that he in no sort was a Prophet nor had the spirit of Prophesie A By such like allegations he made the King believe that which he said and having wholly withdrawn his thoughts from God and good works and the observation of Gods laws he drew him to all wickedness and impiety by which act of his he displeased God and offended his laws and sought daily after no other thing than to invent some new and cursed wickedness that was far more heinous than all that which before time he had attempted This is all that at this time we have to write concerning Jeroboam Touching Rehoboam Solomons son who was King of the two Tribes as we have before declared he built these great and strong Cities Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. Bethleem Itama Thecos Bethsor Socoth Rehoboams defenced Cities Odolam Epan Maresa Zipha Adoraiâ— Lachis Saraim Elon and Hebron within the Confines of Juda. He built also other great Cities in the Countrey of the Benjamites B which he walled 2 Chron. 11. 5. and placed Garisons and Governors in every one of them and great store of Corn Wine and Oyl and generally in every City he made a great store-house with all sorts of provision 2 Chro. 11. 13. and victuals The godly Israelites return to Rehoboam with a great number of targets and launces To him the Priests and Levites joined themselves who were dispersed thorow Israel who came and dwelt in Jerusalem For they could not endure to be obliged to adore those Calves that Jeroboam had erected Ver. 18 19 20. and during the term of three years Rehoboams Wiâ—es and Children they increased the Kingdom of Rehoboam who being married to one of his own Line had three children and was afterwards married also to Maacha the daughter of Thamar daughter to Absalon who was of his Parentage likewise of whom he begat his son called Abiah He had also divers other children by other women but above all the rest he loved Maacha C most intirely He had eighteen wives married unto him according to the law and thirty concubines he had eight and twenty sons and threescore daughters and declared for his successor in the Kingdom Abiah the son of Maacha and committed all his Treasures and strong Forts unto his hands But Men most usually are corrupted by the flatteries of fortune as appeareth by this King For Rehoboam seeing his Kingdom thus increased bent himself to all unjust and impious actions and contemned the service of God the people also conformed themselves to his impieties For the life of the subject is oftentimes perverted by reason of the corrupt and dissolute life of their Princes and those that are inferiors beholding the riot of their superiors will easily be withdrawn from all modesty and follow those vices they profess as if they had been their professed D virtues Regis ad exemplum totâ—â— componitur orbis for should they do the contrary they would seem to mislike the actions of their Princes And thus it hapned under the Government of Rehoboam where the Subjects addicted themselves to all manner of impiety for they would not make profession of honesty for fear of offending their Prince in appearing to be more virtuous than he CHAP. IV. Susac King of Egypt after the spoil of Jerusalem carrieth away the riches of that City into Egypt E BUT God sent Susac King of Egypt to take vengeance for that wickedness 1 Chron. 12. â— which was committed against his Majesty by Rehoboam Alias cap. 5. whose actions Herodotus wrongfully ascribeth to Sesostris Susac invadeth Judea with great Forces For this Susac in the fifth year of Rehoboam's Reign assembled a huge Army of many thousands and brought them out against Rehoboam wherein it is reported that he had twelve hundred Chariots threescore thousand horsemen and four hundred thousand fooâ—men The greater part of these were Lybians and Ethiopians breaking therefore into the Hebrews Countrey with this power without stroke he seized the strongest places of the Kingdom of Rehoboam Ver. 2. ad 8. and fortified them and at last came and encamped before Jerusalem Jerusalem besieged But Rehoboam and his Associates seeing themselves begirt on every side by Susac's Army Sâ—mâ—â—â—s the Prophet reprehendeth the Jews of their impiety Samâ—â—â—s comforteth the people at last had recourse unto prayer yet could F he not move God to favor him with victory For the Prophet Samoeas threatned and told him That God would abandon both him and his in like manner as they had forsaken him and his service Which when they heard they suddenly lost their courage and seeing no means to escape they all of them began to confess that God had justly forsaken them because they had offended against him and perverted all his Laws But God seeing them thus disposed and making confession of their sins said unto the Prophet That he would not utterly destroy them yet notwithstanding that he would deliver them into the hands of the Egyptians to the end that they might learn whether it were more difficult to serve God or men When therefore King Susac had without bloodshed or resistance taken the City Ver. 9 10 c. and was received into the same by Rehoboam Jerusalem and the Temple are spoiled he kept not those Covenants that were made betwixt G them but spoiled the Temple and took away with him those Treasures that were dedicated unto God and the service of the King taking from thence innumerable thousands of gold and silver not leaving any thing behind him He carried away also those Targets and Bucklers of gold which were made by King Solomon neither left he behind A him the quiver of gold The year of the World 2975. before Christ's Nativity 989. which was offered by David and received by him of the King of Sophena which done he retired back again unto his own Countrey Of this expedition Herodotus of Halicarnassus maketh mention who differeth only in the name of the King and saith that he assailed divers Nations and subdued Palestina and Syria and took many men prisoners without any resistance What Herodotus wrote of this expedition whereby it is manifest that he meaneth no less than that our Nation hath been overcome by the Egyptians For he saith that in their gates who yielded themselves up unto him without making opposition as an eternal Reproach of their Cowardize and Luxury he erected Pillars which were figured with the secret parts of a woman For King Rehoboam was the only Prince that ever yielded up the City without opposition It is said that the Ethiopians have learnt of the B Egyptians the use of circumcision of the Prepuce For the Phoenicians and Syrians that are in Palestine confess that they have learnt it of the Egyptians But it is very manifest that no other are circumcised in Palestina or Syria but our selves But let each one speak of
E. 263. H. L. c. 264. D. E. c. 265. H. I. Imprecation for building Jericho 123. D. Imprecation of Saul 155. D. Incest 94. H. of Lot 39. D. of Ammon 183. C. Inchanters banished 171. B. Inclosure before the Temple 210. D. Inconstancy of fortune 682. I. Inconveniences under a King 149. F. G. Incouragement of Moses 67. C. of Joshuah 119. D. Incredulity punished 240. E. Incursions of the Amalechites 135. B. of the Philistines H. of Adar 217. M. Indebted acts and devices 763. B. Indulgence cause of sin 157. D. Industry of the Romans 660. N. Ingratitude of the Sichemites 137. B. of the Israelites 153. D. of Nabal 168. N. of Demetriâ—â— 336. B. of Malchâ—â— 574. H. Inhabitants of Nob slain 166. K. Inhabitants of Countries 33. F. 34. L. Inheritance of Jacob and Esau 50. L. M. of Salpades dauthters 113. E. Inhibition of Cambyses 276. B. Iniquity 577. B. of the Jews 740. H. Injuries of Florus 477. F. Injury to Davids Embassadours 183. C. to Thamar 186. L. Injustice of Law-makers 814. I. Innocency of David 168. I. 170. L. Insolence 248 A. B. 250. B. 250. D. 733. D. Institution of Circumcision 38. L. 70. L. of the Passover Instruments of Musick 210. C. Interpretation of Josephs dream 51. C. of the Butlers 24. M. of the Bakers 24. O. of Pharaoâ—s ibid. E. F. of Nebucâ—odonosors 269. O. of the hand-writing 271. N. Interpreters royally entertained 302. O. Intent of Florus manifested 624 M. Intention of Saul against David 160. I. M. 163. B. 164. M. Intestine discord 686. I. Invective against murtherers 178. M. against the Zealous 687. F. of Joseph against the Jews 730. K. Inventor of Musick who 29. G. Inventor of the Art of Forging ibid. First Inventors of Letters 781. A. Invocation of God in trouble 74. O. Joab General of Davids Army 176. H. discomfiteth Abâ—er ibid. I. slayeth Abâ—er 177. D. discomfiteth the Syrians 189. F. reconcileth Absalon to his father 188. H. â— Joab and the Army enter the City mournfully 192. M. his Oration unto David c. ibid. C. sent out against Siba 194. M. killeth Amaza ibid. N. rebuked proposeth conditions of peace 194. L. one of Adoâ—iâ—â— coadjutors 199. D. slain 204. L. Joachas King of Israel subdued 246. F. G. and why ibid. his repentance and prayer ibid. Joachim King of Juda 260. E. paid tribute ibid. 261. I. revolteth and is slain 261. I. not buried 261. M. Joachin King of Juda 261. N. See Jechonias Joas King of Israel 247. H. called Elizaeus his father ibid. H. his treble victory ibid. K. Joas saved and how 244. D. created King of Juda 244. E. his piety during Joiadas time 245. L. repaireth the Temple ibid. N. his impiety after Joiadas decease 246. E. stoneth Zacharias ibid. G. bought his peace 246. D. dieth ibid. Joatham his works about the Temple 250. F. acts of War ibid. K. 251. I. Joaz King of Juda taken prisoner 260. E. his impiety and death ibid. F. Jobel a Maker of Tents 29. F. Jochabel Moses Mother 63. E. secretly hid him three months ibid. F. appointed to be his Nurse by Pharaohs daughter 64. K. Jodes killeth Eglon 133. F. subdueth the Moabites and ruleth Israel ibid. 134. I. K. Joel and Abia govern the Commonweal 149. B. Joiada High Priest 240. C. createth Joas King 240. D. sweareth King and people to serve God ibid. L. deceaseth 246. B. John releaseth Ismaels captives 267. R. refuseth counsel ibid. I. John High Priest slayeth his brother 293. I. punished 293. K. John Jonathans brother slain 328. D. John Baptist slain 485. B. Johns acts in Gischalis 5. M. his treason 6. I. seeketh to murther Joseph 5. M. he and the Embassadours resort to Jesus 15. A his followers forsake him 21. F. a trecher and murderer 639. B. flieth into Gischala 641 A. perswadeth the Tyberians to revolt 641. N. moveth to rebellion 684. I. reserved to be at the siege of Jerusalem 685. A. sweareth to the people c. 689. E. breaketh his oath ibid. G. assaulted on both sides 712. M. putteth the Zealous to flight 714. I. seizeth the Temple ibid. raileth upon Joseph 744. I. apprehended 759. E. is condemned to perpetual prison ibid. F. John Captain of the Idumaeans 724. M. slain ibid. M. Jonas cause of a tempest and why 249. I. devoured of a whale and cast out 249. K. preacheth to the Ninevites ibid. K. Jonathan Sauls son 154. I. entred the enemies camp and slew them 155. B. C. breaketh the Edict ibid. D. counselleth David to flie 162. I. pacifieth Sauls displeasure and certifieth David thereof 162. L. M. discovereth Sauls hatred to David and how 164. L. reneweth his covenant 167. C. Jonathan Governour of the Jews 328. B. revengeth his brothers death 328. K. assaileth Bacchides by night 329. I. putteth Apollonius to flight 334. E. appeaseth Demetrius 336. C. putteth Demetrius to flight 339. H. reneweth friendship with the Romans ibid. I. c. fighteth with Demetrius 340. A. repaireth Jerusalem c. ibid. G. taken by Triphon 340. F. 559. B. slain 342. C. 559. C. Jonathans letters to Joseph 13. C. Jonathan challengeth a combat 747. B. slayeth Pudens 747. C. Joppe a retreat for thieves 674. K. taken ibid. N. Joram King of Juda 237. N. served Idols 241. I. murdereth his brethren ibid. I. dieth miserably 241. M. Joram King of Israel an impious man 236. D. asketh aid ibid. E. in distress with two other Kings ibid. E. F. relieved and how 237. H. overcame the Moabites ibid. L. besieged 238. F. threatneth Elizaeus 239. K. certified of the enemies flight 239. O. his expedition to recover Ramath 241. O. Jordan yieldeth the Israelites passage 190. N. his fountain 680. L. Jehosophat King of Juda his piety 311. M. his expedition with Achab 232. B. M. reproved 234. E. reneweth the true service of God ibid. E. prayeth and why 235. I. obtaineth victory and how 235. K. L. his ships cast away ibid. M. aideth Joram 236. E. dieth 237. M. Joseph son of Jacob 47. A. envied of his brethren 50. O. dreamed a dream 51. O. sold by his brethren 52. L. resisted his mistriss twofold temptation 53. A. E. accused and cast into prison 54. H. K. expounded dreams 54. M. O. counselled the King how to prevent famine 55. F. advanced to honour and married a wife ibid. G. sounded his brethren and why 56. M. sent them away but detained Simeon 57. B. C. banqueteth them and Benjamin 58. H. slayeth their journey and accuseth them ibid. I. K. I attacheth Benjamin ibid. N. maketh himself known to his brethren 60. I. K. resorteth to Pharaoh with his brethren c. 60. burieth his father 62. I. giveth charge concerning his bones ibid. dieth ibid. I. Joseph preventeth calamity and how 308. I. c. Embassadour to Ptolomy ibid. N. tributes of Coelosyria committed to him 399. I. his wealth and children ibid. N. sendeth his son Hircanus to Ptolomy 310. C. his death 311. F. Joseph Herods brother slain 388. C. D.
