Lives of the Prophets

The Lives of the Prophets is an ancient apocryphal account of the lives of the authors of the Ketuvim from the Hebrew Bible. It begins by explaining its basic purpose to provide: "The names of the prophets, and where they are from, and where they died and how, and where the[ir graves] lie."

Although the Bible says very little about most of the biblical prophets, there was a growing tradition around the turn of the Common Era that some had been martyred. Among the deaths described in the Lives of the Prophets are those of Isaiah by being sawn in two, Jeremiah by stoning, and Ezekiel by a similar execution.

The work survives only in Christian manuscripts, but some of its stories are repeated in Jewish midrashic and Talmudic accounts. Stories of the martyrdom of the prophets appear to have been popular among the Jews of the first century CE and are referred to several times in the New Testament.

The text

The text of the Lives of the Prophets appears to have been compiled from various oral and written sources. It was probably composed shortly before the beginning of the first century C.E in Hebrew or Aramaic/Syriac, possibly in Jerusalem, but certainly by someone familiar with that city, as well as with the geography of Judea and the Galilee. Much of the material is legendary, and it is difficult to know its origins. Some commentators suggest that the Jeremiah material originated from Egypt.

The current text betrays several Christian additions indicated later scribal tampering with the text. Some of the content of the work appears in later Talmudic references, although this may indicate a common origin rather than rabbinic familiarity with the text itself. Similar, the implied knowledge of legends from the Lives in the New Testament may derive from oral tradition, but could also indicate that the New Testament writers, earlier Christians, or even Jesus himself were familiar with the work.

Summary

The text begins with the major literary prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, as well as Daniel. It then proceed to summarized the lives of several of the minor prophets and a number of prophets who are mentioned in historical narratives, such as Nathan, Elijah, and Zechariah the son of Jehoida.

Major prophets and Daniel

Isaiah. Killed by being sawed in two under the evil King Manasseh of Judah. The miraculous waters of the pool of Siloam seem to have been initiated as a result of Isaiah's prayer for water when he was near death.

Jeremiah. Stoned to death by "his people" at Taphnai in Egypt and buried in honor near Pharoah’s palace, because his prayers had delivered the Egyptians from various plagues. His relics were reportedly moved to Alexandria and placed in a circle around the city, which was consequently protected from asps and crocodiles. A Christian addition indicates that Jeremiah prophesied to the Egyptians concerning a savior who would be born of a virgin, in a manger. And God bestowed this favor upon Jeremiah, that he might himself perform the completion of his mystery, so that he might become a partner of Moses, and they are together to this day. The prophet is also greatly praised in more traditionally Jewish terms, and is said to dwell in the next world with Moses.

Ezekiel. Said to have originated from Arira. Died in Babylonia where "the ruler of the people Israel killed him there as he was being reproved by him concerning the worship of idols." Ezekiel was reportedly buried in the grave of Shem and Arpachshad, after which the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron was modeled. The text also preserved an alternate tradition that Ezekiel was killed by an unidentified member of either the tribe of Dan and that of Gad, who had blamed him for cursing their children and flocks. "The one who killed him was one of them. For they opposed him all the days of his life."

Daniel. This prophet was apparently unmarried, a "chaste man," whom the Jews of his day believed to be eunuch. Various legends from the Book of Daniel are repeated and expanded upon. Daniel is reported to have died, apparently of natural causes, and was buried with great honor in the royal tombs of Babylon.

Minor prophets

Hosea. Born of tribe of Issachar, died of natural causes, and was buried in his home town of Belemoth. The text records an extra-biblical prophecy of Hosea, possibly of Christian origin, that "the Lord would arrive upon the earth if ever the oak which is in Shiloh were divided from itself." It adds twelve oaks indeed came to be from this one.

Micah. Reportedly killed by Joram of Israel, the son of King Ahab after Micah rebuked him for Ahab's impiety. And was buried reportedly buried in his home district on the "burial ground of the Anakim"—the race of giants who were conquered by Caleb. The story of Joram's killing Micah is unlikely, however, since Micah prophesied around 735–700 B.C.E., more than a century after Joram's reign.

Amos. Tortured severely by Amaziah the priest of Bethel, against whom Amos had prophesied, and mortally wounded with a club by Amaziah's son. However, Amos was able to make his way back own district of Tekoa, where he soon died and was buried there.

Joel. Died in peace and was buried the territory of Reuben.

Obadiah. Said to be the same Obadiah who was once the steward of King Ahab's palace. His is identified as a disciple of Elijah from the area near Shechem who later left the king's service became a prophet, and apparently wrote the Book of Obadiah. The text erroneously refers to Ahab as Ahaziah.

