wabangena, basebesima ngezinyawo zabo, kwathi labo abababonayo besaba kakhulu. 12 Bezwa ilizwi elikhulu livela ezulwini lisithi kubo, “Wozani phezulu lapha.” Baya phezulu ezulwini bephakathi kweyezi izitha zabo zilokhu zikhangele.

13 Ngalesosikhathi kwaba lokuzamazama okukhulu komhlaba kwathi ingxenye yetshumi yedolobho yabhidlika. Abantu abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa bafa ekuzamazameni komhlaba, abaphephayo, besaba kakhulu bamdumisa uNkulunkulu wasezulwini.

14 Uhlupho lwesibili selwedlule; uhlupho lwesithathu luyeza masinyane.

Icilongo Lesikhombisa

15 Ingilosi yesikhombisa yakhalisa icilongo layo kwasekusiba lamazwi amakhulu ezulwini, ayesithi:

“Umbuso wasemhlabeni usube

ngumbuso weNkosi yethu loKhristu wayo,

njalo izabusa kuze kube nininini.”

16 Abadala abangamatshumi amabili lane ababehlezi ezihlalweni zobukhosi phambi kukaNkulunkulu bathi mbo phansi ngobuso babo bakhonza uNkulunkulu, 17 besithi:

“Siyakubonga Nkosi Nkulunkulu Somandla,

onguye okhona lowayekhona,

ngoba usuwathethe amandla akho amakhulu

njalo usuqalisile ukubusa.

18 Izizwe zazithukuthele;

lolaka lwakho selufikile.

Isikhathi sokwahlulela abafileyo sesifikile

kanye lesokuvuza izinceku zakho abaphrofethi

labangcwele bakho kanye lalabo abalihloniphayo ibizo lakho,

abancinyane labakhulu

kanye lesokuchitha labo abachitha umhlaba.”

19 Emva kwalokho ithempeli likaNkulunkulu lavulwa ezulwini phakathi kwethempeli lakhe kwabonakala umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sakhe. Kwasekusiba lokuphazima kwemibane lokundindizela lokukhwaza kwezulu lokuzamazama komhlaba kanye lesiqhotho esikhulu.

12

Owesifazane Lomgobho

1 Isibonakaliso esikhulu lesimangalisayo sabonakala ezulwini: owesifazane egqoke ilanga, inyanga ingaphansi kwezinyawo zakhe, umqhele wezinkanyezi ezilitshumi lambili usekhanda lakhe. 2 Wayezithwele njalo ekhala ngobuhlungu bomhelo ngoba wayesezabeletha. 3 Kwabuya kwabonakala esinye isibonakaliso ezulwini: umgobho omkhulukazi obomvu olamakhanda ayisikhombisa lempondo ezilitshumi kanye lemiqhele eyisikhombisa emakhanda awo. 4 Umsila wawo wakhucula ingxenye yesithathu yezinkanyezi emkhathini waziphosela emhlabeni. Umgobho wema phambi kowesifazane owayesezabeletha ukuze kuthi umntwana angazalwa uhle umtshwabadele. 5 Wazala indodana, “eyayizabusa izizwe zonke ngentonga yensimbi.”* Umntanakhe wahluthunelwa phezulu kuNkulunkulu lasesihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. 6 Owesifazane wabalekela enkangala endaweni ayeyilungiselwe nguNkulunkulu lapho ayezagcinakala khona okwensuku eziyinkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisithupha (1,260).

7 Kwaba lempi ezulwini. UMikhayeli lezingilosi zakhe balwa lomgobho kwathi umgobho kanye lezingilosi zawo lawo walwa labo. 8 Kodwa wawungelamandla kangako njalo wona lezingilosi zawo balahlekelwa yindawo yabo ezulwini. 9 Umgobho omkhulu waphoselwa phansi, inyoka leyana endala ethiwa ngoMubi loba uSathane odukisa umhlaba wonke. Waphoselwa emhlabeni ekanye lezingilosi zakhe.

10 Ngasengisizwa ilizwi elikhulu ezulwini lisithi:

“Khathesi ukusindiswa sekufikile lamandla

kanye lombuso kaNkulunkulu wethu

kanye lobukhosi bukaKhristu wakhe.

Ngoba umangaleli wabazalwane bethu,

obamangalelayo

phambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu emini lebusuku,

usephoselwe phansi.

11 Bamnqobile

ngegazi leWundlu

langelizwi lobufakazi babo;

kabakuthandanga kakhulu ukuphila kwabo

ukuba besabe ukufa.

12 Ngakho-ke, thokozani lina mazulu

kanye lani elihlala kuwo!

Kodwa maye kuwo umhlaba lolwandle

ngoba omubi useze phansi kini!

Ugcwele intukuthelo

ngoba uyakwazi ukuthi isikhathi sakhe sifitshane.”

13 Kwathi umgobho ubona ukuthi wawusuphoselwe emhlabeni wamdinga owesifazane owayebelethe umntwana wesilisa. 14 Owesifazane lowo wayephiwe amaphiko amabili okhozi olukhulu ukuze andizele endaweni ayilungiselwayo enkangala lapho ayezagcinwa khona okwesikhathi lezikhathi lengxenye yesikhathi lapho inyoka eyayingeke ifike khona. 15 Inyoka yasikhupha amanzi emlonyeni wayo angathi ngumfula ukuze ifice owesifazane imkhucule ngesikhukhula. 16 Kodwa umhlaba wasiza owesifazane ngokuvula umlomo wawo wasuginya umfula owawukhutshwe ngumgobho emlonyeni wawo. 17 Ngakho-ke, umgobho wamthukuthelela owesifazane wasusuka usiyakulwa impi lenzalo yonke yowesifazane, labo abagcina imilayo kaNkulunkulu bebambelele kubo ubufakazi bukaJesu. Umgobho wema okhunjini lolwandle.

