Joseph the Nephew of the High-Priest Onias obtains pardon for his Vncle of Ptolomy King of Egypt gets the favor of that Prince and raiseth a very considerable fortune for himself Hircanus the son of Joseph becomes a great Favourite of Ptolomy The death of Joseph BUt a certain man call'd Joseph The Taxation of the High-Priest for offending the King the son of Tobias and of Onias sister who was the High-Priest being young in years but honored in Jerusalem for his wisdom foresight and justice having certain notice by his mother of the arrival of this Ambassador came unto the City for he had been absent in the Village of Phicala where he was born and sharply reproved Onias his Uncle on the mothers side because he did not any wayes provide B for the security of his Countrey but sought to draw his Countreymen into a general hazard in that he retained in his hands that mony which was levied for the Tributeâ— whereby he told him that he had obtained the Government over the people and purchased the High Priesthood And that if he were so bewitched with mony that for the love of it he could have the patience to see his Countreymen in hazard and behold his Citizens suffer all that which cruelty could inflict upon them he advised him to repair to the King and to require him to bestow the whole or the half of the Tribute upon him Hereunto Onias answer'd That he would no more execute the Government and that if it was possible for him he was ready to give over the Priesthood rather than repair unto the King Whereupon Joseph asked him If he would permit him in the peoples behalf to go Ambassador to Ptolomy C Whereunto Onias answer'd That he gave him leave Upon this occasion Joseph went up into the Temple and summoned the people to a general Assembly exhorting them to be no ways troubled and to conceive no fear through the negligence of his Uncle Onias wishing them to be of good courage and promising them that he himself would go Ambassador unto the King and faithfully plead their Cause before him and persuade him that they had committed no insolent neglect or contempt against his Majesty which when the people understood they gave Joseph hearty thanks Whereupon he presently came down from the Temple and honorably entertained the Ambassadors that came from Ptolomy and having presented them with gifts of great value and feasted them magnificently for many dayes he sent them back to their Prince assuring them that he would in person follow D them And the rather was he incited to this journey because the Ambassador had persuaded him to come into Egypt under such assurance that he would obtain all his requests at Ptolomy's hands the rather for that he was won with the young mans free spirit and noble entertainment The Kings Ambassador honourably entertained who reporteth Joseph's liberality upon his return into his Countrey As soon as the Ambassador returned into Egypt he certified the King of Onias's ingratitude and Joseph's humanity certifying him that he would come in person to entreat pardon for the People for that offence they had committed against him and the rather for that he was in especial authority among the People and he so far enlarged himself in the praise of Joseph that both the King and Queen Cleopatra had a good opinion of him although he was as yet absent But Joseph sent unto Samaria to his Friends and E borrow'd money making preparation for his Voyage Having therefore furnished himself with Apparel Vessels and Horses and with almost twenty thousand drachms he arrived at Alexandria At that time it hapned that the Princes and Governors of Phoenicia and Syria repaired thither to farm their Tributes for the King was accustomed every year to sell them to the men of most respect in every City these meeting with Joseph on the way began to mock at his baseness and poverty But when he came to Alexandria and had intelligence that the King was at Memphis he set forward and went out to meet him When therefore the King accompanied with the Queen and Athenion his Friend who had discharged the place of Ambassador in Jerusalem came riding in his Chariot Athenion who had been F honorably entertained by Joseph perceiving him upon the way certified the King that it was he of whom he had spoken upon his return from Jerusalem protesting on his behalf that he was a virtuous and honorable young man Whereupon Ptolomy received him with more kindness than the rest and made him come up into his Chariot where he was no sooner seated but the King began to accuse Onias for what he had committed But Joseph said unto him Pardon him O King and have respect to his old age For you know that ordinarily old men and young children have one and the same understanding but from our selves who are young you shall have what you please to require without any pretext or cause of discontent G H This wise answer increased the affection which the King had allready conceived for him The year of the World 3770. before Christ's Nativity 194. whereupon he commanded that he should be lodged in his own Palace and that daily he should accompany him at his Table As soon as the King came back to Alexandria the Lords of Syria seeing Joseph sitting near unto the King were displeased and the day drawing near wherein they were to know what they should pay for their tribute they that were of the greatest quality in their countrey farmed it so that the Tributes of Coelosyria Phoenicia Judea and Samaria amounted together to eight thousand talents Whereupon Joseph arising blamed the farmers because they had designed amongst themselves to beat down the price of the tributes promising to give double and that he would likewise return the I forfeitures that were levied upon the goods of such as offended The tributes of Coelosyria committed to Joseph which were farmed together with the tributes The King gave ear to this discourse of his with great content and said that he approved the sale of these tributes unto Joseph who would hereby so considerably augment his revenue When therefore he was asked whether he could give suretie he made him answer with great confidence O King said he I will give thee such pledges as are both worthy and honorable and such as you cannot mistrust When therefore the King desired him to produce them I will said he O King present thee for sureties thy self and the Queen thy Wife that one of you may be surety for me to the other Ptolomey smiling hereat granted him the farm of the tribute without farther surety This favor of his displeased those Governours of the Cities that were come into Egypt in that K they saw themselves contemned and constrained to return with shame unto their houses But Joseph obtained 2000 footmen from the King that he might by their
thousand Talents which Pompey had forborn to touch But passing over Euphrates he was both himself and his whole Army M utterly overthrown of which matter it behoveth us not to speak in this place After the death of Crassus the Parthians endeavoured to enter Syria but Cassius who succeeded him in the Government repulsed them and having gotten the upper hand he speedily passed into Judaea and taking Tarichea carried away about three thousand men Captive and put Pitholaus to death for gathering a company of seditious people to Aristobulus his part Antipater's Wife a Noble woman of Arabia He that counselled his death was Antipater who was married to a Noble Woman of Arbia called Cypris by whom he had four Sons Phasaelus Herod afterwards King Joseph and Pheroras and one daughter called Salome His wise Conduct and Liberality got him the Friendship of many Princes and especially that of the King of Arabia to whose fidelity he committed his Sons when he undertook N the War against Aristobulus But Cassius made a Truce with Alexander and in the mean time went to Euphrates to hinder the passage of the Parthians as we shall shew in another place A CHAP. VII The year of the World 3917. before Christ's Nativity 45. Of the death of Aristobulus and the War undertaken by Antipater and Mithridates AFter that Caesar had forced the Senate and Pompey to flee beyond the Ionian Sea Ant lib. 14. cap. 14. and by that means made himself sole master of Rome Caesar delivereth Aristobulus from his bonds he set Aristobulus at liberty and with two Legions of men sent him in hast into Syria hoping through his means speedily to reduce both it and also all places adjoyning to Judaea But both the hope of Caesar Aristobulus and his Son slain by Pompey's friends and the forwardness of Aristobulus were frustrated by ill B Fortune for Aristobulus was poysoned by Pompey's favourers and even in his own Countrey his body lay unburied which notwithstanding was preserved from putrefaction with honey till such time as Antonius sent it to the Jews commanding them to bury it in the Sepulchre of the Kings His Son Alexander also was beheaded at Antioch by Scipio being first according to the tenour of Pompey's Letters accused before the Tribunal-seat Ant. l. 14. c. 5. of such things as he had committed against the Romans Ptolemy Prince of Chalcis which is upon Mount Libanus Ptolomaeus Son marrieth Antigonus younger Daughter and for that cause is slain by his Father sent his Son Philippio to Ascalon to the widow of Aristobulus to counsel her to send her Son Antigonus and her daughters to him Philippio falling in love with the youngest named Alexandra took her to wife But sometime after he was put to death by his Father who himself married C this Alexandra and for that affinity sake was more careful of her Brethren After the death of Pompey Antipater sought all means to get into Caesar's favour and when Mithridates of Pergamena was hindred by the Garrison at Pelusium to pass further with an Army into Egypt Ant. lib. 14. cap. 16. and was by that means stayed at Ascalon Antipater not only perswaded the Arabians to assist him but he himself seconded him with almost three thousand armed Jews Moreover he incited the Potentates of Syria and Ptolemy who inhabited Libanus Mithridates goeth to Pelusium and thereby obtaineth Antigonus's help and Jamblicus and his Son Ptolemy to assist him for whose sakes the Cities of that Country did willingly undertake the War And now Mithridates strengthned by Antipater's means came to Pelusium and because they would not suffer him to pass he besieged the City In which siege Antipater shewed D his valour for making a breach on that side of the wall where his Quarter was he first of all with his company brake into the City and so Pelusium was taken After which the Inhabitants of the Province bearing the name of Onias resolved not to suffer him to pass any further But Antipater handled the matter so discreetly with them Mithridates victory against the Egyptians that they did not only suffer him to pass but also supplied victuals for his Army Whereupon the City of Memphis would not fight but yielded of their own accord to Mithridates so that passing thorough Delta he fought with the other Egyptians in a place called The Camp of the Jews and being with all his company in danger he was rescued by Antipater who marching along the River side set upon and discomfited the left wing of the Enemies battel and rushing upon them that E pressed upon Mithridates Antipater performeth many noble exploits and exposeth himself to all dangers for Caesar's sake he slew many and pursued the rest that fled till he got their Camp and all this with the loss of fourscore men But Mithridates lost eight hundred men and being thus against all hope preserved from being cut in pieces he was without all envy a true witness before Caesar of all that Antipater had done and deserved Whereupon Caesar rewarded his courage with praise and promises and so made him forward to hazard himself for him In a word he proved and shewed himself a stout Warriour Caesar maketh Antipater a free Citizen of Rome and the many wounds he had in every part of his body were badges and testimonies of his valour and vertue Afterward when the estate of Egypt was quiet Caesar returned into Syria where he made him a Citizen of Rome and granted him the immunities thereof adding so many other F proofs of his esteem and affection that he render'd him worthy of envy and for his sake confirmed Hircanus in the High-Priesthood CHAP. VIII How Antipater was accused before Caesar Of the Priesthood of Hircanus and how Herod made war Antigonus Aristobulus's Son cometh to Caesar to accuse Pompey's friends for his fathers death AT the same time Antigonus the Son of Aristobulus repairing to Caesar was against G his will a cause of Antipater's greater felicity for coming to complain of his Fathers death who was as it was thought poyson'd by Pompey's partisans with as great hatred as sorrow he accused Hircanus and Antipater of having been the cause that he and his brethren had been so unjustly driven out of their native soil and H that their Country had suffer'd so great calamities only to satisfie their Passion alledging that they had sent aid into Egypt to Caesar's forces not for good will but for fear and that hereby they might blot out the memory of the good will they had born to Pompey Antigonus falsly accuseth Hircanus and Antipater At these words Antipater drawing aside his vesture shewed the number of his wounds saying it was not needful to use words to prove what affection he had born to Caesar for his very body shew'd it although he himself held his peace Antipater casting of his garment sheweth his
and come to the Horse-race there to consult with others N how to effect their design At the appointed place they found many others assembled Sedition against Joseph Jesus the Son of Saphias conspireth against Joseph and all of them determin'd with one consent to treat me as a Traytor to the Commonwealth But he that most of all incited them to this was Jesus the Son of Saphias who at that time was a principal Judge in Tiberias a Man given over to all Wickedness and born to breed Troubles and Sedition This Man holding the Law of Moses in his hand in the midst of the Assembly spake thus with a loud voice If said he you be touched with no care of your selves yet at least contemn not these Sacred Laws which that perfidious Joseph your Governor hath not feared to violate and for so great a Crime cannot be too severely O punisht A After he had thus spoken and saw he was approved by the acclamations of the people he took some armed men with him and repaired to the house where I lodg'd with intent to put me to death Simon one of Josephs guard awaketh him I suspecting nothing of all this Tumult and tired with labor was at rest when suddenly Simon one of my Guard who at that time only remained with me seeing this furious Troop of people came and awakened me and certifying me of the imminent peril he counsel'd me rather generously to kill my self than shamefully die by mine Enemies hands I recommended my self to God and putting on a black Garment to disguise me and having onely my Sword by my side I went forth and pass'd through the midst of these people and so went strait to the Hippodrome by a by way There falling prostrate on my face Joseph moves the people to compassion in view of all the people I water'd the earth with my tears B to move all men that beheld me to compassion And when I perceived the people begin to melt I laboured all I could to divide them in opinion before the armed Soldiers returned from my house I confess'd that I had kept the booty for which I was accus'd but I desir'd them to hear to what use I had reserved it after which if they pleas'd they might kill me Hereupon the multitude commanded me to speak and the armed men being returned back at the same time and beholding me would have fallen upon me to murther me but they were restrained by the peoples exclamations and they suppos'd that after I had confess'd that I design'd to restore the booty to the King I should pass for a Traytor and they might kill me without opposition Now silence being made to hear me Joseph's oration and confession before his adversaries I spake thus If in your opinion I deserve death C I refuse not to die yet permit me before my death to certifie you of the whole truth When I observed that this City was most commodious and fit to entertain strangers and that many forsaking their own Countries came to dwell here and were willing to partake with you in all sorts of Fortune I resolved to employ this money to build you Walls to your City for which being thus destinated to do you good your indignation is provoked against me Upon these words the Taricheans and strangers cried out that I deserv'd thanks and wish'd me to be of good courage But the Galileans and Tiberians continued in their animosity so that they fell to dissent betwixt themselves the one threatning me with punishment the other contrariwise willing me to assure my self of security But after I had promised the Tiberians and those of other Cities that I would D build their Walls Joseph escapeth from danger where it was convenient they credited my words the multitude separated and I beyond all expectation having escap'd so great a peril with certain of my Friends and some twenty Soldiers returned to my house But once again the Authors of this Sedition Joseph in another danger fearing lest they should be punished for their offence begirt my Lodging with six hundred armed men intending to consume it with fire Of whose arrival as soon as I had intelligence imagining with my self that it would be much dishonor for me to flie I resolved to use valor and courage against them for which cause commanding the Gates to be shut I required them from the top of the house to send in some of them to me to receive that money for which they had been drawn into this mutiny whereby they might have no further cause to be incensed against E me Joseph's stratagem Which done laying hold of one of the most troublesom Fellows that with the rest came into me I caused him to be beaten with many grievous strokes and his hand to be cut off and hung about his neck and thus handled we thrust him out of doors to return to those that had sent him Another Sedition So bold an action made them wonderously afraid and suspecting I had a great number of armed Soldiers in my house they suddenly all of them fled away And thus by my resolution and address I escaped this second danger Yet wanted there not some who incited the people once more against me saying that the two Lords who fled to me for refuge ought not to live except they submitted themselves to their Laws and Customs from whom they required protection They likewise accused them that they were of the Roman Faction and prisoners and presently the people began F to mutiny being deceived by their words who laboured to flatter them Which when I heard I once more informed the people that they ought not to persecute those who resorted unto them for succor that the poysoning they spoke of was a Fancy and a Chimera and that the Romans would not vainly nourish so many thousands of Soldiers if they pretended to make away their Enemies with poyson Being by these words somewhat pacified they had scarcely withdrawn themselves awhile but that by certain outcasts and wicked men they were incited against the two Lords so that with Weapons they went to their Lodging intending to murther them Which when I heard I was afraid that if this wickedness should be committed no man hereafter would dare to trust his life in my hand For which cause being assisted by divers others I presently resorted G to their Lodging Joseph privately dismisseth the Tricheanâ— and shut up the Gates and cutting a Trench betwixt it and the Lake I called for a Bark and entring into the same with them I conducted them to the Confines of the Hippenians and furnishing them with money to buy them Horses because they could not transport their own with them in their flight I dismissed them desiring H them to bear their present misfortune with a constant mind But indeed it troubled me that I was once more forced to expose those men in
was requisite for necessity or pleasure 12. Adam asketh pardon might have hapned of it self unto you by my only providence without any travel or care on your parts which if you had well used your life would have been very lovely and very happy Adam's punishment but you have scorned this mine Ordinance and broken my Commandments 13. Eves punishment For in that thou art silent at this time it proceedeth N not of respect but of evil of which thou findest thy self culpable Adam excuseth his sin as well as he could 17 18. The Seed of the Woman that is Christ shall bruise the Serpent's head and prayed God not to be incensed against him laying the fault of that which had hapned upon his Wife alledging that he had offended by reason he was deceived by her and the Woman accused the Serpent But God for his punishment because he had suffer'd himself to be overcome by the counsel of a Woman declared that the earth thenceforward never more of its own accord should bring forth fruit but only when they till'd it with the sweat of their countenance Gen. 3. 14 15. nor should it always yield all that was expected from it The Serpent's punishment And as touching Eve he chastised her with Child-bearing and throes in Travel for that being her self deceived by the Serpent she had drawn her Husband by the same means into extreme misery He took also from the Serpent his speech and O was displeased with him * Joseph's ignorance in understanding this place of Scripture by reason of the malice he had conceived against Adam and he put venom on his tongue declaring him an enemy both to Man and Woman whom A he commanded to bruise the head of the Serpent as well for that all the evil which chanced unto Men 14. proceeded from his head as also in that being assaulted in that part he is most easily put to death The year of the World 1. before Christ's Nativity 3963. Moreover having deprived him of his feet he condemned him to slide and trail himself along the earth After God had ordained them to suffer these punishments he drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of delights into nanother place CHAP. II. Cain kills his Brother Abel God banishes him for it His Posterity is as wicked as himself The virtues of Seth the other Son of Adam B BUt Adam and Eve had two male-children Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. the first whereof was called Cain which signifies acquisition and the second was called Abel which signifies mourning they had also three Daughters Gen. 4. v 1 2. These Brothers were of very different inclinations Of Cain and Abel Brethren Abel the younger honoured justice and supposing that God was present in all his actions he always and wholy fixed his thoughts on virtue and his exercise was keeping of sheep But Cain being a wicked Man 2. The year of the World 70. before Christ's Nativity 894. and addicted to unsatiable desire of profit was he that first found out the use of the Plough He killed his Brother for the cause which ensueth Having concluded among themselves to sacrifice unto God Cain offered the fruits of his labour and planting Abel presented milk and the firstlings of his fold which sacrifice of his was more acceptable to God in that it rather consisted of things produced of themselves by the order of nature 3. The sacrifice of Cain and Abel than that which Cains covetousness C had forcibly in a manner extorted from nature Hereupon Cain being enrag'd because his Brother Abel was more honoured by God than himself slew his Brother and having hidden his body out of sight 4. Weak reason in Josephus he thought the murder would be concealed But God well knowing the fact appeared to Cain and questioned him concerning his Brother what was become of him 5 6 7. Cain slew his Brother Abel for that for some days he had not seen him whereas before they had been always together Cain being troubled and ignorant what answer to make unto God said at first that he wondred what was the cause his Brother was so long absent 8. The talk betwixt God and Cain but afterwards being troubled that God continued the question and more closely press'd him he said he was not his Brothers keeper nor bound to take care of his affairs 9. 10 11 12. Then God reproved and convicted Cain of murthering his Brother D and ask'd him how he dar'd deny the knowledge of his brothers death where as he himself had slain him Notwithstanding God forbare to inflict upon him the punishment deserved for this murther by reason that Cain offer'd sacrifice and made request unto God that it would please him to remit somewhat of the severity of his justice against him Yet did God curse him and threaten to punish his Posterity to the seventh Generation Cain's banishment Then did he drive him and his Wife out of that Countrey whereat Cain being affrighted for fear of being encountred and devour'd by some Savage Beasts God commanded him to suspect no dangerous event for that cause 14. assuring him that he might safely travel thorow all Regions 15. without being either assaulted or seized by Savage Beasts and having set his mark upon him by which he E might be known he commanded him to depart the Countrey After that Cain accompanied with his Wife had travelled thorow divers Regions he made his abode at Nais 16. Cain is not bettered by Gods chastisements and in that place had several Children But he made not use of this chastisement for his better amendment but rather became worse and worse for he abandoned himself to all sensual pleasures making it his sport to outrage those with whom he conversed filling his house with riches gotten by rapine and violence and gathering together other wicked and debauch'd Men he taught them to commit all sorts of crimes and impieties he destroy'd that simplicity which Men before that time had used in their mutual societies Measures and Waights found out by Cain by the inventions of Measures and Weights the ignorance whereof was the cause that the life of Man was estranged from deceit but instead F and place of free and plain sincerity Enos the first City he introduced fraud and deceit He it was that first bounded the fields and built the first City and made a Wall and a rampire enforcing his Followers to dwell therein This City he named Enos by the name of Enos his first begotten Son Jared was the Son of Enos of Jared issued Malaleel whose Son was Methusala 1â— 18 20. who begot Lamech who had 77 Children by his two Wives Sella and Ada amongst whom Jobel the Son of Ada was the first that made Tents and took delight to lead a pastoral life contenting himself with the same Jubal his
