Priests Garment signifieth the Sun and Moon The number of the Gems allude to L the number of the Months or the twelve Houses or the equal number of parts of that Circle which the Grecians call the Zodiack The Thiara or Mitre likewise hath an allusion to Heaven by reason of its Azure or Hyacinthine colour for otherwise the Name of God might not be placed therein and the Triple Crown of Gold by its brightness represents his glory and Soveraign Majesty Let this suffice for the present for that which we will discourse hereafter will furnish us with sufficient and ample matter to shew and set out the Wisdom of our Law-giver CHAP. IX Of Aaron's Priesthood Exod. 28 29. and the Laws which appertain to the Feasts and Sacrifices M AFter these things were thus order'd and it remained onely to consecrate the Tabernacle Hedio Ruffinus cap. 12. God appeared to Moses commanding him to establish Aaron his Brother Exod. 28. v. 1 2 3 High Priest who in respect of his vertue deserved that Title of Honour above all the rest 29. 1. ad 28. For which cause Moses assembling the congregation discoursed unto them his vertues God elected Aaron Moses Brother for High Priest and discovered his good affection and reckoned up unto them how many dangers he had suffered in their behalf Every one approved this choice declaring the forward zeal and love they alwayes bare unto him Whereupon he spake unto them after this manner The work is now brought unto such an end as it hath pleased God and hath been possible for us and for that you know we are to receive him into N this Tabernacle we ought above all things to have a special care in the election of such an one who is to make sacrifice and supplication for us Touching my self if the matter depended on my private choice I should esteem no Man more worthy than my self to execute this Function both for that naturally Men love themselves and for that I am well assured how many travels I have supported for your sake But God himself hath judged Aaron worthy of this honour and hath chosen him for his High Priest in that he excelleth all other in equity and justice commanding that he should be invested with the Sacred Robes and take charge of the Altars and Sacrifices He shall make Prayers for you unto God who will hear them willingly by reason that he hath care of your Race and will receive them proceeding from a person whom he himself O hath elected These words of his were grateful unto the People and they all approved the election which God had made For Aaron was more capable of that honour than any A other both by reason of his race and in regard of the gift of prophecy which he had receiv'd and also for the eminent vertue of his Brother He had at that time four Sons Nadab Abihu Eleazar and Ithamar But whatsoever remained of those things which were gathered for the building of the Tabernacle was imployed to make Veyles to cover the Tabernacle Candelstick Altar and the other Instruments to the end that in their travel they might not be soyled either by rain or dust Aarons Sons And having once more assembled the People together Exod. 36. 8. he commanded them to offer every one of them half a Sicle the Sicle is a kind of Hebrew Coyne that is as much in value as four Athenian Drams whereunto they obeyed willingly Sicle The number of them that offered was six hundred five thousand five hundred and fifty And they that brought this Money B were such as were of a free condition The number of the Israelites betwixt twenty and fifty years of age and betwixt the years of twenty and fifty and that which was received was imployed in the necessaries of the Temple Then did he purifie the Tabernacle and the Priests in this manner He took the weight of five hundred Sycles of chosen Myrrh and the like quantity of Ireos of Cinamon and of Calamus which is a most Odoriferous Drug the half of the said weight and he caused all these to to be beaten and infused into a Hin of Oyl of Olive this Hin is one of our Measures containing two Choas of Athens all which he mixed and boyled together according to the Art of Perfumers and he made thereof a most Odoriferous Oyntment which he took and anointed the Priest therewith and all that which belonged to the Tabernacle The Holy Oyntment to the intent to purifie them offering many and sundry sorts C of Perfumes of great price upon the Altar of Gold whereof I forbear to speak any further for fear I should grow tedious to the Readers Twice a day before Sun-rise and Sun-set The Sacrifices they were to burn Incense and supply the Lamps of this purifi'd Oyl whereof three were to burn every day upon the sacred Candlestick in honour of God and the rest were lighted in the evening Amongst them that wrought and finished these things Beseleel and Eliah were the most excellent and expert workmen for whatsoever had been enterprized by others v. 2. they in their Art polished and perfected And they found out many new things Beseleel of their own invention yet was Beseleel judged the most excellent of the two All the time imployed in this work was seven months and at that time was the year D accomplished which began at their departure out of Egypt In the beginning of the second year in the moneth which the Macedonians call Xantichus and the Hebrews Nisan upon the new Moon they dedicated the Tabernacle with all things belonging thereunto Exo. 40. 1 2 3. according as I have made mention And God presently testified that both their Gifts and Works were acceptable in his sight The Tabernacle was dedicated on the first day of April the second year after their departure out of Egypt the year after the Creation of the World 2455. before Christs birth 1509. by his presence honouring the Tabernacle after this manner The Sky being elsewhere clear and fair over the Tabernacle alone there was a Cloud not wholly thick like a Winter strom nor yet so thin that a Man could see thorow the same from whenc there descended a Dew that gave testimony of Gods presence unto them that had Faith Moses having recompenced all the Work-masters with such rewards as appertained unto them by desert offer'd sacrifice E according as God had commanded him in the Door or Porch of the Tabernacle a Bull and a Ram and a Kid for their sins but with what ceremony these things are done I will declare when I treat of Sacrifices as also what Offerings are to be burnt by fire and according to the Law are allowed to be fed upon and with the blood of the slaughtered Beasts he sprinkled the Vestment of Aaron and purified both him and his Children
this People ignorant thereof But because they maliciously interpret my management of affairs be pleas'd O my God to give them a testimony of my innocence At such time as I led a peaceable life and that by thy help and my labour and my Father-in-law Raguels favour I liv'd quietly and happily I forsook the possession of my goods and the fruition of my peace E to ingage my self in these miseries which I have suffered for these Men and particularly for their liberty and now likewise for their safety I have most readily undertaken grievous travels Now therefore since I am grown into suspition among those Men who by my care and providence have escaped so many mischiefs and miseries thou that appearedst unto me in that fire on the Mountain of Sinai and vouchsafedst both to speak unto me and to confirm me by the sight of miracles who in thy Name didst send me a messenger into Egypt who hast abated the pride of the Egyptians and hast given us means to escape from their Servitude and hast humbled Pharaohs power when we were ignorant of our way by giving us a passage thorow the Sea in whose bottom afterward the Egyptians were drowned who gavest us Arms when we were naked thou madest the bitter water savory and fit to be drunk of and in our scarcity of water F enforcedst drink for us out of the bowels of the hard Rock and when we found no meat on the Land didst send it us from the Sea Moreover as a thing never before heard of affordedst us meat from Heaven and hast established our estate with admirable and holy Laws Be thou O Lord my Judge in all things and my unpartial witness that I have not been corrupted by any bribe of any particular Hebrew to favour injustice nor suffered a poor Man in his just cause to lose his right against a rich adversary And now having administred the Commonwealth with all sincerity I am called in question for a crime whereof I am altogether guiltless as if I had conferred thy Priesthood on my Brother for private affection and not by thy command make it known that all things are disposed by thy providence and that nothing is brought to effect by casualty but by thy special ordinance And to shew that thou hast care of the Hebrews testifie G the same by thy just pâ—nishment inflicted on Dathan and Abiram who accuse thee to be insensible and boast that thou art circumvented by my subtilties But thou shalt make thy revenge most notorious upon the unbridled detractors of thy glory if they perish after no common manner but let the earth which they unworthily tread upon open it self and swallow them up with all H their Families and substance By this means both thy power will manifestly appear unto all Men and thou shalt leave an example to posterity that no Man hereafter shall dare to think otherwise of thy Majesty than becometh him and my ministry shall be proved to proceed from thy direction Dathan and Abiram swallowed up But if those crimes be truly urged which are inforced against me then let the curse return and light on mine head and let those whom I have cursed live in safety But Lord after thou hast inflicted punishment upon those that disturb thy People keep the rest of the multitude in peace v. 31 32 33. concord and observation of thy commandments since it is contrary to thy justice that the innocent multitude of the Israelites should answer their misdeeds and suffer their punishments Whilest he spake these words and intermixed them with tears the earth presently trembled and shaking began to be agitated after such a manner as I the waves of the Sea are by the winds in a great Tempest Hereat were all the People amazed and soon after with a dreadful noise the earth opened and swallowed up the seditious with their Families their Tents and all their Goods so that nothing remained of theirs to be seen Whereupon in a moment the earth closed again and the vast gaping was shut so that there appeared not any sign of that which had hapned Thus perished they all leaving behind them an example of God's power and judgments This accident was the more deplorable in that their was none of their kindred or allies that had compassion of them so that even those that had sided with them praised God's Justice with joyful acclamations esteeming them unworthy to be bemoaned but to be held as the plague and perverters of the People After that Dathan with his Family K was extinguished Moses assembled all those that contended for the Priesthood together committing again the election of the Priesthood unto God concluding that that honour should be ratified to him whose sacrifice was most acceptable in God's sight For which cause the two hundred and fifty Men assembled themselves who were both honoured for the virtue of their Ancestors and for their own abilities with these also stood Aaron and Chore and all of them offered with their censors before the Tabernacle such perfumes as they brought with them when suddenly so great a fire shone as the like was never seen either breaking forth from the bowels of the burning earth kindled in Forests by the Sun and Winds but such an one as seemed to be kindled by God himself most bright and flaming Chore with two hundred and fifty Men is consumed with fire by force and power whereof those two hundred and L fifty together with Chore were so consumed that there scarce appeared the least relique of their carcasses onely Aaron remained untouched to the end it might appear that this fire came from Heaven These things thus brought to pass Moses intending to leave a perpetual memory to posterity of that punishment to the end they should not be ignorant thereof commanded Eleazar the Son of Aaron to consecrate their Censors and fasten them to the Brazen Altar that by reason of this Monument all Men might be terrified who think that the Divine power can be circumvented by humane policy CHAP. IV. M What things hapned in thirty eight years space to the Hebrews in the Desart AFter that by so evident an Argument it appeared sufficiently Numb 17. 1 2 3. ad finem that Aaron neither by sinister insinuations nor by the favour of his Brother but onely by God's election had obtained the Priesthood he ever after held it without any contradiction Yet for all this Another sedition against Moses a new sedition brake out among the People with greater fury than at first by reason of the Subject which occasioned it For though they were perswaded that all that had hapned was brought to pass by God's order and will yet they imagined that God wrought these things in favor of Moses to him therefore imputed they all these things as if God had not punished those Men through indignation N against their sins but onely upon Moses sollicitation and they
Israelites should wander in the Desart 40 years nor taste the sweetness and plenty of its fruits but they should live in the Desart without House or City for the space of forty years Yet hath he promised said he to give the Countrey to your children whom he will make Lords of the Goods and Heirs of those Possessions of which you have render'd your selves unworthy by your murmuring and disobedience B After Moses had discours'd these things in this manner The repentance of the people the People were in great sorrow and calamity and besought Moses that he would appease God's wrath conceiv'd against them beseeching him that forgetting their faults that were past in the Desart he would make good his promises to them Moses answer'd them That God was not incensed against them according to the manner of humane weakness but that he had given a just sentence against them In this place it is not to be suppos'd that Moses who was but a man only did appease so many multitudes of displeased men but that God assisted him Moses a man of great authority and brought to pass that the People were wrought upon by his words having by divers disobediences and by the calamities whereinto they were fall'n known that obedience was both good and profitable But what greater proof can be desir'd of C the eminent virtue of this Lawgiver and of the strange Authority he acquir'd thereby than that not only they who liv'd in his time but even at this day there is not any one amongst the Hebrews but takes himself oblig'd to obey the Ordinances made by him and regards him as present and ready to punish the Transgressors of the same There are besides divers great and evident signs of the more than humane virtue which was in him and amongst the rest this was not the least That of certain strangers that have Travel'd out of the Regions beyond Euphrates a four months journey to their great charges and with no less peril to honour our Temple and offer Sacrifice yet some have not obtain'd licence or permission to offer in that by our Laws it was not lawful for them to do it and some other without sacrificing others the Sacrifice half finish'd the D rest not permitted to enter the Temple have return'd back again to their homes without finishing their purpose choosing rather to submit to Moses's Law than to satisfie their own wills and that without the least repining or complaint So much did the opinion once conceiv'd of this man prevail that he is esteem'd more than a man out of the consideration that he had receiv'd Laws from God and deliver'd them to men Of late also The great scarcity during the Empire of Claudius not long before the Wars of the Jews during the Empire of Claudius when Ismael was High-Priest amongst us so great a Famine oppress'd our Nation that an Assar of Meal was sold for four drams and there was brought to the Feast of Azymes the quantity of seventy Cores which make 30 Sicilian and 40 Athenian Medimni almost two Bushels of ours none of the Priests were so bold as to eat one grain of it E notwithstanding the Countrey was in that extremity fearing the Law and God's displeasure extended always against sins conceal'd For which cause we ought not to wonder at that which hapned at that time considering that the Writings left by Moses are in such force even at this day that they themselves who hate us confess that God instituted our Government by the means and ministry of Moses and his virtue But of these things let every man think as it pleaseth him F G The Fourth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS H Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Fourth Book 1. The Fight of the Hebrews with the Canaanites and their overthrow by them without Moses's knowledge 2. The Sedition raised by Chore against Moses and his brother for the Priesthood 3. How the Authors of the Sedition were slain by God's judgment and the Priesthood confirmed I to Aaron and his sons 4. What chanced to the Hebrews in the Desart for the space of 38 years 5. How Moses overcame Sehon and Og Kings of the Amorites and overthrew their Armies 6. Of the Prophet Balaam 7. The Victory of the Hebrews against the Madianites and how the Countrey of the Amorites was granted by Moses to two and an half of the Tribes 8. Moses's Laws and how he was taken out of the World CHAP. I. K The Fight of the Hebrews with the Canaanites and their overthrow by them without Moses's knowledge WHilst thus the Hebrews passed their Lives in great penury and perplexity in the Desart Numb 14. 4. groaning under the burthen of their grievous Afflictions The Israelites without Gods or Moses command devise how to assail the Enemies there was nothing that more distracted and distemper'd them than this That God had forbidden them to fight with the Canaanites They would now no longer give ear unto Moses who persuaded them to Peace but growing confident in themselves that both without his L conduct and counsels they might easily obtain Victory over their Enemies they accused him as if he sought after no other thing but that they being daily pressed with great wants might be enforc'd continually to depend upon his counsels Whereupon they resolv'd upon a War against the Canaanites presuming with themselves that God would succor them not only in regard of Moses but also for that he had a general care of their Nation ever since the time of their Forefathers whom he had always held under his protection and by reason of whose virtues he had already granted them liberty They said likewise that if they fought valiantly God would give them Victory that they were strong enough to overcome their Enemies though they were left to themselves yea though Moses should endevor to estrange God from them In a word that M it was more for their advantage to govern themselves and that being redeem'd from the servitude of Egypt they ought not to suffer Moses to Tyrannize over them or to conform their Necks under his yoke in a vain belief that God had only discover'd to Moses that which was good for them by reason of the affection which he bare him As if all of them were not deriv'd from the loins of Abraham and that he onely were the Guide of all in foreknowing the things that should happen unto them by particular instruction from God That prudence oblig'd them to condemn his pride and fix their trust onely upon God for conquering the Countrey which he had promis'd them in spite of Moses's contradiction who for this cause hindred them pretending the Authority of God for it That therefore considering their necessity and the Desart which N daily more and more aggravated their misery they should prepare themselves couragiously to march against the
