Apocalypse of Abraham

Apocalypse of Abraham 5

V. I, however, having thought over my father's anger, went out; [and after I had gone out] my father cried, saying: " Abraham! " And I said: " Here am I." And he said: " Take and collect the splinters of the wood out of which I made gods of pine-wood before thou camest; and make ready for me the food of the mid-day meal." And it came to pass, when I collected the splinters of wood, I found under them a little god which had been lying among the brush-wood on my left, and on his forehead was written: God Barisat. And I did not inform my father that I had found the wooden god Barisat under the chips. And it came to pass, when I had laid the splinters in the fire, in order that I might make ready food for my father — on going out to ask a question regarding the food, I placed Barisat before the kindled fire, saying threateningly to him: " Pay careful attention, Barisat, [that] the fire do not die down until I come; if, however, it dieth down, blow on it that it may burn up again." And I went out and accomplished my purpose. And on returning I found Barisat fallen backwards, and his feet surrounded by fire and horribly burnt. I burst into a fit of laughter, and I said to myself: " Truly, O Barisat, thou canst kindle the fire and cook food! " And it came to pass, while I spake (thus) in my laughter he was gradually burnt up by the fire and reduced to ashes. And I brought the food to my father, and he did eat. And I gave him wine and milk, and he was gladdened and blessed his god Merumath. And I said to him: " O father Terah, bless not thy god Merumath, and praise him not, but rather praise thy god Barisat because, loving thee more, he hath cast himself into the fire to cook thy food! " And he said to me: " And where is he now? " [And I said:] " He is burnt to ashes in the violence of the fire and is reduced to dust." And he said: " Great is the power of Barisat! I (will) make another to-day, and to-morrow he will prepare my food."