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
and after so many enterprizes of War we cannot hope any fortunate or successful proceedings But be thou assistant unto us H O Lord who art Almighty and canst by thy mercy change our present sorrow into joy our discouragement into confidence and give us victory Joshua having made this prayer God presently commanded him to arise and purge the Army of that sacriledge that had hapned therein Gods answer to Joshua's prayer v. 10. and of a Theft committed by one of the multitude who was so hardy as to violate and conceal those things which were consecrated to him assuring him that that was the cause of the present calamity but as soon as he had searched out and punished the sacriledge the Israelites should become fortunate and obtain the victory This Oracle Joshua declared to the people and calling for the High Priest and the Magistrates he cast lots upon the Tribes and when the lot had fallen on the Tribe of Juda it was again cast by Families and when again the Sacriledge was found to be committed I in Zacharias Family they cast the same once more man by man and it fell upon Achar Achar found out by lot and punished v. 16 17 18. who unable to hide what was discovered by God himself confessed the fact and brought forth those things which he had concealed whereupon being presently put to death he was by night buried after an ignominious manner according as he deserved But Joshua having purified the people led them forth against Ain and laying Ambuscado by night above the City early in the morning he drew the Enemy out to fight who boldly broke forth being encouraged by their former victory but Joshua making a shew of Retreat drew them farther off from their City imagining that the Israelites fled and that they should gain a second victory over them But when Joshua suddenly made a stand and charged them and gave a signal unto those that lay K in ambush they march all together towards the City and easily entred the gates where and on the Walls stood divers of the inhabitants as spectators as they thought of their atchieved victory Ainan sackt and burnt v. 24 25. In this manner was the City taken and all that were therein slain Joshua on the other side pressed those in such manner with whom he maintained skirmish that they turned their backs and fled towards the City as if it had been in the same state as they left it but when they perceived that it was taken and saw both it their Wives and Children consumed with fire they scattered themselves about the fields Joshua 8. 1 2. not being able to rally by reason of their disorder By this overthrow of the Ainites The prey distributed amongst the people there were a great number of Women and Children and Bond-slaves taken Captive and store of all sorts of moveables The Hebrews also became Lords L of much Cattel and gathered a great quantity of Silver for the Countrey was rich All which Joshua upon his return to Gilgal distributed amongst the Soldiers But the Gibeonites who dwelt not far from Jerusalem understanding what had hapned to them of Jericho and the Ainites and fearing lest the like misfortune might fall upon themselves thought it to no purpose to endevour to move him by their prayers because they knew that he warred with a resolution utterly to root out and extinguish the Nation of the Canaanites from off the earth Joshua 9. 3. They therefore persuaded the Cepherites and Cathierimites their neighbours to joyn with them in order to contract an alliance with the Hebrews as the only means to secure themselves from the danger which threatned them Which counsel of theirs being accepted they sent Ambassadors to Joshua M such men as they thought most capable and wisest amongst them in the affairs of the Common-wealth The Gibeonites send Ambassadors to Joshua to treat a peace betwixt them and the Israelites and knowing that it would be very dangerous for them if they should say that they were Canaanites and that on the contrary they should avoid the danger if they protested that they had no community or alliance with them but dwelt far from them they told Joshua that being incited by his fame they had undertaken a long journey the truth whereof he might conjecture by their habits which upon their setting forth were new but by their long journey were quite worn to which purpose they had put on old garments to the end to colour their subtle insinuation Standing up therefore in the midst of the multitude attired after this manner they told them that they were sent by the Gibeonites vers 6. and N the neighbouring Cities far distant from that Countrey to treat and ratifie a Peace between them The Gibeonites oration to the Hebrews For knowing well that the Countrey of Canaan was given unto them by the favour of God to the end they should be masters and possessors thereof they were much rejoyced thereat vers 15. and desired to be received as their confederates By these words and the oldness of their garments Joshua maketh a covenant with the Gibeontes and the pretence of their long journey they perswaded the Hebrews to enter and accord an amity with them And the High Priest Eleazar with the Council of the Elders sware unto them that they should be reputed for Friends and Allies and that no hostile action should be enterprized against them the people likewise approved the alliance After this Joshua encamping with his Army upon their confines and understanding that the Gibeonites dwelt not far from Jerusalem and that O they likewise were of the race of the Canaanites he sent for the principal among them and upbraided them with their deceit whereunto they answered that they had no A other means to procure their safety and security and for that cause they had us'd this fraud Whereupon he called to him Eleazar the High Priest and the Council of the Elders and it was resolv'd not to infringe the Oath made to them but that they should be obliged to serve for the publique works Whereupon they were adjudged to attend on these services and by this means delivered they themselves from their imminent peril But the King of Jerusalem was much incensed against the Gibeonites v. 21 23. for that they had revolted and submitted to Joshua The Gibeonites are appointed to publick ministeries and he assembled together the Kings of his neighbour Nations to make War against them The Gibeonites perceiving the danger they were in and how the Enemy prepared to assault them and to that end had pitched their Tents near a certain Fountain not far from the City they desired Joshua to assist and B defend them Josh 10. v. 1. For their affairs were in that state that they expected death from the hands of their Friends The King of Jerusalem moveth War
was not delivered from his suspicion but desired him to relate to him all that he had signified to his Wife The Angel answered that it sufficed that she knew it whereupon he asked him what he was to the end that when his Son should be born he might give him presents and thanks The Angel answered that he had no need thereof by reason that he had not brought the good news of the birth of his I Son for any necessity that he had Manoah entreated him to stay and receive some token of kindness but he would not consent Finally being instantly pressed to abide and receive some gift Manoah kill'd a Kid and commanded his Wife to roast it And when all things were in readiness the Angel commanded them to lay the Bread and Flesh upon a Rock without dishes which being done he touched the Flesh with a wand which he had in his hand and suddenly a flaming fire consumed both the Bread and Flesh and the Angel was seen to ascend up into Heaven in the Smoke as it were in a Chariot Manoah was in great fear lest some inconvenience should happen unto him because they had seen God but his Wife comforted him assuring that God had appeared to them for their good Shortly after she became big with child and observed K all that had been commanded her v. 24. and when the Infant was born Samsons birth she called his name Samson which is as much as to say strong who soon grew to be of excellent beauty both of mind and body wearing his Hair unshorn and using sobriety in his diet whereby he gave some signs of what had been foretold concerning him It hapned on a day that there was a solemnity celebrated in Thamna a City of the Philistines whither Samson resorted with his Father and Mother and being surprised with love of one of the Damsels of that place he desired his Father and Mother that this maid might be given him in marriage which they refused alledging that she was not of the same Lineage Judg. 14. 5 6. and that God would provide him a match to the good and profit of his Nation Samson teareth a Lion in peices with his hands but in the end he prevailed so much that he espoused the Maiden L Now as he ordinarily walked to her Parents it happened one day that being disarmed he met with a Lion upon the way whom he grasped and strangled with his hands and having slain him he cast the body of the Beast into a Wood not far distant from the high way Another day returning in like sort to the Damsel he found a swarm of Bees which made their honey in the breast of the same Beast Samson marrieth one of the Daughters of the Philistines and he took three hony-combs which he carried with other presents to his intended Wife After this lie invited the Thamnites to the celebration of his marriage who for that they feared his strength under colour of doing him honour chose out thirty strong and valiant young men v. 1 2 3. to be seemingly his companions but in effect his Guardians to the end he might not attempt any commotion in the midst of the festivity Samson said M to his companions I will propose a question to you which if you can resolve I will give each of you a fine Linnen Shirt v. 12 13 14. and other vestments They being very desirous both to be reputed wise Samson propoundeth a riddle to the Thamnites and to gain the reward proposed pressed him to propound his question which he did in these terms He that devoureth all hath been himself the food of others and how terrible soever he was this food hath been no less sweet and agreeable They employ'd three dayes to find out the sense thereof but they could not and therefore they desired Samson's Spouse to get the secret from her Husband and disclose the same to them which if she refused they threatned to burn her to death Samson at the first notwithstanding her flatteries and sollicitations denied to tell it her at last she urged him so instantly and shed so many tears telling him that if he N did not expound the question to her she would take it for a certain sign that he hated her that at last he told her he had slain a Lion and how in him he had found the three honey-Combs which he brought to her v. 18. and not distrusting either fraud or guile he related the whole story to her Samsons Wife discovereth the riddle to the Thamnites and she afterwards reported the same to those that had employed her in the discovery When the seventh day was come and the question was to be decided the young men assembled themselves together about Sun-set and said There is nothing more terrible than a Lion nor any thing more pleasant to taste than honey v. 19 20. Whereunto Samson replied Samson killeth certain Ascalonites and his Wife marrieth with another you should adde that there is not any thing more dangerous than a woman for she it is that hath betray'd me and reported my words to you Notwithstanding all this he delivered that which he had promised them out of the booty O which he had taken from certain Ascalonites whom he encountred upon the way But he would not pardon his Wife and the woman seeing her self despised married A one of his friends The year of the World 2791 before Christ's Nativity 1173. who had in his behalf first sollicited the marriage Samson being more incensed by this injury resolved to revenge himself both on her and the whole Nation For which cause in the Summer time when the Corn was ready to be reapt he took three hundred Foxes to whose tayls having fastned flaming Torches he drove them into the Philistines fields of Corn Judg. 15. 4 5 c. consuming by this means all their hope of Harvest The Philistines understanding that Samson had done this and conceiving the reason that induced him to it Samson burned the Philistines fruit sent a party of Soldiers to Thamna and burnt this woman alive with all her kindred as the cause of the loss that had hapned to them After Samson had slain divers Philistines in the Countrey he went and dwelt at Etam which is a strong Rock in the Tribe of Juda. For which cause the Philistines assailed that Tribe who B represented to them that there was no reason why they should suffer for those offences which were committed by Samson and especially since they payed them tribute The Philistines replied that unless they would be maintainers of his act of unjustice they must deliver Samson unto them They desirous that the Philistines might have no cause of quarrel against them came to the Rock to the number of 3000 men and there blamed Samson for those actions which he had done against the Philistines because they were a
worthiest of them all For he was not satisfied to redeem and deliver those of Jabeâ—s Saul kills the Ammonite and Naahs their King but he entred the Countrey of the Ammonites also and ravaged the same with his Army and after he had obtained a great booty both he and his Army Victoriously returned to their dwelling places The people highly pleased with this noble action atchieved by Saul Saul made his name famous amongst the Hebrews rejoyced that they had demanded a King and exclaimed against those that said it would be discommodious and unprofitable for the Common-wealth saying where are now these murmurers let them be put O to death Saul is praised by the people with other such like words that a people besotted with good success is wont to speak against them that oppose the same Saul commended the affection of A the people The year of the World 2810. before Christ's Nativity 1084. but swore that none should be put to death that day because it would not seem agreeable that the victory given them by God should be sullied with the blood of their Brethren but rather that it was more proper the time should be spent in feasting and jolity After this Samuel told them that they ought to confirm the Kingdom of Saul by a second Election Sauls lenity against his adversaries and to that end they assembled together in the City of Galgal according as he commanded them and there in the sight of all the people Samuel anointed Saul the second time with the consecrated Oyl v. 12 13. and proclaimed him King Thus was the Aristocracy and Government of the better sort amongst the Hebrews v. 14 15. turned into a Monarchy For under Moses and his successor Joshua Saul once more anointed King by Samuel who was General of the Army the form of the Commonwealths was Aristocratical After their death for the space of eighteen B years The distinct Governments of the Hebrews the people was without Government The Common-wealth not long after resumed its first form of Government and the supreme authority was given to him that was esteemed the most valiant in War and the most upright in doing Justice During which time such Magistrates were called Judges After this the Prophet Samuel assembled the people and spake to them after this manner 1 Sam. 12. 3 4. I conjure you by that great God that sent those two admirable Brothers Moses and Aaron to deliver our forefathers from the Egyptians Samuels justification of himself in the presence the people and their tyranny that without any consideration either of fear or favour or of any other passion you truly testifie whether I have committed any injustice either for interest avarice or affection Declare it If I have taken away any mans Calf or sheep ar any other thing whatsoever but that which I might lawfully take for C my relief and sustenance and at such hands as willingly offer me the same or if I have employed any Beasts to my service or use his cattel to my profit and his hinderance in these and such like if I have offended any man let him now accuse me in the presence of the King All of them cryed out with one voyce that no such fault had been committed by him but that he had Governed their Nation in Holiness and Justice After the people had thus publicky testified in behalf of Samuel he said unto them Since you have freely protested that you have no cause of wrong to charge against me v. 7. ad 16. hear I pray you wherewith I can justly accuse you Samuel expostulateth with the people and objecteth their sins and ingratitude You have griveously offended against the Majesty of God in that you have required a King at his hands you should have rather remembred that your old Father Jacob accompanied onely with his 70 Sons came into Egypt constrained thereunto by famine and D that in that Countrey divers thousands of persons issued from his loynes whom the Egyptians kept in captivity doing them extream outrages And when your fathers called upon God he wonderfully delivered them from the distresses wherein they were without giving them any King but sending them two Brothers Moses and Aaron who brought and conducted them into this Countrey which you possess at this present And although you participated these benefits from the hands of God yet you forget his religion and neglected piety This notwithstanding at such time as you have been conquered by your enemies he hath set you free assisting you first of all with the overthrow of the Assyrians and their forces then giving you victory over the Ammonites and Moabites and finally over the Philistines Now these great exploits were performed by you not under the conduct of a King but by the direction of Jephta E and Gedeon What folly therefore hath bewitched you to flie from God and to seek to live under the subjection of a King But I have named such an one unto you Whom God hath chosen to be your Governour Notwithstanding to the intent that I may give you a manifest testimony that Gods wrath is provoked against you because you have desired a King I will desire of God that he will make you see in this place and in the heart of Summer such a storm that there is not any one of you that hath ever seen the like Scarce had he spoken the words but suddenly there appeared great Lightning Thunder and Hail in confirmation of what the Prophet had said v. 16 17 18. so that amazed and confounded with fear A huge tempest falleth upon Samuels prayer all of them confessed that they had offended and desired the Prophet that with a good and fatherly affection he would beseech God to appease his wrath towards them and forgive them F this offence which they had committed through ignorance as he had pardoned their other negligences whereby they had transgressed his holy will All which Samuel promis'd them do to and be sought God that it would please him to pardon them the error which they had committed in this matter and to be appeased by his prayers After this he exhorted them to live uprightly and to keep in continual remembrance what evils had hapned unto them v. 20. ad finem for that they had forsaken the way of virtue and what wonders God had done An exhortation to the consideration of Gods assistance and benefits bestowed on the Israelites and what Laws he had given by Moses all which they ought to meditate on if they desired to be in safety and live happily with their King But if they failed herein he foretold them that both themselves and their Kings should be grievously punished Samuel having prophesied these things to the Hebrews dismissed them to G their own dwellings after he had confirmed the Kingdom to Saul the second time CHAP. VII The
suffer an open shame for the sin he had committed in secret Moreover said he the son which thou shalt have by her shall shortly die After the had King received this message v. 13. 14. he was troubled David confesseth his sin and obtaineth pardon at Gods hands and wept confessing that he had done wickedly for before this time he had always feared God and had never in his life offended him but in the case of Vria whereupon after his submission God was E appeased and took compassion of him promising him to continue both his life and Kingdom v. 15 16 17 18. and that he would be no more displeased with him if he repented him of the sin he had committed David fasteth seven dayes lamenting and mourning for his Son After Nathan had declared these things unto David he departed unto his own house But God according to the word of the Prophet inflicted a grievous sickness on the infant that was born by Bethsabe for which cause the King was troubled and for seven days space would eat no meat although he was earnestly pressed thereunto by his Servants He put on likewise a mourning habit and cloathed himself with Sackcloth beseeching God that it would please him to grant him the childs life But when the infant was deceased about the seventh day of his sickness v. 20 21. his servants durst not let him know it supposing that if it should come unto his ear David being certified that the child was dead ariseth and washing taketh sustenance he would the more obstinately abstain from eating F and his health would be indangered by his inordinate grief considering he had so vehemently been afflicted for his sickness But the King perceiving that his Servants were troubled and that they concealed something from him and gathering thereby that his Son was dead he called unto him one of his offices who certifying him of the truth he arose and washed himself v. 21 22. and changed his rayment and presented himself before the Tabernacle of God David yieldeth a reason why during the childs life he fasted and why being dead he took refection and commanded that they should bring him meat that he might eat Whereat his friends and Servants wondred and besought him that they might know the cause he answered while the child was alive and I had hope of his recovery I omited no means whereby I might move God to mercy but now after he is dead it were in vain for me to spend my self with unnecessary grief Which when they heard they G approved the wisdom of the King v. 24. After this Bethsabe his Wife brought him a second Son who was called Solomon Solomon was born by Bethsabe Mean while Joab closely besieged the Ammonites and cut off their water and supplies of Provision so that they were nigh famished for want of Victuals The year of the World 2816. before Christ's Nativity 1040. for they had only one little spring so that they feared lest it would be suddenly H dry He therefore wrote unto the King and certified him of the state of the City and exhorted him to come in person and be present at the taking of it to the intent that he might have the honour of taking the Town The King Joab by letters solliciteth the King to come to the surprisal of Rabatha understanding what Joab had written commended his affection and fidelity and taking with him all the forces which he had he came to the taking in of Rabatha which being carried by force and the plunder given to his Soldiers he reserved for himself the Crown of the King of the Ammonites weighing a talent of Gold in the midst whereof was enchased a Sardonyx of great value v. 27. ad finem which David wore upon his head He found likewise in that City divers spoils of great price David surprizing Rabatha by force giveth it for a prey to his Souldiers but the inhabitants he put to the Sword and did the like in all the Cities of the Ammonites which he took by force But after I the King was returned unto Jerusalem a great misfortune befell his family upon this occasion He had a Daughter which was a Virgin fair and beautiful and surpassed all other women in perfections Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. whose name was Thamar born of the same Mother with Absolon Of her Amnon the eldest Son of David became enamoured and because he could not enjoy her at his pleasure 2 Sâ—â— 13. 1. ad 19. he grew so melancholy that his body dryed up and his colour changed through grief A certain cousin and friend of his called Jonathan perceiving his passion and observing every day how Amnons beauty and strength decayed came unto him and asked him the cause thereof alledging that that indisposition of his seemed to proceed from some amorous affection Jonathan counselled Amnon how he might injoy his love Which when Amnon confessed and how he was in love with his Sister by the Fathers side Jonathan suggested to him the K means how to compass his desires for he persuaded him to counterfeit himself sick and that if his Father came to visit him he should desire him to send his sister to attend him by which means he should easily be delivered of his sickness This counsel of his was plausible in Amnons ears who presently counterfeited a sickness and laid him down on his Bed as Jonathan had advised him and when David came to visit him he desired him to send his Sister unto him When she came he prayed her that with her own hands she would make some Cakes for him because they would the more content him if they were of her own making wherefore she in her Brothers presence tempered the flower and made certain Cakes and fried them in the Pan and presented them unto him but he tasted them not but commanded all his Servants to retire out of his lodging because L he intended to take his rest without noise or trouble v. 13. As soon as this commandment of his was performed Amnon persuadeth his Sister to submit to his lust he prayed his sister to bring the Meat into his inner Chamber He followed her and discovering his passion began to offer violence But the Virgin crying out endeavoured what she could to disswade him from an action so sinful and dishonourable to their family Amnon notwithstanding his Sisters resist Violateth her or if he had not the power to resist the same she advised him to require her at his Fathers hands and not to take her honour from her by force But he inraged with love neglected all these sayings and violated her notwithstanding all her resistance And as soon as he he had satisfied his lustfull desire he hated her and commanded her to arise and depart She answered that this second outrage was more hainous than the former for that