calamities also were transported for which cause it was likewise sent from this place to another where it remained but a little while for the Inhabitants of the place being afflicted with the same Maladies which the other endured sent it to the Neighbor Cities and after this sort the Ark was conveyed to five Cities of the Philistines exacting as it were by those Plagues a Tribute of every one in punishment of the Sacriledge which they committed by retaining a thing consecrated to God At last wearied with so many evils and made examples unto others not to entertain the Ark which so grievously recompensed those that received the same 1 Sam. 5. 2 aâ— finem they conceiv'd there was no other way left O but to find out some good means to rid themselves of it When therefore the Princes of the five Cities of Geth Accaron Ascalon Gaza and Azot were assembled they consulted A amongst themselves what was best to be done and first of all it was propos'd to send back the Ark to those to whom it appertain'd since God scourg'd with so many Plagues those that receiv'd it into their Cities to testifie his indignation for the taking of it and to execute his vengeance of the Crime But some said that this resolution was unfit to be executed Consultation about the Ark. denying that those evils were to be imputed to the Captivity of the Ark whose power if it were so great as they imagin'd or if God had any care of the same he would never have permitted it to have fallen into the hands of Men of a contrary Religion and persuading them to bear these Misfortunes with an equrl mind and to account all these Calamities as effects of Nature which at certain periods of times is wont to produce in Mens Bodies in the Earth and in Plants and in other things B subject to her power such kind of alterations and changes Others more prudent and intelligent propos'd a third way which was neither to send away the Ark nor yet to retain it but to offer to God in the name of the five Cities five golden Statues in testimony of their gratitude because they had been preserved by his favor from that Plague from which by humane remedies it was impossible to escape and to offer also as many golden Mice like those that had spoiled their Countrey All these to be locked in a Chest and laid upon the Ark and the Ark to be plac't upon a new Cart made purposely to which they should yoke and tye two Kine that had new Calved locking up their Calves from them lest they should be an impediment to their Dams and to the intent that through the desire to see their young they might hasten the faster That done that C driving the Chariot to a place that had three wayes they should suffer them to draw that way that they listed and if they took the way of the Hebrews and travel'd towards their Countrey then they should assure themselves that the Ark was the cause of their evils The conclusion of the counsel as touching the sacred Ark. but if they drew another way let them said they be driven back again being most assured that the Ark hath no such virtue in it This counsel was approved by every one of the Assembly and presently executed having prepared all things they brought the Chariot into a high way that lookt three ways and leaving it there returned back again CHAP. II. D The Victory of the Hebrews under the Conduct of Samuel NOW when the Kine took the way which led to the Israelites 1 Sam. 6. 12 ad 18. and Travelled therein no otherwise than if some Men had led them the Governors of the Philistines follow'd them The sacred Ark cometh to Bethsama desirous to understand whither they went and in what place they would rest There is a Borough in the Tribe of Juda called Bethsama towards which they drew And although they had a very fair Plain before them yet would they not Travel any further The gratulation of the Bethsamites upon the arrival of the Ark. but rested the Chariot in that place The Inhabitants came to the spectacle and greatly rejoyced thereat for although it was Summer-time wherein every one was busied in gathering the fruits of the field yet when they perceived the Ark E they were so transported with joy that they laid aside the work which they had in hand and run presently to the Chariot Then taking down the Ark and the Coffer wherein the Statues of Gold and golden Rats were they laid them upon a stone in the field and after they had solemnly sacrificed and feasted together they offer'd up both the Chariot and Kine for a Burnt-offering unto God Which when the Philistines saw they returned back into their own Countrey to carry the News But Gods indignation and displeasure was kindled against the Bethsamites Ver. 16. so that 70 of them were slain because they had dar'd to touch the Ark Ruffinus writeth that God strook 70 of the greatest and 50000 of the common sort as it is 1 Sam. 6. 21. and with prophane hands not being Priests attempted to sustain it The Inhabitants lamented their loss and mourned for that their Countreymen were extinguished by no common death but by a punishment and plague sent F from God And acknowledging that they were unworthy that the Ark should remain with them they sent Messengers to the Governors and the rest of the Hebrews to let them understand that they had recovered the Ark out of the hands of the Philistines Whereupon order was given to place the same in Cariathiarim The Ark is transferred into Cariathiarim a City bordering upon the Bethsamites In that place there dwelt a Man of the Race of the Levites called Aminadab who had the honour and reputation of a good Man to his House the Ark was sent as to a place agreeable to God because there dwelt in the same a Man of so much virtue Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. His Sons had the charge of the Ark and continued in that service for the space of 20 years The punishment of the Israelites during which time it remained in Cariathiarim after it had remained only four months with the Philistines Whilst the Ark was in the City of Cariathiarim the G Israelites liv'd very Religiously and offer'd to God Prayers and Sacrifices shewing great devotion and forwardness in his service 1 Sam. 7. 3 ad 6. The Prophet Samuel perceiving this their good demeanor and supposing it a fit occasion to exhort them to liberty and the benefits which attend the same The year of the World 2851. before Christ's Nativity 1113. he accommodated his Speech to their Sentiments and spake to them H to this effect Ye men of Israel since at this present the Philistines cease not to molest you and God beginneth to shew himself merciful and
Woman deserveth to be praised for although she knew that the King had prohibited the exercise of her Art whereby both she and her Family were well maintained and although before that time she had never seen Saul yet without remembring that it was he by whom her Art had been condemned The year of the World 2890. before Christ's Nativity 1074. she entertained him H not as a stranger or like the man she had never seen before but had compassion on him and comforted him exhorting him to eat although he refused it and presented him willingly with that little which she had in her poverty Which she did not upon any hope of recompence or preferment knowing well that Saul should shortly lose his life nor according to the ordinary course of men that naturally honour those that have bestowed some dignity upon them and become serviceable to those from whom they expect to receive some profit hereafter She therefore ought to be imitated and in her appeareth an excellent example of bounty approving that there is nothing more worthy of praise than to relieve those that are in necessity without expecting any recompence I since it is a piece of Generosity so agreeable to the nature of the Deity that in all probability nothing will more induce him than this to treat us also with the like favour I may add hereunto another Reflection which may be useful unto all Men but more especially to Kings Princes and Magistrates which may kindle in them a desire and affection to addict themselves to Noble actions and to encourage them to embrace dangers yea death it self and teach them to endure all difficulties whatsoever for their Countries cause 1 Sam. 31. 3 4. which we may see in this History of Saul For although he knew that which should befall him Josephus praiseth Saul for a worthy and valiant King in that foreknowing his danger and death he exposed himself to assured peril and that his death was at hand according as it had been foretold him yet resolved he not to avoid the same neither so loved he his life that for the conservation thereof he would deliver up his People into the hands of their Enemies K nor dishonour his Royal dignity but himself with his children and all his houshold exposed themselves to danger thinking it more honourable to die in fighting for his Subjects and far more expedient that his children should die like valiant Men than live in dishonor supposing that he should have sufficient Successors of his Race if he left behind him a perpetual memory and praise both of him and his For which cause in my opinion he was both just valiant and prudent and if any one either is or hath been like unto him I suppose that it becometh all Men to give testimony of such a Mans virtue For I think that the Historians and ancient Writers have not worthily intituled them with the stile of valiant Men who attaining some worthy actions attempted War under assured hope of victory and safety but they only that imitate Saul may deservedly be called just praise-worthy couragious hardy and contemners of all dangers L For what great thing is there in undertaking of the common hazard of War and tossed 'twixt hope and fear to use Fortunes favor if she fawn upon us But on the other side it is an assured sign of a valiant Man when without hope of any success and knowing his death at hand he is not afraid nor dismayed with such apprehensions but seeketh out with an invincible courage his most assured hazard This is the praise of Saul who is an example to all that desire to eternize their memory that should upon the like opportunity propose the same resolution to themselves but especially to Kings who by reason of the excellency of their Function ought not only to forbear to be evil but also strive to be eminently virtuous I could say more of M this generous argument of Sauls Valor but lest I should seem too affectionate I will return to our former purpose After that the Philistines were thus encamped 1 Sam. 28. 1 ad 5. and had numbred their Forces according to their Nations Kingdoms and Governors King Achis came at last with his company whom David followed 1 Sam. 29. 3 ad finem accompanied with 600 Soldiers whom when the Chieftains of the Philistines beheld Achis leadeth out David with him against the Hebrews and is reproved by the Chieftains of the Philistines for so doing they asked the King Whence those Hebrews came and what their Leaders name was Who answered That it was David who fled from Saul his Master and how he had entertained him again how David in recompence of the kindness he had received and to avenge himself on Saul was ready to fight for them against him But the Chieftains blamed him because he had chosen an Enemy for his Associate advising him to dismiss him lest he should as he might find occasion turn his Arms against them because N said they he hath now a fit opportunity to reconcile himself to his Master They therefore advis'd him to send David back with his 600 Soldiers unto the place which he had given to inhabit because it was the same David of whom the Damsels made Songs singing in praise of him that he had slain many thousand Philistines When the King of Geth understood these things he approved their counsel for which cause calling David unto him he said unto him The knowledge which I have had of your Valor and Fidelity Ver. 10. 11. hath made me desirous to employ you in this War but our Captains will not allow of it Achis dismisseth David wherefore retire thy self to the place which I have given thee without conceiving any evil suspition of me There shalt thou be in Garison to prevent the Enemy from foraging our Countrey and in so doing thou shalt partly assist me in the War Hereupon David departed O unto Siceleg according as the King had commanded him A But during the time that David was in the Camp and attended on the Philistines War The year of the World 2809. before christ's Naâ—ivity 1074. the Amalekites made an Incursion and took Siceleg by force and burnt the City and after they had gathered a great booty both in that place and in other villages of the Philistines Countrey they retired back again Now when David arrived at Siceleg and found it wholly spoiled and seeing likewise that his two Wives and the Wives of his Companions were Prisoners Ver. 1. 2 ad 6. together with their Children he presently rent his Garments The Amalekites in Davids absence spoil and burn Siceleg and â— carry away the prey and and abandoned himself to grief beside this his Companions were so much enraged with the Captivity of their Wives and Children that they were ready to stone him to death accusing him that he was the cause of
