Horse to encounter the like number which shall be drawn out of our Army But alas it is not to be expected since you are not able to raise so great a Force Why therefore delay you Why yield you not to those that are too strong for you and are able even in spight of your resistance to ransack your City whereas you know that a willing submission is alwayes secure contrariwise whereas duty is enforced there wanteth no peril of calamity When both the Ambassadors and the People had heard what the Assyrian had spoken B 2 Kings 19. 1 2. they reported the same to Ezechias who incontinently cast his royal garments off and cloathed himself in sackcloth Ezechias in adversity hath recourse to God he is comforted by Esay discovering his trouble and sorrow in his countenance and casting himself prostrate upon the earth after the manner of their Countrey he besought God to be assistant unto him since all other hope was vain He sent also certain of his friends and some Priests unto the Prophet Esay requiring him to pray unto God That since Sacrifice was offered unto him for publick security it might please him to frustrate the enemies hopes and to have pity and compassion on his people When the Prophet had performed what was required he received an answer from God by which he assured the King and all that were about him foretelling them that the enemies should be overcome without stroke strucken and should retire with shame and not with that advantage which they promis'd to themselves at present because God had already determined C how they should be overthrown He foretold also that Senacherib himself the King of Assyria should fail of his enterprize in Egypt and that upon his return to his own Court he should be slain At that very time the Assyrian wrote Letters to Ezechias in which he called him fool and mad-man to think that he could secure himself from being his slave yea his in especial who had conquered divers and far greater Nations threatning him with utter ruine at such time as he should surprize the City if he opened not the gates of Jerusalem willingly to entertain his Army When Ezechias had read these Letters he set light by them by reason of the confidence he had in God and having opened them he spread them in the Temple And whil'st he renewed his prayers unto God for the salvation of the City and his Subjects Esay the Prophet told him That his D prayer was heard that hereafter likewise they should manure their lands in peace and security and should enjoy their possessions without fear Not long after the King of Assyria having but cold success in his expedition against Egypt turned back again without doing any thing for this cause that ensueth He had lost much time in the siege of Pelusium and at such time as he had already raised certain Bulwarks as high as the Wall so that he wanted nothing but to give the assault News was brought him that Thargises King of Ethiopia A v. 20. ad fin brought an Army to rescue the Egyptians with an intent to take his way thorow the Desart Herodotus of Senacherib and suddenly to charge the Assyrian Army Senacherib troubled with these tydings speedily departed thence with his Army But Herodotus saith That he made War with Vulcans Priests for so he stileth this King of Egypt because he was a Priest of that E false god and moreover addeth Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. That besieging Pelusium for this cause he gave over the siege The King of Egypt called to his God for assistance by whose power the Arabians suffered much misery But in this also he erreth in that he setteth down the Arabian for the Assyrian There came one night so great a number of Rats into the Army that they gnawed to pieces all their Bowe-strings and made the rest of their Arms unserviceable whence it came to pass that the King being disarmed Ver. 35 36 37. withdrew his siege from Pelusium But Berosus a Writer among the Chaldees The punishment of Senacherib for displeasing God maketh mention of Senacherib and how he reigned among the Assyrians and troubled both Asia and Egypt with War and declareth the manner in these words But Senacherib returning from the Egyptian War came before Jerusalem and received the Army that F was there at the hands of the Governor Rabsake and God caused a pestilent sickness to fall upon his Army which was so violent that the first night of the siege there dyed an hundred fourscore and five thousand men with the Governors and Chieftains With which loss he was so affrighted Paâ—â—icides and troubled that fearing to lose his Army he fled with those that remained and retired himself into his Kingdom to the City called Nineve where after he had lived for a time he was trayterously slain by Adramelech and Selenar his two elder sons and being dead was carried into his own Temple called Arusche and his children were driven out of the Kingdom for committing the murther and retired themselves into Armenia and Asseradochus his youngest son succeeded Senacherib Such was the end of the Assyrian Army that came before Jerusalem G CHAP. II. The year of the World 3241. before Christ's Nativity 733. H Ezechias having for a time remained in peace dieth and leaveth his son Manasses to succeed him KIng Ezechias being in this sort beyond all hope delivered from his fears offered thanksgiving and sacrifices unto God Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. with all the people acknowledging that there was no other cause that had slain part of his enemies 2 Kings 20. 1 ad 11. and put the rest to mortal fear nor delivered Jerusalem from thraldom but only Gods succour and assistance And whilest he altogether intended and was occupied about the service of God he fell sick I of a grievous disease so as the Physicians despaired of his health and his friends expected nothing but his death But that which occasioned the greatest trouble was that he had no children and saw that he was now to depart the world and to leave his house without a successor Ezechias sickness and the prolongation of his life assured by miracle and his kingdom desolate In this affliction he besought God That it would please him to lengthen his life a little time until he had children to succeed him and that he would vouchsafe that his soul might not be taken from him before he were the father of a son Hereupon God taking compassion of him and the rather because he was not grieved for that the pleasures of his kingdom were taken from him but for that he sought for a lawful heir to succeed him he sent the Prophet Esay unto him to assure him that after three days he should be recovered of his sickness and that after he had lived K some fifteen years more he should
promising me to recompence by their future fidelity their former defection Those Goods that were taken from the Citizens are restored and desiring me to restore those Goods to the Citizens which in way of pillage were taken from them Whereupon I gave command that all the prey should be brought and laid before me and whereas the Soldiers delayed to perform the same I espying one of those Soldiers that stood by me better apparelled than he was wont to be asked him where he had gotten that Garment who confessing that he had taken it in the spoil of the City I caus'd him to be well-cudgel'd and threatned a worse punishment to all those that F would not restore what they had taken away By which means recovering a great part of the prey together I gave every Citizen that which belong'd to him In this place I cannot forbear to reprehend Justus A Reproof of Justus the Historiographer that falsely accused Joseph and others for foul dealing For having spoken of this business in their Histories they are not asham'd to gratifie their passion and hatred by delivering it to Posterity otherwise than indeed it was In which they differ nothing from Counterfeiters of Evidences and Razers of Records but that these Men are more encourag'd by impunity For Justus to the end he might seem to employ his time well undertaking to set down the events of this War hath belyed me in many things and hath been no less guilty of falsities in matters relating to his own Countrey For which cause I am necessarily enforced in this place to discover that G which hitherto I have concealed and to reprove that which he hath falsely testified of me neither is it to be wondered at that I have so long deferred it For whosoever writes a History though oblig'd to speak the Truth yet is not bound H to inveigh against the wickeder sort too vehemently not for that they are worthy of this favour but that he may keep himself within the bounds of prudence and moderation Tell me therefore Justus for thou desirest to be held for the man of greatest credit amongst all other Historians tell me I pray thee in familiarity for I must so talk with thee as if thou wert present before me how I and the Galileans were the Authors of that Rebellion which thy Countrey began both against the Romans and their King For before I was chosen Governor of Galilee by the People of Jerusalem both thou and all the Tiberians were not only up in Arms but had already made War against those of Decapolis in Syria Thy self hadst burnt their Villages and one of thy Servants dyed in that encounter Yet I not I alone witness this but it is extant also in writing in the Records of the Emperor Vespasian how the Inhabitants of Decapolis supplicated Vespasian then in the City of Ptolemais that thou mightest be punished as the Author of their mischiefs and assuredly thou hadst been punished by the Emperor had not Agrippa who received Commission to execute thee upon the instant request of his Sister Bernice spared thy life and kept thee bound in Prison for a long time But the sequel of thy actions sufficiently shews what the rest of thy life hath been and how thou didst cause thy Countrey to rebel against the Romans whereof I will produce hereafter most evident Arguments and for thy cause will I urge somewhat against those other Tiberians and will make it plain to such as shall read these Histories that thou hast been no friend to Rome Tiberias Justus Countrey nor faithful to thy King And I first instance in the greatest K Cities of Galilee Sephoris and Tiberias two chief Cities of Galilee Sephoris and Tiberias in which thou Justus wert born The former is scituate in the heart of Galilee having round about it a number of Villages and being easily able to make a revolt at pleasure yet notwithstanding the Citizens thereof resolved to observe their faith to the Romans and would not receive me nor take Arms for the Jews And through the fear they had of me the Inhabitants surpriz'd me by their artifices and oblig'd me to encompass their City with a wall and that done they willingly entertained a Garison which was sent them from Cestius Gallus who was General of the Roman Legions in Syria and deny'd me entrance because at that time he had a great power and terrifi'd the Countrey round about Yea when our great City of Jerusalem was besieged and the Temple common to all our Nation was in danger to fall into the Enemies hands the Sephorites L sent no succors to the end it might not be said that they took Arms against the Romans But thy Countrey Justus being scituate upon the Lake of Genazareth distant from Hippos thirty stades from Gadara sixty from Scythopolis sixscore in a Countrey obedient to the King having not any City of the Jews round about it might have very easily kept their faith to the Romans if they had pleas'd For both the City and People were furnished with Munition in all abundance But as thou sayest I was the cause at that time And who afterwards For thou knowest that before the siege of Jerusalem I was in the Romans hands and that Jotapata was taken by force and divers other Castles and that a great number of Galileans had been lost in divers Battels At that time shouldest thou have delivered thy self of that fear thou hadst of me laying thine arms aside and presenting thy self to the M King and the Romans if thou tookest Arms not of thine own accord but enforced But the truth is you expected Vespasian's coming even until such time as he begirt your City with a siege and then laid you your Arms aside for fear of danger yea even then had your City been overthrown except the King in excuse of your folly had obtained your pardon at Vespasian's hands It was not therefore my fault but your own that you behaved your selves like Enemies to the Roman Empire Do not you remember how often I obtained the victory against you and how seldom you could complain of Bloodshed But you falling at dissention one with another became the instruments of your own ruine and not for the love you bare either to the King or the Romans but of your own malice you slew an hundred eighty five Citizens at such time as I was besieged by the Romans in Jotapata Nay more is it not true N that during the said siege of Jerusalem there were more than two thousand Tiberians slain or taken Prisoners But perhaps thou wilt alledge that at that time thou wert no Enemy because thou wert fled to the King but I tell thee that thou fleddest thither for the fear thou hadst of me I am a wicked man as thou sayest but what art thou whom King Agrippa delivered from punishment Justus condemned to death at such time as thou wert condemned by
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
natures was he ignorant of neither had he omitted to search after their qualities in particular The Author in this place abuseth the gifts of God bestowed on Solâ—mon in extending them to those Arts which are forbidden by the express word of God and discoursed of them all and had knowledge of their several and secret properties He obtained also the knowledge of the Art of Magick for the profit and health of Men and the exorcising and casting out of Devils for he devised certain incantations whereby the diseased are cured and left the method of conjuration in writing whereby the Devils are enchanted and expelled so that never more they dare return And this kind of healing to this day is very usual amongst those of our Nation For I saw a certain private man amongst the Hebrews by M name Eleazar in the presence of Vespasian his Sons Tribunes and other Soldiers that cured divers that were possessed And the manner of his Cure was this He applied to the Nose of the Demoniack a Ring A Jew casteth out Devils under the Seal whereof was a root of those things that Solomon had declared which drew the Devil out of the Nostrils of the Sick as soon as he smelled the root and as soon as the Man was fallen he adjured him never more to return intermixing some mention of Solomon and rehearsing those Incantations that were invented by him After this the said Eleazar being desirous to shew unto them that were present the efficacy of his Art he set a Pot or Pitcher of water not far from the place where the possessed stood and commanded the Devil at such time as he forsook the Man to overturn N the Pot and thereby to give a sign unto those that stood by that he had forsaken the possessed which act of his manifestly declareth how great the science and wisdom of Solomon was For which cause I thought good in this place to make mention thereof that the worthy endowments of this King might be known unto all Men and how beloved of God he was 1 Kings 5. 1 ad 12. and how surpassing in all kinds of virtue When Hiram King of Tyre understood that Solomon succeeded his father in the Kingdom he was glad thereof Hiram's Ambassadors to Solomon for he was Davids friend for which cause he sent Messengers unto him to salute him and to congratulate his succession to the Crown by whom Solomon returned an answer in these terms Solomon to Hiram the King Know thou that my father having a great desire to build a O Temple unto God hath been hindred from performing it by the continual Wars and Troubles he hath had for he never took rest before he either had defeated his enemies or made them tributaries A unto him For mine own part I thank God for the peace which I possess and that by the means thereof I have opportunity according to mine own desire to build a Temple unto God for he it is that foretold my father that his house should be builded during my reign For which cause I pray you send some one of your skilfullest men with my servants to the mountain Libanus Ver. 6. to hew down trees in that place for the Sidonians are more skilful in hewing and preparing timber Solomon requireth Carpenters and workmen from Hiram than our people are and I will pay the Workmen according to your direction When Hiram had read this Letter he was very glad to peruse the Contents of the same and wrote back again unto him to this effect The King Hiram unto King Solomon Thou hast cause to thank God that he had delivered thy fathers Kingdom who was a wise and virtuous Prince into thy hands For which cause B since no news can come unto me more acceptable I will accomplish all that thou requestest for after I have caused a great quantity of Cedar and Cyprus wood to be cut down Ver. 7. ad 10. I will send it thee by Sea by my servants Hiram promiseth Solomon wood and instead thereof requireth corn whom I will command and furnish with convenient vessels of burthen to the end they may deliver the same in what place of thy Kingdom it shall best please thee that afterwards thy Subjects may transport them to Jerusalem And I desire that by way of exchange you would furnish us with Corn whereof we stand in need because we inhabit an Island The Copies are yet at this day kept not only by those of our Nation but also by the Tyrians so that if any man desire exactly to know what they be let him search the publick Records of the Tyrians and he shall find in them matters agreeing to that we have C said All which I say to the end the Readers might be assured that I go not beyond the truth in any sort and that I insert not in this History matters that are meerly apparent and deceitful and only fashioned for delight neither fear I that any man shall examine my Writings nor desire I likewise that every Man give credit at the first sight to the same or that I be held blameless in suffering my self any wayes to vary or improperly dilate ought in this History The truth of Josephus History but contrariwise if I cannot approve the truth by sufficient testimonies I desire not to be allowed As soon as Solomon had received these Letters from the King of the Tyrians he praised his facility and benevolence and presently sent him that which he demanded Ver. 11. every year therefore he sent him two thousand measures of Wheat The King sendeth Hiram a great quantity of wheat oyl and wine and two thousand Baths of Oyl and two thousand Baths of Wine each D Bath containing about 72 Quarts From that time forward the friendship betwixt Hiram and Solomon increased more and more so that both of them protested that it should continue for ever The King ordered that thirty thousand Workmen should be provided whom he gave in charge to work continually alotting to each man his part He ordained that ten thousand of them should cut wood in Libanus for the space of one Month Ver. 14. and that then they should rest two Months The order of the Carpenters in Libanus returning every man unto his own dwelling place until such time as the twenty thousand had in their turn accomplished the task in the time that was prefixed unto them and then the first ten thousand renewed their work and followed the same in the fourth month Adoram was constituted Superintendent over them Besides these there were Seventy thousand Men appointed E to carry stones and wood Ver. 15. ad fin who were strangers in that Countrey according to the commandment of David The order of the Masons and other workmen There were fourscore thousand Hewers of stone over which were 3200 Commissaries these had the King commanded to cut the greatest
spake after this manner That sith they had obtained from God so notable a victory they ought to behave themselves like virtuous men and M such as feared God The exhortation of Azarias the Prophet conforming themselves unto his will in all things assuring them that if they persisted in the same God would give them victory over their enemies and all the happiness of this life but if they forsook the service of God they should fall into so great extremity that neither true Prophet or Priest should be found amongst them 2 Chron. 15. that should instruct them in righteousness ver 3 4. that their Cities should be overthrown and their Nation should be scattered over the face of the whole earth that they should live like Wanderers and Vagabonds In the mean while therefore while they had time he counselled them to live uprightly wishing them that they would not deprive themselves of that favor which God bare unto them When the King and all the people heard these words they were very joyful and every one was careful to serve God The King also sent out certain Deputies over the Countrey who were commanded N to see the laws duly executed In this state were the affairs of Asa King of the two Tribes Now will I return to Basa King of Israel Religion reneâ—ed in Israel who having slain Nadab the son of Jeroboam usurped the Kingdom He made his abode in the City of Thersa and reigned four and twenty years shewing himself more wicked than either Jeroboam or his son had been He miserably oppressed his Subjects and by his blasphemies dishonoured the Name of God Basa's impiety who sent the Prophet Gimon unto him 1 Reg. 1â— 1 ad 5. to foretell him that his whole race should perish and that his house should be persecuted with as many miseries as himself had inflicted on Jeroboams posterity because that having received the government from God he shewed himself ungrateful unto him for his goodness A Prophecy against Basa and governed his O people impiously and unjustly whereas justice and piety are both profitable unto those that practise them and well-pleasing unto God Moreover in that he had conformed H himself in his life The year of the World 3006. before Christ's Nativity 9â—8 to the dissolute course that Jeroboam used and had given himself over to follow the same vices he might deservedly expect to suffer the same punishment Although Baasa heard all those evils that should shortly fall on him and his posterity by reason of his wickedness yet he redeemed not the time nor endeavoured to obtain pardon of God by repenting himself of his sins but he continued still to engage himself further than before in all sorts of wickedness and became worse and worse to the utter ruine and confusion both of him and his houshold In the end he assembled an Army 1 Kings 15. 17 21. and assailed Ramoth once more 〈◊〉 was a great City some four Leagues distant from Jerusalem Baasa surprized Ramath and fortifi'd it which he took placed a Garison therein and fortifi'd it with a resolution from thence to make his inroads into Asa's Kingdom But Asa fearing the invasion I of his Enemy and considering that the Soldiers who were left in Ramath did grievously pillage the adjacent Countries sent Ambassadors to the King of Damascus with gold and silver to induce him to become an Associate in the War and to renew that amity between them Asa inciteth thoâ—e of Dâ—mascuâ— to invade Baasa which was begun betwixt their Fathers The King graciously received those treasures that were sent him and made a league with him and brake the truce which he had made with Baasa so that he sent the Governors of his Dominions against those Cities that were under Baasa's subjection with a commandment that they should destrâ—y them Of these they burnt some and ransackt others amongst which were Gelam Dan and Abelma Which when the King of Israel understood he gave over the fortifying of Ramath K and with all expedition turn'd to yield those of his subjects his assistance who were assaulted by the Enemy Alias chap. 9. But Asa in the mean while built two strong Towns The death of Baasa Gabath and Maspha of the materials which Baasa had prepar'd to build withall Baasa afterwards prevented by death had no more opportunity to make War against Asa He was buried in the City of Arsane and his son Ela succeeded him in his Kingdom who after he had reigned two years was traiterously slain by Zamri a Captain of half his Horsemen For whil'st Ela banquetted with Osa who was the steward of his house Zamri wrought so effectually that he persuaded some of his horsemen to assault Ela who at that time was alone and destitute of his Guards because all his Soldiers were at the siege of Gabathan a City of the Philistines L CHAP. VII Baasa's Off-spring being extinct Zamri reigned in Israel and after him Amri and his son Achab. AFter that Ela was slain Baasa's stock destroyed Zamri took the kingdom upon him and wholly rooted out Baasa's posterity according as the Prophet Gimon had foretold For after the same manner was his Family utterly overthrown for their impiety Ver. 11 1â— as Jeroboams progeny was extinguish'd for their iniquity as we have before declar'd For the Army which besieged Gabathan hearing news of the Kings death and that Zamri had murther'd him M and seized the kingdom they made Amri General of the Army and anointed him for their King who raising the siege before Gabathan came before the Royal City of Thersa which he besieged Divers factions of the people and took by force Zamri seeing the City destitute of defence had retired himself into the most secret place of the Palace where setting it on fire he burnt both himself and it Ver. 16. after he had reigned seven days Suddenly after this the Israelites fell at variance amongst themselves Amri King of Israel because some of 〈◊〉 thought to prefer Thaman to the kingdom and others were wholly addicted to Amri but they of Amri's side had the better and being of the better sort slew Thaman and made Amri Sovereign over the people The thirteenth year of Asa Amri began his Reign and was King for twelve years space six years govern'd he in Thersa and six in Mareon which the Greeks N call Samaria himself imposed this name of Samaria from the name of him whom he purchased the Mountain on which he built this City He differ'd in nothing from the other Kings his predecessors but in that he was worser than any of them for there was nothing which he left unattempted Ver. 28. that by daily impieties he might alienate the people from God Amri dyeth and Achab hâ—â— son succeeded him For which cause God being displeas'd exterminated him and his posterity from the face of the
of Gods Oracles containeth an Italian bushel and an half But the Captain of the third part of the Army The punishment of Incredulity was he onely that enjoyed no part of this benefit for being appointed by the King to have the keeping of the gate and to restrain the multitude from headlong pressing out for fear lest thrusting one another some of them should be trodden under foot and slain he himself was trodden upon and slain according E as the Prophet had foretold for that he onely amongst the rest would not give credit to that which he had said touching the great abundance of victuals that they should enjoy When Adad King of the Syrians was safely returned to Damascus and knew that God had suffered such a confusion and fear to fall both on him and his Army 2 Kiâ—gs 8. 7. and that it had not hapned by reason that the Enemy sallied out upon him he was much discouraged to see that God was so displeased with him and through anguish and agony of mind fell sick and for that at that very time Elizeus was come unto Damascus Adad being informed thereof sent Azael who was one of his most trusty servants unto him to present him and consult with him concerning his sickness whether he should recover or F no Hereupon Azael loaded 40 Camels with the fairest and most honourable Presents Ver. 8 9. that either Damascus Elizâ—us is sent unto by Adad to enquire counsel of him aâ— touching his sickness or the Princes Royal Court afforded and repairing to Elizeus saluted him very courteously telling him That he was sent unto him by King Adad to present him and to ask counsel of him touching his malady Whether he should recover The Prophet told him That he should certainly dye but advised him not to carry the King any tydings thereof Azael hearing thereof was much grieved and Elizeus himself began to weep so that the tears fell from his eyes abundantly Ver. 11 12 13. in that he foresaw how many evils the People should suffer after the decease of Adad The Prophesie of Adads death and Azaels government And when Azael demanded him the cause wherefore he was so discomforted I weep said he for the compassion that I have of the People of Israel by reason of those calamities which they shall endure by thy means For thou G shalt kill the better sort of them Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. and shalt burn their strongest Cities thou shalt murther their Infants and dash them against the stones and shalt open the Womens wombs that are with child H Azael answered The year of the World 3207. before Christ's Nativity 757. What force is there in me to execute these things Elizeus said unto him That God had certified him that he should be King of Syria When Azael was returned back unto Adad he signified nothing unto him but glad tydings touching his sickness but the next day he cast a wet cloth upon him and strangled him and seized the kingdom into his own hands This Prince was a man fit for government and well-beloved among the Syrians Ver. 18. and common People of Damascus who even until this day honour Adad and Azael his Successor as gods Joram's impiety by reason of their benefits and those Temples which were built by them which adorn the City of Damascus For every day do they celebrate feasts in memory of these Kings and honour of them by reason of their antiquity not knowing that they were modern and such as reigned not past 1100 years since But Joram I King of Israel hearing of the death of Adad began to give over his fear and cast off that suspition which he had conceived of him rejoycing that yet at last he might have liberty to live in peace The other Joram King of Jerusalem for he likewise was so called as we have heretofore declared by murthering of his brethren and his fathers friends who were Governors obtained the Kingdom and became so wicked and impious as he differed in nothing from the Kings of Israel who transgressed the first laws and ordinances of the Hebrews and perverted the service of God For Athalia Achabs daughter his Wife taught him to execute divers mischiefs and amongst the rest to adore strange gods This notwithstanding God would not altogether abolish his race by reason of his promise made unto David yet he omitted not daily to introduce new K impieties The Idumaeâ—ans revolt and corrupt the ancient laws of his forefathers Mean-while it came to pass that the Idumaeans revolted Ver. 22 and slew their King who had been before-time subject unto Jehoshaphat Jorams father and in his place established another to their own liking For which cause Joram invaded Idumaea by Night with his Horses and Chariots and spoiled the Countrey round about his Kingdom without passing any further yet profited he nothing in so doing for all of them revolted from him and amongst the rest the Inhabitants of the Countrey of Labia But so great was the fury of this Man that he constrained the People to ascend the high mountains 2 Chroâ— 21. 12. and adore strange gods Yet whil'st he behav'd himself in this manner Joram's wickedness reproved by Elias'â— Letters and utterly rooted out of his thoughts the laws of his forefathers there was a Letter brought unto him from the Prophet Elias which certified L him that God would do justice upon him because he had forsaken the wayes of his forefathers and followed the impieties of the Kings of Israel constraining the Tribe of Juda and the Inhabitants of Jerusalem to forsake the service of their God to serve Idols as Achab had constrained the Israelites to do Furthermore because he had murthered his brethren and slain upright and virtuous men The Prophet likewise certifi'd him by Letters what punishment he should suffer namely the ruine of his People the death of his Wives and Children and lastly his own death which should happen unto him by a sickness in his belly wherewith he should be so tormented that his intrails strangly rotting within him should drop out and that he himself should see his misery which should be such as neither might be recover'd by medicine or should ever leave him until M he had finished his days These things did Elias denounce unto him by his Letters CHAP. III. Joram's Army is discomfited all his sons are slain except one and himself finally dyeth a miserable death NOT long after The expedition of the Arabians against Joram the Arabians that dwell towards Ethiopia confederating themselves with other Barbarians invaded Joram's Countrey and spoiled the same and ran-sacked the Kings House and slew his Sons and Daughters and left him but one onely Son called Ochozias 2 Chron. 21. 16 17 18. who escaped from his Enemies hands After this adversity he himself was strucken with a long sickness according
married two Wives which the High Priest gave him by whom he had Sons and Daughters This is all that I have thought good to declare as concerning Joas both how he escaped Athalias treasons and obtained the Kingdom CHAP. VIII Azael King of Damascus levyeth an Army and first of all assaulteth the Israelites and after marcheth forward against Jerusalem M BUt Azael King of Syria making War against the Israelites and against their King Jehu 2 King 12. 18. destroyed the Countrey on the other side of Jordan and all the Eastern tract inhabited by the Reubenites Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. Gadites and Manassites Furthermore he burnt and spoiled Galaad The War between Azael and Jehu and Bathanaea violating and outraging all those that he met withall For Jehu went not out against him to resist him but being become a contemner of God and his Laws he died after he had reigned seven and twenty years over the Israelites he was buried in Samaria and left behind him Joas his Son to succeed him in his Kingdom But Joas King of Jerusalem was desirous to repair the Temple for which cause calling unto him Ioiada the High Priest he commanded him to send thorow all the Countrey the Levites and Priests and to levy upon every one of their heads half a sicle of silver for N the building and reparation of the Temple which was fallen to decay in Joram Athalia and her successors times 2 Choâ— 24. 4. ad 14. But the High Priest would not obey him herein knowing well no man would willingly disburs money But in the three and twentieth year of his reign The restoring of the Temple the King sent both for Joiada and the Levites also and expostulated with them for disobeying his commandment enjoyning them from that time forth to provide for the bulding of the Temple Whereupon the High Priest used present dispatch in levying the money wherewith the people were well pleased He therefore made a chest of wood closed on every side except that on the upper lid thereof there was a little cranny left open which he placed neer unto the Altar commanding that every one should offer according to his devotion and put in his offering thorow the cranny into O the coffer to be imployed in the repairing of the Temple whereunto all the people shewed themselves affectionate so that they gathered together a great quantity of Gold and Silver with great zeale and when the coffer was filled it was emptied and the account thereof taken and summ'd up by the Secretary and High Priest in the Kings presence The year of the World 3089. before Christ's Nativity 97â— A and afterwards was brought together into one place assigned for it which order was observed every day And when it was supposed that there was sufficient money gathered the High Priest Joiada and King Joas hired Masons and Carpenters and prepared great beams of excellent Timber After that the Temple was repaired they employed the remainder of Gold and Silver which was of no small quantity to make cups pots and vessels and other utensils and every day offered they sacrifice of great value upon the Altar and this custome was continued so long as Joiada lived But after his decease which hapned in the hundred and thirtieth year of his age Joas impiety after Joiadas death and how he was reproved by the Prophet after he had lived a just and upright life and was interred in the sepulchre of David in Jerusalem because he had established the Kingdom in B Davids posterity King Joas had no more care to serve God and with him the rest of the Governours of the people were corrupted so that they broke the laws and ordinances of their forefathers For which cause God being provoked by this change and incensed against the King and the rest 2 Chroâ— 24 17. ad 20. sent his Prophets unto them to protest against them and expostulate with them for their offences and to withdraw them from their iniquity But they pursued sin the more vehemently so that neither the punishments by which they who had offended God before-times had been plagued with all their posterities neither all the advertisements given them by the Prophets could induce them to amend or to forsake those sins wherein they were engaged but that which is worst King Joas stoned Zachary v. 21. Joiadas Son Zâ—chary stoned to death and put him to death in the Temple forgetting himself most ungratefully C of the benefits he had received from his Father And the occasion was for that Zachary having received a charge from God to prophesie came into the midst of the people and counâ—elled both them and him to follow justice foretelling them that they should be grievously punished except they did believe This Zachary did at his death call God to witness to judge of those calamities he endured suffering a violent death for the good counsel which he had given them and the benefits which his Father had in times past done unto Joas But many dayes passed not before the King suffered due punishment for these misdeeds For Azael King of the Syrians invaded his Countrey and after he had first of all ruinated Girta he marched forward with an intent to besiege him at last in Jerusalem Joas desperate of all succors emptied all the treasures of the D Temple and those of the Kings and took away the presents that were hung up in the Temple and sent them to the Syrians raising the siege by this means lest he should be drawn into hazard to lose all The spoil of the Temple The Syrians pacified with so great riches and abundant treasure Joas death suffered not his Army to pass to Jerusalem After this Joas was seized with a grievous sickness and to the intent that the death of Zachary the Son of Joiada might not escape unrevenged his friends conspired against him and he died by their hands He was entombed in Jerusalem but not in the sepulchre of his Ancestors because he had faln from God He lived seven and forty years CHAP. IX E Amasias King of Jerusalem made War against the Idumaeans and Amalechites and obtained the victory AMasias his Son succeeded him in the Kingdom 2 King 14. 1 ad 15. But in the 21 year of Joas's reign Ioachas the Son of Jehu took possession of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria and reigned for the space of seventeen years Amasias King of Jerusalem But he followed not his Fathers steps but rather behaving himself impiously according as his predecessors in the Kingdom and contemners of God had done The forces of Israel weakned and restored by God For which cause the King of Syria subdued him and cut off a great part of his dominions and took his greatest Cities from him and defeated his Armies so that at length he had but ten thousand footmen and five hundred horsmen F All
so doing they should be in security For the thirteenth day of the twelfth month by the Hebrews called Adar and by the Mecedonians Distre the posts that carried the Kings letters certified them that they should exterminate their enemies on that very day whereon they themselves were in danger to be exterminated The Governors likewise of the Provinces the Lords and chief Magistrates did honour to the Jews for the fear they had of Mardocehus and after the Kings Letters were published it came to pass that the Jews slew about five hundred of their enemies Within the City of Susa the King declared unto Esther the number of the dead that perished in the City Esther 9. v. 2. 5 10 13. and suspecting what might happen thorow the whole Countrey he asked her if she requested any further matter promising her that D he would see it executed she besought him that it might be lawful for the Jews to revenge themselves yet once more the next day upon their enemies and to hang Hamans ten Sons upon the gibbet which the King being loth to contradict Esther permitted so that on the 14. day of the Month Distre they slew about three hundred more of their enemies without taking the smallest portion of their goods Furthermore the Jews slew in the Countrey and in the Cities about sixty five thousand of their enemies whom they dispatched the thirteenth day of the month and solemnized the day following in mirth and feasting The Jews that were at Susan assembled themselves likewise on the fourteenth day of the month and banquetted that whole day Whence it cometh to pass that all the Jews which are throughout the world keep and solemnize E this day for a festival and send Presents the one unto the other Mardocheus also wrote unto the Jews who lived under the Empire of Artaxerxes commanding them to observe those dayes and to solemnize them willing them to charge their Successors to do the like to the end that this feast might continue for ever For since on that day they should have been destroyed by Haman they should do well if after they had escaped that danger and taken revenge on their enemies they should observe the same day to give thanks to God For this cause the Jews keep a solemn feast on these dayes and call it Purim that is to say Lotts But Mardocheus was great and powerfull with the King Governing the whole Kingdom under him and had also all the power that could be conferred on him by the Queen and for this cause the affairs of the Jews had F better success than was hoped but there was nothing during the whole reign of Artaxerxes which hapned to be of greater importanance than this which we are going to relate C. 10 per totum Puraea festa Mardocheus authority G H CHAP. VII The year of the World 3584. before Christ's Nativity 380. John the High-Priest kills Jesus his brother in the Temple Manasses the brother of Jaddus the High-Priest espouseth the daughter of Sanaballath Governor of Samaria AFter the death of Eliasib the High-Priest Judas his son succeeded in the office And Judas being dead Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. John his son obtained the place and was the cause that Bagoses General of Artaxerxes Army The revenge taken of John for slaying his brother polluted the Temple and made the Jews tributaries so I that before they could offer their ordinary and daily sacrifices they were compelled to pay for every Lamb 50 drachmes which hapned upon this occasion John had a brother called Jesus whom Bagoses favoured and promised to give him the High-Priesthood One day these two Brethren being in the Temple they fell out about the succession and the quarrel rose so high that John slew his brother Jesus in that holy place It was a thing very strange that John being a Priest should commit such an impiety against his brother and yet far more strange in that so cruel an act and an offence so impious hath neither hapned amongst Greeks nor Barbarians But God left it not unpunished in that for the same sin the people lost their liberty and the Temple was polluted by the Persians When Bagoses had intelligence that John the High-Priest among the Jews had slain his brother Jesus in the Temple Jaddus High-Priest whose brother Manasses marrieth Sanaballaths daughter he came thither in all haste and began to break K forth into bitter threats against the Jews Have you said he been so bold as to commit murther in your Temple And when he attempted to enter they hindered him Whereupon he replied Am I therefore more polluted than the body that lieth dead in the Temple And having spoken thus he entred thereinto and for the space of seven years Bagoses being thus incensed against the Jews punish'd them for murthering Jesus After that John was deceased Jaddus his son was made High-Priest who had a brother called Manasses Sanaballath sent by the late King Darius to govern Samaria for he also was of the race of the Chuteans from whom came the Samaritans knowing that Jerusalem was a famous City and that the Kings thereof wrought much trouble unto the Inhabitants of Assyria and Coelosyria he willingly marrieth his daughter Nicasis to this Manasses with L an intent that this Marriage should be as a pledge of his good will to the Nation of the Jews CHAP. VIII Alexander the great King of Macedonia passeth out of Europe into Asia destroyes the Empire of the Persians and when it was believed that he would have demolish'd the City of Jerusalem he pardons the Jews and treats them very favourably M ABout this time Philip King of Macedon died in the City of Aegaea being traiterously slain by Pausanias the son of Cerastes Alexander made King after Philip his father King of Macedon of the race of Orestes and his son Alexander succeeded him in the kingdom who passing over the Hellespont gave battel unto the huge Army of Darius near the River Granic and there obtained a famous victory And hereupon also invading the Countrey of Lydia after he had conquered Jonia and over-run Caria he fell upon the quarters of Pamphilia as is declared in another place But the Elders of Jerusalem were much displeased that Jaddus's brother who was at that time High Priest and had married a foreign Woman should be companion and associate with him in the Priesthood so as they mutined against him For they supposed that that Marriage would be but a means to animate those who had a mind to profane Marriages N and prove an inducement to others to communicate in Marriage with strangers calling to mind that the cause of their evils and first captivity was because some of them had fallen and offended by coupling themselves with Women of foreign Nations They therefore commanded Manasses either to forsake his Wife or else never more to approach the Altar The High-Priest likewise being
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
good seeing himself so much honour'd by us Let this suffice to express the honours bestow'd on Hircanus by the People of Rome and the Citizens of Athens After that Caesar had given order for the affairs of Syria Hedio Ruffinus cap. 18. he returned back by Sea And as soon as Antipater had accompanied Caesar out of Syria Caesar departeth out of Syria he returned into Judea and suddenly built up the Walls of Jerusalem which Pompey had beaten down and in riding a Circuit about the Countrey he pacified the troubles not only by threatnings but by good advice also Antipater pacifieth all occasion of commotion in Judea which he gave every one to live in peace assuring them That if they submitted themselves to Hircanus their Prince they should live happily and enjoy their possessions without any trouble and that if they hoped to advance themselves by any new commotion M supposing by that means to benefit themselves they should feel that instead of a Governor they had a Master and instead of a King they should find Hircanus a Tyrant and instead of the Romans and Caesar to be their Governors they should find them to be their most hateful Enemies for they would not suffer that any thing should be altered that they had established By these and such like admonitions he kept and continued all the Country in peace N O CHAP. XVII The year of the World 3921. before Christ's Nativity 43. A Antipater gaineth great repute by his virtue His eldest son Phasaelus is made Governor of Jerusalem and Herod his second son is made Governor of Galilee Herod causeth to be executed several Robbers Some great mens jealousie against Antipater and his children They made Hircanus accuse Herod for those that he had put to death He compareth in judgment and then retireth He cometh to besiege Jerusalem which he had taken if Antipater and Phasaelus had not hindred him Hircanus reneweth his alliance with the Romans The testimony of the Romans esteem and affection for Hircanus and the Jews Caesar is B murther'd in the Capitol by Cassius and Brutus ANtipater perceiving that Hircanus was slow and idle he declared and appointed Phasaelus his eldest son Alias cap. 20. Governor over Jerusalem and the Countrey thereabout As for Herod who was very young Antipater maketh Phasaelus Governor in Jerusalem and Herod in Galilee for he was not at that time above 15 years old he committed Galilee unto his charge who although young in years yet he was ripe in courage and conduct which he witnessed in apprehending Ezechias who was the chief of those Thieves who ranged over all Syria he put him to death with divers of his Complices Which act of his got him esteem and credit among the Syrians for by that means he freed their Countrey of all those Robbers according as they desir'd He was therefore praised thorow the Villages and Cities for this action Herod executeth Ezekias and his followers for robberies as he that had given them peace C and assured possession of their Estates For this cause he was made known to Sextus Caesar who was Uncle to Caesar the Great Furthermore his brother Phasaelus was encouraged to follow his noble actions and inforced himself to obtain no less reputation than he had Sextus Caesar Governor of Syria for which cause he strove to get the good will of the common People in Jerusalem and govern'd the City with such discretion that he acted all things to every mans content The form of Phasaelus's government and abused not his power to any private mans injury which was the cause that Antipater was honour'd by the whole Nation with no less respect than if he had been their only Lord and Soveraign Antipater notwithstanding his high authority was alwayes faithful to Hircanus Yet did not this eminency of estate so far distract him that he forgot the love and duty he ought to Hircanus as in such like occasions it oftentimes falleth out notwithstanding divers of the greatest amongst the Jews seeing D Antipater and his sons so highly advanced both by the publick favor of the whole Nation as also by the Revenues that they drew both out of Jewry as also by the employment of Hircanus's money were grievously incensed against them Antipater winneth the Romans hearts by Hircanus's money and draweth the Jews into hatred For Antipater had made friendship with the Emperors of Rome and having persuaded Hircanus to send them money he had appropriated the same unto himself sending it not in Hircanus's name but in his own which though Hircanus knew yet he was not moved therewith but rather well contented But that which most of all terrifi'd the Princes of the Jews was to behold the violent and audacious nature of Herod who govern'd after a tyrannical manner The Jews accuse Antipater and Herod before Hircanus For this cause they address'd themselves to Hircanus and accus'd Antipater openly How long said they will you dissemble and wink at those things that are daily practised E See you not that Antipater and his sons possess in effect the Royal Power and Authority of the Kingdom and that you have only the name Assure your self that you are not out of danger in contemning thus both your self and your Kingdom For Antipater and his sons are not now your Substitutes neither intend they your profit or your Countries good whatsoever your opinion is of them they are publickly acknowledg'd Lords and Masters For Herod Antipater 's son hath already put Ezechias and his Confederates to death and thereby transgressed our Laws which forbid to take away any mans life how wicked soever he be except he be first of all condemned to death by the Council Herod called in question appeareth with a great train and notwithstanding this he hath been so bold as to do justice without your authority When Hircanus heard this he grew angry for their mothers whom Herod had slain had incensed him by their continual Exclamations in the Temple F exhorting the King and People to call Herod to account before the Council of that which he had done So that Hircanus moved by these Women called Herod to answer unto those accusations which were objected against him Who made his appearance forewarned by his father not to present himself after the manner of a private person but well attended and accompanied to withstand all inconveniencies Sextus Caesar writeth to Hircanus to discharge Herod After he had taken order for the affairs in Galilee according as he thought fit and that he himself was sufficiently accompanied to make his Voyage with such a Guard as neither might terrifie Hircanus with number nor leave himself unsecured in danger he resorted to Jerusalem Moreover Sextus Caesar Governor of Syria wrote unto Hircanus to absolve him adding G threats to his persuasions if so be he should perform the contrary which gave Hircanus
their opinions and receive Herod yet this opinion of his was not answerable to equity For notwithstanding whatsoever violence he did devise yet could they not be induced to call him King in so high esteem and account held they their former King But Antony supposed that that infamy would obscure his renown and lessen the general hatred they bare to Herod See here what Strabo writeth As soon as the High-Priest Hircanus who was Prisoner among the Parthians heard that Herod had taken possession of the Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus câ—ap 2. he returned back unto him Hircanus hearing tydings that Herod had obtained the Kingdom returneth unto him being deliver'd after this manner following Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians had taken Hircanus who was first High-Priest and afterwards King and with him Phasaelus Herods brother and led them away Prisoners with them into their own Countrey Phasaelus I not able to endure the dishonour of imprisonment and preferring an honourable death before a reproachful and ignominious life murther'd himself as I have heretofore declar'd CHAP. II. Phraates King of the Parthians letteth his Prisoner Hircanus return into Judea Herod to make sure of him contributeth hereunto and giveth the High-Priesthood to a man of no account Alexandra Herod's Mother-in-law and Aristobulus's Mother addresseth her self to Cleopatra to obtain this function for her son through Antonius's means Herod K discovereth it gives that employment to Aristobulus and feigneth to be reconciled to Alexandra PHraates Hircanus heighly honoure in Babylon by the Jews King of Parthia understanding how nobly Hircanus was descended who was brought Prisoner unto him entertain'd him graciously and for this cause drew him out of Prison permitting him to converse in Babylon in which place there were a great number of Jews who honour'd Hircanus very much and no less than their High-Priest and King The like also did all they of that Nation inhabiting as far as Euphrates which did not a little content Hircanus But after that he was advertised that Herod was possessed of the Kingdom Hircanus leaving his Countrey expecteth favor at Herods hands he transferred his hopes another way being of his own nature tenderly L affected towards his friends expecting that one day Herod would requite him for that he had deliver'd him from death whereunto he was condemned and in danger likewise of the penalty and punishment He began therefore to consult with the Jews about his journey who in way of duty and love came to visit him and who prayed him and importuned him to continue with them offering him all service and honour assuring him that he should in no less manner be respected among them than their High-Priest and King yea in far higher regard than he might any wayes be in his own Countrey by reason of the maim he had in his body through Antigonus's tyranny alledging that Kings do not ordinarily call to their remembrance those pleasures that they have received in their mean condition because that with their estates they change both their manners M and inclinations But notwithstanding all these or such like Allegations yet could not Hircanus be withdrawn from the desire he had to repair homeward Herod also wrote unto him That he should require Phraates and the Jews that inhabited his Kingdom in no sort to envy his felicity in that he should partake with him both in dignity and royalty alledging that the time was now come wherein he might acknowledge the kindness he had received by being heretofore nourished and preserved by him Samaralla Herods Ambassador to Phraates With these Letters he sent Samaralla likewise in quality of an Ambassador to Phraates furnish'd with great and rich Presents endeavouring by that means to win him that he in no wayes should hinder his good intent towards one that had so highly deserved it at his hands yet his protestations were not answerable to his pretence For insomuch as he governed not with that uprightness N which became a just King he feared lest some alteration might befall him according to his demerits for which cause he sought to get Hircanus under his power or at least wise to dispatch him out of his life which he afterwards performed When therefore Herod had persuaded the Parthian to dismiss Hircanus Herod highly honoureth Hircanus and the Jews to furnish him with money sufficient to bear his expence in his journey he received him with all honour In common Assemblies he gave him alwayes the highest place and in the time of Festivals he made him alwayes sit down before him and the more closely to deceive him he called him brother Herod giveth the High-Priesthood to Anâ—nel endeavouring by all means wholly to take away all colour and suspition of treachery neither omitted he any other stratagems whereby he might any ways further or promote his cause and yet by these means occasioned no small sedition in his O own family For fearing lest any one among the Nobility should be established High-Priest he sent to Babylon for a certain man of a base extraction called Ananel and gave him the Priesthood For which cause Alexandra grew suddenly displeased not being able to endure that afront The year of the World 3934. before Christ's Nativity 34. This woman was Hircanus daughter and Alexanders wife A who was King Aristobulus son who had two children by her husband the one very beautiful who was called Aristobulus the other was Mariamne who was likewise fair and married to Herod She was highly displeased to see her son so much undervalued that during his life another was called to the honor of High-priesthood for which cause she wrote unto Cleopatra by the means of a certain Musician beseeching her to beg the High-Priesthood at Antonius hands for her son Alexandra solliciteth Antonius by Cleopatras mediation for the High Priesthood for her son Which Cleopatra did most willingly but Antonius made little reckoning of those suits A certain friend of his called Gellius who was come into Jewry about certain of his affairs and who had seen Aristobulus fell in love with him by reason of his beauty and admiring likewise his tall stature and allured by Mariamnes admirable beauty he openly protested that he accounted Alexandra B a happy Mother in her children and discoursing to this effect with her he perswaded her to send the pictures of her two children to Antonius for that if he should but behold them he would refuse him nothing wherein he should request his friendship Alexandra perswaded by these words â—ent their pictures unto Antonius Gellius also made the matter more wonderful telling him that the children seemed rather to be ingendred of no mortal strain Antonius requireth Aristâ—bulus at Herods hands but by some divine power endeavoring as much as in him lay that Antonius might be allured to affection them Who supposing it to be a matter ill beseeming him to send for Mariamne who was married
by this means more grievously wound himself Herods sister and his mother incense the King by slandâ—rous reports against Mariamne through the desire he bare unto his deceased delight Whilst thus he was tortured in his passions and conceived sinister opinions against Mariamne his Wife Salome his sister and his mother having an inkling of his discontents thought that they had gotten a fit opportunity to express and execute their hatred towards Mariamne for which cause they conferred with Herod and whetted his spleen and displeasure with variety of slanders sufficient at one assault to engender hatred and kindle his jealousie against her To these reproaches of theirs he lent no unwilling ears yet L he had not the heart to attempt any thing against his Wife or to give free credit to their report notwithstanding his displeasure increased and was inflamed more and more against her for that neither she could colour her cares and discontents nor he contain himself from exchanging his love into hatred and perhaps at that time he had published some fatal doom against her had not a happy messenger brought him word that Anthony and Cleopatra being dead Anthony and Cleopatra slain Caesar was become Lord of Egypt for which cause Caesar Lord of Egypt hasting forward to meet and entertain him he left his family in that present estate Upon his departure he recommended Mariamne to Sohemus giving him great thanks for the care he had had of her Sohemus honoured by Herod with dignities and granting him in way of gratuity a part of Jewry to govern M When Herod was arrived in Egypt Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. and had friendly and familiarly conferred with Caesar he was highly honoured by him for Caesar gave him those four hundred French men that were of Cleopatra's guard Caesar enlargeth Herods dominions and restored that part of his Countrey unto him again which was taken away and spoiled by her He annexed also unto his Kingdom Gadara Hippon and Samaria and on the Sea Coasts the Cities of Gaza Anthedon Joppe with the Tower of Straton which when he had obtained he grew more mighty than before and after he had accompanied Caesar as far as Antioch he returned into his own Countrey Upon his arrival he found that fortune which was favourable unto him abroad too froward at home especially in regard of his Wife in whose affection he seemed to be most happy For he was as inwardly touched with the lawful love of N Mariamne Mariamne a froward woman as any other of whom the Histories make report and as for her she was both chaste and faithfull unto him yet she had a certain womanly imperfection and natural frowardness which was the cause that she presumed too much upon the intire affection wherewith her husband was intangled so that without regard of his person who had power and authority over others she entertained him oftentimes very outragiously All which endured he patiently without any shew of discontent But Mariamne upbraided and publickly reproached both the Kings mother and sister telling them that they were but abjectly and basely born Whereupon there grew a great enmity and unincoverable hatred between the Ladies and from thence also there arose an occasion of greater accusations and calumniation O than before These suspitions were nourished amongst them for the space of one whole year after Herods return from Caesar and at length this long contriv'd hatred brake out violently upon this occasion that ensueth Whenas about mid-day the King had withdrawn himself into his Chamber to take his rest The year of the World 3936. before Christ's Nativity 28. he called Mariamne to him to A sport with her being incited thereunto by the great affection that he bare unto her Upon this his command she came unto him yet would she not lie with him nor entertain his courtings with friendly acceptance but upbraided him bitterly with her fathers and brothers death The King took these reproachful words in very evil part and was almost ready to strike her but his sister hearing a greater stir and noise than was usual sent the Butler who long before that time was suborned by her whom she commanded to tell the King that Mariamne had prepared a drink for him to incite and quicken him unto love Charging him moreover that if the King in hearing him speak of this potion should seem to be moved therewith that then he should proceed further in his discourse He therefore being in this manner before-hand instructed B what he ought to do at that very instant was sent to discover his treachery unto the King for which cause with a sober and stayed countenance he entred in unto him being seriously and well prepared to discourse and told him that Mariamne had bribed him to present his Majesty with an amorous cup of drink Now when he perceived that the King was troubled with these words he prosecuted his discourse alledging that the potion was a certain medicine which Mariamne had given him the vertue whereof he knew not which he had received according as he had told him knowing that it concerned both his own security and the Kings safety Herod who before this was highly displeased hearing these words was so much C the more incensed for which cause he presently commanded Mariamne's most faithful servant to be examined by torments as concerning the poison supposing that it was impossible for her to undertake any thing whatsoever without his privity He being tried and tormented after this cruel manner confessed nothing of that for which he was tortured but declared unto the King that the hatred which his wife had conceived against him proceeded from certain words that Sohemus had told her Scarcely had he finished these words but that the King cryed out with a loud voice saying That Sohemus who before time had been most faithfull both to him and his Kingdom would not have declared these his privy commands Sohemus suspected by Herod in Mariamnes behalf is put to death except there had been some more inward familiarity and secrecy betwixt him and Mariamne for which cause he presently D commanded his Ministers to lay hands on Sohemus and to put him to death As for his wife he drew her to her tryal and to this effect he assembled his most familiar friends Mariamne is accused by Herod and condemned and imprisoned before whom he began to accuse her with great spight and spleen as touching these potions and poisons aforesaid wherein he used intemperate and unseemly speches and such as for their bitterness did ill become him in cause of justice so that in the end the assistants seeing the scope of his desire pronounced sentence of death against her Mariamne by Salomes instigations is led to execution which being past both he and all other the assistants were of his opinion that she should not so speedily be executed but that she should be kept
new benefits seeing such friendship and familiarity between thee and our King For we have understood by our Nation that dwell in Judaea how many offerings thou didst there sacrifice unto our God and with what vows thou honouredst him how thou feastedst the people and wast delighted in that mutual hospitality All which was an argument of the friendship confirmed between so great a Roman Prince and the Nation of the Jews even in Herod's house By all these we humbly request in the presence of the King nothing but this only that thou wouldest not permit us deceitfully to be defrauded of that which you your selves have already granted unto the Nation of the Jews Now no one of the Greeks offered to oppose himself against that which Nicholaus D did speak for this was no contention to a Judge concerning their right but only a deprecation and supplication to avoid injury Neither did they deny it only thus they excused themselves that the Jews dwelling amongst them were troublesome unto them But the Jews shewed themselves to be free Citizens and to live according to their Religion and Laws of their Countrey without any man's molestation or injury Wherefore Agrippa understanding that they were wronged Agrippa confirmeth the Jews privilege answered thus That he would not only gratifie them for his friend Herod's sake but also for that they seemed to him to demand a reasonable matter Wherefore though they had demanded a greater thing of him he would have granted them whatsoever he might without prejudicing the people of Rome And now seeing they only demand of him that which E already the Romans had granted unto them he would ratifie and confirm unto them the benefit which they had already received at the Romans hands and provide that henceforth no man should molest them for living according to the institution and ordinances of their Countrey Having thus spoken he dismissed the Assembly Then Herod arising Agrippa departed from Lesbus thanked him in all their names And then after mutual embracing one another they departed taking their leaves from Lesbus CHAP. V. F How Herod returned into Judea and freed his Subjects from the payment of the fourth part of the Taxes THe King having a prosperous wind Herod returned to Jerusalem and made a speech unto the people and let them understand the cause of his journey and remitted the fourth part of his Tribute within a few days after arrived at Caesarea from thence he went to Jerusalem and calling together all the people as well the Citizens as also the Countrey people there present there he told them the cause of his journey and how he had obtained immunities for the Jews living in Asia that they might converse there among the Gentiles without molestation Then he told them what felicity they had received and enjoyed by his reign seeing that his greatest care was so to provide for his Subjects that they might want nothing And to gratifie them G the more he told them that he would freely remit the fourth part of the Taxes and Tribute they were to pay for the year past The people greatly comforted as well with the King's speech unto them as with his liberality departed joyfully wishing the King all happiness CHAP. VI. H Salome Herod's Sister endeavoureth to ruine his two Sons Alexander and Aristobulus whom he begot of Mariamne He sends his Son Antipater whom he had by his first Wife to Rome IN the mean time Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. al. chap. 7. the discord of his house was daily encreased by reason of Salome's inveterate hatred against Alexander and Aristobulus she presumed so much on her success against their mother that she hoped to leave none of her children alive to revenge her death Salome persecuteth Mariamne's children with natural hatred And she wanted no occasion for it seems the two young Princes were not I very well affected towards their Father partly for the memory of their Mother's death and partly also for that they desired the Kingdom So that they upbraiding Salome and Pheroras did renew their old hatred against them who daily practised by all means they could Alexander and Aristobulus being by Salome and Pheroras drawn into bad words are by them accused to their Father Herod to overthrow them The young men also hated them but not with the like hatred that they were hated of them For they for their ingenuous manners and noble race dissembled not their anger but freely declared their minds But Salome and Pheroras contrariwise enviously and craftily prepared themselves a way by calumniations always provoking the magnanimous spirits of these young Princes whose fierceness might soon bring them into suspicion with their Father that he might gather hereby that they wanted not will to revenge their Mother's death yea even K with their own hands forasmuch as they were not ashamed to be the Children of such a Mother and would contend that she was unjustly put to death And now all the City talked of them every one pitying their rashness Salome not ceasing to gather by their own speeches probable arguments of suspicion that they did not only take their Mother's death impatiently but also raging like furies did both bewail her death and their own case who were compelled to converse with the murtherers of their unfortunate Mother and as it were contaminate themselves with living amongst them Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. al. chap. 8. And the absence of the King greatly encreased their dissension who being returned having made a speech unto the people he presently was admonished both by Pheroras and Salome his Sister Pheroras and Salome accuse Alexander Aristobulus unto Herod that he was in great danger by reason of his L two Sons who did openly boast that they would be revenged of them that killed their Mother Feigning moreover that they were encouraged for that they hoped that Archelaus King of Cappadocia would help them to accuse their Father unto Caesar Herod hearing this was greatly troubled and so much the more that he heard the same also reported unto him by others And hereby he was put in memory of that which was past how that for the dissension of his house he could not long enjoy his friends and dearest wife Herod was fortunate abroad and unfortunate at home And as it were foreseeing by that that was past what would ensue and fearing some greater calamity would befall him he was altogether amazed And truly as abroad he was most fortunate above all hope so at home he was most unhappy and unfortunate beyond men's opinion So that one may well doubt whether M his fortunate success abroad did countervail his misfortunes at home or whether it had been more expedient for him to have had neither the one nor the other but to have had only a common and ordinary favour at fortunes hands Deliberating thus with himself Herod advanceth Antipater to bridle
a Tyrant being of himself a cholerick man implacable towards all men without any occasion having a natural inclination so cruel that the easiest pain whereunto he adjudged G those whom he condemned was death Notwithstanding therefore that every man took pleasure to hear the news yet did all conceal it until such time as they might be more fully assured through the fear of those miseries they foresaw if the matter should fall out otherways But Marsyas Agrippa's Free-man having certain H notice of Tiberius's death ran speedily to comfort his Master Agrippa with these good news and meeting with him as he came out of the Bath he made a sign unto him and told him in the Hebrew Tongue the Lyon was dead Agrippa conceiving that which he meant Marsyas Agrippa's Free-man certifieth him of Tiberius's death was ravished with joy and said unto him I will requite thee for all those benefits I have received at thy hands and especially for this good news provided that it prove true The Centurion who had the keeping of Agrippa considering what expedition Marsyas had used in running and the pleasure that Agrippa had conceived in his report he began to suspect some alteration and asked him what had happened and whereas he delayed to give him an answer he importuned him the more Whereupon Agrippa told him plainly what he had heard in that he had grown already intimately I familiar with him The Centurion rejoyced at this news as well as Agrippa hoping to speed the better thereby and made Agrippa good cheer But whilst they were in the midst of their Banquetting The rumour was spread in Rome that Tiberius was alive and drunk freely there came one unto them who told them that Tiberius was alive and that within few days he would come to Rome The Centurion troubled with this news for that he had committed a Capital crime in eating in the company of a Prisoner upon the news of Caesar's death and by rejoycing with him he drave Agrippa out of the place where he sate and reproachfully said unto him Thinkest thou said he that I know not how falsely thou spreadest the rumour of Caesar 's death yes be assured thou shalt answer thy lie with the loss of thy head This said he caused Agrippa to be bound whom before-time he had suffered to go at K liberty and shut him up in more close Prison than he had been before so that Agrippa was all that night long in this extream misery The next day the rumour was spread thorough the whole City that confirmed Tiberius's death and at that time every one boldly protested it There were some also who offered Sacrifices for this cause Caius certifieth the Senate and Piso of Tiberius's death and his Succession and willeth that Agrippa should be sent to his own Lodging And there came Letters also from Caius which were addressed to the Senate by which he assured them that Tiberius was dead and how the Empire was committed to his hands He writ another also to Piso who had the Guard of the City containing the like report and besides that commanding him to transfer Agrippa from the company of those Souldiers by whom he was kept to the same place where he was lodged before so that from that time forwards he grew confident For although he was L as yet a Prisoner yet lived he at his own discretion Caius arriving in Rome brought with him Tiberius's body which he burned most magnificently according to the custom of the Countrey Tiberius's Funeral And although he were very willing to set Agrippa at liberty the same day yet he was disswaded from it by Antonia not for any ill will she bare the Prisoner but in regard of Caius's honour lest thereby he should shew himself to be glad of Tiberius's death in setting him at liberty so speedily whom he had committed to Prison When therefore some few days were over he sent for him to his house and caused his hair to be cut and his garments changed and that done he set a Diadem upon his head Caius createth Agrippa King and giveth him two Tetrarchies and made him King of Philip's Tetrarchy to which he added Lysanias's Tetrarchy and changed his Chain of Iron into a Chain of Gold of the same M weight and sent Marullus into Judaea to govern there The second year of Caius's Reign Agrippa asked leave to repair into Judaea to dispose of his Kingdom purposing to return again when he had dispatched those Affairs Agrippa departeth into his Kingdom Which when the Emperour had granted him he came into Judaea and was seen and saluted for a King beyond all men's expectation serving thereby for a most notable example unto men to express unto them how great the power of Destiny is in humane Affairs The year of the World 4002. after Christ's Nativity 40. considering the poor estate wherein he had been before and the happiness which he enjoyed at that time Some termed him happy in that he resolutely followed his hopes others could scarcely believe that he was thus advanced N CHAP. IX Herodias Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. alias chap. 16. Herod the Tetrarch's Wife and King Agrippa's Sister being impatient to see her Brother reign in so much Prosperity compels her Husband to go to Rome to obtain a Crown also Herodias Agrippa's Sister envieth her Brothers happiness and inciteth her Husband to seek a Kingdom but Agrippa having written to Caius against him he banished him and his Wife to Lions in France HErodias Agrippa's Sister was married to Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea Shee envied her Brother to see him raised to so great Authority and to far greater O Dignity than her Husband enjoyed For which cause she was displeased that her Brother who fled out of his Countrey in that he wanted means to pay his debts was returned A in great Honour and State This alteration seemed unsufferable to her especially to see him apparelled like a King and environed with a great multitude of people so that it was impossible for her to hide her grief for which cause she incited her Husband and perswaded him to make a Voyage to Rome and to purchase as much as he possessed For said she I cannot endure to live if Agrippa Aristobulus 's Son condemned to die by the sentence of his own Father so poor and indigent that to redress his necessities wherewith he was daily pressed by his Creditors he was constrained at last to flee to Rome should return with such Titles of Honour and that her Husband who was a King's Son and was called to the Kingdom by his Father should live obscure and pass his life like a private man Husband said she if herefore it hath been no prejudice to thee to live in less Dignity B than thy Father hath done now at least desire that due honour which belongeth to thy Family neither think it sufferable
Villages he was very much displeased and the rather for that without any occasion or proffer of injury Anilaeus had assailed him in contempt of his Estate who was a chief Peer of the Countrey For which cause N he immediately assembled the greatest power of Horse and Foot he could gather to set upon Anilaeus and his Associates Anilaeus draweth his Forces into Mithridates's Countrey and spoileth his Villages and taketh him Prisoner Leading his Forces therefore against one of the Villages he kept himself in covert to the end he might fight the next day which was the Sabbath day on which the Jews attempted not any thing Whereof when Anilaeus was advertised by a certain Syrian who dwelt in another Village who had exactly told him all Mithridates's intent and the place where he intended to banquet with his Souldiers after he had made his Soldiers take their refreshment marched out by night to the end he might charge the Parthians before they might be advertised of his coming He therefore rushed in upon them about the fourth Watch of the night and slew those whom he found asleep and the rest being astonished thereat O were forced to save themselves by flight He also took Mithridates Prisoner and caused him to be carried away naked on an Ass which is one of the greatest disgraces A which the Parthians imagine may be offered them Having after this disgraceful manner carried him into a Forrest some of his familiars perswaded him to kill him but Anilaeus told them that they ought to deal with him far otherwise for that it behoved them not to kill a man who was one of the chief among the Nobility of the Parthians and one that was most honoured in regard of that affinity and alliance he had with the King that although all that which heretofore had been offered to Mithridates were insupportable yet if they should be instrumental to save his life he would pardon the injuries and reward them for their Mercy in saving his life whereas if they should deal severely with him the King would seek his revenge and make a horrible slaughter of those Jews that inhabited Babylon whom they ought to have compassion B of both for that they were of their blood and for that if any mischief should befal them they knew not whither to retire themselves Anilaeus dismisseth Mithridates whereas they might be assisted with the flower and select men of their nation Having thus discussed and debated the matter to his Soldiers his opinion was approved and they were perswaded and so Mithridates was sent back again But he no sooner returned home unto his house but his wife hit him in the teeth that he lived but by the mercy of his enemies notwithstanding he were the Kings Son-in-law that he had made no reckoning to punish those who had so much injured him that he likewise contented himself to have his life saved after he had been prisoner to the Jews For which cause said she recover thou thy former virtue and honour C which thou hast heretofore lost or I swear by the Gods of the King my Father that the bond of Marriage which is betwixt me and thee shall be dissolved Mithridates unable to endure these usual reproaches and on the other side apprehending his wives haughty courage from whom he feared to be separated he assembled the greatest power of men that he could possible notwithstanding it were against his will and led them forth supposing himself to be unworthy of life if he who by Nation was a Parthian should be put to the worst by the Jews When Anilaeus understood that Mithridates came forth against him with a great force he thought that it would redound greatly to his indignity if he should lie lurking amidst his Marshes and hoping that he should have no worse fortune against his enemies than he had at first and D building much upon his Soldiers who were ever wont to get the upper hand in their encounters he likewise drew forth his Army to them also others adjoyned themselves who sought nothing else but pillage and hoped that with their only presence they might discourage their enemy But after they had marched about ninety stades and passed thorow a County that was scant of water and were about the heat of the mid day burned up with thirst Mithridates Army came in sight and charged them even at that time when they fainted for want of drink and through the extremity of heat so as they could scarcely handle their weapons At that time Anilaeus's Soldiers encountring with Mithridates's fresh men were shamefully put to flight whereby it came to pass that a great number E of them were killed But Anilaeus himself and all those of his Company retired themselves in great haste into a Forrest leaving Mithridates Lord and Master of the Field whereof he was very joyful A great number of dissolute persons flock to Anilaeus with whom he spoileth certain Burroughs of the Babylonians Notwithstanding this disaster an infinite number of lawless men resorted to Anilaeus who set little by their lives provided there might no limit be proposed to their unbridled licentiousness so that he gathered a greater number of men than those he had lost yet they were far different in valour from the former for they were wholly ignorant of warlike discipline Notwithstanding he being accompanied with these men went and set upon divers Burroughs of the Babylonians which were totally destroyed by his rapine and violence For which cause the Babylonians and his other enemies sent unto Nearda to the Jews that were there F requiring that Anilaeus might be delivered into their hands The Babylonians require Anilaeus that they may punish him they assail and slay him whereunto condescending not for although they had a will to perform their request yet it lay not in their power to deliver him they required that they might live in peace And to treat of the conditions of peace the Babylonians sent certain men to confer with Anilaeus They having surveyed the place wherein Anilaeus kept assailed both himself and his followers by night and slew all those they encountred with without resistance and amongst the rest Anilaeus When the Babylonians saw that they were delivered from the oppression of Anilaeus who till that time had been as it were a bridle unto them to restrain and curb the hatred they conceived against the Jews with whom they had oftentimes been at odds by reason of the contrariety of their Religions G whereby it happened that they oftentimes fell at debate upon every opportunity when they met Now when Anilaeus's men were defeated the Babylonians set upon the Jews on all sides who seeing themselves in danger by reason of the insolence of the Babylonians against H whom they were too weak to make resistance and on the other side unable to live amongst them they went and dwelt at Seleucia a City famous in regard of
and Sabinus were come out into the streets notwithstanding they were forbidden by Pollio whom not long before Claudius had made Captain of his Guard And as soon as Claudius came into the Palace whither he assembled his friends he pronounced sentence against Chaereas For although his action was accounted both generous and noble yet he was condemned for this because he was perfidious whereupon he was adjudged to die to give example to others to the end that Princes and Emperours may hereafter live in safety He was therefore led to his death with Lupus Those that murthered Caius are executed and divers other Romans It is said of Chaereas that he endured this accident with a great courage which he expressed not only in that he changed not his countenance but also by the reproaches which he gave Lupus O who wept For when Lupus was putting off his Cloaths and complained of the cold that he felt he taunted him thus alluding to his name which was Lupus That never any cold A did harm to a Wolf Furthermore when he came to the place of Execution where a great number of people were gathered together to behold the spectacle he asked the Soldier that was appointed to behead him if he were a cunning heads-man and whether he had a new Sword wishing him to use that wherewith he murthered Caius His death was happy for he received but one stroke whereas Lupus was faint-hearted and received divers because he stretched not out his neck freely Some few days after at such time as the Romans solemnized their Expiations and that every one honoured the memory of his dear Friend they gave Chaereas a part of that honour and cast his portion into the fire saying That was to deface and purge their ingratitude whereof they were guilty towards him Thus ended Chaereas his Life But for Sabinus B although Claudius had not only absolved him but also suffered him to exercise his Office as he had done before Sabinus Killeth himself yet he thought that he should do amiss and against Justice if he falsified his Faith to his Associates and Confederates for which cause he shortned his own days thrusting his Sword through his own body to the very hilts CHAP. IV. Claudius the Emperour confirmeth Agrippa in his Kingdom adding Judaea and Samaria C thereunto He giveth the Kingdom of Chalcis to Herod Agrippa's Brother and maketh Edicts in favour of the Jews ONe of the first things that Claudius did after his establishment in the Empire Hedio Ruffinus chap 5. was to disband those Soldiers whom he suspected and published an Edict by which he confirmed the Kingdom to Agrippa Alias 4. that Caius had given him accompanying his bounty with many Praises Claudius giveth Agrippa Judaea Samaria and Lysanias 's Countrey adding moreover unto his Government all that which his Grandfather had possessed towit Judaea and Samaria which in that they were as one Lawful Inheritance appertained unto him He gave him also out of his own Dominions Abela and all the Countrey about Libanus that in times past appertained to Lysanias And D he caused the Alliance that was past betwixt them to be engraven and registred in an open place of the City of Rome Antiochus King of Comagena He took from Antiochus the Kingdom that he had and gave him in exchange a portion of Cilicia and Comagena He set Alexander Lysimachus Alebarcha at liberty Alexander Lysimachus Alebarcha who had been his old Friend and sometimes Governour in Arabia and once his Mother Antonia's Steward who had been committed Prisoner through Caius's displeasure and espoused Bernice Agrippa's Daughter to his Son Marcus which after the death of Marcus who died before he was maried was afterwards married with her Father Agrippa's allowance Herod Agrippa's Brother created King of Chalcis to Herod his Brother for whom Agrippa begg'd of Claudius the Kingdom of Chalcis At that very time the Jews that were in the City of Alexandria mutined against the Greeks For after Caius's death E the Nation of the Jews which had been oppressed during his Reign and injuriously dealt withal by the Alexandrines Sedition in Alexandria betwixt the Greeks and Jews recovered their former courage For which cause Claudius gave Commission to the Governour of Egypt to pacifie and appease that Uproar He sent also his Letters Patents into Alexandria and Syria at the request of the two Kings Agrippa and Herod to this effect Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Claudius's Edict in favour of the Jews in Alexandria Father of the people signifieth this that followeth Vnderstanding that the Jews Inhabitants in Alexandria and for that cause called Alexandrines have at all times enjoyed the self same Privileges of the City which the ancient and first Alexandrines have had Which Favours they have obtained by the Leave of those Princes that were our Predecessors as it hath been plainly made known F unto us as well by Letters which have been written unto us as by confirmed Decrees And that since Alexandria hath been united to our Empire by Caesar Augustus their Privileges have continued in force during the several Successions of many of our Governours which Rights of theirs have never been called in question no not in that time when Aquila was Governour in Alexandria Since in like sort Caesar Augustus hath not letted them but when the Governour of their Nation was dead they might establish other Substitutes and Governours in his place commanding that all of them should yield him obedience in observation of their Laws and Customs without constraint or impulsion to do any thing contrary to their Religion Yet notwithstanding the Alexandrines have mutined against the Jews being in the City of Alexandria in the time of the Emperour Caius by reason of the G folly and frenzy of Caius who disgraced and oppressed the Nation of the Jews because they would not violate their Religion nor acknowledge the said Caius for a God Our Will and Pleasure is that no one of the Privileges of the Nation of the Jews be abolished by reason of Caius's frenzy but my mind is to maintain those which heretofore have been H given them to the end they may continue and live according to their ancient Laws and Customs Commanding you and every one of you very carefully to provide that after the publication of this our Ordinance they be in no ways troubled This was the Tenour of that Ordinance which was made in favour of the Jews in Alexandria But that which was generally made in favour of those Claudius's Edict in the behalf of the Jews scattered thorough the whole Empire who were dispersed thorough the whole World was to this effect Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus High Priest Father of the people elected Consul the second time signifieth that which ensueth Our well-beloved Friends the Kings Agrippa and Herod have required us that we will permit all those
shall bear with her the remembrance of those benefits I have employed on him These words spake he with a loud voice desiring them to relate the same unto King Agrippa who seeing that he was grounded in an incurable folly left him in Prison After this Agrippa fortifieth the Walls of Jerusalem the King began to fortifie the Walls of Jerusalem on the side of the new Town upon the common charge encreasing them both in length and breadth which if he might have thoroughly finished it had been an invincible Fort. But Marsus the Governour of Syria Claudius commandeth Agrippa to desist from building the Walls acquainted Caesar what the work was and Claudius suspecting some Commotion wrote expresly to Agrippa commanding him thence-forward to desist from O further building of the Walls according to that form wherein he began whereunto he would not disobey This King Agrippa was of nature so ready to exercise Liberality A and took so great pleasure to use his magnificence towards all sorts of Nations that the great expences he was at obtained him great reputation So that his whole pleasure and delight was to shew courtesie unto all men and to purchase good esteem being every way different in nature and disposition from King Herod his Predecessor For Herod was naturally malicious Agrippa favoured the Jews more than Herod extream in punishing and irreconcileable to those with whom he was displeased manifestly expressing that he loved the Grecians better than the Jews For he beautified those Cities that belonged to strangers and gave them money and erected them Baths and sumptuous Theatres and Temples and in some of them Galleries but as for the Cities of the Jews he bestowed not this bounty on any of them no not the least reparation or gift that was worthy the speaking B of Contrariwise King Agripga was very courteous and affable and equally imparted his bounty unto all men He was courteous unto strangers any testified no less by the bounty he bestowed on them To his Countrey-men he behaved himself affably and especially he was merciful to all those that were in misery For which cause his ordinary Court and the place he took most pleasure in was Jerusalem He was a diligent observer of the Laws of his Countrey and lived religiously and with as great piety as was possible Simon the Lawyer backbiteth the King who craving pardon is reconciled unto him Neither passed there one day wherein he offered not Sacrifice It happened at one time that a certain cunning Lawyer who was called Simon and dwelt in Jerusalem had assembled the people by reason of the King's absence who for the present was in Caesarea In which Assembly he alledged many things against C him that he was a prophane man and that upon just cause he was forbidden to enter the Temple in that it was not lawful nor decent for those that were unclean to enter thereinto These words of Simon 's thus wrongfully spoke against him were signified to the King by Letters sent by the Governour of the City When therefore he sate him down in the Theatre he commanded that very Simon to sit next him and in peaceable and kind manner he spake thus unto him Tell me I pray thee what seest thou worthy of reprehension or done contrary to Law in that which is done here Simon having not any thing to reply besought him to pardon him The King grew friends with him far sooner than it could be imagined resolving with himself that mercy doth far better become a King than wrath and that moderation is more requisite D than cruelty so that after he had bestowed certain Presents on Simon he dismissed him alias cap. 20. Now although he had many reparations in divers places yet he honoured those of Berith above all the rest Agrippa honoureth Berith with good Ornaments and builded them a Theatre surpassing all other in sumptuousness and beauty And besides that he made them a sumptuous Amphitheatre and Baths and Porches no ways inferiour The Dedication also of these things were celebrated with great pomp and magnificence he also made great Shews and Plays in the Theatre in which there were all sorts of Musick and Recreations expressing in all things the greatness of his Magnificence and being desirous to delight the people with a Combat he gathered all the Malefactors that he could get and made two several Companies of seven hundred a piece and brought them together to fight to the end E that in skirmishing they might receive their punishment and besides that by this Warlike Exercise he might present the people with a Past-time concluded with the punishment of wicked men for they fought so desperately that not one of them came off alive After that he had finished these above-named Buildings in Berith Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. he resorted to Tiberian a City of Galilee and was admired of all the other Kings so that Antiochus King of Comagena came to visit him The like did Samsigeran King of the Emesenians Cotys King of Armenia the less and Polemon Lord of Pontus And besides all these Herod Prince of Chalcis and his Brother All whom he received and entertained most magnificently and amiably to shew his greatness to the end that all men might perceive F that he was deservedly honoured with the presence of so many Kings And whilst these Princes were with him Marsus the Governour of Syria visited him likewise whom to the end he might express the reverence he bare to the Romans he met with seven furlongs off from the City Agrippa is displeased with Marsus for sending away the Kings This interview of so many Kings was the original of that discontent that grew betwixt him and Marsus who seeing all those Kings that came to see Agrippa sitting in the same Charriot with him suspected such Concord and so great Amity supposing that this agreement of so many Kings would be no ways profitable or beneficial to the Romans For which cause he presently sent unto them charging them with all expedition alias chap. 7. to return each of them into their own Countreys Which strict Commission Aelionaeus the Son of Cithaeus made High Priest Agrippa took so ill that he never had any kindness for Marsus afterwards G He took the Priesthood from Matthias and gave it to Aelionaeus the Son of Cithaeus After he had reigned three whole years over Judaea he came to Caesarea which in times past was called the Tower of Straton and there he made Sports in honour of Caesar where all the Nobility of the Countrey was present On the second day H of this Solemnity he being apparelled in a Robe of Silver made with admirable Workmanship came into the Theatre in the morning Where at the first reflex of the rising Sun beating upon his Robe he shined so bright that all those that beheld him were seized with reverence and fear Agrippa is