himself before the King and had declared unto him the success of the battel the question L was asked how Absalon did whereunto he answered The like fortune happen to all thine enemies O King as hath hapned to Absalon These words quite extinguished the delight and joy that David conceived in the victory and the excess thereof much troubled his servants for the King ascending into the highest part of the City bewailed his son beating his breast tearing his hair and afflicting himself after such a sort as cannot be expressed and crying out in a mournful manner My son said he would God my son that I were dead with thee For although of his own nature he was of a tender disposition yet loved he Absalon above all the rest of his children When the Army and Joab were informed that David lamented his son in his sort 2 Sam. 19. 1 2 3 4. they had this respect unto him Joab and his army enter the city in mournful manner that they would not enter the City after a triumphant and victorious M manner but they entred hanging down their heads and weeping all of them most tenderly as if they had returned from some defeat But when the King having his head covered persevered to bewail his son Joab entred in unto him and said O King you consider not that in this behaviour of yours you dishonour your self for it is to be thought that you hate those that love you and expose themselves to all perils for your sake yea that you hate your self and your own succession and that contrariwise you love your most mortal enemies most entirely since you bewail them when they are justly deprived of their lives For if Absalom had had the victory and had possessed the Kingdom there had not any one of us been left alive that love you but had all suffered death nay and in the first rank your self and your own children neither would they being our enemies have lamented but laughed at our deaths N yea Ver. 5 ad 8. they would punish them likewise David is taxed for lamenting his son and upon Joabs persuasion presenteth himself unto the people who should have any compassion of our miseries yet are you not ashamed to lament after this manner for a man that hated you who although he received his life from you yet he shewed not that honour and respect which he was obliged to express towards a father Desist therefore from thy unjust lamentation and offer thy self in presence to thy well-deserving Soldiers and give them thanks that by their valor have obtained this victory otherwise if thou continue as thou hast begun this day will I translate the Kingdom from thee and give thee a more just occasion to lament than hitherto thou hast had By these words Joab allayed the Kings Lamentations and drew him to the care of his Common-weal for cloathing himself in a Royal habit whereby he might appear the more glorious unto his Soldiers he sate in the gate so that all the people hearing thereof flocked O out to salute him A Whilest these things past after this manner they that remained alive of Absalons Army returning home unto their houses sent messengers to every Village to remind them how many benefits they had received at Davids hands and how after many and grievous Wars he had brought them to a secure liberty and how unjustly they had revolted from him and translated the Kingdom unto another For which cause it behooved them since he was dead whom they had chosen Ver. 9. to make their submission unto David that he might be reconciled to them The kingdom of Israel is once more offered unto David and receive the people into his favor and that according as heretofore so now also he would vouchsafe them his pardon and protection David being informed of these things by express Letters commanded Sadoc and Abiathar the chief Priests that they should certifie the Princes of the Tribe of Juda that it would be B a great indignity for them that other Tribes should prefer David to the Kingdom before them especially since he was of their Tribe In like manner he commanded them to speak with Amasa the General Ver. 13 14. and expostulate with him why he who was his Nephew by the sisters side David not only giveth Amasa his pardon but maketh him General also of the whole Army did not persuade the Army to recommend the Kingdom to his hands willing them to assure him that he was not only to hope for pardon for that which was past but also for the government of the whole Army according as Absalon had granted it unto him Hereupon the High Priest not only conferred with the Princes but also informed Amasa what the King had promised in his behalf whereby they drew him to their party Ver. 15. And first of all The Tribe of Juda cometh as far as Jordan to meet with David and make a Bridge over the floud those of his own Tribe recalled David into his Kingdom the rest of the Israelites by their example and Amasa's authority did the C like and flocked from all parts to congratulate his happy return to Jerusalem But the Tribe of Juda signalized themselves above the rest by going out as far as the bank of Jordan to meet him with these came Simei the son of Gera with a thousand men which he had brought with him of the Tribe of Benjamin Siba likewise Sauls freeman came thither with his 15 sons and 20 servants who made a bridge over Jordan that the King might the more easily pass over with his Army As soon as he came unto Jordan he was saluted by the Tribe of Juda Simei is pardoned and Simei marched forward on the bridge and prostrating himself at the Kings feet Ver. 22 23. asked pardon for his offences and besought him to be reconciled and that in recovering his authority he would not make him the first example of his justice but that he should remember this also that he had repented of his error D and did with the foremost march out to meet him upon his return Whilest thus he besought the King and lamented Abisai Joabs brother spake after this manner Why should he not dye that hath thus villanously reproached the King whom God hath established But David turned back unto him and said Ye sons of Servia will you never cease to promote new troubles and to add new divisions to your former commotions Know ye not that this is the first day of my Reign For which cause I swear an oath that I will pardon all them that have committed any crime against me and that no one man shall depart from me without my pardon For which cause be of good cheer Simei and fear thou not that I will seek thy blood Whereupon he cast himself down before the King and afterward marched on his way After this Mephibosheth
that remained after the battel consulted with his friends how he might war against the Israelites Who advised him from thenceforth never more to fight with them in mountainous places for that their God was powerful upon the Mountains and for that cause they had been overcome by them but if he fought with them in the Plain both he and his should be assured to have the upper hand Moreover they counselled him that he should dismiss those Kings that he had confederated with him to the end that each of them might return into his own Countrey and that E in their stead he should retain their Forces over which he should ordain Chieftains besides to supply their places that were lost they advised him to levy Horsemen and Chariots thorow all his Countrey Adab supposing that they had discreetly counselled him in this matter ordered his Army according as they had advised And as soon as the Spring was come Ver. 23 ad 27. he assembled his Army Adad's second expedition against the Israelities and led them forth against the Israelites and coming near unto the City of Aphec he encamped in a plain field But Achab with his Forces marching out to meet him pitched his Tents near unto him although he were far inferiour both in force and number To him the Prophet appeared again telling him That God would once more give him the victory to make it known that his power was not only in the Mountains as the Syrians persuaded themselves but in the Plains also Thus continued F both the Armies and encamped the one against the other for the space of six days On the seventh when the Enemy forsook their Trenches early in the morning and placed themselves in battel-array Achab drew out his Army and faced them and presently charged them where after a long and dangerous fight between them the Enemies were put to flight and many of them slain in the chase For some of them were intangled with their own Chariots others slew those of their own party and some few of them found the means to flie unto their City of Aphec who perished likewise to the number of Seven and twenty thousand being slain by the walls that fell upon them besides One hundred thousand men that perished in the fight But Adad attended by some of his principal Officers went and hid himself in a Cave under the ground and they representing G unto him that the Kings of Israel were merciful and that there was hope of pardon to be had if after the manner of Suppliants they sent unto him Adad permitted them Whereupon they incontinently presented themselves to Achab cloathed in H Sackcloth The year of the World 3040. before Christ's Nativity 923. with Ropes about their Necks according to the manner of Supplicants amongst the Syrians telling him That Adad besought his Majesty to grant him his life promising on his behalf that from thenceforth he would alwayes continue his servant and acknowledge his favor Achab answer'd them That he was very glad that their King was as yet alive and had escaped from the fury of the fight offering him by them that kindness which one brother ought to shew unto another Ver. 31 ad 34. And sware unto them that he should offer him no wrong if he discover'd himself unto him Adad is received into favor by Achab and dismissed upon condition Whereupon they brought him from the place where he was hidden and presented him unto Achab who was mounted upon a Chariot Adad prostrated himself before him but Achab stretching out his hand made him come up unto him into his Chariot and kissed him willing him to be of good courage assuring I him That he should be no otherwise treated by him than as became the dignity of a King Hereupon Adad gave him thanks protesting That during his life-time he would never be forgetful of his favours promising him moreover to restore unto him those Cities which his Predecessors Kings of Syria had taken from the Israelites and that he should have as free access to Damascus as to Samaria After this Treaty confirmed by oath Achab gave him many worthy Presents Ver. 35. ad fiâ—â— and sent him back into his kingdom Thus ended the War betwixt Adad and the King of the Israelites After this a certain Prophet called Micheas came unto another Israelite commanding him to wound him upon the head assuring him That God was so pleased and had so commanded him When this Israelite would in no sort condescend hereunto he prophesied unto him That since he had disobeyed Gods commandment K he should meet with a Lyon which should rent him in pieces Which coming to pass according as it was foretold the Prophet addressed himself again unto another commanding him to do the like and when he had wounded him in the head he bound up the wound and came unto the King Achab was reproved for dismissing Adab telling him That he had been in the Wars and had received a Prisoner in charge from his Captains hands and that his Prisoner being fled from him he feared lest he that had committed him to his charge should for that cause take his life from him the rather for that he threatned no less Achab answer'd him That he was justly condemned Whereupon Micheas discover'd his head and made it known who he was And to this intent used the Prophet this artifice that his words might be of greater force and value For he told the King That God would chastise him because he had permitted the blasphemer L Adad to depart unpunished assuring him That God would cause him to be slain by Adad and suffer the people of Israel to be slaughtered by the Syrian Army The reward of learned Preachers The King displeased with the liberty and free speech of the Prophet commanded him to be cast into Prison and being vehemently affrighted with this his Prediction he departed home unto his house CHAP. IX The exemplary Piety of Jehoshaphat King of Juda his Prosperity his Military power He marrieth Joram his Son to a Daughter of Ahab King of Israel and assisteth him M with his Forces against Adad King of Syria HItherto have we spoken of Achab but now I must return unto Jehoshaphat King of Jerusalem Jehoshaphats piety who having enlarged his kingdom and planted Garisons in those Cities that were subject unto him and in those likewise which his Grandfather Abiah had possessed in the Tribe of Ephraim 2 Chron. 17. 1. at such time as Jeroboam reigned over the ten Tribes the King had perpetual assistance and favour at Gods hands in that he was a just and virtuous Prince studying day and night for nothing more than how he might please and honour God The Kings his Neighbors round about him honour'd him with Presents so that his riches and reputation were very great N In the third year of his Reign he assembled the
threatning them that if they omitted it they might be assured that God would punish them After this admonition 2 Chron. 28. 9 ad 16. the Israelites assembled themselves together to consult upon this matter at which time Barachias one of the principal Governors of the State and three others with him The Israelites by the Prophets advice dismiss those prisoners they had taken of the Tribes of Juda and Benjamin alledged That it was not lawful for the Citizens to lead their Prisoners into the City for fear as they said that God should utterly extinguish them all For those sins said they which we have already committed and against which the Prophets have exclaimed are cause enough to incense God so that we have no cause to add new Impieties to the precedent When the Soldiers heard these words they permitted them to execute N all that which they held convenient to be done For which cause they took the Prisoners and discharged them and entertained them courteously and gave them money to furnish them in their journey and sent them home without offence and besides that these four persons conducted them onward of their journey as far as Jericho and when they drew near unto Jerusalem they returned back to Samaria CHAP. XIII The King of Assyria taketh Damascus by force killeth their King translateth the People into Media and planteth new Colonies in Damascus O WHen King Achaz had received this overthrow by the Israelites he sent unto Theglaphalazar King of Assyria requiring him to assist him in the War which he intended against the Israelites Syrians and them of Damascus promising to give him great Sums of money The year of the World 3055. before Christ's Nativity 909. and at that present also he sent him very large Presents Who A after he had considered on the Embassage came forth with his Army to assist Achaz and spoiling Syria and sacking Damascus he slew Rases their King also and transported them of Damascus into the higher Media and sent certain people of Assyria into Damascus He wrought much mischief likewise in the Countrey of Israel 2 Kings 16. 7 8 ad 16. and led away a great number of Prisoners from thence After that the Syrians had been subdued and weakned after this manner The translation of the Israelite Achaz took all the gold and silver that was in the Kings treasury and in the Temple of God and carried it unto Damascus and gave it to the King of Assyria according to the promise which he had made him Achaz giveth the gold and silver of the Temple to the King of the Assyrians and after much rejoycing he returned back again to Jerusalem B This King was so sensless and ignorant of his own profit that although he was vanquished in War by the Syrians yet ceased he not to adore their gods but persisted to honour them Achaz shutteth the doors of Gods Temple and honoureth strange gods as if he expected the victory by their means And although he were overcome the second time yet he continued to worship the Assyrian gods choosing rather to reverence any than the true God whom his Forefathers worshipped yea so far grew he in contempt and neglect of all true piety and at length he shut up the Temple-gates and prohibited the ordinary Sacrifices Ver. 20. having before that taken all the precious Presents out of the same Achaz death After he had in this sort committed these outrages against God he died when he was 36 years old and after he had reigned 16 years and left his son Ezechias to succeed him in the kingdom At that very time died Phaceias King of the Israelites by means of a certain conspiracy 2 Kings 17. 1 ad 6. which Oseas his intended friend wrought against him C who held the kingdom for the space of nine years shewing himself to be wicked and a contemner of God Oseas's impiety and punishment Against him Salmanasar King of Assyria raised a War and overcame him because God was not favourable unto him neither assistant to his enterprizes he was therefore subdued Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. and constrained to pay a certain tribute imposed upon him The fourth year of the Reign of Oseas 2 Kings 18. 1 c. Ezechias the son of Achaz and Abia a Citizen of Jerusalem reigned over the two Tribes He was a man of a virtuous disposition and one that loved justice and piety 2 Chron. 29. 1 c. for as soon as he came unto the kingdom he resolved with himself first of all that there was nothing more necessary and advantagious than the establishment of the service of God When therefore he had assembled the People the Priests and the Levites he began to discourse with them in these or such like words D There is no one of you but knoweth that for my fathers offences and for your irreverence and disregard to the service of God ye are fallen into many calamities because through your extreme madness you have suffered your selves to be persuaded to adore those whom he esteemed to be no gods Since therefore you have learnt to your own misery how pernicious a thing impiety is I exhort you that you purifie both your selves your Priests and your Levites from your former pollutions that yet at length you may assemble together and open the Temple and cleanse the same with ordinary Sacrifices to the end it may be restored to the ancient honour which heretofore it enjoyed for by this means God will be favourable unto us when his wrath shall be appeased that was kindled against us As soon as the King had spoken after this manner the Priests opened the Temple and after they had gathered the sacred vessels and cast all E uncleanness out of it they offered Sacrifices upon the Altar according to the custom Afterwards the King sent to all the Provinces under his dominion and gathered together the People of Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread which had been intermitted a long time through the impiety of the Kings Predecessors He sent also unto the Israelites exhorting them to forsake the customs which of a long time they had wickedly observed and to return to the true and ancient manner of serving God certifying them that he would permit them to repair to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread promising them that he himself would solemnize the same with them also protesting that he did this not in respect of his own profit but through the desire he had to promote their felicity who should be happy if they obeyed this his counsel F When Ezechias Ambassadors came unto the Israelites Ezechias Ambassadors that were sent to the Israelites to exhort them to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread are slain by them and had delivered unto them the message that they had in charge so far were they from complying with
advanced towards Euphrates with an intent to repulse Nabuchodonosor H But he was overcome in battel The year of the World 33â—6 before Christ's Nativity 928. and lost divers thousands of his men Whereupon the Babylonian passing Euphrates seized all Syria as far as Pelusâ—um Judea only excepted The fourth year that Nabuchodonosor reigned over these conquered Countries and in the eighth year of the Reign of Joachim over the Hebrews the Babylolonian led forth his Army against the Jews with a mighty power threatning them to use all hostility 2 Kings 24. 11. ad 20. except Joachim would pay him Tribute Joachim fearing his threats bought his peace with silver and payed for three years space the Tributes that were imposed on him Joachim payeth Nabuchadnezzar tribute But in the third year understanding that the Egyptian was up in Arms against the Babylonian he denied the payment of the Tribute notwithstanding he was frustrated of his hope for the Egyptians were not so hardy as to make War All which the I Prophet Jeremy daily foretold him signifying unto him That he built his hope in vain upon the Egyptians and that it would fall out that the City should be overthrown by the King of Babylon Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. and Joachim himself should be delivered Prisoner into his hands But because there was no means for them to escape this justice all that which he said Joachim revolteth from the King of Babylon was nothing available For notwithstanding the People and Governors heard thereof yet made they no reckoning of the same but were displeased with those counsels which he proposed unto them accusing Jeremy as if he took pleasure to utter and publish ominous and adverse Presages against the King they likewise called him in question before the Kings Council and requir'd that he might be condemn'd Whereupon some of them gave sentence against him But others took a more discreet course and persuaded them to cause K the Prophet to depart out of the Kings house forbidding his Adversaries to do him any mischief since that he had not only foretold the future calamities of the City but that many before him had done the like as Micheas and divers others and yet that no one of them had suffer'd any evil by the Kings of their time but that contrariwise Micheas had been honour'd as a Prophet sent from God By these words they appeased the People and deliver'd Jeremy from the death intended against him This man wrote all his Prophesies Jeremy foretelleth the destruction of Jerusalem and read them to the People in their Fasts when they were assembled in the Temple in the ninth month of the fifth year of the Reign of Joachim which book he had composed touching that which should happen unto the City the Temple and the People When the Governors heard the same Jer. 22. 24. they took the book from him and commanded L that both he and his Secretary Baruch should withdraw themselves out of the sight of men and they took the book and presented it unto the King who in the presence of his Friends commanded his Secretary to read the same and after he had heard the contents thereof he waxed wroth and renting it in pieces cast it into the fire intending that it should never be seen He sent out likewise a strict Commission to seek out Jeremy and his Secretary Baruch and to lead them out to be punished But they were already fled that they might prevent his indignation CHAP. VII M Nabuchodonosor putteth Joachim to death and establisheth Joachin in the Kingdom NOT long after this Nabuchadnezzars entertainment into the city and cruelty he went out to meet the King of Babylon who was marched out to make War against him and being incredulous and careless of the Prophets Predictions he opened the gates unto him supposing that he intended him no evil But when the Babylonians were entered into the City the King observed not his promises but put all such to death as were in the flower and strength of their years 2 Kings 24. 1 ad 11. and spared none of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem Joachin of Jochonias King of Juda. with them also he slew their King Joachim and caused his body to be cast from the top of the walls and vouchsafed him no Sepulchre establishing Joachin his son King of the Countrey and of the City Moreover he took 3000 of N the most honourable Citizens of Jerusalem Prisoners and led them to Babylon with him amongst whom was the Prophet Ezekiel at that time very young in years This was the end of King Joachim who lived 36 years and reigned 11. Joachin that succeeded him in the Kingdom was the son of Nosta of Jerusalem and reigned three months and ten days O CHAP. VIII The year of the World 3346. before Christ's Nativity 618. A Nabuchodonosor changeth his purpose and besiegeth Joachin and receiveth him upon composition AS soon as the Babylonian had bestowed the Kingdom of Judea on Joachin he was seized with a sudden fear Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. which made him suspect lest Joachin remembring himself of the injuries he had done unto him by the murther of his father might draw the Countrey into rebellion 2 King 25. 27. and revolt against him For which cause he sent out certain Forces and besieged Joachin in Jerusalem who being a man of a good nature and of an upright B heart was loth to forsake the City in that danger without a Governor considering that it was for his cause that the Common-weal was in that hazard For which cause taking his wife and his nearest akin with him he delivered them into the hands of the Captains that were sent against him Nabuchodonosor a Truce-breaker receiving an oath from them that neither they nor the City should receive any harm But this promise continued not a year for the King of Babylon observed it not but commanded his Captains to imprison all the youth and artificers that were in the City and to bring them bound unto him The number of them was 10832 persons besides Joachin his Mother and his near Allies whom they took Prisoners CHAP. IX C Sedechias is made King over Jerusalem by the Babylonians INstead of Joachin he appointed Sedechias his Uncle King of Jerusalem whom he bound by an oath that he should govern the Countrey without any innovation 2 King 24. 17. and that he should hold no intelligence with the Egyptians Sedechias King of Jerusalem seduced by his Courtiers and false Prophets giveth no ear to Jeremy This Sedechias was 21 years old at such time as he came unto the Kingdom and was Joachims brother by the mothers side he was a contemner of all laws and a preverter of ordinances For the young men that were about him were without the fear of God and all the people under his dominions D committed whatsoever