know what their pleasure was I should do They gave me this answer that I should remain where I was and retain my Collegues that I had with me if they thought good to take charge of Galilee But they after they had gather'd great Sums of Money for the Tenths and Tithes that were due to them resolved with themselves to return to their own houses But for that I entreated them to remain with me till such time as we had setled affairs they willingly consented unto me I therefore departed with them to the City of Sephoris and came into a Borough called Bethmaus distant from Tiberias some four Furlongs and from thence I sent a Messenger O to the Council of Tiberias desiring the chiefest among the people to come and speak with me They came accompanied with Justus I told them that I was sent Ambassador A to them with my Collegues by the Commonalty of Jerusalem to persuade them to deface that Palace that was erected by Herod the Tetrach wherein divers figures of living Creatures were painted for that our Law forbad such things and I exhorted them to suffer us to set about that execution as soon as possible Capella The Palace set on fire that was in Tiberias and those of his party did for a long time refuse to consent thereunto but in the end we press'd them so much that they condescended Now whilst we debated this matter Jesus the Son of Saphiâ—s of whom we have spoken heretofore declaring how he was the Chief of the Faction of Sailers and poor men took with him certain Galileans and set fire on the Palace in hope to get great Riches thereby for that there B were certain Roofs of the House covered with Gold and they pillag'd many things against our consent After we had thus conferred with Capella and the chiefest Tiberians we retired from Bethmaus into the higher Galilee In the mean time Jesus's Men slew all the Greeks that remained there and all who before the War had been their Enemies Which when I was certified of I was much displeased and went down to Tiberias to secure the King 's Moveables for fear they should be carried away by the Robbers and having recovered divers Candlesticks of Corinthian work rich Tables and no small quantity of massive Silver I resolved with my self to reserve it to the King's use Joseph procureth the safety of the King 's goods Calling therefore ten of the chiefest Senators and Capella Son of Antillus to me I delivered the Vessels into their hands charging them to deliver the same to no Man C but my self From thence with mine Associates I went to John at Gischala to know what his mind and resolution was and I presently discover'd that he affected Innovation and Tyranny For he desir'd me to grant him liberty to Transport Caesar's Wheat that was stored up in the Villages of higher Galilee telling me that he would bestow the price of the same in re-edifying and repairing the Walls of his City But I perceiving his drift denied him that liberty For I thought that that Wheat would either serve the Romans or the Province the care of which was committed to my hands by the City of Jerusalem When therefore he could get nothing at my hands he addressed to my Companions of whom not foreseeing those Troubles that were likely to come and greedy of D Rewards he obtained a liberty to dispose of all the Corn that was in the Province in that I my self was unable to contradict them both After this John used another subtlety for he said that those Jews who inhabited Caesarea Philippi being by the Command of their King John's acts in Gischala and his covetousness restrain'd within their Walls and wanting Virgin oyl desired to buy the same of him for fear lest contrary to their Custom they should be compelled to use that of the Greeks This he said not out of respect to Religion or Devotion but for his filthy lucres sake For knowing that among the Caesareans two sextaries were sold for a drachm and that at Gischala eighty sextaries were sold for four drachms he sent all the oyl that was in that Town to them pretending my permission I dar'd not withstand the same lest the People should stone me to death By this craft John gathered E a great Sum of Money From this place Joseph sends back his companions to Jerusalem I dismissed my Companions back to Jerusalem employing my self wholly afterwards in preparing Arms and fortifying Cities In the mean time calling the stoutest Libertines before me and having in vain exhorted them to quit their Arms I persuaded the People to pay them Contribution Joseph President of Galilee which was more advantagious for them than to suffer their Countrey to be spoiled by their Excursions And thus having taken their Oaths I dismiss'd them on condition that they should not come into our Region except they were called or wanted their due pay nor spoil either the Lands of the Romans or the Inhabitants of the Countrey But above all things my care was to keep Galilee in peace Joseph joined seventy of the Nobility with him To which purpose I got seventy pledges of their F Loyalty chosen out amongst their Nobility under pretext of friendship I made them my Companions and Fellow-Judges and decreed many things according to their opinions having especial care lest through rashness I should injure Justice or for Rewards stain mine incorrupted Honour Joseph at thirty years of age offered no Woman violence and would not be bribed I was now Thirty years old and though a man who bridles himself from unlawful affections can hardly escape the poysoned sting of detraction especially if great authority be annexed to his green years yet none ever durst say that I suffer'd Violence to be done to any Woman or receiv'd a Bribe from any Man yea I refused those Tenths which in right of Priesthood I might have receiv'd Yet after the Conquest of the Syrians I took part of the spoil which I freely confess I sent to Jerusalem to my Kinsmen And though at two times I forcibly overcame G the Sephorites the Tiberians four times and the Gadarenians once and had brought John under my subjection who had oftentimes sought to entrap me yet could I not endure to revenge my self on him Joseph's bounty towards his Enemies or any of the abovenamed People as in the sequel H of this story I will make manifest For which cause I suppose The Galileans faith and love towards Joseph that God who is the Tryer and Searcher of all hearts both delivered me at this time out of the hands of mine Enemies and afterwards many times from several dangers and misfortunes as hereafter shall appear But so great was the fidelity and benevolence of the common People of Galilee towards me John desireth that he might bathe himself in the hot bathes of Tiberias
been judged to have done an injury to your Majesty Wherefore you ought not to think evil of me or that if David at this time hath some ill design against you v. 15 16 17. that by reason of the courtesie I have shewed him The unjust slaughter of Abimelech with his whole Family I either favour him or maintain him to your prejudice Notwithstanding all these just allegations Saul could not be induced to believe him but imagined that it K was fear that made Abimelech speak in this manner so that he commanded certain armed men that were about him to put both him and all his family to the sword But when they excused themselves because it was no less than Sacriledge to violate by violent death Nob the City of the Priests is burnt and all the inhabitants slain such persons as were consecrated unto God Saul commanded Doeg the Syrian to commit the slaughter who accordingly with certain other sacrilegious and impious men murthered Abimelech and all his Race who were in number three hundred thirty and five Sup. li. 5. ca. 11. He further sent to Nob the City of the Priests and put all of them to the sword sparing neither woman nor child and consumed the whole City with fire only one Son of Abimelech escaped 1 King 2. 3. who was called Abiathar All which came to pass according as God had foretold to the High Priest Eli that by reason of the transgression L of his two Sons his posterity should be extinguished This cruel and detestable act perpetrated by King Saul in shedding the blood of all the Sacerdotal Race v. 18 19. without either compassion of Infants or reverence of old age A manifest exemplification of that proverb Honours change manners and his destroying of that City which God had chosen to be the residence of the Priests and Prophets manifestly shews how far the pravity of the mind of man may proceed For so long as men are low and limited by a private estate because they neither dare nor can give scope to their wicked inclinations they seem good and just and make shew of great love of justice and of a sence of pity Note diligently and are persuaded that God is present in all our actions and discerneth all our cogitations But no sooner do they attain to Power and Empire but they lay aside their former fair semblances they take upon them as it were a new part and another personage becoming M audacious and insolent and contemners of both Divine and Humane Laws And though the height of their sâ—ution exposing even their least actions to the view of all the World ought to make them comport themselves irreprehensibly yet as if they thought that God shut his eyes or feared them they will needs have him approve and men account just all that their Fear Hatred or Imprudence suggests to them without troubling themselves what will be the issue So that after having rewarded great services with great honours they are not contented to deprive those that had so justly merited them upon false reports and calumnies but they also take away their lives not considering how deservedly they oppress but only giving credit without proof to rash and scandalous detractions executing and satiating their rage not on those they ought to punish but on those that may most easily be destroyed A manifest example whereof appears N in Saul the Son of Cis who after the Government of the Nobility and that of the Judges having been established the first King of the Hebrews slew three hundred Priests and Prophets only for that he suspected Abimelech and after he had slain them destroyed their City with fire v. 20. 21. and as much as in him lay deprived the High Temple of God of Priests Abiathar escaping from Sauls hands telleth David of the slaughter of Abimelech his Father and of the Priests sacred Ministers and after so hideous a slaughter neither spared their Countrey nor any of their off-spring But Abiathar Abimelechs Son who only escaped of all his family flying to David declared to him both the overthrow of his family and the death of his Father David answered him that he expected no less than that which hapned at such time as he espied Doeg there who as his mind gave him would not fail to calumniate Abimelech to Saul yet he was extreamly sorrowful for the misfortune that hapned O to his friend by his means and therefore prayed him to remain with him because he could not be concealed or secured in any place better than with himself A About the same time David understanding that the Philistines made an inroad into the Countrey of Ceila and wasted the same he determined to assault them if after the Prophet had asked counsel of God he should be by the Oracle animated to it which accordingly falling out he sallied out accompained by his friends and set upon the Philistines and made a great slaughter of them and recovered a very rich prey and gave safeguard to the Ceilans till they had safely gathered in and housed all their Corn and fruit The rumor of this his exploit was presently brought to Saul for this great action was not shut up within the limits of the place where it was performed David defendeth Cilla against the incursions of the Philistines but the renown thereof was dispersed every where and both the Action and the Author thereof were highly commended Saul was very joyful to hear that David was in Ceila B imagining that God had delivered him into his hands by leading him to shut up himself in a City inclosed with Walls 1 Sam. 23. 1 2 3 ad 7. Gates and Barrs whereupon he suddenly gave commandement to his Soldiers to march against Ceila v. 7 8. and besiege the same and not to raise the Siege till David were either taken or slain Saul seeketh to besiege David in Cilla But David having intelligence hereof and advertised by God that if he stayed among the Ceilans v. 9. 10 11 12. they would deliver him into the hands of Saul took with him his four hundred men David admonished by God flieth from his danger and withdrew himself from the City into the Desart and encamped on a hill called Engaddi Whereof the King being advertized forbore to send out an Army against him From thence David departed into the territories of Ziph where Jonathan v. 13 14. Sauls Son David came with his Army to Caena or Ziphia where Jonathan cometh unto him comforteth him and reneweth his covenant met him and after embraces exhorted him to be of good courage C and to conceive assured hope of future good fortune and not to give place to his present miseries because he should one day obtain the Kingdom and have the whole State of the Hebrews subject to him but that such things were not wont to happen till after
married to David having obtained that degree of honour by her modesty and beauty Now David had a Wife before named Ahinoam V. 39. ad finem whom he had married out of the City of Abesar As touching Michol the Daughter of Saul David marrieth Abigail Nabals wife and other-whiles his Wife Saul gave her to Wife at Lissa to the Son of Phalti of the City of Gethla After this certain Ziphians coming to Saul Saul marrieth his daughter Michol to another husband told him that David was returned again into their Countrey and that if it pleased him to assist them they might easily apprehend him Whereupon Saul took the Field with 3000 Men and being surprized by Night he encamped in a certain place called Siceleg 1 Sam. 26. v. 1 ad 9. F When David was certified that Saul was come forth against him The Ziphians once more labour to betray David in their Countrey he sent out certain Spies to whom he gave charge to bring him intelligence into what place at that time Saul was retired who ascertained him that he was at Siceleg he watched all that Night without the knowledge of any of his Followers and went into Sauls Camp attended only by Abisai his sister Servia's Son and Abimelech the Hittite V. 7 8 ad 13. Now whil'st Saul was asleep David once more attended by two entering into Sauls Camp stole away his Dart and his Pitcher of water and his General Abner with all his Soldiers David entred into the Kings Camp and although he knew the Kings Pavilion by his Javelin that stood at the door thereof yet slew he him not neither permitted he Abisai who was very forward to execute the slaughter But this he said that although the King were wicked yet since he was appointed by God himself he could not attempt any thing G against his life and be innocent for that it was Gods right to take vengeance on him to whom he had given the Kingdom and thus restrained he the others fury Yet to the intent he might certifie the King that having the opportunity to slay him he spared his life The year of the World 2891. before Christ's Nativity 1073. he bare away with him his Javelin and the Pitcher of water that stood by H Saul whil'st he slept without the knowledge of any of the Camp so much were they devoured and overwhelmed with sleep He therefore departed thence in all assurance having executed all that which either the time or his courage would permit him to do But after he had passed the River and had attained the top of a Mountain from whence he might be easily heard he cryed out to Sauls Soldiers and their General Abner so loud that he awaked them from their sleep and calling unto Abner as well as the common sort of Soldiers Ver. 14 ad 18. the General asked Who it was that called him to whom David answered David upbraideth Abner King Sauls General for suffering his Kings Javelin and Pitcher of water to be taken from him It is I the Son of Jesse your Fugitive but said he How cometh it to pass that thou who art so great and in chiefest authority about the King hast so small respect and guard of his person Thy sleep is more pleasant unto thee than to watch for his conservation Assuredly this I act of thine deserveth a capital punishment because thou neither hast discovered me nor any others before we entred the Camp or approached the King Behold here the Kings Javelin and his Pitcher of water by which you may perceive in what great danger he hath been even in the midst of you without any notice or discovery of yours Saul perceiving that it was Davids voice A ver 21 ad finem and seeing that through the negligence of his Guards Saul praiseth David and willeth him to be of good courage and exhorteth him to return to his own house it had been easie for him to have slain him which after so many provocations would not have seem'd strange to any man he acknowledged himself indebted to him for his life exhorting him to be assured and without suspecting any evil to return home unto his house because he was persuaded that he loved not himself so much as he was beloved by David notwithstanding that he had pursued him and for a long time K had chased him like a Fugitive constraining him by divers persecutions to forsake his dearest Friends and instead of rewarding his services had reduc'd him to the utmost extremities Hereupon David willed him to send some one of his Servants to bring back his Javelin and Pitcher of water protesting that God should be Judge of both their natures manners and actions who knew that that day also he had spared his Enemy whom if he had thought good he might have destroyed David having thus the second time spared Saul's life 1 Sam. 27. 1. and not willing to continue any longer in a Countrey David declareth his innocency to Saul where he might be in danger of falling at length into the hands of his Enemies he thought good to retire into the Countrey of the Philistines and sojourn there Saul desisteth to persecute David So that accompanied with 600 Men which he had with him he went to Achis L King of Gath one of their five Cities who received him kindly and gave him a place to dwell in Ver. 8 ad fin so that he abode in Gath having with him his two Wives Atchimaas and Abigail David with six hundred men and his two wives went into Palestine to Achis King of Gitia Which when Saul understood he troubled him no more because he had twice been in danger of his life whil'st he pursued him David held it not convenient to remain in the City of Gath and therefore requested the King of the Philistines that he would assign him some part of his Countrey where he might make his habitation because he feared to be chargeable to him if he remained in the City Achis assigned to him a Village called Siceleg David requireth a certain place at the Kings hands to make his habitation in which David after he obtained the Kingdom loved so well that he purchased the perpetual inheritance of it after he came to the Crown But hereof will we speak in another place The time that David lived amongst the Philistines M and in the Town of Siceleg were four months and twenty days during which time The King giveth him Siceleg by several excursions against the bordering Sarrites and Amalekites he spoiled their Countrey and returned back again with a great booty of Oxen and Camels yet brought he thence no Bondmen David spoiled the Sarrites and Amalekites and giveth part of the prey to the King persuading him that he took it from the Jews that inhabited the South Plain lest Achis by their means should thereby have intelligence