13

Isilo Siphuma Olwandle

1 Ngabuya ngabona isilo siphuma olwandle. Sasilempondo ezilitshumi lamakhanda ayisikhombisa silemiqhele elitshumi phezu kwempondo zaso njalo ekhanda ngalinye kulebizo elihlambazayo. 2 Isilo engasibonayo sasinjengengwe, kodwa silenyawo ezifana lezebhele lomlomo onjengowesilwane. Umgobho wanika isilo leso amandla awo lesihlalo sawo sobukhosi kanye lamandla amakhulu. 3 Elinye lamakhanda esilo leso lalingathi lalike laba lenxeba elibulalayo, kodwa inxeba elibulalayo lelo laselipholile. Umhlaba wonke wamangala wasilandela isilo. 4 Abantu bawukhonza umgobho ngoba wawunike isilo amandla, lesilo basikhonza bebuza besithi, “Ngubani onjengesilo? Ngubani ongalwa impi laso na?”

5 Isilo saphiwa umlomo ukuba sikhulume amazwi okuzigqaja lokuhlambaza kanye lokuthi sisebenzise amandla aso okwezinyanga ezingamatshumi amane lambili. 6 Savula umlomo waso ukuba sihlambaze uNkulunkulu lokuba sichothoze ibizo lakhe lendawo yakhe yokuhlala kanye lalabo abahlala ezulwini. 7 Sasiphiwe amandla okulwa impi labangcwele kanye lokubanqoba. Saphiwa lamandla phezu kwezizwana zonke labantu lezindimi kanye lezizwe zonke. 8 Bonke abantu abahlala emhlabeni bazasikhonza isilo leso, bonke abalamabizo abo angalotshwanga encwadini yokuphila yeWundlu elahlatshwayo kusukela ekudalweni komhlaba.

9 Lowo olendlebe, akezwe.

10 “Nxa umuntu kumele aye ekuthunjweni,

uzakuya ekuthunjweni.

Nxa umuntu kumele abulawe ngenkemba,

uzabulawa ngayo inkemba.”*

Lokhu kufuna ukubekezela okuqinileyo lokuthembeka kwabangcwele.

Isilo Siphuma Emhlabeni

11 Ngabuya ngabona esinye isilo siphuma emhlabeni. Sasilempondo ezimbili njengewundlu, kodwa sikhuluma njengomgobho. 12 Sasisebenzisa wonke amandla esilo sakuqala esikhundleni saso njalo senza umhlaba labahlezi kuwo bakhonze isilo sakuqala, esinxeba laso eselapholayo. 13 Njalo senza izibonakaliso ezinkulu lezimangalisayo, kanye lokwenza ukuthi umlilo wehlele phansi usuka ezulwini usiza emhlabeni abantu bezibonela. 14 Ngenxa yezibonakaliso saphiwa amandla okumela isilo sakuqala, sakhohlisa abahlezi emhlabeni. Sabalaya ukuba bamise umfanekiso wokuhlonipha isilo esalinyazwa ngenkemba, kodwa saphila. 15 Saphiwa amandla okuba umfanekiso wesilo sakuqala siwunike umphefumulo ukuze sikhulume njalo sibangele ukuthi bonke abala ukukhonza umfanekiso babulawe. 16 Njalo sabamba abantu bonke ngamandla, abancane labakhulu, abanothileyo labayanga, abakhululekileyo kanye lezigqili ukuba babekwe uphawu ezandleni zabo zokudla loba emabunzini abo 17 ukuze angabikhona ozathenga kumbe athengise ngaphandle kokuba elophawu lolo olulibizo lesilo leso loba inombolo yebizo laso.

18 Lokhu kufuna inhlakanipho. Umuntu olombono lengqondo ebonayo, kayidingisise inombolo yesilo ngoba yinombolo yomuntu. Inombolo yaso ngamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha (666).

14

IWundlu Kanye Labazinkulungwane Ezilikhulu Lamatshumi Amane Lane (144,000)

1 Ngabuya ngakhangela, khonapho phambi kwami kwakuleWundlu, limi phezu kweNtaba iZiyoni, lilabazinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amane lane (144,000) ababelotshwe ibizo lalo lelikaYise emabunzini abo. 2 Ngezwa umdumo ovela ezulwini ufana lokuhuba kwamanzi agelezayo lanjengokukhwaza okukhulu kwezulu. Umdumo engawuzwayo wawunjengowabatshayi bamachacho betshaya amachacho abo. 3 Bahlabela ingoma entsha phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi laphambi kwezidalwa ezine eziphilayo kanye laphambi kwabadala. Kakho owayengayifunda ingoma leyo ngaphandle kwaba zinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amane lane (144,000) ababehlengwe emhlabeni. 4 Laba yilabo abangazingcolisanga ngabesifazane ngoba bazigcina behlambulukile. Balandela iWundlu loba kungaphi lapho eliya khona. Bahlengwa phakathi kwabantu banikelwa njengezithelo zakuqala kuNkulunkulu laseWundlwini. 5 Akulamanga atholakala emilonyeni yabo; kabalasici.

Izingilosi Ezintathu

6 Ngabuya ngabona enye ingilosi indiza emoyeni ilevangeli elingapheliyo ukuba ilitshumayele kulabo abahlezi emhlabeni lasezizweni zonke lasezizwaneni lasezindimini kanye lasebantwini. 7 Ngelizwi elikhulu yathi, “Mesabeni uNkulunkulu limdumise ngoba isikhathi sokwahlulela kwakhe sesifikile. Mkhonzeni yena owadala amazulu, lomhlaba, lolwandle kanye lemithombo yamanzi.”

8 Ingilosi yesibili yalandela yathi, “Liwile! Liwile iBhabhiloni eliKhulu elenza izizwe zonke zanatha iwayini layo elihlanyisayo ngobufebe balo.”*

9 Ingilosi yesithathu yazilandela yathi ngelizwi elikhulu, “Nxa umuntu angakhonza isilo lomfanekiso waso afakwe uphawu lwaso ebunzini loba esandleni, 10 laye uzanatha iwayini lentukuthelo kaNkulunkulu elithelwe ngamandla agcweleyo enkezweni yolaka lwakhe. Uzahlukuluzwa ngesolufa elitshisayo phambi kwezingilosi ezingcwele laphambi kweWundlu. 11 Intuthu yokuhlukuluzwa kwabo ithunqa kuze kube nininini. Akukho suku loba ubusuku bokuphumula kulabo abakhonza isilo lomfanekiso waso loba lowo owemukela uphawu lwebizo laso.” 12 Lokhu kufuna ukubekezela okuqinileyo kwabangcwele abagcina imilayo kaNkulunkulu baqhubeke bethembekile kuJesu.

