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
their opinions and receive Herod yet this opinion of his was not answerable to equity For notwithstanding whatsoever violence he did devise yet could they not be induced to call him King in so high esteem and account held they their former King But Antony supposed that that infamy would obscure his renown and lessen the general hatred they bare to Herod See here what Strabo writeth As soon as the High-Priest Hircanus who was Prisoner among the Parthians heard that Herod had taken possession of the Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus câ—ap 2. he returned back unto him Hircanus hearing tydings that Herod had obtained the Kingdom returneth unto him being deliver'd after this manner following Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians had taken Hircanus who was first High-Priest and afterwards King and with him Phasaelus Herods brother and led them away Prisoners with them into their own Countrey Phasaelus I not able to endure the dishonour of imprisonment and preferring an honourable death before a reproachful and ignominious life murther'd himself as I have heretofore declar'd CHAP. II. Phraates King of the Parthians letteth his Prisoner Hircanus return into Judea Herod to make sure of him contributeth hereunto and giveth the High-Priesthood to a man of no account Alexandra Herod's Mother-in-law and Aristobulus's Mother addresseth her self to Cleopatra to obtain this function for her son through Antonius's means Herod K discovereth it gives that employment to Aristobulus and feigneth to be reconciled to Alexandra PHraates Hircanus heighly honoure in Babylon by the Jews King of Parthia understanding how nobly Hircanus was descended who was brought Prisoner unto him entertain'd him graciously and for this cause drew him out of Prison permitting him to converse in Babylon in which place there were a great number of Jews who honour'd Hircanus very much and no less than their High-Priest and King The like also did all they of that Nation inhabiting as far as Euphrates which did not a little content Hircanus But after that he was advertised that Herod was possessed of the Kingdom Hircanus leaving his Countrey expecteth favor at Herods hands he transferred his hopes another way being of his own nature tenderly L affected towards his friends expecting that one day Herod would requite him for that he had deliver'd him from death whereunto he was condemned and in danger likewise of the penalty and punishment He began therefore to consult with the Jews about his journey who in way of duty and love came to visit him and who prayed him and importuned him to continue with them offering him all service and honour assuring him that he should in no less manner be respected among them than their High-Priest and King yea in far higher regard than he might any wayes be in his own Countrey by reason of the maim he had in his body through Antigonus's tyranny alledging that Kings do not ordinarily call to their remembrance those pleasures that they have received in their mean condition because that with their estates they change both their manners M and inclinations But notwithstanding all these or such like Allegations yet could not Hircanus be withdrawn from the desire he had to repair homeward Herod also wrote unto him That he should require Phraates and the Jews that inhabited his Kingdom in no sort to envy his felicity in that he should partake with him both in dignity and royalty alledging that the time was now come wherein he might acknowledge the kindness he had received by being heretofore nourished and preserved by him Samaralla Herods Ambassador to Phraates With these Letters he sent Samaralla likewise in quality of an Ambassador to Phraates furnish'd with great and rich Presents endeavouring by that means to win him that he in no wayes should hinder his good intent towards one that had so highly deserved it at his hands yet his protestations were not answerable to his pretence For insomuch as he governed not with that uprightness N which became a just King he feared lest some alteration might befall him according to his demerits for which cause he sought to get Hircanus under his power or at least wise to dispatch him out of his life which he afterwards performed When therefore Herod had persuaded the Parthian to dismiss Hircanus Herod highly honoureth Hircanus and the Jews to furnish him with money sufficient to bear his expence in his journey he received him with all honour In common Assemblies he gave him alwayes the highest place and in the time of Festivals he made him alwayes sit down before him and the more closely to deceive him he called him brother Herod giveth the High-Priesthood to Anâ—nel endeavouring by all means wholly to take away all colour and suspition of treachery neither omitted he any other stratagems whereby he might any ways further or promote his cause and yet by these means occasioned no small sedition in his O own family For fearing lest any one among the Nobility should be established High-Priest he sent to Babylon for a certain man of a base extraction called Ananel and gave him the Priesthood For which cause Alexandra grew suddenly displeased not being able to endure that afront The year of the World 3934. before Christ's Nativity 34. This woman was Hircanus daughter and Alexanders wife A who was King Aristobulus son who had two children by her husband the one very beautiful who was called Aristobulus the other was Mariamne who was likewise fair and married to Herod She was highly displeased to see her son so much undervalued that during his life another was called to the honor of High-priesthood for which cause she wrote unto Cleopatra by the means of a certain Musician beseeching her to beg the high-High-Priesthood at Antonius hands for her son Alexandra solliciteth Antonius by Cleopatras mediation for the High Priesthood for her son Which Cleopatra did most willingly but Antonius made little reckoning of those suits A certain friend of his called Gellius who was come into Jewry about certain of his affairs and who had seen Aristobulus fell in love with him by reason of his beauty and admiring likewise his tall stature and allured by Mariamnes admirable beauty he openly protested that he accounted Alexandra B a happy Mother in her children and discoursing to this effect with her he perswaded her to send the pictures of her two children to Antonius for that if he should but behold them he would refuse him nothing wherein he should request his friendship Alexandra perswaded by these words â—ent their pictures unto Antonius Gellius also made the matter more wonderful telling him that the children seemed rather to be ingendred of no mortal strain Antonius requireth Aristâ—bulus at Herods hands but by some divine power endeavoring as much as in him lay that Antonius might be allured to affection them Who supposing it to be a matter ill beseeming him to send for Mariamne who was married
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
Enemy the Canaanites hoping that God would be their Guide Ver. 43. so as they needed not the assistance of their Lawgiver The Canaanites put the Hebrews to flight When this sentence was approv'd by a general consent they flock out in multitudes against their Enemies who neither affrighted by their boldness nor multitude valiantly resisted them who desperately charg'd them so that the better part of the Hebrews being slain they pursued the rest enforced shamefully to turn their backs even unto their Camp This overthrow hapning besides all mens opinion wondrously dejected the minds of the multitude so that they grew desperate of all future good fortune concluding that God had sent and inflicted that plague upon them because without his counsel and order O they had enterpriz'd the Battel But when Moses saw that his Countreymen were dismay'd with the overthrow which they had receiv'd and the Enemy grown proud with A their late Victory fearing likewise lest not content with their present success they should attempt further he determined to retire his Forces back again into the Desart And whereas the People promised thenceforward to be obedient to him being taught by their own misery that nothing would fall out prosperously unto them without the counsel and conduct of their Guide they disincamping themselves Moses retireth the people into the Desart retired into the Desart with this resolution that they would no more attempt a Battel against the Canaanites till they received a sign of their good success from Heaven But even as in a great Army it accustomably falleth out especially in time of trouble that the common multitude wax head-strong and disobedient to their Governors so did the like also happen amongst the Jews For whereas they were in number 600000 and even in their better B Fortunes sufficiently disobedient to their Governors so much the more were they exasperated by their wants and misfortunes Sedition against Moses both amongst themselves and against their Governor For which cause there arose so great a Sedition as neither among the Greeks or Barbarians the like was ever heard Which things without doubt had overthrown them being brought into so desperate an estate had not Moses forgetting the injury he had received which was no less than a purpose to stone him to death succoured and relieved their distressed Fortunes Neither did God utterly abandon the care of them but although they were contumelious against their Lawgiver and transgressed also against the Laws which he had delivered them by Moses yet delivered he them out of that danger of which without his special Providence there could be expected no C other but a lamentable issue This Sedition as also how Moses governed the estate when the troubles were ended we will now declare having first expressed the cause thereof CHAP. II. The Sedition raised by Chore against Moses and his Brother for the Priesthood CHore a Man noble by Birth Numb 16. 1. ad 4. and famous for his wealth amongst the Hebrews and endowed with a certain kind of popular Eloquence seeing Moses placed in the highest place of Authority Chore endeavoureth to persuade the multitude to mutiny against Moses was filled with jealousie and envy thereat For although he were of the same Tribe and Kindred yet he thought it a great indignity to himself to D be held his inferior being both more potent in Riches and his equal in Parentage For which cause he began to murmur and complain to the Levites which were of the same Tribe with him and his Kinsmen telling them That it was not to be suffered that Moses under a pretext of Communication with God should by ambitious policy to other mens prejudice onely study his own glory having of late against all sort of reason given the Priesthood to his Brother Aaron and distributed other dignities at his own pleasure like a King without the suffrage and approbation of the People That this injury done by him was not to be endured by reason that so covertly he had insinuated himself into the Government that before it could be observ'd the People would be brought into servitude For he that knoweth himself to be worthy of a Government endeavors to obtain the same by the consent of the People and not E by force and violence but they that despair by good means to attain thereunto do notwithstanding abstain from force lest they should lose the opinion of their goodness and honesty yet endeavor they by malicious subtilties to attain thereunto That it concerned the Commonweal to check the attempts of such Men lest of private they at last grow publick Enemies For what reason said he can Moses give why he hath bestowed the High Priesthood on Aaron and his Sons If God had decreed that this honour should be bestowed on one of the Tribe of Levi there were