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
to the days of Herod That being by enduring such misery now accustomed to the Yoke they had willingly subjected themselves to his Son Archelaus after that Herod his Father was dead Herod's Tyranny and cruelty notwithstanding he was the Son of such a Tyrant and had publickly mourned for the death of Herod L and offered Sacrifice for the prosperity of his Successor But he to shew himself Herod 's true Son began his Reign with the slaughter of three thousand Citizens and because he had so well deserved the Kingdom he offered so many men to God for Sacrifice and on a Festival Day The Jews beseech the Romans to have compassion on the remainder of the Jews filled the Temple with so many dead bodies Wherefore 't is not strange that they who escaped that Massacre consider their own calamity and as in Battel turn their faces against those who wounded them and beseech the Romans that they would think the remnant of the Jews worthy of compassion and not abandon and expose the residue of their Nation as a Prey to them by whom they are like to be most cruelly butchered but that it may please them to adjoyn their Countrey to Syria and to let them be ruled by the Romans that so they may find that the Jews though now counted seditious and rebellious M are under peaceable and quiet Governours a peaceable Nation With this Petition the Jews ended their Accusation Nicolaus defends Archelaus before Caesar and the rest After this Nicolaus stood up against them and first of all acquitted the King 's of the Crimes laid to their charge and then reproved his Countrey-men as people not to be easily Governed and of their own nature averse except forced to obey their King And by the way he also blamed the Kindred of Archelaus who joyned with his Accusers Caesar having heard what both parts could say dismissed the Assembly Caesar maketh Archelaus Ethnarch of Jewry And within few days after he gave Archelaus half the Kingdom with the Title of Ethnarch promising moreover to make him King if he behaved himself well the other half he divided into two Tetrarchies and gave the same to the rest of Herod's Sons The distribution of the Kingdom to Herod's Children one to Philip the other to Antipas who contended with Archelaus N for the Crown Antipas his Part lay from Galilee beyond the River Jordan the Revenues whereof amounted to two hundred Talents a year Philip had Batanaea and Trachonitis and Auranitis and part of what belonged to Zenodorus near Jamnia the Revenues whereof amounted to one hundred Talents a year Archelaus had in his Ethnarchy Idumaea and all Judaea and Samaria which was freed from the fourth part of the Tribute Those Cities that were under Archelaus's subjection because they had not rebelled with the rest These Cities also were given him Straton's Tower Sebaste Joppa and Jerusalem But Gaza and Gadara and Hippon Caesar took from the Kingdom and joyned them to Syria Archelaus's yearly Revenues amounted to four hundred Talents a year Caesar also besides that which Herod had left Salome Salome Princess of Jamnia Azotus and Phasaelis as Jamnia Azotus and Phasaelis gave her the Palace O at Ascalon all which amounted to threescore Talents a year But Caesar obliged her to live in the Countrey subject to Archelaus And having confirmed the rest A of Herod's Kindred the Legacies which in his Testament he had left them he gave his two Daughters that were Virgins over and above a hundred and fifty thousand Drachmes of Silver and married them to Pheroras's two Sons Lastly he divided that which Herod had bequeathed unto himself amounting unto a thousand Talents amongst his Sons leaving himself only some Jewels of small value which he reserved in honour and remembrance of the dead CHAP. V. B Of the Impostor Alexander Herod's pretended Son and how he was taken AT the same time Ant. lib. 17. cap. 18. a certain young man a Jew born brought up by a Freed-man of Rome in the Town of Sidon A certain young man feigning himself to be that Alexander whom Herod slew deceiveth many being very like Alexander whom Herod had put to death went to Rome having one of his Countrey-men for his companion who knew very well the Estate of the Kingdom and by whose instructions he affirmed that they who should have put him and Aristobulus to death being moved to compassion let them go and put two others in their room like them With this tale he deceived many Jews living in Creet where he was honourably received From thence he sailed to Melos where he was entertained with greater pomp and enriching C himself he used such means that he got his Hosts which gave him entertainment to accompany him to Rome At his landing at Puteoli he received great Presents from the Jews who dwelt there especially those that were well affected to his Father honoured him as a King For he was so like Alexander that they that had seen Alexander and knew him well would have sworn he had been the same Wherefore when he arrived at Rome all the Jews desired to see him and an infinite multitude followed him whithersoever he went in the streets and they so doted upon him that they carried him in a Horse-litter and at their own proper cost and charges prepared for him a Royal Train But Augustus well remembred Alexander's visage for Herod had accused him before D him and although Caesar desireth to see the young man before he saw him he judged that he was some Impostor yet he made as though he believed all and sent one Celadus who knew Alexander well to bring this young man to him Celadus no sooner beheld him but forthwith he perceived the difference betwixt them and especially when he took notice of his hard flesh and servile shape he presently understood the whole matter But he could not but be greatly surprized at his bold speeches for when they demanded of him what was become of Aristobulus he answered that he was alive but on purpose tarried behind and lived in Cyprus because being asunder they could not both so easily be entrapped Celadus taking him apart from the rest of the Company told him that Caesar would save his life if he would truly confess by whose counsel he E feigned himself to be Alexander He accepting this proffer followed him to Caesar and declared to him the Jew who for lucre sake had made use of his likeness to Alexander confessing that he had received as great Gifts of the Cities by which he passed Caesar maketh the counterfeit Alexander a Galley-slave and executeth his Counsellor as they would have given Alexander if he had been alive Caesar laught at the Cheat and condemned this false Alexander to the Galleys but put the other Jew to death who had induced him to this Imposture And as for the Jews at Milo he thought
also the description of Jerusalem of the Towers Hippicos Phazael and Mariamne of the Castle Antonia of the Temple of the High Priest and of sundry other remarkable things the Siege of that great City form'd by Titus the incredible Works and prodigious Exploits of Valor done on both sides the grievous famine wherewith the City was afflicted and the strange Cruelties of the Factious The sixth Book represents the horrid miseries whereinto Jerusalem was reduc'd the continuation of the Siege with the same ardor as before and how after many Fights Titus having forc'd the first and second wall of the City took and ruin'd the Castle of Antonia and assaulted the Temple which was burnt notwithstanding all this Prince could do to prevent it and how at last he became Master of all the rest In the seventh and last of these Books 't is shew'd how Titus caus'd Jerusalem to be destroy'd saving only the Towers Hippicos Phazael and Mariamne In what manner he commended and rewarded his Army what Spectacles he gave to the Nations of Syria what horrible Persecutions were exercis'd upon the Jews in several Cities with what incredible joy the Emperor Vespasian and Titus who was declar'd Caesar were receiv'd into Rome what a magnificent Triumph they made how the Castles of Herodion Macheron and Massada the only places remaining to the Jews in Judea were taken and how those that defended this last all kill'd themselves with their Wives and Children This 〈◊〉 in general what this History of the Jewish War against the Romans contains And there are 〈◊〉 ornaments wherewith this great person has not