with Presents he departed In mean while Jeremy dwelt in the City of Masphath he desired Nabuzaradan that he would send him his Disciple Baruch the Son of Neria a man of a Noble Family and excellently Learned in that Countrey Language Now when those that during the Siege of Jerusalem Baâ—uch dismissed out of prison v. 6. ad finem the Jews resort to Masphaâ—th to Godolias were retired out of the City understood the retreat of the Babylonians B they assembled together from all parts and came to Masphath to Godolias under the conduct of John the Son of Careas and Jezanais and Sareas and others And besides these a certain man called Ismael of the Bloud Royal a wicked and fraudulent man who during the Siege of the City had retired himself to Bathal King of the Ammonites and had sojourned with him during all the troubles When they were come together Godolias advised them to remain in that Countrey without any fear of the Babylonians promising that in manuring their Land they should incurr no inconvenience All which he confirmed unto them by an Oath adding further that if any disturbance were offered to any man he would readily assist him He gave each one this advice likewise to inhabit any City that they liked best promising them to send them thither C with such things as appertained to them to build them Houses and furnish their Habitation promising that when time served he would make provision of Corn Wine and Oil for their maintenance during the Winter and when he had thus advised them he gave them leave to depart and inhabit the Countrey Now when the rumor was spread amongst the people of Judea that Godolias had thus courteously entertained those that were Fugitives and now he had permitted them to Inhabit and Till the Countrey provided that they payed their Tribute to the Babylonian divers of them repaired to him and inhabited the Countrey And John and the other Governors being with him and assured of his clemency began entirely to love him Wherefore they told him that Bathal King of the Ammonites had sent Ismael to murther him by D some Treachery that by that means he might have the Dominion over the Israelites that remained in that he was of the Bloud-Royal perswading him that the only means to escape this Treason was to permit them to kill Ismael in secret assuring him on the contrary that they feared that if Ismael should happen to kill him their whole Nation that remained was like to fall to utter ruine But Godolias replyed that it was not probable that Ismael who had received nothing but kindness from his hands should make any attempt upon his life and that having never been guilty of any unworthy action in the time of his necessity he should now make himself guilty of so great a Villany against his Benefactor whom he ought even with the hazard of his own life to secure from the attempts of others Yea said he although those things were true which you inform me of yet had I rather E dye than murther a man that had committed his life to my trust For which cause John and the rest seeing their perswasions were in vain departed from him Some thirty days after Ismael accompanied with ten Men came to Masphath to Godolias who received them with Presents and magnificent Entertainment so that to express to Ismael and his companions how heartily they were welcome Godolias drunk so hard that he was somewhat overcame with Wine Now when Ismael perceived him overloaden with Drink and Sleep he stept unto him with his ten associates and cut both his throat and theirs who kept him company at the Banquet after which murther he issued out by night and slew all the Jews that were left in the City and those Babylonian Soldiers also that were left in Garrison in that place The next day there came F fourscore Men of the Countrey to Godolias with Presents being utterly ignorant of that which had happened Ismael knowing them called them unto him as if he intended to bring them to Godolias and as soon as they were entred he locked the Court-Gates and slew them and afterwards cast their bodies into a deep Ditch to the intent they might not be discovered Of this number there were some that escaped who besought him that they might not be put to death before they had delivered certain Moveables Garments and Corn that they had hidden in the field which when Ismael understood he spared them but he kept them prisoners that were in Masphath with their Wives and Children in the number of whom were the Daughters of Zedechias whom Nabuzaradan had left with Godolias This done he retired back again to the G King of the Ammonites John and the Governors of his company hearing what was done by Ismael in Masphath and above all of the murther of Godolias they were wonderfully inraged so that each of them assembling his forces issued forth to pursue H Ismael whom they overtook near unto a Fountain in Hebron The prisoners that were with Ismael seeing John and his Confederates took courage supposing that it was some succors that came to help them and forsook him that led them and began to joyn with Johns followers and thus fled Ismael with his eight Men to the King of the Ammonites John gathering together all those whom he had rescued from Ismaels hands Ver. 12. ad â—inem both Eunuchs Women and Children retired into a certain place called Mendra where he sojourned all that day John releaseth Ismaels Captives resolving from thence to depart into Egypt fearing lest the Babylonians should put him to death if they should remain in Judea for that they would be displeased with the death of Godolias whom they had placed in the Government In this perplexity and distress John asketh counsel of God and being informed refuseth the same they addressed themselves to the Prophet Jeremy beseeching I him to enquire of God and to certify them what it behoved them to do in this their doubtful Estate binding themselves by an Oath to do that which Jeremy should command them Hereupon the Prophet promised that he would ask Counsel of God for them and some ten days after God appeared unto him and willed him to certify John the Governors and the rest of the people that if they inhabited Judea he would assist them and take care of them and secure them so as the Babylonians whom they feared should do them no harm but if they departed into Egypt he would abandon them and deliver them over to the like misery as their brethren had endured in times past Whilest the Prophet thus warned them from God they would not believe him in that he commanded them to remain in that place but they imagined that under a false pretext of K Gods command he had counselled them thereto but that in effect he spake in favor of his Disciple Baruch
the World 3421. before Christ's Nativity 543. where he was served with great store of Vessels fit for his Majesty and with him at the Banquet there sate his Concubines and most intimate friends At which time to shew his Magnificence he caused those Vessels to be brought out of the Temple of his God which Nabuchodonosor his predecessor fearing to employ to his own use had stored up in his Idols Temple Dan. 5. 5 6 7 ad 30. But Balthasar was so puffed with pride Baâ—thasar seeth a hand thrust out of a Wall and writing certain Syâ—lables that he drank out of them and employed them to his own use Now came it to pass that whilest he quaffed and blasphemed the Name of God he saw a hand issuing from a Wall which wrote on the same certain words by which Vision being somewhat terrified he assembled his Magicians and Chaldees and all that sort of people who amongst those barbarous Nations made profession to interpret I Prodigies and Dreams to the intent they might signify unto him the meaning and signification of that Writing Now when these Magicians had told them that they could not give an interpretation of it the King was sore vexed and troubled at this unexpected Vision whereupon he caused it to be proclaimed thorow his Countrey that whosoever should read that Writing and declare the meaning thereof he would give him a Golden Chain and a Purple Robe such as the King of the Chaldees wore and besides all this the third part of his Empire After this Proclamation the Magicians assembled tegether with a great concourse and were far more diligent and inquisitive to find out the signification of the Writing but they advanced nothing more than at the first Mean while the Kings Grandmother seeing him wholly dejected in mind began to comfort K him and to tell him that there was a certain man amongst the prisoners of Juda led thither at such time as Nabuchodonosor destroyed Jerusalem whose name was Daniel a man wise and expert in searching out of things that were onely known unto God who evidently expounded that which Nabuchodonosor required at such time as no other man could satisfy his demand Whereupon the King called him unto his Presence and telling him what proofs he had heard of his Wisdom and of that Divine Spirit that was in him and how he onely was fit to interpret those things which were concealed from other mens knowledge he prayed him to inform him what that hand-writing signified promising him in reward thereof a Purple Garment a Golden Chain and the third part of his Empire to the end that being honoured with these rewards for his wisdom L he might grow famous amongst all men who demanding the reason should know the intent why he was honoured But Daniel refusing all these Presents of his in that the wisdom that is given from above is not corrupted thereby but is freely imparted to those that have need thereof told him that that Writing did foretell the end of his life because he had not learned to fear God neither to lift up his thoughts higher than humane nature notwithstanding he had seen the chastisement wherewith his predecessor had been punished for the outrages he committed against God For that Nabuchodonosor having been driven to lead his life amongst Beasts by reason of his Impieties after divers requests and supplications had obtained mercy and was returned unto humane conversation and into his own Kingdom for which cause all the time of M his life he praised Almighty God the Governour of all things whereas he had omitted to do the like and had blasphemed the name of God and had debauched himself with his Concubines in the Vessels dedicated to God For this cause God was displeased with him and certified him by his Writing what end he should expect Whereupon he expounded the Writings after this manner Mane which is as much to say as number sheweth that God hath numbred the days of thy Life and Reign which shall endure but a little while Thekel signifieth a balance God therefore said he weighing the government sheweth that it shall be overthrown Phares this word signifieth a fragment God shall break thy Kingdom and divide it among the Medes and Persians When the King had heard this interpretation he was very sorrowful according N as the nature of things so disasterous and so apparent required Notwithstanding he delayed not to bestow those Presents which he had promised the Prophet although as he well perceived the words boaded him ill yet he gave him all that which he promised him v. 2. ad 29. considering with himself Daniel interpreteth the Writing to the King that it was his own destiny that he ought to accuse and not Daniel who like an honest man had declared the Truth notwithstanding it were very unwelcome to his ear Not long after this Balthasar and the City were overthrown and taken by Cyrus King of Persia and his Army The King performed his promises to Daniel For this was that Balthasar under whom and in the seventeenth year of whose Reign the surprisal of Babylon hapened This as far as I could gather was the end of King Nebuchodonosors posterity v. 31. O Darius Babylon surprized by Cyrus King of Persia who with his ally Cyrus had destroyed the state of the Babylonians was threescore and two years old at such a time as he took Babylon He was Astyages Son and is otherways called by the Greeks He took the Prophet Daniel and led him with him into Media The year of the World 3425. before Christ's Nativity 539. and kept him near unto him doing him much honour for he was of the number A of three Governours whom he constituted over three hundred and threescore Provinces for so had Darius commanded it Now Daniel being thus honoured and beloved by Darius and trusted by him in all things for that God was with him was much hated as they usually are The force of envy who have the greatest interest in Princes favours Whereas therefore they that were jealous of the good esteem which he had with Darius soughâ— occasion to calumniate and backbite him Daniels honour and uprightness he warily cut off all opportunity thereof for he would neither be bribed with Silver nor corrupted with Presents supposing it to be an act of much dishonesty to receive gifts after a man had done any courtesies Hedio and Ruffinus chap. 14. He therefore gave his maligners no manner of ground to detract from his reputation But they still persisted in their malice Dan. 6. Ã v. 4. ad 15. and all other attempts failing they thought upon one at last by B which they imagined they might destroy him For they perceiving that Daniel did thrice every day make his Pray'rs unto God they supposed that they had found a just pretext to work his ruine Whereupon they came unto Darius certifying him
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-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
in the Countrey of Galilee and for this cause was greatly beloved by Cassius for he being prudent and discreet thought it no small policy at that time to win the Romans good will on other mens expences Under the other Governors the Cities were set to sale together with their Inhabitants and amongst them these four were the chiefest namely Gophna Emaus Lydda and Thamna for Cassius sold the people thereof to them that would give most Besides Cassius was so much transported with choler E that he had slain Malichus if Hircanus had not restrained his fury by sending him One hundred Talents of his own money by Antipater But as soon as Cassius was departed out of the Countrey of Judaea he practised Antipater's death supposing that his cutting off would assure Hircanus's state But Antipater was not ignorant of this his resolution for having an inkling thereof he got himself on the other side of Jordan and assembled an Army of Soldiers both Jews and Arabians Hereupon Malichus who was a politick and subtil fellow denied stoutly that he had intended any Treason Maâ—ichus layeth in wait to murther Antipater but forsweareth the same and is reconciled clearing himself with an Oath before Antipater and his Children that he had never any such intent especially seeing that Phasaelus held Jerusalem and Herod F had an Army at command And in the end perceiving the difficulty wherein he was he reconciled himself to Antipater and they agreed at that time that Marcus governed Syria who perceiving that Malichus began to raise troubles in Jewry resorted thither and there wanted little but that he had slain him had not Antipater by earnest request obtained his life CHAP. XIX Cassius and Marcus leaving Sâ—ria give Herod the command of the Army which they had raised promising to establish him King Malichus causeth Antipater to be poysoned Herod dissembleth with him BUT imprudent Antipater saved Malichus to his own mischief Cassius and Marâ—â—us make Herod Governor of Coelosyria For when Cassius G and Marcus had assembled their Army they committed all the charge into Herods hands and made him Governor of Coelosyria and delivered him great forces both of H Foot and Horse The year of the World 3923. before Christ's Nativity 41. and Ships by Sea They promised him likewise the Kingdom of Judaea after they had finished the War that was at that time betwixt them and Anthony and Caesar the younger Whereupon Malichus mightily fearing Antipaters power determined to destroy him and having corrupted Hircanus's Butler with Money with whom both of them celebrated a Feast he poysoned him Malichus causeth Antipater to be poisoned and afterwards assembling many Soldiers about him he made himself Master of the City When Herod and Phasaelus understood the traiterous conspiracy attempted against their Father they were grievously incensed against Malichus But he denied all and especial abjured the intent or practice of the murther Thus died Antipater a just and virtuous man and such an one as dearly loved his Countrey But Herod who was his younger son immediately resolved to I revenge his fathers death and came forth with an Army against Malichus But Phasaelus who was the elder resolved to circumvent him by policy lest he should raise a Civil War He therefore accepted of Malichus justifications and made a shew that he supposed that he had in no manner contrived Antipater's death and onely minded his Fathers Monument and Funerals Mean while Herod resorting to Samaria and finding it in a desperate condition restored the same and pacified the dissentions that were amongst the Inhabitants Not long after by reason of a Feast he came to Jerusalem with his Soldiers Malichus being afraid of his access perswaded Hircanus that he should not permit him to enter into the City whereunto Hircanus condescended alleadging that amongst the holy People it was not lawful to intermix a Troop of polluted K Men. But Herod slighted them that brought him this news and notwithstanding his command entred the City by night whereat Malichus was much amazed Whereupon according to his ordinary dissimulation he openly wept and bewailed the death of Antipater his especial friend but under-hand he prepared a guard for his own safety Notwithstanding it was thought fit by Herod's friends to take no notice of his dissimulation but to make shew that they were well-affected towards Malichus CHAP. XX. Cassius at Herod's entreaty sends orders to the Commanders of the Roman Troops to revenge L Antipater's death they stab Malichus Felix who commands the Roman Garison in Jerusalem attacketh Phasaelus who reduceth him to capitulate HErod having assured Cassius of Antipater his fathers death he knowing very well of what a wicked man Malichus was wrote back unto Herod that he should revenge the death of his father besides he sent secret Letters to the Captains that were in Tyre commanding them to aid and assist Herod in that just execution which he intended After that Cassius had taken Laodicea and the Inhabitants of the Countrey came together bringing with them Crowns and Silver to present him Herod expecting that Malichus should receive his punishment there but Malichus mistrusting their designs M when he was drawing near to Tyre in Phaenicia he contriv'd a greater enterprize For whereas his son was an hostage in Tyre he entred the City to draw him thence and afterwards return into Judaea taking that opportunity by reason of Cassius's troubles who marched to meet with Anthony he resolved to draw the people to an insurrection and to make himself Lord of the Countrey but God disappointed his unjust purposes For Herod being a man of a ripe judgment immediately discovered his intention and sent one of his servants before under the notion to prepare a banquet because he had told him formerly that he would entertein all his followers but in effect he sent him to the Captains to command them to go out with their Daggers and to meet Malichus who marching forth and meeting with him near the shore he N stabbed him Which act did so much astonish Hircanus that through amaze he grew speechless and being much moved he demanded of Herod's men how this accident had hapned and who it was that had killed Malichus which having heard and how nothing was done without Cassius's commannd he answered that all was well done Malichus being a wicked Man and a Traitor to his Countrey See here how Malichus was justly punished for the wickedness he committed against Antipater When Cassius was gone out of Syria there arose a new tumult in Judaea for Felix who was left in Jerusalem with an Army marched forth against Phasaelus and all the people were in arms For which cause Herod speedily repaired to Fabius Governor of Damasco and intending to succor his brother was prevented by a sickness so that O Phasaelus obtaining a victory by his own forces against Faelix enclosed him up in a Tower whence afterwards he dismissed him under
adventure considerable attempts Herod flyeth to Malchus King of Arabia to borrow money For he went unto Malchus King of the Arabians to whom formerly he had shewed much courtesie hoping to receive the like of him in this time of his great necessity and to draw some money from him either by interest or gift For being ignorant of his brothers death he endeavoured to redeem him speedily from his Enemies by paying his Ransom which amounted to Three hundred Talents and for that cause he led with him the son of Phasaelus who was only seven years old to leave him in pledge amongst the Arabians for the sum that was demanded L But certain messengers came to him from Malchus Herod is commanded out of Arabia and flyeth into Egypt from thence after some storms he repaired to Rome where he certifieth Antonius of that which had befallen him who charged him in the Kings behalf to retire back again for that the Parthians had enjoyned him that he should neither receive nor retain Herod And used this colourable pretence because he would not pay his debts and hereunto was perswaded by the advice of the greatest in authority among the Arabians who pretended thereby to make themselves masters of that treasure that Antipater had committed to their custody Herod answered them That he repaired not into their Countrey to give them cause of any trouble but onely to consult with them about certain matters of great importance touching his own estate and that afterwards he was resolved to depart and withdraw himself into Egypt as secretly as might be possible He returned therefore to a certain Temple where he had left divers of M his followers and the next day he came to Rhinocâ—ra in which place he heard tidings of his brothers death But afterwards Malchus repented himself of his ingratitude and speedily sent after Herod but he could not overtake him for he had gotten far on his way and was already arrived near to Pelusium where being denyed his passage to Alexandria in those ships that were there he addressed himself to the Magistrates of the place who highly respected and honoured him and sent him to the City where Cleopatra was who entertained him kindly yet notwithstanding she could not perswade him to remain with her Whereupon he repaired towards Rome notwithstanding the Winter and those grievous troubles that at the very same time afflicted Italy as it was reported Embarking himself therefore to sail into Pamphilia he was tost with a most N cruel storm so that with great danger at last he arrived in Rhodes having been inforced in the tempest to cast into the Sea great part of his goods There he met with Sappinas and Ptolomey two of his endeared friends He found also the City of Rhodes had suffered much misery by Cassius's Wars and although his means were very short yet he helped them in what he might and caused their Walls to be repaired notwithstanding that by so doing he greatly hindred himself After that he caused a little Frigot to be built and embarked himself with his friends to repair into Italy and arrived at Arundusium and from thence went to Rome The first to whom he discovered his misfortunes was Marcus Antonius to whom he reported all the occurrances in Judaea and how his brother Phasaelus was taken by the Parthians and slain and how O Hircanus was imprisoned with him The manner also how they had established Antigonus King under promise to give them One thousand Talents and Five hundred of the fairest Women whom he intended to chuse out of his own race Lastly how he stole away by night and rescued them and escaping his Enemies hands had afterwards endured A many miseries Besides that his friends were in great danger and left besieged for which cause he had sailed by Winter and despised all dangers only to seek for assistance at his hands on whom depended his hope and last refuge CHAP. XXVâ—â—I Herod through Antonius's and Augustus's assistance is declared King of the Jews at Rome Antigonus besiegeth Massada defended by Joseph Herod's Brother ANtonius hearing of all those alterations that had befallen Herod Hedio Ruffinus cap. 23. al. 25. had compassion of B his misery bethinking himself of the estate and condition of great men who are likewise subject to no less casualties and the rather was he induced to do him good Antonius loved Herod and hated Antigonus both in remembrance of the friendship he had with Antipater his father and also by reason of Herods promises of certain sums of money if he were made King by his means Caesar Augustus Herods friend as he had been formerly declared Tetrarch But that which most moved him hereunto was the hatred which he bare unto Antigonus whom he accounted to be a mutinous man and an Enemy to the Romans On the other side Caesar was well inclined to succor him both in regard of those Armies which Antipater had brought into Egypt in his fathers service as also because of the good hospitality and kindness that he had shewed him in all things and especially to gratifie Antonius who was well affected C towards Herod Whereupon the Senate being assembled Messala and Atratinus brought forth Herod Herod admitted into the Senate and declared King and after they had praised him and recited the favors which the Romans had received by his father and the great affection and good will which he bare to the people of Rome they accused and declared Antigonus the Romans Enemy not only for his ancient crimes but also that in contempt of the Romans he had received the Kingdom from the Parthians Whilst the Senate was sore displeased at the report of these things Antonius arose and declared openly before them all that in furtherance of the Parthian War it were not amiss that Herod should be made King which opinion of his was generally allowed and finally ratified The principal demonstration of the love and affection which Antonius bare unto Herod Herod intending the Kingdom for his Wifes brother enjoyeth the same himself was that he D not only obtained him the Kingdom beyond all hope for he never thought that the Romans would grant that dignity unto him who were wont to reserve that honour to those of the Kings blood and therefore he intended to have demanded it for his Wifes Brother Alexander Herod ascendeth the Capitol with Antonius and Caesaâ— and Nephew to Aristobulus by the Fathers side and to Hircanus by the Mother which Alexander Herod afterwards put to death as shall be declared in time and place but also for that within the term of seven dayes he sent him out of Italy with the unexpected titles of his felicity As soon as the Senate was risen Antonius and Caesar went forth leading Herod between them and being accompanied by the Consuls and other Magistrates went up into the Capitol to do sacrifice and to place there this Decree