more reason that I should have it who am of the same Kindred with Moses and who surpass him both in riches and age On the contrary If this honour appertain to the most ancient of the Tribes that of Reuben ought by right to enjoy it namely Dathan and Abiram and Phalal Alias Baâ—â—â— who are the most ancient of that Tribe and the most powerful in riches These things F spake Chore under colour and pretence of the good of the Commonwealth but in effect only to raise a Tumult amongst the multitude and intrude into the office of the High Priest Ver. 35. Which discourse of his passing by little and little from one ear to another Two hundred and fifty men follow Chore's Faction amongst the multitude and multiplied by the envious and such as maligned Aaron at last brought all the Tribes into a mutiny so that 250 of the chiefest Nobles grew at length to be partakers of Chore's Conspiracy and all of these conspir'd together to take away the Priesthood from Moses's Brother and to transfer it to him The People likewise were in such sort incensed They cry out to stone Moses that they sought to stone Moses and ran all of them confusedly with noise and uproar crying out before the Tabernacle of God that the Tyrant was to be cut off and the People delivered from thraldom who under pretext G of Religion had insupportable thraldom imposed on them For if it were God that had chosen him to be High Priest he would have preferred such an one to the dignity who had been worthy and would not have confer'd it on those who were far inferior to others That if he had decreed to bestow it on Aaron he would have remitted the election H to the People and not left the disposition thereof to his Brother Although Moses was inform'd of Chore's treacherous Calumnies and saw the People highly incensed yet was be nothing at all abashed thereat but being satisfi'd in his Conscience that he had governed the estate uprightly and well assured that his Brother obtained the Priesthood not
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
incensed against his brother as well as the People drave him in like manner from the Sacrifice For which cause Manasses addressing himself to his Father-in-law Sanaballath told him Manasses under hope of greater fortunes retaineth the foreign wife he had That although he loved his daughter Nicasis very intirely yet would he not condescend for her sake to be deprived of the Priesthood which was the greatest dignity that could be among their Nation and which had ever continued in his race Whereupon Sanaballath answer'd and promis'd him That he O would not only continue him in the Priesthood but also would give him the power and dignity of the High-Priesthood and make him Governor of all places that he commanded provided the Marriage solemnized betwixt his daughter and him The year of the World 3630. before Christ's Nativity 334. were continued He furthermore assured A him That he would build a Temple resembling that in Jerusalem upon the Mountain of Garzim which was the highest in all the Countrey permitting him to do the same with Darius 's consent Manasses puffed up by these promises remaineth with Sanaballath and grew in hopes that he should obtain the Priesthood by Darius's means for Sanaballath was very old The Apostasie of the Priests Whereas divers others both Priests and common People among the Israelites were intangled in such Marriages there arose no small commotion in Jerusalem For all they of this condition retired themselves to Manasses whom Sanaballath furnished with money and lands to till and houses to inhabit to favour the ambition of his Son-in-law At the same time Darius understanding that Alexander having passed the Hellespont had B overcome those Governors Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. whom he had placed near unto the River Granicus and that he passed further spoiling his Countrey he gathered together his Horsemen and Footmen resolving to make head against the Macedonians before they should gain all Asia he therefore passed Euphrates and Mount Taurus in Cilicia to encounter his enemies Sanaballath joyful at Darius's approach incontinently told Manasses that he would fulfill his promise as soon as Darius should return from the conquest of his enemies For not only he but also all the Asians persuaded themselves most assuredly that the Macedonians would not abide the battel against the Persians Alexander's victory against Darius by reason of their great multitude but it fell out altogether contrary to their expectation For the Persian encountering with the Macedonians was overcome and after he had lost the greater part of his Army and C left his Mother Wife and Children Prisoners he himself fled into Persia Alexander arriving in Syria seized on Damascus took Sidon and besieged Tyre and by his letters sending unto Jaddus the High-Priest of the Jews he required him to send him some supplies and to sell his Army victuals for their money assuring him That if he desired the friendship of the Macedonians he would give him that tribute which he paid to Darius and he should have no cause to repent of the choice which he should make The High-Priest answered Alexanders Messenger That he had sworn unto Darius never to bear Arms against him during his life-time against which oath of his he could not act Which when Alexander heard he was displeased but resolved notwithstanding to continue the siege at Tyre until such time as it should be taken yet threatned he that as soon as he had taken it he would lead D forth his Army against the High-Priest to the end that all Men might know to whom they ought to keep their faith For which cause sparing no labour he overcame Tyre and after he had given order for the settlement thereof he came unto Gaza and took it with Bahemeses the Captain of the Garison that held it But Sanaballath finding a fit opportunity to make himself great forsook Darius and followed Alexander leading with him eight thousand of his Subjects and coming to him at the beginning of the siege of Tyre he offered to surrender to him all those places wherein he commanded acknowledging him for his Lord more willingly than he had Darius Alexander received him graciously whereupon Sanaballath informed him of his condition and let him understand that Manasses who was brother to Jaddus the High-Priest of the Jews was his Son-in-law E who with divers of the same Nation were desirous to build them a Temple in the Countries under his dominion assuring the King of much profit thereby because in so doing the force of the Jews would be dismembred into two parts and they could not conspire together to make any new insurrection or trouble as in times past they had done during the Government of the Kings of Asiria When Sanaballath had permission from Alexander to build his Temple with the greatest speed he might he finished the same Manasses enjoyeth his desire and made Manasses the High-Priest thereof supposing that it was the greatest advantage that might happen to his daughters children Seven months after the surrender of Tyre and two after the taking of Gaza Sanaballath died Alexander also razed Gaza and prepared himself to come suddenly upon Jerusalem F Which when the High-Priest Jaddus understood he was much grieved and afraid not knowing how to gain the favour of the Macedonians and on the other side knowing that the King was displeased with him because heretofore he had disobeyed him He commanded the people to make their prayers unto God and he in his own person offered sacrifice beseeching God that it would please him to be a shield of defence and succor to their Nation and to deliver them from those imminent dangers wherewith they were threatned But the next night following whil'st he slept God appeared unto him and commanded him to be of good courage and that as soon as he had gone about the Wall he should open the Gates boldly and command the rest of the people to attire themselves in white and that accompanied with them he should march forwards G in those Priestly ornaments which were appointed by the Law to the end that in H this equipage they might go and meet with Alexander without any apprehension of future evil because he would protect them As soon as he awaked from his sleep he was very joyful and related this Revelation from God and performing that which had been commanded him he expected in this manner the approach of the King and when he knew that he was not far off from the City he marched forth to meet him accompanied with the Priests Alexander intending to besiege Jerusalem meeteth with the High-Priest and people in white and is honorably received by them and doâ—â— them honor in memory of his vision that appeared unto him in the like habit and a multitude of other people giving him a most Royal entertainment and far different from that of other Nations near unto a place called Sapha which word signifieth
for they who kept it defended it valiantly For against every Engine the King built and raised up against them they erected a contrary Engine They only wanted victuals because their old provision was consumed and the ground had not been manured that year because it was the seventh in which according to the Law the Countrey ought not to be tilled which was the cause that divers of those that were besieged fled away privately for want of victuals insomuch that very few remained for the defence of the Temple In this condition were they who were besieg'd in the Temple But when King Antiochus and Lysias the General had received notice Antiochus hearing news of Philips intent to invade Persia giveth over his siege to meet him that Philip coming out of Persia intended to make himself Lord of the Countrey they concluded to give F over the siege for that time and to march forwards against Philip without giving any notice thereof to his Soldiers He only commanded that Lysias should call a Council of his Captains and without discovering of his design against Philip to tell them That he raised the siege because the place was very strong and his Army began to want victuals and the publick affairs required his presence in other parts of his Dominions Furthermore he thought it expedient to capitulate with the besieged and contract friendship with all the Nation of the Jews promising them the free exercise of their Religion because they rebelled only that they were deprived of it and he was assured that having the grant thereof they would live peaceably and he might safely return into his own Countrey When Lysias had declared these Reasons all the Army and the Captains approved thereof G H CHAP. XV. King Antiochus Eupator makes peace with the Jews but contrary to his promise he demolisheth the Wall that encompassed the Temple He cuts off the head of the High-Priest Onias sirnamed Menelaus and confers that honour upon Alcim Onias the Nephew of Menelaus retires into Egypt where the King and Queen Cleopatra his Wife permit him to build a Temple at Heliopolis in imitation of that at Jerusalem IN pursuance of this resolution Antiochus maketh peace with Judas King Antiochus sent a Herald to Judas and those that I were besieged with him promising them peace with permission to live according to their Religion The wall of the Temple defaced Which conditions they willingly embrac'd and having taken an oath of assurance from the King they surrendred up the Temple Whereupon Antiochus entred into it Onias otherwayes called Menelaus led away Prisoner and seeing it to be a place so well fortifi'd he contrary to his oath commanded his Army to level the Wall that inviron'd it even with the ground which done he return'd to Antioch leading away with him the High-Priest Onias who was called Menelaus For Lysias had counselled the King to murther Menelaus if he intended that the Jews should live in peace and the rather because it