enrich'd it He has omitted no occasion of embellishing it by elegant descriptions of Provinces Lakes Rivers Fountains Mountains several Rarities and Buildings whose magnificence would seem fabulous if what he relates thereof could be call'd in doubt when we see no person found that has dar'd to contradict him though the excellence of his History rais'd no small envy against him It may be said with truth that whether he speaks of the Romans Military Discipline or whether he represents Battels Tempests Shipwracks a Famine or a Triumph every thing is so lively set forth that he charms the attention of his Readers And I fear not to add that no other not excepting even Tacitus himself has excell'd more in Orations they are so noble strong and persuasive alwayes restrain'd within their own subject and proportion'd both to the persons to speak and to those that are spoken unto Moreover can the judgment and faithfulness of this Historian be too much commended for the moderation which he uses between the praises deserv'd by the Romans for finishing so great a War and those due to the Jews for having withstood the same although vanquish'd at last with invincible courage so that neither his gratitude for the obligations he had to Vespasian and Titus nor his love for his Countrey biass'd him contrary to justice more on the one side than the other But that which I account most estimable in him is that he never fails upon any occasion to praise Virtue to reprehend Vice and to make excellent reflections upon the admirable Providence of God and upon the fear which we ought to have of his dreadful judgments It may be boldly affirm'd That never was seen a greater example thereof than the ruine of that ungrateful Nation of that proud City and of that venerable Temple since although the Romans were Masters of the World and that this Siege was the work of one of the greatest Princes they glory to have had for Emperors the power of this victorious people and the heroical valor of Titus would have in vain undertaken this design if God had not chosen them to be the executioners of his Justice The blood of his Son shed the most horrid of all crimes was the onely true cause of the ruine of that unhappy City The heavy hand of God upon that wretched people caus'd that how terrible soever the War was that assaulted them without it was yet much more dreadful within by the cruelty of those unnatural Jews who more like Devils than Men destroy'd by the Sword and the Famine of which they were the Authors 1100000 persons and reduc'd the remainder to that pass that they could hope for no safety but from their Enemies by casting themselves into the arms of the Romans Such prodigious effects of vengeance for the death of a God might pass for incredible with those who have not the happiness to be enlightned with the light of the Gospel if they were not related by a Man of that very same Nation as considerable as Josephus was for his Birth for his quality of Priest and for his Virtue And methinks 't is visible that God minding to make use of his testimony to authorize such important truths preserv'd him by a miracle when after the taking of Josaphat of forty which were retir'd with him into a Cave the lot being cast so often to know who should be slain first he only and one other remain'd alive This shews that this Historian is to be consider'd with a different respect from all others since whereas they relate only humane Events although dependent on the orders of the Supreme Providence it appears that God cast his eye upon him to make him subservient to the greatest of his designs For we must not only consider the destruction of the Jews as the most dreadful effect that ever was of Gods justice and as the most dismal image of the vengeance which he will exercise at the last day against the Reprobate we must also behold it as one of the most illustrious proofs which it hath pleas'd him to give Men of the Divinity of his Son inasmuch as this prodigious Event had been foretold by our Saviour in precise and intelligible terms He had said to his Disciples shewing them the Temple of Jerusalem That all those goodly buildings should be so destroy'd that there should not be left one stone upon another S. Matth. 24. ver 2. S. Mark 13. ver 2. S. Luke 19. v. 44. And also That when they should see Jerusalem encompass'd with Armies they should know that its desolation was at hand S. Luke 21. ver 20. He had mention'd particularly the dreadful circumstances of this desolation He had said to them Woe to those that shall be with child or give suck in those dayes for there shall be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people And they shall fall by the edge of the sword and shall be led away captive into all Nations and Jerusalem shall be troden down by the Gentiles S. Luke 21. ver 23 24. And lastly he had declar'd that the accomplishment of these Prophesies was ready to come to pass That the time was drawing nigh that their house should be left unto them desolate and that even such as were then living should see it Verily I say unto you All these things shall come upon this generation
the wrist I was carried to the Borough of Cepharnom My Soldiers hearing hereof and fearing least some worse Misfortune had befaln me than indeed there had restrained themseves from pursuing the Enemy any further Having therefore sent for Physitians and caused my self to be dressed I stayed there for that day and being seiz'd with a Fever I was carried by Night to Tarichea according to the advice of my Physitians Silas and his Soldiers having News of my accident recovered their courages and understanding that we kept but slender watch in our Camp they laid an Ambush by Night on this side Jordan Joseph's misfortune animateth the Enemy with their Horsemen and as soon as the day appear'd he invited D out our Soldiers to fight who willingly condescended thereunto and being come into the Plain they perceiv'd the Men that lay in Ambush by whom they were put to flight and six of our Men were slain But they pursued their Victory no further For having News that certain Troops were coming from Tarichea to Julias they were afraid and returned back Not long after Vespasian arrived at Tyre accompanied with King Agrippa Against whom the Tyrians began to utter many reproaches telling Vespasian that the King was an Enemy both to the Tyrians and the Romans Vespasian and Agrippa arrive at Tyre and that Philip his General had betray'd the King's Palace and the Roman Army in Jerusalem and that by the King's Commission Which when Vespasian understood he reprov'd this impudent boldness of the Tyrians E for blaming a King of that power and a Friend to the Romans and advised the King to send Philip to Rome to give account of his actions But notwithstanding that Philip was sent thither yet he presented not himself before Nero for finding him extremely busied with Troubles and Civil Wars he return'd to the King without doing any thing When Vespasian was arriv'd at Ptolemais The governors of Dceapolis accuse Justus the Inhabitants of Decapolis accused Justus the Tiberian for burning their Boroughs Vespasian therefore deliver'd him bound to the King Of Vespasian's arrival and the siege of Jotapata read Josephus l. 4. c. 5. of the Wars of the Jews as being his Subject that he might be punished And the King before that time unwitting to Vespasian kept him Prisoner as it hath been heretofore declared The Sephorites also resorted to Vespasian to salute him and receiv'd a Garison from him with their Commander Placidus against whom I made War until such time as Vespasian arriv'd in F Galilee of which arrival I have amply spoken in my Books of the Wars of the Jews how he came how he fought against me the first time near the City of Tarichea how I departed from thence to Jotapata how I fell into the hands of the Romans how I was afterwards set at liberty and in a word all my actions and fortunes during the Wars of the Jews and the siege of the City of Jerusalem But now it seemeth necessary that I describe other things exploited by me during my life-time in other places than in the Wars of the Jews After the siege of Jotapata was ended I was Prisoner with the Romans and kept very carefully notwithstanding Vespasian did me much honour For by his commandment I married