Women and Children beating their Breasts and lamenting for the King and his sons and tasting neither meat nor drink Ver. 11 12 13. This was the end of Saul according as Samuel had foretold him because he disobeyed God in his War against the Amalekites The Citizens of Jabes rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons and both bury and lament them and because he had slain Abimelech and all the Sacerdotal Race and destroyed the City of the Priests He Reigned during the life of Samuel the space of 18 years and 22 years after his death K L M N O A The Seventh Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventh Book 1. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty 2. Ishboseth is slain by the treachery of his Servants and the whole Kingdom cometh unto B David 3. David having surprized the City and Citadel of Jerusalem driveth the Canaanites from thence and causeth the Jews to inhabit it 4. David assailed by the Philistines obtaineth a famous victory against them near unto Jerusalem 5. David overcometh the neighbouring Nations and imposeth tribute on them 6. They of Damascus are overcome by David 7. David overcomes the Mesopotamians 8. How through the intestine Wars of his family David was driven out of his Kingdom by his Son C 9. Absolon marching out with his Army against his Father is overthrown 10. The happy estate of David restored again unto his Kingdom 11. David in his life-time anointeth his Son Solomon King 12. The death of David and what he left his Son towards the building of the Temple CHAP. I. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty D THis Battel was fought on the same day that David returned Conqueror to Siceleg after he had subdued the Amalekites But about three days after his return he that slew Saul and had escaped from the Battel having his garment rent and ashes upon his head came and cast himself prostrate before David and being asked from whence he came he answered from the Battel of the Israelites and certified David of the unhappy event 2 Sam. 1. v. 1 ad 12. telling him that many thousands of the Hebrews were slain and that Saul himself and his Sons were fallen in the conflict He likewise related how he himself retreated amongst the Hebrews An Amalechite certifieth David of Sauls death and in testimony thereof presenteth his bracelets and Crown when the King fled confessing that he had slain him that he might not fall alive into the hands of his enemy For said he Saul E having cast himself upon the point of his sword was so weak by reason of the agony of his wounds that he could not dispatch himself Thereupon he produced the bracelets and the Royal Crown which he took from him David perceiving no cause whereby he should doubt of his death whereof he had most evident and infallible testimonies rent his garments v. 12 and spent the day in weeping and lamenting with his companions but he was the more grieved for the loss of his dear friend Jonathan David lamenteth Saul and Jonathans death whom he acknowledged to be the preserver of his life And so affectionate shewed he himself towards Saul that although he had oftentimes been in danger to have been slain by him yet was he much troubled at his death v. 13 14 15. and not only so David commandeth the Amalâ—chite to be slain that killed Saul but he likewise put to death him that slew him telling him that he himself had accused himself for slaying the King and shown himself F by that parricide to be a true Amalekite He composed likewise Lamentations and Epitaphs in the praise of Saul and Jonathan which are yet extant After that he had thus honoured the King and performed his Lamentations and Obsequies he asked counsel of God by the Prophet 2 Sâ—m 2. 1 ad 7. What City of the Tribe of Juda he would give him to inhabit in David by Gods commandment cometh and dwelleth in Hebron and is declared King of the Tribe of Juda. who answered him That he would give him Hebron For which cause he forsook Siceleg and came and dwelt in Hebron and brought thither his Wives and his Army All the people of the Tribe resorted thither unto him and proclaimed him King where understanding how the Jabesins had buried Saul and his Sons he sent Ambassadors unto them both to praise and approve their actions assuring them that he allowed their act and would recompense that kindness which they had shewed to the dead giving them likewise G to understand David praiseth the Jebafines for burying Saul and his Sons that the Tribe of Juda had chosen him for their King But Abner the Son of Ner General of Sauls Army a man of great courage and a noble disposition understanding that Saul and Jonathan and his two other Brothers were dead came into the Camp The year of the World 2891. before Christ's Nativity 1873. and bringing with him the only Son of Saul that was left whose name was H Isboseth he passed to the other side of Jordan and proclaimed him King He appointed likewise for his Royal seat and place of residence a certain Countrey called in Hebrew Machare that is to say the Camp From thence he went with a select band of soldiers with a resolution to encounter those of the Tribe of Juda because they had chosen David for their Kings Against him marched out Joab the Son of Suri and of Sarvia Davids Sister General of his Army to encounter him accompanied with his Brothers Abisai and Azael v. 8 ad 12. and all Davids soldiers and arriving near a Fountain in Gabaa he drew up his Army in that place Abner the Son of Ner crowned Jeshboseth Sauls Son Abner proposing that before they joyned Battel they should try some of the soldiers of each party it was agreed between them that twelve of either side should be chosen out to decide the quarell Abner leadeth out his Army against the Tribe of Juda. These men marched out into a I certain place betwixt both Armyes and having darted their Javelins the one against the other came at last to their Swords and one taking his enemy by the hair they all of them slew one another v. 13. upon the place Hereupon the Armyes met and after a cruel Battel Abner with his followers were discomfited Joab with all Davids Army issueth out to meet him and flyng in great haste were pursued by Joab who incouraged his soldiers to follow them close without suffering any of them to escape But amongst the rest Joabs Brothers were hot upon the Chase and the youngest of them called Azael v. 15. gave special testimony of his
v. 14 15 16 17. and although he were made drunk through the abundance of Wine he received David writeth unto Joab to punish Urias which the King had purposely caused to be given him L yet he slept at the Kings gate without any desire to go home unto his Wife Herewith the King being much troubled wrote unto Joab Joab setteth Urias in a dangerous place to encounter with the Enemy commanding him to punish Vrias because he had offended him enjoyning him to place him in the greatest danger and in face of the Enemy to the intent that he might be abandoned and left alone whilest they that fought next unto him retired when they saw him charged When he had thus written and sealed up the Letter with his own seal he delivered it to Vrias to carry to Joab who receiving the same and conceiving the Kings pleasure placed Vrias in that quarter where he knew the Enemies would fight most desperatly appointing him some of his best Soldiers to second him he assured him that if he could make any breach in the wall he would come up to him with all his power that he might through that place force M his way into the City Vrias who was a good Soldier Urias is set with some associates to attempt the siege the Ammonites sallying out his company forsake him and a man of much honour and reputation among those of his Tribe and refused no danger valiantly accepted the charge But Joab privately appointed those that were ranked next him that when they should see the Enemy sally out with the greatest fury they should abandon Vrias When therefore the Hebrews drew naer unto the City the Ammonites fearing lest the Enemy should speedily Scale and enter the City on that side where Vrias was placed they chose out a squadron of the most resolute men amongst them v. 18 19 20. and setting open their gates they furiously assaulted their Enemies Urias with some others is slain and the King is certified thereof They that were near Vrias seeing them draw near retired back again according as Joab had before-hand commanded them but Vrias being ashamed N to flie or forsake his rank expected the Enemy and valiantly encountring him he slew divers of them but at last being inclosed and shut in the midst of them he was slain with some others of his companions This done Joab sent messengers unto the King to let him know that not enduring the delay of the siege but attempting to carry the Town by Storm he was compelled to return back into his Camp with the loss of some of his men but he commanded the messengers that if they perceived the King to be displeased with the news they should let him know that Vrias was dead also The King hearing this seemed displeased saying that it was a fault in him that he had so nerly approached the wall v. 20 21. alledging that he might have done far better to have taken the town by Mine David is displeased with the news of his overthrow or by battering it with his Engines in the case of Abimelech instancing O Gideons son who intending to surprize by force a tower that was within the City of Tebez was strucken with a stone that was cast at him by a woman whereof he died In remembrance A of whose disaster The year of the World 2910 before Christ's Nativity 1054. they ought to have been more wary and not to have approached the Wall of the Enemy so nearly For it is the part of a Soldier to retain in his memory both fatal and fortunate successes to the end that when he shall be in the like danger he may follow the one and fly the other Whilst he thus rebuked them the messenger certified him of Vrias death which did somewhat appease him v. 25. So that he commanded them to tell Joab that it was but an humane accident David is appeased hearing of Urias death and that such was the nature of War that sometime the one had the better and sometime the other To conclude that he should provide for the siege and take care lest hereafter they should receive any further loss counselling him by Trenches and Engines to ruinate the wall and commanding that all those that were in the Town should be put to the Sword The messenger thus dismissed reported all these B things unto Joab v. 26 27. according to the kings commandement But Vrias Wife having notice of the death of her Husband David marrieth Bethsabe who beareth him a Son wept and mourned for him divers dayes and when her mourning for the dead was ended the King espoused her and she bare him a man-child Yet God beheld not this Marriage with a favourable eye but was wroth with David and appearing to the Prophet Nathan in a dream he commanded him to reprove David Now Nathan who was a wise and experienced man knew well that when Kings are displeased they suffer themselves rather to be guided by passion than by reason wherefore he thought fit to conceal the threatnings of God for that time 2 Sam. 12 v 1 2 ad 6. and to begin his discourse with something that should be less harsh to the King wherefore he addressed himself after this manner Two men said he dwelt in the same City the one of them C was rich having much great and small cattell the other was poor and had but one only sheep v. 7 ad 13. which he fed and loved like his children It hapned that this rich man had a stranger came to his house Nathan prophesieth of Davids punishment and sharply rebuketh him he is condemned by his own mouth and repenteth himself for whose entertainment he would not suffer any one of his own Beasts to be slain but sent a messenger who took away by force the poor mans sheep and caused it to be dressed to entertain his guest This report of Nathans much displeased the King inso much that he swore unto him that he that had committed such an act was a wicked man and that he should restore him fourfold and that afterward he should be put to death Whereunto Nathan replied saying That it was he that deserved this punishment who had given sentence against himself in that he had presumed to commit so grievous a sin Moreover he certified him of Gods displeasure who notwithstanding he had made him D King over all the Hebrews and Lord over all the Nations round about which were many and great and had protected him from the hands of Saul and had given him Wives whom he had espoused lawfully was so dishonoured by him that he had taken another mans Wife and caused her Husband to be slain For which sins he pronounced that he should be punished by God and his Wives should be violated by one of his own Sons who should likewise lay a snare for him so that he should
Army and the place of General he might send him to make War upon the Son of Bochri Joab by reason of Amasa's delay is sent out against Siba by David After that Amasa was departed and had employed his time in gathering up his Army the King seeing that he failed to return upon the third day told Joab that it was dangerous to permit Siba to gather a greater head by N delay and thereby breed more trouble and molestation than Absalon had done For which cause said he stay thou not but take unto thee those forces which thou hast in readiness and my six hundred men with thy brother Abisai and pursue thou the Enemy and in what place soever thou meetest him by all means endeavour to give him the Battel Haste therefore and overtake him lest he seize some of our strongest Cities and thereby create us a greater trouble Joab with all expedition obeyed his commandment and took with him the six hundred with his Brother Abisai and commanded all the forces that were in Jerusalem to follow after him and marched in good order after Siba When he came unto Gabaon a Village about forty furlongs distant from Jerusalem Amasa met him with great forces Joab having his Sword girt by his â—ide v. 9 10. whilst Amasa came onward to salute him he on purpose O let his Sword slip out of his sheath Joab killeth Amasa and taking it up from the ground with one hand he drew near unto Amasa under pretence to salute him and taking him by the beard he H thrust the Sword that was in his other hand into his belly and slew him Which action of his was hainous and detestable proceeding from a jealousie he had conceived against a virtuous young man one of great merit and of great hopes being his near Relation who had in no sort offended him but only by accepting the place of General which the King had conferred on him and because David had equalled him in honour with him for which very cause heretofore he had slain Abner Notwithstanding that act of his seemed in some sort more excusable by reason of the wrong which he had pretended to be done unto his Brother Azael v. 9 10. yet was not this a sufficient colour to excuse the murther of Amasa Joab killeth Amasa When this was done he pursued Siba and left a certain man to wait upon the body of Amasa who had commandment given him to proclaim with a loud voice I thorow the whole army that he was justly and deservedly slain commanding those that favored the Kings title to follow their General Joab and his Brother Abisai whilest his body lay thus in the way and all the multitude as it is usual in such like accidents flocked round about it he that had charge of the body took it up and bare it into a certain place out of the way and covered it with a Garment which done all the people followed Joab Now whilest he pursued Siba thorow all the Region of the Israelites he told him that he had retired himself into a certain strong City called Abelmacha where he no sooner arrived but that he begirt the City and entrenched it round about commanding his Soldiers to undermine and overthrow the walls for he was much incensed because they had shut the gates against him Joab besiegeth and shutteth up Siba within Abelmachaea But a certain prudent woman seeing her countrey in extreme K peril she went up to the top of the walls and called unto Joab who coming forth unto her she spake after this manner God hath ordained Kings and Generals of Armies to the end they might destroy the Enemies of the Hebrews and plant amongst them an universal and perpetual peace v. 16. ad 22. but you enforce your selves to destroy one of the chief Cities of Israel A woman rebuketh Joab for seeking the subversion of the City which he rather ought to protect that hath in no sort offended you Joab declared that far from any such design he wished them all happiness and prosperity and said that for his own part it was not his meaning that any one of the City should die neither his pretence to raze and deface so famous a City his intent only was that if Siba the Son of Bochri and the Kings adversary were delivered into his hands to do justice on him he would raise the siege and cause his Army to retire from thence When the woman heard what Joab had said Joabs conditions of peace proposed to the besieged she prayed him to stay a little while promising him L very speedily to cast his head over unto him Whereupon she came down amongst the assembly of the Citizens to whom she spake after this manner Wretched men that you are The punishment of Siba will you miserably suffer your Wives and Children to be slain for a wicked mans cause and a stranger whom ye know not will you admit him in the place of David your King from whose hands you have received so many benefits v. 23. ad finem think you that one only City can resist so vast an Army Officers distributed by David After this manner persuaded she them to cut off Sibas head and to cast it into Joabs camp which done Joab commanded the retreat to be sounded and raised the siege and returning back unto Jerusalem was once more declared General of all the people The King also appointed Benaja Captain of his Guards and of six hundred Soldiers Adoram was made Treasurer to gather in the Tributes Sabath and Achilaus had M the charge of Registers Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. Susa was made Secretary Sadoc and Abiathar were made the High-Priests 2 Sam. 21. 1. 2. After this it hapned that the Countrey was afflicted with a famine For which cause David besought God that he would have compassion on his people A famine inflâ—cted on the Israelites for breach of oath and that it might please him to manifest not only the cause but also the remedy of the malady The Prophets answered him that God would be revenged of the wrong done to the Gibeonites whom King Saul had deceived and traiterously slain without respect of the oath which the Governour Josuah and the Elders made unto them If therefore he would suffer the Gibeonites to revenge the death of their slaughtered friends according to their desire God had promised to be appeased and to deliver the people from their imminent and present evils As soon as he understood by the Prophets what God required he sent N for the Gibeonites and asked them what it was which they required who wished him to deliver into their hands seven of Sauls Sons to take their revenge on them whereupon the King made search after them only sparing and protecting Mephiboseth the Son of Jonathan v. 7 9. When the Gibeonites had laid hold of these seven