Jonah Chapter ten 1Jonah was from the district of Kariathmos near the Greek city of Azotus by 2the sea. And when he had been cast foth by the sea monster and had gone away to Nineveh and had returned, he did not remain in his district, but taking his mother along he sojourned in Sour, a territory (inhabited by) foreign nations; 3for he said, So shall I remove my reproach, for I spoke falsely in prophesying 4against the great city of Nineveh. At that time Elijah was rebuking the house 5of Ahab, and when he had invoked famine upon the land he fled. And he went and found the widow with her son, for he could not stay with uncircumcised 6people; and he blessed her. And when her son died, God raised him again from the dead through Elijah, for he wanted to show him that it is not possible to run 7away from God, And after the famine he arose and went into the land of Judah. 8And when his mother died along the way, he buried her near Deborah’s Oak. 9And after sojourning in the land of Saraar he died and was buried in the cave of 10Kenaz, who became judge of one tribe in the days of the anarchy. And he gave a portent concerning Jerusalem and the whole land, that whenever they should 11see a stone crying out piteously the end was at hand. And whenever they should see all the gentiles in Jerusalem, the entire city would be razed to the ground.

Nahum Chapter eleven 1Nahum was from Elkesi on the other side of Isbegabarin of the tribe of 2Simeon. After Jonah this man gave to Nineveh a portent, that it would be 3destroyed by fresh water and an underground fire, which also happened. For the lake which surrounds it inundated it during an earthquake, and fire coming from 4the wilderness burned its higher section. He died in peace and was buried in his own district.

Habakkuk Chapter twelve 1Habakkuk was of the tribe of Simeon, from the countryside of Bethzouchar. 2Before the captivity he had a vision concerning the conquest of Jerusalem, and 3he mourned greatly. And when Nebuchadnezzar entered Jerusalem he fled to 4Ostrakine, and (later) sojourned in the land of Ishmael. When the Chaldeans turned back, and the remnant that was in Jerusalem (went) to Egypt, he was living 5in his own district and ministering to those who were harvesting his field. When he took the food, he prophesied to his own family, saying, I am going to a far 6country, and I will come quickly. But is I delay, take (food) to the harvesters. 7And when he had gone to Babylon and given the meal to Daniel, he approached the harvesters as they were eating and told no one what had happened; he 8understood that the people would soon return from Babylon. And he dies two 9years before the return. And he was buried alone in his own field. 10He gave a portent to those in Judea, that they would see a light in the Temple 11and so perceive the glory of the Temple. And concerning the end of the Temple 12he predicted, By a western nation it will happen. At that time, he said, the curtain of the Dabeir will be torn into small pieces, and the capitals of the two pillars will be taken away, and no one will know where they are; and they will be carried away by angels into the wilderness, where the tent of witness was 13set up in the beginning. And by means of them the Lord will be recognized at the end, for they will illuminate those who are being pursued by the serpent in darkness as from the beginning.

Zephaniah Chapter thirteen 1,2Zephaniah was of the tribe of Simeon, of the countryside of Sabaratha. He prophesied concerning the city and about the end of the gentiles and the shaming 3of the impious. And he died and was buried in his field.

Haggai Chapter fourteen 1Haggai, who is also the Messenger, came from Babylon to Jerusalem, probably as a youth, and he openly prophesied concerning the return of the people, 2and witnessed in past the building of the Temple/ And when he died he was buried near the tomb of the priests, in great honor as were they.

Zechariah Chapter fifteen 1Zechariah came from Chaldea when he was already well advanced in years, and there he prophesied many things to the people, and gave portents as proof. 2This man told Jozadak that he would beget a son and that he would serve as priest 3in Jerusalem. He also pronounced a blessing upon Shealtiel at the birth of his 4son, and named him Zerubbabel. And concerning Cyrus he gave a portent of his victory, and prophesied regarding the service which he was to perform for 5Jerusalem, and he blessed him greatly. His prophesying in Jerusalem was based on his visions about the end of the gentiles, Israel, the Temple, the laziness of 6prophets and priests, and he set forth the twofold judgment. And he died when he had attained a great age, and when he expired he was buried near Haggai.

Malachi Chapter sixteen 1Malachi. This man was born in Sopha after the return, and while still a very 2young man he led a virtuous life. And since the whole people honored him as holy and gently, it called him Malachi, which means angel; for he was indeed 3beautiful to behold. Moreover, whatever he himself said in prophecy, on the same day an angel of God appeared and repeated (it), as happened also in the days of the anarchy as written in Spharphotim, that is, in the Book of Judges. 4And while he was still a young man he was added to his fathers in his own field.

Nathan Chapter seventeen 1Nathan, David’s prophet, was from Gaba, and it was he who taught him the 2law of the Lord. And he saw that David would transgress in the Bathshebe (affair); and while he was hastening to go to tell him, Beliar hindered him, for by the road he found a dead man who had been murdered lying naked; and he 3remained there, and that night he knew that (David) had committed the sin. And he returned weeping, and when (David) killed her husband, the Lord sent (him) 4to rebuke him. And when he had grown very old he died and was buried in his own district.

Ahijah Chapter eighteen 1Ahijah was from Shiloh, where the tabernacle was in ancient times, of Eli’s 2city. This man said concerning Solomon that he would give offense to the Lord. 3And he rebuked Jeroboam, because he was going to walk deceitfully with the Lord; He saw a yoke of oxen trampling the people and running against the priests. 4He also foretold to Solomon that his wives would change him and all his 5posterity. And he died and was buried near the Oak of Shiloh.

