Aggada -- Translations into English; Bible. Old Testament -- Legends; Jewish legends; Midrash -- Translations into English
Not less famous is the tomb of Ezekiel, at a distance of two thousand
ells from Baruch's. It is overarched by a beautiful mausoleum erected
by King Jeconiah after Evil-merodach had released him from captivity.
The mausoleum existed down to the middle ages, and it bore on its walls
the names of the thirty-five thousand Jews who assisted Jeconiah in
erecting the monument. It was the scene of many miracles. When great
crowds of people journeyed thither to pay reverence to the memory of
the prophet, the little low gate in the wall surrounding the grave
enlarged in width and height to admit all who desired to enter. Once a
prince vowed to give a colt to the grave of the prophet, if but his
mare which had been sterile would bear one. When his wish was
fulfilled, however, he did not keep his promise. But the filly ran a
distance equal to a four days' journey to the tomb, and his owner could
not recover it until he deposited his value in silver upon the grace.
When people went on long journeys, they were in the habit of carrying
their treasures to the grave of the prophet, and beseeching him to let
none but the rightful heirs remove them thence. The prophet always
granted their petition. Once when an attempt was made to take some
books from the grave of Ezekiel, the ravager suddenly became sick and
blind. For a time a pillar of fire, visible at a great distance, rose
above the grave of the prophet, but it disappeared in consequence of
the unseemly conduct of the pilgrims who resorted thither.
Not far from the grave of Ezekiel was the grave of Barozak, who once
appeared to a rich Jew in a dream. He spoke: "I am Barozak, one of the
princes who were led into captivity with Jeremiah. I am one of the
just. If thou wilt erect a handsome mausoleum for me, thou wilt be
blessed with progeny." The Jew did as he had been bidden, and he who
had been childless, shortly after became a father. (75)
DANIEL
The most distinguished member of the Babylonian Diaspora was Daniel.
Though not a prophet, (76) he was surpassed by none in wisdom, piety,
and good deeds. His firm adherence to Judaism he displayed from his
early youth, when, a page at the royal court, he refused to partake of
the bread, wine, and oil of the heathen, even though the enjoyment of
them was not prohibited by the law. (77) In general, his prominent
position at the court was maintained at the cost of many a hardship,
for he and his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were envied
their distinctions by numerous enemies, who sought to compass their
ruin.
Once they were accused before King Nebuchadnezzar of leading an
unchaste life. The king resolved to order their execution. But Daniel
and his friends mutilated certain parts of their bodies, and so
demonstrated how unfounded were the charges against them. (78)
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