12 But Zacharias did not know, and he replied, I am a minister of God, a servant in the Holy Place; how could I know where they have taken him?
13 And when the guards returned and told the king what Zacharias said, he was enraged and said,
14 My guards, go back and tell that wily priest that he is in my hands; that if he does not tell the truth, does not reveal the hiding place of John, his son, then he shall die.
15 The guards went back and told the priest just what the king had said.
16 And Zacharias said, I can but give my life for truth; and if the king does shed my blood the Lord will save my soul.
17 The guards again returned and told the king what Zacharias said.
18 Now, Zacharias stood before the altar in the Holy Place engaged in prayer.
19 A guard approached and with a dagger thrust him through; he fell and died before the curtain of the sanctuary of the Lord.
20 And when the hour of salutation came, for Zacharias daily blessed the priests, he did not come.
21 And after waiting long the priests went to the Holy Place and found the body of the dead.
22 And there was grief, deep grief, in all the land.
23 Now Herod sat upon his throne; he did not seem to move; his courtiers came; the king was dead. His sons reigned in his stead.
_Education of Mary and Elizabeth in Zoan._
_Archelaus reigns. Mary and Elizabeth with their sons are in Zoan and are taught by Elihu and Salome. Elihu’s introductory lesson. Tells of an interpreter._
The son of Herod, Archelaus, reigned in Jerusalem. He was a selfish, cruel king; he put to death all those who did not honor him.
2 He called in council all the wisest men and asked about the infant claimant to his throne.
3 The council said that John and Jesus both were dead; then he was satisfied.
4 Now Joseph, Mary and their son were down in Egypt in Zoan, and John was with his mother in the Judean hills.
5 Elihu and Salome sent messengers in haste to find Elizabeth and John. They found them and they brought them to Zoan.
6 Now, Mary and Elizabeth were marveling much because of their deliverance.
7 Elihu said, It is not strange; there are no happenings; law governs all events.
8 From olden times it was ordained that you should be with us, and in this sacred school be taught.