was he only who was the Author of all those evils by reason of the counsel he had given to Antiochus his father to inforce the Jews to forsake their Religion The King for that cause sent Menelaus unto Beraea K a City of Syria where he commanded him to be put to death after he had enjoy'd the high-High-Priesthood ten years Alcim or Jacimus made High-Priest He was a wicked man and to raise himself to that great honour and authority had caused several of our Nation to violate our most holy Laws As soon therefore as Menelaus was dead Alcim was made High-Priest who was called Jacimus Now when Antiochus found that Philip had already conquer'd a great part of his Countrey he fought with him and taking him Prisoner he put him to death But Onias the son of the High-Priest Philip slain by Antiochus whom as we have heretofore declared was left an Orphan in his infancy seeing that the King had slain his Uncle Menelaus Onias the High-Priests son built a Temple in Egypt resembling that at Jerusalem and given the Priesthood to Alcim who was not of the race of the Priests and had transferred this honour into another family at the persuasion of Lysias he fled unto Ptolomy King of L Egypt where being honourably entertained by the King and his Queen Cleopatra he obtained a place at Heliopolis where he built a Temple like unto that which was at Jerusalem whereof we shall hereafter have a more fit opportunity to speak CHAP. XVI Demetrius the son of Seleucus escapes from Rome comes into Syria and causeth himself to be crowned King and puts to death King Antiochus and Lysias He sends Bacchides with an Army into Judea to exterminate Judas and his party and to establish Alcim in the High-Priesthood he proceeds with great cruelty but Judas compels M him to retire to Demetrius for fresh supplies AT that time Demetrius the son of Seleucus fled from Rome Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. and took possession of Tripolis in Syria and after he had set the Diadem upon his own head and had levied and hired certain Soldiers 1 Machab. 7. he invaded the kingdom Demetrius seizeth Tripolis and other Cities of â—yria and killeth Antiochus and Lysias where he was received to the general content of all men who submitting themselves unto him laid hold on the King Antiochus and Lysias and brought them alive unto him but he forthwith commanded that they should be put to death after that Antiochus had reigned two years To this new elected King divers Jews banish'd for their impiety and with them the High-Priest Alcim resorted Alcim the High-Priest with Apostates accuseth Judas before Demetrius who in general accused their own Nation and principally Judas N and his brethren objecting against them that they had slain his friends and all such as were on his side and that among all those that were in the kingdom and expected his coming some of them were slain and the rest being driven from their native Countrey were banish'd into other places Wherefore he desired him that he would send some one of his friends to take notice of the outrages committed by Judas and his brethren Demetrius was much moved by these reports and for that cause sent Bacchides who was in times past much esteemed by Antiochus Epiphanes for his valor and to whose government at that time all Mesopotamia was committed To whom he gave an Army joining with him the High-Priest Alcim with Commission to kill Judas and his Confederates Bacchides departing from Antioch with his Army came into Judea and sent an Herald unto Judas O and his brethren to treat with him upon certain Articles of Peace because his intent was to surprize them by some treachery But Judas suspecting his design gave little heed unto him for in that he came thither with so great an Army he easily conjectured that he intended no Peace
far Strabo This great felicity and prosperity of Hircanus Hircanus groweth in discontent with the Pharisees moved the Jews to conceive a hatred against him and especially the Pharisees opposed themselves against him These Pharisees were one of the Sects of the Jews whereof we have heretofore treated which Sect was so great in credit with the common people that when they disposed any thing were it against the King or the Priest they were presently believed Hircanus had been one of their disciples and therefore was easily believed He invited them to a feast and entertain'd them with all humanity and seeing them in a merry vein he began to tell them D That they knew his mind how that he desired nothing more than to be just and to square all his actions according to Gods will and direction according as they themselves taught He therefore requir'd them that if they perceiv'd that he mistook himself in any thing or that he wandred from the right way they would by admonition redress the same Whereupon all of them gave testimony of his perfect virtue wherewith he was highly contented But one of the company called Eleazar a man of a malicious nature and such an one as delighted in mutiny Eleaâ—â—r the Pharâ—â—ee upbraideth Hircanus that his mother was a slave said unto him Since you desire to hear the truth if so be you affect the estimation of a good man give over the place of Priesthood and content your self with the government of the people Hircanus demanded of him the cause wherefore he should forsake the Priesthood Because saith he that we have heard say by our Ancestors that your mother was a E Captive during the Reign of Antiochus the famous which notwithstanding was a false report Hircanus hearing this was sore moved against him and also all other of the Pharisees who were present Amongst the rest there was a certain man called Jonathan of the order of the Sadduces who maintain a contrary opinion against the Pharisees who was an intimate and dear friend to Hircanus with whom he communicated the injurious speeches that Eleazar had spoken by him The Sadduce Jonathan incenseth Hircanus against the Pharisees who told him That as he thought Eleazar had spoken these words by the publick consent of the Pharisees and that he might discover the same most manifestly if he enquired of them what punishment Eleazar had deserved for speaking after this sort Hircanus therefore talked with the Pharisees concerning his punishment telling them That he should very well perceive that this injury had not been pronounced F by the common consent of them all if they condemned the Offender to suffer a punishment proportionable to his offence Whereupon they decreed That he ought to be punished by imprisonment and scourging for said they an injury done in word required no capital punishment And to speak uprightly they in their thinking censured severely enough of this fault for that the Pharisees are naturally inclin'd to mercy in matter of punishment But Hircanus was sore offended with this their answer and imagined that this Eleazar had spoken after this manner by the common instigation of the rest This displeasure and conceived dislike of his Hircanus forsaketh the Pharisees and followeth the Sadduces Jonathan aggravated to the uttermost and handled the matter in such sort that he drew Hircanus to forsake the Pharisees and to subscribe to the opinions of the Sadduces abolishing their ordinances and causing them to be sharply punisht that G observe the same These practices of Hircanus incensed the people against him and his sons but we will treat of this in another place At present I will declare how the A Pharisees have made many ordinances among the People according to the Tradition of their fathers whereof there is nothing written in the Laws of Moses for which cause the Sect of the Sadduces rejecteth them affirming That they ought to keep the written ordinances and not to observe those that are grounded upon the Tradition of the fathers And great dispute and dissentions have been raised among them upon this occasion The constitutions of the Pharisees because the richer sort only and not the baser sort of People adhered to the Sadduces but the Pharisees had the Commonalty on their sides But of these two sorts and of the Esseans I have more exactly Treated in my second Book of the Wars of the Jews But Hircanus finally appeased this mutiny and lived afterwards in much peace and happiness and after he had most discreetly govern'd his Princedom for the space of 31 years Hircanus's death he died leaving B five sons behind him This man was honored by God with three great gifts the gift of Government the gift of Priesthood and the gift of Prophecy For God spake unto him divers times by Oracles and Revelations and gave him the knowledge of things to come Hircanus's Prophecy of his sons which he in such sort foretold That he declared that his two eldest sons should not possess the principality any long time whose end it shall not be amiss to set down in what manner it was to the intent that the Prophecy of their father may be the better known CHAP. XIX Aristobulus eldest son of Hircanus Prince of the Jews makes himself be crown'd King C maketh his brother Antigonus his associate of the Crown he imprisoneth the rest and his mother also whom he caused to die for hunger He becometh jealous of Antigonus he maketh him be killed and he himself afterwards dieth for grief ARistobulus Hircanus's eldest son resolved after his fathers death to exchange the Principality into an absolute Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus cap. 18. and the better to attain thereunto he first of all set the Crown upon his head Aristobulus Hircanus son was the first after the captivity of Babylon that set the Diadâ—m on his head 481 years and three months after the People of the Jews were deliver'd from the bondage of Babylon and led again unto their Countrey And for that Aristobulus amongst all his other brethren loved Antigonus best of all who was the nearest unto him in age he accepted him as a companion in the government of the D kingdom but as for the rest he shut them up in Prison He locked up his mother likewise who had contended with him concerning the Government for that Hircanus had committed all things to her disposition and so far extended his cruelty Aristobulus admitteth his brother Antgonus to be his Copartner in the kingdom and imprisoneth the rest of his brethren and famisheth his mother that he famish'd her to death in Prison After he had thus used his mother he slew his brother Antigonus also whom he pretended to love above all the rest and whom as he made shew he had made partner of his Kingdom From whom he estranged himself by reason of some slanders and false accusations raised up against him