natures was he ignorant of neither had he omitted to search after their qualities in particular The Author in this place abuseth the gifts of God bestowed on Solâ—mon in extending them to those Arts which are forbidden by the express word of God and discoursed of them all and had knowledge of their several and secret properties He obtained also the knowledge of the Art of Magick for the profit and health of Men and the exorcising and casting out of Devils for he devised certain incantations whereby the diseased are cured and left the method of conjuration in writing whereby the Devils are enchanted and expelled so that never more they dare return And this kind of healing to this day is very usual amongst those of our Nation For I saw a certain private man amongst the Hebrews by M name Eleazar in the presence of Vespasian his Sons Tribunes and other Soldiers that cured divers that were possessed And the manner of his Cure was this He applied to the Nose of the Demoniack a Ring A Jew casteth out Devils under the Seal whereof was a root of those things that Solomon had declared which drew the Devil out of the Nostrils of the Sick as soon as he smelled the root and as soon as the Man was fallen he adjured him never more to return intermixing some mention of Solomon and rehearsing those Incantations that were invented by him After this the said Eleazar being desirous to shew unto them that were present the efficacy of his Art he set a Pot or Pitcher of water not far from the place where the possessed stood and commanded the Devil at such time as he forsook the Man to overturn N the Pot and thereby to give a sign unto those that stood by that he had forsaken the possessed which act of his manifestly declareth how great the science and wisdom of Solomon was For which cause I thought good in this place to make mention thereof that the worthy endowments of this King might be known unto all Men and how beloved of God he was 1 Kings 5. 1 ad 12. and how surpassing in all kinds of virtue When Hiram King of Tyre understood that Solomon succeeded his father in the Kingdom he was glad thereof Hiram's Ambassadors to Solomon for he was Davids friend for which cause he sent Messengers unto him to salute him and to congratulate his succession to the Crown by whom Solomon returned an answer in these terms Solomon to Hiram the King Know thou that my father having a great desire to build a O Temple unto God hath been hindred from performing it by the continual Wars and Troubles he hath had for he never took rest before he either had defeated his enemies or made them tributaries A unto him For mine own part I thank God for the peace which I possess and that by the means thereof I have opportunity according to mine own desire to build a Temple unto God for he it is that foretold my father that his house should be builded during my reign For which cause I pray you send some one of your skilfullest men with my servants to the mountain Libanus Ver. 6. to hew down trees in that place for the Sidonians are more skilful in hewing and preparing timber Solomon requireth Carpenters and workmen from Hiram than our people are and I will pay the Workmen according to your direction When Hiram had read this Letter he was very glad to peruse the Contents of the same and wrote back again unto him to this effect The King Hiram unto King Solomon Thou hast cause to thank God that he had delivered thy fathers Kingdom who was a wise and virtuous Prince into thy hands For which cause B since no news can come unto me more acceptable I will accomplish all that thou requestest for after I have caused a great quantity of Cedar and Cyprus wood to be cut down Ver. 7. ad 10. I will send it thee by Sea by my servants Hiram promiseth Solomon wood and instead thereof requireth corn whom I will command and furnish with convenient vessels of burthen to the end they may deliver the same in what place of thy Kingdom it shall best please thee that afterwards thy Subjects may transport them to Jerusalem And I desire that by way of exchange you would furnish us with Corn whereof we stand in need because we inhabit an Island The Copies are yet at this day kept not only by those of our Nation but also by the Tyrians so that if any man desire exactly to know what they be let him search the publick Records of the Tyrians and he shall find in them matters agreeing to that we have C said All which I say to the end the Readers might be assured that I go not beyond the truth in any sort and that I insert not in this History matters that are meerly apparent and deceitful and only fashioned for delight neither fear I that any man shall examine my Writings nor desire I likewise that every Man give credit at the first sight to the same or that I be held blameless in suffering my self any wayes to vary or improperly dilate ought in this History The truth of Josephus History but contrariwise if I cannot approve the truth by sufficient testimonies I desire not to be allowed As soon as Solomon had received these Letters from the King of the Tyrians he praised his facility and benevolence and presently sent him that which he demanded Ver. 11. every year therefore he sent him two thousand measures of Wheat The King sendeth Hiram a great quantity of wheat oyl and wine and two thousand Baths of Oyl and two thousand Baths of Wine each D Bath containing about 72 Quarts From that time forward the friendship betwixt Hiram and Solomon increased more and more so that both of them protested that it should continue for ever The King ordered that thirty thousand Workmen should be provided whom he gave in charge to work continually alotting to each man his part He ordained that ten thousand of them should cut wood in Libanus for the space of one Month Ver. 14. and that then they should rest two Months The order of the Carpenters in Libanus returning every man unto his own dwelling place until such time as the twenty thousand had in their turn accomplished the task in the time that was prefixed unto them and then the first ten thousand renewed their work and followed the same in the fourth month Adoram was constituted Superintendent over them Besides these there were Seventy thousand Men appointed E to carry stones and wood Ver. 15. ad fin who were strangers in that Countrey according to the commandment of David The order of the Masons and other workmen There were fourscore thousand Hewers of stone over which were 3200 Commissaries these had the King commanded to cut the greatest
your customs ever since the time that Salmanazar King of Assyria removed us out of Chuthea and Media hither To these demands of theirs Zorobabel and Jesus the High-Priest and the Governors of the Tribes answer'd The Samaritans suppose to hinder the building of the Temple That it was impossible for them to admit of their assistance in the building of the Temple because they had received their first commandment from Cyrus to perform it and afterwards from Darius notwithstanding they gave them licence to worship therein offering them O that the Temple should be common to both C. 4. v. 1. ad 6. if they pleased yea and accessible to all other Nations that would repair thither to adore God The Chutheans for so were the Samaritans call'd hearing this were much offended and persuaded the other Nations of Syria to require the Princes who continued their authority since the time of Cyrus The year of the World 3â—44 before Christ's Nativity 520. and afterwards A ruled in Cambyses time to hinder the building of the Temple and to delay the Jews who were so intent and busie in their work Whereupon Sisin Governor in Syria and Phoenicia and Sarabazan accompanied with others came unto Jerusalem and demanded of the Chieftains of the Jews By whose permission they built the Temple which rather seemed to be a Fort than a Temple The Syrian Princes examine the cause why the Jews repair their City and Temple and for what cause they fortified their City with gates and so strong walls Zorobabel and Jesus the High-Priest answer'd That they were the servants of the living God and that their Temple had been built by one of their Kings who was rich and surpassed all other in virtue that afterward it had continued so long time in venerable estimation but by reason their fathers had been guilty of impiety against God Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon and Chaldaea 1 Esdras 5. v. 3. 4 5 6. having taken the City by force destroyed the same B and after he had spoiled the City he burned it and transported the people captive into Babylon But after that Cyrus King of Persia had obtained the Kingdom of Babylon he commanded by his express Letters sealed with his Royal Seal that they should re-edifie the Temple and ordained that all those Treasures which Nabuchodonosor carried from thence and of the consecrated vessels should be deliver'd to Zorobabel and the Treasurer Mithidrates to be conveyed to Jerusalem and placed again in the Temple as soon as it should be built And he commanded also that it should be presently re-edified appointing Abassar to repair to Jerusalem and give order for all that which was requisite who hastening thither as soon as he had received Cyrus's Letters did speedily lay the foundations anew From that time forward until this present it hath been hindered by the subtilty and malice of the neighbouring Nations who have always been C our Enemies so that as yet it remaineth imperfect If therefore it please you and you think good signifie what you hear by your letters to Darius to the end that examining the Registers of the Kings he may find that all things have proceeded after the manner which we have related When Zorobabel and Jesus had answer'd to this effect Sisin and they that accompanied him thought not good to hinder the building until such time as they had certified Darius hereof V. 1 2 3. for which cause they wrote unto him presently Aggeus and Zachary the Prophets Hereupon the Jews were much discomforted and troubled fearing lest the King should change his mind and put a stop to the building of Jerusalem and the Temple But two Prophets Aggeus and Zachary who were amongst them began to persuade them willing them to fear no ill D from the Persians because God had assur'd them that they should receive no harm hereupon the people gave credit to the Prophets and diligently intended their building without intermission When the Samaritans had after this manner written to Darius C. â— a v. 7. ad finem and accused the Jews unto him for fortifying their City and re-edifying their Temple and inform'd him how it seem'd rather to be a Fort The Samaritans endeavouring to hinder the reparation of the Temple and City do further it the more than some sacred place and had further alledg'd that it would be no profit unto him and moreover had produced Cambyses letters by which they were forbidden to build the Temple he understood that the re-establishment of Jerusalem stood not with the security of his state But when he had read Sisins letters and his associates he commanded that the Chronicles of the Kings should be search'd E and there was found in Echatane a City of the Medes in a Tower a certain Book in which these things were written C. 6. 4 5 6. The first year of the Reign of Cyrus Cyrus decree as 〈◊〉 the Temple and the Jews commandment was given to build the Temple of Jerusalem and the Altar therein It was likewise decreed that the heighth of the Temple should be sixty cubits and the breadth as many three stories of hewed stone and one story of the wood of that Countrey and it was ordained that the expence of that building should be deducted out of the Kings Revenues Moreover he commanded that restitution should be made unto the Inhabitants of Jerusalem of those vessels that were taken away by Nabuchodonosor and carried away to Babylon And the commission to effect all these things was given to Abassar Governor of Syria and Phoenicia and his companions to the end that they might depart from F these places and the Jews might be permitted to build therein Furthermore he ordained that the charge of this building should be gathered out of the Tributes of his Countries and that they should furnish the Jews with Bulls Weathers Lambs Goats Flower Oyl and Wine and all other things which the Priests should think meet to offer sacrifice to the intent that they might pray for the preservation of the King of Persia commanding that they that should transgress or oppose this commandment 〈…〉 3. 4. should be laid hold on and hanged on a Gibbet and that their goods should be confiscate to the Kings use Moreover he besought God that if any man went about to hinder the building of the Temple that he would execute his vengeance upon that person and punish him for his wickedness When Darius had found these things written in his Registries he wrote back to Sisin and his companions in this form G H King Darius to Sisin and Sarabazan The year of the World 3450. before Christ's Nativity 514. with their Associates health Having found amongst the Memorials of Cyrus the Copy of his Instructions for the building of the Temple Ver. 7 8. I have sent it you and my pleasure is that the Contents thereof be executed Farewell Darius
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
done before And in the mean while he sent certain Messengers with Letters to Caesar to accuse his Son and to declare wherein Acme had been his Confederate producing the Copy of the Letters These Ambassadours therefore repaired to Rome instructed in those things they were to answer to those Interrogatories that should be offered them and with them he sent these Letters C CHAP. VIII The Golden Eagle that Herod had consecrated and fixed on the Portal of the Temple is pulled off The severe Punishment that he inflicteth for it The King 's terrible Sickness and the cruel Orders that he giveth to his Sister Salome and to her Husband D WHilst Herod's Ambassadours were on their Journey to Rome with his Orders Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. he fell sick and made his Will appointed his youngest Son to succeed him in the Kingdom for through Antipater's instigations Herod falling sick maketh his Will and leaveth the Succession of his Kingdom with his other Goods to his Friends and Kinsfolks Herod impatient in his old age and wondrous wayward he had conceived a hatred against Archelaus and Philip. He sent also a thousand Talents unto Caesar and five hundred to his Wife and to his Children Friends and Free-men He bestowed also Money Rents and Lands upon his own Children He gave his Sister Salome an ample Possession because she had always persevered in loving him and had never offended him And having lost all hope of recovery for that he was about 70 years old he became very touchy and froward in whatsoever his affairs The cause hereof was that opinion he had conceived that he grew contemptible and that the whole Nation took pleasure in those mis-haps which befel him which some of those who were favoured by the people made him the rather believe upon this occasion which ensueth Amongst those that were most learned among the Jews Judas the Son of Sariphaeus and Matthias the Son of Margalothus the E most excellent Interpreters of the Laws and Ordinances of the Countrey and for this cause were in greatest esteem amongst the people by reason that they instructed and trained up the Youth for all those that desired to obtain Vertue spent all their time with them understanding that the King's sickness was dangerous The year of the World 3963. after Christ's Nativity 1. they incensed the younger sort counselling them to overthrow all those works that the King had caused to be made contrary to the Law and Custom of the Countrey to the end that they fighting for Piety might obtain the reward that attendeth the same For in that the King had undertaken and done many things contrary to the Law divers unaccustomed miseries had befallen him and namely that sickness wherewith he was detained For Herod had done divers things contrary to the ancient Law against which Judas and Matthias exclaimed openly A Golden Eagle upon the greatest Gate of the Temple For he had erected over the Portal of the great Temple an Eagle of Gold of great value Now the Law prohibiteth that they who pretend to live according to the same should in any sort erect any Image or represent any Figures of living Creatures F whatsoever For this cause these Doctors counselled them to pull down that Eagle telling them that although the matter seemed very dangerous Contempt of death yet ought they to prefer an honest death before a pleasant life if so be it be employed for the defence of their Countrey-laws and Religion For in so doing they should obtain immortal praise for the present and a memorable and eternal glory in time to come neither that they should protract the execution thereof for fear of danger since death was a thing that could not be avoided so that since by the general course of Nature they must needs die it should become them bravely to forsake their lives with praise and honour in embracing Vertue For to die in the execution of some noble exploit which cannot be atchieved without hazard of danger their Children should be richly rewarded with the fruits thereof and their other Parents that should outlive them of what Sex soever should reap the fruits of that glory which was honourably atchieved by them In these or such like words they encouraged the young men About that time there was a rumour spread that the King was dead which gave very great furtherance G to the Doctors resolution For at Noon they went up into the Temple they pulled and hewed down the Eagle with their Axes in the sight and assembly of a great number of people that were in the Temple Now when the tidings hereof came unto the ears of the King's Captain he fearing H lest some further and more fatal tumult might be raised drew out a strong Company of Souldiers with him to repulse those that were assembled to hew down the Eagle and charging the rude and disarmed multitude who were gathered together he easily killed and dispersed the most as for those forty young men that valiantly prepared themselves to resist he apprehended them and with them the Authors of Sedition The young men pulling down the golden Eagle hew it in pieces with their Axes Judas and Matthias who scorned to submit themselves and led them to the King who demanding of them how they durst deface the sacred Image They answered that long before that time they had resolved it and that now according as they had resolved they had like valiant men performed the same For we said they maintain the honour of God and the Doctrine of our Law whereof we are Disciples neither ought you to admire that with contempt of your Ordinances we have preferred the Laws of our Forefathers which Moses hath left us in writing according as he was suggested and taught them by God Judas and Matthias with forty other young men being brought to the King's presence justifie their actions with joy and the King sendeth them bound to Jericho Neither do we refuse any death or punishment which thou shalt inflict upon us being assured in our Consciences that we suffer not for Impiety but Piety's sake Thus spake they all I of them continuing the like constant boldness in their answers as they had shewed in their actions being also ready constantly to endure any punishment for that which they had attempted Hereupon the King commanded them to be bound and sent them to Jericho Then calling before him those principal Jews who had the Government under him and being brought into their Assembly upon his Pallat by reason of his weakness he recited unto them the numberless toils he had endured for their sakes in like manner how upon his great charges he had repaired and re-edified the Temple whereas the Asmoneans for the space of 125 years wherein they reigned could not perform such a Building to the honour of God Moreover he signified unto them how he had adorned the same with precious Gifts