they submitted themselves to Herod whom to their own sorrow they had approved to be a valiant Souldier CHAP. IX Antonius is overcome by Augustus in the Battle of Actium Herod put Hircanus to death his pretence for it he resolveth to repair to Augustus his orders before his way going M HErod puffed up with his successful fortune Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. returned back into his own Countrey having obtained great reputation by his valour and vertue But when he supposed his State to be most assured Herod dismaied at Antonies overthrow he grew in danger both to lose his dignity and life by reason of that victory that Caesar obtained against Antony in the Actian War For at that time he not only supposed himself to be utterly overthrown but both his friends and Enemies that were round about him lost their hopes for that it was unlikely that he should escape unpunished with Antony Whereby it came to pass that his friends could not conceal their despair and his Enemies under their colourable and dissembled griefs covered their joy promising themselves thereafter a better and N pleasing administration of the Common-Wealth Hereupon Herod perceiving that except Hircanus Herod determineth to make away Hircanus there was not any one of the blood Royal alive determined to cut him off resolving with himself that if he hapned to escape the danger a man who at that time was worthier the Kingdom then himself should not claime the Crown and if any misfortune should befall him in regard of Caesar he desired to dispossess Hircanus of the Kingdom in regard of the envy which he bare him for that he was the only man who deserved to be advanced to that dignity Alexandra solliciteth Hiranus her father to require assistance at Malchus hands Whilest thus he was tormented in his thoughts he had an occasion offered him by Hircanus own followers to execute his intention For Hircanus being of a milde and gentle nature during all his life-time O forbare to entermeddle with State affairs committing all things to fortune and contenting himself with whatsoever condition it pleased her to allot him But Alexandra being an ambitious woman and unable to conceal with modesty the hope she conceived of change sollicited her father that he should not any longer endure the subiection of Herod who was the very scourge of their family but rather A that he should stand upon his own guard and reserve himself to his better fortune She gave him counsel to write unto Malchus who had the Government of Arabia requesting him to grant him both protection and entertainment for that if Herod should chance to be cut off by Caesars displeasure doubtless the Kingdom would return unto him both in regard of his Nobility as also of the peoples favour These perswasions of hers Hircanus at the first repulsed but afterwards being overcome by the importunity of the woman Alexandra solliciteth Hircanus her father to require assistance at Malchus hands who ceased not day and night to sing the same Song of future hope and of Herods Treasons he gave certain Letters to a friend of his written to the Arabian wherein he required him to send him certain Horsemen who might conduct him to the Asphaltite Lake which lieth distant from the confines of Jerusalem some three hundred Furlongs And therefore he committed these Letters to Dositheus trust both B for that he favoured Hircanus and his Daughter Three hundred furlongs contain nine Germane Miles and seemed likely for divers causes to hate Herod for he was Josephs kinsman who was killed by Herod and not long before certain of his Brothers were put to death amongst others at Tyre by Antonies command yet for none of those considerations continued he faithful to Hircanus For he preferring the present favour of the King that then reigned to the rest discovered the Letter unto the King who first of all giving him thanks required one office of friendship more at his hands which was that folding up the Letter and sealing it he should conveigh and deliver the same to Malchus and return his answer for that it neerly concerned him if he knew his resolution also Which when Dositheus had diligently performed the Arabian returned this answer for that it neerly concerned him if he knew C his resolution also Hircanus by Herods commands is put to death Which when Dositheus had diligently performed the Arabian returned this answer that he was ready to entertain both himself and his whole family and all those Jews likewise which were of this faction promising to send him a band of Soldiers who should be able to conduct him safely thither and should be obedient to his command in all things Now as soon as Herod had seized on these Letters he called for Hircanus and demanded of him whether he had any confederacy with Malchus he denied it but Herod protesting and bringing forth his Letter in an open assembly commanded him afterwards to be put to death Thus are these matters Registred in Herods commentaries for by some they are delivered otherwise namely that he was executed not for this crime which he had committed but for some Treasons against the King For D they Write to this effect that Herod at a certain banquet dissembling his suspition demanded of Hircanus whether he had received any Letters from Malchus and that he answered that he had received Letters but such as contained nothing else but compliments Hircanus dieth guiltless He asked him also whether he had received any present and when he had answered that he had received nothing but four Coursers for his Saddle the King wrested this to a Capitall offence of corruption and treason Hircanus life and commanded him presently to be led to death Now that he died guiltless they alledge this for a most approved argument namely his gentle disposition who evenin his youthful years never gave sign or appearance of rashness or pride or signification of audaciousness no not even then when he had the royal government in his hands but in the freedome E of authority disposed of the most things by Antipaters advice But at that time he was more then fourescore years old and knew that Herods estate was secured and that there is no likelyhood that he would remove from beyond Eufrates where he lived in great repute to live under Herods Jurisdiction or to engage in any trouble contrary to his humor and so far different from his nature so that all these things seem to be fained by Herod Thus ended Hircanus life after his variable and adverse fortunes wherewith during all his life time he was afflicted For when his mother Alexandra lived he was created High Priest of the Jews and obtained that honor for the space of nine years and after his mothers death he had scarcely governed the Kingdom for the space of three F months but that he was expulsed by his brother Aristobulus
Christ's Nativity 8. was absent from his Kingdom the Arabian Wars began on this occasion The inhabitants of Trachon whose Countrey Caesar taking from Zenodorus gave it unto Herod being forbidden and hindred from stealing were now forced to frame themselves to live like husband-men more civily L than before But this kind of life pleased them not neither did their Countrey yield fruits worth their labours The cause of the Arabian War yet at first Herod compelling them thereunto they abstained from injuring the inhabitants bordering upon them which did greatly redound unto Herod's credit Caesar gave Trachonitis to Herod Alias chap. 14. by whose diligence they were brought unto it But when Herod was gone into Italy to accuse Alexander and to commend Antipater unto Caesar the Trachonites hearing a bruit of his death revolted and turned to their accustomed robberies Herod's Captains subdue the Rebels in Arabia Yet they were at that time again subdued in the King's absence by the Captains that he left at home and forty of the chiefest of the Thieves amongst them being taken the rest terrified by their example left their own Countrey and fled into Arabia where Syllaeus received them in revenge that he could not obtain Salome M for his Wife and receiving of him a strong hold to dwell in they did not only make incursions and rob and spoil the borders of Judaea but also of Caelosyria and drove away the preys they got into the place allotted them Syllaeus protecting them and their villanies Herod returning from Rome found that his people were greatly endamaged by these Thieves and seeing he could not subdue them by reason the Arabians did protect them The Thieves taken and punished not enduring that injury and entring into Trachon he killed all their Families Whereby they were so much the more enraged against his Countrey for they had a Law amongst them whereby they were commanded to revenge the death of their Families and so contemning all dangers they came and wasted all Herod's Countrey with continual incursions Then the King complained N hereof unto Saturninus and Volumnius then Presidents Alias chap. 15. sent thither by Caesar requesting that he might have the Thieves to punish them They hearing this news with as much speed as they might gathered their Forces together and making themselves stronger than they were before with sudden incursions wasted all where they came destroying both the fields and villages and killing all they could find so that now this resembled a War rather than a Robbery for they were a thousand in number Herod demanded the Thieves to be delivered unto him and the money he had lent to be repayed Wherefore Herod required these Thieves and Robbers to be delivered unto him and required the debt that Obodas owed him for Herod had lent Obodas threescore Talents and sent them unto him by Syllaeus and now the time was expired wherein the money was to be repayed But Syllaeus who had taken all the rule from O Obodas and himself governed all denied that those Thieves were in Arabia and deferred the payment of the money So that this matter was debated before Saturninus A and Volumnius then Presidents of Syria The year of the World 3958. before Christ's Nativity 6. At last it was by them determined that within thirty days the money due to Herod should be paid and the runaways of both Countreys delivered each to other But there was no one Arabian that either had fled unto Herod for any offence committed nor for any other cause Saturninus and Volumnius the Rulers of Syria do reconcile Herod and the Arabians but the Arabians were convicted to receive the Thieves that fled from Herod CHAP. XVI B Syllaeus will perform nothing of what Augustus's Lieutenants had ordained but goeth to Rome to him Herod entreth into Arabia with an Army and taketh the Castle where the Trachonites were retired WHen the day was come that was appointed Herod by the permission of Saturninus Volumnius entred into Arabia with an Army and destroyed the Castle called Repta Syllaeus not minded to stand unto the agreement made went in the mean time to Rome But Herod exacted his money and the Thieves to be restored unto him Saturninus and Volumnius permitting him with force of Arms to persecute those obstinate people So he levying an Army went into Arabia in three days space going as far as ordinarily men use to march in seven and coming unto the Castle wherein the Thieves kept C at the first on-set he took it and destroyed it being called Repta and did no other harm unto the inhabitants Nacebus with 25 Arabians slain And a Captain of the Arabians named Nacebus came to succour the Thieves and so fought with Herod's Army in which Battel a few of Herod's men were slain but of the Arabians were killed five and twenty with their General Herod carried 3000 Idumaeans into Trachâ—n and the rest were put to flight Being thus revenged upon the Thieves he led three thousand Idumaeans into Trachon to keep the inhabitants from robbing and sent Letters unto the Roman Governours who were in Phaenicia that he had only used the authority which they gave him against the rebellious Arabians that resisted him and nothing else which afterward also they making enquiry they found true D CHAP. XV. Syllaeus doth so incense Augustus against Herod that he refuseth to give Audience to his Ambassadors neither will he admit those whom Aretas King of the Arabians sent This Aretas succeeded Obodas whom Syllaeus caused to be poysoned that he might get the Kingdom Herod sends the third Embassage to Augustus THe Arabians sent messengers with all speed to Syllaeus at Rome Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. al 16. and informed him E otherwise aggravating every thing according to their fashion Syllaeus being a little before insinuated into Caesar's acquaintance Syllaeus accused Herod unto Caesar by chance was then also about the Palace and hearing these news he presently changed his apparel and clothing himself in black he went in this manner unto Caesar informing him how Arabia was afflicted with Wars and that the whole Kingdom was wasted by Herod who had entred into the Countrey with an Army and with tears complained that 2500 of the Arabian Nobility were killed and amongst them his friend and kinsman Nacebus and great riches were taken away which were laid up at Repta and that all this was done in contempt of Obodas who had no Army ready nor a fit Captain for his Forces he being not there Syllaeus having thus spoken adding moreover that he F would not have come to Rome but that he was perswaded that Caesar would have had a care of the common peace and tranquility of his Subjects and that had he been at home Herod to his cost should have violated that Peace Caesar hereat was greatly moved and enquired of some of Herod's friends who were then
done before And in the mean while he sent certain Messengers with Letters to Caesar to accuse his Son and to declare wherein Acme had been his Confederate producing the Copy of the Letters These Ambassadours therefore repaired to Rome instructed in those things they were to answer to those Interrogatories that should be offered them and with them he sent these Letters C CHAP. VIII The Golden Eagle that Herod had consecrated and fixed on the Portal of the Temple is pulled off The severe Punishment that he inflicteth for it The King 's terrible Sickness and the cruel Orders that he giveth to his Sister Salome and to her Husband D WHilst Herod's Ambassadours were on their Journey to Rome with his Orders Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. he fell sick and made his Will appointed his youngest Son to succeed him in the Kingdom for through Antipater's instigations Herod falling sick maketh his Will and leaveth the Succession of his Kingdom with his other Goods to his Friends and Kinsfolks Herod impatient in his old age and wondrous wayward he had conceived a hatred against Archelaus and Philip. He sent also a thousand Talents unto Caesar and five hundred to his Wife and to his Children Friends and Free-men He bestowed also Money Rents and Lands upon his own Children He gave his Sister Salome an ample Possession because she had always persevered in loving him and had never offended him And having lost all hope of recovery for that he was about 70 years old he became very touchy and froward in whatsoever his affairs The cause hereof was that opinion he had conceived that he grew contemptible and that the whole Nation took pleasure in those mis-haps which befel him which some of those who were favoured by the people made him the rather believe upon this occasion which ensueth Amongst those that were most learned among the Jews Judas the Son of Sariphaeus and Matthias the Son of Margalothus the E most excellent Interpreters of the Laws and Ordinances of the Countrey and for this cause were in greatest esteem amongst the people by reason that they instructed and trained up the Youth for all those that desired to obtain Vertue spent all their time with them understanding that the King's sickness was dangerous The year of the World 3963. after Christ's Nativity 1. they incensed the younger sort counselling them to overthrow all those works that the King had caused to be made contrary to the Law and Custom of the Countrey to the end that they fighting for Piety might obtain the reward that attendeth the same For in that the King had undertaken and done many things contrary to the Law divers unaccustomed miseries had befallen him and namely that sickness wherewith he was detained For Herod had done divers things contrary to the ancient Law against which Judas and Matthias exclaimed openly A Golden Eagle upon the greatest Gate of the Temple For he had erected over the Portal of the great Temple an Eagle of Gold of great value Now the Law prohibiteth that they who pretend to live according to the same should in any sort erect any Image or represent any Figures of living Creatures F whatsoever For this cause these Doctors counselled them to pull down that Eagle telling them that although the matter seemed very dangerous Contempt of death yet ought they to prefer an honest death before a pleasant life if so be it be employed for the defence of their Countrey-laws and Religion For in so doing they should obtain immortal praise for the present and a memorable and eternal glory in time to come neither that they should protract the execution thereof for fear of danger since death was a thing that could not be avoided so that since by the general course of Nature they must needs die it should become them bravely to forsake their lives with praise and honour in embracing Vertue For to die in the execution of some noble exploit which cannot be atchieved without hazard of danger their Children should be richly rewarded with the fruits thereof and their other Parents that should outlive them of what Sex soever should reap the fruits of that glory which was honourably atchieved by them In these or such like words they encouraged the young men About that time there was a rumour spread that the King was dead which gave very great furtherance G to the Doctors resolution For at Noon they went up into the Temple they pulled and hewed down the Eagle with their Axes in the sight and assembly of a great number of people that were in the Temple Now when the tidings hereof came unto the ears of the King's Captain he fearing H lest some further and more fatal tumult might be raised drew out a strong Company of Souldiers with him to repulse those that were assembled to hew down the Eagle and charging the rude and disarmed multitude who were gathered together he easily killed and dispersed the most as for those forty young men that valiantly prepared themselves to resist he apprehended them and with them the Authors of Sedition The young men pulling down the golden Eagle hew it in pieces with their Axes Judas and Matthias who scorned to submit themselves and led them to the King who demanding of them how they durst deface the sacred Image They answered that long before that time they had resolved it and that now according as they had resolved they had like valiant men performed the same For we said they maintain the honour of God and the Doctrine of our Law whereof we are Disciples neither ought you to admire that with contempt of your Ordinances we have preferred the Laws of our Forefathers which Moses hath left us in writing according as he was suggested and taught them by God Judas and Matthias with forty other young men being brought to the King's presence justifie their actions with joy and the King sendeth them bound to Jericho Neither do we refuse any death or punishment which thou shalt inflict upon us being assured in our Consciences that we suffer not for Impiety but Piety's sake Thus spake they all I of them continuing the like constant boldness in their answers as they had shewed in their actions being also ready constantly to endure any punishment for that which they had attempted Hereupon the King commanded them to be bound and sent them to Jericho Then calling before him those principal Jews who had the Government under him and being brought into their Assembly upon his Pallat by reason of his weakness he recited unto them the numberless toils he had endured for their sakes in like manner how upon his great charges he had repaired and re-edified the Temple whereas the Asmoneans for the space of 125 years wherein they reigned could not perform such a Building to the honour of God Moreover he signified unto them how he had adorned the same with precious Gifts
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