for they sent Ambassadours to Claudius to appease him and by this means they obtained the favour to remain in Judaea The Jews themselves were the cause of those Wars which began under Florus After this they gave beginning to those most grievous mischiefs and calamities that befell the Jews for they C spred the Seed of the War which was awakened under Florus's Government And for that cause after that Vespasian had obtained the Victory as it shall be hereafter declared he caused them to depart out of that Province and made them seek their Habitation elsewhere H THE TWENTIETH BOOK Of the ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS I Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Twentieth Book K 1. The Emperour Claudius taketh the Government of Syria from Marsus and giveth it to Longinus Fadus Governour of Judaea punisheth some seditious People and Robbers who disturbed the Province He commands the Jews to carry back the High Priest's Vestment to the Fort Antonia but the Emperour giveth them leave to keep them at young Agrippa's request He was King Agrippa the Great 's Son and was then at Rome 2. Izates King of Andiabena and Queen Helena his Mother embrace the Religion of the Jews Their singular Piety and the great Actions of this Prince whom God L protects visibly Fadus Governour of Judaea punisheth a man and his followers who deceived the Jews 3. Tiberius Alexander succeeds Fadus in the Government of Judaea and Cumanus succeeds Alexander Herod King of Chalcis's death his Children Claudius the Emperour giveth his Dominions to Agrippa 4. The horrid Insolence of a Roman Soldier causeth the death of twenty thousand Jews Another Soldier 's Insolence 5. A great Quarrel between the Jews of Galilee and the Samaritans who bribe Cumanus Governour of Judaea Quadratus Governour of Syria sends him to Rome M with Ananias the High Priest and several others to clear themselves before the Emperour who put some of them to death The Emperour condemns the Samaritans and banisheth Cumanus maketh Foelix Governour of Judaea giveth Agrippa the Tetrarchy that Philip had viz. Bathanaea Trachonit and Abila and taketh Chalcis from him The Marriage of Agrippa's Sisters The death of the Emperour Claudius Nero succeeds after him He giveth the Lesser Armenia to Aristobulus Herod's Son King of Chalcis and to Agrippa some part of Galilee viz. Tiberiades Tarichee and Juliad 6. Foelix Governour of Judaea causeth Eleazar the High Priest to be murthered and his Murtherers commit other Murthers even in the Temple Robbers and False N Prophets are punished A great debate betwixt the Jews and the other Inhabitants of Caesarea King Agrippa establisheth Ishmael High Priest Violences committed by the High Priests 7. Foestus succeeds Foelix in the Government of Judaea The Inhabitants of Caesarea obtain of Nero to have the Jews Freedom recalled King Agrippa causeth an Apartment to be built from whence all that was done about the Temple might be seen the people of Jerusalem cause a high Wall to be built to hinder it by the Emperour's Authority 8. Albinus succeeds Foestus in the Government of Judaea and King Agrippa giveth O and taketh away often the High Priesthood Ananus the High Priest causeth Saint James to be put to death Agrippa enlargeth the City of Caesarea and calleth it Neronias A 9. How Florus Albinus's Successor offered many injuries to the Jews which constrained them to take Arms against the Romans CHAP. I. The Emperour Claudius taketh the Government of Syria from Marsus and giveth it B to Longinus Fadus Governour of Judaea punisheth some seditious People and Robbers who disturbed the Province He commands the Jews to carry back the High Priest's Vestment to the Fort Antonia but the Emperour giveth them leave to keep them at young Agrippa's request He was King Agrippa the Great 's Son and was then at Rome AFter King Agrippa's decease as we have heretofore declared in our former Book the Emperour Claudius sent Cassius Longinus to succeed Marsus in the Government of Syria whom he deprived of that Honour in memory of Agrippa who during his C life time Hedio Ruffinus cap 1. had oftentimes required by Letters that he should not suffer Marsus to govern the State of Syria As soon as Cuspius Fadus came into Jewry Cassius Longinus Prefect of Syria to take charge of that Countrey which he was to govern under Caesar he found the Jews that dwelt on the other side of Jordan in an uproar who had taken Arms against the Philadelphians about the limits of a certain Village called Mia which was stored with valiant men Those who inhabit beyond Jordan had armed themselves in this manner without the consent of their Governours and had killed a great numper of the Philadelphians Fadus punisheth the Jews for their Insurrection against the Philadelphians Which when Fadus understood he was much displeased for that they had not reserved the cause to his hearing and complained to him of the D Philadelphians but were so bold of their own Authority and without fear as to take up Arms. Having therefore apprehended some three of them who had been Authors of the Sedition he commanded them to Prison and executed one of them called Annibas Annibas executed Amaramus and Eleazar banished and banished the other two whose names were Amram and Eleazar Not long after this Tholomaeus the Captain of the Thieves was also taken and brought unto him who commanded him to be executed for having committed many Robberies in Idumaea and Arabia Tholomaeus the Arch-thief and by this means all the Countrey of Judaea was cleared of all Thieves by the care and providence of Fadus After this he sent for the High Priests Fadus requireth that the High Priest's Garment should be delivered into the power of the Romans and kept in the Castle of Antonia aliàs chap 2. and the Governours of Jerusalem commanding them according to the Emperour's direction to deliver up into the Castle of Antonia the Sacred Robe E which the High Priest only was accustomed to wear to the end that it might be at the Romans disposal as in times past it had been They durst not contradict his Command yet notwithstanding they required Fadus and Longinus who at that time was come to Jerusalem with a great power for fear the Jews by reason of this Injunction should raise a Rebellion first that it may be lawful for them to send their Ambassadours unto Caesar to beseech him that the Sacred Robe might remain in their custody Secondly that it might please them to expect the answer which Caesar would return to their request The Jews deliver Pledges to the intent they might be permitted to send Letters to Caesar Fadus gave them this answer that he permitted them to send their Ambassadours to Rome provided that before-hand they delivered him their Children for Hostages which when they had readily performed the Ambassadours were sent
The strife between the High Priests and the Priests to seize the Tenths that were due unto the Priests whereby it came to pass that some poor Priests died for want so much did the violence of the Seditious at that time prevail ahove all right CHAP. VII I Festus succeeds Foelix in the Government of Judaea The Inhabitants of Caesarea obtain of Nero to have the Jews Freedom recalled King Agrippa causeth an Apartment to be built from whence all that was done about the Temple might be seen the people of Jerusalem cause a high Wall to be built to hinder it by the Emperour's Authority AFter that Portius Festus had been sent by Nero to succeed Foelix in the Government K of Judaea Alias 19. the chiefest of those Jews that inhabited Caesarea Foelix accused repaired to Rome to accuse Foelix and without all doubt he had been punished for the injuries he had committed against the Jews if Nero had not pardoned him upon his Brother Palas's submission and entreaty who importuned him and was at that time in great reputation with him Hedio Rufffinus cap. 14. Furthermore two of the chiefest amongst the Syrians wrought Berillus who had sometimes been Nero's Master and at that time was Secretary of Estate in the Greek Tongue by mighty Bribes to beg of Nero the revocation of the Right and Title which the Jews enjoyed in the Government and Administration of the Commonweal For which cause Berillus solicited the Emperour and obtained a Letter from him which was the cause of those mischiefs that afterwards happened in our Nation for the Jews of Caesarea understanding what Commission the Syrians had gotten L were so much the more encouraged to make War Therefore The Cut-throats among the Jews as soon as Festus was arrived in Judaea he found the Countrey grievously afflicted with Robberies and the whole Countrey was ruined with Fire and Sword The Thieves likewise at that time encreased mightily they used short Swords after the manner of a Persian Cymetre and crooked like the Roman Faulchion with which they killed divers For thrusting themselves into the press of the people that came in great multitudes on the Festival days to celebrate God's service they killed those very easily whom they pleased and oftentimes repairing to their enemies Villages Festus discomfiteth a great deceiver with all his followers they spoiled and burnt them But Festus sent divers Forces M both of Horse and Foot against certain Jews that were seduced by an Enchanter who had promised them to free them from all their troubles if they would follow him into the Desart they killed both the deceiver and the deceived that followed him At that time King Agrippa erected a stately Building within the Palace at Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. near unto the Porch alias chap. 10. This Palace in times past appertained to the Asmoneans and was scituate in a high place with a fine Prospect from whence they might with pleasure behold the City of Jerusalem wherein the King took great delight and beheld from thence that which was done in the Temple The chiefest men of Jerusalem stop up the Prospect of Agrippa's house The chiefest men of Jerusalem seeing this Building were very much displeased for neither doth our Custom or Law permit that any one should look on that which is done in the Temple and especially N forbiddeth that any man should behold the Sacrifices and Oblations They therefore builded a high Wall upon the Gallery which was within the Temple on the West side which did not only hinder the sight of the Royal Chamber but also that of the Gallery without the Temple on the West side where the Romans kept Guard near unto the Temple on the Festival days Herewith was King Agrippa highly displeased and the Governour Festus far more than he who commanded them to pull down the Wall But they besought him that he would give them Licence to send their Ambassadours to Nero to this intent alledging that it was impossible for them to live if any part of their Temple should be beaten down Which being granted them they sent ten of their chiefest Nobility and with them Ismael the High O Priest and Chelcias the Treasurer of the Temple unto Nero who no sooner heard their suit but he pardoned them not only for that they had done but he commanded A that the building should remain as it was All which he did in favour of his Wife Poppea who was entreated by the Jews she being a devout Princess to sue for them She therefore commanded the ten Ambassadours to return and kept Chelcias and Ismael for Pledges with her The King understanding how all things had past gave the High Priesthood to Joseph Joseph Cabi the Son of Simon made High Priest surnamed Cabi which was the Son of Simon who in times past had been High Priest CHAP. VIII B Albinus succeeds Festus in the Government of Judaea and King Agrippa giveth and taketh away often the High Priesthood Ananus the High Priest causeth Saint James to be put to death Agrippa enlargeth the City of Caesarea and calleth it Neronias The Favours he granted to the Levites The List of the High Priests since Aaron CAesar being advertised of Festus's death Albinus Governour of Judaea sent Albinus to govern Judaea But King Agrippa commanded Joseph to lead a private life and advanced in his stead a certain man called Ananus Ananus the Son of Ananus High Priest the Son of Ananus who was reported to have been most happy for he had five Sons all which supplied the place of the High Priest after himself C had long time before them enjoyed it the like whereof hath never happened to any of our Priests Hedio Ruffinus chap 16. The younger Ananus who as we said was advanced to this place was a rash and head-strong man that followed the Sect of the Saducees who as we have already declared were amongst all other the Jews Alias 21. the most severe in executing Justice Ananus had five Sons that succeeded him in the Priesthood Whereas therefore Ananus was of this disposition he thought that he had a fit occasion offered him to do what he pleased after Festus's death and whilst Albinus was as yet upon his way He therefore ascended and sat down in the Tribunal assisted by the Judges and caused James the Brother of JESUS who was called CHRIST The year of the World 4025. after Christ's Nativity 63. to appear before him with certain others and accused them for transgressing the Law and Blasphemy against God and caused him to be stoned to death They D that were men of upright Conscience within the City and diligent observers of the Law were very much displeased with this Act and sent secretly to the King beseeching him to prohibit Ananus James the Brother of our Lord stoned that hereafter he
Arms and had constrained divers Men likewise who were of the contrary opinion to do the like he issued out with them and burnt the Villages of the Gadarenians and Hippenians that are scituate in the Confines of Tiberias and Scythopolis In this estate was Tiberias And as for Gischala their Affairs were brought to this pass John the Son of Levi seeing some of the Citizens resolv'd upon a Revolt from the Romans laboured to restrain them and required them to continue in their Allegiance but notwithstanding all his persuasion and diligence he could not contain them For the Nations round about them as the Gadarenians Gabarenians and Tyrians assembled a great Army Gischala burned and spoiled and with the same assailed Gischala and took it by force and after they had consumed F by fire and utterly destroyed the same they returned home John being much displeased with this act armed all those that were with him and set upon the above-named Nations and having obtained the Victory he Re-edified Gischala in better sort than it was before inclosing it with a Wall to the intent it might be the better fortified against future Invasions But those of Gamala persevered in their faith towards the Romans Gamala faithful to Rome as I shall now declare Philip the Son of Jacim who governed under King Agrippa escaping beyond all opinion The danger whereinto Philip Jacim's son was fallen from the Royal Palace of Jerusalem at such a time as it was befieged fell into another great danger to wit to be slain by Manahim and those Seditious that were with him but certain Babylonians his Kinsmen being at that time in Jerusalem hindered the G Revolters from executing their purpose at that time When therefore Philip had lay hid there for the space of four days on the fifth he fled away disguised in a false hair for fear he should be discovered And as soon as he arrived in a Village which was of his own possession scituate near Gamala he sent for certain of his Subjects to repair unto H him But God for Philip's greater good crossed the scope of his intent which otherwise had been the ruine of many for being surprized by a sudden Fever he committed certain Letters of his written to Agrippa and Bernice who were yet but young to one of his Freed-men commanding him to deliver them to Varus who was put in trust by the King and Queen Varus unjustly executeth him that brought the Letters to administer the affairs of that Kingdom whilst they were gone to Beryth to meet with Gessius Varus receiving Philip's Letters and understanding that he was escap't was sorry for it because he thought the King and Queen would have less use of him after Philip was arrived Varus's tyranny in governing the Countrey He therefore made the people believe that this Freed-man was a Traytor and brought them forg'd Letters it being certain that Philip was in Jerusalem with the Jews Varus seeketh to conceal his power and tyranny who were revolted against the Romans and so he commanded him to be executed I Philip being ignorant of the cause why his Freed-man did not return sent another with Letters to the intent he might discover what was become of his first Messenger and for what cause he stayed so long But Varus accusing his second Messenger also after the same manner commanded him to be executed as he had done the first The Syrians that inhabit Caesarea had puffed him up by telling him that Agrippa should be put to death by the Romans for the Rebellion of the Jews and that he who was Royally descended should possess his Government And indeed Varus was of the Blood-Royal deriving his Pedigree from Sohemus King of Libanus For these causes he retained Philip's Letters hoping by these means that the King should have no knowledge thereof and he set watch in every passage for fear lest any man should flie and certifie the King of what had hapned K and to give the Syrians the better content who dwelt in Caesarea he put divers of those Jews that dwelt among them to death He intended also to undertake a War against the Jews of Bathanaea who were called Babylonian Jews by confederating himself with the Trachonites of Barthanaea For which cause sending for twelve of the Jews of most estimation amongst the Inhabitants of Caesarea he enjoined them to repair to Ecbatane and signifie to those of their Nation there that Varus understanding that they pretended to take Arms against their King and scarcely believing it had sent them thither to persuade them to lay down their Arms. And that this should be a certain proof by which they might perfectly clear their innocence that seventy of the chiefest of them should be sent to him These twelve arriving in Ecbatane and being entertained by those of their L Nation found that they neither imagined nor intended any commotion for which cause they persuaded them to send their seventy men which they did little suspecting what would happen As soon therefore as these Varus killeth the seventy Jews with the Ambassadors with the other twelve Ambassadors came to Caesarea Varus having notice of their coming met them on the way with the Kings Forces and slew them together with the aforesaid Ambassadors and took his way towards the Jews of Ecbatane The Jews retire themselves into the Fortress of Gamala and thither resorteth Philip also But one of the seventy who had escaped resorted thither with all expedition preventing Varus and certified the rest what had hapned Whereupon they incontinently fell to Arms and with their Wives and Children retired themselves to the Fort of Gamala abandoning their Villages with all their Goods and great numbers of M Cattel When Philip had tidings hereof he repaired also to the Fort of Gamala The people rejoycing at his coming exhorted him to take the Sovereignty and to make War against Varus and the Syrians of Caesarea For they had intelligence that the King was slain But Philip to moderate their impetuosity recounted to them what benefits the King had bestowed on them and of what power the Romans were against whom it was but a folly for them to take Arms and in the end he persuaded them to Peace In the mean time the King understanding that Varus was determined to kill all the Jews that were in Caesarea Gamala still faithful to the Romans with their Wives and Children all in one day he sent Equus Modius to succeed him as it hath been by us declared in another place And Philip kept the Fort of Gamala and the Countrey thereabouts in their fidelity and loyalty to the Romans N As soon as I arrived in Galilee and learned all occurrences that had hapned by those who reported the same to me I presently signified the whole matter by Letters to the Council at Jerusalem Joseph by the commandment of the Council remaineth in Galilee desiring to
Vespasian to lose thy head whom he made Prisoner twice and as many times past the sentence of Banishment against and once commanded to be thine own Murtherer spar'd thy life upon the importunate sollicitation of his sister Bernice And after so many Crimes committed by thee having entertained thee for his Secretary when he found thy corruption in that office he banished thee from his presence O A But I will say no more of these matters notwithstanding I wonder at thine impudence that hast openly protested Justus knew nothing of the Wars of the Jews that thou hast written more exactly and perfectly of this matter than any man whereas thou art utterly ignorant of those things that were done in Galilee For at that time thou wert at Berytum with the King and knewest not what the Romans suffer'd at the siege of Jotapata seeing thou didst not follow us Neither couldst thou be able to learn how I behaved my self therein for that there was not one of those that helpt me to defend it left alive to give thee certain intelligence Thou wilt perhaps say that thou hast carefully described that which hapned during the siege of Jerusalem And how is this possible For thou wert neither agent nor spectator in that War neither hast thou read the Commentaries of Vespasian Which I clearly affirm because thou hast written clean contrary to that which is B contained therein Justus published his Book when Titus and Vespasian were dead And if thou art so confident that thy History is truer than others why didst thou not publish it during the lives of Vespasian and Titus who were the Generals of that War or during the life of King Agrippa and his Relations who were all of them very expert in the Greek tongue For thou hast kept it written by thee above twenty years and mightest have produced witness of thine exact diligence before them who were privy to all things But now when they are dead and thou thinkest that no man liveth that may reprove thee thou hast taken the boldness to publish thy Work I have used no such policy in my Books but presented them to the Emperors themselves Manifest Testimonies of the truth of Josephus History who were eye-witnesses and actors thereof For I knew in mine own soul that I had set down all things truly Whereupon I obtained my expected approbation Moreover I communicated the same History with divers others whereof C some of them were present in the War as was King Agrippa and some of his kindred And Titus the Emperor himself was so desirous that posterity should learn the truth of that History out of these Books that he placed them in his Library and caused them to be published being subscribed with his own hand As for King Agrippa he sent me seventy two Epistles testifying the truth of my Books whereof two are subjoin'd to the end that the truth may appear thereby King Agrippa to his dear friend Joseph Health I have with great contentment read the Book wherein thou seemest in my opinion to have handled this matter more exactly The first Epistle than any other For which cause I pray thee send me the rest Farewel my friend King Agrippa to Joseph his dear friend Health I perceive by thy writings that thou needest no information from me The second Epistle how matters passed from the beginning yet when we D meet next I will between me and thee tell thee certain things which thou knowest not Thus was he a witness of the truth of my History Josephus prosecuteth his History and leaveth to debare with Justus not flattering me for it became him not neither deriding me for far was it from so noble a mind to be subject to so servile a folly but onely to this end that the truth of my writings might be commended to the Reader by his testimony And thus much have I thought good to set down by way of answer to Justus Now as soon as I had pacified these troubles in Tiberias and had established a council of such as were well affected towards me I bethought my self of what concerned me to do in respect of John All they of Galilee were of the opinion that I should gather together all the forces of my Government and march against John and do justice upon E him as he that had been the Author of all this mischief But for mine own part I misliked their counsels because my desire was to extinguish these Troubles without blood-shed and for that cause I injoyn'd them with all diligence possible to learn the names of all those who served under him which being done I published a Proclamation by which I promised safety and pardon to all those that should forsake John assigning them the term of twenty daies to determine of that which seemed best for their own security and I threatned to set fire on their houses and confiscate their goods Four thousand of John's Followers forsake him and follow Joseph except they quitted their Arms. They hearing these things were greatly troubled and forsook John and after they had laid down their Arms they came unto me to the number of four thousand so that only about fifteen hundred Men remained F with John either of Citizens or strangers of Tyre When John perceived that he was circumvented by this policy he ever after remained quiet in his Countrey in great fear At that time the Sephorites grew so bold that they took Arms in confidence of the strength of their walls and for that they saw me distracted with other business They sent to Cestius Gallus Governour of Syria praying him to repair to them with all expedition and take possession of their City or send them a Garrison at least Gallus promised to come to them but he set down no certain time of his approach Whereof when I was advertised I took the Men of War I had and marched against the Sephorites and took their City by force The Galileans very glad of this opportunity and supposing the time was come wherein they might satisfy the insatiable hatred G they bare against that City omitted nothing that might wholly ruine the City with all the Inhabitants They set fire on the houses which they found desolate for the Inhabitants were fled away for fear and retired into a Fortress They plundred the Town and left nothing unspoiled neither was there any kind of misery which they H inflicted not on their Countrymen Sephoris spoiled Which when I saw I was much grieved and commanded them to give over telling them it was impiety in them to shew themselves so savage towards their Countreymen And seeing that neither by any prayer or command I could draw them to obedience for that their animosity was so violent I commanded those that were about me and whom I most trusted to spread a rumor that the Romans were entring on the other side of the City with
a great Army All which I did to the end that by this rumor I might restrain the fury of the Galileans and save the City of Sephoris And this policy took good effect For when they heard this news they were afraid and forsook their pillage to trust to their heels because I who was their General did the like For I made a shew that I believed the rumor to be I true as well as they and by this stratagem the City Sephoris was saved beyond all hope Tiberias also hardly escaped from being spoiled by the Galileans Tiberias in danger of ruine through this occasion which ensueth The chiefest of their Council writ to the King to desire him to come and take possession of their City The King promised to satisfie them very shortly and deliver his Letters to one of his chamber called Crispus a Jew born to carry the same to the Tiberians The Galileans took this messenger on the way and brought him unto me which when the common people understood of meer spleen they fell to Arms and the next day divers of them assembled themselves from all parts and came to the City of Asoch where I made my abode and made great exclamations calling the Tiberians traitors and the Kings friends and demanding of me K liberty to repair to Tiberias and raze it to the ground being as much displeased against the Tiberians as they were against the Sephorites Which when I heard I stood in great doubt how to deliver the Tiberians from that displeasure which the Galileans had conceived against them for I could not deny but that the Tiberians had written and sent for the King for the answer which he made them Joseph consulteth with himself did evidently express the same Having along while debated the matter with my self I said unto them I know as well as you that the Tiberians have offended neither will I hinder you from spoiling their City but you must proceed to the execution thereof with some prudence For the Tiberians alone do not betray the publick liberty but others also who are more accounted of in the Countrey of Galilee Stay L therefore until such time as I am throughly informed who they be that are Authors of this Treason and then you shall have them all under your hands with all such you paticularly think worthy punishment By this discourse I appeas'd the People who departed from me contented The Galileans wrath pacified conceived against the Tiberians As for the messenger that was sent by the King I caused him to be imprisoned having respect to an urgent necessity of mine own which constrained me to depart out of the Kingdom within a little while And calling Crispus secretly unto me I charged him to make the Soldier drunk who had the charge of him to the end that he might in all security flie back to the King Thus Tiberias being ready to be destroyed the second time by my government and providence avoided a great and fatal danger M At the same time Justus the son of Pistus fled to the King without my knowledge the cause of which flight I will orderly express As soon as the Romans had begun the War against the Jews Justus desireth to command Galilee the Tiberians concluded to obey the King and in no sort to rebel against the Romans But Justus persuaded them to take Arms thirsting after alteration and hoping to usurp the Government of Galilee and of his own Countrey but his hope failed him for the Galileans being enviously bent against the Tiberians for those injuries they had suffered at their hands before the War would not allow Justus to be their Governor My self also whom the People of Jerusalem put in trust with the Government of Galilee was oftentimes so much moved that I failed little of killing Justus so intolerable was his perfidiousness He therefore fearing least my displeasure should shorten his days went N to the King supposing that he might live more freely and securely with him The Sephorites beyond their expectation having escaped this first danger writ to Cestus Gallus the second time desiring him to come to them to the end he might seize their City or else send them Forces to withstand the incursions of their enemies And they wrought so much that Gallus sent them a Body of Horsemen and after them Footmen who came by night and were received into their City But seeing that the Country round about was but in poor estate by reason of the Roman Horsemen I drew my Forces together and came to Garizim where I encamped some twenty stades from Sephoris and by night I approached the same Joseph assailed the walls of Sephoris and set Ladders to the wall with which I entred a great number of my Soldiers and became Master of the better part of the City from O whence notwithstanding we were afterwards constrained to retire because we knew not all the ways killing before our departure twelve Roman Footmen and two Horsemen A with some Sephorites with the loss of one of ours Afterwards a Fight hapning between us and their Horsemen in open field we fought for a long time with disadvantage For the Romans having invironed me on all sides my Reerward through the fear they conceived began to retire In this skirmish I lost one of my Guard called Justus who in times past had served in the very same place under the King Silas Captain of the King's Guard After this the King's Forces both of Horse and Foot came thither under the Government of Silas Captain of the Guard who encamping some five stades off from Julias beset the Highways that lead towards Cana with Men of War and the Fort of Gamala to hinder the Inhabitants from receiving any Commodities from the Countrey of Galilee As soon as I received News hereof I sent out two thousand Soldiers under the command B of Jeremy who lodging themselves within a stade of Julias near the River Jordan offered nothing else but light skirmishes until such time as I had gathered three thousand Soldiers more and came to them The next day having planted an Ambush in a certain Trench near the enclosure of their Camp I touled out the King's Soldiers to skirmish having first forewarned my Soldiers to feign a flight till they had drawn their Enemies as far as the Ambush which they cunningly executed But Silas supposing that our Men fled for Cowardice set forward to follow them as fast as he could but they that lay in Ambush charged him on the back Joseph putteth the King's Soldiers to flight and discomfited his Army and I presently turning and making head against them constrained the King's Forces to trust to their heels and I should have got a signal Victory had not Fortune cross'd my C success For the Horse whereon I rode falling into a certain Bog cast me on the ground whereby my hand being put out of joint about
he was supposed to surpass all men in virtue The wisdom of Abraham and was he that first undertook to rectifie the received erronious opinions of men touching the Deity He first of all did most manifestly preach and prove Abraham the first Preacher of the Word That there was but one God Governor and Maker of all things and that otherwise if any thing conferred or furthered our Felicity it hapned unto us not by our own workings but by his holy Will And this he observ'd and prov'd by what comes to pass both in the Earth and the Sea as also by those things which he saw daily occur by the influences of the Sun the Moon and other Stars namely that there is a certain G power that disposeth them and decently administreth all things without whose assistance nothing would be profitable unto us whereas nothing hath of it self any virtue but all things are obedient to his Omnipotent Will and for that cause honour and thanksgiving should wholly be ascribed to him For which advices and counsels of his H seeing the Chaldeans and Mesopotamians began to mutiny against him he thought it expedient to forsake that Countrey and follow the Will and Command of God and so went and dwelt at Canaan where being seated he built an Altar and sacrific'd unto God Berosus Berosus amongst other things maketh mention of our Father Abraham although he names him not when he speaketh after this manner After the Deluge and during the tenth Generation there dwelt amongst the Chaldeans a most just excellent and upright man and exercised in the knowledge of the Celestial bodies Hecataeus But Hecataeus makes not a bare mention of him but hath left a Volume which he hath written concerning him And as touching Nicolaus Damascenus Nicolaus Damascenus hear what he saith in the Fourth Book of his Histories Abraham reigned in Damascus where he was a stranger whither he arrived with his Army I from a Countrey scituate above Babylon called Chaldaea and a little while after departing out of that Region he went and dwelt with his People in a Countrey at that time called Canaan and at this day Judaea and his Posterity multiplied therein In another Treatise I will recite that which is reported of him The name of Abraham even at this day is honourable in the Countrey of Damascus Abraham's house and there is a Village to be seen which beareth his name and is called Abraham's house CHAP. VIII Abraham pressed by Famine departed into Egypt where having stay'd awhile at last he returned back again K AFter this when Famine had invaded the land of Canaan Abraham had intelligence that the Egyptians abounded in all plenty The year of the World 2026 before Christ's Nativity 1938. and decreed with himself to retire thither purposing also to confer with their Priests concerning their Notions of God and either to follow their belief if they were better grounded in the same than himself or to rectifie them Hedio Ruffinus cap. 16. if his judgment were better grounded than theirs He led with him his wife Sara and understanding that the Egyptians were much addicted to women to the end the King might not put him to death Gen. 12. 10. in order to enjoy his wife Sara Gen. 12. 13. 15. who was very beautiful he devised this excuse to say That she was his sister charging her that if the matter came in question she should not fail but confirm the same But no sooner L came they into Egypt but the like fortune encountred them as Abraham had before suspected The lust of the Egyptians 16 17. for the beauty of his wife was suddenly published in every place For which cause Pharaoh the King of that Nation desirous to see that with his eyes which he had heard with his ears he sought for sent and lusted after her but God withstood this his unbridled lust by afflicting the King's Subjects with a Plague and his State by Sedition Whereupon taking counsel of the Priests what remedy might be used and means sought to appease the Divine Majesty 18 19. they answer'd him That the cause of their afflictions proceeded from his intending violence to the stranger's wife Whereat being much affrighted the King first questioneth with the woman what she was and who her companion should be and at last resolv'd of the truth he excus'd himself to Abraham saying he suppos'd M her to be his sister not his wife and that his purpose was not to offer injury but seek alliance and giving him a great sum of money he gave him leave to confer with the most excellent and learned Priests among the Egyptians Abraham taught the Egyptians Religion and Arts. By this conference he grew into great estimation in regard of his virtues for whereas that Nation was divided into different Sects and Opinions and through mutual contempt and division were incens'd one against another he declar'd That all their different Opinions in Religion were most vain and void of all truth For these his disputations he was held in great regard among them and esteemed for a most wise and excellent personage not only in well understanding Abraham an â—â—cellent Astronomer but also in expressing and persuading that which he undertook to teach He imparted to them the Sciences of Arithmetick and Astronomy for before Abraham came N into Egypt the Egyptians were altogether ignorant of those Sciences but he first brought them from Chaldaea into Egypt and from thence are they deriv'd to the Greeks As soon as he return'd into Canaan Gen. 13. 1. he divided the Countrey with Lot and for that there grew a contention betwixt their shepherds The division of the fields between Abraham and Lot touching the bounds of the pastures where they fed their Cattel he gave Lot the choice and election of that Countrey which best pleased him retaining unto himself that which was left Thus pitching his Tents towards a mountain near the City Hebron which was by seven years more ancient than Tanis in Egypt he dwelt there But Lot chose the Plain near the River of Jordan not far from Sodom which in those days was a goodly City but at this present by the just judgment of God is utterly destroyed so that no memory remaineth thereof The causes of O which judgment shall be related hereafter A CHAP. IX The overthrow of the Sodomites by the Assyrians Lot is taken Prisoner AT this time the Assyrians were Lords over all Asia and the estate of Sodom flourished in all affluence Hedio Ruffinus chap. 17. riches and multitude of People and the Countrey was governed by five Kings Gen. 14. Ballas Bareas Senabarus Symoborus and Baleâ— each particularly seized of his Province and Kingdom Five Kings of Sodom Against these the Assyrians encamped themselves and having divided their Army into four parts under the conduct of four
time desirous that Isaac's Blessing should light upon her Son Jacob contrary to her Husbands intent and mind Jacob by his Mothers counsel stealeth his Brothers Blessing commanded him to go and kill a Kid and prepare a repast for his Father Jacob being obsequious and obedient to his Mother in all things obey'd her command and as soon as the meat was ready he wrapped his L arms and covered his hands with the Goats Skins The year of the World 2186. before Christs Nativity 1778. hoping by the Hairiness thereof to make his Father believe that he was Esau For being his Twin Brother he resembled him in all things except in this thing onely wherefore fearing lest he should be surprized in his subtilty before his Father Isaac had finished his prayers and instead of his Blessings he might be loaden with his Curses in this dress he presented the Meat unto his Father But Isaac perceiving some difference in his voyce from that of his Brother called his Son who stretching out his hands unto him covered with the Kids Skins Thou art saith he more like unto Jacob in thy voyce but by thy Hairiness thou seemest unto me to be Esau Thus suspecting no deceit and having already eaten he addressed himself to pray and called upon God saying O Eternal Lord maker of all Creatures thou hast promised great M Blessings unto my Father and hast given me many present felicities and hast vowed that thou wouldest be merciful unto my posterity and plentifully pour upon them more and more ample benefits let this thy favor I beseech thee be continued towards me neither dispise thou me by reason of this my present weakness which is the cause that I have more need of thy help Save and keep this my Son by thy clemency preserve him from all evil give him a happy life and possession of all blessings and benefits which are in thy power to bestow upon him make him terrible to his Enemies and gracious to his Friends Thus prayed he unto God thinking he had Blessed Esau Scarce had he finished his Prayers but Esau returned from Hunting which though Isaac perceived he was no ways moved with displeasure v. 30 ad 42. but held himself silent Esau besought him that he might obtain as much as he N had vouchsafed his Brother Esau required a Blessing but Isaac denyed him in that he had bestowed all his Blessings upon Jacob for which cause Esau lamented and wept His Father moved by his tears foretold him that he should excel in Hunting in force of Body in Arms and other such exercises whereby he should purchase immortal Glory both to himself and his posterity yet notwithstanding that he should be his Brothers Vassal Hedio Ruffinus chap. 27. Now for that Jacob feared lest his Brother should seek to be revenged of him for robbing him of his Fathers Blessing he was by his Mothers means delivered from this danger For she persuaded her Husband to send Jacob to take a Wife near Allied unto her out of Mesopotamia Esau at that time Married another Wife called Bassemath the Daughter of Ishmael knowing that Isaac was not well pleased with his former alliance with the Canaanites v. 42. ad fineâ— for which O cause to give him contentment he married Bassemath whom afterward he loved more entirely than any of his other Wives A CHAP. XVIII How Jacob fled into Mesopotamia for fear of his Brother Gen. 28. BUt Jacob being sent into Mesopotamia by his Mother in order to Marry the Daughter of Laban her Brother Gen. 28. whereunto Isaac consented through the counsel of his Wife passed through the Countrey of Canaan And for that there was a declared and open enmity betwixt Isaac's People and the inhabitants of Canaan he would not take up his lodging amongst them but lay abroad in the fields resting his head upon stones which he had heaped together in stead of a Pillow 10 11 ad 19. and during the time of his rest this vision B was presented unto him Jacob's Ladder It seemed unto him that he saw a Ladder that reached from the earth up unto Heaven on the steps whereof there descended certain persons more excellent to look on than the ordinary part of humane kind and on the top thereof God manifestly appeared and calling him by his name spake unto him after this manner Jacob God speaketh unto Jacob. Thou art the Son of a good Father and descended from a Grandfather renowned and famous for his great vertue thou must not therefore be daunted or dismayed by thy present travels but rather be encourag'd with the hope of a future happiness For by mine assistance thou shalt be blessed and endowed with many benefits For I am he that brought Abraham hither from the Countrey of Mesopotamia at such time as he was driven away from thence I have also made thy Father happy and C will be no less gracious and favourable unto thy self Be courageous therefore and prosecute thy journey under mine assistance The Marriage which thou pursuest shall have a happy issue and thou shalt have a good children who in number shall grow infinite and shall likewise leave after them a plentiful and famous posterity and I will give them the soveraignty over this Countrey both to them and their successors and they shall people and replenish both the Earth and the Sea as far as the Sun enlightneth the World 20. Jacob voweth a sacrifice unto God and calleth the place Bethel which is the house of God Let not therefore any danger dismay thee nor travel discomfort thee for besides all this whatsoever thou shalt undertake I will not cease to assist thee in it These things did God foretel unto Jacob who greatly rejoycing at that which he had seen and that which had been declared to him anointed the Stones on which he had rested his head D whilst the promises of so many blessings were made to him and vowed to offer sacrifice to God on the same if he return'd happy and safe into his Countrey which as he returned he accordingly performed The year of the World 2186. before Christs Nativ ty 1778. offering unto God the tenth of all his goods And as for the place where the vision appeared unto him he called it by the name of Bethel which in the Hebrew tongue signifieth the house of God Continuing then his journey into Mesopotamia he travelled so long till at last he arrived at Charran and having met in the Suburbs of the City with certain shepherds and young Men accompanied with young Maidens Gen. 29. 1 2 ad 9. sitting near to a certain Fountain he drew near unto them desiring them to give him drink Jacob arriveth at Charran in Mesopotamia among his Mothers Kindred and falling in discourse with them he asked them Whether they knew one that was called Laban and whether he were yet alive All of them
vision being awaked out of my sleep and troubled in my mind what it might signifie being seized by little and little by a pleasant slumber I fell a sleep again And again I saw a vision more prodigious than the former and which likewise troubles and terrifies me more For I saw seven ears of Corn sprung out of one root that hung down and bowed their heads because they were loaden with grain ready to be reapt The year of the World 2238 before Christ's Nativity 1726. after which there appeared E seven other weak and dry ears which devouring those other great and full ears left me highly astonished Hereunto Joseph answered This Dream O King although it hath been seen in two figures yet it importeth one and the same accident which is to ensue For both those seven lean Oxen and those seven dry ears of Corn The interpretation of Pharaoh's Dream a v. 18. ad 36. which you saw devour the seven fat Oxen and seven full ears of Corn fore-signifie a Famine and scarcity in Egypt for so many years as there were Oxen and ears of Corn in good plight so that the fertility of these good years shall be consumed by the sterility of so many other years according to their number and there shall be such scarcity of necessary provision that it shall be hard to prevent and supply the defect all which is signified by those seven lean kine which having devoured the good could not be satisfied by the same All F these things God foretels unto Men not to the end they should be terrified and affrighted but that being forewarn'd they may provide for themselves and the more easily prevent the imminent danger If therefore thou shalt lay up and store the abundance of the plentiful years v. 47 48 49. Egypt shall not feel the penury that shall follow And when the King admiring Joseph's prudence and wisdom demanded after what manner he might provide in the time of plenty By Joseph â—s counsel the succeeding scarcity is made more tolerable to prevent and redress the future sterility he warned and counselled him that the Egyptians should use parsimony and that that which remained of those years superfluity might be reserved for future necessities He counselled him also to command the husbandmen to hoard up their Corn in their Barns and only to distribute to the People so much as was sufficient and no more Hereupon the G King not only praising Joseph's counsel v. 42 43. but also his interpretation of his Dreams made him Lord and Commissary of all his store Joseph is intitled by Pharaoh to great honours and commanded him to provide whatsoever he thought necessary for his service and the good of his People assuring him that he thought no Man more proper to execute this counsel than himself who H was the author thereof Having therefore this authority given him by the King to use his own signet and to be cloathed in Purple and to ride in a Chariot throughout all Egypt he stor'd up all the Corn in the Kings Granaries and distributed to every one by measure Hedio Ruffinus chap 5. that which they wanted for Seed-Corn and for their nourishment without letting any Man understand for what cause he did it He was now about thirty years old and was held in great honour by the King being for his extraordinary prudence sirnamed by him Psontomphanech which in the Egyptian language signifieth V. 50 51 52. The discoverer of hidden things he was also honoured with a Wife of great dignity Joseph marrieth a Wife in Egypt on whom he begat Manasses and Ephraim By the Kings order likewise he took to Wife a Virgin Daughter to Putifar I the Heliopolitan Priest whose name was Asaneth by whom be begat Children before the Famine began in Egypt The elder of which was called Manasses which signifieth Oblivion because attaining better fortune he grew into oblivion of his former misery but the younger was called Ephraim which signifieth Return for that he was restored to the liberty of his ancestors Now when according to Joseph's interpretation the seven years of plenty and affluence were past in Egypt the years of Famine began to infest the Land V. 54 55. and for that the evil was unexpected The Famine in Egypt the headlong multitude grievously pressed with hunger and misery began to flock about the Kings gates and Garners Whereupon the King called for Joseph who presently distributing Grain to those that wanted it became without controversie the Father and conserver of the commonalty Neither K did he only sell it those that inhabited that Countrey but to strangers also accounting the whole race of Mankind so allied together that 't is reasonable such as want Gen. 42. 1 2 c. should be supplied by those that have plenty Jacob sendeth his Sons into Egypt to buy Wheat And because the same calamity both oppressed Canaan and other Kingdoms of the world Jacob also sent all his Sons into Egypt to fetch Corn as soon as he understood that strangers also had liberty to traffique in that place only with himself he retained Benjamin whom he begat on Rachel and who was brother by the whole blood to Joseph When these ten Brethren arrived in Egypt they repaired to Joseph beseeching him that they might be permitted to buy corn for nothing was done without his express command it seem'd an honour done to the King to do honour to Joseph He taking knowledge of his Brothers who thought of nothing less than of him by L reason that in his youth he was sold away by them and age had altered the lineaments of his face V. 7 c. and besides none of them could imagine that he had attained to so great dignity determined to make trial of them Joseph soundeth this Brothers to the end he might understand his Fathers and Benjamins estate V. 10. to the end he might the better gather how they were affected For he both denyed them his licence to buy Corn and commanded them also to be apprehended for Spies telling them that they were of divers Nations though they feigned kindred for how can it be saith he that a private Man should bring up so many worthy Sons which felicity scarcely and very seldom is granted to Kings This did he to the end he might gather some intelligence of his Father and in what estate he lived Rubens answer unto Joseph both for himself and his Brothers during his absence and what was become of Benjamin his Brother for he was much afraid they had offered the same hard measure to the youth M which they had us'd to himself These words struck them with a great fear in regard of their imminent peril supposing that they had travelled this long journey all in vain and for that they saw their accusation must be answered Ruben the eldest of them began after this manner
my Brethren by my words to forsake the Countrey wherein they inhabit to follow me into that Countrey whither I will conduct them And although they C should be persuaded how can I force Pharaoh to permit them to depart from thence by whose labours and travels the Egyptians are daily increased in goods and riches Whereupon God commanded him to trust in his assistance C. 4. v. 2 3. and to be of good courage and promised that if he had need of eloquence Moses Rod is turned into a Serpent he would bestow upon him the faculty of persuasion or if he were driven to act any thing that he would redouble his forces commanding That in confirmation of those promises he had made him Ver. 6. he should let fall his staff upon the ground Moses hand is made white which having done a Dragon began to creep upon the ground and in turning and rowling himself Ver. 9. lifted up his Crest on high making semblance to defend himself against those that should assail him Moses poureth water on the earth and it turneth to blood and then a little while after became a staff again Afterwards he commanded him to put his hand into his bosom and no sooner D had he obeyed but he drew it out altogether white and in colour resembling Chalk and a little while after A v. 10. ad 25. it recovered its ordinary colour Moreover he further willed him to draw water out of the next Well Moses is sent into Egypt to deliver the Israelites and to pour it on the ground and he saw it turned into a bloody colour Amazed at these accidents he was commanded to be of good courage and assured that he should have great assistance Moreover that he should use these signs before all Men to the end saith God that all may believe that being sent by me thou doest all this according to my Commandment Furthermore I enjoin thee That without any further delay thou haste into Egypt and that thou travel day and night without losing time without delaying any more to succor the poor Hebrews grievously afflicted in Egypt Moses having no cause to distrust that which God E had promised him and being confirmed by these things whereof he was both an eye-witness and hearer he prayed God that if there were any occasion to express the like power in Egypt he would vouchsafe to further the effect beseeching him further that he would not conceal his name from him to whom he had participated the hearing of his voice and the sight of his presence that it might please him therefore to declare unto him his name to the end that when he should offer sacrifice unto him he might call upon the same God declared unto him his name which before time had been concealed amongst Men and of which also it is not lawful for me to speak Moses wrought these signs not only at that time but also when or wheresoever he thought it requisite by all which he gave further credit to the fire which had appeared unto him and assured himself F Hedia Ruffinus cap. 13. all 10. that God would be his favourable Defender that he would deliver his Brethren and involve the Egyptians in great calamities And after that he understood that Pharaoh King of Egypt was dead during whose life he fled from thence he requested Raguel to give him leave to depart into Egypt for the profit of those of his Nation and taking with him Sephora who was Raguels daughter and his married wife and Gerson and Eleazar his children which he had by her he departed into Egypt Now this name of Gerson in the Hebrew Tongue signifieth Foreign and Eleazar signifieth favoured by God in memory Cap. 4. v. 20. that Moses had escaped from amongst the Egyytians by the assistance of the God of his Fathers Moses departeth from Madian to go into Egypt And as he approached near the Mountains Aaron his Brother by the commandment of God came forth to meet him to whom he declared all that had G hapned unto him in the Mountain and that God had given him in charge And as they passed onward of their way Moses 2 sons Gerson and Eleazar the Men of great estimation among the Hebrews having intelligence of his coming came out to meet him before whom Moses made use of the abovesaid power of doing Miracles The year of the World 2454. before Christ's Nativity 1510. by reason he could not persuade them by words H and they being astonished at that which they had seen him do beyond their expectation grew confident and conceived a good hope of all things seeing that God has a care of their safety When he perceived that the Hebrews were ready to obey him and that they protested to follow him in all that he should command them Moses entertained by the Hebrews sheweth them his miracles through the earnest desire they had to be at liberty he presented himself before the King who had newly undertaken the Government and shewed him the great benefits he had done unto the Egyptians at such time as they were despised by the Ethiopians who had spoiled all their Countrey Exod. 5. v. 1 2. and how he had spared no travel but sustained all the charge of the War as if it had been waged for his own proper Nation Moses persuadeth the King of Egypt to dismiss the Israelites On the other side he opened unto him the dangers which he had unjustly suffered for his recompence He afterwards discoursed I unto him that which had befallen him near the Fountain of Sinai and the talk which God had in that place with him Exod. 7. 9. and the signs in particular which had been shew'd unto him Moses sheweth Pharaoh his miracles in confirmation of those things which were promised exhorting the King not to mistrust or resist the Will of God The King hearing this began to mock him but Moses made him see in effect the signs which he had shewed near the Mountain of Sinai But the King instead of being mov'd therewith waxed angry and grievously reviled him accusing him for that in times past he fled away for fear to be slain in Egypt and at this present returned thither under a subtile pretext cloaking his Craft with Magick and Inchantment the more to afright him And at the same instant he called into his presence the Priests of Egypt to let him see those signs and to make it manifest that the Egyptians K were skill'd in those Sciences and that he alone was not Master in those things the which he boasted to perform by Gods power but that they were deceits and shadows of marvels to deceive the multitude Whereupon the Priests cast down their Rods and they became Serpents Moses being moved herewith said O King I despise not the wisdom of the Egyptians but I protest that that which I have done
doth so far surpass all their Magick and Art as there is difference between divine and humane things I will therefore shew you Ver. 12. that that which I do is not by Inchantment nor with a false appearance of verity but by the providence and power of God Moses Rod devoureth the Rods of the Egyptians This said he cast his Rod on the ground commanding it to change it self into a Serpent whereupon it obeyed and wandring here and there it devoured all the Rods of the Egyptians which seemed to be so many Serpents L and that done Ex. 5. 5. ad 19. Moses took his staff into his hand again and it re-assumed its pristine form Pharaoh enjoineth the Hebrews to more grievous tasks but the King being never the more astonished but the rather incensed at that which was done said That this wisdom and subtilty of Moses which he used in disgrace of the Egyptians should profit him nothing He commanded therefore the Overseer of the Works who had the Government of the Hebrews that he should remit nothing of their labour but that he should oppress them with more tedious and grievous tasks than they were wont to be put unto whereupon where he was wont to allow them straw to make their Tyle with he forbare after that time to give them that allowance and taxing them in the day-time to follow their work he appointed them by night to seek their straw doubling thereby the weight of their former labour Notwithstanding all M this Moses would neither desist from his purpose in regard of the Kings threatning or the continual cry of his Countreymen neither was in any sort dismayed thereat but with a confident and undaunted mind Exod. 6. 6. he resolutely proceeded to restore his Countreymen to their desired liberty Moses once more persuadeth the King to dismiss the Hebrews He therefore once again address'd to the King persuading him to dismiss the Hebrews to the end they might repair to Mount Sinai and sacrifice to God in that place For no less saith he hath he commanded neither can any resist his Will That whil'st God was yet favourable to him his own interest oblig'd him to grant the people the liberty which he demanded That if he deny'd the same he could not accuse him as the cause of the Calamities which he should draw upon himself by his disobedience when he should see himself without Children the Air Earth and all the other Elements become Enemies to him N and Ministers of the Divine vengeance That nevertheless the people of the Hebrews should in despite of their resistance depart out of their Countrey but the Egyptians should not escape the punishment of their hardness of heart The King despised these words of Moses and would not be prevailed upon wherefore most grievous Plagues fell upon the Land of Egypt all which I will particularly set down by reason that at that time the Egyptians suffered those things which never before hapned to any other People and likewise that I may manifest that Moses erred not in any of his Predictions and besides for that it is expedient for Men to learn and do those things which are agreeable to Gods Will The first plague of the Egyptians water turned into blood for fear lest he being provoked and incensed against them should punish them for their injustice For first of all by the commandment of God the River Nilus was turn'd into O blood neither was it impossible for them to drink of it notwithstanding they had no other Fountain of water neither was the water only coloured like blood Exod. 7. 10. but when A any one drank thereof it caused in him divers pains and gripings Such was the water to the Egyptians but to the Hebrews it seemed good and sweet in taste without any wayes changing the nature thereof Hereupon the King not knowing what to do and seeing this strange accident and being afraid in behalf of his Subjects permitted the Hebrews to depart But no sooner was this Plague ceased but he presently changed his mind and would not permit them liberty to go away For which cause God seeing his ingratitude and that he would not be warned notwithstanding he had delivered him from the former calamity inflicted another Plague upon the Egyptians Exod. 9. 6. He sent an infinite number of Frogs among them Another plague of Frogs which cover'd the whole Countrey and the River was so stored with them that they that drew water to drink found it altogether B infected with the putrefaction of them dying and rotting in the waters so that the whole Countrey was full of filthy Mud by reason of the Frogs that dyed on the same They corrupted also their Meats entring into their Houses amidst their meat and drink and creeping in their Chambers from whence an odious stench exhaled by reason of the multitude of Frogs that lay dead Now when the Egyptians saw themselves so sore pressed with these evils the King commanded Moses to depart with the Hebrews whither he pleas'd And as soon as he had spoken this the multitude of Frogs vanished and appeared no more neither on the earth nor in the water but they retained their accustomed nature No sooner was the earth delivered from this curse but Pharaoh forgot the cause thereof and retained the Hebrews still and as if he desir'd to experiment C yet greater miseries he denied them that liberty which before he had granted them rather out of fear than good will For this cause God once again punished his falshood by sending him another Plague Chap. 8. 16. for a multitude of Lice swarmed on the bodies of the Egyptians The third plague of lice by which the poor men were miserably devoured neither could they exterminate that Race either by bathings or unctions The King troubled with this calamity and fearing the ruine of his People and bethinking him of the shameful end thereof was constrained to permit the People to depart but after the Plague was appeased he required that they should leave their wives and children behind them for pledges till their return and by this means he provoked Gods wrath more heavily against him Ver. â—4 in that he supposed to delude his providence as if it had not been God D who in the Hebrews behalf had punished them The fourth plague venomous beasts but Moses that had plagued the Egyptians For God filled their Countrey with divers sorts of Insects the like whereof before that time had not been seen there which cover'd the earth that it became desolate and untilled and many persons dy'd by them and those that remain'd alive they were infected with the poyson exhaling from the number of dead and sick bodies But notwithstanding all these the King still continued obstinate in his wickedness and disobedience unto God permitting only that the women and men should depart and that their children should be
left behind them but God desisted not to punish his wickedness by divers most grievous Plagues far more tedious than the former yea such as were dispersed over all the People E For their bodies were grievously tormented with ulcers C. 9. 3. and corrupted inwardly The fifth plague the plague and after this sort the greater part of the Egyptians perished But the King being not melted nor mollified by this Plague God rained down Hail upon them which never before that time was seen in Egypt Ver. 10. and further so great The sixth plague botches or rather greater than that which falleth to the Northward near the Pole Artique though it was a considerable time of Spring and spoiled all their fruit Ver. 23. After which an Army of Grashoppers devoured all those buds and fruits which were unhurt by the Hail The seventh plague hail so that all the hope which the Egyptians had of their Harvest C. 10. 14. was utterly overthrown These afflictions had been sufficient to persuade a man of the meanest wit except a Reprobate to grow wise The eighth plague grashoppers and make use of that which was most profitable for him But Pharaoh knowing the cause of F the same enforced himself to resist God not only through imprudence but malice so that he voluntarily destroy'd his poor Subjects He therefore commanded Moses to lead away the Hebrews with their Wives but that they should leave their substance behind them for a prey to the Egyptians to recompense them for what they had lost Moses answered That he demanded an unjust thing since that hereby they would not have wherewith to offer sacrifice to God C. 10. v. 22. Now while the time pass'd in these consultations a most dismal darkness overspread the land of Egypt The ninth plague darkness by reason of which many perish'd after sundry manners and others fear'd to run the same fate living in the most disconsolate condition imaginable This darkness being dispersed after three days and so many nights Moses seeing that Pharaoh would not repent nor let the people of Israel depart came unto G him and spake after this manner As long as you shall resist the Ordinance of God who commandeth you to suffer the Hebrews to depart there is no means whereby you may be exempted from these mischiefs in doing that which you do The King enraged at these words threatned him to cut off his head The year of the World 2454. before Christ's Nativity 1510. if once more he durst appear in his presence to motion H to him any such matter Moses answered him That he would no more speak unto him touching this matter but that shortly both himself and the chiefest amongst the Egyptians would entreat him and the Hebrews to depart which said he forsook his presence Ver. 28. But God intending to express that he meant yet once more to plague the Egyptians Pharaoh driveth away Moses and to constrain them to deliver the Hebrews commanded Moses to declare unto the people that they should have their sacrifice in a readiness on the thirteenth day of the month Xanthicus Exod. 12. 2. to celebrate the same the fourteenth of the said month by the Egyptians called Pharmuth Zanthicus amongst the Macedons is April as Suidas testifieth and by the Hebrews Nisan and Xanthicus by the Macedonians and that he should lead forth all the Hebrews carrying with them all their Goods Whereupon he who had the Hebrews already in a readiness to depart and had distributed them I by families kept them in one place and in the same order but when the fourteenth day was come all of them ready to depart offer'd sacrifice and with the blood of the Lamb purged their Houses besprinkling them with branches of Hyssop And after they had supt The Hebrews passeover signifieth a passage they burnt the flesh that remained as being at the point to depart Whereupon even at this day we retain the said custom to sacrifice in like sort and do call this solemnity Pascha which is as much as to say the passage by reason that on that day God leaving and overpassing the Hebrews without harm C. 12. 29. struck the Egyptians with sickness for a Plague in the night-time cut off all the first begotten in Egypt The tenth plague the first begotten amongst the Egyptians both men and beasts dye whereupon multitudes that dwelt round about the Palace assembled themselves in the presence of the King and besought him to let the Hebrews go for which cause Pharaoh calling Moses K gave order that they should depart the Countrey supposing that as soon as they were gone Egypt would be no more afflicted with such like Plagues Moreover they honoured the Hebrews with Presents partly to the end they should depart with the more expedition partly for the neighborhood and acquaintance sake which they had one with another And as they departed the Egyptians wept 33. The Israelites depart out of Egypt and repented them of the evil usage they had shewed them but they took their way towards Latopolis at that time desart and in which place afterwards Babylon was built at such time as Cambyses destroyed Egypt The third day they came unto Beelzephon near the Red Sea and for that they wanted victuals in this Desart they tempered their Meal with water and kneaded it as well as they could and bak't Cakes with which they sustained themselves for the space of thirty L dayes for they had brought no more provision out of Egypt than enough to serve them for that time at the end of which they were in want of food although they had liv'd very sparingly The feast of the Azymes rather feeding for necessity than eating to satiety For which cause in memory of that want The number of the children of Israel we celebrate a feast for the space of eight dayes which we call the feast of Azymes that is to say of unleavened bread But it is not easie to number the multitude of them that came out of Egypt if we consider the Women and Children but those that were of full age and fit to bear Arms were in number six hundred thousand M N O A CHAP. VI. The Hebrews depart out of Egypt under the conduct of Moses THus the Israelites departed out of Egypt the 14 day of the month Xanthicus 430 years after Abraham our Father came into Canâ—an and in the 215 year after Jacob went down into Egypt Exod. 14. 1 7 9. and in the eightieth year of Moses age who had Aaron to his Brother three years elder than himself The time of their departure out of Egypt they carried also with them the Bones of Joseph according as he had commanded his Sons But the Egyptians repented that they had suffer'd the Hebrews to depart Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. the King also was very
could speak they would accuse you that without cause they are ill treated against all right and that if they had the power to depart from thence they would transplant themselves into L another Countrey But when the Battel is ended and the day is yours kill all those Enemies that resisted you in the Fight Deut. 20. 15 16 17. the rest reserve as your tributaries except the people of the Land of Canaan The Canaanites are wholly to be extinguished for they with all their Families are to be exterminated Beware also but especially in War that neither a Woman use a Mans apparel nor a Man that of a Womans These are the Laws which Moses left Deut. 30. 31 32 33 34. He gave them likewise certain Institutions which he had written forty years before whereof we will speak in another Treatise Some few dayes after for he assembled the people six days together he gave them his blessing and pronounced his maledictions against those which should not live according M to his Laws but should transgress the determinations thereof He read also unto them a Canticle of six measures which he had registred in the holy book containing a prediction of things to come according to which all things have and do fall out without varying any ways from the truth These Volumes and the Ark he gave to the Priests in which he also placed the ten Commandments written in the two Tables Deut. 25. 19. He committed also unto them the custody of the Tabernacle He likewise exhorted the people that when by force they had conquered the promised Countrey The Amalechites to be punished and were planted therein they should not forget the injury which the Amalechites had done them but that they should lead forth their Army against them and take vengeance of the wrongs they had done them at such time as they were in the Desart And N he commanded them that as soon as they had taken the Countrey of Canaan they should exterminate and extinguish all the people He commanded them also to erect an Altar towards the East not far from the City of Sichem between the two Mountains Garizim on the right hand and the other called Gebal on the left and that distributing the people into two parts six Tribes in every part they should place them on these Mountains And he commanded that the Levites and Priests should be with them and that they that were upon the Mountain of Garizim should pray to God to multiply his blessings upon them that are zealous of his service and careful of the conservation of his Laws which had been given them by Moses The six other also were appointed to answer them and when these six O last had prayed the six first were to answer them and confirm that which they had pronounced This done they pronounced maledictions against the transgressors each one A answering the other in ratification of that which had been spoken He reduced also into writing these blessings and curses to the intent that the memory thereof might never be suppressed or extinguished by time which he also being near his death caused to be written on the Altar on the two sides thereof and permitted the people to come near it onely that day and there to offer burnt offerings which is forbidden to them by the Law These ordinances did Moses establish and these the Hebrew Nation observe inviolably even unto this day On the next morning he re-assembled all the people with their Wives and Children he likewise commanded Deut. 29 1 ad 10. the slaves should be present binding them by an oath to maintain and keep the Laws Moses bindeth the Hebrews by an oath to keep the Law and that diligently tying themselves to the will of God they B should not so much esteem either their kindred or means or perils or any other cause whatsoever as thereby to be driven to neglect the Laws or depart from the ordinances thereof but whether any one of their kindred or any City whatsoever should seek to alter and disturb the same or strive to weaken the authority thereof that both in particular and publick they should expose themselves and endeavour to punish them and if they should fortune to take such a City they should raze and utterly deface the same and if it were possible not leave one stone upon another but destroy the foundation But if they were too feeble to take such a revenge yet that they should make it known that they were not consenting to their impiety Hereunto the whole multitude consented and promis'd with an oath He afterwards told them how the people should C know when the Sacrifices were agreeable unto God and how they ought to march out to Battel taking a sign from the stones of the High Priest's Rational of which I have fore-spoken Josua likewise during the life and in the presence of Moses Prophesied whatsoever he intended to perform for the profit of the people either abroad in the administration of War or at home in prescribing Laws and preparing them to that order of life which was newly prescribed them he told them that by instructions from God he Prophesied that if they violated their Countrey Religion they should not escape destruction their Countrey should be filled with Foreign Arms their Cities Sackt their Temple Burnt and themselves sold under the Spear and that they should serve a D Nation Deut. 33. 23. which would not be moved or touched with commiseration of their afflictions and miseries and at length they should too late and unprofitably repent of their error yet that God their establisher would restore the Cities to the ancient Citizens and the Temple to his people Deut. 34. 9. And that this should come to pass not onely once but also many times Moses exhorteth Josua Then did Moses also appoint Josua to lead his Army against the Canaanites promising him that God would be assisting to his actions and wishing all sort of happiness to the people Seeing that saith he I go unto mine Ancestors and God hath prefixed this day for my departure it is very just that living as yet and standing in your presence I give him thanks for the care and providence which he hath hitherto had of your affairs not onely in delivering E you from so many evils but also in largely imparting his blessings unto you and for that he hath alwayes favourably helpt me whilest I endeavoured by my labour and care to reduce your fortunes to a better state Deut. 3. 13. 23. for it is he which hath given both the beginning and the accomplishment Deut. 34. 9. making use of me but as his Minister and Servant in all that good which hath been done to his people For all which things I have thought requisite in departing from you to bless the goodness of God who in time to come shall have the care and charge of you
favourable to you it behoveth you not only to be touched with a desire of recovering your liberty but also to endeavor to recover the same in effect Hedio Ruffin cap. 2. Beware therefore lest through the corruption of your own manners you make your selves unworthy thereof and let each one of you endeavor to follow justice and expelling all sin out of your minds The punishment of the Israelites 1 Sam. 7. 3 ad 6. convert your selves in all purity to God and persevere constantly in his service For in doing these things you shall shortly obtain all felicity and especially a new liberty and an assured victory against your Enemies which neither by valor or by the strength of your bodies or by the multitude of your Armies Samuels oration to the people you were able to obtain for God hath not proposed Rewards for these things but for virtue and justice and trust me he will not deceive your I expectation Samuels exhortation to the people as touching their repentance nor fail in the execution of his promises When he had spoken after this manner all the People testified their consent by acclamations shewing the pleasure they conceived by this discourse and promising to do that which should be well-pleasing to God Whereupon Samuel assembled them the second time in the City of Maspha which word signifieth conspicuous there they erected an Altar and sacrificed unto God and after they had fasted for a days space they made publick Prayers to God The Philistines being advertis'd of this Assembly came suddenly with a great Army and many Forces intending to surprize the Hebrews who neither expected nor were prepared for them This sudden approach of theirs much dismayed the Hebrews so that running to Samuel they told him that their hearts failed them through fear The prayers supplications and fasts of the Israelites in Maspha and their minds were troubled K with the remembrance of their former losses for which cause they ought to hold themselves in quiet for fear lest the Enemy should employ his power against them Thou hast led us hither to pray sacrifice and offer up our vows to God and behold the Philistines are encamped near us v. 8. 9 and ready to surprize us naked and disarmed we have no other hope therefore of security What things in warfare are to be opposed against the-Enemy but what proceedeth from thee and unless God moved by thy prayers give us means to escape their hands Samuel in way of answer wished them to be of good cheer assuring them that God would give them some testimony of his assistance whereupon sacrificing a sucking Lamb in the name of the People he pray'd God that it would please him to stretch forth his right hand for them in the Battel against the Philistines Samuel comforted the people v. 10. and that he would not permit them to fall this second L time into the Enemies hands To these prayers of his God gave ear and accepted their humble hearts and dutiful observance v. 11 12 c. being well-pleas'd with their offering and promising them victory Samuels sacrifice and prayer Before the Sacrifice was wholly consumed with the flame and the Ceremonies performed the Enemies ranged their Battels in the Israelites sight supposing the day already theirs The sacrifice devoured by celestial flame a token of Gods assistance in that they had surprized the Jews unprepared for fight as being assembled in that place to no such end But the matter fell out contrary to what they expected and had they been foretold the same they would have scarcely believed it For first by an effect of Gods Omnipotence the Earth trembled under their feet so that they could scarce stand v. 10 and some were suddenly swallowed up by the Earthquake A horrible earth-quake among the Enemies and a great Thunder was accompanied with such scorching Lightnings that their eyes being M dazled and their hands blasted therewith they could not wield or manage their Weapons Samuels victory over the Enemy and so were constrained to repose all their hope and confidence in flight But Samuel seeing them thus dismayed suddenly set upon them and killing many of them ceased not to pursue the rest as far as a place called Corre where he erected a stone for a Trophee or mark both of his own Victory and the Enemies flight and called the same the strong Rock to testifie that the People had received from God all the strength which they had us'd in this famous Battel The Philistines after they had received this overthrow sallied not out any more against the Israelites but remembring their fear and the strange accidents that befel them they remained in peace offering no further invasion for the confidence which the Philistines had before that time conceived against the Hebrews was N removed into the hearts of the Hebrews ever after this Victory Samuel continu'd the War against them v. 14. and slew a great number of them and for ever abased their pride taking from them that Countrey which formerly by Conquest they had cut off from the inheritance of the Jews Samuel recovereth those Lands which the Israelites had lost which Countrey extendeth from the Frontier of Geth to the City of Accaron and the rest of the Canaanites at that time had peace with the Israelites O A CHAP. III. The year of the World 2871. before Christ's Nativity 1093. Samuel unable by reason of his old age any longer to Govern the State committeth it to the administration of his Sons NOw when the Prophet Samuel had reduced the people to a good form of Government Samuel prescribeth laws and disposeth the judgment-seat in several Cities he assigned them a City whither they might appeal and decide those differences that fell out amongst them and he travelled twice every year from City to City Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. to administer justice unto them and continued this policy for a long time But when he found himself overburdened with years and unapt to execute his ordinary B offices 1 Sam. 8. 1 2. surrendred the Government and Superintendency of the people to his Sons the elder of whom was called Joel Samuel committeth the Government and care of the common-wealth to his two Sons and the younger Abiha and he commanded that one of them should make his seat of justice in Bethel and the other reside at Bersheba dividing the people and attributing each part to its particular Judge Now it became manifest by experience that Children are not alwayes like their Fathers but sometimes of evil Parents there are good Children bred Joel and Abia. as contrariwise at this time of a good Father there were evil Sons For forsaking the instructions of their Father they followed a quite contrary course and perverted justice with corruptions and rewards and surfeited in delights and pleasures in contempt of
Sons of Abiel He was very strong both in Horse and Chariots and against whatsoever Enemy he marched forth he always returned with victory Ver. 47. so that he reduced the affairs of the Hebrews to a happy state and so much increased their power Saul always Conqueror that they were feared by all those Nations that neighboured upon them But the chiefest of the youth that excelled either in strength or beauty he chose to be of his Guard CHAP. VIII L Sauls victory over the Amalekites BUT Samuel coming to Saul Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. told him that he was sent to him by God to admonish him how he had chosen him above the rest and preferred him to the Kingdom and for that cause that it behooved him to be obedient unto him in all things 1 Sam. 15. ◠◠3. because as he Ruled the People so God Rules both Kings Kingdoms and all things Thus therefore said he doth God command thee Since the Amalekites offer'd many injuries unto the Hebrews in the Desart whil'st in their departure out of Egypt they Travelled into that Region which they now inhabit Samuel by Gods commandment addresseth Saul to make War upon the Amalekites justice requireth that they be punish'd for that inhumanity Wherefore I give thee order to declare War against them and after M thou hast overcome them to extinguish them utterly without regard either of sex or years and this revenge shalt thou execute upon them in requital of those injuries they in times past offered to our Forefathers Neither shalt thou spare either Beast or Horse or Flock to apply them to thy profit or particular use but thou shalt offer all to God for a Burnt-offering and according as Moses commanded root out the name of the Amalekites from off the earth All these things did Saul promise to perform and conceiving that obedience consisted in the speedy execution of that which was enjoined him he presently assembled all his Forces together and mustering his Soldiers at Gilgal he found about 40000 Ver. 4. besides the Tribe of Juda which of it self afforded 30000 Men with these did Saul enter the Countrey of the Amalekites Saul mustering his people findeth in the Tribe of Juda only 30000 men and laid divers Ambushes near N a River not only to molest them with open War but also surprize them unawares and kill them amidst the High-ways he afterwards gave them Battel and put them to flight and discomfited their whole Army pursuing them that fled Which beginning having success answerable to what God had promised him he marched onwards and besieged the Cities of the Amalekites and besieged and took some of them by Engines others by Mines and Countermures raised on the outside Ver. 5 6. others by famine and want of water and divers other ways Saul razeth the Cities of the Amalekites And in those Cities which he overcame he neither spared Women nor Children not supposing their slaughter to be cruel or inhumane both for that they were his Enemies and for that he did nothing but according to Gods commandment towards whom disobedience would be a Crime He took 〈◊〉 Prisoner also who was O King of the Amalekites whose beauty and personage seemed unto him so goodly that he thought him worthy to be kept alive and so being led rather by his own inclination A than Gods commandment The year of the World 2883 before Christ's Nativity 1081. he us'd such clemency as was not lawful for him at that time For God so hated the Amalekites that he would not have their Infants spared though they ought in natural compassion to have been more pitied than the rest But Saul kept alive the King of his Enemies and the Author of all the Hebrews evils regarding more his beauty than Gods commandment This sin of his the People presently imitated for they spared Horses Ver. 7 8. and other kind of Cattel and made prey of them notwithstanding God had charged them to reserve nothing Saul taketh Agag the King of the Amalekites prisoner and keepeth him alive contrary to Gods Commandment They carried away with them all other Moveables and Riches and only consumed those things which were of smallest value by fire This victory had Saul over those People that dwell betwixt Polusium a City on the borders of Egypt and the Red Sea But he medled not with the Sichemites which B inhabit in the Province of Midian whom before the Battel he commanded to retire themselves lest they should partake the Calamities of the Amalekites for being they were allied to them by Raguel Moses Father-in-law the Hebrews had care of their safety Saul having obtained this victory Ver. 9. and rejoycing at his good success returned home as full of content The People contrary to that which God had ordained drive away the horse and cattel of the Amalekites as if he had pretermitted nothing of that which God had commanded him by the Prophet Samuel before his War with the Amalekites but had precisely observ'd all that was enjoin'd him But God was greatly displeased both that the King of the Amalekites was preserved and that the People had made prey of their Cattel for both these actions of theirs were expresly against Gods command For it was not to be tolerated even by a mortal King that they should neglect and contemn his Laws and C Decrees by whose only means they were further'd and favor'd in their victory For which cause God told the Prophet Samuel that he repented that he had made Saul their King considering that he infring'd his Commandments and govern'd himself according to his own will Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. When Samuel heard these words he was much troubled and pray'd to God all Night that he would appease his wrath and displeasure conceived against Saul Ver. 10. ad 24. but notwithstanding all the importunities and prayers which the Prophet made for him God displeased with Sauls disobedience Samuel striveth to reconcile Saul unto God God would in no sort be reconciled because he judg'd it not just that the sins which were committed by Saul should be remitted by Samuels intercession For sin never more augmenteth than when such as are offended are too remiss in their punishments for whil'st they would be reputed both for good and merciful they themselves D become the Authors of sin When therefore God had denied the Prophet his Request and it manifestly appear'd that no prayers or supplication could appease him as soon as it was day Too much indulgence and lenity confirmeth the wicked in their ungodliness Samuel repair'd to Saul who at that time remained in Gilgal As soon as the King saw him he run unto him and embraced him saying I give God thanks for the victory and all those things which he commanded me I have performed But Samuel answer'd How cometh it then to pass that I hear
would subdue him and turn his terror to contempt and so much the more should the glory of his Army be enhaunced that so great and expert a Man at Arms should be subdued by a young unexperienced Soldier Saul admir'd G his hardiness and great courage yet by reason of his years told him That he was too feeble to encounter a Man so expert in feaâ—â— of Arms. David answer'd That which I promise you my Sovereign is â—pon the assurance that I have in God which heretofore I have proved by the succor which I have received at his hands For whil'st I fed my Fathers Flocks I H rescued a Lamb that was ravished out of my Fold out of a Lyons jaws and catching the wild Beast by the tail that with open mouth assaulted and sought to devour me I beat him to the ground and slew him With no less success I slew a Bear that set upon my Flock and I do not believe that this Philistine is more terrible than Lyons or Bears But that which gives me most assurance is that I cannot but think that his slanderous railings both against God Ver. 34 35 36. and Men David redeemed a Lamb from the jaws of a Lyon and slew him cannot longer escape the Divine arm of Justice which he so wickedly provoketh And for these Reasons I dare assure my self that he will assist me to tame his pride and to overcome him So much prevailed this extraordinary hardiness of the young Man that the King imploring I Gods assistance to second his courage David killed a Bear furnish'd him with his own Armor a Sword and a Helmet Ver. 38 39 40. and sent him forth to the Combat But David feeling the weight of his Armor David laying aside those Arms wherewith he was furnished to fight with Goliath marcheth forward with his sling against the Enemy and finding himself rather loaden than advantag'd by it said to the King These Arms Sir are proper for your Majesty who are able to make so good use of them but not for me wherefore I beseech you to leave me at liberty to fight as I please Saul granted his desire and he putting off his Armor took a staff in his hand and five stones which he gather'd on the bank of the Torrent and put into his Scrip his sling he bore in his right hand and being thus armed he marched forward to encounter his Enemy When the Barbarian saw him thus furnished he so much contemned him that in way of scorn he ask'd him Ver. 41 ad 47. Whether he thought him a Dog that he thus came forth to fight with him onely with stones David drawing near his Enemy is contemned Nay said David I esteem thee worser than a Dog These words so incensed K Goliath that he swore by his God That he would tear his Carkass in a thousand pieces and give them to the Beasts of the Field Davids talk with Goliath before the Combat and the Birds of the Air. But David answer'd Thou comest against me with thy Sword thy Javelin and Cuiress but I march out against thee trusting in the power of God who will destroy thee by my hand and with thee thy whole Army for this day will I take thy head from thy shoulders and cast the rest of thy body to the Dogs whom by thy rage thou resemblest and all Men shall know that God protects the Hebrews that his Providence conducts them that his help renders them invincible and that no strength nor arms can keep them from perishing whom he abandons The weight of the Philistines arms hindred him from marching readily so that he walkt step by step towards David contemning him and trusting to kill him easily both for that he was disarmed L and because he was young and of small stature CHAP. XI The single Combat betwixt David and Goliath and the slaughter of the Philistines that follow'd it DAvid advanc'd boldly against Goliath being assisted in an invisible manner by God and drawing one of the stones out of his Scrip Ver. 49 50 51. and fitting it to his Sling Davids victory against Goliath he threw it against Goliath which gave him such a stroke on the Forehead that it pierced him to the very Brain The Philistines flie and are discomfited so that he fell down suddenly dead and David running upon M him as he lay sprawling on the earth cut off his Head with his own Sword for he himself had none As soon as he was strucken down terror and confusion fell upon all the Army of the Philistines for seeing the most esteemed Warrior amongst them overthrown and slain they began to fear the issue of their Battel and resolved to flie which they did in great disorder and confusion hoping by that means to deliver themselves out of danger Ver. 52 53. But Saul and the whole Army of the Hebrews pursu'd them with great shouts and cries 30000 of the Philistines slain and in the pursuit made a great slaughter of them and drove them to the borders of Gath and even to the gates of Ascalon In this Battel there dyed on the Philistines side above Thirty thousand and the hurt and wounded were N twice as many Saul returning back to the Camp pillaged and burnt their Tents but David bore Goliaths head to his Pavilion 1 Sam. 18. 6 ad 9. and hung his Sword in the Tabernacle and consecrated the same to God But Saul afterward conceived a secret hatred against David upon this occasion Saul privily hateth David As he returned triumphant like a Conqueror with his Army the Women and Maidens singing and dancing to their Cymbals and Tymbrels in way of honour Saul from one of his chief Nobles maketh David a tribune to the end that being often drawn out by the enemy he might be slain came out to meet him the Women sung that Saul had slain thousands of the Philistines and the Virgins answer'd that David had slain Ten thousands which when Saul understood and saw that barely thousands were ascrib'd to him and Ten thousands to David he thought that after so glorious Acclamations there wanted nothing to David but the name of King For which cause he began to fear and suspect him and by O reason of this fear he thought he was too near his own person and therefore from being one of the chiefest in authority about him which was to be one of his chief Commanders A and guard he made him Captain over a 1000 rather respecting his own security than Davids honor to the intent that being often engag'd in encounters with the Enemye he might perish by some disaster or other But David having in all places the assistance of Almighty God returned alwayes with good success so that his extraordinary Valor acquir'd him an universal esteem and Michol Sauls Daughter that was about that time marriageable Ver. 17 ad 26. began to
For it is a thing unworthy either your Majesty Jonathan certifieth David how he hath pacified his father or the name of a Man to forget good deserts With these words was Saul pacified so that he swore to his Son he would do no hurt to David for his just persuasions and arguments were stronger than the choler and fear of the King Jonathan sent to seek out David and told him these good tydings from his Father and brought him to him and David continu'd to serve him as formerly N O A CHAP. XIV How hardly David escaped the ambushes that were often laid for him by the King yet having him twice at advantage and in his power would not murther him ABout the same time v. 8 9. the Philistines again led forth their Army against the Hebrews David hath a great victory against the Philistines and Saul sent David against them accompanied with his forces who encountring them slew a great number of them and returned to the King with a great Victory But Saul entertained him not as he hoped and as the happy exploit atchieved by him merited but he envied his good actions and honourable deserts as if Davids happy B success had been Sauls disadvantage and prejudice But when the evil spirit returned to vex him he lodged him in his own chamber and having at that time a javelin in his hand he commanded him to play on his Harp and to Sing Hymns Now whilest David obeyed his command Saul stretching out his arm v. 9 10. threw his Dart at him but David foreseeing it Saul darteth his javelin at David avoided the stroke and fled to his own house where he stayed all the rest of the day When night was come the King sent certain of his Servants to watch his house lest he should escape to the end that the next day being brought forth to judgement he might be condemned and put to death But Michol Davids Wife and Sauls Daughter having intelligence of her Fathers intention went to her Husband told him in how great peril he was being desirous to save his life with the hazard of her C own Beware said she lest the Sun at his rising find thee in this place for if it do I shall never more see thee Flie therefore whilest night offereth thee opportunity which I pray to God to lengthen for thy sake for be assured that if thou be surprized in this place my Father will make thee die a miserable death This said she let him down by a window and so saved him and soon after she prepared his bed as if he lay sick therein and under the covering she laid the Liver of a new slaughtred Kid and when her Father sent the next morning to apprehend David she answered that he had been sick all the night long v. 14. and opening the Curtains Michol persuadeth the Kings Servants that David is sick she gave them to understand that David was laid therein the Coverlet being moved by the Liver which was hot and yet stirred made them believe that the Liver that lay there was David who panted and breathed very D hardly Which being signified unto Saul he commanded that he should be brought to him in that estate wherein he was because he resolved to put him to death But when Sauls messengers returned thither and opened the bed they perceived Michols subtilty v. 17. and went and certified the King thereof who reproved her very sharply for that she had saved his Enemy Michol excuseth her self for delivering David and deceived her Father But she excused her self with words full of good appearance saying that David had threatned to kill her and through fear of death she was induced to save him For which cause she ought to be pardoned since by constraint and not ofset purpose she had furthered his escape For said she I think that you seek not so greedily after the death of your Enemy as to prefer the same before the safety and security of your Daughter v. 18. Upon these reasons Saul pardoned his Daughter E David delivered from this peril David expresseth to Samuel how the King was affected towards him went to the Prophet Samuel at Ramath and told him what ambushes the King had laid for him and how hardly he had escaped death by the stroke of his javelin whereas in all things that concerned Saul he had alwayes shewed himself obedient having served him advantageously in war upon his Enemies and by Gods assistance been fortunate in all things which was the cause that Saul was so displeased with him The Prophet informed of Sauls injustice departed from Ramath and led David to a certain place called Galbaath where he remained with him But as soon as Saul was informed that David was retired v. 19 20 21. and accompanied with the Prophet he sent out certain Soldiers to lay hands on him Saul sent armed Souldiers to apprehend David who began to prophesie and he himself likewise coming thither prophesieth and bring him to him They reparing to Samuel and finding the congregation of the Prophets were seized with the F Spirit of God and began to prophesie Which when Saul understood he sent out others with the like order and they had the lâ—ke extasie For which cause he sent out others and seeing the third company prophesie likewise he was in the end so enraged that he went thither in his own person And when he drew neer the place Samuel before he saw him made him prophesie also so that he was transported out of himself and having dispoiled himself of his rayment 1 Sam. 20. v. 1. ad 4. he remained naked all day and night in the presence of Samuel and David David departed from thence and went to Jonathan to whom he complained of those ambushes which his Father had laid to intrap him David complaineth unto Jonathan of his Fathers injuries telling him that notwithstanding he had never committed any fault against his Father he earnestly pursued him to put him to death Jonathan persuaded him not to suspect these things rashly nor to be over-credulous G to those reports which parhaps might be brought to him but trust him only who was assured that his Father intended no evil against him Jonathan excuseth his Father For if he had he would have told him being never wont to act any thing without his counsel But David sware unto him that it was so and conjured him not to doubt of it but rather to consider how H to procure his security than by contemning his words expect till his death ascertained him of the truth thereof He added that his Father did not communicate his counsels with him because he was assured of the love and friendship that was between them Jonathan persuaded by Davids reasons asked him what he desired at his hands or wherein he might shew him friendship v. 5. ad 11.