Villages he was very much displeased and the rather for that without any occasion or proffer of injury Anilaeus had assailed him in contempt of his Estate who was a chief Peer of the Countrey For which cause N he immediately assembled the greatest power of Horse and Foot he could gather to set upon Anilaeus and his Associates Anilaeus draweth his Forces into Mithridates's Countrey and spoileth his Villages and taketh him Prisoner Leading his Forces therefore against one of the Villages he kept himself in covert to the end he might fight the next day which was the Sabbath day on which the Jews attempted not any thing Whereof when Anilaeus was advertised by a certain Syrian who dwelt in another Village who had exactly told him all Mithridates's intent and the place where he intended to banquet with his Souldiers after he had made his Soldiers take their refreshment marched out by night to the end he might charge the Parthians before they might be advertised of his coming He therefore rushed in upon them about the fourth Watch of the night and slew those whom he found asleep and the rest being astonished thereat O were forced to save themselves by flight He also took Mithridates Prisoner and caused him to be carried away naked on an Ass which is one of the greatest disgraces A which the Parthians imagine may be offered them Having after this disgraceful manner carried him into a Forrest some of his familiars perswaded him to kill him but Anilaeus told them that they ought to deal with him far otherwise for that it behoved them not to kill a man who was one of the chief among the Nobility of the Parthians and one that was most honoured in regard of that affinity and alliance he had with the King that although all that which heretofore had been offered to Mithridates were insupportable yet if they should be instrumental to save his life he would pardon the injuries and reward them for their Mercy in saving his life whereas if they should deal severely with him the King would seek his revenge and make a horrible slaughter of those Jews that inhabited Babylon whom they ought to have compassion B of both for that they were of their blood and for that if any mischief should befal them they knew not whither to retire themselves Anilaeus dismisseth Mithridates whereas they might be assisted with the flower and select men of their nation Having thus discussed and debated the matter to his Soldiers his opinion was approved and they were perswaded and so Mithridates was sent back again But he no sooner returned home unto his house but his wife hit him in the teeth that he lived but by the mercy of his enemies notwithstanding he were the Kings Son-in-law that he had made no reckoning to punish those who had so much injured him that he likewise contented himself to have his life saved after he had been prisoner to the Jews For which cause said she recover thou thy former virtue and honour C which thou hast heretofore lost or I swear by the Gods of the King my Father that the bond of Marriage which is betwixt me and thee shall be dissolved Mithridates unable to endure these usual reproaches and on the other side apprehending his wives haughty courage from whom he feared to be separated he assembled the greatest power of men that he could possible notwithstanding it were against his will and led them forth supposing himself to be unworthy of life if he who by Nation was a Parthian should be put to the worst by the Jews When Anilaeus understood that Mithridates came forth against him with a great force he thought that it would redound greatly to his indignity if he should lie lurking amidst his Marshes and hoping that he should have no worse fortune against his enemies than he had at first and D building much upon his Soldiers who were ever wont to get the upper hand in their encounters he likewise drew forth his Army to them also others adjoyned themselves who sought nothing else but pillage and hoped that with their only presence they might discourage their enemy But after they had marched about ninety stades and passed thorow a County that was scant of water and were about the heat of the mid day burned up with thirst Mithridates Army came in sight and charged them even at that time when they fainted for want of drink and through the extremity of heat so as they could scarcely handle their weapons At that time Anilaeus's Soldiers encountring with Mithridates's fresh men were shamefully put to flight whereby it came to pass that a great number E of them were killed But Anilaeus himself and all those of his Company retired themselves in great haste into a Forrest leaving Mithridates Lord and Master of the Field whereof he was very joyful A great number of dissolute persons flock to Anilaeus with whom he spoileth certain Burroughs of the Babylonians Notwithstanding this disaster an infinite number of lawless men resorted to Anilaeus who set little by their lives provided there might no limit be proposed to their unbridled licentiousness so that he gathered a greater number of men than those he had lost yet they were far different in valour from the former for they were wholly ignorant of warlike discipline Notwithstanding he being accompanied with these men went and set upon divers Burroughs of the Babylonians which were totally destroyed by his rapine and violence For which cause the Babylonians and his other enemies sent unto Nearda to the Jews that were there F requiring that Anilaeus might be delivered into their hands The Babylonians require Anilaeus that they may punish him they assail and slay him whereunto condescending not for although they had a will to perform their request yet it lay not in their power to deliver him they required that they might live in peace And to treat of the conditions of peace the Babylonians sent certain men to confer with Anilaeus They having surveyed the place wherein Anilaeus kept assailed both himself and his followers by night and slew all those they encountred with without resistance and amongst the rest Anilaeus When the Babylonians saw that they were delivered from the oppression of Anilaeus who till that time had been as it were a bridle unto them to restrain and curb the hatred they conceived against the Jews with whom they had oftentimes been at odds by reason of the contrariety of their Religions G whereby it happened that they oftentimes fell at debate upon every opportunity when they met Now when Anilaeus's men were defeated the Babylonians set upon the Jews on all sides who seeing themselves in danger by reason of the insolence of the Babylonians against H whom they were too weak to make resistance and on the other side unable to live amongst them they went and dwelt at Seleucia a City famous in regard of
It may be said he that I may furnish you with some advice more secure than yours is Chaereas for a more honester than it is who is he that can propose This said Clement returned to his house ruminating with himself upon those words which he had both heard and spoken Cornelius Sabinus But Chaeras grew fearful and conferred with the Colonel Cornelius Sabinus whom he knew to be a man of reputation a lover of liberty and greatly discontented with the estate for the miseries of the Common-weal and seeing it was necessary to attempt that with all expedition which he had intended he thought good to impart the matter to him fearing lest Clement should discover all the Conspiracy N considering that delay and procrastination would be but an occasion to hinder the action When therefore he perceiv'd him to give ear to all that which he intended and that already he was confirmed with no less resolution than himself was but in that he knew not with whom he might familarily communicate the same he said nothing whereas otherwise he was ready not only to conceal that which he had heard but also declared that which he had in his heart he was so much the more encouraged For which cause without further delay they went to Minucianus who was conformable unto them in virtue good affection and great courage and who besides that was suspected by Caius by reason of Lepidus death For Minucianus and Lepidus were very great friends and had been associates in the same dangers For Caius was feared O by all those who had any publick Office Annius Minucianus sparing none of them in particular or general but made them all groan under the burthen of his fury A Now they knew well one another that all of them were displeased to see the Common-weal in that estate but the apprehension of the danger suffered them not to manifest the hatred that each of them bare to Caius although their secret conceit ingendred among them a certain Amity For before that time as often as they met together they were accustomed to esteem Minucianus for the most honourable man of the Company as in truth among all the Citizens of Rome he was the most famous valiant and best esteemed among them being therefore assembled at that time he was first of all requested to speak his opinion For which cause he asked Chaereas what the watch-word was he had received that day for all the City knew very well what mockery Caius usually used in giving Chaereas the Watch-word Chaereas notwithstanding B this disgrace failed not to answer him relying on the wisdom of Minucianus and said unto him But give you me for the Watch-word Liberty mean while I give you thanks for that you have awakened me more speedily than of my self I have accustomed to be You need not now any further enforce your self to incite me by your words sith both you and I have undertaken the same resolution Before we were assembled in this place our thoughts were united Behold here my sword that is girt unto my side this shall suffice for us both And if you please you shall be my Captain and I will march under your Command and will follow you under assurance of your assistance and wisdom They who have valiant hearts never want Arms for it is a confident courage that makes the weapon do execution That C which kindleth me thus to this action is not the consideration of my particular interest for I have not the leysure to think on those dangers that threaten me through the grief that I conceive to see the Liberty of my Countrey changed into slavery and the force of the Laws wholly abolished and all sorts of men condemned to death by Caius cruelty It is I that deserve to be trusted in this execution and I make you my Judge since you have the like intention that I have Minucianus Chaereas with certain others intend to kill Caius perceiving with what affection Chaereas spake embraced him with all love and after he had praised him he exhorted him to continue his constancy then departed they one from the other with prayers and wishes and at that time there hapned a presage that confirmed them the more For as Chaereas entred into D the Senate some one among the people cast out a word that redoubled his courage Dispatch said he that which thou hast to do for God will assist thee Chaereas was somewhat afraid lest some one of his Associates had betrai'd him But at last he thought it was some one of those who being privy to his resolution gave him a Watch-word to animate him the more or that it was God who governing and observing humane affairs pushed him forward After he had imparted this his deliberation to divers sundry Senators Knights and Souldiers being advertised hereof were in Arms. For there was not any one that supposed not that Caius death was the greatest good hap the Common-wealth could expect For which cause all of them enforced themselves as much as they could to assist the execution with couragious and virtuous E resolution and as forward were they in affection as in power in words as in effect Calisthus Caius Freeman certifies Claudius that Caius commanded him to poyson him desiring each of them to be partakers in the dispatch of a Tyrant For Calisthus also who was Caius freeman and raised by him to great Authority yea such as almost equal'd him adjoyned himself to them for the fear he apprehended of all men and for those great riches which he had gathered together for that he was a man of a corrupt conscience and easily won by bribes and presents doing wrong to all men and abusing the power he had against whomsoever he pleas'd contrary to all right and reason Besides for that he knew the unbridled nature of Caius who having once conceived an ill opinion of any man could never afterwards be disswaded or reconciled Amongst divers other dangers that he had to apprehend the greatness of the danger F of his riches was not the least which was the cause that made him serve Claudius and secretly to follow him under hope that after Caius death he should be his Successour in the Empire and that at that time he should by him be maintained in the same estate which he enjoyed and by this means he thought to obtain his amity and good liking by giving him to understand how Caius had commanded him to poyson him and how he had invented infinite delays to defer this execution As for mine own part I think that Calisthus forged this matter For if Caius had pretended to kill Claudius he had not been disswaded by Calisthus allegations who had presently received his reward if he had deferred to execute his Masters command with all expedition in a matter so acceptable to him So it is that the Providence of God G would not permit Caius to execute that rage
against Claudius and Calisthus was thereby thanked for a benefit which he no ways deserved Those that were about Chaereas day by day followed the action very slowly notwithstanding that he willingly delayed not The year of the World 4005. after Christ's Nativity 43. but thought on all occasions fit to finish his H purpose in for that he might assail him at such time at he ascended up into the Capitol or even then when he solemnized those Ceremonies which he had instituted in honour of his Daughter or at such time as he stood in the Palace to scatter Gold and Silver among the people by casting him from the top of the Palace into the Market place or at such time as he celebrated those Mysteries Chaereas expecteth the occasion to assail Caius that were introduced by him For no man suspected Chaereas so discreetly had he behaved himself in all things and he perswaded himself that no man would have thought that he should lay violent hands on Caius And although he had done nothing to any effect yet so it is that the power of the Gods was sufficient to give him force and to kill him without drawing weapon Chaereas was sore displeased against his companions in respect that he I feared that they would let slip their occasion and although they perfectly knew that he intended it for the maintenance of the Laws and for the good of them all yet did they request him to delay a little for fear lest in the execution he should in some sort miscarry and for that cause the City might be brought in trouble by the informations that would be made of that act and that at length when Caius should be so much the better provided against them they should not know how to shew their virtue when the time required that they should assault and set upon him They therefore thought it good that the opportunity to set forward this business should be the time in which the Games of the Palace were celebrated which were solemnized in honour of Caesar who first of all disanulled the Peoples Authority and K appropriated it to himself This Solemnity is celebrated in a Tent before the Palace where the noble Citizens with their wives and children remained to behold the sport and Caesar himself likewise At that time they concluded that it would be an easie matter for them The final conclusion of the Confederates as touching Caius death when so many thousands of people should be shut up in so narrow a place so that he who would step formost to give the stroke might very easily be succoured for that he could have no assistance although his Guard should have the courage and desire to defend him Chaereas resolved upon this and it was concluded that the first day of those sports that were next at hand the deed should be done but their adventure was greater than their conclusion For the delay was such as the third day was almost past and hardly could they be drawn to attempt L the matter on the third day At which time Chaereas assembled all the Confederates and told them that the opportunity of time had overslipt them accused and reproached them of slackness in that execution which had been so virtuously resolved among them and that it was to be feared lest if