Resumo de Paradise Lost, Book Twelve

In Book XII, Milton shows a conversation between the angel Michael and Adam. Michael is showing Adam the world after he and Eve leave from Eden. Michael has now reached the creation of the Tower of Babel. He tells Adam about Nimrod, who was a great hunter of men. Nimrod wished to challenge God with his power and therefore was building the Tower of Babel. But God put a stop to it by making all the construction workers speak in different languages so that none could understand anyone else.

Adam feels that men should not rule over others and asks Michael why this is the case. Michael blames it on the passions of men and God exploits this by sending cruel and unjust rulers to control some societies which He feels should lose their freedom. Michael explains that there are many wicked societies in the world that God decides to focus on the Israelites and their leader, Abraham, the father of Jesus. Michael speaks of the stories of Jacob and Joseph followed by the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt to the rise of Moses. Moses establishes laws for people from the commandments that he has received from God. Michael explains that these commandments help people to remember what is required of them and thus try and follow them to lead better lives. Michel here stresses that Jesus still needs to sacrifice himself for Mankind, till then, Mankind cannot be saved.

Once the Israelites reach the Promised Land, they set up a society where they are ruled by judges and kings- the greatest of which is David. David?s son, Solomon, will build the great temple to house the Ark and his line will continue on to the Saviour. But these kings slowly move away from God till eventually God will allow the entire nation to be held captive in Babylon. There will be trouble in the society for a long time, until, during the rule of the Romans, the Messiah will be born to a virgin.

Michael explains about the victory that Jesus has over Satan will not be a physical battle. Michael explains that the Son of God will become human and will suffer for his beliefs and will be crucified. After this, he will arise after three days, thereby overcoming Death. He will also send out messengers to spread the message of God, and at the end of Time will sit in Judgement upon all Mankind, allowing only the truly faithful believers into Heaven.

Adam now feels that Death is not such a great burden upon him since he had now seen the goodness that will follow. Adam sees this possibility as an even greater good than his having remained sinless in Eden. Michael praises Adam and tells him that by leading a virtuous life, he will ultimately be with God after his death.

Adam wakes Eve from her sleep and tells her all that he has seen. Eve decides to be faithful and true to Adam and follow him wherever he goes. She feels glad that she is part of this great plan that God has laid out. Michael now asks that they leave Eden from the Eastern Gate. As they depart, they see a flaming sword that protects Eden from intruders. Yet they feel safe knowing that they have God with them no matter where they go and they walk into the world hand in hand.

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