into what Countrey he had made his inroad He sent likewise a part of the prey unto the King and when he demanded from whom he had taken it he answer'd That he had taken it from the Jews that dwelt Southward and in the Plain so that Achis conceived an opinion that since David warred against his own Nation all the time of his abode with him he would be a faithful Servant to him About the same time the Philistines having determined to lead forth their Army against the Israelites sent to their Allies requiring N them to assist them in that War and to make their Rendezvous at Renga to the intent that being there assembled they might dislodge and assail the Israelites Amongst the other their Auxiliary Companies Achis had requested David to assist him with his 600 Soldiers which he promised readily telling him That the time was now come wherein he might requite his kindness and the hospitality he had shewen him Achis promised him that after the Victory when all things should have succeeded according as he desired he would prefer David to be Captain of his Guard thinking by the promise of this honour and trust he might augment Davids forwardness and affection toward him O A CHAP. XV. The year of the World 2809. before Christ's Nativity 1074. The Philistines renew their War against the Hebrews and obtain the Victory Saul with his Sons are slain in the Battel SAul having advice 1 Sam. 28. 3 7 8 9. that the Philistines were advanced as far as Sunam drew out his Forces Saul banisheth all diviners and enchanters out of his Kingdom and encamped over against them but when he perceived their Army to be much more numerous than his his heart failed him and desiring the Prophets to enquire of God what should be the event of this War and receiving no answer his fear was B doubled since he had reason to believe that God had forsaken him Hereupon his courage abated Ver. 6. and in this perplexity he resolved to have recourse to Magick but having lately banished the Inchanters Saul hearing the Philistines make head against him asked counsel of God Magicians and such as pretended to tell Fortunes it could hardly be expected that one of them should be found but yet he commanded that they should enquire for one of those that could raise the spirits of the dead and by their information learn what should come to pass hereafter And being advertised that there was such an one at Endor without the knowledge of his Army laying aside his Royal Habits and attended onely by two of his most faithful servants he repaired to Endor to this Woman requiring her to divine and raise up the spirit of him whom he should name Saul repaireth to Endor to ask counsel of a Sorceress The Woman denied and said That she ought not to offend against the Kings C Edict who had driven out of his Realm all such sort of Soothsayers telling him that he did not well Ver. 8 9. who having received no wrong at her hands should endeavor to lay a snare to bring her into a Crime which might cost her her life But Saul swore unto her That no man should know thereof and that he would not discover her divination to others and that she should incur no danger thereby After that by his Oaths and Protestations he had persuaded her Saul commandeth the Witch to raise Samuels ghost v. 10 11. that she should have no cause to fear he commanded her to raise the spirit of Samuel She not knowing what Samuel was called him and he suddenly appeared But when she perceived somewhat divine or more than ordinary in his countenance she was troubled and turning to the King she asked him If he were Saul for Samuel had certified her no less Saul confessed D that it was he and asked her For what cause she seemed to be so much troubled She answered That she saw a Man ascend that resembled God Saul commanded her to declare unto him his shape habit and age she told him That he was a reverend old Man attired in the vestment of an High Priest By these marks Saul knew that it was Samuel whereupon prostrating himself on the earth he adored him The spirit of Samuel asked him For what cause he had troubled him To whom he complained That he was inforced thereunto by necessity Ver. 15. for that a mighty Host of his Enemies were at hand Saul complaineth of his miseries to Samuel and asketh his advice and that he was forsaken by God having from him no answer either by Prophesie or Dream wherefore said he I apply my self unto thee who hast alwayes expressed great kindness towards me But Samuel foreseeing that the Kings end drew nigh answer'd him It was in vain for thee to enquire E concerning those things that shall happen since thou knowest that thou art forsaken of God Know therefore A ver 16 ad 20. said he that David shall possess the Kingdom and that it is he that shall establish the State by Arms Samuels ghost certifieth Saul of the event of his battel against the Philistines but thou shalt lose both thy Kingdom and thy life because thou hast disobeyed God in thy War against the Amalekites and hast not observed his Commandments according as I foretold thee when I was alive Know therefore that thy People and Host shall be discomfited by the Enemy and that both thou and thy sons shall be to morrow slain in the Battel and be with me Ver. 20 21. When Saul understood these things he became speechless through sorrow Saul through sudden sorrow fell in a swoon and fell down on the ground either because his strength failed him through sudden grief or for want of food because he had eaten nothing that night nor the day before F At length Ver. 22 c. hardly recovering himself out of his Swoon the Woman importuned him to receive some sustenance The Enchantress intreateth him to refresh himself and take some reâ—ection telling him that she desired no other reward for the hazard which she had run of forfeiting her life before she knew that he was the King himself by whose Commands those Divinations had been lately prohibited wherefore she prayed him that he would sit down at the Table and refresh himself that he might be the more able to return unto his Army An example of courtesie and liberality in the Enchantress And although he refused to eat because he had no appetite and was utterly desperate yet she so effectually importuned him that at length she persuaded him to receive some little nourishment And whereas she had but one Calf for she was but a poor Woman and had no other riches yet spared she not to kill it and dress it for Saul and his Retinue After which Saul returned to his Camp G The courtesie of this
Woman deserveth to be praised for although she knew that the King had prohibited the exercise of her Art whereby both she and her Family were well maintained and although before that time she had never seen Saul yet without remembring that it was he by whom her Art had been condemned The year of the World 2890. before Christ's Nativity 1074. she entertained him H not as a stranger or like the man she had never seen before but had compassion on him and comforted him exhorting him to eat although he refused it and presented him willingly with that little which she had in her poverty Which she did not upon any hope of recompence or preferment knowing well that Saul should shortly lose his life nor according to the ordinary course of men that naturally honour those that have bestowed some dignity upon them and become serviceable to those from whom they expect to receive some profit hereafter She therefore ought to be imitated and in her appeareth an excellent example of bounty approving that there is nothing more worthy of praise than to relieve those that are in necessity without expecting any recompence I since it is a piece of Generosity so agreeable to the nature of the Deity that in all probability nothing will more induce him than this to treat us also with the like favour I may add hereunto another Reflection which may be useful unto all Men but more especially to Kings Princes and Magistrates which may kindle in them a desire and affection to addict themselves to Noble actions and to encourage them to embrace dangers yea death it self and teach them to endure all difficulties whatsoever for their Countries cause 1 Sam. 31. 3 4. which we may see in this History of Saul For although he knew that which should befall him Josephus praiseth Saul for a worthy and valiant King in that foreknowing his danger and death he exposed himself to assured peril and that his death was at hand according as it had been foretold him yet resolved he not to avoid the same neither so loved he his life that for the conservation thereof he would deliver up his People into the hands of their Enemies K nor dishonour his Royal dignity but himself with his children and all his houshold exposed themselves to danger thinking it more honourable to die in fighting for his Subjects and far more expedient that his children should die like valiant Men than live in dishonor supposing that he should have sufficient Successors of his Race if he left behind him a perpetual memory and praise both of him and his For which cause in my opinion he was both just valiant and prudent and if any one either is or hath been like unto him I suppose that it becometh all Men to give testimony of such a Mans virtue For I think that the Historians and ancient Writers have not worthily intituled them with the stile of valiant Men who attaining some worthy actions attempted War under assured hope of victory and safety but they only that imitate Saul may deservedly be called just praise-worthy couragious hardy and contemners of all dangers L For what great thing is there in undertaking of the common hazard of War and tossed 'twixt hope and fear to use Fortunes favor if she fawn upon us But on the other side it is an assured sign of a valiant Man when without hope of any success and knowing his death at hand he is not afraid nor dismayed with such apprehensions but seeketh out with an invincible courage his most assured hazard This is the praise of Saul who is an example to all that desire to eternize their memory that should upon the like opportunity propose the same resolution to themselves but especially to Kings who by reason of the excellency of their Function ought not only to forbear to be evil but also strive to be eminently virtuous I could say more of M this generous argument of Sauls Valor but lest I should seem too affectionate I will return to our former purpose After that the Philistines were thus encamped 1 Sam. 28. 1 ad 5. and had numbred their Forces according to their Nations Kingdoms and Governors King Achis came at last with his company whom David followed 1 Sam. 29. 3 ad finem accompanied with 600 Soldiers whom when the Chieftains of the Philistines beheld Achis leadeth out David with him against the Hebrews and is reproved by the Chieftains of the Philistines for so doing they asked the King Whence those Hebrews came and what their Leaders name was Who answered That it was David who fled from Saul his Master and how he had entertained him again how David in recompence of the kindness he had received and to avenge himself on Saul was ready to fight for them against him But the Chieftains blamed him because he had chosen an Enemy for his Associate advising him to dismiss him lest he should as he might find occasion turn his Arms against them because N said they he hath now a fit opportunity to reconcile himself to his Master They therefore advis'd him to send David back with his 600 Soldiers unto the place which he had given to inhabit because it was the same David of whom the Damsels made Songs singing in praise of him that he had slain many thousand Philistines When the King of Geth understood these things he approved their counsel for which cause calling David unto him he said unto him The knowledge which I have had of your Valor and Fidelity Ver. 10. 11. hath made me desirous to employ you in this War but our Captains will not allow of it Achis dismisseth David wherefore retire thy self to the place which I have given thee without conceiving any evil suspition of me There shalt thou be in Garison to prevent the Enemy from foraging our Countrey and in so doing thou shalt partly assist me in the War Hereupon David departed O unto Siceleg according as the King had commanded him A But during the time that David was in the Camp and attended on the Philistines War The year of the World 2809. before christ's Naâ—ivity 1074. the Amalekites made an Incursion and took Siceleg by force and burnt the City and after they had gathered a great booty both in that place and in other villages of the Philistines Countrey they retired back again Now when David arrived at Siceleg and found it wholly spoiled and seeing likewise that his two Wives and the Wives of his Companions were Prisoners Ver. 1. 2 ad 6. together with their Children he presently rent his Garments The Amalekites in Davids absence spoil and burn Siceleg and â— carry away the prey and and abandoned himself to grief beside this his Companions were so much enraged with the Captivity of their Wives and Children that they were ready to stone him to death accusing him that he was the cause of
Women and Children beating their Breasts and lamenting for the King and his sons and tasting neither meat nor drink Ver. 11 12 13. This was the end of Saul according as Samuel had foretold him because he disobeyed God in his War against the Amalekites The Citizens of Jabes rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons and both bury and lament them and because he had slain Abimelech and all the Sacerdotal Race and destroyed the City of the Priests He Reigned during the life of Samuel the space of 18 years and 22 years after his death K L M N O A The Seventh Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventh Book 1. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty 2. Ishboseth is slain by the treachery of his Servants and the whole Kingdom cometh unto B David 3. David having surprized the City and Citadel of Jerusalem driveth the Canaanites from thence and causeth the Jews to inhabit it 4. David assailed by the Philistines obtaineth a famous victory against them near unto Jerusalem 5. David overcometh the neighbouring Nations and imposeth tribute on them 6. They of Damascus are overcome by David 7. David overcomes the Mesopotamians 8. How through the intestine Wars of his family David was driven out of his Kingdom by his Son C 9. Absolon marching out with his Army against his Father is overthrown 10. The happy estate of David restored again unto his Kingdom 11. David in his life-time anointeth his Son Solomon King 12. The death of David and what he left his Son towards the building of the Temple CHAP. I. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty D THis Battel was fought on the same day that David returned Conqueror to Siceleg after he had subdued the Amalekites But about three days after his return he that slew Saul and had escaped from the Battel having his garment rent and ashes upon his head came and cast himself prostrate before David and being asked from whence he came he answered from the Battel of the Israelites and certified David of the unhappy event 2 Sam. 1. v. 1 ad 12. telling him that many thousands of the Hebrews were slain and that Saul himself and his Sons were fallen in the conflict He likewise related how he himself retreated amongst the Hebrews An Amalechite certifieth David of Sauls death and in testimony thereof presenteth his bracelets and Crown when the King fled confessing that he had slain him that he might not fall alive into the hands of his enemy For said he Saul E having cast himself upon the point of his sword was so weak by reason of the agony of his wounds that he could not dispatch himself Thereupon he produced the bracelets and the Royal Crown which he took from him David perceiving no cause whereby he should doubt of his death whereof he had most evident and infallible testimonies rent his garments v. 12 and spent the day in weeping and lamenting with his companions but he was the more grieved for the loss of his dear friend Jonathan David lamenteth Saul and Jonathans death whom he acknowledged to be the preserver of his life And so affectionate shewed he himself towards Saul that although he had oftentimes been in danger to have been slain by him yet was he much troubled at his death v. 13 14 15. and not only so David commandeth the Amalâ—chite to be slain that killed Saul but he likewise put to death him that slew him telling him that he himself had accused himself for slaying the King and shown himself F by that parricide to be a true Amalekite He composed likewise Lamentations and Epitaphs in the praise of Saul and Jonathan which are yet extant After that he had thus honoured the King and performed his Lamentations and Obsequies he asked counsel of God by the Prophet 2 Sâ—m 2. 1 ad 7. What City of the Tribe of Juda he would give him to inhabit in David by Gods commandment cometh and dwelleth in Hebron and is declared King of the Tribe of Juda. who answered him That he would give him Hebron For which cause he forsook Siceleg and came and dwelt in Hebron and brought thither his Wives and his Army All the people of the Tribe resorted thither unto him and proclaimed him King where understanding how the Jabesins had buried Saul and his Sons he sent Ambassadors unto them both to praise and approve their actions assuring them that he allowed their act and would recompense that kindness which they had shewed to the dead giving them likewise G to understand David praiseth the Jebafines for burying Saul and his Sons that the Tribe of Juda had chosen him for their King But Abner the Son of Ner General of Sauls Army a man of great courage and a noble disposition understanding that Saul and Jonathan and his two other Brothers were dead came into the Camp The year of the World 2891. before Christ's Nativity 1873. and bringing with him the only Son of Saul that was left whose name was H Isboseth he passed to the other side of Jordan and proclaimed him King He appointed likewise for his Royal seat and place of residence a certain Countrey called in Hebrew Machare that is to say the Camp From thence he went with a select band of soldiers with a resolution to encounter those of the Tribe of Juda because they had chosen David for their Kings Against him marched out Joab the Son of Suri and of Sarvia Davids Sister General of his Army to encounter him accompanied with his Brothers Abisai and Azael v. 8 ad 12. and all Davids soldiers and arriving near a Fountain in Gabaa he drew up his Army in that place Abner the Son of Ner crowned Jeshboseth Sauls Son Abner proposing that before they joyned Battel they should try some of the soldiers of each party it was agreed between them that twelve of either side should be chosen out to decide the quarell Abner leadeth out his Army against the Tribe of Juda. These men marched out into a I certain place betwixt both Armyes and having darted their Javelins the one against the other came at last to their Swords and one taking his enemy by the hair they all of them slew one another v. 13. upon the place Hereupon the Armyes met and after a cruel Battel Abner with his followers were discomfited Joab with all Davids Army issueth out to meet him and flyng in great haste were pursued by Joab who incouraged his soldiers to follow them close without suffering any of them to escape But amongst the rest Joabs Brothers were hot upon the Chase and the youngest of them called Azael v. 15. gave special testimony of his
not presume to come into his presence Absalom revoked by his father is commanded for a time to flie his presence because he was not disposed to see him so suddenly Whereupon he forbore to shew himself unto him and went and dwelt amongst his own Friends and Houshold Servants Neither was his beauty any way decreased by the sorrow he had conceived or for that his entertainment was far different from the quality of a Princes Son but he rather exceeded and grew more famous thereby so that for beauty and comeliness of person he excelled all others his Hair was so thick that it could scarcely be polled in eight days and weighed 200 shekels which amount to five pound He lived two years in Jerusalem and was the Father of G three Sons Ver. 27 28. and one Daughter which Roboam the Son of Salomon afterwards took to Wife Absaloms children born in Jerusalem of whom he begat a Son called Abia. In process of time he sent Messengers unto Joab to desire him that he would pacifie his Father and prevail with him to admit him to his presence The year of the World 2816. before Christ's Nativity 1040. that he might see him and submit himself unto him But receiving H no answer from Joab he sent his servants and commanded them to burn Joabs Corn-fields that joined unto his who hearing what had hapned unto him he came unto Absalom accusing him and asking him For what cause he had done him this injury To whom Absalom answered I have said he invented this stratagem to make thee come unto me seeing thou took'st no notice of the Address which I made V. 30 31 32 33. to desire thee to reconcile my Father unto me And now I beseech thee that thou wilt move my Father in my behalf otherwise I shall think my return more grievous than my banishment hath been Joab urged by the burning of his houses reconcileth Absaâ—om to his father if my Father shall yet continue his displeasure Joab was persuaded through the compassion he conceived of the necessity wherein he saw him and went and sollicited the King with whom he so effectually debated I as touching Absalom that altering his disposition he graciously sent and called for him As soon as he came unto his presence Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. Absalom cast himself prostrate on the ground asking pardon for his offences but David raised and lifted him up and promised that from thenceforth he would no more upbraid him with those misdeeds After these things had thus fallen out Absalom within a little space provided a great number of Horses and Chariots 2 Sam. 15. 1 ad 6. and entertained fifty Men for his Guard and every day early in the Morning presented himself before the Kings Palace Absalom subtilly affecteth his fathers Kingdom and talked with those that resorted thither about the tryal of their differences and whereas some of them lost their cause he talked with them according as he found them affected alledging That his Father had no good Counsellers and that perhaps he himself had in some things judged amiss and by these means K endeavored he to get the good will of all men telling them That if he had the like authority he would make them know by proof what his equity was Having by these plausible persuasions drawn the hearts of the common People unto him he was persuaded they would serve him in whatsoever he intended Four years after his reconciliation he came to his Father David desiring that he might go to Hebron and sacrifice unto God according as he had vowed at such time as he fled from his presence Which request when David had granted him he went thither being attended with a great concourse of People Ver. 10 ad 14. by reason he had appointed divers to meet him in that place Absalom proclaimed King amongst whom was Achitophel the Gelonite one of Davids Counsellers and 200 others of Jerusalem who altogether ignorant of his design assembled themselves in that place to be assistant to his Sacrifice by all whom he was declared King L according as he himself had commanded When the News hereof came unto Davids ears and he was assured how his Son had behaved himself he was much troubled for his impiety and arrogancy that he should so soon forget the pardon which he had obtained for his enormous Crimes and contrary to all Law plunge himself and hazard his Reputation in more grievous offences to pervert the state of the Kingdom which God had established to deprive his own Father of his Crown and Dignity wherefore he resolved to flie to the other side of Jordan Ver. 14. carrying with him his most trusty Friends to whom he represented the unbridled fury of Son David departed out of Jerusalem remitting all things unto God who judgeth all things and leaving the Government of his Royal House to the management M of his six Concubines Ver. 24. ad 30. he departed from Jerusalem David flying prohibiteth the High Priests to follow him to the intent to give him intelligence of that which did pass He was accompanied with a great number of People besides those 600 Soldiers who had followed him in his Banishment during Sauls life-time And although the High Priests Abiathar and Sadoc with all the Levites had resolved to depart with him yet persuaded he them to abide with the Ark assuring them that God would deliver them although the Ark should continue in its place He commanded Abiathar likewise to send him private intelligence of each occurrent that should happen reserving with him for most intimate and trusty Counsellers Achimaas the son of Sadoc and Jonathan the son of Abiathar But Ethéi the Gittite by no persuasions of the King could be induced to stay but contrary to his Command Ethei departed with David followed him whereby he more manifestly exprest his affection towards him Ver. 31. But as he went on his bare Feet up the Mountain of Olivet and all they N of his Train followed him Achitophel revolteth from David and followeth Absalom whose counsels David striveth by prayer to make frustrate intermixing their travel with bitter tears a certain Messenger came and certified him that Achitophhel was with Absalom Which report aggravated and increased his grief so that he besought God that it might please him to alienate the affection of Absalom from Achitophel that he might not give heed unto any of his counsels because Achitophel was a Man of a ripe judgment and ready execution in all that concerned him As soon as he came unto the top of the Mountain he beheld the City and as if he had utterly been banished from his Kingdom he began with abundance of tears Ver. 32 c. to call upon God Chusai is persuaded to submit to Absalom and to cross Achitophels counsels There met he with Chusai his sincere and
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
Sauls Grandchild came out to meet him cloathed in mean apparel having E his Hair hanging down in a neglected and sorrowful manner For since the time that David fled and forsook the City he had been so afflicted that he neither had trimmed his Hair nor changed or cleansed his garment supposing this calamity to touch him as nearly as it did the King A v. 24 ad 33. and he was the rather grieved that Siba his steward had unjustly detracted from him Mophibosheth purgeth himself of Siba's slanders and accused him to the King After he had prostrated himself and adored the King David asked him For what cause he forsook him in his troubles and offered not himself to accompany him in his flight Who answered That it was the wickedness of Siba who was the cause thereof for he said he being commanded to prepare my necessaries for that journey neglected the execution thereof contemning both me and it as if I had been some abject slave otherwise had I had the use of my feet and the means to have waited F on thee in thy journey I had never endured to have forsaken thee Neither was he contented to hinder me from performing my duty and to give your Majesty a testimony of my affection and loyalty but furthermore he hath maliciously incensed your Majesty against me yet know I well that your wisdom will not give credit to his detractions both for that you are just as also for that GOD and Truth which you onely aspire to are onely beloved by you For whereas during my Grandfathers dayes you were alwayes conversant amongst the greatest dangers and persecuted by him and whereas all our posterity by that means deserved to be utterly extinguished yet have you used moderation and meekness in forgetting those indignities when it was in your power to revenge them And notwithstanding all these things you have entertained me like your Friend feasted me at your Table and dignified me with no less Honours than if I had G been one of your nearest Kinsmen When David heard these things he thought neither good to punish Mephibosheth not to examine whether Siba had wrongfully accused him but after he had certified him that he had given Siba all his Goods yet did he pardon him and promise him the restitution of half his possessions Whereunto Mephibosheth H replied Let Siba possess the whole it only sufficeth me that I see your Maiesty restored again to your Kingdom After this David invited Berzillai the Galaadite a virtuous man and of great authority and by whose bounty during the time of his War he was assisted David pardoneth Mephibosheth and restoreth him to the half of his possessions and who had attended him as far as Jordan to accompany him unto Jerusalem promising him to make no less account of him than of his Father and assuring him that he would allow him all things that were suitable to his age and quality But he being desirous to live in private besought his Majesty to dismiss him from the Court because as he said his age was so great as it made him unfit for pleasures v. 31 ad 37. considering that he had attained to the age of fourscore years Berâ—illai excuseth himself and will not resort to Jerusalem alledging that it beter became him to think of I death and his departure out of this World For which cause he besought David to favour him so much as that he might govern himself according to his own desire because that by reason of his age he neither knew how to savour meat nor drink besides for that his hearing was lost so that he could not distinguish or discern the sound of instruments wherein they who converse in Kings Courts do most usually take such delight To this David replied since said he thou dost so earnestly request me to give thee leave to depart from me I dismiss thee but leave thou thy Son Achimaas with me that I may express that kindness unto him which thou hast deserved Hereupon Berzillai left his Son with him and taking leave of the King with prayer that God would grant him the fulness of his desires he returned to his own house v. 41 42 43. But David went unto Gilgal K having already the half of the people with him The Tribe of Judas accusation and excuse for that without the knowledg of the other Tribes they had gone out to meet the King and the whole Tribe of Juda. Thither resorted then unto him the chief governors of that countrey attended by a great multitude of people complaining unto the Tribe of Juda for that unwitting to the rest they had resorted to him when as by a mutual consent they should all of them have met him together But the Princes of the Tribe of Juda requested them in no sort to misinterpret their prevention of them For that by reason of their alliance and being of the same Tribe with the King they were obliged to shew him a more particular respect neither for that diligence of theirs received they any reward 2 Sam. 20. 1 ad 8. whereby they that came after should think themselves prejudiced Siba a seditious person incenseth the people to rebel against the King This answer of theirs the Princes of the Tribes took not in good part but spake thus unto their brethren We wonder said they L that you only challenge the King to be your kinsman as if he were not to be accounted an Ally unto us all whom God hath equally placed to be Governour over us all when as therefore the whole people consisteth of eleven parts you only are but one besides we are your elders so that you have not dealt uprightly Davids concubines whom Absalon had deflowred are sequestred from â—im in that you have secretly sought out the King without giving us notice of your design Whilst the Governours after this manner debated the matter a certain wicked seditious person called Siba the Son of Bochri of the Tribe of Benjamin standing up in the midst of the people began to cry out with a loud voice and exclaim after this manner We have no part with David nor inheritance with the Son of Jessâ—e This said he sounded a Trumpet and proclaimed War against the King so that all men followed him and forsook David Only the tribe of Juda remained with M him and established him in the Royal Throne in Jerusalem upon his first coming thither he removed his Concubines which his Son Absalon had known out of his Palace and never after that time had any company with them After this he declared Amasa General of the Army and placed him in the same degree which Joab had near unto the Person of the King commanding him that he should assemble what forces he could out of the Tribe of Juda and that within three dayes he should return unto him to the end that having delivered him both the
Army and the place of General he might send him to make War upon the Son of Bochri Joab by reason of Amasa's delay is sent out against Siba by David After that Amasa was departed and had employed his time in gathering up his Army the King seeing that he failed to return upon the third day told Joab that it was dangerous to permit Siba to gather a greater head by N delay and thereby breed more trouble and molestation than Absalon had done For which cause said he stay thou not but take unto thee those forces which thou hast in readiness and my six hundred men with thy brother Abisai and pursue thou the Enemy and in what place soever thou meetest him by all means endeavour to give him the Battel Haste therefore and overtake him lest he seize some of our strongest Cities and thereby create us a greater trouble Joab with all expedition obeyed his commandment and took with him the six hundred with his Brother Abisai and commanded all the forces that were in Jerusalem to follow after him and marched in good order after Siba When he came unto Gabaon a Village about forty furlongs distant from Jerusalem Amasa met him with great forces Joab having his Sword girt by his â—ide v. 9 10. whilst Amasa came onward to salute him he on purpose O let his Sword slip out of his sheath Joab killeth Amasa and taking it up from the ground with one hand he drew near unto Amasa under pretence to salute him and taking him by the beard he H thrust the Sword that was in his other hand into his belly and slew him Which action of his was hainous and detestable proceeding from a jealousie he had conceived against a virtuous young man one of great merit and of great hopes being his near Relation who had in no sort offended him but only by accepting the place of General which the King had conferred on him and because David had equalled him in honour with him for which very cause heretofore he had slain Abner Notwithstanding that act of his seemed in some sort more excusable by reason of the wrong which he had pretended to be done unto his Brother Azael v. 9 10. yet was not this a sufficient colour to excuse the murther of Amasa Joab killeth Amasa When this was done he pursued Siba and left a certain man to wait upon the body of Amasa who had commandment given him to proclaim with a loud voice I thorow the whole army that he was justly and deservedly slain commanding those that favored the Kings title to follow their General Joab and his Brother Abisai whilest his body lay thus in the way and all the multitude as it is usual in such like accidents flocked round about it he that had charge of the body took it up and bare it into a certain place out of the way and covered it with a Garment which done all the people followed Joab Now whilest he pursued Siba thorow all the Region of the Israelites he told him that he had retired himself into a certain strong City called Abelmacha where he no sooner arrived but that he begirt the City and entrenched it round about commanding his Soldiers to undermine and overthrow the walls for he was much incensed because they had shut the gates against him Joab besiegeth and shutteth up Siba within Abelmachaea But a certain prudent woman seeing her countrey in extreme K peril she went up to the top of the walls and called unto Joab who coming forth unto her she spake after this manner God hath ordained Kings and Generals of Armies to the end they might destroy the Enemies of the Hebrews and plant amongst them an universal and perpetual peace v. 16. ad 22. but you enforce your selves to destroy one of the chief Cities of Israel A woman rebuketh Joab for seeking the subversion of the City which he rather ought to protect that hath in no sort offended you Joab declared that far from any such design he wished them all happiness and prosperity and said that for his own part it was not his meaning that any one of the City should die neither his pretence to raze and deface so famous a City his intent only was that if Siba the Son of Bochri and the Kings adversary were delivered into his hands to do justice on him he would raise the siege and cause his Army to retire from thence When the woman heard what Joab had said Joabs conditions of peace proposed to the besieged she prayed him to stay a little while promising him L very speedily to cast his head over unto him Whereupon she came down amongst the assembly of the Citizens to whom she spake after this manner Wretched men that you are The punishment of Siba will you miserably suffer your Wives and Children to be slain for a wicked mans cause and a stranger whom ye know not will you admit him in the place of David your King from whose hands you have received so many benefits v. 23. ad finem think you that one only City can resist so vast an Army Officers distributed by David After this manner persuaded she them to cut off Sibas head and to cast it into Joabs camp which done Joab commanded the retreat to be sounded and raised the siege and returning back unto Jerusalem was once more declared General of all the people The King also appointed Benaja Captain of his Guards and of six hundred Soldiers Adoram was made Treasurer to gather in the Tributes Sabath and Achilaus had M the charge of Registers Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. Susa was made Secretary Sadoc and Abiathar were made the High-Priests 2 Sam. 21. 1. 2. After this it hapned that the Countrey was afflicted with a famine For which cause David besought God that he would have compassion on his people A famine inflâ—cted on the Israelites for breach of oath and that it might please him to manifest not only the cause but also the remedy of the malady The Prophets answered him that God would be revenged of the wrong done to the Gibeonites whom King Saul had deceived and traiterously slain without respect of the oath which the Governour Josuah and the Elders made unto them If therefore he would suffer the Gibeonites to revenge the death of their slaughtered friends according to their desire God had promised to be appeased and to deliver the people from their imminent and present evils As soon as he understood by the Prophets what God required he sent N for the Gibeonites and asked them what it was which they required who wished him to deliver into their hands seven of Sauls Sons to take their revenge on them whereupon the King made search after them only sparing and protecting Mephiboseth the Son of Jonathan v. 7 9. When the Gibeonites had laid hold of these seven
the Son of Abiathar came hastily in amongst them Adonias for â—ea of the Kings displeasure flyeth from his banquet and taketh hold of the hornes of the Altar This young man did Adonias most willingly behold and L said that he was a messenger of some glad tidings but contrariwise he recited unto them all that had befallen Solomon or had been decreed by David Whereupon Adonias and all his guests forsook the banquet and suddenly fled every man unto his own house But Adonias fearing the Kings displeasure by reason of his ambition and arrogancy ran unto the Altar and laying hold of it after the manner of a suppliant hung thereon according as he in reason had cause to do Now when these tydings were brought unto Solomon and what he had done and how he required that Solomon would assure him that he would never more call to memory that which had hapned but pardon his offence Solomon answered him graciously and moderately and pardoned that fault notwithstanding with this caution that if hereafter M it should appear that he intended or acted any rebellion it should be Adonias himself who should be the author of his mischief with this answer he sent some to deliver him from the Altar When as therefore he came into Solomons presence and had saluted him he was commanded to repair home unto his house without fearing any mischief that might befall him yet by the way was he admonished to behave himself uprightly for the time to come if he respected his credit or profit But David willing that his Son should be accepted for their known and anointed King amongst the people 1 Chro. 23. 3â—4 assembled the Governors in Jerusalem David numbreth the Levites and distributeth their offices with the Priests and Levites and first of all taking the number of them he found thirty three thousand men that were N above thirty three years old 23000 of which he appointed to take charge of building of the Temple six thousand to be Judges and Scribes with the like number of Musicians to play upon instruments who were furnished therewith by David as we have heretofore declared and distributed by him according to their families So that separating the Priests from the rest of their Tribe 1 Chron. 23. 6 ad 24. he found four and twenty families of them The division of the Priests into 24. kindreds sixteen of the house of Eleazar and eight of the house of Ithamar giving order that one only family should officiate for the space of eight days And thus were all the families distributed by lot in the presence of David of the High Priests Sadoc and Abiathar 2 Chron. 24. 5 27. and of all the Governors The first family that went up to the Temple was inrolled first He devided tâ—e Levits into 24. parts the second next and so successively the rest to the number of 24 and this O order remaineth even unto this day He made also 24 divisions of the Tribe of Levi who ascended according as they were chosen by loâ— in the same manner as the Priests H every eighth day He honoured in particular those of Moses posterity for the appointed them to be keepers of Gods treasury and of those presents which the Kings should offer He appointed also that all as well Levites as Priests should serve God day and night according as they were commanded by Moses That done he distributed his whole Army into twelve companies v. 13 14. with their Governors Centurions and other field Officers Moses posterity appointed to keep the divine treasure every squadron contained four and twenty thousand men whom he appointed to guard and attend King Solomon for the space of thirty dayes continuing from the first to the last with their Captains over Thousands and Centurions He likewise established those men in Office and Authority over every squadron 1 Chron. 26. 1 ad 12. whom he knew to be most resolute and couragious The Aâ—my divided into 1â— parts He appointed also Surveyors who should I have the charge of the treasure of the burroughs and fields and of the Cattel whose names in mine opinion it were unnecessary to declare 1 Paral. 27. After that every one of these things were in this manner disposed David assembling the governors of the Tribes commendeth his son Solomon to them he summoned all the civill Magistrates of the Hebrews and in general all those that had any commission over the affairs or demains of the Kings to a general assembly and placing himself on a high Throne he spake after this manner My bretheren and countreymen I am desirous that you should know that having determined with my self to build a Temple unto God I have made provision of a great quantity of Gold and Silver 1 Chron. 28. ad finem the summe whereof amounteth to an hundred thousand talents but God by the Prophet Nathan hath forbidden me to build the same by reason of your Wars and because my hands have been stained with the slaughter of the Enemies which I have conquered K in so many Wars in which I have been ingaged for the publick good and the interest of the State but he hath commanded that my Son who shall succeed me in my Kingdom shall erect a Temple unto him Now therefore since you are satisfied that amongst the twelve sons of Jacob Juda by the general consent of them all obtained the principality and that I amongst my six brethren have been preferred and placed by God in the Kingdom and notwithstanding no one of them supposeth himself to be injured so do I also request that Solomon having obtained the Empire my other sons should neither in respect of him nor amongst themselves nourish any unnatural hatreds and seditious but knowing that he is chosen by God they may willingly submit themselves to his dominion For whereas if God shall think meet you ought patiently to submit your selves to the yoak of a foreign Prince how much greater reason have L you to rejoyce that God hath confered this honour on one of your Bretheren whereof you also by your Proximity of blood may seem in some measure to partake I desire nothing more than that Gods promises may be accomplished and that the felicity which attendeth this Nation under the Government of Solomon may be durable Which without doubt will so fall out and all things shall happily succeed if thou my Son be a maintainer of piety and justice and the antient Laws and ordinances of thy progenitors otherwise if these be neglected there is no other thing to be expected à v. 11 ad 1â— but misery and distruction After he had finished these sayings David giveth his son the model of the Temple he gave his Son the model of the building of the Temple with all the foundations both of the houses and chambers together with the number height and breadth of the same He also
roofs for Temples For having pulled down some ancient Temples he builded that of Hercules and that of Astarte and made his first building of Hercules in the month of Peritien which is February and made War against the Eyceens who refused to pay their tributes and after he had brought them under his subjection H he returned to his own Palace In his time lived a young man called Abdemon who alwayes resolved those questions which Solomon King of Jerusalem proposed Dion also maketh mention of him in these terms After the decease of Abibale his son Hiram reigned he it was that fortified the quarter of the City to the Eastward and enlarged the same Dion maketh mention of Hiram and joined the Temple of Olympian Jupiter to the City which before that time was in another place and filled all the place between them with earth and adorned it with pendants of gold and afterwards going up to Libanus he hewed down timber to build Temples withall He said also that Solomon reigning at that time in Jerusalem sent unto Hiram certain subtile questions demanding the exposition thereof under this condition that if he explained them not Dion of Solomon by way of penalty he should pay a great Sum of money and afterwards that a certain I Tyrian called Abdemon expounded that which had been proposed and in lieu thereof proposed certain others which Solomon could not expound and for that occasion he paid a great Sum of money unto Hiram This is that which Dion writeth The King seeing that the City of Jerusalem wanted both Bulwarks and Towers to secure the same Solomon repaireth the walls of Jerusalem and erecteth towers and that the strength of it was no way answerable to the dignity thereof he repaired the walls and erected great Towers on the same Moreover he built certain Cities Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. which deserve to be commemorated amongst the most Renowned namely Ascor and Magedon and the City of Gaza in the Countrey of the Philistines against which Pharaoh King of Egypt led out his Army Solomon buildeth certain Cities Azor Mageâ—on Gaga Betachor Baleth and took it by force and after he had put all the Inhabitants thereof to the Sword he destroyed the same and he gave it in K dower unto his daughter which was married to Solomon For which cause the King fortified it seeing it to be already sufficiently fenced by nature and that it stood very commodiously for the War and to hinder the incursions of the enemy Not far from thence he fortified two other Cities whereof one was called Betachor and the other Baleth Besides these he built others which were Cities of recreation and pleasure by reason of the good temperature of the Air and the pleasantness of the fruits and in especially the sweet Rivers wherewith they were watered Afterwards entering into the Desart that is above Syria and conquering the same he built another great City two dayes journey distant from the higher Syria a dayes journey from Euphrates and six from the great Babylon The cause why this City was inhabited far from peopled quarters of Syria was L because in no place of the lower Countrey there was water to be found and in this City onely there were fountains and springs Thadamor or Palmira He therefore built this City and begirt it with strong walls and called it Thadamor which is the name which the Syrians term it by even at this day and amongst the Greeks it is called Palmyra And these were Solomons works in that time But since divers are inquisitive to know the reason why the Kings of Egypt that have been since Mineus the founder of Memphis Why the Egyptian Kings were called Pharaohs who reigned divers years before our great Ancestor Abraham till Solomons time for the space of more than Thirteen hundred years have been called Pharaohs deriving that name from one that reigned in the midtime between both I have thought fit to give some account of it The name of Pharaoh amongst the Egyptians signifieth as much as King But I suppose M that from their childhood they had other distinct names and that afterward when they are created Kings they take upon them that name which in their Mother-tongue signifieth no less than Authority For the Kings of Alexandria having been heretofore called by other names The Egyptian Kings called Pharaohs at such time as they take upon them the Kingdom they are called Ptolomies by the name of their first King The Roman Emperors likewise notwithstanding they have other names at the time of their birth Ptolomei yet are they called Caesars Caesars because the sovereignty and honour whereunto they are raised Herodotus writeth not the names of the Egyptian Kings imposeth that title on them and the name that was given them by their Fathers is no more retained For this cause it is that although Herodotus of Halicarnasseus saith that since Mineus the Founder of Memphis there have been Three hundred and thirty Kings of Egypt yet declareth he N not their names Nicaule Queen of Egypt and Ethiope cometh to Solomon because they were called Pharaohs For when after these a Woman had obtained the Kingdom he called her by her own proper name Nicaule whence it appeareth that the men who have been Kings were usually called by this name and that it had not been communicated unto this Woman for which cause it was necessary to declare her own first name For mine own part I have found in the Books of our Nation that since Pharaoh who was Father-in-law to Solomon none of the Kings of Egypt have been called by that name and that some little while after the forementioned Woman came unto Solomon who reigned in Egypt and Ethiopia of whom we shall speak hereafter But at this present I have made mention of it that it might appear that our Records and the Chronicles of the Egyptians agree in many things O But King Solomon conquered the Canaanites which till that time were not under his subjection and those that inhabited the mountain Libanus as far as the City of Amath A and made them Tributaries The year of the World 2953. before Christ's Nativity 1011. and chose out from amongst them every year such as he might employ in servile works and domestick affairs and tillage of the land For no Hebrew was a slave neither was it convenient that since God had subjected divers Nations under them whom they might make slaves of that they should tye those of their own Nation to that bondage 1 Kings 9. 16. ad 21. who were all of them employed in Arms and rather took delight to ride in Chariots and on Horses than to submit to any mean or servile employment Solomon compelleth the remainer of the Canaanites to pay Tribute Over the Canaanites whom he employed in his service he appointed Five hundred and fifty Commissaries who had their
such time as Joab Ader fled into Egypt General of Davids Army had conquer'd Idumaea and in the space of six months defeated all the youth and those that were capable to bear Arms he fled unto L Pharaoh King of Egypt Ader beseecheth Pharaoh to dismiss him that he might return into his Countâ—â—y who entertain'd him very courteously and gave him an house and lands for his maintenance and loved him dearly when he came to mans estate so that he married him to Taphines his wives sister on whom he begat a Son who was brought up with the Kings children who having intelligence in Egypt of David and Joabs death address'd himself unto Pharaoh and besought him to give him leave to repair into his own Countrey The King ask'd him what he wanted or what the cause was that mov'd him to be so forward to forsake him Notwithstanding therefore that he importuned and requested him divers times yet prevailed he not with him But when Solomons fortunes began to decline Ader returneth into Idumaea and from thence departeth into Syria by reason of his iniquities above-mentioned and the wrath of God provoked M against him Ader by Gods permission came into Idumaea after he had obtained leave of Pharaoh to depart But being unable to move the people to revolt from Solomon by reason of the strong Garisons he held Raas and Ader enemies to Solomon and knowing that without hazard of his own person he could move no alterations or innovation in that place he departed from thence and went into Syria where confederating himself with a certain man called Raas who was fled from his Master Adarezer King of Sophone and lived like an Outlaw in that Region he contracted friendship with him and a great sort of Outlaws and Thieves that were his followers and went into Syria and seizing on that Countrey proclaimed himself King thereof From whence making excursions into the lands of the Israelites he spoiled and pillaged the same during Solomons life-time Thus were N the Hebrews enforced to sustain those Outrages at Aders hands Moreover a certain Man called Jeroboam the son of Nebat by Nation a Jew rebelled against Solomon Ver. 26 ad 35. and raised his hopes above his estate persuaded thereunto by a Prophesie that concerned him Jeroboam rebelleth against Solomon and incited him unto the action For being left very young by his Father and carefully instructed by his Mother as soon as Solomon perceived him to be of a noble and couragious spirit he made him Commissary over the building of the Walls at such time as he immured and fortified Jerusalem In this office he behaved himself so well Ver. 30. that the King thought very well thereof and by way of recompence made him General over the Tribe of Joseph Achâ—as the Prophet foretelleth that he should be King over the ten Tribes Towards which whil'st he travelled from Jerusalem a certain Prophet met him upon the way who was of the City of Silâ— called O Achias who approaching near unto him and saluting him drew him out of the way into a place where none but themselves were present and there renting the garment which he wore upon his back in twelve pieces he commanded Jeroboam to take ten telling him That God had so decreed The year of the World 2971. before Christ's Nativity 993. and how he would rent the Government from Solomon and reserve A only one Tribe unto his son with that other which was annexed unto it by reason of the promise made to David and to thee said he he giveth the other ten because Solomon hath offended God and addicted himself to the love of strange Women and the service of foreign gods Now since thou knowest the cause wherefore God hath alienated the Kingdom from Solomon be thou just and observe the Laws for if thou behavest thy self in such sort as thou knowest David did a great reward of thy piety and recompence of thy observance attendeth thee so that thou shalt become as mighty as David hath been before thee Jeroboam confirmed in great hopes by these words of the Prophet being by nature haughty in years young and besides that Ver. 40. desirous of authority Jeroboam flieth into Egypt and remaineth there until Solomons death he took no rest but being possessed of the place of B General and remembring himself of that which had been told him by Achias he presently began to persuade the people to revolt from Solomon and to choose him for their King Solomon hearing news of this his design sought means to lay hands on him and to put him to death but Jeroboam preventing him fled unto Susac King of Egypt with whom he remained until the death of Solomon And thus for that time escaped he punishment and thus was he reserved to the fortune of a Kingdom CHAP. III. After the death of Solomon the people revolt from Rehoboam his Son and proclaim Jeroboam King of the Ten Tribes C BUT when Solomon was very old The death of Solomon he dyed after he had Reigned fourscore years and lived ninety four and was buried in Jerusalem of all Kings the most happy rich and prudent Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. al. 4. except that sin whereunto he was drawn by Women in his old age of whom and those calamities that presently after befell the Hebrews we have sufficiently spoken 1 Reg. 12. 1 ad 11. After the death of Solomon as soon as his son Rehoboam whom he begat upon an Ammonitish woman called Noma succeeded him in the Kingdom the Governors of the people sent certain messengers into Egypt to recall Jeroboam who arriving in the City of Sichem Rehoboam came thither also resolving in that Assembly of the Israelites to take the Kingdom upon himself by the peoples consent The people require Rehoboam to mitigate their burthen To him therefore the Princes D of the people resorted with Jeroboam beseeching him That he would remit somewhat of their servitude and shew himself more merciful than his father had been for that under his government they had been sorely oppressed assuring him that by that means his Kingdom should be the more secured if so be he had rather be beloved than feared He three days after promised them to return an answer to their demands and by that means drew them into suspition that upon the motion he misliked of the offers they had proposed for they thought it became his years to be affable and ready to deserve well yet remained there some hope in them Ver. 6 7 8. that they had not presently suffered a repulse Mean while he calling about him his fathers friends The wholesom advice of the Elders consulted what answer he should give the people they that wished his welfare and knew the nature of the people very well persuaded E him to speak familiarly unto the people and remitting a little of his Kingly
forth that which was requisite for the sustenance of horses and other cattel The King therefore calling Obadiah unto him who was the Master of his Herds he commanded him that he should each way seek out for fountains and brooks willing him 1 Kings 18. 1 2. that if he found out any grass he should mow the same and give it to his cattel for their sustenance Elias is sent by God to prophesie rain to Achab. And whereas by his command the Prophet Elias was sought in divers places and could not be found he appointed Obadiah also to follow him So taking both of them several ways the King followed one and the Master of the cattel another Achab seeketh for Elias I This Obadiah was a godly and virtuous Man Obadiah concealeth and sustaineth an 100 Prophets who when the Prophets were put to death hid one hundred of them in Caves and sustain'd them with bread and water After this Man departed from the King Elias met him and he ask'd Elias what he was which when he had told him he humbled himself on his face before him Elias commanded him to go to the King and to let him know that he was nigh at hand Obadiah ask'd him Wherein he had offended him that he should desire to put him upon an action that might occasion the loss of his life For there was not any streight whither he sent not some of his men to find out Elias with charge that if they found him they should put him to death Now it may be said he that whil'st I repair unto the King the Spirit of God shall carry thee away the King not finding thee here and frustrate of his desire will revenge himself on me K Nevertheless you may if you please save my life and I conjure thee by the kindness which I have shewn to an hundred Prophets such as thou art whom I have deliverâ—d from the fury of Jezabel and taken care to preserve in Caves until this day Notwithstanding all these words Elias commanded him to go unto the King and to cast off all fear swearing unto him by an oath how that that day he would make himself known unto Achab. When Obadiah had told the King that Elias was at hand Ver. 17. Achab went out to meet him and being full of indignation Achab accuseth Elias of impiety said unto him Is it thou that heapest so much mischief on the Hebrews heads Art thou the man that art the cause of this sterility To whom Elias replied That it was he and his race that were the occasions of these mischiefs because they had brought strange gods into their Countrey whom they adored and had forsaken the true God L who was and is onely to be worshipped He therefore willed him presently to assemble all the people on Mount Carmel and bring with him his Wife and her Prophets whose number he reckoned up the Prophets likewise of the woods who were in number four hundred When therefore all of them Ver. 21. being summoned by the King were gathered together in that place Elias stood up in the midst of them Elias reproveth the superstition of the people and said How long will ye continue in this uncertainty whom ye ought to follow For if you think that the Hebrews God is the true and onely God why follow you him not and why keep you not his Commandments But if you think that the honour belongeth not to him but to foreign gods follow them When Elias perceiv'd that the people replied nothing hereunto he proceeded For an undeniable proof whereby ye may be satisfied which is the most powerful either that God which I worship or those false ones which M ye are persuaded to follow and which is the true Religion that which I profess or that which is professed by these 400 Prophets I will take an Oxe and kill it and lay it upon the wood without putting any sire thereto to consume the sacrifice and they also shall do the like and call upon their gods and beseech them to send down fire to consume their sacrifice which if they shall do and confirm the same by a miracle then shall we know that they are true gods This proposal of his was generally approved Whereupon Elias commanded the false Prophets first of all to choose an Oxe and to kill it and afterwards to call upon their gods and when it manifestly appear'd that their prayer was of no force Elias began â—o mock them saying Why call you not out upon your gods with a loud voyce for it may be they are on some voyage or else haply they sleep Whil'st thus they had invocated from N the morning till mid-day cutting themselves with knives and lances according to the custom of their Countrey Elias that was to make his sacrifice Ver. 34 ad 38. commanded the false Prophets to stand aside Elias doctrine and office confirmed by miracle and the people to draw near unto him and observe for fear lest secretly he should convey fire under the wood When the people approached he took twelve stones according to the number of the twelve Tribes of Israel and made an Altar and digged a deep trench round about it and afterwards heaping wood upon the Altar and laying his sacrifice thereon he commanded them to fill four tuns with fountain water and to pour it upon the Altar that the trench might receive and drink up the water Ver. 38. Which done he began to pray and call upon God beseeching him that it might please him to manifest his power unto his people Fire from heaven devoureâ— the sacrifice who had so long run astray no sooner O had â—e finished his prayer but fire fell from Heaven upon the Altar in the sight of all the people and consumed all the Sacrifice so that the water was dried up Which when the Israelites beheld they fell down on their faces upon the earth adoring one onely God confessing him to be the most mighty and onely true God and that all other were A but vain and imaginary names of Idols which were without holiness or power and laying hands themselves upon their false Prophets they slew them by the commandment of Elias He willed the King also to depart and take his refection and to take care for nothing because he should very shortly see that God would send him raiâ— and thus dâ—parted Achab from him Ver. 40. But Elias went up to the top of Mount Carmel and sate him down on the ground Bâ—â—â—s Priests sâ—â—in leaning his head upon his knees whil'st he thus sate he commanded his servant to get up upon a certain Rock Ver. 43. ad 〈◊〉 and to look toward the Sea and to tell him if he saw any clouds arise in any part for till that time the Air had been always clear His servant having often gone up to the top of the Rock Elias foreprophesieth
rain and told that he saw nothing at length going up the seventh time in descending he brought him this news that he saw B some black appearance in the Air not much unlike to a mans footstep When Elias understood this he sent unto Achab wishing him to retire himself within the City before the rain fell who had no sooner recover'd the City of Jezrael but that the Air was presently cover'd with thick clouds and a vehement wind intermixed with rain fell upon the earth 1 Reg. 19. 1 ad 4. and the Prophet seized by the Spirit of God ran with the Kings chariot as far as Jezrael a City of Asser Elias flieth from Jezabel When Jezebel Achab's Wife had notice what miracles Elias had perform'd and how he had slain her Prophets she was displeased and sent messengers unto him threatning him in like sort to revenge herself on him as he had slain her Prophets Which Elias fearing fled into the City of Bersabe which is upon the borders of the Tribe of Juda Gods care for his servantâ— bounding upon Idumaea in which place he left his servant and retired C himself into the Desart where whil'st he pray'd God that he would take him out of the World he fell asleep under a certain Tree and after he was awaked he arose and found bread and water ready prepared by him When he had eaten and was refreshed Mount Sinai Ver. 5 6. he went unto where it is said that Moses received the Law from God where finding out an hollow Cave God speaketh to Elias in the desart he entred into it and remained therein And being demanded by a certain voice which spake unto him he knew not from whence Wherefore he remained in that place and forsook the City He answer'd Because he had slain the Prophets of the false gods and because he had persuaded the people that there was but one onely God who ought to be honoured by all men and that for this cause he was sought for by the Kingâ— wife that he might be put to death The voice replied again and commanded him to shew D himself openly assuring him that he should understand that which it behoved him to perform Hereupon as soon as it was day he forsook the Cave and perceiv'd the earth to tremble under his feet Ver. 16. and after all things were appeased the voice which proceeded he knew not from whence Jehu King of Israel willed him That he should in no wayes be discomforted with that which he saw for that no one of his enemies should have power to hurt him charging him to return unto his house to the intent to proclaim Jehu the son of Nimsi King of the people and Azael of Damascus King of the Syrians Ver. 19. assuring him that in his place Elizeus calling Elizeus of the City of Abela should be Prophet and that the wicked people should be destroyed the one by Azael and the other by Jehu When Elias heard these things he return'd into the Countrey of the E Hebrews and met Elizeus the son of Saphat at the Cart and with him divers others driving before them twelve couple of Oxen he came near him and cast upon him his garment and he instantly began thereupon to prophetize so that forsaking his Oxen he followed Elias Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. ad 11. Yet required he that before his departure he might take leave of his Parents which when he had perform'd he committed them unto God and follow'd Elias 1 Kings 21. 1 ad 16. attending on him during all his life like his disciple and servant This issue had the affairs of this so excellent a Prophet The story of Naboth who was stoned to death for denying Achâ—b his Vineyard But a certain Citizen called Naboth of the City of Azar had a Vineyard near unto the lands of Achab who requir'd him to sell him the same at what price he thought convenient to the intent he might annex it to his own lands and make them one possession wishing him that if he would not sell it him F for silver to choose in exchange thereof any one field of his which he liked best Naboth answer'd him That he would not do it but that he intended to gather the fruit of his own land himself which he had received as an inheritance from his father The King no less troubled with the repulse than if he had lost his own inheritance would neither wash nor receive any sustenance Whereupon Jezabel his wife inquir'd after the cause of his discontent and how it came to pass that he neither washt nor eat he told her of Naboths rude behavior and how having offer'd all just and reasonable composition he could not obtain what he requested Hereupon Jezabel willed him to be of good cheer advised him to continue his ordinary entertainment because she herself would take upon her to revenge him on Naboth Whereupon she presently sent Letters in Achabs name to the Governors G of the Countrey whereby she enjoined them to celebrate a Fast and to assemble the people charging them that in that place Naboth should have a seat prepared for H him by reason of his birth and quality willing them afterwards that suborning three false Witnesses to depose against him that he had blasphemed God and the King they should by this means cause him to be stoned and put to death by the people All which was performed according as the Queen had written and Naboth accused by false witness for scandalizing God and the King was stoned by the people and put to death When Jezabel had tydings hereof she repaired to the Kings presence and told him That he should enjoy Naboths Vineyard and disburse nothing for it But God displeased with this her wickedness Ver. 17 ad 26. sent the Prophet Elias purposely to meet with Achab in Naboths ground Elias prophesieth what revenge God will take of Achab and Jezabel and to tell him That he unjustly possessed the lawful inheritance of another whom he had put to death As soon as the King perceived that he came I unto him supposing it to be unseemly for a King to be reproved he first of all confessed his fault and offer'd him to make restitution according as he should think fit Then did the Prophet foretell That in the same place where Naboths Carcass was consumed by Dogs that both his and his Queens blood should be shed and that all his Race should be destroyed for that they durst commit such an impiety and so wickedly murder against all Law so good and innocent a man These words made so great an impression upon Achab that he repented him of the offence he had committed Ver. 27 28. so that apparelling himself in sackcloth and walking barefoot Achab's repentance he tasted not any meat but confessed his sins with hopes to appease Gods wrath Whereupon God
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
Governors and Priests of his Countrey enjoining them to ride their Circuit about the Provinces and to teach the Inhabitants of every City the Law of Moses training them up in the observance thereof and in the study of piety The peace in Jehoshaphats time Which all the Citizens embraced and entertained so willingly that they seemed to emulate and strive one with the other which of them should exceed the rest in the service of God Jehoshaphats Army The Nations likewise that dwelt round about him loved Jehoshaphat and were at peace with him Ver. 13. The Philistines also payed those Tributes which were imposed on them And the Arabians furnish'd him every year with six hundred and threescore Lambs and the like number of Horses He fortified also other great Cities of importance and made preparation of Munition of War and Arms against the O Enemy He mustered in the Tribe of Juda Three hundred thousand Men over whom he placed Edraus General and Two hundred thousand under the conduct of Johanan who besides these had Two hundred thousand Archers on foot of the Tribe of Benjamin Another Chieftain called Ochobat The year of the World 3047. before Christ's Nativity 917. levied and led for the King One hundred and fourscore A thousand Men armed at all points besides those which he sent into fenced Cities He married his Son Joram to Athalia the Daughter of Achab King of the ten Tribes And not long after resorting to Samaria Achab received him very courteously and magnificently entertained his Army with bread wine and flesh in abundance desiring him to yield him his assistance against the King of Syria Jehoshaphats expedition with Achab against the Syrians to the intent he might recover the City of Ramath in the Countrey of Galaad which Adabs father had won and conquered from his father Jehoshaphat promised to assist him and being no wayes inferior unto him in force he sent his Army from Jerusalem to Samaria When these two Kings were departed out of the City 1 Kings 22. 2 ad 8. and each of them were seated upon their Thrones they B distributed their Pay to every one of their Soldiers At that time Jehoshaphat commanded 2 Chron. 18. 1 ad 8. That if at that present there were as yet any Prophets amongst them they might be sent for to give notice what the issue should be of this their War against the Syrians and whether they thought it good to make War against them by reason that at that time there was amity and peace betwixt Achab and the Syrians confirmed for the space of three years since the time that he took Adad Prisoner and delivered him CHAP. X. Achab fighteth against the Syrians and is overcome and slain in the battel C HEreupon Achab called for the Prophets who were in number four hundred and commanded them to enquire of God 1 Kings 22. 6. Whether he would give him the victory in that War which he undertook against Adad 2 Chron. 18. 5. And whether he should recover the City which he intended to besiege The false Prophets prophesie plausibly Who answered and counselled him to hazard the Battel For he should over come the Syrian and should take him Prisoner as he had done before Jehoshaphat understanding by their words that they were false Prophets asked Achab If he had not any other Prophet of God who might more exactly certifie him of that which should follow Achab answered That he had one as yet remaining but that he hated him because he prophesied nought else but mishap and misery unto him and had foretold him That if he should fight against the Syrians 1 Kings 22. 14. ad 28. he should be overcome and slain and for that cause he held him at that time in D Prison signifying unto him that his name was Micheas the son of Imlah Jehoshophat desired that he might be brought into his presence 2 Chron. 18. 13 ad fin which was accordingly performed by one of his Eunuchs Micheas the true Prophet who by the way certified Micheas That all the other Prophets had prophesied to the King victory But Micheas told him That it was not lawful for him to lye against God but that it concerned him to speak that which God should inform him of concerning the King As soon as he came before Achab and was adjured to speak the truth he said That God had shewed him the Israelites put to flight and dispersed by the Syrians that pursued them no otherwise than sheep without their shepherd All which signifieth no less said he but that the rest of the people returning home in safety Achab only should be slain in the battel When Micheas had spoken after this manner Achab turning himself towards Jehoshaphat E said unto him I told you before how this fellow was affected towards me But Micheas constantly avowed That he prophesied nothing but that which God had commanded him to speak assuring Achab that he was sollicited by the false Prophets unto War under hope of victory whereas he should assuredly perish in the Battel These words of his made Achab much discomforted But Sedechias one of the false Prophets stepped forth and exhorted him to set light by Micheas's words because he spake untruly And for confirmation of this he appealed to Elias who was a far more skilful Prophet in foretelling things to come than Micheas was yet that the same Elias had foretold that the Dogs should lick Achabs blood in the City of Jezrael in the field of Naboth because Naboth had been stoned to death at the instance of Achab. Whereby it appeared manifestly that since he contradicted a Prophet so F excellent as he was he lyed in saying that the King should dye within three dayes Moreover said he it shall appear whether he be truly sent from God or no if as soon as he shall receive a buffet from me he cause my hand to wither according as Jadon made Jeroboams hand shrink at such time as he thought to apprehend him For I think said he O King that thou art assuredly informed hereof which said he struck him and because no inconveniency fell upon him by reason of that his audacious attempt Achab assured himself and recovered his courage and set forth against the Assyrian Army For as it is to be supposed the Will of God was such that it caused the false Prophets to triumph over the true which was the cause that the false Prophets were trusted more than the true to the intent that Gods preordained Will might be fulfilled G But Sedechias made him iron horns and said unto Achab that God by them signified unto him that he should lay waste all Syria but Micheas prophesied to the contrary that H within very few days Sedechias should walk from Cave to Cave to hide himself and avoid the punishment of his falshood Achab displeased hereat commanded that he should be
led thence and kept Prisoner with Achmon the Governor of the City allowing him nothing but bread and water for his sustenance Thus marched these two Kings with their Armies against Ramath which is in Galaad Hedâ—o Râ—ffinus cap. 15. which when the King of Syria understood he drew his Army into the field and came out to meet them and encamped near unto Ramath 1 Kings 22. 28 ad 38. Now it was concluded betwixt these two confederate Kings that Achab should enter the battel in a private habit 2 Chron. 18. 28 ad fin and Jehoshaphat should be invested with the Royal ornaments and supply Achabs place to the intent that Micheas prediction might be made frustrate Achab and Jehosaphat War against the Syrians But notwithstanding this disguise Gods justice prevented him for Adad King I of Syria commanded his Army that they should put no one of the Enemy to the sword but only the King of Israel As soon as the battel was begun the Syrians perceiving Jehoshaphat in the front of the Army and conjecturing that it was Achab they made head all together against him and having invironed and pressed him very nearly they perceived that it was not he for which cause they retired back again But although they had fought from the morning until the evening Ver. 34. and had the upper hand yet slew they no man because they sought after no other but Achab to put him to the sword whom notwithstanding they could by no means meet withall Achab wounded by an arrow in the battel dyeth At length one of Adads servants called Aman shot at random amongst the Enemies and hurt Achab in the breast and shot him thorow the lungs K This hurt of his concealed he from his Soldiers for fear lest they should be discomforted For which cause he commanded his servant to drive his Chariot out of the battel for that he felt himself mortally wounded Ver. 38. and although he were in much pain yet sate he in his Chariot until Sun-set The dogs liâ—â— Achabs blood according to Elias prediction at which time he gave up the ghost When night came the Syrian Army withdrew themselves into their Camp and receiving tydings by an Herald that Achab was dead every one retired home unto his house but Achabs body was conveyed to Samaria and interred in that place As for his Chariot it was washed in the fountain of Jezrael 1 King 22. 28. because it was bloody by reason of the Kings hurt whereby the truth of Elias Prediction was ratified and confirmed 2 Chron. 18. 27. for the Dogs lickt his blood and from that time forward The oracles of the Prophets are to be reverenced the common Women continually washed themselves in that L fountain he dyed also in Ramath according as Micheas had prophesied Whereas therefore all things fell unto Achab according as two Prophets had foretold him it appeareth that we ought to honour and magnifie the Majesty of God and to reverence his Prophesies and to ascribe always more credit unto them than to the vain and plausible speech of flatterers and no less to respect them than things of infinite profit since by them we are divinely admonished what we ought to take heed of It behoveth us also to consider what force the Decree of God is of by examining those things which befell Achab. For it is impossible to avoid what God has fore-ordain'd notwithstanding that Men flatter themselves with vain hopes which inveigle them so far that finally they are overtaken in the snares thereof The matchless necessity of fate For this careless inconsideration was fatal to King Achab M in that he believed not his death which was foretold him but being deceived by the flattering persuasions of false Prophets ran headlong upon his own danger and ruine After him succeeded his son Ochozias N O The Ninth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 3048. before Christ's Nativity 916. A Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Ninth Book 1. Joram Achabs Son overcometh the Moabites in battel 2. Joram King of Jerusalem obtaining the Crown killeth his brothers and his fathers friends 3. Jorams Army is overthrown by his Enemies and his Sons are slain only one excepted at B length he himself dieth a miserable death 4. The King of Damascus warreth against the King of Israel 5. Joram with all his posterity is slain by Jehu Ochozias King of Jerusalem is slain also 6. Jehu reigneth amongst the Israelites in Samaria and his posterity after him till the fourth generation 7. Athalia reigneth five years in Jerusalem and is slain by the High Priest Joas Ochozias Son is Proclaimed King 8. Azael King of Damascus gathereth an Army first against the Israelites and afterwards against Jerusalem 9. Amasias King of Jerusalem maketh War against the Idumaeans and Amalechites and obtaineth the victory C 10. Amasias making war against Joas King of the Israelites is overcome 11. Ozias overcometh the Nations round about him 12. Rasin or Rabe King of Damascus vexeth the inhabitants of Jerusalem with War Achar their King is compelled to call the King of Assyria to assist him 13. The King of Assyria taketh Damascus by force and slayeth the King and translateth the people into Media and planteth other Colonies in their City 14. Salmanazar taking the King of Israel captive translateth ten of the twelve Tribes into Media and causeth the Cuthaeans to inhabit their Countrey D CHAP. I. Joram Achabs Son overcometh the Moabites in battel AS soon as King Jehosaphat was returned back again to Jerusalem from the War wherein he had assisted Achab against Adad the King of Syria 2 Chron. 19. 2 v. 2. as we have before related the Prophet Iehu in his return came forth and met him Jehu the Prophet reprehended Jehosaphat for helping Achab. and reproved him because he had given Achab who had been an impious man his assistance assuring him that God was displeased with that his confederacy yet notwithstanding that he of his goodness had delivered him from his Enemies Jehosaphat reneweth the true service of God although he had provoked him to anger After this admonition Jehosaphat E began to offer sacrifices and thanksgivings and peace offerings unto God Which done he rode in progress about those Countries that were under his dominion v. 5. giving order that the people should be instructed in those ordinances which were delivered from God by the hands of Moses Jehosaphat placed Judges and Magistrates in every City aud exhorted his Subjects to the practice of piety He placed Judges likewise in every City commanding them to execute justice without respect of persons He charged them likewise that they should not be corrupted with rewards or seduced by dignity riches or Nobility but that they should do justice indifferently to all men knowing that God seeth
all things how secretly soever they be carried or contrived Having in this sort ordered every thing in each City of the two Tribes he returned again to Jerusalem where he likewise chose Judges from amongst the Priests F and Levites and the Elders among the people exhorting them in all things to give upright and just judgement And if they of other Cities had any causes of greater consequence which should be referred to their final determination he charged them industriously to decide them for that it was very convenient that the most uncorrupt sentences should be delivered in that City where God had his Temple and the King made his ordinary abode Over all these he placed his two friends Amasias the Priest and Zabadias of the Tribe of Juda. After this manner did the King order his affairs About this time the Moabites and Ammonites with their confederates 2 Chron. 20. 1 2 a great number of Arabians assaulted and assembled themselves against him The Moabites and Ammonits War against Jehosaphat and incamped themselves G near unto Engaddi a City situate near unto the Lake Asphaltites and distant from Jerusalem three hundred furlongs in which place flourished those goodly and wholesome H Palme-trees whence distilleth the pure and perfect Balme When Jehosaphat had intelligence that the Enemies had past the Lake and were already far entred into his Countrey he was afraid and assembled the people of Jerusalem in the Temple and standing up and turning his face toward the Propitiatory he besought and requested God that he would give him power to overcome his Enemies For such had been the form of their supplication v. 5. ad 13. who in times past built the Temple namely that it might please him to fight for that City Jehosaphats prayer in the Temple of Jerusalem for victory and oppose himself against those that durst attempt or assault that place to dispossess them of that Countrey which he himself had given them in possession and in pronouncing this prayer he wept and all the people likewise both men women and children made their request unto God Presently upon this a certain Prophet I called Jaziel arose up in the midst of the Congregation and cryed out and assured the people and the King that God had heard their prayers and promised them to fight for them against their enemies v. 14 15 c. enjoyning them the next day to sally out in Armes Jaziel the Prophet assureth them of victory and to make head against their adversaries whom they should encounter in the mountain situate betwixt Jerusalem and Engaddi in a place called the hillock of Sis which place in Hebrew signifieth Eminency willing them not to fight against them but only to stay in that place and see how would God fight for them When the Prophet had spoken these words v. 16 17. the King and all the people prostrated themselves upon their faces giving thanks unto God The manner and weapons whereby Jehosaphat overcame his Enemies in the mean while the Levites sung Hymnes with instruments and voyces About the begining of the day the King departed into the desart that is under the City K of Thecoa advising the people to believe all that which the Prophet had said unto them and not to range themselves in battel-array he commanded the Priests to march before them with their Trumpets and the Levites that they should â—ing Hymnes of thanksgiving unto God as if their Countrey were already delivered from their enemies This advice of the Kings pleased them all so that they performed whatsoever he counselled them But God sent a great terror and disorder among the Barbarians so that supposing themselves to be enemies one against the other v. 22 ad 24. they slew one another in such sort The Ammoniâ—es and their confederates kill one another that of so great an hoast there was not one that escaped But Jehosaphat looking down into the vally wherein the enemies had pitcht their tents and seeing it full of dead men rejoyced greatly at the unexpected succours that God had sent him who L had given them the victory not by the dint of their own swords but by his providence and power only He therefore permitted his Army to pillage the enemies Camp and to spoil the dead The spoiles of the Ammonites and so great was the multitude of them that were slain that they could scarcely take the spoils of them in three dayes space On the fourth day the people assembled together in a valley where they blessed God for the succours he had sent them by reason whereof the place was called the valley of Benediction From thence the King led back his Army into Jerusalem and for divers dayes he spent the time in offering sacrifices and making feasts v. 25. 26. After this discomfiture of his enemies was published amongst foreign Nations they were all of them afraid The â—ame and praise of Jehosaphat in every place supposing that God did manifestly express his power and extend his favour towards him And from that time forward M Jehosaphat lived in great glory He likewise was a friend to the King of Israel that reigned at that time Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. who was Achabs Son with whom he adventured in a voyage by Sea intending to traffique with certain Merchants of Tarsis Ochozias Acabs Son King of Israel but he received great loss for his ships were cast away because they were so large that they could not easily be governed and for this cause he had never more mind to exercise Navigation 2 King 1. 1 2 3 c. Hitherto have we spoken of Jehosaphat King of Jerusalem But as touching Ochozias Achab's Son who reigned over Israel and resided at Samaria he was a wicked man and resembled his father and mother every way in his impieties and was nothing inferiour to Jeroboam in wickedness who first fell from God and made the Israelites revolt from him The tenth year of his Reign the King of the N Moabites rebelled against him and denied to pay him those tributes which he was wont to pay unto Achab his Father But it came to pass that as Ochozias ascended the stairs of his Palace v. 2 3 c. he fell down from the top thereof and being indisposed by the fall he sent to Accaron unto the god called Myiodes Ochozias having a grievous fall seeketh to be informed of a false Oracle and is reproved by Elias or the Flie to enquire whether he should recover of that sickness or no. But the God of the Hebrews appeared to Elias the Prophet and commanded him to go and meet those Messengers that were sent by Ochozias and to ask them if the people of the Israelites had not a God that the King sent to forreign gods to enquire of his health and to charge them to return and declare unto their King That he should
not escape that sickness Elias did that which God had commanded and the Messengers of the King having understood that which was declared unto them returned O back again with all expedition Ochozias marvelling much at their sudden return asked them the cause whereupon they answered him that a certain man came unto them and forbad them to pass any further but to return The year of the World 3048. before Christ's Nativity 915. and let their Master know from God that his sickness should wax worse and worse A Hereupon the King commanded them to describe what manner of Man he was that spake these words unto them who answer'd That he was an hairy Man girded with a leathern girdle And understanding hereby that it was Elias he sent a Captain with 50 Soldiers unto him Ver. 8. commanding him to bring the Prophet prisoner unto him This Captain that was sent Elias 〈◊〉 anâ— habit perceiving Elias sitting on the top of a Mountain commanded him to come down and repair unto the King who had sent for him which if he performed not presently Ver. 9 10. he threatned him to make him do it by force 〈◊〉 Solâ—iers sent to fetch Elias are consumed with lightning Elias answered him To the end thou mayest know by thine own experience that I am a true Prophet I will pray that fire may fall from Heaven and consume both thee and thy Soldiers And incontinently after Elias had prayed lightning fell down from heaven and consumed both the Captain and his Soldiers B When the King had tydings of this loss he was sore displeased and sent another Captain to Elias with the like number of Soldiers who threatned the Prophet that if he would not willingly come down he would violently pull him thence but Elias prayed that fire might fall from Heaven and incontinently both he and his were consumed in like manner as the first When the King had understood likewise how his second messenger had sped he sent a third but he being a discreet man when he came to the place where Elias was he saluted him very courteously and said unto him That contrary to his own will and to no other purpose but to fulfill the Kings pleasure he was come unto him and that they that were sent with him came not thither voluntarily but by the same command He therefore required him to have compassion both of him and his Soldiers and to vouchsafe to C come down and to come after them to the King Elias being moved by his discreet and courteous demeanor came down and followed him As soon as he came into the Kings presence he prophesied Ver. 17. and told him that God said That since he had despised him and so lightly accounted of him 〈◊〉 dying without issue Jâ—ram his brother reigned in his stead as if he had been no God or else such an one as had no power to foretell him any truth touching his sickness but that he had sent to the gods of Accaron to enquire after the success of his sickness know said he that thou shalt dye And not long after according to the Prophecy he dyed as Elias had foretold him and his brother Joram succeeded him in the Kingdom because he departed without issue This Joram was a wicked man also 2 Kings 2. â— 1. and as impious as his father for abandoning the service of the true God Elias according as Enoâ—h was taken from the sight of men he set up strange gods In all things else he was a man fit for D government In his time Elias was no more seen amongst men and until this day no man knoweth what his end was But he left a Disciple behind him called Elizeus as we have heretofore declared It is written in Holy Writ touching Elias and Enoch who was before the Deluge Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. that they disappeared for no man hath known the manner of their dâ—â—ths 1 Kings 3. After that Joram had taken possession of the kingdom Elizeus he resolved to make war upon Misa the King of the Moabites Ver 11 13. who paid Achab his father before him the tribute of two hundred thousand sheep bearing wooll Jâ—ram asketh aid against the Moabites When he had assembled his Forces he sent unto Jehoshaphat requiring him That since he had been his fathers friend he would likewise second him and send him aid in his War intended against the Moabites who had then newly revolted from his government Jehoshaphat not only promised him to afford E him succors but moreover he assured him That he would draw the King of Idumaea who depended on him into their association When Joram understood these things by those whom he had sent unto Jehoshaphat he took his Army with him and repaired to Jerusalem where he was magnificently received and entertained by the King of that City where after they had concluded to march thorow the Desart of Idumaea and that way to charge the Enemy Ver. 17. in that they expected nothing less than to be endangered on that side these three Kings departed together from Jerusalem namely Wanâ— of water in the Hebrews Army the King of Jerusalem the King of Samaria and the King of Idumaea When they had marched seven dayes journey they found a great scarcity of water amongst them both to water their Horses and to refresh their whole Army by reason that their Guides had led them astray out of F the High-way so that they were in great want and especially Joram who by reason of the necessity wherewith he was pressed cryed unto God expostulating with him for what offence of his he would deliver up three such Kings into the hands of the King of Moab But Jehoshaphat who was a virtuous man encouraged him and sent into the Army to know whether there were any Prophet of God that had followed them to the battel Ver. 13. to the intent said he that we may understand from God what we ought to do The Kings 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 at Elizeus's hand and whereas one of the servants of Joram said that he had seen Elizeus the Son of Saphat the Disciple of Elias all the three Kings by the persuasion of Jehoshaphat resorted unto him When they drew near unto the Prophets Tent which he had pitched apart from the rest of the company they asked him what should become of the Army and Joram especially G To whom Elizeus answered That he had no reason to sollicite him in this sort but to repair unto his fathers and mothers Prophets who would certifie him the truth Notwithstanding H Joram intreated him The year of the World 3049. before Christ's Nativity 915. that he would prophesie and preserve the Army and his life but Elizeus sware by the living God That he would answer him nothing except for Jehoshaphats sake who was an upright man and one that feared God