any should be discovered the whole matter should be frustrate by which means Caius might grow more cruel than he was before See we not said he that by how much liberty we take from our selves by so much we augment Caius tyranny whereas we ought first of all to obtain security for our selves and afterwards purchase perpetual felicity to others the greatest glory whereof shall redound unto our selves Now they having nothing to reply against so honourable a resolution and yet notwithstanding no ways enforcing themselves towards the action M but remaining altogether amazed without one word speaking Chaereas spake thus Most noble and generous Gentlemen what is the cause that we linger and delay in this manner See you not that this day is the last day of the Games and that Caius is ready to go to Sea for he hath determined to sail into Alexandria and to see Egypt truly it will be a small honour for us if we suffer him to escape out of our hands to the end that both by land and Sea he may triumph over the Romans negligence How can we chuse but condemn our selves justly and challenge nothing but dishonour if some Egyptian supposing that men of free condition could not any longer endure his insolence should put the matter in execution For mine own part I will dream no longer N upon your consultations but this very day will I hazard my self and betide me what can I will sustain all fortunes with pleasure and courage For I am a man of that mind that no danger can be so great or grievous to daunt me or draw me from so worthy an enterprize which some other will put in execution if I delay depriving me of the greatest honour and glory that the world can afford for its deliverance This said he departed with an intent to attempt and end the matter and encouraged the rest to do the like so that all of them were desirous to set hand to the enterprize without any further delay The custom was that the Captains of the Guard entred the Palace with their swords by their sides and in such equipage they asked the Emperor the Watch-word At that time it fortuned that it was Chaereas turn to fetch the O Watch-word a great number of people had flocked to the Palace to take up their places to behold the Games with great press and noise wherein Caius was A greatly delighted for there was no distinction of place either for Senators or Knights but each one sate together confusedly men and women slaves and freemen Caius arriving there first had offered sacrifice in honour of Caesar Augustus in whose honour likewise those sports were solemnized It came to pass that whilest those Beasts were embowelled that were appointed for sacrifice Asprenas Gown who at that time was Senator Caius sacrificeth to Augustus Caesar Asprenas was besprinkled with blood whereat Caius began to laugh yet notwithstanding this was a presage for Asprenas For he was slain that very day that Caius was It is reported that Caius at that time contrary to his own nature behaved himself most affably towards all men so that all the assistance were astonished to behold the courtesie that he used After the sacrifice was done he sate him B down to behold the Pastimes and had about him the most noble of his friends and familiars The Theatre Now was there every year a Theatre builded according to this form and fashion that ensueth It had two gates the one towards the open yard the other opening upon the porch by which the actors had their egress and regress without disturbance of
long time before any of them premeditated the same after what sort it should be attempted and he also was the first that durst boldly impart it unto others and who after they had allowed of his resolution assembled them and when every one was to speak his opinion he concluded the same very discreetly and had always done far more than the rest so that by his earnest and honourable perswasions he encouraged those that were faint-hearted since at such time as the opportunity presented it self to set hand to the execution M he was the first that attempted it and who valiantly struck and made an easie way to the rest who found Caius calm enough for he was almost dead For which cause it is necessary that all which others have done should be ascribed to Chaereas advice vertue and diligence Thus died Caius being struck with many mortal wounds Now when Chaereas and his Companions had dispatched him they perceived well that it would be impossible for them to save themselves if so be they should return by the way that they came so much were they ravished with that which they had done For they drew themselves into no small danger by murthering an Emperour who was cherished and beloved through the folly of the common people and whose death the Soldiers would not N leave unpunished Now in that the ways were narrow where the murther was done and they themselves also were hindred by reason of the great number of people and Officers and Soldiers that gave their attendance that day in guarding the Emperour they took another way Chaereas with his Confederates retireth into Germanicus house and retired themselves into Germanicus's lodging who was Caius's Father whom they had lately killed This house adjoyned unto the Palace For although the Palace was but one yet consisted it of divers lodgings which were builded by several Emperours whose names whether they had begun or finished the works were imposed upon the same Buildings When therefore they had escaped from the press they were in safety as long as the inconvenience that had befallen the Emperour was yet hidden The Germans Caesars Guard The first report of his death came to the Germans O who were of his Guard being a Company chosen out of that Nation named the Celtique Band for the preservation of the Emperours Person These men A are very prone unto wrath and amongst all other Barbarians it is a rare thing in them to examine the causes of their execution otherwise they are men strong in body and who in the Wars always give the first onset yielding great advantage to those on whose side they fight They having notice of Caius murther were vehemently grieved thereat for that it is their manner to censure all things not according to right but as they were answerable to their own profits Caius especially was dearly beloved by them for he had obtained their favour by bestowing much money upon them Their Captain was one called Sabinus who was not advanced to that dignity either for his virtue or for the Nobility of his Ancestors for he was but a Fencer but for his mighty strength and huge body They therefore ran about with B their naked swords searching for Caesars murtherers from house to house Sabinus with his German Souldiers seeketh for those that slew 〈◊〉 and meeting with Asprenas at first whose Gown as we have said was bebloodied with the blood of the sacrifice which was a presage that boded him but little good fortune they hewed him in pieces The second was Norbanus who for his Nobility and Ancestors might derive his Titles from the noblest Citizens amongst whom were divers Generals of Armies who seeing they made no reckoning of his Dignity Asprenas cut in pieces and being of himself endowed with great force and strength Norbanus he took a sword from one of them which first assailed him with whom he grapled and made them know that he intended they should buy his blood very dearly â—nd indeed so had he done but that being environed by divers who assailed him at once he was beaten C down Anteius and struck with many deadly wounds The third was Anteius one of the number of the Senators who with some others met not with these men by chance as the two other had done but to shew the hatred that he bare unto Caius and the pleasure that he took to see him lye dead was come out of his house being egged on with envy to feed his eyes with that spectacle For Caius had banished Anteius Father whose name likewise was Anteius and not content therewith he had sent his Souldiers to kill him He therefore with great pleasure beheld the carcase of this Tyrant but hearing the uproar that was raised in every part of the house he thought good to hide himself yet could he not avoid the narrow search of the Germans who were so displeased that they killed all they met whether they were D guilty or guiltless of the fact Thus were these three made away But after the rumour of Caius death was heard in the Theatre What sort of people they were that lamented Caius death every one was amazed and could scarcely believe it For although divers of them were very glad that he was taken out of the world perswading themselves that it would highly profit them yet did their fear hinder their belief On the other side there were some who desiring not that any such mishap should befal Caesar and conceiving in their thoughts that it was impossible to be done for that there was no men so bold as to attempt it they supposed the report to be altogether false Of this mind were certain women and children slaves and souldiers These by reason they received wages at his hand tyrannized with him being his ministers in all those abuses that he E offered to many good Citizens in partaking the booty and other advantages that Caius drew unto him As for the Women and Children they were of that opinion by reason that such kind of people take delight in Plays Jests Donations of flesh and other such Pastimes which Caius in word pretended to do to gratifie the common people but in effect it was to have means to satisfie his rage and cruelty He was also gracious among the servants and slaves for that by him they had liberty to accuse and contemn their Masters and were therein countenanced by Caius For when they falsly accused their Masters they were easily believed and when they discovered their Masters treasures in recompense of their discovery they were not only made free by him but also sent home with rich and ample rewards For the reward that F was assigned them was the eighth part of those goods that were confiscated As for certain of the Nobility although the matter seemed true to some of them for that before they were privy to that which the rest intended and notwithstanding
was changed and instead thereof he grew more averse from them daily whereby they were enforced to conspire against him and seek his ruine Now Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. as I have heretofore declared Claudius understanding of that which had befallen Caius his Nephew and seeing all his house wholly troubled for this occasion O was in such distress that he knew not what to do to save himself but went and hid himself in a certain corner where he was surprized having no other cause to apprehend A his danger except his Nobility For during the time that he lived a private man he behaved himself modestly kindly and favourably unto all men being well seen in the Sciences and principally in the Greek tongue shunning as much as in him lay all tumult and train that might breed trouble When as therefore the people at that time were wholly amazed at the trouble and the Palace was full of fury and fear and nothing reigned more in general than confusion and disorder the Souldiers of the Guard who were the most experienced and bold consulted amongst themselves what course they were to take Neither were they much discontented with Caius death in that they supposed that upon just occasion he was put to death for which cause they rather bethought themselves on that which concerned their fortunes and how they B might assure themselves in those dangers seeing the Germans were wholly bent against those who had killed Caius rather incited thereunto of their own cruel natures than of any good affection they had towards the welfare of the Common weal. All which things troubled Claudius and put him in fear of his life the rather for that he saw Asprenas head and the rest of the Nobility that were massacred carried about to be seen for this cause he kept himself in a certain place which was only accessible by certain steps or stairs and hid himself therein because it was obscure In that place one of the Souldiers of the Palace called Gratus being unable to discern who he was in regard of the obscurity of the place and supposing him to be some one that desired to be concealed he drew near unto him to the intent he might the C better know him and when Claudius besought him that he would depart and leave him he passed the more onwards and laying hold of him and drawing him into the light knew him crying out to those that followed him This is Germanicus let us take hold of him and create him Emperour Claudius perceiving that he was ready to be attached and fearing lest they should put him to death as they had done Caius besought them that they would pardon him protesting unto them his innocency and how he had no ways been either accessary or agent in that which had been done Whereupon Gratus beginning to smile took him by the hand saying that he had no cause to suspect his life For said he it behoveth thee to rouse up thy spirits and to bethink thee how to govern an Empire of which the gods who D have the care of the whole world have deprived Caius to reward thy virtue with Arise therefore and take possession of the Throne of thine Ancestors This said he lifted him on his shoulders for that Claudius could not walk on foot through the fear and joy that he had conceived of that which had been told him Upon these speeches divers of the Souldiers of the Guard assembled about Gratus and perceiving that it was Claudius whom they supposed to be dragged to his death they had compassion of him as on an innocent for that they knew him to be a man of a milde nature who all the time of his life intermedled with nothing and who in like sort had been often in great danger during Caius life There were others of them that said Claudius against his will drawn unto the Empire that the judgment of this matter belonged to the Consuls whereupon E although a great number of Souldiers flocked about him and the simple people that were unarmed fled from them yet could not Claudius go on his way so weak and feeble felt he himself in his whole body It fortuned likewise that they who carried his litter perceiving his plight fled away for fear and left him so little hope had they that their Master should escape with his life whom they saw to be thus drawn by the Souldiers Now when Gratus and his Associates were arrived in the Court of the Palace which as it is reported is the place which was first of all inhabited in Rome they began to think upon that which was to be done thither also there flocked a great number of other Souldiers unto them The cause that induceth the Army to make Claudius Emperour who took pleasure to behold Claudius enforcing themselves to place him in the Imperial Dignity in regard of F that good affection which they bare to Germanicus his Brother whose memory was much honoured among all those who had conversed with him Moreover they ripped up how many avaritious acts the Senate had committed and how great errors the chiefest Senators had been guilty of before the Publick Government was changed Moreover they considered the danger and difficulty of their actions then in hand for that the Government being administred by one only man would be dangerous for them if he should obtain the same by any other means whereas if Claudius should enjoy the same by their permission and good will he would have them in remembrance who had favoured him and would recompence them according to their merits This was the effect of their discourse Claudius carried on mens shoulder unto the Army which they held among themselves or when they met G with one another All of them at length concluded upon this advice and environed Claudius and lifting him up upon their shoulders they carried him into the Army to the intent that no man might hinder them to finish that which they intended There fell a debate also betwixt the Senators and Citizens For the Senate desirous H to recover their former Dignity and enforcing themselves to avoid the slavery that had befallen them by the wickedness of Tyrants intending the maintenance of their present good fortune Contrariwise the people envied them that Dignity And knowing that their Emperours should be as it were bridles Difference betwixt the Citizens and Senators to restrain the avarice of the Senate and the refuge of the people they were very glad to see that Claudius was advanced making their account that if he were created Emperour they should avoid a Civil war like unto that which hapned in Pompeius time The Senate knowing that Claudius was carried into the Army by the Souldiers The Senate perswade Claudius to resign the Dignity offerâ—ed him chose out some of their order and sent them as Embassadours in their behalfs to signifie unto him that he ought to use
