< Jeremias 47 >
1 The word that came from the Lord to Jeremias, after that Nabuzardan the captain of the guard had let him go out of Rama, when he had taken him in manacles in the midst of the captivity of Juda, [even] those who were carried to Babylon.
Telle est la communication que fit l’Eternel au prophète Jérémie concernant les Philistins, avant la défaite infligée par Pharaon à Gaza:
2 And the chief captain of the guard took him, and said to him, The Lord thy God has pronounced all these evils upon this place:
"Ainsi parle l’Eternel: Voici que des flots s’avancent du Nord et deviennent un torrent impétueux, submergeant la terre et ce qu’elle renferme, les villes et ceux qui y demeurent. Les hommes poussent des cris et tous les habitants du pays se lamentent.
3 and the Lord has done it; because ye sinned against him, and hearkened not to his voice.
Au trot bruyant des sabots des fiers coursiers, au roulement des chars, au fracas de leurs roues, les pères n’ont plus de regard pour leurs enfants, tant ils sont abattus,
4 Behold, I have loosed thee from the manacles that were upon thine hands. If it seem good to thee to go with me to Babylon, then will I set mine eyes upon thee.
à cause de l’arrivée de ce jour qui verra ruiner tous les Philistins, enlever à Tyr et à Sidon leurs derniers auxiliaires, car l’Eternel veut perdre les Philistins, ces émigrés de l’île de Caphtor.
5 But if not, depart; return to Godolias the son of Achicam, the son of Saphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed governor in the land of Juda, and dwell with him in the midst of the people in the land of Juda: to whatsoever places it seems good in thine eyes to go, do thou even go. And the captain of the guard made him presents, and let him go.
Gaza est atteinte de calvitie, Ascalon est anéantie avec le reste de leur plaine jusqu’à quand te feras-tu des incisions?
6 And he came to Godolias to Massepha, and dwelt in the midst of his people that was left in the land.
Holà! Glaive du Seigneur, quand donc te reposeras-tu enfin? Rentre dans ton fourreau, apaise-toi, fais trève!
7 And all the leaders of the host that was in the country, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Godolias [governor] in the land, and they committed to him the men and their wives, whom [Nabuchodonosor had] not removed to Babylon.
Mais comment se tiendrait-il coi, alors que l’Eternel lui a donné des ordres? A Ascalon et sur les bords de la mer, il lui a assigné un rendez-vous."
8 And there came to Godolias to Massepha Ismael the son of Nathanias, and Joanan son of Caree, and Saraeas the son of Thanaemeth, and the sons of Jophe the Netophathite, and Ezonias son of the Mochathite, they and their men.
9 And Godolias swore to them and to their men, saying, Be not afraid before the children of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be better for you.
10 And, behold, I dwell in your presence at Massepha, to stand before the Chaldeans who shall come against you: and do ye gather grapes, and fruits, and oil, and put [them] into your vessels, and dwell in the cities which ye have obtained possession of.
11 And all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the children of Ammon, and those [that were] in Idumea, and those [that were] in all [the rest of] the country, heard that the king of Babylon [had] granted a remnant to Juda, and that he had appointed over them Godolias the son of Achicam.
12 And they came to Godolias into the land of Juda, to Massepha, and gathered grapes, and very much summer fruit, and oil.
13 And Joanan the son of Caree, and all the leaders of the host, who were in the fields, came to Godolias to Massepha,
14 and said to him, Dost thou indeed know that king Beleissa son of Ammon has sent Ismael to thee to slay thee? But Godolias believed them not.
15 And Joanan said to Godolias secretly in Massepha, I will go now and smite Ismael, and let no man know [it]; lest he slay thee, and all the Jews that are gathered to thee be dispersed, and the remnant of Juda perish.
16 But Godolias said to Joanan, Do not the thing, for thou speakest lies concerning Ismael.