a Virgin that was one of those that had been taken captive in Caesarea But she remain'd not long with me for after I was set at liberty and G that I follow'd Vespasian to Alexandria she left me After which I married another Wife in Alexandria from whence I was sent to Titus to the siege of Jerusalem where I was oftentimes in danger of death For the Jews labour'd what they could to destroy me and the Romans supposing that as often as the lot of Arms was not favourable to H them The dangers that Joseph past betwixt the Romans and Jews it was by my Treason cryed out continually to the Emperor to execute me for a Traytor But Titus well-experienc'd in the Chances of War pacified the violence which his Soldiers intended against me by his silence And after the City of Jerusalem was taken Titus often sollicited me to take what I lik'd among the Ruines of Jerusalem promising to give it me But I making small account of any thing after the Ruine of my Countrey pray'd him onely to give me the liberty of some persons and the Sacred Bible which I receiv'd for a great consolation in my miseries All which he graciously granted me Not long after having beg'd my Brother and fifty other of my Friends they were given me Joseph dischargeth a number of Captives and I was refused in nothing Entring into the Temple by Titus's permission I found a great number of Prisoners shut up therein and all those Women I and Children of my Friends and Familiars whom I knew I deliver'd to the number of 190 without paying any Ransom and I restor'd them to their former free condition Being sent with Cerealis and a thousand Horse into the City of Tecoa by the Emperor Titus to see if the place were fit for a Camp in returning from thence I saw divers Prisoners Crucifi'd Joseph delivereth three from the Gâ—bbet amongst which were three of my Familiars whereat I was griev'd in my Soul and I came and signifi'd the same to Titus with tears who incontinently commanded that they should be taken down and as carefully drest and cured as might be two of which dyed notwithstanding the utmost diligence of the Physitians and the third surviv'd After Titus had appeas'd the Troubles of Judea Joseph repaireth with Titus to Rome and is honorably entertained by Vespasian conceiving with himself that the K possessions which I had about Jerusalem would yield me but little profit by reason of the Roman Garison that should be placed there he gave me Lands a greater distance and intending to embark himself for Rome he took me with him in his own ship and did me great honour As soon as we came to Rome Vespasian had great care of me for he lodg'd me in his own house where he liv'd before he was Emperor and honour'd me with the title of a Citizen of Rome and gave me an annual Pension and as long as he lived continued his good affection towards me omitting no kind of bounty which he might use towards me Whereupon I was so much envied that I came in danger thereby to lose my life For a certain Jew called Jonathan having stirred up a sedition in Cyrene Joseph envied and slandered and gathered about him some two thousand Inhabitants of the Countrey who L were all severely punisht and himself being sent bound by the Governor of that Countrey to the Emperor he accus'd me that I had sent him Arms and Money But Vespasian knew his falshood and caused his head to be cut off After this my Enemies objected divers Crimes against me in regard that I was in good Reputation
alledged that Moses having given this maim unto the People by the loss of so many Noble Men who as they said perished onely for the zeal they bear to God's Service not onely had done them open wrong but which was more had assured the Priesthood to his Brother after such a manner that henceforward no Man durst pretend to the same seeing how miserably those others were punisht by a violent death Moreover the Kinsmen of those that were slain sollicited and stirred the People praying them to restrain the Pride and overgreat power of Moses in that it lay in their power easily to perform the same But Moses perceiving that the People were incensed and fearing lest once more they should fall upon some Innovation whereby some O great mischief might succeed he assembled them together and gave audience to their accusations and without replying any wayes for fear he might the more A incense them he onely commanded the heads of the Tribes to bring every one a rod whereon the name of each Tribe should be written promising that the Priesthood should remain with them in whose rod God should shew any sign Which proposal being allowed by all both they and Aaron brought their rods with their inscriptions and Aaron had written on his the name of the Tribe of Levi. Aaron's Rod fructifieâ—h These Moses laid in the Tabernacle and the next morning brought them forth every one which were easily known by the People to be the same which the Princes of the Tribes had brought by the marks which they had made upon them and they saw that all theirs remained in the same form which the day before they retained when Moses took them but out of Aaron's rod there grew Branches and Buds and which is more to be wondred B at it bare ripe Almonds because it was of the Wood of the Almond-Tree The People amazed at the strangeness of this spectacle changed their hatred against Moses and Aaron into admiration of the judgment which God gave in their favour and forbare any more to repugn against God or to oppose themselves against Aaron's Priesthood v. 8. Thus three times confirmed by the approbation of God Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3 4 by all Mens consent he remain'd High-Priest and the People of the Hebrews turmoyled with long seditions Numb 18. at last by this means became setled peace in and quietness v. 8. ad 20. But after Moses had made the Tribe of Levi which was dedicated to God's service free and exempt from warfare Lev 14. 18 23. for fear lest they should employ themselves in providing necesâ—aries for their maintenance The revenues of the Priests and so grow negligent in the service of God he ordained that C after the Land of Canaan should be conquered Forty eight of the best Cities with their Lands within two Miles compass should be given to the Levites Moreover he commanded that the tenths of all the yearly fruit that was gathered by the whole People should be given to the Levites and Priests which hath been ever since inviolably observed Now must I declare what things are proper to the Priests Of the forty eight Cities which were granted to the Levites he commanded them to give thirteen to the Priests and the tenth part of the Tythes Besides he ordained that the People should offer to God the first-fruits of whatsoever the earth yieldeth and that the first-born of four-footed Beasts allow'd for sacrifice if a male should de delivered to the Priests to sacrifice to the end they might be nourished with all their Family in D the sacred City of Jerusalem and that for those which the Law forbids to eat there should be paid by the owners in lieu of a firstling a Sicle and an half and for the first-born of a Man five Sicles He allotted them likewise the first-fruits of Sheep-shearing and those that bak'd Bread of new Corn were to give them Cakes But when they who are called Nazarites because they let their Hair grow and taste no Wine have accomplisht their vow Numb 6. 1 ad 13. and come to present themselves in the Temple to cause their Hair to be cut Of the Nazarites the Beasts which they offer in sacrifice belong to the Priests And as for those that have consecrated themselves to the service of God when they desire to be dismissed from that ministery whereunto by voluntary vow they bound themselves they must pay money to the Priests a Woman thirty Sicles a Man E fifty and those that have not so much money refer themselves to the discretion of the Priests And when any Man kills a Beast to eat in private and not to offer to God he ought to give the Priests the fat Gut the Breast and the right Shoulder This is the allowance which Moses assign'd to the Priests besides what the People offer for sins as we declared in the precedent Book and whatsoever is contributed by the People to the order of the Priests Numb 20. 