The Kebra Nagast 2
Concerning the Greatness of Kings
Gregory, a worker of wonders and miracles, was cast into a cave and suffered tribulation for fifteen years for his love of Christ martyrdom.
1ome then, let us go back, and let us consider, and let us begin [to state] which of the kings of the earth, from the first even unto the last, in respect of the Law and the Ordinances and honour and greatness, we should magnify or decry.
2 Gregory, the worker of wonders and miracles, who was cast into a cave because of [his] love for the martyrdom of Christ and suffered tribulation for fifteen years, said, " When I was in the pit I pondered over this matter, and over the folly of the Kings of Armenia, and I said, In so far as I can conceive it, [in] what doth the greatness of kings [consist]?
3 Is it in the multitude of soldiers, or in the splendour of worldly possessions, or in extent of rule over cities and towns?
4 This was my thought each time of my prayer, and my thought stirred me again and again to meditate upon the greatness of kings. And now I will begin."
Did You Know?
Gregory, a worker of wonders and miracles, was cast into a cave and suffered tribulation for fifteen years for his love of Christ martyrdom.
While in the pit Gregory pondered the folly of the Kings of Armenia and what true greatness of kings might mean.
He asked if kingly greatness lies in multitudes of soldiers, splendour of possessions, or rule over cities and towns.
Gregory the Illuminator, also called Gregor Lusavoritch, flourished in the first quarter of the fourth century.
Thoughts on the Kingdom of Adam stirred Gregory again and again to meditate upon the greatness of kings.
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