#darius decrees

[arakkiisuperstar]

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

The Decree of Darius

1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:

3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.

6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.

17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

19 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.

20 For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat,

22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. — Ezra 6 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Exodus 12:6; Numbers 3:6; Deuteronomy 12:5; 1 Kings 6:36; 1 Kings 8:62-63; 2 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 29:34; Ezra 1:1; Ezra 1:7; Ezra 4:9; Ezra 4:24; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:14; Ezra 8:35; Ezra 9:1; Nehemiah 13:6; Daniel 5:13; 1 Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 10:7

[carltonblaylock]

Darius Signs the Foolish Decree

Daniel 6:4-9 the plot of the leaders (6:4–9) 6:4–5. The two administrators and 120 satraps sought some basis on which to accuse Daniel in his administrative work. They were probably jealous of his position and resented him because he was a Judean (cf. comments on 3:12). But they found that Daniel was not corrupt; he was trustworthy and diligent in discharging his responsibilities. They decided…

[goldenmagnolias]

lost in the labyrinth of my mind

pairing: OC High Lord of Dusk x Archeron!Sister

summary: Reverie Archeron has always been different. Different in a good or bad way depends on who you asked. Now a High Fae, and with another war approaching she tries to be as helpful as she can around Velaris and with her baby nephew, but at a High Lord meeting, the countless dreams she has as a child and the feelings that are not quite hers suddenly make sense and things become something that she never could have seen coming.

masterlist / ao3

CHAPTER X: UNSPOKEN SECRETS

“You’re not going.” Nesta’s words are adamant and sound like a decree, the second the four of them find themselves in the corner of the sprawling sitting room balcony at the Winter Court Palace.

“Nesta,” Elain reprimands their older sister.

“No. We don’t know anything about where she’s going.” Nesta says shaking her head.

“He’s her mate.” Feyre tries to calm the situation down even so if slightly.

“She’s our baby sister.” Nesta snaps, “she’s a baby and the Calderon only knows how old is he and she’s not even 20.”

“And?” Reverie sighs. “If we were on Human lands father would probably have already sold me like a brood mare. Calderon, if mother was alive that might have been before I turned sixteen even.”

“That wouldn’t happen.” Nesta shakes her head, even though she knows it’s the truth.

“Can you really tell me that without second guessing yourself?” Reverie says quietly, looking at her eldest sister. “I know it’s not… I know why you don’t wish me to go. But I- he hasn’t been anything but kind to me, and we do have a mating bond.”

The Calderon took so much but maybe I’m being given something. Reverie adds in her head, something that is mine, to have, to hold and to cherish.

Nesta’s gaze is unwavering but Reverie meets it with her own eyes. Nesta sighs tilting her head back eyes moving to the sky.

“I believe it’s, Ria’s choice, Nesta.” Elain says, her voice slightly echoed, which makes all three of her sisters turn to her.

“You saw something.” Reverie says slightly wide eyed.

Elain hasn’t really seen much regarding her. Barely anything at all.

“Elain?” Nesta calls, when Elain doesn’t say anything merely stares at Reverie. Before Nesta’s voice seems to snap her out of it. Her eyes going clear once more.

“We have to let her live her life,” Elain says quietly, “we are living ours and she’s merely surviving.”

Reverie tries not to let the words sink too deep into her mind, she wonders what Elain saw. She merely clasps her hands, folding them in front of herself. Not adding anything to her sister’s words, but not denying them either.

Nesta sighs, and looks at Reverie. “You… if anyone and I do mean anyone mistreats you. You call for us and we will have you back at Velaris in a heartbeat.”

Feyre nods, raising her hand to move a stray hair out of Reverie’s face. Something flickering behind her eyes. Memories, Reverie assumes, bad ones, if the slightly forced smile on her sisters lips followed by the way her eyes unfocus probably talking with Rhys in her mind are anything to go by.

“Now tell us,” Feyre says with a more true and carefree smile, eyes twinkling mischievously, “what was your first impression of your mate?”

Reverie can’t help the deep rouge blush that makes itself present on her cheeks and her sisters laugher and knowing smiles don’t make it easier on her.

….

Ophiuchus walks towards where most of his Inner Circle is sitting, after leaving his mate so she can have some privacy while talking with her sisters.

“So?” Elia asks as soon as he approaches.

“So?” Ophiuchus echoes back with an raised eyebrow.

“Oh for the Mother’s sake, Ophiuchus. Just give us something. How is she? What she’s like?” Darius asks, “she’s to be our High Lady and your wife you know?”

“She’s just overwhelmed and she’s-“ He trails off.

