NEUOFFENBARUNG← The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Contents
The dangerous temple. The swarm of black flies. The temple collapses. The company under the fig tree. 25 January 1844
01] As the summit of this mountain was cleansed of all vermin in this manner, Cyrenius spoke to his servants:
02] "Go inside the temple and sweep it, and put clean cloth upon the altar, and then place the provisions we have brought along upon this cloth!
03] We will then partake of a little refreshment in this beautiful scenic temple!"
04] Cyrenius' servants immediately went and did as ordered.
05] When everything was prepared, Cyrenius invited Joseph and Mary to follow him into the scenic temple to partake of a little refreshment.
06] Joseph spoke: "Brother, I tell you, let us hastily fetch everything from the temple, otherwise it will collapse even before you will have brought out your things!"
07] For look, this building is exceedingly old, weatherworn and crumbling and has once served the priests in acts of great vileness!
08] Thus it is now held together only by a few evil spirits.
09] If my wife and Child enter this crumbling building, then the evil spirits will flee, and the entire temple will collapse in smoking rubble over us!
10] Please follow my advice and you will fare well!"
11] Cyrenius was very surprised at this but nevertheless followed Joseph's advice instantly.
12] However, his servants had barely completed the task, and that too very hastily, as a great swarm of black flies were seen fleeing the temple amid a wild humming noise.
13] At this phenomenon, Joseph shouted at the servants: "Come out of the temple at once, otherwise you will be injured!"
14] Due to Joseph's shout, Cyrenius' servants rushed out of the temple as if they had been caught in a whirlwind.
15] When they were barely a few feet away from the temple, it collapsed with a tremendous crash.
16] This terrified everyone and they repeatedly threw up their hands above their heads; even the three lions ran away on this occasion, but they soon returned.
17] On all sides, people asked the reason for this event; but none of the gentiles – with the exception of Cyrenius – could give any information.
18] However, as the company had partially recovered from this fright, Cyrenius asked Joseph where he could have the refreshments laid out.
19] And Joseph indicated an open, green spot under a mountain fig tree full of blossoms and fruits.
20] And Cyrenius immediately sent his servants there, who cleaned the place, covered it with a pretty cloth and then placed upon it all sorts of refreshments that had been brought along.