another of Antipholas's Brothers and the Mother I to them both confessed no less being constrained thereunto by force of violence and torture and acknowledged the Box. The King's Wife also who was the Daughter of the High Priest The King putteth away his Wife and blots his Son out of his Testament He degradeth Simon and instateth Matthias in the Priestood was accused of confederacy and concealment of all these Treasons For which cause Herod put her away from him and cancelled his Sons name out of his Testament wherein he had bequeathed him the Kingdom after his decease He displaced also his Father-in-law Simon the Son of Boethus from the Priesthood and placed Matthias the Son of Theophilus who was born in Jerusalem In the mean time Bathillus Antipater's Freeman returned from Rome who being tortured confessed that he brought a Poyson with him to deliver it to Antipater's Mother and Pheroras to the end that if the first Poyson were not effectual enough to dispatch the King they might K make use of this other to cut him off speedily There came Letters also to Herod's hands from his friends at Rome Archelaus Philip are accused by Antipaters means written and devised by Antipater's means to accuse Archelaus and Philip for very often they had refreshed the memory of Alexander and Aristobulus's death contrived by their Father and for that they lamented the miserable fate of them who were innocently betrayed and that now also they themselves were called back into their Countrey for no other cause but upon their arrival to be made partakers of their Brother 's miserable destiny These things did Antipater's friends certifie Herod of in that by many and mighty Presents he wrought them thereunto He himself also wrote unto his Father colourably after a manner excusing the young men and imputing their words unto their indiscretion and young years L Mean while he busied himself in accusing Syllaeus and courted the chiefest Romans buying divers Ornaments and Jewels to present them with to the value of two hundred Talents And it is to be wondred at that so great matters being in agitation against him seven months at least before his return into the Countrey of Judaea that no inkling thereof came unto his ears But the cause partly was the diligent search and watch that was kept upon the High-ways and partly the hatred that all men had conceived against Antipater For there was not any that would put themselves in hazard to procure his security M CHAP. VII Antipater being returned back into Judaea from Rome is convicted in the presence of Varus Governour of Syria for having endeavoured to poyson the King his Father Herod causeth him to be imprisoned and writeth to Augustus on that Subject HErod concealing his displeasure Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. answered Antipater his Son's Letters giving him a strict charge as soon as he had dispatched his affairs to hasten homeward lest his long absence should prove hurtful to him Herod writeth friendly Letters to Antipater and calleth him home from Rome He likewise after a temperate manner N complained unto him of his Mother promising notwithstanding to remit the fault upon his return and by all means he made shew to him of much kindness fearing lest he apprehending any suspicion should defer to hasten his return and lingring too long at Rome should contrive some treacherous stratagem to the prejudice of himself and the overthrow of his Kingdom Antipater received these Letters in Cilicia and had already received others at Tarentum by which he understood of Pheroras his Unkle's death whereat he was sore grieved not for the love he bare to Pheroras but for that he died before he had murthered his Father according as he had promised him As soon as he came to Celenderis a City of Cilicia he grew doubtful whether he should return or no and was grievously troubled at his Mother's disgraces O who was banished from the Court The opinions of his friends in his behalf were various for some of them counselled him to stay and expect the event of these troubles A in some place others on the other side advised him to delay no longer his return into his Countrey for that upon his arrival he might easily satisfie all those objections and accusations that were forged against him because his accusers had nothing else to strengthen their cause with but his absence This later advice pleased him best so that he betook himself to Sea Celenderis in Cilicia and at last arrived in the Port of Sebaste so called and builded by Herod to his great charge in honour of Caesar And now already it manifestly appeared that Antipater was upon his downfal Sebaste a Haven builded by Herod in honour of Caesar For no man came out to salute him no man entertained him as they did upon his departure when as all of them accompanied him with prayers and happy acclamations but contrariwise they boldly and openly spake against him and bitterly cursed him telling B him that he was justly punished for the wickedness that he had committed against his brothers Antipater upon his return is saluted by no man About the same time Quintilius Varus who was sent to succeed Saturnine in the Government of Syria was at Jerusalem Quintilius Varus Governour of Syria and drew thither at that instant upon Herods request to assist him with his Counsels in his present and weighty occasions Now whilest these two sate and cousulted together Antipater came in before any man expected him and in that purple garment and Royalty that he was accustomed to use entered the Palace The Guard of the Gates suffered him to enter in but they excluded all those that were with him This first of all affrighted and appaled his Spirits in that he already perceived into what calamity he was fallen and now also C when he drew near his Father he thrust him from him accusing him of the murder of his Brethren and reproaching him with that intent he had to poyson him telling him that the next day Varus should both hear and judge all his misdemeanours He altogether daunted at the greatness of that unexpected mischief which he both heard and saw departed presently from them wholly amazed and in the way met with his Mother and his Wife which was Antigonus's daughter who had been King of the Jews before Herod by whom he was advertised of all that which had happened and for that cause more diligently prepared himself for his tryal Herod calleth his Son in question before Quintilius Varus The next day Varus and Herod sate in judgement accompanied by their friends on both sides thither also D were cited the Kings kindred and his sister Salome and certain others who could discover his secret practices some of which had been tortured and namely Antipaters mothers servants who a little before his arrival had been apprehended with a letter to this
for which he hoped that after his death his memory and glory should survive After this he expostulated with them for what cause they abstained not from offering him that injury during his life time Herod assembleth the Governours of the Jews and expostulateth with them about this commotion And why at Noon day and in the sight of all the people they had laid hands K on these Presents which he had dedicated unto God and had taken those things away violently which though in words they appertained to him yet in the effect if they were well examined they had taken from God The Governours suspecting his cruelty and fearing lest his unbridled passion should urge him further by which means they might be assured of some severe punishment answered him that those things were not done by their consents and that in their opinion the injury ought not to be let slip without punishment At that time Herod shewed himself more favourable towards the rest Matthias deprived of the High Priesthood and Jozarus assigned his place but he caused Matthias to be deprived of the Priesthood as one who in part had been the cause of that which had happened and in his place substituted Jozar one of his Wives Brethren During the Priesthood of this Matthias it happened also that another High Priest was elected that very day wherein the Jews did usually celebrate their Fast For Matthias the night before the day of the Fast seemed in his Dream to have the company of his Wife and whereas for this cause he was L unfit to offer the Divine Sacrifice he had Joseph the Son of Ellemus appointed him to be his Assistant by reason of his alliance Joseph Ellemi for one day High Priest Herod therefore deposed Matthias And as for the other Matthias who had moved this trouble both he and his companions were by his order consumed with fire This very night the Moon was eclipsed and Herod's sickness grew more vehement For God punished those sins which he had committed Matthias and Judas burned For he was inflamed with a slow fire which to the outward sense seemed not so vehement but inwardly searched and afflicted all his Entrails He had also a ravenous and unnatural Appetite to his meat The Eclipse which could no way be satisfied Besides that he had an Ulcer in his Bowels Hedio Rufâ—â—â— chap. 9 with a strange and furious Collick His Feet were swelled and of venomous colour 〈◊〉 horrible sickness and his Stomach was no less affected also His Members rotted and were full of crawling Worms with a filthy and no less troublesome Priapism accompanied with an intolerable Stench Besides all this he had a strong Convulsion of his Nerves and shortness of Breath For which cause it was a general opinion amongst holy men and such as had the knowledge of Prophecy M that the King was thus punished for his infinite impieties and sins committed against the Majesty of God And although he was tormented with an unsupportable sickness yet he had hopes to escape and for that cause he sent for Physicians from all places The hot Baths of Calliroes that flow into the Lake of Asphaltite and refused none of those remedies which they thought requisite for him He therefore past over Jordan and went into the hot Baths of Calliroes the Waters whereof are potable besides other vertues they have against all other kind of sickness this Water dischargeth it self into the Lake called Asphaltites Being there it was thought good by his Physicians that he should refresh himself in those Waters There being set by them into a Bathing-tub filled with Oyl he grew so sick that they held him for dead Whereupon all his Domestick servants wept and lamented and all his familiar friends cried out bewailing him and with their great noise caused him to come to himself And seeing himself wholly out of hope to escape he gave order that there should a Distribution be made to every Soldier the summ of fifty Drachmes and he offered great Presents N to their Captains and his Friends Afterwards he returned to Jericho where a melancholly humour possessed him Herod bestoweth a distribution among his Soldiers which made him unsociable and displeased against all men so that seeing that he must needs die he bethought him of this wicked action that followeth For the Noblest men amongst the Nation of the Jews resorting unto him from all parts by his command under the express Penalty of loss of life to whosoever should neglect the same the King shewed himself to be displeased as well against those whom he thought guilty Herod commandeth that the Noblest of the Jews should be slain after his death as against them who had given him no occasion of discontent For he caused them to be shut up in a place called the Hippodrome which was the Tilt-yard to run Horses in and sent for his Sister Salome and Alexas her Husband telling them that his end was at hand for that his griefs did incessantly torment him which as he said he ought to bear patiently because it was an end that should happen to all men But that which most grieved him was that he saw himself deprived of those mournings and lamentations which a King deserved For he was not ignorant of the Jews affections neither how his death was desired and longed for by them since that in his life time they O presumed so far as to revolt and dishonour and deface those gifts which he had bestowed upon the A Commonweal It therefore behoved them to afford him some solace in that his bitter anguish for that if they refused not to perform that which he had contrived in his mind the lamentation of his death should be magnificent and as great as ever any King ever had and the pleasure and laughter that might accompany his death should be abated by their sorrow who should unfeignedly lament for the whole Nation He therefore commanded them that at such time as he should give up the Ghost they should cause the Hippodrome to be invironed by his Souldiers as yet unadvertised of his death which he would not have published before this execution was ended and to command them to shoot their Arrows at those that were shut up therein And that when they had killed them all after this manner they should B make him triumph and rejoyce in a double joy first for that in his death his Commands should be ratified by effect Secondly For that he should be honoured by a memorable lamentation Thus weeping he entreated his Kinsfolk for the love they bare unto him and for the faith they bare unto God that they should not suffer him to die frustrate of his last honour and they protested that they would not transgress any point of his Commands Hereby a man may conjecture what his nature was who took pleasure in these above-named impieties and who through the