13 Ngasengisizwa ilizwi livela ezulwini lisithi, “Loba ukuthi: Babusisiwe abafileyo befela eNkosini kusukela khathesi kusiya phambili.”

“Yebo,” kutsho uMoya, “bazaphumula ekutshikatshikeni kwabo ngoba izenzo zabo zizabalandela.”

Ukuvuna Emhlabeni

14 Ngakhangela khonapho phambi kwami kwakuleyezi elimhlophe njalo phezu kweyezi lelo kwakuhlezi ofana lendodana yomuntu† elomqhele wegolide ekhanda lakhe lesikela ebukhali esandleni sakhe. 15 Enye ingilosi yaphuma ethempelini yamemezela ngelizwi elikhulu kulowo owayehlezi phezu kweyezi isithi, “Thatha isikela uvune ngoba isikhathi sokuvuna sesifikile kalokho isivuno emhlabeni sesivuthiwe.” 16 Ngakho-ke, lowo owayehlezi phezu kweyezi watshibilikisela isikela yakhe emhlabeni, umhlaba wavunwa.

17 Enye ingilosi yaphuma ethempelini ezulwini layo futhi yayilesikela ebukhali. 18 Enye njalo ingilosi eyayilamandla phezu komlilo yeza ivela e-alithareni yamemezela ngelizwi elikhulu kulowo owayelesikela ebukhali isithi, “Thatha isikela yakho ebukhali ubuthe amahlukuzo amavini esivinini somhlaba, ngoba amavini aso asevuthiwe.” 19 Ingilosi leyo yatshibilikisela isikela yayo emhlabeni yabutha amavini awo yawaphosela esikhamelweni sewayini solaka lukaNkulunkulu. 20 Avoxwa phakathi kwesikhamelo sewayini ngaphandle kwedolobho, igazi lageleza liphuma esikhamelweni, laphakama okufika ematomini ebhiza okwebanga elingaba ngamakhilomitha angamakhulu amathathu (300).

15

Izingilosi Eziyisikhombisa Lezifo Eziyisikhombisa

1 Ezulwini ngabona esinye isibonakaliso esikhulu lesimangalisayo: Izingilosi eziyisikhombisa zilezifo zokucina eziyisikhombisa, ezokucina ngoba ngazo ulaka lukaNkulunkulu luyapheleliswa. 2 Ngabuya ngabona okwakungathi lulwandle lwamangilazi axutshaniswe lomlilo njalo eceleni kolwandle kwakumi labo ababesinqobile isilo lomfanekiso waso kanye lenombolo yebizo laso. Babephethe amachacho ababewaphiwe nguNkulunkulu 3 behlabela ingoma kaMosi inceku kaNkulunkulu kanye lengoma yeWundlu besithi:

“Mikhulu iyamangalisa imisebenzi yakho

Nkosi Nkulunkulu Somandla.

Zilungile njalo ziqotho izindlela zakho,

Nkosi yezikhathi zonke.

4 Ngubani ongayikukwesaba wena Nkosi,

adumise ibizo lakho na?

Ngoba nguwe kuphela ongcwele.

Zonke izizwe zizakuza

zikhonze phambi kwakho,

ngoba imisebenzi yakho elungileyo isibonakalisiwe.”

5 Emva kwalokhu ngakhangela ngabona ezulwini ithempeli, okulithabanikeli lobufakazi livuliwe. 6 Ethempelini kwaphuma izingilosi eziyisikhombisa zilezifo eziyisikhombisa. Zazigqoke ilembu elihlanzekileyo, elicazimulayo njalo zibophe izifuba zazo ngamabhanti egolide. 7 Esinye sezidalwa ezine eziphilayo sanika izingilosi eziyisikhombisa imiganu yegolide eyisikhombisa igcwele ulaka lukaNkulunkulu ophila kuze kube nininini. 8 Ithempeli lagcwala intuthu evela enkazimulweni kaNkulunkulu lasemandleni akhe, njalo kakho owayengangena ethempelini izifo eziyisikhombisa zezingilosi eziyisikhombisa zingakapheli.

16

Imiganu Eyisikhombisa Yolaka LukaNkulunkulu

1 Ngezwa ilizwi elikhulu livelela ethempelini lisithi ezingilosini eziyisikhombisa, “Hambani, lithululele emhlabeni imiganu eyisikhombisa yolaka lukaNkulunkulu.”

2 Ingilosi yakuqala yahamba yathululela umganu wayo emhlabeni kwasekuphihlika izilonda ezenyanyekayo njalo ezibuhlungu ebantwini ababelophawu lwesilo njalo bekhonza umfanekiso waso.

3 Ingilosi yesibili yathululela umganu wayo olwandle lwaphenduka lwaba ligazi elinjengelomuntu ofileyo, kwathi yonke into ephilayo esolwandle yafa.

4 Ingilosi yesithathu yathululela umganu wayo emifuleni lasemithonjeni yamanzi yaba ligazi. 5 Ngasengisizwa ingilosi eyayingumphathi wamanzi isithi:

“Ulungile ngalezizahlulelo, wena oNgcwele

wena okhona lowayekhona,

6 ngoba bachitha igazi labangcwele bakho lelabaphrofethi,

ngakho ubanike igazi ukuba balinathe njengokubafaneleyo.”

7 Ngezwa i-alithari liphendula lisithi:

“Yebo, Nkosi Nkulunkulu Somandla,

ziqotho njalo zilungile lezi zahlulelo zakho.”

8 Ingilosi yesine yathululela umganu wayo elangeni, ilanga laseliphiwa amandla okutshisa abantu ngomlilo. 9 Bosiwa yikutshisa okukhulu kwelanga njalo balithuka ibizo likaNkulunkulu, owayelamandla phezu kwezifo lezi, kodwa bala ukuba baphenduke bamdumise.

10 Ingilosi yesihlanu yathululela umganu wayo phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi sesilo, umbuso waso wembeswa yibumnyama. Abantu baxhanxatha inlimi zabo ngobuhlungu, 11 bamthuka uNkulunkulu wasezulwini ngenxa yobuhlungu bezilonda zabo, kodwa bala ukuphenduka kulokho ababekwenzile.