Afterwards calling unto them a certain Man that could cunningly play upon Instruments for so had the Prophet commanded whil'st he sung Elizeus was fill'd with the Spirit of God and enjoined the Kings to make certain Trenches in the Channel of the River Ver. 17. For said he you shall see the River full of water Elizeus fore-prophesieth store of water and their victory without either wind cloud or rain so that both the whole Army and all their Cattel shall be saved and sufficiently sustained and God will not only bestow these benefits on you but will give you the upper hand of your Enemies also and you shall surprize the fairest and strongest Cities of the Moabites and you shall cut down their Trees ruinate I their Countrey and fill up their Fountains and Rivers When the Prophet had spoken thus the next day before Sun-rise the River flowed abundantly with water for three days journey off Ver. 22 23. God had suffered a very violent rain to fall in Idumaea so that both the Soldiers and their Horses were sufficiently refreshed and watered A wonderful blindness of the Enemy grounded on the redness of the water that flowed When the Moabites were informed that the three Kings came out against them and took their way thorow the Desart their King assembled his Army and commanded them to keep the passage of the Mountains to the end they might hinder the Enemy from entering their Countrey unawares But beholding about the Sun-rise that the water of the River was blood-red for at that time it arose in the Countrey of Moab and at this hour the water is red they conceived a false opinion that the three Kings being pressed by thirst had K slain one another and that the River flowed with their blood Being in this sort seduced with this imagination they besought the King to give them leave to gather their Enemies spoils which when they had obtained they altogether inconsiderately marched forth as if to a Prey already prepar'd for them and came unto the Kings Camps with hope to find no Man to resist them But their hope deceived them for their Enemies environed them round about and some of them were cut in pieces the rest turned their backs and fled towards their own Countrey and the three Kings entering into the Territories of the Moabites destroyed thier Cities pillaged the Countrey broke down their Inclosures filling them with stones and mud taken out of the River cut down their fairest Trees stopped up the sources of their Waters and levelled their Walls with the L ground The King of the Moabites himself Ver. 24. seeing himself pursued and besieged and that his City was in danger to be taken by force The victory of the Hebrews against the Moabites sallied out very valiantly with 700 Men hoping by the swiftness of his Horse to break thorow the Israelites Camp on that side where he thought it was least guarded Which when he had attempted and could not execute Ver. 27. because he charged on that side which was best defended The King of the Moabites sacrificeth his own son he returned back again into the City and committed a desperate action for he took his eldest son who ought in right to succeed him in the kingdom and set him on the wall of the City and in the sight of all his Enemies offer'd him for a burnt-sacrifice unto God The Kings beholding this woful spectacle were moved with compassion and overcome with humanity left the siege and returned back again to their Countries After that Jehoshaphat M was returned into Jerusalem Jehoshaphats death he enjoyed a peaceable Government but lived not long after but dyed when he was 60 years old in the 25th year of his Reign and was magnificently buried in Jerusalem according as the Successor to Davids virtues and his kingdom ought to be interred CHAP. II. Joram obtaining the Kingdom of Jerusalem slayeth his brothers and his fathers friends JEhoshaphat King of Juda left behind him divers children the eldest of whom he appointed his Successor in the kingdom Joram Jehoshaphats son King of Jerusalem who was called Joram as his Uncle was who N was his Mothers Brother and Achabs Son lately King of Israel The King of the ten Tribes turning back unto Samaria kept with him the Prophet Elizeus whose actions I will here recite because they are notable and deserve to be registred in writing according as we have gathered them out of the Holy Scripture The widow of Obadiah who was sometime steward of Achabs house came unto him and told him That he was not ignorant that in that persecution wherein Jezabel sought to murther the Prophets her Husband saved one hundred of them for whose private maintenance he had borrowed much money of other men and that now being dead his Creditors strove to draw both her and her children into bondage 2 Kings 4. 1 ad 7. For which cause she besought him in consideration of this act to have compassion on her Elizeus commandeth the Widow to fill her empty vessels with oyl and to yield her some succor Hereupon Elizeus ask'd her If she had any thing O in her house she answer'd him That she had nothing but a very little oyl left her in an earthen Pot. Whereupon the Prophet commanded her to depart and to borrow divers empty vessels of her Neighbors that done he willed her to lock up her doors and to pour oyl into the vessels The year of the World 3050. before Christ's Nativity 924. because it was Gods pleasure to fill them all The Woman did according A as he had commanded her and all the vessels were found full so as none of them were empty whereof when she had certified the Prophet he advised her to go and sell her oyl and pay her Debts and when all was paid he assured her that there would be some remainder that might serve to sustain both her and her children By this means Elizeus discharged the Widow of her Debts 2 Kings 6. 9 ad 12. and that trouble which her Creditors intended against her He admonished Joram likewise by certain Messengers Elizeus adviseth Joram to avoid Adads ambush who lay in wait to kill him that he should take heed of a certain place wherein the Syrians lay in ambush intending to slay him by means of which admonition the King went not out on hunting But Adad being sore displeased because his ambushment was discovered began to suspect his own followers whereupon calling unto him his houshold servants he maliciously B termed them Traytors and furthermore threatned them with death for that they had discovered a matter which was onely committed to their trust unto his enemy Whereupon one of the assistants told him That he ought not to conceive that false opinion of them neither suspect that they had discovered his intended ambush to cut off his enemy but
rather that he ought to conceive that the Prophet Elizeus had discovered all that which was intended against him V. 13 14 15. Whereupon he sent out his Soldiers with an express charge to know in what City Elizeus made his ordinary abode Elizeus besieged in Dothaim by his enemy who returning back brought him news that he remained in Dothaim For which cause Adad sent a great number of Horsemen and Chariots to Dothaim to lay hold on Elizeus who begirt the City by Night and laid watch round about the walls that no Man might escape them Early in the morning C when the Prophets servant had notice hereof and was advertised that the enemies sought to surprize Elizeus he fearfully hasted and discovered their intent to his Master who encouraged him and commanded him not to be afraid because he was assured of Gods help whereupon he prayed to God that at that present he would shew his power and assistance both toward the relief of his necessity Ver. 16 17. and the confirmation and encouragement of his servant The Angels about Elizeus the Prophet At that time God hearing his prayer represented to the Prophets servant a great number of Chariots and Horsemen that invironed Elizeus so that he laid his fear aside and was assured when he perceived these succors That done Elizeus besought God again That he would blind his enemies eyes and cause a thick cloud to fall upon them to the end they might not discover him Which done he presently thrust himself D amongst the thickest of his enemies demanding of them Whom they came 〈◊〉 seek for They answer'd him That they sought for the Prophet Elizeus he promis'd them to deliver him into their hands Ver. 18 19. if so be they would come with him into the City where he was Elizeus leadeth the Syrians blinded into Samaria where by his persuasion they are courteously entertained and presented by Joram and sent home They being blinded in eyes and depraved in their understanding followed the Prophet willingly who marched before them When therefore Elizeus had brought them into Samaria he willed King Joram to lock the gates and to inviron the Syrians with his Soldiers This done he prayed God that he would open the eyes of the Syrians and they being delivered from their blindness perceived that they were in the midst of their enemies Whereat being sore astonished and uncertain whence this divine and unexpected act had befallen them King Joram asked the Prophet Whether he should kill them E with darts But Elizeus forbade him to do so For said he it is a just and convenient matter that they who are taken in War should lose their life but that they had done no evil unto his Countrey but by Gods providence came thither without their own knowledge for which cause he counselled him to give them Presents and refresh them and afterwards to suffer them to depart without any injury Joram giving ear to the Prophets words entertained the Syrians magnificently and with great humanity and sent them back unto Adad their King to whom upon their arrival they declared all that which had hapned unto them Adad astonished at this unexpected event Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. and wondering at the power of the God of the Israelites and admiring the Prophet whom God so wonderously assisted he concluded from that time forward F never more to attempt the King of Israel in secret because he feared Elizeus but concluded to make open War against him hoping to have the upper hand of his enemies by means of the great number and force of his Army so that he issued out with a mighty power against Joram who supposing himself to be overmatched by the Syrian Army locked himself up within Samaria putting his trust and confidence in the fortification and strength of the walls thereof Ver. 24. Adad hoping to take the City if not by force at leastwise by famine Samaria besieged by the Syrians and default of things necessary drew near unto Samaria to besiege it But Joram was so destitute of convenient supplies that by reason of the incredible want of victuals an Asses head was sold in Samaria for 80 pieces of silver and a measure of Pigeons dung at five pieces of silver which they used instead of Salt neither G was there any thing that more troubled the King than that he feared lest some one constrained by famine should deliver or betray the City unto the enemy For which cause H he every day walked the round about the walls The year of the World 3050. before Christ's Nativity 914. and visited the Centinels of the City for fear lest any one should lie hidden within and with all care and diligence he gave order That if any one had such a sinister intent the means to execute the same should be taken from him And whereas a certain Woman cryed out unto him Have mercy upon me O King he incensed with wrath and supposing that she asked him some meat began to rail on her telling her That he had neither Grange nor Wine-press whereby he might any ways supply her necessity The Woman answer'd him Ver. 28. That she had no need thereof The famine so great in Samaria that Women eat their own children and that she was not troubled for want of food but onely desired that he would determine a debate betwixt her and another Woman whereupon he commanded her to express and declare what she required Hereupon I she said That she had made an agreement with another Woman her Neighbor and Friend that since the famine and scarcity was such as they could find no redress for the same that they should kill their children for each of them had one and in this sort should nourish one another As for my self said she I have first of all strangled mine and we have both of us yesterday eaten thereof but now she will not do the like but breaketh the accord betwixt us and concealeth her child Joram was grievously tormented to hear these words and rent his garments and cryed out with a loud voyce and afterwards wholly enraged against the Prophet he devised in his heart to put him to death because he prayed not unto God to grant him means to escape those evils that invironed them round about so that he sent a Man presently to cut off his head Ver. 31 32. who prepared himself with all expedition to K the slaughter Joram threaneth Elizeus's death But Elizeus was not ignorant of this resolution of the Kings for sitting at home with his Disciples in his house he told them That Joram the murtherers son sent a Man to take away his head Ver. 33. but said he when he that hath the matter in charge shall come hither suffer him not to enter but make him attend and stay at the gate for the King will follow him and will
resort to me in his own person having altered his resolution and they according as they were commanded shut him out of the doors whom the King had sent Joram repenting himself of that displeasure which he had conceived against the Prophet and fearing lest he that had the commission to murther him should speedily execute the same hasted himself all that he might to hinder the slaughter and save Elizeus When therefore he came into his presence he accused him For that he had not L besought God to deliver them from those many evils which they suffered considering that he himself was an eye witness they were miserably consumed by them Elizeus promised him the next day about the same hour that the King came unto him That he should have so great abundance of victuals that two measures of barley should be sold in the market for a shekel and a measure of flowre for a shekel By these words of his 1 King 7. 1 2 17 18 19. the King with all his attendants were wonderfully comforted and made no difficulty to believe the Prophet because that before-time they had been ascertained by their experience of the truth of his Prophesies and the expectation of this day was the cause that the necessity and misery of the present was more patiently endur'd But a certain friend of the Kings and the Governor of the third part of his Army on M whose shoulder the King at that time hapned familiarly to lean spake unto him after this manner Prophet thou tellest us incredible matters for as it is impossible that God should rain down heaps of barley and flowre from Heaven so cannot that which thou speakest come to pass To whom the Prophet replied Thou thy self said he shalt see the issue hereof but shalt not partake of it Which Prediction of his had a most certain effect according as hereafter it appeareth It was a custom in Samaria that they that were defiled with a leprosie should live without the City-walls Ver. 3 4. for fear lest their conversation might infect others and at that time also there were some who for this cause had their dwelling without the gate These for that by reason of the extreme famine that reigned within the City they received N no relief or sustenance out of it and whether they had licence to return into the City or whether they contained themselves in their houses they knew that they should assuredly perish by famine resolved amongst themselves to submit themselves to the enemies mercy to the end that if they spared them they might live and if it hapned otherwise that they might dye with less torture Now having agreed upon this amongst themselves they repaired by Night unto the Enemies Camp At that time God began to terrifie and trouble the Syrians and to fill their ears with a noise of Chariots and Arms Ver. 5 6 7. as if an Army had violently charged them The enemies flight by reason of a terror that God sent among them Whereupon they grew suspicious and were so moved that they forsook their Tents and ran unto Adad and told him That Joram King of the Israelites had entertained the King of Egypt and the King of the Isles O for his Confederates whom he led out against them and how already they had heard the noise of them that approached to bid them the battel Adad whose ears were filled with no less rumor than those of the People was amazed at their sayings so that all of them abandoned their Camp their Horses Beasts of carriage and riches and betook them to flight A with disorder and confusion Those Lepers that were retired from Samaria into the Enemies Camp and of whom we have heretofore made some mention being near unto the Camp perceived that there was great silence in the same and no less abundance of all things for which cause approaching the same and entering into a Tent they found no body therein whereupon they fell to eating and drinking and that done to bear away a quantity of the rayment and gold which they took and hid without the Camp Afterward resorting to another Tent they bare away likewise that which was therein and did the like by four others without any opposition and conjecturing thereby that the Enemies were retired they began to accuse themselves because they had B not given notice thereof to Joram and the Inhabitants of Samaria For which cause drawing near unto the Walls of the City they cryed out unto the Watch giving them to understand in what state they had found the Enemies Camp Ver. 8 9 10. who told it to Joram's guard The Lepers certifie the Samaritans of the flight of their enemies so that at last it came unto his ears Whereupon he presently sent for his Friends and Captains and told them That the departure of the Syrians made him suspect some stratagem or ambush for they said he having lost their hope to surprize us by Famine are retired under an intent that when we shall issue forth and fall a spoiling of their Camp they may come upon us and kill us and afterwards take our City without any stroke struck For which cause said he I advise you to keep good guard within the City and let this retreat of our Enemies make us the more considerate Some of his Council approved of this advice of his and allowed his foresight advising C him to send out two Scouts on Horseback to search every quarter betwixt that and Jordan Ver. 11 12 13 14. to the end that if they should be taken and slain by the Enemies ambush their fall might give warning to the whole Army to stand upon their guard Spies sent abroad for fear lest they should be surprized in like manner concluding that the loss of two Horsemen would not be very great since perhaps they might otherwise have been cut off by famine This advice was allowed by the King and assented to by the rest so that presently there were two Spies sent out who rode along without encountering any Enemy but they met with great quantity of victuals and arms cast away and abandoned by the Syrians to the intent they might flie away with greater expedition 1 Ver. 15 16. Which when the King understood he suffered the People to issue out The enemies Camp spoiled by the Samritans and spoil the Camp who took therein D things of no small value much gold and silver and troops of all sorts of Cattel and besides that they found so great a quantity of wheat and barley that they could not hope or imagine the like Thus were they delivered from all their precedent afflictions for there was so great quantity of Corn that two measures of barley were sold but for one sicle Ver. 17 18 19. and a measure of wheat-flower for a sicle according as Elizeus had prophesied Now the measure which we call Sat The truth
as the Prophet had foretold him and God N visited him with a disease in his bowels Ver. 19 20. whereof he dyed miserably the People likewise handled his body ignominiously supposing that being cut off in that sort by Gods displeasure he was unworthy of a Royal Funeral for he was not buried in the Sepulchre of the Kings neither was any honor done unto him He lived 40 years and reigned eight they made Ochozias King CHAP. IV. The King of Damascus maketh War against the King of Israel JOram King of Israel 2 Kings 8. 25 ad finem hoping to recover Ramath in Galaad from the Assyrians after he had made great preparations for War Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. led his Army against it In this siege he was hurt O by an Arrow shot by a certain Syrian and retir'd himself into the City of Jezrael untill he should recover of his wound Joram's expedition against â—amath leaving Jehu with his Army at Ramath who took the City intending to make War against the Syrians But Elizeus sent one of his disciples to Ramath gave him holy oyl The year of the World 3060. before Christ's Nativity 904. willed him to anoint Jehu and to say That God had chosen and anointed A him for King and after he had given him some other instructions he commanded him to depart as one that flieth making no man privy to it When this disciple of his came to the City he found Jehu in the midst of the Captains of War as Elizeus had told him and drawing near 2 Kings 9. 1. ad 6. he told him That he would communicate certain secrets unto him for which cause he arose and follow'd him Whereupon the young man taking out the oyl poured it on his head Jehu by Gods commandment anointed King saying That God had chosen him to exterminate the race of Achab and revenge the blood of the Prophets unjustly murthered by Jezabel and that both he and his house might be brought to nought in like sort as the sons of Jeroboam the son of Nebat and the children of Basa were extinguished for their impiety so that no one of the race of Achab might survive in the world As soon as he had spoken thus he issued out of the chamber that he might not B be discovered by any of the Army Ver. 11. Now when Jehu came out he returned to his place to his Captains who besought him to declare unto them wherefore the young man came unto him alledging that they supposed him to be out of his wits Truly said he you have divined well for he hath talked unto me after the manner of a mad man wherein he told them what he had said unto him namely how God had chosen him to be King over the people As soon as he had spoke Ver. 13. every one of them cast off their garments and spread them before him and sounding a Trumpet they proclaimed Jehu King who assembling his Army determined to conduct them toward the City of Jezrael against Joram who lay there to recover his wound which he had received at the siege of Ramath in Galaad as we have heretofore declared Thither also resorted in the way of friendship and consanguinity C Ochozias King of Jerusalem to visit Joram and to see how he was recovered of his wound for he was his nephew and son unto his sister as we have said before Jehu desirous to surprize Joram and his followers on the sudden gave command that none of the Soldiers should run before to give any intelligence of his repair unto Joram alledging that it should be a demonstration of their good will towards him whereas contrariwise they that did otherwise declared that they held him not for their King CHAP. V. Joram with all his Race is slain by Jehu Ochozias King of Jerusalem is likewise slain D THE Men of War were very joyful to execute this his command Ver. 17. ad 23. and guarded the ways that no Man might secretly steal into Jezrael and bare tydings of that which had hapned Mean-while Jehu attended by his choicest Horsemen and mounted in his Chariot marched towards Jezrael And when he drew near unto the City the Centinel that was appointed by Joram to discover those that repaired to the City perceived Jehu resorting thither with a multitude of attendants and told Joram that a Troop of Horsemen were at hand Whereupon a Scout was sent out to discover who they were who drawing near unto Jehu asked him what News there was in the Army telling him that the King was desirous to know the same Jehu willed him to take no care thereof but to folâ—ow after him The Centinel perceiving this certified Joram that the Messenger E whom he had sent went along with them that came and followed their General Whereupon the King sent out a Messenger the second time and Jehu commanded him to attend him as he did the first which the Câ—ntinel signified to Joram likewise who thereupon took his Chariot to meet them accompanied with Ochozias King of Jerusalem who as we have said was come to the City to see how the King was recovered of his hurt because he was allied unto him But Jehu marched on in good aray till Joram meeting him in the field of Naboth asked him how the Army did who instead of returning an answer reviled him bitterly and called him the son of a Poysoner and of an Harlot For which cause Joram fearing his turbulent spirit and suspecting he designed some Treason against him fled away as swiftly as his Chariot could be driven telling Ochozias F that they were both of them betrayed but Jehu flung a Dart at him and pierced him thorow the heart Ver. 24. Whereupon Joram instantly fell on his knees Jorams slaughter and dyed Hereupon Jehu commanded Badac to cast Jorams body into Naboths field remembring him of the Prophecy of Elias foretold to Achab Ver. 25 26. who murthered Naboth The truth of Elias Prophesie namely That he and his Race should dye in that field For sitting behind Achabs Chariot he heard these words pronounced by the Prophet in effect it so fell out as he had prophesied When Joram was fallen down Ochozias was afraid to be slain for which cause he turned his Chariot to take another way Ver. 27. hoping that Jehu would not discover him The death of Ochozias King of Jerusalem and his burial But he was overtaken in a steep way and was hurt with an Arrow whereupon he forsook his Chariot and being mounted on a swift Horse posted to Maggedo where after his wounds had been dressed G some few dayes he deceased and was carried to Jerusalem and buried there after he had reigned one year and surpassed his father in wickedness H CHAP. VI. Jehu reigneth over Israel and keepeth his Court in Samaria and after him his Progeny to the fourth generation
AT such time as Jehu arrived at Jezrael Jezabel being on the top of a Tower in her Princely Robes cried out O trusty Servant said she that hath slain his Master He looking upward asked her what she was commanding her to come down unto him at length he charged her Eunuchs to cast her down from the top of the Tower in her fall v. 10. 30 31. she besprinkled the walls with her blood and as soon as she came to ground I her body was trampled under the horses feet A famous example of Gods Judgement untill she died That done Jehu repaired to the Palace with his friends and reposed himself there commanding his servants that they should bury Jezabel in respect of the Royal Race from whence she was descended but they to whom the charge of the obsequies were committed found no part of her body but her hands and head for all the rest was devoured by dogs Jehu certified hereof wondred at the prophecy of Elias who had foretold that Jezabel should die in that sort in Jezrael Now Achabs seventy Sons being brought up in Samaria 2 King 10. 1 ad 7. Jehu sent two Letters the one unto the Masters of the infants the other to the Governours of the City giving them to understand that they should choose one of the most vertuous amongst Achabs children K to reign as King over them because they had a multitude of strong Chariots horses Armor men and strong Cities to the end that in so doing they might take revenge on those that slew their Lord and Master This did he under a colour to sound how the Samaritans were affected towards him When the Governors and Tutors had received these Letters they were afraid and made account that they could prevail nothing against him who had prevailed already against two mighty Kings For which cause they wrote back unto him acknowledging him for their Sovereign and offering themselves in all duty Achabs 70. children slain in Samaria to be under his subjection Whereupon Jehu sent back unto them again commanding them that to express their obedience they should send him the heads of Achabs children divided from their shoulders Which command of his they L failed not to execute but presently packed up the heads in panniers and sent them unto him to Jezrael As soon as they were brought thither tidings thereof were carried to Jehu as he sate at supper with his friends who commanded that they should be laid in two heaps at the City gates on either side thereof Which done he issued out as soon as it was day to see them and beholding them he began to tell those that accompanied him that he had voluntarily Armed himself against his Master and slew him but as touching those whom they saw there The rooting out of Acabs line he had no wayes layd hands on them His only intent was that all men should know that all that which hapned unto Achabs race was done by the ordinance of God and that his house was destroyed according as Elias had foretold v. 12. 13 14. And after he had slain and dispatched both these and all those that were M found to be of Acabs race amongst the Israelites The slaughter of Ochozias servants he went unto Samaria and meeting by the way with Ochozias houshold Servants who was King of Jerusalem he asked them whither they went Jonadab who answered him that they went to salute Joram and their King Ochozias for they knew not as yet that they were both of them slain Hereupon Jehu commanded his Servants to lay hands on them and put them to the sword notwithstanding they were forty two in number After them he met with a virtuous man called Ionadab who in times past had been his ancient friend who embracing him praised his forwardness in that he had performed all things according to the Will of God in abolishing Achabs house Jehu caused him to come up to him into his Chariot and accompany him to Samaria telling him that he should see that he would spare no wicked man N but would punish all the false Prophets and tellers of lyes and abusers of the people who had made them forsake the true service of God and adore strange gods because that which is most acceptable to a good man is to behold the punishment of the wicked Jonadab perswaded by these words mounted up into his Chariot and went with him to Samaria and after Jehu had sought out Achabs kindred he put them to death and intending that no one of his false Prophets and Priests should escape his hands he assembled them together by a subtil policy For gathering the people together he protested that he would have twice as many gods as Acab had willing that all the Priests that belonged unto them should present themselves for that he intended to celebrate most magnificent sacrifices to Acabs gods protesting that whatsoever Priest should be absent he should lose his O head Now this god whom Acab honored was called Baal Having in this sort assigned a day wherein he would offer sacrifice he sent thorow all the Countrey of Israel charging all Baals Priests to repair unto him and commanding that each of them should have their vestments given them The year of the World 3061. before Christ's Nativity 405. As soon as they were apparelled he resorted A to his lodging accompanied with his friend Jonadab and commanded that a search should be made amongst them to espie whether any one of a contrary quality or condition were mixed with them for that he intended that no stranger should be amongst the Priests v. 18 ad 28. When therefore he understood that none but the Priests were in that assembly even at such time as they began to offer sacrifice â—he slaughter of Baals Priests he caused them to be inclosed by fourscore Soldiers whom he esteemed to be most trustly commanding them to kill the false Prophets and to punish them according to the custom of their forefathers which had already too long been neglected dreadfully threatning all those who should any wayes omit to root out the name and memory of these wretches out of the world They therefore slew all those Priests and guarded the Kings Palace and in so doing cleared B Samaria of forrain gods This Baal was the god of the Tyrians for whom Achab built a Temple in Samaria v. 30. intending thereby to content Ithobaal the King of the Tyrians and Sidonians to whom he assigned Priests Baal god of the Tyrians and honoured him with all sorts of sacrifice After this Idol was exterminated Jehu suffered the Israelites to adore golden calves When this execution was performed in punishing the wicked The Kingdom promised to Jâ—hues posterity God to whom this action of his was acceptable told Jehu by his Prophet that his children should enjoy the Kingdom of Israel to the fourth generation This was Jehu's
them that they mocked them and esteemed them to be mad and spit upon those Prophets that exhorted them to piety and foretold them the evils they should suffer if they served not the true God and finally they laid hold on them and put them to the sword And not contenting themselves with this presumption they attempted yet far worser things and never gave over until that God for a punishment of their impiety subjected them to their enemies 2 Chron. 29. as shall appear hereafter But divers of the Tribes of Manasses Zabulon and Issachar The Word of God is never without fruit respecting the good counsels of the Prophets submitted themselves to the service of God and repaired all together to Jerusalem to King Ezechias to honour G God As soon as they were arrived there Ezechias went up into the Temple accompanied with the Governors and all the People and offered there seven Bulls seven Rams H and as many Goats The year of the World 3618. before Christ's Nativity 746. and after that he and all the Governors had laid their hands upon the heads of the Sacrifice they deliver'd them to the Priest according as it appertained to them and they sacrificed and made burnt-offerings of them The Levites also assisting round about with Instruments of Musick sung Hymns and Songs unto God according as they had been taught by the ordinance of David Ezechias's sacrifice The other Priests had Trumpets which they used in consort to the tune of their Hymns Which done the King and all the People cast themselves prostrate upon the ground 2 Chron. 29. â—â— 20 21. and adored God and afterwards sacrificed seven Oxen an 100 Sheep and 200 Lambs The King likewise bestowed 600 Oxen and 3000 sheep upon the People to feast withall And when the Priests had joyfully perform'd all things according to the custom contain'd in the Law I the King sate down and eat with the People and gave thanks unto God And when the feast of unleavened bread was come they eat the Passeover and during the seven other dayes Ver. 30 31. they offer'd up their other Sacrifices The King gave in way of gratuity unto the People besides that which had been offer'd 2000 Oxen Reformation of Gods service and 7000 Sheep The Governors did the like and gave the People a 1000 Bulls and 1400 Sheep and thus was the feast solemnized which had not been so magnificently and devoutly celebrated since Solomon's time When the solemnity of this feast was past they journeyed and went thorow the Countrey and purifi'd it They purged the City likewise of all Idols and the King ordained that the daily Sacrifices should be made according to the Law upon his charge He enacted also That the People should pay the Tenths to the Priests and Levites K with the first-fruits to the intent they might wholly intend piety and never estrange themselves from the service of God By which means it came to pass that the People brought all kind of fruit to the Priests and Levites The King overcometh the Philistines which the King put up in certain store-houses which he had built to be distributed to every one of them their Wives and Children and by this means they returned again to their former purity in Religion After the King had disposed all things in this sort 2 Kings 19. he made War upon the Philistines Ezechias forsaketh the service of the King of Assyria and overcame them and seized all their Cities between Gaza and Geth About this time the King of Assyria sent unto him and threatned him That if he would not pay those Tributes which his father before him had paid unto him he would destroy all his Countrey Nevertheless Ezechias set light by his threats assuring himself in that piety and zeal he bore L towards God and in the Prophet Esay by whom he was exactly instructed touching all those things that were to succeed CHAP. XIV Salmanasar slayeth the King of Israel and leadeth the Israelites captive into the Countrey of Media WHen tydings was brought to Salmanasar King of Assyria that the King of Israel had privily sent unto Soan Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. King of Egypt to request his assistance against the M Assyrians he was sore displeased and drew forth his Army against Samaria in the seventh year of the Reign of Oseas But the King of Israel withstood his entrance into the City by which means he was besieged therein for three years space and finally Samaria was taken by force 2 Kings 17 24. in the ninth year of Oseas and the seventh of Ezechias's Reign At which time all the Kingdom of Israel was destroy'd and all the People transported into the Countries of Media and Persia and amongst the rest King Oseas was taken Prisoner The King of Assyria caused certain Nations of a Countrey called Chut so stiled from a River of that name to remove their habitation and to dwell in Samaria and inhabit the Countrey of Israel As for the ten Tribes of Israel they were transported out of their Countrey 947 years The Israelites removed from their possessions are translated into the Region of the Chuthites since their Predecessors departing out of Egypt possessed N the Countrey of Canaan 800 years after the government of Joshua and 240 years seven months and seven dayes since they revolted from Roboam Davids Nephew to give the Kingdom to Jeroboam This was the end of the Israelites who transgressed the Laws and disobeyed the Prophets who foretold them of that calamity which should happen unto them except they repented them of their impieties The sedition that they rais'd against Roboam in taking his servant for their King was the original of their mischiefs For Jeroboam committing impiety against God and they imitating his wickedness caused God to be displeas'd with them so that he punish'd them according as they deserved But the King of Assyria ravaged and spoiled all Syria and Phoenicia with his Army and his name is found written in the Chronicles of the Tyrians for he made War against the Tyrians O at such time as Eulaleus reigned in Tyre whereof Menander maketh mention who wrote the History of Tyre which hath been Translated into the Greek Tongue The King Eluleus saith he reigned 36 years The year of the World 3224. before Christ's Nativity 740. and pursued the Chutheans that were revolted from A him by Sea and made them subject Against whom the King of Assyria sent forth his Army and invaded all Phoenicia and afterwards having made a Peace with them he returned back again into the Cities of Sydon Arce and old Tyre and divers other Cities revolted from the Tyrians and submitted themselves to the King of Assyria For this cause The Tyrians Chronicles touching the Wars of Salmanaâ—ar against the Tyrians written by Menander and for that they of Tyre did not obey him he drew his Army
depart out of this life and leave a lawful heir behind him When the Prophet according as he was commanded had brought these tydings to the King he doubted both the unexpected messenger and the mightiness of his disease for which cause he required some prodigious sign at Esaias's hands to the intent that he might certainly believe that he was sent as a messenger from God unto him for the truth of those things which either exceed our hope or reason are wont to be confirmed by these means Whereupon Esay asked him what sign he required and it should be given him He answered that he desired to see the shadow of the Sun go back ten degrees upon his Quadrant On this occasion the Prophet besought God that it would please him to confirm the King by this miracle Ver. 14 15. who seeing that which he desired was L suddenly delivered from his sickness The Assyrian Monarchy destroyed and went up into the Temple to worship and praise God At that time it hapned that the Monarchy of the Assyrians was destroyed by the Medes The Embassage of the King of Babylon to Ezechias whereof I will speak in another place Not long after Balad King of Babylon sent an Ambassador to Ezekias with Presents calling him his ally and friend who receiving his messengers he feasted them and shewed them his treasures his arsenal and all other magnificence that he had of gold and precious stones and after he had given them Presents for Balad he dismissed them Whereupon the Prophet Esay came unto him asking him from whence those Ambassadors came To whom Ezechias answered That they were of Babylon and came unto him from their King telling the Prophet how he had shewed them all that which he had to the end that having seen and observed his M riches and power Ver. 16 17 18. they might afterwards certifie the King thereof The captivity of Babylon foreprophesied by Esay Whereunto the Prophet replied saying Know thou that within a little time thy riches shall be transported into Babylon and thy children shall be made Eunuchs and being no more men shall be slaves unto the King of Babylon All which God gave him to understand before it hapned Ezechias was troubled to hear these tydings saying That he desired that his people might not fall into those miseries but since it was impossible to change the Decree of God he required that he might have peace during his life-time Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. Of this Balad King of Babylon Berosus maketh mention This Prophet truly divine and admirable for the verity of his Prophesies is accounted to have spoken nothing that was untrue but to have left in writing all that which he prophesied the truth whereof hath afterwards in effect appeared to posterity N Neither did he alone perform thus much Ver. â—â— but besides him twelve others have done the like 2 Chr. 32. 33. and all that which is hapned unto us Ezekias death either good or evil hath fallen out truly according to their Prophecies But hereafter we will speak of every one of them Now when Ezechias had lived his prefixed time according as we have before related and governed his kingdom in peace he died when he was 54 years old and in the 29 year of his Reign CHAP. III. The Kings of Chaldaea and Babylon war against Manasses and take him Prisoner O HIS son Manasses the son of Achiba a Woman born in Jerusalem succeeded him in the Kingdom This Man forsook his fathers wayes and abandoned himself to all manner of viciousness and debauchery but addicting himself to all the iniquities of the Israelites The year of the World 3147. before Christ's Nativity 717. who were destroyed because of their heinous sins committed against A God He was so impudent as he spared not to pollute the very Temple of God the City and the whole Countrey and being no longer to be restrain'd by any fear of the just vengeance of God he barbarously put to death many good and virtuous Men and spared not the very Prophets so that Jerusalem was overflown with blood For which cause God being provoked unto wrath by his heinous offences 2 Kings 21. 1 c. sent divers Prophets 2 Chron. 33. 1. ad 10. the one after the other both to the King and the people by whom he threatned to inflict the same calamities upon them Manasses impiety and cruelty which for contempt of Religion the Israelites their Brethren had a little before suffered But they not giving heed to their Predictions whose admonitions had they resepcted they might have prevented their imminent evils at length experimented the truth thereof Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. alias cap. 4. For whereas they persevered in their B accustomed and dissolute manners God stirred up the King of Chaldaea and Babylon against them who sending their Armies into Judaea and spoiling the whole Region at length surprized and led away Manasses Prisoner and made him liable to what punishment it should please them to inflict 2 Chron. 33. Then this miserable Prince taught by his own experience acknowledged his sin A v. 1. ad 13. and humbly besought God to have compassion on him His prayer was heard Manasses surprized and led Prisoner into Babylon and after his repentance restored to his kingdom and after some space of time the Babylonian sending him home restored him to his former government As soon as he was returned back to Jerusalem he made it appear by the change of his life that his repentance was sincere and endeavoured nothing more than to abolish the memory of his former actions and employed his whole care to establish the service of God He purged the Temple also and cleansed C the City Ver. 14 15 16. and from that time forward he addicted himself wholly to think how he might give God thanks Manasses purifieth the City and consecrateth the Temple again for that he had thus delivered him from ruine and how he might pass all the remnant of his life in his favour He taught the People likewise to do the like telling them what miseries they had endured within a few years because they had demeaned themselves impiously He repaired the Altar also and according to Moses Prescript Manasses death offered thereon solemn Sacrifices and after that he had provided those things that concerned the service of God 2 King 21. 18. he took care likewise for the security of the City of Jerusalem 2 Chr. 33. 2â— and repaired the old and ruined walls Amos King of Juda a wicked Prince and built some anew for the enlarging of the City he erected high Towers likewise furnishing the same with munition and victual sufficient for a City of defence And so much was he changed during D the rest of his life 2 Kings 22. 1. ad 8. that he was held most
offering up Sacrifices unto God they besought him to shew himself favourable and merciful towards them The King likewise commanded the High-Priest that if there were any vessels in the Temple which were made by his Predecessors in honour of Idols and strange gods he should cast them out and after that a great number were found therein all of them were gather'd together and burnt and the ashes afterwards were scatter'd abroad And as touching the Priests that appertained to Idols that were not of the Race of Aaron he put them to death The truth of the divine oracles When these things were thus executed in Jerusalem he came afterwards to the plain Countrey and all that which Jeroboam had erected there in honour of Idols 1 Kings 13. 1. ad 4. he utterly defaced it and the bones of N the false Prophets were burnt upon the Altar that Jeroboam had built This had the Prophet foretold that came to Jeroboam at such time as he offered Sacrifice and told him in the presence of all the people all that which should happen namely That one of Davids posterity called Josias should do thâ—se things which Prophecy took effect 361 years after After this King Josias applied himself to the Israelites who had avoided the captivity and servitude of the Assyrians and persuaded them to forsake their impieties and the services they had performed to strange gods and to honour the sovereign and true God of their fathers and to cleave unto him He made a search also thorow every house borough and city fearing lest as yet there should be an Idol hidden He likewise sought out the Chariots that were made by his ancestors in honour of the Sun O and all that which was adored whatsoever it were and utterly abolished the same After he had in this sort purged the Countrey he assembled all the people in Jerusalem where he celebrated the Feast of unleavened bread which we call Easter Towards the performance whereof The year of the World 23â—â— before Christ's Nativity 643. he gave the people young kids and lambs to the number of 30000 A and 3000 Bullocks for burnt-offerings and the chief among the Levites distributed amongst the other Levites 500 Lambs and 500 Bullocks Having therefore such an abundance of Beasts they sacrificed according to the Law of Moses the Priests taking charge thereof 2 Kings 23. â— 11. and confirming the rest of the people by their example Neither was there ever such a solemnity kept by the Hebrews since the time of Samuel the Prophet because all things were done according to the Laws and the ancient Customs Tâ—e celebration of the Pâ—sseover which were observed in the time of their Fathers After this Josias lived in peace riches honour and estimation amongst all men Ver. 21 c. and thus ended his life Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. 〈◊〉 cap. 5. CHAP. V. B Divers Exploits of Nechao Nechao The Eâ—yptians 〈…〉 King of Egypt having gathered great Forces conducted his Army towards the River Euphrates to war against the Medes and Babylonians who had destroyed the Empire of Assyria for Nechao affected the government of all Asia Now when he drew near unto the City of Mende which was under Josias subjection King Josias denied him passage and would not suffer his Army to march thorow his Countrey For which cause Nechao sent an Herald unto him to let him understand That it was not against him that he made War 〈…〉 but that he bent his course towards Euphrates for which cause C he wished him in no sort to hinder his intended journey 2 Chrâ—n â—5 22 23 24. lest thereby he should be constrained to make War upon him An Epitâ—ph written by Jeremy on Josiâ—â— But Josias regarded not this demand of his but resolved himself to hinder his passage thorow his Countrey And I am persuaded that his evil Genius put him upon making this resistance to the end that he might have some occasion to do something against Nechao Ver. 25. For whil'st he set in order his Army and rode from one Band to another Which was the 〈…〉 being mounted upon his Chariot he was strucken with an Arrow that was shot by a certain Egyptian which put a stop to his proceedings For feeling himself oppressed with pain 〈…〉 by reason of his wound he commanded his Army to retire and returned himself to Jerusalem where he dyed of his wound and was buried with his Fathers with great magnificence after he had lived 39 years and reigned 31. For him D the people mourned with great heaviness 〈…〉 lamenting for many days The Prophet Jeremy also made an Elegy upon him in verse 〈…〉 which is as yet extant even in these days This Prophet foretold in writing those evils which should afterwards happen unto the City and the Captivity wherewith we are intangled at this present 〈…〉 and the surprisal of Babylon 〈…〉 Neither hath he alone foretold the same but the Prophet Ezekiel hath likewise done the like who first left two Books written of the same Argument These two Prophets were of the race of the Priests â—span â— But Jeremy kept in Jerusalem from the 14th year of the Reign of Josias 〈…〉 until the destruction of the City and Temple as in time and place convenient we will declare setting down those occurrences that hapned to this Prophet After the death of Josias hitherto mentioned his son Joaz succeeded him E in the Kingdom at such time as he was 23 years old he reigned in Jerusalem and his mothers name was Ametala he was a man full of impiety and of a malignant and perverse nature The King of Egypt returning from the War sent unto Joaz commanding him to meet him in Samath a City of Syria where he was no sooner arrived but he kept him Prisoner committing the Kingdom to Eliachim his brother on the Fathers side who was his elder brother likewise He changed his name likewise and call'd him Joachim he impos'd a Tribute also on Judea of 100 Talents of silver and a Talent of gold which Joachim paid and as touching Joaz he led him into Egypt where he finished his days after he had been King three months and ten days Now Joachims mother was called Zâ—buda of the City of Abuma He was a wicked person and of a malignant nature F having neither piety towards God nor respect towards men CHAP. VI. Nabuchodonosors Army cometh into Syria IN the fourth year of the Reign of Joachim 〈…〉 a certain man called Nabuchodonosor possessed the Kingdom of Babylon who at that time went out with a great Army against 〈◊〉 a City scituate near unto Euphrates resolving with himself to fight against Nechao King of Egypt under whose power all Syria was subject Nechao understanding G of the Babylonians intent and how great his Army was made very little account thereof but with a huge Army
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
by reason that he flying unto the enemy M menac'd them with the surprizal and utter ruine of their City The King in regard of the natural humanity and justice that was in him was not any wayes hereby provoked against Jeremy Jer. 39. 11 12. yet to the intent that he might not seem utterly to oppose the Governors The reward of godly Preachers in this life he deliver'd the Prophet into their hands to deal with him howsoever they pleased Who having obtained this liberty from the King entred the Prison on the sudden and laying hold on Jeremy they let him down into a Pit full of mud to the intent he might die in that place and be strangled by the filth in effect he was set therein up to the neck But one of the Kings servants an Ethiopian by Nation certifi'd the King of the Prophets affliction assuring him That his Friends and Governors did not justly so to thrust and bury the Prophet in the mud and cursedly to conspire against him N tiring him with bonds and tortures worse than death Whereupon the King hearing this was sorry that he had deliver'd the Prophet to the Governors and commanded the Ethiopian to take 30 men of his Court with him with cords and such other things necessary as might concern the safety of the Prophet charging him with all expedition to deliver him from that captivity Hereupon the Ethiopian furnish'd with men and necessary means drew the Prophet out of the mud and dismiss'd him without any guard That done the King sent for him in private demanding of him If he had any message to deliver him from God Zedechias neglecteth the Prophets good counsel for fear of the Governors praying him to let him understand whatsoever he knew as touching the success of the siege The Prophets answer was That although he should tell him yet it would not be believed and that if he should exhort him he would not give ear or listen unto him O But said he O King thy friends have condemned me to death as if I had been a most wicked Malefactor But where are they now at this present that have deceived thee and born thee in hand The year of the World 3354. before Christ's Nativity 610. saying That the Babylonian would not come and besiege thee Now will I take heed how A I tell thee the truth for fear lest thou condemn me to death Hereupon the King swore unto him That he should not die neither that he would deliver him into the hands of the Governors For which cause Jeremy grounding himself upon the faith which he had plighted unto him counselled the King to yield up the City to the Babilonians because that God had willed him to signifie unto the King that if he would save his life and avoid the imminent danger and save his City from utter ruine and preserve the Temple from burning he should submit or otherwise that none but he should be reputed to be the cause of all those evils that should happen unto the City and Citizens and of that calamity that should confound both him and all his family When the King heard this he told him B That he would do according as he had counselled him and perform whatsoever he thought necessary to be done but that he feared that his Subjects who were already gone over to the King of Babylon would do him ill offices with that King and that by their means he might be accused and deliver'd unto death But the Prophet encourag'd him telling him That his fear was in vain assuring him that he should suffer no evil if so be he yielded up the City and that neither his wife nor children nor the sacred Temple should suffer any mischief Upon these words the King dismissed Jeremy charging him to communicate the counsel that was held between them to no one of the Citizens no not to the Princes if they should ask of him wherefore the King had sent for him advising him to answer if so be they were inquisitive That he resorted to the King to request him that he might be no more imprisoned all which the Prophet performed but they pressed him very much to know C for what cause the King had sent for him CHAP. X. Jerusalem is taken and the People carried into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor MEan-while the Babylonian continued his violent siege against the City of Jerusalem 2 Kings 25. 1. c. and having raised Towers upon certain Bulwarks Jerusalem besieged eighteen months and at length taken he drave away by this means D all those that approached near unto the walls he raised also round about the City divers platforms that equalled the walls in height Mean-while the City was as valiantly and couragiously defended by the Inhabitants for neither Pestilence nor Famine plucked down their spirits And although that within the City they were tormented with these scourges yet were not their resolutions broken nor did the enemies inventions astonish them nor their engines afright them so that all the battel betwixt the Babylonians and Jews seem'd to be a tryal both of valor and art whil'st these do assuredly hope to surprize the City Ver. 5 6 7. and the other thought their safety consisteth herein Zedechias flieth by night and is surprized by the enemy if they ceased not by new inventions to frustrate their enemies endeavors And in this state continu'd they both for the space of 18 months until they were consumed by Famine E and by the darts that were shot against them by those that shot from the Towers At length the City was taken by the Princes of Babylon in the eleventh year of the Reign of Zedechias the ninth day of the fourth month who were put in trust by Nabuchodonosor to manage the siege for he himself made his abode in the City of Reblata Now if any man be desirous to know the names of them that had command at such time as Jerusalem was surpriz'd these they be Nergelear Aremantus Emegar Nabosar and Echarampsor The City being taken about midnight the Princes of the Enemies Army entred into the Temple which when Zedechias understood he took his wives and his children with the Princes and his friends and fled thorow a great valley by the desart which when the Babylonians understood by certain Jews that were revolted and had submitted themselves F unto them they arose early in the morning to pursue them and overtook and surprized them near unto Jericho Whereupon those Princes and friends of Zedechias that had taken their flight with him seeing the Enemies near unto them forsook him and scattering themselves here and there endeavour'd each of them to save himself When therefore the Enemies had apprehended him attended by a few followers only and accompanied by his children and wives they brought him unto the Kings presence who no sooner beheld him but he called him wicked and perfidious and upbraided him
perswading them to stay there to the end they might be consumed by the Babylonians Contemning therefore the counsel which God gave them by the Prophet Jer. 42. per totum both John and the rest of the multitude went into Egypt and led with them both Baruch and Jeremy The Prophecy of the Babylonian Army and the Jews captivity Whither they were no sooner come but God told the Prophet that the Babylonian should lead his Army into Egypt for which cause he willed him to foretell the people that Egypt should be destroyed and that they should partly be slain in that place and partly led captive to Babylon Which came in like manner to pass for in the fifth year after the destruction of Jerusalem which was the three and twentieth year of the Reign of Nabuchodonosor Nabuchodonosor in his own person L led his Army into Coelosyria and having conquered the same he made War upon the Ammonites and Moabites And after he had brought these Nations under his obeysance he went and fought against the King of Egypt and overcame him and after he had slain their King that governed at that time and planted another in his place he afterwards took the Jews that he found in that Countrey and carried them prisoners into Babylon By this means we have learned that the estate of the Hebrews hath been translated twice to the other side of Euphrates For the people of the ten Tribes during the Reign of Oseas were carried away captive by Salmanazar King of the Assyrians after he had taken Samaria and the two Tribes by Nabuchodonosor King of the Babylonians and Chaldees upon the taking in of Jerusalem True it is that Salmanazar after he had displeased M the Israelites planted the Chutheans in their place who before-time inhabited the innermost of the Countreys of Persia and Media and were called Samaritanes according to the name of the place which they inhabited but the Babylonian having led the two Tribes prisoners hath not planted any other people in their places For this cause Judea Jerusalem and the Temple remained desart for the space of seventy years and all the time that passed between the captivity of the Israelites until the destruction of the two Tribes was an hundred and thirty years six moneths and ten days but Nabuchodonosor chose the noblest young men amongst the Jews and such as were allied to King Zedechias and esteemed likewise for the good disposition and fair proportion of their Bodies and Faces and committed them to Masters to be instructed N commanding that every one of them should be gelded according as they were accustomed to deal with young Children of other Nations whom he subdued by force He allowed them Victuals from his own Table and they were taught and instructed in the Discipline of the Countrey and in the Chaldee Tongue These were very apt to learn Wisdom and for that cause he commanded that they should be Trained up in the exercise thereof Hedio Ruffinus Chap. 12. Of these were four of Zedechias kindred fair in Body and virtuous in their Nature Dan. 1. v. 6. 17. who were called Daniel Ananias Misael and Azarias whose names the Babylonians changed and appointed that they should be called by other names distinct and different from their own Daniels forwardness and his fellows towardnesâ— in studying Wisdom and good Letters Daniel was called Balthasar Ananias Sidrach Misael Misach and Azarias Abednagâ— These did the King esteem very highly for their O excellent nature and for the great affection that they had to attain unto Learning and Wisdom wherein they profited greatly and were for that cause highly esteemed by him and whereas Daniel and his kinsman thought good to live austerely and to ababstain from those Meats that came from the Kings Table The year of the World 3â—61 before Christ's Nativity 603. and in general from all things A that had life they went to Askenas the Eunuch who had the care and charge over them beseeching him to convert those Meats to his own use which were sent from the Kings Table and allow them Herbs and Dates and such things as had no life because they intended to hold that course of life and to forsake all others Askenas told them that he was ready to condescend unto their demands but that he feared lest being called for by the King they should be found to be lean in Body and discoloured in Face for without doubt following that Diet they must needs lose their Beauty and Complexion which might bring him in damage of his Head They perceiving that Askenas intended nought else but his security perswaded him to allow them but ten days of approbation under condition that if by that regiment of Diet their habitude of body B should not be any ways altered they might continue that course of life which they had intended from that day forwards but if they should be found lean and weak and less proportionable then they that fed upon the Kings allowance that then they should return to their accustomed Diet. Now it fell so out that not only their Bodies were better in growth but they seemed rather better fed and of a taller stature than the rest so that they that lived upon the Kings allowance seem'd lean and ill-favoured whereas Daniel and his companions made show as if they had been nourished with Dainties and brought up in abundance From that time forward Askenas took all that which was allowed the four young Men from the King Table and kept it to himself giving them instead thereof the Diet that they chose and delighted in They C having their spirits more pure and subtil to comprehend their Masters instructions and their Bodies more strong to endure labour for their spirits were not charged with diversity of meats nor their Bodies effeminated for the same cause attained the more readily to all that Doctrine that was taught them by the Hebrews and Chaldees Daniel especially having profited in Wisdom studied the interpretation of Dreams and God appeared unto him Two years after the Egyptian War King Nabuchodonosor dreamed a wonderful dream the explication whereof God gave unto him in his sleep but he forgat the same when he arose out of his Bed Dan. 2. 1. ad 16 And for that cause sent he for his Chaldees and Divines Nabuchodonosor dreaming forgetteth his Vision sendeth for the Magicians not able to discover his doubt he threateneth them with death telling them that he had dreamed a dream but that he had forgot the same commanding them to declare unto him what the dream was and the signification D thereof also Whereunto they answered that it was impossible for men to sound out the secret thereof notwithstanding they promised him that if he would declare his vision unto them they would cause him to understand the signification thereof Hereupon Nabuchodonosor threatened them with death except they represented his dream unto him and
they protesting that they could not fulfil his request he commanded them all to be slain But Daniel hearing how the King had condemned all the Sages to death and knowing that both he and his companions were concerned in that danger addressed himself to Ariochus the Captain of the Kings Guard requiring him to inform him for what cause the King had adjudged the Chaldees and Sages to be put to death and having told what had happened as touching the dream and how the King forgetting the E same had charged them to inform him therein and how they had answered that it was impossible for them to perform the same and how thereby they had provoked the King to displeasure he besought Ariochus to go unto the King and to procure one nights reprieve on the behalf of the Egyptians and Chaldees in that he hoped during that night to beseech God and intreat from him both the Dream and the signification thereof Hereupon Ariochus told the King what Daniel had requested and he thereupon respited the execution of the Magicians for that night until he might see what would become of Daniels promise who retiring himself with his companions into his chamber besought God all the night long to manifest unto him the dream and deliver the Magicians and Chaldees from the Kings wrath with whom both he and the rest of his companions were F like to dye except he might know what the King had dreamt the night past and what was the interpretation thereof Whereupon God having compassion of the danger wherein they were and taking pleasure in Daniels wisdom signified unto him both the dream and the signification thereof to the intent the King might be resolved of the meaning thereof Daniel having received the truth from God à v. 20. ad 24. arose very joyfully and certified his Brethren who had already lost all hope of life The Vision and the Revelation thereof opened to Daniel and thought on nothing but death and gave them courage and hope Having therefore rendred thanks unto God for that he had had compassion of their younger years as soon as it was day he went unto Ariochus requesting him that he might be brought to the Kings presence assuring him G that he would open unto him the dream which he had seen the night past Now when Daniel was brought unto the Kings Presence he besought him that he would not esteem him to H be more wise than the other Chaldeans and Magicians The year of the World 3363 before Christ's Nativity 601. in that whereas none of them could expound his Dream he did attempt to express the same for that came not to pass by reason of his experience or for that he was more industrious than they were but said he God hath had compassion on us that were in danger of death and at such time as I requested him to grant me and my Countrey-men life he hath certified me both of your Dream and the signification thereof I was not so much aggrieved for that in our innocency we were adjudged to death by thee as concerned for thy reputation and renown which was hazarded by condemning so many and so innocent and just men to death whereas that which you have required of them á v. 26 ad finem savoureth nothing of humane wit but is the only work of God Whilest therefore thou thoughtst in thy self Daniel telleth the King his Dream and the interpretation thereof who it was that should command the whole world after thy I self at such time as thou wert asleep God intending to let thee know all those that should govern after thee presented the with this Dream It seemed unto thee that thou sawest a great Statue whereof the Head was of Gold the Shoulders and Arms of Silver the Belly and Thighs of Brass Nebuchodonosors Dream of the four Monarchs of the world and the Legs and Feet of Iron Thou beheldest after that a great Stone that was drawn from a Mountain that fell upon the Statue and beat down and burst the same and left no whole piece thereof so that the Gold Silver Iron and Brass were powdered as small as dust whereupon a violent wind seemed to blow which by the fury and force thereof was born away and scattered into divers Countreys on the other side the stone grew so mighty that it seemed to fill the whole Earth This was that Vision that appeared unto you the signification whereof is expressed after this manner The Head K of Gold signifieth your self and those Kings of Babylon that have been before you The two Hands and Shoulders signify that your Empire shall be restored by two Kings the one part by the King of the East cloathed in Brass whose force shall be abated by another power resembling that of iron and he shall have the power over the whole Earth by reason of the nature of Into á v. 46 ad finem which is more strong than Gold Silver or Brass he told the King also what the Stone signified But for mine own part I thought it not expedient to express in this place Daniel and his fellows advanced to honour because the only design and intent of my Writings is to register such things as are past and not such matters as are to come But if any man be so curious as to enquire into these things and to understand such matters as are hidden let him read the Book of Daniel which he shall find amidst the Sacred Scriptures L When King Nabuchodonosor had heard those things and remembred himself of his Dream he was astonished at Daniels wisdom and casting himself prostrate on the Earth after the manner of those that adore God he embraced Daniel giving direction that sacrifice should be offered unto him as if he were God Moreover he called him by the name of God and committed the administration of his whole Kingdom to him and his companions who by reason of the conspiracies of their malignours and detractours The Kings Edict for honouring the Golden Statue happened to fall into most imminent and dreadful danger upon the occasion that ensueth The King built a Golden Image sixty Cubits high and six in bigness and erected it in a great Plain near unto Babylon and being ready to dedicate the same he assembled all the Governours and Princes of his Countreys M commanding them first of all Dan. 3. 1. ad 9. that as soon as they should hear the Trumpet sound they should prostrate themselves on the Earth to adore the Statue threatening that whosoever should do the contrary á v. 19 ad finem he should be cast into a burning Furnace whereas therefore all of them adored the Statue upon the sound of the Trumpet Daniel and his companions utterly refused to perform that duty Daniel and his kinsmen refusing to adore the Statue are cast into the Furnace alledging for their justification that they
would not transgress the Laws of their Countrey for which cause being apprehended they were instantly cast into the Furnace of Fire and protected therein by Gods providence escaped death beyond all mens expectation For the fire touched them not neither could it burn during their abode in the Furnace For God so defended their Bodies that they could not be consumed by fire N which miracle made them in great estimation with the King for that he saw that they were virtuous and beloved of God and for that cause they were highly honoured by him Not long after this the King saw another Vision in his sleep which signified unto him that being cast from his Empire he should converse with Savage Beasts and that having lived in that estate in the Desart for the space of seven years he should recover his Kingdom again Having had this Dream he assembled the Magicians once more demanding their answer and the signification thereof But it was impossible for any one of them either to find out or declarethe meaning of this Dream unto the King Onely Daniel discovered the same and the effect was answerable to his prediction For the King passed the fore-limited time in the Desart Dan. 4. 1. ad 29. so that no man durst intermeddle O with the affairs of Estate during seven years The Dream and exposition hereof But after he had called upon God that it would please him to restore him to his Kingdom he repossessed the same again Let no man in this place accuse me for reporting these particularities according as I have found them written in Holy Books The year of the World 3381. before Christ's Nativity 5â—3 for in the entrance of my History I have A answered those objections so that I have openly protested that I will onely faithfully translate the Hebrew Histories into the Greek tongue and according to my promise relate that which is contained therein without adding any thing of mine own or concealing ought of another mans Nabuchodonosors death After that Nabuchodonosor had reigned fourty three years he dyed he was a man of good Conduct and more happy than any of his Predecessors Berosus maketh mention of his acts in the third Book of the Chaldaique History where he speaketh thus His Father Nabuchodonosor having notice that the Governour whom he had appointed over Egypt and the neighboring parts of Coelosyria and Phoenicia was revolted from him being at that time in himself unable to endure the troubles of War committed apart of his Forces unto his Son Nabuchodonosor who was in the flower of his age B and sent him forth against them Berosus of Nabuchodonosor Hedio Ruffinus chap 13. who encountring the Rebels and fighting with them overcame them and brought the Countrey under his subjection Mean while Nabuchodonosor the Father died of a sickness in Babylon after he had Reigned One and twenty years Nabuchodonosor the Son having notice of his Fathers death gave order to the affairs of Egypt and the rest of the Countrey and committing the care and transportation of the Jews Syrians Egyptians and Phoenicians to his friends to bring them to Babylon with his Army and Carriage he with a few Men made hasty journeys thorow the Desart And when he had taken the administration of the Kingdom upon him which in his absence was in the hands of the Chaldees and by their Chieftain was reserved until his return unto his use he became Lord of all his Fathers Empire When his prisoners were arrived he assigned them convenient C dwelling places in the Countrey of Babylon and with the spoils of War he magnificently repaired and decked the Temple of Bell and other places He enlarged the old City and repaired and beautified it with other buildings by means whereof they that would besiege the same were hindred from cutting off the current of the River to the prejudice of the Inhabitants He invironed it within with a treble Wall and outwardly with as mighty and as many enclosures and made all of burnt Brick The Walls were magnificently builded and the Gates bravely adorned in manner of Temples He caused a Palace to be builded near unto his Fathers antient Palace the magnificence and ornaments whereof I am not able to express onely this thing most memorable I have thought good to note that these great and pompous Buildings were finished in fifteen days In this Palace he had Vaults D raised so high that in outward appearance they seemed to be Mountains on which all sorts of Trees were planted He devised and prepared also a goodly Garden and called it the hanging Garden because his Wife having been brought up in the Countrey of Media desired at Babylon Megasthenes of Nabuchodonosor to see some resemblance of her own Countrey Megasthenes in the fourth Book of his Indian History maketh mention of this Garden in that place where he enforced himself to prove Diocles. that this King surpassed Hercules in valour and execution of worthy actions Philostratus For he said that Nabuchodonosor overcame the chief City of Lybia and a great part of Spain Diocles in the Second Book of the Persian History and Philostratus in his Phoenician and Indian History make mention of this King saying that he overcame the City of Tyre at the end of thirteen years at such time as Ithobal E Reigned over the Tyrians This is the sum of all that which the Historiographers write as touching this King CHAP. XI Nabuchodonosors Successors the destruction of Babylon by Cyrus King of Persia AFter Nabuchodonosors death Evilmerodach releaseth Jechonias from his long imprisonment his Son Evilmerodach obtained the Kingdom who incontinently delivered Jechonias King of Jerusalem out of prison and held him in the number of his most esteemed friends and gave him Presents and committed F the Government of the Palace of Babylon into his hands For his Father had not kept his promise with Jechonias 2 King 25. 27. when he surrendred himself his Wife Children and Friends into his hands Jer. 52. 31. ad finem in the behalf of his Countrey and to the intent that the City of Jerusalem should not be razed by those that besieged it Niglisar as we have heretofore declared Labophordach Evilmerodach died in the eighteenth year of his Reign Balthasar or Naboandel King of Babylon and Niglisar his Son obtained the Kingdom which he possessed fourty years and afterwards died After him the succession of the Kingdom came unto his Son called Labophordach which continued in him but for the space of nine moneths and after his death it came unto Balthasar who by the Babylonian was called Naboandel Against whom Cyrus King of Persia and Darius King of Media made War at such time as he was besieged in Babylon there hapned G a marvellous and prodigious spectacle H Balthasar sate upon a certain Festival day in a Royal Chamber The year of
that the Princes and Governours had concluded together to this effect that for 30 days space an intermission should be granted to the people during which time it was neither lawful for them to demand any thing neither of himself or of any man or God whatsoever and if any man should attempt any thing against this common decree it was ordered that he should be cast into the Lions Den. But the King not perceiving the drift of their malice nor how they sought by this device to entrap Daniel told them that he liked of the decree and promised to confirm the same and made a publick Edict wherein the Princes C resolutions were ratified Now whilest all men endeavoured through fear carefully and diligently to observe this Edict Daniel set light thereby and according to his accustomed manner standing in all mens sight he worshiped his God and prayed unto him Whereupon the Princes having got that occasion which they long expected came readily unto the King and accused Daniel for that he onely amongst the rest had presumed to infringe their Decree urging moreover that he did it not for his Religion sake but in contempt of the Kings Edict And because they feared lest Darius by reason of the great affection he bare unto Daniel should be ready to pardon him notwithstanding he had transgressed their Edict they pressed him earnestly to inflict the punishment which was threatened by the Law and to cast him into the Lions Den according to the D form of the Edict Darius hoping that God would deliver Daniel and that no harm should befall him by the jaws of wild Beasts v. 16. exhorted him patiently to endure that Trial. Daniel cast into the Lions Den. Now as soon as he was cast into the Den the King sealed up the Stone that closed the mouth thereof and departed spending all that night without repast or repose so much was he concerned in Daniels behalf And when the day was come as soon as he arose he came unto the Den and finding the Seal unbroken wherewith he had marked the Stone he opened the same and called unto Daniel with a loud voice asking him if he were in safety He hearing the King speak answered that he had received no hurt Whereupon Darius commanded that they should draw him out of the Lions Den. His adversaries perceiving that Daniel had escaped without harm because that God had taken E care of him would not that he should escape and thereupon told the King that the Lions did neither touch nor approach Daniel because they had been fed and gorged before For which cause the King displeased with their injurious malice commanded a quantity of flesh to be cast unto the Lions and when they were glutted he commanded that Daniels enemies should be cast among them Daniels enemies rent in pieces by the Lions to the intent he might know whether the Lions would touch them or no when they were gorged At which time Darius saw very manifestly v. 24. ad finem that God had by his power protected Daniel from death For as soon as the Nobles were cast into the Den the Lions spared not one of them but tore them all in pieces as if they had been hungry and without meat I suppose that these Lions having been a little before glutted with meat did not slay these men to satisfy their hunger but I rather F judge that their crimes provoked the rage and fury of the Beasts for when God pleaseth he maketh even unreasonable creatures to execute his vengeance against wicked men Daniels adversaries being thus destroyed Darius gave notice hereof to all the Subjects of his Provinces praising that God whom Daniel had adored saying that he was the only true God who had all power he honoured Daniel likewise with especial regard esteeming him amongst the chiefest of his Familiars He therefore being thus renowned because he was beloved by God built in Ecbatane in the Countrey of the Medes a magnificent Castle and a marvellous Monument that remaineth even unto this day which seemeth to those that look thereon that it is but newly built and made but that very day which they behold the same the Beauty G thereof seemeth so lively and perfect as that continuance of time doth in no sort deface it For it fareth with Buildings as with Men they wax old and are infeebled by years and lose their Beauty At this day all the Kings of Media H Persia and Parthia are entombed in this Castle and the charge thereof is committed to a Priest who is a Jew and this custome continueth even until this day Neither is that to be buried in silence which is worthy especial admiration in this man For all felicity that could be expected by a famous Prophet attended him and during his whole life-time Daniels Prophecies he was both most highly honoured by Kings and reverenced by the common sort and after his death his memory is immortal For all the Books which he left in writing are read amongst us even at this present and we have been perswaded by the reading thereof that Daniel had conference with God For he hath not only Prophecied of things to come as other Prophets have done but also hath determined the time wherein those things should happen And whereas other Prophets were I accustomed to foretell adversities and for that occasion were misliked both by Princes and their People Daniel foretold them always good successes so that he hath drawn unto him the good will of all men by reason of those pleasing Predictions that he pronounced and by the issues thereof he hath obtained a testimony of Truth and a reputation to have had in time a Spirit that was truly Divine and hath left us certain Writings by which he hath manifestly declared the immutability and exact certainty of his Prophecies It is said that being at Susa the Metropolitan City of Persia at such time as he walked abroad attended by his Familiars that there happened an Earthquake with a great noise so that he was left alone and all his companions fled from him And that K thereupon being sore troubled he fell upon his Face and both his Hands at which time some one touched him and commanded him to stand up and to see that which should happen to his Countrey-men after divers ages Dan. 7. 3. ad 27. Being therefore raised upright there was a great Ram shewed unto him Daniels Vision of the Ram and Goat by whom the Kings of Media and Persia were prefigured that had divers Horns the last whereof was the greatest of all Afterwards he looked towards the West and perceived a Goat carried thorow the Air that butted at the Ram and having encountred him twice had beaten and trampled him under his Feet Thirdly he saw a Goat in whose forehead there grew one great Horn onely which being broken four others brake out instead thereof bending each of them towards
G contribute both Gold and Silver towards the building of the Temple and to furnish them with Cattel for the Sacrifices After that Cyrus had certified the Israelites of this his intent the Princes of the two Tribes of Juda and Benjamin with all the Levites and H Priests departed thence and repaired to Jerusalem Nevertheless divers of the Jews remained in Babylon because they were loth to abandon those Possessions they had gotten Those unto whom Cyrus had directed his Letters afforded them their assistance and furnished them with all things necessary to build the Temple some of them with Gold V. 7. 8. others with Silver and the rest with a certain number of Oxen and Horses Thus payed they their Vows unto God The Vessels belonging to the Temple sent back from Babylon to Jerusalem and offered Sacrifices according to the antient custom as if they had but now first begun to build the City and this were the third time of practising those Ceremonies which our Fathers had observed Cyrus sent them back also those Vessels which were consecrated to God which King Nabuchodonosor had sent unto Babylon after he had spoiled the Temple and delivered them I to Mithridates his Treasurer commanding him to commit them to Abassars hands who should have the custody thereof until the Temple were built to the end that a such time as it should be compleat he might deliver them to the Priests and Princes of the people to be restored again to the service of the Temple He sent Letters also to the Governors of Syria to this effect V. 9. 10. Cyrus the King to Sisine and Sarabasme health I have permitted those Jews that inhabit my Countrey Cyrus's Mandate to the Princes of Syria to return into their native Countrey and to reedify their City and erect the Temple of God in Jerusalem in the same place where it stood before I have also sent my Treasurer Mithridates and Zerobabel the Prince of the Jews with express charge and authority to lay the foundation of the same and to build it sixty Cubit sin heighth and as many in breadth making three Isles of hewen stone and another of such Timber as the K Countrey affordeth the Altar likewise whereupon they may offer Sacrifice unto God And my pleasure is that the charge of all these things be defrayed out of my Coffers I have also sent back those Vessels which Nabuchodonosor took out of the Temple and have delivered them to the Treasurer Mithridates and to Zerobabel the Prince of the Jews to be conveighed to Jerusâ—lem and restored to the Temple of God the number whereof I have hereunder subscribed Fifty Lavers of Gold and four hundred of Silver Fifty pots of Gold and four hundred of Silver Fifty golden Sieves and five hundred of Silver Thirty Ewers of Gold and three hundred of Silver Thirty great Viols of Gold and two thousand four hundred of Silver and besides all these One thousand other great Vessels We grant also unto the Jews the same Revenues which their Predecessors have enjoyed and we do allow them 205200 Darchmes for the purchasing L of Cattel C. 2. v. 1 2. aâ— finem Wine and Oil and we give them 2500 measures of Wheat to make fine Flower which we appoint to be taken out of the Countrey of Samaria and the Priests shall offer up these Sacrifices in Jerusalem The number of the Iews that returned from the captivity of Babylon to Jerusalem according to the ordinance of Moses and during their Sacrifice they shall make Prayers unto God for the preservation of the King and his House to the end that the Empire of the Persians may be still permanent And my Will is that they that disobey and oppose these Commands shall be hanged on a Gibbet and that their Goods shall be confiscate These were the Contents of his Letters Now the number of those that returned from the captivity into Jerusalem was Forty two thousand four hundred sixty two M CHAP. II. The Jews begin to build the Temple at Jerusalem but after the death of Cyrus the Samaritans and other neighbouring Nations writ to King Cambyses his Son to cause him to put a stop to the Work WHilest according to the King's Order Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. the Jews laid the foundation of the Temple and were very busy about the building thereof Esd 4. 2. ad 11. the Nations that bordered upon them and especially the Chutheans whom Salmanazar King of Assyria sent from Persia and Media The Samaritans inhibit the Iews from building the Temple to inhabit in Samaria at such time as he carried away the N people of the ten Tribes incited the Princes and Governors to hinder the Jews from repairing their City and re-edifying the Temple These Men corrupted with Silver sold their negligence and delay to the Chutheans Alias C. 3. v. 11. ad 17. which they used in those Buildings For Cyrus intending his other Wars was ignorant hereof and having conducted his Army against the Massagetes The Letters of the Samaritans and others written to Cambyses as touching the re-edifying of the City and Temple of â—â—rusalem he ended his days in that expedition When as therefore Combyses his Son had obtained the Kingdom they of Syria and Phoenicia the Ammonites Moabites and Samaritans wrote their Letters to Cambyses in these terms O King thy Servants Rathymus the Chancelor Semelius the Scribe and those Men that are Counsellors in Syria and Phoenicia have thought themselves obliged to advertise thee that those Jews that were led Captive into Babilon are returned back into this Countrey and are O about building their City which was destroyed by reason of their rebellion and that they do repair the Walls of the same and re-edify their Temple likewise Know therefore that if these things be permitted to be finished that they will no more endure to be thy Subjects and Tributaries The year of the World 3435. before Christ's Nativity 529. but will oppose themselves against their Kings holding it more fit to command A than to obey We have therefore thought good before the Work be too far advanced to give your Majesty notice that you may search the Records of your forefathers wherein you shall always find that the Jews have been Rebels and enemies to their Kings and that the City hath been for this cause laid desolate unto this present We have thought good to signify thus much to your Majesty which perhaps is unknown unto you because that if this City be once more re-inhabited and inclosed with a Wall they will thereby obstruct your passage into Coelosyria and Phoenicia CHAP. III. B Cambyses forbiddeth the Jews to proceed in re-building the Temple WHen Cambyses had read this Letter being by nature V. 17. ad 22. wicked and malicious he grew jealous and displeased at the Contents thereof Cambyses answer wherein he inhibiteth the Iews
from building the City or Temple and wrote back again after this manner The King Cambyses to Rathymus the Chancellour and to Belsen and Semelius Scribes and to all his other Counsellors and Inhabitants of Samaria and Phoenicia Health Having read your Letters I have commanded the Records of mine Ancestors to be examined and I find that the City of Jerusalem hath been always an enemy to their Kings and that the inhabitants thereof have always raised Sedition and Wars I have likewise found that their Kings have been mighty and that they have exacted from Syria and Phoenicia continual C Tributes Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. alias cap. 4. For this cause I have ordained that the Jews shall not be permitted to re-edify their City for fear lest the boldness of that people being thereby encouraged they should according to their former custom Darius the Son of Hystaspis made Emperour of the Persians practice a new Rebellion After the receipt of these Letters Rathymus and the Scribe Semâ—lius and those of their faction took horse and rode speedily to Jerusalem leading with them a great number of People and prohibiting the Jews from the building their City or Temple Thus was this work interrupted until the second year of the Reign of Darius Ezra 5. v. 6. ad finem King of Persia for the space of nine years For Cambyses reigned six years during which time he subdued Egypt and upon his re-return from thence he dyed in Damascus And after the death of Cambyses the Magi that held the Empire of the Persians for the space of one year being taken away the D chief of the seven principal Families of Persia made Darius the Son of Hystaspis King CHAP. IV. Darius gives leave to Zerobabel a Prince of the Jews to re-build the Temple a great number return to Jerusalem under his conduct and apply themselves to the work The Samaritans and others write to Darius to forbid them but he acts contrary to their desires E DArius Darius voweth to send the sacred Vessels to Ierusalem during the time that he lived a private life made a vow unto God that if he obtained the Kingdom he would send back unto the Temple of Jerusalem all those Vessels which were as yet remaining in Babylon It fell out that about the same time that he was made King Zerobabel Zerobabel who was appointed Governor over the Captive Jews came unto him from Jerusalem And being the Kings antient friend he with two others had three of the Principal Offices of the King's House conferred upon them and were placed the nearest about his person The first year of the Reign of Darius he entertained all his Courtiers with great pomp and magnificence both those of his Houshold and those also that were his Governors and Princes of Media and Persia and the Commanders in India confining upon Ethiopia with all the Chieftains F of his Army in one hundred twenty and seven Provinces Now after they had Feasted and were full of Wine they departed each of them unto their Lodgings to betake themselves to rest Darius propoundeth three questions to three of his Guard but King Darius being laid in his Bed reposed very little all the night long but passed the time without sleep Whereupon seeing he could not compose himself to rest he began to discourse with these three great Officers promising unto him that should most truly and aptly answer those questions that he should demand to grant him licence by way of reward to wear a Purple Garment and to drink in a Golden Cup to lye on a Golden Bed and to ride in a Chariot whose Horses should be harnassed with Gold and to wear the Tiara or linnen Wreath and a Golden Chain about his neck and sit in the next place to the King and should likewise G be called his Kinsman in regard of his Wisdom After he had made these large promises he demanded of the first whether Wine were the strongest of the second H Whether the King were stronger The year of the World 3443 before Christ's Nativity 521. of the third Whether Women or Truth were the strongest of the three As soon as he had deliver'd them these questions to deliberate upon he laid him down to rest Upon the morrow he sent for the Princes Chieftains and Governors of Persia and Media and afterwards sitting aloft in that Throne from whence he was accustomed to determine controversies between his subjects he commanded those three young men in the presence of that Princely Assembly publickly to resolve those questions which he had proposed Whereupon the first of them began after this manner to express the force of Wine The first expresseth the power of wine Noble Princes when I consider the force of Wine I find nothing that can surpass it for Wine disturbeth the judgment and maketh the Princes understanding like to that of a Child who hath I need of one that should always direct him It giveth the slave that freedom in discourse which his thraldom had deprived him of It equalleth the poor man to the rich It changeth and transformeth the soul assuageth the miserable mans grief and maketh the Prisoners forget their bonds and think themselves very rich so that they think not on mean things but talk of Talents and such things as appertain unto the most wealthy It causeth them to lose all apprehension both of Princes and Kings and taketh from them the remembrance of their friends and familiars It armeth them against their greatest friends and maketh them suppose their nearest relations to be strangers and when the Wine concocted by night and sleep hath forsaken them they rise and know not what they have committed in their drunkenness When the first of them had spoken thus in favor of Wine The second extolleth the Kings power he that had undertaken to K shew that nothing was equal to the power of Kings began after this manner Kings saith he have dominion over men Esdr 3 4. who govern the earth and at their pleasure can command the Sea to serve them Kings have power and dominion over those men who master and command the most untamed and mightiest creatures it therefore appeareth that their force and puissance exceedeth that of all these If they command their subjects to wage War and to expose themselves to danger they are obedient and if they send them out against their enemies they willingly obey them by reason of their force By their command they level Mountains beat down Walls and raze Towers And if they command their subjects to kill or be killed they resist not for fear lest they should seem to transgress the Kings commandment When they have obtained the victory all the glory and profit of the War redoundeth unto the King They likewise L that bear no Arms but intend the tillage of the earth after they have born all the toil they reap and