Seleucus the Son of Nicanor who builded it In that City dwelt divers Macedonians divers Greeks and a great number of Syrians The Jews afflicted by the Babylonians repair to Seleucia The Jews fled thither and continued there about five years without any molestation But in the sixth year when the Plague encreased in Babylon the Jews that remained there were enforced to seek them some new habitation and that removing of theirs into the City of Seleucia was the cause likewise of their further mischief as I will make manifest The Greeks who dwelt in Seleucia are ordinarily at debate with the Syrians and have always the upper hand but after that the Jews came to inhabit that place in a certain Sedition that arose among them the I Syrians had the upper hand by the means of the Jews who joyned their Forces with theirs who of themselves were valiant and good Soldiers The Greeks being repulsed in this Tumult and having no other means left them to maintain their former honour but to break that League of Friendship which was between the Syrians and the Jews devised in private each one with those Syrians with whom they were acquainted promising to live in peace and amity with them whereunto they condescended willingly For the chiefest of these two Nations concluded the Peace which presently after followed to the end that on both parts they should joyn in hatred against the Jews Fifty thousand Jews slain in Seleucia So that altogether charging them at unawares they killed more than fifty thousand of them they were all put to the Sword K except some few who through the mercy of their Friends and assistance of their Neighbours were suffered to escape The Jews that were saved repair to Ctesiphon These retired themselves to Ctesiphon a City of Greece that was not far from Seleucia where the King resideth every year and keepeth the greatest part of his Moveables hoping in that place through the reverence of the King they might remain in more safety and security All the Nation of the Jews that were in these Quarters stood in great fear For the Babylonians and the Seleucians with all the Assyrians of that Countrey agreed amongst themselves to make a general War against the Jews The Jews retire into Nearda and Nisibis whereby it came to pass that they assembled themselves at Nearda and Nisibis trusting themselves to the strength of these Fortresses which were inhabited also by men who were expert in Arms. See here what the condition of the L Jews was who remained in Babylon A THE NINETEENTH BOOK Of the ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS B Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Nineteenth Book 1. The Cruelties and Follies of the Emperour Caius Caligula Several Conspiracies against him Chaereas being assisted by several others killeth him Some Germans of his Guard kill some of the Senators afterward The Senate condemns the thoughts of his memory 2. The Soldiers resolve to promote Claudius Caius's Vnkle to the Imperial Dignity Saturninus's Speech in the Senate for Liberty Chaereas sends to kill the Empress Cesonia C Caius's Wife and her Daughter Caius's good and evil Qualities The Soldiers carry Claudius into the Camp to make him Emperour The Senate sends to him to pray him to forbear 3. King Agrippa encourageth Claudius to accept of the Empire The Soldiers who had been for the Senate forsake it whether Chaereas would or not and joyn with those that had sworn to Claudius So Claudius becometh Master and condemns Chaereas to die He suffers with a wonderful Constancy And Sabinus who had been one of the chiefest of the Conspiracy killeth himself 4. Claudius the Emperour confirmeth Agrippa in the Kingdom adding Judaea and Samaria thereunto He giveth the Kingdom of Chalcis to Herod Agrippa's Brother D and maketh Edicts in favour of the Jews 5. King Agrippa goeth to his Kingdom and putteth his Chain being a token of his Imprisonment into the Sacred Treasury of the Temple of Jerusalem He provideth for the Dignity of the High Priesthood He is highly displeased at the Dorites insolence who had caused Caesar's Statue to be erected in the Jews Synagogue 6. Petronius Governour of Syria's Letters to the Dorites concerning the Emperour's Statue which they caused to be erected in the Jews Synagogue King Agrippa bestoweth the High Priesthood on Matthias Marsius is made Governour of Syria 7. Silas General of Agrippa's Forces his great Imprudence obligeth this Prince to put him in Prison Agrippa fortifieth Jerusalem but the Emperour Claudius commands E him to forbear His excellent Qualities his stately Buildings The cause of his falling out with Marsius Governour of Syria He bestoweth the Great Priesthood on Aelioneus dieth after a terrible manner Leaveth for his Successor his Son Agrippa and three Daughters The Inhabitants of Caesarea and Sebastes prove extreme ungrateful to his Memory Claudius the Emperour sends Fadus to be Governour of Judaea because of Agrippa's Minority CHAP. I. The year of the World 4004. after Christ's Nativity 42. The Cruelties and Follies of the Emperour Caius Caligula Several Conspiracies against F him Chaereas being assisted by several others killeth him Some Germans of his Guard kill some of the Senators afterward The Senate condemns the thoughts of his Memory CAius did not only express and manifest his fury towards those Jews that dwelt in Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap 1. and in other neighbouring places Caius's Tyranny towards the Jews but also thorough all the Countreys both by Land and Sea which were subject to the Roman Empire filling the whole World with an infinite number of mischiefs yea such and so odious that the like hitherto have never been heard of Caius's Tyranny towards the Senators and Patricians But Rome especially felt the G force of his fury but especially the Senators Patricians and Noblemen were plagued They also that were called Roman Knights who in Wealth and Dignity were next unto the Senators for that out of their number such men were chosen who were to supply the Senate were most persecuted For with ignominies H they were abused with banishments and confiscations weakned and by slaughters wholly exterminated He likewise usurped the name of God commanding his Subjects to dignifie him with more than humane honours and ascending the Capitol which amongst all the Temples in Rome is most religiously honoured he was so bold as to salute Jupiter Cajus calleth himself Jupiters Brother and to call him Brother Many such impieties were committed by him which shews that his unbridled and extravagant madness did never forsake him Amongst other his mad pranks that he played this is worthy of memory for on a time thinking it to be too much trouble for him to cross the Sea between Puteol a City in Campania and Misenum another Town seated by the Sea-shore in a Gally and otherwise esteeming it a thing correspondent to his greatness who I
Jews that live under the Roman Empire to use the same Laws and Privileges which they have used heretofore as we have granted to the Jews that dwell in Alexandria I Which Suit of theirs we have willingly granted not only in favour of those that require the same but also for that I think them worthy of such a favour for whom I have been entreated in regard of the fidelity and friendship they have always expressed towards the Romans My pleasure therefore is that no City either Grecian or otherwise shall deny any privilege from whence they shall be excluded for that since the Emperour Augustus they have never been exempted from them It standeth with reason therefore that henceforth the Jews that live under our Empire of what place soever they be may observe their ancient Customs without any contradiction Giving them to understand that hereafter they use our Clemency so much the more moderately without neglecting the Religion of other Nations in retaining their own And our will is that this present Ordinance K be published by the Magistrates of Cities Colonies and Countreys of Italy and be sent unto Kings and Foreign Princes by sit Ambassadours within thirty days at the least to the end that they should be in such sort set up that they may be seen and read by all those that pass by CHAP. V. King Agrippa goeth to his Kingdom and putteth his Chain being a token of his Imprisonment into the Sacred Treasury of the Temple of Jerusalem He provideth for L the Dignity of the High Priesthood He is highly displeased at the Dorites insolence who had caused Caesar's Statue to be erected in the Jews Synagogue BY these Edicts of Claudius Caesar Claudius sendeth Agrippa into his Kingdom which he sent both to Alexandria and other parts of the World it plainly appeareth how well affected he was towards the Nation of the Jews And presently after this after he had dignified Agrippa with all kinds of Honour he sent him back into his Kingdom to govern the same commanding all his Presidents and Lieutenants in his Provinces thorough which he was to pass to give him a friendly and honourable Convoy But he having wisely and happily dispatched his Affairs returned in all haste As soon as he came to Jerusalem he offered M his Sacrifices of Thanksgiving which he had vowed without omitting any thing that was commanded by the Law He caused also divers Nazarites to cut off their hair Agrippa hangeth up his Golden Chain over the Treasury Chamber in the Temple and offered in Gift that Chain of Gold that Caius had given him which was of the same weight the Iron Chain was of wherewith his Royal hands were manacled in memory of the Adversity he had past and the Testimony of the exchange thereof into better Fortune commanding that it should be hanged up in the Temple and over the Chamber of the Treasury to testifie unto those that should behold it that the highest Estates are subject to alterations and that God can raise men again from Obscurity to happy Fortune For this Chain that hanged in the Temple being consecrated to God manifestly expressed unto all men that King Agrippa was upon a very N small occasion deprived of his former Dignity and made Prisoner and then a little while after that he being delivered from his Bonds was raised and exalted to a famous Kingdom to signifie thereby that Humane Affairs are of that nature that that which is the greatest may be easily overthrown and that which is declining may recover again its ancient Honour and Dignity When therefore Agrippa had duely and devoutly acknowledged God's mercies Simon the Son of Boethus placed in Theophilus's room he deposed the High Priest Theophilus the Son of Ananus and bestowed that Honour on Simon surnamed Canthara the Son of Boethus This Simon had two Brothers and Boethus was their Father whose Daughter had been married to King Herod Hedio Ruffinus chap 6. as heretofore it hath been mentioned Simon held the Priesthood with his Brethren and his Father as the three Sons of Simon O High Priest Son of Onias had done during the Empire of the Macedonians as we have declared in our former Books After the King had given order for the Priesthood A he thought good to recompence the good affection that they of Jerusalem had born unto him for which cause he acquitted them of those Tributes that every Family paid knowing that it became him to shew kindness unto them who had been faithful and well affected towards him He created Silas who had been his Companion in many dangers Agrippa releaseth the Tributes to those of Jerusalem General of all his