Mainly because he can’t quite put into a few words.

Dazzling, beautiful, cleaver, kind, caring, ethereal.

Everything his soul earned for and then some more.

And also because there is a lot of people in this room large as it might be, he’s not about to show weakness and simultaneously put a target on his Mate’s back.

“Can’t exactly blame her for being overwhelmed. I believe there isn’t a setting where it wouldn’t be.” Taran says, his voice breaking through Ophiuchus mind ravings. “Will she be going to Dusk with us?”

“Of course she is!” Darius says, “she’s his mate.”

“She also has a choice, Darius. She will not be made do anything she doesn’t wish.” Ophiuchus says, with a slightly colder tone, “but I do believe she will.”

“Good,” Ayla says, with a small smile.

“Oh it will be nice having another girl around,” Daphne says with a nod. “I have a feeling Euryphaessa will be a place she will like. We shall show her around. Help her become familiar with our court.”

“Oh and the foods and fashion and our festivals.” Elia gushes.

“Try not to overwhelm her, dear.” Daphne says to her with an amused smile.

“Something bothers you,” Ayla says to her cousin as the rest of the court keeps on talking, only Taran who was beside the two also hearing.

“There’s a war knocking on our door of course something bothers me.” Ophiuchus says.

“Wanna try that again, cousin?” Ayla ask with a pointed ‘you-are-not-fooling-me’ look.

“We have a lot of things that out here aren’t normal.” Ophiuchus comments quietly.

“She doesn’t seem a very judgmental person. Specially not one to judge before even knowing things.”

“Maybe not.” Ophiuchus says, “doesn’t change the fact that we… deal and do things differently than what they do over here, and specially from what they do in the human lands as far as I’m aware.”

“The Mother made her your mate,” Taran says, “there’s probably a reason she was made such.”

“Let’s hope you’re right, Taran.”

“He tends to be.” Ayla hums. “Does she have any specific gifts given by the Calderon?” She asks quietly and curiously, “like her sisters?”

“Not that I’ve been told off and I do believe not that she’s aware of it either.” Ophiuchus says, “her being made did come up in conversation but we didn’t dwell on it. I didn’t think fair to ask much. It clearly wasn’t an easy situation what happened…”

“They were kidnapped and thrown in it.” Taran comments, and Ophiuchus and Ayla turn to him. “People talk, specially when it’s gossip regarding their rulers and such, and I’m a Spymaster, you should be glad I’m aware of things.”

Ophiuchus hums, his eyes moving to his mate who’s in one corner with her sisters.

It amusing how they look alike, but nothing alike at the same time. His Sweet-Eyed girl eyes and hair making her the most different out of the four.

He can feel the bond thrumming inside of his chest as he looks at her, the pull to be near her.

….

taglist: @imma-too-many-fandoms

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

Jeremiah 32:37-40

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:

And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:

And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Lord literally says that he will make them afraid, knowing his history of fury and wrath, so that they, and all their descendants, will never leave him. For their own good. Like any abuser.

Jeremiah 5:21-22

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Lord doesn’t understand how water works, but wants the unbelievers to tremble.

Daniel 5:18-19

O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

You should tremble in fear because the capricious Lord could arbitrarily kill anyone.

Daniel 6:25-27

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Tremble and fear because Lord’s tyranny shall be everlasting.

Malachi 2:3-6

Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

Lord’s covenant with Levi granted him life and peace in exchange for fear, being afraid of Lord.

Isaiah 8:13

Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

Live in dreaded fear of Lord.

The same Xians who insist that “fEaR MeAnS ReSpEcT!!” also want to tell me about how I’m going to hell. And don’t think they sound like complete idiots.

[the-rambling-fatebender]

I have no idea why I keep making Azuriel's backstory this complicated. But i felt her "noble heritage" needs justification, since it clashes with the very first verse of The Predestination. I could have just wipe it off by some free interpretation bs (which i did, partly), or could have ignore it, (as one failed Tel'Imaltath wrote, it was never meant to actually come true - so why would any detail be accurate?) But NAH,

I love to suffer, so here's the outline of this chaos of a family tree, and some event explanation in the Arquen family's past. I DON'T ENCOURAGE anyone to suffer it through, because it is a mess, and makes little to zero sense after all, but i really enjoy doing some extra worldbuilding stuff - BECAUSE I know, I SHOULD DRAW rn, but i can't :D I genuinely appreciate though if you really DO suffer through this shit: You're AWESOME! But you've been warned :D And if you don't wanna read all this random rambling, here's a conclusion: - The 'Arquen family 'started with a "commoner" receiving a fief and a title - a very minor one, compared to their overlords but still. - after a couple of generations the fief and the title has gone because of severe debt, so basically the folk involved became destitutes. To pay off their debt, the descendants had to serve at Stonefield from a very young age.