12 Ingilosi yesithupha yathululela umganu wayo emfuleni omkhulu uYufrathe, amanzi awo asesitsha ukuba kulungiswe indlela yamakhosi avela empumalanga. 13 Ngabuya ngabona imimoya emibi emithathu eyayifana lamaxoxo eyaphuma emlonyeni womgobho lasemlonyeni wesilo kanye lasemlonyeni womphrofethi wamanga. 14 Yimimoya yamadimoni eyenza izibonakaliso ezimangalisayo njalo iyahamba iye emakhosini omhlaba wonke iwaqoqela impi ngosuku olukhulu lukaNkulunkulu uSomandla.

15  “Khangelani, ngiza njengesela! Ubusisiwe lowo ohlala elindile egcina izigqoko zakhe zikuye ukuze angahambi nqunu abelihlazo.”

16 Basebeqoqela amakhosi ndawonye endaweni ethiwa yi-Amagedoni ngesiHebheru.

17 Ingilosi yesikhombisa yathululela umganu wayo emoyeni kwasekuphuma ilizwi elikhulu ethempelini livela esihlalweni sobukhosi, lisithi, “Sokwenziwe!” 18 Kwasekusiba lokuphazima kwemibane lemidumo lokukhwaza kwezulu kanye lokuzamazama okukhulu komhlaba. Akulakuzamazama komhlaba okunjengakho okwake kwenzeka selokhu umuntu waba semhlabeni, kwakukukhulu kakhulu lokho kuzamazama komhlaba. 19 Idolobho elikhulu lehlukana laba yizigaba ezintathu, amadolobho ezizwe abhidlika. UNkulunkulu wakhumbula iBhabhiloni eliKhulu walinika inkezo yewayini egcwele ukuvutha kolaka lwakhe. 20 Izihlenge zonke zabaleka kwathi izintaba zanyamalala. 21 Emkhathini kwehla amatshe amakhulukazi esiqhotho, lilinye lingaba ngamakhilogramu angamatshumi amathathu, awela phezu kwabantu. Bamthuka uNkulunkulu ngenxa yohlupho lwesiqhotho ngoba uhlupho lolo lwalusesabeka.

17

Owesifazane Phezu Kwenyamazana

1 Enye yezingilosi eziyisikhombisa ezazilemiganu eyisikhombisa yeza kimi yathi, “Woza ngikutshengise ukujeziswa kwesiphingi esikhulu esihlezi phezu kwamanzi amanengi. 2 Amakhosi omhlaba afeba laso njalo abahlezi emhlabeni badakwa yiwayini yobufebe baso.”

3 Ingilosi yasingithatha ngiseMoyeni yangisa enkangala. Khonapho ngabona owesifazane ehlezi phezu kwesilo esibomvu gebhu sigcwele amabizo ahlambazayo njalo yayilamakhanda ayisikhombisa lempondo ezilitshumi. 4 Owesifazane lowo wayegqoke okuyibubende lokubomvu gebhu njalo wayekhazimula ngegolide langamatshe aligugu kanye langobuhlalu. Esandleni sakhe wayephethe inkezo igcwele izinto ezenyanyekayo kanye lamanyala obufebe bakhe. 5 Umbhalo owawulotshwe ebunzini lakhe wawusesabeka:

iBhabhiloni eliKhulu

uNina weziPhingi

kanye lamaNyala wonke oMhlaba.

6 Ngabona ukuthi owesifazane lowo wayedakwe ligazi labangcwele, igazi lalabo abalobufakazi bukaJesu.

Ekumboneni kwami ngamangala kakhulu. 7 Ingilosi yasisithi kimi, “Kungani umangala? Ngizakuchazela imfihlakalo yowesifazane lesilo asigadileyo esilamakhanda ayisikhombisa lempondo ezilitshumi. 8 Isilo osibonileyo sake saba khona, kodwa khathesi kasisekho njalo sizaphuma eMgodini ongelamkhawulo siye ekubhujisweni kwaso. Abahlezi emhlabeni abalamabizo abo angalotshwanga encwadini yokuphila kusukela ekudalweni komhlaba bazamangala lapho besibona lesosilo ngoba sake saba khona, kodwa khathesi kasisekho, kodwa sizabuya sivele.

9 Lokhu kufuna ingqondo elokuhlakanipha. Amakhanda ayisikhombisa ngamaqaqa ayisikhombisa owesifazane ahlezi phezu kwawo. 10 Njalo angamakhosi ayisikhombisa. Amahlanu kudala awa, eyodwa ikhona, enye kayikaveli, kodwa nxa isisiza kumele ihlale isikhatshana. 11 Isilo esake saba khona njalo khathesi esingasekho yinkosi yesificaminwembili. Ngenye yalawo ayisikhombisa njalo isisiya ekubhujisweni kwayo.

12 Impondo ezilitshumi ozibonileyo ngamakhosi alitshumi angakatholi mbuso, kodwa azathola amandla obukhosi okwehola elilodwa kanye lesilo. 13 Alenjongo yinye njalo azakupha isilo amandla awo kanye lelungelo. 14 Azakulwa impi leWundlu, kodwa iWundlu lizawanqoba ngoba liyiNkosi yamakhosi loMbusi wababusi, njalo lizabe lilababiziweyo balo abangabalandeli abakhethiweyo labathembekileyo.”

15 Ingilosi yabuya yathi kimi, “Amanzi owabonileyo lapho isiphingi esihlezi khona ngabantu bemihlobo yonke, amaxuku lezizwe kanye lezindimi. 16 Isilo lempondo ezilitshumi ozibonileyo kuzasizonda isiphingi. Zizasichitha zisitshiye size; zizakudla inyama yomzimba waso zisitshise ngomlilo. 17 Ngoba uNkulunkulu ubeke ezinhliziyweni zazo ukuba afeze injongo yakhe ngokuvuma ukunika isilo amandla azo okubusa amazwi kaNkulunkulu aze agcwaliseke. 18 Owesifazane ombonileyo lidolobho elikhulu elibusa amakhosi omhlaba.”