Epistle to the Prefects of Syria Sisin and his Associates being certified of the Kings pleasure resolved to conform themselves unto it and taking the care of the sacred buildings upon them they assisted the Princes and Magistrates of the Jews Ezra 6. 17. in such sort as the building of the Temple was finished I with great diligence The finishing of the Temple by the instigation of the Prophets Aggeus and Zachary according to Gods commandment and by the directions of the Kings Cyrus and Darius so that it was finish'd within seven years In the ninth year of the Reign of Darius and the three and twenty of the eleventh month call'd by us Adar and by the Macedonians Distre the Priests and Levites and all the rest of the people offer'd sacrifices and gave thanks for the renovation of their former felicity after their captivity and for their new Temple also sacrificing 100 Bulls 200 Sheep 400 Lambs 12 Goats according to the number of the 12 Tribes of Israel and for the sins of each of them The Priests and Levites also according to the laws of Moses appointed Porters to every gate For the Jews had built Galleries round about and within the Temple K Now when the Feast of unleavened bread which is the feast of Easter drew near Ver. 15. in the first month called Xanthicus by the Macedonians The Temple dedicated 23 of March or as it is in the 1 of Esdras 6. dedicated the third of March Ver. 16 c. and Nisan by the Hebrews all the people of the Towns round about Jerusalem resorted thither and celebrated the Feast purifying themselves their wives and children according to the ordinance of their Forefathers And after they had solemniz'd the Feast call'd Easter or the Passeover in the 14th Moon they rejoyced for seven days space sparing no cost how great soever They offer'd burnt-offerings also and sacrifices of thanksgiving The Passeover celebrated acknowledging Gods goodness that had brought them home into their native Countrey to live according to the laws of their Forefathers The form of Commonweal in Jerusalem and had caused them to find favor in the eyes of the King of Persia Thus dwelt they in Jerusalem sacrificing unto and serving God and living under L the Government of their Nobility For they set up a kind of Aristocratical Government and the chief authority remain'd in the High-Priests until the Asmonaeans obtained the Kingdom for before the captivity of Babylon they were under the Government of Kings who began from Saul and Davids times about some 532 years six months and ten days and before their Kings certain Governors call'd Judges reigned and under this sort of Polity liv'd they more than 500 years The Samaritans mighty enemies of the Jews from the death of Moses and Joshua And this was the state of the Jews after their captivity during the days of Cyrus and Darius True it is that the Samaritans were their mighty and malicious adversaries and did them many mischiefs trusting in their riches and pretending to be the Persians kinsmen because their original proceeded from thence For they refused to pay M that Tribute which the King had commanded them to disburse unto the Jews to make their sacrifices and the Governors of Syria and Phoenicia lost no opportunity which might promote their design For which cause the Jews determined to send Ambassadors unto King Darius The Embassage of the Jews to Darius to accuse the Samaritans and to that intent Zorobabel and four others were sent As soon therefore as the King understood by these Ambassadors what crimes and accusations they had brought against the Samaritans he dispatched his letters and addressed them to the Governors and Council of Samaria the tenour of which letters was to this effect King Darius to Tangara and Sambaba Governors of Samaria to Sadrach and Bobelon N and to their companions our servants being in Samaria health Zorobabel Ananias and Mardocheus Ambassadors in the behalf of the Jews accuse you to be disturbers of the building of their Temple C. 7. v. 11 12. alledging that you refuse to discharge that which by my decree you ought to furnish them with A commandment to supply the charge of the building of the Temple and Sacrifices for the charge of the Sacrifices My will is therefore that upon the sight of these Letters you deliver out of the Royal Treasury in Samaria appointed for the Tributes all that which shall be necessary for them to perform their Sacrifices upon the requests of the Priests to the intent they let pass no day without sacrifice and prayer unto O God for me and for the Persians This was the contents of his Letters CHAP. V. The year of the World 3506. before Christ's Nativity 458. A Xerxes succeeds his Father Darius in the Kingdom he permitteth Esdras to return with a great number of Jews to Jerusalem Esdras obligeth those that had taken strangers to Wife to send them back His Praise and his Death Nehemiah obtains leave to build the walls of Jerusalem and finisheth that great work AFter Darius death his son Xerxes succeeded him not only as Heir in the government of his Kingdom but also as Successor unto his piety and devotion towards God for he changed not those institutions of his Father that concern'd religious service Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. but B but with great benevolence favoured all the Jews 1 Esdras 7. During his Reign Joacim the son of Jesus was High-Priest Xerxes King of Persia amongst them also that remained in Babylon there lived a Priest with the Jews in that place called Esdras Esdras learned in the law a just man and one of great reputation amongst the people and whereas he was very skilful in the laws of Moses he was much esteem'd by the King This man intending with certain other Jews of Babylon to return to Jerusalem besought the King that he would vouchsafe to bestow his letters of commendations to the Governors of Syria in his behalf Nehem. 2. 1. ad 11. Whereupon the King gave him letters of recommendation to the Governors Xerxes favoureth the Jews certifying them of his favor towards Esdras and to the Princes in those parts to this effect C Xerxes King of Kings to Esdras the Priest and Reader of the Divine Law health It is decreed by me and seven other of my Council that whosoever in my kingdom of the Israelites their Priests or Levites will repair with thee unto Jerusalem may freely do it with my licence and may settle themselves in Judea there to serve the God of their Fathers bearing with them those Presents unto the God of Israel which I had my friends have vowed to offer unto him I likewise give thee licence to take with thee all the gold and silver which any of thy Nation living here in Babylon will offer up unto God to buy
offerings to be sacrificed upon the Altar of thy God and to make whatsoever vessels of gold or silver which either thou or thy Brethren shall think meet Those sacred vessels also which are given thee thou shalt dedicate unto D thy God and if there be ought else requisite in this behalf that thou shalt think fit to provide the charges shalt thou receive out of my treasury I have also commended thee to the Treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia and have written to them that whatsoever Esdras the Priest and Reader of the Law of God shall require they shall presently deliver it to him And to the end that God may be favourable to me and my posterity my will is that an hundred measures of wheat be offer'd unto God according to the Law I command you also that are Magistrates that you exact nothing neither impose any taxations on the Priests Levites Singing-men Porters or holy Officers But thou Esdras according to the wisdom given thee from above shalt appoint Judges who shall in Syria and Phoenicia execute justice unto the people according to your Law Teach thou likewise freely all such as are ignorant so that whosoever violateth either E Gods or the Kings Law he may be fined or else condemned to death as not sinning through ignorance but of contumacy Farewell When Esdras had received this Letter he was well-pleased and gave thanks unto God Ver. 16 17 18. confessing that it was he Esdras assembled the Jews that dwelt in Babylon who was the Author of that favour he had received at the Kings hand And after he had read this Letter unto the Jews that were at that time resident in Babylon he kept the original but sent a copy to all those of his Nation being in the Countrey of the Medes who being inform'd of the King's zeal to the service of God and his favour towards Esdras were very joyful and divers amongst them took their goods and came unto Babylon desiring to return to Jerusalem but the rest of the F Israelites would not abandon or leave their dwelling Whereupon it came to pass that two Tribes were under the obedience of the Romans in Asia and Europe but the ten Tribes were on the other side of Euphrates even until this day and it is incredible how exceedingly they are there multiplied With Esdras there departed a great number of Priests Levites Porters Singing-men and servants of the Temple Now after he had assembled those of the captivity that inhabited on this side Euphrates and sojourned there three days he commanded them to solemnize a Fast and to pray unto God for his preservation that no evil might happen unto him and that neither their enemies nor any other might do them any violence For Esdras had foretold the King that God would be their Protector and that therefore he requir'd no Convoy of Horsemen at G his hand for his security After that they had recommended themselves unto God they set forward on their way the twelfth day of the first month of the seventh year of the H Reign of Xerxes and arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the same year Whereupon he incontinently presented unto the Treasurers who were of the race of the Priests the sacred depositum wherewith he was intrusted which consisted of 650 Talents of silver and of silver vessels an 100 Talents of vessels of gold to the value of 20 Talents of brazen vessels more precious than gold the weight of 12 Talents These were the Presents of the King and his Friends Esdras repaireth to Jerusalem and committeth the vessels and other precious Presents to the Treasurers hands and of the Israelites that dwelt in Babylon When Esdras had deliver'd these Presents into the hands of the Priests he offer'd burnt-offerings unto God according to the Law namely 12 Bulls for the publick conservation of the people 72 Rams and Lambs and 12 Goats for a sin-offering And afterward I he deliver'd the Kings Letters to his Princes and Governors in Coelosyria and Phoenicia who being constrain'd to execute that which was enjoin'd them by the King honour'd the Nation of the Jews and supplied them every ways in their necessities We owe unto Esdras the honour of this Transmigration for he not only laid the design of it but his virtue and piety were undoubtedly the cause that God gave him so good success in the undertaking Not long after there came certain Men unto him complaining that some of the people Priests and Levites had transgressed against their Ordinances and broken the Laws of the Countrey in that they had espoused certain strange women and corrupted the purity of the Sacerdotal race requiring him that he would have a regard to Gods Ordinances K for fear lest he being displeased with them should cast them again into that misery from which he had so lately deliver'd them Esdras prayers for the Levites that had married strangers Esdras hereupon was so much afflicted that he rent his cloaths and tore his hair and pulled his beard and cast himself upon the ground because the chief among the people were concern'd in that offence And because he feared left if he should command them to forsake their wives Esdr 9. per totum and those children which they had begotten by them he should not be obey'd he continu'd in grief and lay continually upon the ground Whereupon all those resorted unto him who were not guilty and wept and lamented with him because of that which had hapned In this affliction of mind Esdras raising himself from the earth and lifting up his hands to Heaven said That he was ashamed to look thereupon because the offences of the people L were so heinous and that they had so soon lost the memory of those calamities wherewith their Forefathers had been visited for their sins Nevertheless O Lord said he since thy mercy is infinite have pity I beseech thee on the remnant that hath escaped that long captivity and which thou hast brought back into their native Countrey Spare them O Lord and though they have deserved death yet let thy mercy appear in the sparing of their lives Whil'st thus both he and those that came unto him lamented with him with their wives and children a certain man called Achonias one of the principal men of Jerusalem came to him and said That they had sinned because they had espoused strange women and persuaded Esdras to command them all to banish both them and the children begotten by them advising that they who obey'd not the Law might be punish'd Esdras persuaded by these words M made all the Princes of the Priests Levites and Tribes of Israel swear That they would dismiss their wives and children according to the counsel of Achonias And as soon as he had received their oaths he departed from the Temple unto Johns house the son of Eliasib and there spent he all the day without tasting any meat by
reason of the grief which he had conceiv'd Hereupon an Edict was publish'd That all they that were returned from the captivity should repair within two or three days to Jerusalem under the penalty that they who defaulted and came not within the prefixed time should be held as excommunicate and their goods confiscate to the publick treasury of the Temple by the ordinance of the Priests They of the Tribes of Juda and Benjamin came thither within three days on the 20 day of the ninth month call'd by the Hebrews Thebeth and by the Macedonians Appellaeus N And as soon as they were seated in the upper part of the Temple in the presence of the Elders Esdr 10. v. â— 10 11. Esdras arose and reprov'd them because they had transgress'd the Law in taking wives who were not of their Nation For which cause he told them that if they would do that which were agreeable unto God and profitable for themselves they should dismiss such wives Whereupon with a loud voice they all cried That they would do it willingly but that there was no small number of them and that it was the winter-season and the matter of that consequence as one or two days could not end it For which cause they thought it very needful that the execution were deferred for a while and that at the length some of the Princes who were free from that crime with certain other chosen Elders of every place should make inquisition after them that had married O wives contrary to the prescript of the Law Which being approv'd by them about the New Moon of the tenth month this Inquisition began which continued until the New Moon of the month ensuing and there were many of the family of Jesus the High-Priest Priest The year of the World 3516. before Christ's Nativity 458. and of the Priests Levites and Israelites that making more account of the observation A of the Laws than of the natural affections to their wives and children did presently put away their wives and those children they had by them and sacrificed certain Rams for a peace-offering unto God whose names it were needless to reckon up in this place When Esdras had in this manner reform'd the abuse committed by such marriages he so corrected the evil custom thereof that this confirmation continued firm and irrevocable for ever In the seventh month they solemniz'd the Feast of Tabernacles whereto when all the people were resorted they all came together in an open place in the Temple The reading of Moses Law towards the gate that looketh Eastward requiring Esdras that he would read Moses's B Ordinances unto them which he performed and standing up in the midst of the multitude Nehem. 8. v. 1. ad 11. he read the Law unto them from the morning until noon By which reading not only for the present but for the time to come they were informed of their duty and calling to mind that which was past they were so sorrowful that the tears fell from their eyes when they consider'd that if they had kept the Law they had not suffer'd any of those evils wherewith they had been afflicted But Esdras beholding them in that state advis'd them to repair home and to weep no more because that day was a solemn and holy day wherein they ought not to weep because it was forbidden But he commanded them rather to intend their feasts and pleasures and to make this good use of their remorse for their former sins that they might not fall into the like for the time to come They following Esdras exhortation began to celebrate the Solemnity and continued C their feast of Tabernacles eight days After which time they returned every one unto his house praising God in hymns and thanking Esdras for the reformation of those unlawful marriages which had been contracted with strangers after he had gotten great honour among the people he finish'd his days in an happy old age and was buried honorably in Jerusalem About the same time also died Joacim the High-Priest whose son Eliacim succeeded in his place After this it came to pass Nehem. 1. 1. ad 5. that a certain man that was one of the captive Jews and King Xerxes Butler called Nehemias walking before the City of Susa which was the Metropolitan City of Persia heard certain strangers that came from far upon their entrance into the City talking with one another in the Hebrew Tongue whereupon he drew D near unto them and ask'd them Whence they â—ame They answer'd That they came from Judea which as soon as he knew he inquir'd after the state of Jerusalem their native City and how the people fared To whom they answer'd That they werâ— in very bad state and that their City-walls were demolished and that the Nations round about them afflicted the Jews with many outrages making inroads into their Countrey and spoiling them daily so that divers of them were led away Prisoners yea some Citizens of Jerusalem and that the High-wayes were found full of dead bodies Hereupon Nehemias began to weep thorow the compassion he had of his distressed brethren and looking up towards Heaven How long said he O Lord wilt thou see our Nation thus afflicted without taking care of us Behold how we are made a prey to all men Whil'st thus he walked before the gate and E lamented bitterly word was brought him that the King was ready to sit down to his meat whereupon he hasted away to give his attendance according to his office As soon as Supper was done the King grew pleasant and casting his eyes upon Nehemias whom he perceiv'd to be heavy and disconsolate he ask'd him what he ailed Nehemias after he had besought God to give him persuasive words to discourse unto the King answer'd O King how is it possible but that I should be afflicted when I hear that the walls of Jerusalem which is my native Countrey are levelled with the ground and the Sepulchres and Monuments of my Predecessors are defaced and the gates of the City are burned Do me therefore this grace that I may go thither and repair it and finish the rest of the building of the Temple The King gave ear to his request and promis'd him his Letters assuring him That he F would address them to the Governors commanding them to do him honour and to furnish him with all things necessary to accomplish that which he intended For which cause said he cease to be afflicted and give thy attendance chearfully Hereupon Nehemias adored God and thanked the King for the promise he had made him and therefore by the joy he conceived he cleared that confusion and sorrow that before he bare in his countenance The next day the King called for him and gave him Letters unto Sadeas the Governor of Syria Phoenicia and Samaria in which he commanded him to honour Nehemias and to furnish him with all things necessary for that building
He gave besides this two vessels of Gold scaled from the bottom as far as the half part of the Cup and besides that inriched with divers precious Stones curiously enchased And in the midst of them there was a labyrinth a Cubit high made of all sorts of precious Stones and at the foot thereof were ingraven spires after the manner of twigs and M fast by them a certain fold like unto a net made in oval fashion that ascended even unto the brimes The midst thereof was filled with little targets of the bigness of four fingers made of precious Stones and round about the edges thereof were Lillies ivy flowers and vines with their clusters of grapes engraven round about This was the beauty and excellency of those two Cups each of them containing twenty and four pints There were also others made of Silver so transparent as if they had been of the purest Chrystal thorow which all things that were put into them were manifestly discovered He caused also thirty ewers to be made in which all the Gold that was not covered with precious stones was shadowed with ivy leaves and vine branches most curiously engraven and all these things were not only curiously wrought N by the wonderfull cunning of the workemen but were in like manner seconded by an ambitious diligence of the King who thinking it not enough that without sparing for any thing he had undertaken the charge did oftentimes forsaking his most serious affairs visit the shops and examine the workes and that which more and more increased their diligence was because they saw him so intent upon the work And these were the presents which were sent by this King to be dedicated in the Temple of Jerusalem The 70 Interpreters 〈…〉 All which being consecrated and layed up in the Temple by the High-Priest Eleazar after he had greatly honoured those that brought them thither and given them certain presents to be tendered in his behalf unto the King O he dismissed and sent them back again No sooner were they arrived in Alexandaria but the King having notice thereof and how the seventy two Elders were come with H them he sent to seek out his Ambassadors The year of the World 3684. before Christ's Nativity 280. Andrew and Aristaeus who came and presented him with letters from the High-Priest Eleazar and answered him to all which he demanded of them And being desirous to communicate with the Elders that came from Jerusalem to expound and interpret the Law he contrary to his ordinary custom and manner dismissed all those that came to him about private business to whome he was accustomed to give audience every fifth day as he used monthly to forrain Ambassadors Having therefore for that time dismissed them he kept those by him whom Eleazar had sent unto him who coming to his presence accompained with those presents which the High-Priest had delivered them to present unto him with the Original where in the Law was written in Golden Letters he asked them I where their books were and they discovering and opening them shewed them unto him After the King had seen them he was very much astonished to see the parchments so delicate and to behold the whole form thereof so perfectly conjoyned that it was impossible to discover the seames and he told them that he gave them thanks that were come unto him and unto him that had sent them but more especially unto God who was the Author of these laws Whereupon the Elders and those that assited them cried out altogether and wished that all good hap might befall the King who through the excessive joy that he conceived burst out into tears For naturally extream joy as well as great griefis the cause of tears After he had commanded that these books should be committed to their trust who were deputed to that office at length he saluted K the Elders telling them that it was very requisite after he should have treated with them concerning the occasion of their coming to take care of their particular entertainment In a word he confessed unto them that their coming was so acceptable unto him that he promised them so long time as he lived he would every year renew and honour the memory of that day and by good hap it was the very same day wherein he overcame Antigonus by Sea His pleasure was also that they should be his guests and he caused divers goodly lodgings to be assigned them under the Castle Nicanor likewise who had the charge to entertain strangers commanded Dorotheus who was ordinarily imployed in the same to prepare for every one of them such things as were necessary for their diet and entertainment For so was it ordained L by the King that in every City there should be a Commissary appointed to provide for forrainers that should come to that place to the intent they might be treated according to their own customes intending thereby that their entertainment should be the more agreeable unto them and that they might be the less tired with forrain novelties This custome of his was put in practice at this time by Dorotheus's care and exact diligence who in his own person disposed all that which was necessary for 〈◊〉 hospitality He prepared two places to banquet in in two several parts according as the King had commanded him so that some of them might sit on either side of him and the rest might be placed near unto his Table omitting nothing of that which concerned their honour When they were in this manner placed the King commanded Dorotheus M to entertain them as he was wont to do those who repaired unto his Court from Judaea Hereupon he dismissed the Egyptian Priest and others that were wont to make the ordinary prayers which done he commanded that one of the Elders called Elisaeus who was a Priest should bless the Table whereupon he standing upright in the midst of them all besought God to bless both the King and his Subjects with all happiness Whereupon there arose an applause and acclamation of all men which being ceased they fell to their banquet and made good cheer with that which was set before them When the King had kept silence so long as he thought convenient he began at last to Play the Philosopher The banquet that Ptolomey made for the Jews and their prayers before meat asking of every one of them certain questions in Physick praying them to discuss the same and when each of them in order had very pertinently N answered to the question that was propounded unto them the King took great pleasure therein and for twelve days space he continued this feast Whoso desireth to know the questions that were proposed unto them in particular let them read the Book which Aristaeus hath written to that effect The King was astonished at their answers and the Philosopher Menedemus confessed that they confirmed him in his opinion that all things were administred
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
a great warrior and very respective of the commandments of his father Matthias having done and suffer'd all that was possible to recover the liberty of his Countrey Being therefore after this manner accomplished he had left behind him a perpetual renown of his worthy acts and an honourable memory of himself obtained by the liberty in which he re-established his Nation delivering them from the servitude of the Macedonians He died after he had discharged the office of the High-Priest for the space of three years E F H The Thirteenth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 3085. before Christ's Nativity 159. Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Thirteenth Book 1. Jonathan after his brother Judas's death succeedeth in the Government 2. Jonathan having wearied Bacchides by War compelleth him to make a League and draw I off his Army 3. Alexander the son of Antiochus Epiphanes maketh War upon King Demetrius 4. Demetrius sendeth an Ambassador to Jonathan with Presents persuading him to be of his party 5. Alexander by greater Presents than Demetrius and by offering the High-Priesthood to Jonathan draweth him over to his party 6. Of the Temple of God built by Onias 7. How Alexander after the death of Demetrius highly honour'd Jonathan 8. Demetrius the son of Demetrius overcoming Alexander possesseth the Kingdom and maketh an alliance with Jonathan K 9. Triphon Apamenus after he had overcome Demetrius reserved the Kingdom for Antiochus Alexander's son who receiveth Jonathan into favor 10. Demetrius being overcome by the Parthians Triphon breaketh his covenant of peace and laying hold on Jonathan traiterously killeth him and afterwards assaulteth Simon his brother 11. How the Nation of the Jews committed both the Priesthood and the Government of the Army to Simon 12. Simon driving Tryphon into Dora besieged him and maketh a League with Antiochus sirnamed Pius 13. A debate arising between Antiochus and Simon Cendebaeus the Kings Captain is driven L out of the Countrey 14. How Simon was traiterously slain at a banquet by Ptolomy his father-in-law 15. How Ptolomy's endeavors being made frustrate Hircanus obtaineth the Government 16. How Antiochus sirnamed the Just leading an Army against Hircanus for 300 Talents is reconciled and entreth into a League 17. Hircanus 's expedition into Syria 18. How Antiochus Cyzicenus assisting the Samaritans is conquered and enforced to flie 19. Aristobulus causeth himself to be crowned King 20. The acts of Alexander the King of the Jews 21. The victory of Ptolomy Lathurus against Alexander M 22. Demetrius Eucaerus overcometh Alexander in battel 23. The expedition of Antiochus Dionysius into Jewry 24. Alexander being dead his wife Alexandra succeeded him in the Kingdom CHAP. I. After the death of Judas Machabeus Jonathan his brother is by the Jews chosen General of their Army Bacchides the Commander of Demetrius's Army attempts to kill him treacherously but failing he assaults him openly A great battel and a fair retreat managed N by Jonathan The son of Amar kills his brother John and thereby draws the divine vengeance on his head Bacchides besiegeth him and Simon his brother in Bethalaga but they force him to raise his siege WE have declar'd in the former Book how the Nation of the Jews after they had been under the subjection of the Macedonians recovered their liberty we have likewise related the great wars of Judas their Captain and in which he was at last slain in the defence of their liberty how likewise after the death of Judas all the wicked Apostate Jews who had revolted from their Religion took courage molesting and doing many injuries O to the rest of their Countreymen Finally how besides their malice the Famine raged in the Countrey so that divers being unable to sustain these two scourges of Famine and War were constrain'd to submit themselves unto the Macedonians In the mean while Bacchides gathering together the Apostates who were fallen from the Religion A of the Jews with an intent to live after the manner of the Heathen committeth the government of the Countrey unto them who laying hold on Judas's friends and partakers betrayed and deliver'd them to Bacchides who first of all tormented and beat them The Jews compelled by the Apostates and by famine submit themselves to the Macedonians and afterwards put them to death This so great affliction than which the Jews had never endured a worse since their return from Babylon was the cause that those of Judas's faction who were yet alive fearing the total ruine of their Nation addressed themselves to Jonathan his brother exhorting him to imitate his brother Judas 's virtues and to have no less care of his Countrey than him who dyed in the defence of it beseeching him that he would not suffer his Nation to perish for want of a Captain Bacchides murthereth those of Judas's faction since he himself was so well B qualified to command them Jonathan answer'd them That he was ready to dye for them and being in all things esteemed no less valiant and politick than his brother Judas he was proclaimed General and Captain of the Jews Bacchides having notice hereof Jonathan by the publick instigation of the Jews undertaketh the government feared lest Jonathan should be no less troublesom to the King and the Macedonians than his brother Judas before him had been for which cause he sought means to make him away by Treason But both Jonathan and his brother Simon gat intelligence thereof and having discover'd his practice they took all their families with them Bacchides comploâ—teth to betray Jonathan and his brother and fled into the desart that confin'd upon the City of Jerusalem and retiring near unto a water call'd the Lake of Asphar they remained in that place When Bacchides perceiv'd that they mistrusted him and were driven thither he went out against them with all his Forces and being encamped on the other side of Jordan he gathered C his Army together Jonathan knowing well that Bacchides came out to seek him sent his brother John sirnamed Gaddis unto the Arabians and Nabatheans to commit the trust of their goods into their hands Bacchides draweth out his Forces against Jonathan until the end of the War betwixt him and Bacchides for the Arabians were his friends Whil'st therefore John marched towards the Nabatheans who were of the City of Medaba the sons of Amareus laid an ambush for him and after they had furiously set upon him on the way and laid hold on whatsoever he brought with him John the brother of Judas is slain by Amars son they at length slew him and all his company for which fact of theirs they were shortly after punished by his brethren as we shall relate hereafter When Bacchides knew that Jonathan was encamped in the Marshes of Jordan Bacchides assaileth Jonathan on the Sâ—bbath-day and loseth 2000 of his men he made D choice
of the thirds of the fruit of your lands and the half of the fruit of your trees which heretofore you have been accustomed to pay that you may enjoy them peaceably from this time forward I acquit you also at this present for ever of all that which the Inhabitants of Judea and the three Provinces annexed thereunto Samaria Galilee and Peraea are bound to pay me willing L and commanding that the City of Jerusalem be held sacred and enjoy the priviledge of a Sanctuary and that it shall be exempt from the payment of tythes and all manner of impositions And I commit the fortress in the same to the hands of Jonathan the High-Priest permitting him to place such a Garison therein as he shall think fit and such as will faithfully keep it for his use I will also that all the Jews who are imprisoned in my Countrey be set at liberty Moreover it is my pleasure that no Horses of the Jews be taken up to run Post for us I grant also that the Sabbaths and festival dayes and three dayes also before every one of those feasts be dayes of liberty and freedom And my will is that the Jews who inhabit within my dominions be likewise freed from all molestations The like priviledge grant I them that will bear Arms with me to the number of 30000 who in what place soever they shall be shall have M no worser entertainment than mine own Army and part of them will I place in my Garisons the rest shall be of my guard and I will make them Captains in my Court and will permit them to live according to the ordinances of their Country which they shall observe and I will also that the three governments annexed to Judea be made subject unto the same laws My pleasure is in like manner that the High-Priest shall take order that no Jew shall worship in any other Temple than that of Jerusalem and of my own charge I give every year an 150000 sicles of silver to be employed in Sacrifices and that which shall be over and above those Sacrifices my pleasure is that it shall be your profit Moreover I acquit the Priests and Ministers of the Temple of the 10000 drachms of silver which the Kings levied on the Temple because they appertain unto the Priests who serve in the Temple as I have been rightly informed I grant N also to all those who shall repair unto the Temple of Jerusalem for refuge and within the precincts thereof whether it be for money due unto the King or for any other cause that they be acquit thereof and receive not any damage in their goods I permit also that the Temple be repaired and built at my charge My will is also that the walls of the City be re-edified and that certain Towers be built about the same at my expence Furthermore if there be any places fit to build fortresses and strong holds in thorow all the Countrey of Judea and to place Garisons in them my will is that all this be done and fortified at the charges levied out of mine own coffers These are the promises and offers that Demetrius made unto the Jews But King Alexander having gathered great Forces as well of strange and hired Soldiers O as of those who in Syria had revolted from Demetrius led forth his whole Army against the Enemy and after the Ensigns were displayed and the onset given the left wing of Demetrius compelled Alexanders Soldiers that fought against it to flie and his men pursuing them spoiled their Camp But the Right Wing in which the King himself A was being forced to retire was discomfited and as for the rest they betook themselves to flight but Demetrius fighting valiantly slew some of his enemies and in pursuing others who could not endure his fierce assault was in the end by setting spurs to his Horse The battel between Alexander and Demetrius and of Demetrius's death carried into a deep and muddy Bog whereinto by chance his Horse fell and being unable to get out he was slain in that place For being discover'd by his enemies they turned back upon him and having inclosed him they altogether shot their arrows against him so that he being on foot and fighting valiantly was at length slain after he had received divers wounds and was no longer able to resist Thus died Demetrius who departed this life the eleventh year of his Reign as we have related in another place B CHAP. VI. Onias the son of Onias the High-Priest builds a Temple in Egypt of the same form with that at Jerusalem A contention between the Jews and the Samaritans before Ptolemy Philometor King of Egypt concerning the Temple of Jerusalem and that of Garizim The Samaritans lose the cause BUT Onias the son of the High-Priest Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. called also Onias who flying out of his Countrey Onias the son of Onias the High-Priest seeketh to build a Temple in Egypt lived in Alexandria with Ptolomey Philometor as we have heretofore declared C seeing all Judea destroyed by the Macedonians and their Kings and intending to acquire immortal praise determined to beseech the King Ptolomey and the Queen Cleopatra by Letters That it might be lawful for him to build a Temple in Egypt resembling in all things that at Jerusalem and that he might have liberty to place Levites and Priests in it of his own kindred And hereunto was he especially moved by a certain Prophecy of Isaiah who more than 600 years before had foretold that a Temple should be assuredly built in Egypt in honour of Almighty God by a Jew Being therefore encouraged by this Prediction he wrote a Letter to Ptolomey and Cleopatra to this effect During the time that I was employed in your Wars and by Gods favourable assistance have D done you many services I have visited Coelosyria and Phoenicia and have been in the City of Leontopolis which is in the Territories of Heliopolis I have also visited divers other places wherein the Jews have built Temples without observing those Rules that are necessary upon such an occasion which is the cause that they agree not among themselves as also the like hath hapned among the Egyptians through the multitude of Temples and the great diversity of Religions And having found out a very convenient place near a Castle called Bubastis in the Plain where there is store of all sorts of materials for building and Cattel fit for sacrifice I beseech you that it may be lawful for me to purifie the Temple that is ruinated in that place and dedicated to no sacred power and that in stead thereof to erect a Temple in honour of Almighty God according to the form and dimensions of that Temple which is at Jerusalem where E we shall pray for the preservation and prosperity both of your Self your Queen and Children And this will certainly unite all the Jews within the Kingdom of Egypt for they
will all in this place assemble to celebrate the praises of God according as it hath been foretold by the Prophet Isaias There shall be saith he a Temple for our Lord God in Egypt many other things also hath he foretold touching this place This is the substance of that which Onias wrote unto King Ptolomey And by his answer which he made hereunto a man may easily conjecture what piety was both in him and Cleopatra his sister and wife For they have returned the sin and transgression of the Law which through this means fell upon Onias's head by this answer that ensueth F King Ptolomey and Queen Cleopatra to Onias the High-Priest Health We have perused your Letters by which you desire us to give you leave to cleanse the Temple that is defaced at Leontopolis in the seignory of Heliopolis in the place called Bubastis in the Plain We marvel very much that a Temple built in a place so unclean and full of execrable Beasts should be acceptable unto God but since that you inform us that the Prophet Isaiah did long since prophesie the same we give you liberty if it may be done according to the Law and with this condition that we commit not any sin against God G Upon this answer Onias taking possession of the place built therein a Temple and erected an Altar unto God according to the model of the Temple of Jerusalem but H far less and less rich I think it no wayes requisite to declare the dimensions thereof nor the vessels belonging to it because I describe them particularly in my seventh book of the Wars and Captivity of the Jews neither wanted there some Levites and Priests who being of the same opinion with Onias officiated at the celebration of Divine Service A Temple built in Egypt by Ptolomey's consent But let this suffice for the present touching the Temple But it came to pass that the Jews of Alexandria and the Samaritans that brought in the Service and Worship of the Temple upon the mount Garizim under Alexander the Great The Wars of the Jews lib. 7. cap. 37. dissented from one another and debated their differences before Ptolomey For the Jews said That the Temple in Jerusalem built according to Moses laws and ordinances Sedition betwixt the Jews and Samaritans as touching their Temple was the lawful Temple but the Samaritans maintained That that which was built I on mount Garazim was the true Temple They therefore besought the King That it would please him to sit in judgment with the assistance of his friends to hear their allegations in this behalf and to condemn the party unto death who should be found faulty in his process Now the advocates which pleaded for the Samaritans were Sabbeus and Theodosius and Andronicus the son of Messalem defended the cause of those of Jerusalem and the other Jews And both of them swore both by God and the King That they would bring their proofs according to the Law beseeching Ptolomey to adjudge him to death whom he should find to have falsifi'd his oath The King therefore sat down with his friends to hear the cause and determine their differences But the Jews of Alexandria were much displeased with them that had drawn the preheminence of the Temple K at Jerusalem into question and were highly discontent that a Temple so ancient and famous and so esteemed and honoured through the whole World should be so disparaged When therefore the day of Audience was come Sabbeus and Theodosius suffered Andronicus to speak first who began to prove the lawfulness holiness and religion of the Temple in Jerusalem out of the Law and by the successive government of the High Priests who from father to son and from hand to hand had received this honour therein alledging That all the Kings of Asia had honoured the Majesty of that place with presents and rich oblations whereas neither in the record of men nor course of antiquity the Temple of Garizim had been in any estimation Hereunto he added such other reasons as persuaded the King that the Temple of Jerusalem was built according to L the ordinance of Moses and caused him to adjudge Sabbeus and Theodosius to death This may suffice to have spoken concerning the differences of the Jews of Alexandria and such things as befell them during Ptolomey Philometors time CHAP. VII Alexander Ballez finding himself by the death of Demetrius in the peaceable possession of the Realm of Syria espouseth the daughter of Ptolomey Philometor King of Egypt Great honour is done by Alexander to Jonathan the High-Priest M AFter that Demetrius was slain in the field as we have already related Alexander made himself King of Syria Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. and wrote to Ptolomey Philometor 1 Mac. 11. 1. desiring his daughter Alexander King of Syria marrieth Cleopatra Ptolomeys daughter the Princess Cleopatra in marriage telling him That it was not below his dignity to contract affinity with him since he had obtained his fathers Empire by the favor of God and had overcome Demetrius Ptolomey yielding a willing ear to his request wrote back That he was very glad that he had recovered his fathers kingdom promising him to give him his daughter in marriage assuring him that he would meet him at Ptolomais and bring his daughter unto him to that place and there celebrate the Nuptials After he had written these Letters Ptolomey made haste to Ptolomais and led with him his daughter Cleopatra where meeting with Alexander according to their appointment he deliver'd him his daughter N and gave her a dowry worthy of so great a King Unto the solemnizing of his marriage Alexander by Letters invited the High-Priest Jonathan commanding him to come to him to Ptolomais He went thither and presented magnificent Presents to both the Kings he was highly honour'd by both insomuch as Alexander constrained him to put off his ordinary garments and to put on a purple robe and after that to sit upon a royal Throne commanding his Captains to march before him through the City and to command by publick Edict That no man should dare to speak anything against him nor offer him any cause of discontent All which the Captains performed so that they who purposely and maliciously came thither to accuse him seeing the honour that was done unto him by the King fled away lest the mischief which they designed for him should fall upon O their own heads This King Alexander loved Jonathan so intirely that he afforded him the chief place amongst his dearest friends CHAP. VIII The year of the World 3818. before Christ's Nativity 146. A Demetrius Nicanor the son of King Demetrius entreth into Cilicia with an Army King Alexander Ballez gives the command of his to Apollonius who with very ill success sets upon Jonathan the High-Priest who defeats him takes Azot and burns the Temple of Dagon Ptolemey Philometor King of Egypt
brothers and besiegeth Ptolomais King Ptolomey Lathyrus whom Queen Cleopatra N his mother had banish'd out of Egypt came to relieve Ptolomais the Inhabitantâ— would not let him in Alexander raiseth the siege treateth openly with Ptolomey and privately with Queen Cleopatra WHen Aristobulus was dead Hedio Ruffinus cap. 19. Salome his Wife whom the Greeks called Alexandra set his brothers at liberty Salome sirnamed Alexandra Aristobulus 's Wife maketh Jannaeus Alexander King whom as we have heretofore declared he had made Prisoners and made Jannaeus who was called Alexander King who both in age and modesty surpassed all the other brethren but he was so unfortunate that from his birth-day upward his father had conceived so great a hatred against him that he never admitted him to his presence so long as he lived The cause whereof O as it is reported was this When as Hircanus loved Aristobulus and Antigonus who were his two eldest sons with most intire affection God appeared unto him in his sleep A of whom he demanded The year of the World 3864. before Christ's Nativity 100. Who should succeed him Whereupon God presented unto his sight the resemblance of Alexander whereat he was displeased that as soon as he was born he sent him out of his presence into Galilee to be nourished and brought up in that place But God hath apparently proved that he lied not to Hircanus For after Aristobulus's death Alexander executeth the one brother that affected the crown and honoured the other he taking possession of the Kingdom caused one of his two brethren to be put to death who endeavored to make himself King and as for the other who resolved to live in idleness and pleasure he honour'd him greatly After that he had setled his estate according as he thought it most expedient he led forth his Army against Ptolomais and having obtained the upper hand in the battel he blocked up the men within their City Alexander besiegeth Ptolomais and afterwards besieg'd it For amongst all the B Cities of the Sea-coast these two only namely Ptolomais and Gaza remained as yet unconquer'd Zoilus Tyraâ—â— of Straton and Dora and there was no adversary left but Zoilus who had seized of the Tower of Straton and Dora where he govern'd Whil'st Antiochus Philometor and Antiochus Cyzicenus were thus at Debate and VVar the one against the other and consum'd each others Forces the Ptolemaidans had not any succor from them But whil'st they were engag'd in this Siege Zoilus who held the Tower of Straton and Dora assisted them with that Army he had under his command and gave them some succors by reason that seeing these two Kings were so eagerly incens'd against each other he contriv'd how to advance himself to the crown and sovereignty For these two Kings seem'd to neglect their own dangers resembling those Wrastlers who though being wearied with fighting yet C are ashamed to submit unto their adversary but give themselves a breathing time that they may the better be heartned to re-encounter The only hopes they had were in the Kings of Egypt and in Ptolomey Lathyrus who held the Isle of Cyprus at that time whither he retir'd himself after he had been driven out of his kingdom by Cleopatra his mother To him the Ptolomaidans sent Ambassadors as unto their Ally requiring him to come and deliver them from Alexander's hands into which they were in danger to fall These Ambassadors persuaded him That if he would pass into Syria he should have both Zoilus to friend and those of Gaza to his followers in rescuing of the Ptolomaidans and moreover they assured him That the Sidonians and divers others would second him and by this means so encourag'd him with promises that he made haste to set sail D But in the mean space Demenetus who was both eloquent and in great authority with the Citizens made the Ptolomaidans change their resolution telling them That it was much better for them to hazard themselves in some uncertain danger wherewith the Jews threatned them than to deliver themselves into the hands of such a Master from whom they could expect nothing but manifest slavery And moreover not only to sustain a present War but that which is more an imminent War from Egypt that Cleopatra would not permit that Ptolomey should levy an Army of the Neighbouring Nations but would come against them with a great power and would endeavor also to thrust her son out of Cyprus And as for Ptolomey if he were frustrate of his hope Zoilus and the Gazeans require aid against the Jews at Ptolomey's hands yet he might notwithstanding once more return again to Cyprus in this case they were to expect no less than extreme danger Now although that Ptolomey E being at Sea understood how the Ptolomaidans had chang'd their opinion yet continued he his course onward and landing in the Port of Sicamine he caused his Army who were of Foot and Horse to the number of 30000 Men to take Land and with them he approach'd Ptolomais and perceiving that upon his encamping they of the City admitted not his Ambassadors neither in any sort gave ear unto them he was wondrously perplexed But after Zoilus and they of Gaza came unto him intreating him to grant them assistance for that their Countrey was destroy'd by the Jews and by Alexander For which cause Alexander raised his siege from before Ptolomais for fear of Ptolomey and retiring his Army into his own Countrey he began to use this stratagem For covertly he incited Cleopatra against Ptolomey and openly he made shew of amity and F confederacy with Ptolomey Alexander persuadeth Ptolomey to cut off Zoilus promising him to give him 400 Talents of silver provided that he would deliver him the Tyrant Zoilus and assign those possessions held by him unto the Jews Ptolomey having made a peace and league with Alexander did at that time willingly lay hold on Zoilus Zoilus taken but after that he understood that Alexander had sent and incensed his mother against him Ptolomais besieged by Ptolomey he brake all agreement and besieg'd Ptolomais that would not entertain him He left his Lieutenants at the siege with part of his Forces and marched away with the rest Ptolomey taketh Azâ—r a Town in Galilee to invade and pillage the Countrey of Judea Alexander perceiving Ptolomey's intent assembled about 50000 fighting Men of his own Coutrey or as some Historians have written 80000 with whom he went out to fight against Ptolomey who suddenly setting upon Azoch a City of Galilee on a Sabbath-day took it by G force and carried away from thence 10000 Prisoners and a great quantity of other booty CHAP. XXI A Ptolomey Lathyrus's great victory over Alexander King of the Jews his horrid barbarity Cleopatra Ptolomey's mother cometh to assist the Jews against him His attempt to subdue Egypt is frustrated Alexander taketh Gaza and
disposing of the Pharisees Hiâ—canus High-Priest commanding the people to obey and serve them She also renewed and confirmed that which Hircanus had disannulled and the Pharisees according to the customs of their forefathers had introduced so that she bare the name and the Pharisees the Authority Royal. The Pharisees admitted to the administration of the Commonweal are greedy of revenge For they restored such as were banished to their estates and delivered Prisoners and in all things they demeaned themselves like great Lords Alexandra I also for her part undertook the care of the Commonweal and kept a great number of Soldiers in pay and increased her power in such sort that the Tyrants round about feared her and deliver'd the hostages and pledges of peace All the Countrey was at quiet Aristobulus his followers accuse the Pharisees of Tyranny only the Pharisees troubled the Queen persuading her to put those to death who had counselled King Alexander to put those 800 to death of whom we have spoken before and they themselves afterwards slew one that was called Diogenes and after him divers others one after another until such time as those in authority came unto the Royal Palace accompanied with Aristobulus who seemed to be displeased with that which had been done and who if the occasion were offer'd made shew that he would not permit his Mother to govern after that manner and told her that which had K hapned and in what dangers they had been to express their duty and loyalty which they ow'd to their deceased Master and how for that cause they had been greatly honour'd by him requiring of her that she would not utterly frustrate them of their hopes which they expected for their service that now they that had escaped from the danger of their foreign Enemies were in their houses murthered like Beasts by their private Foes without any relief or succors from any one They furthermore urged That if their Adversaries would content themselves with those they had slain they would endure their misfortunes patiently by reason of the sincere affection they bare unto their Lords but if they must needs as yet suffer the like they required that they might have liberty to retire For that they would not procure their safety otherwise than by her consent and would rather suffer a voluntary death near unto her Royal Palace if they might L not be spared for that it would be a shame both for themselves and for the Queen if by her toleration those who had been her deceased husbands friends should be thus abused by them which were his Enemies That Aretas King of Arabias and other Princes would be glad of this news to hear that she should deprive her self of those whose names have been dreadful even amongst those neighbouring Kings who have but heard of them And if she had resolved to make more account of the Pharisees favor than of their service they intreated her that she would at least distribute them in several Castles that rather than any ill should fall upon their Sovereign Alexander 's house they were content to lead their lives in that contemptible and despicable condition Whilest thus they spake Alexandra committeth the custody of the Castles to the Jews directing their supplications to Alexander's soul praying him to have M compassion as well of those that were already dead as of those who were in danger of their lives the tears ran from the eyes of all the assistants and Aristobulus above the rest was heartily discontent and expressed the same by finding fault with his Mother But they themselves were the cause of their own calamity because that against all right and reason they had permitted a head-strong and ambitious Woman to reign over them as if the King had no Heirs reserv'd to succeed him in the kingdom The Queen uncertain how to determine the matter at that instant committed the charge of all her Castles into their hands reserving only Hircania Alexandrion and Machaeron wherein the Princes Moveables and Wealth was kept Not long after she sent her son Aristobulus with a strong Army commanding him to N draw his Forces towards Damascus Aristobulus is sent to Damascus against Ptolomey against Ptolomey called Mennaeus who was an ill Neighbor unto that City but he returned thence without doing any memorable action About the same time news was brought that Tigranes King of Armenia invaded Syria with 500000 Men of War Tigranes invading Syria heareth news of Lucullus's pursuit of Mithridates and returneth home intending shortly to set upon Jewry This rumor afrighted the Queen and all the Commonalty and not without cause Whereupon she sent Ambassadors with many Princely Presents unto Tigranes who besieged the City of Ptolomais For Queen Selena otherwise called Cleopatra reigned in Syria and persuaded the Syrians to deny Tigranes passage But Alexandra's Ambassadors met with the King of Armenia and pray'd him to conceive a good opinion of their Queen and of all the whole Nation of the Jews who received them willingly commending them for that O they had sought him out so far to do him honour and put them in good hope After the taking in of Ptolomais it was told Tigranes that Lucullus pursued Mithridates who was not as yet apprehended for that he was fled into Iberia which was the cause that Lucullus had entred Armenia The year of the World 3894. before Christ's Nativity 70. and plunder'd it Tigranes hearing this news returned back into H his own Countrey After this Queen Alexandra fell sick of a dangerous disease whereby Aristobulus took occasion to intermeddle with the affairs of State Walking therefore abroad one night attended by a trusty servant Alexandra's sickness and Aristobulus's attempt he repaired unto those Castles which were committed to the custody of his fathers friends for he had misliked his Mothers government long and feared more than ever that if she should die all her posterity should be made subject to the power of the Pharisees For he perceived how unapt his elder brother was to govern the kingdom unto whom notwithstanding the succession appertained only his Wife whom accompanied with his Children he had left with Alexandra had an inkling of this his intent He therefore went first of all to Agaba where Galestes one I of the chiefest Potentates commanded who entertained him with great joy The next day Aristobulus seizeth the Castles and great concourse of people resort to him the Queen heard that Aristobulus was departed from Court she little suspected at first that he was retired to work some alteration in the State But when Messengers came flocking one after another and told her that after the first Castle the second and after the second all the rest had consequently been surprized by Aristobulus at that time both the Queen and the whole Nation were alarmed fearing lest he should presently usurp the Sovereignty but above all they feared
the frontiers of Egypt with two Legions of the Romans he went into Cilicia and from thence drew towards Rome leading with him Aristobulus in bonds and his children who were two sons and two daughters one of which called N Alexander escaped and as for Antigonâ—s who was the younger he was led to Rome with his sisters O CHAP. IX The year of the World 3904. before Christ's Nativity 60. A Antipater proveth very useful to Scaurus in Arabia SCaurus led forth his Army against Petra a City in Arabia Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. and the wayes being so bad that he could hardly get to it he spoilt all the Countrey round about his Army was pressed with famine Antipater by the order of Hircanus furnish'd him with Corn and all other necessaries out of Jewry who being sent Ambassador to Aretas from Scaurus persuaded him to contribute a certain sum of silver to secure his Country from being pillaged and he himself also became pledge for 300 Talents This done Scaurus B finished the War according to his desire and with no less contentment to Aretas and his Country CHAP. X. Alexander Aristobulus's son armeth in Judea and fortifieth the Towns Gabinius overthrows him in battel and besiegeth him in the Castle of Alexandrion Alexander delivereth it up to him with several other places Gabinius establisheth Hircanus High-Priest in his room and reduceth Judea to be governed under the Nobility NOt long after this Alexander Aristobulus's son made divers inroads into Jewry for C which cause Gabinius came from Rome into Syria Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. al. 11. and besides other things worthy of memory which he atchieved he led forth his Army against Alexander for that Hircanus had not as yet sufficient power to resist him Castles fortified being otherwise exercised in building the Walls of Jerusalem that were beaten down by Pompey notwithstanding the Romans that were in Jewry hindred him from performing the same This Alexander travelling through the whole Countrey assembled divers Jews so that in short time having gotten together 10000 Foot and 1500 Horse with good ammunition he fortified the Castle of Alexandrion near to the City of Coreas He fortified Machaeron also in the mountains of Arabia Gabinius therefore came forth against him having sent before him D Marcus Antonius accompanied with other Commanders who recruited the Romans with their coming and the Jews that were under their obedience whose Captains were Pitholaus and Malichus They took also those Allies whom Antipater had hired and in this equipage they came against Alexander Gabinius also seconded them with his Troops Hereupon Alexander drew nearer with his Army towards Jerusalem where giving battel to the Romans he lost about 3000 of his followers and the like number of his men were led away Prisoners After this Gabinius repaired to Alexandrion and invited those that held it to yield promising them pardon for the Rebellion they had begun And many of his Enemies having encamped themselves before the Fort the Romans charged them in which conflict Marcus Antonius behaved himself very valiantly Gabinius causeth divers Cities in Jewry to be repaired that were defaced having killed several E of the Enemy with his own hand Gabinius left a part of his Army in that place to the end that during the siege thereof he might go and visit the Countrey of Judea he commanded therefore all those Cities which in his journey he found either desolate or destroyed to be repaired for that Samaria Azot Scythopolis Anthedon Raphia Dora Marissa and Gaza with divers others were new built so that through the obedience that was given to Gabinius's command it came to pass that the Cities were safely inhabited which had layen long time before desart And after Gabinius had behaved himself in this manner in the Countrey he returned to Alexandrion Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. al. 12. Whil'st he thus insisted about the siege Alexander sent Ambassadors unto him demanding pardon for his offences and restoring into his hands the Castles of F Hircania and Machaeron Alexandrion and other Castles razed and finally that of Alexandrion which Gabinius levelled with the ground And whereas Alexander's mother came unto him who favoured the Roman faction and whose husband and children were kept in Prison in Rome she obtained all that which she requested at his hands and after he had carefully and friendly disposed of her affairs he led Hircanus to Jerusalem to take charge of the Temple and Priesthood He ordained also five judgment seats and places of session Five prâ—â—â—ial sieges in Jewry and divided the Province into answerable parts for the one answered in Jerusalem the second at Gadara the third in Amatha the fourth at Jericho and the fifth at Saphora which is a Town of Galilee By this means the Jews were deliver'd of their Monarchy and lived under an Aristocracy or government of the Nobility G H CHAP. XI Aristobulus being Prisoner at Rome maketh his escape with Antigonus one of his sons and cometh to Judea The Romans overcome him in battel He retreateth into Alexandrion where he is besieged and taken Gabinius sends him back Prisoner to Rome He defeats Alexander Aristobulus's son in a battel returns to Rome and leaveth â—rassus in his place BUt Aristobulus flying from Rome Hedio Ruffinus cap. 12. al. 13. returneth to Jewry and resolved to rebuild the Castle I of Alexandrion which not long since was ruinated Against him Gabinius sent out certain Men of War with their Captains Aristobulus returning from Rome seeketh to re-establish Alexandrion namely Sisenna Antonius and Servilius both to keep him from the possession of the place and to apprehend and surprize him likewise For many Jews resorted unto him being drawn thereunto by the ancient Reputation that he had who desired likewise revolutions and changes Pitholaus also who was established Lieutenant-General in Jerusalem of his own accord came unto him with a 1000 Men well armed but the other that were retired within for the most part were not sufficiently furnish'd with Arms for Aristobulus making his reckoning to seize Machaeron dismissed those followers of his that were disarmed and were unapt for any execution and retaining only 8000 well armed Men he marched thither But the Romans K pursuing and overtaking him Aristobulus overcome in battel by the Romans fought desperately with him and overcame both him and his notwithstanding their valiant resistance about 5000 of them were killed and the rest dispersed wandring here and there where they could best secure themselves but Aristobulus fled to Machaeron with more than a 1000 followers and fortified the place And though his affairs had very slender success yet he lost not his hope but after he had endured the siege some two dayes and received many Wounds he was taken Prisoner and with his son Antigonus who fled from Rome with him led away Captive by Gabinius
occasion to deliver Herod in despite of the Council the rather also for that he loved him as intirely as his son Therefore when Herod presented himself before the Council H with his retinue The year of the World 3922. before Christ's Nativity 42. all of them were astonished and none of those that accused him in his absence durst open their mouths to speak one word but all of them kept silence not knowing what do Now whilst they stood upon these terms a certain man called Sameas who was of upright dealing and for this cause was not daunted arose and spake to this purpose Sameas one of the Judges foretelleth Hircanus and his counsellers of their imminent death by Herods means Dread King and you honourable assistants I could never yet remember that ever any man which was called in question to defend his cause before us hath appeared in this equipage and I suppose that none of you can say that the like hath ever hapned but whosoever cometh into this place to receive judgment he presented himself with humility and fear with a countenance prepared to implore mercy having his hair long and his garment black but this gallant Herod accused of murther and this for occasion called before I us who could imagine that he should appear before us in a purple robe having his hairs trimmed and besides that a guard of armed men about him with an intent that if we condemn him according to Law he may put us to death without Law that after he hath violated all right Herod honoureth Sameas he may escape and save himself But I blame not Herod in this action for that he hath a more inward regard of his particular profit than of the Law but I accuse both you and the King Herod admonished by Hircanus saveth himself by flight and appeareth no more in judgment who have given him such assurance Know therefore that there is a soveraign God that will one day punish both you and the King and him whom you will deliver by the Kings means And so fell it out as he had said For as soon as Herod had obtained the Kingdom he put all those of the council to death and Hircanus himself likewise onely Sameas was exempted for he esteemed him mightily because of his wisdom and K justice and because when the City was besieged by Herod and Sosius Sameas perswaded the people to receive Herod telling them that by reason of their sins and offences they could not escape from him whereof we will speak in time and place Hircanus perceiving that the Judges were inclined to condemn Herod deferred the sentence till the next day and sent secretly unto Herod counselling him to flie out of the City assuring him that there was no other means to save his life Thus he posted to Damascus as if he had fled from the Kings presence and presenting himself before Sextus Caesar after he had assured his person he resolved with himself that if the council should call him once more to answer he would not obey them But after his departure the council was displeased with Hircanus and endeavoured to perswade him L that all these things tended to his destruction which he perceived yet knew not what to do Alias chap. 11. Sextus Caesar selleth his Presidents place to Herod for ready money he was so negligent and void of foresight When Sextus had made Herod Governor of Coelosyria which estate he sold unto him for ready money Hircanus was afraid lest Herod should make War against him neither passed there long time before the effect grew answerable to his fear For Herod marched forth against him with a great Army supposing himself to be much wronged by the assignation he had sent him and in that he was summoned to give a reason of his actions before the council Herod marcheth against Hircanus with a great Army and is disswaded from War by his father Antipater and his brother Phasaelus But his father Antipater and his brother Phasaelus came forth against him to hinder his approach towards Jerusalem striving to appease his fury and counselling him not to attempt any thing by way of action but that contenting himself that he had threatned and affrighted Hircanus he should not attempt M any thing further against him who had raised him to that high degree They told him also that it became him not onely to remember that he was cited to answer but that he was absolved also and permitted to depart without danger or any violence Moreover that he ought to think that God governeth the ballance of War and that the issues of battels are uncertain and for that cause he ought not to expect the victory if he made War against the King who was his familiar and from whom he had received far more kindness Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. and no displeasure who though he made some appearance and shadow of severity Hircanus Embassadors to Caesar touching the accusation intended against him yet notwithstanding it proceeded not so much from him as from his evil counsellers Herod in some sort pacified by these perswasions The Jews much honoured by the Kings of Europe and Asia Julius Caesar testifieth in a brazen Pillar that the Jews were free citizens of Alexandria obeyed his father supposing that it sufficed him in regard of his N future hopes that he had given the people so large a testimony of his power This was the state of the Jews at that time But Caesar arriving at Rome prepared himself to set sail towards Affrick with an intent to make War against Scipio and Cato Hircanus sent Embassadors to him beseeching him to confirm the amity and alliance that he had with him But now I think it very convenient to declare all the Prerogatives and alliances that the Romans and theâ—â— Emperors made with those of our Nation to the end that all other people might know that the Kings of Asia and Europe have been well affected towards us and have made great account of our valor and fidelity And although divers men ill affected to wards us Julius Caesars Decree as touching the honours immunities and priviledges granted to the Jews believe not that which the Macedonians and Persians have written of us because the same matters are not extant in all places neither set down in publick writings O but onely amongst our selves and some Barbarians yet it is manifest that they cannot contradict the declarations made by the Romans which are manifestly affixed in publick places in Cities as likewise at this present they are engraven in the Capitol in brazen pillars Julius Caesar in like manner in a brazen pillar erected by him hath declared unto the Jews that inhabited Alexandria The year of the World 3922. before Christ's Nativity 24. that they were free Citizens therein A and to the intent that these things may more manifestly appear I will propose the decrees
the Senate had made as touching E this matter The first day of Herod's Reign Antonius feasted him and after this manner he was established King the hundred and eighty fourth Olympiade in the year wherein C. Domitius Calvinus twice Consul and Caius Asinius Pollio were Consuls Mean while Antigonus besieged those that were in the Castle of Massada who were plentifully furnished with all things necessary except it were water for which cause Joseph Herods family besieged by Antigonus in Massada Herod's Brother that was within and Two hundred of his friends had concluded to fly unto the Arabians for that they understood that Malchus had repented himself of the fault he had committed against Herod But whilst they stood upon these terms God poured down a huge rain on a certain night that in short time filled their Cisterns so that they had no more necessity to fly and from that time forward they took courage and made F a sally upon their Enemies in which they charged Antigonus's Soldiers after such a manner sometimes in open field sometimes by surprizal that they slew a great number of them Venâ—idius under 〈◊〉 to help â—â—seph fsheth to 〈◊〉 money of Antigonus At that time Ventidius a Roman Captain was sent into Syria to drive the Parthians from thence and after their departure he arrived in Jewry making show that he would assist Joseph but in effect all his pretence was to draw money from Antigonus Being therefore encamped near unto Jerusalem and having drawn sufficient money from Antigonus he retired himself with the greater part of his Forces and to the intent his deceitful dealing might not be discovered he left Silo with a company of his Soldiers who likewise was honoured by Antigonus lest he should be cause of some new trouble before the Parthians whose coming he expected should yield him aid G CHAP. XXVII The year of the World 3926. before Christ's Nativity 38. Herod being returned from Rome raiseth an Army taketh some places and besiegeth Jerusalem but cannot take it he defeateth the enemy in a great battel the art he used to draw several of his Jews who had hid themselves in dens from Antigonus party he marched with some troops to find out Antonius who was making war against the Parthians the five battels that he fought on the way Joseph Herods brother is killed in a fight and Antigonus caused his head to be cut off The manner how Herod revenged this death he besiegeth Jerusalem where Sosius joyneth him with a Roman I army during this siege Herod Marrieth Mariamna AFter that Herod was come from Italy by Sea to Ptolomais and that he had assembled no small number of Soldiers both strangers and his own Country-men Hedio Ruffinus chap. 24. al. 16. he marched forward against Antigonus and passed thorow Galilee Silo and Ventidius also gave him assistance in this action having received direction by Gellius from Antonius Herod returning back out of Italy leadeth forth his army against Antigonus that they should assist Herod to recover his Countrey But Ventidius was employed in appeasing the troubles that were raised in the Cities by the Parthians and as touching Silo he kept in Judaea having been corrupted by Antigonus But the further that Herod daily marched into the Countrey the more his forces did increase and all Galilee except a very few submitted themselves unto him Herod assaulteth Joppe and taketh it Whilest he marched forward K towards Massada being moved thereunto for to relieve his parents that were besieged therein the City of Joppe would not grant him passage for the Citizens thereof were his Enemies so that it behoved him first of all to ruinate the same to the end he might leave no retreat behind him for his Enemy if he made toward Jerusalem Upon which occasion Silo laying hold dislodged his army and made thitherward whom when the Jews did pursue Herod sallieth out with a small company and put them to flight and saved Silo who could not resist any longer Afterwards having seized on Joppe he hasted forwards to deliver his friends that were besieged in Massada but part of the inhabitants submitted themselves unto him for the friendship they had born unto his father Many submit themselves to Herod and others of them for the honor that they bear unto him the rest admitted L his government in acknowledgement of those favors they had received from them both But the greatest part was moved thereunto by the hope they had conceived of their new elected King and the confirmation of his Government Thus by these means was his Army mightily increased Whilest thus he marched forward Antigonus seized on those places that were fittest to lay ambushes in or to fight at advantages by the way notwithstanding that by those stratagems he did but small or no hurt at all to his enemy so that Herod raised the siege and relieved his friends out of the Castle of Massada and after he had taken the Fort of Ressa Ressa taken Massada delivered from the siege after which Herod marcheth towards Jerusalem he approached Jerusalem being attended by Silo's Army and by divers Citizens of the City who were afraid of his power And when he had M pitched his Camp to the westward of the City those that kept the watch and guard on that side shot their Arrows and threw stones against him divers likewise sallied forth and fought hand to hand against those that were planted there For which cause first of all Herod caused a Proclamation to be made round about the Walls Herod proclaimeth about the walls of Jerusalem that he repaireth thither for the good of the people and the common Weal signifying unto them that he resorted thither for the common good of the people and for the conservation of the City without intent of revenge or memory of any wrongs that his private Enemies had offered him promising his most free pardon to all those whosoever had hainously offended him Hereunto Antigonus made this answer directing his speech to Silo and the Roman Soldiers that contrary to all justice they gave the Kingdom to Herod who was a private man and an Idumaean that is to say a half N Jew whereas it hath been a custome to bestow the same on them that are of the line of the Priests Antigonus upbraideth Herod that he is but half a Jew and of no Kingly Race For albeit at that present they were displeased with him for that he had seized on the Kingdom by the means of the Parthians and had resolved with themselves to dispossess him yet that there were divers others of that Royal Race who might be made Kings according to the law The enemy repulseth Herods power from the wall who have no wayes misdemeanded themselves towards the Romanes and moreover there are Priests who should not be justly and uprightly dealt withall if they should be deprived of that honor which
to Herod and desirous likewise to avoid Cleopatras suspitions wrote unto Herod that under some honest pretext he should send Alexandras son unto him with this addition if it might not seem C troublesome unto him Which matter when Herod understood he thought it no waies safe for him to send Aristobulus who was a hansome young man and little more at that time then sixteen years old and so nobly born considering that Antonius was at that present in such authority that no one in Rome was in greater credit then he and who besides that The causes why Aristobulus was not sent was very much addicted to his pleasures which he openly hunted after without fear of punishment in regard of his greatness and power He therefore wrote him this answer that if the young man should but only depart out of the Countrey all the Land would presently be filled with War and Troubles for that the Jews pretended alteration in Government and sought to innovate by prefering a new King When he had in this manner excused himself unto Antonius he resolved to entertain both the D younger Aristobulus and his Mother Alexandra with more respect Moreover his Wife Mariamne did continually importune him to give the Priest-hood to her brother alleadging that by that honour he might prevent the occasion of his journey For which cause assembling his friends together in councel Herod inveigheth against Alexandra for pretending to usurp the Kingdom he grievously accused Alexandra before them protesting that she secretly conspired against the Kingdom and that by the mediation of Cleopatra she laboured to dispossess him of the soveraignty to the intent that her Son by Antonius meanes might Govern in his sted Which practice of hers was so much the more unjust because she deprived her own Daughter of that honour wherein she was and raised up troubles likewise in that Kingdom which he had conquered with great labor and extreme danger Yet notwithstanding that he willingly E forgat that which was past and forgave those wrongs she had done against him and was ready notwithstanding to shew all kindness and courtesie both to her and hers He gave the High-Priesthood to young Aristobulus alleadging that heretofore he had established Ananel in that place for no other respect than for that Aristobulus was under years After that he had thus seriously and considerately discoursed in the presence of the Ladies Alexandra excuseth her selfe and having promise of the Priest Hâ—od for her son is reconciled to Herod and consistory of his friends Alexandra almost beside her self not only through the joy she had conceived by this unexpected good fortune but also for the fear she had to be suspected began to defend her self with tears and protestations saying that all whatsoever she had either practiced or done was to prefer her Son unto the Priesthood F whom she saw dishonoured but as touching the Kingdom that she had never pretended neither would if so be she should be presented therewith receive the same thinking her self for the present sufficiently honoured both for that she saw Aristobulus in that estate for the assurance that all her progeny should receive in that he was raised up in dignity above the rest Being therefore overcome by those favors she accepted willingly the honor for her Son and shewed her self obedient in all things requesting him that if she had committed any thing rashly and through inconsideration or passion either in respect of her children or by the loosness of her tongue he would be pleased to pardon her After these debates and interchangeable discourses on both sides they shook hands the one with the other in token of a more fixed and unfained friendship than was before G burying as they pretended all evill suspition or cause of unkindness H CHAP. III. The year of the World 3929. before Christ's Nativity 35. Herod deposeth Ananel from the dignitie of the High-Pristhood and confereth it upon Aristobulus he causeth Alexandra to be seized on and Aristobulus when they were about to make their escape by going to Cleopatra he feineth a reconciliation with them and afterwards causeth Aristobulus to be drowned bestowing a costly funeral on him I HEreupon Herod took away the Priest-hood instantly from Ananel Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. who was not that Countrey-man born as we have heretofore declared but was born amongst those Jews that inhabit and were planted beyond Euphrates by the Assyrians Herod taketh the Priest-hood from Ananel For divers thousand Jews inhabited the Countrey of Babylon and from thence took he his Original also being otherwise of the race of the Priests and well affected toward Herod for a long time before with whom he had familiar acquaintance He had prefered him to this honor when he was made King and degraded him likewise to appease the troubles of his famiely demeaning himself herein contrary to the law of the Countrey for whereas any one hath once been installed in that degree he is never to be displaced The first that transgressed this Ordinance The Priest-hood taken from three was Antiochus Epiphanes who dispossessed Josuh and prefered his brother Onias to this place The second was Aristobulus away from his K brother Hircanus and usurped it himself Herod was the third who gave the Priest-hood to Aristobulus establishing him in Ananels place before he was dead and by this means supposing that he had found out a remedy to appease the discords of his family he notwithstanding all this lived not without suspition what event would follow after this reconciliation for he feared Alexandra lest demeaning her self as she had done she should seek occasion hereafter to raise new troubles Alexandra suspected by Herod is spied and watched and her actions observed He commanded her therefore to contain herself within the royal Palace and to do nothing of her own authority Besides that he had appointed certain intelligencers who should diligently observe that nothing should be done without his knowledge no not concerning her particular expences and table All which things exasperated her against Herod for being full of L feminine pride she disdained to see her self thus wrongfully suspected desiring rather to suffer any thing than to be deprived of the liberty of free speech and under colour to be honoured to live continually in servitude and fear Whereupon she sent some of her trusty friends to Cleopatra to complain and lament the insuportable miseries of her present estate entreating her according to her power to give speedy relief Whereupon Cleopatra sent her word that both she and her Son should resort unto her into Egypt with as great secrecie as might be possible Upon which advice she practised this policy Alexandra pretending to flie into Egypt is betrayed by her servant She caused two Coffins to be made such as men were wont to bury their dead in in which she hid her self and her son comanding those servants of
dearest friends might not be sought out to be punished yet notwithstanding he could not obtain the same by reason of an Oath that Caesar had past before he sollicited him That done he returned back again unto Jewry with greater honour and assurance than before whereby he struck them with wonderful amazement who expected his contrary success as if by Gods special providence he alwayes over-went his dangers Herod entertaineth both Caesar and his Army very heroically to his great honour Therefore he prepared himself to entertain Caesar who returned out of Syria B to take his journey into Egypt and received him at Ptolomais with all Royal honour and gave his Army Presents with all abundance of Provision so that he was accounted for one of Caesars most affectionate friends and rode about with him when he took the view of his Army he entertained him also and his friends with One hundred and fifty Men adorned with most rich and sumptuous apparel And for that they were to pass thorow a Countrey wherein there was great scarcity of Water he furnished them with both Water and Wine so that they needed neither of them He gave Caesar also Eight hundred Talents Herod giveth Caesar 800 Talents and so royally satisfi'd he all Men that they confessed themselves to have had a far greater entertainment than the Revenues and Profits of his Kingdom could afford them By which means he gave the more ample testimony of his C forward friendship and free affection to deserve well and making use of the opportunity of the time he obtained the reputation of a Prince of an heroick and noble spirit so that he was held inferiour unto no man for the good entertainment which he gave to the chiefest Romans in their return from Egypt CHAP. XI Mariamne giveth Herod so cold a reception when he returned from Caesar that being joined to the aspersions which Herod's mother and sister laid upon her he had infallibly caused her to be put to death at that very instant But he is engaged to return to Augustus he put-her to death at his back-coming The business of Alexandra Mariamne's Mother D Herod's despair after Mariamne's death he falleth dangerously sick Alexandra endeavoureth to make herself Mistris of the two Forts of Jerusalem he made her be put to death and Costobarus and others follow he instituteth Plays and Shews in Honor of Augustus by which he doth so irritate the most part of the Jews that ten of them undertak to kill him he putteth them to death He buildeth many Forts and rebuilds a very fine and a strong Town upon the ruins of Samaria which he names Sebaste BUT as soon as he returned unto his Kingdom Mariamne and Alexandra displeased with Herod he found all his Houshold troubled and both his Wife Mariamne and her Mother Alexandra grievously displeased with him For they supposed and not without cause that they were not shut up in that E Castle for their securities sake but as it were in a Prison so that in as much as they neithay might make use of other Mens nor enjoy their own goods they were highly discontented Mariamne also supposed that her Husband did but dissemble his love rather for his own profit than for any entire affection he bare towards her But nothing more grieved her than that she had not any hope to live after him if so be he should happen to die especially for the order he had left concerning her neither could she ever forget what commands he had before that time left with Joseph so that by all means possible she laboured to win the affections of those that had the charge of her and especially Sohemus knowing very well that her safety depended wholly on his hands Who in the beginning behaved himself very wisely and faithfully containing himself F very circumspectively within the bounds of his commission but after these Ladies had with pretty presents and feminine flatteries wrought and mollifi'd him by little and little at last he blabbed out all that which the King had commanded him Sohemus discovereth the Kings secrets especially for that he hoped not that he should return with the same power and authority which before he had and for that cause he thought thus in himself that without incurring any danger in regard of Herod he might greatly gratifie the Ladies who in all likelihood should not be deprived of that dignity wherein they were at that time but would return them the like kindness when Mariamne should be Queen or next unto the King Furthermore he hoped that if Herod also should return with all things answerable to his desires that he would perform nothing without his Wifes consent or upbraid him G with the act if she contradicted for he knew too well that the King loved her so that it was impossible to equal or express his affections and for these causes he disclosed H the trust that was committed unto him But Mariamne was very sore displeased to hear that there was no end of her miseries but they were altogether united and tied to the dangers of Herod and she oftentimes wished that he might never more return again in safety supposing that her life with him should be very intolerable all which she afterwards dissembled not but openly confessed that which afflicted her with discontent For when as Herod beyond all expectation arrived in his Countrey being adorned with mighty fortune he first of all as it became him acquainted his Wife with his good tydings and happy success whom onely amongst all other his friends and Wives he embraced and saluted Herod but coldly entertained by his wife Mariamne for the pleasing conversation and affection that was in her But she while he repeated unto her these fortunate events of his affairs rather entertained I the same with a displeasant attention than applauding joy Neither could her great sincerity cover the agitation of her mind For when he folded his arms about her neck she unfolded her sorrow in her sighes so simple and unfeigned were her affections and seemed rather to be displeased than appeased by his narrations Whereupon Herod was sore troubled Herod's sorrows to see his wifes affections distracted and changed perceiving these things not onely suspected but also fully manifest but above all things he was distracted when he considered the incredible and apparent hatred that his Wife had conceived against him which incensed him so that he could not resist the love that had attainted him so that he neither could continue in wrath nor listen long to peace and being unresolved in himself he now was attempted by this straight distracted by a contrary affection so much was his mind tossed between K love and hatred when oftentimes he desired to punish the womans pride his heart by loves mediation failed him in the enterprize For nothing did more torment him than this fear lest executing his displeasure against her he should
close prisoner in some sure place in the Palace But by Salomes sollicitations Herod was incited to hasten her death for that she alledged that the King ought to fear lest some sedition E should be raised amongst the people if he should keep her alive in prison And by this means Mariamne was led unto her death Alexandra her mother considering the estate of the time and fearing no less mischief from Herods hands than her daughter was assured of she undecently changed her mind and abjectly laid aside her former courage and magnanimity For intending to make it known that she was neither party nor privy to those crimes wherewith Mariamne was charged she went out to meet her daughter and entertained her injuriously protesting publickly that she was a wicked woman Alexandra undecently striveth to acquit her self of Mariamnes Treason and ungrateful towards he husband and that she well deserved the punishment that was adjudged her for that she durst be F so bold to attempt so heinous a fact respecting to requite her husbands entire love with her unfeigned loyalty Whilst thus dishonestly she counterfeited her displeasure and was ready to pull Mariamne by the hair the assistants according to her desert condemned her generally for her hypocrisie but she that was led to be punished convicted her self by her mild behaviour for first of all she gave her no answer neither was any ways altered by her reproaches neither would so much as cast her eye upon her making it appear that she discreetly concealed and covered her mothers imperfections and was aggrieved that she had so openly shewed so great indignity expressing for her own part a constant behaviour and going to her death without change of colour so that those that beheld her perceived in her a kind of manifest courage and G nobility even in her utmost extremity H Thus died Mariamne having been a woman that excelled both in continence and courage notwithstanding that she failed somewhat in affability and impatience of nature for the rest of her parts she was an admirable and pleasing beauty and of such a carriage in those companies wherein she was entertained that it was impossible to express the same in that she surpassed all those of her time which was the principal cause that she lived not graciously and contentedly with the King For being entertained by him who intirely loved her and from whom she received nothing that might discontent her she presumed upon a great and intemperate liberty in her discourse She digested also the loss of her friends very hardly according as in open terms she made known unto the King whereby also it came to pass I that both Herods mother and sister and himself likewise grew at odds with her After her death the King began more powerfully to be inflamed in his affections Herods miserable estate and moan after the death of his wife who before as we have declared was already miserably distracted For neither did he love after the common manner of married folk but whereas almost even unto madness he nourished this his desire he could not be induced by the too unbridled manners of his wife to allay the heat of his affection but that daily more and more by doating on her he increased the same And all that time especially he supposed that God was displeased with him for the death of Mariamne Oftentimes he did invocate her name using such lamentable expressions that did not become the Majesty of a King And notwithstanding he devised all kinds of delights and sports that might be imagined by preparing banquets and inviting K guests with Princely hospitality to pass away the time yet all those profited him nothing for which cause he gave over the charge and administration of his Kingdom At length he was so besotted with grief A plague invadeth Jerusalem that oftentimes he commanded his servants to call his wife Mariamne as if she had been alive Whilest thus he was afflicted there came a pestilence within the City that consumed a great part of the people and most of the nobility and all interpreted that this punishment was inflicted by God upon them for the unjust death of the Queen Herod falleth grievâ—usly sick Thus the Kings discontents being by this means increased he at last hid himself in a solitary wilderness under pretext of hunting where afflicting himself incessantly at last he fell into a most grievous sickness This disease of his was an inflammation or pain in the neck he seemed also in some sort to rave and grow mad neither L could any remedies relieve him of his agony but when the sickness seemed rather to increase all men at last grew almost desperate of his recovery For which cause his Physician partly in respect of the contumacy of his disease partly because in so great a danger there was not any free election of dyet they gave him leave to taste whatsoever best pleased his appetite committing the uncertain event of his health to the hands of fortune Whilest thus he continued in Samaria Alxandra in Herods absence seeketh to get the possession of the Castles which now is called Sebaste Alexandra being at that time in Jerusalem having notice of this his condition endeavored to reduce all the strong fortresses that were within the City under her subjection the one of which was hard by the Temple the other was situate within the City for they that are Masters of these keep all the rest of the nation under their awe because that without these neither the usual and M daily sacrifices may be performed neither may the Jews live without such sacrifices and oblations who had rather lose their lives than contemn their religion She therefore solicited those that had the government thereof to surrender them up to her and Herods children begotten of her daughter Mariamne lest he being dead they should be seised on by others and if it should fortune him to recover his health in the mean while they mâ—ght be kept and held by no man more securely than such as were his nearest friends This suit and solicitation of hers was but coldly received and the Captains who at all times shewed themselves always faithful at that time were the rather far more constant in their duty both for that they hated Alexandra and also that they thought it a great offence to despair of the health of their Prince Herods counsellors certifie him of Alexandras intent For these were the Kings old friends and one of them was Herods own Nephew N whose name was Achiabus For which cause they sent presently messengers unto him to shew him Alexandra's intent who having heard these news presently commanded her to be put to death Alâ—xandra put to death and at length overcoming his sickness he grew so badly affected both in body and mind that he grew hateful unto all men so that all those who offended him and for how little cause