Lyana's dad finally managed to restore the family's status and the land, plus become friends with Lord BB. MegaWIN.

HOWEVER he committed that specific mistake (blood is blood after all or what...) to fall for one of the Boddenbruuk servants, an aeterna lady. (i want to clarify here that the majority of Stonefield servants were not Arquen descendants so this is not an incest tale :D )

So in the end, Azuriel was not even nominally noble from many aspects. She hasn't inherited jack shit, she was not raised as one, her ancestors were destitutes for a couple of generations; But still she is, according to some well hidden parchments. :DDD

See? I could have done it the easy way, but i went bonkers instead inventing this overcomplicated shit. :D --------------------------------

PT I.

~ 200 yrs ago, Lyana’s very great-great grandfather Darius (nicknamed, „the tall”, bcz his stature was closer to the Aeterna, despite of being Alemanne)

was given the honor, along with the noble name „Arquen” (meaning ’knight’ – loanword from old aeterna) for his„exceptional military services”* as a footsoldier of the Middlerealm. Property was also given with the title: Casle Ledur and the surroundings → later became „Arquen Manor” (*copy of the deed of gift Azuriel has found in Erothin Archives) - Couple of generations, until one of the Arquens (Aster) accumulated a debt* that the Boddenbruuk countess at the time,(Lady Sedna, decided to confiscate the manor. ( →plus Aster married a half-aeterna minstrel, Aelune, which was not only unusual, but Middlerealm overlords did not took it kindly for their weird reasons)

(*at least that’s the reason named in the copy of the decree says, which can also be found in the Erothin Archives)

-The family got disbanded – however the able bodied youngsters of Aster and Aelune were taken to Stonefield as squires; Aster and Aelune's exact fate is unknown.

-One of the kid, (Theodore Arquen, granddad of Damian) managed to remain at the Countess’ service (guard captain), settled down, got married (Moira), and tried to intrique his way around in hope of redeeming back their status. (ofc this didn't work out this way)

-ThenDamian Arquen, dad of Azuriel happened (he was the sole child of Nestor Arquen and the miller’s daughter Avina)

- At 7, Damian was taken under old Lord (Ansgar) Boddenbruuk’s tutelage because of Avina and Nestor’s premature death, and as usual, his squireship began at the same year, under the then 17 year old Lothar Boddenbruuk. -At the age of 19, Damian had been accoladed to knight, and the ever growing tension between the Middle and the Northrealm created an opporunity for him to prove himself:

-on his very first campaign he was assigned to accompany the Boddenbruuks (Old Ansgar and his son, Lothar, 29 at the time (who was, btw widow to Lady Anabel Rhamalion.)

-At the age of 20, though the campaign was not entirely succesful (They won the Battle of Mortram, but were unable to advance further to the Capital, and Lothar got wounded.) - For his strategic and military prowess, and for "saving his ass" in the battle, Lothar restored Castle Ledur and the „Arquen manor” back to the Arquens – Damian – and they became close friends. -In turn, oath of allegiance and other mandatory bs followed for becoming a vassal of the Boddenbruuks - again.

PT II. Damian & Lylien Arquen As Damian were a frequent guest in the following year in Stonefield as the Lord’s friend, he started to develop feelings towards a young aeterna maidservant of the Boddenbruuks, Lylien (19 at the time.) -To set ages right for that time:

***Lord Lothar Boddenbruuk, 30, ***Lady Anabel Rhamalion (deceased after giving birth to their daughter, at the age of 18, would be 22) ***Little Antoinette Boddenbruuk, 4, ***Lylien 19 ***Damian Arquen, 21 - Problem was, Lothar BB also grew fond of Lylien (rather use the term obsessive*), although he tried everything in his power to conceal his feelings..

*triggered by the fact that Lylien’s resemblance in complexion and mannerism to the late Lady Anabel was striking, despite of the former being a lowborn aeterna, while Anabel was of normanne descent. - Lylien reciprocated Damian’s feelings over time, and he eventually asked her (and even the permission of Lord Boddenbruuk) to the marriage. - Obviously he hesitated a bit, used the good ol bad reputation of intermarriage first, then Lylian's importance as "the best" maidservant for his little Antoinette - as an exucuse.

-He eventually threw the towel in with ONE condition: Lylien continues her services* in Stonefield castle regardless of her new home and ’status’.