18

Ukudilika KweBhabhiloni

1 Emva kwalokhu ngabona enye ingilosi isehla ivela ezulwini. Yayilamandla amakhulu njalo umhlaba wakhanyiswa yikukhazimula kwayo. 2 Yamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu yathi:

“ ‘Liwile! Liwile iBhabhiloni eliKhulu!’*

Selibe likhaya lamadimoni

lomango wabomoya ababi,

lomango wezinyoni zonke ezingcolileyo lezenyanyekayo.

3 Ngoba izizwe zonke zinathe

iwayini elihlanyisayo lobufebe balo.

Amakhosi omhlaba afeba lalo,

labathengisi basemhlabeni banothiswa yinotho yalo edlulisileyo.”

Izixwayiso Zokwahlulelwa KweBhabhiloni

4 Ngabuya ngezwa elinye ilizwi livela ezulwini lisithi:

“ ‘Bantu bami, phumani kulo,’†

ukuze lingahlanganyeli ezonweni zalo

ukuze lingehlelwa yizifo zalo;

5 ngoba izono zalo ziyinqwaba efika ezulwini,

njalo uNkulunkulu usekhumbule amacala alo.

6 Lipheni njengokupha kwalo;

buyiselani ngokuphindiweyo kulokho elikwenzileyo.

Thelani kabili isilinganiso enkezweni yalo.

7 Lizwiseni uchuku olukhulu losizi

okulingana inkazimulo lenotho elizipha khona.”‡

Enhliziyweni yalo liyazincoma lisithi,

ngihlezi njengendlovukazi; kangisumfelokazi,

njalo kangisoze ngilile.

8 Ngakho-ke, ngosuku olulodwa izifo zalo zizalifica:

ukufa lokukhala kanye lendlala.

Lizahangulwa ngumlilo

ngoba ilamandla iNkosi uNkulunkulu olahlulelayo.

Izixwayiso Ezintathu Ngokuwa KweBhabhiloni

9 Lapho amakhosi asemhlabeni afeba lalo njalo abelana lalo inotho yalo ebona intuthu yokutsha kwalo azalikhalela alililele. 10 Azesaba ngenxa yokuhlukuluzwa kwalo eme khatshana akhale esithi:

Maye! Maye, Oh dolobho elikhulu,

Oh Bhabhiloni, dolobho lamandla!

Ngehola linye nje incithakalo yakho ifikile!

11 Abathengisi basemhlabeni bazalikhalela balililele ngoba kungasekho othenga impahla yabo, 12 imithwalo yegolide leyesiliva leyamatshe aligugu leyobuhlalu; eyelineni elihle leliyibubende, ilembu lesilika lelembu elibomvu gebhu; inhlobo zonke zezigodo zesithironi lezinhlobo zonke zezinto ezenziwe ngempondo zendlovu lezigodo ezidulayo lethusi lensimbi kanye lelitshe elimhlophe; 13 imithwalo yesinamoni leyeziyoliso, eyempepha leyemure kanye leyamakha, eyewayini lamafutha e-oliva, eyefulawa ecolekileyo kanye lengqoloyi; inkomo lezimvu; amabhiza lezinqola lezigqili kanye lemiphefumulo yabantu.

14 Bazakuthi, “Izithelo owawuzilangathela zisukile kuwe. Yonke inotho yakho lenkazimulo sekunyamalele, kakuyikutholakala futhi.” 15 Abathengisi ababethengisa lezizinto bezuza inotho yabo kuyo bazakuma khatshana, besesaba ngokuhlukuluzwa kwalo. Bazalila babubule 16 njalo bakhale kakhulu besithi:

“Maye! Maye, Oh dolobho elikhulu,

eligqoke ilineni elihle, okuyibubende lokubomvu,

elikhazimulayo ngegolide langamatshe

aligugu kanye lobuhlalu!

17 Ngehola linye nje inotho enengi kangaka isichithiwe!”

Izinduna zonke zemikhumbi labo bonke abahamba ngayo labatshayeli labo bonke abazuza ukuphila kwabo olwandle bazakuma khatshana. 18 Lapho bebona izikhatha zokutsha kwalo bazachaza bathi, “Kambe kwake kwaba ledolobho elinjengaleli idolobho elikhulu na?” 19 Bazathela uthuli emakhanda abo balile babubule bekhala besithi:

“Maye! Maye, Oh dolobho elikhulu,

lapho bonke ababelemikhumbi olwandle

abanothiswa khona yinotho yalo!

Ngehola linye nje selichithiwe!

20 Thokoza ngalo, Oh Zulu!

Thokozani bangcwele labapostoli kanye labaphrofethi!

UNkulunkulu uselahlulele

ngendlela elaliphatha ngayo.”

Isinqumo Sokubhujiswa KweBhabhiloni

21 Ingilosi elamandla yasidobha ilitshe elingangembokodo enkulu yaliphosela olwandle, yathi:

“Idolobho elikhulu laseBhabhiloni lizaphoselwa phansi,

ngodlakela olunje,

lingaphindi libonakale futhi.

22 Umculo wabatshayi bamachacho labahlabeleli labatshayi bemihlanga lamacilongo,

kawusoze uzwakale kuwe futhi.

Akukho sisebenzi lesawuphi umsebenzi

esizatholakala kuwe futhi.

Umsindo wembokodo

kawusoze uzwakale kuwe futhi.

23 Ukukhanya kwesibane

akusoze kukhanye kuwe futhi.

Ilizwi lomyeni lelomlobokazi

kalisoze lizwakale kuwe futhi.

Abathengisi bakho babeyizikhulu zomhlaba.

Izizwe zonke zadukiswa yibuthakathi bakho.

24 Kuwe kwafunyanwa igazi labaphrofethi lelabangcwele,

kanye lelabo bonke ababulawayo emhlabeni.”

19

Haleluya Ngokuwa KweBhabhiloni!

1 Emva kwalokhu ngezwa umsindo onjengokuhlokoma kwexuku elikhulu ezulwini limemeza lisithi:

“Haleluya!

Ukusindisa lodumo lamandla ngokukaNkulunkulu wethu

2 ngoba ukwahlulela kwakhe kuqotho njalo kulungile.