back again unto them and that then he would consult with them for the common profit according to their demands wishing them for the present to contain themselves and to take heed lest they stirred up Sedition I When he had thus instructed his General he sent him unto them But they cried out with a loud voice and would not suffer him to speak but for fear of danger and death they put him to silence And if any other were so forward as to speak unto them and perswade them to some moderation and to alter their sinister resolutions he was also in danger For that they had this perswasion that all things ought rather to be ordered according to their pleasures than by the Authority of their Superiours supposing that although during Herod's life time they had been deprived of their dearest friends it would be now a matter unworthy their courages after his death to be cut off from their privilege to demand their revenge For they were transported with their own opinions and held all that for lawful and upright which was in any sort conformable K to their pleasures without fore-seeing the danger that might happen thereby they were so desirous to be revenged on those whom they reputed to be their enemies Now whereas divers were sent by Archelaus to advise them and divers came unto them not as messengers from him but as friends and lovers of peace of their own motion with an intent to pacifie them they would not permit any of them to speak and through their rage there arose a great tumult which had grown to a further extremity if a great number of people had joyned with them At that time fell the Feast of Unleavened Bread Sedition at the Feast of the Passover which is called Pascha which is a Memorial of their deliverance out of Egypt at which time all men do most willingly present their Sacrifices and a greater number of Beasts are killed at that Feast than at L any other time To this Solemnity also an infinite number of people assembled from all parts to honour God whereby the seditious supposing that they had gotten fit opportunity lamented Judas and Matthias who were the Expositors of the Law and kept themselves within the Temple whither they had gathered good store of Victuals which they were not ashamed impudently to beg for But Archelaus fearing lest their rage should produce some more grievous effect of mischief sent out a Captain with a Regiment of a thousand men to repress their fury before the rest of the people were infected with their follies and to bring them likewise unto him whom they found to be the forwardest in that Commotion Against those the Seditious cried out with great clamours and incensed the people against them so that all of them rushed M in upon the Soldiers and killed divers of them The rest of them escaped with their Captain yet not without divers Wounds That done they which were within the Temple returned again to their Divine Service Now Archelaus supposing that his whole Fortune was endangered except he repressed the rage of the multitude he sent out all his Foot with a certain number of Horse to prevent lest they that were without should yield assistance to those who had taken up their lodging in the Temple and to put those to the sword who having escaped the violence of the Foot Three thousand Jews slain supposed themselves to be in security These Horsemen slew about three thousand men the rest retired themselves into the Mountains that were near adjoyning Hereupon Archelaus made Proclamation that each one should repair N unto his own house For which cause they departed and abandoned the Feast for fear of greater mischief notwithstanding they had spleen enough as it is the ordinary custom of the ignorant multitude After this Archelaus repairs to Rome and many of his Faction follow him Archelaus accompanied with his Mother took his Voyage to Rome with Nicholaus and Ptolomey and with divers other his Friends committing the Government of all his Houshold and Kingdom to his Brother Philip Salome Herod's Sister went also leading with her her Children There went also divers other of his Kindred who said that they would all of them endeavour for Archelaus that he might obtain the Kingdom but in effect it was to hinder him with all their Power and especially Hedio Ruffinus chap. 13. al. 14. to accuse him unanimously for what was done in the Temple Sabinus Caesar's O Viceroy in Syria posting into Jewry to take charge of Herod's Money met with Archelaus in Caesarea But Varus arriving in the mean while detained him from finishing A that Voyage for Archelaus had sent for him to come thither by Ptolomey and Sabinus willing to do Varus a pleasure would not seize the Fortress of Jewry nether sealed up Herod's Treasures but left them in Archelaus's possession until such time as Caesar had given order for the Estate and after he had made this promise he stayed in Caesarea After Archelaus had set sail towards Rome Sabinus repaireth to Jerusalem with an intent to seize Herod's Treasures and Castles and Varus was departed for Antioch Sabinus went to Jerusalem where he seized the King's Palace and calling before him the King's Agents and the Captains of his Garrisons he required them to deliver up their Castles into his hands But they according as Archelaus had commanded them continued the possession in their accustomed manner according to the King's direction pretending B to keep the same in Caesar's behalf Antipas in hope to recover the Kingdom saileth to Rome At the same time Antipas Herod's Son travelled to Rome likewise in hopes to be elected King in regard of Salome's promises and for that he better deserved the same than Archelaus considering that in the first Testament which should be of more force than the later he had been appointed King He led his Mother also with him and Ptolomey the Brother of Nicholaus who had been one of Herod's most esteemed friends and was well affected to further his Title But especially he was stirred up to seek the Kingdom by Ireneus a man very eloquent and to whose charge in regard of his sufficiency the Affairs of the Kingdom had been committed For which cause although he was perswaded to give over the Kingdom unto his elder Brother who was confirmed in the Kingdom by his Father's Testament yet he would not C give ear thereunto But Antipas no sooner arrived in Rome but all his Kinsfolk revolted from Archelaus unto him not so much for the love they bare to him as for the hatred they conceived against Archelaus and above all for the desire they had to recover their liberty and to draw themselves under a Roman Governour For they thought that if there were any contradiction that Antipas for whom they endeavoured to procure the Royalty should be more profitable to them than Archelaus
estate of those that were alive was far more desperate whom he not only frighted with perpetual terrour and severity but also with injurious hands had not abstained from their M Goods By which means it came to pass that he not only builded but beautified Foreign Cities inhabited by Foreign Nations to the end he might the rather utterly spoil those by exaction which were situated and seated in his own Countrey And that he enforced his Nation to extream Poverty which he received in most happy Estate whilst he spoiled those Nobles of their Estates who upon weak probabilities were condemned to die or granting them Life deprived them of their Possessions And whereas yearly Tributes were imposed on every one yet severally were the ravenous and covetous desires of his Friends and Courtiers to be satisfied yea and of his servants also who had the Authority to exact these things and by this means they might redeem their injurious wickedness As for the deflouring of Virgins and the shameful betraying N of a Matron's chastity they covered them under silence for that it is a great comfort to those that suffer such abuses if their disgraces be but known to a few In short that Herod had no other ways governed than as if the Government had been committed to a most wild Beast For which cause whereas in times past that Nation had been afflicted with many Calamities and Murthers yet that there is no example extant amongst their Monuments of Antiquity that may be compared with their present Calamity under Herod For which cause upon just respects they had with one consent named Archelaus their King supposing that whatsoever King might befall them he would always demean himself more affably than Herod had done and that to honour Archelaus they had mourned with him for his Father to gratifie him in O other things to the intent they might obtain his good affection But he without delay and all at once had made manifest to the whole Nation what opinion they were A to conceive of him notwithstanding that as yet he was not confirmed King for that it lay in Caesar's hands to grant it and as if he had been afraid lest he should assuredly be acknowledged for his Father's Son he had shewed an example of his Vertue Moderation and good Government that he would use towards his Subjects by the first Act which he had committed not only against God but also against men For in the Temple it self he hath caused three thousand of his Countrey-men to be killed in stead of Sacrifices And how can he chuse but be justly hated who besides his other cruelties objecteth against us the Crime of Rebellion and Mutiny The effect of their request therefore was this that they might not any more be governed by a King nor any such like Government but that they might be united unto Syria and submit B themselves under their Governours that should be sent thither That in so doing it should truly appear whether they were sedicious and addicted to changes or whether they would live in peace Nicholaus excuseth Herod and Archelaus when they had favourable Governours After the Jews had spoken to this effect Nicholaus discharged the Kings of those Accusations that were objected against them and namely Herod who as he said had never been accused all his life-time and that it was no reason that they who justly accusing him might have caused him to be punished during his life-time should now address their Accusations against him after he was dead And as touching those things which were objected concerning Archelaus's actions it ought to be imputed to their insolence for that engaging themselves in matters contrary to Law and having begun to murther those who C sought to appease the tumult they accused such as had kept them in obedience Besides this he objected against them that they were addicted to alterations and took pleasure to stir up Seditions for that they knew not what thing it was to obey Justice and the Laws and that there was no Nation in the World so head-strong as that of the Jews for that they would have the upper hand over all Thus spake Nicholaus CHAP. XIII Caesar confirms Herod's Testament and appointeth his Children to be his Successors D WHen Caesar had heard these things Caesar maketh Archelaus an Ethnarch and bestoweth one half of the Kingdom on Philip and Antipas he dismissed the Assembly But some few days after desirous to make an end of this matter declared Archelaus not King but Lord of half that Government that appertained to Herod promising him to bestow a Royal Dignity upon him if so be he behaved himself vertuously according as it became him As for the other Moyety he divided it between two of Herod's Sons Philip and Antipas who debated with his Brother Archelaus for the whole Kingdom The same Antipas also had the Countrey on the other side Jordan and Galilee with two hundred Talents of yearly Revenue As for Philip he had Bathanea Trachonitis and Auranitis and part of the Palace that was called by Zenodorus's name with one hundred E Talents As for Archelaus he had Idumaea Judaea and Samaria which were discharged of the fourth part of the Tributes by Caesar for that they had joyned themselves with the rest of the people during the time of the Sedition Besides that Archelaus had the Tower of Straton Sebaste Joppe and Jerusalem For Gaza Gadara and Hippon were Cities of Greece which Caesar had separated and adjoyned to Syria Archelaus had five hundred Talents of yearly Rent out of his Countrey Thus was the Patrimony divided among Herod's Sons Salome As for Salome besides that which her Brother had given her in his Will which were the Cities of Jamnia Azot Phasaelis and half a Million of money Caesar granted her a Royal house in Ascalon so as she received in the whole sixty Talents of yearly Revenue and had her house allotted her within the Dominion F of Archelaus All Herod's Kindred received that which was bequeathed unto them by his Testament Two of his Daughters that were unmarried were endowed by Caesar with a quarter of a Millon of money which he gave them besides their Father's Portion Herod's two Daughters that were Virgins married to Pheroras's Sons and they were married to Pheroras's Sons Moreover he gave Herod's Sons all which he had given him by the Testament amounting to the summ of one thousand and five hundred Talents contenting himself only to receive some few movables not so much for the value as in remembrance of the King who had given them CHAP. XIV The year of the World 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. H An Impostor counterfeits himself to be Alexander Herod's Son Augustus finds out his Cheat and sends him to the Galleys AVgustus having thus ordained Herod's Succession Hedio Ruffinus chap. 18. a young man and a Jew born brought up in the City of
within and the lights likewise were taken away Mundus who lay hid within failed not to accost her who thinking that it was God Anubis satisfied his desires all the night long and in the morning betimes before the Priests who were privy to this Treachery were stirring he retired himself Paulina also early in the morning repaired to her Husband and acquainted him how Anubis appeared unto her and boasting among her Familiars what conference he had used with her But some of them believed her not in regard of the manner of their entertainment the rest were altogether amazed supposing those things to be no ways incredible when they bethought themselves of the Ladies chastity Some three days after this act was committed Mundus meeting with Paulina said E unto her You have saved me two hundred thousand Drachmes wherewith you might have augmented your Treasure and this notwithstanding you have not failed to satisfie my request Neither am I grieved that you have contemned me under the name of Mundus since that undertaking Anubis 's name I have accomplished my desire and this said he departed But she presently amazed with the man's audacious impudence tore her Garments and having told her Husband of all this subtil circumvention she requested earnestly his assistance and that he would not forsake her in the prosecution of her revenge who presently acquainted the Emperour with every particular thereof Now when Tiberius had diligently understood how all things had happened Tiberius causeth Isâ—s's Priests and Ida to be hanged and banished Munduâ— by the inquisition and examination of the Priests he condemned them and Ida who had been the F inventer and complotter of this Treason against Paulina to be hanged He pulled down the Temple also and cast Anubis's Statue into Tyber and banished Mundus supposing that he ought not to be more grievously punished considering that the fault which was committed by him proceeded from extream love Behold here the insolence committed in the Temple of Isis by the Priests that appertained to that Temple Now I intend to declare that which happened to the Jews that were at that time in Rome according as I both purposed and promised CHAP. V. H Tiberius causeth all the Jews to be banished from Rome Pilate punisheth the Samaritans for having drawn themselves together in Arms They accuse him to Vitellius Governour of Syria who sends him to Rome to clear himself There was a certain Jew Fulvia Saturnine's Wife delivereth Gold and Purple to be sent to the Temple in Jerusalem they convert it to their own uses which when Tiberius knew he commanded all the Jews to be thrust out of Rome that having been accused for the breach of the Laws of his Countrey and fearing to be punished for the same fled from thence being a man of a most mischievous behaviour He dwelling at that time in Rome professed himself to be an expounder of Moses's Law and drawing to him three other no I less Reprobates than himself he followed his ordinary Profession Fulvia a Lady of much honour became their Scholar and had embraced the Religion of the Jews whom they had perswaded to send certain Purple and Gold to the Temple of Jerusalem which after they had received they converted it to their own use as before they had determined to do Tiberius who was informed hereof by Saturnine his familiar Friend and Fulvia's Husband who had discovered the same unto him commanded all Jews whatsoever to depart out of Rome Of these the Consuls chose out and enrolled to the number of four thousand men whom they sent into Sardinia and punished divers of them that refused to bear Arms for fear they should transgress the Ordinances of their Countrey So that by reason of the loose behaviour of four wicked K persons all those of our Nation were driven out of the City of Rome Neither was the Nation of the Samaritans exempt from this trouble for a certain subtil Companion who sought by all the means he might to encroach upon the peoples favour perswaded them to withdraw themselves with him to the Mount Gerazim which they supposed to be the holiest amongst all their Mountains in which place he promised he would shew them the Sacred Vessels buried in a certain place where Moses had laid them The Samaritans assemble at Tirathaba to ascend the Mountain Garazim Pilate chargeth and overcometh them and putteth them to flight And at that time they being gathered together in Arms by his perswasion encamped themselves in a Borough called Tirathaba where they entertained those that repaired thither to joyn themselves with them to the end they might ascend the Mountain with the greater Company But Pilate prevented them L and got up before them with Horse and Foot who charging those that were assembled in the Borough put them to flight and slaying some and putting the rest to flight led away a great number of them Prisoners with him Pilate executed the chiefest Ring-leaders amongst them The tumult of these Jews being published abroad and their misfortune made known the Senate of Samaria addressed themselves to Vitellius who had been Consul and who at that time governed Syria before whom they accused Pilate for the murther of those whom he had killed saying that they assembled not in Tirathaba to rebel against the Romans but to secure themselves against Pilate's Tyranny Whereupon Vitellius sent Marcus his Friend to take charge of Judaea Alias chap. 1 commanding Pilate to return to Rome and to satisfie the Emperour of M those things whereof the people had accused him Pilate accused before Vitellius is sent to Rome Hereupon Pilate after he had remained ten years in Jewry repaired to Rome having no means to contradict that Command that Vitellius had given him But before he arrived there Tiberius was dead CHAP. VI. Hadio Ruffinus chap. 8. alias chap. 12. N Vitellius restoreth the High Priest's Vestments to the Jews Vitellius cometh to Jerusalem forgiveth the Jews their Tribute and committeth the charge of the High Priest's Garments to them to keep as they did formerly He treateth in Tiberius's behalf with Artobanus King of the Parthians The cause of his hatred against Herod the Tetrarch Philip Tetrarch of Trachonitis of Gaulanitis and of Bathanaea dieth without Children his Dominions are reunited to Syria AS soon as Vitellius came into Judaea he went up to Jerusalem and celebrated there the Feast of the Passover The High Priest's Vestments reserved in the Castle of Antonia and after he had been magnificently entertained in that place he forgave the Citizens all the Tribute of those Fruits which were sold He delivered them also the Ornaments of the High Priests with all the O rest of the Priestly Furniture within the Temple committing the charge thereof unto the Priests according as in times past they had the same But at that time they A were laid up in the Castle of Antonia for this
to be inferiour to him who in times past hath been maintained by thy Bounty Neither suffer it to be thought through thine own sloth that he in his necessity had more industry to obtain an ample Fortune than you amidst your abundance as if it redounded not to thy shame to be thought inferiour to him at this time who not long since except by thy pity had no means to live Let us therefore hastily repair to Rome and neither spare Gold Silver or any other expence for that it availeth us not so much to keep the same as to employ it in the purchase of a Kingdom But Herod disswaded her as much as he could for he contented himself to live in quiet and suspected the Confusion that was at Rome which he endeavoured as much as in him lay to lay open to Herodias C But the more negligent she saw him the more instantly she incited him to seek out for the Kingdom and never gave over until she had conformed him to her desire which she forced him to Herod with Herodias repair to Rome rather than obtained Having therefore furnished himself after the most magnificent manner and spared no cost he repaired to Rome and led Herodias his Wife with him Agrippa sendeth Fortunatus with Letters and Presents after him Agrippa smelling their intent and the preparation they made he bestirred himself too And having notice that they were put to Sea he sent Fortunatus one of his Free-men to Rome with Presents to the Emperour and Letters against Herod with Commission to acquaint Caius with every particular according as the occasion should serve He embarking himself after Herod had a quick passage and was only prevented by him but for the space that Herod presented himself to Caius for he presently followed D him and delivered his Letters For they arrived at one time at Puteol and found Caius at Baia Baiae are certain Baths in Campania not far from Puteol a Village of Campania distant from Puteol some five Stades adorned with most Royal and sumptuous Palaces for that every Emperour enforced himself to exceed the honour of his Predecessor by reason of the hot Baths that naturally issued out of the earth serving both for the health of the body and recreation of the spirits Whilest Caius talked with Herod Herod is accused for favouring Artabanus the Parthian having visited him first he received Agrippa's Letters containing Herod's Accusations for they accused him of a Conspiracy plotted betwixt him and Sejanus since the beginning of Tiberius's Empire And how for the present he favoured Artabanus King of the Parthians to the prejudice of the Emperour Caius of which the preparations Herod had stored up in his Arcenals gave evident testimony which were E sufficient to arm seventy thousand men Caius was much moved with these informations and asked Herod if that which was informed him touching his warlike preparation was true He unable to contradict the same in any thing for fear he should be convicted of falshood Herod is perpetually banished and confined in Lions in France and Agrippa is made Lord of his Lands and Goods and Herodias despising Caesar's bounty accompanieth him in exile confessed no less Whereupon Caius supposing the Accusation of his revolt to be sufficiently proved deprived him of his Tetrarchy and annexed it to Agrippa's Kingdom bestowing Herod's Substance also upon him He banished him likewise for ever and confined him in the City of Lions in France and understanding that Herodias was Agrippa's Sister he gave her all that which in right appertained to her And supposing that she would not willingly accompany her Husband in his calamity he told her that he pardoned her for her Brother's sake But she gave him this reply Mighty F Emperour you speak magnificently and as it well becometh so great a Majesty but there is a cause that hindreth me from partaking the benefit of that bounty which you intend towards me which is the affection that I bear unto my Husband whom if I should forsake in his misery it would very ill beseem me in that I have been a partner with him in his felicity Caius displeased with her resolute answer banished her likewise with her Husband and gave her Estate also to Agrippa God did after this manner punish Herodias in regard of that envy which she had conceived against her Brother Caius at the first governed the Common-weal very happily but afterwards usurped divine honours and plagued Herod in that he had so easily listned to the foolish perswasions of a woman But Caius governed the Empire the first and second year of his Reign with great applause behaving himself graciously towards all men whereby he obtained the good liking of the Romans and the favour of G his other Subjects But in process of time the greatness of his Estate made him surpass the limits of humane condition and challenge to himself the Title of Divinity whereby he governed all things in contempt of God CHAP. X. H The Sedition of the Jews and Grecians in the City of Alexandria WHereas there arose a Sedition betwixt the Jews and Grecians that inhabited Alexandria Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. alias cap. 17. three chosen Ambassadours on either side were sent unto Caius One of these Ambassadours of Alexandria was Appion Appion Prince of the Alexandrians Ambassadour accuseth the Jews because they ascribed not Divinity to Caesar who accused the Jews of many failings and amongst other things he alledged that they made no account of honouring Caesar And that whereas all other Subjects of the Roman Empire had erected Altars and Temples in honour of Caius and in all other things had received him as I a God the Jews supposed it to be a dishonour for them to honour his Statues or swear by his name After that Appion had urged many things and inveighed grievously against the Jews hoping that Caius would be provoked against them as in all likelihood and appearance it should have fallen out Philo Judaeus for the Jews is shut out and can get no audience and committeth the cause to God Philo the chiefest among the Ambassadours of the Jews a man of great worth and Brother to Alexander Alabarcha being experienced in Philosophy addressed himself to answer those Accusations which were urged against the Jews but Caius commanded him silence and willed him instantly to withdraw himself and was so displeased that it appeared very manifestly that he intended some cruel revenge against them Whereupon Philo departed after he had been grievously threatned and spake thus unto the Jews that flocked about him K We must be of good courage since Caius in words seemeth to be displeased with us for in effect he will arm God in our behalf against himself CHAP. XI Caius commands Petronius Governour of Syria to compel the Jews by force of Arms to receive his Statue in the Temple but Petronius mollified by their Prayers writeth to
