miles The Description of the places mentioned in their Travels Of Naphtaly THIS was the chief City of the Tribe of Naphtaly eighty four miles from Ierusalem toward the North. It stood in Galilee and in times past was a strong Town here Tobias the Elder was born It is to be seen at this day as some say but much decayed and is now called by the name of Sirin scituated in a Mountain so steep and strongly fortified by Nature upon the West side that it is impossible to ascend upon it In a Valley some two miles from this Town towards the South Naason spoken of in the first Chapter of Toby is scituated Upon the left side whereof there stood a Town called Sophet but now there is nothing to be seen but a Castle where in antient times the Knights Templers kept their abiding and at this day is in the custody of the Turks This Castle is scituated upon a high Mountain fortified very strongly both by Art and Nature and standeth within a mile of Naphtaly South-Westward At such time as Iosephus that great Historiographer who was the Son of Matthia or Marathia a Priest of the Iews was chosen chief Commander of the Tribe of Naphtaly he gathered an Army of 100000 and fortified this Castle and Naphtaly and many other Towns thereabouts continuing a long and sharp War against the Romans until Naphtaly was taken and he constrained to yield himself Captive In the taking in of which Town Titus the Son of Vespasian did first ascend the Walls and there made manifest his noble resolution and valour Vid. Ios. de bell Iud. lib. 3. 4. Of Rages a City of the Medes RAges is so called of a great Congregation being derived of Ragasch that is He hath assembled a great company for it was a very Populous City It was also called as Strab. lib. 11. Cosmograph saith Rahga but after being rebuilt and fortified by Nicanor it was by him called Europus being distant from Ierusalem 1396. Miles toward the Northeast The Persians call it Arsacia S. Ierom. de Trad. Hebr. would have Edissa a City of Mesopotamia or rather as Pliny saith of Coelosyria to be Rages which stands but 448. Miles from Ierusalem Northward and from Nineveh 188 miles Westward There are divers others that have wrote of this Town of Edissa but that this and Rages should be both one I cannot see how to agree with Toby for that he himself hath set it down to stand in Media and the Cities of the Medes lie distant from Ierusalem 1396 miles Therefore gentle Reader I refer it to thy better consideration Of Jesus the Son of Syrach SYrach signifies an illustrious Prince being derived of Sarach he hath shined forth he was of that noble Family of David that is the Son of Syrach the son of Iesu and Cousen-german to Amos Syrach who as Philo saith was the chief Prince and captain of the Children of Israel in the time of Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Egypt and is inserted into the Genealogy of Christ Luke 3. He was born 230. years before Christ in the City of Ierusalem from whence about the 38. year of his age he went to Alexandria a City of Egypt 288 miles Evergates Ptolomais the Son of Philadelphus being then King of that Country where he gathered out of that flourishing Library set up at the charge of Ptolomais Philadelphus his book of Ecclesiasticus as Bees from divers flowers gather sweet hony Of the great City Alexandria ALexandria was a City of Egypt distant from Ierusalem 288 miles Westward in ancient time called No that is a Hindrance But Alexander the Great taking affection to this city in the year 330. before Christ began to build it for by continuance of time it was much decayed and within the space of 17. days made it a goodly city much greater than that it was before to which that he might add the greater grace he called it after his own name Alexandria and there he lieth buried after he had governed the Empire of the Grecians 7 years For although he dyed in Babylon the chief City of the Chaldaeans yet Ptolomais one of his chief Princes removed his Body thence in a golden chariot to Memphis in Egypt and 20 years after to Alexandria The Scituation thereof is very delectable bordering to the North upon the Mediterranean Sea and to the South upon the Pool of Mareridis as Strabo saith lib. 17. It was ten miles about strongly fortified with walls beautified with goodly buildings scituated in a very fruitful Country And to give a greater delight unto the inhabitants without the Walls there stood many goodly Orchards and Gardens plentifully furnished with fruits and flowers of divers kinds as Pomecitrons Figgs c. During the time of Ptolomais Philadelphus it was a famous and flourishing City for this Prince being a great lover of Learning instituted an Academy as it is thought in it and added thereto a stately Library wherein were 400000 Books The same whereof being published through the World many People of divers Nations resorted thither to see it Then Eleazar also the High-priest of the Iews at the request of Ptolemais sent 72 Interpreters to translate the Bible out of Hebrew into Greek which was as Eusebius observeth in the third year of his reign before Christ 268. In recompence whereof he sent to be dedicated in the Temple of Ierusalem a Table of gold richly adorned with Carbuncles Smaragdes and other precious stones two stately Cups and 30 Bowls of pure gold as appeareth in Ioseph lib. Antiq. 12. The Academy continued there till after Christs time as you may read Acts 6. But the Library was consumed 47 years before Christ and the City greatly defaced For Iulius Caesar at that time making war with Pompey the younger who continued with his Sister Cleopatra in this City caused the Kings Navy to be set on fire and the Library standing neer it the flame took hold of it and burnt it down to the ground with all that was in it and defaced also a great part of the City Upon the Book of Maccabees The Travels of Antiochus Epiphanes ANtiochus Epiphanes that is An illustrious Adversary in the year of Christ 380. was sent out of Syria by Antiochus the Great to Rome which was 1600. miles where he remained as an hostage for his Father and his Brother Seleucus Philâ—pater seventeen years 1 Mac. 1. After the death of his Father he stole secretly from Rome and went back again to Antiochia in Syria which was 1600 miles and there succeeded his Brother Zeleucus Philopater in the government He began to reign 173 years before Christ. In the third year of his Reign he went from Antiochia to Tyrus 60 miles in that journey he conquered all the lower part of Syria and Phoenicia From thence he went about six score miles through Galilee and Iudaea conquering all the Cities and Countries that lay in his way and would also have gone down into Egypt but when he
the East there were three Porches or Courts open without Roofs which were made all of polish'd Stone with fair marble Pillars beautified with all kind of Colours in which Porches men praised and served God The first was called the upper Porch where none but the Priest might enter when he offered and served God which Porch stood next unto the high Quire The second was called Solomon's Hall or Porch there the People used to pray and in that Court our Saviour Christ preached Ioh. 10. The third Porch King Herod built adding that thereto for the Heathen People which also came unto Ierusalem to pray These three Porches went four square round about the Temple as the Temple it self was and between these Porches there were also spaces left supported with pillars of Marble and close above the head for men to walk under when it rained which were all made of Cedar and Cypress-wood and of marble stone beautified with Gold But towards the East right over against the high Quire of the Temple there the Porches were broadest and greatest Here gentle Reader you may note that as often as in the Description of the Temple I speak of certain Ells you must not understand such Ells as we use here in our Country but only of the Geometrical Ells or Elbows which are called Cubits being the length of one foot and a half or six hands in breadth and two such Ells or Cubits do contain three foot which make a yard of our measure The first Temple which King Solomon built had but two Porches as also the second Temple which Zâ—râ—babel and Iosâ—uah or Iesu the Son of Iozedeck made after the Captivity in Babylon but that was twenty cubits lower and inclosed about with two Porches also But King Herod Ascalonita the great King of the Jews Son of 〈◊〉 Idumâ—â—â— sixteen years before the Birth of Christ pulled down that Temple and built a new Temple up from the ground which was like to Solomâ—n's Temple but that it had three Porches for Herod built the third Porch to the intent that the Heathen People might pray therein as a Sanctuary for Pilgrims and Strangers as Iosephus writeth Anâ—iq 〈…〉 21. ca. 14. de Bello Iuâ—deo lib. 6. ca. 6. Item Egisiâ—pus lib. 1. cap. 35 36. But some do think which is more likely that the said Herod did but repair and add Buildings to the second Temple And where Iosephus lib. 2 contra Appionem writeth of four Porches whereas principally there were but three it is to be understood that Solomoâ— Porch was made with a Wall in the middle thereof wherein on the Northside the Jewish Women that were unspotted and undefiled used to pray and on the other side being South the Jewish Women who also according to the Law were