Army Not long after certain young men that were Dorites under the colour of constancy in case of Religion who also had daily expressed the same in their actions and unbridled rashness brought the Image of Caesar into the Temple of the Jews and erected it in that place which insolence of theirs highly offended Agrippa Silas who construed it as an Act that tended to the abolition of the Religion of their Countrey The Dorites place Caesar's Statue in the Synagogue of the Jews and thereby vehemently offend both Agrippa and Petronius For which cause with all expedition he repaired to Petronius who was Governour B of Syria and complained against those Dorites who was no less displeased with the action than he himself For he supposed that such breach of Religion was the means to further Impiety and for that cause he wrote to those which had attempted this Innovation somewhat sharply to this effect following CHAP. VI. Petronius Governour of Syria's Letter to the Dorites concerning the Emperour's C Statue which they caused to be erected in the Jews Synagogue King Agrippa bestoweth the High Priesthood on Matthias Marsius is made Governour of Syria PUblius Petronius Alias cap. 5. Lieutenant to Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus P. Petronius writeth to the Dorites to send them to him who have broken Caesar's Edict to the Magistrates of the Countrey of Doria health Whereas Caesar hath published an Edict by which he permitteth the Jews to live according to their Laws and Customs some one amongst you have been so presumptuous as to contradict the same in effect although in words you protest that you obey him and do all that which you can to hinder the Jews from enjoying their Synagogue in so much as in the same you have set up Caesar's Image not only thereby opposing your selves against the Jews but also against the Emperour himself whose D Image might have been better placed in his own Temple than in a Foreign Temple And you have placed it in their Synagogue whereas by right every one ought to be master of his place according to Caesar's Judgment For it should be very ridiculous in me to alledge mine own judgment after that of Caesar's who hath granted the
Jews the liberty to live according to their own Laws and Customs and hath commanded that they should converse in equal freedom among the Greeks For these causes I command you that they who have been so bold as to contemn Augustus's Decree against whom their own Magistrates have been displeased excusing themselves that this accident happened not by their motion but by the fury of the common people be brought before me by the Captain Proculus Vitellius to yield a reason of that which they have done exhorting the Magistrates that if they E will not be accounted Parties in this Contempt they endeavour to discover those that are guilty to Proculus and give order that no Sedition or Violence be offered thereupon Which notwithstanding it seemeth that they effect although we and the most honoured King Agrippa whom I take for my good and special Friend endeavour nothing more than that the Nation of the Jews should not assemble and take Arms under colour of their defence And to the end that whatsoever Augustus hath ordained concerning this matter may be the better known unto all men I have added his Edict which he published in Alexandria And although they are sufficiently known unto all men yet hath the most honoured King Agrippa read them unto me when I sate in my Tribunal Seat concluding according to right that the Jews ought not to be excluded nor hindred from enjoying those benefits F which are granted unto them by Caesar I therefore charge all men that henceforward they take heed lest they seek any occasion of Mutiny or Sedition and that every one live according to his Religion See here how Petronius proceeded in this matter both to amend that which was past and also to prevent that which was to come that none should be so bold to attempt the like Jonathan the Son of Ananus is restored to the Priesthood and refuseth it and prayeth that his Brother Matthias may minister therein After this Agrippa took the Priesthood from Simon Canthara and gave it again to Jonathan the Son of Ananus whom he esteemed to be more worthy than the other But Jonathan declared that he was not desirous of this Dignity for in effect he refused it saying O King I most willingly acknowledge the honour which it pleaseth you to bestow upon me and know well that it is a Dignity which of your own free will you bestow upon me notwithstanding that God judgeth me unworthy It G sufficeth me that I have once been invested with the Sacred Habit For at that time I wore it with more holiness than I can now receive it at this present yet notwithstanding if it please you to know one that is more worthy of this honour than my self I will inform you of one My Liege I have a Brother who towards God and you is H pure and innocent whom I dare commend unto you for a most fit man for that Dignity The King took great pleasure in these his words and leaving Jonathan he bestowed the Priesthood on Matthias his Brother according as Jonathan advised him And not long after this Marsus Prefect of Syria Marsus succeeded in Petronius 's room and took upon him the Government of Syria CHAP. VII Silas General of Agrippa's Forces his great Imprudence obligeth this Prince to put I him in Prison Agrippa fortifieth Jerusalem but the Emperour Claudius commands him to forbear His excellent Qualities his stately Buildings The cause of his falling out with Marsus Governour of Syria He bestoweth the Great Priesthood on Aelioneus dieth after a terrible manner Leaveth for his Successor his Son Agrippa and three Daughters The Inhabitants of Caesarea and Sebaste prove extreme ungrateful to his Memory Claudius the Emperour sends Fadus to be Governour of Judaea because of Agrippa's Minority SIlas being made General over the King's Army Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. and for that he had always been faithful unto him Silas by too much reviving the King's miseries and misfortunes and ripping up his own deserts groweth into the Kings hatred and is sent Prisoner into his Countrey and had never forsaken him in any danger that was offered K without partaking the utmost extremity but had always adventured on the greatest dangers in respect of his entire and constant resolution he made this account that being so firm a friend to the King he should also be partaker and Companion with him in the Honour Therefore he submitted not himself to the King but challenged to himself a liberty to speak what he pleased For this cause he grew hateful in the King's sight for that in particular he boasted of himself beyond measure and oftentimes refreshed the memory of those Adversities the King had past the rather to express how affectionate he had been towards him and his continual talk was nothing else but of the hardships he had endured Now for that he observed no measure in this his discourse the King took it as an injury done to his Honour and was offended with the L unbridled Licence of this man's prattle For nothing soundeth more harsh in a man's ear than the memory of his fore-passed misery and it is but the part of a fool to rip up the courtesies he hath employed on another man At length Silas grievously provoked the King's displeasure against himself that rather subscribing to his wrath than his wit he not only dispossessed Silas of his General 's place but also sent him bound into his Countrey there to be held Prisoner Yet notwithstanding time asswaged this displeasure and the King taking it into better consideration and remembring what Silas had endured in his behalf Agrippa sendeth for Silas out of Prison who dissembling not his displeasure is left still in Prison he revoked the Sentence that he pronounced And as he was ready to celebrate the Festival day of his Birth and all his Subjects were to take their pleasure he speedily sent for Silas to the end he might be partaker thereof M and feast with them But Silas who was of a free nature supposing that he had just cause to be displeased concealed it not from those who were sent unto him but spake unto them after this manner To what honour doth the King invite me at this present purposely to deprive me of it again For he hath not only deprived me of those Honours which he bestowed upon me in acknowledgment of the affection I have always shewed unto him but he hath altogether abused me if he thinks that he can restrain me from speaking freely he deceiveth himself For my Conscience knoweth how many hazards I have delivered him from and as long as I breath I will ring in all men's ears how much I have endured for his Conservation and Honour in recompence whereof I am this day in Bondâ— and shut up in an obscure Prison N which I will never forget Yea and when my soul shall depart out of this body she
for they sent Ambassadours to Claudius to appease him and by this means they obtained the favour to remain in Judaea The Jews themselves were the cause of those Wars which began under Florus After this they gave beginning to those most grievous mischiefs and calamities that befell the Jews for they C spred the Seed of the War which was awakened under Florus's Government And for that cause after that Vespasian had obtained the Victory as it shall be hereafter declared he caused them to depart out of that Province and made them seek their Habitation elsewhere H THE TWENTIETH BOOK Of the ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS I Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Twentieth Book K 1. The Emperour Claudius taketh the Government of Syria from Marsus and giveth it to Longinus Fadus Governour of Judaea punisheth some seditious People and Robbers who disturbed the Province He commands the Jews to carry back the High Priest's Vestment to the Fort Antonia but the Emperour giveth them leave to keep them at young Agrippa's request He was King Agrippa the Great 's Son and was then at Rome 2. Izates King of Andiabena and Queen Helena his Mother embrace the Religion of the Jews Their singular Piety and the great Actions of this Prince whom God L protects visibly Fadus Governour of Judaea punisheth a man and his followers who deceived the Jews 3. Tiberius Alexander succeeds Fadus in the Government of Judaea and Cumanus succeeds Alexander Herod King of Chalcis's death his Children Claudius the Emperour giveth his Dominions to Agrippa 4. The horrid Insolence of a Roman Soldier causeth the death of twenty thousand Jews Another Soldier 's Insolence 5. A great Quarrel between the Jews of Galilee and the Samaritans who bribe Cumanus Governour of Judaea Quadratus Governour of Syria sends him to Rome M with Ananias the High Priest and several others to clear themselves before the Emperour who put some of them to death The Emperour condemns the Samaritans and banisheth Cumanus maketh Foelix Governour of Judaea giveth Agrippa the Tetrarchy that Philip had viz. Bathanaea Trachonit and Abila and taketh Chalcis from him The Marriage of Agrippa's Sisters The death of the Emperour Claudius Nero succeeds after him He giveth the Lesser Armenia to Aristobulus Herod's Son King of Chalcis and to Agrippa some part of Galilee viz. Tiberiades Tarichee and Juliad 6. Foelix Governour of Judaea causeth Eleazar the High Priest to be murthered and his Murtherers commit other Murthers even in the Temple Robbers and False N Prophets are punished A great debate betwixt the Jews and the other Inhabitants of Caesarea King Agrippa establisheth Ishmael High Priest Violences committed by the High Priests 7. Foestus succeeds Foelix in the Government of Judaea The Inhabitants of Caesarea obtain of Nero to have the Jews Freedom recalled King Agrippa causeth an Apartment to be built from whence all that was done about the