it would cost much time and expence he denied their request permitting them nevertheless to pave their City with broad Stone Matthias the Son of Theophilus High Priest He took the Priesthood from Jesus the Son of Gamaliel and gave it to Matthias the Son of Theophilus in whose time the Wars betwixt the Romans and the Jews began But I think it not amiss Hedio Ruffinus chap. 18. but very answerable to the course of this present History N to speak of the High Priests The Succession and number of the High Priests among the Jews and to shew how they had their beginning and to whom this honour may be lawfully communicated and how many they were in number until the end of the War The first of them was Aaron Moses's Brother after whose death his Children succeeded him and from that time forward the honour hath continued with their Successors For it is a Law observed by our Ancestors that no man should be admitted to the Priesthood There were eighty three High Priests in all except he be of Aaron's Posterity for albeit he were a King if so be that he were of another Line it was impossible for him to obtain the Priesthood All the Priests after Aaron who as we have said was the first until Phanasus whom the Seditious created Priest in the time of the War have been in number eighty three whereof thirteen have executed the Office from the time that O Moses erected God's Tabernacle in the Desart until such time as arriving in Judaea King Solomon builded a Temple to God For in the beginning the High Priesthood continued A with the Possessors for term of life but afterwards although the Priests were yet alive yet were there other Successors put in their rooms These thirteen were of Aaron's Posterity and obtained this degree in succession the one after the other Their first Government was Aristocracy which is the Government of the Nobility afterwards a Monarchy and at last a Royal Government The number of years wherein these thirteen flourished were six hundred and twelve years from the day that our Fathers departed out of Egypt under the conduct of Moses until the building of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon After these thirteen High Priests there were eighteen others who after Solomon's time succeeded one after another until the time that Nabuchodonozor King of Babylon B having encamped before the City took it and burned the Temple and transported our Nation into Babylon and led away the High Priest Josedech Prisoner The time of the Priesthood and continuance of these eighteen was four hundred sixty years six months and ten days so long as the Jews have had the Royal Government After the surprizal of Jerusalem by the Babylonians until such time as Cyrus King of Persia dismissed the Jews and gave them leave to return from Babylon into their own Countrey with permission to re-edifie their Temple there are seventy two years and at that time the Captives being returned Jesus the Son of Josedech took upon him the High Priesthood who with those of his Posterity to the number of fifteen have governed in a Democracy or Popular Government until the time of Antiochus surnamed C Eupator for the space of four hundred and fourteen years This Antiochus was the first who with his General Lysias displaced Onias surnamed Menelaus of his Priesthood commanding him to be killed at Berith and after he had driven his Son out of the Succession he established Jacim High Priest who notwithstanding was of Aaron's Race but not of his Family For this cause Onias the Son of Onias and Nephew to the deceased Onias retired himself into Egypt Where growing familiar with Ptolomey Philometor and Cleopatra his Wife he perswaded them to build a Temple in the Confines of Heliopolis not unlike to that of Jerusalem and to create a High Priest in the same of which Temple in Egypt we have made very oftentimes mention After that Jacim had held the Priestood for the space of three years he died without D Successor so the City remained seven years without a High Priest Again the Asmoneans recovered the Government of their Nation and after they had made War against the Macedonians they established Jonathan High Priest who exercised the Office seven years but afterwards he was killed in an Ambush and Treason conspired against him by Tryphon as we have declared elsewhere After him Simon his Brother undertook the Priesthood who was not long after killed treacherously by his Son-in-Law at a Banquet After him succeeded his Son Hircanus who enjoying this Dignity for the space of thirty one years died when he was very old leaving behind him Judas surnamed Aristobulus who dying left his Brother Alexander his Heir both of the Kingdom and High Priesthood After that Aristobulus had obtained the E Royal Government he enjoyed both Dignities one whole year For this Judas surnamed Aristobulus was the first that set the Diadem on his head causing himself to be called a King the which Alexander did continue for he also joyned the Kingdom with the High Priesthood and reigned twenty seven years And feeling himself draw near to his death he left in Alexandras his Wife's hands to dispose of the Priesthood as she pleased She therefore bestowed it on Hircanus and as for the Kingdom she kept it in her own hands nine years and afterwards died Her Son Hircanus was High Priest for so long time For after Alexandra's death his Brother Aristobulus made War against him and having overcome him he took the Kingdom from him and not only seized on the Crown but the Priesthood After he had reigned three F years and as many months Pompey repaired to Jerusalem and took it perforce and laying hold of Aristobulus sent him bound unto Rome with his Children After which he restored the Priesthood once more to Hircanus committing the Government of the Nation unto his hands forbidding him in the mean space to wear the Diadem Besides the first nine years Hircanus governed twenty and four But Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians passed Euphrates and made war against Hircanus and took him alive Prisoner and made Antigonus Aristobulus's Son King But after he had governed three years and three months Sosius and Herod took him alive perforce and Antonius sent him to Antioch where he was beheaded After that Herod was created King by the Romans there was never any High Priest created of G the Posterity of the Asmoneans for he gave the High Priesthood to certain men of obscure and base extraction who were of the Order of Priests Aristobulus only excepted This Aristobulus was Hircanus's Nephew who was a Prisoner among the Parthians and having given him the Priesthood he married Mariamne his Sister to the intent H to continue himself in the good liking of the people in remembrance of Hircanus But afterwards fearing lest all of them should turn to Aristobulus's
them thereto fire the holy Temple But their malice against the Romans encreasing they fell to railing against those that had fled to them and planted all their Engines to cast Stones Darts and Arrows upon their Holy-Porches So that all the void space about the Temple was filled with dead bodies like a Burying-place Titus willeth John to come out to fight lest with him the City and Temple should perish also and the Temple it self resembled a Citadel and they now with their Weapons having their hands imbrewed with the blood of their Country-men presumed to enter into the Sanctuary where none ought to come and they became so injurious against their own Laws that what indignation the Jews ought to have conceived against the Romans if they had so prophaned the Holy-places the same they caused the Romans to have against them for doing B the like For there was not one amongst the Roman Souldiers that did not with reverence behold the Temple John raileth against Joseph and adore it and that did not heartily wish that the Thieves would repent themselves before it was too late Moreover Titus pittying the Seditious once again spoke to John and his adherents saying O ye impious people have not your Ancestors invironed the Temple about with a Ballester and erected Pillars whereon are engraven Greek and Roman Letters forbidding all men to enter into those limits and Did not we licence you to kill any man that should pass them though he were a Roman What rage then is it which carryes you wicked wretches to pollute the Temple with the blood not only of strangers but of your Country-men I call my Country Gods to witness and him who sometime dwelt in this Place I say sometime for now I am perswaded there C is none Titus in despight of the Jews Strives to save the Temple I call also my Army to witness and protest to the Jews that are with me and to your selves That I have no share in this profanation but that if your Army will depart this Holy-place that then no Roman shall come into the Sanctuary nor commit any thing of contumely of them but I will preserve this famous Temple for you against your wills CHAP. V. Another assault given by the Romans to the Jews who defended the Temple D TItus having spoken thus and caused Joseph to tell them in Hebrew what he said to them the Seditious thinking that the same proceeded not of good will but of fear began to be more proud thereupon Then Titus seeing they neither pitied themselves nor the Temple determined again to use force though very loth so to do yet could he not bring all his Army against them the Room was so little Wherefore out of every Company he made choice of thirty of the strongest among them Titus chose thirty out of every hundred most strong and able men and bids them charge the besieged and over every thousand he apointed a Tribune and made Cerealis their Captain or General commanding him at the ninth hour of the night to assault the Guard of the Enemy Also he himself would have gone with them but his friends and the E Captains about him considering the great danger he might fall into would not permit him but represented to him that he might do more good by staying in Antonia and encouraging the Souldiers that fought then if he should go and endanger himself for every man being in the view of the Prince would fight more couragiously Titus was herewith perswaded and told the Souldiers that the only cause he went not with them was this that he stayed behind to view and judg of every ones valour to the intent that none that behaved himself valiantly might go away unrewarded nor any Coward escape unpunished but that he himself might be a beholder of every mans vertue Having thus spoken he commanded the assault to be given Then he went up a Watch-Tower in Antonia from whence he beheld what was F done Titus beholds from a window in Antonia what his Souldiers performe But they whom Titus sent did not find the Guards asleep as they hoped but with a great shout they received the Romans that came against them and at this noise they awaked their fellows who came in whole Companies to assist them and made a Salley upon their Enemies So the Romans sustained the violence of their first Companies but the second that came fell upon their own fellows and used them like Enemies for no man could know one anothers voice for the noise neither could one see another by reason it was night and moreover some were blinded with fury some with anger some with fear so that every one struck him that met him without any respect The Romans received small damage thereby because that they were defended with their Shields and remembred one anothers Watch-word G But the Jews fell on every side shewing themselves rash as well in the charge as in their rallying so that many times one of them took the other to be his Enemy And falling upon those that rallyed as though they had been Romans assaulting them in H the dark Briefly more were wounded by their fellows than by their Enemies till day breaking every one knew his companion and then falling into ranks they betook themselves to their Darts and Arrows Neither part gave back nor was wearied with labour but many Romans together and apart did in the view of the Prince shew their courage every man accounting that day the beginning of his preferment if he behaved himself valiantly The Jews fought stoutly both for that they feared their own Imminent danger if they were overcome and the destruction of the Temple and John standing by encouraged them to fight some with blows and others with threatnings They fought almost all with handy blows yet fortune often changed for neither part had either far to fly or any space to follow those that fled I The Romans in Antonia cried to their fellows that fought the Battel The events of Battle are changed very shortly Now for the Victory encouraging them to stand to it when they began to give back so that Antonia was as a Theatre for this Battel for Titus and they with him beheld all that was done At last in the fifth hour of the day the fight ceased having continued from the ninth hour of the night neither party forsaking the place where first they began Battel nor any part having the Victory Many Romans there fought couragiously and amongst the Jews these that follow Judas the Son of Merton Simon the Son of Josias and Jacob and Simon Idumeans this the Son of Cathla but Jacob the Son of Sosa these were of Simons company And of Johns followers Gipthaeus and Alexas and of the Zealots Simon the Son of Jairus But on the seventh day the Romans K pulling down the Foundations of Antonia made a large entrance for the rest of the
know for now occasion is offered to speak of them there are therefore an infinite company of Nations aâ—d Laws amongst men and some Nations are ruled by Monarchs others by the common consent of the people But our Law-maker doing neither of these did as one should say therein declare his Common-wealth to be Divine F chiefly assigning all power and principality over us to God causing all men to fix their minds and cogitations on him as the only Giver and Author of all goodness giving them to understand that whatsoever in their necessity they intreat him for He heareth their prayers and understandeth what every man doth in private yea his very cogitations and that he is One Unbegotten and in all times Immutable and Eternal The opinion of the wisest Greeks concerning God differing in a most excellent shape from all mortal creatures and this we knew but we are altogether ignorant what God is as touching his Substance and Essence And thus the wisest Greeks that ever were judged of God who how learned they were he giving the ground of all their knowledg I now omit to rehearse and that these things afore rehearsed are best and most agreeable to the nature and magnificence G of God many do witness as Pythagoras Anaxagoras and Plato and after them the Stoicks and almost all other Philosophers have so thought H of the Divine nature But they delivering this their Philosophy in short speech durst not publish the truth of their doctrine among the people already seized upon by superstitious opinions But our Law-maker's works and words so agreed that he satisfied at large all his people Moses compared with other law-makers and they that were to be born of them and their successors inspiring as it were a certain constancy into them to persevere in the same still referring the cause of his Laws to their own profit and commodity For he did not affirm the worship of God only to be part of vertue but he assigned other part thereof to wit fortitude justice and mutual concord of all his Citizens For all our actions speeches and what else soever The methods of morality and discipline are all referd to divine piety Which he left not touched without any I more discourse of it For these two are the methods of all discipline and morality whereof one frameth and directeth the speech the other the manners and actions which being so other Law-makers were indeed wise in advice and counsel and yet they made choice of one of these Methods and left the other for the Lacedemonians were instructed in manners and not in words as also they of Crete were but the Athenians and almost all the Greeks were directed and trained up by Laws in every thing they were to do yet never could they put their written Laws in practice But our Law-maker very industriously did conjoyn both these together for he neither omitted the training them up in manners and good exercises neither did he surcease to leave them written K Laws And first of all makeing his entrance from the very meats and prescribing to every one a convenient diet he left no man liberty amongst us to direct himself in the least matter concerning his meat but he by Laws defined both from what meats we were to abstain Moses commandeth all the Jews to come and hear the Law and what to eat and what ought to be our ordinary diet as also when we ought to labour and when to cease from work so that we as it were under the government of a Father or Master might neither sin willingly nor for ignorance for he did not apoint punishment for them that were ignorant of it but by Law enacted a most necessary and mild chastisement for the voluntary offenders and for this cause he did not only will that L we should once or twice or oftener hear the Laws but that once every week we all omitting other business should come to hear the Laws and so learn them perfectly which things all other Law-makers as it is well known omitted All which laudable customs all other Law-makers have neglected and the most part of men are so far from living according to their own laws that they are altogether ignorant of them and having offended their laws through ignorance they then learn by other mens means that they have made breach of their laws yea the chiefest and most eminent men amongst them do profess herein that they are ignorant causing those that are learned and skilful in their Laws to sit as it were in commission M with them to direct them Whereas every one of our Nation being demanded of our Laws can answer as readily as he can tell his own name for every one of us learning them as it were so soon as we come to the use of reason we have them as it were written and printed in our minds and by this means both we offend more seldom and when we offend we are sure to be punished And this especially is that which hath caused such an unity and concord amongst us For to worship one God after the same manner without any difference in manners and conversation is the only way to establish amity and concord in a Common-wealth The concord of the Jews in Religion N Amongst us no man shall hear any different speechs and opinions concerning God whereas amongst all other Nations it is most frequent and ordinary for amongst them not only every one of the common people doth speak his pleasure in this point but divers Philosophers also presume to do it some of them with their blasphemous speeches altogether destroying the nature of God and others with the like impudency denying him to have any care of men neither is there any difference amongst us of affairs pertaining to mans life but all men with us follow one common express labour and we all joyntly affirm the Son of God and that he hath care of humane affairs and all our actions and exercises yea any one may learn of our Women and Children that all things whatsoever are to be reduced to piety O A Hence it groweth that some detract our Nation for that amongst us were no men Inventers of new matters and Arts. To whom we will thus answer That other Nations account it a glory not to persist in any thing that their forefathers used and hold them of most account who can best transgress their forefathers wisdom But we contrariwise do account it the chiefest point of wisdom and virtue neither to do nor think any thing contrary to that which our Ancestors have decreed which is a token that our Law was established by as good advice as was possible For those Laws that in all points are not as they ought to be are often by experience found faulty But amongst us who believe that our Law was first established by the will and pleasure of Almighty God nothing is pious and virtuous