*she had to „commute” six days a week, but teleportation magic was fairly common back then despite the Chancellor’s disapproval.

-in the 1st year of Lylien & Damian’s marriage: A boy was born in 9897 a. St. → Sylras. Lothar became even more desperate, caught between the battle of his affection, and his friend.

-He grew resentful but still managed to act as the family’s friend tho, partly bcz he needed his friend’s support to a campaign* against a so called Bandit Prince (who nestled in the county, robbed /enslaved merchants and travellers.

*was deliberately unsuccesful but SsSsHhShh! -He tried to show nothing of his internal battles, however suppressing his feelings towards Lylien festers inside him.

-Meanwhile, Lylien and Damian even planned a second child - however there were some difficulties this time around, and they had to rely on travelling apothecary’s help (a special herbal medicine* - to make a second pregnancy happen.

*motherwort and milk thistle suspension - not that if this is an important detail to point out)

-Around this time (in the 7th year of their marriage, Sylras being 6), when Lylien’s doing her chores in Antoinette’s bedchamber (girl had riding lessons in that time period) Lord Lothar saw the moment of opportunity that he has taken advantage of… And regretted later.

-Lylien didn’t tell anything to Damian, partly because of shame and partly because she was afraid of Lothar BB - this was not the first sign of him being a wacko

- Approx 9 months later, in 9903. a. St. Lyana Arquen was born. Lyana herself, and nobody else ever could figure out if she was Damian’s or Lothar Boddenbruuk’s daughter.

(Fun fact: she was Damian’s triumph the day before the incident, but when she finds her mom’s diary, she believes her assumption that she might be Lothar’s -Anyway, years went by „as normal”, but Lord BB started rapidly losing his grasp on reality while trying to maintain the facade of bffs with the Arquens.

- HE did the math and grew paranoid that the child might be his, what if later shows resemblance of him and sparks suspicion, or Lylien might eventually tell Damian what has truly happened and he will seek justice or revenge.

-perceptions distorted, he grew bitter and hateful, which resulted in reckless actions, at the time when Lyana was about the age of 5, Sylras being 11,

-in 9908. a. Starfall, 5th of The Departure

-He came to an agreement with the Bandit Prince, and promised him Castle Ledur as a payment IF his team manages to „eliminate” the Arquens*. Preferably by making the whole thing look like “things got out of hand”. (*No witnesses. Thus their household servants and their serfs also „had to go”.

-This way he could sort of “provide” the demand of slave materials to the Prince and he also promised a bonus if he manages to do so by eliminating all evidence of the act being ordered by him..

Which the Prince deliberately ignored after nested into Castle Ledur, and entered into a contract with Lady Alcazar to gain control over the Steel Rail mine. He kept the parchment with the sigil of Lothar among other whatnot in their secret vault, where Azuriel found it, 15 years later.

[aboutanancientenquiry]

An important multidisciplinary collective work about Herodotus’ logos on the Persian King Cambyses in Egypt

Andreas Schwab, Alexander Schütze

Herodotean Soundings

The Cambyses Logos

This volume is dedicated to the logos of Cambyses at the beginning of Book 3 in Herodotus' Histories, one of the few sources on the Persian conquest of Egypt that has not yet been exhaustively explored in its complexity. The contributions of this volume deal with the motivations and narrative strategies behind Herodotus' characterization of the Persian king but also with the geopolitical background of Cambyses' conquest of Egypt as well as the reception of the Cambyses logos by later ancient authors. “Herodotean Soundings: The Cambyses Logos” exemplifies how a multidisciplinary approach can contribute significantly to a better understanding of a complex work such as Herodotus' Histories.

Contents

Alexander Schütze & Andreas Schwab: Introduction I CLOSE READINGS: LINGUISTIC, NARRATOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES Elizabeth Irwin: Just Who is Cambyses? Imperial Identities and Egyptian Campaigns Anna Bonifazi: Herodotus’ verbal strategies to depict Cambyses’ abnormality Anthony Ellis: Relativism in Herodotus: Foreign Crimes and Divinities in the Inquiry II SOUNDINGS: GEOPOLITICAL, HISTORICAL AND EGYPTOLOGICAL ASPECTS Melanie Wasmuth: Perception and Reception of Cambyses as Conqueror and King of Egypt: Some Fundamentals Alexander Schütze: Remembering Cambyses in Persian Period Egypt Gunnar Sperveslage: On the historical and archaeological background of Cambyses’ alliance with Arab tribes (Hdt. 3.4-9) Damien Agut-Labordère: An “Ammonian Tale”: Cambyses in the Egyptian Western Desert Olaf Kaper: The revolt of Petubastis IV during the reigns of Cambyses and Darius Andreas Schwab: “Psammis”: just a sandstorm or a rebel? Joachim-Friedrich Quack: Cambyses and the sanctuary of Ptah Fabian Wespi: Cambyses’ Decree III RECEPTION Reinhold Bichler: A comparative look at the Post-Herodotean Cambyses

Andreas Schwab is Assistant Professor of Classics at the Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg in Germany

Alexander Schütze is currently Assistant Professor at the Institute for Egyptology and Coptology at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich.