Usilahlile isiphingi esikhulu

esaxhwalisa umhlaba ngobufebe baso.

Uphindisele kuso igazi lezinceku zakhe.”

3 Bamemeza njalo bathi:

“Haleluya!

Intuthu yokutsha kwaso ithunqa kuze kube nininini.”

4 Abadala abangamatshumi amabili lane lezidalwa ezine eziphilayo bawela phansi bakhonza uNkulunkulu owayehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi. Bamemeza njalo bathi:

“Ameni, Haleluya!”

5 Kwasekuzwakala ilizwi elavela esihlalweni sobukhosi, lisithi:

“Dumisani uNkulunkulu wethu,

lonke lina zinceku zakhe,

lina elimesabayo,

abancane labakhulu!”

6 Ngabuya ngezwa okwakungathi lixuku elikhulu, kunjengokuhlokoma kwamanzi agelezayo lanjengokukhwaza kwezulu besithi:

“Haleluya!

Ngoba iNkosi yethu uNkulunkulu uSomandla uyabusa.

7 Kasithokozeni sijabule

simuphe udumo.

Ngoba umthimba weWundlu usufikile,

lomlobokazi walo usezilungisele.

8 Ilineni elihle elicazimulayo

elihlanzekileyo uliphiwe ukuba agqoke.”

(Ilineni elihle limele imisebenzi emihle yabangcwele.)

9 Ingilosi yasisithi kimi, “Loba ukuthi: Babusisiwe labo abanxusiweyo edilini lomtshado weWundlu!” Yengeza yathi, “La ngamazwi aqotho kaNkulunkulu.”

10 Ngawela ezinyaweni zayo ngayikhonza. Kodwa yathi kimi, “Ungakwenzi lokhu! Mina ngiyinceku kanye lawe kanye labazalwane bakho abalobufakazi bukaJesu. Khonza uNkulunkulu! Ngoba ubufakazi bukaJesu bungumoya wesiphrofethi.”

Umgadi Webhiza Elimhlophe

11 Ngabona izulu livulekile njalo khonapho phambi kwami kwakulebhiza elimhlophe, umgadi walo ethiwa nguThembekile loQiniso. Wahlulela ngokulunga alwe impi. 12 Amehlo akhe anjengomlilo ovuthayo njalo ekhanda lakhe kulemiqhele eminengi. Ulebizo elilotshwe kuye elingaziwa muntu ngaphandle kwakhe yena ngokwakhe. 13 Ugqoke isembatho esigxanyuzwe egazini njalo ibizo lakhe nguLizwi likaNkulunkulu. 14 Amabutho asezulwini ayemlandela egade amabhiza amhlophe njalo egqoke ilineni elihle elimhlophe njalo lihlanzekile. 15 Emlonyeni wakhe kuphuma inkemba ebukhali agalela ngayo izizwe. “Uzazibusa ngentonga yensimbi.”* Unyathela isikhamelo sewayini sentukuthelo yolaka lukaNkulunkulu uSomandla. 16 Esambathweni sakhe lasemlenzeni wakhe kulotshwe ibizo leli elithi:

INkosi yamakhosi loMbusi wababusi.

17 Ngasengibona ingilosi imi elangeni eyamemezela ngelizwi elikhulu ezinyonini zonke ezazindiza emoyeni isithi, “Wozani libuthanele idili elikhulu likaNkulunkulu 18 ukuze lidle inyama yemizimba yamakhosi, eyezinduna zempi, eyamadoda alamandla, eyamabhiza labagadi bawo kanye leyabantu bonke abakhululekileyo lezigqili, abancane labakhulu.”

19 Ngabuya ngabona isilo lamakhosi asemhlabeni lamabutho awo ebuthanele ukulwa impi lomgadi webhiza kanye lebutho lakhe. 20 Kodwa isilo sathunjwa ndawonye lomphrofethi wamanga owayenze izibonakaliso ezimangalisayo emele sona. Ngalezi zibonakaliso wabedukisa labo ababebekwe uphawu lwesilo bakhonza umfanekiso waso. Sona lomphrofethi wamanga baphoselwa bephila echibini lomlilo wesolufa ovuthayo. 21 Abanye babo babulawa ngenkemba eyaphuma emlonyeni womgadi webhiza njalo izinyoni zonke zazitika ngenyama yemizimba yabo.

20

Iminyaka Eyinkulungwane

1 Ngasengibona ingilosi isehlela phansi isuka ezulwini ilesihluthulelo soMgodi ongelamkhawulo iphethe ngesandla sayo iketane enkulu. 2 Yabamba umgobho, inyoka leyana endala, engoMubi loba uSathane, yambopha okweminyaka eyinkulungwane. 3 Yamphosela eMgodini ongelamkhawulo, yawuhluthulela, yawuvala silikici, ukumvimbela ukuba angakhohlisi izizwe futhi kuze kuphele iminyaka eyinkulungwane. Emva kwalokho kumele akhululwe okwesikhatshana.

4 Ngabona izihlalo zobukhosi okwakuhlezi kuzo labo ababephiwe amandla okwahlulela. Ngabona imiphefumulo yalabo ababequnywe amakhanda ngenxa yobufakazi bukaJesu langenxa yelizwi likaNkulunkulu. Babengasikhonzanga isilo loba umfanekiso waso njalo bengabekwanga uphawu lwaso emabunzini abo loba ezandleni zabo. Bavuka baphila njalo babusa loKhristu iminyaka eyinkulungwane. 5 (Inengi labafileyo kalivukanga kwaze kwaphela iminyaka eyinkulungwane.) Lokhu yikuvuka ekufeni kwakuqala. 6 Babusisiwe njalo bangcwele labo abahlanganyela ekuvukeni kwakuqala. Ukufa kwesibili akulamandla phezu kwabo, kodwa bazakuba ngabaphristi bakaNkulunkulu labakaKhristu njalo bazabusa laye okweminyaka eyinkulungwane.