14 ad 21. he commanded that both their Wives Children and Servants should be made partakers of the same Moses Embassage to the Idumaans except those things which are offered for sins of which onely the Men which are imploy'd in divine service may eat and that in the Tabernacle and the very same day that such sacrifices are offered After all these constitutions were made by Moses and the mutiny appeased he removed the F Camp to the borders of Idumaea where he sent Ambassadors to the King thereof desiring him to grant them free passage on condition to give him what assurance he would demand that no violence or injury should be offered to his Countrey and that he would pay for whatsoever victual or water either he or his Army should receive But the King setting light by the Ambassage denied them passage and with a well furnished Army marched forth against Moses to withstand him if contrary to his will he should attempt to pass thorow his Countrey C. 20. v. 1 Moses asked counsel of God who forbad him to begin the War first Mariam Moses sister dieth and commanded him to retire back again into the Desart Numb 19. per totum At that time died his Sister Mary the fortieth year after their departure out of Egypt The manner of Purification and the first Moon of the month Xantique she was Magnificently enterred G at the common charge on a certain Mountain called Sein And after the People had mourned for her thirty days Moses purified them after this manner The High-Priest kill'd near the Camp in a very clean place a young red Heifer without blemish which had never yet born the yoke and dipping his finger in the blood thereof he H seven times besprinkled the Tabernacle The year of the World 2493 before Christ's Nativity 1473. and then put into the fire the whole Heifer with the Skin and
more v. 21. he stole away from the presence of those men over whom he was to command Sauls modesty and temperance in undertaking the Government and obliged them to seek after him and labour to find him out Whilest therefore they carefully sought and knew not what was become of Saul the Prophet prayed God that he would shew them where he was and bring him into their presence which having obtained he sent out certain messengers to conduct him thither v. 22. and as soon as he came amongst them Saul hideth himself from the presence of the people Samuel placed him in the midst of the people Now he was taller than any of the company by the shoulders F and had a Kingly and goodly shape and appearance Then spake the Prophet after this manner v. 23. God hath given you this man to be your King behold how he surpasseth you all and shews himself worthy to be your Prince Saul of a high stature But assoon as the people had cried God save the King v. 24. the Prophet who had reduced into writing all those mischiefs that should befall them Saul saluted by the people for their King read the same to them in the hearing of the King and put the book into the Tabernacle of God for a perpetual testimony to posterity of those things which in future ages should succeed v. 26 27. according as he had prophesied which done Samuel dismissed the people and returned to the City of Ramath Divers attend on Saul othersome contemn him which was his Countrey But Saul departing to Gabatha divers worthy men gave their attendance on him and paid him the honour that appertained to a King But divers seditious and loose companions who set him at naught G both mocked them Hedio Ruffinus chap. 5. and those things which he did neither brought they any presents unto Saul 1 Sam. 11. â— ad 4. nor seemed either in affection or in word to respect their King A month after this installment there fell a War betwixt him and Nahas King of the Ammonites which brought him great reputation This Nahas had offered divers outrages to those H Jews that dwell on the other side of Jordan For he had passed the River with a great Army levied against them and had taken divers of their Cities And to the intent they might not revolt to deliver themselves from his subjection he used this subtilty and prevention To all that surrendred themselves to his mercy or that were taken Captives in the wars he plucked out their right eyes and this he did to the end that when they would defend themselves they might have their left eyes covered with their Bucklers and by that means unable to use their Armor Sauls War against the Ammonites The King of the Ammonites having after this manner dealt with those on the other side of Jordan he led his Army against the Galaadites and encamped near their chief City called Jabehs 1 Sam. 11. 3 4 5 6. to which he sent Heralds to summon the inhabitants to surrender on these conditions either to suffer their right eyes I to be pulled out or else by enduring the siege to see the final overthrow both of themselves and of their City requiring them to chuse which they lik'd either to lose a little part of their body Nahas King of the Ammonites offereth unjust conditions of peace to the Galaadites or hazard both their Fortunes and lives together The Galaadites terrified with this dreadful election knew not what to resolve upon but asked truce for seven dayes to the end that sending their messengers to those of their Nation they might crave their aid which if they could obtain they would War otherwise they promised to submit themselves unto the enemy on what conditions were best pleasing unto him The Ambassadours of the Galaadites to the Israelites Nahas made no difficulty to grant them what they demanded so much he contemned the Israelites and he permitted them likewise to crave assistance at all their hands who were their associates Whereupon they presently sent messengers K from City to City and certified the Israelites of all that Nahas had done unto them and the extremity whereunto they were reduced The Israelites understanding in what estate they of Jabesh were greatly lamented their condition but their fear suffered them to assist their friends in no other manner than by commiseration Yet as soon as their messengers arrived in the City where Saul was and that they had recounted to him the dangers wherewith the Jabesites were oppressed the people were also moved with unprofitable compassion But Saul at his returning from the field into the City perceiving the inhabitants drowned in tears and enquiring for what cause they were so dejected he no sooner understood it but he was stirred up by the Spirit of God and sent the Ambassadors back again to those that sent them promising that within three L days he would succour them v. 7 8 9. and that he would have the upper hand of the enemy before Sun-rise Saul promiseth assistance to the Jabesites to the end that the rising Sun might behold them victorious and delivered from all fear In the mean time he commanded some of them to stay with him to the intent they might guide him in the way CHAP. VI. The Combat and Victory of Saul over the Ammonites SAul desirous Sauls serious exhortations and command for War by the fear of punishment to incite the people to take arms immediatly and make War upon the Ammonites cut the hams of his own oxen and threatned M all those whom he met with to do the like to theirs except the next day they presented themselves with their Arms upon the bank of Jordan to follow the King and the Prophet Samuel whither they would conduct them The fear of this penalty published among the Tribes made them gather to a body about the same time so that all the parties of the people were mustred in the City of Bala In this survey besides those of the Tribe of Juda were numbred seven hundred thousand men and of the Tribe of Juda in particular 1 Sam. 11 v. 11 12. there were seventy thousand Saul having passed Jordan and marched all night came before Sun-rise to the place where he intended to conduct them Ten Shâ—oeni or Cables length of Nilus so called by the cords that draw the Ships by Nilus make 37 Italian miles and dividing his Army into three parts he attaqued the enemy on every side who suspected no such encounter and fighting valiantly against them he N slew divers and amongst the rest Nahas King of the Ammonites This victory made Sauls name famous amongst the Hebrews so that he was wonderfully praised and honoured for his valour and if before any contemned him now they changed their opinions and honoured him and accounted him the
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