Source: https://www.narr.de/herodotean-soundings-18329-1/

This important and interdisciplinary collective work on Herodotus, the Persian conquest of Egypt, and the rule and end of Cambyses will appear on April 24 of this year.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Friday, December 28, 2023

december 16_december 28

THE HOLY PROPHET AGGEI/HAGGAI (500 B.C.)

The Holy Prophet Haggai was the tenth of the Twelve Minor Prophets. He was of the Tribe of Levi and he prophesied during the times of the Persian emperor Darius Hystaspis (prior to 500 B.C.). Upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity, he persuaded the people to build the Second Temple at Jerusalem, and he proclaimed that the Messiah would appear in this Temple in the last times.

It is believed that Haggai was buried with the priests at Jerusalem, since he was descended from Aaron.

THE BLESSED EMPRESS THEOPHANIA OF BYZANTUM (893)

Saint Theophanó was a pious and virtuous Empress, who was greatly praised by the chroniclers of her time because of her evangelical life, her almsgiving, and her exceptional piety. She born in Constantinople, the daughter of Constantine Martinakios and his wife Anna, who raised their daughter with diligence. When she was of a marriageable age, Emperor Basil the Macedonian chose her to be the wife of his son Leo the Wise (886 - 912), with whom she dwelt in marital fidelity for twelve years.

The Holy Empress Theophanó and her husband Leo were imprisoned for three years, because Leo was falsely accused of plotting to assassinate his father, Emperor Basil. After obtaining her freedom,Theophanó spent her life in prayer and fasting, earnestly struggling for her salvation. She was recognized as a Saint and a wonderworker, even during her lifetime, because of the many good works which she performed out of love for her neighbor.

Though she lived in the world, she renounced everything worldly, and became a benefactor of the poor. She also built churches and monasteries, or restored those in need of repair. She was a true mother to her subjects, caring for widows and orphans, and consoling the sorrowful.

Despite all the grandeur and wealth surrounding her, she preserved her customary humility and modesty. She preferred to dress in simple clothing so that she would not recognized. Accompanied by two trusted servants, she would visit the homes of the poor and the persecuted, offering her assistance. Her faith was such that she was found worthy of the gift of performing miracles. When medical science gave up on a patient because it could not heal him, Saint Theophanó restored him to health. In spite of all the bitterness she had experienced in her life, Saint Theophanó could still sing praises to the Lord, according to the words of the Prophet King David: "Sing praises to the Lord, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises" (Psalm 46/47:6).

Saint Theophanó reposed circa 893-894. Even before her death, her husband started to build a church, intending to dedicate it to Theophanó, but she forbade him to do so. It was Emperor Leo who decreed that the Sunday after Pentecost be dedicated to All Saints. Believing his wife to be one of the righteous, he knew that she would also be honored whenever the Feast of All Saints was celebrated.

The incorrupt relics of Saint Theophanó are preserved in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George, at the Phanar in Constantinople. A particle from her relics is in Dionysiou Monastery on Mount Athos.

Source: Orthoodox Church in America_OCA

HEBREWS 11:8,11:16

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude-innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

MARK 9:33-41

33 Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me. 38 Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us." 39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

[bible-hunger-games]

Tribute 19: The lion that didn't eat Daniel

Intended to be a punishment for Daniel

Because Daniel was raised in rank by Darius the Mede, his jealous rivals tricked Darius into making a decree saying that prayers should only be addressed to Darius for thirty days or else they'd be thrown to lions, and Daniel broke that by praying to God

The king reluctantly sentenced Daniel to death by lion, but the lions never ate him because of God's protection

Daniel in the lions' den

[walkswithmyfather]

“Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” —Daniel 6:25‭-‬27 (NKJV)

(Via)

[arakkiisuperstar]

every time yall leave wyll out of your group art that has literally every other origin character in it i want you to know that i am the reason you have a headache and your hand is cramping. im hexing you with my mind

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Temple Rebuilding Resumes

1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

4 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?

5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.

6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:

7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.

8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?

10 We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.

11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.