Ukulahlwa KukaSathane

7 Iminyaka eyinkulungwane isidlule uSathane uzakhululwa entolongweni yakhe 8 aphume ukuyakhohlisa izizwe emagumbini womane omhlaba, uGogi loMagogi, ukuba abaqoqele empini. Ngobunengi bangangenhlabathi okhunjini lolwandle. 9 Badabula phakathi komhlaba bahonqolozela izihonqo zabantu bakaNkulunkulu, idolobho alithandayo. Kodwa kwehla umlilo uvela ezulwini wabaqothula. 10 Omubi owayebakhohlisile waphoselwa echibini lesolufa elivuthayo, lapho okwakuphoselwe khona isilo lomphrofethi wamanga. Bazakutsha emini lebusuku kuze kube nininini.

Ukwahlulelwa Kwabafileyo

11 Ngabuya ngabona isihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu kanye lalowo owayehlezi kuso. Umhlaba lomkhathi kwabaleka phambi kwakhe, akwaze kwaba lendawo yakho. 12 Ngasengibona abafileyo, abancane labakhulu, bemi phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi, kwasekuvulwa izincwadi. Kwavulwa enye incwadi, eyincwadi yokuphila. Abafileyo bahlulelwa mayelana lalokho ababekwenzile okwakulotshwe ezincwadini. 13 Ulwandle lwakhupha abafileyo ababekulo, ukufa leHadesi kwakhupha abafileyo ababekukho, umuntu ngamunye wahlulelwa mayelana lalokho akwenzayo. 14 Ukufa leHadesi kwaphoselwa echibini lomlilo. Ichibi lomlilo liyikufa kwesibili. 15 Nxa umuntu ibizo lakhe lalitholakala lingalotshwanga encwadini yokuphila wayephoselwa echibini lomlilo.

21

Izulu Elitsha Lomhlaba Omutsha

1 Ngabuya ngabona “izulu elitsha lomhlaba omutsha,”* ngoba izulu lakuqala lomhlaba wakuqala kwasekudlule njalo ulwandle lwalungasekho. 2 Ngabona iDolobho eliNgcwele, iJerusalema elitsha, lisehlela phansi liphuma ezulwini kuNkulunkulu lilungiswe njengomlobokazi ececele umkakhe. 3 Ngezwa ilizwi elikhulu livela esihlalweni sobukhosi lisithi, “Khathesi ikhaya likaNkulunkulu selisebantwini, uzahlala labo. Bazakuba ngabantu bakhe njalo uNkulunkulu yena uqobo uzakuba labo abe nguNkulunkulu wabo. 4 Uzazesula zonke inyembezi emehlweni abo. Akusayikuba khona futhi ukufa loba ukulila loba ukukhala loba ubuhlungu ngoba umumo omdala wezinto usudlule.”†

5 Lowo owayehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi wathi, “Ngenza izinto zonke zibe zintsha!” Wabuya wathi, “Kulobe lokhu ngoba amazwi la aqotho njalo aliqiniso.”

6 Wasesithi kimi, “Sekwenzakele. Ngingu-Alfa lo-Omega, isiQalo lesiPhetho. Lowo owomileyo ngizamnathisa emthonjeni wamanzi okuphila kungekho mbadalo. 7 Lowo onqobayo uzakudla ilifa lakho konke lokhu njalo ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wakhe yena abe yindodana yami. 8 Kodwa amagwala, abangakholwayo, abaxhwalileyo, ababulali, iziphingi, abathakathi, abakhonza izithombe labo bonke abaqamba amanga; indawo yabo izakuba sechibini lomlilo wesolufa ovuthayo. Lokhu yikufa kwesibili.”

IJerusalema Elitsha, Umlobokazi LeWundlu

9 Enye yezingilosi eziyisikhombisa eyayilemiganu eyisikhombisa eyayigcwele izifo zokucina eziyisikhombisa yeza yathi kimi, “Woza, ngizakutshengisa umlobokazi, umkaWundlu.” 10 Yangithwala ngiseMoyeni yangisa entabeni enkulu ende yangitshengisa iDolobho eliNgcwele, iJerusalema lisehla liphuma ezulwini kuNkulunkulu. 11 Lakhanyisa ngenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu, ukucwebezela kwalo kwakufana lokwelitshe eliligugu, njengejaspa, licwebezela njengelitshe elikhanyisayo. 12 Lalilomduli omkhulu, ophakemeyo lamasango alitshumi lambili kanye lezingilosi ezilitshumi lambili emasangweni. Emasangweni kwakulotshwe amabizo ezizwana ezilitshumi lambili zako-Israyeli. 13 Kwakulamasango amathathu ngasempumalanga, lamathathu ngasenyakatho, lamathathu ngaseningizimu, kanye lamathathu ngasentshonalanga. 14 Umduli wedolobho wawulezisekelo ezilitshumi lambili njalo phezu kwazo kwakulamabizo abapostoli beWundlu abalitshumi lambili.

15 Ingilosi eyakhuluma lami yayilomqwayi wegolide owokulinganisa idolobho, amasango alo lomduli walo. 16 Idolobho lalakhiwe lalingana inxa zonke, lilide okungangobubanzi balo. Yalilinganisa idolobho ngomqwayi yathola lingaba ngamakhilomitha azinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amabili (2,200) ubude njalo libanzi liphakeme okulingana lobude balo. 17 Yalinganisa umduli walo isebenzisa isilinganiso sabantu, wawuzingalo ezilikhulu lamatshumi amane lane (144) ubuqatha bawo. 18 Umduli wawakhiwe ngejaspa, idolobho lakhiwe ngegolide elicengeke njengengilazi. 19 Izisekelo zemiduli yedolobho zaziceciswe ngezinhlobo zonke zamatshe aligugu. Isisekelo sakuqala sasiyijaspa, esesibili kuyisafire, esesithathu kuyikhalisedoni, esesine kuyi-emaralidi, 20 esesihlanu kuyisadonikisi, esesithupha kuyikhaneliyani, esesikhombisa kuyikhrisolithe, esesificaminwembili kuyibherili, esesificamunwemuye kuyithophazi, esetshumi kuyikhrisophirase, esetshumi lanye kuyijasinti, esetshumi lambili kuyi-amethisithi. 21 Amasango alitshumi lambili ayengamatshe obuhlalu alitshumi lambili, isango ngalinye lenziwe ngelitshe elilodwa lobuhlalu. Umgwaqo omkhulu wedolobho wawuligolide elicengekileyo njengengilazi elibonisa okungale kwalo.