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
instantly to preserve it to the utmost asking him Herod sore troubled in pacifying the strangers If the Romans would leave him King of a Desart after they had voided the City of men and goods alledging furthermore That he esteemed the government of the whole World of no value The spoil of the City hindred in regard of the life of one of his Citizens Sosius answer'd That it was reason that the pillage should be given to the Soldiers who had born the hazard of the siege whereunto Herod answer'd That he would satisfie every man out of his own Treasury and by this means he ransom'd the rest of the City by fulfilling those promises for he gave many mighty gifts unto every one of the Soldiers and by proportion unto the Captains but above K all he royally rewarded Sosius so that every one of them departed very well satisfied These calamities hapned in the City of Jerusalem in the year wherein Marcus Agrippa and Canidius Gallus were Consuls When Jerusalem was taken which was in the 185 Olympiade in the third month on the dayes wherein the solemn Fast was celebrated as if this affliction had jumpt together in one instant with that of Pompeys which had hapned that very day 27 years Sosius offered a Crown of gold unto God and afterwards departed from Jerusalem leading Antigonus Prisoner with him unto Antonius But Herod fearing lest if Antigonus should be kept by Antonius and sent to Rome he should debate his Title with him before the Senate by protest Herod bribeth Antonius with mony to make away Antigonus that he was descended of the Royal Line whereas Herod was but a Plebeian and common person and that although he had offended the Romans and L thereby might not deserve to be King yet at least his Children who were of the Princely Line The end of the Asmonean family and the extinction of their Priesthood were not to be denied their Title Herod I say fearing these things prevailed so much by force of his money with Antonius that he caused him to put Antigonus to death so that at that time Herod was truly deliver'd from all his fear Thus ended the estate of the Asmoneans after 126 years This family was famous both for their Nobility and also by reason of their Sacerdotal dignity and for the noble actions and exploits which their Ancestors had atchieved for our Nation but they lost their authority through their mutual factions which sovereignty was derived to Herod Antipater's son who was ignoble by birth and of mean friends who were subjects and vassals to Kings See here what we have received from our Ancestors as touching the end of M the race of the Asmoneans N O The Fifteenth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 3930. before Christ's Nativity 34. A Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Fifteenth Book 1. Jerusalem being overcome by Sosius and Herod Antigonus is beheaded by Antony's commandment Herod maketh away the chief friends of Antigonus 2. How Hircanus being dismissed by the Parthians returneth to Herod 3. Herod after he had made Aristobulus his wife Mariamnes brother High-Priest B practiseth and worketh his death 4. Cleopatra thirsting after the Kingdoms of Jewry and Arabia laboureth to beg a part of them at Antony's hands 5. The arrival of Queen Cleopatra in Judea 6. Herod maketh War against Aretas at such time as Antony was overthrown by Caesar in the Actiac War 7. Of the earthquake in Jewry 8. Herod's Oration to his Army 9. Herod intending to repair unto Caesar doth of necessity kill Hircanus C 10. How Herod obtained the continuance of his Kingdom of Judea at Caesar's hands 11. Herod maketh away Mariamne through false calumniations of her Enemies 12. Of the famine that afflicted the land of Jewry 13. The building of Caesarea 14. Herod buildeth a new Temple in Jerusalem CHAP. I. Antony causeth Antigonus King of the Jews to be beheaded D IN the former Book I have declared how Sosius and Herod took the City of Jerusalem by force Herod preferreth his Favorites and killeth his enemies and with it Antigonus Prisoner Now we will also declare that which hath subsequently followed for after that Herod had obtained the absolute government over the whole land of Judea he advanced all those among the common people The Pharisees honoured by him who favoured his proceedings as for those who were opposed against him there passed not a day wherein some one or other of them suffered not punishment Pollio fore-prophesied Herods Tyranny But amongst the rest Pollio the Pharisee and Sameas his Disciple were highly honoured by him For during the time of the siege of Jerusalem they counselled the Inhabitants to receive and entertain Herod for which cause he respected them accordingly E Some are of opinion that Sameas made this Prediction This Pollio heretofore when Herod was found guilty of death foretold to Hircanus and the rest of the Judges That being absolved by them he should one day inflict punishment on them all Which Prediction God in process of time approv'd by the event no sooner therefore became he Master of Jerusalem The slaughter of them that were of Antigonus's faction but he gather'd together all the rich Houshold goods that was in the Palace and furthermore having robb'd the rich men of their goods and by this means raised a great sum of gold and silver he sent great Presents to Antony and his friends Moreover he condemn'd 45 of Antigonus's principal and noblest Favourites to death setting a Watch about their doors that none of them might be carried out under colour of being dead The dead bodies likewise were trodden under foot and all the gold F silver or jewels that was to be found amongst them was carried to the King and converted to his use so that there was no end of these miseries For the covetousness of the Conqueror whose greedy and thirsty desire could hardly be quenched laid hold on whatsoever was theirs And because it was the seventh year it necessarily came to pass that the Land was left uncultivated for we are forbidden to sowe in this year Antony having taken Antigonus Prisoner Antigonus beheaded resolv'd to keep him in Prison until the time of his triumph Strabo of Anâ—igonus But after that he had heard the Jews were ready to rebel and continu'd their good affection towards Antigonus in regard of the hatred they conceiv'd against Herod he concluded with himself to take his head from him at Antioch for the Jews could scarcely contain themselves Strabo of Cappadocia testifieth no less in these words G Antony having brought Antigonus the Jew to Antioch caused his head to be cut off and was the first among the Romans that hath caused a King to be beheaded in this manner supposing H that the Jews might never otherwise be induced to change
his magnificence and gained great praise and commendations for a worthy King For he in all things so provided that the last was more pleasing and greateful than the first and caused him to be more admired And it is reported that Caesar himself and Agrippa often did say Caesar and Agrippa commend Herod's magnanimity that Herod's magnanimity was greater than his present revenues could bear and that he well deserved an Empire as big as all Syria and Egypt These sports being ended he builded another Town in a Field called Capharsaba Antipatris is built chusing for it a watery soil fit for plants the City was compassed with a River and he also planted round about it a Wood full of fine Trees This Town he called N Antipatris after his father's name Antipater After which he also builded a Castle about Jericho Cypron is built called after his mother's name Cypron which was very strongly fortified and adorned within with rare and sumptuous edifices And not forgetting his brother he dedicated unto him most stately buildings for first he built a Tower as big as Pharo in the City The Tower Town of Phasaelus is built in remembrance of his dead brother and called it by his name Phasaelus which also was the strongest Fort in all the City After this he builded a Town near unto the Valley of Jericho towards the North whereby the fields that before almost lay desart were now tilled and inhabited by the townsmen so that of them it was named Phasaelus-field It were hard to relate all his liberality in particular shewed both unto the Cities of