1 The angel of the Lord ordered crowns to be brought, which were made like palm branches; and he crowned the people who had returned the rods that had shoots and some fruit, and sent them away into the tower.⁠a 2 And he also sent the others into the tower, those who had handed in the rods that were green and had shoots, though without fruit; and he set a seal on them. 3 And all who went into the tower had the same clothing, white as snow. 4 And those who had returned their rods green as they received them, he sent away, giving them a white robe and seals. 5 After the angel finished these things, he said to the shepherd, “I am going away; but you will send these people away to their places within the walls, according to how each deserves to live; but carefully examine their rods, and then send them away. Be careful in examining them. Take care that none escape you,” he said. “Still, if any escape you, I will test them at the altar.” Having said this to the shepherd, he left. 6 After the angel left, the shepherd said to me, “Let us take everyone’s rods and plant them, to see if any of them can live.” I said to him, “Sir, how can these withered rods live?” 7 He answered me, “This tree is a willow, and this type of tree clings to life. If the rods are planted and receive a little moisture, many of them will live. After that, let’s try to pour some water over them, too. If any of them can live, I will be glad; but if it does not live, I at least will not be found negligent.” 8 So the shepherd told me to call them, in the order in which each one stood. And they came row by row, and handed the rods to the shepherd. The shepherd took the rods and planted them in rows, and after planting them, he poured a lot of water on them, so much that the rods could not be seen for the water. 9 After watering the rods, he said to me, “Let us go now, and after some days we will return and inspect all the rods; for He who created this tree wants all those who have received rods from this tree to live. And I myself hope that after they have received moisture and been watered, most of these little rods will live.”