unspotted prayed as Iosephus saith lib. 6. cap. 6. de Bello Iudaeo A particular description of the three several Porches or Courts belonging to the Temple IN the upper Porch which stood right over against the high Quire in the Temple there was an Altar of Brass proportioned four square consisting of 20 Cubits in length and 20 Cubits in breadth extending to ten Cubits in height beautified with golden horns whereon they used to offer burnt Sacrifices of Oxen Sheep Turtle Doves Calves and other things Also in times past there stood the great molten Sea made by King Solomon and the two brazen Pillars which were made with Knobs Pomegranates and Lillies very costly and most artificially done and ten Kettles upon Treâ—â—â— but those Kettles and Pillars with Knobs and Pomgranates and the great molten Sea made by King Solomon were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon and broken in pieces after which Captivity they were never seen more in the Temple for there were no more made But the Altar of â—rass with the great horns whereon they offered Oxen Sheep and Doves was made again and stood there as I said before by which there stood divers Tables whereon they killed their Offerings In this Court also there was a goodly Fountain with the Water whereof they used to wash the Blood of the Beasts out of the Temple For there were certain holes and gutters between the marble Stones whereby the Water ran under the Earth and through the Earth was conveyed in a Pipe into the Lake Kidron In this Court Zacharias the Son of Barachias was killed between the Temple and the Altar Mat. 23. And Zacharias the High Priest the Son of Ioiadah was stoned to death 2 Chron. 24. It was compassed about with a great Wall made of marble stone of divers colours wherein there were divers doors to go out and in decked with lofty Towers and pleasant Walks made of Cedar-wood resembling our ancient Cloisters But principally toward the East it had a great Gate of 70 Ells or Cubits high and 25 broad all covered over with gold as Iosephus writeth standing always open without any dores to shut that every man might look into it when the Priest served God If any man offered any thing he brought it to the Priest before the Gate but might not go in himself Iereâ—y cha 26. and 36. calleth it the New Gate Here also was the Chappel of Gemaria the Son of Saphan in which Chappel Bâ—ruâ—h read the book of the Prophet Ieremy to the People Ier. 36. And when the Sun was in Capricorn it shone right in at that Gate and through the high Quire of the Temple to the Holy of Holies as Iosephus writeth Of the second or middle Court called Solomon's Porch THis Court was something lower than the other for from it to the uâ—permost they went by certain steps and in Iohn 10. is called Sâ—lomon's Porch which as Iosephus writeth was parted in the middle with a Wall wherein on the North side the Jewish Women that were clean and undefiled used to pray and on the South the Men according to the Law But no unclean person or Stranger or Heathen might enter therein for on the East side thereof before the steps whereon men ascended into the said Porch there stood a Portal curiously made of marble stone and between it stood Pillars of Marble whereon was ingraven in Hebrew Greek Latine and Idumaean Tongues this Sentence Oâ—nis aliemnigena accideâ—s ad habitaculum Domini moriatur That is If any Stranger go into the House of God he shall surely die And Herod also caused to be hanged over the Eastern Gate by which they came into this Court a golden Sword with this Inscription Peregrinus si fuerit ingressus moriatur that is If a Stranger be so bold to enter let him die So as no Stranger or Heathen might go into Solomon's Porch under danger of his Life Here Simeon took the Child Jesus in his Arms and said Lord let now thy Servant depart in Peace according to thy Word for mine eyes have seen thy Salvation c. At the same time also the Prophetess Annâ— the Daughter of Phanuel of the Tribe of Ashur
four miles from Ierusalem upon the North lying between the two Towns of Bethel and Hay and is called Mount Ephraim where Abraham at his return out of Egypt the second time set up his Tabernacle of purpose to be conversant with Melâ—hisedeck who dwelt in Ierusâ—lem and with him gave thanks to God for the singular favours that he had shewed toward him in delivering his Wife Sara from the hands of Abimelech King of Egypt who woulâ— have ravished her and as he feared indangerâ—d his Life In this place Lot separated himself from Abraham and went to dwell in Sodom Of the Plain or Oâ—k of Mamre THE Plain of Mamre stood a mile from Hebron towards the East and distant from Ierusalem twenty two miles South-eastward In this Vallâ—y there was a fair and pleasant Wood where a certain young man called Mamre dwelt This man was Brother to Escal and Aner mentioned by Moses Genes 14 who according to the custom of Gentlemen with us in these times built up his house nea◠〈…〉 pleasant Wood or Bottom which as some think was called after his name Mamre Others of which Opinion is Ierom of Aelon which signifies a Valley or Tree an Oak-tree saith he But Ioseph and Aegesâ—ppus call it a Terebinth tree which both Summer and Winter beareth green Leaves like a Palm-tree the Sap or Juyce whereof is very good for Medicine Abraham dwelling near to this Tree being entertained by the three Brothers as a Stranger grew into such favour and familiarity with them that he converted them from Paganism and taught them to know the true and ever-living God To gratifie which great favour they aided him in his War against the four Kings that had taken Lot Prisoner and gave him free liberty to inhabit in and use the Plain thereabouts for his Cattel before whose door as some Authors affirm this Terebinth or Oak-tree stood and so continued from the beginning of the World till the time of Constantine the Great it being lawful for none to cut a bough of it or touch it witâ— a Hatchet because it was in those days accounted a holy Tree and visited by divers Strangers and then Helena caused a fair Church to be built in that place and so much the rather for that Abraham sitting under that Tree the three Angels appeared unto him in the Similitude or Likeness of men Gen. 8. â— 2. And some are of Opinion That because of this the Jews offered Incense to their Gods and committed Idolatry upon high Mountains and under green Trees Ezek. 16. There was also a double Cave made of white Marble which as Iosephus saith was very fair and beautiful to the eye and curiously wrought and polished wherein Abraham Isaac and Iacob with their Wives Sarah Rebecca and Leâ—h were buried and as some think was that Cave which he purchased of the Hittites Gen. 23. 34. But that Adam and Evah lye buried in the same place seeing there is no warrant for it in the holy Scriptures I let it pass because whatsoever hath not Authority of Scripture to prove it may as easily be contemned as allowed But Abraham's Sâ—pulchre in Ierom's time was to be seen being old and decayed Of Hebron THIS City was not only a Kings Seat but a Priests also being built not long after the Flood and some seven years before that City of the Aegyptians called Zoan or Tanis Numb 13. and was placed upon a goodly high Mountain very pleasant and delectable It taketh the name from Chabar which signifieth to accompany and from thence Chebron or Hebron a pleasant and delectable Society It was a metropolitan City in the Tribe of Iuda and after called Kiriatharba as it appeareth in Iosh. 14. taking that Name from Arba the Chief Governour of that City This man was one of the Anakims and a very mighty Prince Others there are that say the City being divided into four parts was thereof called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Arba signifies a Quaternion from the Rote Raba four square It was first built by Heth the Son of that cursed Canaan whose Posterity the Hittites inhabited in it and such was their Hospitality that they entertained Abraham being a Stranger and Traveller These People dwelt there until Joshua's time and then one Hoham was King thereof who with other Kings opposing the Children of Israel was by them slain and had their Country wasted and destroyed This Town was after made a Town of Refuge and belonged to the Inheritance of Caleb and was together with Mamre in the Tribe of Iuda Ios. 20. Here David was first anointed King and reigned therein for the space of seven years 2 Sam. 5. But this Town by the injury of Time and oppression of the Enemy is now become desolate only some few old Relicks are to be seen to shew there had been a Town there Nevertheless there is a Town not far from it which retaineth the name placed in a very fruitful Valley called Mamre to this day Here while it was under the Jurisdiction of the Christians stood a Cathedral Church and a Bishops See but the Turks have turned it into a Mosko or one of their Churches Into this place they will not suffer any Christian to enter The Inhabitants take upon them to shew unto Strangers many things as the Vault or Cave wherein Abraham was buried the place where Cain killed Abel the Well where Adam and Evah wept seven years for the death of their Son with many such like Fables which are to no purpose seeing they are not warrantable by Scripture Some Bows-shot Eastward from this place is the Field of Damascus where the red Earth lieth whereof they feign Man to be made It is naturally tough and may be wrought like Wax or Pitch There is also that is white of the same kind and this is conveyed to many places by the Saracens and sold at dear Rates They use it either for the teering of Sepulchres or to mingle with Salves and Unguents Of Gerar. GErar is the uttermost Town in the Land of Canaan and lieth between the Desarts of Sur and Cades Gen. 20. Here King Abimelech kept his Court at such time as Abraham came thither and here Isaac was born Gen. 21. It takes the name from Gor which signifies a Pilgrim or Traveller and did well agree with the Condition of the ancient Patriarchs that sometimes lived there because for the most part they were like Pilgrims and wayfaring men Gen. 47. It lay six miles from Hebron South-west and from Ierusalem 30 upon the Territories of the Tribe of Iuda Of Beerazaba BEerazaba is a Town scituated upon the utmost Bounds of the Holy Land forty miles from Ierusâ—lem South-westward and is derived from Beer and Shebuah and sigâ—ifieth the Well of Covenant for Abraham having digged a Well near to this place Abimelech King of Gerar entred into League with him and his Posterity Isâ—ac also renewed this League in this place as appears Gen 21. It is now called Gallim or