Syria and Greeâ—a and all other places wheresoever O he came For he helped many either by building publick places or if there were any new works begun and not finished for want of money by giving them money A to finish them the chiefest among all which were that he builded at his own cost and charge the Temple of Apollo at Rhodes and gave them many talents of silver to build their ships He also builded the greatest part of the publick houses and places in the City of Actium which Caesar built for the Nicopolitans there inhabiting and that with his own proper cost and charges Herod built the Temple of Pythias He also for the Antiochians inhabiting the greatest City of Syria builded Arches on each side of the greater street that goeth quite thorow the midst of the City and doth as it were part it in two and the street it self that lay open he paved with polished stone which work was as great a conveniency to the inhabitants as a beauty unto their City He also helped to maintain the sports at Olympus with yearly revenues The sports of Olympus that for want of maintenance began to decay B So that by his means there were more solemn sacrifices and all things more sumptuous to please them that came to behold them For which liberality he was declared perpetual Master and Maintainer of those sports Why Herod was liberal to strangers and cruel to his own nation It is admirable to see in one man such diversity of minds For on the one side if we consider his liberality towards all men we must needs say he was of a most free and bountiful nature contrariwise if we consider the injuries and cruelty he shewed against his subjects and dearest friends we must confess him to have been a hard man and intractable and who passed all bounds of modesty so that we would think him to have been of two contrary dispositions But I am otherwise perswaded and think that both these did proceed from one matter For because he thirsted after glory and honour and wholly applied himself C thereunto he became liberal wheresoever he was in hope either to reap present thanks for his labour or a future remembrance Wherefore spending above his revenues for this matter he was forced to be chargeable to his subjects for it was necessary that he that so lavishly bestowed such huge summs of money upon others should some where get it though with evil means Lastly seeing himself for such like injuries hated of his subjects he thought it a hard matter to gett their good wills which he could do no ways else but by remitting the tribute they paid him Wherefore he abused the hatred of his people for his own commodity For if any one of them did not tolerate that slavery wherein they lived or did endeavour to shake off the yoke of his dominion against such he used a prodigious cruelty and injured them no less D than if they had been his enemies without regarding friendship or kindred for that he desired alone to be honoured of all men Herod greedy of honour And how greedy of honour he was we may guess by the honours he did unto Caesar Agrippa and others of their friends For he desired to be an example to his subjects that as he himself honoured men better than himself so they should all honour him likewise thereby declaring what thing he did naturally most desire But the Jews Religion doth not permit them license to honour Potentates who of necessity ought to have greater care and respect of right and equity than of such officiousness towards superiours for it was disprofit enough unto the Jews that they could not with Statues and Temples obtain the King's favour and with like flatteries satisfie the fond appetites of a vain-glorious man And this E seemeth to me to be the reason that Herod was unjust and hard towards his friends and to those whom he made partakers of his counsels and enterprizes and free and bountiful towards strangers CHAP. X. Testimonies of the Roman Emperours Affection towards the Jews THe Asian and Cyrenian Jews were greatly afflicted by the Citizens of those Countreys F Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. who having had the same privileges granted unto them by the ancient Kings that the Citizens had The Jews of Asia and Cyrene being afflicted by the inhabitants there send an Embassage to Caesar and do obtain of him immunity were now greatly injured by the Grecians as though they carried money out of the Countrey and were prejudicial unto the rest of the inhabitants And the Grecians making no end of their injuries they were constrained by Embassadours to complain of them unto Caesar who wrote unto every Province that it was his pleasure that the Jews should enjoy like privileges with the other inhabitants of the countrey The copy of which writing we have here set down that it may the better appear how the Roman Emperours of ancient times were affected unto our Nation Caesar Augustus Pont. Max. Trib. potestatis thus decreeth For as much as the Nation G of the Jews hath always been trusty unto the Romans not only at this day but also in all former Ages and especially in the time of our father Caesar the Emperour under Hircanus their High Priest I
estate of those that were alive was far more desperate whom he not only frighted with perpetual terrour and severity but also with injurious hands had not abstained from their M Goods By which means it came to pass that he not only builded but beautified Foreign Cities inhabited by Foreign Nations to the end he might the rather utterly spoil those by exaction which were situated and seated in his own Countrey And that he enforced his Nation to extream Poverty which he received in most happy Estate whilst he spoiled those Nobles of their Estates who upon weak probabilities were condemned to die or granting them Life deprived them of their Possessions And whereas yearly Tributes were imposed on every one yet severally were the ravenous and covetous desires of his Friends and Courtiers to be satisfied yea and of his servants also who had the Authority to exact these things and by this means they might redeem their injurious wickedness As for the deflouring of Virgins and the shameful betraying N of a Matron's chastity they covered them under silence for that it is a great comfort to those that suffer such abuses if their disgraces be but known to a few In short that Herod had no other ways governed than as if the Government had been committed to a most wild Beast For which cause whereas in times past that Nation had been afflicted with many Calamities and Murthers yet that there is no example extant amongst their Monuments of Antiquity that may be compared with their present Calamity under Herod For which cause upon just respects they had with one consent named Archelaus their King supposing that whatsoever King might befall them he would always demean himself more affably than Herod had done and that to honour Archelaus they had mourned with him for his Father to gratifie him in O other things to the intent they might obtain his good affection But he without delay and all at once had made manifest to the whole Nation what opinion they were A to conceive of him notwithstanding that as yet he was not confirmed King for that it lay in Caesar's hands to grant it and as if he had been afraid lest he should assuredly be acknowledged for his Father's Son he had shewed an example of his Vertue Moderation and good Government that he would use towards his Subjects by the first Act which he had committed not only against God but also against men For in the Temple it self he hath caused three thousand of his Countrey-men to be killed in stead of Sacrifices And how can he chuse but be justly hated who besides his other cruelties objecteth against us the Crime of Rebellion and Mutiny The effect of their request therefore was this that they might not any more be governed by a King nor any such like Government but that they might be united unto Syria and submit B themselves under their Governours that should be sent thither That in so doing it should truly appear whether they were sedicious and addicted to changes or whether they would live in peace Nicholaus excuseth Herod and Archelaus when they had favourable Governours After the Jews had spoken to this effect Nicholaus discharged the Kings of those Accusations that were objected against them and namely