22 Kangibonanga thempeli edolobheni ngoba iNkosi uNkulunkulu uSomandla leWundlu balithempeli lalo. 23 Idolobho kalisweli langa loba inyanga yokukhanyisa kulo ngoba inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ilinika ukukhanya leWundlu liyisibane salo. 24 Izizwe zizahamba ekukhanyeni kwalo lamakhosi omhlaba azaletha ubukhazikhazi bawo kulo. 25 Akulasuku lapho amasango alo azake avalwe ngalo ngoba akuyikuba lobusuku khona. 26 Inkazimulo lodumo lwezizwe kuzalethwa kulo. 27 Akulalutho olungcolileyo oluzake lungene kulo, loba ngubani owenza amanyala kumbe inkohliso, kodwa labo kuphela abalamabizo abo alotshwe encwadini yokuphila yeWundlu.

22

Umfula Wokuphila

1 Ingilosi yasingitshengisa umfula wamanzi okuphila acengekileyo kakhulu egeleza evela esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu leseWundlu 2 esehla ephakathi komgwaqo omkhulu wedolobho. Eceleni ngalinye lomfula kwakulesihlahla sokuphila sithela izithelo ezilitshumi lambili, sithela izithelo zaso nyanga zonke. Amahlamvu esihlahla leso ngawokwelapha izizwe. 3 Akusoze kube lesiqalekiso futhi. Isihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu leseWundlu zizakuba sedolobheni njalo izinceku zakhe zizamkhonza. 4 Zizabubona ubuso bakhe lebizo lakhe lizakuba semabunzini azo. 5 Akusayikuba lobusuku futhi. Kaziyikukuswela ukukhanya kwesibane loba okwelanga ngoba iNkosi uNkulunkulu izazikhanyisela. Njalo zizabusa kuze kube nininini.

UJesu Uyeza

6 Ingilosi yasisithi kimi, “Amazwi la aqotho njalo aliqiniso. INkosi, uNkulunkulu wemimoya yabaphrofethi wathuma ingilosi yakhe ukuba itshengise izinceku zakhe izinto okumele zenzakale masinyane.”

7  “Khangelani, ngiyeza masinyane! Ubusisiwe lowo ogcina amazwi esiphrofethi asencwadini le.”

8 Mina Johane, yimi engazibonayo njalo ngazizwa izinto lezi. Kwathi lapho sengizwile njalo ngazibona, ngawela phansi ukuba ngikhonze ezinyaweni zengilosi eyayingitshengisa zona. 9 Kodwa yathi kimi, “Ungakwenzi lokhu! Mina ngiyinceku njengawe kanye labazalwane bakho abaphrofethi labo bonke abagcina amazwi encwadi le. Khonza uNkulunkulu!”

10 Yabuya yathi kimi, “Ungawagciki amazwi esiphrofethi sencwadi le, ngoba isikhathi sesiseduze. 11 Owenza okubi kaqhubeke esenza okubi; oxhwalileyo kaqhubeke ngokuxhwala; olungileyo kaqhubeke esenza okulungileyo; njalo ongcwele kaqhubeke engcwele.”

Isiphetho: Unxuso Kanye Lesixwayiso

12  “Khangelani, ngiyeza masinyane! Ngilomvuzo wami, njalo ngizakupha umuntu munye ngamunye ngalokho akwenzayo. 13  Ngingu-Alfa lo-Omega, ngiyiKuqala loKucina, isiQalo lesiPhetho.

14  Babusisiwe labo abagezisa izembatho zabo ukuze babe lelungelo esihlahleni sokuphila njalo bangene ngesango edolobheni. 15  Ngaphandle kulezinja, labo abenza imisebenzi yobuthakathi, izifebe ezixhwalileyo, lababulali, labakhonza izithombe labo bonke abathanda inkohliso njalo beyenza.

16  Mina Jesu, ngithume ingilosi yami ukuba ilinike ubufakazi lobu emabandleni. NgiyiMpande leNzalo kaDavida, kanye leNdonsakusa ekhanyayo.”

17 UMoya lomlobokazi bathi, “Woza!” Ozwayo katsho athi, “Woza!” Loba ngubani owomileyo, keze; njalo loba ngubani ofisayo, kathathe isipho esingahlawulelwayo samanzi okuphila.

18 Ngiyabaxwayisa bonke abezwa amazwi esiphrofethi sencwadi le: Nxa umuntu ezakwengeza olunye ulutho kuwo, uNkulunkulu uzazengeza kuye izifo ezibaliswe kule incwadi. 19 Njalo nxa umuntu esusa amazwi kule incwadi yesiphrofethi, uNkulunkulu uzamthathela isabelo sakhe esihlahleni sokuphila laseDolobheni eliNgcwele, okubaliswe kule incwadi.

20 Yena lowo ofakaza izinto lezi uthi, “Yebo, ngiyeza masinyane.”

Ameni. Woza, Nkosi Jesu.

21 Umusa weNkosi uJesu kawube sebantwini bakaNkulunkulu. Ameni.

* 1:7 1.7 UDanyeli 7.13

† 1:7 1.7 UZakhariya 12.10

‡ 1:13 1.13 UDanyeli 7.13

* 2:27 2.27 AmaHubo 2.9

* 4:8 4.8 U-Isaya 6.3

* 7:16 7.16 U-Isaya 49.10

† 7:17 7.17 U-Isaya 49.10

‡ 7:17 7.17 U-Isaya 25.8

* 10:9 10.9 UHezekhiyeli 3.3

* 11:4 11.4 UZakhariya 4.3, 11, 14

* 12:5 12.5 AmaHubo 2.9

* 13:10 13.10 UJeremiya 15.2

* 14:8 14.8 U-Isaya 21.9

† 14:14 14.14 UDanyeli 7.13

* 18:2 18.2 U-Isaya 21.9

† 18:4 18.4 UJeremiya 51.45

‡ 18:7 18.7 U-Isaya 47.7-8

* 19:15 19.15 AmaHubo 2.9

* 21:1 21.1 U-Isaya 65.17

† 21:4 21.4 U-Isaya 25.8