is a Mountain of the Idumaeans eighty eight miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east and is derived of Harar which signifieth a great Mountain here Aaron died The King of the Canaanites which dwelt toward the South in a Town called Arad upon the Borders of Iudaea and Arabia Petraea hearing that Aaron was dead invaded the Iews with a great Army discomfited them and took some of them Captives But after the Israelites to revenge this injury took and destroyed divers Cities which belonged to the Canaanites and put the Citizens to the Sword This Countrey is called Chormah which signifieth a curse or desolation Of Zalmona THIS was a place in the Desart of Zin-Kades where the Israelites pitch't their Tents being 80 miles from Ierusalem to the South-east and took the name from shades or little sheds under which the Israelites dwelt for Zalmona seems a compound of Zel and Mun which signifies a shady place and seems to have affinity with Manah to distribute here and there Of Phunon THIS was a City of the Idumaeans scituated in the Wilderness of Arabia Petraea 64 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and takes the name from a fair and flourishing City For Panan in Hebrew signifies an high Pinacle from whence one might see all Parts of the World Here Moses set up the brasen Serpent Of Oboth THIS was the thirty seventh Mansion of the Israelites in the Wilderness and was fifty six miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and signifies a Serpent called Python Here the Arabians received an answer from the Devil by way of Conjuration Of Igim THIS was the thirty eighth Mansion of the Israelites so called because of the multitude which were assembled near to a Mountain called Abariâ— 52 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east for Igim signifies a Congregation Of Dibâ—n Gad. THIS was the thirty ninth Station of the Israelites in the Desart being fifty two miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east neer to the Floud Zared bordering upon the Idumaeans and Moabites running from thence into the Red Sea and as it seems taketh name from descending into a strong place Of Almon Diblathaim THis place stands beyond the Red Sea some forty miles from Ierusalem towards the East and taketh name from a Frail of dried Figs for Alam signifieth he hath hidden and Debeleth A Frail of dried Figs. Here was the fortieth Mansion of the Israelites and lay close by the River Arnon Num. 21. and 23. Of the Mountaines Abarim THese Mountaines lay 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the East and taketh the name from Passing along for Abâ—r is as much as to say he went along Between these Mountains and the Lake Asphaltites near to the Eastern River of the Dead Sea the Moabites inhabited Of Jahza THis was a City of the Levites the Sons of Merar in the Tribe of Benjamin 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Ies. 21. Here Moses overcame the King of the Ammonites and put them to death Num. 21. Of Chezbon THis was the Metropolis of Sehon King of the Ammorites who held the Country beyond Iordan and because he would not suffer the Children of Israel to pass through his Dominions therefore Moses made War upon him put him to death and gave all his Countrey to the Tribes of Reuben and Gad. This was a Fair Town and after fell to the Levites Num. 21. 33. Deut. 1 2 c. and took its name from Cheschebon which signifies an Artificial understanding for Chaschaf is as much as excogitavit that is he hath found out and Cheschaef is an Artificial and ingenious Work Of Jaezir Jaezir was a City of the Priests in the Tribe of Gad 36 miles from Ierusalem towards the East and in Ieroms time was a small Village and sâ—gnifies the Lord is my help being derived of Iah that is the Lord God and Ezâ—er the helper Of Edrie THIS is a City in the Countrey of Gilead beyond Iordan and the Galilean Sea thirty two miles from Ierusalem South-eastward near the Lake of Gaderin where Og the King of Bâ—san was overcome by Moses and after fell to the Tribe of Mâ—nâ—sses Num. 21. Iosh. 13. Deut. 13. S. Ierom saith that in his time this Town was called Adar Og signifieth a Cook or one that baketh Bread upon coals Aâ—driae signifies an heap of bright Clouds being derived of Adar and Hi that is a clear heap Of Astoroth THIS was a Metropolitan City of Basan four miles distant from Edrei and 56 from Ierusalem toward the South-east It stood beyond Iordan and belonged to the half Tribe of Manasses of which you may read before in the Travels of Lot Of Pisgah THIS was an high Mountain in the Plain of the Moâ—bites against Iericho 240 miles from Ierusalem East-ward It took the name from the Cities Pisgâ—h and Nebo and therefore is called sometimes Pisgah sometimes Nebo Here Moses died Nebo signifies a City of the Prophets Pisgah the top of a Hill The Travels of the Prophet Balaam THERE are many which think that this Prophet Balaam was of the Posterity of Nahor the Brother of Abraham and an Inhabitant oâ— Charan in Mesoâ—otamia Gen. 11. Ioseâ—hus saith he dwelt near to Euphrates and St. Ierom in a City called Phatura of which there is mention Num. 22. and signifies an obscure Prophet or Oracle which interpreteth For Pathar with the Hebrews is the same that He hath interpreted is with us Wherefore this Prophet travelled from Pithora or Phatura in Mesoâ—otamia to Abel or the Plain of Vines where his Ass spake Num. 22. which is 400 miles From thence he went to the Land of the Moabites 40 miles where in the Mount of Peor he blessed the Children of Israel So all the Travels of this Prophet were 440 miles Of the Plain of the Vines THere is often mention of this place in the Scripture and for the fertility of the Countrey and plenty of sweet Wines there was a beautiful City built called Abel of the Vines some 56 miles from Ierusalem South-Eastward and was placed just in the way as they went from Mesopotamia into the Countrey of the Moabites Whereby it appeareth that near to this place the Ass spake to Balaam Numb 22. In Ierom's time there was found a little Village so called where there was great plenty of Vines Here Ieptha overcame the Ammorites and made a great slaughter Iudg. 11. The Travels of that Noble Captain Joshuah JOSHVAH and Caleb travelled with Moses from Raemsis out of Aegyâ—t through the Red Sea and came to Kades-Barnea 268 miles From Kades-Barnea they were sent forth with other Spies to the Land of Canaan Num. 13. and went out of the wilderness of Zin and Paran and came to the Town of Rechob in Galilee 140 miles From thence they went to the Town of Hamath in Syria which was after called Antiochia 188 miles From Hamath or Antiochia they returned again to Hebron 304 miles where upon the side of the River Escol they cut off a Bunch of Grapes with the stalk
