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Travel
Tiraspol (Transnistria, Moldova)
モルドバ・ティラスポリ
This week, we look at the small, thin region of Transnistria. It’s on Moldova’s eastern border with Ukraine and is about the size of Ishikawa Prefecture. It broke away from Moldova in 1990 and declared itself an independent country.
Transnistria may call itself a country, but almost every other nation in the world treats it as still part of Moldova. The breakaway area has strong connections with Russia. There are still thousands of Russian troops here and the capital, Tiraspol, is full of Soviet-era buildings and monuments.
The main square is named after the city’s founder, Alexander Suvorov. He sits on a rearing bronze horse in the middle of the square. A short walk away is a monument to Lenin, his cape blowing in the wind in front of the main government building.
The nearby Catherine Park is spacious and serene. It features a wonderful fountain and a miniature fortress.
Take a short drive east to the small city of Bender to see Tighina Fortress, built in the 15th century to defend the city from Turkish invaders. It has thick walls and towers, and the area around it is wide. Inside the fortress, there is a museum that tells the history of the city and the fortress. Visitors can also walk on the walls and see beautiful views of the city and Dniester River.
Another must-see attraction is Noul Neamt Monastery, sat on a hill near the city. It was built in the 19th century, and it has a church, a bell tower and a museum. Admire its religious artifacts and walk around the grounds to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. (T)
20221223-07x.mp3 - Google ドライブ
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Numbers 024
Chapter 24
Numbers 024x.mp3 - Google ドライブ
1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
(lign 木 aloes pl. 【聖書】1 沈香(じんこう) 《インド産の樹木ジンコウ(沈香) (Aquilaria agallocha) から得られた薫香料; cf. John 19: 39; Song of Sol. 4: 14》.
7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honor; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honor.
12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?
14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
***** Balaam’s Fourth Message *****
15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
***** Balaam’s Fifth Message *****
20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.
***** Balaam’s Sixth Message *****
21 And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwelling place, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
24 And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
25 And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.