and fortunate City yet in nothing more happy than for that it alone doth in her bosom shrine so many so sacred and excellent Pledges of Piety yet should it be more happy if it could express their Virtues whose sacred Reliques it so Religiously keepeth and imitate their Manners whose Bodies it possesseth to wit if in sincerity of Religion it imitated the Piety of three Kings and the sacred purity of the eleven Virgins if it resembled the most Valiant young Men the Maccabees and the invincible Courage of that Woman whose valorous Constancy no misery could conquer And this best portion and part of her felicity this worthy City might bestow upon her self yea and double the same Do thou go forward in that which thou hast in hand to wit in spreading the praise of those Martyrs making that M virtuous example more commendable and your City more famous Farewel N O A FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS OF THE B RULE of REASON A most Eloquent Book corrected by DESIDERIUS ERASMUS Most lively setting down the Martyrdom of the C MACCABEES I Am at the instant request of Polibius of Megalopolis to put in writing the constant Sufferings of the Maccabees worthy all admiration not in a Rhetorical and pleasing stile but rather after our own country fashion thereby to exhort our Nation to patience in their Calamities Reason hath dominion over our passions But first of all it is necessary to speak something of Reason and assign unto it the power and virtue to deliberate For he who hath once fully determined to suffer all misery for D Gods sake is in my opinion already a Martyr It is therefore great merit to have so determined and therefore as above-said Reason governeth our inferiour passions and though destiny deny us opportunity to suffer yet have we suffered all in purposing to suffer all Whoso therefore will renounce the World and aspire only to Coelestial things must exercise Sobriety banish Gluttony Lasciviousness and all other such Vices as may possess and captivate the mind He must likewise mount up to the top of Virtues Tower that from thence he may resist and impugn the Vices of his Body Grief and Fear E There are many examples of the Valiant Souldiers of God which I could produce but the brave persons descended from one single Woman not at one but several births may suffice And first I will speak of Eleazar and seven Brethren The death of the seven brethren and their mother and relate what Tortures and Torments their Mother endured yet cannot man but only God determine who amongst them was first and who last in this noble agony They therefore being all of one opinion resembling one another more in mind than in body duely considered the frailty of this Life and neither delighted in the flatteries of the World nor the alluring enchantments thereof They valued not torments fetters nor any other sort of tortures imposed upon them To return they resolved upon patience and to endure whatsoever F the Judges cruelty could devise I will therefore praise the fortitude of these Brethren or rather with all truth rehearse the noble conflicts of these holy men and setting all adulation apart prosecute with a bare Historical narration the manner of their Martyrdome But before I begin to declare the death of these brave men I will a little treat of Reason The description of Reason and Wisdom which as I have affirmed is no small motive to Martyrdom Reason it is that maketh us observe Fasts and Abstinence Reason makes us despise Money by it we are taught not to account of Dignities and Honours which all men generally aim at yea Reasons gift it is that we do resist the heat of lustful desires Hence cometh it that having once overcome such things as the flesh delights in we find our selves a little able to resist we also learn to despise pains and torments and by degrees resolve to suffer G all things that shall be imposed upon us Which that it may more plainly appear let us search out the cause of this order and wee shall find wisdom to be the cause hereof For no man can determine and distinguish H good from evil that is not endued with wisdom this wisdom is always accompanied with justice and justice is still joyned with vertue and vertue and temperance cannot be seperated so that this wisdom consisteth upon four parts Besides these Grief and pain cause or hinder passion there are two things that either do cause or hinder passion to wit pain and pleasure one of which we do always refuse and the other we do always desire yet where pleasure ariseth and is presently by reasons rule put away the mind is there strengthened and pain compared with glory is through hope of a greater reward contemned before it come and being come our mind is ashamed not to suffer that which before it was resolved to do Reason therefore is the guide of all our actions Reason resembleth a skilful Gardiner and by it we despise torments and I detest vice like a skilful Husbandman it pruneth and cutteth away superfluous branches and killeth the heat of all corrupt and hurtful humours only leaving that which may some way be profitable to us Thus reason corrects our passion encourages us to suffer and supports us in our sufferings Who is not desirous to eat the flesh of wild Beasts and Fishes And who lusteth not to eat of feathered Fouls nay do not the dainty dishes either from Sea or Land invite us to eat them What then causeth us to abstain from them what makes us all desire them and yet none of us eat them even reason by which the mind is taught to overcome it self in delightful objects and pleasure that when occasion of Martyrdom is offered setting aside all vanities we will not for a little pleasure K forget our accustomed virtue By reason it was that Joseph to his great praise master'd his concupiscence An instance of Joseph's chastity and suffered not himself to be overcome by his lust which was but too incident to his age Reason so worketh with sound advice and mature counsel that it again recovereth lost friendship gaineth new and suffereth no cruelty to be committed Of this we have also the example of Moses who had he not had just occasion to be angry against Dathan and Abiram reason no doubt would have caused him to have smothered his passion Did not our father Jacob with great vehemency reprove his Sons Simeon and Levi who without reason had used such cruelty saying Cursed be your anger Which anger had it been bridled with reason neither had they been cursed nor the other L had perished For this cause God the maker of mankind when he fashioned us and our manners having finished the lineaments of our body he placed the mind in it to rule it with certain concomitant precepts to wit temperance pursuance of
of calamity 132 n. 133 d. 144 k. see piety contemned Religion renewed 224 n. Religion of the Esseans 613 a. Relicks of Jupiter taken away 33 d. Remisness in punishing cause of sin 157 d. Renown of Solomon's vertues 213 e f g. Repairing of the Temple 245 n. 259 h. Repairing of the City Jerusalem 249 m. Repentance of the people 97 b. of Achab 229 k. of David 185 c. of Joachas 246 â— of Manasses 258 c. Report of Joseph's death 675 a. Report of the behaviour of Samuel's sons 149 d. Repose 27 g. Request of Jonathan 337 k. of the Jews 610 l m. of the Romans to Caesar 717 c. Requital of courtesie 42 m. 66 m. required 122 i. performed 123 c. Resolution of Joseph's brethren 51 e. Restitution of things borrowed 116 i. Restoring â— God 's service 245 i k. 258 d. Returns of Jacob's sons 57 c. of the Spies 96 k. 122 k. of Vespasian 761 c. Revenues of Priests 103 c. of Mephibosheth's lands 183 b Revenues of Agrippa 524 l. of Aâ—chelaus 610 n. of Pheroras 589 d. Reverence of the Sabbath 614 h. Reverence of the Roman souldier 661 b c. Revolt from the laws of the Fathers 107 e. Revolt of the ten Tribes 219 i. Revolt of the Germans 764 i. Reward of learned Preachers 231 l. 263 m. Reward of valiant men 741 g. Reward of such as keep the Law 811 b. Rewards oppress Justice 149 b. Riches of the Madianites 109 a b. of the Ainites 124 l. of David 202 f. of Solomon 215 c d e. of Ozias 249 n. Riddle of Samson propounded to the Thamnites 140 m. dissolved ibid. n. Ripping of women's wombs foretold 240 g. River of Arnon 104 k. River Sabbaticus 765 b. Robbers punished 372 c. 416 b. Robberies in Trachona 416 a. winked at 621 d. Roboam entreated to ease the people's burden 218 d. denied their petition ib. f. abandoned of ten Tribes 219 i. forbidden to make war ib. i. builded strong Cities 221 b. his wives and children ibid. b. impiety ibid. maketh brazen shields 222 c. dieth ibid. Rock yieldeth forth water 75 f. Road of the Philistines 167 a. Rod of Moses turned into a serpent 68 k. devoureth the Egyptians rods 68 l. Rod of Aaron fructifieth 103 a. The Romans government how far it extended 661 b. Romans overcome the Jews 568 i k. sack Jericho 576 i. get a great prey ib. k. skirmish with the Jews 618 i. fire the porches ib. i. have subdued the Athenians c. 626 n. yea the whole world ib. m. and 627 a c. flee into the King's forts 631 b. are slain ibid. e. burn Joppa c. 634 n. burn the Temple gates 636 k. overcome the Jews 658 e. retire without their purpose 668 o. enter Jotapata 670 e f. moved with no compassion 670 g. their warlike discipline 661 b. attempt nothing rashly 661 d. drive the Jews to their ships 676 k. assault Gamala 680 l. 683 b c. many slain ib. f. win Gamala ib. f. fight with the Jews 713 c. their fear and trouble ib. f. overcome the seditious 725 b. get the first wall 725 o. driven out by the Jews â—23 b. hindred by the Jews 728 l. plant their courts of guard 735 d. fear the desperateness of the Jews 740 k. undermine the wall 741 a. invade Antonia 742 m. set Jerusalem on fire 755 f. enter Jerusalem 758 k. finds treasure in the vaults 759 e. ruinate City and Temple 760 k. Dining Room fell down 578 k. Ruben the son of Jacob 46 n. why so called ib. his sons 61 b. his disswasion 51 e. and his perswasion 52 k. intended to save Joseph 52 l. pleads before Joseph 56 m. Rue of admirable greatness 767 g. Ruine of the Israelites sought 62 n o. Ruine of the Amalechites foretold 77 d. Rulers of Jerusalem 637 f. Rumour of Herod's death 397 f. Rumour of the Emperour 492 â— 511 g. Ruth her love to Naomi 142 m. married to Booz 143 d. S. Saba chief City of Aethiopia 65 f. called Meroâ— and why ibid. f. Sabach and Naphanus David's Captains 196 b c. Sabbath 27 g. called a day of rest and why ibid. o. Sabinus repaireth to Jerusalem 465 b. and why ib. 606 i. 607 e f. Sabinus pursueth those that slew Caius 511 h. alloweth not of Claudius 518 l. killeth himself 519 b. Sabinus took the Capitol 710 e. slain ibid. k. Sabinus valiant 742 h. slain ibid. l. Sacks of chaff 666 m. Sacred sanctuary 720 n. Sacrifice acceptable to God 157 e. Sacrifice of Cain and Abel 29 c. Sacrifice of Noah 31 e. of Jacob 49 d. Sacrifices of the Princes of the Tribes 90 m. Sacrifice of thanksgiving 91 c. Sacrifice for sin 91 d. Sacrifice of Pentecost 92 m. Sacrifice of Solomon at the dedication of the Temple 212 d Sacrifice of Samuel 148 l. Sacrifice of Ezechias 253 h i. Sacrifice of Herod 581 g. Sacrifice of the old Testament 89 g. 809 e. Sacrifice consumed of it self 89 f. Sacrilege of Achar 123 e. punished with death 124 i. of Crassus 368 c. 568 m. of John 738 k. Sadoc sent to David 190 l. being pursued is hidden 190 m Sadoc established high Priest 204 l. ibid. m. Sadduces a sect 339 m. 476 m. their opinion 477 c d. Safety of David respected 162 k. Sale of the Jews 679 m. Salmanasar King of Assyria 2520. overcometh Oseas and why ibid d. taketh Oseas prisoner and transporteth the Israelites 253 m. spoiled Syria and Phoenicia 253 o. Salome accuseth Mariamne 497 k. accuseth Alexander c 426 l. enticeth her daughter c 434 k. denyed to Syllaeus in marriage 435 c d. excuseth her self 434 o. marrieth Alexis 449 b. discovereth conspiracies 450 o. releaseth the Nobles 450 m. 603 b. Princes of Jamnia 618 o. dyeth 454 l. Solomon's Coronation 202 a. King of Israel 203 d. requireth wisdom of God 205 b. marrieth a wife 204 n. decideth the two womens debate 205 a b. buildeth the Temple 207 f. prayeth to God 211 k m. exhorteth the people to praise God 212 c. buildeth a Palace ib. g. dissolveth hard questions 213 f. repaireth the walls of Jerusalem 214 k buildeth Cities ibid. k. maketh the Chanaanites tributary 215 b. buildeth a Navy ib. b. remunerateth Nicaule the Queen ibid. f. marrieth strange wives 216 o. committeth idolatry ibid o. his punishment denounced 217 i. had enemies raised against him ibid. k. dyeth 218 b. Saltis subdued the Egyptians 785 a. Samaria besieged 238 g. of whom so called 225 n. taken 347 m. described 659 d. Samaritans hinder the building of the Temple 275 n o. 279 o. their offer rejected ib. n. Jews enemies 281 l. kinsmen to the Jews when 295 n. disdain the Jews 3â—4 d. send letters to Antiochus ib. e. contend with the Jews 333 i k. accuse the Jews 534 n. their strife with the Jews 619 e. 11000 slain 670 c. Samaeus reproveth the Jews impiety 221 f. comforteth the people ibid. Samaeus his admonition 373 h. honoured ibid. i. Samson killeth a Lyon 140
