ana translation

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INTRODUCTION
These passages are, as we have seen, from the Peshitta ; except
those from a few of the later-written Books (those
of Chronicles, those
that are described as of Ezra and those of Daniel), for which the
compiler has recourse to a Syriac Version from the LXX. That
Version he, in the case of Daniel, identifies as Paul's and there is no
;
reason to doubt that the extracts from Chronicles, and those from Ezra,
are from Paul's Version likewise.
The compiler, therefore, after following in the main the order of the
Peshitta* in arranging his extracts, to the end of 4 Kings, turns
(perhaps because his copy of the Peshitta was incomplete) to the later
(Septuagintal) Syriac for the Books which his historic sense directed
him to place next in succession Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It
is noteworthy that this is the place occupied by " Paralipomena, Esdras "
in the MS of Masius as described by him whereas in the Peshitta
;
(as
in the Hebrew) they are relegated to the latter part of the Old Testament.
But Daniel in both Syriac Versions has his place as one of the
Four Greater Prophets. Thus the copy of Paul's Version used by our
compiler must have been, as regards the order and arrangement of the
Books, such a one as would be formed if the Masian MS (of the narrative
Books) were restored to integrity and joined to the Ambrosian MS
(of the poetical and prophetical Books).
SECTION VII.
Inferences concerning 1 Esdras; its place
in the LXX.
Hence it seems warrantable to draw from the
character of the contents
of our Catena inferences as to the character of the contents of the
MS of Masius. (As to the Ambrosian MS, we have already seen that
the Daniel [after the Chisian text] which it exhibits, is identical with
the Daniel represented by the extracts of the Catena.}
1. The Ezra of the Catena is, as above stated, the "First Esdras"
of the Septuagint ;
and ib is placed, as the " Esdras " of the Masian MS
was placed, immediately after the Books of Chronicles : while of the
canonical Ezra our compiler has given no sign of recognition. Hence
arises a presumption that
this " First Esdras," which as we have seen
was included in PauPs Version, is to be understood as included in the
" " Esdras of Masius' list.
* With the Hebrew, the Peshitta places these Books after the Prophets, far
apart from the Books of Kings.