our Ancestors yet was it his pleasure to ennoble this assembly to the end it might be continued from five to five years and this he proclaimed publickly in the Countries round about and to this fight he assembled all the nations The wrastlers also and all that which concerned their exercise were sought out from all corners of the world under the hope to obtain the proposed palm and victory and all the most expedient in those exercises that were to be found were invited to that assembly For he proposed most huge rewards not only to those that exercised wrastling but also to those who are called Musicians and to all sorts of players on instruments endeavouring to his utmost power that all the most famous in those professions should I be assistant in those pastimes He appointed also a reward of great value for such as ran upon the chariots of three four or of one horse and all that which was both sumptuous and magnificent to behold for every one thing was most carefully provided for he strove to have the honour of a most magnificent preparation for his games The Theater was hung all about with Caesars titles and the trophees of those nations which were overcome by him altogether set out and shining with gold and silver As for the instruments thereof there wanted neither furniture costly vestments or precious stones Thither also were drawn certain wild beasts as Lions and other beasts which were worthy to be placed in this famous shew being admirable both for their force and rareness of nature who fought the one with the other and against such men likewise who were condemned to die whereby the strangers conceived together K with the admiration of his expence an uncomparable and unaccustomed pleasure Herod obtaineth no small honour by these expences But his countreymen interpreted this thing for a manifest corruption of those disciplines and manners which they had entertained and honoured amongst them For it was an act most manifestly impious to hazard men against wild beasts to delight the eyes of other men It was also a matter as impious to change and prophane the ordinances of the countrey for forrain exercises But the most hated of all these were the Trophees for in that they were certain Images attired in armor the use and veneration whereof were forbidden by our laws this displeased and grieved them more than any thing whatsoever neither was Herod ignorant of those troubles which they procured But he thought it to be a matter of danger to attempt the same for the present by force and for that cause he familiarly debated the same with L some few of them and discoursed unto them his occasions to the end to rid them of their superstition The Jews suppose that the Trophees covered with arms were Images but could not prevail For all of them with one consent cried out against the indignity which they saw him commit telling him that although all other things were to be tolerated yet the Trophees which were Images of Men were unsupportable because they were unusual in their Countrey Herod perceiving that they were discontented and that they would not be easily wrought upon except they had some contentment he called the worthiest men amongst them and led them into the Theater demanding of them what they thought these Trophees were and when they cried out that they were images of men he incontinently caused all the ornaments to be taken off from them letting them see that they were nought else but naked stocks of wood so that suddenly their displeasure was turned into a M laughter and their doubts were presently discussed Thus appeased he the people and moderated the fury of their discontent so that divers of them changed their opinions and were no more displeased Notwithstanding there were some of these that persisted in the conceit they had of those exercises supposing that the corruption of their ancient discipline was an inducement to their grievous calamities and they imagined that it rather concerned them to undergo all dangers than to endure any alteration in their customs by permitting that Herod should introduce new and extraordinary fashions who onely in word was their King but in effect an enemy of their whole nation Ten men conspire against Herod For this cause there were ten men amongst them who bound themselves by oath to hazard all extremities and to this intent they had hid certain short swords under their garments amongst these there was one that was blind who urged N and egged on by the strangeness of those things which he had heard not for that he was of ability to execute any thing with his hand but to testifie that he was ready to suffer with the rest if any misfortune should befall them by his example the rest of them were not a little confirmed These having mutually undertaken this resolution repaired to the Theater under hope that Herod should not escape them for that they intended to assail him unawares at least if they failed of him their hope was to fall foul on some of his favourites and followers accounting this to be some comfort in their expected death if in regard of their violated religion they might bring the King in hatred with the common people Herod hath intelligence of the conspiracy And these intending to offer themselves as Leaders unto the rest resolved to execute these things But one of those intelligences that Herod had sent abroad to pry and search into O such like actions having discovered all their conspiracy signified the same unto the King when he was ready to enter into the Theater He knowing very well what hatred was continually hatched against him betook himself to his Palace and sent for the conspirators by their names who being apprehended in the fact and knowing that there was no way for them to escape resolved to endure their present misfortunes with courage A for being no wayes daunted with a resolute countenance they drew out their weapons protesting that their conspiracy was honest and holy not attempted by them for private affection or their own profit sake but in the behalf of their publick discipline which no good man would either see or suffer to be violated though it cost him his life Now when with great confidence they had alleadged these things for their justification they were led away by the Kings Ministers to be put to death by divers sorts of torments The ten men are executed and the intelligencer is cut in pieces Not long after this that Intelligencer who had betrayed them growing hateful in all mens eyes was stabd by certain men and chopt in pieces with their swords and afterwards cast unto the dogs in sight and presence of many Yet did no man discover this act until after B long and wearisome inquisitions made by Herod it was got out of certain poor women who were privy to the fact with divers torments Then
them to send sacred money unto Jerusalem and that they compelled them to do publick business and to spend the Holy money in those affairs contrary to the Privileges granted unto them by the Romans Herod endeavoured to have the Jews complaints heard by Agrippa and desired one of his friends and followers called Nicholaus Nicholaus did make a speech unto Agrippa in the behalf of the Jews to plead the Jews cause Who made a speech unto Agrippa sitting with the rest of the Roman Nobility and other Kings and Princes in their behalf after this manner Most worthy Agrippa true it is that all men that suffer injury are constrained to fly for redress to the Higher Powers and we over and above hope to obtain our suit For we ask nothing but that which your goodness hath already I granted and that which they endeavour to take from us that are as we also are your Subjects And although that your benefit bestowed upon us was great yet we are worthy still to enjoy it only for that you your self judged us worthy thereof And suppose it was a small matter it is a discredit for you not to grant so small a trifle Wherefore it is evident that the injury done unto us doth also redound unto you whose decrees those that have injured us fear not to coutemn and do disanul your benevolence towards us For if any one should ask any of them whether they had rather lose their lives than be deprived of their Countrey Laws rites sacrifices and festivities wherewith they honour their gods I know they would rather endure any calamity than to be forced to forsake their Countrey-customs For many K Wars arise only for defence of Religion and the greatest reward and content that we reap by this happy peace which through your means we enjoy is this that we are every one permitted to live according to the custom of his Countrey and to continue in piety Wherefore they endeavour to take from others that which by no means they would permit to be taken from themselves as who would say it was not as great offence to hinder other men's piety and devotion as neglect their own Let us consider whether there be any City or Nation that doth not count their felicity to be situate in your dominion and the power of the Romans or is there any that desireth your honour and power to decay and be of no force Truly none that is wise For there is none whom either publickly or privately it concerneth not L But these people endeavouring to take from us our liberty do also as it were deprive themselves of all benefits which they have received at your hands which are infinite For what a benefit is it that whereas other Nations living under the dominion of rigorous Kings constituted over them these do only obey the Romans and live in happy peace and tranquility But as for our affairs were no man troublesome unto us yet are they not such as deserve to be envied For enjoying the common felicity which others your Subjects do we desire nothing of high esteem or worth but only request that we may live according to the Religion of our Countrey which of it self is not to be envied but may be profitable for them that permit it For God doth always love them who honour him and them who do not hinder his honour M What is there in our Religion offensive to any man nay what is there that is not according to all piety and justice whereby all things continue and are preserved For neither do we conceal what life we follow nor the labours and exercise we use but resting the seventh day from all labours we spend that day in learning our Religion and the Laws and customs thereof esteeming this custom not to be of small force to correct and amend our manners These our customs having in them nothing that any that searcheth them can justly reprehend they are now also though many are perswaded the contrary consecrated and confirmed by their antiquity So that we must needs make a conscience of it to forsake our Laws that have endured so many ages These are the injuries that these people by violence offer us they sacrilegiously N take from us the money dedicated to God They impose tributes upon us who are free They upon festival days force us to their Tribunals to Law and other prophane business without any necessity but only in contempt and disgrace of our Religion which they know well in the mean time while they persecute with unjust and unlawful hatred For your Empire equally providing for the good of all your Subjects doth not only nourish the mutual concord of them all but also resisteth hatred and malice These are the injuries most worthy Agrippa whereof we seek redress at thy hands requesting thee that hereafter we may live according to our Religion as formerly and that our adversaries may have no more authority over us than we over them which is not only justice and equity but already also O granted by your clemency And there are yet extant to be seen in the Capitol many decrees and ordinances of the Senate concerning this matter engraven in brass A which are read unto this day doubtless for our truth and fidelity so oftentimes tried or at least though we not deserving it yet holy and inviolate For you do not only not withdraw from us and all other Nations your former benefits granted unto us but you do rather every day beside all hope and expectation increase them all which time will not suffer me to rehearse And that we may not seem vainly to boast of our duties and officiousness towards you and also omitting other things that are past our King now sitting with you can sufficiently testifie it so to be For what kind of love and good will hath he omitted to shew unto your Nation where was he not proved trusty what hath he not devised to honour you where stood you in need when he was not the first man to help you Why therefore should B not we receive some favour for his deserts I will not omit to put you in mind of the Valour of his Father Antipater who came in with 2000 Souldiers to assist Caesar in the Egyptian Wars wherein he so valiantly behaved himself that neither by Sea nor Land any one in those Wars deserved more commendations than himself I will not repeat at this time how much good he did Caesar in those Wars and what and how great rewards he received but rather I should first of all put you in remembrance of the Letters that the Emperour writ unto the Senate concerning this matter wherewith he obtained for Antipater the honours and privileges of the City For this only argument had been sufficient to have declared that we did not obtain such favour without desert and request thee now to confirm the same of whom we might justly hope for C
of which building Nicholaus also a writer of that time maketh mention but he speaketh not how they went into the Sepulchre of David thinking that therein he should not keep Decorum if he should make mention thereof Wherein he followed this accustomed order for his Writings were to come to the ears of the King yet living wherein he did only curry favour mentioning only that that might redound unto the King's credit So that many of his open and wicked pranks he did either colour under some other pretence or else all ways possible he endeavoured to hide them For he doth as it were tell a tale of Herod's cruelty against Mariamne and his Sons as though he did thereby deserve credit and praise accusing her of Adultery D and them as Traitors unto their Father and this he doth all along too much extolling the King 's good deeds Joseph came of the Priestly Line of the Asmonians and too diligently excusing his iniquities But as I have said we must pardon him who did not so much write to leave a memory of things done unto after Ages as to gratifie and please his King But I who come of the lineage of the Asmonian Kings and execute the office of a Priest account it a shame to lie and do intend to relate the History of all things that were acted and done yet with a reverence for Herod's Posterity who do also now bear sway and rule yet with their pardon and leave I must prefer the truth to their inclinations After the Sepulchre was thus violated A discord in Herod's house Herod's house began to decay whether revenge lighting upon that part which was already scarce sound or whether by mere E chance such calamity at that time befel him as might justly be thought the reward of impiety For there was a discord in the Court not unlike to Civil Wars every one striving against other with hatred and forged accusations Antipater's crafty plotting against his Brethren But especially Antipater's politick practice against his Brethren was to be noted who entangled them by other men's forged accusations himself oftentimes seemed to take upon him their defence that making a shew of good will unto them he might secretly oppress them the sooner and he did so craftily circumvent his Father that his Father esteemed him to be his only Conserver Wherefore the King commanded Ptolomens his chief Secretary of State to conceal nothing of the affairs of the Kingdom from Antipater who imparted all to his Mother so that all things were done according as they pleased and F they made him displeased with those against whom they knew the King's displeasure might redound unto their profit But Mariamne's Children were every day more and more provoked disdaining to give place unto their inferiours The women at discord and variance their Wives did the like and Alexander's Wife Glaphyra who was the Daughter of Archelaus King of Cappadocia did greatly envy and disdain Salome and she also her again both for the love that she bare unto her Husband and for that she disdained as women are wont that her Daughter married unto Aristobulus should be in equal honour with her Pheroras also the King's Brother had a hand in this contention Pheroras refused the King's Daughter offered him to Wife about a private cause of suspicion and hatred For he fell so far in love with one of his maids that he refused the Kings Daughter offered unto him rather G making choice of his maid Herod took this in very ill part seeing his Brother who had received so many benefits at his hands and was almost his fellow in his Kingdom by his means not to shew the like brotherly affection to him again as he ought And seeing he could not disswade him from that madness he married his Daughter unto H Phasaelus his Son And afterwards thinking that his Brother's mind towards his maid was satisfied he complained of his injurious dealing in repulsing his Daughter offered unto him to Wife he offered him another of his Daughters named Cypros Then Ptolomeus advised Pheroras not to contemn his Brother's offer and persist in such folly still telling him it was mere madness to incur the King's displeasure on such an account Pheroras understanding this counsel profitable for him having obtained pardon at the King's hands sent away his maid by whom he had a Son and promised the King to marry this his other Daughter and appointed the thirteenth day after to celebrate his Marriage making a solemn Oath unto the King never after that time to use the company of that woman whom he had put away The time appointed being expired I he fell so far in love with the former woman that he would not stand to his promise but again accompanied with his maid Then Herod not able any longer to contain himself used many speeches whereby he evidently shewed his mind to be alienated from his Brother And there were many who taking this opportunity did by forged calumnies encrease his aversion so that now there was no day nor hour past wherein he did not still hear some new combustions and stirs amongst his dearest friends Salome enticed her Daughter to betray her husband's secrets For Salome being so offended at Mariamne's Children did not permit her Daughter married to Aristobulus to enjoy mutual love and comfort of her Husband enticing her to bewray her Husband's secrets and if there happened any small occasions of offence as often it falleth out she should the K more aggravate them with suspicions whereby she also learned all their secrets and made the young Princess hate her Husband And she to please her Mother related how that often when her Husband and Alexander were alone that they were wont to talk of Mariamne their Mother and use reproachful words against their Father and threatning that if they ever did obtain the Kingdom they would make the Sons of the King whom he had by other Wives Notaries and Town-Clerks and so they might reap profit of their Learning which they had attained to and whensoever they saw any of the Kings Wives wear any of Mariamne's apparel that then they vowed instead of that attire to cloath them with Sack-cloth and shut them up where they should never see the Sun Salome presently told all this to the King who though he were L much grieved hereat yet he chose rather to seek to amend it than to punish them and thus notwithstanding he was daily more and more put out of humour believing all reports whatsoever yet he contented himself with chiding of them and seemed satisfied with their excuses But presently the mischief was again set on foot for Pheroras the King's Brother meeting Alexander who as we have said was Glaphyra her Husband who was Daughter to Archelaus he told him that he heard by Salome that Herod was so far in love with Glaphyra that he could not shake off this affection Herod
greatly moved against Pheroras for affirming that he was in love with Glaphyra The young Prince hearing this became jealous and was in a great rage and now what honour soever or gifts Herod for the love of his Son gave her Alexander did interpret it in the worst sence and not able to put up such M injuries he went to his Father and with tears related unto him what Pheroras had told him Herod was never more surprised and not enduring to be falsely accused of so shameful a fact inveying against the great malice of his friends who for his good offices he did them so rewarded him He presently sending for Pheroras very sharply began to chide him saying O most impious that liveth amongst men art thou become so ungrateful either to speak or think such a matter of us Thinkest thou that I do not perceive thy drift that thou spakest not these words unto my Son to discredit me but also to the intent by this means thou mightest work some treason against me and cause me to be poysoned For who but a good Son as this is would suffer his Father suspected for such a matter to live and not to be revenged of him for such offence Whether dost thou think that thou didst put N these speeches into his mind or by them a sword into his hand to kill his Father withal Or what was thy intent seeing thou hatest him and his Brother and only counterfeiting good will towards me to belye me and to report that of me that without impiety could not be thought Get thee hence thou wretched Imp seeing thou hast thus abused thy Brother who hath deserved so well at thy hands Go basest of men I will leave thee to the gnawing worm of thy own perfidious Conscience to be thy Executioner all thy life time And for your greater confusion I will content my self to confound your wickedness with my goodness in not punishing you according to your deserts but treating you with that mercy of which all the world knoweth you to be so unworthy The King having uttered his anger against his Brother Pheroras he being taken in a manifest fault answered that that report was first devised by Salome O of whom he heard it Salome excuseth her self Which she being then present hearing began to exclaim saying it was not her device and that they all laboured to make the King hate her and put her to A death being one who did especially wish him well and what in her lay seeking his safety and that now he was in danger of more Treason than ever before For said she I was the only cause that you did put away the woman whom you so doted after perswading you to marry the King's Daughter and this is the cause that you hate me With these speeches tearing her hair and striking her breast she made a shew of innocency but this gesture was a colour to hide her bad intent So Pheroras was left in great perplexity not knowing what to say or do and could find no pretence to excuse his fact for on the one side he confessed that he told it unto Alexander and on the other he could not make Herod believe that he heard it of Salome This contention endured a good while at last the King being wearied sent away his Brother and his Sister and B greatly commending his Son 's moderate mind and that he had given him intelligence of those speeches it being then late he went to supper After this contention The effect of calumniation Salome was hardly thought of because she was judged to be the Author of this ill report and the King's Wives hated her because they knew her to have strange qualities and so variable that one while she would profess friendship and presently after hatred Wherefore they still had something to inform Herod of against her taking occasion happening by chance which was this There was a King of the Arabians named Obodas a slothful man and one given to idleness And there was one Syllaeus that did govern all this man was a crafty fellow and in the prime of his youth and very beautiful This Syllaeus coming unto Herod about C some business and viewing Salome who then sat at supper with him began to set his mind upon her and finding she was a Widow he entred into talk with her and she finding her Brother now not so friendly unto her as before he had been and also entangled with the beauty of this young man did not greatly deny to marry him and many Feasts being made at that time they shewed evident signs of their mutual consent and love one to another The King's Wives told the King of this in jest Herod commanded Pheroras at supper time to note if he could espy any tokens of familiarity betwixt them and Pheroras told him that by signs and mutual viewing one another Syllaeus the Arabian desiring Salome to wife was denied they sufficiently shewed their intents After this the Arabian being suspected departed into his own Countrey But two or three months after he came again into D Judaea only for this purpose and talked with Herod touching this matter requesting him to let Salome be his Wife affirming that that affinity would be profitable unto him for the traffick between his people and the Arabians whose Prince he was to be and did already enjoy a great part of the Dominion Herod told all this unto his Sister and asked her if she would marry him and she answered she would Then they requested that Syllaeus should become a Jew in Religion or else it was not lawful for him to marry her He would not condescend hereunto affirming that he should be stoned to death by his people if he did it and so he departed without obtaining his purpose From that time forth Pheroras and especially the King's Wives accused Salome of intemperancy affirming that she had had the company of the Arabian Now Herod E determined to marry his Daughter unto Salome's Son whom Pheroras refused for the love of his Maid which Son of Salome's was her eldest that she had by Costabarus to shew his good will towards Salome his Sister But he was disswaded by Pheroras who told him that the young man would never love such a Father in Law because of his Father's death perswading him rather to marry her to his eldest Son who was to succeed him in his Tetrarchy which he easily perswaded the King unto and so obtained pardon for his former offence Herod married his Daughter to Pheroras's Son Wherefore the match being changed the Maid was married unto the young man who had a hundred Talents in dowry with her more than otherwise should have been given with her But all this while this dissention of Herod's house did not cease but rather encreased F it having a shameful beginning and coming to a sorrowful end Herod had three Eunuchs whom he greatly esteemed for their
beauty one of them was his Butler the other his Cook and the third his Chamberlain whom also he was wont to employ in serious affairs of his Kingdom Some one or other informed the King that these three Eunuchs were corrupted by his Son Alexander The Sons hatred towards their Father is bewrayed with great summs of money and being upon Tortures examined if they had accompanied with him they confessed all yet they affirmed that they knew no practice of his attempted against his Father But their torments being encreased by Antipater's Favourites they were forced to confess that Alexander secretly hated his Father and he exhorted them to forsake Herod who was now good for nothing who dissembled his age by painting G his face to make himself seem younger than he was and colouring his head and beard black which were already grown very white through age But rather set their minds upon him who would in despight of his Father enjoy his Kingdom due unto him and that then he would advance them to the highest honours of the Kingdom For he H had not only title unto it by his birth but also was now prepared likewise to invade it and that he had many of the Captains of the souldiers and many of the King's friends on his side who were prepared to do or endure any thing for his sake Herod hearing this fear and anger did seize on him by reason that his Son's words seemed both insolent and threatning and being for both these causes in a rage he feared some greater matter to be put in practice against him which he could not suddenly having so little warning avoid And not daring to make open enquiry he set secret spies a work to tell him how all matters stood himself now mistrusting all men and accounting it his security to mistrust all even them that deserved it not and not moderating his suspicious mind now whosoever was the nearest to him was the I more suspected Herod crediteth all tales and so putteth many to death unjustly as of most power to injure him As for others that were but only named by his spies he presently esteemed it his safety to put them to death Then they of his houshold every one being careful to save himself were one turned against another every one esteeming it his own safety to prevent others by accusing them unto Herod which done presently they incited other men's envy against him and every one of them to desire such measure as they had measured unto others and thus they also revenged their private Quarrels and presently after they themselves were taken and did by other mens means suffer the like being entrapped in the same trap they set for their enemies For the King did quickly repent for having put very many to death who were not convicted yet for all that he was K not hereby admonished to beware of the like hereafter but on his repentance for their death raged so far as to cause him to inflict the same punishment upon the accusers which he had done upon them Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. The Court was in such a lamentable condition that he commanded many of his dearest friends and them especially whose fidelity he had formerly experienced Herod denieth to be familiar with Andromachus and Gemellus not to come in his sight nor within his Court-gates For he did now shake off the friendship between Andromachus and Gemellus and himself who were his ancient friends and oftentimes had gone Ambassadours for him and always been of his counsel and had been tutors unto his Children in whom he had always reposed more trust than in any others the one of them for that his Son Demetrius was familiar with Alexander and Gemellus for that he knew him to L be a friend to Alexander for he was one of them that had brought him up and had travelled with him to Rome And no doubt but he had censured them with some more heavy sentence had it not been that they were so eminent persons Wherefore at that time he was contented to have banished them and deprived them of all their authority to the end that having disgraced these good men he might the more freely play the Tyrant Antipater the cause of all mischief Antipater was the cause of all this mischief who from the first time that he perceived his Father to be fearful and suspicious still after that joyned with him as Counseller and as it were encreased his rage and cruelty and then he gallantly played his part Many were tortured and examined for Alexander's cause endeavouring that whosoever would resist him should be made away Wherefore Andromachus and the rest of his friends being now banished the M Court the King presently tortured all that he imagined any way to favour Alexander to see if they were guilty or if they knew of any treason to be practised against him but they knowing nothing to inform him of died amidst their torments Where he so much the more tortured others for that contrary to his opinion he found not so much as an evil thought against him Antipater craftily interpreting it that they had rather in torments conceal the truth than to shew themselves not trusty to their masters and friends wherefore many being taken he caused them to be tortured to get something out of some of them At last one amongst the rest not able to endure those torments imposed upon him said that he had often heard Alexander say when any one commended his tall stature or skilful shooting and the rest of his vertues that nature had N bestowed upon him these qualities to his prejudice for his Father through envy hereat was offended so that when he talked with him he did on purpose draw his body together lest his Father should perceive the tallness of his stature and that when he went a hunting with him he on purpose did miss the mark he could have hit because he knew his Father could not endure that he should be commended And whilst these words were considered and pondred and his torments intermitted he accused Alexander again to have conspired with his Brother Aristobulus to kill his Father when he was hunting and then to fly with speed unto Rome and beg the Kingdom of Caesar There were also found some of Aristobulus his Letters written unto his Brother complaining of the injurious dealing of his Father who had given O certain Possessions to Antipater the yearly revenues whereof amounted to two hundred Talents Then Herod thinking himself to have probability enough his former A suspicion was now confirmed and so he took Alexander and cast him in prison and again he began to doubt because he did scarcely believe the informations against him neither could he devise any cause wherefore they should seek to commit Treason against him And those complaints seemed childish neither was it probable that having openly killed his Father Alexander
being in prison his friends were tortured he would afterwards have gone to Rome Wherefore endeavouring to find some stronger argument of his Son's impiety and because he would not be thought rashly to have committed his Son to prison he caused the most noble and eminent of all Alexander's friends to be tortured and they confessing no such matter as he expected he put them to death Whilst thus all the Court did resound with fear One accused Alexander to have sent letters to Rome against his Father torments and contentions a certain B man accused Alexander to have sent letters to his friends at Rome to entreat them to cause him to be sent for by Caesar thither that he might accuse his Father of certain conspiracies against Caesar and how he more esteemed the friendship of Mithridates King of the Parthians than the friendship of the Romans affirming also that he had poyson ready prepared at Ascalon Herod hearing this was comforted by flatterers about him as having not done any thing rashly and so he gave now full credit unto all Alexander confesseth the treason and who had a hand in it Yet the poyson was diligently sought for but could not be found Alexander being now oppressed with this calamity he yet took courage and because he would more incite his Father's displeasure against him he did not deny it Perhaps meaning to make his Father ashamed of himself for giving credit so easily unto forged C tales or at least if he could not effect that entangle all the Court and him too in calamity and misery Which that he might the better do he writ four little Pamphlets and sent them unto his Father telling him that it was needless to use any more torments for indeed treason was intended against him and that Pheroras and his most trusty friends were herein conspirators And that in the night time Salome came secretly unto him and as it were forced him to lie with her And that all of them aimed at this mark to have him made away that so they might enjoy their wished liberty He also accused Ptolomeus and Sapinnius of this conspiracy who were more faithful unto their King than all others So that now these men who before were most friendly one to another began like mad men to rage one against another and punishment so D hastily pursued every one that they had not time to speak in their own defence Neither was their punishment deferred till their cause was tried and the truth known so that some were bound and imprisoned others presently put to death others laughed in their sleeves to see that day yet discontented for that any delay was used for their punishment Herod was so troubled with the contention in his house that he was weary of his life So that the King's Court was now greatly defaced with sorrow and heaviness wherewith the usual felicity thereof was destroyed Herod himself amidst these calamities could not but be weary of his life who not daring to trust himself in any bodies hand he was tormented with a dayly and hourly fear of some untimely death that would befall And many times perswaded himself that he did see his Sons before him with a drawn sword ready to kill him and this was his cogitation night and day E so that herewith he almost ran mad CHAP. XII How Archelaus King of Cappadocia reconciled Alexander to his Father WHilst Herod was thus troubled in his mind Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9 al. 13. Archelaus King of Cappadocia careful of his Daughter and the young Prince his Son in Law and pitying his friend Herod in such calamities Archelaus the King of Cappadocia feigneth displeasure against Alexander his Son in Law and so reconciled Herod unto him he thought it his duty to make a journey unto him And F finding him so affected as it was reported unto him before his coming he thought it an unfit way to argue him of too much credulity and rashness perceiving that thereby he would be rather exasperated so much the more labouring to excuse himself Wherefore Archelaus devised another way to appease these troubles he counterfeited indignation against the young Prince approving all the King's actions affirming that he would break the band of Wedlock between his Daughter and Alexander and that if she knew of the Conspiracy and did not inform the King thereof himself would punish her Then Herod contrary to his expectation seeing Archelaus so angry for the offence committed against him began to remit his anger And now with just consideration weighing what he had done by little and little G he began to have a Fatherly affection and to be hereby moved to compassion yet so oft as any one sought to excuse the young Prince he grew very angry thereat but when Archelaus also began to accuse him then Herod's heart relented and he with tears besought Archelaus not to yield too much to anger nor for the young Princes offence H break off the marriage Then Archelaus perceiving him to relent began to turn the matter against Herod's friends as the causes of all this mischief who had corrupted Alexander who of himself was void of malice and especially he aggravated the matter against Pheroras the King's Brother Archelaus layeth the fault of Alexander's offence upon others and especially upon Pheroras Pheroras having now incurred the King's displeasure perceived that none could so soon reconcile him unto the King as Archelaus wherefore clothed in black and making other signs as though he despaired of his life he went unto him who did not deny to help him what he could yet he told him that it was no easie matter for him to pacifie the King so highly offended perswading him rather himself to go unto the King his Brother and crave pardon of him confessing himself to have been cause of all this mischief by which confession of his I the King's wrath would be greatly appeased and so he also should have better occasion to entreat for him Pheroras confessed himself to be the author of all mischief and obtaineth pardon of his brother Pheroras followed his counsel which fell out happily for them both for the Prince contrary to any ones expectation was freed from all his troubles And Archelaus made Pheroras and Herod friends and he himself having obtained great friendship of the King in his adversities he returned joyfully into Cappadocia being rewarded with rich gifts and being accounted of as Herod's chiefest friend They also agreed amongst themselves that Herod should go to Rome because he had already written unto Caesar Herod accompanied Archelaus unto Antioch concerning this matter And they both went together to Antiochia and there Herod reconciled Titus the President of Syria unto Archelaus and so he returned into Judea K CHAP. XIII Herod declareth War against the Arabians for protecting Trachonites Robbers WHilest Herod being gone to Rome The year of the World 3956. before
you any thing or help to save your life I am ready to tell any lie whatsoever seeing I must die and will deny nothing you would have me to say Alexander answered Neither did I purpose any impiety against my Father as some suppose who ought not to think so neither dost thou know of any one this thou knowest that thou and I purposed to fly unto Archelaus thy Father and that he promised to convey us to Rome which she also affirmed Herod now thinking that Archelaus was disaffected towards him Archelaus excuseth himself to Herod delivered Letters L unto Olympus and Volumnius commanding them in the way as they went to pass by Eleusa a Town of Cilicia and deliver certain Letters unto Archelaus himself to the same effect and that from thence they should go to Rome and if so be when they came there they found that Caesar had been reconciled to him by Nicholaus his means that then they should also deliver certain Letters unto him declaring all that was past between him and his Sons and the proofs alledged to convince the Princes Archelaus writ again unto Herod that indeed he would have entertained the young men for fear that any greater mischance should befall them or their Father by reason of the suspicion against them yet was he was he not minded to send them to Caesar nor to have confirmed them in any malicious course Caesar and Herod made friends The Messengers coming to Rome found Caesar reconciled to M Herod and delivered the Letters unto him For Nicholaus his Embassage was to this effect So soon as he came unto Rome and had entred the Palace beside the charge he had given him he did also undertake to accuse Syllaeus For he perceived the Arabians at variance among themselves and that some of them had declared all Syllaeus his bad practices and that by his means many of Obodas's Kinsmen were murthered as his adversaries manifestly proved by his Letters which they intercepted Now Nicholaus desirous to reconcile Herod unto Caesar omitted not this occasion by chance offered him Hedio Ruffinus chap. 12. al. 18. for he well knew that if he began with the King's defence he should then find a hard and heavy Judge against him but if he began to accuse Syllaeus he should find also a fit occasion to plead his King's cause Nicholaus accuseth Syllaeus and excuseth Herod Wherefore Nicholaus taking N upon him to prove the accusation against him at the day appointed he conversed with King Aretas's Ambassadours accused Syllaeus as a murtherer of his Lord and King and many other Arabians and that he had borrowed much money to trouble the peace of the Commonwealth and that he had corrupted many women and honest Matrons both at Rome and in Arabia He added hereunto a most grievous crime to wit that he by his lies and false reports had deceived Caesar whom in all things he had misinformed concerning that which Herod had done Which when he once mentioned Caesar commanded him to omit the rest and only to relate the matter concerning Herod whether Herod did not enter into Arabia with an Army and did kill two thousand and five hundred men and carry away Captives and rob and spoil the Countrey O Nicholaus answered that to these demands himself was able to answer that Herod did none of these and that he did not deserve any displeasure Caesar contrary A to his expectation hearing this began to give diligent ear to what Nicholaus said And hereupon Nicholaus related unto Caesar how Herod had lent five hundred Talents and that he had a Writing in pawn wherein he was permitted after the day appointed if then it were not repayed him again to prey upon all the whole Countrey and satisfie himself A Narration of the Arabian Wars and the borrowed money and that this was no hostile invasion but according to Law and equity a requiring of his right and debt due unto him And that this was not rashly done though by the writing he was so permitted to do but by the consent of Saturninus and Volumnius Presidents of Syria in whose presence Syllaeus swore by Caesar's good fortune at Berytum that within thirty days after both the debt and also certain fugitives fled from the King should be restored unto him and that Syllaeus performed none B of these And so Herod went again unto the Presidents and they permitted him to go and take pledges for his money and that so by their permission he went into Arabia And this is the War that his adversaries have so tragically exaggerated and yet how can it be called a War seeing that it was done by the consent of the Presidents and that by Covenant after Perjury wherewith both God's and also Caesar's name was violated The Thieves of Trachon It now remaineth that I speak something concerning the Captives There were forty Thieves of Trachon and afterward more that fled from Herod for fear of punishment and fled into Arabia whom Syllaeus protected and succoured to the injury of all men and gave them ground to inhabit and was partaker of their preys notwithstanding that by his foresaid oath he was bound to restore them together with the C borrowed money neither can he name any man beside them taken in Arabia and carried away Captive and some of them also escaped This his forged tale concerning the Captives being thus refuted hear O Sovereign Caesar the lying invention which to provoke thee to wrath himself devised For I am well able to affirm this that when the Arabian Army assaulted us and one or two of our men were killed then at last Herod forced to make resistance he killed Nacebus and with him five and twenty and no more for every one of which Syllaeus falsely told Caesar a hundred and so told him that two thousand and five hundred were killed Caesar hereat greatly moved with an angry countenance looking upon Syllaeus he asked him how many Arabians were killed in the fight He amazed and knowing not what to reply answered D that he erred in the number Presently Caesar commanded the Writings to be read containing the conditions between them and the Writings of the Presidents and the Letters of the Cities containing the complaints of the Robberies Syllaeus condemned to die And so the matter was brought to pass that Caesar was reconciled unto Herod and condemned Syllaeus to die and repenting himself to have written so threatning Letters to Herod he objected that also unto Syllaeus affirming that by his false informations he had caused him to pass the limits of friendship in using his friend so hardly And so he sent Syllaeus into his Countrey that after he had satisfied his creditors he might be punished according to the sentence But he still continued angry with Aretas for that without his authority Caesar was purposed to give the Kingdom of Arabia to Herod and was altered by Herod's
they were excellent and especially Alexander the eldest of them It had been enough for him suppose he had condemned them either to have kept them in perpetual Prison or banished them into some far Countrey seeing that he was assured of the Roman Power under whose protection he neither needed to have feared invasion nor secret Treason against him For to put them to death only to satisfie his own furious will what else doth it argue but only an impious liberty casting K off all Fatherly humanity and kindness especially seeing that he was aged whose years could neither plead ignorance nor that he was deceived For neither was he the more excused by the delay he used nay it had been a less offence if amazed with some sudden news he had been incited to so hainous an offence But after so long deliberation at last to effect such a matter betokens a bloody mind and hardened in wickedness as he shewed afterwards not sparing the rest whom before he held most dear Who though they were less to be pitied in that they justly suffered yet was it an argument of his like cruelty in that he abstained not from their deaths also But we will speak of this hereafter L M N O A THE SEVENTEENTH BOOK Of the B ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventeenth Book 1. Antipater endeavoureth to hasten his Father's death that he may reign in his place The Children that Herod had by his nine Wives C 2. Of Zamaris a Babilonish Jew a man of singular virtue 3. Antipater Pheroras and his Wife conspire against Herod Salome acquainteth him with it he causeth some Pharisees who were of this Conspiracy to be put to death He endeavoureth to make Pheroras repudiate his Wife but he cannot be perswaded to it 4. Herod sendeth Antipater to Augustus with his Will by which he declareth him his Successor Syllaeus bribeth one of Herod's Guards to kill him but the plot is discovered 5. Pheroras's death D 6. Pheroras's Wife is accused and Herod is advertised of Antipater's Conspiracies 7. Antipater being returned back unto Judaea from Rome is convicted in the presence of Varus Governour of Syria for having endeavoured to poyson the King his Father Herod causeth him to be imprisoned and writeth to Augustus on that Subject 8. 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 E 9. Augustus referreth it to Herod to dispose of Antipater as he pleaseth Herod falling into a relapse of his Torments desireth to kill himself Achiavus one of his Grand-children hindreth him It is reported that he is dead Antipater endeavoureth in vain to bribe his Keeper to set him at liberty as soon as Herod heareth of it he sendeth one to kill him 10. Herod altereth his Will declareth Archelaus his Successor he dieth five days after Antipater Herod's glorious Funeral ordained by Archelaus the peoples great acclamation in favour of Archelaus 11. Some Jews who demanded satisfaction for Judas and Matthias and others deaths F whom Herod caused to be burned for having pulled down the Eagle at the Portal of the Temple make an Insurrection which obligeth Archelaus to cause three thousand of them to be put to death He goeth afterwards to Rome to be confirmed King by Augustus His Brother Antipas who pretends to have right to the Crown repaireth thither also the Cause is pleaded before Augustus 12. A great Rebellion in Judea whilest Archelaus was at Rome Varus Governour of Syria stoppeth it Philip Archelaus's Brother goeth also to Rome in hopes to obtain one part of the Kingdom The Jews send Ambassadours to Augustus G 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 13. Caesar confirms Herod's Testament and appointeth his Children to be his Successors H 14. An Impostor counterfeits himself to be Alexander Herod's Son Augustus finds out the Cheat and sends him to the Galleys 15. Archelaus marrieth Glaphyra his Brother Alexander's Widow Augustus having heard several of the Jews complaints of him confineth him to Vienna in France and uniteth his possessions to Syria Glaphyra's death CHAP. I. I Antipater endeavoureth to hasten his Father's death that he may reign in his place The Children that Herod had by his nine Wives AFter that Antipater had made away his Brothers through the extreme impiety and unbridled fury wherewith Herod their Father was incensed against them yet he did not immediately obtain that which undoubtedly he hoped for For being freed of K that fear he conceived lest his Brothers should be partakers with him in the Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus chap. 1. he found it a difficult and dangerous matter to find the means how to obtain it Antipater after he had made away his Brothers grew hateful both to the Souldiers and the people so strange and hainous a hatred had all the Nation conceived against him On the other side in shewing himself proud and lofty he more and more encreased that hatred which the Souldiers had conceived against him in whom the security of the Kingdom consisted if it should fortune to fall out that the people should attempt any alteration All which mischiefs were procured by his own sins and the unnatural murther of his Brothers Antipater governed the Kingdom with his Father Nevertheless he governed the Kingdom with his Father living only in less Authority than himself Herod also reposed more confidence in L him even in those things for which he was worthy to lose his head For the King conceived that in confirmation of his good affection towards him Antipater had accused his Brethren to continue his Father in security and not for any hatred he bore unto them more than to his Father though indeed he hated them for his Father's sake being transported with fury But all these were but as so many stratagems to insinuate himself into Herod's Counsels and Favours and these did he craftily make use of to cut off the occasion lest any should prevent or accuse him of that which he pretended to do and that Herod might be deprived of all relief if so be that Antipater should beâ—â— his Forces against him Antipater wisheth his Father's death For the Treason he complotted against his Brothers proceeded from the hatred he bare unto his Father But at that time he was the more egged on to prosecute M his intended purposes without any delay For if Herod should happen to die it was most sure that the Kingdom should be his and should his life continue any longer time and the practice Antipater went about should be discovered seeing himself invironed with these dangers he
should be enforced to make his Father his Enemy For which cause he was very liberal to all those that were about his Father Antipater spared no cost to win his Father's friends and through the great gifts he bestowed upon them he extinguished that hatred which all of them bare unto him and above all things he continued himself in credit with those friends which Herod had at Rome by sending them divers Presents and namely Saturninus who was Governour of Syria He hoped also by bribes and rewards to draw his Father's Brother into his faction and to corrupt the King's Sister also who was married to N one of the King 's most esteemed friends in Court He was a subtil and politick man in entertaining those men with colourable shew of friendship with whom he conversed and to draw himself into credit with them he was sufficiently dexterous to dissemble his malice and discontents which he had conceived against any man Notwithstanding all this Antipater could not deceive his Aunt he could not deceive Salome his Aunt who of long time before had sounded his inclinations and who was not so simple as to suffer her self to be deceived but had already by all cunning means that might be prevented his malice although she had a Daughter married unto his Uncle by the Mother's side This Daughter was first of all wedded to Aristobulus and afterwards by Antipater's means to his Uncle For Callaeas her Husband's Son had married the other But neither could this affinity colour the O matter so much but that his malice was discovered neither could that former consanguinity extinguish the deserved hatred conceived against him Herod constrained Salome A who through amorous passion had thought to have married her self to Syllaeus the Arabian to marry with Alexas and that by the mediation and perswasion of Julia Caesar's wife who advised Salome not to refuse that Marriage lest he should prove her mortal enemy for Herod had made an Oath that if Salome condescended not to marry Alexas Herod compelleth Salome to marry Alexas he would never make account of her For which cause she followed Julia's advice who was Caesar's wife and counselled her also to her profit and preferment At the same time Herod sent his Daughter Glaphyra to King Archelaus who had been married to Alexander Glaphyra sometimes Alexander's Wife is sent back to Archelaus King of Cappadocia Hedio and Ruffinus c. 1. presenting him a Dowry out of his own Treasury lest there should any difference arise between them and he himself most carefully brought up his Sons Children For Alexander had two Sons by Glaphyra and Aristobulus begat B on Bernice Salomes Daughter three Sons and two Daughters Sometimes he would recommend them unto his Friends and bewailing the misfortune of his Sons would beseech God that no such ill fortune might befall their children but rather that they might increase in virtue and acknowledge their education and bringing up with all dutiful respects unto their Parents Herod bringeth up his Sons children He provided them also each of them with a wife when they were ready for Marriage Namely the Daughter of Pheroras for the eldest of Alexander's Sons and the Daughter of Antipater for Aristobulus's eldest Son and one of Aristobulus's Daughters was married to Antipater's Son and the other to Herod his own Son whom he had begotten of the Daughter of the High Priest For it is lawful in our Countrey and according to our custom to have divers Wives at one C time The King procured these Marriages through the compassion he had of those Orphans thinking by this mutual Alliance to cause Antipater to be their Friend But Antipater conceived no less hatred toward the children than he had done malice towards their Fathers Antipater hateth his Brothers children For the care that Herod had of them increased his hatred in that he pretended to be the greatest among the Brethren and he especially feared lest when they should grow to mans estate they would resist his power being assisted by King Archelaus as his Sons in Law and Pheroras who was a Tetrarch should do the like for that he had married his Son to Alexander's Daughter And so much the more was he incited because all the people had compassion of these Orphans and had conceived a hatred against him who never ceased to express his malice against his D Brethren Antipater laboureth his Father to break of the Marriages he intended He therefore devised all the means that were possible to disanul the Decrees which his Father had resolved upon to this effect being very loath that they should ever live to be partners with him in the Kingdom So that at last Herod condescended to Antipater's demand which was that he might marry Aristobulus's Daughter and his Son to Pheroras's Daughter and thus were the forementioned Marriages wholly cut off Herod's nine Wives yea even against Herod's former Decree At that time Herod had nine Wives namely Antipater's Mother the High Priests Daughter by whom he had a Son that bare his name and a Daughter of his Brothers and a Cozen of his own by whom he had no children He had another Wife also that by Nation was a Samaritane by whom he had two Sons Antipas and Archelaus and a Daughter called Olympias E who was afterward married to Joseph the Kings Cozen. As for Archelaus and Antipas they were brought up at Rome with a certain private Friend of his Moreover he married one that was called Cleopatra that was born in Jerusalem by whom he had Herod and Philip which Philip was brought up at Rome By Pallas he had Phasaelus by Phedra and Helpia he had two Daughters Roxane and Salome As for his eldest Daughters Alexander's Sisters by the Mothers side whom Pheroras had refused to take in Marriage he match'd the one with Antipater his Sisters Son and the other he wedded to Phasaelus his Brothers Son and this was Herod's Progeny F CHAP. II. Of Zamaris a Babylonish Jew a man of singular virtue AFter this Herod buildeth a Castle in the Region of the Trachonites and maketh Zamaris the Jew that came from Babylon Governour therein intending to assure his Estate in the Countrey of Trachonite he resolved to build a Borough of the bigness of a City in the midst of the Countrey as well to secure his Countrey as to be in better readiness to repulse his Enemies with more expedition And having intelligence that a certain Jew was come from Babylon with five hundred Archers on Horseback and about one hundred of his Kinsmen G and had adventured to pass Euphrates and was in the Countrey adjoyning to Antioch near unto Daphne in Syria where Saturnine General of the Roman Army had given him a Castle called Valatha to inhabit he sent for him and his followers promising to give him both Lands and Lordships in the Segniory of Batanea which H bordereth on
Trachonite intending that he should make head against those that would assail him and promising him that both his Lands and his Souldiers should be exempt from all Tributes and payments of Customs This Babylonian Jew was induced by these offers to come and take possession of the place where he builded a Borough called Bathyra This man opposing himself against the Trachonites defended the Countrey and those Jews that came from Babylon to Jerusalem to offer Sacrifice from all Incursions and Robberies of the Trachonites and divers that observed the Religion of the Jews resorted unto him from all places so that this Countrey was very well peopled by reason of the exemption of the Tribute which continued during Herod's life-time I But Philip who succeeded him exacted afterward some small Tribute of them and that but for a little while But Agrippa the Great and his Son of the same name charged them with great Taxations yet permitted them to enjoy their Liberty whose Successors the Romans imposed many grievous Tributes upon them yet continued their Freedom of whom hereafter we will more particularly and largely discourse in due place and in process of my History Now this Jew Zamaris to whom Herod had given the Possession of his Countrey died after he had lived virtuously and left a virtuous Off-spring behind him Jacim and Philip the Sons of Zamaris amongst whom was Jacim renowned for his dexterity on Horseback who with his Troop of Horse was of the King of Babylon's Guard This Jacim died when he was very old and left his Son Philip to succeed him a valiant K man and addicted to all sorts of Virtue as much as any one that hath been renowned in History for which cause King Agrippa loved him and put his trust in him and committed the trust and training of his Souldiers unto him who led them also forth if occasion of service was proffered CHAP. III. Antipater Pheroras and his Wife conspire against Herod Salome acquainteth him with it he causeth some Pharisees who were of this Conspiracy to be put to death L He endeavoureth to make Pheroras repudiate his Wife but he cannot be perswaded to it WHilst Herod's Affairs were thus disposed Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. all men's eyes were fixed upon Antipater after that Herod had given him full power which was granted him in hopes that his Father had that he would behave himself faithfully and affectionately towards him But he abused his Authority more audaciously than could be expected for he treacherously coloured his conceived malice and easily drew his Father to believe him in whatsoever he said He was feared by all men not only for his Authority but for his subtilties and policies But above all the rest Pheroras respected him most M and was in like manner Pheroras deceived by women as greatly esteemed by him For Antipater circumvented him by the means of certain women who favoured his Faction for Pheroras was commanded by his Wife his Mother and Sister-in-Law notwithstanding that he hated them by reason of the abuse they had offered to his Daughters who were unmarried nevertheless he was enforced to dissemble all things because he could do nothing but what they were always privy to and had such power of his Affairs that they obliged him to perform whatsoever they pleased Antipater was also very intimate with them both on his own account and his Mother's for these four women were of one mind in all things and spake as it were by one mouth Yet was Pheroras at odds with Antipater upon some slight distastes and she that wrought this debate betwixt them was N the King's Sister Salome who had a long time spied all their drifts knowing well that their mutual friendship tended to the overthrow of Herod which she was ready to acquaint him And they knowing well that the King disliked this their inward familiarity and that he was privy to that which they pretended which was his utter ruine resolved between themselves to refrain their publick familiarity and to make a shew that they were at odds one with another to which intent they reproached one another especially at such time as they were either in Herod's presence or there was any one with them Salome discovereth to Herod the Conspiracies of the Ladies and others who as they thought would acquaint him with it But in secret they intermitted not their accustomed friendship and continued their correspondence with more privy affability yet was not Salome ignorant hereof neither when they first devised O this drift neither afterwards when they put it in execution for she diligently noted all things and aggravated the same by report to her Brother whom she informed A of their secret meetings banquetting and secret consultations which as we said had no other scope but his ruine if he did not prevent them in time shewing that for the present they behaved themselves like enemies in outward shew and all their speeches tended to disgrace one another but that in secret they were friends and entertained their a mity and promised each other their mutual assistance to strengthen themselves against those to whom they were loath their friendship should be discovered But he durst not make shew thereof because he knew that his Sister was a woman too much addicted to reproachful Accusations The Pharisees subtil and arrogant There was among the Jews a Sect of people that were called Pharisees who were too much addicted to self-opinion and boasted themselves to be the exactest observers of the Law in all the Countrey to whom these women B were very much addicted as to those who were much beloved of God as in outward appearance they made shew for These were such as durst oppose themselves against Kings full of Fraud Arrogancy and Rebellion presuming to raise War upon their motions and to rebel and offend their Princes at their pleasures Whereas therefore all the Nation of the Jews had sworn to be faithful unto Caesar The Pharisees would not swear obedience but were fined Pheroras's Wife payeth their Fine for which benefit they promise her the Kingdom and to the estate of the King these only refused to take oath and of this Sect there were to the number of six thousand For which cause the King having imposed a penalty upon them Pheroras's Wife paid it for them for which cause they pretending to gratifie her and being esteemed for such as were skilful in foretelling such things as were to come by reason of their often communication with God foretold her that God had decreed to bring the C Kingdom of Herod and his Posterity to an end and would bring to pass that the Crown should descend to Pheroras and his Sons Salome had got an inkling hereof and had told Herod no less And how they likewise corrupted every one of his Courtiers Bagoas Carus and others are put to death by Herod for which cause he put those to
another of Antipholas's Brothers and the Mother I to them both confessed no less being constrained thereunto by force of violence and torture and acknowledged the Box. The King's Wife also who was the Daughter of the High Priest The King putteth away his Wife and blots his Son out of his Testament He degradeth Simon and instateth Matthias in the Priestood was accused of confederacy and concealment of all these Treasons For which cause Herod put her away from him and cancelled his Sons name out of his Testament wherein he had bequeathed him the Kingdom after his decease He displaced also his Father-in-law Simon the Son of Boethus from the Priesthood and placed Matthias the Son of Theophilus who was born in Jerusalem In the mean time Bathillus Antipater's Freeman returned from Rome who being tortured confessed that he brought a Poyson with him to deliver it to Antipater's Mother and Pheroras to the end that if the first Poyson were not effectual enough to dispatch the King they might K make use of this other to cut him off speedily There came Letters also to Herod's hands from his friends at Rome Archelaus Philip are accused by Antipaters means written and devised by Antipater's means to accuse Archelaus and Philip for very often they had refreshed the memory of Alexander and Aristobulus's death contrived by their Father and for that they lamented the miserable fate of them who were innocently betrayed and that now also they themselves were called back into their Countrey for no other cause but upon their arrival to be made partakers of their Brother 's miserable destiny These things did Antipater's friends certifie Herod of in that by many and mighty Presents he wrought them thereunto He himself also wrote unto his Father colourably after a manner excusing the young men and imputing their words unto their indiscretion and young years L Mean while he busied himself in accusing Syllaeus and courted the chiefest Romans buying divers Ornaments and Jewels to present them with to the value of two hundred Talents And it is to be wondred at that so great matters being in agitation against him seven months at least before his return into the Countrey of Judaea that no inkling thereof came unto his ears But the cause partly was the diligent search and watch that was kept upon the High-ways and partly the hatred that all men had conceived against Antipater For there was not any that would put themselves in hazard to procure his security M CHAP. VII Antipater being returned back into Judaea from Rome is convicted in the presence of Varus Governour of Syria for having endeavoured to poyson the King his Father Herod causeth him to be imprisoned and writeth to Augustus on that Subject HErod concealing his displeasure Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. answered Antipater his Son's Letters giving him a strict charge as soon as he had dispatched his affairs to hasten homeward lest his long absence should prove hurtful to him Herod writeth friendly Letters to Antipater and calleth him home from Rome He likewise after a temperate manner N complained unto him of his Mother promising notwithstanding to remit the fault upon his return and by all means he made shew to him of much kindness fearing lest he apprehending any suspicion should defer to hasten his return and lingring too long at Rome should contrive some treacherous stratagem to the prejudice of himself and the overthrow of his Kingdom Antipater received these Letters in Cilicia and had already received others at Tarentum by which he understood of Pheroras his Unkle's death whereat he was sore grieved not for the love he bare to Pheroras but for that he died before he had murthered his Father according as he had promised him As soon as he came to Celenderis a City of Cilicia he grew doubtful whether he should return or no and was grievously troubled at his Mother's disgraces O who was banished from the Court The opinions of his friends in his behalf were various for some of them counselled him to stay and expect the event of these troubles A in some place others on the other side advised him to delay no longer his return into his Countrey for that upon his arrival he might easily satisfie all those objections and accusations that were forged against him because his accusers had nothing else to strengthen their cause with but his absence This later advice pleased him best so that he betook himself to Sea Celenderis in Cilicia and at last arrived in the Port of Sebaste so called and builded by Herod to his great charge in honour of Caesar And now already it manifestly appeared that Antipater was upon his downfal Sebaste a Haven builded by Herod in honour of Caesar For no man came out to salute him no man entertained him as they did upon his departure when as all of them accompanied him with prayers and happy acclamations but contrariwise they boldly and openly spake against him and bitterly cursed him telling B him that he was justly punished for the wickedness that he had committed against his brothers Antipater upon his return is saluted by no man About the same time Quintilius Varus who was sent to succeed Saturnine in the Government of Syria was at Jerusalem Quintilius Varus Governour of Syria and drew thither at that instant upon Herods request to assist him with his Counsels in his present and weighty occasions Now whilest these two sate and cousulted together Antipater came in before any man expected him and in that purple garment and Royalty that he was accustomed to use entered the Palace The Guard of the Gates suffered him to enter in but they excluded all those that were with him This first of all affrighted and appaled his Spirits in that he already perceived into what calamity he was fallen and now also C when he drew near his Father he thrust him from him accusing him of the murder of his Brethren and reproaching him with that intent he had to poyson him telling him that the next day Varus should both hear and judge all his misdemeanours He altogether daunted at the greatness of that unexpected mischief which he both heard and saw departed presently from them wholly amazed and in the way met with his Mother and his Wife which was Antigonus's daughter who had been King of the Jews before Herod by whom he was advertised of all that which had happened and for that cause more diligently prepared himself for his tryal Herod calleth his Son in question before Quintilius Varus The next day Varus and Herod sate in judgement accompanied by their friends on both sides thither also D were cited the Kings kindred and his sister Salome and certain others who could discover his secret practices some of which had been tortured and namely Antipaters mothers servants who a little before his arrival had been apprehended with a letter to this
effect That he should take heed that he returned not into the Countrey because his Father was made privy to all his practices and that for the present he had no other refuge but only to Caesar and to take care likewise lest he should fall into his Fathers hands Hereupon Antipater humbling himself on his knees before the King his Father besought him not to condemn him before his cause was heard but to suspend his judgment until such time as he had heard his justifications But Herod after he had commanded him to E withdraw himself into the midst of the Court and Assembly deplored his infelicity in begetting such Children and bewailed his mishap that in his old age he was reserved for an Antipater Antipater accused by Herod After this he reckoned up his cares in their education and institution and how bountifully he had bestowed upon him as much riches as he required he added that none of all these favours could preserve him from falling into the hazard of losing his life by their policy that they might unjustly possess the Kingdom before either the Law of Nature or the will of their Father or their own rights could challenge the same But above all the rest he wondred at Antipater with what hope he could possibly be puffed up to attempt so audacious and wicked an enterprize For by his Testament he had made him the Heir of his Kingdom and in his life time also had made him his equal in Dignity F Glory and Power That he received yearly fifty talents of revenue and to furnish his voyage for Rome had three hundred talents given him Moreover he accused him for his slanderous accusations against his murthered and slaughtered Brothers Who if they had been wicked why did he imitate them But if they were innocent why without cause produced he is slanderous accusations against those who were his natural Brethren For in his own respect he had never found any thing against them but by his report neither had be given Sentence against them but by Antipaters advice who for the present were absolved by him because he was become the Author of their Parricide In uttering these words he began to weep being unable to insist any further for which cause he besought Nicholaus Damascene who was his dear friend and conversed ordinarily G with him and was privy to all that which had passed to prosecute the rest of his Indictment But Antipater turning himself towards his Father began to justifie himself urging the same Testimonies and Favours that his Father had shewed unto him and the H honours he had received at his hands which he would never have shewed him if he had been unworthy of the same and had not by his virtue deserved these favours He alledged also that by his virtue he had prevented all that which might have happened and that where the cause required his labour or diligence Antipater's answer to his Father's objection he dispatched all things with his own industry that it was unlikely that he who had delivered his Father from those Treasons which were intended against him by other men should himself attempt the like And as far from probability that he should go to extinguish that virtue whereof even until that day he had given testimony to the end that always hereafter he might be defamed for such baseness For long before this time he was named and entitled to succeed him and to enjoy those very honours whereof already he enjoyed no small part whereby he protested I that it was unlikely that he who might enjoy the half of all that his Father had in all security vertue and honour should desire the whole with infamy and danger yea and with an uncertainty to obtain the same that the punishment which had befallen his Brothers whom he had disclosed and accused at such time as they were hidden was procured by him who if he had pleased might have concealed them and whose wickedness towards their Father after it was proved he himself had revenged upon them Neither as he said repented he himself of that which he had done for that action of his might be an argument to prove how incorruptly he loved his Father And as touching that which he had dealt in at Rome Caesar himself was witness thereof who could be no more deceived than God himself whereof those Letters bore record which were written by him which in K equity should be of no less force than the slanders of those who sought to set them at odds The most part of which objections and reproaches had been complotted and devised by his enemies who have had the leysure to pursue the same during his absence which they could not have performed in his presence At length he pleaded that all those Confessions were false which were extorted by torture in that it ordinarily falleth out that such as are put to the tryal confess many things by force of torment that are untrue to satisfie them that put them thereto Briefly without all favour he offered himself to the Rack in justification of his Innocency Upon these Protestations all the Council and Assistants were confounded For all of them had great compassion of Antipater who was wholly drowned in his tears so that his very enemies began to pity him And Herod himself L made it appear that he seemed in some sort to be altered in his opinion notwithstanding he endeavoured to conceal the same But Nicholaus Nicholaus Damascene prosecuteth the King's Accusation according as he was requested prosecuted that Accusation which the King had begun urging all things to the uttermost and producing all the Witnesses and those manifest Proofs that were gathered from their Examinations that were tortured Especially he discoursed at large of the King's Virtue which he had fatherly expressed in the education and instruction of his Children for which he had been so unkindly and unnaturally requited Moreover that his first Children's foolish rashness was not so much to be wondred at for that being young they had been corrupted by the malice of their Counsellors and had blotted out of their hearts all tue Laws of M Nature rather through ambition of Rule than desire of Riches But that Antipater's boldness was both wonderful and wicked who more cruel than the cruelest Beasts who towards their Benefactors acknowledge each good turn was nothing mollified by his Father 's so great indulgence nor terrified by his Brother's calamity but must needs emulate them in their cruelty And thou thy self said he O Antipater wert the Judge of their attempted Treasons by thy inquisition they were indicted thou didst execute the justice against them being convicted Neither do we disallow that thou didst prosecute them with just indignation but rather admire thee for that thou imitatest their intemperance And we easily gather that those acts of thine were not attempted for thy Father's security but intended for thy Brother's overthrow
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
same Thereupon all of them began to applaud and honour Archelaus for their King The Souldiers flocked about him in Troops accompanied with their Captains promising him to serve him with no less good will and affection Alias cap. 12 than they had done his Father praying God to yield him his assistance At that time also the King's Hearse was prepared Herod's Corps is buried with great pomp solemnity in Herodion and Archelaus gave order that his Obsequies should be most royally performed and bestowed all the Furniture that was N requisite for that Funeral and Princely Interrment He was carried out in a Gilded Litter adorned with divers precious Stones the Cover thereof was of Azure colour The dead body was apparelled in a Purple Raiment having a Diadem upon his head over which there was a Crown of Gold and a Scepter put in his right hand About this Litter marched a great number of his Children and Kinsfolk and after them followed his Souldiers disposed in Bands and Troops according to the custom of every Nation The first of these were the Archers of his Guard after them went the Thracians The Germans and French served under Herod and lastly marched the Germans and Galatians all of them in their Warlike Dress and Discipline After them followed all the Army marching in order as when they were drawn up in Batalia each one under his Captain Next these followed five O hundred of his Houshold Servants bearing Perfumes And all these in his Equipage marched to the Castle of Herodion distant some eight Furlongs off For there he was A entombed according to the Tenour of his Testament Thus died Herod Archelaus continued his Mourning for seven days space in honour of his Father For the Law of the Countrey ordaineth no less And after he had feasted the people and laid aside his mourning Apparel he ascended up into the Temple All the way as he went all the people with Shouts and Acclamations Archelaus banqueteth the people cried God save the King and with Prayers and Praises honoured him to their uttermost And he being conducted up to a high Throne of Gold which was made on purpose entertained the people very graciously taking pleasure in their Acclamations and Congratulations that they bestowed upon him He gave them thanks also For that they had blotted out of their remembrance the injuries that his Father had done unto them protesting in B his own behalf that he would certainly take care to requite their kindness with an entire affection He likewise told them that for the present he accepted not the Title of King because the honour was bequeathed him with this condition that Caesar should ratifie his Father's Testament For this cause although the Souldiers that were in Jericho were so kind to set the Diadem upon his head yet he would not accept of that uncertain honour because it was not resolved whether Caesar who was the principal Party in the Gift would grant him the Government or no. He protested likewise Archelaus promises that with Caesar's approbation he will carefully intend the desires and profits of the people that if his Affairs succeeded according to his desire he would not in honour forget their love or leave their good affection unrequited C And that in the mean while he would enforce himself by all means to further those things that concerned them and entertain them with more kindness than his Father had done But they according as it is the custom of the common people thinking that those that enter into such Dignities declare and open their minds at the first day The more Archelaus spake kindly and courteously unto them the more they applauded him and presented him with divers Petitions for Grants and Donations from him Some of them cried out unto him that he should take off some part of their yearly Taxes Others cryed to him to deliver those Prisoners that were committed by Herod of whom divers had pined a long time in Prison Others instantly urged him to cut off those Tributes which had been imposed by him upon Bargains and Sales D which was to pay the half of the Bargain Whereunto Archelaus did not any ways contradict striving to the uttermost of his power to please the people for he knew very well that their good affection would be no small advantage towards him in the confirmation of his Kingdom That done he sacrificed unto God and afterward fell to banqueting and entertainment of his Friends CHAP. XI E Some Jews who demanded satisfaction for Judas and Matthias and others deaths whom Herod caused to be burned for having pulled down the Eagle off the Portal of the Temple make an Insurrection which obligeth Archelaus to cause three thousand of them to be put to death He goeth afterwards to Rome to be confirmed King by Augustus His Brother Antipas who pretends to have a right to the Crown repaireth thither also the Cause is pleaded before Augustus MEan while Hedio Ruffinus chap. 12. al. 13. some amongst the Jews who were desirous of Revolutions in their F private Conventicles bewailed Matthias and his Confederates whom Herod had put to death and condemned The seditious people bewail Matthias and those that were executed with them for defacing the Golden Eagle because that after their decease they had neither been publickly honoured nor lamented by reason of the fear that the people had conceived of Herod For which cause at that time they required with lamentations and out-cries that their Obsequies might be solemnized and as if the dead bodies had received some satisfaction by their tears and exclamations they uttered many odious and disgraceful expressions against Herod and assembling themselves together they requested Archelaus to do them Justice against those that during Herod's life They would be revenged on Herod's friends and would depose the High Priest were in Authority and especially they demanded that the High Priest who was advanced by his Father should be deposed and that another more G lawful and upright might be placed in his stead to exercise the High Priest's Function Now though Archelaus was sore displeased at these violent proceedings yet notwithstanding he conformed himself to their humour in that he was with all expedition to repair unto Rome The year of the World 3964. after Christ's Nativity 2. to understand and attend Caesar's pleasure Therefore he called H for the General of his Army commanding him to perswade them not to seek revenge for those men who were dead notwithstanding they were their friends because whatsoever was done was done according to Law and that no enquiry might be made thereof except to the great prejudice of his reputation and hazard of his state in regard of the uncertainty of the time that it was more expedient for him to study for the maintenance of peace until such time as being established in the Kingdom by Caesar's consent he should return
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
Sidon Alias cap. 17 by a certain Roman Free man intruded himself into Herod's Kindred The false Alexander for all those that beheld him reported that he resembled Alexander Herod's Son who was killed by him and by this means he began to aspire to the Kingdom Whereupon calling to him a Companion who was his own I Countrey-man and a long experienced Courtier his Arts-master and fit to make disturbances he by his instructions feigned himself to be that Alexander Herod's Son who was delivered from death by the means of a certain friend who had the charge to see him executed who executing others in their steads delivered both him and his Brother Aristobulus and that they were both escaped in this manner Being puffed up by these Toys he failed not to deceive other men and as soon as he came to Creet as many Jews as he fell in conference with he perswaded them no less and getting much money from them he sailed into the Isle of Melos where he gathered a great Summ of Money under pretext that he was of the Kings Blood And now hoping that he should recover his Father's Kingdom and that he should reward those that K were beneficial to him he hasted towards Rome accompanied with his Friends in great pomp And being arrived at Puteol he was entertained there with no less favour by those Jews whom he deceived by his colourable Title and divers others who had been Herod's Friends and Familiars came unto him and entertained him as their King The cause hereof was the natural disposition of men who take pleasure in false reports together with the report of his resemblance For they that had frequented very familiarly with Alexander held it for a matter most assured that he was the man and none other and affirmed unto others upon their Oaths that it was he so that this rumour at last came to Rome And all the Jews that dwelt there came forth to meet him The false Alexander cometh to Rome saying That it was God's handy-work that he was after that manner L preserved beyond all men's expectation And they greatly rejoyced in his Mother Mariamne's behalf from whom he was descended he was carried in a Litter through the Streets with all the Apparel of a King the charge whereof was defrayed by those who were his Friends He was attended by a great multitude of men and honoured with great applause as it ordinarily falleth out at such time as beyond all expectation any one is found to have been miraculously preserved When this News was brought to Caesar's ears he gave small credit thereunto perswading himself that it was a hard matter to deceive Herod in a matter of so great importance Notwithstanding conforming himself in some sort to the opinions of men he sent a certain Free-man of his called Celadus who had very familiarly conversed with Alexander M and Aristobulus during their Infancy giving him charge to bring Alexander unto him to the end he might see him which he did and was never the wiser in discovering him The false Alexander cannot deceive Caesar Notwithstanding Caesar was not fully deceived For although he resembled him somewhat yet he was not so exactly like him that he could deceive those who narrowly observed him For this counterfeit Alexander had hard hands in that he had been accustomed to labour which the true Alexander could not have in regard of his tender and delicate education and likewise this man was of a rough skin and hard flesh Caesar therefore discovering the treachery both of the counterfeit Scholar and lying Master and how they agreed in their confident Justifications he enquired of them what was become of Aristobulus who was secretly hidden with him N and for what cause he presented not himself to enjoy the honour that appertained to those who were so Nobly descended It was answered him that he remained in the Isle of Cyprus for fear of dangers to which they are exposed who sail by Sea to the end that if any mis-fortune should befal him all Mariamne's Race should not be extinguished but that at least Aristobulus might be left alive Whilst he owned these things and the Author of the Fable justified no less Caesar drawing the young man aside said unto him My friend if thou wilt not deceive me thou shalt have this recompence that thou shalt not be punished Tell me therefore what thou art and who hath emboldned thee to practice this fraud for this malice is so great that it surpasseth thine age The false Alexander is condemned to â—ug at an Oar. Whereupon being unable to conceal the truth he discovered the treachery O to Caesar how and by whom it was contrived At that time Caesar being loath to falsifie his promise that he had past to this false Alexander and seeing that in times past he had A laboured with his hands he caused him to be enrolled among the number of his Galley-slaves and caused the other that induced him to this cheat to be put to death contenting himself that the Inhabitants of Melos had lost their charges which they had employed upon this false Alexander who had a shameful end as it hath been heretofore declared CHAP. XV. B Archelaus marrieth Glaphyra his Brother Alexander's Widow Augustus hâ—ving heard several of the Jews complaints of him confineth him to Vienna in France and uniteth his possessions to Syria Glaphyra's death AFter that Archelaus had taken possession of that Sovereignty that was allotted him Hedio Ruffinus chap. 19. al. 18. he came into Judea where he deposed Joazar the Son of Boethus from the High Priesthood The Priesthood is taken from Joazar and delivered to Eleazar and from him to Joshuah the Son of Sias accusing him to have favoured the Seditious and established Eleazar his Brother in his place After this he re-edified the Palace in Jericho and sumptuously adorned it drawing away the half of those Waters which served the Borough of Neara and conveying them thorough a field which he had planted with Palm Trees he C builded a Borough in that place which he named Archelais and contrary to the Laws of his Countrey he married Glaphyra Archelaus's Daughter who had been his Brother Alexander's Wife Archelau builded by whom he also had divers Children notwithstanding the Law of the Jews forbiddeth a man to marry his Brother's Wife Neither did Eleazar enjoy the Priesthood any long time but during his life time Jesus the Son of Sias was substituted in his place The tenth year of Archelaus's Government the chiefest Governours among the Jews and Samaritans unable any longer to endure his cruelty and Tyranny accused him before Caesar and especially after they had understood that he had transgressed Caesar's Command who had charged him to behave himself graciously towards them Which D when Caesar understood he was sore displeased and caused Archelaus's Agent to be called before him who was then at Rome and