which was as much as both they could bear upon their shoulders Num. 13. From Hebron they returned again to Kades-Barnea twenty miles There all the People murmured against Moses Num. 14. Hereby it is to be seen that the Spies in forty dayes travelled 648 miles in the Land of Câ—naaâ— that is every day 16 miles and a little more After that Ioshuah and Caleb travelled with Mâ—ses and the Children of Israel to Ezeon-Gabir and from thence to the Town of Iahza 464 miles From Iahza they pass'd through two Kingdoms to Mount Libanus eighty miles From Mount Libanus they returned again into the Land of Sittim that lay by the hill Pisgah in the field of the Moabites 80 miles From the Land of Sittim they pass'd through the River of Iordan and came to Gilgal six miles where Ioshuah pitched his Camp Numb 21. Iosh. 4. 5. From Gilgal he went to Iericho two miles there he assailed the Town with the sound of Basons and won it Iosh. 6. From Iericho he went to Ai being four miles and took and burnt the whole Town Iosh. 7. 8. From Ai he returned to Gilgal four miles and there upon the Hill of Ebal he built an Altar unto the Lord and there were the Blessings and Cursings pronounced Iosh. 8. Deut. 27. From Gilgal he went to Gibeon twelve miles There the Sun stood still during the Battel against the three Kings Iosh. 10. From Gibeon he went to Ajâ—lon two miles here the Moon stood still Ios. 10. From Ajâ—lon he went to Aseka four miles there it hailed upon the Enemies that fled before Israel Iosh. 10. From Asâ—ka Ioshua returned again into the Camp at Gilgal twenty miles Iosh. 10. From Gilgal he went to Makeda where he hanged the five Kings Ios. 10. From Makeda he went to Libna two miles and took the Town Iosh. 10. From Libna he went to Lachis eight miles From Lachis he went to Eglon eight miles From Eglon he went to Hebron which is sixteen miles Iosh. 10. From Hebron he went to Debir one mile Iosh. 10. After that Ioshuah with one continued War won all that part of Iudaea which lay towards the South bordering Eastward upon the Dead Sea Southward upon Cades-Barneâ— Westward upon Asdod and Gaza and Northward upon Gibeon and Gilgal This circuit of Land containeth about an hundred fifty and six miles From Gilgal Ioshua went out with his Army about twenty two miles to the River of Merom where he slew the rest of the Kings of the Canaanites in a memorable Battel Iosh. 11. From the River of Merom Ioshua chased his Enemies and followed them to Sidon which was 612 miles Iosh. 11. From Sidon he went again to Hazor 32 miles which Town he burnt Iosh 11. After that Ioshuah at one time won all the Towns in the Holy Land which lay Northward in the Lands of Samaria and Galilea from Gibeon to Mount Libanus and from the River of Iordan to the great Sea called Mare Mediterraneum which Countreys in circuit contain 280 miles After that Ioshuah returned again to his Camp at Gilgal which lay 72 miles from the Town of Hazor where he made a division of the Land amongst the Children of Israel Iosh. 14 15. From Gilgal he went to Shilo twelve miles where he made an end of dividing the Land Iosh. 18. From Shilo he went to Timnah Sera eight miles and there he dwelt for the Children of Israel gave him that Town for his own Inheritance Iosh. 19. From Timnah Sera Ioshua not long before he died came to Sichem forty miles There he assembled all the Tribes of Israel Iosh. 24. From Sichem he returned again to Timnah Sera forty miles where he died and was buried Iosh. 24. So all the Travels of Prince Ioshuah were 2392 miles The Description of the several Towns and Places to which Ioshua travelled Of Rechob THIS was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Aâ—hur an hundred miles from Ierusalem toward the North Nuâ— 13. and signifieth a broad Street being derived from Radhab that is to extend out in length Of Haemah or Chaemah THIS was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Nephtali and was an hundred miles from Ierusalem upon the utmost bounds of the Holy Land at the foot of Antilibanus Num. 11. 34. Iosh. 19. derived from Chamah that is furious or burning with anger Of Gilgal THIS was a Town between Iordan and the City Iericho twelve miles from Ierusalem South-eastward where the Children of Israel having past the River of Iordan first made War upon all the Nations of the Land of Canaan Here they solemnized the first Paschal Lamb. After they came into this Land Manna ceased because they then did eat the Fruits of the Countrey Here Ioshua taking twelve stones out of Iordan pitch'd them up for a memorial Here the Tabernacle of God stayed for a time which was the reason that afterward the Israelites committed Idolatry in this place Iosh. 4. 5. Hos. 2. 4 9. Amos 5. Near to this place Ehud the third Judge of the Children of Israel received gifts of them to carry to Eglon King of the Moabites dwelling at Iericho where he killed him with a knife Here Saul was the second time confirmed King of Israel 2 Sam. 10. and as it seems taketh name of Roundness Ioshuah at this time building his Tent in a circular fashion for Galal signifies a round Wheel or Tent compassed about with Ditches and Bulwarks Of Iericho THIS is a City in the Tribe of Benjamin two miles from Iordan and six from Ierusalem South-eastward Ioshuah overcame this with the sound of Horns or Trumpets Iosh. 26. Heb. 11. Here Christ restored the blind man to sight Mat. 6. converted Zachaeus Luke 19. and was called the City of Palms by reason of the great plenty of Palms that grew there You may read more of this hereafter Of Hai or Ai. HAI is a Town in the Tribe of Benjamin near to Bethel toward the East where Abraham dwelt Gen. 12. Ioshuah won this Town Ios. 7. 8. It was so called of a Prophet that dwelt there and signifieth to be placed upon a heap for Ai signifies a heap lying partly equally partly unequally The Ruines of this Town were scarce to be found in Ierom's time Of Gibeon THIS was a Metropolitan City in thâ— Tribe of Benjamin the Inhabitants whereof became Petitioners to Ioâ—huah for Peace Iâ—s 9. 10 18. 2â— Sam. 21. Afterward it was given to the Priests It is derived of Gibeah or Gibeon which signifies a curled Hill It was scituated on a Mountain four miles from Ierusalem toward the North. Here stood the Tabernacle of the Covenant and the brazen Altar Here Saul was first made King of Israel Here he put the Sons of Abimelâ—ch the Priest to death 1 Sam. 12. Here Iosâ—uah overcame the five Kings of the Ammorites Here the Sun stood still Of this you may read more hereafter Of Ajâ—lon THIS was a City of the Priests in the Tribe of Dan four miles
see through all Galilee to Carmel and the Mountains of Phoenicia also to Mount Thabor and the Mountains beyond Iordan called Gilead Of this Town you may read Ios. 17 19. 2 Sam. 2. Of Nobach THis was a City beyond Iordan and stood in the half Tribe of Manasses thirty eight miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward In times past it was called Kenah but after Nobach Prince of the half Tribe of Manasseh had conquered it he called it Nobach Num. 23. and signifieth a Prophet being derived of Nabah or Nabach he hath prophesied or cryed out Of Jogbeha THis Town was built by the Children of Gad and lies beyond Iordan thirty four miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward and taketh the name from the height of the place where it standeth being derived from Gabah which signifieth it excelleth in height Of this you may read Iudg. 8. Numb 32. Of Karkor KArkor is a City in the half Tribe of Manasseh and is scituated beyond Iordan fome 40 miles distant from Ierusalem North-Eastward and taketh the name from Kir which signifies he hath destroyed or subverted the Walls for here the two Kings Zeba and Zalmuna were taken St. Ierom faith in his Book de locis Hebraicis That in his Time it was a fair Town The Typical signification of Gideon THis Gideon whose name signifies to root out destroyed and subverted the Enemies of the Iews so Christ hath destroyed the Kingdom of Sathan and daily rooted out all his impious and wicked members which are Enemies to his Church The Travels of Abimelech the sixth Iudge of Israel GIDEON being dead Abimelech his Son went from Ophra to Sichem which is ten miles and there was chosen by the Citizens to succeed his father in the Government From thence he went back to Ophra which is ten miles and there put to death his seventy Brethren all Sons of Gideon but by divers Concubines for God permitted Bigamie but did not command it From Ophra he went ten miles into the Land of Sichem and there was chosen King about the Year of the World 2712. From Sichem which was the Seat of the Kingdom he went to Ophra being ten miles there he judged Israel three Years After that he went the third time back to the Sichemites which is ten miles but they breaking promise with him for very madness he caused the City to be destroyed and Salt to be Sown in the place that so ever after it might become Barren accursed and unhabitable From Sichem he went with his Host to Thebets or Thebez which is two miles where he was mortally wounded by a woman that flung a stone upon him at the Siege of that Town whereof he died Iudg. 9. So all the Travels of Abimelech were 52 miles Of Thebez THis was distant from Sichem two miles Northward and from Ierusalem thirty eight miles it took the name from Bitzah which signifieth a deep Pond Abimelech took his name from an hereditary Kingdom or rather because he obtained the Kingdom over Israel after his Father and is as much as to say My father is a King because good Princes differ little from good Fathers for Maelaech with the Hebrews signifieth a King Malechah a Queen and Malchech a Kingdom So that this name Abimelech properly signifieth a King or one that is a Father of his People Of the flight of Jotham which was the Brother of Abimelech JOtham signifieth a perfect and swift man being derived from Iatham that is perfect and swift This Man at such time as Abimelech put to death the rest of his Brethren to save his Life fled to Mount Gerizim where he propounded the Riddle mentioned Iudg. 9. And after from thence he went to Beerah where he hid himself from the fury of Abimelech All this was forty four miles Of Mount Gerizim GErizim or Garizim was a Mountain in the Kingdom of the Samaritans and extended it self in the Longitude as far as Iericho near to Mount Hebal In these two Mountains the Blessings and the Cursings were recited of which more shall be said hereafter and it taketh the name from the felling down of Trees being derived from Garaz which signifieth to cut or to fell down here Christ spoke with the Samaritan Iohn 4. Of Beerah BEerah was a Town in the Tribe of Iudah ten miles from Ierusalem Westward Near to this City Iudas Macchabeus fought a memorable Battel against Bacchides and others whom he conquered It taketh the name from a clear Well being derived of Beer that is he hath made clear Of Thola the seventh Iudge of Israel THola takes his Name from a Red Worm or purple Colour which colour is proper to Princes He succeeded Abimelech in the Government of the Iews and began to rule An. Mun. 2715. and 1253 Years before Christ. His Father's name was Puah of the Tribe of Issachar He dwelt in Samir a City of Mount Ephraim not far from Iericho twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the North and there he was buried as you may see Iosh. 15. Of Jair the eighth Iudge of Israel JAir succeeded Thola and began his Government in the Year of the World 2738 and 1230 Years before Christ. He took his Name from the singular Worth and noble Disposition that was in him This Iair was one of the Tribe of Manasseh he was lame of both his Feet and was a man of great Estimation among the Iews for there were thirty Castles and Towns that were called after his Name Iudg. 10. Num. 32. Deut. 3. Ios. 13. 