the wrongs he had done to the Estate of the Parthians Never said the King will I give my consent to betray a man who hath committed himself to my protection and hath given me his hand and who buildeth upon the Oath I have past unto him in the name of the Gods But if thou be a valiant man in feats of Arms thou hast no need to make me forswear my self but when his Brother and he shall depart from hence assail him and overcome him by thy valour provided that I be not privy to thy attempt And afterwards calling Asinaeus to him in the morning It is time said he that thou return homeward for fear thou provoke divers of the Captains of my Court which Artabanus committeth the Territories of Babylon to Asinaeus's charge and dismisseth him with Gifts contrary to my will will endeavour to kill thee I commit the Countrey of Babylon E to thy protection and guard which by thy care and vigilancy shall remain exempt from all Robberies and other such Calaemities Reason it is that I procure thy good because I have engaged mine Honour and Faith irrevocably unto thee not upon any light matter but for things that importane thee as nearly as thy life This said he gave him certain Presents and presently dismissed him Now as soon as he returned home to his own Fortress he fortified the places both those which were already secured and the other which as yet no man had attempted to fortifie And in short time he grew to that greatness that no man of so obscure Fortune and beginning attained before him Neither contented with the Honours of the Babylonians he was also held in great account by the Captains of the Parthians who were sent to govern in the neighbouring Provinces F yea so much encreased his Authority with his Power that all Mesopotamia was at his Command In this Felicity and encreasing Glory of his he continued for the space of fifteen years which never began to decay until such time as neglecting the ancient Study of Virtue and contemning the Laws of his Fore-fathers both he and his factious followers being drowned in pleasure yielded themselves Captive to Foreign Lust It fortuned that a certain Governour of those Parthians came into that Countrey accompanied with his Wife not only endowed with other Perfections but also admired for her incomparable Comliness and Beauty whom Anilaeus killeth a Noble man of the Parthians and leadeth away his Wife without ever seeing her only by report of her Beauty Anilaeus Asinaeus's Brother loved entirely and when as by no one of his allurements he could obtain G her favour neither had any other hope to enjoy the Lady he could not bridle his unruly Lust but he made War against her Husband and killing the Parthian in their first Conflict his Wife became his both in subjection and Bed-service which thing was the Original of many mighty Calamities both to himself and to H his Brother For when having lost her former Husband she was led away Captive she carried with her the Images of the Gods of her Countrey which she highly esteemed according as it was the custom of those that inhabited that place to have their Gods whom they adore in their houses whom when they travel into a Foreign Countrey they carry about with them She therefore brought them with her and used them according to the fashion of her Countrey at the first secretly but after she was known for Anilaeus's Wife then she adored them according to the custom and with the same service which she used during her first Husband's days sacrificing to her Gods Their chiefest friends seeing this Anilaeus being reproved for his Wife's Idolatry killeth one of his Friends first of all reproved them for that Anilaeus committed I such things that were no ways used among the Hebrews and altogether repugnant to their Laws for that he had married a woman of a Foreign Nation that contradicted and violated their accustomed Religion for which cause they advised him to beware lest in submitting themselves too much to their unbridled pleasures they should lose the honour and power they had received from God even until that present But seeing their perswasions profited nothing and that Anilaeus likewise had villanously killed one of his dearest Friends who had somewhat too freely reproved him who at such time as he lay a dying being touched with the zeal of the Laws of his Ancestors and with grief against his Murtherer wished that Asinaeus and Anilaeus and all their Associates might die the like death they for that they were transgressors of the Law the other K for that they succoured not themselves in that oppression which they suffered for the maintenance of their Laws They were sore displeased yet notwithstanding they contained themselves calling to their remembrance that their felicity proceeded from no other cause but from the valour of those Brethren But when they understood that the Parthian Gods were adored by this woman they bethought them that it behoved them not any more to bear with Anilaeus in contempt of their Laws for which cause addressing themselves to Asinaeus in great Assemblies they exclaimed against Anilaeus saying that he ought although at first he had no power to dispose of himself yet now at last to correct this errour before it should redound to their publick Plague For that both the Marriage was dis-allowed L in all men's eyes as altogether contrary to their Laws and that the superstitious observance of the Gods which the woman presumed to use was an apparent injury offered to the true God Anilaeus is accused before his Brother Asinaeus but he winketh at his fault But he although he knew that his Brother's fault would breed some great inconvenience both to himself and his followers yet being overcome with Brotherly affection he easily pardoned his Brother ascribing his errour to the violence of his unbridled passion But whereas daily more and more he was tired with exclamations and greater reproofs at length he admonished his Brother of the matter chiding him for that which was past and desiring him to amend the errour hereafter by sending home the woman unto her Kindred Yet this admonition of his took no effect with him Asinaeus poysoned by the Parthian woman for the woman perceiving that the rumour that was M raised among the people was for her sake and being afraid lest for her love sake Anilaeus should incurr some danger she poysoned Asinaeus to the end that her love being in Authority she might more freely practise her impiety Now when Anilaeus had gotten the Government into his own hands he drew out his Forces against certain Villages belonging to Mithridates one of the chiefest among the Parthians and Artabanus's Son in Law which Villages he spoiled and carried away men sheep and other riches When Mithridates who at that time was resident in those Quarters understood of the spoil of his
Caius to the end that E partaking after this manner in the death of the Tyrant he might be known to have dealt as forwardly for the Commonweal as if from the beginning he had been a Counseller and Agent in the Conspiracy Notwithstanding there were some of his Companions of that opinion that it should be but a cruelty to deal with a woman in that sort for that Caius had offended through the corruption of his own Nature and not by the counsel of his Wife and that all those evils which he committed in the Commonweal by desolating the Flower thereof was his own offence not hers There were others that accused her to be the cause of all that which Caius had committed alledging that she had given him an Amorous Drink by which he was tied and entangled in such sort unto her and so led and transported by her love that F she governed all that which concerned the Estate of Rome and the World subject to Rome But her Defenders prevailed nothing For at length it was resolved she should lose her life To finish this Tragedy Lupus was dispatcht who lost no time in the accomplishment of their intent who had sent him for fear he might have been blamed and accounted but coldly affectionate towards the good of the Commonweal Therefore as soon as he came into the Palace he found Caesonia Caius's Widow lying by the body of her murthered Husband destitute of all that which the Law gratifieth those that are dead with Caesonia accuseth Caius for that he would not give credit to her Counsels altogether bloody and greatly afflicted having her Daughter lying by her being in this condition she was heard to utter no other words but that she blamed G Caius for that he had not given credit to that counsel which she had given him so often which words of hers were by some interpreted two ways for some thought that she meant that she had counselled her Husband to give over his Cruelty and murthers which he exercised against his Citizens and that in his Government he H should use a tempered measure with virtue for fear lest his Subjects misliking of his manners should seek his destruction Others took it as if she had encouraged Caius to set upon the Conspirators and kill them without any delay yea before they had committed any offence and by that means provide for his security They therefore said that Caesonia blamed Caius for that he had behaved himself too carelesly in that wherein she had counselled him Such were the words which Caesonia spake and such was the exposition as divers men interpreted them She seeing Lupus coming shewed him Caius's body and prayed him with tears and complaints to come nearer But perceiving that he made no answer then she knew the cause of his arrival and offered her naked throat unto him with a great courage using I such expressions as they ordinarily do who despair of their lives she desired him to defer no longer to finish that Tragedy which his Companions had begun and so died couragiously by the hand of Lupus and after her was her Daughter killed which was very young This did Lupus assure Chaereas of with all expedition This was Caius's end Caius a wicked man after he had reigned four years wanting four months Before such time as he obtained the Empire he was an intemperate and wicked man and addicted to his pleasure a favourer of Tale-bearers exceeding fearful and for that cause when he got the upper hand of any man he was ready to kill him He esteemed this the only fruit of his power to abuse it against Innocents and to gather and heap up great spoils and Booties by wicked and unjust Murthers Rapines and Oppressions lifting himself above K all Humane Authority and affecting to be esteemed as a God suffering himself to be transported by the people's Praises All that which the Law condemned and punished as a thing most detestable that made he use of to punish Virtue with He never remembred any friendship that had been done him how great soever it either was or had been when he was in his passion and was apt to inflict punishments in his rage on just and upright men Caius given over to Lust All that which was answerable to Virtue was odious in his eyes In all things that pleased him he had so violent Appetites that it was impossible to contradict him so that he was not ashamed to use the unlawful company of his own Sister Whereby it came to pass that the Citizens of Rome began to hate him extreamly for that the like had not been seen or heard of of a long time men could not L believe it notwithstanding they sufficiently expressed the hatred they bare against the fact he had committed It cannot be said of him that he builded any work beseeming his Royal Magnificence Caius builded a Haven worthy the mentioning or profitable either to the present or future world except some Ports that he made near to Rhegium and Sicilia for Harbour of such Ships as came and went into Egypt for Corn which doubtless is a stately work and very profitable for such as travel by Sea True it is that it was not brought to perfection but only half finished because the Work-men wrought slowly But the chief cause thereof was that he spent his study in unprofitable matters and loved rather to consume his Substance to feed his own private Lusts wherein he took great delight than to erect and build any goodly and famous Work which might have redounded M to the profit of the Common-weal Caius an excellent Orator Otherwise he was an eloquent man and very expert in the Greek and Vulgar Roman Tongues apprehending presently that which others said and although they had been tedious in their expressions yet he answered them in an instant and in Affairs of Consequence he had such a moving perswasion and power that no man could exceed him both in regard of his quick Wit and easie apprehension because he had taken pains and had exercised himself in Learning For being Tiberius's Brother's Son whose Successor he also was he was enforced to be studious seeing that Tiberius who was of the same years was in like manner excellently learned Caius therefore enforced himself to imitate the Emperour Tiberius whose near Kins-man he was and surpassed all those that were in Rome at that time N Yet notwithstanding all these great advantages which his good instruction had bred in him could not hinder the misfortune that befell him by the abuse of his Authority So rare a thing it is to see them who have liberty to do what they list without punishment to govern themselves with modesty In the beginning he took delight in the friendship of very honest men to get credit and reputation thinking to outstrip the most excellent But after he was given over to licentiousness the affection that he bare them
their Enemies should we not think it good likewise to spare our selves Truly it is meer folly to do that to our selves to avoid which we fight against them I confess it is a commendable thing to die for liberty but that is to die in fight and by their hands only who took away that liberty But now neither do they war against us nor kill us It is a goodly matter to die for liberty but yet to die fighting He is not only to be judg'd a Coward who refuseth to die when need requireth but he also who will die when no need urgeth Moreover what with-holdeth us from offering our selves to the Romans Truly fear of death Shall we therefore make that certain our selves which we fear at the Romans hands But some will say if L they spare us we are made Captives I pray consider what liberty we have now If it be said that it is a paâ—â— of courage to kill ones self I maintain on the contrary it is the part of a very Coward The similitude of a Sailer For I think him to be a very timerous Sea-man who perceiving a Tempest coming It is against the common course of Nature for a man to kill himself yea and a heinous sin against God sinketh the Ship wherein he is before it comes Moreover it is against the Law of Nature and the Sentiments of all Creatures to kill our selves and thereby we also commit a heinous crime against God There is no living creature that of his own seeking would willingly dye For every one feeleth in himself the strong and forceable Law of Nature whereby they desire to live and for this cause we judge them our Enemies that seek to take life from us and punish them that take it indeed And do you not think it a great contempt for a man to despise life which is Gods gift For we of him receive our first being and from M him let us expect our ending The Body is mortal framed of corruptible matter but our Souls are immortal The soul is immortal and a portion of God placed in our bodieâ— and in some sort partake of the Nature of God If any one abuse that which another putteth him in trust with we think him a perfidious and wicked man and shall we think that if we remove out of our Bodies that which God hath placed in the same that he shall not know of it whom we have so abused We hold those slaves worthy to be punished that run away from bad Masters and shall not we then be held for impious who flee from so good a Master as God is Do ye not know that they who according to the Law of Nature depart out of this Life and render that to God which they received of him when he who gave it requires it shall leave behind them a perpetual Name to their Posterity and Family And that unto those souls who are obedient to their Creator when he calls them he gives a holy N and sacred mansion in Heaven from whence after a revolution of the Heavens they are again remanded to animate Bodies pure as themselves God revengeth him on the author of injuries And that on the contrary they who cause their own death go into dark hell and that God punisheth this their offence upon all their posterity The custom of the antient Jews and how they dealt with those that slew themselves Hence it is that our wise Law-maker forbiddeth it who knew how God abhorreth this crime For if any amongst us kill themselves it is decreed that till the Sun go down they shall be unburied though we hold it lawful to bury before those that have been killed in War Other Nations cause their right-hand to be cut off who have killed themselves judging that as the soul thereby was separated from the body so the hand deserves to be separated from it Joseph Perâ—â—ation Wherefore O Companions think on that which is reasonable and add not to your misery O impiety against God who created us If we desire to be saved let us save our selves for A it is no disgrace to receive our lives at their hands who are witnesses of so many valiant deeds of ours If we desire to die let us die by their hands who have overcome us I will not go into my Enemies Camp to be a Traytor against my self For I bear not their mind who forsake their own company to fly to their Enemies for they fly to them to save their lives but I go to them to cause mine own death And I would to God that the Romans would break promise with me for if they kill me after they have promised to save my life I shall willingly die and with great courage seeing their breach of promise and perjury as a blemish to their late victory Joseph spoke more to this effect Joseph is in great danger to be slain to disswade his Companions from killing themselves But they stopping their ears with desperation wherewith they had armed themselves to die came furiously towards him with their swords drawn upbraiding him that B he was a Coward and every one was ready to strike him Then Joseph calling one by his Name and looking upon another with a countenance like a Governour holding anothers hand and intreating the rest distracted in such danger by this means diverted the blows they intended him for still as one came near to strike him he turned his face upon him like some wild beast encompassed with the hunters Some of them who remembred he had been their Captain in their extremity with reverence of his personage trembled so that their swords fell out of their hands and many lifting up their arms to strike him of their own accord let their weapons fall Joseph notwithstanding his desperate estate Another policy of Joseph yet was not void of judgement but trusting in Gods assistance he hazarded his life and spake unto them as followeth Seeing ye are all determined to C die let us cast lots who shall kill one another and he to whom the lot falleth shall be killed by him who shall next follow and so the lot shall be cast upon every one of us and none of us shall be forced to kill our selves For it were injustice that when some of us are slain the rest should repent themselves Joseph fellows dye by lots and Joseph and another are reserved and so escape They all liked well of this and always he upon whom the lot fell was slain by him that followed for death was more acceptabe because they thought Joseph should die with them Now it hapned by the providence of God that Joseph remained alive only with one other and he perswaded him who was left alive to live and not to seek death lest either the lot should fall upon himself and so he be slain or upon the other and so he should be polluted with the
outrages were best liking unto them For this cause the Prophet Jeremy came unto him protesting oftentimes against him and denouncing That if he would not forsake his impieties and addict himself to that which was just but gave ear unto his Governors amongst which there were many wicked men nnd to those false Prophets that mis-led him trusting that the Babylonians should not make War against his City but that the Egyptians should levy an Army and overcome them that then he should suffer much misery For said he they have no truth in their sayings and they will always mislead you by false reports Whil'st Sedechias gave ear to these discourses of the Prophet he was persuaded and acknowledg'd all that to be true which he had spoken and very profitable both for him Ezekiel prophesieth the destruction of the Temple and his people but anon after his friends corrupted him and diverted him according E to their own opinions Ezekiel also at the same time had prophesied in Babylon concerning all those calamities which were to fall upon the Temple and sent notice to Jerusalem of that which he had received from God Notwithstanding Sedechias gave no credit to his Prophesies by reason that all the Prophets were accustomed to accord in all things the one with the other as touching the surprisal of the City and the imprisonment of Sedechias but Ezekiel differed in this that he said that Sedechias should not see Babylon notwithstanding that Jeremy had prophesied that the King of Babylon should lead him away Prisoner in bonds Ver. 20. because therefore these two accorded not in all their sayings Sedechiâ—s revolts from the Babylonian he concluded that the matter wherein they agreed was of no consequence Notwithstanding all things hapned unto him according as the Prophets had pronounced as F we will declare hereafter Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. After that he had continued his alliance and friendship with the King of Babylon for the space of eight years 2 Kings 25. 4. ad 12. he brake the league that was between them and confederated with the Egyptians under hope that they should overcome the Babylonians The King of Egypt coming to rescue the King of Jerusaâ—em is overthrown by Nabuchodonosor with all his Army and driven out of Syria Which when the King of Babylon understood he led forth his Army against him and destroy'd his Countrey to the uttermost so that after he had taken his Cities of defence he brought his Army before Jerusalem and besieged it The Egyptian perceiving the state wherein his Ally Sedechias was levied an huge Army and came into Judea with an intent to raise the siege Whereupon the Babylonian withdrew his Army from Jerusalem to encounter with the Egyptian and fought with him and overcame him in battel and pressed on him with such courage that he put him to flight and drave him G out of Syria As soon as the Babylonian was dislodged from Jerusalem the false Prophets deceived Zedechias telling him That the Babilonian should never more return to make War either H against him or his Nation and that he should never any more depart from his house in Babylon and that they who had been led away captives should return home again loaden with those vessels of the Temple which the King of Babylon had taken from them But the Prophet Jeremy presenting himself before the King prophesied the contrary to these Impostors Zedechias seduced by false Prophets assuring both him and the People That no profit could befall them by means of the Egyptians for that the Babilonians should overcome them and should return and encamp before Jerusalem The Prophecy of the captivity of Babylon and the delivery and besiege the same and destroy the People by Famine and lead them away Prisoners that were remaining and carry away all their substance and that after they were seized of the riches of their Temple they should finally burn the same As for the City they should raze it Jer. 25. v. 1. ad 12. and said he they shall keep us captive for the space of 70 years And I from this servitude the Persians and Medes shall deliver us at such time as they have gotten the Empire out of the hands of the Babilonians Jer. 29. 1 ad 10. then shall they send us back again into our Countrey C. 37. per tot and we shall build our Temple anew and establish the City of Jerusalem Divers men gave credit to these words of Jeremy but the Governors and such as contemned God intreated him very cruelly as if he had been a man beside himself And whereas he had an intent to visit his Native Countrey Anathoth some 20 furlongs from Jerusalem one of the Magistrates encountring him in his journey and laying hold on him retained him loading him with this slander That he stole away to submit himself to the Babilonians But Jeremy answer'd That he was falsely accused and that he repaired only to the place where he was born This Prince giving him no credit arrested him and brought him K before the judgment-seat Jerusalem besieged where he sustained all sorts of outrages and torments and was shut up in Prison to be punish'd and remain'd there for a time suffering the extremity of wrong and injury 2 Kings 25. 1 ad 10. The ninth year of the Reign of Zedechias and on the tenth day of the ninth month Jer. 39. 1 ad 19. the King of Babilon came and encamped the second time before Jerusalem Two mighty enemies Famine and Pestilence and intrenched himself round about the same for the space of 18 months and laid siege thereto using his utmost endeavor to make himself Master of the place And they that were besieged therein were afflicted with two of the greatest calamities Famine and a most grievous Pestilence Jeremy persuadeth them to yield At this time the Prophet Jeremy being in Prison held not his peace but cryed with a loud voice and preached and exhorted the People willing them to entertain the Babilonians and to open their gates unto them because that in so L doing they might secure themselves with their families whereas otherwayes they were assured of destruction He foretold them also That if any one remained in the City he should most assuredly either perish by famine or the enemies fury but if so be they submitted themselves to the enemies mercy they should escape from death But those Governors that heard him speak after this sort gave him no credit in that they were not as yet pressed with the danger for which cause they came unto the King and after a despiteful manner told him all that which had been spoken accusing Jeremy and reproving him for a mad man urging this That he had abated their courage and by his woful predictions had weakned the hearts of the people which were otherwayes ready to fight for him and their Countrey