Herod who as he said had never been accused all his life-time and that it was no reason that they who justly accusing him might have caused him to be punished during his life-time should now address their Accusations against him after he was dead And as touching those things which were objected concerning Archelaus's actions it ought to be imputed to their insolence for that engaging themselves in matters contrary to Law and having begun to murther those who C sought to appease the tumult they accused such as had kept them in obedience Besides this he objected against them that they were addicted to alterations and took pleasure to stir up Seditions for that they knew not what thing it was to obey Justice and the Laws and that there was no Nation in the World so head-strong as that of the Jews for that they would have the upper hand over all Thus spake Nicholaus CHAP. XIII Caesar confirms Herod's Testament and appointeth his Children to be his Successors D WHen Caesar had heard these things Caesar maketh Archelaus an Ethnarch and bestoweth one half of the Kingdom on Philip and Antipas he dismissed the Assembly But some few days after desirous to make an end of this matter declared Archelaus not King but Lord of half that Government that appertained to Herod promising him to bestow a Royal Dignity upon him if so be he behaved himself vertuously according as it became him As for the other Moyety he divided it between two of Herod's Sons Philip and Antipas who debated with his Brother Archelaus for the whole Kingdom The same Antipas also had the Countrey on the other side Jordan and Galilee with two hundred Talents of yearly Revenue As for Philip he had Bathanea Trachonitis and Auranitis and part of the Palace that was called by Zenodorus's name with one hundred E Talents As for Archelaus he had Idumaea Judaea and Samaria which were discharged of the fourth part of the Tributes by Caesar for that they had joyned themselves with the rest of the people during the time of the Sedition Besides that Archelaus had the Tower of Straton Sebaste Joppe and Jerusalem For Gaza Gadara and Hippon were Cities of Greece which Caesar had separated and adjoyned to Syria Archelaus had five hundred Talents of yearly Rent out of his Countrey Thus was the Patrimony divided among Herod's Sons Salome As for Salome besides that which her Brother had given her in his Will which were the Cities of Jamnia Azot Phasaelis and half a Million of money Caesar granted her a Royal house in Ascalon so as she received in the whole sixty Talents of yearly Revenue and had her house allotted her within the Dominion F of Archelaus All Herod's Kindred received that which was bequeathed unto them by his Testament Two of his Daughters that were unmarried were endowed by Caesar with a quarter of a Millon of money which he gave them besides their Father's Portion Herod's two Daughters that were Virgins married to Pheroras's Sons and they were married to Pheroras's Sons Moreover he gave Herod's Sons all which he had given him by the Testament amounting to the summ of one thousand and five hundred Talents contenting himself only to receive some few movables not so much for the value as in remembrance of the King who had given them CHAP. XIV The year of the World 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. H An Impostor counterfeits himself to be Alexander Herod's Son Augustus finds out his Cheat and sends him to the Galleys AVgustus having thus ordained Herod's Succession Hedio Ruffinus chap. 18. a young man and a Jew born brought up in the City of
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
Titus repairs to Jerusalem news was brought to him of what was done at Rome And Embassadors came to him from all parts of the World to congratulate him And although next after Rome this City was the greatest in the World yet was it scarcely able to receive the people that came thither to him Vespasian being now established Emperour of all the World and the Common-wealth of the Romans being contrary to his expectation freed from troubles he now began to think upon the reliques of Judea Titus comes to Cesaeea and gathers his â—orces there And he himself winter being ended prepared to go to Rome and in the mean time he hasted to dispose of all things at Alexandria Moreover he sent his Son Titus N with his best Troops to destroy Jerusalem Titus departed by land from Alexandria to Nicopolis which is distant from it 20 furlongs and there he ship'd his men and sailed along the River Nilus by Medensia to Thumin here landing his men he came to the City called Tanis The second place he rested in was the City Heraclea and the third Pelusium where having refresh'd his Souldiers two days space the third day he past the borders of Pelusium and having gone one days journey through the wilderness he pitcht his Camp at the Temple of Jupiter Cassian and the next day at Ostracine where there is no water but all that the Inhabitants use they have from other places After this he rested at Rhinocolura and from thence in four dayes he went to Raphia where begin the borders of Syria and the fifth day he lodged at Gaza and from thence going to Ascalon O and so to Jamnia and Joppa he arrived at Caesarea purposing to gather some other Forces there A The SIXTH BOOK Of the WARS of the JEVVS The year of the World 4034. after the Nativity of Christ 72. B Written by Flavius Josephus The Contents of the Chapters of the Sixth Book 1 OF Three Seditions in Jerusalem 2 How Titus went to Jerusalem to see their strength and how he was in danger 3 How the Jews did issue out upon the Romans pitching their Tents C 4 Of the fight within the City upon the Feast of Unleavened-Bread 5 Of the deceit of the Jews used against the Romans 6 The Description of Jerusalem 7 The Jews refuse to yield and assault the Romans 8 Of the fall of the Tower and how two of the Walls were won 9 How Castor the Jew did flout the Romans 10 How the Romans did twice get the second Wall 11 Of the Mounts raised against the third Wall and a long Oration of Joseph perswading the Jews to yield and of the Famine within the City 12 Of the Jews that were Crucified and how the Towers were burnt 13 How the Romans in three dayes space built a Wall about Jerusalem D 14 Of the Famine in Jerusalem and how they built another Tower or Mount 15 Of the Massacre of the Jews both within and without the City 16 Of the Sacriledge about the Temple and the dead Bodies that were cast out of the City and of the Famine CHAP. I. E Of the three sorts of Sedition in Jerusalem TItus being thus come out of Aegypt by the Desart into Syria he departed for Caesarea purposing there to set his Army in order And whilst he was with his Father Vespasian at Alexandria disposing of the Empires that God had given him it happened that the Sedition at Jerusalem divided into three parts and fought one against another and well it was they were so equally divided We have already sufficiently declared who were the Authors of the Faction of the Zealots A threefold Sedition in Jerusalem whose tyranny over the City was the ruine thereof and this may be said to F be a Sedition out of a Sedition which like a hungry wild Beast wanting his prey turned his cruelty against his own bowels So Eleazar the Son of Simon who was the first that in the Temple divided the Zealots from the People faining himself to be displeased with that which John every day did yet in Truth for that he envied that a greater Tyrant than himself should be Ruler desirous to be Chief and make himself Mighty he revolted from the rest and with him Judas the Son of Chelcias and Simon the Son of Ezron two of the most potent amongst them Besides them was also Ezechias the Son of Chobarus a Nobleman all of which had many of the Zealots following them and possessing themselves of the inner part of the Temple they set a Guard in the entrance and in the sacred Gates presuming upon the fulness of their Stores for there was great quantity of sacred Provision which they thought it no impiety to make G use of yet fearing their small number they permitted many of the Company that were killed to remain in the places where they were slain John was superiour in number but inferiour in the quality of the place for having his Enemies above his head he H could not without danger make