1 Chr. 1. He dwelt at Kamon a Town in the Tribe of Gilead some forty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East The Travels of Jephthah JEphtha was born at Mizpah in the Land of Gilead and being driven into Exile by his Brothers he fled into the Land of Tob 48 miles from Ierusalem Iudg. 11. From thence he returned to Mizpah 48 miles and there was chosen Prince and began his Government Anno Mundi 2760. and before Christ 1208 Years Iudg. 11. From Mizpah he went with his Army against the Ammonites to the City of Aroer where he put them to flight which is twenty six miles Iudg. 11. From Aroer he pursued the Enemies to Minneth which is eight miles Iudg. 11. From Minneth he went to the Plain of the Vines which is twenty four miles Iudg. 11. From Abel or the Plain of the Vines he went to Mizpah where he offered his Daughter for a Sacrifice to the Lord Iudg. 11. At that time he and the Ephramites got a memorable Battel in which were slain 22000 Iudg. 12. So all the Travels of Iephthah were 322 miles Of the Cities and Places mentioned in his Travels Of Thob or Tob. THob or Tob to which Iephthah fled is in the half Tribe of Manasses beyond Iordan not far from the Mountain of Antilibanus a hundred and four miles from Ierusalem North-eastward this was a very fair and plentiful Country and therefore called Thob being derived from Thobah which signifieth Good and Rate Of Mizpah MIzpah was
the Travels of Sampson were 240 miles The Description of the several Towns and Places to which Sampson travelled Of Zarea THIS is a City in the Tribes of Iuda and Dan near the River Soreck and taketh the Name from a Cole or Leprosie being derived of Sarag that is He was Leprous it stood eighteen miles from Ierusalem Westward Of Esthaol THis was a Town in the Tribe of Dan two miles from Zarea and stood near the River Soreck some twenty miles from Ierusalem towards the West and taketh the name from a Woman and Fortitude for Isca signifieth a Woman and El or Ol strong and powerful Here Sampsen was brought up In St. Ierom's time this was called Asto not far from whence Sampson lieth buried Of Timnah You may read of this in the Travels of Iudah Of Ascalon THis was a City of the Philistines scituated upon the shore of the Mediterranean Sea some thirty miles from Ierusalem Westward and to this day retaineth the figure of half a Circle it taketh the name from an ignominious Fire being derived of Esh and Kalon an ignominious light Of Gaza Of this Town you may read in the Travels of Ioshuah Of the River Soreck THis was a very pleasant River upon the Bank whereof grew great plenty of Vines and Palms from whence it seemeth to have taken the Name for Soreck in Hebrew signifieth a Myrtle Branch which bringeth forth a pleasant Berry whereof excellent Wine is made It takes the beginning at a Fountain in the Tribe of Iuda some twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the West where there is a very fertile Valley in which Dalilah that betrayed Sampson dwelt and from thence it runneth through the Land of the Philistines and falleth into the Mediterranean Sea Of the Rock Eta IN this Rock there was a Cave wherein Sampson dwelt as in a strong Tower it stood in the Tribe of Iuda near to the River Soreck twelve miles from Ierusalem toward the West and seemeth to take the Name from Fowls for before that Sampson inhabited there a multitude of Fowls bred upon it and therefore it was called Eta for Aith signifies a Fowl This Rock growing to decay was repaired again by Ieroboam that Idolatrous King of Israel Of Sampson SAmpson or Schimpson according to the Hebrew Text taking his Name from the Sun for Schaemas in Hebrew signifieth the Sun and seemeth to have some Affinity with Hercules which â—ignifieth The glory of the Air for what can be said to be the glory of the Air but the Light of the Sun without which it would become exceeding dark Wherefore as some think this Sampson was the true Hercules and those noble Exploits that he did the Graecians attributed to their Hercules The typical Signification of Sampson HE typically representeth Christ divers ways first in his Person he was a mighty Man secondly in his Profession he was a Nazarite thirdly in his Calling he was a Prince and Judge fourthly in his manner of living for he went from place to place to revenge himself upon the Enemies of God's People the Children of Israel and in his Death even so our Saviour Christ is that strong man who being mightier than the Devil hath dispossest him of his tyrannical Jurisdiction over the Souls of Mankind hath taken away those gates of Death by his Mercy opening unto us the door of Life that so being set at Liberty from that hellish Imprisonment we may be made Partakers of everlasting Happiness he was also a Nazarite even from his Mothers Womb born and bred there tying himself to a Vow of Bondage that we might be made free he is a Prince for ever and a Priest after the Order of Melchisedeck during the continuance of his Life in this Vail of Misery his chiefest Actions were to go from place to place to teach to do good and to rescue and relieve the poor distressed Members of the Church who lay miserably afflicted under the hands of Satan healing some relieving others and bringing a third sort into the state of Grace so that as Sampson delivered the Israelites from the Bondage of the Philistines Christ our Prince and Judge delivereth his from the Slavery of Satan by his Death saving more Souls than in his Life And thereby pulling down the strong Buildings the Temptations of Satan hath laid them level with the Ground that they shall never be restored again And lastly after this Life ended he shall be our Prince and Judge and bring us to that place of Promise prepared for us in his everlasting Kingdom The Travels of the Spies of the Danites SHortly after the Death of Sampson the Spies of the Danites went from Zarea and Esthaol to Mount Ephraim to the House of Michah which is twenty four miles Iudg. 18. From thence they went to Lais which is a hundred and four miles Iudg. 18. From thence they returned to Zarea and Esthaol which is 126 miles Iudg. 18. So all their Travels were 244 miles Of Lais. LAIS was a City scituated at the Foot of Mount Libanus some 104 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and was sometimes called Belenus this because it stood so far from Aid was quickly conquered by the Danites and by them utterly destroyed it signifieth a roaring or devouring Lyon But after being rebuilt by the Danites they called it Dan and the Canaanites Lesem Dan being derived of Laeschaem which signifieth a Lyon The Travels of the Danites THE Army of the Danites went from Zarea and Esthaol to Kiijath-jearim and there pitched their Tents which is sixteen miles Iud. 15. From thence they went to Mount Ephraim to the house of Micha and took his carved Image and his Levite from him which was eight miles Iudg. 15. From thence they went to Lais 104 miles So all the Travels were 128 miles Of Kirjath-jearim KIrjath-jearim was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Iuda upon the Borders of the Tribe of Benjamin about a mile from Ierusalem Westward It sometime belonged to the Gibeonites Iosh. 9. and signifies a City of the Desart or Woods being derived from Kiriath which signifies a City and Iaar a Wood or Forrest Here stood the Ark of the Covenant after it had been in the Land of the Philistines seven months and stood in the house of Abinadab whose Son Eleazer because he was of the Family of the Levites by consent of the Children of Israel was consecrated Priest thereof to attend and keep it here it remained forty eight Years till David fetched it thence with great Joy 1 Sam. 7. 2 Sam. 6. 1 Chr. 14. Here Saul was anointed King by Samuel here the Company of the Prophets that is the Scholers of the Wise came down from the more eminent places where the Ark of God was with holy Songs and Instruments of Musick and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and he sung and praised God with them They called this the Hill of God because the Ark of the Covenant stood in it 1 Sam.