12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.

13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.

14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;

15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.

16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. — Ezra 5 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Exodus 36:1; 1 Kings 6:1; 1 Kings 6:38; 2 Kings 25:8; 2 Chronicles 36:16; Ezra 1:1; Ezra 1:3; Ezra 1:7-8; Ezra 3:2; Ezra 3:8; Ezra 4:2; Ezra 4:9; Ezra 4:12; Ezra 6:1-2; Ezra 6:3; Ezra 6:5; Ezra 6:14; Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:28; Ezra 8:36; Ezra 10:18; John 2:20

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

26th September >> Mass Readings (USA)

Tuesday, Twenty Fifth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs.

Tuesday, Twenty Fifth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: A (1))

First Reading Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20 They completed the temple of God, and ate the Passover.

King Darius issued an order to the officials of West-of-Euphrates: “Let the governor and the elders of the Jews continue the work on that house of God; they are to rebuild it on its former site. I also issue this decree concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews in the rebuilding of that house of God: From the royal revenue, the taxes of West-of-Euphrates, let these men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay. I, Darius, have issued this decree; let it be carefully executed.”

The elders of the Jews continued to make progress in the building, supported by the message of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, son of Iddo. They finished the building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus and Darius and of Artaxerxes, king of Persia. They completed this house on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. The children of Israel–priests, Levites, and the other returned exiles– celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. For the dedication of this house of God, they offered one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, and four hundred lambs, together with twelve he-goats as a sin-offering for all Israel, in keeping with the number of the tribes of Israel. Finally, they set up the priests in their classes and the Levites in their divisions for the service of God in Jerusalem, as is prescribed in the book of Moses.

The exiles kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Levites, every one of whom had purified himself for the occasion, sacrificed the Passover for the rest of the exiles, for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R/ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.

R/ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.

R/ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.

R/ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Luke 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 8:19-21 My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-------------------------

Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs 

(Liturgical Colour: Red: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Wisdom 3:1-9 As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Gospel Acclamation James 1:12

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 10:28-33 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body.

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[dailyaudiobiblechronological]

9/15/2022 DAB Chronological Transcripion

Daniel 4 - 6

Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible Chronological, I'm China. Today is the 15th day of September, welcome. It is so great to be here with you today. Today we continue in the Book of Daniel. We are in in chapters four through six and we continue on with the New International Version for this week.

Commentary

Truly, what an incredible story that we have read today. Just the hand of God over Daniel's life, the favor of God over Daniel's life. And something that I love that even the King is saying, is the God who continuously rescues you, the God that you continuously serve, may he be the one who rescues you. And it's interesting hearing King Darius, say Daniel, has your God delivered you? And instead of being like, has the God or has the only Almighty God? But then at the end of this story, and at the end of the story that we read yesterday with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, there's these ordinances that get put in place of, this is who we're going to serve now. And mind you, like, there was an ordinance placed just maybe 48 hours ago, if that, that this is who you're going to serve and it's going to be me, you're going to be worshipping me. And if it's anybody else, within the next 30 days, you will be fed to the lions. And so people are like, okay, okay, sure, we're on board. And then Daniel is like, no. And then everything unfolds with him that we just read about. And then the King is like, okay, now here's what's going to happen. Here's a letter to all the nations and every people in every language in all the earth, may you prosper greatly. I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom, people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. So the Lord gets the glory yet again because of Daniel's brave faith, his bold faith, his faith, and trust in the Lord that he will come through for him. And even if not, he is worthy to serve to the point of death. And some of this feels very similar to the story of Jesus where they're trying to trap Daniel up and try to get him to say something so that he can be killed. And so they try to go put something in ordinance and they don't get the final say, they don't get the final word. Ultimately, the Lord ends up prevailing and he gets the glory through all of this. And so I love reading the Book of Daniel. It is filled with insane faith, elevating stories that really just get me excited about who God is and also just the encouraging faith that these men, collectively, these four men, have had, where even if our God doesn't rescue us, we still will not worship you, we still will serve Him. That's so inspiring to read that and to hear that and to think, wow, in my circumstance, whatever it is that you're going through right now, would you still choose the Lord even if he didn't rescue you out of it? I feel like there's so many instances in so many cases where we're like, Lord, if I don't get this outcome, peace out, I'm done. But these men had their lives on the line, literally their lives on the line, and they were going to be killed in brutal ways, being burned to death or being eaten alive by lions. And so, wow.

