14
In our downfall this audacious and profane man undertakes to violate the holy place on earth dedicated to your glorious name.
15
For your dwelling is the heaven of heavens, unapproachable by human beings.
16
But because you graciously bestowed your glory on your people Israel, you sanctified this place.
17
Do not punish us for the defilement committed by these men, or call us to account for this profanation, otherwise the transgressors will boast in their wrath and exult in the arrogance of their tongue, saying,
18
"We have trampled down the house of the sanctuary as the houses of the abominations are trampled down.'
19
Wipe away our sins and disperse our errors, and reveal your mercy at this hour.
20
Speedily let your mercies overtake us, and put praises in the mouth of those who are downcast and broken in spirit, and give us peace."
21
Thereupon God, who oversees all things, the first Father of all, holy among the holy ones, having heard the lawful supplication, scourged him who had exalted himself in insolence and audacity.
22
He shook him on this side and that as a reed is shaken by the wind, so that he lay helpless on the ground and, besides being paralyzed in his limbs, was unable even to speak, since he was smitten by a righteous judgment.
23
Then both friends and bodyguards, seeing the severe punishment that had overtaken him, and fearing that he would lose his life, quickly dragged him out, panic-stricken in their exceedingly great fear.
24
After a while he recovered, and though he had been punished, he by no means repented, but went away uttering bitter threats.