forward he left Idolatry and worshipped the true God adorned the Temple of the Lord with many fair and beautiful Buildings and in the five and fiftieth year of his age he died and was buried in the Kings Garden 2 Reg. 21. 2 Chron. 33. So all the Travels of Manasses were 1360 miles Of Amon King of Judah AMon signifieth True and Faithful he succeeded his Father Manasses when he was twenty two years of age Anno mundi 3307 before Christ 661. He reigned two years and then because of his exceeding Idolatry the Lord cast him off when he was about twenty four years of age near which time some of his Servants conspired against him and put him to death The Travels of King Josiah JOSIAH signifies A Sacrifice of the Lord he succeeded his Father Manasses in the Government when he was but eight years of age Anno Mundi 3309 before Christ 659. He governed Israel with great commendations thirty two years 2 Reg. 22. his Mothers name was Iedidah and dwelt in a Town called Bâ—zâ—ath but how far this Town stood from Ierusalem is not set down by any Author This good King went from Ierusalem to Bethel which was eight miles there he burnt upon the Altar which Ieroboam built the bones of the Priests of Baal as the man of God which came from Iudah had told Ieroboam 350 years before 1 Reg. 13. 2 Chr. 35. From Bethel he returned back to Ierusalem which was eight miles there he celebrated the Passover with a solemn Feast and great Attendance 2 Reg. 23. 2 Chr. 35. In the last year of his Reign he went with his Army from Ierusalem to Megiddo being forty four miles against Pharaoh Necho King of Aegypt in which Battel he was slain with an Arrow about the thirty ninth year of his age 2 Chron. 3 5. From Megiddo his Body was carried in a Chariot back again to Ierusalem which was forty four miles and there with great Lamentations honourably buried 2 Reg. 23. 2 Chr. 35. So all his Travels were 104 miles The Travels of Jehoahas King of Judah JEhoahas signifies the knowledge of God he succeeded his Father Iosiah in the twenty third year of his age Anno Mundi 3340 which was 628 years before Christ and reigned only three Months 2 Reg. 24. 2 Chron. 36. Ieremy cap. 22. calleth this man Schallum that is a Recompence He went from Ierusalem to Riblah a City in the Tibe of Nepthaly which is accounted eighty miles where he was taken Prisoner by Pharaoh Necho 2 Reg. 23. From Riblah Pharaoh Necho led him Captive bound in Chains back again to Ierusalem being eighty miles and there appointed Iehojakim his elder Brother to reign in his place 2 Reg. 23. 2 Chron. 36. From Ierusalem he carried Iehoahas to Memphis the Metropolitan City of Aegypt which was 244 miles 2 Reg. 23. So all the Travels of Iehoahas were 404 miles Of Jehoiakim King of Judah JEhoiakim was the eldest Son of Iosiah that Good King and succeeded his Brother Iehoahas in the Kingdom Anno Mundi 3341 before Christ 627 he governed Iudah eleven years Pharaoh Necho made him King when he was twenty five years of age to whom he was constrained to pay 100 Talents of Silver and a Talent of Gold This Money being payed he obtained the Kingdom and continued in great Impiety and Idolatry for which cause he was sharply reprehended by Ieremiah the Prophet but he being offended at his words sought to put him to death wherefore the Lord stirred up Nebuchadnezzar the second of that name Emperour of the Assyrians and Babylonians who in the eleventh year of this King's Reign came to Ierusalem and took him captive tyed him in two chains and would have carried him to Babylon but his mind changed wherefore he caused him to be put to death and cast out into the Fields of Ierusalem for a prey to wild Beasts Ier. 22. 2 Reg. 23. Of Jehoiachin King of Judah Jehoiachin signifies the preparation of Iehovah This man succeeded his Brother Iehoiakim and began his Reign about the end of the 3351 year of the World and reigned only three Months and ten days which was about the eighth year of Nabuchadonozor the Great at which time he was led captive from Ierusalem to Babylon together with Mordochae and many other Nobles which was 680 miles This Captivity happened 617 years before Christ 2 Reg. 24. 2 Chron. 36. Ester 2. Ier. 52. The Travels of Zedekiah the last King of Judah AFter Iehoiachin succeeded Zedekiah which signifies the just man of God This was the Son of the good King Iosiah yet an impious Tyrant who by the permission of Nabuchadonozor the Great was suffered to be King of Iudah after his Brother when he was one and twenty years of age He began to reign about the beginning of the 3352 year of the World and before Christ 616 he governed tyranically eleven years 2 Reg. 24. In the eleventh year of this King Ierusalem was taken by Nabuchadonezar the great Emperour of the Babylonians wherefore Zedekiah to escape the brunt of War fled from Ierusalem with all possible speed to Iericho which was twelve miles Ier. 39. 5. From the plain near the City Iericho where he was overcome by the Princes of the Chaldeans he was led to Riblah to Nebuchadonezar which was sixty eight miles From Riblah after the Emperour Nabuchadonezar had caused all his Children to be put to death before his face and had put out both his eyes he led him captive to Babylon which was 600 miles where he died miserably 2 Reg. 25. So all the Travels of Zedekiah King of Iudah were 680 miles Of the Destruction of Jerusalem by Nabuchadonezar IN the ninth year of this Zedekiah which was the last King of Iudah Nabuchadonezar began to besiege Ierusalem it being then Winter Anno Mundi 3860 upon the tenth day of the tenth Month Tebeth which answereth to the seven and twentieth day of December which day the Iews till now observed as a fasting day The Siege continued even till the eleventh year of this King Ierem. 39. 5. 2 Reg. 25. and upon the ninth day of the fourth Month Thamus which agreeth with the tenth day of Iuly the City was taken and Zedekiah was put to flight Upon the seventh day of the fifth Month Ab Nabuzaradan chief Captain of the Army was sent back by Nabuchadonezar into Iudaea where he destroyed and burned the houses and buildings of the City of Ierusalem Ierem. 52. upon the tenth day of the fifth Month Ab which answereth to the ninth day of August being the Sabbath day the Temple of Ierusalem was set on fire Ier. 52. de bello Iudei lib. 6. cap. 26. 27. This first Captivity and Destruction of the City Ierusalem by Nabuchadonezar that great Emperour happened Anno Mundi 3362 and before Christ 606 three hundred and ninety years being then fully compleat and ended from the first year of Ieroboam King of Israel who set up the Golden Calves and
might plainly be seen ingraven other Letters to this effect Vnless thou hadst been unâ—â—tiably Covetous thou wouldst never have opened the Graves of the Dead in hope of gain This Woman beautified Babylon with many goodly Buildings built up the Walls thereof set a Bridge over Euphrates made a beautiful Orchard and a Garden in it beautified it with many goodly Towers and Fortifications added unto it many Provinces and Governments and after all because of her own lascivious Appetite as Sallust saith was murthered by her Son Ninus who succeeded her in the Government There were many other memorable things within this City that were built before and after her time as Herodotus saith as that great and mighty Tower before remembred in which stood the Temple of Baelus and his Sepulchre Not far from that stood a Chappel wherein was the Statue of Iupiter all of pure Gold worth 800 Talents of Gold Without that Chappel there stood an Altar of pure Gold upon which they yearly offered 100000 Talents of Frankincense There was another also somewhat less upon which they used to offer their Sacrifices for it was not lawful for them to offer any thing that had life upon the greater Altar there stood also in that place another Statue twelve cubits high all of pure Gold This City was after taken by Cyrus the first Emperour of the Persians An. Mundi 3432. before Christ 536 in the seventieth year after the Captivity of Israel and Iudah according to the Prophecy of Ieremy at which time the City was so great that they which dwelt in the middle of it did not know that the Enemy had entered within the Walls at the farther end which might happen because upon that day when it was taken the Babylonians celebrated a Feast unto Venus in which using extraordinary diligence they were less mindful of such things as hapned unto them Thus this City that with great Tyranny had triumphed over the Nations of the earth for the space of 1600 years being so plentifully furnished with all things necessary for the maintenance of life that the Inhabitants thereof contemned all other People was by God's permission for their pride and presumption wasted and consumed by Cyrus as you have heard and shortly after utterly destroyed by Xerxes the fourth Emperour