Temple might be seen the people of Jerusalem cause a high Wall to be built to hinder it by the Emperour's Authority 8. Albinus succeeds Foestus in the Government of Judaea and King Agrippa giveth O and taketh away often the High Priesthood Ananus the High Priest causeth Saint James to be put to death Agrippa enlargeth the City of Caesarea and calleth it Neronias A 9. How Florus Albinus's Successor offered many injuries to the Jews which constrained them to take Arms against the Romans CHAP. I. The Emperour Claudius taketh the Government of Syria from Marsus and giveth it B to Longinus Fadus Governour of Judaea punisheth some seditious People and Robbers who disturbed the Province He commands the Jews to carry back the High Priest's Vestment to the Fort Antonia but the Emperour giveth them leave to keep them at young Agrippa's request He was King Agrippa the Great 's Son and was then at Rome AFter King Agrippa's decease as we have heretofore declared in our former Book the Emperour Claudius sent Cassius Longinus to succeed Marsus in the Government of Syria whom he deprived of that Honour in memory of Agrippa who during his C life time Hedio Ruffinus cap 1. had oftentimes required by Letters that he should not suffer Marsus to govern the State of Syria As soon as Cuspius Fadus came into Jewry Cassius Longinus Prefect of Syria to take charge of that Countrey which he was to govern under Caesar he found the Jews that dwelt on the other side of Jordan in an uproar who had taken Arms against the Philadelphians about the limits of a certain Village called Mia which was stored with valiant men Those who inhabit beyond Jordan had armed themselves in this manner without the consent of their Governours and had killed a great numper of the Philadelphians Fadus punisheth the Jews for their Insurrection against the Philadelphians Which when Fadus understood he was much displeased for that they had not reserved the cause to his hearing and complained to him of the D Philadelphians but were so bold of their own Authority and without fear as to take up Arms. Having therefore apprehended some three of them who had been Authors of the Sedition he commanded them to Prison and executed one of them called Annibas Annibas executed Amaramus and Eleazar banished and banished the other two whose names were Amram and Eleazar Not long after this Tholomaeus the Captain of the Thieves was also taken and brought unto him who commanded him to be executed for having committed many Robberies in Idumaea and Arabia Tholomaeus the Arch-thief and by this means all the Countrey of Judaea was cleared of all Thieves by the care and providence of Fadus After this he sent for the High Priests Fadus requireth that the High Priest's Garment should be delivered into the power of the Romans and kept in the Castle of Antonia aliàs chap 2. and the Governours of Jerusalem commanding them according to the Emperour's direction to deliver up into the Castle of Antonia the Sacred Robe E which the High Priest only was accustomed to wear to the end that it might be at the Romans disposal as in times past it had been They durst not contradict his Command yet notwithstanding they required Fadus and Longinus who at that time was come to Jerusalem with a great power for fear the Jews by reason of this Injunction should raise a Rebellion first that it may be lawful for them to send their Ambassadours unto Caesar to beseech him that the Sacred Robe might remain in their custody Secondly that it might please them to expect the answer which Caesar would return to their request The Jews deliver Pledges to the intent they might be permitted to send Letters to Caesar Fadus gave them this answer that he permitted them to send their Ambassadours to Rome provided that before-hand they delivered him their Children for Hostages which when they had readily performed the Ambassadours were sent
should commit no such like offence For that his first action was not allowable Some of them also went to meet Albinus being on his way to Alexandria Ananus accused before Albinus to inform him that it was unlawful for Ananus to assemble the Council without his Licence Albinus perswaded by these words wrote a cholerick Letter to Ananus Jesus the Son of Damnaeus possesseth Ananus's place wherein he threatned to punish him And for the same cause King Agrippa dispossessed him of the Priesthood after he had held the same for the space of three months and in his stead he established Jesus the Son of Damnaeus After that Albinus was arrived in Jerusalem he employed all his care and study to pacifie the E Countrey by executing divers of the Thieves But the High Priest Ananias daily encreased in honour and credit and purchased the good will of the Citizens Some forcibly gather the Tenths of the Priests by his liberality and great gifts But he had some mischievous Servants about him who conversed with those that were most intemperate and audâ—cious who repaired from Barn to Barn and took up many Tithes that belonged to the Priests and beat those that refused to render them The Priests used no less violence than their servants having no man that might restrain them whereby it came to pass that the Priests who were formerly maintained by the tenth died at that time for want of Victuals And the Thieves renewing their entrance into the City by night during the Feast that was celebrated at that time The Thieves apprehend Ananias's Kindred and Servants took the Secretary of Captain Eleazar F alive who was Ananias's Son who was the High Priest And having bound him led him out of the City sending Ananias word that they would deliver his Secretary if he would prevail so much with Albinus as to deliver them their ten Companions then Prisoners who were taken by him To the performance whereof Ananias perswaded Albinus by manifest reasons Caesarea Philippi new builded by Agrippa and called Neronias And by obtaining his demand encreased and begat a number of miseries For the Thieves used all the cunning means they could devise in apprehending some one of Ananias's house and when they had taken any one of them alive they would not deliver him except before they might have one of their own delivered So that encreasing both in courage and number they became more and more insolent to afflict the Countrey G At that time King Agrippa enlarged the City of Caesarea The Berithians receive much kindness at Agrippa's hands surnamed Philippi and in honour of Nero called it Neronias He builded also to his great charge a Theatre in favour of the Berytians He distributed Oyl and Corn for every one of the people and adorned all the City with most antick and fine Portraitures upon the Porches The year of the world 4026. after Christs Nativity 64. In H short he transported into that City almost all the Ornaments of the rest of the Kingdom For which cause his Subjects began to hate him seeing he deprived them of their rare Ornaments to adorn one strange City Jesus the Son of Gamaliel succeeded in the Priesthood which the King had given him and taken away from Jesus the Son of Damnaeus who resigned him his place against his will Whereupon there arose a discord between them Ananias Costobarus and Saul prepared to spoil the weaker for having assembled their resolutest followers they came from bitter words to blows and stones But amongst all the rest Ananias was the richest in wealth and by his bounty reconciled the more unto him Costobarus also and Saul gathered each of them a Band of Rascals and desperate men These two were of the Blood-Royal and by reason of their affinity and alliance with Agrippa they were well beloved I For which cause they were insolent and violent oppressing always the weaker sort From this time forward the estate of our City grew desperate encreasing daily more and more in wickedness When Albinus understood that Gessius Florus came to succeed him Hedio Ruffinus chap. 17. alias cap. 22. desiring that they of Jerusalem should acknowledge some of his good deeds he called before him all those Prisoners that were notoriously guilty of Murther Albinus executeth the hainous Malefactors and caused them to be executed As for those that were imprisoned upon any small or slight cause upon payment of their Fines he delivered them and in so doing the Prison was cleansed of Malefactors and from that time the Countrey remained full of Thieves and Robbers The Levites Agrippa giveth them of the Tribe of Levi leave to wear the Linnen Garments who were ordained to sing Hymns to God solicited the King to assemble K the Council and thereby to permit them to wear the Linnen Robe which the Priests were accustomed to use telling him that such an Ordinance would dignifie his Estate very much in that he would be always famous in memory of this new Establishment Agrippa permitteth the Ministers of the Temple to sing the Sacred Hymns This Suit of theirs was easily granted for the King after he had consulted with those who were his Assistants suffered the Levites that sung the Hymns to lay aside their ordinary Robe and to apparel themselves in Linnen as best liked them He permitted also that another part of the Levites who intended the service of the Temple should learn to sing the Hymns and Psalms as they had required All which he did contrary to the Ordinances of the Countrey which being broken there was nothing else to be expected but Punishment L At that time the building of the Temple was finished The people of the Jews beseech the King that it may be lawful for them to repair the Porch And the people perceiving that more than eighteen thousand Work-men should be idle and deprived of Wages whereupon they were accustomed to live by the building of the Temple on the other side being loath to reserve their money through the fear they had of the Romans to provide for those Workmen in the entertainment of whom they resolved to employ their Treasure for if any one of them wrought but one hour of the day he was suddenly paid his wages they requested the King that it would please him to repair the Eastern Gate on the outward part of the Temple scituate in a Descent the Walls whereof were in height four hundred Cubits made of square Stones of white Marble from the top to the bottom and every stone twenty foot long and six M foot thick This Work was first builded by King Solomon who was the first that builded our Temple But Agrippa to whom Claudius Caesar had given the Commission of building of the Temple thinking with himself that it was very easie to break it down but very hard to build it up and that to re-edifie the Porch