necessary to declare the occasions whereon at that present the debate was grounded to the end that the Readers may understand the difficulty of the thing in question and that if they happen at any time to be concerned in such affairs they might by his example learn to discover the truth Two Women of loose life and conversation came unto him one of the which who seemed to have suffered the injury began after this manner D I Two women accuse one another for exchange of their children O King said she and this Woman dwell together in one Chamber but so it fortuned that both of us on one day and at the same hour bare each of us a son some three dayes after we were delivered this Woman lying by her Infant had in sleep overlaid it and stifled it and hath taken my Child from between my knees and laid it by her and put the dead Child whilest I slept A v. 16 ad fin into my bosome Now on the morrow when I thought to give mine Infant suck I found not mine own but perceived that her Child lay dead by me for I knew it because I had exactly marked it This my Child I have demanded at her hands and because I could not recover it I have made my Address unto your Majesty for in that we were alone and she is obstinate and feareth not to be convicted by any she persisteth in her denial of the same After the King had heard her request he enquired of the other if she had any thing E to answer to this accusation But she denying the act and averring that the Child which remained alive was hers and that the dead one appertained to the other and besides that since no Man appeared that might determine the controversie but all that stood by were amazed at the obscurity and difficulty of the debate the King at last found out this expedient of discovering the truth He commanded that both the Children should be brought before him Ver. 24 25. as well the living as the dead and calling one of his Guard unto him Solomon commandeth both the children to be divided into two parts he commanded him with his naked Sword to cut both the Children into two parts to the intent that both of them might take the half of the living and the other half of the dead Child This sentence of his at first seemed so ridiculous that it was exploded by all that stood by In the mean time the true Mother began to cry out and desire that F the matter might not pass so far but rather that they should give the whole Child that was alive unto the other for that it sufficed her so she might see him alive though he might be supposed to be anothers The other willingly consented to the division of the Infant and moreover required that the true Mother should be punished But the King conjecturing by the discourse both of the one Ver. 27. and of the other Solomon by the speech and gesture of the women discovereth the true mother which was the true Parent adjudged the Infant unto her that opposed his death for that in equity she was the true Mother and condemned the wickedness of the other who had murthered her own Child and laboured as much as in her lay to procure the death of her companions innocent Infant All the people took this judgment for an assured proof and sign of the Kings prudence and wisdom and from that time forwards they respected and honoured him as G one that was endowed with a divine spirit The Chieftains and Governors under him thorow all the Kingdom were these Vri governed the Countrey of Ephraim wherein was comprised the rule of Bethlehem Aminadab commanded over the quarter of Dura and the Sea-coast and had espoused the daughter of Solomâ—n The great Plain was subjected H to Benaia the son of Achila who governed likewise all the Countrey that extended towards Jordan Gaber commanded the Galaadites and Gaulonites as far as the Mountain Libanus and had under him sixty great Cities and Forts Achinadab governed all Galilee as far as Sadon Solomons governors and captains and had espoused also one of Solomons daughters called Basima Banacat presided over the Maâ—â—time Countrey near to the City of Arce Saphat commanded the Mountains Itabyr and Carmel 1 Reg. 4. 1 ad 21. and the Land of Galilee as far as Jordan Sonbeia governed the whole Land of the Benjamites Tabar had all the government on the other side of Jordan and was elected Governor-general over them all Thus about this time did the Hebrews wonderfully increase in riches and particularly the Tribe of Juda by reason that the people addicted themselves wholly to the tilling and manuring of their I Lands The happy peace of the Israelites in Solomons time For they were assured of their peace and not distracted by any warlike tumults and besides that fruitfully enjoying a most desired liberty they especially intended this thing onely to increase their private estates The King also had other Governors who ruled the Syrians and commanded other strange Nations which are extended from Euphrates as far as Egypt who gathered the Tribute of those Nations for the King These Barbarians every day furnished the King for his own Table Ver. 23. and the maintenance of his Houshold Solomons daily expences with thirty measures of fine flour and sixty of the courser ten fat Oxen and twenty grass Beeves with an hundred fat Lambs All which things besides Venison and Buffalles taken in chase Birds and Fish were furnished daily by the Barbarians to serve the Kings Houshold Ver. 26. He had likewise a great number of Chariots so that he had forty K thousand Mangers wherein his Horses fed Solomons chariot and horsemen and besides these he had twelve thousand Horsemen half whereof kept alwayes about the King in Jerusalem the rest were billetted in divers Villages belonging to the King Solomons prudence and wisdom and remained there And they that had the charge to furnish the Kings expences provided likewise necessary provender for the Horses conveying it to what place soever the King took his progress But so great was the wisdom and prudence which God had bestowed upon Solomon that he surpassed all his Progenitors and the Egyptians likewise who are esteemed the wisest of all Men were far behind him Solomons method in conjuration whereby he cast out devils For he excelled all those that in that time were in the greatest account amongst the Hebrews whose names I will not omit these were Ethan Eman Chaâ—â— and Dodan all four the sons of Machol He composed also 5000 Books of Odes and Songs L and 3000 Books of Parables and Similitudes beginning from the Hyssop unto the Cedar The like did he of all living creatures that feed on the earth swim in the waters or flie in the air for none of their
austerity to apply himself to the favor and good liking of the multitude for that by this his affability he might the more easily draw their hearts unto him because that by a natural inclination Subjects take delight in those Kings that are courteous who with a certain decent familiarity Ver. 8 ad 11. entertain themselves amongst them But Rehoboam rejected this counsel of theirs which was both good and profitable in all occasions Rehoboam rejecteth the advice of the Elders and followeth the counsel of the younger but especially upon the first entrance into a Kingdom and that not without Gods providence since contrary to all reason he neglected the right course and followed the perverse so that calling unto him certain young men of his own humor and disposition he told them what the Elders had counselled him and willed them to discover their opinion in that matter F but neither their age nor Gods permission suffered them to know that which was expedient For which cause they counselled him to answer the people That his little finger was more great than the loins of his father and that if they had experimented and endured grievances under him that he would be far more rigorous and that if his father had chastised them with the stroke of the Rod that they should expect to be punished by him with a severer chastisement The King delighted herewith supposed the answer to be agreeable to the dignity of his Empire When therefore the people were assembled on the third day to hear his resolution and all of them were in suspence expecting and desirous to hear him speak from whom they hoped nought else but sweetness Rehoboam contemning the counsel of his friends proposed unto himself that of the young Men. All which G hapned by the Will of God to the end that that which Achias had prophesied might be fulfilled H They touched by these his answers no less than if they had been wounded with a sword were much displeased and no less moved than if they had already felt the mischief that was threatned so that they began all of them to cry with a loud voice that from that time forward they had nothing to do with Davids alliance neither with his succession Ver. 18 c. telling him that they would only leave the Temple his father had built unto his charge and threatning him to abandon him The Israelites moved with their repulse revolt from Reâ—oboam Furthermore they were so heinously incensed that Rehoboam having sent unto them Adoram the Superintendent of the Tribes to pacifie their wrath and to persuade them to pardon his youth if he had spoken any thing lightly and unrespectively unto them they could not endure to hear him speak but slew and well-nigh overwhelmed him with stones Which when Rehoboam I perceived supposing that it was himself who in the person of his Officer was put to death and stoned by the people he feared lest in effect his life and the fortune of his Kingdom should fall into the like disaster Whereupon he took his Chariot and fled to Jerusalem where the Tribe of Juda and that of Benjamin by their common suffrages made him King Ver. 21 22. But as touching the rest of the people Rehoboam intending to make War on those Tribes that revolted is inhibited from that day forward they revolted from the Successors of David and proclaimed Jeroboam King of their estates Rehoboam the son of Solomon being sore displeased herewith assembled the two Tribes with an intent to muster One hundred and fourscore thousand chosen Men to make War on Jeroboam and his people and to inforce them by War to acknowledge him for their Sovereign But God restrained him by the means of a Prophet who forbade him to make K War saying That it became not those of the same Nation to contend one against another and the rather for that this their revolt had hapned by the Will of God by which means and persuasion he dismissed his Army But first of all I will rehearse that which Jeroboam King of Israel did and afterwards declare the acts of Rehoboam King of the two Tribes and thus shall the course of the History continue in order After that Jeroboam had setled his Court in the City of Sichem The Court and Palace of Jeroboam he made his ordinary abode in that place except that sometimes he sojourned in the City of Phanuel Not long after this the feast of Tabernacles being at hand Jeroboam supposing that if he permitted the people to go up and worship God in Jerusalem and solemnize the feast in that place they might either repent themselves of the revolt or that by the magnificence of L the Ceremonies used in the worship of God in the Temple and service that was celebrated therein Ver. 26 27 28. they might be persuaded to forsake him Why Jeroboams Calves were made and submit themselves to their first King and by that means he might be drawn into danger of his life to prevent the danger of such a mischief took this course He caused two golden Calves to be cast and built two several Temples the one in Bethel and the other in Dan which is scituate near to the source of little Jordan in which he placed these Calves and afterwards assembling the ten Tribes that were under his subjection he spake unto them in manner following My Friends and Countreymen I know that you are not ignorant how God is in all places and that there cannot be any place wherein he assisteth not nor time wherein he heareth and beholdeth M them not that serve him with true affection For which cause I think it not convenient that you go up unto Jerusalem which is a City at enmity with us neither that you make so long a journey to perform your devotion Jeroboam persuadeth the pâ—ople to Idolatry for it was a man that built that Temple even as I have consecrated two golden Calves the one in Bethel and the other in Dan to the end that every one of you that inhabit near unto those Cities may go thither and worship God Neither shall you want Priests and Levites for I will elect some such among you to the intent that you may have no more need of the Tribe of Levi or the Sons of Aaron Whosoever therefore amongst you would be a Priest let him offer Calves and Muttons unto God after the same manner that Aaron did when he was first appointed to be a Priest By such like Speeches seduced he the people and caused them to fall from their Forefathers N Religion and transgress the Ordinances of their Countrey and this was the beginning of all those mischiefs that afterwards fell upon the Hebrews by which means being overcome in War The neglect of Gods service is the cause of all evil they fell into captivity and were made subject to strangers whereof we will treat
Afterwards calling unto them a certain Man that could cunningly play upon Instruments for so had the Prophet commanded whil'st he sung Elizeus was fill'd with the Spirit of God and enjoined the Kings to make certain Trenches in the Channel of the River Ver. 17. For said he you shall see the River full of water Elizeus fore-prophesieth store of water and their victory without either wind cloud or rain so that both the whole Army and all their Cattel shall be saved and sufficiently sustained and God will not only bestow these benefits on you but will give you the upper hand of your Enemies also and you shall surprize the fairest and strongest Cities of the Moabites and you shall cut down their Trees ruinate I their Countrey and fill up their Fountains and Rivers When the Prophet had spoken thus the next day before Sun-rise the River flowed abundantly with water for three days journey off Ver. 22 23. God had suffered a very violent rain to fall in Idumaea so that both the Soldiers and their Horses were sufficiently refreshed and watered A wonderful blindness of the Enemy grounded on the redness of the water that flowed When the Moabites were informed that the three Kings came out against them and took their way thorow the Desart their King assembled his Army and commanded them to keep the passage of the Mountains to the end they might hinder the Enemy from entering their Countrey unawares But beholding about the Sun-rise that the water of the River was blood-red for at that time it arose in the Countrey of Moab and at this hour the water is red they conceived a false opinion that the three Kings being pressed by thirst had K slain one another and that the River flowed with their blood Being in this sort seduced with this imagination they besought the King to give them leave to gather their Enemies spoils which when they had obtained they altogether inconsiderately marched forth as if to a Prey already prepar'd for them and came unto the Kings Camps with hope to find no Man to resist them But their hope deceived them for their Enemies environed them round about and some of them were cut in pieces the rest turned their backs and fled towards their own Countrey and the three Kings entering into the Territories of the Moabites destroyed thier Cities pillaged the Countrey broke down their Inclosures filling them with stones and mud taken out of the River cut down their fairest Trees stopped up the sources of their Waters and levelled their Walls with the L ground The King of the Moabites himself Ver. 24. seeing himself pursued and besieged and that his City was in danger to be taken by force The victory of the Hebrews against the Moabites sallied out very valiantly with 700 Men hoping by the swiftness of his Horse to break thorow the Israelites Camp on that side where he thought it was least guarded Which when he had attempted and could not execute Ver. 27. because he charged on that side which was best defended The King of the Moabites sacrificeth his own son he returned back again into the City and committed a desperate action for he took his eldest son who ought in right to succeed him in the kingdom and set him on the wall of the City and in the sight of all his Enemies offer'd him for a burnt-sacrifice unto God The Kings beholding this woful spectacle were moved with compassion and overcome with humanity left the siege and returned back again to their Countries After that Jehoshaphat M was returned into Jerusalem Jehoshaphats death he enjoyed a peaceable Government but lived not long after but dyed when he was 60 years old in the 25th year of his Reign and was magnificently buried in Jerusalem according as the Successor to Davids virtues and his kingdom ought to be interred CHAP. II. Joram obtaining the Kingdom of Jerusalem slayeth his brothers and his fathers friends JEhoshaphat King of Juda left behind him divers children the eldest of whom he appointed his Successor in the kingdom Joram Jehoshaphats son King of Jerusalem who was called Joram as his Uncle was who N was his Mothers Brother and Achabs Son lately King of Israel The King of the ten Tribes turning back unto Samaria kept with him the Prophet Elizeus whose actions I will here recite because they are notable and deserve to be registred in writing according as we have gathered them out of the Holy Scripture The widow of Obadiah who was sometime steward of Achabs house came unto him and told him That he was not ignorant that in that persecution wherein Jezabel sought to murther the Prophets her Husband saved one hundred of them for whose private maintenance he had borrowed much money of other men and that now being dead his Creditors strove to draw both her and her children into bondage 2 Kings 4. 1 ad 7. For which cause she besought him in consideration of this act to have compassion on her Elizeus commandeth the Widow to fill her empty vessels with oyl and to yield her some succor Hereupon Elizeus ask'd her If she had any thing O in her house she answer'd him That she had nothing but a very little oyl left her in an earthen Pot. Whereupon the Prophet commanded her to depart and to borrow divers empty vessels of her Neighbors that done he willed her to lock up her doors and to pour oyl into the vessels The year of the World 3050. before Christ's Nativity 924. because it was Gods pleasure to fill them all The Woman did according A as he had commanded her and all the vessels were found full so as none of them were empty whereof when she had certified the Prophet he advised her to go and sell her oyl and pay her Debts and when all was paid he assured her that there would be some remainder that might serve to sustain both her and her children By this means Elizeus discharged the Widow of her Debts 2 Kings 6. 9 ad 12. and that trouble which her Creditors intended against her He admonished Joram likewise by certain Messengers Elizeus adviseth Joram to avoid Adads ambush who lay in wait to kill him that he should take heed of a certain place wherein the Syrians lay in ambush intending to slay him by means of which admonition the King went not out on hunting But Adad being sore displeased because his ambushment was discovered began to suspect his own followers whereupon calling unto him his houshold servants he maliciously B termed them Traytors and furthermore threatned them with death for that they had discovered a matter which was onely committed to their trust unto his enemy Whereupon one of the assistants told him That he ought not to conceive that false opinion of them neither suspect that they had discovered his intended ambush to cut off his enemy but