of the Persians and so continueth to this day as Strabo saith Where then O World is thy Prosperity or Riches thy glory since in the one thou art consumed in the other lest desolate Of the Ruines of old Babylon that are extant at this day BAbylon which as you have heard reigned over the Nations of the Earth like a Queen at this day hath nothing to present you withall but an heap of stones out of the Ruins whereof there was built a little Town close by where it stood called Elugo or Felugo scituated upon the Bank of the River Euphrates Not far from which it seems there is a profitable Harbour for Ships where Merchants often times go a shore and travel thence through many Woods and desart places unto Seleucia which at this day is called by the Turks Bagdeth distant thence some thirty six miles and is the utmost Town of the Turkish and Persian Empires towards the East being divided in the midst by the River Tygris Some Merchants have reported That the place where Babylon stood is become stony unfruitful and unpleasant because of the Ruins of the destroyed buildings which lye in the Earth Also That there is found a Tower built of a black stone which to outward appearance seems to have been a very goodly house high and eminent so that upon the top thereof a man might have seen through the whole City This Tower the Inhabitants of Felugo call the Tower of Daniel in which was the Chamber where he used to pray to the Lord three times a day the Windows whereof looked towards Ierusalem Dan. 6. There is also to be seen divers Arches of the Bridge which Semiramis built standing upon the River Euphrates and the foundation of the great Tower whose top should have reached to Heaven being in compass two miles but not very high Within the Ruins whereof are found certain Serpents very noisom and venemous about the bigness of a Lizard having three heads and spect with divers colours which the Inhabitants call Eglones There are such a multitude of them that no man dares approach within half a mile of it any time but in the Winter season nor then neither but for the space of a Month in which time these Serpents for the extremity of the cold are constrained to keep their holes Thus as this Tower was hateful to God in the beginning so likewise hath he made it hurtful unto man even to this day The Travels of the Babylonian and Assyrian Kings and Emâ—erours that fought against Israel and Judah And first of Phul Belochus King of Assâ—ria PHul Belochus that is he returned wasting began to reign among the Babylonians Anno Mundi 3149. before Christ 819 and governed forty eight years This King or Emperour came from Babylon to Samaria which was 660 miles There he so streightly besieged Menahem King of Israel that he was constrained to give him 1000 talents of Silver to raise his Siege and depart 2 Reg. 15. From Samaria he returned back again to Babylon 660 miles So all Travels of Phul Belochus were 1320 miles The Travels of Tiglat Phulasser King of the Assyrians TIglat Phulasser signifies the Assyrian Conquerour He was also called Tiglath Philasser 2 Reg. 15. which name is attributed to him either because he carried away the Children of Israel captives or else because of the Conquest that he had of all Galilee and over the Tribe of Naphtaly which he carried into Assyria He succeeded his father Phul Belochus in the Government of the Assyrians An. Mundi 3197. before Christ 771. and reigned twenty five years When Reâ—n King of the Assyrians joyning his Army with Pekah Son of Remalia King of Israel had streightly besieged Ierusalem Ahaz was constrained to crave aid of this Tiglath Phulasser and sent him great Presents which he accepted kindly and brought his Army from Niniveh to Damascus 520 miles where he put Reâ—n and the whole City to the Sword 2 Reg. 16. From Damascus he came with his Army into the land of Israel which was 120 miles where he overcame Pekâ—h in a great Battel conquered all the land of Gilead and the tribe of Naphtaly and put a great multitude of the Israelites into perpetual Exile 2 Reg. 15. From thence he went back to Niniveh 640 miles A little after this King Tiglath Phulasser went from Niniveh to Ierusalem 680 miles where he so streightly besieged that wicked King Ahaz that he was constrained to give him great abundance of Gold and Silver to raise his Siege and be gone 2 Chr. 28. From Ierusalem he returned back to Niniveh being 680 miles So all his Travels were 6640 miles Of the City Niniveh you may read
and Office of a Prophet 1 Reg. 18. From thence he vvent to Damascus 124 miles vvhere he anointed Hazael King of Syria 1 Reg. 19. From Damscus Elias vvent to Mount Carmel vvhere he dvvelt vvhich vvas accounted 120 miles From Mount Carmel he vvent to Iezreel sixteen miles there in the Vineyard of Naboth whom Iezabel caused to be stoned to death he sharply reprehended Ahab for his Impiety and Idolatry 1 Reg. 21. From Iezreel he returned back again to his own House to Carmel sixteen miles From thence he went to Samaria which was thirty two miles where he answered the Servants of King Ahaziah whom he had sent to enquire of Bâ—alzebub the Idol of Ekron concerning his health saying Go and tell your Master that sent you That the God of Israel saith Because thou hast sent to ask counsel of Baalzebub the Idol of Ekron and thinkest there is no God in Israel therefore thou shalt not rise off the Bed whereon thou liest but shalt surely dye 2 Reg. 1. Soon after Elias returned to Mount Carmel being 32 miles where the two Captains with their Companies of fifty that were sent to take him were consumed with fire from Heaven 1 Reg. 1. From Mount Carmel he went to Samaria with the third Captain thirty two miles where he prophecied of the death of King Ahaziah 2 Reg. 1. From Samaria he returned back again to Mount Carmel thirty two miles From thence he went to Gilgal fifty two miles From Gilgal he went with Elizeus to the Town of Bethel being six miles 2 Reg. 2. From thence to Iericho four miles 2 Reg. 2. From Iericho he and Elizeus went to Iordan which was six miles through which River they went upon dry ground Now as they were speaking one to another upon the East-side of the River behold a fiery Chariot came with fiery Horses and took Elias up alive into Heaven after he had governed the Church thirty years An. Mundi 3056 and before Christ 912. 2 Reg. 2. So all the Travels of Eliah the Prophet were 1033 miles Of the Cities and Places to which he travelled Of Thisbe IN this Town the Prophet Eliah was born it being scituated in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east It taketh the Name from Captivity being derived of Chabah he hath led into Captivity Of Kerith THE River Kerith where the Ravens fed Elias runneth from Mount Eâ—hraim between Bethel and Iericho eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North and so passing along towards the East falleth into the River Iordan 1 Reg. 17. The Kerethites were such as guarded the Person of the King which in the Prophet David's time were called mighty men taking their name from striking and cutting being derived of Charath he hath smitten or cut in sunder Of Zarpath or Sarepta THIS was a City of the Sidonians where they found much Metal of divers kinds lying between Tyrus and Sidon 112 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and taketh the name from Zoraph which signifies To try or burn with Fire There is at this time but eight Houses in all the Town although by the Ruines it seemeth to have been in times past a very fair City The Inhabitants thereof take upon them to shew the Chamber wherein Elias the Prophet sometimes lived when he raised the Widows Child to Life Before the Gate of the City also there is shewed a certain Chappel where they say Elias first spake with the Widow 1 Reg. 17. Of Abelmehola THIS was a Town in the Tribe of Manasses on this side Iordan in the mid-way between Sichem and Salem some 38 miles from Ierusalem Northward At this day it is called Abisena where there are found certain ruines of Marble Pillars by which may be gathered that in times past it hath been a very beautiful City It seemeth to have taken the name from a great lamentation or mourning for Abel signifieth to lament and bewail and Machol a company The Typical Signification of Elias Elias according to the Interpretation of St. Ierome signifies the Minister of Iehovah but as others would have it Eliah is as much as my God Iehovah He was a Type of St. Iohn Baptist who was sent before to prepare the way of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Of this you may read more Malach. 4. Matt. 11 17. Isa. 40. c. The Travels of the Prophet Elisaeus or Elisha ELisha followed Elias through divers Countries and became as it were his Servant pouring Water upon his hands and ministring to him 1 Reg. 19. 