worthy of a great Prince and in this great authority wherein he was placed he stept not any ways awry but in the case of Vria's Wife He left as much or rather more riches behind him than any other King of the Hebrews or other Nations had F done His Son Solomon buried him most Royally in Jerusalem with all those ceremonies which were accustomed in Royal obsequies and amongst other things he buried a great quantity of riches with him the incredible estimate whereof may be conjectured by that which followeth The sumptuous Sepulchre of David For one thousand three hundred years after the High Priest Hircanus being besieged by Antiochus surnamed the Religious who was Demetrius's Son and willing to gratifie him with some summe of money to the intent he might raise the siege Hircanus â—aketh a huge sum of money out of Davids Tomb. and remove his Army and unable to levy money by any other means he opened the Sepulchre of David from whence he took three thousand talents which he delivered to Antiochus and by this means delivered the City from the siege as we have declared in another place Herod spoileth Davids Sepulchre And again a long time after this Herod also opened it and took from G thence a great summe Nevertheless no man violated that part of the monument where the body of the King was laid for it was so artificially hidden under ground that it would be very difficult to discover it A The Eighth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Eighth Book 1. How Solomon obtaining the Kingdom expelled his enemies 2. Of the riches prudence and wisdom of Solomon and how first of all he builded the Temple in Jerusalem B 3. How Solomon being dead the people revolted from Rehoboam his son and made Jeroboam King of the ten Tribes 4. How Susac King of Egypt sacking Jerusalem carried away the riches of that City into Egypt 5. The War of Jeroboam against Abias Rehobohams son and the slaughter of his Army and how Basanes extirpated Jeroboams posterity and possess'd the Kingdom 6. The Invasion of the Ethiopians under Asa and the overthrow of their Army 7. The Race of Basanes being rooted out Zamri ruled in Israel with his son Ahab 8. Adad King of Damascus and Syria is twice overthrown by Ahab 9. Of Jehoshaphat King of Jerusalem C 10. Ahab being provoked to War by the Syrians is overcome and slain in battel CHAP. I. How Solomon obtaining the Kingdom expelled his enemies WE have declared in the former Book what David was how great his virtue hath been 1 Kings 2. what profits and benefits those of his Nation received by him Solomon King of Israel after Davids death what Wars he undertook what Victories he obtained and how happily at last through extremity of age he departed D out of this life But after that Solomon his son being at that time very young had obtained the Kingdom and was placed in his fathers Throne according as David had determined and the divine power had decreed the whole people according to the common course in the election of new Princes with many acclamations wished him a long and prosperous Reign But Adonias who during his fathers life-time thought to possess and seize himself of the Royal estate came unto the Kings mother and with all humility and reverence saluted her To whom Bethsabe said That if there were any thing wherein she might serve him he should let her know it and that she would willingly apply her self unto it Whereupon he began to say That it was a thing very well known that the Kingdom appertained unto him both in regard of his age as also in respect of E the favor and good liking of the people Ver. 17 ad 24. but since that it had been transferred unto Solomon her son Adonias requireth Abisag to wife by the Will of God he was content therewith and would be his servant being very glad of the fortunate success of his Affairs He therefore besought her that she would sollicite Solomon in his behalf and persuade him to give him Abisag to Wife â—ho had slept with David for that he had not any carnal company with her by reason of his age and that as yet she was fully possessed of her virginity Bethsabe promised him to further his suit to the uttermost of her power and willingly to employ herself toward the accomplishment of the Marriage since she knew the King was willing to gratifie her in whatsoever she should desire as also for that she would instantly intreat him so that he departed from her with assured hope of good success in F his designed Marriage Hereupon Bethsabe presently addressed herself to the King intending to certifie him both what Adonias had requested and what she had granted When Solomon heard that his Mother came to visit him he went out to meet her and embraced her and afterwards conducting her into his Presence-chamber he sate him down and commanded his servants to place a seat on his right hand for his Mother who being seated by him spake unto him after this manner My son vouchsafe me one favor that I shall request at thy hands and send me not hence discontented and dissatisfied through thy refusal Solomon answered her That she should command him by reason that duty tyed him to the satisfaction and favor of his Mothers suits reproving her for that insinuation she had used by reason that thereby she evidently expressed that she was not G thorowly assured to obtain her demand but that she feared a refusal and repulse she therefore required him to give the Damsel Abisag for Wife to Adonias his Brother The King displeased at this her suit dismissed his Mother alledging that Adonias had ill designs and that he wondered that in requiring Abisag to Wife he had not requested Solomon H likewise to give him place in the Kingdom for Adonias was elder than he and had more mighty friends than he had namely the General Joab and the High Priest Abiathar For which cause he forthwith sent Benaia Captain of his Guard to kill Adonias his Brother Ver. 25. Then calling unto him the High Priest Abiathar The pains said he that thou hast endured by accompanying my father David Adonias is slain and attending and bearing the Ark with him make thee escape from death yet notwithstanding for that thou hast been assistant to Adonias Ver. 26. 27. and followed his faction Abiathar iâ— dispossessed of the Priesthood I banish thee from my presence charging thee not to see my face any more but to retire thy self to thine own house and there to live in thy Countrey until thou hast ended thy dayes since you have made your self unworthy of that charge wherewith you are entrusted For this cause was the House of Ithamar deprived of the Priestly I
dignity according as God had foretold Eli one of the Ancestors of Abiathar and translated to the Race of Phinees and established in Sadoc Those of the Race of Phinees who led a private life all that time that the Priesthood remained in the family of Ithamar whereof Eli was the first were these Ver. 35. Boccias the son of Joseph Joathan the son of Boccias The genealogy of the High Priest Sadoc Mareoth the son of Joatham Aropha the son of Maraeoth Achitob the son of Aropha Sadoc the son of Achitob who was the first High Priest under King David Joab having heard of the death of Adonias was very much surprized for he loved him more than King Solomon and by reason of that friendship which he bare unto him he upon good grounds apprehended his own danger and in this respect he fled unto the K Altar hoping in that place to be secured in regard of that reverence which the King bare unto God But when Joabs resolution was made known unto the King he sent Benaia unto him with Commission to bring him from the Altar and to conduct him to the Judgment-seat that he might in that place justifie his actions but Joab said That he would never abandon the Temple but that he had rather dye in that place than in another When Benaia had certified the King of this his answer he commanded him to cut off his Head in the same place as he required and that in that sort he should be punished by reason of the two murthers which he had cursedly committed upon the persons of Abner and Amasa commanding that his body should be buried in the same place to the end that his sins should never depart from his Race Ver. â—8 ad 33. and that both David and Solomon might be held guiltless L of the death of those Men that had been murther'd by Joab Joab is slain This command of his Benaia executed Benaia is substituted in his place and was afterward made General of the Men of War Moreover the King established Sadoc solely in the place of Abiathar whom he had deposed He commanded Simei also to build him an House in Jerusalem to keep himself therein without passing the brook of Cedron for if he should break that commandment the penalty which he should incur should be no less than death and to the more serious performance of this his injuction he tyed him by a solemn oath Simei thanked Solomon for the charge he had imposed on him and swore that he would fulfill the same so that forsaking his own Countrey he came and dwelt in Jerusalem where after he had sojourned for the space of three years it hapned that he had news that two of his slaves had fled and M betaken themselves into Gath Ver. 35. whereupon he went to find them out and no sooner returned he back again with them Sadoc obtaineth Abiathars place in the Priesthood but that the King had intelligence that he had neglected his commandment and which is more that he had broken that oath which he made unto God Simei's punishment and death which incensed him very much Wherefore calling unto him he spake after this manner Hast thou not sworn said he that thou wilt not go out of this City to another Ver. 38. ad fin And dost thou think it a small matter to add Perjury to that other vilany which thou hast been guilty of in so scandalously reproaching my father of blessed memory when the rebellion of Absalom compell'd him to forsake the capital City of his Realm Prepare thy self therefore to suffer the punishment which thou deservest which shall be such as shall suffice to convince the World that though the punishments of the wicked are oftentimes late yet they are abundantly N recompenced by their sureness and severity Whereupon Benaia slew Simei according as he was commanded Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. From that day forward Solomon had his Royal estate secured and after that his enemies had received condign punishment he took to wife the daughter of Pharaoh King of Egypt 1 Kings 3. 1 ad 4. and afterwards builded the walls of Jerusalem far larger and stronger than they were before Solomon marrieth the King of Egypts daughter and establisheth the kingdom and all the rest of his life he governed his Common-weal in peace so that his youthful years hindered him not from the observation of justice and the maintenance of laws neither excluded the remembrance of that which his father had charged him at the hour of his death but behaving himself in all things exactly he executed the affairs of his kingdom with that circumspection that such as excelled him in years could not surpass him O A CHAP. II. Of the wisdom prudence and riches of Solomon and how first of all he builded the Temple in Jerusalem AS soon as he came to Hebron he determined to pay his vows unto God on that brazen Altar which was erected by Moses Ver. 5 ad 8. and sacrificed thereon in burnt-offerings a thousand head of Cattel God appeareth to Solomon by night in a dream and willeth him to ask that which most of all he desired which honourable devotion of his was most acceptable unto God For the very same night he had appeared unto him in a dream and commanded him to ask whatsoever blessing he thought fit as a recompence of this his piety But Solomon required a most excellent thing which God doth liberally bestow and Men very B happily receive For he demanded neither gold nor silver nor any other kind of riches such as a youthful Man would require for these are only affected by the common sort when the other are only worthy of the divine magnificence Ver. 9 ad 15. But give me said he O Lord Solomon requireth wisdom at Gods hands who with it giveth him riches and honours also a ripe judgment and a good understanding to the intent that by these means I may administer justice to this people with truth and equity With this demand of his God was well pleased and promised him to give him all other things whereof he had made no mention namely riches and glory and above all these such an understanding and wisdom as no King or private Man hath had before him Moreover that he would continue the Kingdom in his family for many ages if he continued in the wayes of justice and obeyed God in all things and walked in his fathers wayes and imitated his virtues C After that Solomon had received these blessings from God and was made happy by these promises he forsook his bed and worshipping God returned unto Jerusalem where he offered great Sacrifices before the Tabernacle and magnificently feasted all those of his Houshold About the same time a very difficult case was brought him to decide the resolution whereof was very hard to be discovered And I have thought it