forth once more against them and he was furnished by the Phoenicians with 60 ships and 800 rowers The Tyrians charging their ships with 12 of their vessels overthrew the Navy of the Assyrians and took about 500 men Prisoners which act of theirs wonderfully increased their honour But the King of Assyria returning back again planted a Garison upon the River set a guard upon the fountain heads to the intent the Tyrians might draw no water which act of B his continuing for the space of five years they were enforced to find and dig for new springs to sustain themselves These things are written in the Registers of the Tyrians themselves as also the exploits of the King of Assyria against them But these Chutheans from the Region of Chut which is in Persia Gods displeasure against the idolatrous Chuthites where there is a River of that name for that they were of five several Nations they brought with them each of them the god whom they honour'd in their Nation to the number of five gods whom they served after the manner of their Countrey Whereupon the true God was displeas'd and provok'd against them for a Plague fell amongst them that consumed them in such sort that they could find no remedy until they were told that they ought to adore the God of the Hebrews The Chutheans embrace the service of God and in prosperity claim kinred of the Jews and that therein consisted C their safety They therefore sent unto the King of Assyria requiring him to send them Priests from amongst the Israelites whom he had led away Prisoners in War By whose assistance they learnt the Law and the manner of Gods service and began very diligently to observe both by which means the Plague ceased And now even unto this day continue they in the same Religion and are called by the Hebrews Chutheans and Samaritans by the Greeks These as often as they find the Jews in prosperity call them their Cousins according to the variety and changes of time but if they perceive their fortunes to be on the declining hand then adjure they consanguinity and renounce their relation to them and say That they were planted in the Countrey and drawn thither from a foreign Nation But in time and place convenient we will speak of them more largely D E F G H The Tenth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 3231. before Christ's Nativity 733. Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Tenth Book 1. Senacherib King of Assyria besiegeth Ezechias in Jerusalem 2. Ezechias having lived for a certain time in peace dyeth and leaveth his Son Manasses I to succeed him 3. The Kings of the Chaldees and the King of Babylon make War against Manasses and lead him away Captive 4. The History of King Josias 5. Josias death in battel he hindereth the King of Egypt from leading his Army against the Babylonians and the event thereof 6. The Army of Nabuchodonosor cometh into Syria 7. Nabuchodonosor putteth Joachim to death and maketh Joachin King 8. Nabuchodonosor changeth his purpose besiegeth Joachim and is reconciled upon composition K 9. Sedechias is appointed King over Jerusalem 10. Jerusalem is taken and the people translated into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor 11. The Successors of Nabuchodonosor the destruction of Babylon by Cyrus King of Persia CHAP. I. Senacherib King of Assyria besiegeth Ezechias in Jerusalem IN the Fourteenth year of the Reign of Ezechias King of the two Tribes 2 King 18 19. Senacherib L The destruction of Judea King of Assyria drew forth a huge Army against him and surprized all the Cities of Juda and Benjamin by strong hand To him Ezechias sent Ambassadors promising him obedience and such a Tribute as it should please him to impose When Senacherib had heard the Ambassadors he resolved on Peace and accepted Ezechias offer promising that he would depart as soon as he should have received Three hundred Talents of silver and Thirty Talents of gold swearing unto the Ambassadors The oath of Senacherib and his breach thereof That upon these conditions he would depart away without committing any outrage Ezechias giving credit to these words of his emptied the Treasuries and sent the prefixed sum to Senacherib hoping to be delivered from his enemy and the hazard wherein his Countrey stood But the Assyrians having received the money set light by their promises M so that Senacherib went in person to make War against the Egyptians and Ethiopians and left Rapsaces his General in Judaea with a great power accompanied with two of his chief Minions and Courtiers with commission to spoil Jerusalem The names of these two were Tharata and Anacheris As soon as they were encamped near unto the Walls they sent unto Ezechias and commanded him to come and speak with them but he through fear which he had conceived went not unto them but sent three of his most familiar friends Eliacim the Superintendent of his Realm Sobna and Joachas that had the commission of his Registers These three presented themselves before the Chieftains of the Assyrian Army whom when Rapsaces beheld he commanded them to return unto their Master and to tell him N That the great King Senacherib was desirous to know upon what hope he slighteth his Summons and refuseth to admit his Army into the City Is it perhaps because he hopeth the Egyptians will have the upper hand of the Kings Army If that be his hope doubtless he is deceived shewing himself to be like unto a man that stayeth himself upon a broken reed by which he is not only not supported but in his fall hath his hand pierced therewith He likewise wished him to conceive that this his expedition was not without the Will of God who as in times past hath given them the victory over the Israelites so now also is pleased to humble Ezechias and to make both him and his Subjects stoop under the Assyrian government Whil'st Rapsaces spake thus in the Hebrew language Ver. 17. wherein he was very skilful Eliacim fearing lest the multitude should be strucken with fear upon the hearing of these words besought him O to speak in the Syriack Tongue Rapsaces persuasion to cause Ezechias to submit But he sufficiently instructed what it was that he feared answer'd him with a louder voice in the Hebrew Tongue and told them They ought to give ear unto the Kings commandment and to yield themselves to his mercy because it concerned their security The year of the World 3231. before Christ's Nativity 737. I am not ignorant said he that both you and your King do flatter the people A with vain hopes and fraudulently allure them to bear Arms against us But if your Valor be ought at all and you suppose that you can raise the siege from your walls let us have same specimen of your courage and send out 2000
a great warrior and very respective of the commandments of his father Matthias having done and suffer'd all that was possible to recover the liberty of his Countrey Being therefore after this manner accomplished he had left behind him a perpetual renown of his worthy acts and an honourable memory of himself obtained by the liberty in which he re-established his Nation delivering them from the servitude of the Macedonians He died after he had discharged the office of the High-Priest for the space of three years E F H The Thirteenth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 3085. before Christ's Nativity 159. Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Thirteenth Book 1. Jonathan after his brother Judas's death succeedeth in the Government 2. Jonathan having wearied Bacchides by War compelleth him to make a League and draw I off his Army 3. Alexander the son of Antiochus Epiphanes maketh War upon King Demetrius 4. Demetrius sendeth an Ambassador to Jonathan with Presents persuading him to be of his party 5. Alexander by greater Presents than Demetrius and by offering the High-Priesthood to Jonathan draweth him over to his party 6. Of the Temple of God built by Onias 7. How Alexander after the death of Demetrius highly honour'd Jonathan 8. Demetrius the son of Demetrius overcoming Alexander possesseth the Kingdom and maketh an alliance with Jonathan K 9. Triphon Apamenus after he had overcome Demetrius reserved the Kingdom for Antiochus Alexander's son who receiveth Jonathan into favor 10. Demetrius being overcome by the Parthians Triphon breaketh his covenant of peace and laying hold on Jonathan traiterously killeth him and afterwards assaulteth Simon his brother 11. How the Nation of the Jews committed both the Priesthood and the Government of the Army to Simon 12. Simon driving Tryphon into Dora besieged him and maketh a League with Antiochus sirnamed Pius 13. A debate arising between Antiochus and Simon Cendebaeus the Kings Captain is driven L out of the Countrey 14. How Simon was traiterously slain at a banquet by Ptolomy his father-in-law 15. How Ptolomy's endeavors being made frustrate Hircanus obtaineth the Government 16. How Antiochus sirnamed the Just leading an Army against Hircanus for 300 Talents is reconciled and entreth into a League 17. Hircanus 's expedition into Syria 18. How Antiochus Cyzicenus assisting the Samaritans is conquered and enforced to flie 19. Aristobulus causeth himself to be crowned King 20. The acts of Alexander the King of the Jews 21. The victory of Ptolomy Lathurus against Alexander M 22. Demetrius Eucaerus overcometh Alexander in battel 23. The expedition of Antiochus Dionysius into Jewry 24. Alexander being dead his wife Alexandra succeeded him in the Kingdom CHAP. I. After the death of Judas Machabeus Jonathan his brother is by the Jews chosen General of their Army Bacchides the Commander of Demetrius's Army attempts to kill him treacherously but failing he assaults him openly A great battel and a fair retreat managed N by Jonathan The son of Amar kills his brother John and thereby draws the divine vengeance on his head Bacchides besiegeth him and Simon his brother in Bethalaga but they force him to raise his siege WE have declar'd in the former Book how the Nation of the Jews after they had been under the subjection of the Macedonians recovered their liberty we have likewise related the great wars of Judas their Captain and in which he was at last slain in the defence of their liberty how likewise after the death of Judas all the wicked Apostate Jews who had revolted from their Religion took courage molesting and doing many injuries O to the rest of their Countreymen Finally how besides their malice the Famine raged in the Countrey so that divers being unable to sustain these two scourges of Famine and War were constrain'd to submit themselves unto the Macedonians In the mean while Bacchides gathering together the Apostates who were fallen from the Religion A of the Jews with an intent to live after the manner of the Heathen committeth the government of the Countrey unto them who laying hold on Judas's friends and partakers betrayed and deliver'd them to Bacchides who first of all tormented and beat them The Jews compelled by the Apostates and by famine submit themselves to the Macedonians and afterwards put them to death This so great affliction than which the Jews had never endured a worse since their return from Babylon was the cause that those of Judas's faction who were yet alive fearing the total ruine of their Nation addressed themselves to Jonathan his brother exhorting him to imitate his brother Judas 's virtues and to have no less care of his Countrey than him who dyed in the defence of it beseeching him that he would not suffer his Nation to perish for want of a Captain Bacchides murthereth those of Judas's faction since he himself was so well B qualified to command them Jonathan answer'd them That he was ready to dye for them and being in all things esteemed no less valiant and politick than his brother Judas he was proclaimed General and Captain of the Jews Bacchides having notice hereof Jonathan by the publick instigation of the Jews undertaketh the government feared lest Jonathan should be no less troublesom to the King and the Macedonians than his brother Judas before him had been for which cause he sought means to make him away by Treason But both Jonathan and his brother Simon gat intelligence thereof and having discover'd his practice they took all their families with them Bacchides comploâ—teth to betray Jonathan and his brother and fled into the desart that confin'd upon the City of Jerusalem and retiring near unto a water call'd the Lake of Asphar they remained in that place When Bacchides perceiv'd that they mistrusted him and were driven thither he went out against them with all his Forces and being encamped on the other side of Jordan he gathered C his Army together Jonathan knowing well that Bacchides came out to seek him sent his brother John sirnamed Gaddis unto the Arabians and Nabatheans to commit the trust of their goods into their hands Bacchides draweth out his Forces against Jonathan until the end of the War betwixt him and Bacchides for the Arabians were his friends Whil'st therefore John marched towards the Nabatheans who were of the City of Medaba the sons of Amareus laid an ambush for him and after they had furiously set upon him on the way and laid hold on whatsoever he brought with him John the brother of Judas is slain by Amars son they at length slew him and all his company for which fact of theirs they were shortly after punished by his brethren as we shall relate hereafter When Bacchides knew that Jonathan was encamped in the Marshes of Jordan Bacchides assaileth Jonathan on the Sâ—bbath-day and loseth 2000 of his men he made D choice
death Cleopatra long before that time desirous to assist her and having compassion of her misery undertook the matter and ceased not to incite Antony to revenge Aristobulus's death telling him that it was an unpardonable errour that Herod being created King in such a state whereunto he had no right should be suffered to practice such conspiracies again the true and lawful Kings Antony perswaded by these her words as soon as he came to Laodicea sent for Herod to the end that making his appearance he might answer that which might be objected against him concerning Aristobulus's death for he disliked the act notwithstanding that Herod himself had attempted it But although Herod was afraid of this accusation and did not a little suspect Cleopatra's displeasure K for that she ceased not continually to provoke Antony against him yet he obeyed his commands and transported himself thither the rather for that he durst not otherwise do notwithstanding he left his Uncle Joseph behind him committing the Government both of the Kingdom Herod ready to repair unto Antony commandeth Joseph to whose charge he committed the Kingdom to kill his wife and his private estate unto him giving him secret instructions to kill Mariamne if so be that Antony should happen to do him any mischief For he loved her so extremely by reason of her beauty that he supposed himself wronged if after his decease she should be beloved by another and he openly declared that all that misery which befel him proceeded from Antonies passion and intire affection and admiration of her beauty whereof he had formerly heard some report As soon therefore as he had disposed his affairs notwithstanding he had little hope of L good hap yet he repaired to Antony But Josepth governing that Kingdom that was committed to his hands conversed divers times upon this occasion with Mariamne and communicated oftentimes with her not only about publick affairs but also to do her that honour which so great a Princess deserved Therefore as he secretly convers'd with her witnessing the friendship and ardent affection which Herod bare unto her He found that neither she nor Alexandra did credit any such thing but rather laugh'd at it For which cause Joseph being too forward to express the Kings good will towards her proceeded so far that he discovered the commands that was given him thereby to make manifest that it was not possible for Herod to live without her and that if any inconvenience should happen unto M him he would not in death also be dis-joyned from her This discourse of Josephs was not interpreted by the Ladies as a demonstration of his good will but rather as a manifestation of Herods wickedness who dying desired also that they should perish and interpreted that which he had spoken as the testimony of his tyrannical and malicious heart At that time there was a rumour spread in the City of Jerusalem by Herods Enemies that Antony had so tormented him that he was dead Whereupon all those of the Kings house were troubled and especially the Ladies so that Alexandra incited Joseph to forsake the Palace A foolish rumour of Herods