Joad Chapter nineteen 1Joad was from Samereim. This is the one whom the lion attacked and he 2died when he rebuked Jeroboam over the calves. And he was buried in Bethel near the false prophet who deceived him.

Azariah Chapter twenty 1Azariah was from the district of Sybatha, (it was he) who turned from Israel 2the captivity of Judah. And he died and was buried in his own field.

Elijah Chapter twenty one 1Elijah, a Thesbite from the land of the Arabs of Aaron’s tribe, was living 2in Gilead, for Thesbe was given to the priests. When he was to be born, his father Sobacha saw that men of shining white appearance were greeting him and 3wrapping him in fire, and they gave him flames of fire to eat. And he went and reported (this) in Jerusalem, and the oracle told him, Do not be afraid, for his dwelling will be light and his word judgment, and he will judge Israel. 4,5The signs which he did are these. Elijah prayed, and it did not rain for three 6years, and after three years he prayed again and abundant rain came. In Zerephath of Sidon through the word of the Lord he made the jar of the widow not to fail 7and the flask of oil not to diminish. Her son who had died God raised from the 8dead after (Elijah) prayed. When the question was posed by him and the prophets of Baal concerning who is the true and real God, he proposed that a sacrifice be offered both by him and by them, and that fire not be placed under (it), but that 9each should pray, and the one answering him would be God. Accordingly, the (prophets) of Baal prayed and cut themselves until the ninth hour, and no one answered them; and Elijah, when he had filled the place where the sacrifice was with much water, also prayed, and immediately fire came down and consumed 10the sacrifice, and the water was gone. And all blessed God, and killed the four 11hundred and fifty (prophets) of Baal. When King Ahaziah sent to obtain an oracle 12from idols, (Elijah) prophesied death, and he died. When two captains of fifty were sent to him from Ahaziah, the king of Israel, he invoked the Lord and fire came down from heaven, and the fire consumed them at the Lord’s command. 13,14Ravens brought him bread in the morning and meat in the afternoon. With a sheepskin he struck the Jordan and it was divided, and they crossed over with 15dry feet, both he and Elisha. Finally he was taken up in a chariot of fire.

Elisha Chapter twenty two 1,2 Elisha was from Abel Meholah in the land of Reuben. And a marvel occurred concerning this man, for when he was born in Gilgal, the golden calf bellowed shrilly, so that it was heard in Jerusalem, and the priest declared through the Urim that a prophet had been born to Israel who would destroy their carved 3images and molten idols And when he died, he was buried in Samaria. 4,5The signs which he did are these. He too struck the Jordan with Elijah’s 6sheepskin, and the water was divided, and he too passed over with dry feet. The water in Jericho was foul and sterile; and hearing this water, and no longer will death 7and sterility issue from it, and the water has remained healed to this day. When children treated him disrespectfully, he cursed them, and two bears came out and 8tore to pieces forty-two of them. The wife of a prophet who had died was being pestered by creditors, and was unable to pay; she came to Elisha, and he commanded her to gather new vessels, as many as she could, and to pour the (jar) containing very little oil into them until the vessels were full; and she did this and filled the vessels and repaid her creditors, and she had the surplus for the 9sustenance of her children. He went to Shunem and stayed with a certain woman; she was not able to bear a child, but earnestly desired to have one; he prayed and made her able to conceive and give birth; then, when the child died, he prayed 10again and raised it from the dead. He went to Gilgal and was brought before the sons of the prophets; and when the food was boiled, and a deadly herb was boiled with the food, and they were all on the brink of danger, he made the food harmless 11and sweet. When the sons of the prophets were felling trees by the Jordan, the axehead fell off and sank; and Elisha, praying, made the axehead float to the 12,13surface. Through him Naaman the Syrian was cleansed of leprosy. When his servant, named Gehazi, went to Naaman secretly, against his wishes, and asked for silver, and later upon returning denied it, Elisha rebuked and cursed him, and 14he became a leper. When the king of Syria was making war against Israel, he 15protected the king of Israel by announcing to him the plans of the enemy. When the king of Syria learned this he sent a force to bring the prophet, but he prayed and made them to be struck with blindness, and he led them to Samaria, to their 16enemies, but keeping them unharmed he preserved and fed them. When the king 17of Syria learned this he stopped making war. After Elisha’s death a man died, and as he was being buried he was thrown onto his bones, and just as he touched Elisha’s bones the dead man revived immediately.

Zechariah son of Jehoiada Chapter twenty three 1Zechariah was from Jerusalem, son of Jehoida the priest, and Joash the king of Judah killed him near the altar, and the house of David poured out his blood in front of the Ailam, and the priests took him and buried him with his father. 2From that time visible portents occurred in the Temple, and the priests were not able to see a vision of angels of God or to give oracles from the Dabeir, or to inquire by the Ephod, or to answer the people through Urim as formerly.

Conclusion Chapter twenty four 1And other prophets became hidden, whose names are contained in their genealogies in the books of the names of Israel; for the whole race of Israel are enrolled by name.

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