Prayer

Lord, I pray that we would be people of old faith. We would be inspired by your readings and your word. And God, I just thank you so much for these men and their stories and their lives and their dedication to you, their understanding of who you were. And even if you didn't come through for them, even if you didn't rescue them, they were still going to serve you. And, God, I pray that our hearts would lean towards that posture, that, Lord, even if you didn't provide, even if this didn't change or this situation didn't develop, that you would still be enough for us and you would still be worthy of all of our praise. And it is in Your name and we pray, amen.

Announcements

Dailyaudiobible.com is our website. That's the place of connections where you can see what is happening here in the community. That's how you can get connected and stay connected. So be sure to check that out. If you have any prayer requests or things that we as a community can come alongside of you and pray for you, you can call in 800-583-2164. Or if you listen to the app, you can send them in through there. They get sent in here and played at the end of every day's podcast. That is all for today. I'm China. I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer Line

Hi, this is Victoria soldier just calling to pray for some DABbers. And my heart is out to you. And because I've been having such so many spiritual encounter with the Shakina glory of God, and I've been just praying out for the saints of God, especially our DABbers, precious DABbers, our Edburt, and my precious sister Bila. I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your mother. I'm praying for all those who are going through their marriages. I'm praying for North Carolina. I'm praying for my brothers and sisters. With the time I came into the counter, I just start telling the Lord about you all. I just want you all to be encouraged and I want you all to know that the devil desires to sift us as wheat. But Jesus has already prayed for us, that our faith fails us not. We're more than conquerors, DABbers. We are more than conqueror. God is faithful and just. Begin to praise Him, begin to magnify his name and let them know how much you love Him and let him know how powerful he is and how wonderful and how wonderful you love it. And watch Him come in and do miracles like never before. I'm just believing God for miracles. I'm believing God for moving mountains and especially in the life of you DABbers. But I just want to give you that love, my brothers and sisters, and let you all know that I'm praying for you. Have a wonderful day and.

Blessings to all my fellow DABbers out there. This is Laurie from Illinois. Today is Friday, September 9, and I just wanted to say Amanda from Colorado, I wanted to tell you I will continue to pray that your husband will find a job and pray regarding your son's schooling. Crystal from Illinois, how awful for your mother in law, and I'll be praying for her and her family regarding her brother. And Carla from Indiana. What a blessing. Thank you for calling in after being such a longtime listener, and I will be praying for you as well. Several months ago, I'd called in and asked for prayer for my daughter Brittany and her husband Brian because they were trying to purchase a home, and right after they put the offer in on it, it got water damage, so they still have not been able to purchase it or close as of yet because it's being repaired. So if we could pray that that would get done because they're a family of five. And I would like to ask for prayer for Brittany because they just found out they're going to have a bonus baby in February. It was a little bit of a surprise, but we're all excited, and so I would just like to pray for a healthy baby for them. Thank you all. Have a great day. Bye bye.

Hello, my name is Dawn from Ohio, and this is my first year going through the Bible chronologically. I found this approach to reading the Bible through a YouTuber that I listen to, and it has been a real blessing and an eye opening journey this year for me, and I'm thankful for this ministry. I really enjoy listening to all the prayer requests that people are giving on this podcast. And I'm reaching out today for prayer for my two children, my daughter Ashley, who's 29, and my son Matthew, who's 24. They're both prodigal children and they're not walking with the Lord. My daughter struggles with homosexuality and has been living a lesbian lifestyle now for probably around ten years, and my son got 1ft in the world and 1ft in his faith. So I just ask that you would please pray for my children and I'll continue to pray also for prodigal children, for people who listen to this channel as well. Thank you very much. I love you. God bless.

Good morning, DABC family. It's your sister Bridget from Baltimore. Just calling in because I wanted to pray for Tilly from Florida in regards to his heart condition. Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray right now, God, for my brother Tilly. God, I pray, Lord, that you touch him, God, and that you heal his body, God, help him, Jesus, as it relates to his heart. God. Help him to feel better, help him to have relief, help him not to be in pain, God. We know that you can do it. We know, God, that you have all power in your hand, God. So show yourself, mighty God, show yourself as sovereign God, in his life, God, and please bless Tilly so he doesn't have to go through this, lord, I also want to pray, Lord, for Amanda in Colorado, I believe. I want to pray, Lord, God, that her husband finds employment, God, stable employment. And I also pray, Lord, for strength for both of them as they care for their son that was recently diagnosed with autism. Thank you, DABC family, for all that you do. I also have a prayer for myself. I asked family if that you can pray for my boyfriend's mother. Her name is Deborah, and there's some concern of possible cancer in her gallbladder. So if you can pray, Lord, for her, she goes for a biopsy sometime next week. All right, thank you, guys. Love you so much. And her name is Deborah. Thank you.