that are called Hesperians in Aethiopia and Sabaeus founded the Sabeans M As for Nimrod the sixth son of Chus Nabrodes or Nâ—mbroth he setled his Colony upon the Confines of Babylon and tyrannized there as is before declared All the eight sons of Misraim occupied all the Countrey from Gaza unto Egypt Palestine so named of Philestine but onely one of the eight named Philistin hath left his name to the Countrey which he possess'd for the Greeks call a part thereof Palestine As touching the rest Lom Enam and Labim Nethem Phetrosim Chestem Chreesene and Chepthom we know neither of their actions nor of their names except Labim who planted a Colony in Lybia and gave his name to it For the Aethiopians whereof hereafter we shall make mention overthrew their Cities Canaan also had eleven sons The Children of Canaan amongst whom Sidonius built and named Sidon a City in N Phoenicia and Amathus built Amath which at this day the Inhabitants call Amatha though the Macedonians call it Epiphania which signifies famous from the name of one of its Princes Arudeus possessed the Isles of Arudus and Ariceus built the City of Arce upon mount Libanus As for the other seven Eveus Cheteus Jebuseus Eucleus Sineus Samarcus and Gorgeseus there is no memory remaining of them in Sacred Scriptures but onely their names For the Hebrews razed their Cities upon the occasions which I am going to relate After the Deluge Hedio Ruffinus cap. 13. when the earth was established in its first estate Noah gave himself to Tillage Gen. 9. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25. and planted Vineyards and when the Fruit thereof was ripe and he had pressed and made Wine thereof he drank and banquetted after he had done sacrifice being thereby made drunk and overpressed with sleep he lay discovered in a most unseemly O and shameful fashion which when Cham his younger son beheld he scornfully discover'd it to his Brothers who being asham'd cover'd their Father's nakedness with A reverence Noah is made drunk lieth naked and is scorned and curseth him that derideth him Which fact of his coming to the knowledge of Noah he wished all felicity to the two other and as touching Cham out of a fatherly tenderness he cursed him not but only his posterity after him who accordingly were punisht for the sin of their Forefather as we shall shew hereafter Sem the third son of Noah had five sons who inhabited the Countrey of Asia beginning at Euphrates Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. and extending to the Indian Ocean For Elimis the eldest left the Elimeans or Elamites for his Successors whence proceeded the Persians Assur the second built the City of Ninive Gen. 7. 1. and gave his Subjects the name of Assyrians who were rich above all the rest Of the Sons of Sem the third Son of Noah and of theirs and Abraham's Progeny Arphaxad the third named those of his command Arphaxadians who at this day are called Chaldeans Aram the fourth had the Arameans whom the Greeks call Syrians B And from Ludis the fifth came the Ludéans who at this day are called Lydians Of those four sons which Aram had Vses dwelt in the Region of Trachonites and built the City of Damascus scituate between Palestine and that part of Syria which is sirnamed Caeler or hollow Otrus obtained Armenia Gether Bactria Misas was father to the Mezaneans whose Countrey is called at this day the valley of Pasin Sale Arphaxad's son was Heber's father from whose name in times past the Hebrews were denominated Heber begat Jucta and Phaleg The original of the Hebrews who was so called for that he was born at such time as Lands came to be divided for Phaleg in Hebrew signifieth Division They that follow were the sons of Jucta Elmodad Saleph Azermoth Izrais Edoram Vzal Dael Ebal Ebemael Sapham Ophir Evilas and Jobel who occupied some parcel of that Region which was between Cophen a River C in India and the hither Syria Hitherto have we spoken of the Progeny of Sem now we come to speak of the Hebrews Abraham's Genealogy Phaleg the son of Heber begat Ragaus by whom was begot Seruch from whom Nachor descended and from Nachor Thares who was Abraham's father the tenth in account from Noah and born 292 years after the Deluge For Thares being 70 years old begat Abraham Nachor at 120 years of age begat Thares Nachor was born to Seruch when he was about the years of 132 of his life and Ragaus begat Seruch when he was 130 years old and about those years Phaleg begat Ragaus But Heber at 34 years of age begat Phaleg himself begotten by Sela when he was 135 years old which Sela was begotten by Arphaxad when he was 135 years of age And Arphaxad was the son of Sem and Grandson of Noah whom he begat two years after the Deluge Abraham had two D brothers Nachor and Aram of whom Aram left Lot for his son and Sara and Melcha for his daughters and afterwards dyed in the land of Canaan in a City called Vr of the Chaldees where his Sepulchre is to be seen even at this day His daughters were married Melcha to Nachor The year of the World 2950. before Christ's Nativity 2014. and Sara to Abraham But Thares growing weary of Chaldaea after the death of his son Aram he and his Family transported themselves into Charan a City of Mesopotamia in which place they buried Thares when he had lived the space of 250 years For about this time the life of man was abridged and grew more short until the time of Moses The term of man's life about this term 120. when the space of man's life limited by God himself was 120 years to which term Moses attained Nachor had eight children by Melcha his wife Vx Baux Manuel Zacham Azam Phaleg Jadelphus and Bathuel who were the legitimate sons of Nachor E But Tabaeus and Gadan Thavan and Macham were begotten by him on his Concubine Ruma To Bathuel one of the legitimate sons of Nachor was born a daughter named Rebecca and a son called Laban CHAP. VII How Abraham Gen. 12. 1. ad 4. the Author of our Nation departed from the Land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in the Countrey of the Canaanites which is now called Judea ABraham having no Issue adopted Lot the son of Aram's brother and brother to Sara his wife The year of the World 2204 before Chri 〈…〉 Nativity 1940. he departed out of the Countrey of Chaldee when he was 75 years old having had commandment from God to depart thence into Canaan in which Countrey F he remained and left the same to his Posterity after him He was a man accomplished in all things full of understanding and apt to persuade those that gave ear unto him without any default in his foresight and providence Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. For this cause
he was supposed to surpass all men in virtue The wisdom of Abraham and was he that first undertook to rectifie the received erronious opinions of men touching the Deity He first of all did most manifestly preach and prove Abraham the first Preacher of the Word That there was but one God Governor and Maker of all things and that otherwise if any thing conferred or furthered our Felicity it hapned unto us not by our own workings but by his holy Will And this he observ'd and prov'd by what comes to pass both in the Earth and the Sea as also by those things which he saw daily occur by the influences of the Sun the Moon and other Stars namely that there is a certain G power that disposeth them and decently administreth all things without whose assistance nothing would be profitable unto us whereas nothing hath of it self any virtue but all things are obedient to his Omnipotent Will and for that cause honour and thanksgiving should wholly be ascribed to him For which advices and counsels of his H seeing the Chaldeans and Mesopotamians began to mutiny against him he thought it expedient to forsake that Countrey and follow the Will and Command of God and so went and dwelt at Canaan where being seated he built an Altar and sacrific'd unto God Berosus Berosus amongst other things maketh mention of our Father Abraham although he names him not when he speaketh after this manner After the Deluge and during the tenth Generation there dwelt amongst the Chaldeans a most just excellent and upright man and exercised in the knowledge of the Celestial bodies Hecataeus But Hecataeus makes not a bare mention of him but hath left a Volume which he hath written concerning him And as touching Nicolaus Damascenus Nicolaus Damascenus hear what he saith in the Fourth Book of his Histories Abraham reigned in Damascus where he was a stranger whither he arrived with his Army I from a Countrey scituate above Babylon called Chaldaea and a little while after departing out of that Region he went and dwelt with his People in a Countrey at that time called Canaan and at this day Judaea and his Posterity multiplied therein In another Treatise I will recite that which is reported of him The name of Abraham even at this day is honourable in the Countrey of Damascus Abraham's house and there is a Village to be seen which beareth his name and is called Abraham's house CHAP. VIII Abraham pressed by Famine departed into Egypt where having stay'd awhile at last he returned back again K AFter this when Famine had invaded the land of Canaan Abraham had intelligence that the Egyptians abounded in all plenty The year of the World 2026 before Christ's Nativity 1938. and decreed with himself to retire thither purposing also to confer with their Priests concerning their Notions of God and either to follow their belief if they were better grounded in the same than himself or to rectifie them Hedio Ruffinus cap. 16. if his judgment were better grounded than theirs He led with him his wife Sara and understanding that the Egyptians were much addicted to women to the end the King might not put him to death Gen. 12. 10. in order to enjoy his wife Sara Gen. 12. 13. 15. who was very beautiful he devised this excuse to say That she was his sister charging her that if the matter came in question she should not fail but confirm the same But no sooner L came they into Egypt but the like fortune encountred them as Abraham had before suspected The lust of the Egyptians 16 17. for the beauty of his wife was suddenly published in every place For which cause Pharaoh the King of that Nation desirous to see that with his eyes which he had heard with his ears he sought for sent and lusted after her but God withstood this his unbridled lust by afflicting the King's Subjects with a Plague and his State by Sedition Whereupon taking counsel of the Priests what remedy might be used and means sought to appease the Divine Majesty 18 19. they answer'd him That the cause of their afflictions proceeded from his intending violence to the stranger's wife Whereat being much affrighted the King first questioneth with the woman what she was and who her companion should be and at last resolv'd of the truth he excus'd himself to Abraham saying he suppos'd M her to be his sister not his wife and that his purpose was not to offer injury but seek alliance and giving him a great sum of money he gave him leave to confer with the most excellent and learned Priests among the Egyptians Abraham taught the Egyptians Religion and Arts. By this conference he grew into great estimation in regard of his virtues for whereas that Nation was divided into different Sects and Opinions and through mutual contempt and division were incens'd one against another he declar'd That all their different Opinions in Religion were most vain and void of all truth For these his disputations he was held in great regard among them and esteemed for a most wise and excellent personage not only in well understanding Abraham an â—â—cellent Astronomer but also in expressing and persuading that which he undertook to teach He imparted to them the Sciences of Arithmetick and Astronomy for before Abraham came N into Egypt the Egyptians were altogether ignorant of those Sciences but he first brought them from Chaldaea into Egypt and from thence are they deriv'd to the Greeks As soon as he return'd into Canaan Gen. 13. 1. he divided the Countrey with Lot and for that there grew a contention betwixt their shepherds The division of the fields between Abraham and Lot touching the bounds of the pastures where they fed their Cattel he gave Lot the choice and election of that Countrey which best pleased him retaining unto himself that which was left Thus pitching his Tents towards a mountain near the City Hebron which was by seven years more ancient than Tanis in Egypt he dwelt there But Lot chose the Plain near the River of Jordan not far from Sodom which in those days was a goodly City but at this present by the just judgment of God is utterly destroyed so that no memory remaineth thereof The causes of O which judgment shall be related hereafter A CHAP. IX The overthrow of the Sodomites by the Assyrians Lot is taken Prisoner AT this time the Assyrians were Lords over all Asia and the estate of Sodom flourished in all affluence Hedio Ruffinus chap. 17. riches and multitude of People and the Countrey was governed by five Kings Gen. 14. Ballas Bareas Senabarus Symoborus and Baleâ— each particularly seized of his Province and Kingdom Five Kings of Sodom Against these the Assyrians encamped themselves and having divided their Army into four parts under the conduct of four
vestures 86 m. Priests registred 782 m. Priests abstain from wine 721 f. 790 o. Priests executed and why 754 m High Priests number and succession 540 n. Priesthood confirmed to Aaron and his sons 102 k. Priesthood to be transported fore-shewed 144 k. Princes of Syria 280 a. Principality affected by Adonias 199 d. by Costabarus 409 o. 698 m. 705 d. 711 f. Priscus slayeth Jonathan 747 c. Prisoners dismissed 251 n. Privileges granted to the Jews 305 b. 373 o c. 374 b c d. 375 h i k. Problems of Hiram c. 786 m. Prodigies preceding Jerusalem's destruction 753 a b c. Professors of wisdom burn themselves 774 n. Progâ—ny of Japheth 33 g. of Canaan 34 n. of the Sons of Sem 35 a. of Cham's sons 34 k. of Jacob 61 b. of Aaron 〈◊〉 n. of Herod 485 d. 480 h i. Prohibition of arms and iron-work 154 i. Profit how great redounded to King Pharaoh 61 f. Promise of God's assistance 110 k l. Promotion of Joseph 55 g. Prophecy of Jacob touching his posterity 62 i k. of the sacred Secretary 62 n. of Balaam 106 k. of Samuel 144 l 157 f. of Achias 217 k. 218 o. of Jadon 220 a. of Olda 259 k. Prophecy of the Captivity and delivery 263 h i. Prophet Moses a good Governour 1â—0 k. Prophet Nathan 181 c. 185 c. Achias 217 k. Jadon 217 o. Samaeus 221 f. Azarias 224 m. Elias 227 h. Gimon 224 m. Elizaeus 236 g. Esay 256 b. Jeremy 260 e. Ezechiel 261 n. Jonas 248 g. Naum 250 g. Aggaeus and Zacharias 280 d. Micheas 232 d. False Prophet discrediteth the true 220 f. 232 â— False Prophet deceiveth the people 537 d. Prosperity of Joseph 55 d. of Solomon 215 d e f g c. of Jeroboam 249 l. Prosperity maketh proud 247 a. 249 o. Prospect stopt up 538 n. Providence of God in saving Moses 63 f g. 64 n. of the Israelites 119 e. Provision of victuals 179 c. 576 h i. Provision for the Priests 285 m. Provision of things necessary for war 660 m n. Proves against Antipater 457 b c. 601 b c. Prudence of Joseph 55 c. 56 i. of Solomon 206 k. of Josephus 665 a b. Ptolemais described 616 l. besieged 351 b taken 352 d. Ptolomy Lagus obtaineth Egypt 297 m. seizeth Jerusalem by a stratagem ibid. 298 n. led the Jews away captive ib. n o. Ptolomy Philadelphus caused the Jews to be translated c. 297 n. his library 298 d. his Proclamation 299 k. his liberality 300 c. his Epistle to Eleazar c. 300 e. his gifts given to the Temple 301 d e. 302 i c. 303 h. c. his banqueâ— 303 n. Ptolomy Euergetes King of Egypt 307 l. incensed against Onias ibid. Ptolomy Philopater warreth against Antiochus 305 e. his death ibid. f. Ptolomy Epiphanes King of Egypt 312 g. his children ib. Ptolomy Philometor circumvented 313 h. succoureth Alexander 335 i. his death complotted ib. k. refuseth the Diadem of Asia ib. n. his fight and death 336 b. Ptolomy slayeth Simon 344 b. imprisoneth Hircanus's mother and brethren ib. his cruelty against them 344 d. murthereth them 344 e. Ptolomy Physcon 347 h. the Syrians request to him ib. Ptolomy Lathyrus 347 n. aideth Antiochus ib. cometh to aid â—he Ptolemaidans 351 c. besiegeth Ptolemais and why 351 f. overthroweth Alexander 352 c. driven out of Egypt 352 f. Ptolomy Mennaeus fined 362 f. adopteth Antigonus 378 b. Ptolomy's wife robbed 538 k. is slain 577 b. Punishment of Adam and Eve 28 n. of the Serpent ib. m. of Sodom 39 b c. a false witness 112 n. of Homicide committed ibid. n. of Saul 157 e. of Jadon 220 e. of Senacherib 256 f. of Nebuchadnezzar 260 g Punishment for honouring false Gods 217 i. 251 k l. Punishment of Aristobulus 350 i. Punishment of ravishers of Virgins 810 i. Purgations of women 48 i. Of Purifications the manner 123 g. 124 h. Purification used in the sacrifices 809 f. Purification of the body 810 i. Pursuit of Laban after Jacob 47 c. of the Egyptians after the Hebrews 71 b. Potephar an Egyptian Lord bought Joseph 52 n o. Publick Records burnt 763 b. Q Quadratus Governour of Syria 619 e. decideth the Jews and Samaritans debate ib. f. Quails fell amidst the Hebrews camp 75 b. 95 g. Qualities of the Egyptians described 62 m. Quantity of gold 216 i. Queen's house or palace 213 c. Queen of Aethiopia look Nicaule Queen Vasti refuseth to come to the banquet 286 d. deposed ibid. d e. Hard Questions dissolved 213 f g. Questions of Artaxerxes 277 i k l. Quintilius Varus Governour of Syria 445 b. pacifieth the seditious 467 b. delivereth the legion 469 f. assisteth the Romans 609 b. taketh Cities and Castles ibid. c. crucifieth the seditious 609 â— R. Rachel daughter of Laban 45 f. bringeth Jacob to her Father 46 h. stealeth away her Father's gods 47 b. how she hid them 47 b. taught by Jacob to contemn them ib. dieth in childbed 49 d. Race of the Chanaanites to be rooted out 126 n. Race of Gyants remained 129 d. Race of Achimelech murthered 166 k. Rage of Antiochus 817 d. Raguel a Priest of Madian 66 l. Father in law to Moses ib. m. cometh to Moses in Sinai 77 f. Rahab hid the spies 122 h. requireth of them an oath and why ibid. i. her and all hers saved 123 c. Reign of David 202 â— f. of Solomon 216 c. of Josaphat 237 m. of Herod 462 k. of Tiberius 615 g of Caius 617 â— of Agrippa 618 l. of Claudius 619 g. Railing of Goliah 159 d e. Rainbow a sign of atonement 32 l. Rain fore prophesied 227 h. Raising of a dead man 247 i. A Ram offered in Isaac's stead 41 e f. Ram an Engine 660 k. described ib. shaketh the tower 714 l. Rampires builded by the Romans 733 e. Rapines committed by day 686 l. Rapsaces Chieftain of the Assyrian Army 255 n. perswadeth Ezechias to submit ib. o. Rasis warreth against Achas 251 k. seizeth Elath ib. k. slain 252 a. Rational 87 d. Ravishment of Dinah revenged 49 b. punished ib. c. Rayment of Joseph 53 f. a proof against him 54 i. Rayment taken in war 127 a. Reading of the law 284. Reason described 815 d. hath dominion over passions ibid. d. Rebecca daughter of Bathuel 35 e. sister to Laban ib. â— sheweth courtesie to Abraham's servant 42 n. 43 â— procures his entertainment ib. b. married to Isaac 43 c. brought forth two twins ib. e. her devise for her son 44 l. Rebellion of Chore 101 c. of Siba 194 l m of the Antiochians 337 l m. of the Jews against the Romans 629 b Rebellion of Scythians and Sarmates 764 m. Rebellioâ—s punished 102 l. Rebels kill an Ambassadour 635 g. Rebels conquered 429 g. Reconciliation of Absalom 188 i. of Herod and his sons 587 d. of Pheroras with Herod 438 i. Records of the Greeks for the Jews antiquity 784 m. 785 a c. Reformation of God's Service 253 i k. Religion contemned cause