2 Reg. 3. Elisha went with Eliah from Gilgal to Bethel which was six miles 1 Reg. 19. From Bethel they both went to Iericho which was four miles From Iericho he went beyond Iordan six miles where his Master was taken from him up into Heaven and his Spirit was doubled upon him 2 Reg. 2. From thence he returned back again to Iericho which was six miles passing through the River Iordan upon dry ground by which Miracle the Children of the Prophets viz. such as studied Divinity at Iericho did certainly know that the Spirit of his Master Elias rested upon him Near to this Town he â—lung Salt into a River by which the Water was made sweet 2 Reg. 2. From Iericho Elisha returned to Bethel which was four miles here the Children that mock'd him saying Come up thou Bald-pate c. in contempt of his Age and Office were devoured by two Bears 2 Reg. 2. From Bethel he walked to Mount Carmel which was fifty six miles From thence he went to Samaria which was about thirty two miles From thence he went to the three Kings viz. Ioram King of Israel Iehosaphat King of Ierusalem and the King of the Idumaeans into the Desart of Arabia-Petraea which was 104 miles here he prayed unto the Lord and he sent them Water lest they should have perished with thirst 2 Reg. 3. From the Desart of Arabia-Petraea he returned back to Samaria which was 104 miles where he relieved a certain Widow-woman that was afflicted with Poverty and Want miraculously by a Cruse of Oyl 2 Reg. 4. Iosephus lib. Antiq. 9. supposeth this Woman to be the Widow of Obediah the King's Steward of whom you may read before who did hide and maintain a certain number of the Prophets of the Lord in a Cave 2 Reg. 18. From Samaria Elisha went oâ—tentimes to a Town called Sunem as he returned to Samaria to Carmel which was 16 miles distant Here a certain rich Woman observing his often Passage to and fro by that Town built him a little Chamber wherein he might rest himself after his Journey to which place he often resorted and in recompence of this benefit although she had been long barren he prophecied that within a Year she should have a Son which accordingly she had to her great Joy and Comfort 2 Reg. 4. From Sunem he went to Carmel being 16 miles From thence he returned back again to Sunem to the Woman where he used
the Children are free yet nevertheless c. From whence may be gathered that he was no Stranger but an Inhabitant in Capernaum It had upon the North side of it the three Tribes Neâ—thalim Asser and Zabulon upon the South Benjamin Iuda Dan and Simeon upon the West Issachar Epharaim and the half Tribe of Manasses and upon the East Reuben Gad and the other half Tribe of Manasses so that our Saviour Christ dwelt in the midst of the twelve Tribes of Israel Furthermore it was a goodly Market Town and had as well relation to Tyrus and Sidon two Towns of the Gentiles within forty four miles of it as to Ierusalem from whence may be verified that saying of Esa. ca. 8 9. The Land of Zebulon and Naphtalim near the way of the Sea beyond Jordan and Galilee of the Gentiles a People which sit in Darkness and in the shadow of Death saw a great Light This Town is therefore justly called the City of Comfort and Consolation since our Saviour Christ dwelt there who with his Doctrine and preaching refreshed and comforted all such as were afflicted with the Burthen of their Sins But the great men that were Inhabitants of this City had more respect to their private profit than to the Doctrine and Miracles that Christ wrought among them from whence it came to pass that they did as it were neglect and contemn that Good which God had offered to them which made our Saviour say And thou Capernaum which seemest to be exalted up unto Heaven shall be cast down into Hell for if the Miracles had been done in Sodom and Gomorrah which have been done in thee they had continued until this day Verily verily I say unto you it shall be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Iudgment than for thee Mat. 11. For there was no such benefit offered to any City neither such Honours and Dignities as were to Capernaum our Saviour himself dwelling there Wherefore for their Ingratitude and Impiety the City hath divers times been wasted and destroyed as well by the Romans as other Nations so that at this day this Glorious City is become so Desolate that there is scarce eight Houses standing and they also like small Sheds Of Sichar IN antient time this Town was called Sichem of which you may read more both in the Travels of Iacob and Abimelech After it came to be called Sichar according to the opinion of Luther upon Genesis because the Inhabitants of that Country were given to Pleasure and Voluptuousness the greatest part of their Delight being in drinking and quaffing so Sichar being derived of Schachar signifieth to be Drunk or inordinately to swallow sweet and pleasant Wine of which there was plenty in that Town made of the Juice of Apples the Fruit of Palm-Trees and Honey which may very well resemble Hipocras or Metheglin as some Authors have it And although by the Incursions of the Romans it was utterly wasted and left Desolate yet in succeeding times it was re-built and called Nicapolis that is a New Town It is scituated very pleasantly and aboundeth with all manner of Delights but it is unfortified neither can it by any means be fortified neither have the Inhabitants any help if they be oppressed by the Enemy but to fly for it is scituated in the middle of a Valley between two high Mountains so that a man may fling a stone from the top of one of them into the City About two Bows shot without the South Gate of this Town is to be seen the Fountain or Well of Iacob upon the Brim of which our Saviour Christ sate when he was weary as we may read in the fourth of Iohn This Well standeth just in the way as Pilgrims travel to Ierusalem Upon the right hand above this Well there standeth a Mountain of an exceeding height divided into two tops the one of them being called Gerizim the other Hebal In Mount Gerizim the Patriarch Ioshuah built an Altar and the People standing upon Mount Hebal he caused the whole Book of Deuteronomy to be read over with the Blessings and Cursings so that all the People might hear them for thus we read in Ios. 8. The one half of the People stood close by Mount Gerizim and the other by Mount Hebal c. Deut. chap. 27. These two great Mountains began upon the right side of the City Sichar and extended themselves in length to the City of Iericho Upon the left side of this Well is to be seen the Ruins of a great Town which is thought to be the old Sichem and by the Reliques that remain there it may be judged to have been a very goodly City For there are yet to be seen certain broken Pillars of Marble as also large and spacious Buildings which in times past without Question have been very goodly things and standeth wonderful pleasantly the Soil round about it being very pleasant and fruitful only there is want of Water This Town lieth some two Bows shot from Sichar and the Inhabitants of that place judge this Sichar to be Thebez where Abimelech died Iudg. 9. Not far from Iacob's Well is to be seen that piece of Ground which Iacob gave to Ioseph more than the rest of his Brethren Gen. 48. It is a long Valley very fruitful and pleasant where there lies butied in a certain fair Garden the Bones of Iacob and Ioseph which were brought out of Aegypt Iosh. 24. the Reliques of which Sepulchre are yet to be seen Mount Garizim or Gerizim is so called from the cutting down of Trees for Garaz signifies to cut down Upon this Mountain is to be seen even to this day the place where the Temple stood that was built by Sanballath dedicated to Iupiter Olympius in contempt of the Temple of Ierusalem The Chief Priest of this Temple was one Manasses a Fugitive of the stock of Levi. This Manasses was Brother to Iaddus Chief Priest of Ierusalem of whom you may read Nehem. 13. But some 200 years after the first Foundation Iohn Hircanus High-Priest of Ierusalem utterly destroyed it to the Ground The Travels of our Saviour Christ in the second year of his Ministry which was the two and thirtieth year of his age IN the Month of Ianuary Christ went from Cana in Galilee to Nazareth which was eight miles Here upon the Sabbath-day he went into the Synagogue and began to teach insomuch as the Inhabitants were astonished at his Doctrine but the Citizens being ingrateful he went to Capernaum a City which I have chosen to dwell in before all others Luke 4. Mat. 4. being twelve miles or thereabouts In the Month of February he compassed about all Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God healing the Sick and those that were diseased amongst the People Mat. 4. In this Visitation our Saviour went to Caesarea Philippi which was distant from Capernaum forty eight miles toward the North. Here Matthew was called as he was at the receipt of Custome