[ooluwole]

Strength is gained when you kneel!

So king Darius put the decree in writing. Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.” – Daniel 6:9-11. Daniel was…

[ukdamo]

The Fall of Seville

Abu al-Baqa’ al-Rundi - translation, James T. Monroe

Everything declines after reaching perfection, therefore let no man be beguiled by the sweetness of a pleasant life.

As you have observed, these are the decrees that are inconstant: he whom a single moment has made happy, has been harmed by many other moments;

And this is the abode that will show pity for no man, nor will any condition remain in is state for it.

Fate irrevocably destroys every ample coat of mail when Mashrifi swords and spears glance off without effect;

It unsheathes each sword only to destroy it even if it be an Ibn Dhi Yazan and the scabbard Ghumdan.

Where are the crowned kings of Yemen and where are their jewel-studded diadems and crowns?

Where are [the buildings] Shaddad raised in Iram and where [the empire] the Sassanians ruled in Persia?

Where is the gold Qarun once possessed; where are ‘Ad and Shaddad and Qahtan?

An irrevocable decree overcame them all so that they passed away and the people came to be as though they had never existed.

The kingdoms and kings that had been come to be like what a sleeper has told about [his] dream vision.

Fate turned against Darius as well as his slayer, and as for Chosroes, no vaulted palace offered him protection.

It is as if no cause had ever made the hard easy to bear, and as if Solomon had never ruled the world.

The misfortunes brought on by Fate are of many different kinds, while Time has causes of joy and of sorrow.

For the accidents [of fortune] there is a consolation that makes them easy to bear, yet there is no consolation for what has befallen Islam.

An event which cannot be endured has overtaken the peninsula; one such that Uhud has collapsed because of it and Thahlan has crumbled!

The evil eye struck [the peninsula] in its Islam so that [the land] decreased until whole regions and districts were despoiled of [the faith].

Therefore ask Valencia what is the state of Murcia; and where is Jativa, and where is Jaen?

Where is Cordoba, the home of the sciences, and many a scholar whose rank was once lofty in it?

Where is Seville and the pleasures it contains, as well as its sweet river overflowing and brimming full?

[They are] capitals which were the pillars of the land, yet when the pillars are gone, it may no longer endure!

The tap of the white ablution fount weeps in despair, like a passionate lover weeping at the departure of the beloved,

Over dwellings emptied of Islam that were first vacated and are now inhabited by unbelief;

In which the mosques have become churches wherein only bells and crosses may be found.

Even the mihrabs weep though they are solid; even the pulpits mourn through they are wooden!

O you who remain heedless though you have a warning in Fate: if you are asleep, Fate is always awake!

And you who walk forth cheerfully while your homeland diverts you [from cares], can a homeland beguile any man after [the loss of] Seville?

This misfortune has caused those that preceded it to be forgotten, nor can it ever be forgotten for the length of all time!

O you who ride lean, thoroughbred steeds which seem like eagles in the racecourse;

And you who carry slender, Indian blades which seem like fires in the darkness caused by the dust cloud [of war],

And you who are living in luxury beyond the sea enjoying life, you who have the strength and power in your homelands,

Have no you no news of the people of Andalus, for riders have carried forth what men have said [about them]?

How often have the weak, who were being killed and captured while no man stirred, asked our help?

What means this severing of the bonds of Islam on your behalf, when you, O worshipers of God, are [our] brethren?

Are there no heroic souls with lofty ambitions; are there no helpers and defenders of righteousness?

O, who will redress the humiliation of a people who were once powerful, a people whose condition injustice and tyrants have changed?

Yesterday they were kings in their own homes, but today they are slaves in the land of the infidel!

Thus, were you to see them perplexed, with no one to guide them, wearing the cloth of shame in its different shades,

And were you to behold their weeping when they are sold, the matter would strike fear into your heart, and sorrow would seize you.

Alas, many a mother and child have been parted as souls and bodies are separated!

And many a maiden fair as the sun when it rises, as though she were rubies and pearls,

Is led off to abomination by a barbarian against her will, while her eye is in tears and her heart is stunned.

The heart melts with sorrow at such [sights], if there is any Islam or belief in that heart!

The Andalusian city of Seville fell to Christian Castile in 1248, after over 500 years of being a Muslim city. Abu al-Baqa’ al-Rundi was a contemporary Andalusian poet from the city of Ronda, in southern Iberia, who wrote a lament about the fall of the once great city in 1267. He alluded to ancient Arabian and Persian history in his poem, hoping to inspire Muslims to rise up and recapture the city.