death and take the Ladies and retire under the protection of the Roman Legion who at that time was about the City for the security of the Kingdom under the Conduct of the Tribune Julius to the end first of all that if any trouble N should happen in the Kings house they might be by this means in safety having the Romans to be-friend them and afterwards for that they hoped that if Antony should see Mariamne she might obtain at his hands whatsoever she desired and that he would restore the Kingdom unto her and deprive her of nothing that concerned her or was answerable to her Royal estate But whilst they were in these deliberations there came Letters from Herod contrary to those reports Herod appeâ—seth Antony by Presents and certifieth his friends by Letters of his health and all mens expectation For as as soon he came unto Antony he compassed his favor by his many Presents which he had brought with him to that intent from Jerusalem and suddenly debated the matter with him he appeased him so that he was no more displeased against him and from that time forward Cleopatra's speeches O were but coldly received in regard of his so ample satisfaction For Antony said That there was no reason that a King should be answerable for that which he had done in his Kingdom for that in so doing he should no more be King but that when the honour is once given him The year of the World 3930. before Christ's Nativity 3â— he hath the authority likewise left him to use his regal Power Urging further A That it concerned Cleopatra likewise her self not to search too curiously into the affairs and Government of Kingdoms Herod shewed all this by his Letters and signified further what other honours he had received at Antoni's hands in Assemblies and Feasts to which he invited him always notwithstanding that Cleopatra seemed to be displeased therewith detracting him and being desirous to get the Kingdom of Jewry into her hands strove with all means possible to put him to death but that he had found Antony always an upright man and feared not henceforward that any evil should befal him and returning presently upon this he brought with him a more ample testimony of Antony's most assured affection both in respect of his own Kingdom and of his particular affairs B And as touching Cleopatra she pretended not to seek any further than that which she had because that Antony had given her Coelosyria instead of that which she had demanded forbearing thenceforward to mention Jewry any more because that Antony wholly rejected those suits After these Letters came unto their hands the trouble and disturbance wherein they were and the desire to retire unto the Romans as if Herod had been dead was wholly extinguished Yet their resolution was not hidden from the King for his sister Salome and his mother informed him of every particular at his arrival after he had parted from Antonius Joseph and Mariamne accused before Herod who was marching against the Parthians Salome likewise spake against Joseph her husband and slandered him objecting against him that he had Mariamnes company All which she spake through malice for that in a certain debate Mariamne C had in her rage despightfully hit her in the teeth with her obscure birth Herod who was always inflamed with the earnest affection which he bare unto his wife Mariamne was suddenly troubled hereat and although jealousie pressed him forward yet love restrained him and kept him from doing any thing rashly for which cause he called Mariamne aside and demanded of her in secret what familiar company she had kept with Joseph She by solemn oaths and by all possible allegations in her own defence appeased the King by little and little Mariamne excuseth and
assuring him that it was far below a Prince of his worth to cast himself into so manifest peril beseeching him to attempt nothing rashly Antonius conquereth Armenia For that Antonius would not endure the same notwithstanding it might be approved that it stood with his profit nay rather that by this means he should encrease his desire Further that no one colour of excuse should be left him in that she was the Woman of the greatest Note and Nobility of that time and that whatsoever profit might redound unto him by her death it would be an affront to Antonius Whereby it most evidently appeared how great damages would befal to the Kingdom and the N Kings family also advising him to humour her in all things except in her unlawfull request Herod bringeth Cleopatra onward on her way towards Egypt By these and such reasons and probable conjectures they deterred and disswaded him from adventuring upon this apparent danger and attempting so hainous an act so that contrariwise they induced him to offer Cleopatra many rich Presents and to conduct her onward on her way towards Egypt As soon therefore as Antonius had made himself Master of Armenia he sent Artabazes Tigrane's son with all his children who were great Princes Prisoners into Egypt and presented them to Cleopatra with all those precious Jewels likewise which were taken by him or found in the Kingdom But Artaxias his elder son who at that time had saved himself by flight reigned in Armenia whom Archelaas and Nero the Empeperor O drove out of his Kingdom and placed his younger brother Tigranes in his room as it shall be declared hereafter As for the Tributes of the Countreys which Herod was bound to pay unto Cleopatra for the lands bestowed on her by Antonius he without deceit The year of the World 3933. before Christ's Nativity 31. justly paid them supposing it to be very suitable to his security to continue A himself in her good favor As for the Arabians they seeing that Herod had the levying of such a Tribute payed him for some little time 200 Talents a year but afterwards they grew slow and negligent in their payments and scarcely satisfied the half CHAP. VI. Herod intendeth to go to assist Antonius against Augustus but Antonius obligeth him to follow on his design against the Arabians so he entreth their Countrey giveth them Battel and gaineth it but looseth a second when he thought to have win ARetas demeaning himself thus ungratefully and refusing to do that which in right B he ought to perform Herod made shew to take Arms against him but deferred his revenge in regard of the contentions amongst the Romans For at that time nothing else was expected but the Actian War which fell in the hundred and eighty seven Olympyade in which Augustus Caesar determined to try his Title with Antonius for the Monarchy Herod levieth an Army to assist Antonius against Octavian In the mean while Herod who had already for many years been Master of a peaceable and fruitful Countrey from whence he drew rich Revenues and many Forces gathered divers Forces with the greatest expedition that he might to succor Antonius But he by Letters signified unto him that he had no need of his assistance notwithstanding Herod is incited by Letters to the Arabian War he commanded him to make a road upon the Arabians whose perfidious dealing Antonius had not only understood by Herod himself but also by Cleopatra's advertisements For she very cunningly conceived that it would redound unto her C profit if one of these two should overthrow the other Herod according to these instructions from Antonius returned back into his Countrey and retained his Army always ready about him and presently invaded Arabia and with his Forces both Horse and Foot came directly to Diospolis where the Arabians having notice of his intended War against them came out to meet him They fought a most cruel Battel wherein at last the Jews had the upper hand After this a great Army of the Arabians assembled themselves at Cana a certain place in Coelosyria Whereof when Herod was fore-advertised he marched forth against them Herods Battels and Conquests accompanied with the greater part of his Forces As soon as he drew near to Cana he resolved to incamp in that place and after he had well fortified and intrenched his Forces to set on the Enemy with the first opportunity but D whilst he employed himself in the execution hereof all the Army of the Jews cryed out requiring him without delay to lead them forward against the Arabians and were so encouraged both in respect of the confidence they had in the good conduct and ordering of their Army as in regard of their forwardness who had been actors in the former War and partakers of the Victory so that they scarce gave their Enemies leisure to stand to their Arms. When Herod perceived that the heat and forwardness of the Souldiers could hardly be appeased he thought good to make use of the readiness of his Army and arming himself he marched on Head of his Army in battalia This sudden approach danted the Arabians For although for a while they made head against them yet perceiving their Enemies full of heart and themselves unable E to resist them divers of them retreated and betook themselves to flight so that all them had been utterly defeated had not Athenio endamaged Herod and the Jews For he having the command of that Army which Cleopatra had in that place and besides that Cleopatra's Chieftain overthroweth Herod bearing a privy grudge to Herod disposed his Army in a readiness and expecting the event of the Battel resolved with himself to contain his Forces if the Arabians overcame the Jews and so if they had the worst as indeed it came to pass to set upon the Jews who should be spent by that time and surprising them unawares even in the height of their hope of good success to massacre them with fresh supplies When the Jews had spent all their strength against their Enemies and expected nothing less than the assurance of the Victory The Arabians returning to the Battel kill those that fly and take the Camp he charged and overcame them who had retreated F into certain rough and difficult places whereunto their Enemies were better accustomed than themselves being grievously wounded by the Arabians who returned back and set upon them divers of them that fled were killed and of those that escaped few of them recovered the Camp Herod losing the hope of this Battel posted on Horseback as fast as he could to bring on fresh supplies but notwithstanding all his expedition and diligence yet could he not recover the place in time The Camp of the Jews was taken and sacked and the Arabians obtained no small success beyond their expectation From that time forward Herod began to make certain incursions into Arabia preying on the Countrey
dearest friends might not be sought out to be punished yet notwithstanding he could not obtain the same by reason of an Oath that Caesar had past before he sollicited him That done he returned back again unto Jewry with greater honour and assurance than before whereby he struck them with wonderful amazement who expected his contrary success as if by Gods special providence he alwayes over-went his dangers Herod entertaineth both Caesar and his Army very heroically to his great honour Therefore he prepared himself to entertain Caesar who returned out of Syria B to take his journey into Egypt and received him at Ptolomais with all Royal honour and gave his Army Presents with all abundance of Provision so that he was accounted for one of Caesars most affectionate friends and rode about with him when he took the view of his Army he entertained him also and his friends with One hundred and fifty Men adorned with most rich and sumptuous apparel And for that they were to pass thorow a Countrey wherein there was great scarcity of Water he furnished them with both Water and Wine so that they needed neither of them He gave Caesar also Eight hundred Talents Herod giveth Caesar 800 Talents and so royally satisfi'd he all Men that they confessed themselves to have had a far greater entertainment than the Revenues and Profits of his Kingdom could afford them By which means he gave the more ample testimony of his C forward friendship and free affection to deserve well and making use of the opportunity of the time he obtained the reputation of a Prince of an heroick and noble spirit so that he was held inferiour unto no man for the good entertainment which he gave to the chiefest Romans in their return from Egypt CHAP. XI Mariamne giveth Herod so cold a reception when he returned from Caesar that being joined to the aspersions which Herod's mother and sister laid upon her he had infallibly caused her to be put to death at that very instant But he is engaged to return to Augustus he put-her to death at his back-coming The business of Alexandra Mariamne's Mother D Herod's despair after Mariamne's death he falleth dangerously sick Alexandra endeavoureth to make herself Mistris of the two Forts of Jerusalem he made her be put to death and Costobarus and others follow he instituteth Plays and Shews in Honor of Augustus by which he doth so irritate the most part of the Jews that ten of them undertak to kill him he putteth them to death He buildeth many Forts and rebuilds a very fine and a strong Town upon the ruins of Samaria which he names Sebaste BUT as soon as he returned unto his Kingdom Mariamne and Alexandra displeased with Herod he found all his Houshold troubled and both his Wife Mariamne and her Mother Alexandra grievously displeased with him For they supposed and not without cause that they were not shut up in that E Castle for their securities sake but as it were in a Prison so that in as much as they neithay might make use of other Mens nor enjoy their own goods they were highly discontented Mariamne also supposed that her Husband did but dissemble his love rather for his own profit than for any entire affection he bare towards her But nothing more grieved her than that she had not any hope to live after him if so be he should happen to die especially for the order he had left concerning her neither could she ever forget what commands he had before that time left with Joseph so that by all means possible she laboured to win the affections of those that had the charge of her and especially Sohemus knowing very well that her safety depended wholly on his hands Who in the beginning behaved himself very wisely and faithfully containing himself F very circumspectively within the bounds of his commission but after these Ladies had with pretty presents and feminine flatteries wrought and mollifi'd him by little and little at last he blabbed out all that which the King had commanded him Sohemus discovereth the Kings secrets especially for that he hoped not that he should return with the same power and authority which before he had and for that cause he thought thus in himself that without incurring any danger in regard of Herod he might greatly gratifie the Ladies who in all likelihood should not be deprived of that dignity wherein they were at that time but would return them the like kindness when Mariamne should be Queen or next unto the King Furthermore he hoped that if Herod also should return with all things answerable to his desires that he would perform nothing without his Wifes consent or upbraid him G with the act if she contradicted for he knew too well that the King loved her so that it was impossible to equal or express his affections and for these causes he disclosed H the trust that was committed unto him But Mariamne was very sore displeased to hear that there was no end of her miseries but they were altogether united and tied to the dangers of Herod and she oftentimes wished that he might never more return again in safety supposing that her life with him should be very intolerable all which she afterwards dissembled not but openly confessed that which afflicted her with discontent For when as Herod beyond all expectation arrived in his Countrey being adorned with mighty fortune he first of all as it became him acquainted his Wife with his good tydings and happy success whom onely amongst all other his friends and Wives he embraced and saluted Herod but coldly entertained by his wife Mariamne for the pleasing conversation and affection that was in her But she while he repeated unto her these fortunate events of his affairs rather entertained I the same with a displeasant attention than applauding joy Neither could her great sincerity cover the agitation of her mind For when he folded his arms about her neck she unfolded her sorrow in her sighes so simple and unfeigned were her affections and seemed rather to be displeased than appeased by his narrations Whereupon Herod was sore troubled Herod's sorrows to see his wifes affections distracted and changed perceiving these things not onely suspected but also fully manifest but above all things he was distracted when he considered the incredible and apparent hatred that his Wife had conceived against him which incensed him so that he could not resist the love that had attainted him so that he neither could continue in wrath nor listen long to peace and being unresolved in himself he now was attempted by this straight distracted by a contrary affection so much was his mind tossed between K love and hatred when oftentimes he desired to punish the womans pride his heart by loves mediation failed him in the enterprize For nothing did more torment him than this fear lest executing his displeasure against her he should
