Chapter XXVI.--We Shall Rise Again, Then, as the Scripture Also Testifies.
Do we then deem it any great and wonderful thing for the Maker of all things to raise up again those that have piously served Him in the assurance of a good faith, when even by a bird He shows us the mightiness of His power to fulfil His promise? [4123] For [the Scripture] saith in a certain place, "Thou shalt raise me up, and I shall confess unto Thee"; [4124] and again, "I laid me down, and slept"; "I awaked, because Thou art with me;" [4125] and again, Job says, "Thou shalt raise up this flesh of mine, which has suffered all these things." [4126]
[4123] Literally, "the mightiness of His promise."
[4124] Ps. xxviii. 7, or from some apocryphal book.
[4125] Comp. Ps. iii. 6.
[4126] Job xix. 25, 26.
Chapter XXVII.--In the Hope of the Resurrection, Let Us Cleave to the Omnipotent and Omniscient God.
Having then this hope, let our souls be bound to Him who is faithful in His promises, and just in His judgments. He who has commanded us not to lie, shall much more Himself not lie; for nothing is impossible with God, except to lie. [4127] Let His faith therefore be stirred up again within us, and let us consider that all things are nigh unto Him. By the word of His might [4128] He established all things, and by His word He can overthrow them. "Who shall say unto Him, What hast thou done? or, Who shall resist the power of His strength?" [4129] When, and as He pleases, He will do all things, and none of the things determined by Him shall pass away. [4130] All things are open before Him, and nothing can be hidden from His counsel. "The heavens [4131] declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handy-work. [4132] Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. And there are no words or speeches of which the voices are not heard." [4133]
[4127] Comp. Tit. i. 2; Heb. vi. 18.
[4128] Or "majesty."
[4129] Wisd. xii. 12, xi. 21.
[4130] Comp. Matt. xxiv. 35.
[4131] Literally, "if the heavens," etc.
[4132] I. omits.
[4133] Ps. xix. 1-3. I. omits Ps. xix. 2-4, with the exception of the concluding words, akouontai hai phonai auton (their voices are heard), which are connected with the opening words of the following chapter.
Chapter XXVIII.--God Sees All Things: Therefore Let Us Avoid Transgression.
Since then all things are seen and heard [by God], let us fear Him, and forsake those wicked works which proceed from evil [4134] desires; [4135] so that, through His mercy, we may be protected from the judgments to come. For whither can any of us flee from His mighty hand? Or what world will receive any of those who run away from Him? For the Scripture saith in a certain place, "Whither shall I go, and where shall I be hid from Thy presence? If I ascend into heaven, Thou art there; if I go away even to the uttermost parts of the earth, there is Thy right hand; [4136] if I make my bed in the abyss, there is Thy Spirit." [4137] Whither, then, shall anyone go, or where shall he escape from Him who comprehends all things?
[4134] I. blaberas (hurtful).
[4135] Literally, "abominable lusts of evil deeds."
[4136] I. su ekei ei (Thou art there).
[4137] Ps. cxxxix. 7-10.
Chapter XXIX.--Let Us Also Draw Near to God in Purity of Heart.
Let us then draw near to Him with holiness of spirit, lifting up pure and undefiled hands unto Him, loving our gracious and merciful Father, who has made us partakers in the blessings of His elect. [4138] For thus it is written, "When the Most High divided the nations, when He scattered [4139] the sons of Adam, He fixed the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God. His people Jacob became the portion of the Lord, and Israel the lot of His inheritance. [4140] And in another place [the Scripture] saith, "Behold, the Lord taketh unto Himself a nation out of the midst of the nations, as a man takes the first-fruits of his threshing-floor; and from that nation shall come forth the Most Holy." [4141]
[4138] Literally, "has made us to Himself a part of election."
[4139] Literally, "sowed abroad."
[4140] Deut. xxxii. 8, 9.
[4141] Formed apparently from Num. xviii. 27 and 2 Chron. xxxi. 14. Literally, the closing words are, "the holy of holies."