sent for Archelaus also and esteeming it too base an indignity for him to write unto him Go said he unto him with all expedition and bring him unto me without delay He posting forward with all diligence at length arrived in Judaea where he found Archelaus banqueting with his friends and having acquainted him with Caesar's Commands Archelaus banished and confined he hastened him away As soon as he came to Rome after that Caesar had heard his Accusers and his justification he banished him and confined him in the City of Vienna in France and confiscated all his Goods But before Archelaus was sent for to Rome he reported unto his friends this Dream which ensueth He thought that he saw ten Ears full of Wheat and very ripe which E the Oxen were eating and as soon as he awaked he conceived an opinion that his Vision presaged some great matter For which cause he sent for certain Sooth-sayers who made it their profession to interpret Dreams Now whilst they were debating one with another for they differed for the most part in their exposition a certain man called Simon Simon the Essean interpreteth Archelaus's Vision an Essean having first of all obtained security and licence to speak said that the Vision prognosticated that a great alteration should befal in Archelaus's Estate to his prejudice For the Oxen signified Afflictions in respect that those kind of creatures do ordinarily labour and as for the change of Estate it was signified by this in that the earth being laboured by the Oxen altered its condition and shape and as touching the ten Ears of Corn they signified the like number of years F And therefore when as one Summer should be overpast that then the time of Archelaus's Sovereignty should be at an end Thus interpreted he this Dream And the fifth day after the Vision thereof Archelaus's Agent by Caesar's Command came into Jewry to summon him to Rome Some such like matter happened to Glaphyra his Wife also the Daughter of King Archelaus She as we have said married Alexander Herod's Son when she was a Maid and Brother to this Archelaus who being put to death by his Father she was married the second time to Juba King of Mauritania and he also being dead she living with her Father in Cappadocia was married to Archelaus who put away Mariamne his Wife for the love he bare unto Glaphyra She living with Archelaus Glaphyra's Dream had such a Dream She thought she saw Alexander by her she cherishing and G embracing him he checked her saying Glaphyra Thou verifiest that Proverb which saith Women have no Loyalty For having given me thy faith and married with me at such time as thou wert a Virgin and born Children by me thou hast forgotten and neglected my love thorough the desire thou hast had to be married the second time H Neither wast thou contented to have done me this wrong but hast taken unto thee likewise a third Husband lewdly intruding thy self into my Family and being married to Archelaus thou art content to admit my Brother for thy Husband Notwithstanding this I will not forget the love that I have born thee but will deliver thee from him who hath done thee this reproach by retaining thee for mine own as heretofore thou hast been After that she had told this Vision to some women that were her Familiars she died very shortly after Which accident I have thought good to register in this place in that I was to treat of those things and otherwise the matter seemeth to be a notable example containing a most certain argument of the Immortality of Souls and God's Providence And if any one think these things incredible let I him keep his opinion to himself and no ways contradict those who by such events are incited to the study of Virtue Cyrenius Censor of Syria Now when the Government of Archelaus was united to Syria Cyrenius who had been Consul was sent by Caesar to tax Syria and to dispose of Archelaus's house A THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK Of the B ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Eighteenth Book 1. Judas and Sadoc taking an opportunity by vertue of the Tax which was imposed upon C all Judea endeavour to establish a fourth Sectary and kindled a great Civil War 2. Of the four sorts of Sectaries that were among the Jews 3. Salome's death the Sister of Herod the Great Augustus's death whom Tyberius succeeds Herod the Tetrarch caused the Town of Tyberias to be built in honour of Tyberius The Troubles among the Parthians and in Armenia Other Disturbances in the Kingdom of the Comagenes Germanicus is sent from Rome to the East to establish the Authority of the Empire He is poysoned by Piso D 4. The Jews are so highly offended that Pilat Governour of Judea had suffered the Imperial Standards to be brought into Jerusalem having the Emperour's Picture on them that he was forced to cause them to be carried out again The Commendations and Praises of JESUS CHRIST A horrid injury done to a Roman Lady by the Goddess Isis's Priests how Tyberius punished them 5. Tyberius causeth all the Jews to be banished from Rome Pilat 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 6. Vitellius restoreth the High Priest's Vestments to the Jews to keep as they did formerly E He treateth in Tyberius'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 7. A War between Aretas King of Petra and Herod the Tetrarch who having married his Daughter would repudiate her to marry Herodias Aristobulus's Daughter and his Brother Herod's Wife Herod's Army is totally routed and the Jews impute it to John the Baptist's Imprisonment Herod the Great 's Posterity 8. By what several Accidents of Fortune Agrippa surnamed the Great who was Aristobulus's F Son and Herod the Great 's Grand-child and Mariamne's was made King of the Jews by the Emperour Caius Caligula as soon as he had succeeded Tyberius 9. Herodias Herod the Tetrarch's Wife and King Agrippa's Sister being impatient to see her Brother reign in so much Prosperity compels her Husband to go to Rome to obtain a Crown also but Agrippa having written to Caius against him he banisheth him and his Wife to Lions in France 10. The Sedition of the Jews and Grecians in the City of Alexandria 11. Caius commands Petronius Governour of Syria to compel the Jews by force of Arms G to receive his Statue in the Temple but Petronius mollified by their Prayers writeth to Caius in the Jews behalf 12. Two Jews called Asinaeus and Anilaeus both Brother and of a mean extraction become so powerful near Babylon that they give
Ordinances of the Jews for that Tiberias was builded in a place full of Sepulchres Phraates King of the Parthians slain by the Treason of Phraataces his Son and our Law saith he that converseth in those places is held unclean and defiled for the space of seven days At that very time Phraates King of Parthia died being treacherously killed by his Son O Phraataces for this cause After that Phraates had begotten many lawful Children he took an Italian woman to be his Concubine called Thermusa whom with other A Presents Julius Caesar had sent unto him The year of the World 3990. after Christ's Nativity 28. After he had begorten on her his Son Phraataces he was so much besotted with her beauty that he took her to his Wife and held her in high esteme She that might perswade him unto all that she pleased enforced her self to the uttermost to make her Son King of Parthia and seeing that she might not attain thereunto Thermusa Phraataces 's Mother except she had first found out the means to deliver her self of Phraates's lawful Children she perswaded him to send them Hostages to Rome In a word they were presently sent away because Phraates had not the power to contradict Thermusa's Will and only Phraataces was brought up in State Affairs who thinking the time too tedious and long if he should expect the Kingdom till his Father was dead conspired against him by the instigation and furtherance of his Mother with whom B as it was thought he committed Incest Phraataces slain In effect being equally attainted of those two enormous Crimes both for the murther of his Father and Incest committed with his Mother he was generally hated by his Subjects who rebelled against him before he was setled in his Kingdom By this means his Fortune was overthrown and he died The Noble men among the Parthians perceiving that it was impossible for them to maintain their State without a King and that their King ought lineally to be descended of the Race of the Arsacians because by custom they might not chuse any out of another stock and supposing that their Ordinances had too much already been broken and that it would redound to their great dishonour if the Kingdom should be continued in the hands of such a man who was descended from an Italian Concubine they sent C Ambassadours to require Herod to come and be their King Herod sent for by the Parthians and slain in hunting who otherwise was hated of all the people and accused of extreme cruelty In a word he was an unsociable man and extreamly cholerick notwithstanding he was of the Blood of the Arsacides they therefore flocked about him and killed him at a Banquet made at a certain Sacrifice for the custom of the Parthians was that every one bare his weapon or as the common report was that he was killed when he was a hunting For this cause they sent Ambassadours to Rome requiring that one of those that were Hostages there might be their King and one Vonones was sent unto them who was preferred above all his Brethren For he seemed to be capable of that high Degree of honour as to command two of the greatest Sovereignties that were under the Sun the one of his own Nation D the other of a Foreign Dominion But the Barbarians who are by nature inconstant and most insolent shortly after repented themselves for they disdained to execute the Command of a Slave for so called they a Pledg saying that the Parthians had not a King given them by right of War but that which was the greatest abuse that could befall them by an injury offered them in the time of a shameful Peace For which cause they speedily sent for Artabanus King of Media who was of the Race of the Arsacides To this request of theirs he willingly condescended and came unto them with his Army and Vonones marched forward against him At the first encounter although the common sort among the Parthians favoured Artabanus yet he was overcome Vonones King of the Parthians put to flight by Artabanus and fled to the Mountains of Media But not long after having assembled a E greater Army he once more set upon Vonones and defeated him at which time Vonones retired himself with some Horse-men of his into Seleucia But Artabanus having made a great slaughter of those that fled and wholly abashed the minds of the Barbarians he retired to the City of Ctesiphon with those people that accompanied him and was afterwards made King of Parthia Vonones arrived in Armenia and at the first sought to make himself King over that Nation sending to this effect certain Ambassadours to Rome but Tiberius repulsed his suit in respect of his Cowardice but the rather because Artabanus by an express Embassage had threatned him with War For those of the greatest power among the Armenians who are those that dwell about the Flood Niphates maintained Artabanus's Title Vonones submits to Syllanus Governour of Syria and Vonones destitute of all hope to obtain the F Kingdom yielded himself to Syllanus who was Governour of Syria and in regard that he had been brought up at Rome he was kept in Syria and Artabanus gave Armenia to Orodes Orodes King of Armenia one of his Sons Antiochus King of the Comagenes died also at that time Antiochus King of Comagena and there fell a debate betwixt the Commons and the Nobility so that both parties sent their Ambassadours to Rome The Nobles demanded that the Kingdom might be reduced into divers Provinces and the people requested that they might be honoured by a King Germanicus poysoned by Piso's means as they had been accustomed The Senate decreed that Germanicus should be sent to settle the affairs of the East Fortune thereby presenting him with the occasion of his ruine For when he arrived in the East and orderly disposed all things he was poysoned by Piso whereof he died as is declared in another place CHAP. IV. H The Jews are so highly offended that Pilat Governour of Judea had suffered the Imperial Standards to be brought into Jerusalem having the Emperour's Picture on them that he was forced to cause them to be carried out again The Commendations and Praises of JESUS CHRIST A horrid injury done to a Roman Lady by the Goddess Isis's Priests how Tyberius punished them PIlate Governour of Judaea led his Army from Caesarea to Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. alias chap. 8. where he wintered them with an intent to bring in Caesar's Standards into the City in contempt I of our Law Pilate bringeth Caesar's Statues to Jerusalem and upon the peoples instant motion transferreth them to Caesarea which forbiddeth us to make images For which cause those Governours that were before him were wont to make their entries into the City without such Pictures or Paintings Pilate was the first who unawares and by night entred Jerusalem
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
in his Tetrarchy should be kept within the bounds of the same Countrey CHAP. VII K A War between Aretas King of Petra and Herod the Tetrarch who having married his Daughter would repudiate her to marry Herodias Aristobulus's Daughter and his Brother Herod's Wife Herod's Army is totally routed and the Jews impute it to John the Baptist's Imprisonment Herod the Great 's Posterity MEan while Aretas King of Arabia Petraea and Herod fell at strife the one with the other Herod the Tetrarch putteth away Aretas Daughter and marrieth Herodias his Brother Herod's Wife for this cause that ensueth Herod the Tetrarch married Aretas's Daughter with whom he had lived married a very long time Afterwards taking his journey towards Rome he lodged with Herod his half Brother by the L Father's side for Herod was the Son of Simon 's Daughter which Simon was the High Priest and there being surprised with the love of Herodias his Brother's Wife which was the Daughter of Aristobulus their Brother and Sister to the Great Agrippa he was so bold as to propose Marriage to her which was to be performed as soon as he returned back from Rome and to repudiate Aretas's Daughter After he had ratified those Covenants he continued his Voyage to Rome from whence he no sooner returned and performed that for which he went but his Wife who had some privy notice of the Conventions which were made betwixt him and Herodias before he suspected that she knew thereof required him to send her to the Castle of Macheron Herod's Wife returned into her own Countrey which was the Frontier Town M betwixt Herod's and Aretas's Countreys without acquainting him any ways with her intent Herod condescended unto her request thinking she was ignorant of his drift But she long before that time had taken order with the Governour of Macheron which at that time was under her Father's Government to prepare all things for her journey where being arrived she speedily posted into Arabia under the Convoy of those Governours who received and conducted her the one after the other As soon as she arrived in her Father's Court she presently acquainted him with Herod's resolution whence arose the beginning of this discord between them Therefore they both of them assembled their Armies upon the Confines of the Countrey of Gamalite and fought under the Conduct of the two Generals to whom they had committed N their Armies Herod's Army discomfited by the Arabians In this Battel Herod's Army was wholly defeated through the Treason that was plotted against him by certain banished men of Philip's Tetrarchy which were in pay with Herod Tiberius got notice of all this by those Letters which Herod had written unto him Tiberius commandeth Vitellius to make War against Aretas and being very much displeased with Aretas for his proud attempt he commanded Vitellius to make War against him desiring him that if he could take him alive he should send him bound unto him but if dead he should send him his head Divers Jews were of the opinion that Herod's Army was overthrown by the just vengeance of God who punished him most justly because of the Execution which he caused to be done on John sirnamed Baptist Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. alias cap. 14. For he had put this man to death who O was endued with all Virtue and who exhorted the Jews to addict themselves thereto and to practice Justice towards men and Piety towards God exhorting them to be A baptized and telling them that Baptism should at that time be agreeable unto God if they should renounce not only their sins but if to the purity of their bodies they should add the cleanness of their Souls re-purified by Justice And whereas it came to pass that divers flocked and followed him to hear his Doctrine Herod feared lest his Subjects allured by his Doctrine and Perswasions should be drawn to revolt For it seemed that they would subscribe in all things to his advice he therefore thought it better to prevent a mischief by putting him to death than to expect some suddain Commotion John Baptist slain by Herod which he might afterwards repent Upon this suspicion Herod caused him to be bound and sent to the Castle of Macheron whereof we have spoken heretofore and there he was put to death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. The Jews were of opinion that in revenge of B this so grievous a sin Herod's Army against whom God was displeased had been subject to their utter ruine and overthrow Vitellius leadeth his Army against the King of Arabia But Vitellius being resolved to make War against Aretas gathered together two Legions and all those Horse or Foot that he could assemble amongst those Kings who were the Romans Allies and marching towards Petra he stayed at Ptolemais because he pretended to pass by Judaea Which when the principal Nobles amongst the Jews had notice of The year of the World 4001. after Christ's Nativity 39. they went out to meet him beseeching him that he would not pass thorough that Countrey because it was a custom amongst them not to see any Images born such as he had of divers colours in his Army Vitellius repaireth to Jerusalem and displaceth Jonathan and preferreth his Brother Whereunto he condescended and having changed his purpose he caused his Army to march thorough the great Plain As for himself he came to Jerusalem C accompanied with Herod the Tetrarch and his Friends to offer Sacrifice to God upon the next Festival day where he was most magnificently received by all the people of the Jews He stayed for the space of three days during which time deposed Jonathan from the High Priesthood and gave it to Theophilus his Brother The fourth day Letters came to him Caius Caligula succeedeth after Tiberius that advertised him of Tiberius's death for which cause he commanded the Oath of Fidelity should be ministred to the people in the new Emperour Caius's behalf He called back his Army also and sent them to their Winter Quarters because it was not lawful for him to prosecute the War by reason the Empire was fallen unto Caius It is said Aretas gathereth by Auguries that it was impossible for the Army to come to Petra that Aretas hearing news of Vitellius's Expedition or Voyage and after he D had taken counsel of the Augurs said that the Army should not advance as far as Petra because he that had the command of the Expedition or he that obeyed his Ordinance in conducting the same or he against whom the Army was conducted should die Vitellius therefore retired to Antioch A year before the death of Tiberius Agrippa Aristobulus's Son came to Rome to treat with the Emperour about certain Affairs But before I speak any thing hereof I will relate Herod's Progeny both for that it is pertinent to this present Narration and also that the greatness of God's Providence may
his own but the Emperour's intent who would shortly have them taste his displeasure and enforce them to bear the burthen of his indignation who were so bold as to contradict him For himself it necessarily concerned him that since by the Emperour's favour he had received so great honour he should not commit any thing contrary to his Command I hold it said he a matter most just to employ my life and honour for you to the end that so huge a number of men should not be drawn into the danger of death and I will respect the excellency of the Laws of your Fathers for which you think you ought to undergo a War and danger neither is it lawful to suffer the Temple of God to be defiled F by the Authority of Princes I will therefore write to Caesar and acquaint him with your minds and in all that I may I will assist you to obtain your Request God whose power surpasseth all industry and humane force vouchsafe to conduct you and make you constant in the observation of your Laws and grant that he through excessive desire of humane glory commit not any thing that may offend God And if Caius be displeased and enforce his inevitable displeasure against me I will undertake all danger and endure all torments both in body and spirit to the end that I may not behold so many vertuous men as you are perish in your good and juct actions Go therefore each of you and ply your work and till your Lands I will send to Rome and will employ both my Friends and my self for you After he had spoken this he dismissed the Assembly praying the chiefest amongst G them to encourage the Husbandmen to ply their business and to confirm the rest of the people in their good hope he himself also ceased not to encourage them And truly God shewed his assistance to Petronius and assisted him in all his affairs For as soon as he had finished his discourse to the Jews there suddenly fell a great rain beyond all H humane expectation for the day was very fair neither was there any appearance of rain in the Air and all that year long there was an extream Drought so that men were past hope to have any moisture notwithstanding that sometime there appeared certain Clouds in the Heavens After a long and continual Drought there fell a sudden shower At that time therefore the water fell in great abundance and besides the expectation and opinion of men the Jews conceived hope that Petronius soliciting their cause should not be repulsed But Petronius was more amazed than all the rest seeing evidently that God undertook the affairs of the Jews and gave them testimony of his manifest assurance so that they that were their professed Adversaries Petronius writeth to Caius had no power to contradict them as he himself wrote to Caius at large with inductions and exhortations to the end he should not draw so many thousand I men into a desperate resolution and unhappy death for without War it was impossible for him ever to make them forsake their Religion Moreover that he would not cut off and lose the Revenue which he received of that Nation and would not erect a Trophy of an everlasting Curse and Malediction against himself Adding moreover what the power of their God was which he had so clearly declared that no man ought to doubt but that his merciful hand was over them This is the Contents of Petronius's Letters On the other side Agrippa honoureth Caius in Rome in reward thereof Caius willeth him to demand somewhat who desireth nothing else than that Petronius's Commission to erect the Statue be revoked King Agrippa who at that time was at Rome grew more and more in favour with Caius having entertained him at a Banquet wherein he was very desirous to exceed all others as well in sumptuousness as in all other sorts of delights K and pleasures yea he entertained him so nobly that not only others but also the Emperour himself could not attain to such magnificence so much he endeavoured to surpass all others through the great desire he had to content and satisfie Caesar in all things Caius was amazed at his courage and magnificence seeing Agrippa so willing to constrain himself above his power and means to abound in Silver and all this to the intent to please him For which cause Caesar in requital of his kindness intending to honour Agrippa to his uttermost power in granting him that which he most desired being one day warm with Wine invited him to drink a Carouse adding these words Agrippa I have heretofore known the honour thou hast shewed towards me and thou L hast expressed the earnest affection that thou bearest me in hazarding thy self in divers dangers into which thou hast been drawn during Tiberius's life time and hast omitted nothing no not in that which exceedeth thy power to shew thy affection towards me For which cause I think it should be a great shame for me if I should suffer my self to be overcome by thee in kindness without some answerable correspondence I will therefore put that in practice which I have heretofore omitted for all those things that hitherto I have bestowed on thee are of no reckoning My will is that thy merits should at this time be requited by such means as might for ever make thee happy Now he spake after this manner hoping that Agrippa would beg some great Province at his hands or the Revenues of some Cities M But although he had already prepared his demand yet he did not discover his intent but gave Caius this answer that whereas he had served him to the dislike of Tiberius it was not for the gain he expected heretofore and for the present also he did nothing under hope to be rich contenting himself that he was in the Emperour 's good favour That the benefits he had received of him were great yea exceeding all that which he durst ever have hoped For said he although they be but small in comparison of your Greatness yet in respect of my self who have received them and in my conceit they are very great Caius admiring his generosity insisted to press him to ask whatsoever he had a mind to being ready to grant it Whereupon Agrippa said Dread Prince since it is your good pleasure to think me worthy to be honoured by your Presents I N will not request any thing at your hands that may tend to enrich me for that by those goods you have already given me I am greatly honoured But I beseech and request one thing at your hands which will purchase you the reputation of Piety and will procure God to be propitious unto you in all your actions and which also will breed me much glory among those who shall hear that I have not been refused in my demand which concerneth me more than the necessities of this life I therefore beseech
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
Seleucus the Son of Nicanor who builded it In that City dwelt divers Macedonians divers Greeks and a great number of Syrians The Jews afflicted by the Babylonians repair to Seleucia The Jews fled thither and continued there about five years without any molestation But in the sixth year when the Plague encreased in Babylon the Jews that remained there were enforced to seek them some new habitation and that removing of theirs into the City of Seleucia was the cause likewise of their further mischief as I will make manifest The Greeks who dwelt in Seleucia are ordinarily at debate with the Syrians and have always the upper hand but after that the Jews came to inhabit that place in a certain Sedition that arose among them the I Syrians had the upper hand by the means of the Jews who joyned their Forces with theirs who of themselves were valiant and good Soldiers The Greeks being repulsed in this Tumult and having no other means left them to maintain their former honour but to break that League of Friendship which was between the Syrians and the Jews devised in private each one with those Syrians with whom they were acquainted promising to live in peace and amity with them whereunto they condescended willingly For the chiefest of these two Nations concluded the Peace which presently after followed to the end that on both parts they should joyn in hatred against the Jews Fifty thousand Jews slain in Seleucia So that altogether charging them at unawares they killed more than fifty thousand of them they were all put to the Sword K except some few who through the mercy of their Friends and assistance of their Neighbours were suffered to escape The Jews that were saved repair to Ctesiphon These retired themselves to Ctesiphon a City of Greece that was not far from Seleucia where the King resideth every year and keepeth the greatest part of his Moveables hoping in that place through the reverence of the King they might remain in more safety and security All the Nation of the Jews that were in these Quarters stood in great fear For the Babylonians and the Seleucians with all the Assyrians of that Countrey agreed amongst themselves to make a general War against the Jews The Jews retire into Nearda and Nisibis whereby it came to pass that they assembled themselves at Nearda and Nisibis trusting themselves to the strength of these Fortresses which were inhabited also by men who were expert in Arms. See here what the condition of the L Jews was who remained in Babylon A THE NINETEENTH BOOK Of the ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS B Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Nineteenth Book 1. The Cruelties and Follies of the Emperour Caius Caligula Several Conspiracies against him Chaereas being assisted by several others killeth him Some Germans of his Guard kill some of the Senators afterward The Senate condemns the thoughts of his memory 2. The Soldiers resolve to promote Claudius Caius's Vnkle to the Imperial Dignity Saturninus's Speech in the Senate for Liberty Chaereas sends to kill the Empress Cesonia C Caius's Wife and her Daughter Caius's good and evil Qualities The Soldiers carry Claudius into the Camp to make him Emperour The Senate sends to him to pray him to forbear 3. King Agrippa encourageth Claudius to accept of the Empire The Soldiers who had been for the Senate forsake it whether Chaereas would or not and joyn with those that had sworn to Claudius So Claudius becometh Master and condemns Chaereas to die He suffers with a wonderful Constancy And Sabinus who had been one of the chiefest of the Conspiracy killeth himself 4. Claudius the Emperour confirmeth Agrippa in the Kingdom adding Judaea and Samaria thereunto He giveth the Kingdom of Chalcis to Herod Agrippa's Brother D and maketh Edicts in favour of the Jews 5. King Agrippa goeth to his Kingdom and putteth his Chain being a token of his Imprisonment into the Sacred Treasury of the Temple of Jerusalem He provideth for the Dignity of the High Priesthood He is highly displeased at the Dorites insolence who had caused Caesar's Statue to be erected in the Jews Synagogue 6. Petronius Governour of Syria's Letters to the Dorites concerning the Emperour's Statue which they caused to be erected in the Jews Synagogue King Agrippa bestoweth the High Priesthood on Matthias Marsius is made Governour of Syria 7. Silas General of Agrippa's Forces his great Imprudence obligeth this Prince to put him in Prison Agrippa fortifieth Jerusalem but the Emperour Claudius commands E him to forbear His excellent Qualities his stately Buildings The cause of his falling out with Marsius Governour of Syria He bestoweth the Great Priesthood on Aelioneus dieth after a terrible manner Leaveth for his Successor his Son Agrippa and three Daughters The Inhabitants of Caesarea and Sebastes prove extreme ungrateful to his Memory Claudius the Emperour sends Fadus to be Governour of Judaea because of Agrippa's Minority CHAP. I. The year of the World 4004. after Christ's Nativity 42. The Cruelties and Follies of the Emperour Caius Caligula Several Conspiracies against F him Chaereas being assisted by several others killeth him Some Germans of his Guard kill some of the Senators afterward The Senate condemns the thoughts of his Memory CAius did not only express and manifest his fury towards those Jews that dwelt in Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap 1. and in other neighbouring places Caius's Tyranny towards the Jews but also thorough all the Countreys both by Land and Sea which were subject to the Roman Empire filling the whole World with an infinite number of mischiefs yea such and so odious that the like hitherto have never been heard of Caius's Tyranny towards the Senators and Patricians But Rome especially felt the G force of his fury but especially the Senators Patricians and Noblemen were plagued They also that were called Roman Knights who in Wealth and Dignity were next unto the Senators for that out of their number such men were chosen who were to supply the Senate were most persecuted For with ignominies H they were abused with banishments and confiscations weakned and by slaughters wholly exterminated He likewise usurped the name of God commanding his Subjects to dignifie him with more than humane honours and ascending the Capitol which amongst all the Temples in Rome is most religiously honoured he was so bold as to salute Jupiter Cajus calleth himself Jupiters Brother and to call him Brother Many such impieties were committed by him which shews that his unbridled and extravagant madness did never forsake him Amongst other his mad pranks that he played this is worthy of memory for on a time thinking it to be too much trouble for him to cross the Sea between Puteol a City in Campania and Misenum another Town seated by the Sea-shore in a Gally and otherwise esteeming it a thing correspondent to his greatness who I
was Emperor to exact that superiority on the Sea which was answerable to his soveraignty on the Land betwixt one Cape of the Sea unto another for the space of thirty furlongs or stades betwixt which the Gulf had his course he caused a Bridge to be built on which he commanded himself to be drawn in a Charriot as if that way were answerable to the dignity of his deity He left not one Temple in Greece whatsoever that he spoiled not of those excellent pictures that were in them Cajus spoiled all the Temples of Greece Giving a Comission that all Statues and whatsoever ornaments or gifts and presents that were dedicated in any Temple should be brought unto him saying that such things as were admirable should be reserved for a place of admiration such as was the City of Rome with these spoils of the Temples he adorned his Palace and Gardens and generally K all his houses and Palaces that he had in Italy Cajus commandeth Memmius Regulus to tranâ—fer Jupiter Olympus to Rome He was so impudent also as to give direction that Jupiter Olympius Statue which the Greeks had in great estimation and which Phidias the Athenian Satuarian had made should be transported to Rome But Memmius Regulus to whom he directed this commission executed it not because the Masons informed him that without spoiling it they could not remove it from the place It is reported also that he was hindred from this execution by such prodigies that are almost incredible which he assured Cajus of giving him to understand what the occasion was that had moved him to disobey him therein and whilst he was in danger of death for his delay the sudden and successful death of Cajus warranted him from the same Yea so far stretched his unbridled fury that having a daughter newly L born he caused her to be carried into the Capitol and laid at the feet of the Image of Jupiter Cajus compareth himself with Jupiter saying that the child was common betwixt him and Jupiter leaving the judgment to all men which of the two parents was the greatest And notwithstanding all these his misdemeanours yet did men tolerate him He gave liberty to slaves also to accuse their Masters of whatsoever crimes they would which was so much the more hateful because all things were done by Caesars authority and to his good liking so that Pollux who was Claudius bondman durst accuse him Cajus gave slaves free liberty to accuse their Masters and countenanced Pollux to accuse his Master Claudius and Cajus the Emperour was contented among the Judges to hear his Uncle brought in question for his life hoping although it fell out otherwise to pick out an occasion to put him to death For having filled all the Countries of his Empire M with false accusations and all sorts of mischiefs and giving slaves a prerogative above their Masters their Lords devised many conspiracies against him some for spite and with an intent to be revenged of those injuries they had received others pretending by his death to prevent those inconveniences that threatned them In a word his death concerned the security of the Laws Many conspiracieâ— against Cajus and the safety of all men and had he not been speedily cut off our nation had almost been utterly exterminated For which cause I thought good to make an exact and ample declaration of every occurrent namely for that the knowledge thereof maketh very much towards the manifestation of Gods power and will which brings consolation unto those who are in adversity and keep them within the bounds of modesty who suppose that their prosperity should N continue always firm and although they neglect virtue think that no evil may befal them Three several Conspiracies were intended against him to ease the world of this burthensome Tyrant All of them were attempted by men of great account For Aemilius Regulus Three conspiracies against Cajus who was born in Corduba in Spain was fully resolved to kill him himself or to make him away by the means of his Confederates Chaereas Cassius Colonel over a thousand men was the conductor of another Band Aemilius Regulus Cassius Chaereas Annius Minucius and Annius Minucianus was in no less readiness to do his uttermost herein The cause that moved them to combine thus altogether in hatred against Cajus was that in respect of Regulus he was by nature a detester of all iniquity for he was a very generous man and so free that he dissembled not any of his designs but communicated them with many who were either O his friends or valiant men fit for execution And as touching Minucianus he was induced to seek his revenge through the desire he had to do justice to Lepidus who had A been one of his especial friends and one of the rarest men that were ever found among the Roman Citizens whom Caius had put to death through the fear he had conceived of him knowing well that all they against whom Caius was incensed could not escape with less punishment than loss of life As for the third man Chaereas he could not endure the shame and reproach of cowardise that Caius had objected against him but feared besides that his friendship and inward familiarity with Caius would draw him into manifest dangers for which cause and his own security and honours sake he resolved to dispach him Generally all of them were resolved to rid the world of Caius and bring an end to his pride and tyrannical power for their hope was that their attempt having good success their Countrey and Common-weal should reap the B fruits thereof for whose security and safety it became them to hazard themselves though it were with loss of their lives But above all the rest Chaereas was egged on with a desire he had to grow famous and through the facility and convenient means he had to do it The Circensian Games because his Colonels room gave him most secure access unto him About that time the Circensian Games were solemnized which is a kind of Pastime which the Romans very willingly behold Caius causeth divers to be murthered who request mitigation of their exactions and to this intent they resort to the place of these exercises and the common people is wont to demand somewhat from the Emperour which they desire to obtain and after having examined their requests do never refuse them Now they required with instant and importunate supplications that Caius would discharge them of their taxations and moderate the excessive tributes C which they payed but he would give no ear unto them and caused those to be apprehended who called upon the matter most earnestly sending his Guard some of them one way some of them another to put them to the sword After he had given this order and they who received it had fully executed it a great number of men were killed The people seeing this ceased to exclaim any
It may be said he that I may furnish you with some advice more secure than yours is Chaereas for a more honester than it is who is he that can propose This said Clement returned to his house ruminating with himself upon those words which he had both heard and spoken Cornelius Sabinus But Chaeras grew fearful and conferred with the Colonel Cornelius Sabinus whom he knew to be a man of reputation a lover of liberty and greatly discontented with the estate for the miseries of the Common-weal and seeing it was necessary to attempt that with all expedition which he had intended he thought good to impart the matter to him fearing lest Clement should discover all the Conspiracy N considering that delay and procrastination would be but an occasion to hinder the action When therefore he perceiv'd him to give ear to all that which he intended and that already he was confirmed with no less resolution than himself was but in that he knew not with whom he might familarily communicate the same he said nothing whereas otherwise he was ready not only to conceal that which he had heard but also declared that which he had in his heart he was so much the more encouraged For which cause without further delay they went to Minucianus who was conformable unto them in virtue good affection and great courage and who besides that was suspected by Caius by reason of Lepidus death For Minucianus and Lepidus were very great friends and had been associates in the same dangers For Caius was feared O by all those who had any publick Office Annius Minucianus sparing none of them in particular or general but made them all groan under the burthen of his fury A Now they knew well one another that all of them were displeased to see the Common-weal in that estate but the apprehension of the danger suffered them not to manifest the hatred that each of them bare to Caius although their secret conceit ingendred among them a certain Amity For before that time as often as they met together they were accustomed to esteem Minucianus for the most honourable man of the Company as in truth among all the Citizens of Rome he was the most famous valiant and best esteemed among them being therefore assembled at that time he was first of all requested to speak his opinion For which cause he asked Chaereas what the watch-word was he had received that day for all the City knew very well what mockery Caius usually used in giving Chaereas the Watch-word Chaereas notwithstanding B this disgrace failed not to answer him relying on the wisdom of Minucianus and said unto him But give you me for the Watch-word Liberty mean while I give you thanks for that you have awakened me more speedily than of my self I have accustomed to be You need not now any further enforce your self to incite me by your words sith both you and I have undertaken the same resolution Before we were assembled in this place our thoughts were united Behold here my sword that is girt unto my side this shall suffice for us both And if you please you shall be my Captain and I will march under your Command and will follow you under assurance of your assistance and wisdom They who have valiant hearts never want Arms for it is a confident courage that makes the weapon do execution That C which kindleth me thus to this action is not the consideration of my particular interest for I have not the leysure to think on those dangers that threaten me through the grief that I conceive to see the Liberty of my Countrey changed into slavery and the force of the Laws wholly abolished and all sorts of men condemned to death by Caius cruelty It is I that deserve to be trusted in this execution and I make you my Judge since you have the like intention that I have Minucianus Chaereas with certain others intend to kill Caius perceiving with what affection Chaereas spake embraced him with all love and after he had praised him he exhorted him to continue his constancy then departed they one from the other with prayers and wishes and at that time there hapned a presage that confirmed them the more For as Chaereas entred into D the Senate some one among the people cast out a word that redoubled his courage Dispatch said he that which thou hast to do for God will assist thee Chaereas was somewhat afraid lest some one of his Associates had betrai'd him But at last he thought it was some one of those who being privy to his resolution gave him a Watch-word to animate him the more or that it was God who governing and observing humane affairs pushed him forward After he had imparted this his deliberation to divers sundry Senators Knights and Souldiers being advertised hereof were in Arms. For there was not any one that supposed not that Caius death was the greatest good hap the Common-wealth could expect For which cause all of them enforced themselves as much as they could to assist the execution with couragious and virtuous E resolution and as forward were they in affection as in power in words as in effect Calisthus Caius Freeman certifies Claudius that Caius commanded him to poyson him desiring each of them to be partakers in the dispatch of a Tyrant For Calisthus also who was Caius freeman and raised by him to great Authority yea such as almost equal'd him adjoyned himself to them for the fear he apprehended of all men and for those great riches which he had gathered together for that he was a man of a corrupt conscience and easily won by bribes and presents doing wrong to all men and abusing the power he had against whomsoever he pleas'd contrary to all right and reason Besides for that he knew the unbridled nature of Caius who having once conceived an ill opinion of any man could never afterwards be disswaded or reconciled Amongst divers other dangers that he had to apprehend the greatness of the danger F of his riches was not the least which was the cause that made him serve Claudius and secretly to follow him under hope that after Caius death he should be his Successour in the Empire and that at that time he should by him be maintained in the same estate which he enjoyed and by this means he thought to obtain his amity and good liking by giving him to understand how Caius had commanded him to poyson him and how he had invented infinite delays to defer this execution As for mine own part I think that Calisthus forged this matter For if Caius had pretended to kill Claudius he had not been disswaded by Calisthus allegations who had presently received his reward if he had deferred to execute his Masters command with all expedition in a matter so acceptable to him So it is that the Providence of God G would not permit Caius to execute that rage
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
Jews that live under the Roman Empire to use the same Laws and Privileges which they have used heretofore as we have granted to the Jews that dwell in Alexandria I Which Suit of theirs we have willingly granted not only in favour of those that require the same but also for that I think them worthy of such a favour for whom I have been entreated in regard of the fidelity and friendship they have always expressed towards the Romans My pleasure therefore is that no City either Grecian or otherwise shall deny any privilege from whence they shall be excluded for that since the Emperour Augustus they have never been exempted from them It standeth with reason therefore that henceforth the Jews that live under our Empire of what place soever they be may observe their ancient Customs without any contradiction Giving them to understand that hereafter they use our Clemency so much the more moderately without neglecting the Religion of other Nations in retaining their own And our will is that this present Ordinance K be published by the Magistrates of Cities Colonies and Countreys of Italy and be sent unto Kings and Foreign Princes by sit Ambassadours within thirty days at the least to the end that they should be in such sort set up that they may be seen and read by all those that pass by CHAP. V. King Agrippa goeth to his Kingdom and putteth his Chain being a token of his Imprisonment into the Sacred Treasury of the Temple of Jerusalem He provideth for L the Dignity of the High Priesthood He is highly displeased at the Dorites insolence who had caused Caesar's Statue to be erected in the Jews Synagogue BY these Edicts of Claudius Caesar Claudius sendeth Agrippa into his Kingdom which he sent both to Alexandria and other parts of the World it plainly appeareth how well affected he was towards the Nation of the Jews And presently after this after he had dignified Agrippa with all kinds of Honour he sent him back into his Kingdom to govern the same commanding all his Presidents and Lieutenants in his Provinces thorough which he was to pass to give him a friendly and honourable Convoy But he having wisely and happily dispatched his Affairs returned in all haste As soon as he came to Jerusalem he offered M his Sacrifices of Thanksgiving which he had vowed without omitting any thing that was commanded by the Law He caused also divers Nazarites to cut off their hair Agrippa hangeth up his Golden Chain over the Treasury Chamber in the Temple and offered in Gift that Chain of Gold that Caius had given him which was of the same weight the Iron Chain was of wherewith his Royal hands were manacled in memory of the Adversity he had past and the Testimony of the exchange thereof into better Fortune commanding that it should be hanged up in the Temple and over the Chamber of the Treasury to testifie unto those that should behold it that the highest Estates are subject to alterations and that God can raise men again from Obscurity to happy Fortune For this Chain that hanged in the Temple being consecrated to God manifestly expressed unto all men that King Agrippa was upon a very N small occasion deprived of his former Dignity and made Prisoner and then a little while after that he being delivered from his Bonds was raised and exalted to a famous Kingdom to signifie thereby that Humane Affairs are of that nature that that which is the greatest may be easily overthrown and that which is declining may recover again its ancient Honour and Dignity When therefore Agrippa had duely and devoutly acknowledged God's mercies Simon the Son of Boethus placed in Theophilus's room he deposed the High Priest Theophilus the Son of Ananus and bestowed that Honour on Simon surnamed Canthara the Son of Boethus This Simon had two Brothers and Boethus was their Father whose Daughter had been married to King Herod Hedio Ruffinus chap 6. as heretofore it hath been mentioned Simon held the Priesthood with his Brethren and his Father as the three Sons of Simon O High Priest Son of Onias had done during the Empire of the Macedonians as we have declared in our former Books After the King had given order for the Priesthood A he thought good to recompence the good affection that they of Jerusalem had born unto him for which cause he acquitted them of those Tributes that every Family paid knowing that it became him to shew kindness unto them who had been faithful and well affected towards him He created Silas who had been his Companion in many dangers Agrippa releaseth the Tributes to those of Jerusalem General of all his Army Not long after certain young men that were Dorites under the colour of constancy in case of Religion who also had daily expressed the same in their actions and unbridled rashness brought the Image of Caesar into the Temple of the Jews and erected it in that place which insolence of theirs highly offended Agrippa Silas who construed it as an Act that tended to the abolition of the Religion of their Countrey The Dorites place Caesar's Statue in the Synagogue of the Jews and thereby vehemently offend both Agrippa and Petronius For which cause with all expedition he repaired to Petronius who was Governour B of Syria and complained against those Dorites who was no less displeased with the action than he himself For he supposed that such breach of Religion was the means to further Impiety and for that cause he wrote to those which had attempted this Innovation somewhat sharply to this effect following CHAP. VI. Petronius Governour of Syria's Letter to the Dorites concerning the Emperour's C Statue which they caused to be erected in the Jews Synagogue King Agrippa bestoweth the High Priesthood on Matthias Marsius is made Governour of Syria PUblius Petronius Alias cap. 5. Lieutenant to Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus P. Petronius writeth to the Dorites to send them to him who have broken Caesar's Edict to the Magistrates of the Countrey of Doria health Whereas Caesar hath published an Edict by which he permitteth the Jews to live according to their Laws and Customs some one amongst you have been so presumptuous as to contradict the same in effect although in words you protest that you obey him and do all that which you can to hinder the Jews from enjoying their Synagogue in so much as in the same you have set up Caesar's Image not only thereby opposing your selves against the Jews but also against the Emperour himself whose D Image might have been better placed in his own Temple than in a Foreign Temple And you have placed it in their Synagogue whereas by right every one ought to be master of his place according to Caesar's Judgment For it should be very ridiculous in me to alledge mine own judgment after that of Caesar's who hath granted the
Jews the liberty to live according to their own Laws and Customs and hath commanded that they should converse in equal freedom among the Greeks For these causes I command you that they who have been so bold as to contemn Augustus's Decree against whom their own Magistrates have been displeased excusing themselves that this accident happened not by their motion but by the fury of the common people be brought before me by the Captain Proculus Vitellius to yield a reason of that which they have done exhorting the Magistrates that if they E will not be accounted Parties in this Contempt they endeavour to discover those that are guilty to Proculus and give order that no Sedition or Violence be offered thereupon Which notwithstanding it seemeth that they effect although we and the most honoured King Agrippa whom I take for my good and special Friend endeavour nothing more than that the Nation of the Jews should not assemble and take Arms under colour of their defence And to the end that whatsoever Augustus hath ordained concerning this matter may be the better known unto all men I have added his Edict which he published in Alexandria And although they are sufficiently known unto all men yet hath the most honoured King Agrippa read them unto me when I sate in my Tribunal Seat concluding according to right that the Jews ought not to be excluded nor hindred from enjoying those benefits F which are granted unto them by Caesar I therefore charge all men that henceforward they take heed lest they seek any occasion of Mutiny or Sedition and that every one live according to his Religion See here how Petronius proceeded in this matter both to amend that which was past and also to prevent that which was to come that none should be so bold to attempt the like Jonathan the Son of Ananus is restored to the Priesthood and refuseth it and prayeth that his Brother Matthias may minister therein After this Agrippa took the Priesthood from Simon Canthara and gave it again to Jonathan the Son of Ananus whom he esteemed to be more worthy than the other But Jonathan declared that he was not desirous of this Dignity for in effect he refused it saying O King I most willingly acknowledge the honour which it pleaseth you to bestow upon me and know well that it is a Dignity which of your own free will you bestow upon me notwithstanding that God judgeth me unworthy It G sufficeth me that I have once been invested with the Sacred Habit For at that time I wore it with more holiness than I can now receive it at this present yet notwithstanding if it please you to know one that is more worthy of this honour than my self I will inform you of one My Liege I have a Brother who towards God and you is H pure and innocent whom I dare commend unto you for a most fit man for that Dignity The King took great pleasure in these his words and leaving Jonathan he bestowed the Priesthood on Matthias his Brother according as Jonathan advised him And not long after this Marsus Prefect of Syria Marsus succeeded in Petronius 's room and took upon him the Government of Syria CHAP. VII Silas General of Agrippa's Forces his great Imprudence obligeth this Prince to put I him in Prison Agrippa fortifieth Jerusalem but the Emperour Claudius commands him to forbear His excellent Qualities his stately Buildings The cause of his falling out with Marsus Governour of Syria He bestoweth the Great Priesthood on Aelioneus dieth after a terrible manner Leaveth for his Successor his Son Agrippa and three Daughters The Inhabitants of Caesarea and Sebaste prove extreme ungrateful to his Memory Claudius the Emperour sends Fadus to be Governour of Judaea because of Agrippa's Minority SIlas being made General over the King's Army Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. and for that he had always been faithful unto him Silas by too much reviving the King's miseries and misfortunes and ripping up his own deserts groweth into the Kings hatred and is sent Prisoner into his Countrey and had never forsaken him in any danger that was offered K without partaking the utmost extremity but had always adventured on the greatest dangers in respect of his entire and constant resolution he made this account that being so firm a friend to the King he should also be partaker and Companion with him in the Honour Therefore he submitted not himself to the King but challenged to himself a liberty to speak what he pleased For this cause he grew hateful in the King's sight for that in particular he boasted of himself beyond measure and oftentimes refreshed the memory of those Adversities the King had past the rather to express how affectionate he had been towards him and his continual talk was nothing else but of the hardships he had endured Now for that he observed no measure in this his discourse the King took it as an injury done to his Honour and was offended with the L unbridled Licence of this man's prattle For nothing soundeth more harsh in a man's ear than the memory of his fore-passed misery and it is but the part of a fool to rip up the courtesies he hath employed on another man At length Silas grievously provoked the King's displeasure against himself that rather subscribing to his wrath than his wit he not only dispossessed Silas of his General 's place but also sent him bound into his Countrey there to be held Prisoner Yet notwithstanding time asswaged this displeasure and the King taking it into better consideration and remembring what Silas had endured in his behalf Agrippa sendeth for Silas out of Prison who dissembling not his displeasure is left still in Prison he revoked the Sentence that he pronounced And as he was ready to celebrate the Festival day of his Birth and all his Subjects were to take their pleasure he speedily sent for Silas to the end he might be partaker thereof M and feast with them But Silas who was of a free nature supposing that he had just cause to be displeased concealed it not from those who were sent unto him but spake unto them after this manner To what honour doth the King invite me at this present purposely to deprive me of it again For he hath not only deprived me of those Honours which he bestowed upon me in acknowledgment of the affection I have always shewed unto him but he hath altogether abused me if he thinks that he can restrain me from speaking freely he deceiveth himself For my Conscience knoweth how many hazards I have delivered him from and as long as I breath I will ring in all men's ears how much I have endured for his Conservation and Honour in recompence whereof I am this day in Bondâ— and shut up in an obscure Prison N which I will never forget Yea and when my soul shall depart out of this body she
and took pleasure to obey Izates whom his Father deservedly and to all their contents and the desire of the common people had preferred above the rest of his Brethren alledging moreover that they would put his Brethren and Kinsmen to death before his coming to the end that he might enjoy the Kingdom B with all security for by their deaths all the fear that might grow by their hatred and envie might be extinguished Hereunto the Queen answered that she gave them thanks for the favour they bare unto her and her Son Izates notwithstanding she required them to suspend their judgments touching the death of his Brethren until such time as Izates himself should give his consent thereunto They seeing they might not obtain the liberty to put them to death were of opinion that they should be kept prisoners until his coming to the end that they might do him no harm in his absence and that moreover until his coming there might one be appointed to govern the State whom she should esteem most trusty and faithful unto him Whereunto Helena condescended and made his elder Brother Monobazus C King and set the Diadem on his head and gave him his Fathers Seal-ring with that Robe which they call Sampsera exhorting him to govern the Kingdom until his Brothers arrival Izates having certain notice of his Fathers death resorted thither speedily and receiving his Brother Monobazus willing surrender took upon him the Government of the Kingdom Whilest Izates was in the Fortress of Spasinus Izates and his mother Helena learn the true service of God according to the manner of the Jews a certain Merchant who was a Jew called Ananias having access to the Kings wives taught them the manner how to serve God according to the Religion of the Jews and Ananias by their means growing acquainted with Izates taught him the like and accompanied him into Adiabena being drawn thereunto by his earnest intreaties when Izates resorted thither upon his D Fathers sending for It chanced also that Helena was in like manner instructed by another Jew and retained the Rites and Religion of the Jews After that Izates came into his Kingdom and knew that his Brethren and Kinsfolk were imprisoned he was much grieved Conceiving therefore with himself that it would be a great impiety in him to suffer them to be put to death or kept in prison and that on the other side it were a dangerous matter for him if being at liberty they should remember the evil they had endured Izates sendeth his Brothers to Claudius Caesar and Artabanus for this cause he sent some of them to Rome for Hostages with their Children unto the Emperour Claudius and the rest unto Artabanus King of Parthia Afterwards when he was thoroughly assured that his Mother was wholly addicted to the Religion of the Jews Izates is disswaded by Helena his Mother and Ananias from circumcision he endeavoured the more to E shew himself zealous therein and supposing that he could not be a perfect Jew except he were circumcised he prepared himself to be circumcised Which when his Mother understood she endeavoured to her uttermost to hinder his resolution assuring him that in so doing he should bring himself in great danger for that in being King he would draw himself into the dislike of his Subjects if they should have notice that he was addicted to a new Religion and to strange Ceremonies and that they would not endure that being a Jew he should be their King so she for a while by her disswasion restrained him from his desire But the King required of Ananias who according with Helena in the course of her dislike threatned Izates that if he would not obey his Mother he would forsake him and depart from him for that he feared F lest if the matter should be publickly known he should suffer some punishment as being the only Author and Instructer of the King in undecent matters that otherwise he might serve God although he were not circumcised since he had resolved to live according to the institution and Laws of the Jews and that God would pardon him for in this true Religion consisteth more than in circumcision of the body though he were not actually circumcised since the necessity and fear of his Subjects over-ruled him By which words the King for that time was perswaded to proceed no further But a little after for he was not wholly altered in that affection which he had another Jew called Eleazar Eleazar perswadeth 〈◊〉 to be circumcised coming from Galilee and accounted a Learned man in the Doctrine of our Religion perswaded him to be circumcised For coming G one day unto him to salute him he found him reading of the Books of Moses and said unto him O King contrary to your knowledge you offend the Law and God likewise for it sufficeth you not that you understand the same but the chiefest matter you are tied unto is to do that which the Law commandeth how long therefore H will you remain uncircumcised And if as yet you have not perused the Law as touching this point read it now to the end you may know what great impiety it is to omit it After the King had heard this he would no longer defer his Circumcision for which cause withdrawing himself into another chamber he called a Surgeon unto him who acted that which he required and afterwards calling his Mother and Master Ananias unto him he told them what had past whereupon they grew strangely amazed fearing the King should be in danger to lose his Kingdom if this action of his should come to light for that his Subjects would not endure that such a man that followed a contrary Religion should be their King They feared also lest they themselves should be in danger They that rely on God and put their confidence in him do always reap the reward of their Piety forasmuch as the cause of all this matter would be imputed I to them But God by his Providence prevented lest any of those things which they feared should come to pass for he delivered Izates himself and his Children likewise out of many dangers yielding them his assistance in their doubtful and desperate conditions declaring in effect that those that only put their trust in him and depend upon his Providence are never deprived of the fruit of their Piety But of these things we will speak hereafter When Helena the Kings Mother perceived that the state of the Kingdom was in peace Helena the Queen of Adiabena resorteth to Jerusalem and that by all mens opinion both home-bred and strangers her Son was reputed happy by the good will of God she was seized with a desire to go and visit the City of Jerusalem and adore God in the Temple which was so much renowned K through the whole world Aliàs cap. 6. and offer Sacrifice of Thanksgiving therein for which cause she besought her
Son that he would suffer her to perform her Vows who willingly condescended to her desire and furnished her royally with all things that were necessary for such a Voyage giving her a great Sum of Money with her and bringing her on her way many days journey so that at length she arrived in Jerusalem to the great advantage of the Inhabitants of that City For at that time the City was oppressed with a grievous famine so that many died for want of food for which cause Queen Helena sent her servants some into Alexandria to buy a great quantity of Corn the rest into Cyprus to buy dried Figs who returned with all expedition they might whereupon Helena distributed the Victuals amongst the L poor leaving a singular memory of her Liberality to the whole Nation Her Son Izates also understanding of this Famine sent a great sum of Money to the Governour of Jerusalem But hereafter I will declare what other benefits the King and Queen have bestowed upon our Nation Now Artabanus King of Parthia perceiving that the Princes of the Kingdom had conspired against him Artabanus retireth himself to Izates and requireth his assistance resolved with himself to go unto Izates for the security of his person hoping by that means if it were possible to recover his Kingdom He therefore retired thither and brought with him about one thousand men of his Kinsfolk and domestick servants And by the way he met with Izates whom he knew very well by his Royal Train notwithstanding he was unknown unto him by countenance M Drawing therefore near unto him he first of all humbled himself on his knees according to the custom of the Country and afterwards spake unto him after this manner Dread King forsake me not who am thy servant neither reject thou my prayers For being dejected by means of my misfortunes and of a King become a private man I have need of thy succour Consider therefore the inconstancy of fortune and think with thy self that by providing for me thou shalt provide for thy self For if thou makest no reckoning of the wrong that is done unto me divers men will grow audacious to enterprize upon other Kings These words he pronounced with tears and with looks fixed upon the ground When Izates had heard Artabanus's name and saw his humble and submissive condition N Izates comforteth Artabanus and promiseth him his assistance he leapt immediatly from his Horse and said unto him King be of good courage and let not thy present and perplexed condition dishearten thee as if thy misfortunes were irrecoverable For this sorrow of thine shall be suddenly changed and thou shalt find a better friend and ally than thou hopest for at this time For either I will repossess thee of thy Kingdom of Parthia or I will lose mine own This said he caused Artabanus to get on Horsback and walked by him on foot yielding him this honour as to a greater King than himself Which when Artabanus saw he was discontented and sware by his Honour and Fortune to come that he would set foot on ground if he would not get up on horsback and ride before him whereunto he obeyed and mounting upon his Horse again he conducted him to his Palace yielding him all the O honor that was possible both in his Banquets and in his Assemblies not regarding his present condition but his former Dignity considering with himself that such casual A misfortunes and changes are incident to all men Moreover he wrote unto the Parthians perswading them to receive their King Artabanus assuring them on his Faith and Oath that he would obtain a free pardon for all that which was past and to that intent he offered himself to be an Arbitrator between them The Parthians gave him this answer Izates writeth to the Parthians and perswadeth them to receive their King that they would not refuse to entertain him but that they could not for that one who was called Cinnamus was advanced in his place and Dignity and that they feared lest a Sedition should happen amongst them Ginnamus who was a noble and honourable minded man knowing that their intent was such wrote himself unto Artabanus who had nourished and brought him up exhorting him to return upon his Faith Cinnamus restoreth the Kingdom to Artabanus and to receive again his own Kingdom Artabanus B upon this Motion gave credit to his words and returned back again Whereupon Cinnamus came forth and met him and prostrating himself before his feet called him King and afterwards taking the Diadem from off his own head he set it upon Artabanus head who by this means was restored to his former estate by Izates mediation after he had been driven out of his Kingdom by his chiefest Nobility And he did not forget the favours which he had received at Izates hands but did him all the honour that possibly he could imagine Izates receiveth great honours and gifts at Artabanus hands for he permitted him to wear the straight Tiara and to sleep upon a gilded Bed which is a Privilege which belongeth only to the Kings of Parthia He gave him also a plentiful and great Country which he had taken from the King of Armenia This Country was called Nisibis where in times past C the Macedonians had builded the City of Antioch Antiochia and Mygdonia builded by the Macedonians by them called Mygdonia Presently after Izates was thus honoured Artabanus died leaving his Kingdom to his Son Vardanes Vardanes after his fathers death laboureth to perswade Izates to make War against the Romans but he prevaileth not who repaired to Izates praying him to joyn with him in that War which he intended to make against the Romans but he prevailed not with him For Izates knowing the Romans force and good fortune imagined that he undertook a matter beyond his power Besides he had sent five of his young Sons to Jerusalem to learn our tongue and discipline and his Mother likewise to adore in the Temple for which cause he the rather held back and disswaded Vardanes from going against the Romans whose power and conquests he ordinarily reckoned up unto him to the end he might discourage him and by these assertions cause him to give over his purposed D intent of war against them But the Parthian was displeased with his perswasion and for that cause denounced a present War against Izates But his enterprize had but a fruitless issue for God cut off all his hopes For the Parthians understanding what Vardanes intent was After Vardanes was slain the Kingdom is committed to Gotarza and how he was resolved to make a War against the Romans killed him and gave the Kingdom to his Brother Gotarza whom not long after this his Brother Vologesus killed by treason restoring to his two Brothers by the Mothers side these Provinces that is to say the Kingdom of Media to Pacorus who was the eldest Vologesus King of
account that terrour wherein he had put his enemies C and his own indignation a sufficient revenge and that he would spare the King by whose favour he came to be so potent adding moreover that he ought not to take it ill that he was called to answer his accusations since he was acquitted of them and consequently ought to shew himself grateful to the King who had saved his life Moreover that Prudence obliged him to consider the fortune of war together with the cause thereof that the justice of Hircanus side might do more for him than a whole Army and that he ought not to hope for victory being to fight against his own King who had always been gracious unto him and never had thought of doing him hurt but only being as it were urged thereunto by some of his Council who through meer envy and to satisfie their own passions had framed a shadow of an D accusation against him Herod was satisfied herewith and suppos'd it to be sufficient in order to his great designs to have shewed his forces and his power unto his Nation At this time began Civil war among the Romans near Apamia Bassus murthereth Sextus Caesar by treason in which Caecilius Bassus for the love he bare to Sextus Pompey slew Sextus Caesar at unawares and made himself Governour of his Army and other Captains of Caesar's to revenge his death made after Bassus with all their forces unto whom Antipater by his two Sons sent aid both for the sake of Caesar that was slain and of him that was yet alive for he was an entire friend and well-willer unto them both and these wars continuing long Marcus came out of Italy to succeed Sextus E CHAP. IX Caesar's death Cassius comes into Syria Herod ingratiates with him Malichus poysons Antipater who had sav'd his life For which Herod causes him to be slain AT this time arose great and bloody Civil Wars amongst the Romans after Caesar was slain by the treason of Cassius and Brutus Marcus Sextus Successor having ruled the Empire F three years and seven months Ant. l. 14. c. 2. By reason of which murther their troubles daily increased Julius Caesar slain by Brutus and Cassius and the Nobility being at variance amongst themselves every one followed that couse that they thought most expedient for themselves Whereupon Cassius presently marched into Syria Cassius levieth money in the cities to take possession of the Government of the Army which was about Apamia where he made Marcus and Bassus friends took the conduct of the Legions which they commanded and rais'd the siege from Apamia and leading the Army in his own person Herod Cassius friend he forced every City to be tributary and exacted without measure He commanded the Jews to contribute seven hundred Talents Cassius severe in his exactions Antipater fearing his displeasure appointed his Sons and others of his friends presently to gather the money and especially amongst the G rest he gave this charge to one Malichus a friend of his But Herod first of all got Cassius his favour having brought him an hunndred Talents which he had collected out of Galilee which was his part or Province As for the rest he accused them of negligence and was angry at the other Cities So that having pillaged Gophna and H Ammauntes The year of the world 3922. before Christ's Nativity 40. and other two small Cities he march'd onwards with intent to kill Malichus for that he had been so careless and negligent in gathering the tribute-money But Antipater presently disbursing unto Cassius an hundred Talents saved both him and all the rest of the Cities Malichus forgetful of Antipater's kindness Yet Malichus after Cassius was departed did no more remember how beneficial Antipater had been unto him but oftentimes treacherously laid wait to murther him because he hindered and withstood his villanous pretensions notwithstanding that himself had often confessed that Antipater had saved his life Antipater Antipater gathereth an Army against Malichus fearing both his power and subtilty passed over the River Jordan to gather an Army that he might prevent those treacheries But Malichus being discovered saw nothing left for him to do but to dissemble and accordingly by many I oaths and excuses he won Phasaelus chief of the Garrison in Jerusalem and Herod who was master of the Army that they should be a means to reconcile him unto Antipater Whereupon Antipater intreating Marcus who was General of the Army in Syria and had determined to kill him he was saved The reason that Marus would have put him to death was because Malichus was of a turbulent and factious spirit The young Caesar Octavius Augustus succeedeth after Caesar surnamed afterwards Augustus and Antonius warring against Cassius and Brutus Brutus and Cassius gathered an Army in Syria and in consideration of the great capacity of Herod they made him Procurator of all Syria giving him a band of horse and foot Cassius promiseth Herod after the War to make him King of Judaea Moreover Cassius promised him that if the war had an K happy end he would make him King of Judea But it so came to pass that the merit of Herod which raisd this hope so high was the cause of Antipater his Fathers death For Malichus being hereby put in fear hired one of the Kings officers for a certain sum of money to poyson Antipater by which means he died being thus unjustly rewarded for his good will toward wretched Malichus Antipater poysoned by Malichus He was a worthy man and fit to govern and recovered the Kingdom being lost for Hircanus Malichus perceiving the people incensed against him because they suspected that he had poysoned Antipater pacified and moderated their displeasure by denying the fact yet for his better security he gathered about him a Guard of armed men for he thought that Herod would not let the matter slip so Herod intendeth to revenge his Father's death but would presently come with an Army to L revenge his fathers death But by the counsel of his brother Phasaelus who sent him word not openly to encounter Malichus lest a sedition might arise among the people he patiently permitted it so to be and suffered Malichus to justifie himself and celebrated a solemn funeral for his Father which done he went to Samaria and appeased the sedition wherewith that City was disquieted After this he returned to Jerusalem intending to celebrate the Festival and having sent certain of his armed men before him he appointed the rest to accompany him But Malichus who feared this approach of his sollicited Hircanus to give order that no strangers should intermingle themselves among the people Malichus joyneth with Hircanus to disturb their devotion But Herod contemning this Prohibition entered the City by night whereupon Malichus once more came to him M and wept for Antipater Herod although he could very hardly
her Mother and youngest Brother to keep on their journey Herod more hotly pursued by the Jews than the Parthians and he with his Servants warily assaulted the Parthians and having in divers assaults C killed a great number of them he hasted towards the Castle of Massada and in his retreat sustained more harm by the Jews than by the Parthians who as they had been always troublesome so now within three score furlongs from the Town they set upon him Herod's Victory The Battel was long but Herod obtained the Victory killed a great many of them and in remembrance of the action built on that place a most stately Palace Herodion and a strong Castle which from his own name he called Herodion In this retreat many joyned with him But when he came to Thersa a Town of Idumaea his Brother Joseph met him and perswaded him to lessen the number of his followers because Massada could not receive such a multitude for the number amounted to above nine thousand Massada Herod according to his counsel dismissed those that were unfit for D his turn and sent them into Idumaea giving them necessaries for their journey As for those that were chosen men and fit for his purpose he retained them with him and so he was received into the Castle where leaving eight hundred Soldiers to defend the women Petra a City of Arabia and Provision sufficient for those that were within he himself went to Petra a City of Arabia In the mean time the Parthians at Jerusalem began to sack the houses of them that were fled The year of the World 3925. before Christ's Nativity 37. and the King's Palace they only abstained from Hircanus's money which amounted to more than three hundred Talents As for other men's Goods they found not so much as they expected for Herod long before suspecting the infidelity of the Parthians had sent all his Riches and Jewels into Idumaea as his followers also had E done When the Parthians had taken the spoil they were so impious that they left no place of the whole Countrey free from Pillage They destroyed the City of Marsa and bound Phasaelus and Hircanus and delivered them in Chains to Antigonus who presently cut off Hircanus's ears Antigonus cutteth off Hircanus's ears to the end that if by some alteration he chanced hereafter to get loose he might be no more High Priest for by our Law none may offer Sacrifice that wants any member of his body But Phasaelus his fortitude prevented the cruelty of Antigonus for having neither Weapon nor his hands at liberty he beat out his own brains against a stone and died demonstrating himself by that act to be the true Brother of Herod and not a Poltron like Hircanus Yet some report that Antigonus sent a Chirurgeon under pretence to cure the wound who filled the same with venomous F Medicines Phasaelus's words before he died and so killed him It is reported likewise that understanding before his death by means of a certain woman that Herod was escaped he spake these words Now I shall die without regret since I leave behind me one that will take vengeance of my enemies The Parthians established Antigonus King and so he died Although the Parthians had not yet received the five hundred women promised them which was the chief thing they looked for yet they established Antigonus in Jerusalem and led Hircanus Prisoner into Parthia But Herod with all speed hasted into Arabia as if his Brother had been yet alive to the intent to borrow money of the King of Arabia with which alone he hoped that the cruelty of those barbarous Parthians might be mitigated towards Phasaelus For his opinion was that although the Arabian had now forgot his Father's Friendship and G were hard-hearted yet at least he would lend him money seeing it was to redeem his Brother whose Son he meant to leave as a Pledge for it For Herod took with him a Son of his Brother 's into Arabia that was seven years old and purposed to give 300 Talents for his Ransom and had made the Tyrians intercessors for him to the Parthians H But Fortune prevented his endeavours so that his love and care for his Brother prevailed nothing He found also that the Arabians renounc'd the League of Amity for Malichus their King sent to him as he was yet in the way charging him with all speed to depart out of his Dominions pretending that the Parthians had sent Ambassadours to him to request him to drive him out of his Countrey but indeed the cause was that his ingratitude suffered him not to pay that which Antipater had deserved or requite his Sons now comfortless for those good turns that he had received at their Father's hands And those who counselled him to this were such as offered to forswear those Summs which Antipater had put them in trust with who were the chiefest men about him Herod perceiveth the Arabians to be his enemies Herod perceiving the Arabians to be his foes for that which I he thought would procure him friendship answered the Messenger according as his resentment moved him and took his journey towards Egypt and the first night he lodged in a Countrey Temple to the intent that those of his company that were behind him might overtake him The next day coming to Rhinoslura his Brother's death was told him after he had paid what he could not refuse to the first sentiments of so violent a sorrow he went forward In the mean time the King of Arabia though too late repented himself of that which he had done to Herod and sent Messengers after him to desire him to return but they could not overtake him he had marched so fast When Herod was come to Pelusium the Mariners of the City would not receive him into their Vessels for which K cause he in person went to the Governours who reverencing the Fame and Dignity of the man conducted him to Alexandria whither he no sooner came but Cleopatra received him very honourably intending to make him General of her Army which she was preparing at that time Herod in great dangers repaireth to Rome But he neither regarding the offers of the Queen nor yet discouraged by the hard Winter Season nor the dangers of the Seas took his journey towards Rome and being in great danger of Shipwrack near Pamphilia both he and the rest of the Passengers were forced to cast away the most part of their lading with much ado he arrived safe at Rhodes which had been much ruined in the War against Cassius there he was entertained by two of his friends Ptolomey and Sapinas and although his money grew scant yet there he built a great Galley with three Ranks of L Oars and in it being accompanied with his friends he sailed to Brundusium and from thence went straight to Rome Herod repairing to Rome hath conference with Antonius
Where first of all in regard of the familiarity between his Father and him he went to Antonius declaring unto him both his own calamity and the miserable desolation of the whole Countrey and how leaving his dearest friends besieged in a Castle himself through the stormy Winter Seas was come to him to implore his assistance Antonius compassionating his calamity and remembring his familiarity with Antipater and esteeming the merit of Herod which stood before him determined to make him King of the Jews whom before he himself had made Tetrarch For he loved not Herod so well but he hated Antigonus as much holding him both a seditious person Ant. lib. 14. cap. 13. and an enemy to the Romans Now to the accomplishment M of this Herod findeth both Caesar and Antonius favourable unto him he found Caesar far more ready than himself when he called to mind the service that Antipater did in Egypt under his Father and his entertainment and friendship in all things And besides all these he was much satisfied with Herod's courage and ability Wherefore he caused the Senate to be assembled wherein Messala and himself Herod praised before the Senate in the presence of Herod recounted his Father's deserts and fidelity towards the Romans declaring Antigonus to be an enemy not only because he had formerly revolted but for that now lately in despight of the Romans he had by the assistance of the Parthians Herod made King by the Roman Senate usurped the Kingdom With which considerations the Senate being moved and Antonius affirming it to be expedient for the Roman Wars a-against the Parthians that Herod should be created King the whole Senate consented N and when it was dismissed Antonius and Caesar came forth with Herod between them and the Consuls marched before him accompanied with other Magistrates to offer Sacrifice and to Register the Decree of the Senate in the Capitol After which Antonius feasted Herod the first day of his Reign A CHAP. XII Of Herod's War for the recovering of Jerusalem after his return from Rome and how he warred against the Thieves AT this time Antigonus besieged those that were left in the Castle of Massada Ant. lib. 14. cap. 23. who had great store of Victuals Antigonus getteth Massada and wanted nothing but Water Joseph Herod's Brother who defended it purposed to go to the Arabians with two hundred of his dearest friends for that he had intelligence that Malichus repented that he had given B Herod no better entertainment And accordingly he had forsaken the Castle had not great store of rain fallen that very night wherein he intended to flee but the Wells and Cisterns being now filled with Water The Wars between Antigonus's Soldiers and Joseph Herod's Brother there was no cause to flee so that issuing out of the Castle he assaulted Antigonus's Soldiers and killed very many of them sometimes in open fight and sometimes by pollicy Yet he fought not always with fortunate success but returned sometimes with loss In the mean time Ventidius who was General of the Roman Army which was sent to expel the Parthians out of Syria after he had repulsed them Ventidius the Roman General taketh money from Antigonus came into Judaea under pretence to succour Joseph and the rest that were besieged out in effect to get money from Antigonus When therefore he drew near Jerusalem and had received the money he looked for he departed with C the greatest part of his Army Ant. lib. 14. cap. 24. leaving Silo behind him with a few to colour his pretence And Antigonus hoping for a second Supply from the Parthians corrupted Silo not to molest him for the present Herod against Antigonus By this time Herod having sailed from Italy to Ptolemais and gathered a great Army of strangers and his own Countreymen together came into Galilee against Antigonus being assisted with the Forces of Ventidius and Silo whom Gellius who was sent from Antonius perswaded to establish Herod in his Kingdom Herod intendeth after he hath taken Massada and Joppa to besiege Jerusalem But Ventidius was busie in appeasing the Broils that the Parthians had made in the Cities and Silo was corrupted by Antigonus Yet did not Herod want aid for every day the further he marched into the Countrey the more his Army encreased all Galilee very little excepted yielding unto him Whereupon he D purposed first of all to go to Massada to deliver his friends that were there besieged but Joppa hindred his purpose which being an enemy Town he thought best to take it before he went any further lest whilst he was going to Jerusalem his enemies should have a place behind him to flee to Now Silo joyned Armies with Herod rejoycing that he had found occasion to retire but he was pursued by the Jews of Antigonus's Party who Herod with a loose Wing of his Army and a small Company of men encountred and presently put to flight and saved Silo who had much ado to make resistance against them This done and Joppa taken he hasted to Massada and the people of the Countrey some for his Father's sake others for his own and many for both joyned themselves to him Many also came to him for hope because he was E now King so that now he had a very puissant Army But Antigonus hindred his journey by planting certain Ambushes in places convenient where Herod was to pass though by all this they little harmed him Herod having raised the Siege of Massada Herod begirteth Jerusalem with a Siege and proclaimeth the cause of his coming and rescued his friends from thence went to Jerusalem where both Silo's Soldiers and many of the City came and joyned with him Being now terrified with the greatness of his Forces there pitching their Tents at the west side of the Town they that guarded that part assaulted them with Darts and Arrows and others issuing by Troops forth of the City assaulted the Front of the Army Whereupon Herod caused one to go about the Walls of the City and to proclaim how that he was come for the good of the whole City and that he would F not take revenge of any though his open enemy but would pardon even them that had been most seditious But when Antigonus his followers with loud exclamations hindred the Crier's voice from being heard lest any man should alter his mind Herod presently commanded his men to beat the enemies off from the Wall upon which order they shot such a flight of Arrows and Darts from the top of the Towers that they forced them to retire At this time Silo was detected to have been corrupted with money Silo's subtilty being corrupted by the Jews for he solicited many Soldiers to cry out that they wanted Provisions and to ask money and Victuals and to crave to be dismissed and sent into some fit place of Quarter during the Winter because Antigonus had laid
prostrated himself at Sosius's feet beseeching him to be merciful unto him but Sosius nothing compassionating his calamity insulted over him and called him Antigona yet did he not permit him to depart free as a woman but put him in Prison Now when Herod had conquered his enemies he endeavoured to the utmost to repress the insolence of his Auxiliary Strangers who thronged to see the Temple and F the Holy Vessels that were therein but he withheld them not only by threatnings and entreaties but also by force believing himself less unhappy to be conquered than by obtaining the Victory to minister a means whereby those things which were not lawful to be revealed should be exposed to the eyes of prophane Strangers He also restrained the Soldiers from sacking the City and told Sosius that if the Romans would desolate the City both of men and money they would leave him King of a Desart Adding further that he esteemed not the Empire of the whole World to be a recompence for such a Massacre of his Subjects Hereunto Sosius answering that the Soldiers ought to have the sacking of the Town in recompence of that labour they had spent in the Siege Herod liberally bestows money upon the Soldiers Herod replyed that he had rather recompence them out of his G own Treasury and by this means he redeemed as it were the Relicks of his desolate Countrey and in the end performed that which he had promised for he bountifully rewarded every Soldier and Captain according to his merit and gave Sosius Presents worthy of a King This done Sosius dedicated a Golden Crown unto God and H so departed leading Antigonus Captive with him to the end to present him to Antonius This man desirous to continue his life and entertaining himself with this colâ— hope even until the last received in the end that reward which his faint heart desired and was beheaded Herod being now King Antigonus beheaded he made a distinction between the Citizens and those who had favoured him he used very honourably Ant. lib. 11. cap. 1. and put those to death who had followed Antigonus And when money sailed he distributed all his Kingly Ornaments and sent them to Antonius and his Company Yet did he not quie redeem himself from all troubles for Antonius being passionately enamoured on Cleopatra in all things yielded to her desire Cleopatra's cruelty against her Kindred And Cleopatra having raged so against her own Kindred that she had I not left one of them alive now turned her fury upon strangers and acousing the Nobility of Syria to Antonius she perswaded him to put them to death that she might thereby the easier obtain their Possession Afterwards her covetous mind thought to effect the same against the Arabians and the Jews also insomuch that she secretly went about to cause the Kings of those places Malichus and Herod to be put to death Antonius made a shew as though he would have granted her request yet he thought it great impiety to kill good men and so great Kings Notwithstanding he no more accounted them his friends but took a great quantity of ground from the limits of both their Countreys and a Vineyard in Jericho where Balm grew and gave her all the Cities on this side the River Eleâ—therus Tyre and Sidon only excepted Cleopatra's covetousness Now when K she had obtained the Dominion of these Cities she followed Antonius to Euphrates when he set forward to make War against the Parthians and afterwards by Apamia and Damascus she came into Judaea where Herod having something pacified her angry mind with great gifts obtained to pay her yearly two hundred Talents for that part of his Countrey which Antonius had given her and seeking by all means possible to get himself an interest in her favour he conducted her to Pelusium Not long after Antonius returned out of Parthia and brought Artibazes the Son of Tigranes Captive and gave him to Cleopatra with all the money and Prisoners that he had taken L CHAP. XIV Of the treacherous practices of Cleopatra against Herod Herod's War against the Arabians and of a very great Earth-quake WHen War was declared between Augustus and Antonius The year of the World 3934. before Christ's Nativity 28. Herod prepared himself to attend Antonius seeing for the present all troubles were pacified in Judaea and he had already gotten the Castle of Hircanion which Antigonus's Sister had in her possession But Cleopatra craftily prevented him in this his journey so that he could M not go with Antonius Ant. lib. 15. cap. 5. For she desiring the ruines of both the Kings as was before mentioned perswaded Antonius to cause Herod to make War against the Arabians whom if he overcame Cleopatra's subtil Treason against Herod then she should be made Queen of Arabia and if himself were overcome then she should be Queen of Judaea Intending hereby that one of these Potentates should ruine the other But this practice of hers succeeded greatly to Herod's advantage for first of all making head against those of Syria that were his enemies with all the power of Cavalry he could which was very considerable and meeting them near Diospolis Ant. lib. 15. cap. 6. he overcame them though they valiantly resisted After which overthrow a mighty Army of the Arabians came to help them so that an infinite company was gathered together about Coelosyria expecting the Jews near the City called N Canatha Where King Herod meeting them purposed not to fight unadvisedly but to compass his Camp round about with a Wall but his Army puffed up with their former Victory would not be counselled but violently assaulted the Arabians and at the first onset put them to flight Herod pursuing his enemies was greatly endangered by the Treason of the Inhabitants of Canatha who were set on by Athenio one of Cleopatra's Captains who had always born him ill will for the Arabians encouraged by their help The Arabians defeat Herod's Army returned again to Battel and they two joyned their Forces together and set upon Herod in stony and difficult places and put his Army to flight and slew many of them those that escaped fled into a little Village hard by called Ormiza where the Arabians compassing them about took both the men and their Tents O with all their Furniture Not long after this overthrow of Herod's Soldiers he came and brought help but too late and to little purpose The cause of this defeat was A for that the Captains of his Army would not obey his Commandment for if they had been obedient Athenio had not had opportunity to work him that injury 〈…〉 navity 28. yet was he revenged upon the Arabians and daily made incursions upon their Borders and ceased not to invade and spoil them till by many defeats he had cried quittance with them for their one Victory While thus he pursued his enemies Another calamity
