The Assumption of Moses 9

1Then while this man ruleth a man of the tribe of Levi whose name will be Taxo, who having seven sons shall speak to them and ask them:

2"See ye, my sons, how a second cruel and shameless vengeance hath fallen on the people, and a punishment without mercy beyond the measure of the first?

3For what nation or what country or what people of those who disobey the Lord, who have wrought much sin, have suffered as much as hath been our portion?

4Now therefore, my sons, listen to me: for ye see and know, that neither your parents nor their forefathers ever tempted God, in transgressing His commands.

5And ye know how that this is our strength. Now let us do this:

6Let us fast three days, and on the fourth day let us enter the cave, which is in the field, and there let us die, rather than transgress the commandments of the Lord of Lords, the God of our fathers.

7For if we do this and die, our blood shall be avenged in the sight of the Lord.