incursions yet his Rage would not suffer him to forbear infesting his Enemies though thereby his party had more harm than those of Eleazars and he still assaulted them to his own cost Thus many Assaults were continually made and many Darts cast and the Temple was prophaned with murders Simon the Son of Giora incited by the People to be their Leader in hope he would have assisted them having in his hands both the higher part of the City and greater part of the lower did now more boldly than before assault John and his followers because they were assailed by those above yet he being as it were beneath John and his party sustained as much loss at their hands The fight between John and Eleazar as John himself did from them who were above him Thus John was doubly engaged with Eleazar who infested him from above and I Simon from below But Simons assaults from below were easily repulsed and it was not a little mischief he did those who gaul'd him with their Darts from above Simon and John skirmish in the Temple by certain Engines that he invented by which he cast Stones and Darts among them and slew several both of their Souldiers and Priests as they were offering Sacrifice to their God For though they were generally too prone to all manner of wickedness yet those that would were permitted to offer Sacrifice watching and diligently guarding those of their Nation For Strangers which came thither for devotion were not mistrusted But after these wicked People had permitted them to Sacrifice when they had finished their devotions Great slaughter in the Temple they were made a prey and consumed by this Sedition For Darts and other shot with force of the Engines came into the Temple and Altar and slew the K Priests at the Altar And many who came from the uttermost parts of the World unto that holy place
Arabians in these Wars against Strangers do what they please and presently cause the infamy of their vile Facts to redound to the Romans by committing such murthers and exercising such cruelty against the Jews for now all that bare Arms under him were defamed with this vile report He declared to them That such as G hereafter were found in that guilt should be put to death Also he commanded his own Legions to make enquiry who were suspected among them for this matter and to bring him word thereof But avarice is not terrified by fear of punishment cruel H people have naturally a desire of gain and no passion can be compared to the desire of wealth though sometimes it is bridled and restrained for fear But now God who hath given over the people to Perdition suffered all things to be turned to their destruction Avarice is not terrified with any punishment for that which Cesar did so strictly forbid was still secretly commited upon the poor Jews that fled for mercy to the Romans So that now whosoever fled out of the City the Souldiers first looking about them left any of the Romans should see them ript up their Bellies and so got an ungodly and impious booty yet in very few did they find that they sought for for the most of them that were slain had no Gold nor Silver found within them And this mischief caused many that had fled to the Romans to return again into the City I CHAP. XVI Of the Sacriledge committed about the Temple and the dead Bodies cast out of the City and of the Famine WHen John could rob no more John falleh to Sacrildge and taketh away many Presents out of the Temple nor get any spoil from the Citizens whom he had robbed of all they had he presently fell to Sacriledge and took away many of the gifts that had been offer'd to God in the Temple and of the Sacred Vessels K appointed for Divine Service as Cups Plates Tables and the Cruets of Gold that Augustus and his Wife had sent thither Thus a Jew robbed and spoiled the Temple of those tokens of respect wherewith the Roman Emperours and other Nations had honoured it and he had the boldness to affirm to his Associates that without fear they might use the Holy things of the Temple seeing they sought for God and the Temple Moreover he dar'd to share amongst them the Holy Wine and Oyl which the Priests kept for Divine Sacrifice in the inner part of the Temple I will not cease to speak that which grief compelleth me I verily think that had the Romans forborn to have punished so great Criminals either the Earth would have swallowed the City up or some deluge have drowned it or else the Thunder and Lightning which L conâ—umed Sodom would have light upon it for the people of the City were far more impious than the Sodomites In brief their wickedness and impiety were the cause that the whole Nation was extinguished What need I recount every particular misery Mannaeus the Son of Lazarus flying to Titus out of the Gate that was committed to his custody and yielding himself to him related to Titus that from the time that the Roman Army encamped near the City from the fourteenth day of April until the first of July were carried out of that Gate he kept a hundred and fifteen thousand eight hundred and fourscore dead bodies and nevertheless he had reckoned only those the number of whom he was obliged to know by reason of a Publick Distribution of which he had the charge For others were buried by their Parents and this was their M burial Six hundred thousand dead carcases cast out of the City to carry them out of the City and there let them lie And certain Noblemen flying to Titus after him reported that there were dead in the City six hundred thousand poor people which were cast out of the Gates and that the others that died were innumerable and that when so many died that they were not able to bury them that then they gathered the Bodies together in the greatest houses adjoyning and there shut them up And that a bushel of Corn was sold for a Talent which is six hundred Crowns and that since the City was compassed with a Wall by the besiegers they could not go out to gather any more herbs so that many were driven to that necessity that they raked Sinks and privies to find old dung of Oxen to eat and even the dung that was loathsome to behold Cow-dung and dirt gathered together is the Jews food was their meat The Romans hearing this were moved N to compassion yet the Seditious within the City who beheld this miserable sight were nothing moved nor repented but suffered them to brought to this Calamity for their hearts were so blinded by God that they perceiv'd not the precipice into which they were going to fall with all this miserable City O A The SEVENTH BOOK Of the WARS of the JEVVS B Written by Flavius Josephus The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventh Book 1 OF the breach made in the Walls and how the Mounts were fired and how Sabinus assaaulted the Wall 2 How the Romans assaulted Antonia and were repulsed by the Jews 3 Of the exceeding valour of Julian a Roman Souldier 4 Joseph's speech perswading the Jews to yield their City and how the Jews fled to the C Romans 5 Of another Battel the Rampiers being again built and of the excursions of the Jews 6 How the Romans were by a device of the Jews destroyed with fire 7 Of the Famine amongst the Jews 8 Of a Woman that for hunger did eat her own Son 9 How the Walls were taken and the Temple burnt 10 How the Temple was set on fire against Titus his will 11 Of the Priests the Treasure-house and the Porch 12 Of the Signs and Tokens which appeared before the destruction of the City 13 Of Titus his Rule and Government and how the Priests were sâ—ain D 14 Of the prey of the Seditious and the burning of the inner part of the City 15 How the higher part of the City was assaulted and how some of the Jews fled to Titus 16 How the rest of the City was taken 17 Of the number of the Captives and of those that were slain 18 A brief History of the City of Jerusalem 19 How the Souldiers were rewarded 20 Of Vespasians sayling away and how Simon was taken and of the spectacles and shews made upon Vespasians birth-day 21 Of the calamity of the Jews amongst the Antiochians 22 How Vespasian at his return was received by the Romans E 23 Of Domitians acts against the Germans and Frenchmen 24 Of the River Sabbaticus and of the famous triumph of Vespasian and Titus 25 How Herodium and Machera were taken by Bassus 26 Of the Jews that were slain by Bassus and how Judea was sold 27 Of the death