and his sons may be remunerated by the Senate and People of Rome according to the measure of their loyalties and good deserts Julius Caius Caesar Roman Consul To the Governors Senate and People of Patras Health The Jews are come unto us to Delos with some of the Colonies of their Countreymen in the presence of your Ambassadors and assure us of a Decree made by you whereby you forbid them the practice and ancient use of their sacrifices and oblations I think it not fit that you make any such Decrees against our friends and associates neither that you forbid them to live according to their fashions and customs or to employ their purses together in supplying their feasts and sacrifices since in Rome it self they are not interdicted or forbidden to perform the same For at such time as Caius Caesar Consul had prohibited by Edict That in celebrating the Bacchanals no one should dance about the City yet were the L Jews alone exempted from this inhibition and neither have they been prohibited to contribute neither to banquet together My self also in like case in the defence I have made to forbid all other societies have excepted the Jews therein and have given them leave to assemble and demean themselves according to the customs ceremonies and ordinances of their Countrey If therefore you have made any such Decrees against our friends and associates you shall do well to disanul them by reason of the vertue of the Jews and the forwardness they have protested in performance of our service After Caius Caesar's death M. Antonius and P. Dolobella bring Hircanue's Embassadors into the Senate the Consuls Marcus Antonius and Publius Dolobella assembled the Senate and having brought in Hircanus's Embassadors they declared their request and contracted amity with them The Senate likewise ordained that each thing should M be granted them that they required And Dolobella having received Hircanus's Letters sent them throughout all Asia to Ephesus which is the Metropolitan City of Asia in these The General Dolobella to the Princes Dolobellas's Letters to the Ephesians Senate and People of Ephesus Health terms The General or Emperor Dolobella this word Emperor was in those times a title of honour conferred on those Generals who had obtained some great Victory Alexander the son of Theodore Embassador to Hircanus the High-Priest and Prince of the Jews hath given us to understand that his Subjects cannot go to Wars because it is not lawful for them to bear Arms nor travel on the Sabbath day as also for that they may not seek for their victuals and other necessaries on that day according to the custom of their Countrey for this cause I grant them exemption from the War as my Predecessors have done permitting them N to use the ceremonies and rites of their Countrey assembling themselves to make their oblations and sacrifices as their laws and customs require in contributing to the offering of the sacrifices in the Temple And my will is That you write to this effect to every City of the Province See here how Dolobella honoured Hircanus when he sent his Embassadors unto him Lucius Lentulus Consul pronounceth that the Jews that are Citizens of Rome Lucius Luâ—ulllus in the French Lentulus in the Latine being Consul maketh an Edict in the behalf of the Jews and that observe and offer the sacrifices of the Jews in Ephesus before the Tribunal be exempt from warfare by reason of their Religion Given the nineteenth of October There are besides these many other Edicts and Ordinances made to this purpose by the same Generals and by the Roman Senate in favor of Hircanus and our Nation and some O other Cities In like sort there were divers Decrees and writs sent unto the Governors and Rulers of the Provinces concerning our Priviledges all which may be easily believed by those that shall read our History with no prejudicate opinion if they consider those that we have here inserted The year of the World 39â—2 Before Christ's Nativity 42. For we have shewed more express and lively A testimonies of the friendship that we have had with the Romans and such as at this day are affixed to Pillars and engraven in Tables of Brass on the Capitol and that hereafter shall remain affixed for ever For which cause I have thought it to be a frivolous and unnecessary matter to insert all in this place Josephus's conclusion concerning these Edicts and I think that there is not any man of so sinister judgment that will not believe how much we have been esteemed by the Romans as they have given testimonies by divers Decrees published in our behalf neither may any man suppose that we lie considering the truth of that which we publish Thus have we sufficiently declared the amity and league that in time past we have had with the Romans Caecilius â—assus murthereth Sextus Caesar About this time it came to pass that the estate of â—yria was B sore troubled upon the occasion that ensueth Caecilius â—assus one of Pompeys followers laid an ambush for Sextus Caesar and slew him and seising upon his Army usurped the Government Whereby there arose great War near Apamea For Caesars Captains marched out against Caecilius with great force both of Foot and Horse to whom Antipater sent his sons with forces to second them in remembrance of the benefits he had received at Caesars hands supposing it to be an act of justice that the murtherer should be punished for his so hainous offence Marcus succeedeth Sextus in Syria Now whereas this War continued a long time Câ—sar slain by Cassius and Brutus Marcus came and succeeded Sextus And Caesar was slain by Cassius and Brutus in the midst of the Senate after he had commanded three years and six months as it is expressed in another place C CHAP. XVIII Cassius cometh from Syria draweth Seven hundred Talents out of Judaea Herod gains his favor Malichus's ingratitude towards Antipater AFter Caesar's death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 20. the brand of Civil War began to flame and the chiefest of Rome made it their business to raise forces Cassius cometh into Syria and exacteth more then 700 Talents of silver from the Jews But Cassius came into Syria with an intent to take the Army that was near to Apamea and having raised the siege he drew both Bassus and Marcus to be of his faction and travelling from City to City he gathered a number of Soldiers and much warlike provision and imposed huge Tributes D Herod winneth Cassius's heart by the money that he levieth in Galilee but especially he afflicted Jewry and exacted of that Countrey Seven hundred Talents of Silver Antipater seeing the State in so great fear and trouble committing the exaction of a part of this money to his sons the rest he commanded to be assigned to Malichus who was his Enemy Herod first of all gathered that which was commanded him
Sabinus also by his Letters accused Archelaus to Caesar but Archelaus by Ptolomey exhibited unto Caesar a Supplication containing his Right and Title unto the Kingdom his Father's Testaments and the account of the Money which Herod his Father had sealed up together with his Ring and expected the issue D But when he had read these Letters and those which Varus and Sabinus had sent him and understood what summs of money he had left and what the yearly Revenue was and how Antipas challenged the Kingdom and appropriated it to himself according as his Letters mention he assembled all his friends to have their advice thereupon Amongst them was Caius the Son of Agrippa and his Daughter Julia adopted by him whom he caused to sit in the chiefest place which done he commanded the Assistants to speak what they would concerning this matter At that Antipater Salome 's Son a man very eloquent Antipater Salome 's Son accuseth Archelaus before Augustus Caesar and a great Adversary to Archelaus spake first saying That it was a mockery for him at that time to speak of the Kingdom considering that before Caesar had granted it him he had already seized the Forces of the State when as upon a Festival day E he had killed so many who although they had deserved that punishment yet ought the justice thereof to have been reserved to a lawful Power and not to have been usurped by him either being King with Caesar's prejudice whose Authority he had contemned or by being a private man which was a great oversight For which cause he undeservedly at this time hoped for his approbation whom already as much as in him lay he had deprived of the Title and Authority of his Allowance Moreover he objected against him that of his own Authority he had changed certain Officers of the Army and that he had seated himself in the Royal Throne and like a King had determined certain causes and had granted certain demands of the people That he had left nothing undone which he might have performed had Caesar confirmed his Title He alledged also that they who were enclosed in the Hippodrome F were dismissed by him and divers other acts partly true partly probable in regard of the ambition of young men who desirous to govern do ordinarily commit such things Besides this his neglect in mourning for his Father and withal his rare Banquets all night long at that very time his Father died whereat the people began to mutiny seeing the small regard he had of his Father's death from whom he had received so great Goods and Honours How all the day long be made a shew of his sorrow and tears in his Pavilion but all the night he took pleasure like a King and being such if Caesar should grant him the Kingdom he would behave himself no less unkindly towards him than he had done to his most kind Father That it was no less than an odious crime in him to delight himself with Songs and Dances at his Father's death as if he had been his enemy That he G now came to Caesar's Presence to the intent to obtain the Kingdom by his consent whereas already he had behaved himself no otherwise than if he had already been established King by his Authority But most of all he exaggerated the Slaughter he had committed in the Temple and the Impiety perpetrated so near to the Feast of Easter at which time divers H both Strangers and Citizens had been killed after the manner of Sacrifices and the Temple filled with Carcases not by a stranger but by him who under the colour of Religion desireth the Government of the Kingdom to the end he might satisfie the injustice of his nature in exercising each way his Tyranny towards all men for which cause his Father never thought nor ever dreamt to substitute him King in his place For he knew both his life and disposition and by his former Testament and that of greatest force had ordained his Adversary Antipater to be King For he had been allotted the Kingdom by his Father not when his mind was dead before his body but when both his Judgment was sound and his body in health Yea although at that time Archelaus's Father had such a conceit of him as in his later Testament he pretendeth yet that he had already declared what kind of King he was I like to be who contemned Caesar's Authority in confirming the Kingdom and being as yet a private man doubted not to murther the Citizens in the Temple This said Antipater to give greater credit to his words bringing divers of his Kindred as Witnesses of that he had said ended his Oration Whereupon Nicholaus arose Nicholaus excuseth Archelaus and alledged in Archelau 's behalf as touching the slaughter that it was to be imputed to their impiety who could not be restrained from their Tumults and Uproars before Archelaus was enforced to appease them by force alledging That they were so much the more guilty for that they had not only exercised their malice but also had enforced others to attempt so great a revenge against them for their insolency seemed in appearance to concern Archelaus yet in a sort their contumacy K pertained to Caesar's ruine For those that had been sent by him to appease and redress their sedition were against all Law and right charged and killed by them without respect of God or regard of the solemn Feast Whose defence Antipater was not ashamed of without respect of equity so that he might satisfie that hatred which he bare unto Archelaus That therefore it was their fault who first of all abstained not from injury but whetted those Swords which were drawn in maintenance of the peace against their own bosoms He enforced all other things also whereof they had accused Archelaus against themselves saying that none of these things were done without their consents and that the offence was not so grievous as they intended it should be esteemed to the end they might discredit Archelaus So great a desire was in them to hurt their Kinsman a man both well L respected and affected by his Father as also kind and officious towards them in all things that concerned them As for the Testament that it was made by the King when he was in perfect estate of mind and body and of greater force than the former because the Authority and confirmation thereof was ascribed unto Caesar the Sovereign of the World Further that Caesar would not imitate them in that wrong they did unto Herod who being during his life-time bountifully graced by him by many benefits do now after his death go about to violate his last and truest Testament but that rather like a Friend and Confederate he would confirm his Will who like his faithful and sworn well-willer had committed all things to his trust For that there must needs be a great difference between M their Malice and Caesar's Vertue
and Faith which was renowned thorough the whole world For which cause he would not judge his Decree to be inconsiderately past who left his Succession to his well deserving Son and referred all things to his trust For that it was unlikely that he should err in the choice of his Successour who had so discreetly submitted all things to Caesar's judgment After this manner Nicholaus also finished his discourse Hereupon Caesar courteously raised Archelaus Caesar pronounceth Archelaus to be worthy of the Kingdom who lay prostrate and humbled before his feet telling him that he was most worthy to be King by giving an apparent Testimony that he was constant in his resolutions pretending that he would do nothing but that which should be answerable to Herod 's Testament and Archelaus 's profit and seeing the young man was confirmed in some good hope with this his promise Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. he determined nothing N more for that time but dismissing the Council he debated with himself whether he should ratifie the Kingdom to Archelaus only or divide it amongst Herod 's Kindred especially since they all had need of his assistance O A CHAP. XII A great Rebellion in Judea whilest Archelaus was at Rome Varus Governour of Syria stoppeth it Philip Archealus's Brother goeth also to Rome in hopes to obtain one part of the Kingdom The Jews send Ambassadours to Augustus to free them from their obedience to Kings and to re-unite them to Syria They complain to him against Archelaus and abhor the memory of Herod B BUt before Caesar had determined any thing certainly in this behalf Marthalce Archelaus's Mother dieth Marthalce Archelaus's Mother died of a Sickness and Varus the President of the Jews in Syria had sent Letters Varus pacifieth the Seditions at Jerusalem which assured the Emperour of the Rebellion of the Jews For after Archelaus's departure all the Nation was in an Uproar To pacifie which Varus resorted thither and punished the Authors of the same and after he had appeased all things he returned to Antioch leaving a Regiment of Soldiers in Jerusalem to restrain the factious Innovations amongst the Jews yet he prevailed nothing by his policy Alias cap. 15 For as soon as Varus was gone Sabinus who was Overseer of Caesar's Affairs remaining in that place Sabinus's Avarice raiseth a great Sedition in Jerusalem at the Feast of Pentecost grievously burthened the Jews trusting to that power that was left him and supposing that he was already enabled to withstand the multitude C For he armed divers Souldiers and made use of them to oppress the Jews and to provoke them to Sedition For he took upon him to surprise their Fortresses and by force to make search after the King's Treasures for his private Lucre and Covetousness sake When therefore the Feast of Whitsuntide was come which is one of our Festivals divers thousands from all parts repaired to Jerusalem not only for Religion's sake but also for despite and hatred they had conceived against those Violencies and Injuries which Sabinus had offered them And not only were those of Judaea grievously offended but divers also resorted out of Galilee and Idumaea from Jericho and the Cities situate on the other side Jordan desiring all of them to be revenged on Sabinus And dividing their Camp into three Bands after this manner one part of D them took up the Hippodrome and of the other two the one seized the Southern Quarter of the Temple and the other the Eastern and the third which were in the Hippodrome were planted to the Westward where the King's Palace stood and thus prepared they all things that were necessary to set upon the Romans whom they had besieged on all sides At that time Sabinus fearing their number and resolution who were resolved either to die or overcome sent present Letters unto Varus requiring him with all expedition to send him a supply because the Regiment that was left by him was in great danger and must needs utterly perish without his speedy rescue As for himself he withdrew into the Tower and Dungeon of the Castle Phaselus which was a Fortress so called in honour of Herod's Brother who was killed by the Parthians E and from the top thereof made a sign to the Romans that they should salley out upon the Jews being afraid to trust himself to his own Friends expecting that the rest should expose their lives to danger in maintenance of his safety which his extream Covetousness had endangered A most blooddy Battel fought betwixt the Romans and Jews near unto the Temple and their lives also The Romans having made this Sally there arose a desperate skirmish wherein the Romans divers ways had the upper hand yet the Jews were no ways discomforted notwithstanding they had lost many men but wheeled about so long till at last they seized the outward Galleries and those that encompassed the Temple and in that place there was a hot Assault for they flung down stones with their hands and slings and there were certain Archers mixed among them who having recovered a place of advantage grievously gauled the Romans which F were below in that they had no means to avoid their shot but were so exposed thereunto that their Enemies had the better And with this disadvantage the Romans fought a long time till at length being enraged to see their enemies have such an advantage they secretly fired the Galleries and Porches without any discovery of those that were therein which Fire brought thither by many and fed with such matter as would speedily flame immediately took hold of the Roof because the Roof was covered with Pitch and Wax gilded over so that these great and excellent Buildings were burnt down to nothing in a moment Divers Jews are slain and burned in the Roof of the Porches and they that were resorted thither were all of them consumed before they were aware For some of them fell with the Roof of the Galleries others shot at and killed by those that stood round about others G despairing of their lives and amazed at the mischief either cast themselves into the fire or killed themselves with their own Swords and all those that retired in hopes to save themselves by that way they ascended were encountred by the Romans who killed them all because they were disarmed though furiously desperate so that not one H of them that ascended the Porches escaped with his life Afterwards the Romans thrusting forward one another by those ways where the fire was least entred the Treasure house where the sacred money was kept by which means a great part thereof was stoln away by the Soldiers A great part of the sacred treasure taken away by the Soldiers and Sabinus to all mens knowledge carried away four hundred Talents But the Jews being afflicted with a double calamity first of all with the loss of their Friends in that fight and
cause which followeth Hircanus the High Priest the first of that name having builded a Tower near unto the Temple did for the most part make his Residence therein and there kept his Vestments that were committed to his charge the rather for that he only had the Authority to put them on and return them into their place at such time as he came down into the City and put on his accustomed Raiment His Successors did the same till Herod being exalted to the Kingdom and seeing this Tower to be strongly situated builded the same most magnificently and called it Antonia in honour of Antony his great friend And having found these Vestments in the place he retained them with him assuring himself the people would attempt nothing against him Archelaus his Son and Successor B in the Kingdom kept the same course that Herod had done But after that the Romans had obtained the Sovereignty thereof they kept the High Priest's Ornaments in their hands and reserved them in a place builded for that purpose under the Seal of the Priests and the Governour of those that kept the Sacred Treasure lighted the Lamp every day in that place Every seventh day before the Feast the Governour delivered them into the High Priest's hands and after they were purified he put them on to do Divine Service and the next day after the Feast he returned them again to the same place where they were kept before which custom was observed thrice every year in the time of a Fast Vitellius advanced Jonathan the Son of Ananus to the Priesthood and degradeth Joseph sirnamed Caiaphas But Vitellius returned those Ornaments into the hands of the Priests according to the ancient Orders leaving them to be used when need required commanding the C Governour to trouble himself no more about the place where they should be kept After he had done this favour to the Nation of the Jews he deposed the High Priest Joseph sirnamed Caiaphas and advanced Jonathan the Son of Ananus to that Dignity and afterwards returned to Antioch At that time he received Letters from Tiberius by which he commanded him to capitulate and conclude a Friendship with Artabanus the King of the Parthians whose hatred he suspected and feared lest seizing on Armenia he should work farther mischief against the State of Rome desiring him to assure the League by Hostages and namely with Artabanus's Son After Tiberius had written these Letters above mentioned unto Vitellius he perswaded the Kings of Iberia and Alania by great store of D money that with all expedition they should make War against Artabanus But the Iberians would not be drawn thereunto yet they suffered the Alanes to march thorough their Countrey and opened them their Gates of the Mount Caspius to give them passage to invade Artabanus The Parthians lose Armenia Thus once more was Armenia conquered and the Countrey of the Parthians was invaded whereby the chiefest among them were killed The King's Son also was killed in those Conflicts with divers Thousands of his Army Such things as hapned between Vitellius and Artabanus Moreover Vitellius having sent money to a Kinsman and Friend of Artabanus pretended to corrupt him to make Artabanus away But Artabanus perceiving the Plot that was intended against him and seeing that he could not escape because it was attempted by a great number of the best accounted Nobles within his E Court ceased to pass any further And seeing himself most apparently environed and thinking that under the colour of Friendship he was fraudulently betrayed he thought it better to retire himself into the Provinces of the higher Countrey and there to save himself Artabanus rostored to his Kingdom by the Danes and Swedes rather than to put himself in hazard and resort unto them who had already betrayed and forsaken him Arriving in that place he assembled a a great number of Soldiers of the Countreys of Danes and Swedes and having fought against them who had opposed themselves against him he recovered his Kingdom A League betwixt Vitellius and Artabanus When Tiberius had tidings hereof he endeavoured to draw Artabanus into Friendship with him which when Artabanus had notice of he willingly admitted so that Artabanus and Vitellius met together near Euphrates and by the means of a F Bridge that was builded upon the River Herod's Banquet in the midst of Euphrates they debated the matter together being each of them attended by their Guards After that they had concluded the Peace Herod the Tetrarch feasted them in a very magnificent Pavilion erected in the midst of the River Artabanus sendeth Tiberius his Son in Hostage and a Jew seven cubits high with great cost And not long after Vitellius sent Darius Artabanus's Son in Hostage to Rome with divers Presents amongst which there was a man seven Cubits high a Jew born who was named Eleazar who was called a Giant by reason of his stature That done Vitellius returned to Antioch and Artabanus to Babylon But Herod desirous to be the first that should advertise Caesar of the receipt of these Hostages Herod advertiseth the Emperour of all things before Vitellius's Letters came to his hands sent an express with Letters by which he fully satisfied him of all that which had hapned omitting nothing for the Consul to acquaint him so that after Vitellius's Letters G were brought unto him and that Caesar had already assured him of the true information that Herod had given him Vitellius was much troubled and suspecting lest he had received a greater injury than the matter made shew for he conceived in his heart a secret spight which continued until Tiberius was dead and Caius obtained the H Empire At that time also Philip Herod's Brother died in the twentieth year of Tiberius's Reign after he had reigned himself for the space of seven and thirty years in Trachonitis Gaulonitis and Bathanaea During all the time of his Government he behaved himself very peaceably for he made his abode within his own Dominion He walked being accompanied with a small number of his chosen servants and had that seat carried after him wherein he was accustomed to fit and do justice to the end that if any one presented himself and required his assistance he might without delay do him right Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. alias chap. 13. For upon the first motion the seat was placed in that part wherein the Plaintiff met him and being seated therein he examined the cause punishing those that I were guilty and absolving the innocent He died in Juliade and was buried in the Sepulchre which he himself had caused to be built The year of the World 4000. after Christ's Nativity 38. and his Obsequies were performed with great Solemnity and Majesty And for that he left no Heirs Males behind him Tiberius seized on his Estate which he united to the Government of Syria ordaining that the Tributes that were gained