Sabinus also by his Letters accused Archelaus to Caesar but Archelaus by Ptolomey exhibited unto Caesar a Supplication containing his Right and Title unto the Kingdom his Father's Testaments and the account of the Money which Herod his Father had sealed up together with his Ring and expected the issue D But when he had read these Letters and those which Varus and Sabinus had sent him and understood what summs of money he had left and what the yearly Revenue was and how Antipas challenged the Kingdom and appropriated it to himself according as his Letters mention he assembled all his friends to have their advice thereupon Amongst them was Caius the Son of Agrippa and his Daughter Julia adopted by him whom he caused to sit in the chiefest place which done he commanded the Assistants to speak what they would concerning this matter At that Antipater Salome 's Son a man very eloquent Antipater Salome 's Son accuseth Archelaus before Augustus Caesar and a great Adversary to Archelaus spake first saying That it was a mockery for him at that time to speak of the Kingdom considering that before Caesar had granted it him he had already seized the Forces of the State when as upon a Festival day E he had killed so many who although they had deserved that punishment yet ought the justice thereof to have been reserved to a lawful Power and not to have been usurped by him either being King with Caesar's prejudice whose Authority he had contemned or by being a private man which was a great oversight For which cause he undeservedly at this time hoped for his approbation whom already as much as in him lay he had deprived of the Title and Authority of his Allowance Moreover he objected against him that of his own Authority he had changed certain Officers of the Army and that he had seated himself in the Royal Throne and like a King had determined certain causes and had granted certain demands of the people That he had left nothing undone which he might have performed had Caesar confirmed his Title He alledged also that they who were enclosed in the Hippodrome F were dismissed by him and divers other acts partly true partly probable in regard of the ambition of young men who desirous to govern do ordinarily commit such things Besides this his neglect in mourning for his Father and withal his rare Banquets all night long at that very time his Father died whereat the people began to mutiny seeing the small regard he had of his Father's death from whom he had received so great Goods and Honours How all the day long be made a shew of his sorrow and tears in his Pavilion but all the night he took pleasure like a King and being such if Caesar should grant him the Kingdom he would behave himself no less unkindly towards him than he had done to his most kind Father That it was no less than an odious crime in him to delight himself with Songs and Dances at his Father's death as if he had been his enemy That he G now came to Caesar's Presence to the intent to obtain the Kingdom by his consent whereas already he had behaved himself no otherwise than if he had already been established King by his Authority But most of all he exaggerated the Slaughter he had committed in the Temple and the Impiety perpetrated so near to the Feast of Easter at which time divers H both Strangers and Citizens had been killed after the manner of Sacrifices and the Temple filled with Carcases not by a stranger but by him who under the colour of Religion desireth the Government of the Kingdom to the end he might satisfie the injustice of his nature in exercising each way his Tyranny towards all men for which cause his Father never thought nor ever dreamt to substitute him King in his place For he knew both his life and disposition and by his former Testament and that of greatest force had ordained his Adversary Antipater to be King For he had been allotted the Kingdom by his Father not when his mind was dead before his body but when both his Judgment was sound and his body in health Yea although at that time Archelaus's Father had such a conceit of him as in his later Testament he pretendeth yet that he had already declared what kind of King he was I like to be who contemned Caesar's Authority in confirming the Kingdom and being as yet a private man doubted not to murther the Citizens in the Temple This said Antipater to give greater credit to his words bringing divers of his Kindred as Witnesses of that he had said ended his Oration Whereupon Nicholaus arose Nicholaus excuseth Archelaus and alledged in Archelau 's behalf as touching the slaughter that it was to be imputed to their impiety who could not be restrained from their Tumults and Uproars before Archelaus was enforced to appease them by force alledging That they were so much the more guilty for that they had not only exercised their malice but also had enforced others to attempt so great a revenge against them for their insolency seemed in appearance to concern Archelaus yet in a sort their contumacy K pertained to Caesar's ruine For those that had been sent by him to appease and redress their sedition were against all Law and right charged and killed by them without respect of God or regard of the solemn Feast Whose defence Antipater was not ashamed of without respect of equity so that he might satisfie that hatred which he bare unto Archelaus That therefore it was their fault who first of all abstained not from injury but whetted those Swords which were drawn in maintenance of the peace against their own bosoms He enforced all other things also whereof they had accused Archelaus against themselves saying that none of these things were done without their consents and that the offence was not so grievous as they intended it should be esteemed to the end they might discredit Archelaus So great a desire was in them to hurt their Kinsman a man both well L respected and affected by his Father as also kind and officious towards them in all things that concerned them As for the Testament that it was made by the King when he was in perfect estate of mind and body and of greater force than the former because the Authority and confirmation thereof was ascribed unto Caesar the Sovereign of the World Further that Caesar would not imitate them in that wrong they did unto Herod who being during his life-time bountifully graced by him by many benefits do now after his death go about to violate his last and truest Testament but that rather like a Friend and Confederate he would confirm his Will who like his faithful and sworn well-willer had committed all things to his trust For that there must needs be a great difference between M their Malice and Caesar's Vertue
estate of those that were alive was far more desperate whom he not only frighted with perpetual terrour and severity but also with injurious hands had not abstained from their M Goods By which means it came to pass that he not only builded but beautified Foreign Cities inhabited by Foreign Nations to the end he might the rather utterly spoil those by exaction which were situated and seated in his own Countrey And that he enforced his Nation to extream Poverty which he received in most happy Estate whilst he spoiled those Nobles of their Estates who upon weak probabilities were condemned to die or granting them Life deprived them of their Possessions And whereas yearly Tributes were imposed on every one yet severally were the ravenous and covetous desires of his Friends and Courtiers to be satisfied yea and of his servants also who had the Authority to exact these things and by this means they might redeem their injurious wickedness As for the deflouring of Virgins and the shameful betraying N of a Matron's chastity they covered them under silence for that it is a great comfort to those that suffer such abuses if their disgraces be but known to a few In short that Herod had no other ways governed than as if the Government had been committed to a most wild Beast For which cause whereas in times past that Nation had been afflicted with many Calamities and Murthers yet that there is no example extant amongst their Monuments of Antiquity that may be compared with their present Calamity under Herod For which cause upon just respects they had with one consent named Archelaus their King supposing that whatsoever King might befall them he would always demean himself more affably than Herod had done and that to honour Archelaus they had mourned with him for his Father to gratifie him in O other things to the intent they might obtain his good affection But he without delay and all at once had made manifest to the whole Nation what opinion they were A to conceive of him notwithstanding that as yet he was not confirmed King for that it lay in Caesar's hands to grant it and as if he had been afraid lest he should assuredly be acknowledged for his Father's Son he had shewed an example of his Vertue Moderation and good Government that he would use towards his Subjects by the first Act which he had committed not only against God but also against men For in the Temple it self he hath caused three thousand of his Countrey-men to be killed in stead of Sacrifices And how can he chuse but be justly hated who besides his other cruelties objecteth against us the Crime of Rebellion and Mutiny The effect of their request therefore was this that they might not any more be governed by a King nor any such like Government but that they might be united unto Syria and submit B themselves under their Governours that should be sent thither That in so doing it should truly appear whether they were sedicious and addicted to changes or whether they would live in peace Nicholaus excuseth Herod and Archelaus when they had favourable Governours After the Jews had spoken to this effect Nicholaus discharged the Kings of those Accusations that were objected against them and namely Herod who as he said had never been accused all his life-time and that it was no reason that they who justly accusing him might have caused him to be punished during his life-time should now address their Accusations against him after he was dead And as touching those things which were objected concerning Archelaus's actions it ought to be imputed to their insolence for that engaging themselves in matters contrary to Law and having begun to murther those who C sought to appease the tumult they accused such as had kept them in obedience Besides this he objected against them that they were addicted to alterations and took pleasure to stir up Seditions for that they knew not what thing it was to obey Justice and the Laws and that there was no Nation in the World so head-strong as that of the Jews for that they would have the upper hand over all Thus spake Nicholaus CHAP. XIII Caesar confirms Herod's Testament and appointeth his Children to be his Successors D WHen Caesar had heard these things Caesar maketh Archelaus an Ethnarch and bestoweth one half of the Kingdom on Philip and Antipas he dismissed the Assembly But some few days after desirous to make an end of this matter declared Archelaus not King but Lord of half that Government that appertained to Herod promising him to bestow a Royal Dignity upon him if so be he behaved himself vertuously according as it became him As for the other Moyety he divided it between two of Herod's Sons Philip and Antipas who debated with his Brother Archelaus for the whole Kingdom The same Antipas also had the Countrey on the other side Jordan and Galilee with two hundred Talents of yearly Revenue As for Philip he had Bathanea Trachonitis and Auranitis and part of the Palace that was called by Zenodorus's name with one hundred E Talents As for Archelaus he had Idumaea Judaea and Samaria which were discharged of the fourth part of the Tributes by Caesar for that they had joyned themselves with the rest of the people during the time of the Sedition Besides that Archelaus had the Tower of Straton Sebaste Joppe and Jerusalem For Gaza Gadara and Hippon were Cities of Greece which Caesar had separated and adjoyned to Syria Archelaus had five hundred Talents of yearly Rent out of his Countrey Thus was the Patrimony divided among Herod's Sons Salome As for Salome besides that which her Brother had given her in his Will which were the Cities of Jamnia Azot Phasaelis and half a Million of money Caesar granted her a Royal house in Ascalon so as she received in the whole sixty Talents of yearly Revenue and had her house allotted her within the Dominion F of Archelaus All Herod's Kindred received that which was bequeathed unto them by his Testament Two of his Daughters that were unmarried were endowed by Caesar with a quarter of a Millon of money which he gave them besides their Father's Portion Herod's two Daughters that were Virgins married to Pheroras's Sons and they were married to Pheroras's Sons Moreover he gave Herod's Sons all which he had given him by the Testament amounting to the summ of one thousand and five hundred Talents contenting himself only to receive some few movables not so much for the value as in remembrance of the King who had given them CHAP. XIV The year of the World 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. H An Impostor counterfeits himself to be Alexander Herod's Son Augustus finds out his Cheat and sends him to the Galleys AVgustus having thus ordained Herod's Succession Hedio Ruffinus chap. 18. a young man and a Jew born brought up in the City of
Temple he purified it and compassed it with a Wall and made new Vessels for the M Service of God and placed them there because those that had been formerly consecrated there were prophaned He built likewise another Altar and began to renew the accustomed Sacrifice and observe the Rites of Religion Scarce was the City brought to its former Estate Antiochus dieth and leaveth the Kingdom to his Son Antiochus who gathereth a huge power and invadeth Jewry but Antiochus died leaving behind him Antiochus Eupator his Son and Heir not only of his Kingdom but also of his hatred against the Jews Who having gathered together fifty thousand Foot and almost five thousand Horse and fourscore Elephants entred by the Mountains into Judaea and took a Town called Bethsara near which Judas met him in a place called Bethzacary where the passage was something strait And before they joyned Battel Eleazar Judas's Brother seeing one Elephant higher than the rest bearing a N great Tower on his Back Ant. lib. 12. c. 14 15. and adorned with Golden Furniture thought Antiochus had been there â—leazar dieth being slain by an Elephant and ran from his Company breaking the Ranks of the Enemies till he came to the Elephant but he could not reach him whom he deemed to be the King he was so highly mounted all he could do was to wound the Elephant in the belly with his Sword till the Beast fell upon him and pressed him to death which act of his had no other success but this that by attempting so great a matter he gave testimony that he preferred Glory before his life Eleazar preferreth honour before life For he that rid on this Elephant was but a private person and although Antiochus had been there Eleazar had atchieved nothing more in this valiant attempt but yet he adventured his life in hope to perform some great exploit This act of his was a presage unto his Brother Judas of the event O of that days Battel for the Jews fought stoutly and a long time but yet Antiochus's Army being both more in number and more fortunate obtained the Victory and A Judas after the loss of many of his company fled to the Gophonites with those of his side who escaped Antiochus advanced afterwards to Jerusalem from whence after some stay he departed for want of Provisions leaving a sufficient Garrison there as for the rest of his Army he led them for their Winter-quarters into Syria But notwithstanding the King's departure Antiochus departing from Jerusalem leaveth a sufficient Garrison there Judas rested not but encouraged by many of his Nation who daily came to him and gathering also together those who escaped out of the former Battel he fought with the Forces of Antiochus at a village named Adasa where after many proofs of his valour in assaulting and slaughtering a great number of his enemies he himself at length was slain and within a few days after his Brother John also was betrayed Ant. l. 12. c 18 and slain by their treacheries who favoured B Antiochus Judas sighteth with Antiochus Captains and is slain Ant. l 13 c. 1. CHAP. II. The Succession of Princes from Jonathan to Aristobulus AFter Judas succeeded his Brother Jonathan in the dignity of Prince of the Jews The year of the World 3805. before Christ's Nativity 157. He carefully studied the peace and security of his people and fortified himself by the friendship of the Romans and was reconciled to Antiochus his Son yet did C not all these things procure his safety For Tryphon who was tutor to the young Antiochus laying wait for him Jonathan taken by Tryphon's subtilty is slain and seeking to spoil him of his friends took Jonathan at such a time as he came with a small company to Antiochus who was at Ptolemais and binding him led an Army against Judaea from whence being repulsed by Simon Jonathan's Ant. l. 15. c. â— Brother in displeasure and revenge thereof he slew Jonathan But Simon valiantly bestirring himself in the Conduct of the affairs of the Common-wealth The year of the World 3813. before Christ's Nativity 149. took Zara Joppe and Jamnia which were bordering Towns and overcoming the Garrison of Accaron he destroyed the City and assisted Antiochus against Tryphon who besieged Dora before that expedition which he made against the Medes Simon encountreth with Cendebeus and overcometh him Yet would not the greedy mind of the King be satisfied notwithstanding D Simon had thus faithfully served and assisted him to the ruine and death of Tryphon but in a short time after he sent Cendebeus the General of the Army to harass and spoil Judea and to take Simon Prisoner But Simon though very aged acted both youthfully and valiantly Ant. l 13 c. 14. and sent his Sons before with the most resolute men he had against Antiochus Simon by the tâ—eachery of his Son-in-law Ptolâ—maeus is taken and slain and himself with the residue of his Army assaulted another quarter of the enemies Camp and having laid many ambushes in the mountains he obtained a great victory After which he was made High Priest and delivered the Jews from the subjection of the Macedonians under which they had been two hundred and seventy years John otherwise called Hircanus the Son of Simon Finally by the treachery of Ptolemy his Son-in-law he was murthered at a Banquet who imprisoning his Wife and two Sons sent certain men E to kill his third Son John otherwise called Hircanus But the young man understanding the design fled to Jerusalem accompanied with a great multitude for he greatly hoped that the people would remember his Father's prowess especially because Ptolemy's iniquity was hated of all men Ptolemy also hasted to enter the City at another gate but he was speedily repulsed by the people who had already received Hircanus For which cause he presently retired himself into a Castle named Dagon situate beyond Jericho After that Hircanus had obtained the office of High Priest The year of the World 3831. before Christ's Nativity 131. which was left him by his Father and had offered Sacrifices to God he led forth his forces with all speed to besiege Ptolemy hoping to deliver his mother and brethren that were detained F Prisoners there by him His tenderness of nature was the only obstacle that hinder'd him from forcing the Castle Hircanus obtaineth the honour of the High-Priestâ—ood which his father had 〈…〉 cruelty agâ—â—â—t Hircanus's Mother For when Ptolemy perceived himself to be in danger he brought Hircanus's Mother and Brethren upon the walls and beat them where he might behold them in their torments threatning to cast them down from the wall except Hircanus would presently depart How great soever the indignation of Hircanus was it was forc'd to give place to the affection he had for persons so dear to him and to his compassion of seeing them suffer
