5. The priest chose from the fagots the best figwood to arrange the second
fire of preparation for the incense opposite the western horn southward.
He prolonged it from the horn toward the north four cubits, reckoning for
five seahs(538) of live coals, and on the Sabbath he reckoned for eight
seahs of live coals. As they placed there the two cups of frankincense of
the showbread. The members and cauls (of the sacrifices) which were not
consumed by the fire overnight, were returned again by the priests to the
great fire of preparation. And they kindled both the preparations with
fire; and they came down, and entered into the chamber of hewn stone.(539)
Chapter III
1. The Captain of the Temple said to the priests, “come and cast lots.”
“Who is to slaughter?” “Who is to sprinkle?” “Who is to take the ashes
from the inner altar?” “Who is to take the ashes from the candlestick?”
“Who is to bring up the members to the ascent, the head and the right
foot, and the two hind feet, the chine, and the left foot, the breast, and
the throat, and the two sides, the inwards, and the fine flour, and the
pancakes and the wine?” They cast lots, and he gained who gained.
2. The Captain said to them, “go and see if the time for slaughter
approaches?” If it approached, the watchman said, “it brightens.” Matthia,
son of Samuel, said, “is it light in the whole east, even to Hebron?” and
he said, “yes.”
3. He said to them, “go and bring the lamb from the lamb-chamber.” The
lamb-chamber was in the northwest corner of the court, and there were four
chambers there, one the lamb-chamber, one the seal-chamber,(540) and one
chamber for the burning materials, and one chamber where they made
showbread.
4. The priests entered the chamber for the vessels, and they brought out
ninety-three vessels of silver and gold. They made the daily sacrifice
drink in a golden cup. Even though he was examined the night before, they
examined him again by torch-light.
5. He who gained the lot for the daily sacrifice, led the lamb to the
slaughter-house, and those who gained the lots for the members, went after
him. The slaughter-house was to the north of the altar, and in it were
eight dwarf pillars, and beams of cedar-wood were fastened upon them, and
iron hooks were fastened in them. And there were three rows of hooks to
each of them. Upon them the priests hung the sacrifices, and skinned them,
near the marble tables between the pillars.
6. Those who gained the lot for the removal of the ashes from the inner
altar, and the ashes from the candlestick, advanced with four vessels in
their hands, a flagon(541) and a cup(542) and two keys. The flagon
resembled a great golden measure containing two cabs and a half. And the
cup resembled a great golden jug. And the two keys to the sanctuary. One
key entered the lock up to the shoulder of the priest, and one opened
quickly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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