Chapter 1

1Joachim, a rich man, 2 offers to the Lord, 3 is opposed by Reuben the high-priest, because he has not begotten issue in Israel, 6 retires into the wilderness and fasts forty days and forty nights . IN the history of the twelve tribes of Israel we read there was a certain person called Joachim, who being very rich, made double offerings to the Lord God, having made this resolution: Click to enlarge ELIZABETH RECEIVING THE VISIT OF MARY. FROM A GREEK DIPTYCHON OF THE THIRTEENTH OR FOURTEENTH CENTURY. my substance shall be for the benefit of the whole people, and that I may find mercy from the Lord God for the forgiveness of my sins.
2But at a certain great feast of the Lord, when the children of Israel offered their gifts, and Joachim also offered his, Reuben the high-priest opposed him, saying it is not lawful for thee to offer thy gifts, seeing thou hast not begot any issue in Israel.
3At this Joachim being concerned very much, went away to consult the registries of the twelve tribes, to see whether he was the only person who had begot no issue.
4But upon inquiry he found that all the righteous had raised up seed in Israel:
5Then he called to mind the patriarch Abraham, How that God in the end of his life had given him his son Isaac; upon which he was exceedingly distressed, and would not be seen by his wife:
6But retired into the wilderness, and fixed his tent there, and fasted forty days and forty nights, saying to himself,
7I will not go down either to eat or drink, till the Lord my God shall look down upon me, but prayer shall be my meat and drink.