Another proof against Antipater contained many invectives against Herod and many accusations But these Letters were feigned by Antipater who for money had perswaded Acme to write them in her own name as the Letter that she writ to Antipater evidently shewed for she writ as followeth I have writ to your Father as you requested me and sent also other Letters and I assure D my self he will not spare his sister if he do but read the Letters You may do well seeing I have performed all your requests to be mindful of your promise This Letter against Salome and others being found to be counterfeited the King began to doubt that Alexander was made away by such counterfeited Letters and he remember'd that he had almost put his Sister to death through Antipater's device Wherefore he resolved no longer to delay to punish him for all yet was he hindred by a great sickness from accomplishing his purpose Herod intendeth Antipater's punishment and therefore blotteth his name out of his Testament He only sent Letters to Caesar concerning Acme's treachery and false accusation of Salome and changed his Testament and blotted out the name of Antipater and in his room writ Antipas leaving out Archelaus and Philippus who were the elder Brethren because Antipater had render'd them odious to him E He bequeathed to Augustus a thousand Talents beside many other rich gifts and to his Wife the Empress and Children and Kindred and Freed men about five hundred he also gave great gifts to others either in land or money and left to his Sister Salome great riches CHAP. XXI Of the Golden Eagle and of Antipater's and Herod's death F HErod's disease increased partly through age and especially by his grief and sorrow Ant. lib. 17. cap. 8. for he was now threescore and ten years old and his mind was so troubled for the death of his Children that though he were in health yet he took no pleasure in any thing and his sickness was so much the more grievous to him because that Antipater was yet alive but he purposed to put him to death as soon as he was recovered of his sickness To increase his calamity there arose a tumult among the people There were in the City two Doctors reputed very skilful in our Country-laws One of them was named Judas the Son of Sariphaeus the other was called Matthias the Son of Margalote These two were followed by a great number of young men so that when they expounded the Law they had an assemby like a great Army G And hearing that the King partly by grief and partly by his disease was very like to die they told their acquaintance that now it was a fit time to revenge the injury which God received by those profane works which were made against his express Commandment The year of the World 3963. after Christ's Nativity 1. which forbids to place the Images or likeness of H any living thing in the Temple This they said because the King had set a Golden Eagle upon the chief Porch of the Temple which they exhorted the young men to take away saying that it was meritorious although danger might ensue thereon yea Judas and Matthias perswade the people to pull down the Golden Eagle even to die for their Countrey-laws For they that died for such a cause should enjoy everlasting life and glory And that many unwise men ignorant of that Doctrine so loved their lives that they chose rather to die by sickness than to spend their lives in so glorious an enterprize Whilst they spoke thus there was a rumour spread that the King was now at the last gasp whereby the young men being encouraged about Noon when many were walking in the Temple they let themselves down from the top of the Temple with great ropes and so with hatchets cut down the Eagle I Whereof the Captain of the Soldiers being advertised The young men that pulled down the Eagle are brought before Herod and are examined he went with a great many Soldiers speedily to the Temple and took almost forty of the young men and carried them to the King Who asked them if that were true that they were so bold as to cut down the Golden Eagle They confessed they had done it Then he demanded by whose Commandment They answered by the Commandment of the Law After this it was asked them why they who were presently to die were so joyful They answered Because after death they hoped to enjoy Eternal Bliss The King hereat was so greatly moved with anger that for all his disease he went forth and made a Speech to the people wherein he inveighed against these persons as Sacrilegious who under pretence and colour of their Countrey-laws and Religion attempted some great matter K and he adjudged them as impious people worthy of death The people fearing that he would torture many to learn who had favoured the act requested him that only the Authors and Actors of that Crime might receive punishment and that he would remit the offence to all the people besides The young men with the Ring leaders condemned to die The King with much ado entreated caused the young men that let themselves down with Cords and the two Doctors to be burned and the rest which were taken in the act to be beheaded After this the King's sickness spread over his whole body and he was afflicted with most grievous pains The King troubled with many diseases For he had a great Fever and an Itch over all his body which was intolerable and a dayly Collick and his feet were swelled as though he had the Dropsie Ant. l. 17. c. 9. His belly also was swelled and his privy members putrified so that the worms L bred in the putrified places He was also grievously tormented with difficulty of breath and a Convulsion of the whole body so that some said that this was a punishment laid upon him Herod seeketh remedy in his sickness at the hot Baths for the death of the two Doctors Herod notwithstanding he was afflicted with so many and grievous sicknesses yet he was desirous to live and sought remedy in hope of health At last he passed over Jordan where he used the warm Waters of Calliroe which run into the Lake of Asphaltites and are so sweet that men use to drink of them There the Physicians caused his body to be bathed in hot Oyl and he was therewith so weakened that his sense failed and he was as though he were dead whereat those that were about him being troubled with their cries they caused him to look up and now despairing of life he caused fifty Drachmes M to be distributed to every Soldier and great Summs of money to the Captains and his friends As he returned Herod full of melancholy When he came to Jericho he was in a very great likelihood to die and his melancholly put into his head a wicked
the Israelites 135. C. kill one another 136. K. Madus and his Progeny 33. G. Magicians could not expound the dream 268. E. F. 269. N. Magicians deceive many 537. C. work much mischief 620. N. Magistrates to be obeyed 110. L. M. to be honoured and reverenced 112. L. M. 626. K. 882. N. their duty 234. E. Magog another of the Scythians 33. G. Magnanimity of Herod 430. N. of the Romans 802. M. Magnificence of Solomon 215. D. 216. M. of Ezechias 253. H. I. of Herod 585. C. of Vespasians triumph 766. I. Maidens of Israel sing and dance 160. N. Malchus King of Arabia 574. H. repelled Herod ibid. A. repented him of that dealing 575. B. Male children put to death and why 62. O. Maledictions of Moses 118. M. N. Malefactors executed 540. I. Malice of Pharaoh 62. O. of Daeg and Saul 166. K. L. of the Ziphians 169. D. of the Egyptians to the Jews 792. I. Malichus layeth wait for Antipater 376. F. poysoneth him 377. H. slain ibid. N Mambres Abrahams Friend 37. F. Man created 27. G. called Adam and why 28. H. imposed names on the creatures 28. I. placed in Paradise 28. I. transgresseth ibid. H. cast out of Paradise 29. A. author of his own death 32. K. Manahem foretels Herods reign 417. N. Manahem King of Israels acts 250. D. bought his peace ibid. E. dieth 250. E. Manahemus chief of the rebels 631. A. slain 631. E. Manasses marrieth Senaballats daughter 293. K. retaineth his wife ibid. K. L. enjoyeth his desire 294. F. Manasses Josephs son 56. I. King Manasses impiety 258. B. led away prisoner 258. C. repenting is restored ibid. C. his acts 258. D. dieth ibid. Mandate of Cyrus 275. K. Manethon an Egyptian Writer 784. N. sheweth the coming and departure of the Jews c. 786. K. his fabulous reports 792. L. his lies confuted 793. E. his words repeated 798. K. Manna what 75. B. food of the Israelites 75. C. how much to be gathered ibid. C. when it ceased 122. O. Manner of Purification 103. G. Manners of the Egyptians 62. N. of the Esseans 612. M. 613. C. of the Idumaeans 690. M. of the Athenians 813. D. of the Persians 813. G. Manoachs wife saw an Angel 139. F. foretold of a son and instructed ibid. F. is seen of both 140. H. I. Man-slaughter 109. E. Mara what 73. E. March of the Romans 662. L. M. Mariam Moses sister 63. G. watch him ibid. G. fetched his mother 64. K. her death 103. G. Mardochaeus Esthers Uncle 286. G. discovered the traitors 287. I. K. his lamenting and why 288. A. B. honoured 290. D. Marriage when to be contracted 114. M. Marriage with an harlot forbidden ibid. M. Marriage with a bond-woman 115. D. Marriages made 594. N. broken 595. C. Mariamne wife of Herod 378. C. committed to Joseph 397. C. accused excused her self 398. D. E. displeased with Herod 496. E. coldly entertained Herod 407. I. upbraided Herod 586. K. accused and put to death 408. M. 586. N. Marphad sacked Syria 37. B. killed Giants ibid. B. Marsus Governour of Syria 522. H. displeased ibid. Martial Discipline 638. L. M. 660. M. N. Masons how employed 207. D. E. Massacre of the Jews 632. I. c. 633. C. c. 634. K. c. 736. M. N. c. Massada a strong Castle 771. C. for what occasion builded 773. A. battered with the Ram 773. C. Matter for the building of the Tabernacle 80. L. M. Matter committed in trust 117. C. Matthias refuseth to commit Idolatry 315. K. â—layeth an Apostate ibid. rooteth out Idolatry 313. N. his death 316. D. maketh war against Antiochus 558. K. Matthias raiseth sedition 460. I. burned ibid. L. Matthias cruelly handled 736. M. Measures found out and by whom 29. F. Medimnus a certain measure 97. E. Meeting of the Hebrews thrice a year 111. F. Melancholy of Herod 602. M. Melchisedech King of Solyma 47. E. entertaineth Abraham c. ibid. praiseth God and receiveth the tenths 47. E. Men thronged to death 618. O. Menelaus High Priest 313. I. warreth against Jason ibid. Mephiboseth obtains the possession of Saul 182. O. purgeth himself of Sibas slanders 193. E. restored to the half of his possessions 194. I. Merchandise brought to Solomon 216. K. Merchants of Arabia buy Joseph 52. K. sold him to Putiphar ibid. N. of Tharsis 235. M. Mercy hurtful in War 726. N. Mercy of Varus 609. F. of Titus towards Joseph 673. E. to his enemies 685. E. Meroe a strong City of Aethiopia 65. F. Messengers sent to David 163. C. to Nabal 168. N. Mesopotamia troublesom to travellers 42. K. Mesopotamians submit themselves 184 i. Method of morality and discipline 808 i. Methusala Enoch's son 30. how long he lived 31 c. Mice devour the fruit c. 146 m. Micheaâ— reproveth Achab and why 231 i. how rewarded ib. i. foretelleth Achab's death and Sedechiah's punishment 232 d e. his allowance 233 h. Michol daughter of Saul 162 i. given to David in marriage ib. i. conveyeth David away 163 c. deceiveth Saul's messengers 163 0. restored to David 175 o. mocked at him 181 a. Midwives of Egypt 62 o. Mildness of David 168 i. Military Discipline 638 l m. 660 m n. A Mind furnished with virtues 158 l. Ministeries of the Gabeonites 125 a. Miracles 681 k l. 220 b. 227 n. 226 d. 226 n. 237 o. Miracle of the Sun 's going back 257 l. Miracle of Elias 701 e. Misa King a Moab 237 l. put to flight ibid. l. sacrificeth his son ibid. m. Misdemeanour of the wicked 30 n. of Samuel's sons 149 d. of a soldier 618 n. 619 h. Misery of the Israelites 62 m. 63 e. 68 h. 74 o. fore-prophesied 222 e. of the Jews fore-told 259 k. of Judea 476 m. of the Jews prophesied 628 n. of the people 732 m. 739 g. Three Miseries assail Jerusalem 698 o. Mithridates King of Parthia 35â— i. Mithridates King of Pontâ—s slain 363 m. Mithridates warreth with the Egyptians 370 b. commendeth Antipater to Caesar ibid. b. Moabites put to flight 134 i. war against Josaphat 234 g. kill one another 235 l. Module of the Temple 201 m. Module of the Tabernacle proposed to Moses 80 m. Moderation of Saul 151 e. of David 170 i. Moderation in abundance hardly kept 248 b. Monarchy of the Assyrians destroyed 257 l. Money taken out of David's tomb 345 n. distributed 728 i. Monobazus King of Adiabena 528 l. Moon made 27 f. her end and motion ibid f. Monument of the Priesthood confirmed 102 l. Monument of Jonathan 343 d. of David 345 n. of John the high Priest 723 c. Morning whaâ— 27 e. Moses the son of Amrem 63 b. foretold to afflict the Egyptians estate and advanceth the Israelites 62 n. cast into the flood 63 g. taken out thereof ibid. h. called Moses 64 k. adopted by Pharaoh's daughter spurned the Crown ib. m. conducted the Egyptians against the Aethiopians 65 c. his victory ib. the Jews law-maker 26 n. more ancient than other law-makers 791
e. Ochozias King of Israel reproved and why 235 n o. his soldiers consumed ibid. m. 236 b. his death foretold 236 c. Ochozias King of Judah 241 n. visiteth Joram 242 c. slain ibid. g. Office of Judges 112 l m. of an Historiographer 359 g. of the Priests 70â— a. Off-spring of Noah Abraham c. look progeny Og King of Galadine 105 b. is slain with his army ib. b. his high stature and great strength ibid. b. Oil in the pot multiplyed 226 d. 237 o. Scalding Oil thrown on the Romans 668 m. Olda the Prophetess 259 l. Old man killeth his wife c. 387 k. Old and weak Jews slain 758 n. One sacred City one Temple and one Altar 111 b. Onias high Priest 296 b Onias high Priest 307 l. paid not his tribute ibid. Onias high Priest's son 323 i. wins the favour of Ptolomy 332 g. buildeth a Temple in Egypt 333 h. 777 n. Onias stoned to death 361 b. Ophni son of Eli 143 e. his impiety and wickedness ib. e. is slain 144 n. Opinion of the Esseans and Grecians of the soul 614 k l. Opinion of the Pharisees and Sadduces 477 b c. Opinion of the wisest Greeks c. 807 f. Oppression of the Israelites 133 a o. ibid. m. 135 b. 1 8 m. 139 f. of the Jews 631 e f. 622 h c. 623 a b. c. Oracle of God to Joshuah 124 h. Oracles of the Prophets to be reverenced 233 l. Oration of Abraham 41 b. of Ruben 56 m and 59 o. of Juda 59 b. c. of Joseph 60 i k. of Moses to the people 79 b. to the seditious 100 i c. of Zambrias 110 h. of Moses before his death 107 g. of the Gabeonites 124 n. of Josuah c. 127 b. of Phinees 127 g. of Samuel 148 i. 151 b. of Saul 165 f. of Abias 223 k. of Herod 401 b. 402 a c. 581 b. 582 l. of Nicholaus 424 i. 425 k. 456 m. 587 f. of Agrippa 626 g. of Joseph 640 i. 672 k c. of Titus 676 m. 684 l. of Ananus 687 e c. of Jesus 691 a. of Caesar c. 717 b. of Joseph to the Jews 728 n. 729 a. of Titus to the Jews 754 n. c. of Eleazar 773 f. Orchards 701 f. Order of the Romans 660 n. Order of the superior bodies 30 i. Order of the Army c. 95 a b. Order of the Carpenters Masons c. 207 d e. Order of the Cities of Galilee 638 m n. Order of Titus's Army 711 d e. Ordinance of Artaxerxes 287 n o. 291 l m. Ordinance of the Fathers transgressed 107 â— Oreb slain 136 l. Original of the Hebrews 35 b. Original of the Troglodytes 42 h. Original of the Israelites mischiefs 253 n. Original of the Grecian laws 807 e. Original of the Jews laws 815 b. Ornaments of the high Priest 87 a b c c. Ornaments of Solomon's Palace 213 c. Oronna or Orphana a Jebusite spared 179 g. giveth David his floor 198 i k. Oseas King of Israel overcome 252 o. made tributary ibid. c. taken prisoner 253 m. his subjects transported and why ibid. n o. Oath how in time past taken 42 k. Oath taken to observe the law 119 b. 259 m. Oath how and when to be kept 132 i. Oath of Jonathan to David 164 k l. Oath of Sâ—nacharib falsified 255 m. Oath observed 452 m. Otho Emperor 705 f. slain ibid. Overthrow of the Sodomites 33 a b. of the Amorites 104 m. of the Hebrews 98 n. and 173 f. of Antony 403 m. Outrages of Elies sons 143 f. of Naas offered the Israelites 152 h. of Azael 245 m. 246 f g. of Florus Soldiers 623 c. Outward Court of the Temple c. 721 d. Oxen seven what do signifie 55 e. how many taken at once 109 a. not to be muzled 113 f. Ox that striketh 117 b Oza suddenly strucken dead 180 n. and why ibid. Ozias King of Juda's warlike exploits 249 l m. acts and studies ib. n o. stricken with a leprosie and why 250 b. enjoyned to depart the City ib. and 250 b. his death and burial 250 c. P. Pacorus sendeth horsmen to Antigonus 380 f. 572 i. his perswasion to Phaselus 381 i. his treason and subtilty ib. k l. 572 m. Pageants built 766 l. Painters cause multitude of gods 813 â— Palestine whence took his name 34 m. Philistines overcome the Israelites 139 f. 144 m. invade the Israelites 144 i. are overcome 155 c d. 160 m. 180 i k. Palace in Tiberias burned 943 a. Palace built in Jerusalem 414 b. Palace of Solomon 212 g. Palace of the King 719 d. burned ibid. e. Palm-trees 701 d f. Pamphilian Sea divided it self 72 n. Pappus beheaded 389 k. 5780. Paradise 28 i. where situate ibid. k. adorned with all sorts of plants ibid. l. Parents compelled to murder their children 63 a. Paricide a publick injury 457 d. Paricides 256 f. Parthians restore Antigonus 380 f. 373 f. complâ—t treachery against Phasaelus 381 k l. surprize him and Hircanus ibid. n. lay a plot for Herod 382 a. lose Armenia 483 d. Parts of the Temple 209 i. Pascha or Passover of the Hebrews 70 i k. celebrated 253 h. 269 a. 281 k. Passage of the Isralites over Jordan 122 l m. Passages stopped up from the Hebrews 71 d. Patience of Joseph 54 k. Pauliâ—â— deceived and defiled 481 c d. Peace bought 245 n. 250 e. Peace of the Israelites 206 i. of the Jews 231 n. Peace better than War 691 d. A Penalty most cruel 61o c. Penalty of a woman married for a Virgin c. 114 m. Penalty published 15â— d. what it wrought ibid. Pensioner to Saul David 159 b. Penitent obtain mercy 731 a. Penury of water 582 â— see want People of Israel afflicted 62 m. 63 a b. 67 a. 68 i k. departed out of Egypt 71 b. exhorted to put their trust in God ibid. f g. and to obey the will of God 110 i k. c. drive away the Cattel of the Amalechites 157 b. require mitigation of their burthen 218 d. revolt from Roboam 219 i. are transported and why 253 n. fly with their money 731 c. People enjoyned by oath to serve God 245 k. 259 m. People of Judah bless God 235 k l. and why ibid. l. Peoples love to Joseph 18 h. People permit not Pilate to alter their laws 615 d. People exclaim against Florus 624 h. die for want c. 727 â— Perfection of mind respected 158 l. Perjury of Florus 622 k. Peroration of Herod 581 e. of Joseph 672 o. Perplexity of the Israelites 71 d. Perswasion of Jeroboam to Idolatry 219 m. Perswasion of false Prophets dangerous 233 l m. Perswasion of Rapsaces 255 o. Pestilence one of the Plagues of Egypt 69 e. Pestilence destroyeth Senacherib's Army 256 f. Pestilence a great affliction 253 k. Petra a City of Arabia 573 d Petronius's charge for placing Caius's statue 494 l. c. executeth it not and why 494 m n. certifieth the