24. The priest now went inside and prayed for Joseph before the Holy of Holies, and the Lord spoke to the there praying priest:

25. 'Do not trouble Me the man whom I have chosen - for more justly than he walks none in Israel, and none on the whole earth, and none before My throne in all the heavens!

26. Now go out and give the maiden, whom I have raised Myself, to the most righteous of men on the earth.'

27. And the priest smote his breast and exclaimed, 'O Lord, almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, be merciful to me a sinner before You, for now I know that You will judge Your people!'

28. Thereupon the priest arose, went out and with a blessing in the name of the Lord gave the maiden to the affrightened Joseph

29. and said to him, 'Joseph, you are found just before the Lord, therefore He has chosen you from among many thousands. Go in peace. Amen.'

30. Here Joseph took Mary and said, 'May the alone holy will of My Lord and my God always be done! What You, O Lord, give, is always good - therefore I gladly and most willingly take this gift from Your hand. Now bless her for me and me for her, so I may be worthy of her before You now, as always. Your will be done, amen.'

31. When Joseph had said this before the Lord he was lifted up in his heart, then went out of the temple with Mary and led her into the land of Nazareth and there into his humble dwelling.

32. Much work awaited Joseph, so he wasted no time at home and accordingly said to Mary,

33. 'See, Mary, I have taken you into my home from the temple of the Lord, my God, according to His will. But I cannot remain with you now to protect you, for I must fulfill my contract to complete the house I showed you on our trip here.

34. But be assured that you will not be left at home alone. For I have a closely related housekeeper who is devout and just - she and my youngest son will be with you, and the grace of the Lord and His blessing will not leave you.

35. In a short time I and my four sons will return to you, and I shall be your guide in the ways of the Lord. The Lord God will now watch over you and my house, amen.'