Book XII
Michael concludes the vision with prophecies of Christ's birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and final judgment.
9 argumentative units
- 01Michael pauses and resumes the prophetic narrative
Like a traveler resting at noon, Michael pauses between the destroyed and the restored world; he then resumes, explaining that Noah's descendants will multiply in peace for a time.
- 02Nimrod's tyranny and the confusion of Babel
Michael foretells the rise of Nimrod, the first tyrant who hunts men and builds the Tower of Babel; God confounds his project by scattering languages, and Adam indignantly condemns tyranny over free men.
- 03Abraham is called; the covenant promise made
God calls Abraham out of idol-worshiping Ur, and Michael shows Adam his ancestor's faithful journey to Canaan; in Abraham's seed all nations shall be blessed, pointing to the future Messiah.
- 04Moses, the Exodus, and the Law at Sinai
Michael tells of Moses and Aaron leading Israel out of Egypt through ten plagues and the parting of the sea; God gives the Law at Sinai and dwells among his people in the tabernacle.
- 05Michael foretells the birth of the Messiah
Michael reveals that from David's royal line a Son shall be born of a virgin—the Messiah whose reign shall have no end; Adam is overcome with joy at this promise of redemption.
- 06Christ's death and resurrection defeat sin and death
Michael explains how the Messiah will suffer death on the cross to fulfill justice, then rise on the third day, defeating Satan, sin, and death, and opening salvation to all who believe.
- 07Adam rejoices at the promise of redemption
Adam, overwhelmed with joy, wonders whether to repent or rejoice, since so much good has come from evil; he asks about the faithful left behind when Christ ascends to Heaven.
- 08Adam's final understanding and Michael's parting counsel
Adam declares he has learned the sum of wisdom—to obey and love God; Michael confirms this, adding that true knowledge must be paired with faith, virtue, patience, and love.
- 09Eve awakens; Adam and Eve leave Paradise
Michael and Adam descend the hill to find Eve already awake, comforted by dreams; the cherubim take their stations, the flaming sword waves, and Adam and Eve leave Paradise hand in hand.