discontent and moreover being emboldened by the love which he bare her Mariamne hatefully upbraideth Herod with Hircanus's death she every day upbraided him with that which he had done to Hircanus her Uncle and to her Brother Aristobulus For Herod spared him not although he was a Child but after he had made him High Priest in the seventeenth year of his age he presently put him to death after he had so honoured him who when he came to the Altar clothed in sacred attire upon a Festival day all the people K wept for joy which caused so great a jealousie in Herod that the same night he sent him to Jericho to be drowned in a Lake by the Galatians who had received commission to perform the murther These things did Mariamne daily cast in Herod's teeth and upbraided both his Mother and Sister with very sharp and reproachful words Herod's Mother and Sister do falsly accuse Mariamne to him yet he so loved her that notwithstanding all this he held his peace But the women were set on fire and that they might the rather move Herod against her they accused her of adultery and of many other things which bare a shew of truth objecting against her that she had sent her picture into Egypt to Antonius and that through immoderate lust she did what she could to make her self known unto him who doted upon womens love and was of sufficient power to do what wrong L he pleased Hereat Herod was much moved Herod secretly chargeth Joseph to kill his wife especially for that he was jealous of her whom he loved bethinking himself upon the cruelty of Cleopatra for whose sake King Lysanias and Malichus King of Arabia were put to death and now he measured not the danger by the loss of his wife but by his own death which he feared For which cause being drawn by his affairs into the Country he gave secret commandment to Joseph his Sister Salomes husband whom he knew to be trusty and one who for affinity was his well-willer to kill his wife Mariamne if so be Antonius should have killed him But Joseph not maliciously but simply to shew how greatly the King loved her disclosed that secret unto her and she when Herod was returned and amongst other talk M with many Oaths sware that he never loved woman but her Indeed said she it may well be known how greatly you love me by the commandment you gave to Joseph whom you charged to kill me Herod's suspicion betwixt Joseph and his wife Herod hearing this which he thought to be secret was like a mad man and presently perswaded himself that Joseph would never have disclosed that commandment of his except he had abused her so that hereupon he became furious and leaping out of his bed he walked up and down the Palace whereupon his Sister Salome having fit opportunity confirmed his suspicion of Joseph For which cause Herod growing now raging mad with jealousie commanded both of them to be killed Which being done his wrath was seconded by Repentance and after his anger ceased Herod commandeth both Joseph and Mariamne to be slain the passion of love was presently renewed yea so great was N the power of his affection that he would not believe she was dead but spake unto her as though she were alive until in process of time being ascertained of her funeral he equalled the affection he bare her during her life by the vehemency of his passion for her death Mariamnes Sons inheritors of her displeasure Mariamnes Sons succeeded their Mother in her hatred and recogitating what an impious act it was they accounted their Father as a mortal enemy both before and after they went to study at Rome and especially after they returned again into Judea The year of the World 3956. before Christ's Nativity 6. For as they grew in years so did the violence of their revenge increase And being now marriageable one of them married the Daughter of their Aunt Salome who accused their Mother the other married the Daughter of Archelaus King of Cappadocia And now to their hatred was joyned a liberty to speak O more freely against their Father and by this occasion of their boldness many were animated to calumniate them so that some did openly tell the King that both his A Sons sought to work treason against him and that the one of them prepared an Army to help the other to revenge the death of their Mother and that the other to wit he that was Son-in-law to Archelaus purposed to flee and accuse Herod before Caesar Herod giving ear to those calumniations sent for Antipater whom he had by Doris Herod's debate with those Sons he had by Mariamne to the end he might defend him against his two Sons and sought to advance him above them But they thought this alteration intolerable seeing one whose Mother was but a private woman so preferred and they exalted with their own Nobleness of Birth could not contain their indignation but upon every occasion shewed themselves offended Ant. lib. 16. cap. 4. by reason of which imprudence they were every day less accounted of As for Antipater he wrought himself into favour for he B knew how to flatter his Father Antipater by disgracing his Brothers is declared his Fathers heir and raised many slanders on his two Brethren partly invented by himself partly divulged by some of his Favourites whom he set awork about the matter till at last he put his Brethren out of all hope of having the Kingdom For he was now by the Kings Will and testament declared King so that he was sent as a King to Caesar in a Kingly habit and pomp only he wore no Crown and in time he so prevailed that he wrought his Mother into Mariamnes stead Herod accuseth Alexander before Caesar and with flatteries and calumniations so moved the King that he began to deliberate about putting his Sons to death For which cause he conducted his Son Alexander with him to Rome and accused him before Caesar that he had given him poyson But he with much ado having obtained lieve to plead his own cause and that before C a Judge more wise than Herod or Antipater he modestly held his peace in all things his Father had offended in and first of all he cleared his Brother Aristobulus from that crime in which he was involved with himself And afterwards he inveighed against Antipater's subtilty and complained of those injuries which had been offered him having beside the equity of his cause sufficient eloquence to acquit himself for he was a vehement Orator and knew well how to perswade Last of all he objected that his Father having a desire to put both him and his Brother to death A reconciliation between Herod and his Sons had laid an accusation upon him whereat the whole Audience wept and Caesar was so moved that not regarding the accusations that
by their Offices for one of them was his Butler the other was his Cook and the third waited upon him in his Bed-chamber These three Alexander with great gifts corrupted G Which the King understanding by torments forced them to confess and declare with what promises they were thereto by Alexander induced and how he had deceived them by affirming that there was no trusting to Herod who was a morose old man The year of the World 3956. before Christ's Nativity 6. and that he died his hair to make himself seem young and that in despight of H him he would be his Successor and then he would be revenged upon his enemies and make his friends happy and especially them And that the whole Nobility secretly joyned with him and the Captains of the Army and Governours privily came to him Herod feareth his Son Alexander Hereat Herod was so terrified that he durst not presently divulge their confessions but night and day he sent out spies to learn what was said or done and whom he suspected them he presently killed so that his whole Kingdom was full of Blood-shed For every one as his malice moved him feigned Calumniations and many desirous of Blood-shed abused the King's passion as they pleased against their enemies Credit was given to every lie and no man was so soon accused but presently he was punished and he who presently before accused others was now accused himself and I carried to be punished with him whom he had accused Ant. lib. 17. cap. 8. For the King's jealousy shortned the time of Trial for their lives and he became so tyrannous that he afforded not a good look Herod's cruelty even to them that were not accused but shewed himself most fierce and violent to his dearest friends So that he banished many out of his Kingdom and railed against such as he had no power over Antipater encreased this mischief more and more by employing all his friends to accomplish the ruine of Alexander By whose rumours and tales the King was so possessed that he fancied always that he saw Alexander before him with a drawn Sword Herod casteth Alexander into Prison and tortured his friends For which cause he suddenly cast him in Prison and tortured his friends many of which died in torments because they would not confess more than in conscience was true Others not able to endure the torments K were forced to confess that Alexander and his Brother Aristobulus designed Treason against their Father and that they expected their time till he went a hunting resolving with themselves that having killed him they would presently flee to Rome Although these and such like Calumniations were no ways probable yet extremity of pain forced men to invent them and the King willingly believed them as it were comforting himself thereby that he might not be thought to have imprisoned his Son unjustly Alexander perceiving that it was impossible for him to remove his Father's suspicion Alexander during his imprisonment wrote four Books against his enemies thought it best to yield himself guilty and so he made four Writings wherein he confessed the Treason and nominated his partakers therein namely Pheroras and Salome who were the chief which later he said had been so impudently L unchaste as to come in the night to him without his consent and lie in his bed These Writings which charged the greatest amongst the Nobility with most heinous matters were in Herod's hands when Archelaus fearing his Son-in-law and Daughter to be in great danger speedily came into Judaea and by his prudence appeased the King's wrath For so soon as he came to Herod he cryed Where is that wicked Son-in-law of mine or where may I see the face of that wretch that goeth about to murther his Father that I may tear him in pieces with mine own hands and marry my Daughter to a better Husband For although she be not privy to his counsel yet 't is enough to make her infamous that she is Wife to such a man Nay I admire your patience who are in such danger Archelaus King of Cappadocia and suffer Alexander yet to live For I came thus hastily out of Cappadocia thinking M he had been put to death to talk with you concerning my Daughter whom I married to him for your sake Wherefore now let us take counsel what to do with them both and seeing you are too Father-like and not able to punish your Son your treacherous Son let 〈◊〉 change rooms and let me be in your place to revenge you How great soever Herod's choler was this discourse of Archelaus disarmed it And Herod shewed him the Books that Alexander had writ Archelaus and Herod consult upon Alexander's Book and upon reading every Chapter with deliberation Archelaus took occasion fit for his purpose and by little and little laid all the fault on Pheroras and those that were accused in the Book And perceiving the King to give ear unto him Let us said he consider whether the young man hath not been circumvented by the treachery of so many malicious persons and not of himself formed a design against N you For there appears no cause why he should fall into such wickedness who already enjoyed the honours of the Kingdom and hoped to succeed you therein had he not been perswaded thereto by other men who seeing him a young man enticed him to such an attempt For we see that by such persons not only young men but also old men and most Noble Families Herod is incensed against his Brother Pheroras yea and whole Kingdomes are ruinated Herod upon these speeches began somewhat to relent and abate his animosity against Alexander but encreased it towards Pheroras for he was the Subject of the whole Book Pheroras perceiving the King so to trust to Archelaus's friendship that he was led by him to do what he pleased he in humble manner came to Archelans seeking humbly for succour at his hands of whom he had not deserved any favour Archelaus answered him that he knew O no ways to obtain his Pardon who was guilty of so heinous Crimes and convicted manifestly to have practised High Treason against the King 's own Person and to be A the cause of all these miseries that had now befallen the young man except that he would lay aside all subtil dealing and denying of his Fact and confess the Crimes whereof he was accused and so humbly go to his Brother who loved him dearly and crave pardon promising that if he would so do he would do him what good he could Pheroras attired in a mourning garment with tears falleth before Herod's feet and craveth pardon Hereupon Pheroras obeyed Archelaus's counsel and putting on a black Attire in a pitiful manner and with tears he prostrated himself at Herod's feet and craving pardon obtained it confessing himself to be a most wicked and vile person and to be guilty of all that
which was objected against him and that the cause which moved him to do all these things was the frantick and mad fits he fell into for the love of that woman After Pheroras had thus become his own Accuser and a Witness B against himself Pheroras by Archelaus's means pacifieth Herod Archelaus endeavoured to mitigate Herod's wrath towards him and excuse his fault by alledging for example that his Brother had attempted greater matters against him whom notwithstanding for Relation's sake he had pardoned Adding that in every Kingdom as in mighty bodies frequently some part begins to inflame which notwithstanding is not presently to be cut off but to be cured by easie means Archelaus using many speeches to Herod to this purpose at last quite appeased his wrath towards Pheroras Archelaus compelleth Herod of his own accord to be entreated for Alexander but still counterfeited himself angry with Alexander affirming that he would take his Daughter away with him till at last he brought Herod of his own accord to intercede for the young man not to break the Marriage Archelaus C after much entreaty answered that he was willing that the King should bestow his Daughter upon any save Alexander for he greatly esteemed his affinity Herod replyed that if he would not divorce his Daughter from Alexander he should think that he had bestowed his Son upon him again For they had no Children and his Daughter was dearly loved by the young man so that if he would permit her to stay still there for her sake he would pardon all Alexander's offences Hereto Archelaus with much ado agreed and so was reconciled to his Son-in-law and he to his Father Yet Herod affirmed that he must needs be sent to Rome to speak with Caesar for he had written the whole matter to Caesar Thus Archelaus craftily delivered his Son-in law from danger and after this reconciliation was made they spent the time D in Feasting and Mirth Herod dismisseth Archelaus and his friends with great Presents Upon Archelaus's departure Herod gave him seventy Talents and a Throne of pure Gold adorned with Precious Stones and Eunuchs and a Concubine named Panichis and rewarded every one of his Friends according to their deserts And all the King's Kindred by his appointment bestowed rich Gifts upon Archelaus Ant. lib. 16. cap. 11. and both he and all his Nobility accompanied him to Antioch Not long after Eurycles the Lacedemonian secretly accuseth Alexander to his Father and is the cause of his death there came one into Judaea far more subtil than Archelaus who both disannulled the reconciliation made for Alexander and caused his death also This man named Eurycles was a Lacedemonian born and brought to Herod rich Gifts as it were for a bait of that he intended He had so behaved himself in Greece that it could no longer tolerate his excess And Herod again rewarded him with far greater E Gifts than those were that he gave him But he esteemed his liberality as nothing except it were accompanied with the blood of the Princes For which cause he circumvented the King partly by flattering him partly by praising him feignedly and especially by his own craft and subtilty And quickly perceiving his inclination he both in word and deed sought in please him so that the King accounted him among his chiefest friends And both the King and all the Court honoured him the more for his Countrey-sake because he was a Lacedemonian But he perceiving the distractions of Herod's House and the hatred between the Brethren and how the King was affected towards each of them Eurycles by feigned friendship deceiveth Alexander he first of all lodged at Antipater's house making a shew in the mean while of good will towards Alexander pretending that in times F past he had been much beloved by King Archelaus his Father-in-law And by this means he quickly insinuated into favour with him and was considered as a friend and a faithful friend Alexander presently likewise brought him into friendship with Aristobulus and he having gained their affections accommodated himself to their humours in order to compass his design of adhering to Antipater and betraying Alexander And he often used incensing words to Antipater as it were chiding him that being eldest of the Brethren he so slenderly looked after them who pretended to put him besides the Crown which was his right Many times likewise he used the like words to Alexander admiring that he who was born of a Queen and Husband to a Queen would permit one descended of a private woman to succeed in the Kingdom G especially seeing he had such a fair opportunity and means to effect the contrary for he might assure himself of Archelaus's help in any thing Alexander supposed he spoke as he thought because he counterfeited friendship with Archelans so that misdoubting nothing he disclosed to him all his mind concerning Antipater saying H that it was no wonder though Herod dis-inherited them of the Kingdom since he had slain their Mother formerly Eurycles counterfeiting pity for them and sorrow for their mis-fortune enticed Aristobulus to speak to the like effect And having animated them both to complain in this sort against their Father he presently went to Antipater and disclosed to him all their secrets falsely adding also a story of some Treachery which those two Brethren intended against him which was to dispatch him with their Swords Antipater rewarded him with a great Summ of Money for this advice and commended him to his Father And thus he being hired to effect the death of Alexander and Aristobulus became himself their accuser Whereupon he came to Herod and told him that I in regard of those benefits he had received at his hand he would now venture his life for him by giving him notice of a thing which concerned his own which was that Alexander and Aristobulus had long since resolved together to kill him and that he only was the cause that they performed it not by promising them to assist them in the matter That Alexander used these speeches that Herod was not contented to enjoy a Kingdom which was another's right nor yet to have put Queen Mariamne to death but he would also leave the Kingdom belonging to their Ancestors to a pernicious Bastard Antipater But for this cause he would revenge Hircanus and Mariamne's death And that it was not fit that such a man as Antipater should receive the Kingdom without blood And every day he had occasion given him to persist in this resolution K for he could speak nothing without being calumniated for if any mention were made at any time of any ones Nobility presently he was upbraided without cause for his Father would presently say There is none Noble but Alexander whose Father 's base Birth is a shame and discredit unto him And that going a hunting if he held his peace his Father was offended if he praised him then it
Of Cestius his Battel against Jerusalem 24. Of the Siege of Jerusalem by Cestius and of the Massacre 25. Of the cruelty of those of Damascus against the Jews and of Joseph's Affairs in Galilee O 26. Of Joseph's danger and escape and of the malice of John of Giscala A 27. The Cities of Tiberias and Sephoris are recovered by Joseph 28. How the people of Jerusalem prepared themselves for War and of the Robberies of Simon Son of Gioras CHAP. I. Of Herod's Successor Archelaus and how he entred into the Temple and the Mutiny that arose for the revenge of those that were executed for taking down the Golden B Eagle ARchelaus being acknowledged Successor in the Kingdom to Herod The year of the World 3964. after Christ's Nativity â—2 lately dead necessity constrained him to go to Rome to the end he might be confirmed by Augustus which Journey gave occasion of new broils For after that for seven days he had celebrated his Father's Funeral and largely feasted the people for this is a custom amongst the Jews Ant. lib. 17. cap. 11. which bringeth many of them to poverty and yet he that doth not so is reputed impious he went to the Temple The Lamentations and Banquets Archelaus made attired in a white Garment C where he was with great joy received of the people and he himself sitting in a Tribunal upon a Throne of Gold very courteously admitted the people to his Presence and thanked them for their diligent care used in his Father's Funeral and for the Honours they had rendered to himself as to their King Yet he said he would not take upon him either the Authority or Name of King till such time as his Succession was approved of by Caesar who by his Father's Testament was Lord and Master of all and for that cause he had refused the Diadem offered him by the Soldiers at Jericho when they would have Crowned him But he promised Archelaus promiseth â—his Subjects all favour that if he were confirmed King by the hands of the Emperour he would largely recompence both the Soldiers and the people for their good will D and that he fully purposed to be more favourable unto them than his Father had been The multitude hereat greatly rejoyced and made present tryal of his mind and purpose for some cried out requesting that the Tributes might be lessened Others desired that the new Imposts might cease others requested him to set all Prisoners at liberty Archelaus in favour of the people granted all these requests and then offering Sacrifices A Sedition about the pulling down of the Eagle and the Agents thereof he banquetted with his Friends But suddenly a little after Noon a great multitude desirous of alteration the common lamentation for the King's death being ceased began a private mourning bewailing their mis-fortune whom Herod had put to death for pulling down the Golden Eagle from the Porch of the Temple Ant. lib. 17. cap. 12. This sorrow was not secret but the whole City resounded with lamentations E for them that were thought to have lost their lives for the Temple and their Countrey Laws They also cried that revenge was to be taken upon them whom Herod for that fact had rewarded with money And that first of all he who by Herod was constituted High Priest was to be rejected and another more honest and devout was to be put in his place Archelaus's bounty towards the Seditious Archelaus although he was herewith offended yet because he was presently to take such a journey he abstained from violence fearing lest he should render the multitude his enemies Wherefore he sought rather by admonition than by force to reclaim those that were seditious and he sent the Governour of the Soldiers to request them to be pacified But the Authors of the Sedition so soon as he came to the Temple and before he spake one word threw stones F at him and in like manner they used others sent afterwards by him to appease them for Archelaus dispatched many messengers unto them whom they contumeliously treated so that if they had been more in number their fury would have proceeded further The Feast of Easter solemnly kept and much Sacrifice offered Wherefore when the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew nigh which the Jews call Easter wherein an infinite number of Sacrifices were appointed an innumerable multitude of people came out of all Villages thereabout for devotion sake to the Solemnity And they who so lamented the death of the Doctors remained in the Temple seeking by all means to promote the Sedition Which Archelaus fearing sent a Band of Soldiers and a Tribune with them to take the chief of the Seditous before such time as they had drawn unto them the multitude of the people against whom the G whole people being stirred up slew a great manâ— of them with stones and the Tribune himself being sore hurt had much ao to escape And when they had so done they presently went and offered Sacrifice as though no hurt had been done But Archelaus perswaded himself that the multitude would not be appeased without H slaughter wherefore he sent against them the whole Army the Foot into the City and the Horse into the Field who assaulting the seditious people as they were sacrificing slew of them almost three thousand and scattered the residue into the Mountains adjoyning Three thousand of the Jews slain at the Feast of â—asâ—er There were also some who followed Archelaus and proclaimed by vertue of his Command that every one should depart home to his house as accordingly notwithstanding the holiness of the day they did But he accompanied with his Mother Poplas Ptolomey and Nicholaus his Friends went to the Sea-coast leaving Philip Governour of the Kingdom and of his Houshold With them departed Salome and her Children and the Kings Brethren and Kindred under pretence to assist Archelaus to the Crown but indeed it was to inform Caesar of the Murther committed I in the Temple against the Law When they came to Caesarea Sabinus cometh into Judaea to seize the Fortresses and keep the Treasure they met with Sabinus Governour of Syria who was coming towards Judea to take into his custody Herod's Treasure Varus to whom Archelaus had sent Ptolomey about this matter forbad him to proceed further And so Sabinus in obedience to Varus neither entred the Castles not took Herod's Treasure from Archelaus Ant. lib. 17. cap 13. but promised that he would let all alone till Caesar's pleasure were understood But so soon as one of them that hindred him was gone to Antioch and the other to wit Archelaus to Rome he still remaining at Caesarea now hasted to Jerusalem and took the King's Palace Where calling for the chief of the Guard and the Purveyors he exacted of them an account and sought to take into his custody K the Castles and Strong Holds But the Captains
would not be quiet he left one Legion of the three which he brought out of Syria Sabinus seizeth the King's Treasure and laboureth to get possession of his Fortresses in the City and so returned to Antioch But Sabinus coming afterwards to Jerusalem was the cause that the Jews began a new Broil For he forced the Garrisons to render to him the Castles and rigorously made search for the King's Treasure And he was not only assisted by those that Varus left there but also he had a great multitude of his own Servants all armed to further his Avarice And in the Feast of Pentecost so called because it happens at the end of seven times seven days the People gathered themselves together not for Religion's sake but for anger F and hatred so that there was an infinite multitude of people which came out of Galilee Three Camps of the Jews and Idumaea and Jericho and the Countreys beyond Jordan Yet the Jews which were Inhabitants of the City surpassed the rest both in number and courage and they therefore parted themselves into three Bands and made three Camps one on the North side of the Temple another on the South towards the Hippodrome the third on the West near the Palace and so they besieged the Romans on every side Sabinus greatly fearing them both for their multitude and for their courage sent many Letters to Varus earnestly requesting him with all speed to bring succour for if he did not Sabinus getteth into the highest Tower of the strongest Castle the whole Legion would be destroyed He himself got into the highest Tower of the Castle of Phasaelus so called from the name of Herod's Brother whom G the Parthians killed and from thence he gave a sign to the Roman Soldiers to issue out suddenly upon their enemies for himself was in such a fear that he durst not come down to the Soldiers of whom he was Commander The Soldiers obeying his Command attacked the Temple and there fought a fierce Battel with the Jews who H having none to assist them and being unexperienced in Warlike Affairs were soon conquered by them that were skilful At last many Jews got upon the Porches and cast Darts at them from the Pinacles so that they killed many But the other could not revenge themselves of them A Skirmish between the Jews and Romans who fought against them from so high a place neither could they sustain the force of them who joyned Battel with them till at last the Romans fired the Porches which for greatness and curious work were admirable The Romans fire the Porches By this means many Jews were either destroyed with the suddain fire or else leaping down amidst their enemies were by them slain others going backward were cast headlong from the Wall others despairing of life killed themselves with their own Swords and they who privily came down the Walls being assaulted by the Romans I and astonished with fear were easily overcome Till at last all being either put to the Sword or fled through fear the Treasure dedicated to God was left destitute of Keepers so that the Soldiers took away thereof about four hundred Talents and that which they left Sabinus got But this loss of men and money stirred up many more Jews and those more brave than the first against the Romans whom they besieged in the King's Place and threatned all their destructions unless they would presently depart from thence Yet promising Sabinus and the Legion lieve to depart if he so liked Part of the King's Soldiers who of their own accord fled to them assisted them But the most Warlike and valiant amongst them were three thousand men of Herod's Army whose Leaders K were Ruâ—us and Gratus one of the Foot and the other of the Horse both which although they had had no Soldiers with them might yet for their Valour and Counsel have been considerable to the Party of the Romans The Jews earnestly continued the Siege and assaulted the Castle-Walls crying upon Sabinus to depart and not to hinder them now after so long time to recover their Countrey 's Liberty Sabinus though with all his heart he wished himself away yet he durst not trust them but he suspected that their courtesie was but a plot to entrap him And on the other side hoping that Varus would come and help him he still endured the danger of the Siege At the same time there were tumults in many place of Judaea Ant lib. 17. cap. 15. and many through opportunity of the time aspired to the Kingdom For in Idumaea two thousand old Soldiers L who had born Arms under Herod gathering together and having armed themselves went to attack the King's Forces commanded by Achiab Herod's Nephew who because they were old Soldiers and very well armed durst not meet them in the Field but withdrew into some Fortresses At Sephoris also a Town of Galilee Judas the Son of Ezechias Captain of the Thieves which formerly were defeated by King Herod and had wasted the Countrey gathered together a great multitude and brake into the King's Armory and armed all his Company and fought against them who affected the Royal Dignity Simon one of the King's Servants taketh the Kingdom upon him Also beyond the River one Simon who had been Herod's Servant being a goodly man and of a huge stature put a Crown upon his own head and gathering together a company of Vagrants went about with them to M Jericho and burnt the King's Palace and many fair and sumptuous houses there and so got a great Booty there and he had surely fired all other Buildings of Note had not Gratus Captain of the King's Footmen made haste to fight him with the Bow-men of Trachon and the most Warlike men of Sebaste Simon lost many men in this Encounter and when he fled into a strait Valley Gratus overtook him and cut him overthwart the neck so that he fell to the ground In like manner other of the King's Palaces near Jordan by Bethara were burnt by a multitude of other Rebels gathered together in Bands from beyond the River Athrongaeus a Shepherd usurpeth the Kingdom At this time a Shepherd named Athrongaeus pretended to make himself King His Birth was so low that formerly he had been but a simple Shepherd and he had no other merit but that he was very large N and strong of body and despised death With this resolution he armed his four Brethren each of which had a Company armed and they were as his Lieutenants to make Incursions whilst he like a King meddled only with great Affairs and wore a Crown upon his head And thus he continued a long time wasting the Countrey and killing not only the Romans and King's Soldiers but also the Jews if there was hope to gain any thing by them One day he met a Company of the Romans at Emmaus who carried Corn and Armour unto the Legion he
one Gate upon them and the Romans the other and many thus enclosed perished by their fellows Swords and an infinite number by the rage of the Romans 12000 Jews slain having no courage to resist and revenge themselves For the Inhumanity of their own Citizens and terrour of their Enemies together utterly discouraged them and so they died all in number 12000 cursing not the Romans but the Jews their own Country-men Trajan thinking that the City was now destitute E of fighting men or if any were within that they durst not resist being thus terrified Titus with his Forces coâ—mes to Japha reserved the taking of the City for the General and sent Messengers to him requesting him to send his Son Titus to accomplish the Victory Vespasian fearing that yet there would be some resistance sent Titus with 500 Horse and 1000 Foot who hastening thither placed Trajan on the left side of the Town and himself on the right so the Romans on every side scaled the Walls and the Galileans having a while resisted A sharp Skirmish within the Town between the Galileans and the Romans at length left them Then Titus and his followers leaping down got into the City and began a vehement fight with them that were assembled therein some valiantly issuing out of the Narrow streets and assaulting them and the Women casting such things as they could get upon the Romans from the tops of their F houses and thus they held battel six hours When their fighting men were all slain then the Old Men and Children and all the other Company both in the streets and in their houses were soon dispatcht that none of them were left alive save only Infants who with the Women were led Captives The number of them that were slain both in the City and in the first conflict amounted to 15000 and the number of those that were led into Captivity were 1130. This Massacre of the Galileans hapned the 25th day of June G A CHAP. XII How Cerealis Conquered the Samaritans THe Samaritans also were partakers of the sad Effects of this bloody War The Assembly of the Samaritans on the Mountain Garizin They assembled themselves together upon Mount Garizin which they accounted a sacred place But this Assembly gave cause to believe that not warned by their neighbours harms not with any advice or judgement considering their own infirmity and the Romans power they began to be tumultuous Vespasian foreseeing this thought B good to prevent them and although all the Region of Samaria had Roman Garisons in it yet the great multitude assembled made it reasonable to fear them Wherefore he sent thither Cerealis the Tribune of the fifth Legion with six hundred Horse and three thousand Foot Cerealis thought it not the best way to go unto the Mountain and attaque the whole multitude there who were so numerous but he commanded his Souldiers to beleagure the Mountain about at the Foot thereof and to keep there all the day There hapned at that time a vehement heat and the Samaritans wanted Water Want of water in the Mountain Garizin It was then Summer and the People had not provided themselves with Victuals so that many in one day only for want of drink died of thirst others preferring death before the misery they endured fled to the Romans of whom Cerealis learned C that those that yet remained on the Mount were even dis-heartned by the misery they endured Wherefore he ascended the Mountain and compassing about the Enemies with his Army he first exhorted them to yield and promised them all their lives if they would cast down their weapons but nothing prevailing with them he set upon them 11600 Samaritans slain and killed them all in number 11600. This was done the 27th day of June These were the miseries that befel the Samaritans CHAP. XIII D How Jotapata was Taken THe Citizens of Jotapata having endured this hard Siege beyond all expectation seven and fourty dayes the Romans Mounts were now raised higher than their Walls A fugitive certifieth the weak estate of the Citizens of Jotapata and how few they were On the same day one of the City fled to Vespasian and told him in what case the City stood and how few Citizens were left and that with daily watchings and fighting they were far spent so that they were not able to resist any more and that they might be taken by policy if they were followed for in the last part of the night being weary they ceased from their labour and slept till the Morning wherefore he perswaded E Vespasian to assanlt them at that time But Vespasian knowing how faithful the Jews were one unto another and how they contemned all punishment gave little credit to this Run-away For a little before one of Jotapata being taken could not by any torments be compelled to confess or disclose the Estate of the City the fire nothing moved him and so at last he was crucified laughing and scorning death Yet a probable conjecture which he had perswaded him to give some credit to this Traitors words and for that he knew no great harm could befall him if he so assaulted the City as the Traitor advised he commanded the man to be kept and put all his army in readiness to assault the Town At the hour appointed he made towards the Wall with silence Titus marcht first accompanied with one Domitius Sabinus a Tribune F and some choice men of the fifteenth Legion who killing the Sentinels entred into the City and after them entered Sextus Cerealis and Placidus with their Companies so the Castle was taken The Romans 〈◊〉 the City whilest the Jews sleep and the Enemies were in the midst of the Town and it was fair day-light and yet the Townsmen knew nothing being now fast asleep after their great labours and watchings and they that watcht could see nothing there was so thick a mist by chance that Morning and the rest never wakened till Death was at their door and that they perceived their Calamity and Destruction The Romans mindful of all that had befallen them in the time of the siege The Romans have 〈…〉 compassion neither spared nor pitied any one but driving the people out of the higher part of the City into the lower they massacred them all They that would have fought could not for the narrowness of the G place and so being cumbred for want of room and sliding down the banks for haste H their Enemies still pursuing them they were easily slain Many of Josephs Guard seeing that they could not fight gathered themselves together in a corner of the City and slew themselves that the Romans might not kill them But some of the Watchmen who first perceived the City to be taken fled into a Tower and resisted a while this Tower was situate in the North-side of the City and at last being invironed with their Enemies towards
they be watered with Water drawn before Sun-rise The cause why the ground about Jericho is fruitful by the blowing of a mild and temperate wind it is refreshed and it receives a contrary nature In Winter-time it is almost luke-warm and temperate to them that go into it The Air here is so temperate The Air temperate and Warm that when it snoweth in other parts of Judea and is extreme cold the Inhabitants in this place only wear a linen Garment This Country is distant from I Jerusalem a hundred and fifty Furlongs and threescore from Jordan and all the ground betwixt it and Jerusalem is desart and stony and so likewise between it and Jordan and Asphaltites though it be lower ground than the other Thus we have sufficiently declared the fertility of Jericho CHAP. V. The Description of the Lake Asphaltites IT is worth the labour to describe the Lake Asphaltites An admirable property of the Asphaltite Lake which is Salt and uncapable K of feeding Fish yet what ever is cast into it how weighty soever it be it swimmeth above the Water so that one though he would on purpose cannot sink to the bottom Vespasian coming thither to see it took men who could not swim and caus'd their hands to be bound behind them and cast them into the midst thereof and all of them came up to the Top of the Water as if some Wind had forc'd them from the bottom Moreover it is admirable how this Lake thrice in every day changeth colour and shineth diversly according as the beams of the Sun sundry ways fall upon it And in many places it casteth up pieces of black Bitumen in greatness and shape like a Bull without a head and these float above the Water They that get L their living upon this Water by gathering this Bitumen draw it to their Boats and it is so tough and clammy that having filled their Boats herewith it is not easie for them to get them away but their Boat is as it were fastened and hangeth upon the rest of that mass of bituminous matter till it be separated from it by the terms or urine of a Woman This bitumenous matter is good to close the rifts of Ships and also to cure many diseases The Land of Sodom is near unto the Lake Asphaltites This Lake is five hundred and eighty Furlongs long extending to Zoar which is in Arabia and it is a hundred and fifty Furlongs broad Near this Lake is the Land of Sodom and Gomorrah sometime both fertil and rich now all burnt having been for the impiety of the Inhabitants consumed with lightning and thunder To be short one may here behold as it were the reliques of that M fire that by Gods appointment destroyed the place for one may yet see some remainders of those five Cities and Trees and Fruits springing up in the ashes which fruit to the Eye seemeth like other fruits but if you handle them they fall into ashes and smoak Teâ—tul Apolog c. 39. And so the History of the destruction of Sodom is verifi'd to the Eye of them that behold it CHAP. VI. How Gerasa was destroyed of Nero's Death and of Galba and Otho N VEspasian desirous to besiege Jerusalem on every side built Castles at Jericho and Adida and left there Garisons of the Souldiers that came to assist him and also Romans with them L. Annius taketh Gerasa And he sent L. Annius to Gerasa with a Body of Foot and Horse who at the first assault took the City and slew a thousand young men who had not time to flie and made whole Families Slaves giving the Souldiers the spoil of their goods and so firing their Houses he went to other places adjoyning They who were able fled and the weaker sort who could not flie were slain and whatsoever came in their way they consumed with fire Thus all places both Mountains and Plains O being wasted and ruined with War the Inhabitants of Jerusalem had no whither to go A when they desired to flie from the Zelots by whom they were kept in The year of the World 4033. after the Nativity of Christ 71. And they themselves who were against the Romans were also kept in the City being on every side enclosed and encompassed with the Roman Army After Vespasian was returned to Cesarea and with all his Army purposed to go to Jerusalem Vespasian hath tydings of Nerâ—es death news was brought him that Nero was slain having reigned thirteen years and eight dayes Touching whom I will not recount how he dishonour'd the Empire committing the whole sway of all the Common-wealth to two most wicked men to wit Nimphidius and Tigillinus who were of least worth amongst all his Freed-men and how being betrayed by these two men he was forsaken of all his Guards and so fled only with four trusty Freed-men into the Suburbs and there kill'd himself And how that B sometime after they that deposed him were punished for that offence And how the Wars ended in Gallia Galba and that Galba being created Emperour returned to Rome out Spain and how he was accused of Cowardize by the Souldiers and by them killed in the Market-place Otho as one of base condition Vitellius and how Otho was declared Emperour and led his Souldiers against Vitellius also Vitellius his troubles and his fight before the Capitol and how Antonius Primus and Mutianus slew Vitellius and so appeased the German Troops and the Civil War Of all these I have forborn to speak because I presume both the Greeks and Romans have written these things at large yet I have briefly recapitulated this to continue my History After Vespasian heard this news Vespasian deferreth his siege at Jerusalem he deferred the Siege of Jerusalem expecting who C should be created Emperour after Nero. And when he was certified that Galba reigned he determined to do nothing but lie quiet till such time as he should write to him his mind whether he would have him proceed in the War against the Jews And he sent to him his Son Titus both to salute him and also to know his pleasure concerning the Jews Likewise King Agrippa went with Titus for the same cause to Galba But as they were passing by Achaia with long Ships in Winter time as the Custome is news was brought that Galba was slain having reigned seven Months and seven dayes After whom succeeded Otho who governed the Empire three Months Agrippa not dismayed with this alteration still kept on his Journey to Rome But Titus as God would have it returned from Achaia to Syria Galba is slain and Otho governeth and so to Caesarea to his Father They D both were in suspence what would ensue and who should be be Emperour the Empire being so full of trouble and so they neglected the War against the Jews fearing for their own Country and therefore thinking it an unfit
Vitellius his unsatiable Lust than Vespasian's Chastity and Temperance nor a cruel Tyrant rather than a good and courteous Emperour whose Son also was of extraordinary Merit and dâ—served the Empire For true F Valour in 〈◊〉 Emperour is a great defence of Peace Therefore if the Empire were due to aged Experience they had Vespasian if to Valiant Youth they had amongst them Titus that they might 〈◊〉 commodity by both their Ages and that they would not only assist him with the Forces of the Empire having there three Legions besides the Auxiliary Troops of the King but also all the East part of Europe was out of fear of Vitellius The causes that moved the People to elect Vespasian Emperour Moreover they had in Italy some that would assist Vespasian to wit his Brothor and his Son whereof the one they hoped would get many young men to follow him and the other was Prefect of the City an Office very considerable especially in the beginning of such an Enterprise Lastly it might so fall out that the Senate would declare him Emperour whom now the Souldiers being as it were their Preserver had Elected G This was first talked amongst the Companies of Souldiers at last exhorting one another thereto they went and saluted Vespasian Emperour and requested him to accept this Dignity for preservation of the Empire being in great danger to be lost Albeit H Vespasian had alwayes been careful of the Publick-Good yet he refused to be Emperour deeming himself indeed to have deserved it but he rather chose to live a Private Life wherein was security than in the height of Fortune and Honour with perpetual danger The Souldiers elect Vespasian Emperor The Captains were the more earnest because he refused it and the Souldiers flocked about him with drawn Swords threatning his death except he would consent to live as he deserved but after long time striving to avert this their determination to make him Emperour at last seeing he could not avoid it he accepted their offer I CHAP. XI The Description of Aegypt MUtianus and the rest of the Captains that had elected him to the Empire together with the whole Army with great Acclamations desir'd Vespasian to lead them against their common Enemy But Vespasian thought it best first to make sure of Alexandria knowing that Aegypt for the supply of Corn was the greatest and best part of the Empire which if he once were sure of he hoped that although Vitellius were K stronger than he yet he could bring him under because the People would not endure that for his sake the City should be famish'd which would have come to pass except they had supply of Corn out of Aegypt Moreover he desired to joyn to himself those two Legions that were at Alexandria and he considered that that Country might be a defence and refuge for him if any adverse Fortune should betide him for it is not easie to be entred by an Army and the Sea-coasts have no Havens The bounds of Aegypt nor Harbours to receive Ships On the West it bordereth upon the dry and barren part of Lybia on the South upon the Frontiers which separate Syene from Aethiopia and the Cataracts of Nilus hinder the entering of it by Ships L On the East it bordereth upon the Red-Sea The length and breadth of Aegypt which defends it as far as the City Copton on the North it reaches to Syria and is defended by the Aegyptian Sea wherein there is no Haven Thus Aegypt is strong on every side and reacheth in length 2000 Furlongs from Pelusium to Syene and from Plinthia to Pelusium they sayl 3600 Furlongs And Nilus is navigable even unto the City Elephantine Moreover the Haven of Alexandria is dangerous to enter into even in a Calm for the entrance into it is very strait and beside that the way goes not directly on but is made crooked by great stony Rocks and the left side is compassed artificially with a strong Dike but on the right side is the Isle Pharus A most high Tower in the Island Pharus giving light to those that sail 300. stands off having a Tower upon it exceeding great so that a Light in it is seen by Mariners 300 Furlongs off to the end that before they come near it they may provide to bring their Ships in with safety M This Isle is inclosed with high Walls made by Art against which the Sea beating and so returning back again maketh the entrance into the Haven more dangerous Yet this Haven within is very safe and 30 Furlongs long so that whatsoever this Country wants it is brought them into that Haven and whatsoever aboundeth amongst them and which other Nations need is carried from thence all over the whole World So that Vespasian did not unadvisedly seek to make himself Master of Alexandria and to dispose thereof for his own profit being to begin his Empire Wherefore he sent Letters to Tiberius Alexander Tiberius Alexander governs Alexandria and Egypt who was Governour of Alexandria and Aegypt and told him of the Souldiers Resolution and how that seeing he could not avoid it but was forced to N take upon him the Empire he now requested him to help him what he could Alexander receiving Vespasians Letters agreed willingly thereto and presently caused his Army and the People also to swear to Vespasian which they all did willingly having understood Vespasians Virtue by reason that he Governed so near them And so Alexander having now engaged himself prepared all things necessary for the reception of this Prince O A CHAP. XII How Vespasian delivered Joseph out of Captivity IT is incredible how quickly the news was carried into all parts of the World Vespasian by Common voice is created Emperour and Crowned that Vespasian was declared Emperor in the East and how all the Cities rejoyced and made Triumphs and offered Sacrifices for his fortunate success Moreover the Legions in Moesia and Pannonia who not long before revolted from Vitellius by reason of his cruelty now willingly swore obedience to Vespasian Vespasian returned by Berytum to Caesarea where many Embassadours came to him offering him Crowns B and applauding and rejoycing at his good fortune they came out of Syria and all other places thereabout Thither came also Mutianus Governour of Syria who brought tidings how joyfully all the People received him for their Emperour and had sworn obedience to him So all things falling out prosperously on Vespasians side and Fortune seconding what he desired he began to think with himself it was God's providence that he was made Emperour and brought to that estate And so he called to mind all tokens and signs as there had hapned many which foretold that he should be Emperor and among the rest he remembred that which Joseph had told him and though Nero was yet alive presumed to call him Emperour and he admired the man Vespasian consults with his
for he would not so be reveng'd upon inanimate things neither would he ever fire so goodly a building for it would redound to the dishonour of the Romans as on the contrary it would be a credit unto them if it were left remaining Whereupon Alexander Fronto and Caerealis perceiving Caesar's mind became of his opinion and so he dismissed the Council and commanded L the Souldiers and Captains to rest that they might be the more able to fight when need required and presently he appointed certain chosen men to make the Ways even and easie for the Army to pass by the Ruines commanding them to quench the fire and that day the Jews being fearful and weary made no resistance The day following takeing heart and assembling together they assaulted the Guard that stood without the Temple the second hour of the day The Romans valiantly received their first assault defending themselves with their shields as though they had had a wall before them yet they could not long have born the shock for that they were fewer in number than their Enemies Titus with his chosen horsemâ—n cometh to 〈◊〉 the Romans and not so desperate had not Caesar beholding the fight from Antonia came with certain chosen Horsemen before they retired to succour them Whose force the M Jews not sustaining but the first of them being slain the rest gave back and the Romans likewise retiring the Jews returned and charged them again and when the Romans returned again The Temple was burnt by the Romans the tenth of the month of August on which day before time it was burned by the King of Babylon presently they fled till about the fifth hour of the day the Jews were forced to betake themselves to the Temple and there they shut themselves up Then Titus returned to Antonia purposing the next day to assault them with all his Army and win the Temple But the providence of God had already determined that it should be consumed with fire And now the fatal day was come after many years which was the tenth of August upon which day also the King of Babylon once before burnt it yet it was now first â—et on fire by our own Country-men who were indeed the cause thereof For the Seditious being quiet till Titus was departed then again they assaulted the Romans N and so fought with the Guard that were without the Temple labouring to extinguish the flame who putting the Jews to flight pursued them to the Temple O A CHAP. X. How the Temple was burnt against the Will of Titus THen a certain Souldier who expected no Command nor feared to do so execrable a Fact A Souldier contrary to Caesar's will burned the Temple moved with some divine fury and lifted up by one of his fellows took in his hand a flaming Firebrand and cast it into the golden window which entred into the buildings on the North part of the Temple and the flame presently arose which B caused a great cry amongst the Jews expressing their calamity and every one hasted to extinguish the fire neither accounting of their lives nor forces if they lost that for which they had fought so long News hereof was presently brought by one who came from the fight to Titus who then was resting in his Tent and he presently arose and ran to the Temple to hinder the fire and all the Captains after him whereupon the Souldiers followed in great confusion and there arose a great cry and tumult in the Army being disordered Caesar both with his voice and hand made a sign to the Souldiers that were fighting The burning of the Temple Great slaughter in the Temple to quench the fire But they did not hear him there was so great a noise neither did they perceive the sign he made unto them with his hand because some were distracted with fear and others with anger and the Souldiers issued C in not restrained either by commands or threatnings but every one went whither his fury carried him and thronging together at the entrance many pressed one another to death and many being amongst the fiery ruines of the Galleries perished as miserably as those that were overcome When they came to the Temple every one feigned not to hear Caesars command and so exhorted his fellows that were before him to fire the Temple The Seditious now had no hope to withstand them but either fled or were slain and many unarmed and unable people wheresoever they were found were slain so that about the Altar were an innumerable company of dead bodies heaped together and their blood flowed down the Temple stairs and their Bodies were rouled down Caesar seeing he could not restrain the fury of the Souldiers and that the fire encreased D entered into the Sanctuary with his chief Officers and beheld all the holy things there and found its magnificence and riches far surpassing all report which strangers had given of it and equal to that of the Jews themselves The flame not having yet pierced into the inner part of the Temple Titus striveth to save the inward Temple nor consumed the Houses and Roomes about it he deemed that as yet it might be preserved wherefore himself went and intreated the Souldiers to extinguish the fire and commanded Liberalis the Centurion of his Guard to beat those with a Trunchion that would not be obedient and to drive them away But their fury and the hatred they bare against the Jews rendred them deaf to Caesars commands and regardless of punishment many were carried on with the hope of some booty thinking that all the Temple within was full of money because they saw the E Gates covered with plates of Gold Moreover a certain Souldier when Caesar sought to quench the flame fired the Posts about the doors and presently the flame appearing within Caesar and the Captains departed out and so every one stood looking upon it and no man sought to extinguish it Thus the Temple was burnt against Titus his will And although every man will judge it a lamentable case in such a Building surpassing all that ever was seen or heard of both for greatness workmanship costliness and plenty of all things yet in this we may comfort our selves that Providence had so determined For neither living Creatures nor Places nor Buildings can avoid their Destiny How many years there were between the first building of the Temple under King Solomon and the destruction under Titus One may also admire the exact and just revolution of time for it was now destroyed in the same moneth and on the same day that the Babylonians first destroyed it F And from that time that Solomon began the first Temple unto the destruction of the second Temple which happened the second year of Vespatians Reign were a thousand a hundred and thirty years seven months and fifteen dayes and from the building of the latter Temple which Haggai caused to be built in
May there was seen a Vision beyond all belief and perhaps that which D I am to recount might seem a Fable if some were not now alive that beheld it and if that Calamity worthy to be so foretold had not ensued Before the Sun-rise were seen in the Air all over the Country Chariots full of armed men in battel aray passing along in the Clouds The fifth armed Chariots men seen in the air and begirting the City And upon the Feast day called Pentecost at night the Priests going into the Inner Temple to offer their wonted Sacrifice at first felt the place to move and tremble and afterward they heard a voice which said Let us depart hence The sixth a voice in the inward Temple And that which was most wonderful of all one Jesus the Son of Ananus an ordinary Pesant four years before the War begun when the City flourished in Peace and Riches The seventh Jesus a Countryman's cry and death coming to the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in the Temple at Jerusalem suddenly began to cry out thus A Voice from the East a Voice from the West E a Voice from the four Winds a Voice against Jerusalem and the Temple a Voice against Men and Women newly married a Voice against all this People And thus crying night and day he went about all the streets of the City Some of the best quality not able to suffer words of so ill presage caused him to be taken and severely scourged which he endured without speaking the least word to defend himself or to complain of so hard treatment but he continued repeating the same words The Magistrates then thinking as indeed it was that the man spake thus through some divine motion led him to Albinus General of the Romans where being beaten till his bones appeared he never entreated nor wept but as well as he could with a mournful voice he cryed Wo wo to Jerusalem Albinus asked him what he was and whence and wherefore he said so F but he made him no answer Yet he ceased not to bewail the misery of Jerusalem till Albinus thinking him to be out of his wits suffered him to depart After which till the time of War this man was never seen to speak to any one but still without ceasing he cryed Wo wo to Jerusalem Neither did he ever Curse any one though every day some one or other did beat him nor did he ever thank any one that offered him meat All that he spake to any man was this heavy Prophecy He went crying as is said chiefly upon holy-dayes Jesus for seven years and five months cried about the City doing so continually for the space of seven years and five months and his voice never waxed hoarse nor weary till in the time of the Siege beholding what he foretold them he ceased and then once again upon the Walls going about the City A stone from an Engine killeth Jesus with a loud voice he cryed Wo wo to the City Temple and People and lastly G he said Wo also to my self Which words were no sooner uttered but a Stone shot out of an Engine smote him and so he yielded up the Ghost lamenting them all If any one diligently consider all these things he will find that God hath a care of H mankind and doth foreshew betime what is most expedient for them and that they through their own madness voluntarily perish in their wickedness For the Jews when the Castle Antonia was taken made the Temple four-square notwithstanding that it was written in the holy Scripture that the City and Temple should be taken when the Temple was made four-square But that which chiefly incited them to this War was a doubtful Prophecy likewise found in the holy Scriptures That at the same time one in their Dominions should be Monarch of the whole World And many wise men were deceived in their Interpretation The Jews interpreting the signs to their own good liâ—liâ—king are their Countries 〈◊〉 and the cause of their own calamity making account that he should be one of their own Nation but indeed thereby was foretold Vespasian's Empire But men cannot prevent Destiny though they foresee it Thus the Jews interpreted some of the Signs I as they pleased and at others they laughed till by the ruine of their Country and their own woful overthrow their error was discovered to them CHAP. XIII How Titus was made Emperour and of the Death of the Priests AFter the Seditious were fled into the City whilst all the Temple and places there K about were still on fire the Romans placing their Engines over against the East-gate of the Temple and there offering sacrifice to God with great shouts they declared Titus Emperor Gold was sold for half price The Romans got much Spoil and Booty so that they sold Gold in Syria for half the value And among those Priests that kept on the Wall a Child being thirsty desired drink of the Roman Watchmen saying that he was thirsty They pitying both his years and his need gave him their hands that he should have no harm and then he came down and drunk and filled a bottle which he brought with him and when he had done he ran up again to his fellows and none of the watchmen were able to overtake him The craft of a Boy and they could only upbraid him with falshood But he answered That he had done nothing but that which he and they intended for they did not give him their L hands to secure him to remain with them but only to come down and take water which he had done The Roman watchmen greatly admired the subtilty of one that was but a Child The fifth day The Priests â—â—ave pardon but Titus commands them to be led to execution the Priests being almost famished came down and the watchmen carried them to Titus whom they besought to grant them their lives But he answered them That the time of pardon was past seeing that was destroyed for the sake of which he might have pardoned them and that it was meet that the Priests should perish with the Temple and so he commanded them to be put to death Then the Tyrants with their followers being on every side beset by the Romans The Seditious summon Titus to a Parley and having no way to flee they being thus beleagured round requested to speak with Titus who out of his natural gentleness yielded to their request his friends also perswading him thereto that at least he might M save the City judging indeed that now the Seditious had already their minds and so he went to the West part of the Inner Temple for there was a Gate built above a Gallery and a Bridge that joyned the Temple and City together which was then between Titus and the Tyrants Many Souldiers on both parts flocked about their Generals the Jews about Simon and John hoping
to wear the Crown and to oppress the Queen who was Mother to his Children commanding him also to abstain from his Concubines After which Sethosis himself went to Cyprus and Phoenicia against the Assyrians and Medes and subdued them partly by the sword partly by the fear of his power and greatness and being transported with his success he advanced against the Eastern Country and destroyed with fire and sword the Cities and Provinces of that place and spending much time in these Wars his brother Armais whom he left in Egypt did without fear commit all that he forbad him to do for he oppressed the Queen violently and daily lay with the rest of the Kings Concubines and I being counselled by his friends he put a Crown upon his head and rebelled against his Brother of which he who was then Chief of the Egyptians holy Customs sent Letters unto Sethosis containing all that had happened and how Armais had rebelled against him That Sethosis returning to Pelusia Whereupon Egypt took his Name recovered his own Kingdom and by his name it was called Egypt for Manethon writeth that this Sethosis was named Egyptus and his brother Armais Danaus Thus far Manethon from whom it is evident by computation of the foresaid times that our Nation was delivered out of Egypt three hundred ninety and three years before Danaus and inhabited this Country of Judea so long before Danaus came unto Argos notwithstanding the Inhabitants of Argos boast their City is most ancient K Wherefore Manethon recounteth two things for us out of the Egyptian letters Manethon sheweth the Jews coming into Egypt and their departure first That we came from another place to them afterwards went out of their Country again and that so long ago as it was almost a thousand years before the Trojan Wars Touching those things which Manethon professeth himself to have gathered elsewhere than out of the Writings of the Egyptians who wrote down whatever was reported I will shew with how little reason they are alleadged For I will once again leave these and refer to the testimony of the Phenicians concerning our Nation The Tyrians therefore have Chronicles of very great Antiquity which they have kept with all dilligence concerning that which hath been done among them and indeed they are worthy of memory L Amongst these Records it is written Solomon built a Temple in Jerusalem 143 years and eight months before the Tyrians built Carthage That King Solomon built a Temple at Jerusalem a hundred fourty three years and eight moneths before the Tyrians erected Carthage So they have registred the building of our Temple for Hircanus King of the Tyrians was our King Solomons friend obliged to him for his fathers sake who for this cause also of of his own liberality gave Solomon a hundred and twenty talents of gold towards the building of the Temple The friendship of the Tyrians King and King Solomon cut down the noble Wood called Libanus and bestowed upon him to make the roof of the Temple for which bounty Solomon returned him many great Presents and among the rest a Country of Galilee named Zabulon But Solomons Wisdom was the chief cause of this Kings Friendship towards him Problems of Hircanus and Solomon For they sent Problems one to the other to be answered and Solomon in his Answers appeared most witty M as also he did in many things else and even until this day many of the Epistles sent one to another are kept among the Tyrians But not depending wholly upon the Authority of the Tyrians I will prove by the Testimony of Dius a man who by common consent hath faithfully written the Phenician History who writeth as followeth After the death of Abibalus Hircanus his son reigned in his stead who encreased the number of his Eastern Cities and inlarged Jerusalem he also joyned the Temple of Jupiter Olympius scituate in an Island unto it filling up the water with Earth and adorned it with gold After this ascending into Libanus he cut down the Wood to build Temples and the N King of Jerusalem named Solomon sent unto him certain Riddles to be expounded and he again the like unto him covenanting together that he who could not tell the meaning of one anothers Riddles should pay unto the other a sum of money and that Hircanus confessing he could not expound Solomons Riddles did pay unto him much money Lastly that one Abdemonus a Tyrian did expound the said Riddles and writ more unto Solomon which if Solomon could not interpret he should pay unto Hircanus a sum of money and this testimony Dius beareth us concerning the foresaid matter But I will now recount the words of Menander an Ephesian The testimony of Menander the Ephesian who registred the Acts of all Kings both at home and abroad endeavouring to make a true History out of the O Writings of every Country This man writing of the Tyrian Kings and coming to A Hyramus The Genealogy of King Hyramus saith thus of him Abibalus dying there succeeded in the Kingdom his Son Hyramus who lived 34 years and this King with a Rampire conjoyned Eurichorus and erected there a Pillar of Gold in Jupiter's Temple and went into the Woods and cut down the Cedars of Libanus to make coverings for the Temples with which pulling down the old he erected new and dedicated Temples to Hercules and Astartus But that to Hercules in the Month of Peritius and the other to Astartus when he with an Army went against the Tyrians who pai'd him no tribute and when he had subdued them he returned again At this time lived Abdemonus a servant unto the King whose business it was to expound the parables which King Solomon of Jerusalem sent unto King Hyramus and B how long it was from this Kings time till the building of Carthage we may thus calculate After the death of Hyramus his Son Beleastartus succeeded him lived forty and three years and reigned seven after him his Son Abdastartus who lived twenty years and reigned nine but this King was treacherously slain by the four Sons of his Nurse the eldest of which reigned twelve years Next succeeded Astartus the Son of Beleastartus who lived fifty and four years and reigned twelve after him his Brother Astarimus who lived fifty and four years and Governed nine then he was slain of his brother Phelletes who reigned eight mouths and lived fifty years and was slain by a Priest of Astarta named Ithobalus who lived threescore and eight and reigned thirty two years he was succeeded by his Son Badezorus who lived forty five C years and reigned six years to him succeeded his Son Mettinus who lived thirty two years and reigned nine After him Pigmalion who lived fifty six years and reigned forty Carthge built in Africk by Dido Pigmlion's Sister in the seventh year of whose reign his Sister Dido builded a City in Africa and
peril to be destroyed these two men delivered Alexandria from Civil War But Appion saith that C after this Onias came and brought a little Army into the City at such time as Termus the Roman Embassadour was there present True it is and that Fact of his was most just For Ptolomeus Physcon after the death of his Father Ptolomeus Philometor 5 Ptolomeus Physcon ceased to persecute the Jews coming out of Cyrene endeavoured to expel Queen Cleopatra and the Kings Sons to the end that he contrary to all justice might possess the Kingdom and this was the cause why Onias took Armes against him in Cleopatra's behalf not forsaking his fidelity unto Kings in the time of necessity yet God himself did manifestly witness his justice in this action For when Ptolomeus Physcon presumed to fight against Onias his Army and took all the Jews their Wives and Children that were in the City and bound them D and stripping them naked cast them before Elephants to be destroyed and to the intent that the Elephants might the rather tread upon them made the said Beasts drunken all which fell out contrary to his expectation for the Elephants forsaking the Jews which were cast before them fell upon Ptolomeus his friends that stood by and slew many of them which done there appeared unto Ptolomeus a most horrible Vision forbidding him to harm the Jews and his chiefest and best beloved Concubine also whom some call Ithaca others Herene came unto him and besought him to abstain from such impiety whereupon he being sorry did penance for that he had already committed and that which he thought to commit So that the Jews of Alexandria celebrate this day in remembrance that upon it God did manifestly deliver them E yet Appion who speaketh well of no man accuseth the Jews of impiety for bearing Arms against Physcon whereas indeed he ought rather to have commended them for it But Appion extolleth Cleopatra the last Queen of Alexandria Of Cleopatra the last Queen of Alexandria only for that she was unjust and ingrateful unto us when he rather ought to have reproved her in whom all Impiety and wickedness reigned both concerning her own kindred and her husbands who loved her and also generally against all the Romans and the Emperours his Benefactors She kill'd her own sister Arsenoe in the Temple who had not any ways offended her she also treacherously slew her own Brother and destroyed her Ancestors gods and sepulchres and receiving the Kingdom from the first Cesars gift she ingratefully F rebelled against his Son and Successor and infecting Antony with her poysoned drinks and amarous inchantments she made him rebel against his Country and to be unconstant unto his own friends depriving some of Kingly dignity and compelling others to be Instruments of her impiety What else shall we say of her Antony the husband of Cleopatra who in the Battel by Sea forced Antonius her own husband who also had many children by her to yeild himself the Empire and Army unto her and become one of her followers Lastly when Alexandria was taken by Cesar she was so cruelly minded that not remembring her own estate she accounted it her safety with her own hand to kill the Jews that she might be cruel and perfidious to every body G Is it not a glory think you to us that as Appion reporteth in time of dearth and famine wheat was so plentiful in Jury that it was not sold by measure But Cleopatra was punished as she deserved And we call great Caesar himself to witness of our H fidelity and the service we did him against the Egyptians the Senate also and their Decrees and the Writings of Augustus Caesar wherein our deserts are testifi'd These Letters Appion ought to have read and to have examined all Testimonies of us which were left first by Alexander and then by all the Ptolomies and what the Senate of Rome decreed and the mighty Emperours And if so be Germanicus could not get corn to suffice all the Inhabitants of Alexandria that was a token of scarcity and death and not the Jews fault For what all Emperours thought of the Alexandrian Jews it is manifest enough for the Jews want of Corn was not only left unsupplied but also the want of other Alexandrians The Jews have been always trusty to their Prince But they have alwayes kept that wherewith the ancient Princes did put them in trust to wit the keeping of the River and whole Country as I not being thought unfit for their purposes But Appion thus urgeth us If saith he the Jews be Citizens how hap they worship not the same God nor have the same Religion with the rest of the Alexandrians To whom I thus answer The Egyptians do worship Beasts not agreeable to mans nature How hapneth that you Egyptians do so contend and war one against another only for diversity of Religion Shall we hereupon conclude that you are all Egyptians or not all men because you worship and with great diligence nourish Beasts against nature Yet our Nation seemeth one and the same It therefore amongst you Egyptians such difference of Opinions be why dost thou so marvel at this that we in a strange place to wit at Alexandria do constantly persevere in our first Religion But he saith that we are the cause of all Sedition The discord of the Jews and the Alexandrians in Religion which suppose he speak true of the Jews of Alexandria K yet are not all Jews in all places the cause of Sedition for we are known to be peaceable amongst our selves But indeed as every one may perceive the People like Appion himself are Authors of Sedition in Alexandria For whilst the Greeks and Macedonians held Alexandria they and we lived peaceably together and they permitted us quietly to use our own Solemnities The cause of their discord but when the number of Egyptians encreased by confusion of time Sedition also by their means encreased But our Nation remained unmixed Appion's fiction touching the Jews being Authors of sedition at Alexandria is confuted They therefore were Authors of those troubles not having the Government of the Macedonians not the wisdom of the Greeks but using their Egyptian manners and renewing their old hatred against us and that wherewithal they hit us in the teeth befallen them for most of them not having the priviledges of the City themselves call L us strangers that have them For none of the ancient Kings bestowed the liberty of the City upon the Egyptians neither have any of the Emperors of Rome bestowed the priviledge But Alexander himself brought us into the City the Kings after him encreased more priviledges and it hath pleased the Roman Emperour to ratifie and confirm them But Appion upbraids us for not erecting Statues to the Emperours as though the Emperours knew not hereof The Romans magnanimity towards the Jews or that they needed Appion
to speak for them whereas he should rather admire the Roman magnanimity and modesty who compel not their Subjects to violate their ancient Laws and Religion but content themselves with such honours as the giver may with piety and equity give them For they account not of forced M honours which come of compulsion The Greeks and divers others think it not amiss to erect Statues for they delight to have the Pictures of their Ancestors Wives and Children and some of their beloved Servants also what marvel then if they accord to yield the like honour to Princes and Emperors The Jews may have no Imagâ—s But our excellent Law-maker forbad all kind of Images as well of inanimate as animate Creatures not having at that time the least thought or prospect of the Roman Empire because our God being incorporeal and spiritual could not be reduced to humane representation How Emperors and Magistrates ought to be honoured without great inconvenience nevertheless he did not forbid us from paying honour and respect to such great persons as being next in their places may deserve N the next honour to what is due to the Gods and such is the reverence that we pay to the Emperours and People of Rome and as a testimony of it a day doth not pass in which we do not offer up Sacrifice at our own expence for their safety and prosperity which is more than we do for any other Prince or Nation in the World And let this suffice to answer that which Appion alledgeth against the Jews of Alexandria yet can I not but admire at them who gave him this occasion namely Posidonius and Apollonius Molon The lye of Posidonius and Apâ—llâ—niuâ— concerning the Jews confuted who accuse us for not worshipping the same gods that others do although they lye all alike slandring our Temple most absurdly and yet for all this they do not believe that they herein commit any impiety whereas it is a most ignominious thing for any free-man to lye upon any occasion much more of a Temple famous over O A all the world for sanctity For Appion affirmeth that the Jews in that sacred Temple place the head of an Ass and worshipped it most religiously And this quoth he was manifestly known at such time as Antiochus Epiphanes spoiled that Temple who found that Asses head being of massie gold and of great value To this first slander I answer An answer to the objection of the Asses head That were that true which he reporteth yet an Egyptian ought not to have spoken against us for it seeing that an Ass is of no less worth than a Goat and other bruit beasts that they honour for Gods Is it possible he should be so blind as not to perceive that never any fable was more evidently absurd every body could tell him that we have constantly used the same Laws without the least change or alteration Nevertheless though Jerusalem has had her B misfortunes as well as other Cities and has been taken by Antiochus Pompey Crassus and at length by Titus and our Temple been in the possession of all of them yet what is it they ever found there but great piety and devotion Upon which subject I do not think it necessary to enlarge in this place And as touching Antiochus many Writers of good credit report that he never had any just cause to spoil our Temple but that he was drawn unto this fact for want of money Not that he was our Enemy but for that as from his friends and fellows he sought supply and found nothing in that place that was worthy of derision and thus do Polybius Megapolitanus Strabo the Cappadocian Nicholas Damascene Timagenes Castor the Chronicler and Apollodorus avow who all do witness that Antiochus wanting money brake C the League he had with the Jews and rob'd and spoil'd their Temple being full of gold and silver Appion ought to have considered this Who are accounted Asses among the Jews and other wise men had he not had an Asses heart and a Dogs impudency which he and his Country-men worship for gods As for us we do neither honour nor reverence Asses though the Egyptians do their Crocodiles and Aspes esteeming them that are bitten by Aspes and devoured by Crocodiles to be happy and fit for God For Asses are imployed among us as they are in all places where a rational use is made of them only in carrying burthens and doing such things as are necessary about Agriculture and when they are lazy or trespass upon their neighbours Corn we do not scruple to give them correction D But Appion was either the greatest Ass that ever was in telling a lye or else having begun to do it he could not compass his enterprizes in that he found not any just cause of detraction against us He addeth another Fable of the Greeks to our detraction Certain Historiographers endeavour to cover and hide Antiochus his perjury and sacriledge to the which I will make only this reply That it is more commendable and agreeing to piety and less uncleanness to pass through the Temple than for Priests to come and feign impious words and speeches which they not respecting laboured rather to excuse the sacrilegious Kings than to write the truth of us and our Temple endeavouring to curry favour with Antiochus and to cover and hide his Sacriledge used against our Nation for that he wanted money E Appion with reflection upon the rest saith That Antiochus found a Bed in our Temple and in it a Man lying and a Table set before him furnished with all fowles belonging either to the Sea or Land that the Man was astonished to see him And that so soon as Antiochus came into the Temple the man adored him as though he hoped for great help from the King falling down at his feet and with a stretched out arm craving licence to speak which the King granting willed him to declare what he was why he dwelt in the Temple and the cause of his meats before him the man with sighs and tears unto Antiochus bewailed his Calamity saying He was a Grecian and that traveling in the Country to get his living he was suddenly seized upon by certain Out-landish men and brought unto the Temple and shut up therein and that no man might see him and that F he was there fed or fatted with all dainties that could be provide an that at first this dainty fare made him joyful but afterward he began to suspect it and lastly he was hereat amazed and then demanding of a Jew that administred unto him for what cause he was there kept he understood the Jews purpose and Law not to be revealed for the fulfilling whereof he was there nourished and that the Jews were wont to do the like every year upon a day appointed That the Jews ought onâ—â—â—â— year to sacrifice a Grecian and to take a Grecian stranger and feed
and dieth 62. I. Jaddus High Priest 293. K. meets Alexander 295. H. and in what manner ibid. shews him Daniels prophecy 295. L. Jadon prophesies against the Altar at Bethel 220. B. restores Jeroboams hand ibid. B. breaks Gods Commandment 220. E. slain of a Lion ibid. E. his prophecy detracted 220. F. Jael kills Sisera 134. O. Jair governeth Israel 138. L. was rich and had thirty Sons ibid. B. James accused and stoned 539. D. Jamse c. betrays his Countrey 704. K. Japha taken 669. C. Japhet Noahs eldest Son 23. B. his issue 22. G. covered his Fathers shame 34. O. Jason warreth against Onias 313. I. K. Javan and his Progeny 10. I. Javelin of Saul 163. B. Jaziel a Prophet 235. I assureth Josaphat of the victory ib. I. Ibes enemies unto Serpents 65. D. Ichabod when born 145. G. and why so called ibid. Idolaters plagâ—ed 108. L. M. Idolatry of the Israelites 107. D. 219. M. of Solomon 216. O. Of Joram 211. I. of Jezabel and Achab 216. B. of Amasias 248. A. and 248. B. of Achaz 251. I. of Jeroboam 219. L. M. of the Egyptians 792. I. Idols to be destroyed 111. A. Idumaea the Country of Esau 50. L. Idumaeans revolt 241. K. admit circumcision 346. D. pardoned by Varus 609. F. 20000 come to Jerusalem 690. O. shut out of the City 692. M. object reproaches against the Citizens ibid. pitch their tents near the walls ibid. N. enter the City by night 693. F. depart out of Jerusalem 696. N. consult of their submission 757. B. Jealousie 93. F. Jealousie of Herod 586. N. Jebusites expelled 179. E. Jechonias made king of Juda 261. N. revolteth 262. B. taken prisoner ibid. released 270. F. Jehu King of Israel 228. D. 242. B. slayeth Joram and Ochozias 242. F. G. despiseth Gods Laws 245. M. dieth ibid. Jehu the Prophet 234. E. reproveth Josaphat and why ibid. E. Jeptha Judge of Israel made a vow 138. O. overcometh the Ammonites 139. A. sacrificeth his daughter 139. B. killeth 40000 of the Ephramites ibid. C. D. dieth ibid. Jeremy foretelleth the Captivity 260. D. keepeth at Jerusalem ibid. B. prophecieth the destruction thereof 261. L. admonisheth Joachim ibid. I. perswadeth the Jews to yield 263. K. imprisoned in a pit ibid. his counsel to the King 264. B. set at liberty 266. B. Jericho the City surveyed 121. E. the walls thereof fell down 123. B. destroyed ibid. C. never to be re-edified ibid. D. Jeroboam rebelleth 217. N. fore-shewed to reign over ten Tribes ibid. O. fled into Egypt 218. B. recalled ibid. C. proclaimed King 219. I. perswaded the people to Idolatry ibid. L. his hand withered and was restored 220. B. his impiety 222. C. his punishment fore-prophecied ibid. E. his expedition against Abias 223. I. dieth 224. H. Jeroboam the son of Joas 248. F. warred against the Syrians and inlarged his Kingdom 248. G. dieth 249. L. Jerusalem taken 179. D. Davids royal City ibid. E. surprized 221. E. besieged 235. M. 263. K. 264. D. 579. A. taken and burned 265. K. surprized 297. N. tributary to Rome 365. L. taken by Sosius 390. F. described 713. E. F. 758. G. c. second time burned 755. F. six times spoiled 760. H. Jesse begat David 143. E. Jesus High Priest 279. H. Jesus High Priest 213. H. deposed 213. I. Jesus Christ Crucified 480. M. Jesus Captain of Thieves 7. B. Jesus conspireth against Joseph 8. N. his talk with him 17. F. Jesus exhortation to the Idumaeans 691. A. 691. F. Jesus his exclamation against Jerusalem c. 753. E. his death ibid. G. Jewels of great price 42. N. Jews more ancient than the Greeks 784. M. arguments thereof ibid. came not of the Egyptians 795. B. C. when got Judaea and built Jerusalem 796. O. trusty to their Princes 802. I. why eat not swines flesh 806. I. Jews impiety reproved 221. F. their captivity 265. L. 267. K. depart from Babylon 278. F. in danger to be exterminated 286. B. lament 288. C. fast and pray ibid. E. F. revenge them on their enemies 292. C. led away captive 297. N. set at liberty 289. K. tormented 314. C. slain on the Sabbath 315. N. brought out of Galaad 320. C. discharged of tribute 343. L. terrified 251. M. Lords of Syria c. 343. E. shut their gates against the Romans 364. L. honoured by Kings of Europe and Asia 373. N. slain 381. I. favour Herod for his bounty 413. N. complain to Agrippa 423. G. Jews Embassage to Caesar 431. F. 50000 slain 582 K. cause of the wars 527. D. Jews slain about the Temple 533. E. plagued 2. N. constrained to make war ibid. M. revolt from the Romans 11. E. valiantly defend themselves 279. B. 3000 slain 606. H. call Archelaus in question 610. I. will not consent to Pilate to alter their Laws 615. D. their fight with the Samaritanes 623. A. sedition and slaughter among them 621. B. their request to Agrippa 625. E. refuse Caesars sacrifices 629. F. take Antonia 630. M. spoil the Villages and Cities of Syria 632. K. Jews against Jews ibid. M. slain 632. 633. 634. H. c. overcome the Romans 635. D. besiege Askalon 658. I. 10000 slain 658. L. 8000 slain 658. M. repulsed 666. I. pour scalding oyl upon the Romans 668. M. 12000 slain 669. D. 40000 perisht at Jotapata 671. E. flie into the City 677. C. 9000 slain 683 F. turn their weapons against themselves 686. I. drive the Romans from their camp 713. B. shewed the tortures of the fugitives 732. O. curse Caesar 733. B. embowelled for Gold 737. F. upbraid God 736. H. afraid ibid. K. surprise the Romans Horses 746. L. burn the porch of the Temple ibid. O. eat their girdles shoes c. 748. L. overcome the Romans 747. F. arrogant in calamity 756. K. refuse to submit themselves ibid. L. 40000 saved an infinite number sold 757. D. slain in Syria and Aegypt 775. D. burn their goods 775. L. the number of captives and slain 759. B. Jezabel builded a Temple to Bel 226. B. ordained Priests and Prophets ibid. B. killed the true Prophets 227. K. complotted Naboths death 218. F. G. persecuted Elias 228. B. her death fore-shewed 228. I. devoured by dogs 243. I. Image of a godly Prince 259. M. N. Image of Gold 269. M. Imitation in sin 159. B. 219. M. 221. d. 250. E. 258 D. Immanity of the Idumaeans and Zealous 694. I. of Simon 704. M. Immunity granted to the Jews 335. B. Impiety of Elies sons 143. F. of Basa 224. O. of Achab and Jezabel 226. B. 228. B. of Amri and his Predecessors 225. M. of Achaz 251. I. 252. B. of Ochozias 246. B. of Oziâ—s 259. A. of Phacâ—ias 250. E. of Ozeas 255. C. of Manasses 258. B. of Joas 260. L. of Joachim ibid. F. Impiety cause of calamity 129. B. 130. L. M. 131. C. D. 132. M. 221. D. 222. E. 224. I. 225. M. N. 229. I. 242. A. 248. A. 251. K. 252. B. 258. B. 260. E. 261. M. N. 262. D.
Jews of Caesar's threats 616 n. writeth to Caius 496 i. receiveth Letters of Caius's death 497 â— 617 d. his Letter to the Dorâ—res 521 c. Phaceias King of Israel 250 â— his impiety and wickedness ibid. e. slew 120000 Jews 251 l. took Achaz's son Prisoner ib. m. was slain 252 c. Pharao enamoured of Sara 36 l. plagâ—ed ib. m. Pharao his dreams 55 b c. delivereth Joseph from bonds ib. c. advanceth him to great honour 55 g. rejoyceth at the arrival of Joseph's brethren 60 m. enquireth Jacob's age 61 e. restored the profits of his subject's lands 62 h. Pharao killeth the male children 62 o. would have killed Moses 64 n. and 66 k. his death 67 f. Pharao counselled to dismiss the Hebrews 68 i. not moved with miracles layeth heavier tasks on them ib. l. advised once more ibid. â— driveth away Moses 70 h. dismisseth the Israelites ib. k. his host drowned 72 k. Pharisees a sect 339 m. 477 a. greedy of revenge 357 i. exempt from swearing 417 l. would not swear obedience 451 c. 463 d. their opinion 614 n. Pharos a tower 708 m. Phasaelus his government 372 c. vanquisheth Foelix 377 o. 571 b. made Tetrarch 380 c. 571 e. taken prisoner 371 n. dasheth out his brains 383 i. Phasaelus Tower and City 530 n. 584 n. Pheroras made Tetrarch 416 g. accuseth Alexander and Aristobulus 426 l. refuseth the Kings daughter 433 g. blamed for Alexanders offence 438 l. pardoned ibid. deceived 450 m. refuseth to put away his wife 451 f. banished 596 m. falleth sick and dieth 452 m. 596 n. his wise accused 452 o. she confesseth the poyson 453 f. Philip rebelleth against Antiochus 322 f. is slain 323 k. Philip King of Syria 355 i. besiegeth Demetrius 355 h. Philip Herod's son 471 d. hath part of the Kingdom 471 d. repaireth Cities 478 â— Philo Judaeus's defence c. 494 i. Philistines overcame the Israelites 139 f. exacted tribute of them 139 f. put to flight 1â—8 m. invade the Israelâ—ites 154 k. are overcome 155 b c. and 160 m. discomfit Sauls army 173 f. overcome by David 180 i. k. by Ozias 249 l. by Ezechias 253 k. Phineas the son of Eleazar 108 k. slayeth Zambrias and Chosbi ib. l. overthrew the Madianites 108 l m. his Oration to the two tribes and half 127 g. succeeded Eleazar 128 o. foretold the Israelites their victory c. 131 d. Phineas Elies son 143 e his wickedness and impiety ib. e. is slain 144 n. his wife then bare Ichabod 145 c. Phison a flood of Paradise 28 k. called also Ganges ib. k. Phora 28 k. Phraates King of Parthia slain 478 o. Phul King of the Syrians 250 d. for money made a peace ibid. d. Piety profitable 224 n o. Piety of Ancestors remembred 63 b. Piety contemned cause of calamities 132 n. 133 d. 144 k c. 168 i. 252 c d. Piety of Asa 224 i. of Josaphat 231 m. of Jotham 250 f. of Ezechias 252 d. of Josias 258 〈◊〉 and 259 h i. c. of Matthias c. 315 i. Pigeons dung sold 23â— g. Pilate succeedeth Gratus 480 i. bringeth Caesar's statues to Jerusalem 480 i. not admitted 480 k. crucifieth Christ 480 m. putteth Samaritans to flight 482 l. accused ib. sendeth the statues from Jerusalem 480 k. beateth the seditious 615 f. Pillage taken 255 l. Pillars raised 30 k. A Pillar called Galaad 48 i. Pitcher of water 169 g. Pit to be senced 117 c. Pit of swearing 40 h. Pits bituminous 37 b. Pity of Joseph towards his brethren 60 i. Placidus repulsed at Jotapata 692 i. his victory 682 o. burneth Bethenabris â—00 i. Placing of the vessels c. in the Temple 250 b c. and 21â— d. 211 h l. Plagues of Egypt 68 o. 69 a b c d e f g. 70 k. Plague in David's time 19â— f. Plague invadeth Judea 409 k. 412 g. Plat-forms erected 669 a. Plants sprang at first out of the earth 27 f. Plants not of four years growth 113 c. Plato admired 811 d. permitteth not Poets c. 813 b. Pledge to be restored to the poor 116 k. Plenty fore-signified 55 e f. Plotting of Antipater 433 e. The Plough found out and by whom 29 b. Poem of Homer 781 b. Poets cause multitudes of gods 813 a. Poyson tryed c. 458 k l. 601 b. Policy of Rebecca c. for her son 44 l. of Jacob to pacifie his brother 48 m. of the Gabeonites 124 m. of Joseph 9 e. â—0 k. 1â— e. of Jonathan 16 m. of Joseph 642 h. 665 c. 668 h. 10 l m. Politianus meets with Agrippa c. 625 c. inciteth the people to peace ib. e. Pompey Governour of Syria 362 d. marcheth against Aristobulus 363 l. 36â— h. besiegeth Jerusalem 36â— l. committeth Aristobulus to prison ib. 565 g. taketh the Temple 365 k. bestoweth the Priesthood on Hircanus ib. 366 o. spoileth not the Temple ib. d. 566 m. carrieth Aristobulus to Rome 567 a. beheadeth conspirators 56â— n o. Popedius accused 5â—5 f. Popularity of Alcimus 324 b c. Porch of the Temple 208 m. â—ired 747 a. Port of Caesarea 415 i. Port made by Herod 584 i k. Portion of Salpades daughters 109 f. Portion of Judea 659 f. Possession of Canaan prophecâ—ed of 62 i. Posterity of Ismael 40 l. Posterity of Giants extinguished 37 b. Posterity of Jethro possessed of Land 129 d. Posterity of Noah replenished the world 32 o. Posterity of Esau 50 l. of Jacob 61 b. Poyson not to be used 1â—7 a. Power given to save 59 f. Power of God every where 230 f. Power of Kings Wine and Women 277 i k l. Power of the soul â—74 l. Power of David and Solomon 805 f. Practice of Simeon and Levi 49 c. Prey that the Israelites got in war 77 b c. 109 a. 123 â— 124 l. Prayer of Noah 32 â— of Amram 63 b. of Moses 72 i. 101 d c. of Joshuah 123 f. of Samson 142 k of Solomon 211 k. of Samuel and the Israelites 148 k l. Praise of Abraham 43 d. of Jacob 62 i. of Joseph 62 k. of Joshua 77 c. and 128 n of Moses 120 k. of Samuel 16â— l. of Saul 172 k. of David 202 e. of Solomon 218 c. of Josaphat 235 m. of Nehemias 285 k. of Ananus 694 n. of Eleazar 819 d. Praise given to God 70 k l. Prediction of things to come â—18 m. Preparations for war burned 322 b. Presents of Abraham 42 k. of Jacob 57 e. of the Egyptians 70 k. of Abigail 169 b. of the Mesopotamians 184 i. of the Queen of Aethiopia and of Kings 215 f. 216 l. of Ptolomy to the Interpreters 392 o. of Herod 591 d. Preservation of Moses 63 g. 64 n. of Daniel and his companions 269 n. Preservation from blood-shed 169 b. Presidents in every City 112 k. and what manner of men they ought to be ibid. k. Pride of Amasias 248 a. of Ozias 249 o. of Senacherib 255 n. of Nebuchodonosor 269 n. of Balthasar 271 h. of John 698 m. Priest's